Friday, January 31, 2014

Bought, Borrowed and Bagged #21





BB&B (Bought, Borrowed and Bagged) is a weekly meme, inspired my The Story Siren and Pop Culture Junkie, where we share with you the books that we have bought, borrowed or bagged (won) plus a recap of the previous week's reviews, upcoming reviews, on going events and any news we want to share with our followers. 


 Bought






Bagged









Last weeks Reviews

Up Coming Reviews
Ride for the Cure by Amber Fast
Underworld Champions by Ella Stone


 
 You can find our giveaways here



Check out these other fabulous blogs that participate in 
Bought, Borrowed & Bagged:

NOTE: There's a new linky created for this year and please note that you have to use your LABEL links (i.e. book haul) on the form below NOT the post link.
This is a laid back weekly meme,  use your LABEL Links on the URL part so you won’t have to come and paste your links weekly.  You may post your BB&B when it’s most convenient for you and your blog.  Thank you for signing up!
1 Book Liaison                                          6. Michelle- Novels on the Run
2 Angie @ Angela’s Anxious Life            7. Melissa’s Eclectic Bookshelf
3 Bea@ Bea’s Book Nook                         8. Sarai @Sarai’s Nerding Out Again
4. Bookworm Brandee                               9. CS Maxwell~ Where’s MY Muse
5 Grace @Books of Love                         10. Talk Supe

Alisa's Reading Challenges Update (January)



 

   


      2014 Reading Challenge
   


       

          2014 Reading Challenge
       

     

        Alisa has
             read 9 books toward her goal of 115 books.
     

     

       
hide

     

     

        9 of 115 (7%)
     

       

          view books
       

 

   



I have read:

I have read:


I have read:




Are you in any reading challenges? If so, how are you doing?

Review: The Escape by Amber Fast


ebook
Published August 12th 2013 by Amber Fast 
 


When tragedy strikes the life of twenty one year old Annabelle Martin the only thing she knows to do is run. She takes her best friend Harper Reed and moves to a small town in Tennessee. The two began starting a new life in the country not expecting to fall in love. When Anna met Paisley he was everything she had ever wanted in a man, Harper fell for his best friend Ryder and life was perfect for them, until something terrible happens. Will Anna ever get to experience her happily ever after or will the tragedy of her past haunt her forever?

 This book had me hooked from the start!! My heart broke for Anna. After tragedy strikes her family she decides to leave the city life for the country taking her best friend Harper with her to Tennessee. Shortly after being there they meet Paisley and Ryder one night and they instantly have a connection.

I love the relationship between Paisley and Anna. He is so sweet with her and helps her in her healing process. He is def a BBB :)

I love getting more on Harper and Ryder and I also love the relationship between them. I hope we get a book 2 on them (hint hint)

All is going well and beautiful for both of these couples until one day the worst happens and someone goes missing!! Will they be able to find them in time before its to late?

I don't want to give anthing away but all I can say is you DEF have to read this book!! You will love the relationship between the 4 of these characters and I am hoping that very soon we get more!!

 This book had me hooked from the start!! My heart broke for Anna. After tragedy strikes her family she decides to leave the city life for the country taking her best friend Harper with her to Tennessee. Shortly after being there they meet Paisley and Ryder one night and they instantly have a connection.

I love the relationship between Paisley and Anna. He is so sweet with her and helps her in her healing process. He is def a BBB :)

I love getting more on Harper and Ryder and I also love the relationship between them. I hope we get a book 2 on them (hint hint)

All is going well and beautiful for both of these couples until one day the worst happens and someone goes missing!! Will they be able to find them in time before its to late?

I don't want to give anthing away but all I can say is you DEF have to read this book!! You will love the relationship between the 4 of these characters and I am hoping that very soon we get more!!
 
 

The Forgotten Ones by Laura Howard Book Blitz & Giveaway

Title: The Forgotten Ones   
Author: Laura Howard
Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance
Blitz Host: Lady Amber's Tours


On Sale for .99 cents!!!

Book Synopsis: 
Allison O'Malley's plan is to go to grad school so she can get a good job and take care of her schizophrenic mother. She has carefully closed herself off from everything else, including a relationship with Ethan, who she's been in love with for as long as she can remember.
What is definitely not part of the plan is the return of her long-lost father, who claims he can bring Allison's mother back from the dark place her mind has gone. Allison doesn't trust her father, so why would she believe his stories about a long forgotten Irish people, the Tuatha de Danaan? But truths have a way of revealing themselves. Secrets will eventually surface. And Allison must learn to set aside her plan and work with her father if there is even a small chance it could restore her mother's sanity.


Author Bio: 
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Laura Howard lives in New Hampshire with her husband and four children. Her obsession with books began at the age of 6 when she got her first library card. Nancy Drew, Sweet Valley High and other girly novels were routinely devoured in single sittings. Books took a backseat to diapers when she had her first child. It wasn’t until the release of a little novel called Twilight, 8 years later, that she rediscovered her love of fiction. Soon after, her own characters began to make themselves known. The Forgotten Ones is her first published novel.


Social Media Links: 



Excerpt: 

Sean jogged over with the bat and held it out for me, grinning. “Pick your pitcher, Allie-O.”

The smirk on Ethan's face was a challenge, and I couldn't resist. “Ethan has the ball, he can pitch to me.”

He made a big show of stretching and winding up before he finally tossed the ball at me.

I smacked the ball over the pool house, and Sean started shouting and cheering, making me smile. Ethan shook his head, but he was smiling. He clearly thought I would be an easy out.

I made it all the way to the final round, kicking Sean and Jeff out of the game. I'd played softball and run track all through school to pad my transcripts.

“You gonna let her win, E?” Jeff called, winking at me from the picnic table where he sat drinking a beer.

Ethan chuckled, showing off those damn dimples. He looked down at the ball in his hands and back up at me with a grin. “If I do, will you let me take you out?”

I snorted, trying to look braver than I felt. “Not a chance.”

“Wait a sec. I like this. Let's make a wager,” he said.

The guys were all hooting and hollering at me, my face was no doubt crimson.

“What do I get if I win?” I bit my lip, feeling all their eyes on me.

“I'm thinking, hang on,” He held up his finger, his brow furrowed in thought. His eyes widened with excitement, and I knew I would regret whatever he had to say.

“If I win, I get a kiss.” If it was possible, my cheeks grew even redder. They were all laughing and making cat calls now.

“And, if I win?” I looked up at his face.

He looked at me for a second, considering. “If you win, I won't ever ask you out again.”

This earned a chorus of “Yeah, right” and “No way” from the guys.

My mouth fell open, I had not been expecting that, but his face was sober. The laughing around us fell away for a second, and I could only stare at him feeling the color drain from my face. His expression remained solemn, and he met my gaze head on.

I nodded stiffly, and swallowed. “All right.”

His grin came back in full force. “Oh, and Al?”

I raised my eyebrows at him.

“I won't lose.”

Giveaway

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http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/346d3616/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway


Share Link:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MzQ2ZDM2M2IxZDQxZDNkMDU5YWQzZjgyZTQzYzVmOjE2/


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Blog Tour: The Hunter the Bear and the Seventh Sister by B.I. Woolet

Title: The Hunter, the Bear and the Seventh Sister
Author: B.I.Woolet  (Benji & Ila Woolet)
Genre: YA Fantasy
Tour Host: Lady Amber's Tours


Short Synopsis


Jackson is a quiet Midwestern teen who enjoys the solace of the woods and the splendor of stargazing. Beloved constellations come to life when he is thrown into Arcas, a mystical planet with ancient ties to Earth. Jackson and his stellar companions embark on an epic adventure to combat a rising evil threatening the future of both worlds. 

Back Cover Synopsis


When a beautiful and powerful stranger throws Jackson into the world of Arcas, his predictable Midwestern life instantly vanishes into an all-consuming adventure. 

The last kingdoms of Arcas possess enduring youth, beauty, and wealth but have slowly crumbled under the weight of endless apathy and a painful past. 

The rising evil of Gurges Ater now threatens to reopen the ancient kingdom pillars created long ago as passageways between Earth and Arcas. With access to both worlds, Gurges Ater will quickly conquer the weak kingdoms and establish his own throne

Can Jackson, along with a paranoid bear, a lone hunter, and the surviving seventh sister work together to protect both Earth and Arcas? 

Or will the unlikely heroes allow their own fears, pain, and past to paralyze them as Gurges Ater opens the pillars and claims the throne? 

Leave your own world behind, dive through the shimmering portal, and join Jackson to discover the beauty, danger, and adventure awaiting you in the world of Arcas! 

Author Bio:

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B. I. Woolet (Benji & Ila Woolet) is the author of The Hunter, the Bear, and the Seventh Sister, the first book from the World of Arcas series. Benji studied Music Composition leading to a Bachelor’s in Music, and Ila studied English leading to a BS in Education. When they aren’t working, writing, or chasing their three little girls around, they are active in their local community and church. The couple enjoys creating lyrical and literary arts, playing music together, and exploring nature. They are happily married and live in Indiana. 


Author Links:
 Twitter:   @worldofarcas
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Excerpt:


 Jackson crouched low, hiding behind Otava’s branches. The river flowed quickly enough that little effort was required to move the wooden canoe forward. The Hunter softly guided them to the middle and occasionally steered away from rocks, branches, or logs obstructing the smooth path forward. 
     The jungle around them remained still with only the sounds of birds and small, scampering creatures echoing within. It was peaceful and calm, but the companions felt watched, like at any moment some danger would bound out at them from behind the green, leafy shadows. But it was not from within the woods where the dangers truly lay. Danger lurked within the waters where little torrents of ripples slowly penetrated the surface, increasing in size, speed, and number. The canoe gradually began to sway lightly until the front and back end rocked up and down, not in a rhythmic, parallel motion but in a jagged, chaotic tumult as if an ominous war was waging underneath the water, and the heat of the battle was moving up from the deep toward the canoe. The Hunter turned his gaze from the woods and the curvy bend ahead to the waters underneath and then glanced behind him.
     “Hold on!” The Hunter commanded.
     “What’s happening?” Jackson gripped the sides of the canoe. 
     “Ursa Major! I knew I should’ve brought my harpoon!” Otava grabbed a spear instead and searched the water for a target. 
     Merope was close now. She sprinted out of the tree line onto the shore just behind the increasingly warring waves thrashing onward toward the powerless travelers. By the time she recognized exactly who she was following, it was too late to warn him. As The Hunter stood, facing a beast, Merope cried out—first softly in recognition and then loudly in warning:
     “Rigel? RIGEL!”


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Thursday, January 30, 2014

Finding My Own by Mandee Mae Promo



Title: Finding My Own
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Mandee Mae
Hiding from his past and the people that surround him, Caleb is convinced that he is meant

to spend his life isolated. That is, until he meets his sexy new neighbor. This "hell cat" keeps

him on his toes in more way than one, but can he convince himself that she was meant for

him? And if he can, does he stand a chance at convincing her?

 Caleb goes on one hell of a ride as he finally comes to terms with how his life is changing. Join

Caleb on his journey and see if he’ll continue his life in solitude or if he finally finds the love of

his life.


She breaks the kiss and raises her face to look right at me. “Give you a minute. I thought you wanted me to ride you, Caleb?”
The little minx. “Yes, I do want you to ride me, but if you keep doing that, this is going to be over before it even starts.”
She gets this sexy smile on her face. “See, I don’t think you give yourself enough credit Caleb. I’ll agree that there are times when I want it to last forever, but there are times that it doesn’t matter how long it lasts, just as long as the ride to the top is worth it.”
Cocking my head to the side, “Oh, really?”
She nods her head. “Yes, really.”
“Well then, I guess you better hang on for that ride.” I wrap my arms around her, holding her tight so she can’t move and thrust up hard. She’s in the perfect position for what I have planned.

Scarred by Love by C.A. Harms Blog Tour, Review and Giveaway



Book Title: Scarred by Love
Author: C.A. Harms
Genre: Romance
Release Date: January 10, 2014
Hosted by: Book Junky Girls

Synopsis:

Riley thought she was in love. She thought she found the perfect guy until his aggressive behavior became too much to handle and she ran.
Becoming withdrew from the world and hiding from the chance of loving again. Having four older brothers and a determined best friend she had no choice but to stand strong.
Over time Riley was able to open up once again. She had no idea that the one person she needed was right under her nose.
She was guarded and hesitant when it came to bad boys...after all it was a bad boy that shattered her once before.
Zander wanted the girl from the party. He wanted to be near her even though she continued to push him away. He couldn’t let go of the gorgeous girl with those stormy eyes.
They both had secrets they kept hidden from one another. They found it easier to talk to others than to confide in each other. Riley begins to realize Zander isn't who she thought he was and falling for the sexy voiced Lead Singer/Guitar player may be just what she needs.
They struggle through hard times and learn to trust again. But will the love that grows be enough to hold them together or will the heartache they suffer drive a wedge between them forever.
They could be toxic to one another or they could heal the wounds that run deep within their souls.
THIS BOOK CONTAINS ADULT CONTENT AND IS MEANT FOR MATURE AUDIENCES

Meet the Author:

C.A. Harms is like any other addicted reader. She enjoys happy endings and HEA love stories. She hasn't always been a lover of Romance and had once been addicted to a good Mystery. Just recently she has taken on a new liking and now is a full blown Romance novel addict.
She lives in Illinois and enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. You will always find her with her kindle or paperback in hand as it is her favorite pass time.

Excerpts:
The sun was starting to set and I couldn’t stop yawning. I honestly felt like I could have slept for days.
“Do you wanna come over for a little while?”
When I faced him he looked so hopeful. I laughed at his pouting lip and pushed against his chest.
“Okay, just for a little while.”
I secretly prayed that tonight would be a Beth free night. When we pulled into the driveway and I saw her playing basketball with Mark and Cody, I sighed. Over the roar of the bike I figured Zander couldn’t hear my disappointment.
I know they’re friends but I felt like she was always there. We never got time alone because she seemed to always show up. I don’t know how many times she walked in on us making out on the couch or against the counter.
She looked up when I removed the helmet and handed it to Zander.
“Hey Ry…it’s good to see you. Our boy here has been a fuckin buzz kill the last few days. I think he was suffering from ‘Riley’s Hot Ass’ withdrawal.” I smiled at Cody. Leave it to him to break the silence.
Zander grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the stairs.
“Dude where are you going? You gonna join the game?”
Zander laced his fingers with mine, “Nah Mark, tonight I’m all Riley’s. Catch you guys tomorrow.”
I felt a flutter in my stomach and smiled up at him. When he winked back at me I swooned. God damn, he had me right there in that moment; I was giddy. All it took was for him to make me feel important to him.
An hour later we were snuggled on his couch with a movie in the DVD player. He threw a blanket over us and I was wrapped up in his arms.
“Are we gonna be okay baby? Can we move forward from this together?” I nodded my head and he kissed my neck just behind my ear. “I love you, Ry. I felt my heart race as I turned in his arms. I looked up into his beautiful face and he smiled down at me.  I traced his jaw with my fingertip and ran it across his lower lip.
Swallowing past the thickness within my throat, I took his face into my hands. “I love you too Zander.” I brought his lips to mine and we began to kiss each other with such passion. I could have kissed him for hours because the gentleness he expressed melted me from the inside out. I felt desired and treasured as he made love to my mouth with his.
“Say it again Riley, please.” He watched me intensely.
“I love you.”
He smiled and closed his eyes, “Damn, if that isn’t the greatest thing I’ve heard in a long time.”
I lightly laughed, “You’re so easy, you know that?”
He shifted me underneath him, “If you remember right I was the one that made you wait.” I raised my eyebrows waiting for him to continue. “And it was pure hell to restrain myself.”
Our lips met once more and we were once again lost in each other. “Stay with me tonight…I want you in my arms.”
“You just wanna get laid.”
He chuckled, “No, I wanna make love to you though.” He pushed forward against me and I could feel his arousal. “Will you spend the night with me Riley?”
I nodded my head and pulled his mouth back to mine. There was no going back and I wanted it…I wanted him. I wanted all of him, his heartache and smiles, his laughter and tears. I was going to hold on tightly because Zander made my heart flutter and my knees wobble and damn it if that didn’t feel amazing.
He picked me up and carried me to his bed with my legs wrapped tightly around his waist. There was little talking and it was perfect. We scrambled to remove each other’s clothes and to feel each other without restrictions. He left me to reach for a condom and I instantly missed his warmth. I shuddered instantly when I felt him return and his body pressed against me.
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Social Links:

Review(by Angela)

Scarred by Love follows the relationship of Riley and Zander, two college students who have been burned in the past by love. Riley is a college junior. She just got out of an abusive relationship and is scared to move on. Will her fear of more abuse and her lack of trust in men allow her to miss out of a relationship that could be her everything? Will Zander be able to show her that not all men are abusive?

Zander is such a great guy but his best friend Beth is something else. Beth has a boyfriend named Mark but she touches Zander like her life depends on it. Zander has been friends with Beth for so long, he doesn’t realize how his relationship with Beth looks in the eyes of other people. Will Zander be able to let Beth slide into second place for Riley? Will his relationship with Riley be more important than his relationship with Beth?

I really like this book. I thought it was well written with little to no mistakes. This book showed us just how much trust is important in a relationship. When you are in love with someone who has a best friend of the opposite sex, trust can be the only thing that saves a relationship. This book also shows just how important brothers are to their sisters.

The secondary characters were awesome for the most part. Carson and Kate were so funny at times. Their relationship was fun to follow as well as Riley and Zander.

I recommend this book to those of you who like to read about college students, hot guys in bands, or who like reading about overprotective big brothers.

Giveaway


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