Apr 29, 2015

Release Day Blast w/ Giveaway!: Stolen Art by Ruth Silver

stolenartbanner  
Stolen Art
Stolen Art By Ruth Silver
Publisher: Lazy Day Publishing
Release Date: April 28, 2015
Genre: Young Adult, Sci-Fi Romance

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25333913-stolen-artSixteen-year-old Madeline has been living on the streets, biding her time until she's eighteen. With little to no money, she takes on a heist in hopes of making ends meet. What could possibly go wrong? Everything. Getting caught is just the beginning of Madeline's adventure as she meets Weston and discovers the secret of where she came from.   Fans of Orphan Black, The X-Files, and Fringe will fall head over heels for STOLEN ART. Recommended: 15+ 
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=stolen+art+ruth+silver

 
I rush back up the dark stairwell, shoving the key into the doorknob. It takes a minute for the lock to click and I push myself inside the apartment, securing every lock and deadbolt. I can’t stay here in Hutchinson, Kansas any longer. Pulling my phone from my purse, I text Weston. Tatiana is here. It’s not safe for me. I grab the few belongings that have any value to me, sentimental or otherwise, and shove it into my shoulder bag, including the stolen silver necklace. It has value and if I’m forced on the run, I’ll need money to survive. I know. What did Weston mean he knew Tatiana is at the bar? Had he seen her? Is he there? What do you mean, you know? I type into the phone. If he saw her, why didn’t he warn me? I can’t go down out the front door and it’s only a matter of time until she finds me just a few feet away. I grow restless waiting for an answer. The phone buzzes and displays an incoming call from Weston. "Wes, tell me you’re here." The only thing to do is hop in his car and drive into the night, far from Kansas. A female’s voice bubbles with laughter. "Oh he’s coming darling, but you should know he won’t get here in time. Amazing how easy it is to clone a phone number and steal his service. The advancements Stem Tech has made is encouraging."

teaser stolen art2    

About the Author

Ruth SilverRuth Silver is the best-selling author of the Aberrant trilogy. With a passion for writing and a love of story-telling, Ruth is actively writing multiple series under her name as well as the pen name Ravyn Rayne. Her interests include traveling, reading, and photography. Her favorite vacation destination is Australia. Ruth currently resides in Plainfield, Illinois.  

Follow the Author:
Blog / Facebook / Twitter

Looking for a steamier read? Check her out here: Blog /Facebook / Twitter

book series  

Apr 28, 2015

Recent Reads: Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton


Angelfire (Angelfire, #1)Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton
Series: Angelfire #1
Publisher: Harpercollins
Publication Date:  February 15, 2011



 

Format: Paperback
Source: Own, won in a giveaway a long time ago.


Rating:


 


 

Goodreads Synopsis: 
First there are nightmares.
Every night Ellie is haunted by terrifying dreams of monstrous creatures that are hunting her, killing her.

Then come the memories.
When Ellie meets Will, she feels on the verge of remembering something just beyond her grasp. His attention is intense and romantic, and Ellie feels like her soul has known him for centuries. On her seventeenth birthday, on a dark street at midnight, Will awakens Ellie's power, and she knows that she can fight the creatures that stalk her in the grim darkness. Only Will holds the key to Ellie's memories, whole lifetimes of them, and when she looks at him, she can no longer pretend anything was just a dream.

Now she must hunt.
Ellie has power that no one can match, and her role is to hunt and kill the reapers that prey on human souls. But in order to survive the dangerous and ancient battle of the angels and the Fallen, she must also hunt for the secrets of her past lives and truths that may be too frightening to remember.
 Review: 
Angelfire is the first in a trilogy about angels and demons and the eternal battle of good and evil and I think this first book did a wonderful job both setting up the remaining books but also giving the reader enough action and plot to really get through all the information thrown at us. 

The story focuses on Ellie, a teenage girl trying to get through high school and a normal social life and finding out she is in fact NOT a normal girl at all - but in fact a powerful warrior for God. She must fight the forces of evil to ensure the safety of Earth and humans from Lucifer and the Apocalypse.

I really enjoyed this read and got through it in about 4-3 sittings. The characters were enjoyable and the plot was entertaining and there were a few things that I thought I was picking up on before they happened, but not many which is good for a YA book. I like the slight mystery. The ending of this first book is not a total cliff for readers and I will be trying to get the next books to finish out the overall plot between them. 

The book has romance, action and the good versus evil thing going for it, I think most YA readers will enjoy it.


 

Apr 27, 2015

Building the Book Pile #134

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!  A Weekly meme inspired by Stacking the Shelves

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

What's Happening?! 
How was your week ? Let me know in the comments.


Guess what?! I finally finished a book - it has been about a month since I finished anything  -- I am a slacker :/ oh well.

I also finally went to my local library and got a library card :) I am super excited about it, even though I have more than enough books I need to read sitting on my shelf.

This upcoming week is going to be so fun, I have two work days at the racetrack for an event that my work hosts and I am playing hooky from my desk job to help out and Wednesday is my Birthday :) YAYAYAYAYAY! I love birthdays even if nothing happens.
 
How was your week?


Giveaways Going on NOW

 

Coming up on the Blog...

Review: Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton (YA)
Blog Blast: Stolen Art by Ruth Silver (YA)


      

Books Received this Week

    Pup

  Pup by Christopher Slater from the Author for Review Consideration

 

Have you missed anything lately? 

    Comment and leave me a link to your Round-up/ STS/ Weekly...anything post and I will happily stop by and say hello!

     Happy Reading!

Apr 24, 2015

Recent Reads: The Mad Scientist's Guide to World Domination ed. by John Joseph Adams

The Mad Scientist's Guide to World Domination: Original Short Fiction for the Modern Evil Genius
The Mad Scientist's Guide to World Domination: Original Short Fiction for the Modern Evil Genius ed. by John Joseph Adams
Publisher:  Tor Books
Publication Date:  February 19, 2013



 

Format: Paperback
Source: My Home Library - Bought


Rating:




 


Goodreads Synopsis: 
From Victor Frankenstein to Lex Luthor, from Dr. Moreau to Dr. Doom, readers have long been fascinated by insane plans for world domination and the madmen who devise them. Typically, we see these villains through the eyes of good guys. This anthology, however, explores the world of mad scientists and evil geniuses—from their own wonderfully twisted point of view.

An all-star roster of bestselling authors—including Diana Gabaldon, Daniel Wilson, Austin Grossman, Naomi Novik, and Seanan McGuire…twenty-two great storytellers all told—have produced a fabulous assortment of stories guaranteed to provide readers with hour after hour of high-octane entertainment born of the most megalomaniacal mayhem imaginable.

Everybody loves villains. They’re bad; they always stir the pot; they’re much more fun than the good guys, even if we want to see the good guys win. Their fiendish schemes, maniacal laughter, and limitless ambition are legendary, but what lies behind those crazy eyes and wicked grins? How—and why—do they commit these nefarious deeds? And why are they so set on taking over the world?

If you've ever asked yourself any of these questions, you’re in luck: It’s finally time for the madmen’s side of the story.
 
 Review: 
Reading this book was a love/hate kind of relationship. I bought it back in 2013 and it has since been sitting on my bookshelf, luckily it was chosen as my March TBR book - which obviously I did not finish in March - and there are a lot of reasons for it.

I enjoyed only a handful of these short stories and maybe it is because I am not really a short story kind of girl - I want a good plot and mystery and a dramatic pause and then the sh*t hitting the fan and with shorts I feel like there is a lot of build up and then not enough of the crazy to keep me intrigued. I got through the book (finally) but after I finished I wasn't really sure how I felt. There were some pieces about the daughter of the evil geniuses, Lex Luthor, and really crazy weird science that really had me enraptured. And others, sadly the Gabaldon story and the last story of the book, that really fell short for me.

What I enjoyed about this book, is that the tales that I enjoyed - I will definitely be finding more by those authors, but for now I am just kind of eh....


 

Apr 19, 2015

Building the Book Pile #133

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!  A Weekly meme inspired by Stacking the Shelves

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

What's Happening?! 
How was your week ? Let me know in the comments.


I am back from a wonderful vacation to Myrtle Beach and have put out all of the work fires that began while I was away and now I can really start reading and blogging again. 
I am sad to say that I did NO reading while on vacation -  it is hard to juggle family and activities and find some peace to read while with them... :/ Oh well.
Sorry the blog has been pretty barren, I have been helping more on Armchair BEA as the Sponsorship Committee - so if you know an author or publisher that wants to help out with giveaways have them email armchairbea (at) gmail (dot) com
 
How was your week?


Giveaways Going on NOW

 

Coming up on the Blog...

Cover Reveal: Darkness Brutal by Rachel Marks (YA) Cancelled :(

      

Books Received this Week

Comment and leave me a link to your Round-up/ STS/ Weekly...anything post and I will happily stop by and say hello!

 Happy Reading!

Apr 15, 2015

Cover Reveal w/ Giveaway!: What Every 6th Grader Needs to Know by Rachelle Christensen and Connie Sokol

 

10 secrets to connectWhat Every 6th Grader Needs to Know 
By Connie Sokol & Rachelle Christensen 

Is your daughter asking questions about friends, peer pressure, school, and even her weight? As a mom, are you wondering how to answer them? Welcome to the club. But you can relax. Because we’ve asked real sixth-grade girls to dish on their top secret questions. And, we’ve provided time-tested real-life answers that work. Add to that an enjoyable format. The “Just for Girls” section speaks right to your daughter in words and ways she understands. The “Just for Moms” section talks straight to moms, giving you information, resources, and easy-to-share answers. We include tips for how to start, handle, and enjoy the conversations no matter the situation. Create connected conversations with your daughter as you explore these life questions together. Get plain facts and jumpstart questions. Discuss the provided scenarios so she can practice responses to use in real-time. Download decorative cards with positive statements and fun fill-in sentences. Use What Every Girl Needs to Know About 6th Grade to make it happen. Together, answer questions and create connection. You got this. 

Enter the Goodreads 3 Book Giveaway

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25266537-what-every-6th-grader-needs-to-know


Praise for What Every 6th Grader Needs to Know 10 Secrets to Connect Moms & Daughters  
"At a time when so many barriers are straining mother/daughter relationships, and our daughter's esteem is being attacked from every side, “What Every 6th Grader Needs to Know” gives mothers the tools they need to communicate (even about the tough stuff). It gives daughters the confidence to know that they have what it takes to survive the unique transitional years. Whether your relationship with your daughter is strained, or you want to strengthen what is already strong, use this smart and savvy information. You and your girl(s) will learn how to thrive through the teen years.” --Heather Ann Johnson M.S. Adjunct Faculty, BYU, Mother to 5 girls 

“With conflicting messages today, it's easy for moms and daughters to get confused and overwhelmed. This book bestows all the wisdom you want to pour into your daughter's heart and mind in a fun, non-threatening way. Dread turns into confidence as you realize you have the tools to face those teenage years TOGETHER and have a ball doing it.” --Rachel Skinner, Mother of nine, Social Worker 

“This book provided a wonderful bonding experience for me and my daughter. As parents we always think we know how our child is doing. Then we get into a deep conversation and realize that compared to what we thought, they are doing either so much better or are suffering so much more. But they hold those feelings back to protect us. Sometimes they fear that talking about it means more pain, but this books shows that talking is healing, especially when we know how.” —Karrie Glazner, Mother of Three Wonderful Kids 


connie sokol1
Author Connie E. Sokol Connie E. Sokol is a mother of seven and a favorite local and national speaker for over fifteen years. She is a core contributor on KSL TV's “Studio 5 with Brooke Walker” and a national blogger for "Motherhood Matters" at www.ksl.com. She is a former TV and radio host for Bonneville Communications and newspaper and magazine columnist. Mrs. Sokol is the author of twelve books including Faithful, Fit & Fabulous; Create a Powerful Life Plan; The Life is Too Short Collection; 40 Days with the Savior; and Caribbean Crossroads. Mrs. Sokol marinates in time spent with her family and eating decadent treats. 



rachelle
Author Rachelle J. Christensen Rachelle J. Christensen is a mother of five who loves connecting with her children and wrote this book in answer to questions from her two daughters. She also has an amazing husband, three cats, and five chickens. An award-winning author, she has written several mystery/suspense novels, and she solves the mystery of the missing shoe on a daily basis. Rachelle graduated cum laude from Utah State University with a degree in psychology and a music minor. She enjoys singing and songwriting, playing the piano, running, motivational speaking, and, of course, reading. 








 $25 Giveaway 
Enter to win an Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash 
Ends 5/1/15
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. 
You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. 
The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by readinglight.com. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Apr 14, 2015

Early Reader Review: Harley Quinn Volume 2: Power Outage by Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti

Harley Quinn Volume 2: Power Outage by Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti
Series: The New 52 Harley Quinn
Publisher: DC Comics
Publication Date:  April 14, 2015



 

Format: ebook
Source: Netgalley and DC Comics in exchange for an honest review. This in no way effects my review or opinion of the book.


Rating:




 


Netgalley Synopsis: 
The best-selling Harley Quinn continues her bloody romp in the second volume of her own series!

The first rule of Skate Club is...you do not mess with the Mistress of Mayhem! Harley stumbles across an underground fight club where big money winds with a body count. She's in...and she's making Sy Borgman her agent for the fights. And what would happen if the demented Clown Princess of Crime visited the most popular comic con out there? Find out when Harley Quinn invades Comic-Con!! 
 Review: 

I have read almost all of the issues that make up this compilation and have them in my collection, but I jumped at the chance to review Harley Quinn Volume 2 for all the extras. I missed getting the Harley Quinn Invades San Diego Comic Con issue and had not read the Secret Origins Harley Quinn issue and as with all compilations I love seeing all the variant covers that they include. So fun!


I love everything about Harley Quinn and I love the New 52 series they are doing with her, but this set of comics is the compilation of the Harley Quinn/Power Girl duo and I didn’t LOVE them together. I love Harley as her bad a** self – avenging herself, the furry babies, the ones she loves etc., not as a super hero… I don’t really know why but HQ as a hero – seems off to me.

Don’t get me wrong; I still thought that these issues were great! Still LOL funny, sarcastic, over the top, and Harley always getting into trouble, and those are the things I enjoy.

What I liked most about this volume was the extras, they included issues #9-13, but also Harley Quinn: Future’s End #1, Harley Invades San Diego Comic Con, and Secret Origins, plus variant cover art.

Secret Origins was an interesting look into Harley’s past complete with family issues, career changes and her love for the one and only Mr. J. My favorite piece was the Comic Con issue, Harley at her very best. Harley invades Comic Con – as herself, obviously, but comes into contact with the HQ fans dressed to impress, all of the Mr. Js, and she is just trying to get her comic reviewed without getting kicked out of the show. As per Harley Quinn’s normal showing, this is not an easy tasks and the events that unfold while she is at the show are hilarious and wonderful.

Overall, I really enjoyed this compilation and love the New 52 Harley Quinn series.
 




 

Apr 7, 2015

Release Day: Neverland by Shari Arnold


Hosted by MMSAI Tours April 7th, 2015

NEVERLAND by Shari Arnold
Release Date: April 7th, 2015
About the Book:
It’s been four months since seventeen-year-old Livy Cloud lost her younger sister, but she isn’t quite ready to move on with her life — not even close. She’d rather spend her time at the Seattle Children’s hospital, reading to the patients and holding onto memories of the sister who was everything to her and more.

But when she meets the mysterious and illusive Meyer she is drawn into a world of adventure, a world where questions abound. 


Is she ready to live life without her sister? Or more importantly, is she brave enough to love again?

In this modern reimagining of Peter Pan, will Livy lose herself to Neverland or will she find what she’s been searching for?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24809194-neverland?from_search=true
http://www.amazon.com/Neverland-Shari-Arnold-ebook/dp/B00UM9HZ3E/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1426699933&sr=1-1



1 Winner will get a $20 gift card Amazon and a signed copy of NEVERLAND. 

Must be 13 + To Enter. Open to US Only
a Rafflecopter giveaway


About the Author
Shari Arnold grew up in California and Utah but now resides in Connecticut, with her husband and two kids, where she finds it difficult to trust a beach without waves. She writes Young Adult fiction because it's her favorite. And occasionally she takes photographs.


Find the Author 
Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Blog 

Apr 6, 2015

Early Reader Review: Bob's Burgers Volume 2 by Chad Brewster

Bob's Burgers
Bob's Burgers by Chad Brewster
Series: Bob's Burgers Volume 2
Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment
Publication Date:  April 7, 2015



 

Format: ebook
Source: Netgalley and Dynamite Entertainment in exchange for an honest review. This in no way effects my opinion or review of the graphic novel.


Rating:



Goodreads Synopsis: 
Now you can read about the Belcher family (parents Bob and Linda, and their children Tina, Gene and Louise) with brand-new in-canon stories created by the TV show's producers, writers, and animators! That's right, all-original stories that expand upon the fan-favorite animated series, including hilarious installments of "Louise's Unsolved Mysteries", "Tina's Erotic Friend Fiction", "A Gene Belcher Original Musical", "Letters Written by Linda", "Bob's Burgers of the Day", and much more! "If you like Bob's Burgers and you like comic books then you may feel like you're living in one of the greatest times in human history because Bob's Burgers and comic books are coming together in the form of the Bob's Burgers Comic Book. But, of course, we could really mess it up. Then you'd feel like you were living in one of the worst times in human history. Either way, we hope you'll check it out. We tried to make something that's true to the show and true to the form without being a sad knock-off of either!" - Loren Bouchard, the creator of Bob's Burgers
 Review: 
I have been watching Bob's Burgers on Netflix and really enjoying it. I find Tina and Louise hilarious and love the episode that have them featured and the same was true of the graphic novel. 

I really enjoyed the sections of "Tina's Erotic Friend Fiction" and "Louise's Unsolved Mysteries", they were my favorite bits. I also laughed at Bob's burger ideas - but the more you read of them the more cheesy they get... 

I think that Gene's musicals would have been funnier and more entertaining had there been a note like '...set to the tune of ____' that way I knew how to sing/read those parts. 

All in all I liked this graphic and it did the series justice but I only really enjoyed about half of the elements. I think fans of Bob's Burgers will enjoy this a lot but if you are like me and only like a few of the characters it may be harder to get into.