Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Excerpt Reveal! Four Letter Word by J. Daniels! (@JDanielsbooks)


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I showered and shaved, slathered on my favorite sweet-smelling body lotion, slid into the dress after deciding on a thong and no bra, thanks to the mesh, and curled and teased my hair, giving it body and height that looked kick-ass paired with my outfit.
I also went to town on my makeup job, keeping everything heavy but the kind of heavy that screamed fierce concertgoer and not back alley hooker.
Dark, smoky eyes, false lashes that flared at the ends, and warm cerise lipstick.
I felt pretty. Really pretty.
The kind of pretty a girl had to commemorate with a selfie, and there was only one person in the entire world I wanted to send that selfie to.
I bit my lip while swiping my phone off the bed and pulling up the camera mode.
I was nervous.
Understandably so. This would be the first time Brian was going to see me.
Like ever.
Heavy stuff right there.
I’d thought about sending him pictures before, but got sidetracked with conversation and his sweet as warmed honey voice I wanted to taste, and all thoughts of pictures would slip my mind. Considering he never asked to see a photo of me didn’t help either.
Since he wasn’t bringing it up, I was hardly thinking about it.
But right now, standing in my bedroom with my makeup done up and my hair looking prettier than it had on prom night, sending Brian a picture of me was suddenly all I could think about.
And before I could think or whisper talk myself out of it, I reversed the camera so I could see myself on the screen, held the device out in front of me and off to the right a bit, pursed my stained lips into a kiss, other hand poised at my chin to blow it, and snapped the picture.
Then I attached it to a text and hit Send.
Feeling WILD.
I wanted to put my phone down. Really I did, especially since I had to snap on my studded cuff bracelet and that required use of both hands, furthermore because Tori had given me a fifteen-minute warning close to fifteen minutes ago, but I couldn’t let the damn thing go.
I couldn’t stop looking at it either.
My stomach was clenched. I was biting my fist and pacing the length of the bed, head down and eyes anxiously focused.
But when the little bubbles floated in teasing intervals on my screen and I knew Brian had seen my photo, that’s when the real panic set in.
Would he like how I looked? Would it be how he had imagined and confessed to imagining countless times late at night to me, or better, would my photo exceed the limits of his imagination and paint a more pleasing image in his mind?
Or would he hate it and me for sending it to him, shattering his dreamed-up spank-bank material and ruining every orgasm I ever gave him?
Shit.
Shit!
Which was it and why the hell was he taking so long to type? Didn’t he know this was killing me?
“Hurry up!” I whispered against the screen.
It started ringing in response to my plea, startling me and nearly slipping out of my hand.
Oh, God, he was calling.

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Fate. Hate. Love. Lies.
Which four letter word will change their lives forever?


Pre-order Four Letter Word by J. Daniels NOW:





Sydney Paige was never so mortified to hear the words "wrong number" in her life. She meant to tell off the guy who broke her best friend's heart, but unleashed her anger on a perfect stranger instead. And now her world is turned upside down by the captivating man who wants to keep her on the line.

Brian Savage is living a life he's quickly come to hate-until Sydney's wild rant has him hooked and hungry for more. Soon the sexy woman on the phone becomes the lover in his bed. But Brian has secrets, and the closer he lets Syd get, the harder it is to shield her from the devastating mistakes of his past . . .





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J. Daniels is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Sweet Addiction series, the Alabama Summer series, and the upcoming Dirty Deeds series.

She would rather bake than cook, she listens to music entirely too loud, and loves writing stories her children will never read. Her husband and children are her greatest loves, with cupcakes coming in at a close second.

J grew up in Baltimore and resides in Maryland with her family.

Stalk Her: Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads



THANK YOU!

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Waiting On Wednesday #70


"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.


Author: Veronica Roth
Release Date: January 17, 2017

On a planet where violence and vengeance rule, in a galaxy where some are favored by fate, everyone develops a currentgift, a unique power meant to shape the future. While most benefit from their currentgifts, Akos and Cyra do not — their gifts make them vulnerable to others’ control. Can they reclaim their gifts, their fates, and their lives, and reset the balance of power in this world?
Cyra is the sister of the brutal tyrant who rules the Shotet people. Cyra’s currentgift gives her pain and power — something her brother exploits, using her to torture his enemies. But Cyra is much more than just a blade in her brother’s hand: she is resilient, quick on her feet, and smarter than he knows.

Akos is from the peace-loving nation of Thuve, and his loyalty to his family is limitless. Though protected by his unusual currentgift, once Akos and his brother are captured by enemy Shotet soldiers, Akos is desperate to get his brother out alive — no matter what the cost. When Akos is thrust into Cyra’s world, the enmity between their countries and families seems insurmountable. They must decide to help each other to survive — or to destroy one another.
I've been waiting for a new Veronica Roth book since I heard her speak about writing this about a year or so ago. I honestly think this may be a better world than the Divergent series. But you never know with follow up series. 



Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Top Ten Tuesday: Books On My Fall TBR List!


Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish


I started the 2016 Bingo Challenge and want to finish it. So my list for the rest of the year is meant to complete that.


1) The Untamed, Sebastian A. Jones, Peter Bergting, Darrell May
New York Comic-Con is less than 2 weeks away. This is next on my list after I finish my current book. I also had it on 2 previous TTT lists. One was the spring tbr list back in March. I have a problem with procrastinating. And putting too much on my plate.

2) The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
Narrated by Bill Homewood
I listened to the first chapter so far. After comic con I'll devote more time to listening to it.

3) Alight (The Generations Trilogy #2) by Scott Sigler
I recently bought this and wanted to read it before NYCC but that won't happen. I got stalled on reading and really need to catch up.

4) Edgar Allen Poe stories.
There are a few of his classics I want to reread. The recent back to school TTT list brought that feeling back.

5) The Bane Chronicles by Cassandra Clare
My favorite character in the Mortal Instrument universe. Going to finally read his story.

6) The Icarus Girl by Helen OyeyemiThis is was on my TTT list a few weeks ago and now it's on this list. I'll finally read it and have it count towards my challenge.


7) The Sun Is Also a Star, by Nicola Yoon
This comes out in November. Been looking forward it since it was announced.

So many of these are being repeated from past TTT lists. But it's only because I'm so determined to really read them. I promise they won't be on another tbr list.

Monday, September 26, 2016

Book Review: Rappacini's Daughter by Nathaniel Hawthorne!


Rappacini's Daughter
Author: Nathaniel Hawthorne
Publication Date: First published 1844

My Rating:

Part fairy tale, part Gothic horror story, "Rappaccini’s Daughter" is an inspired tale of creation and control. Giovanni Guasconti, a student at the University of Padua, is enchanted to discover a nearby garden of the most exquisite beauty. In it abides a young woman, perhaps the most beautiful Giovanni has ever seen; yet as he looks out from an upstairs window, he soon learns that the garden--and the matchless Beatrice--are not the work of Mother Nature but rather the result of a monstrous abomination of creativity.

“Does this garden belong to the house?” asked Giovanni. “Heaven forbid, signor, unless it were fruitful of better pot herbs than any that grow there now,” answered old Lisabetta. “No; that garden is cultivated by the own hands of Signor Giacomo Rappaccini, the famous doctor, who, I warrant him, has been heard of as far as Naples.” (Rappaccini's Daughter)
"Rappaccini's Daughter" is the story of Beatrice, the daughter of Giacomo Rappaccini, who is in turn a medical researcher in medieval Padua and grows a garden of poisonous plants.
American novelist and short story writer Nathaniel Hawthorne’s (1804–1864) writing centers on New England, many works featuring moral allegories with a Puritan inspiration. Hawthorne has also written a few poems which many people are not aware of. His works are considered to be part of the Romantic movement and, more specifically, Dark romanticism. His themes often centre on the inherent evil and sin of humanity, and his works often have moral messages and deep psychological complexity.


My sister suggested this short story to me. She's a huge Fleetwood Mac fan. I love Fleetwood Mac too, I feel they're one of the greatest bands ever.

My sister is a die hard fan. She has the demos of their songs and knows the inspiration for them. She read a book about the making of Rumors written by one of its producers. She knows her stuff.

Thursday, September 22, 2016

Release Blitz & Review: The Silent Waters by Brittainy C. Cherry! (@givemebooksblog @BrittainyCherry)



The Silent Waters (Elements #3)
Author: Brittainy C. Cherry
Publication Date: September 22, 2016
Published: BCherry Books Publishing
Source: Give Me Books Promotions

My Rating:

Moments.

Our lives are a collection of moments. Some utterly painful and full of yesterday's hurts. Some beautifully hopeful and full of tomorrow's promises.

I’ve had many moments in my lifetime, moments that changed me, challenged me. Moments that scared me and engulfed me. However, the biggest ones—the most heartbreaking and breathtaking ones—all included him.

I was ten years old when I lost my voice. A piece of me was stolen away, and the only person who could truly hear my silence was Brooks Griffin. He was the light during my dark days, the promise of tomorrow, until tragedy found him. Tragedy that eventually drowned him in a sea of memories.

This is the story of a boy and girl who loved each other, but didn’t love themselves. A story of life and death. Of love and broken promises.

Of moments.

(Book Three in the Elements Series. Complete Standalone.)




99c for release day only!!!

AMAZON US / UK
“The world keeps spinning because your heartbeats exist.”

Isn’t that devastatingly beautiful? That quote is the one I’m sure going to take with me from this beautiful new book by Brittiany. There was just something about this story and these characters that I just couldn’t stop reading once I started. I even read it while I watched the Emmy’s! And anyone who knows me, knows I take my award shows very seriously. That is how captivating this was.

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Waiting On Wednesday #69


"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.


Author: Louise Gornall
Release Date: January 3, 2017

Norah has agoraphobia and OCD. When groceries are left on the porch, she can’t step out to get them. Struggling to snag the bags with a stick, she meets Luke. He’s sweet and funny, and he just caught her fishing for groceries. Because of course he did.
Norah can’t leave the house, but can she let someone in? As their friendship grows deeper, Norah realizes Luke deserves a normal girl. One who can lie on the front lawn and look up at the stars. One who isn’t so screwed up.
The cover is just charming. And I liked things about disorders. I have a touch of OCD so it always interests me to see what others write about. And this sounds like a sweet story.



Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Top Ten Tuesday! Books I want to listen to on audio


Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish

I'm kind of an audiobook snob. I tend to think that if I listen to one I won't really retain what the book is about or that I will sleep during it. However, there are times when I just wish I could hear the story instead of reading it.

1. It
Written by: Stephen King
Narrated by: Steven Weber
I loved the movie a lot. And somehow, I feel like if I just read it I won't get the same scared effect I'm looking for. What would have made this better is if it was narrated by Tim Curry, Pennywise himself.

Written by: Aziz Ansari, Eric Klinenberg
Narrated by: Aziz Ansari, Eric Klinenberg
I wasn't the biggest fan of his when he was on Park & Rec, but something about dating now and seeing how hilarious that is, is promising. Plus, his voice kind of makes me laugh just listening to it.

3. Him
Written by: Sarina Bowen, Elle Kennedy
Narrated by:  Teddy Hamilton, Jacob Morgan 
I loved this book so much. But getting to hear the boys and all their flirtatious stuff, I'm down. 

Written by: J.K. Rowling
Narrated by: Stephen Fry
This feels like it needs no explanation of why.

Written by: Anna Kendrick
Narrated by: Anna Kendrick
I'm so excited for this to come out. I love Anna and getting to hear her tell stories will be the best 8 hours spent.

6. The Count of Monte Cristo
by Alexandre Dumas
Narrated by Bill Homewood
It is a long book and took my sister 2 months to read. The edition I downloaded is about 52 hours long. That shouldn't take me 2 months, right? It's one of the best revenge stories, or so I hear.

7. Lady Midnight: The Dark Artifices, Book 1
Written by: Cassandra Clare
Narrated by: Morena Baccarin
I want to continue with the Mortal Instruments universe, but I don't want to collect the books for my shelves. So I'll try listening to it. Plus, I know Morena from Gotham and I like her voice.

8. Ahsoka by E.K. Johnston
It was announced recently that Ashley Eckstein, the voice of Ahsoka on Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars: Rebels, will be narrating the audiobook! I AM SO FREAKING EXCITED! Words can't describe it. I'll be using my October credit to be buying this audiobook.

9. Les Misérables: Translated by Julie Rose
Written by: Victor Hugo, Julie Rose (translator)
Narrated by: George Guidall
Unabridged it is 60 hours and 30 minutes long. I want to know the full story thought since I love the musical.

10. Star Wars: Heir to the Empire (20th Anniversary Edition), The Thrawn Trilogy, Book 1
Written by: Timothy Zahn
Narrated by: Marc Thompson
I have been wanting to reread this trilogy for a while. So far the only audiobooks I have listened to have been of books I already read: Red Rising Trilogy, All Souls Trilogy, and Pride and Prejudice. But it has been so long since I read Heir to the Empire that it will be like it is brand new. Also, they are bringing the character of Thrawn to Star Wars: Rebels this season.


Monday, September 19, 2016

Book Review: The Secret Ways of Perfume by Cristina Caboni! (@cristinecaboni)


The Secret Ways of Perfume
Author: Cristina Caboni
Publication Date: August 11, 2016
Published: Transworld Digital
Source: First to Read

My Rating:

From Florence to Paris, a scent like no other can take you unexpected places . . .
Ten-year-old Elena lives in Florence with her cold and distant perfumier grandmother. Only when enveloped in aromas does Elena feel at home, and she has nurtured a unique gift: the ability to decipher the ingredients of a perfume, and experience the feelings it evokes.
Years later, Elena’s talent leads her to the cobbled streets of Paris. There she rediscovers an old, secret family perfume recipe that no other perfumier has been able to replicate.
As Elena begins to open her heart to new adventures she meets a man who is guarding his own secrets. From France’s sun-drenched lavender fields to the ancient heart of Italy, together they will follow a path of secret scents, distant memories and new hopes . . .

I received an ARC from Penguin's First to Read.

I like both of those covers. The one with the Eiffel Tower is the Hardcover edition and the woman in the field is the Kindle edition.

The story was a bit clichéd and formulaic (ha - a pun), but I still enjoyed it very much. Some parts were repetitive and dragged, but overall I liked the characters and the journeys they went on.

I was invested in the mystery about Elena's ancestor, Beatrice, and her lost Perfect Perfume, and how it affected generations of the Rossini women. The outcome was plausible and satisfying.

There were a few things I nitpicked about. I would have liked Elena and her mother to reconcile sooner so that the epilogue could have taken place a few years into the future. But I have my own head cannon for that.

The descriptions about the perfumes themselves were divine and delightful. I would usually read while commuting and I swear I could smell people's perfumes more acutely than usual because of the beautiful prose. It made me want to have my own personalized perfume. There was even one part of the story that took place in a bakery, and I swear I could smell pastries.

4 out 5 Perfect Perfumes.


Thursday, September 15, 2016

Book Review: Land of Enchantment by Leigh Stein! (@rhymeswithbee)


Land of Enchantment
Author: Leigh Stein
Publication Date: August 2, 2016
Published: Plume
Source: First to Read

My Rating:

Set against the stark and surreal landscape of New Mexico, Land of Enchantment is a coming-of-age memoir about young love, obsession, and loss, and how a person can imprint a place in your mind forever.

When Leigh Stein received a call from an unknown number in July 2011, she let it go to voice mail, assuming it would be her ex-boyfriend Jason. Instead, the call was from his brother: Jason had been killed in a motorcycle accident. He was twenty-three years old. She had seen him alive just a few weeks earlier.

Leigh first met Jason at an audition for a tragic play. He was nineteen and troubled and intensely magnetic, a dead ringer for James Dean. Leigh was twenty-two and living at home with her parents, trying to figure out what to do with her young adult life. Within months, they had fallen in love and moved to New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment, a place neither of them had ever been. But what was supposed to be a romantic adventure quickly turned sinister, as Jason's behavior went from playful and spontaneous to controlling and erratic, eventually escalating to violence. Now New Mexico was marked by isolation and the anxiety of how to leave a man she both loved and feared. Even once Leigh moved on to New York, throwing herself into her work, Jason and their time together haunted her.

I received this ARC from First to Read.

Ok I am going to be honest. When I started reading I had forgotten what it was about and that it was a memoir. It doesn't read like a memoir, but more like a novel.