ARC Review and Giveaway: THE PROTECTOR PROJECT by Jenna Lincoln

THE PROTECTOR PROJECT

by Jenna Lincoln

Release Date: 6/15/15

Boroughs Publishing Group

Summary from Goodreads:

Teen soldier Mara de la Luz is about to find out what makes her so special that some would kidnap and kill her—and others, willingly die for her.

ENDLESS CARNAGE.ENDLESS QUESTIONS.

Mara is a 16-year-old soldier who’s spent years fighting a war that’s lasted generations. Wide-eyed children, some just turned thirteen, rarely survive their first fights despite her best efforts to train and lead them. What she thinks she wants is to uncover the root causes of the war between the Protectors and the masked Gaishan, maybe find a way to end it. But what she really wants is a future—for herself and the others—beyond the battlefield.

Then she’s injured in combat, and when an enemy fighter not only heals her wounds but reveals his face, she sees the promise of all she desires. This cunning teen Gaishan has answers to her questions, but first she must commit treason and travel beyond the boundaries of her world. She must brave a place where everything rests on the point of a blade: her loyalties, her friends, her heart. Add to Goodreads.

Buy Links:

Amazon │ KoboBooks │ Barnes and Noble

BOOK REVIEW:

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

I've never been more happy to be confused in my entire life!
The Protector Project is such a complex and extraordinary world and although I found it hard to keep up at times it was such a great read that I didn't mind it that much.

Honestly I didn't expect that I'd love this book as much as I did. It started out a bit slow for me and if it weren't for Dalin showing up when he did I probably would have DNF-ed this.

The Protector Project has a very unique concept. Not only is it intriguing it also has well-written characters. Mara is such a strong heroine. What I love most about reading YAs is that I almost always come across strong-headed, independent and sassy heroines. And Mara is exactly that.
I love taking the journey with her. There were times that I was completely baffled by the things she doesn't know exist but for the most part I enjoyed going through the journey with her.
Dalin too was a great hero. At times he reminded me of Elias from An Ember in the Ashes (or is it just the mask?) and I love him for it. And although the romance didn't quite work out for me, I love the progress that Mara and Dalin's relationship took. It wasn't insta-love and so it felt believable.

I'm supposed to keep my review short since its past midnight where I am and my bed has been calling to me so I'm just gonna say that this book is amazingly written! There was romance, action and intrigue that will captivate you from beginning to end. Recommended!

I received an e-arc to read and review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Website │ Goodreads │ Twitter │ Facebook

Jenna Lincoln loves to read, write, and talk about reading and writing. She spent many happy years as a language arts teacher doing just those things. After dabbling in Firefly and Supernatural fan fiction, Jenna got serious about building her own imaginary world, big enough to get lost in for a long, long time.

When she comes back to reality, Jenna enjoys her home in beautiful Colorado with her husband and two daughters.

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ARC Review: BITTERROOT Part I by Heather Hildenbrand & SM Reine

BITTERROOT Part 1 

by Heather Hildenbrand & S.M. Reine 

• Elephantine Publishing
• September 20, 2015

About the book:

Seventeen year-old Regan Vuk has lived her whole life under the shadow of her future: the pack alpha. She is fast, smart, and determined. According to her own pack members, she is a shoo-in. But Regan’s dad has a secret. 

Seventeen year-old Charlie spent her adolescence drifting from place to place with a mother desperate to hide her illegitimate daughter from the unforgiving reality of werewolf pack dynamics. All Charlie has ever wanted is to know her father--and the family that's been kept from her all these years. But most of all, she wants a place to belong in the world. Where she doesn’t have to pretend she can’t sprout fur and paws at will. Being kidnapped on her way home from prom was not she Charlie had in mind. 

When Charlie finds out the only way to fit in with her new family is to defeat her long-lost sister for the role of alpha, she refuses. That is until she learns that the strange and alluring vampire she's befriended, Owen, is the same vampire prince that's been promised the winner. 

Regan has no doubt that, although she loathes the vampires, it will be her who "wins" Owen. 

Only problem: Charlie's already fallen for him.

Bitterroot is a Young Adult Paranormal with a dose of sibling rivalry... Who will you root for?

Buy Links:

Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble  | iBooks

BOOK REVIEW:

Rating: 3.8 of 5 stars

NO!! Where's the rest?! I cannot believe it ended that way! I need the next book NOW. Like seriously do authors get some sort of evil enjoyment from seeing us suffer waiting for the release of the next book?! I just... I can't... what am I supposed to do now?

I have not read a book quite like Bitterroot. I mean sure the whole werewolf-vampire deal is overrated on my part but the authors gave the book a whole other spin that is sure to make it stand out. Throw in a complicated sibling rivalry, a well-built world and complex characters and you've got the making of a great series. And that is exactly what Bitterroot is.

I love Charlie and Regan. They're both so different and yet they carry themselves with the same fire and determination that I admire. I have sisters of my own so I could just imagine how terrifying and hard it must be to be in their shoes. 

I have read almost everything by Heather Hildenbrand but I have yet to read anything by SM Reine so I didn't know exactly what to expect from this collaboration. But I should have known it's gonna turn out great.

I LOVE, LOVE Bitterroot. It was too short for my taste yes but just knowing that there's gonna be more books after this more than makes up for it. I am highly intrigued by Owen. And Carter kind of stole a bit of my heart already. 

I cannot wait to see where the authors would take us. Hopefully there will be more action, twists, Regan-and-Charlie moments and romance. Give me Part II now!

I received an e-arc to read and review.

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ARC Review: PLAYING THE PLAYER by Lisa Brown Roberts plus Giveaway

PLAYING THE PLAYER

by Lisa Brown Roberts 

Entangled Teen: Crush
Release Date: 08/18/15

Summary from Goodreads:

Trina Clemons needed the money. Why else would she—the most organized, prepared student in school—spend the summer as a nanny and partner with the biggest slacker ever? Now she's ready to tackle nannyhood with her big binder of research and schedules. Just don't ask her about the secret job of “fixing” the bad habits of a certain high school player…

Slade Edmunds prefers easy hook-ups, and Trina is definitely not his type. She's all structure and rules, while Slade wants to just have fun. Fortunately, Trina has no idea about the bet Slade made with his best friend that he can totally get her to unwind by the end of summer…

Then the weirdest thing happens. There's chemistry. A lot of it.

But nothing gets between a boy and a girl like a big, fat secret…

BUY LINKS:

Kindle  |  Nook  |  iBooks  |  Kobo

BOOK REVIEW:
Rating: 3.7 of 5 stars

My first book by Lisa Roberts and I'm so happy to say that it did not disappoint!

There's a reason I love young adult contemporaries above all else. And I think this book is exactly why. It was a fluffy, romantic and very entertaining read. With a sassy heroine and totally swoony hero, what more could I ask for?

I admit I disliked Trina in the beginning. She came off too judgmental and kind of bitchy. I know no one has ever lived without suffering through the social hierarchy of highschool but it seemed to me like Trina put everyone else below her and it annoyed me a bit. Fortunately, my dislike of her was short-lived. After further reading, I realized what a great character she is. She's very relateable and authentic. There were times where I could definitely see myself in her. Like Trina, I am goal-driven and I go nuts when faced with disorganization. Not to mention I'm also afraid of heights. She's also a bit awkward especially when faced with the unexpected and that always leads to a lot of laughter.

I love the transition that took place between Trina and Slade. They were polar opposites and clearly disliked each other. But they went from enemies to friends and eventually to something more. And don't I just love it when relationships take time to develop?

But the best part about Playing the Player? SLADE. I fell in love with him from the first moment I met him but I fell in love EVEN MORE when he did that thing with Trina (I'd keep it vague to avoid spoilers but you'll know what I'm talking about when you get there) and when I saw how great he is with little kids. (Gilly and Max were adorable!) And I love his quick wit and sarcasm which never failed to make me laugh.
I also like Slade's friendship with Alex. It felt genuine and although seemed quite cliche, I enjoyed every bit of their interactions.

While Playing the Player was predictable for the most part, the author did a great job on the writing and in developing the characters. I love the romance, the humor and the happy, light feelings it evoked.

I received an e-arc to read and review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lisa Brown Roberts still hasn't recovered from the teenage trauma of nearly tweezing off both eyebrows and having to pencil them in for an entire school year. This and other angst-filled memories inspire her to write YA books about navigating life's painful and funny dramas, and falling in love along the way.

Her almost forever home is Colorado, though she occasionally pines for the days when she lived within walking distance of the Pacific Ocean. Her house is full of books, boys, several four-legged prima donnas, and lots of laughter. 

Author Links:

   

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Release Day Blitz and ARC Review: EVERY WRONG REASON by Rachel Higginson

   

EVERY WRONG REASON
by Rachel Higginson
Publisher: Reckless Siren Publishing
Publication Date: September 22, 2015

First comes love. Then comes marriage. Then comes the... really nasty divorce. 

Kate Carter thought she married her soul mate. She thought she had her happily ever after. But seven years into Kate's marriage, she realizes that her husband Nick is not what she wanted. He's selfish, he's oblivious and he doesn't love her anymore. Maybe she doesn't love him anymore either. Divorce is the only option if either of them wants to find happiness. 

Kate and Nick thought they knew what they wanted, but neither is prepared for the heartache that separating will bring them. The journey they embark on is not the freedom they wished for, but a painful look at the people they've become. 

At the end of it, Kate has to decide if this is really the life she wants or if maybe there's a way to salvage her broken heart.

Get it for Amazon Kindle ---> http://amzn.to/1JeG7rU
Get it for Barnes & Noble ---> http://goo.gl/DiazHA 
Get it for iBooks ---> https://goo.gl/fSZ4cW

BOOK REVIEW:
Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars 

I am Rachel Higginson’s BIGGEST fan. 
After I read Reckless Magic years ago I’ve never stopped loving Rachel’s books. From Kiran and Eden to the Parkers to Ben and Liz and now this. I. Am. In. Awe. 

Every Wrong Reason is an AMAZING book. I don’t know how to do this book justice but I’m going to start by saying that this is probably my new favorite book by the author. (Sorry Hendrix, Reagan and gang!) 

From beginning to end, I was fully wrapped up with the story. I have never met two people more frustrating and lovable than Kate and Nick. They argue about everything! From the most mundane things like pizza toppings and wet bathroom floors to the bigger issues like money and family. A lot of times I just wanted to kick both of them really hard because I’m just so tired of them going from sweet and hot to a screaming wreck in point five seconds. But I couldn’t possibly do that so I settled with reading the book way past midnight so I could finish it and see if the ending is what I’m hoping for. (It is.) 

Kate is a very emotional character. She cries at the smallest things. She couldn’t go grocery shopping without turning into a crying mess. But I think this is what I love most about her. She wears her heart on her sleeve and she’s not afraid to show vulnerability. She’s compassionate with a really big heart. I found it adorable how attached she is to her dog. I have never met a person who cares more for his/her dog like Kate does. And what she did for Jay? That was admirable. 

But as much as I love Kate, I am ABSOLUTELY IN LOVE with Nick. It didn’t start out that way though. I don’t exactly know why but I wasn’t Nick’s biggest fan at the start. But then I read further and gradually I fell head over heels for him. And I think the moment that I knew for sure that I love him was with that scene in the grocery store. I LOVE that part! It’s amazing how people are reminded of just how great it is to love someone and be with them when you know you’re on the verge of losing them. I can’t say anymore because I would hate to spoil anyone but seriously... this... Nick... he’s... *sigh* How I wish the book was told in dual povs. I think I would have loved being in his head and been privy to his thoughts and feelings. 

The journey that Kate and Nick went through left me speechless. They’re both imperfect, broken and flawed. They feel so real. 

I didn’t think this book would affect me as much as it did. But holy moly, I LOVE every second of it. 

With great writing, well-rounded characters and engrossing storytelling, Rachel Higginson nailed it with Every Wrong Reason. It’s a perfect portrayal of the beauty, the ugliness, the flaws and the magic of marriage. 

And I think I have to come up with a new word so I don’t sound like a robot but I LOVE Every Wrong Reason. There are a thousand right reasons why this book is a must-read so yes I highly recommend it! 

I received an e-arc to read and review.

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Looking for another contemporary romance from Rachel Higginson? 

THE 5 STAGES OF FALLING IN LOVE is on SALE for 99¢!

 

Purchase on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1uDW62G
Purchase on iBooks: http://bit.ly/1L5c3DE
Purchase on B&N: http://bit.ly/1xLum7S
Purchase on Kobo: http://bit.ly/1upZf01

Elizabeth Carlson is living in the pits of hell- also known as grief. Her husband of eight years, the father of her four children and the love of her life, died from cancer. Grady’s prognosis was grim, even from the start, but Liz never gave up hope he would survive. How could she, when he was everything to her? 

Six months later, she is trying to pick up the pieces of her shattered life and get the kids to school on time. Both seem impossible. Everything seems impossible these days. When Ben Tyler moves in next door, she is drowning in sorrow and pain, her children are acting out, and the house is falling apart. She has no time for curious new friends or unwanted help, but Ben gives her both. And he doesn’t just want to help her with yard work or cleaning the gutters. Ben wants more from Liz. More than she’s capable of ever giving again. 

As Liz mourns her dead husband and works her way through the five stages of grief, she finds there’s more of her heart to give than she thought possible. And as new love takes hold, she peels away the guilt and heartache, and discovers there’s more to life than death.

About Rachel Higginson:

Website  Facebook  Twitter
Rachel Higginson is the creator of The Star-Crossed Series, Love & Decay Novella Series, The Starbright Series, The Siren Series, Bet on Us and the soon to be released, The Five Stages of Falling in Love! She is also the co-creator of the podcast "Zach & Rachel Take Over the World." 

She was born and raised in Nebraska, and spent her college years traveling the world. She fell in love with Eastern Europe, Paris, Indian Food and the beautiful beaches of Sri Lanka, but came back home to marry her high school sweetheart. Now she spends her days raising four amazing kids. In the few spare moments she has to herself, she is either reading for hours on end or writing her own stories.

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ARC Review & Giveaway: DIRTY TALK (Mechanics of Love #2) by Megan Erickson

DIRTY TALK (A Mechanics of Love Novel #2)

by Megan Erickson

• Publisher: Avon Impulse

• Pub. Date: September 15, 2015

About the book: 

Brent Payton has a reputation for wanting to have fun, all the time. It’s well-earned after years of ribbing his brothers and flirting with every girl he meets, but he’s more than just a good time, even though nobody takes the time to see it. When a new girl walks into his family’s garage with big thoughtful eyes and legs for days, this mechanic wants something serious for the first time. 

Ivy Dawn is done with men, all of them. She and her sister uprooted their lives for them too many times and she’s not willing to do it again. Avoiding the opposite sex at all costs seems easy enough, until the sexy mechanic with the dirty mouth bursts into her life. 

Brent can’t resist the one woman who sees past his devil-may-care facade and Ivy finds it harder and harder to deny how happy he makes her. But Ivy has secrets she hasn’t shared and when the truth comes out, she must decide if she’s willing to take one more chance on love or let him go forever.

BUY LINKS:

HarperCollins: http://www.harpercollins.com/9780062407757/dirty-talk

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Dirty-Talk-Mechanics-Love-Novel-ebook/dp/B00RLVDGO8

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dirty-talk-megan-erickson/1121727678

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/dirty-talk/id954586427

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Megan_Erickson_Dirty_Talk?id=WcP3BQAAQBAJ&hl

BOOK REVIEW:

Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

This book! I don't even know where to begin! All I know for sure is that Megan Erickson knows how to make readers swoon. (And man did I swoon.)
Dirty Talk is such a sexy, swoony and an amazing read! 

I knew there was a reason I loved Brent even in Dirty Thoughts. Cal is still my number one Payton brother but Brent is just... It's impossible not to love him. He's hilarious and he has a really big heart. He surprised me a lot in this book. I never knew what he was gonna do or say and I just loved him for it. He has always been perceived as the player of the family, the brother who doesn't take things seriously and is always out for a good time. But in Dirty Talk, I got to see the real Brent. The guy who plays too hard and laughs a lot but one who is selfless and would do anything for his family and would protect those he loves.
I LOVE being in Brent's head. It never got boring and I got to see Cal and Jenna. (I think the cameos are one of things I really looked forward to in this book.)

But while I'm head over heels over Brent I can't say I feel the same way with Ivy. Don't get me wrong, Ivy is not a terrible heroine. But I just didn't connect with her like I did with her sister, Alex. Alex is the feisty, strong-headed big sister who would kick down doors when crossed while Ivy is more of the quiet type who resolves quarrels by having a calm, adult conversation. They're polar opposites and I guess I just gravitated more towards Alex. Having said that though, I still think that Ivy and Brent are meant for each other. They balance each other out so perfectly and the chemistry is way off the charts.

I had a blast reading Dirty Talk. There was a perfect balance of drama, sexy times, intrigue, humor and romance. Personally, that jerk Robby is on my hit list forever. (I know he's fictional and all but dammit I hate him.) 
I love the writing that flowed smoothly and sucked me in from the beginning. And there was a great addition of characters which made this book even better! Violet is such an adorable kid and Davis is one well-rounded character. I am quite intrigued by him and I wouldn't mind if he'll have a story of his own (or maybe he's too old for that?).
But what I REALLY love most about Dirty Talk? That particular scene with Jack. He surprised the heck out of me! I had a really big smile while reading that part and I hope there's more of that in the next book (books?).

Lastly, the Payton brothers are bae so if you haven't started this series yet, I suggest you do so we can drool over them together. I really, really hope Alex's book is next.

I received an e-arc to read and review.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Megan Erickson grew up in a family that averages 5’5” on a good day and started writing to create characters who could reach the top kitchen shelf. 

She’s got a couple of tattoos, has a thing for gladiators and has been called a crazy cat lady. After working as a journalist for years, she decided she liked creating her own endings better and switched back to fiction. 

She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, two kids and two cats. And no, she still can’t reach the stupid top shelf.

Praise for MEGAN ERICKSON:

“A super sweet, extra sexy second chance romance that will have you laughing out loud and needing a minute to cool off. Dirty Thoughts is right!”

— Jay Crownover, New York Times bestselling author

“Megan Erickson ratchets up the romance and sizzle in her sexy new series. The Mechanics of Love will rev readers’ hearts.”

— Jennifer Ryan, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author

“Megan Erickson writes hot, hot, HOT stories packed with emotion and humor. You’re going to want to read everything she’s ever written!”

— Sophie Jordan, USA Today bestselling author

GIVEAWAY: 

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Blog Tour: WHEN A SCOT TIES THE KNOT by Tessa Dare Excerpt and Giveaway

WHEN A SCOT TIES THE KNOT

by Tessa Dare

Avon

08.25.2015

“Dare’s marvelous third Castles Ever After Regency romance (after Say Yes to the Marquess) builds a gradual, intense romance between two people who are determined to avoid love and commitment….Dare’s swiftly moving plot is enhanced by the seamlessly developed romance, and the sensuality is heightened by the slow awakening of the pair’s mutual attraction.”

—Publishers Weekly, **STARRED**

“With sharp, clever banter, breathtaking sensuality, colorful descriptions, and solid cultural detail, this compelling, often hilarious escapade puts a refreshing spin on the [‘imaginary lover’ theme and adds another winner to Dare’s riveting ‘Castles’ series.”

—Library Journal, **STARRED**

“Dare’s latest begins with a fairy-tale twist of fate, then leads readers on a mesmerizing and intense emotional journey that explores love in many forms and the powerful pull of dreams.”

—Kirkus, **STARRED**

“Dare delights with another marvelously romantic story that delivers a deep sigh, a tear and a smile. With her painfully shy heroine and vulnerable hero, readers are immediately captivated and will savor the joy of this imaginary-sweetheart plotline. You’ll stay up all night to reach the unforgettable ending.”—RT Book Reviews, **4.5 Stars, Top Pick!**

About the book:

On the cusp of her first London season, Miss Madeline Gracechurch was shy, pretty and talented with a drawing pencil, but hopelessly awkward with gentlemen. She was certain to be a dismal failure on the London marriage mart. So Maddie did what generations of shy, awkward young ladies have done: she invented a sweetheart.

A Scottish sweetheart. One who was handsome and honorable and devoted to her, but conveniently never around. Maddie poured her heart into writing the imaginary Captain MacKenzie letter after letter … and by pretending to be devastated when he was (not really) killed in battle, she managed to avoid the pressures of London society entirely.

Until years later, when this kilted Highland lover of her imaginings shows up in the flesh. The real Captain Logan MacKenzie arrives on her doorstep—handsome as anything, but not entirely honorable. He’s wounded, jaded, in possession of her letters… and ready to make good on every promise Maddie never expected to keep.

Buy Links:

HarperCollins  |  Amazon  |  Barnes and Noble  |  iTunes  |  Google Play

BOOK EXCERPT:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tessa Dare is the New York Times bestselling, award-winning author of more than a dozen historical romances. A librarian by training and a book-lover at heart, Tessa lives in Southern California with her husband, their two children, and a big brown dog. 

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Cover Reveal: SURGE (The Taking 0.5) by Melissa West

SURGE (The Taking 0.5)

by Melissa West

Release Date: 04/05/16

Entangled Teen

Summary from Goodreads:

Sixteen-year-old alien Val Stone was born for one mission-kill teenage Randolf "Rolf" Cartier before he fulfills the prophecy, becomes the future American president, and murderers thousands of her kind.

Val is ready to sacrifice herself for the good of the prophecy. She's learned every detail of Rolf's life. She knows when he wakes, each step he takes throughout his day, and the exact time when he falls asleep. She's prepared to strike.

But what she doesn't know is that Rolf's been watching her, too. Waiting for her. Ready to overpower her and save himself. Only when the day arrives, doubt overcomes purpose, and suddenly they discover the prophecy was all a hoax.

Now they're running against the clock, desperate to reveal who created the fake prophecy before the human killing spree becomes the complete wipeout of the human race.

Books in this series:
(covers linked to Goodreads)

  

Gravity (Book One):
Goodreads│Amazon│B&N│Kobo Books

Hover (Book Two):

Goodreads│Amazon│B&N│Kobo Books

Collide (Book Three)

Goodreads│Amazon│B&N│Kobo

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Melissa West lives in a tiny suburb of Atlanta, GA with her husband and daughter. She pretends to like yoga, actually likes to read, and could not live without coffee. She holds a B.A. in Communication Studies and an M.S. in Graphic Communication, both from Clemson University. Yeah, her blood runs orange.

Author Links:

   

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