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Saturday, January 31, 2015

Stacking the Shelves, The Sunday Post, Bought Borrowed and Bagged


Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews,  check it out and sign up  here
The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It's a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.

Bought, Borrowed, & Bagged is a weekly meme, hosted by TalkSupe, where I share with you the books I have bought, borrowed, or bagged. Link up with me here.

What I read:
Succubus Dreams (Georgina Kincaid, #3)
source: library
Succubus on Top (Georgina Kincaid, #2)
source: library
The Last Time We Say Goodbye
source: harper teen via edelweiss

Last Week on the blog:
Invaded (Alienated, #2)
Source: disney for review

Kiss of Death (The Morganville Vampires, #8)
source: library
New giveaways exclusive to my blog:
 $10 Amazon gift card and Reluctant Prince by Dani-Lyn Alexander ends 2/27

My week: Okay, its track out which is great but also hard having two with so much energy. My fave moment so far was having a family movie night with popcorn and snuggling on the couch, watching Despicable Me (my first time, it was cute)


What are you reading? Any of my books new to you or have you read any of my books? If so, what did you think?
Also, feel free to link up your blog and mailbox post.

Exclusive Giveaway: $10 Amazon gift card and Reluctant Prince with author interview with Dani-Lyn Alexander



Reluctant Prince by Dani-Lyn Alexander
Reluctant Prince
Kingdom of Cymmera
Book One
Betrayal lies cloaked in shadow.
Seventeen year old Ryleigh Donnovan is certain her life is cursed. Nothing ever goes smoothly, and her first job interview is no exception. An earthquake rocks the building, sending Ryleigh on a frantic search for her younger sister, a search which lands her in the hospital. Terrified they’ll push her for answers she can’t afford to give, Ryleigh flees with a mysterious stranger.
Jackson Maynard is about to be ordained as a Death Dealer, a warrior for the Kingdom of Cymmera, but first he must pass one more test. When he fails to acquire the human girl the prophet has chosen, he’s forced to stand trial for treason. Banished from his realm, he seeks out the girl from the vision, Ryleigh Donnovan, and together they embark on a journey to save his dying kingdom.
Buy Links:
Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Reluctant-Prince-Kingdom-Cymmera-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00NJ0VL56/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1414551675&sr=1-2
Kensington:  http://www.kensingtonbooks.com/book.aspx/31105


Interview Dani-Lyn Alexander
--The Twitter version: tell us about your book in 140 characters or less.
Ryleigh is a human chosen by a prophet. Jackson is a Death Dealer, banished from his realm. Together they set out to save his dying kingdom.

--How did you get the idea for the story?
I’ve always been fascinated with alternate realms.
--Which character would you most/least like to have dinner with?
I would probably most like to have dinner with Jackson. I’m fascinated with his realm and would love to hear all about it from him.
--Do you have any other works in progress? Any teasers or release dates?
Lost Princess, Kingdom of Cymmera Book Two, is with my editor now and due to release in July. I also have a cozy mystery series contracted under the name Lena Gregory, which is due to release in fall of 2016.
--What are some of your favorite books? Do you still have much time to read?
Unfortunately, I don’t have much time to read anymore, but some of my all-time favorite books include; Gone With the Wind, Harry Potter, Twilight, and the In Death series by J.D. Robb.

--If a fairy godmother told you could be put into the world of your favorite book for 24 hours, which book would you pick and why?
I would probably pick Harry Potter, because there are so many fascinating things to see in the world JK Rowling created.

--Do you need anything to write (music, coffee, etc)? Are there any songs on your playlist- songs that inspired you or that were playing while you wrote?
While I’m writing, I need quiet (as much as you can get in a house with three kids and three dogs anyway) and chocolate. Lots of chocolate. But much of my writing is inspired by music.
Some of the songs that inspired Reluctant Prince are: Blaze of Glory by Bon Jovi, A World of Fantasy by Triumph, Make You Feel My Love by Adele, and My Own Prison by Creed.

--If you could have any superpower what would you choose?
That’s a hard one! I think I’d love to be able to teleport anywhere I wanted to go.

--Besides writing, what do you like to do in your free time?
I love spending time playing with my kids, reading, and shopping (especially in book stores.)
--What is one thing you would tell your 15 year old self?
Whatever your dreams are, always keep trying to achieve them!

--Is there anything else you want to add or say to your readers?
I always love the opportunity to say thank you to my readers. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate all of you.

Lightning round: this or that?
Vanilla or chocolate? Chocolate
Video or Board Games? Board Games
Summer or Winter? Summer!
Edward or Jacob? Jacob
Hockey or soccer? Soccer
Ebook or paper? Paper
Salty or sweet? Salty
Beach or mountains? Beach
Phone call or email? Phone call
Early bird or night owl? Night owl
Dog or cat? Dog
Messy or neat? Messy (but organized J)
Ninjas or pirates? Pirates



Advance Praise for Reluctant Prince:

"A gorgeously wrought fantasy realm with a heroine who will make you cheer!"
~Wendy Higgins, NYT and USA Today bestselling author of the Sweet Evil trilogy.

"Reluctant Prince grips you from the beginning and won't let go...fresh and engaging." 
                                                        ~ Ally Shields, author of the Guardian Witch series.

"A thrilling ride on a rollercoaster of danger that'll keep you gasping for breath with every turn of the page."  ~ Laura Diamond, author of The Zodiac Collector.

"Dani-Lyn weaves a tale of family bonds, untapped abilities and an alternate world of fantastic wonders, all discovered by a courageous heroine and a swoon-worthy hero I want to see again and again!"
                                                              ~ Contemporary Romance Author, Theresa DaLayne.

“Reluctant Prince takes readers on a heart pounding journey through the realms. Fantastical world building and a captivating hero keep pages turning to the end.”
~ Julie Anne Lindsey, author of Prophecy and Deceived


Excerpt:
Oh, man. He was in trouble. He pushed away from the wall.
Images of his target taunted him.
He shoved a chair aside and tore through the pictures scattered across the table in a desperate search for salvation. There. He pulled the shot from the mess but found only condemnation. The long blond hair flowing behind her in the snapshot had not been visible to him, but there was no mistaking the deep blue of her eyes.
The pounding of a fist against the heavy wood door released him from whatever spell she’d cast.
“Jackson.” Another loud thud punctuated his name.
He struggled to get his bearings, tried to slow the racing of his heart. “Yeah, one minute.”
“Now. Your father wants to see you, immediately.”
Kai, his father’s most trusted warrior. He was in more trouble than he’d originally thought. Was it possible the king would sentence him to death for ignoring a direct order? Surely not without offering him a fair trial, or at least granting him the opportunity to explain. But what could he say? What explanation could there be for failing to deliver the girl? None.
“I won’t knock again.” The warrior would soon break down the door and drag him before the throne.
He crumpled the offending photo, the evidence of his disgrace, into a ball. Instead of tossing it in the trash as he’d intended, he shoved it into the small leather satchel he wore at his waist. With a deep breath, he released the latch and pulled open the door.
“Come.” Kai turned his back on him and strode purposefully down the corridor, their footfalls echoing through the silence of accusation.
The thought of escape taunted him, but he would never make it out of the castle. He had only recently completed his warrior training under Kai’s watch and would be no match for the seasoned soldier. Besides, Kai was a stickler for the rules. If he tried to run, the warrior would surely take him down, protégé or not.


Bio:
Dani-Lyn Alexander lives on Long Island with her husband, three kids and three dogs. She loves spending time with her family, at the beach, the playground, or just about anywhere. In her spare time, which is rare, she enjoys reading and shopping—especially in book stores. Some of her favorite things include; Bernese Mountain Dogs, musicals, bubble baths and soft blankets. She’s an incurable insomniac and has an addiction to chocolate.
Social Media:



Giveaway is for: $10 Amazon gift card and Reluctant Prince by Dani-Lyn Alexander
If under 18, must have parent's permission.
No Purchase Necessary
Open: 1/31-2/27
The Sponsor: author  Dani-Lyn Alexander
Winners will be chosen by giveaway host and notified by email. They will have 48 hours to respond.
Email addresses or physical addresses or any personal information will not be sold
Liability: Brandi Breathes Books is not responsible for lost or stolen packages
Brandi Breathes Books Giveaways are hosted in Holly Springs, NC USA
Void where prohibited by law
-If you win a review on your blog and/or amazon is appreciated but not required.

*If, for whatever reason, the Rafflecopter widget does not appear, you can click on the link where it says rafflecopter giveaway and it will show up, sorry for the inconvenience.

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Thursday, January 29, 2015

Review: Invaded by Melissa Landers

Invaded (Alienated, #2)
 Invaded (Alienated #2) by Melissa Landers
The romantic sequel to Alienated takes long-distance relationships to a new level as Cara and Aelyx long for each other from opposite ends of the universe...until a threat to both their worlds reunites them.
Cara always knew life on planet L’eihr would be an adjustment. With Aelyx, her L’eihr boyfriend, back on Earth, working to mend the broken alliance between their two planets, Cara is left to fend for herself at a new school, surrounded by hostile alien clones. Even the weird dorm pet hates her.
Things look up when Cara is appointed as human representative to a panel preparing for a human colony on L’eihr. A society melding their two cultures is a place where Cara and Aelyx could one day make a life together. But with L’eihr leaders balking at granting even the most basic freedoms, Cara begins to wonder if she could ever be happy on this planet, even with Aelyx by her side.
Meanwhile, on Earth, Aelyx, finds himself thrown into a full-scale PR campaign to improve human-L’eihr relations. Humans don’t know that their very survival depends on this alliance: only Aelyx’s people have the technology to fix the deadly contamination in the global water supply that human governments are hiding. Yet despite their upper hand, the leaders of his world suddenly seem desperate to get humans on their side, and hardly bat an eye at extremists’ multiple attempts on Aelyx’s life.
The Way clearly needs humans’ help . . . but with what? And what will they ask for in return?

”add

Publishes in US: February 3rd 2015 by Disney-Hyperion 
Genre: is sci-fi
Source: disney for review
Series? yes Alienated #2

my review of 1st Alienated
there had better be a 3rd!

Buy it: Preorder on AmazonPreorder on B&NPreorder from Powell'sPreorder from Indigo'sPreorder from IndieBoundPreorder from BAM!Preorder from Book DepositoryiBookstore

Author stalk away: ~site ~twitter ~facebook

 

    I wanted to read Invaded because I loved Alienated and couldn't wait to find out more about Cara and Aelyx. I remember loving their romance and while I knew it would be hard to see them apart, the plot of trying to save the human race and form colonies of humans on L'heir, the home of Aelyx,

     This focuses on the political aspects and the attempts on Aelyx's life and threats from a human extremist group that does not want the alliance between the species. Cara doesn't have the easiest time making friends and fitting in at first. The clones don't accept her as easy as she'd hoped. Though she does have her brother for a while and Aelyx's sister Elle. 

    The plot started right away with threats to Aelyx, and Cara's difficulties. She feels inferior because they are more physically fit, genetically more evolved, and more brain capacity. But her strong and fiery personality is just what they are looking for. With all of the cloning, they feel less and they are hoping for an alliance to introduce variety in their gene pools. 

     We did get some of Aelyx's point of view, and my favorite there was his new friend David. They learned a lot from each other, and David is another one who is a good example of what the L'heirs should be looking for in humans for the colony. Also with him, we get to see the depths of his feelings for Cara again, even though they face challenges related to getting used to another planet, society and way of living, as well as something that may be enough to end their relationship. I also learned even more about his character in the way that he treats Syrine, and how their rocky friendship and trying to patch things that have went sideways. 

    Cara shows her strength in this one as well, she learns more about the society, their advanced physics, and even begins to catch up in the physical department with the help of a PT teacher she dubs Satan. But she is surrounded by challenges as well as secrets. She uncovers a theory that begins to shape itself more and more about the heritage of both planets as well as another challenge that totally took me by surprise. There was plenty going on, but I loved the deepening of the family ties, especially her and Troy, and when they are back on Earth, how they begin to see some of the human frivolities and both question if they really belong in either place, and where they fit with each possible decision. 

   I loved seeing her work with the babies and toddlers. It started out that she wanted to learn more about the foundations of their society, their cultural norms and beginnings of the math and science that was so different from what she learned. But she is also placed in a situation that showed more of the huge differences between the cultures, what they see as a family unit, how breeding/cloning has changed or differs from the human family unit. 

    The book ended at a great place. Some very hard things happened as well as life changing decisions made. But I was satisfied and while I would love a 3rd book, I can understand if this is the end. It would be a bit open ended but not bad, just leaving some of their future to my imagination. Although a couple of the characters almost got what was coming to them but not quite and there was another secondary character that had a lot of hurt piled on her. 

Bottom Line: Great second book learning about how both Cara and Aelyx try to fit in and form the planetary alliance.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Would you accept an invitation to live on a foreign planet?

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Waiting on Wednesday, WoW


Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. I also feature books that may have already released, but I am anxiously waiting to read.

This week, I'm featuring:
Wicked (A Wicked Saga, #1)
Things are about to get Wicked in New Orleans.

Twenty-two year old Ivy Morgan isn’t your average college student. She, and others like her, know humans aren’t the only thing trolling the French Quarter for fun… and for food. Her duty to the Order is her life. After all, four years ago, she lost everything at the hands of the creatures she’d sworn to hunt, tearing her world and her heart apart.

Ren Owens is the last person Ivy expected to enter her rigidly controlled life. He’s six feet and three inches of temptation and swoon-inducing charm. With forest-green eyes and a smile that’s surely left a stream of broken hearts in its wake, he has an uncanny, almost unnatural ability to make her yearn for everything he has to offer. But letting him in is as dangerous as hunting the cold-blooded killers stalking the streets. Losing the boy she loved once before had nearly destroyed her, but the sparking tension that grows between them becomes impossible for Ivy to deny. Deep down, she wants… she needs more than what her duty demands of her, what her past has shaped for her.

But as Ivy grows closer to Ren, she realizes she’s not the only one carrying secrets that could shatter the frail bond between them. There’s something he’s not telling her, and one thing is for certain. She’s no longer sure what is more dangerous to her—the ancient beings threatening to take over the town or the man demanding to lay claim to her heart and her soul

Releases: December 8th 2014

What are you waiting on?

Monday, January 26, 2015

Review: Kiss of Death by Rachel Caine


Kiss of Death (The Morganville Vampires #8) by Rachel Caine
A new chapter in the New York Times bestselling Morganville Vampires saga.
Vampire musician Michael Glass has attracted the attention of a big- time producer who wants to cut a demo and play some gigs-which means Michael will have to enter the human world. For this, he's been assigned escorts that include both a dangerous immortal as well as Michael's all-too-human friends. And with that mix of personalities, this is going to be a road trip from hell...
”add
Publishes in US: April 27th 2010 by Signet
Genre: YA paranormal vampires
Source: bought
Series? The Morganville Vampires #8

My series reviews:
#1 Glass Houses 
#2 Review: The Dead Girls' Dance
#3 Midnight Alley
#4 Feast of Fools by Rachel Caine 

Buy it:
US buyers:Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million | Indiebound |Amazon
Canada:
Chapters Indigo | Amazon CA
UK:
Waterstones | WH Smith | Amazon UK

Author stalk away: ~site series


    I wanted to read this one because I have been hardcore addicted to this series, and it is so nice that they are all released and I don't have to play the waiting game.

   I love the pink laundry, the softer side of Eve even though its hard to see her insecure and not fully understanding where things stand, not only with Michael but with her newly reformed brother. I did enjoy seeing Michael in his element with the rock star deal, but he seemed more distant in this one and I was afraid that I would lose the caring, protective and cuddly Michael to the hardened vampire persona. 

   One quote I love though that describes the development of Shane's character and how being in love and living out his protective streak is changing him. (from Michael) "Huh. The universe explodes, hell freezes over and Shane does something reasonable." It just so fits their dynamic perfectly... 

    What started out and what they hoped would be a nice taste of freedom from Morganville and a good time with friends, of course, couldn't be just that with this group of friends. They found trouble in so many ways. Some of it their escort helped them get into and others they did just fine getting into it all own their own. 

    There were some steamy moments with Shane and Claire to keep me going. And Myrnin was there for part of it, and I love our crazy vamp. Claire mentioned at one point in time that he was both mad and brilliant, and it battled which would exhibit in any given moment. 

   The ending was perfect but bittersweet. As many of you may have guessed, I will def be continuing this series. And soon. 



Bottom Line: The trouble they always seemed to find had me on my toes.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Any dreams of being a rockstar? Or traveling with one?

Saturday, January 24, 2015

Stacking the Shelves, The Sunday Post, Bought Borrowed and Bagged


Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews,  check it out and sign up  here
The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It's a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.

Bought, Borrowed, & Bagged is a weekly meme, hosted by TalkSupe, where I share with you the books I have bought, borrowed, or bagged. Link up with me here.

What I read:
Until It Hurts to Stop
source: library
Succubus Blues (Georgina Kincaid, #1)
source: library
Fading Out (Living Heartwood, #3)
source: author
The Rising (Darkness Rising, #3)
source: library

Last Week on the blog:


In my mailbox:





What are you reading? Any of my books new to you or have you read any of my books? If so, what did you think?
Also, feel free to link up your blog and mailbox post.

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Review: Alex As Well by Alyssa Brugman

Alex As Well by Alyssa Brugman

What do you do when everybody says you’re someone you’re not?
Alex wants change. Massive change. More radical than you could imagine.
Her mother is not happy, in fact she’s imploding. Her dad walked out.
Alex has turned vegetarian, ditched one school, enrolled in another, thrown out her clothes. And created a new identity. An identity that changes her world.
And Alex—the other Alex—has a lot to say about it.
Alex As Well is a confronting and heartfelt story of adolescent experience—of questioning identity, discovering sexuality, navigating friendships and finding a place to belong. Alex is a strong, vulnerable, confident, shy and determined character, one you will never forget.
With the same tenderness and insight as YA stars such as John Green and David Levithan, Alyssa Brugman has crafted a knockout story about identity, sexuality and family that speaks effortlessly to a universal teen experience.

”add

Publishes in US: January 30th 2013 by Text Publishing
Genre: ya contemp
Source: netgalley
Series? No

Buy it: Amazon Barnes & Noble IndieBound  Book Depository Target.com

Author stalk away: ~site

 

    I wanted to read this one because it sounds like an emotional and powerful story, one that needs to be heard. 

    So, I was pretty confused at times, and I think it was meant to be that way, because Alex is both a girl and a boy and feeling confused themselves. Alex was raised as a boy but now wanting to be more feminine. Thinking of it as two different people did help but I was trying to consolodate into one person, because that is the truth. 

    Being a mom, I can see to a certain extent where she was coming from, but then again, not really. She wasn't very supportive and you could tell that she didn't accept or try to understand what Alex was going through. She was selfish and thought that their actions, even at the age of three where no child really understands empathy, blaming them for getting into her crafting supplies and that she couldn't have an identity outside of her child. 

    The new school seemed to bring some actual friends into Alex's life, even if she is still hiding a lot from them.  Some of them do end up being positive in their live, but others not so much, and not always what you would think. 

    I didn't enjoy the end. It felt abrupt to me and I wanted a more solid ending, but if you are okay with open endings then it might be more suited for you. I wanted a bit more character development and at least more of the parental relationships more repaired or at least hopeful. I did like the direction that one of the friendships and standing with parent ended though. 

Bottom Line: Unique main character perspective.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Ever wanted a new identity?