Book Lovers Life

Thursday, 2 July 2015

Audiobook Review: Audrey's Guide To Witchcraft by Jody Gehrman!

Audrey's Guide to Witchcraft, Book 1 | [Jody Gehrman]

Written by: Jody Gehrman
Narrated by: Natalie Duke
Length: 11 hrs and 18 mins
- Series: Audrey's Guide to Witchcraft, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date:02-17-15

From the award-winning author of Babe in Boyland comes a young-adult paranormal romance about witchcraft, black magic, and the pleasures of paranormal chocolate.

Falling in love, baking a magical cake, fighting an evil necromancer: It's all in a day's work for Audrey Oliver, 17-year-old witch in training. When her mother goes missing, and her mysterious "cousin" shows up out of the blue, Audrey knows something's gone horribly, dangerously wrong. Now it's up to her to get her own magical powers up to speed before everyone she loves is destroyed by the sorcerer intricately connected to her mother's secret past.

Audrey's Guide to Witchcraft is more than just a novel; it's a book of spells, a collection of easy recipes, a charming coming-of-age story, an enchanting romance, and an action-packed adventure. As Audrey overcomes her insecurities and learns to protect herself against the wicked black magic of her nemesis, she grows into a heroine we can root for: a witch who knows that true power comes from deep within.

My Thoughts:

Things are changing for Audrey, and not in a good way. She goes to school one day with the nagging feeling that her mother is in danger. When she goes home, she is greeted with her supposed cousin Sadie. She tells Audrey that her mother is gone to deal with a family emergency. Audrey is skeptical though, because she has never met any of her mothers side so can't see how her mother would up and leave without telling them. She has no choice but to accept it till she can talk to her mother and find out whats happening. Add in strange occurrences at school, things happening by themselves, a hot boy and diary entrances and you have a recipe for a winner!!

First things first, I loved the recipe entries!! Be them cooking ones or spell ones, I thought it was a unique and fun way of doing it, plus you may learn a new recipe from it :) .

Character wise, every single one of them was well thought out and developed. Audrey is a smart, no nonsense girl who loves cooking and chemistry. She was witty, brave and strong. Meg is Audreys' sister and I loved their relationship. To Audrey, Meg has everything, she is a musician and gets all the guys but that doesn't stop Audrey from looking out for her and trying to protect her. We have Sadie, who is the "cousin". She was like a cool aunt to the girls, which I loved. She was only a few years older than them so could easily relate to them. Then we have the awesomeness that is Julian. There are sparks between him and Audrey but he affects her in ways she cant explain. He was such a sweetheart too though. So loyal, caring and nice.

The plot moves along nicely and I loved finding out about Audreys' powers alongside her. Audreys' heritage was fascinating and intriguing. The bad guy was well developed as well and at a certain part I thought he was truly evil, but then something developed that made me think that he isn't as he seems.

In all this was a witty, quick and thrilling read. I pretty much loved everything about it and can't wait to read more from this author. It's definitely one that everyone should check out.

Natalie Duke was perfect for this book. She had pep when needed and really brought the sass out in the characters. She brought Audrey to life and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the story.

*I received a copy of this for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

M9B Two for Thursday Book Blitz – The Emissary by Kristal Shaff and The Night House by Rachel Tafoya with Giveaway! #T4T

Welcome to this week’s Two for Thursday Book Blitz #T4T
presented by Month9books/Tantrum Books!

Today, we will be showcasing two titles that may tickle your fancy,
and we’ll share what readers have to say about these titles!

You just might find your next read!

This week, #T4T presents to you:

The Emissary by Kristal Shaff and
The Night House by Rachel Tafoya

Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!

For hundreds of years, dark clouds covered the skies of Adamah, and an ageless king ruled. Those who emerged with one of six extraordinary Shay powers were forced into the king's army, an unmatched force with inhuman Strength, Speed, Accuracy, Perception, Empathy, and Healing. With the army at his side, the king—a man who wields all six abilities—was invincible and unquestioned in his rule. To most, serving the king was an honor. And for some, it was a fate worse than death.

When seventeen-year-old Nolan Trividar witnesses the transformation of his brother from kind to cruel after entering the king’s army, he vows never to follow the same path. So when his own power—the Shay of Accuracy—comes upon him at the Tournament of Awakening, Nolan conceals his emergence instead of joining the king’s ranks. For years, he traitorously hides his power, pretending to be a gifted scribe. But when Nolan comes face-to-face with a deserter, the man discovers his secret. To evade detection and a death sentence, Nolan escapes with the deserter and flees into a night filled with dark creatures who steal both powers and souls.

Nolan joins a resistance, a village hidden deep in the forest, filled with others who secretly wield a Shay. But his peace is short lived when they discover that the dark clouds, the undead creatures, their own decreasing powers, and even the king, are all connected.

WHAT READER’S ARE SAYING:

“If you like super powers/magic, character development, and reading on the edge of your seat then I highly recommend this book to you!” – Aisazia, Originique Quanimity

“It's a great YA fantasy book with all the things that make for a memorable high fantasy.” – Ashley, The A P Book Club

“Between the magical elements, the rebellion against a psychotically evil king, the group of rebels who band together to become a family of sorts who fight and sacrifice for each other, amazing fighting scenes, truly creepy zombie-like creatures who add even more danger to the game, and even a bit of romance, this definitely goes on my “must read” list – I highly recommend!” – Michelle McLean, Author

Kristal Shaff grew up with books (and used to drive her mom crazy when she wouldn’t leave the library); her first job was even shelving books at the library. She loves anything creative, and you can often find her exploring strange and fantastical worlds in her choices of movies and fantasy fiction. Kristal resides in Iowa with her farmer husband, numerous pets, and 3 awesome kids (plus one more on the way though the journey of adoption). When she isn’t writing, she is a professional face painter who enjoys making children smile.

Author Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Bianca St. Germain works at a Night House, a place where vampires like the aristocratic Jeremiah Archer, pay to feed on humans, and she doesn’t much care what others think of her. The money is good, and at least there, she’s safe. Bianca also doesn’t care that the Night House is killing her. All she cares about is: nauth, the highly addictive poison in vampire bites that brings a euphoria like no drug ever could.

But when Bianca meets James, a reclusive empath who feels everything she does, for the first time, she considers a life outside of the Night House and a someone worth living for. But Jeremiah has decided to keep Bianca for himself; he won’t allow her to walk away.

As she allows her feelings for James to grow, she struggles to contain nauth's strong hold on her life. If they are to have a future, James must make her see what she's worth, what she means to him, before Jeremiah and nauth claim her for good.

WHAT READER’S ARE SAYING:

“This is not your usual vampire book. The inceptions and the mystery messed with my head and I loved every moment of it. ” – Paula, Her Book Thoughts

“Rachel Tafoya brought vampires back to life for me, made them mysterious and intriguing again.” – Jaime, The Best Books Ever

“I found Rachel Tafoya's debut to be an entertaining read with a unique plot, super interesting world, and great character development! I found myself thoroughly immersed in the world of The Night House.” – Jessica, Jessabella Reads

Rachel Tafoya studied creative writing while at Solebury School and was published in their student run literary magazine, SLAM. She attended a writing program for teens at both Susquehanna University and Denison University, and the Experimental Writing for Teens class and Novels for Young Writers program, both run by NY Times bestselling author, Jonathan Maberry. Rachel is the daughter crime author Dennis Tafoya.

Connect with the Author: Tumbler | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Complete the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win!

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Wednesday, 1 July 2015

Rewinder by Brett Battles Audiobook Review!

Written by: Brett Battles
Narrated by: Vikas Adam
Length: 7 hrs and 48 mins
Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date:12-23-14

Publisher: Audible Studios

You will never read Denny Younger’s name in any history book, will never know what he's done.

But even if you did, you’d never believe it.

The world as you know it wouldn't be the same without him.

Denny was born into one of the lowest rungs of society, but his bleak fortunes abruptly change when the mysterious Upjohn Institute recruits him to be a Rewinder, a verifier of personal histories. The job at first sounds like it involves researching old books and records, but Denny soon learns it's far from it.

A Rewinder's job is to observe history.

In person.

Embracing his new duties with enthusiasm, Denny witnesses things he could never even imagine before. But as exciting as the adventures into the past are, there are dangers, too. For even the smallest error can have consequences.

Life-altering consequences.

Time, after all, is merely a reference point.

My Thoughts :

This book was awesome!! I've never heard of any of the authors work but I have to say that is this is any indication, then I will have to check out more from him.

The world building was amazing! Denny lives in a world where class is measured by numbers, 1 being the best. Denny is an 8 which means he is among the lowest class. Everyone has to take a test when they come of age and that test will give them their jobs for life. Denny expects to do something mundane like his father but the day of the results dawn and Denny is informed that he must resit the test. From then on Dennys world changes forever!! He is offered a job on the spot, only catch is that he won't know what the job involves until he accepts it! He will also be promoted to a level 5. He accepts, of course, cause there has to be more to life than being a lowly 8!!

He finds out that he is a Rewinder and has the power to jump back to any date in time! His job is to take notes and keep hidden but when something accidentally happens to alter history and his world as he knows it, he struggles with whats the right thing to do, should he fix the past and bring back his world or leave it and keep the world as we know it?

Character wise, Denny is a worthy hero. He is studious, smart and kind. He is offered the job of a lifetime and immediately accepts. When he learns that he will be a Rewinder, a person that can travel into the past, he is so happy. History was always his favourite subject. Denny questions everything and has a strong sense of right and wrong. I loved his spirit!

Plot wise, it was so well thought out and executed! I was sucked in from the very first page and swept along in a breathtaking journey for the whole book. The Rewinders job is to go back in time and observe only!! Never to interfere and never to deviate. They mainly go back into a wealthy persons history and map it for them, but is that all they do?

The Rewinder aspect was fascinating. If you left yourself think to much about the intricacies of what they were doing then it would boggle the mind!! Denny first goes back into time with his instructor and while there there are about 5 or 6 other groups, with the same woman instructor. She says that she always brings the first timers here so each of them are her from a different time! I'm not making sense but when you read it it does!! Denny also sees himself in different times and can talk to himself. It's quite complex but the author nails it and at no stage was I confused!

In all, Rewinder was a fast paced and very exciting read. It's the type of book thats so hard to put down because you need to see what happens next. There are quite a few twists and you cant tell what is going to happen. It's a well written and thought out book and one you will devour. I loved everything about it and really hope we see more from Denny in the future.

I listened to the audio and once again Vikas Adam did an amazing job. He pulls you in and easily distinguishes each character. His tone and inflection are perfect. There are a few narrators that have made my favourite list and Vikas Adam is right up there at the top. He never fails to deliver!! Highly recommend the audio.

Pixelated by L.S Murphy Book Blitz and Giveaway!

Pixelated

by L.S. Murphy

Release Date: 06/30/15

Bloomsbury Spark

Summary from Goodreads:

Senior Year.

Middle of nowhere.

What's the new girl to do?

For Piper Marks, the answer is simple. She’s determined to have her photography rock the cover of National Geographic someday, and moving to Clarkton, Iowa for her last year of high school is not going to stop her. Even if her usual subjects have changed from bright lights and skyscrapers to fields, cows…and more fields.

But when photographer at the local paper quits in a huff, she steps into his spot. Her new job keeps Piper busy capturing tackles, and zooming in on first downs and end zone dances, not to mention putting her directly in the path of varsity football star Les Williams IV. Her new friends warn her off, but she can’t resist the pull she feels toward this mysterious country boy. But this small town is keeping a secret, and it’s one that could destroy any chance they have to be together.

It’s up to Piper to decide what to do with the distorted truth. Can she risk exposing her heart? It might be worth it, 'cause Les is about to change her world from black and white to fully saturated color.

Buy Links:

AMAZON│BARNES & NOBLE│KOBO

Praise for Pixelated:

"In Pixelated, L.S. Murphy weaves a complex web of secrets and lies with a ‘will they or won’t they’ romance that kept me turning pages and holding my breath!" ~ Julie Reece, author of The Artisans and Crux

"Beautifully written, with a full spectrum of emotion and complex characters, Pixelated will tug at all your heartstrings. I easily lost myself in the world L.S. Murphy created and couldn't stop reading because I needed to see how the story ended." ~ Kelly Oram, author of Cinder & Ella

"L.S. Murphy brings something for every reader with Pixelated: romance, secrets, mystery, and a main character torn between two choices. Murphy's writing is sharp and steeped in emotions, deftly hooking her readers from the first sentence to the last." ~ Sarah Bromley, author of A Murder Of Magpies

About the Author

L.S. Murphy obsesses about St. Louis Cardinals baseball, fangirls over her favorite authors, and watches every episode of Doctor Who like it's the first time. When she's not doing those time-consuming things, the former farm-girl turned city slicker turned suburbanite writes sweet romances for teens and adults.

Author Links:

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GIVEAWAY:

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Book Blitz Organized by:

Darkness Brutal by Rachel A Marks Release Day Celebration and Giveaway!

DARKNESS BRUTAL The Dark Cycle, Book 1 Author: Rachel A. Marks Release Date: July 1st, 2015 Publisher: Skyscape

SYNOPSIS:

Aidan O’Linn’s childhood ended the night he saw a demon kill his mother and mark his sister, Ava, with Darkness. Since then, every three years the demons have returned to try to claim her. Living in the gritty, forgotten corners of Los Angeles, Aidan has managed to protect his sister, but he knows that even his powers to fight demons and speak dead languages won’t keep her safe for much longer.

In desperation, Aidan seeks out the help of Sid, the enigmatic leader of a group of teens who run LA Paranormal, an Internet reality show that fights demons and ghosts. In their company, Aidan believes he’s finally found a haven for Ava. But when he meets Kara, a broken girl who can spin a hypnotic web of passionate energy, he awakens powers he didn’t know he had―and unleashes a new era of war between the forces of Light and the forces of Darkness.

With the fate of humanity in his hands, can Aidan keep the Darkness at bay and accept his brilliant, terrifying destiny?

Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Darkness-Brutal-The-Dark-Cycle/dp/1477830790
Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25010747-darkness-brutal?from_search=true&search_version=service

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rachel A. Marks is a writer and artist, a surfer and dirt-bike rider, chocolate lover and keeper of faerie secrets. Her four kids and amazing hubby put up with her nerdiness with tremendous grace, even when she makes them watch Buffy or Smallville re-runs for days on end. She was voted: Most Likely To Survive A Zombie Apocalypse, but hopes she'll never have to test the theory.

Check out www.RachelAnneMarks.com for a sample chapter!
Check out @RachelAnneMarks to chat with the author!

Winner will get $25 Amazon gift card, $10 Starbucks card, and 2 8x10 pieces of author Rachel A. Marks artwork, winner's choice.
(Open to US only | Must be 13+ To Enter)

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Schism by Laura Masiano Book Blitz and Excerpt!

Schism (Illirin #1)

by Laura Maisano

Release Date: 04/28/15

Muse It Up Publishing

Art therapy hasn’t done squat for Gabe Jones. A thousand sketches of his fiancée can’t bring his memory, or her, back to him. Nothing on Earth can. His past lies in another dimension, a world just out of sight.
Another student on campus, Lea Huckley, unknowingly shares Gabe’s obsession with the fourth dimension. The monsters from the other side attacked her parents and fled, getting her folks locked up in the loony bin. Proving this other world exists is the only way to free them. Lea and Gabe strike a deal to help each other, and together they manage to open a door to the world of Gabe’s true origin. She’d use him for proof—if she didn’t already care too much.
While Gabe tries to reconcile his feelings for Lea and his rediscovered memories of his fiancée, a much more sinister plot unravels. He uncovers his history just in time to become the unwilling lynchpin in a conspiracy to start a war. His memory holds the secret to the final riddle the would-be conqueror needs to get the upper hand. Gabe must protect the riddle at all costs, even if that means leaving Earth, and Lea, behind forever.

Buy Links:

Amazon * Barnes and Noble * Audible * Kobo
Goodreads * MuseItUp Publishing

Excerpt

Lea packed light. Other than her phone’s GPS and a flashlight, she kept a small notepad, her lucky pencil, and the thermometer in her cargo pocket. She didn’t need to find data, now she needed proof.
She led the way down the alley where skyscrapers blocked the glowing moon and the lamps from the highway. Yellowed fixtures above each back entrance threw faint cones of light onto the cement, like holes in Swiss cheese.
Lea checked the coordinates on her phone while she walked, and the little red arrow crept closer to the flag icon she placed to mark the interaction point.
Gabe spent his time surveying the area for anything that might be a danger. He kept fidgeting behind her and turning around every few seconds, a twitchy meerkat on patrol.
“We’re only between buildings. It’s not the end of the world.” Lea checked her phone again to make sure they were headed in the right direction.
He glanced over his shoulder. “I still don’t like it. It’s night, people do get mugged, you know.”
“The statistics of that are so low. We’re really not in any danger, considering the population and how many times that sorta thing happens.”
He shifted uneasily behind her. “Whatever, we’re raising the chances by being out here at night.”
Lea rolled her eyes. “I’m not missing this opportunity.”
“I know that. Neither am I.”
“Good.”
They came to a cross section behind two major offices where the loading docks and dumpsters sat for both of them. A stream of water trickled down the concave cement into the large sewer grate. Old garbage left a fume hanging around, and the humidity only made it worse.
Lea double- and triple-checked her coordinates, cross-checking with her notes. “This is it. Within I’d say, a fifteen foot diameter, low to the ground.” She shoved the phone in her cargo pocket. “Perfect.”
“How long?”
“Roughly ten minutes.”
Ten minutes may as well have been six hours. She paced back and forth, her sneakers scuffing the gritty pavement.
Gabe continued to keep a watchful eye out for muggers or vagrants. What a dork.
She snickered quietly. For someone who didn’t know his own experiences, he sure seemed paranoid. She watched him standing straight, darting his eyes to the entrance and even up to the windows above them. Watch out bad guys, Gabe’s on to you. She smiled and turned to see what looked like heat waves rising from the cold cement. Crap. The interaction had already started.
“Gabe…” She waved him over next to the loading dock.
This interaction provided no shining lights or obvious movement. Not much stood out visually, except maybe the air glistening like summer heat waves if she squinted hard enough, but her digital thermometer found the coldest point.
“Here,” she whispered, not wanting anyone or anything on the other side to hear. She stretched her arms forward, and Gabe did likewise.
“On the count of three.” She waited for him to nod. “One…two…three.”
They both reached through the interaction point and grabbed at the thicker air. Nothing. They tried again, pulling, grasping, and making any sort of motion to trigger a rip. Finally, Gabe leaned in and pulled out at just the right angle, because the light tore across like a jagged line. Lea grabbed the edge of it and tugged, opening the tear wider until they both fell through.

About the Author

Laura has an MA in Technical writing and is a Senior Editor at Anaiah Press for their YA/NA Christian Fiction. She’s excited to release her debut YA Urban Fantasy SCHISM April 28, 2015, and during the wait, she’s working on the sequel UNITY.
Her gamer husband and amazing daughter give support and inspiration every day. Their cats, Talyn and Moya, provide entertainment through living room battles and phantom-dust-mote hunting. Somehow, they all manage to survive living in Texas where it is hotter than any human being should have to endure. Check out her blog at LauraMaisano.blogspot.com.

Author Links:

Tuesday, 30 June 2015

A Batter of Life and Death by Ellie Alexander Release Event and Giveaway!

Today we are excited to announce the release of A Batter of Life and Death by Ellie Alexander! This is the second book in the Bakeshop Mystery series and is now available for sale!

Guest Post:

Welcome to Ashland, Oregon the home of the world famous Oregon Shakespeare Festival and home to the fictional family bakeshop Torte and pastry chef Juliet (Jules) Capshaw.

Torte is more than a bakeshop it’s a gathering place for neighbors and friends. Whether you’ve lived in Ashland for your entire life or are just passing through to catch a production of Shakespeare under the stars, at Torte everyone is family. Jules and her staff handcraft delectable cakes and baked goods and offer up a listening ear to everyone who walks through Torte’s front door. That makes it the perfect setting for murder. Sometimes the sweets at Torte are to die for—literally.

While Torte (and murder) may be fictional in A Batter of Life and Death, the town of Ashland is very real and oh so charming. The plaza downtown is a hub for artists, foodies, musicians and travelers from every corner of the globe. Spend an afternoon strolling through Lithia Park with its meandering paths, gorgeous fountains, hiking trails, and ancient trees. Stop for a pint at Oberon’s Tavern or an afternoon sweet at Mix, and then wander up to the bricks to catch a spectacular live show.

One of my favorite things about writing the Bakeshop Mystery series is introducing readers to Ashland and the surrounding areas. I hope that readers will enjoy getting a little glimpse into the world of the theater, Shakespeare, a family bakeshop, and Southern Oregon.

Happy reading and baking!

~Ellie Alexander

About the Book:

Welcome to Torte--a small-town family bakeshop where the coffee is hot, the muffins are fresh, and the cakes are definitely to die for…

It's autumn in Ashland, Oregon--'tis the season for a spiced hot apple cider with a serving (or two) of Torte's famous peach cobbler. It's also the perfect time for Jules Capshaw to promote her family's beloved bake shop by competing in The Pastry Channel's reality show, Take the Cake. The prize is $25,000. But as Jules quickly learns, some people would kill for that kind of dough. Literally.

Then, just as Jules dusts off her Bavarian Chocolate Cake recipe and cinches up her apron, the corpse of a fellow contestant is discovered--death by buttercream. What began as a fun, tasteful televised adventure has morphed into something of a true-crime detective show for Jules and everybody else on set. Who could have killed Chef Marco, and why? Can Jules sift out the killer before someone else gets burned?

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Indiebound

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Make sure to check out book one, Meet Your Baker!

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About the Author:

Ellie Alexander is a Pacific Northwest native who spends ample time testing pastry recipes in her home kitchen or at one of the many famed coffeehouses nearby. When she’s not coated in flour, you’ll find her outside exploring hiking trails and trying to burn off calories consumed in the name of research. Follow her on Facebook or Twitter to learn more.

Twitter | Facebook

-------------------

Giveaway:

Signed copy of Meet Your Baker and A Batter of Life and Death, 1 pound coffee, Oregon Chai, Gourmet cupcake liners (US)

Ends July 21st

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This event was organized by CBB Book Promotions.

Darkness Brutal by Rachel A Marks Book Blitz and Giveaway!

Welcome to the promo event for Rachel A. Marks' Amazon Bestseller Darkness Brutal.
This is the first in her exciting YA fantasy series.

Series: The Dark Cycle #1

Release date: July 1st 2015

Publisher: Skyscape

Purchase: Amazon | B&N

Synopsis via Goodreads:
Aidan O’Linn’s childhood ended the night he saw a demon kill his mother and mark his sister, Ava, with Darkness. Since then, every three years the demons have returned to try to claim her. Living in the gritty, forgotten corners of Los Angeles, Aidan has managed to protect his sister, but he knows that even his powers to fight demons and speak dead languages won’t keep her safe for much longer.

In desperation, Aidan seeks out the help of Sid, the enigmatic leader of a group of teens who run LA Paranormal, an Internet reality show that fights demons and ghosts. In their company, Aidan believes he’s finally found a haven for Ava. But when he meets Kara, a broken girl who can spin a hypnotic web of passionate energy, he awakens powers he didn’t know he had―and unleashes a new era of war between the forces of Light and the forces of Darkness.

With the fate of humanity in his hands, can Aidan keep the Darkness at bay and accept his brilliant, terrifying destiny?

About the Author
Rachel A. Marks is an award-winning author and professional artist, a cancer survivor, a surfer and dirt-bike rider, chocolate lover and keeper of faerie secrets. She was voted: Most Likely to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse, but hopes she'll never have to test the theory.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS