Monday, December 30, 2013

Blog Tour: Rapture by Quinn Loftis


Rapture (Elfin Series Book 2)


By Quinn Loftis

Synopsis


Triktapic, the deadly dark elf assassin, has been restored by the Forest Lords to his rightful place as king of the Elven realm. Now, he must face his former comrades as he attempts to stop Lorsan, king of the dark elves, from enslaving the human race. Lorsan has already begun distributing Rapture, the irresistible drink that destroys those who unknowingly become addicted to it. Will Cassie, his Chosen, be able to give Trik the strength he needs to face his dark past?

Meanwhile, Cassie’s best friend, Elora, is in a fight for her own life. Elora, her mother, Lisa, and a small band of light elves have traveled deep into the dark elf realm in hopes of rescuing Cassie and Trik. But their mission quickly turns into a battle for their own lives as they are surrounded by Lorsan and his warriors. Though outnumbered ten to one, the humans and elves fight heroically. They fight for a King once lost, but now found. They fight for the human realm that doesn’t yet know it is in need of saving. They fight for love; a love that has already been discovered and a love that is waiting to be revealed. Despite their valiant efforts, the band is captured and held captive by the dark elf king.

The peaceful world that Cassie and Elora knew is long gone, shattered by their realization that elves walk secretly among them, and are bent on their destruction. Soon, each of the girls will be forced to choose her own path. Cassie must decide to which world she belongs and Elora must decide if she will fight for a warrior hell bent on keeping her from his side.

Two species, human and elf, stand on the precipice of war, united in one goal; shatter the dark elf king’s plan, and unite a divided race under the rule of the one true King.
~~~

Review

Rapture is a spectacular read per usual when it comes to Quinn Loftis. All the characters are here. All giving you their POV and all making you swoon or crack up hysterically (or both) in one way or another. Except for Lorsan of course, but hey what did you expect *cringes inwardly*.

Cassie and Trik are back loving, laughing, and kicking elven butt. They are both darkness and rapture free and you get to finally see them interact with nothing between them. Except for, you know, a deranged elf king trying to take over the world and assassinate Trick. Pishaw, child's play, right?

Elora and Cush are swoon worthy and slightly infuriating. But that's for me to know you to find out, hehe.
" 'Your being Dramatic again, " Oakley said from behind her.
'Nobody asked you bro.' "
Their relationship is a great fit and I cannot wait to watch them progress in it.

The story is action packed and impossible to put down. Another win!
~Rain

Excerpt 


“No comments on saving the world, huh?” Elora asked sarcastically.
“I think it goes without saying that I and my sword are capable of saving the world,” Cush answered.
Elora was struck mute by the sheer confidence he exuded. She was trying really hard to not want him, and if he wasn’t so self-assured, handsome, calm under pressure, and funny—in a totally unexpected way—she’d be doing alright. But he was all of those things and he kept saying things that threw her off balance. She glanced at him from the corner of her eye. Bad move genius, she told herself. Rule number one; do not look at the hotness. Okay, maybe this could work if she could just set up some ground rules for herself. She could call them: Rules to stay un-elfed. She mentally smiled at her made up title and then mentally kicked herself for basically have a conversation with herself, complete with laughing at her own jokes. She settled down into her seat without responding to his sharp, witty, and admittedly hilarious comment.
“Wake me when we get to the restaurant,” Elora said to no one in particular.
“Elora, it will take all of five minutes to get to a place to eat,” Lisa pointed out.
What Elora wanted to say was, that’s five minutes too many to be stuck in this ride with the only guy she had ever met that made her want to bat her eye lashes and giggle like a moron, but what she actually said was, “Five minutes of sleep is better than none.” Witty? No. Drama free? At least on the outside she was.

About The Author



Quinn lives in beautiful NW Arkansas with her husband, son, Doberman and cat (who thinks she is a ninja in disguise). She is beyond thankful that she has been blessed to be able to write full time and hopes the readers know how much all of their support means to her. Some of her hobbies include reading, exercising, crochet, and spending time with family and friends. She gives all credit of her success to God because he gave her the creative spirit and vivid imagination it takes to write.
~~~

Links




Monday, December 16, 2013

Rain's Reviews: This is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith

This Is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith

This Is What Happy Looks Like


This Is What Happy Looks Like

If fate sent you an email, would you answer?

When teenage movie star Graham Larkin accidentally sends small town girl Ellie O'Neill an email about his pet pig, the two seventeen-year-olds strike up a witty and unforgettable correspondence, discussing everything under the sun, except for their names or backgrounds.

Then Graham finds out that Ellie's Maine hometown is the perfect location for his latest film, and he decides to take their relationship from online to in-person. But can a star as famous as Graham really start a relationship with an ordinary girl like Ellie? And why does Ellie want to avoid the media's spotlight at all costs? ~Goodreads
~~~

Review


This Is What Happy Looks Like was a bit of a let down. It had it’s good elements and sweet moments but as a whole seemed a bit dull or monotone. The idea was good and the characters were enjoyable but something was lost in interpretation. Ellie is a good girl with a best friend named Olive and a beagle named Bagel. Ellie is a fun person. She has a good conscience and foundation. But she is missing somthing. There is a hole in her life and she doesn’t have any way of talking about it or fixing it- until this summer.

Graham was a cool- if not a bit gawky at times. He fit the famous-but-it-hasn’t-gone-to-his-head role well and the moment he starts thinking about his parents I start to like him. But like I said before there is a one dimensional feeling about him.

Jennifer E. Smith wrote The Statistical Possibility of Love at First Sight. One of the best books I read last christmas season and very unique. I was hoping for another hit when I picked up This Is What Happy Looks Like but it fell short of my expectations.

The constant explanation of how it was to be famous, the compare and the contrast between the two worlds. It was exhausting and repetitious and the dialogue was lacking. There are some good thoughts and little snippets of the author I enjoyed so much last time but that sparkle was missing.
~Rain
~~~

"Sunrises over the harbor. Ice cream on a hot day. The sound of waves down the street. The way my dog curls up next to me on the couch. Evening Strolls. Great movies. Thunderstorms. A good cheeseburger. Fridays. Saturdays. Wednesdays, even. Sticking your toes in the water. Pajama pants. Flip-flops. Swimming. Poetry. The absence on smiley faces in an e-mail..."

Monday, December 9, 2013

Rain's Reviews: Scrapped Princess

Scrapped Princess by Ichiro Sakaki


15 years ago, a set of twins - girl and a boy - was born to the king of Linevan. Shortly after their birth, a prophecy foretold that when the girl turned 16, she would bring about the end of humanity. To avoid this fate, the king ordered the princess disposed of. She miraculously survived, and now she has turned 15.
~

Review

I thought I’d like this book. I really, really did. It sounded mysterious with adventure. Exotic almost. But it ended up being extremely boring, confusing, and dreadful. Perhaps if you enjoyed anime this would be better but I’d have a hard time believing it. The events were cramped together with little explanation and by the end of the book you are confused and annoyed.

One of my biggest complaints is the author tries to tell you what is going on or tries to explain the symbolism in every little action but it’s really just choppy and feels more like she thinks I’m to dimwitted to figure out what is going on on my own. 

So if you want to take a hugenormous risk or like iffy japanese pop books then I suppose it’s one to pick up but I will not be reading this again nor the next thirteen.

~Rain

Monday, December 2, 2013

Rain's Reviews: Why We Took the Car by Wolfgang Herrndorf


Why We Took the Car by Wolfgang Herrndorf

Why We Took the Car

Why We Took the Car

A beautifully written, darkly funny coming-of-age story from an award-winning, bestselling German author making his American debut.

Mike Klingenberg doesn't get why people think he's boring. Sure, he doesn't have many friends. (Okay, zero friends.) And everyone laughs at him when he reads his essays out loud in class. And he's never invited to parties - including the gorgeous Tatiana's party of the year.

Andre Tschichatschow, aka Tschick (not even the teachers can pronounce his name), is new in school, and a whole different kind of unpopular. He always looks like he's just been in a fight, his clothes are tragic, and he never talks to anyone.

But one day Tschick shows up at Mike's house out of the blue. Turns out he wasn't invited to Tatiana's party either, and he's ready to do something about it. Forget the popular kids: Together, Mike and Tschick are heading out on a road trip. No parents, no map, no destination. Will they get hopelessly lost in the middle of nowhere? Probably. Will they meet crazy people and get into serious trouble? Definitely. But will they ever be called boring again?

Not a chance.
~

Review

I’m not convinced of my feeling for this book. Right after i finished it I would have said something along the lines of: Dull and dragging, the main character was trivial in his crush and Tschick was underdeveloped.

But now after giving it some time to stew I’d tell you it was fun and exciting. It lulled a little and was at times hard to pick back up but interesting nonetheless. The timeline and geography got a little confusing but you eventually catch up.

Mike Klingenberg was thoughtful and slow to speak (his character resembled Pudge from Looking For Alaska by John Green). He was given the chance to be a little less boring and forget about his crush-which got a little annoying-and he took it. Driving across Germany and looking for Timbuktu. Andrej Tshichatschow, Tschick for short. He is a particularly interesting conundrum that I would like to learn more about, yet I understand that that wasn’t the point of the story. He is itching for adventure and a friend. He finds booth in Mike, quite unexpectedly. He is cooler than he looks.

All the people they meet and all the trouble they get into, its - in a word, awesome- I want that trip. And you will to. It’s a great read and Mikes thought provoking inner monologue keeps it cool.

There is explicit language in some parts.

~Rain
~~~
"And I was insanely happy. Because you can't old your breath forever, but you can hold it for a pretty long time."

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Rain's Reviews: City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

City of Glass (The Mortal Instruments, #3)

City of Glass
To save her mother's life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters - never mind that entering the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and Simon has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight.

As Clary uncovers more about her family's past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadowhunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadowhunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he's willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her newfound powers to help save the Glass City - whatever the cost?

Love is a mortal sin and the secrets of the past prove deadly as Clary and Jace face down Valentine in the third installment of the New York Timesbestselling series The Mortal Instruments.

~

Review


City of Glass is the third installment of the Mortal Instruments series. I’m no good at sequel reviews but I’m going to try nonetheless.

The book starts out and I already wanted to put it down- not permanently but you know, to cool down. But I stuck with it and it did get better. I think one thing I enjoy about the characters is that they hold Clary accountable for her actions. Jace and Clary finally get some answers to their plethora of questions. Simon is a very large part of this story and you see more of Magnus and Alec. I liked that Cassandra spread around the POVs and you get a lot of little side stories and the main plot from many different viewpoints. This book, though marvelous didn’t leave a large opening for book four so I am anxious to find out what’s next for this series.

~Rain
Goodreads

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Rain's Reviews: What We Saw in the Night by Jacquelyn Mitchard

What We Saw in the Night by Jacquelyn Mitchard

What We Saw at Night (What We Saw at Night, #1)


Allie Kim suffers from Xeroderma Pigmentosum: a fatal allergy to sunlight that confines her and her two best friends, Rob and Juliet, to the night. When freewheeling Juliet takes up Parkour—the stunt-sport of scaling and leaping off tall buildings—Allie and Rob have no choice but to join her, if only to protect her. Though potentially deadly, Parkour after dark makes Allie feel truly alive, and for the first time equal to the “daytimers.”

On a random summer night, the trio catches a glimpse of what appears to be murder. Allie alone takes it upon herself to investigate, and the truth comes at an unthinkable price. Navigating the shadowy world of specialized XP care, extreme sports, and forbidden love, Allie ultimately uncovers a secret that upends everything she believes about the people she trusts the most.

~~~

What We Saw in the Night was good. It is a mystery-adventure type book told by a 17 yr old girl with XP. I can’t say to be well versed in XP but you do learn a bit about it in the book which I thought was pretty cool.

Allie Kim is a confused teenager that doesn’t really know what to do in her waking hours. She has two best friends Rob and Juliet. She just rolls with the punches and lets life pass her by. But when her life becomes shaken up she decides to take notice. It took a while for me to really like her and though I’ve warmed up to this female lead she isn’t really my fave. Her passive aggressive attitude and utter obsession with Rob really doesn’t make her appealing. When the action starts to heat up you get a hysterical vibe from her and as weird as it sounds I liked that because that’s how any sane person would be.

Rob is a sweet guy who I enjoyed but I don’t think he was developed enough. He is kind of two dimensional, I would have liked to get to know him better. And then there’s Juliet the Great and Terrible. the biggest self absorbed butt face I’ve ever had the misfortune of meeting.


But of course every one loved her and she is a huge part of the story *wink wink*

What We Saw In The Night was written well and if you like mysteries then this will definitely be up your alley. The romance between Allie and Rob went all the way and was hastily thrown in and was entirely unnecessary. However despite that is was still a good read.

Friday, October 25, 2013

Cover Reveal: Rapture (Elfin Series Book 2) by Quinn Loftis

Rapture (Elfin Series Book 2)

By Quinn Loftis

Synopsis


Triktapic, the deadly dark elf assassin, has been restored by the Forest Lords to his rightful place as king of the Elven realm. Now, he must face his former comrades as he attempts to stop Lorsan, king of the dark elves, from enslaving the human race. Lorsan has already begun distributing Rapture, the irresistible drink that destroys those who unknowingly become addicted to it. Will Cassie, his Chosen, be able to give Trik the strength he needs to face his dark past?

Meanwhile, Cassie’s best friend, Elora, is in a fight for her own life. Elora, her mother, Lisa, and a small band of light elves have traveled deep into the dark elf realm in hopes of rescuing Cassie and Trik. But their mission quickly turns into a battle for their own lives as they are surrounded by Lorsan and his warriors. Though outnumbered ten to one, the humans and elves fight heroically. They fight for a King once lost, but now found. They fight for the human realm that doesn’t yet know it is in need of saving. They fight for love; a love that has already been discovered and a love that is waiting to be revealed. Despite their valiant efforts, the band is captured and held captive by the dark elf king.

The peaceful world that Cassie and Elora knew is long gone, shattered by their realization that elves walk secretly among them, and are bent on their destruction. Soon, each of the girls will be forced to choose her own path. Cassie must decide to which world she belongs and Elora must decide if she will fight for a warrior hell bent on keeping her from his side.

Two species, human and elf, stand on the precipice of war, united in one goal; shatter the dark elf king’s plan, and unite a divided race under the rule of the one true King.

Coming December 2013

About The Author

 

Quinn lives in beautiful NW Arkansas with her husband, son, Doberman and cat (who thinks she is a ninja in disguise). She is beyond thankful that she has been blessed to be able to write full time and hopes the readers know how much all of their support means to her. Some of her hobbies include reading, exercising, crochet, and spending time with family and friends. She gives all credit of her success to God because he gave her the creative spirit and vivid imagination it takes to write.

Links


Website: http://www.quinnloftisbooks.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QuinnLoftisBooks?fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthQuinnLoftis
GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5014564.Quinn_Loftis

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Rains Reviews: Seeking Havok by Lila Felix

Seeking Havok
All she wanted was a friend---one that knew her and not her circumstances. She needed somewhere to call home. Hers was an open door for countless men looking for the services her mother offered them. She camouflaged herself against lockers and blackboards to avoid the stares and whispers at school.

And then she found Cal...and Fade.

Cal lives like Frankenstein, rising at night to work and just trying to make it until dawn. He avoids most relationships, afraid of the things he will be asked to do. He moonlights as Fade, a radio station DJ who spends hours counseling his peers on their troubles. It was all mundane until Jocelyn called the station.

Cal and Havok pursue a friendship.

Jocelyn and Fade pursue a relationship beyond the confines of the radio waves.

But when Havok disappears, Cal will find that Havok has been guarding a lifetime worth of secrets. And when Fade and Jocelyn’s all night phone conversations cease, he finds a link between them he never saw coming.
~~~
Seeking Havoc. Hmm. How about a quote?

“A great book should leave you with many experiences and slightly exhausted at the end. You live several lives while reading.” ~ William Styron

Yep, pretty much. This book wasn’t in any way anywhere near a feel good happy romance. But I liked that about it. Because life is crappy and it throws you off your groove. And though Havok hasn’t had a good homelife, though she is struggling, though she is in a bad situation she hasn’t given up. Not completely, not remotely- not really. And I admire her for that. Don’t get me wrong, she has her bad judgment calls and her own brand of naivety she is a fighter even if she doesn’t always think so.

Fade is a typical sweet, caring, swoon worthy guy that I wouldn’t expect anything less than from Lila. He listens to, cares for, and worries about Havok, Jocelyn and everyone else who need it. He is an all around stand up individual. And inside that awesome thing he calls a heart he finds he most cherished spot to put Havok. The safest most wonderful spot and that is where he puts his girl. Because that is where she deserves to be.

Seeking havok is a heavy book that made my tear up and laugh and fear and, yes, swoon. You’d think with statistics and human nature at least one of lila’s books wouldn’t be a home run but no. Way to beat the odds Lady Lila.

~Rain
~~~

Monday, October 21, 2013

Rains Reviews: The Fairy Ring by Mary Losure

The Fairy Ring by Mary Losure

The Fairy Ring: Or Elsie and Frances Fool the World

The enchanting true story of a girl who saw fairies, and another with a gift for art, who concocted a story to stay out of trouble and ended up fooling the world.

Frances was nine when she first saw the fairies. They were tiny men, dressed all in green. Nobody but Frances saw them, so her cousin Elsie painted paper fairies and took photographs of them "dancing" around Frances to make the grown-ups stop teasing. The girls promised each other they would never, ever tell that the photos weren’t real. But how were Frances and Elsie supposed to know that their photographs would fall into the hands of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle? And who would have dreamed that the man who created the famous detective Sherlock Holmes believed ardently in fairies
— and wanted very much to see one? Mary Losure presents this enthralling true story as a fanciful narrative featuring the original Cottingley fairy photos and previously unpublished drawings and images from the family’s archives. A delight for everyone with a fondness for fairies, and for anyone who has ever started something that spun out of control.

~~~

The Fairy Ring was an informative book on fairies in england 1900s. How nice to know they actually exist! That there is solid proof! And you know, that everyone is so easily fooled when they want to believe in something.

Frances and Elsie were oh so very different but they meshed. Frances was the quiet type that like to stay under the radar. She was sort of sensible I guess you could say. She saw fairies and thought nothing of it. They were just there, why do something about it?

Elsi was the artistic type and though she wasn’t an outgoing Social butterfly her shell wasn’t as thick as Frances’.

The Frances and Elsie were teased for believing in fairies. So they decided they were going to do something about that.

Through two simple pictures they made an entire country come to attention. They had all of england asking about fairies, believing that they were real and that two simple country girls caught them on camera!This rouse lasted their entire lives. But they didn’t know it would did they?

This story was told in distant third person and was a fast moving retelling of the event that shaped their lives and changed a country. It was interesting and welcome and I greatly enjoyed this short novel.

~Rain
~~~

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Blog Tour: Twisted by KayCee R

twisted tour
twisted Twisted Cayden Rivers wants nothing more than to be normal, but we don’t always get what we want. For years he has been hiding a secret, afraid of being labeled a “freak”. Every day he goes to school, plays football, spends time with his girlfriend, and helps carry his drunken adopted father to bed. Nobody knows the truth about his unnatural speed and strength, including his life-long friend Camilla. Suddenly, four strangers enter Cayden’s life, and not only do they know his secret, they also have one of their own. With their help, Cayden discovers there is more to his power, something much more dangerous. Something other people will kill to possess. Camilla wishes her parents were around more. She gets lonely sleeping in her big empty house night after night. Sure, she has all the money she could ever need, but the only person who is there for her is Cayden. He has his own family and a girlfriend who takes up most of his time, so Camilla knows he won’t be there for her forever, and recently he’s been acting really strange. Will Cayden be able to keep his secret and his friendship with Camilla, or will his new found power destroy everything, including his own life? Switching between Cayden and Camilla's point of view, Twisted will leave you aching for more.  
~~~
Excerpt
I pushed the guy’s weight off me so I could get up to see if Dom caught the ball, but I stopped short when I looked up at who had tackled me. It was… me? I must have hit my head. Hard. I heard cheers roaring, but they felt like they were coming from far away. That I was watching from a distance, even though I was there on the field.   kayceeKayCee R KayCee is a 24 year old self-published author from Cleveland, Ohio. KayCee has always loved reading. After a re-occurring dream she decided to try writing about it. She wrote the first installment of Twisted when she was 20. “I kept having this dream about these twins, and then I just decided to run with it. I wrote the beginning, the end, and then filled in the middle.” KayCee finished the book in 8 months and then decided to share the book online. After seeing people get interested in the book and the characters, she decided to write another book and turn Twisted into a series. KayCee has finished four novels in the Twisted series and is currently working on the fifth book.
Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 11/4/13 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Rain's Reviews: The Descendants Second Coming by Vrinda Pendred

Second Coming (The Descendants, #2)

Between kisses, Aidan kept asking her questions: Where do I come from? Who was my father? Who made me? Why am I here?

The Ancients are coming for them. In fact, they’ve already landed on Earth and now they’re searching for the boy who will lead them to the Wisdom.

Some say the Wisdom is ultimate knowledge of the Creator; others say it’s just a myth. But the golden giant Quetzal knows better. The Wisdom was lost thousands of years ago, and only its recovery will stop the Ancients from dying.

Meanwhile, Aidan is desperate to discover the identity of his birth parents…and the real reason why he was led away from home in pursuit of the black pulse of his dreams. Can Itzy protect him from the truth that threatens to divide them?
~~~
The Descendants Second Coming is just as astounding as the first. The adventure, Mystery, and romance of it all is amazingly woven together into a fantastical tale. Itzel, Aiden, Oz, Seth, and the rest of the gang and trying to protect the wisdom- kind of.

Itzel Loveguard has grown up. She has gotten more confident in herself and her powers but she still has a lot to learn. That, however, didn’t keep me from loving just as much the second time around.

The book was written in an encore cast all told in third person with the focus on Itzy, Sethe, Aiden, and the ancients mostly. Yep-the ancients- you get to meet them and see new sides to the already interesting cast.

The mystery was very well written and balanced. I didn’t figure anything out unless the characters did. I actually thought I’d gotten clever and figured it out a couple times but there was always another twist- silly me.

There was a lot more romance in this book, and much more steamy. I must admit that I was a little disappointed. It was very blatantly stated that they went past PG-13 and though there was no description I had always- for some fantastical childish reason hoped that Itzel was the type to wait. Nevertheless It was all such a small insignificant part of the story that I don’t think it would keep me from recommending it to a friend. Moving on.

The climax had a lot of build up and didn’t happen until the very end of the book as per Vrinda’s usual M.O. *Sighs* I have a theory that when Vrinda started writing she had an amazing mentor whom she grew to trust completely and always took his advice. Then one day Vrinda came to him with a problem- she couldn’t figure out how write the ending of a book. And her mentor in all his gentle wiseness told her, “then don’t. Leave your readers in miserable agony until you write the next book and then eventually when the time comes, and ending will present itself. Until then just stop and publish it at the least and yet most opportune moment.” And since that was the most she had ever heard her very old- slow to speak mentor talk at once she decided then and there to do exactly that; every single time. Congratulations old man you’ve cultivated an exquisite author with the ability to make lives and powers and fairytales come to life and I think you should be proud of her, dear fictional man. Lets just hope no one has to wait too long for the next installment, I think she might be responsible for a few admittances in to a psych ward if they have too long of a wait.

So long, and thanks for all the fish.

~Rain

Monday, October 14, 2013

Southern Book Carnival

Favorite Character

“I don't care when people think I'm an antisocial, controlling bookworm because that's what I am. It's when they interpret me wrong that I have a problem.”

― Kasie West, Pivot Point

So you know how you meet those people and on the surface your like oh they are so great! But once walk away from the conversation your like they're OK. And then you meet someone else and they just quietly ingrain their selves into your soul and when someone asks you who your favorite person is and your really true to yourself and take in all things that person sneaks up and smiles at you inside you know you just know that that is the greatest person. That friend is the best friend. That human is your favorite human.


That is how I am going to end the Southern Book Carnival. I have read so many books, I have told ya'll about so many books that it is so hard to know to really know who your favorite character is. And I have made my decision.

Knowing the outcome doesn’t always make a choice easier . . .

Addison Coleman’s life is one big “What if?” As a Searcher, whenever Addie is faced with a choice, she can look into the future and see both outcomes. It’s the ultimate insurance plan against disaster. Or so she thought. When Addie’s parents ambush her with the news of their divorce, she has to pick who she wants to live with—her father, who is leaving the paranormal compound to live among the “Norms,” or her mother, who is staying in the life Addie has always known. Addie loves her life just as it is, so her answer should be easy. One Search six weeks into the future proves it’s not.

In one potential future, Addie is adjusting to life outside the Compound as the new girl in a Norm high school where she meets Trevor, a cute, sensitive artist who understands her. In the other path, Addie is being pursued by the hottest guy in school—but she never wanted to be a quarterback’s girlfriend. When Addie’s father is asked to consult on a murder in the Compound, she’s unwittingly drawn into a dangerous game that threatens everything she holds dear. With love and loss in both lives, it all comes down to which reality she’s willing to live through . . . and who she can’t live without.


Addison Coleman.

Addison Coleman, the socially awkward, geeky, and slightly sarcastic Divergent. She can Search her future. She can make decisions, she's a loyal friend, and hilarious. She is so real, she has her quirks and her weird moments.

Who is your favorite character

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you so much for visiting this weekend!! If you've entered the giveaway make sure there is a way for me to contact you if you win and get back with me within 24 hours of being notify or I will pick a new winner:).

Thanks so much for participating in this awesome Carnival and I hope you enjoyed it!!!

Rain's Reviews: Pulse by Patrick Carman

Pulse (Pulse, #1)
From New York Times bestselling author Patrick Carman, a teen fantasy-adventure of epic proportions. In 2051, some teens have a “pulse,” the power to move objects with their minds. Compulsively readable, with thrilling action scenes and a tender love story.

The year is 2051, and the world is still recognizable. With the help of her mysterious classmate Dylan Gilmore, Faith Daniels discovers that she can move objects with her mind. This telekinetic ability is called a “pulse,” and Dylan has the talent, too.

In riveting action scenes, Faith demonstrates her ability to use her pulse against a group of telekinesis masters so powerful they will flatten their enemies by uprooting street lights, moving boulders, and changing the course of a hurtling hammer so that it becomes a deadly weapon. But even with great talent, the mind—and the heart—can be difficult to control. If Faith wants to join forces with Dylan and save the world, she’ll have to harness the power of both.

Patrick Carman’s Pulse trilogy is a stunning, action-filled triumph about the power of the mind—and the power of love.~Goodreads
~~~
Pulse is an intoxicating read that make you bite your nails in anticipation and scream for answers. Mr. Patrick has mastered the art of suspense. Sounds slightly diabolical but, hey, everyone has their hobby’s. Apparently his include making readers fear for, cry with, laugh at, and empathize with these characters he skillfully crafts in a way that brings them to life.
Faith is a multifaceted young woman. She is rebellious in a way that usually gets her in trouble. She is quick witted which has endeared her to me. She is intelligent, a quick study, and artistic. But she also lets her emotions rule. She has a short fuse and is prone to let her emotions control her actions.
Hawk is a great little guy. He is hilarious, super friggin’ smart, and knows how to play situations to his advantage.
The rest of the characters play a very important role in the book. Patrick is not one to waste words on fluff. The description though minimal was well thought out and you learned about people and situations when he saw fit. The entire book was an entire spider web woven together and interconnecting in a way that kept me reading all day long. Great Read. And definitely an original apocalypse.

~Rain
~~~

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Southern Book Carnival

Today we are going to have a speaker(ish)! Mrs. Shelly Crane who is a 100% Southern Beauty!

Shelly is a New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author from a small town in Georgia and loves everything about the south. She is wife to a fantastical husband and stay at home mom to two boisterous and mischievous boys who keep her on her toes. They currently reside in everywhere USA as they happily travel all over with her husband's job. She loves to spend time with her family, binge on candy corn, go out to eat at new restaurants, buy paperbacks at little bookstores, site see in the new areas they travel to, listen to music everywhere and also LOVES to read.
Her own books happen by accident and she revels in the writing and imagination process. She doesn't go anywhere without her notepad for fear of an idea creeping up and not being able to write it down immediately, even in the middle of the night, where her best ideas are born.
Shelly Crane is who you have to thank for this blog. If it wasn't for her significance series I would have never gotten into reading as much as I have. Don't get me wrong I loved reading before but I always had a really hard time finding books that I'd enjoy that was age appropriate. So my spotlight today is the best author ever!
How many of you have ever played two lies and a truth? You have great! Oh you haven't, ok well it goes like this. I'm am going to tell you two lies and one truth about Shelly Crane and your going to tell me which one you think is the truth. Are you ready?
  • Shelly has three kids.
  • She hates cats.
  • She doesn't like chocolate.
Which one do you think it is?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Southern Book Carnival


Derby Bout! Love and Skate series by Lila Felix

Hey y’all! I’m so freaking happy you're here! You are just in time for the derby bout! Today’s spotlight is the Love and Skate series by the infamous Lila Felix. What book would win the derby?!?

Love in skate pulls ahead and body slams How it Rolls out of bounds. Caught in a Jam calls the foul and Down ‘n Derby skates to replace Love and skate. After two fouls by How it Rolls she is thrown from the game and its a battle for the win between Love and Skate and Down ‘n Derby. After the biggest tension filled match off seen in Reader’s Rink ever seen Caught in a Jam calls the game and Love and Skate scraped past with the win.

Who would win in your Roller Derby match?

Pick your favorite or most likely to win Love and Skate book and the winning eBook will be added to the pot of awesome prizes!!
Poll a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, October 11, 2013

Southern Book Carnival Day One

'Just Listen' Music Spectacular!

HEY Y'ALL! So today is the kickoff of the Southern Book Carnival! How many of you are excited? I know I am! So each day of the carnival I am going to do a different feature, one day I will feature a series, the next a book, the next an author and the next a character. I am so excited to spread around this southern book love and I hope you enjoy the event as much as I do.

Today I kicking off with a music spectacular!!

Just Listen by Sarah Dessen




I absolutely loved Just Listen’s story and characters and writing but above all, I loved the emphasis on music. So here is my playlist for Just listen.



So I have 10 songs on this playlist, but its missing something. Can you think of a song that should be added? Think clean please. Comment the name of the song and the artist, I’ll listen and pick the top two and you will get an extra entry into the pot for the awesome prize pack!

A little help if you haven’t had the chance to read this rocking book:

Last year, Annabel was "the girl who has everything" — at least that's the part she played in the television commercial for Kopf's Department Store.

This year, she's the girl who has nothing: no best friend because mean-but-exciting Sophie dropped her, no peace at home since her older sister became anorexic, and no one to sit with at lunch. Until she meets Owen Armstrong.

Tall, dark, and music-obsessed, Owen is a reformed bad boy with a commitment to truth-telling. With Owen's help, maybe Annabel can face what happened the night she and Sophie stopped being friends. ~Goodreads

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Thursday, October 10, 2013

Book Blast: Twisted by KayCee R

twisted tour
twisted 
Twisted Cayden Rivers wants nothing more than to be normal, but we don’t always get what we want. For years he has been hiding a secret, afraid of being labeled a “freak”. Every day he goes to school, plays football, spends time with his girlfriend, and helps carry his drunken adopted father to bed. Nobody knows the truth about his unnatural speed and strength, including his life-long friend Camilla. Suddenly, four strangers enter Cayden’s life, and not only do they know his secret, they also have one of their own. With their help, Cayden discovers there is more to his power, something much more dangerous. Something other people will kill to possess. Camilla wishes her parents were around more. She gets lonely sleeping in her big empty house night after night. Sure, she has all the money she could ever need, but the only person who is there for her is Cayden. He has his own family and a girlfriend who takes up most of his time, so Camilla knows he won’t be there for her forever, and recently he’s been acting really strange. Will Cayden be able to keep his secret and his friendship with Camilla, or will his new found power destroy everything, including his own life? Switching between Cayden and Camilla's point of view, Twisted will leave you aching for more.
  kayceeKayCee R KayCee is a 24 year old self-published author from Cleveland, Ohio. KayCee has always loved reading. After a re-occurring dream she decided to try writing about it. She wrote the first installment of Twisted when she was 20. “I kept having this dream about these twins, and then I just decided to run with it. I wrote the beginning, the end, and then filled in the middle.” KayCee finished the book in 8 months and then decided to share the book online. After seeing people get interested in the book and the characters, she decided to write another book and turn Twisted into a series. KayCee has finished four novels in the Twisted series and is currently working on the fifth book.
  BookBlast Giveaway $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 10/31/13 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rain's Reviews: Sacrifice of Love by Quinn Loftis

Sacrifice of Love by Quinn Loftis

Sacrifice of Love (The Grey Wolves, #7)

As one evil falls, another rises in its place. The powerful witch, Desdemona, has finally been killed by an alliance of wolf, elf, and fae. But Reyaz, brother to Cypher the warlock king, has vowed retribution for a life that was taken from him. Now Cypher must decide not only how to protect his newfound mate and his people, but also how to destroy the only family he has left.

Meanwhile, Jen’s pregnancy progresses and the fateful due date draws ever nearer. The thought of losing Decebel’s child constantly threatens to overwhelm her. With each passing day, Decebel grows more distant, causing Jen to wonder what toll the impending loss of their child is taking on him. Unbeknownst to Jen, in an act of desperation to protect his unborn child and mate, Decebel strikes a deadly bargain with the Great Luna—his life in place of his child’s. There is only one way for that to happen; the bond between he and Jen must be broken.

As Jen as Decebel struggle through their darkness, another kind of darkness is infiltrating Fane’s heart. Doubts and questions linger as he tries to cope with the emotions brought on in the aftermath of Desdemona’s curse. He knows what happened wasn’t real, but still he can’t rid himself of the terrible images seared into his memory. Jacque is his light, the one who keeps the darkness at bay, yet he won’t let her inside to do just that.

Sally continues to learn what it means to be a gypsy healer and Costin struggles to protect her as she runs full speed ahead to help her wolves, heedless of her own safety. She sees her best friends struggling, each enduring their own trials. She’s desperate to help them, but can she keep them safe?

With all of these things hanging heavy over the heads of the Serbia and Romania packs, their attention is divided. The wolves do not even realize a threat has slowly infiltrated their midst. Will they recognize the threat in time to save the lives that precariously hang in the balance?

Against this backdrop of darkness, choices will be made, fears will confronted, and the ultimate sacrifice will be made. Will the wolves stand together to defeat the threats arrayed against them, both from within and without? Will love conquer all? Or will the beleaguered wolves finally succumb to their demons? ~Goodreads

~~~

Sacrifice of Love sucked. Not in a bad way- not at all. But in a sad way. In a way that you feel as though you need to go to your friend and vent about all these things that go on in the book. It sucked in a way that you didn’t want it to finish because you knew it was the end. That is was all ending on the last page. Actually, for me, I don’t think the gravity of the situation set in. Sacrifice of Love is it. fin. there will be no more Grey Wolves Series. No more Jaque, Sally, or Jen. Not really. No more Fane, Costin or Decebel. No evil witches, deranged werewolves, psycho warlocks. I started this series the first weekend of November in 2012. I read the first, what four books? Five books? through out my move and reread them countless times. Probably each book at least four times in that period of time. Sally, Jen and Jacque have been a part of my life for almost a year on the tip of my tongue and present in my mind. How am I supposed to let them go? In this final book the entire gang is back together to defeat Cyphers crazy-butt brother. the twists and turn were heart wrenching and mind blowing. I am so wrought with emotional now trying to write this. I can’t go into detail- there are to many thing I might unwittingly reveal. And if you’ve been reading this series for this long you shouldn’t need me to tell you to read this book. Go out Grey Wolves readers, lovers, friends, I know you won’t be disappointed.

~Rain

Goodreads
Amazon
Quinn Loftis' Website

Monday, October 7, 2013

Rain's Reviews: Bluefish by Pat Schmatz

Bluefish
Travis is missing his old home in the country, and he’s missing his old hound, Rosco. Now there’s just the cramped place he shares with his alcoholic grandpa, a new school, and the dreaded routine of school. But that’s before Travis meets Mr. McQueen, who doesn’t take "pass" for an answer—a rare teacher whose savvy persistence has Travis slowly unlocking a book on the natural world. And it’s before Travis is noticed by Velveeta, a girl whose wry banter and colorful scarves belie some hard secrets of her own. With sympathy, humor, and disarming honesty, Pat Schmatz brings to life a cast of utterly believable characters—and captures the moments of trust and connection that make all the difference.~Goodreads
~~~
“Excellent question,” said McQueen. “It’s not here because the English language is filled with sinkholes and blind traps.”

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Bluefish. Bluefish is a very unique book- at least for me. It really is great and I won't hesitate to recomend it.

Travis is a young man who can get by on fifteen words a day, his dog roscoe, and his swamp. No need for reading or an attentive grandpa. But that has all changed/ His swamp is gone and so his his dog. His grandpa’s changing and his new school doesn’t tolerate his illiteracy. 

Velveeta is a very charismatic and eccentric girl. (She reminds me alot of Alaska from John Green’s Looking for Alaska). Her home is lacking and her special place is all she’s got. She meets Travis and now she has something to look forward to. Velveeta is funny and talks enough for two people. She’s a trip but behind the exterior is a girl who's hurting.

Life sucks and these two middle schoolers are learning how to get by.
~Rain
~~~

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

Dash & Lily's Book of Dares

Dash & Lily's Book of Dares


“I’ve left some clues for you.
If you want them, turn the page.
If you don’t, put the book back on the shelf, please.”

So begins the latest whirlwind romance from the bestselling authors ofNick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist. Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions?

Rachel Cohn and David Levithan have written a love story that will have readers perusing bookstore shelves, looking and longing for a love (and a red notebook) of their own. ~Goodreads
~~~Do you ever anticipate something for so long. Wait days, weeks, and months and when it finally get it you’re so overjoyed.And you convince yourself that nothing you’ve waited for and anticipated for so long could be anything less than purely epic? That’s how I felt when I got this book. 

Lily is an excited girl. Despite her odd appearance and seemingly slightly shallow outside she is a profound young woman. And I like to think I see myself in her. She is so interesting and such a girl. 
Dear Dash, 
 I must say, I cannot admit to ever really liking a hipster. Their entire superficial cover make my entirely disinterested. But you, Dash,have altered my opinion if only in this one case. You with your thoughtful profoundness and high quotability. (which is so Levithan Esque) I cannot ignore my wish that I could converse with you through notebooking. 

Rachel Cohn and David Levithan have lived up to all realistic expectations I gave them. And I truly believe that this book will grow on me more and more over time. So with this last thought I will leave you; I really want a red moleskin journal.

~Rain
~~~
Goodreads
Dash & Lily's Book of Dares

Collegy Stuff! ish

So this is the dealio. I started school last week. You might not think that's a big deal -BUT it is.
For me.
I have been independently home schooled for the past 8 years. I am used to customized schedules, sleeping in until  9:30 a.m. and lenient deadlines. Self teachings with parents as back up teachers when I need help. But this year, my junior year of high school, I am starting running start/ duel enrollment at the local community college. Commence 6 a.m. mornings, structured an set class times and material., homework, and all that other college stuff.
So, I am trying my best to keep up with all things blog and while I will continue to blog and read I may become scant on posts from time to time. I promise I will try my best but this is a whole new beast and sadly blogging is not more important than my future- darn.
Thank you for all the support so far and hopefully I will be able to stay on top of everything!
~Rain

Don't forget! Southern Book Carnival starts on the 11th! I am totally stoked!


Monday, September 30, 2013

Rain's Reviews: Prophecy Girl by Cecily White

Prophecy Girl by Cecily White

Prophecy Girl (Angel Academy, #1)

Amelie Bennett: Ending the world, one prophecy at a time.

I was born to slay Crossworld demons. 

Big black flappy ones, little green squirmy ones. Unfortunately, the only thing getting slain these days is my social life. With my high school under attack, combat classes intensifying, and Academy instructors dropping right and left, I can barely get my homework done, let alone score a bondmate before prom.

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Rain's Reviews: This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen

This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen




When it comes to relationships, Remy doesn't mess around. After all, she's learned all there is to know from her mother, who's currently working on husband number five. But there's something about Dexter that seems to defy all of Remy's rules. He certainly doesn't seem like Mr. Right. For some reason, however, Remy just can't seem to shake him. Could it be that Remy's starting to understand what those love songs are all about?

~~~

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Release Day Blitz: The Pitcher by William Hazelgrove




pitcherThe Pitcher “I never knew I had an arm until this guy called out, “Hey you want to try and get a ball in the hole, sonny?” I was only nine, but mom said, “come on, let’s play.” This Carney guy with no teeth and a fuming cigarette hands me five blue rubber balls and says if I throw three in the hole we win a prize. He’s grinning, because he took mom’s five bucks and figures a sucker is born every minute. That really got me, because we didn’t have any money after Fernando took off, and he only comes back to beat up mom and steal our money. So I really wanted to get mom back something, you know, for her five bucks.” A boy with a golden arm but no money for lessons. A mother who wants to give her son his dream before she dies. A broken down World Series pitcher who cannot go on after the death of his wife. These are the elements of The Pitcher. A story of a man at the end of his dream and a boy whose dream is to make his high school baseball team. In the tradition of The Natural and The Field of Dreams, this is a mythic story about how a man and a boy meet in the crossroads of their life and find a way to go on. You will laugh and you will cry as The Pitcher and Ricky prepare for the ultimate try out of life.
  williamAuthor William Hazelgrove William Hazelgrove is the best selling author of five novels, Ripples, Tobacco Sticks Mica Highways and Rocket Man and The Pitcher His books have received starred reviews in Publisher Weekly, Book of the Month Selections, Junior Library Guild Selections, ALA Editors Choice Awards and optioned for the movies. He was the Ernest Hemingway Writer in Residence where he wrote in the attic of Ernest Hemingway’s birthplace. He has written articles and reviews for USA Today and other publications. His latest novel Rocket Man due out May 1, 2013 was chosen Book of the Year by Books and Authors.net. He runs a political cultural blog, The View From Hemingway’s Attic. A forthcoming novel, The Pitcher will be out Sept 1, 2013. He lives in Chicago.
pitcher tour

  BookBlast Giveaway $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 9/30/13 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, September 16, 2013

Rain's Reviews: Jordyn (A Daemon Hunter) by Tiffany King

Jordyn (A Daemon Hunter) by Tiffany King


Jordyn (A Daemon Hunter, #1)

Hand to hand combat training: Check Cardio and strength training: Check Daemon hunting: Check Anomaly: Check Check, check, check, check...That's all my life is. There's nothing ordinary about me. I'm "special." I know this because I'm reminded of it every stinking day. I can kick a Daemon's ass with both hands tied behind my back. I can run up a mountain without breaking a sweat. Know what I can't do? Get guys to notice me, or hang out with friends like normal people do. I can't just be ordinary because I have an Arch Angel for a mentor who is always breathing down my neck, and a family of angelic Guides and Protectors who scrutinize every little thing I do. Just for a day I want a life where I'm no longer some anomaly, where I don't have to feel like a lab rat. And then I met Emrys. Okay, so my mentor and family hate him, but probably for good reason. After-all, he is a Soul Trader, and they aren't the most trust worthy beings. But, he is sooo hot with his green eyes, leather jacket and the sexiest tattoo you've ever seen running down his back. And-he doesn't treat me like a project. I've got myself in quite a little quandary here. Choosing between my responsibilities and the Trader that holds my heart is something I didn't sign up for. Torn between two different worlds, I must now decide who to trust and who to walk away from. What's a girl to do? See what I mean? I am an anomaly. I am Jordyn.~ Goodreads

~~~

Oh, I’ve been waiting to read this book for months on end. I know its been out and Tiffany King is worth spending 2.99 on I just never did get around to buying it. So when I saw it was free on Amazon I bought it real quick like. Jordyn is the first in the series A Daemon Hunter.


I wonder what makes some demons be spelled Demon and others Daemon? Is it just writers choice like color and colour? Or does it have to do with context? hmm… if you know I’d love to hear the reason.


Jordyn has got to be the snarkiest and sassiest person(ish) I have ever read about. I mean really a remark to everything said. While it was funny most the time, it started to grate on my nerves. Jordyn is very cocky and though it is well earned confidence her need for a little humble pie was astonishing. But, it wasn’t so much so that it ruined the book. The mystery wasn’t the highlight of the book but the action and romance was. And let me tell you it was swoon worthy. But it did stay well in the young adult category.


Emrys, the rebellious, hot, and forbidden soul trader is Jordyn’s kind of guy. And while she doesn’t know much about him and her family and Haniel really don’t like him at all she just can’t stay away. But he isn’t what he seems. At first he acts like a huge player that doesn’t care but don’t let it fool you. And Jordyn can definitely take care of herself.


So I don’t know what to say really except, the climax came very near the end which though the whole story was great I don’t like drawn out build-up but, hey. It is what it is and I would recommend this book to the Saving Angel’s series fans and anyone who likes a romantic, action packed book with snark galore.
~Rain
~~~

~~~
Goodreads
Amazon
Tiffany King's Website

Friday, September 13, 2013

Release Day Blitz: Sacrifice of Love by Quinn Loftis

Sacrifice of Love Release Day Blitz 







Available today!
As one evil falls, another rises in its place.  The powerful witch, Desdemona, has finally been killed by an alliance of wolf, elf, and fae. But Reyaz, brother to Cypher the warlock king, has vowed retribution for a life that was taken from him. Now Cypher must decide not only how to protect his newfound mate and his people, but also how to destroy the only family he has left.
Meanwhile, Jen’s pregnancy progresses and the fateful due date draws ever nearer. The thought of losing Decebel’s child constantly threatens to overwhelm her. With each passing day, Decebel grows more distant, causing Jen to wonder what toll the impending loss of their child is taking on him. Unbeknownst to Jen, in an act of desperation to protect his unborn child and mate, Decebel strikes a deadly bargain with the Great Luna—his life in place of his child’s. There is only one way for that to happen; the bond between he and Jen must be broken.