The Power Of Book Covers: Wicked Luck By Shannon L. Maynard

They say don't judge a book by it's movie...err...COVER. 

BUT they never said we couldn't PRAISE them.

This week's cover:

Wicked Luck

By Shannon L. Maynard

Length: 369 pages
Expected publication: June 23rd 2015
Publisher: Clean Teen Publishing

How can Ava Starr’s worst nightmare be Dax Miller’s dream come true?

For the past three years, Dax has been stranded on Lamarai Island with his stepsister and two tribes of cannibals. But now a beautiful girl named Ava has washed up on shore. After secretly reading her journal, he believes she is a perfect match to the girl of his dreams. He’s determined not only to keep her alive, but also to win over her heart by convincing her to forget about her past and the secrets that continue to haunt her.

Ava Starr has always been the epitome of bad luck, but she never imagined she would wake up and find herself on a cannibal-infested island with no memory of how she got there. The last thing she remembers is boarding a plane with her pilot boyfriend, Preston. But now he and his crew are missing, and she must find him before a tribe of hungry cannibals finds him first. But Ava’s troubles have followed her to Lamarai, where once again she’s surrounded by danger and people who want her dead. She finds herself caught in a web of deceit and soon discovers the answers to her mysterious past can be found in the most unlikely of places, and that no one is actually who they seem to be.

Book Review: On the Prowl (Alpha & Omega #0.5) By Patricia Briggs

On the Prowl

(Alpha & Omega #0.5)

By Patricia Briggs

Published: August 7th 2007

Publisher: Berkley

In Cry Wolf, New York Times bestselling author Patricia Briggs started a new urban fantasy series set in the world of Mercy Thompson, but with rules of its own. Now, read Alpha & Omega, the novella that inspired the new series, and see how it all began.

Anna Latham never knew werewolves existed, until the night she survived a violent attack and became one herself. After three years at the bottom of the Chicago pack, she's learned to keep her head down and never, ever trust dominant males. 

But when she discovers wrong doing in her pack, she has to go above her Alpha's head to ask for help. Charles Cornick is the son and enforcer of the leader of the North American werewolves. Now his father has sent him to Chicago to clean up a problem there.

Available At:

| Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iBooks | 

My Review:

**This is a review of Patricia Briggs's story ONLY**

Even after years have gone by I still find myself drawn back to the Alpha & Omega Series. I have re-read this series a couple of times and I'm still not getting tired of the story or the writing. 

I love Anna. She's the beaten down, but not yet broken heroine who finds the strength in herself to fight to stay alive. She's very docile and sweet. She always wants what's best for everyone and when Charles is around, she actually speaks her mind.

I adore Charles and the way he immediately wants to help and protect Anna. Sure he has STRONG feelings on what he'd like to happen between them, but he controls them because he understands she's skittish around other people, let alone dominate werewolves. He's also his pack's assassin, so he has a reputation. Good thing Anna only finds out after they've gotten to know each other at least to the point where she knows he won't hurt her.

My Favorite Quotes:

"All your wolves are your children, Leo, you know that. They are yours to love and feed, to guard and protect, to guide and to teach."

"'That was a prime example of testosterone poisoning, (...)'"

"He'd have to call his brother, Samuel, and tell him that he'd finally learned that his face wouldn't crack if he smiled."

My Rating:

Book Blitz: Bridges Burned (Going Down in Flames #2) By Chris Cannon

Bridges Burned

(Going Down in Flames #2)

By Chris Cannon

Length: 312 pages

Published: January 19th 2015

Publisher: Entangled Teen

Don't just fight the system…burn it.

Since discovering she is a shape-shifting, fire-breathing dragon on her sixteenth birthday (surprise!), Bryn McKenna’s world has been thrown into chaos. Being a “crossbreed”—part Red dragon and part Blue—means Bryn will never fit in. Not with dragon society. Not with the archaic and controlling Directorate. And definitely not when she has striped hair and a not-so-popular affection for rule-breaking…

But sneaking around with her secret boyfriend, Zavien, gets a whole lot harder when he’s betrothed to someone else. Someone who isn't a mixed breed and totally forbidden. And for an added complication, it turns out Bryn’s former archnemesis Jaxon Westgate isn’t quite the evil asshat she thought. Now she’s caught between her desire to fit in and a need to set things on fire. Literally.

Because if Bryn can’t adapt to the status quo…well, then maybe it’s time for her to change it.

Available At:

| Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iBooks |

***

**Excerpt**

"(...) On the drive back to school, Bryn reflected on how her life had recently gone to hell. It had all started when flames shot out of her mouth on her sixteenth birthday, proving she wasn’t completely human. Since then she’d been shipped off to a secret school for dragons—the Institute for Excellence—where she was learning how to control her shape-shifting dragon powers. She’d faced discrimination, death threats, and poisoning. She’d been blown up and involved in a battle to the death with a radical Revisionist member—and she’d been there for only a few months. 

Though not everything about her new life was bad. She had a sexy boyfriend, Black dragon Zavien Blackthorn, and two good friends, Clint and Ivy. Being a crossbred dragon meant she had both the Red and Blue dragons’ breath weapons, fire and ice, and even though she was the only crossbreed, she could still outfly even the fastest Blue. Of course, that’s why some of the other Clans hated her. She’d upset the natural order of things in this color-coded world, where the Directorate dictated what Red, Black, Green, Orange, and Blue dragon Clan members could do as a profession and whom they could marry. It was absurd. Yet most dragons didn’t question it. 

Part of Zavien’s appeal lay in the fact that he headed up the student Revisionist group that petitioned the Directorate to change outdated laws. Bryn glanced at Directorate lawyer Merrick Overton, who was driving the Cadillac SUV hybrid she was riding in. Her classmate and former nemesis Jaxon Westgate rode shotgun. She and Jaxon no longer hated each other. Scratch that: he no longer hated her based on his father’s vendetta against her mother, but that didn’t mean they were friends. Funny how saving someone’s life could turn you from enemies to…what? Not friends. Frenemies, maybe? Who knew? It’s not like she wanted to hang out with him, but there was a weird level of trust between them now that she didn’t know what to do with."

***

About the Author:

Chris Cannon lives in Southern Illinois with her husband and her three dogs, Pete the shih tzu who sleeps on her desk while she writes, Molly the ever-shedding yellow lab, and Tyson the sandwich-stealing German Shepherd Beagle. She believes coffee is the Elixir of Life. Most evenings after work, you can find her sucking down caffeine and writing fire-breathing paranormal adventures. Going Down In Flames is the first book in Chris Cannon's shape-shifting dragon series.

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Book Look #43: Cut Here By Azzurra Nox

Hiya My Little Predators!!

Hope you enjoy!! C:

***

Book Looks was created by @Jen and Books and Other Happy Ever Afters.

This Week:
Cut Here By Azzurra Nox

For my previous Book Looks click here!

Follow me on Shoplook for more!

Cover Reveal: Burnt Devotion (Imdalind #5) By Rebecca Ethington

Burnt Devotion
(Imdalind #5)
By Rebecca Ethington


Release Date: March 22, 2015

Burnt Devotion, Book 5 in the Imdalind Series.

Dawn of Ash - the previously announced book five has now been moved to book 6.

Yes! An extra book. If you have been waiting for the next installment of The Imdalind Series this is the book you have been waiting for!

______________

It was supposed to be the final battle, the one to end Edmund’s line, his life, and free the magic Edmund had taken from the world. That was how it was foreseen. The end of the battle that has raged for centuries, unbeknownst to the mortals around them, the battle that would end with Joclyn’s death.

But it did neither.

The battle still reigns, Joclyn still lives, and the sight that was given eight hundred years ago is broken.

And it’s not the only one.

Sights that were once thought infallible have become nothing more than scattered glass, with broken pieces shattering into incorrect visages. Sain clings to the magic that he knows to be true, but there is something else, something that he is not saying. And what he does say is no longer adding up.

Something is wrong.

Ilyan and his people move through the caves, following a sight they hope to be correct, fleeing a battle that should have been the end while the battle within each of them grows with each step.

Ryland fights the monsters his father has infected him with.

Wynifred fights the confusion of who she is.

Dramin fights to live.

Prague may not survive this battle, it may be ripped to shreds… or burned to ashes.

| Amazon | Amazon UK | B&N | Smashwords |

***

Rebecca Ethington is a story teller and author from Salt Lake City, Utah. She has been telling stories since she was small. First, with writing crude scripts, and then in stage with years of theatrical performances. Rebecca’s first stint into the world of literary writing, The Imdalind Series, was released in October 2012 and since its release each book has been found in several top 100 lists on Amazon. Rebecca is a mother to two, and wife to her best friend of 14 years. Her days are spent writing, running, and enjoying life with her crazy family.

| Facebook | Website | Twitter |
__________________________________________

The International best selling Imdalind Series continues in the highly anticipated fifth installment, Burnt Devotion. Discover the series that USA Today’s Happily Ever After blog called “interesting and intense.”

Branded at a young age by a mysterious mark on her skin, Joclyn’s life has been shrouded with mystery and lies. Abandoned by her father, and forced to keep her deformity a secret. Joclyn lives with a haunting secret that she can’t share with anyone… not even her best friend, Ryland.

But Ryland knows something she doesn’t, and when he finds the mark all of the secrets become dangers that threaten to destroy not only Joclyn’s life, but the fragile thread of a world that she didn’t even know existed.

With over 200,000 copies sold, THE IMDALIND SERIES is a riveting drama that will quench your thirst for the final saga.

Kiss of Fire (Imdalind #1)

**FREE**
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Eyes of Ember (Imdalind #2)

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Scorched Treachery (Imdalind #3)

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Soul of Flame (Imdalind #4)

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The Power Of Book Covers: New World Order (Sunset Rising #3) By S. M. McEachern

They say don't judge a book by it's movie...err...COVER. 

BUT they never said we couldn't PRAISE them.

This week's cover:

New World Order

(Sunset Rising #3)

By S. M. McEachern

Expected publication: January 2015
Publisher: Clownfish Publishing

The Biodome has been liberated, the slaves are now free, and a new democratic government has been formed. Yet tensions between the Pit and the Dome have never been higher. With the disappearance of Senator Jack Kenner, the old regime makes a political move to reestablish their government.

Sunny O’Donnell is determined to find Jack and bring him home. With the high-tech assistance of Doc, Sunny teams up with Summer, Reyes and friends from the Nation and sets out into a lawless post apocalyptic world in search of the kidnapped men. But as the ruthlessness of the recruiters unfolds amidst the discovery of betrayals within their own group, friends will become enemies and enemies will become friends on a journey that will end in a New World Order.

Book Review: Dusk By Alyssa Rose Ivy

Dusk
(Dire Wolves Chronicles #2)
By Alyssa Rose Ivy


Published: January 12th 2015

The Dire Wolves Chronicles continue...

After you have sacrificed your freedom what else is there to lose?

Mary Anne has given her word to Hunter that she’ll stay as his mate, but every second she spends with him takes her further away from Gage when he needs her the most.

Caught between love and duty, Mary Anne discovers that her troubles are just beginning, and that sometimes love comes at a great price.

Available At:

| Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iBooks | Smashwords |

Check Out The Other Books In This Trilogy:

(Linked to my review)

My Review:

If you've read my review of the first book in this series you know of the love/hate relationship I have with this series. The suspenseful ending of the first book did something amazing for the story. This sequel was not up to par with the first book.

This time around I actually found myself rooting for the alpha male that is Hunter. Sure, he came off SUPER creepy and strange the first time around, but this book gives you more insight on his motives and how respectful and caring he really is when it comes to Mary Anne. I also didn't mind the plot line on the reason for his obsession with keeping Mary Anne.

I just want to kill Gage myself.  He and Mary Anne keep claiming it's true love, except they've known each other "their whole lives" they only just started going at it (please keep your head in the gutter -smiles-), quite literally in the back of his truck without having even gone out or even forming a romantic relationship.

Mary Anne is very annoying and whiny. All she does it complain that she loves a guy she's been with for a few days and that life isn't fair and Hunter is too this or that and blah blah blah. Can't you just be grateful he isn't into forcing himself on you? Just so you know 5 days isn't true love, hun.

P.S. How is it that what happens between Mary Anne and Gage by the end of the novel doesn't make him hurt her and automatically wolf out? He's wolfed out for less. URGH.

My Favorite Quotes:

"He's risked his neck and all of ours to do it. Cut Hunter a break. Give him a chance."

"It isn't a nightmare. You aren't sleeping. Stop trying to get lost in delusions. They won't help you. Focus on what's real."

"One of these days you're going to tell me things before I am forced to make erroneous assumptions."

My Rating:

Blog Tour: Bridges Burned By Chris Cannon

Tour Schedule

Bridges Burned
(Going Down in Flames #2)
By Chris Cannon


Release Date: 01/19/15
Publisher:Entangled Teen

Don't just fight the system…burn it.

Since discovering she is a shape-shifting, fire-breathing dragon on her sixteenth birthday (surprise!), Bryn McKenna’s world has been thrown into chaos. Being a “crossbreed”—part Red dragon and part Blue—means Bryn will never fit in. Not with dragon society. Not with the archaic and controlling Directorate. And definitely not when she has striped hair and a not-so-popular affection for rule-breaking…

But sneaking around with her secret boyfriend, Zavien, gets a whole lot harder when he’s betrothed to someone else. Someone who isn't a mixed breed and totally forbidden. And for an added complication, it turns out Bryn’s former archnemesis Jaxon Westgate isn’t quite the evil asshat she thought. Now she’s caught between her desire to fit in and a need to set things on fire. Literally.

Because if Bryn can’t adapt to the status quo…well, then maybe it’s time for her to change it.

Available At:

| Amazon | B&N | Kobo |

Check Out The Other Books In This Series:

(Linked to my review)

***

**Excerpt**

Jaxon’s eyes went to the display of baby clothes in the window. His brow furrowed and then his face colored. “Dear God, Bryn, how could you be so stupid?”

“What?” The moron thought she was pregnant? Bryn couldn’t wait to see Jaxon’s expression when he realized the truth. She put her hand on his chest and pushed him back a step. “While I appreciate your concern for my well-being, I’m not the one shopping for baby clothes.”

She bit her lip to keep from laughing as confusion wrinkled his brow. Then his gaze darted to his mother, and his face paled.“Mother?”

“Are you going to call her stupid?” Bryn asked.

“Of course not,” Jaxon snapped. He squared his shoulders. “Congratulations, Mother. I presume this is a happy occurrence?”

“Yes.” Lillith reached for his hand. “How would you feel about a baby brother?”

He looked at his shoes while he spoke. “I suppose it’s too late to suggest you adopt another kitten, instead?” His tone was dry, but there was truth in his words.

Lillith laughed. “Too late, but don’t worry. You’ll always be the firstborn male and your father’s heir.”

“Until the baby plots to overthrow you,” Bryn muttered.

***

About the Author:

I love reading and writing snarky, kick-butt characters who take on the world and win.

My truths: You can never have too many books, shoes, or purses.

Coffee is the Elixir of Life.

There should be a National Nerf Bat Day where you are allowed to whack annoying people upside the head.

│Website│Goodreads│Twitter│Facebook│

***

**Giveaway**

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Book Look #42: Reborn By Jennifer Rush

Hiya My Little Predators!!

Hope you enjoy!! C:

***

Book Looks was created by @Jen and Books and Other Happy Ever Afters.

This Week:

Reborn By Jennifer Rush

For my previous Book Looks click here!

Follow me on Shoplook for more!

The Power Of Book Covers: Where Dead Bodies Lie (Body Dowser #1) By Kat Cazanav

They say don't judge a book by it's movie...err...COVER. 

BUT they never said we couldn't PRAISE them.

This week's cover:

Where Dead Bodies Lie

(Body Dowser #1)

By Kat Cazanav

Published: December 16th 2014

For as long as I can remember, I have been told to follow three important rules:

1. Always guard my ability

2. Never share my secret

3. And pretend to be normal.

However, those three little rules don’t make my life easier. I still find dead people and deal with strange visions. Not to mention, an attraction to a boy who doesn’t exist. Whenever we cross path’s he mists away like smoke on a mirror. He drives me crazy, that Kaff Cooper.

As a flock of dead crows fall from the blackened sky, Kaff becomes the only one who can see the truth straight to the dark underbelly of who I actually am.

My hands feel the pull to extract the forsaken, the lost, the forgotten. It comes as naturally as breathing and there is no stopping it.

Release Day Blitz: Dusk By Alyssa Rose Ivy

Dusk
(Dire Wolves Chronicles #2)
By Alyssa Rose Ivy


Release Date: January 12th
Genre: New adult paranormal romance

The Dire Wolves Chronicles continue...

After you have sacrificed your freedom what else is there to lose?

Mary Anne has given her word to Hunter that she’ll stay as his mate, but every second she spends with him takes her further away from Gage when he needs her the most.

Caught between love and duty, Mary Anne discovers that her troubles are just beginning, and that sometimes love comes at a great price.

Available At:

| Amazon | B&N | iTunes | GooglePlay | Kobo |

_________________________________________________

Don’t miss DIRE, the first book in The Dire Wolves Chronicle!

Dire
(Dire Wolves Chronicles #1)
By Alyssa Rose Ivy

Gage was the first guy I ever wanted. He was my first crush and my first fantasy, but he wasn't my first in any other way because he never saw me as anything more than a friend— at least not until the night that changed everything.

It was all Gage's fault. He insisted we drive through the storm and take the back roads. By the time the storm hit full force we had no chance. One night of snowbound sex changed our relationship forever. The problem was at the same time I caught another guy’s attention. This other guy happened to be the alpha of a pack of shifter wolves. I thought the wolves were the worst of my problems, but I was wrong. When things went from bad to worse I had to make a lifelong sacrifice to save Gage, but what price is too much to save the one you love?

Available At:

| Amazon | B&N | iTunes | GooglePlay | Kobo |

***

Check Out The Other Books In This Series:

***
**Excerpt**

“Hunter?” she asked in a low voice as we sat in front of the fire downstairs. We’d started back with our favorite evening ritual, only now she sat right at my side. The rest the pack was giving us plenty of space. There were benefits to being Alpha.

“Yes?” I smiled at her. She was so beautiful. I zeroed in on her lips, needing to claim them with my own.

“Tell me about your dreams.”

“My dreams?” I put an arm around her and pulled her down into my side. I could feel her heartbeat and that put me at ease. “What kind of dreams?”

“What kind do you have?”

“The usual types I guess.”

“Are they ever about me?” She looked up at me with those expressive eyes of hers.

“You mean now? Are you asking if I dream about you?”

“Now. Before.”

“Before? Why would I have dreamed about you before I met you? How would that be possible?” 

Someone had told her something. That someone was going to be in a lot of trouble.

“How is it possible that you’re a wolf? I’m starting to believe that anything is possible.”

I ignored her use of the term wolf. It wasn’t worth an argument. She’d start calling us Dires eventually. “Do you really want to know?” The can of worms had been opened. There was no turning back.

“Yes. Why else would I ask?”

“Come here.” I gestured with my hand.

“I am here.”

“On to my lap.” If she wanted something from me, I was getting something from her.

“You want me to sit on your lap?”

“You know exactly what I’m asking you to do.”

She put a leg over mine and straddled my lap. She settled herself down, awakening my body even more than it already was. “Happy now?”

“I’m always happy when you’re with me.”

***

About The Author:

Alyssa Rose Ivy is a New Adult and Young Adult author who loves to weave stories with romance and a southern setting. Although raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to New Orleans for college. After years as a perpetual student, she turned back to her creative side and decided to write. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and two young children, and she can usually be found with a cup of coffee in her hand.

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***

**Giveaway**

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