Release Day Mini Review & Excerpt: Rival Hearts by Natalie Decker!

Title: Rival Hearts
Series: Rival Love #2
Author: Natalie Decker
Format: ebook
Pub. Date: December 23rd 2014
Source: Swoon Romance



Summary from Goodreads:

Caleb is ticked off. Skylar hasn’t answered any of his calls, texts, or emails since her move to New York, virtually cutting him out of her life without warning. So Caleb decides to go after her—and convince her to come back home.

But even when Skylar realizes her heart does belong at home with Caleb, her uncertainty lingers. Is it safe? Have things changed?

After the mysterious vandalism to the pool at Delmont High, everyone is desperate for answers they believe Skylar can provide. At first, she’s determined not to run. But when Caleb’s ex-girlfriend unleashes a vengeful surprise, Sky's love for Caleb is threatened.

Are these two rival hearts ready to fight for their love, or will they have to throw in the towel?

RIVAL HEARTS is the sequel to the bestselling teen romance novel RIVAL LOVE by Natalie Decker.

Excerpt:

“Whoa, babycakes. Chill. I just wanted to make some conversation and maybe rock out a little.” He winks at me. “You’re feisty; I like that.”

He flicks his eyes to my nightstand. There are two photos there; first is one of Caleb and me. It was an unseasonably warm day in December, and we were fighting over the sponge we were using to wash our cars. He dumped suds in my hair and I sprayed him with the hose. I was the one washing my car first, then he just magically needed to clean his too. My swimming friend Kayla took it the picture and framed it for me before I left. The second photo is of Caleb, his uncle Brian, my mom, and me. Caleb is looking over at me with a smirk, and I’m glaring at him. Brian and my mom are smiling at the camera. My mom was so mad I put this photo in a frame, but it was a memory for me. The moment I started realizing my feelings for Caleb.

“Brother?”

I cringe. “No! That’s definitely not my brother. The only sibling I have was in your lap about, I don’t know, five minutes ago.”

“Ah. Gotcha. So, wanna have lunch with me tomorrow?”

I shake my head. “No thanks.” I’ve been eating lunch in odd places like the library or stairway, because it’s easier. I’m not here to make friends. I’m here because I had nowhere else to go. Right now, I’d give anything to be back home with my mom, but that’s not going to happen.

He keeps inspecting my room and says, “Well, looks like I’m going to have to find another way to fit into your schedule.”

“Uh … I don’t have any slots for you. Sorry.” I fold my arms but it makes me wonder. If a girl suggested the same thing to Caleb, would he take them out? Does he think we’re still a couple? Would he move on? Could I move on? No. I’m pretty certain I’ll never get over Caleb. I’m not sure this whole long-distance relationship thing is a great idea but maybe I should try. I need to call him. He’s probably so pissed at me for ignoring him. I know I’d be pissed.

Malcom moves to the door. “Until next time, babycakes.” He winks, and walks out of my room.

I sneer at his nickname. “Uck.” I walk over to my door and close it, then flip the lock. I wish Caleb were here. And my depression starts up all over again

Review:

★★★ ★

Three and a half stars.

---

I was really excited when I was invited to read this sequel to Rival Love, a book I read earlier this year and really enjoyed. This is a solid continuation of Caleb and Skylar's story that has the same great pacing and writing that readers loved in the first book.

I really enjoyed having the chance to see how Caleb and Skylar continued their relationship, since the first book just wasn't enough of the couple. It's nice seeing the characters grow and mature as they figure themselves and the rest of the world out. It's fairly easy to relate to, since growing up is something we all have to do. That being said, I wasn't as attached to them in this book as I was in the first one. I know that they have growing up to do (don't we all?), but they still seemed a bit immature for their age group. I felt like I was reading about kids who were younger than high school. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it is something that I noticed. This made me feel a bit more disjointed, and while I related to the book as a whole, it was harder to relate to namely Skylar as a single character. I did, however, continue to love Caleb. He's why I enjoyed book one so much, and he's vital to my liking of this book as well.

I also really love the cover. Look at how cute it is! It definitely drew me into the story and would look really cute on a physical shelf.

I think that fans of the first Rival Love book will enjoy this addition to the story. While I did find it a bit harder to connect to the characters, I'd still recommend this to fans of Rival Love as well as those who enjoy young adult romance in a contemporary setting. Thanks so much to Swoon Romance for giving me a copy to read for my honest opinions.

Release Day Review, Interview, & Giveaways: Slow Hand by Victoria Vane!

Good morning, y'all. I'm happy to be taking part in the release day fun for Victoria Vane's new romance book, Slow Hand. She was sweet enough to answer a few of my questions today. This post will also have my review, and a giveaway too!

Title: Slow Hand
Series: Hot Cowboy Nights #1
Author: Victoria Vane
Format: egalley
Release date: November 3rd 2014
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Book Description:

In rural Montana…
Wade Knowlton is a hardworking lawyer who’s torn between his small-town Montana law practice and a struggling family ranch. He’s on the brink of exhaustion from trying to save everybody and everything, when gorgeous Nicole Powell walks into his office. She’s a damsel in distress and the breath of fresh air he needs.

Even the lawyers wear boots…
Nicole Powell is a sassy Southern girl who has officially sworn off cowboys after a spate of bad seeds—until her father’s death sends her to Montana and into the arms of a man who seems too good to be true. Her instincts tell her to high tail it out of Montana, but she can't resist a cowboy with a slow hand…



Advanced Praise:

"Historical romance author Vane takes a detour into contemporary settings with this red-hot cowboy tale… Well-paced, scorching scenes and witty banter…" - Publishers Weekly

"SLOW HAND by Victoria Vane is delightful, funny, page turning steamy sexy, and the romance between Wade and Nikki make you wish you could pull Victoria's characters straight off the page and into real life…" - Unwrapping Romance

“For erotic passion and one-liners, the first book in Vane’s new series will satisfy... Vane’s latest gets a big yee-haw.” - RT Book Reviews

"With flirty dialogue, humorous moments, vivid imagery and sexy scenes, SLOW HAND goes into my favorites folder." - Guilty Indulgence


Buy it here:

Amazon | B&N | IndieBound | BAM | Apple | !ndigo

Interview:

What inspired you to write Slow Hand?

I really had never imagined myself ever writing a contemporary story as I didn’t think I had the right writing voice for it, but after two years of prodding by a good friend and beta reader, I decided to give it a try. She and I then spent several weeks brainstorming different ideas but one of these ever went anywhere. I was looking to the most popular contemporary romances for inspiration but the billionaire playboy heroes just didn’t do it for me. I then asked myself what kind of contemporary hero I related best to, and the answer was easy—cowboys. I’ve always loved them ever since I was a little girl.

I’d grown up on Westerns - The Lone Ranger, Bonanza, Gun Smoke, The Big Valley, Lonesome Dove and many others. I even read my grandfather’s Zane Grey and Louis L’Amour novels. They say to write what you know. I also know horses. Putting these two elements together was no great difficulty for me. I then took the same approach to my contemporary story as I had taken with all of my historicals—I researched. My research and the real people I met and talked to allowed me to bring my characters to real life. From that point, I just gave their “voices” free rein. And then magic happened… My story suddenly took off.

Was the romantic interest inspired by someone in your own life?

Yes! My very first girlhood crush was a cowboy. I even named my hero in SLOW HAND after him.

Can you please describe Slow Hand in five words for us?

Sexy, flirty, smokin’ hot fun!

What was your favorite scene to write?

I loved all the dialogue between Nikki and Wade. It was laced with innuendo from the start and progresses with their relationship from a slow burn to a smoking hot inferno!

Did you have to do any research for this novel? If so, what's something fun or interesting that you learned?

Yes. I’m a total research geek. Although I have owned horses most of my life, I knew nothing about cattle so I tried to educate myself on everything related to this series – from cattle ranching to rodeo. The most fun was hanging out with the real thing. I got to be good friends with a 4th generation cowboy, rancher and former rodeo bronc rider as well as some people who raise bucking bulls (which plays directly into my second book in this series, ROUGH RIDER).

That is so cool. I'm jealous! Now... Not counting characters from your own books, who's one fictional character that makes you swoon?

Jamie Faser from Outlander is my all time favorite romance hero. He has it all in spades!

That cover is absolutely gorgeous,and not to mention sexy. Can readers expect this book to be full of heat?

Yes M’am! It’s HOT! HOT! HOT! Although this is absolutely a romance first, the bedroom door is blown wide open (and the shower too!)

Can you tell us about any other books or products that you have in the works?

I have totally taken the plunge into contemporary romance with seven hot contemporary romances I have 4 novels coming from Sourcebooks (Slow Hand, Rough Rider, Straight Shooter and Silver Tongue) and 3 novellas from Kensington in a hot Las Vegas set series called Hotel Rodeo. Both publishers have left the option open to add more to these series if they do well. ☺

That's so exciting. I know I'll definitely be reading more of this series! Do you listen to music when you write? If so, what songs made up the soundtrack to Slow Hand?

Yes! I can’t write without music and always create a Pandora station for each of my books!

My play list for Slow Hand was almost all country music (some George Strait, Big and Rich, a smattering of Carrie Underwood and lots of Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton.) Here are some of the songs:

Give it All We Got Tonight – George Strait
Rollin’ – Big and Rich
Wild West Show – Big and Rich
Got a Little Country – Blake Shelton
Cowboy Casanova – Carrie Underwood
In Love with The Girl – Luke Bryan
I Don’t Want this Night to End – Luke Bryan
Mine Would be You – Blake Shelton
Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye – Luke Bryan

This playlist is fabulous. I love country music. One last question for you- what's your favorite thing about being a writer?

The freedom and independence. I have never played well with others. LOL!

Thank you so much for stopping by to talk with me today!

About the Author:

Victoria Vane is an award-winning author of smart and sexy romance. Her works range from historical to contemporary settings and include everything from wild comedic romps to emotionally compelling erotic romance. Her books have received more than twenty reviewer awards and nominations to include the 2014 RONE Award for Treacherous Temptations and Library Journal Best E-Book romance of 2012 for The Devil DeVere series.Look for her hot new contemporary cowboy series coming from Sourcebooks in Fall of 2014.
Website | Email | Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Youtube

ACCOLADES FOR VICTORIA VANE’S HISTORICAL ROMANCES::

2014 RONE Award Best historical post Medieval (Treacherous Temptations)
2014 RONE Finalist Best Historical post Medieval (The Sheik Retold)
2013 IRC Best Book Nomination (A Wild Night's Bride)
2013 LASR Best Book Nomination (The Sheik Retold)
2012 TRS Cupid and Psyche nomination (A Breach of Promise)
2012 TBR Pile Book of The Month (A Breach of Promise)
2012 LASR Book of the month (The Devil You Know)
2012 Library Journal Best E-book Romance (The Devil DeVere Series)
2012 TRR Best Book Nomination (The Devil You Know)
2012 Love Romance Café Best Book Nomination (The Devil You Know)
2012 RONE nominations (A Wild Night's Bride, The Virgin Huntress, The Devil You Know, The Devil's Match)

Review:

★★★★ ★

Four and a half stars.

Slow Hand is one of those books that draws you in from the first few pages and keeps a hold on you until you reach the end. Well, I suppose that's only part true. Technically speaking, this book first drew me in even before I cracked it open. Just look at that cover model. Absolutely gorgeous.

I really liked both main characters, which I think definitely helped fuel my connection with this book. Nicole may be a bit scattered sometimes, but I like how argumentative and stubborn she is, especially when she's paired with the (arguably) even more stubborn Wade. Oh, Wade. I thought he was excellently written. He had a nice mix of protectiveness, seduction, sweetness, and intelligence that I personally found addictive. I liked that he was kind of a blend of new and old cowboys- he is a lawyer, but he still helps out on the family ranch, even if he doesn't necessarily want to. I enjoyed watching their relationship grow. Their dialogue together was sassy, funny, and flirtatious, and their physical chemistry was out of this world. I appreciated that the sex scenes- and yes, there are quite a few steamy scenes- were dirty without being too crass or vulgar. It's a fine line and I think Vane toed it well.

I will say one thing about that though. I know that this book is a romance first and foremost. But these steamy scenes actually distracted me a bit from the nonromantic plot of it. It'd be a while of them together and then Nicole would say "but I need to prepare the funeral for my father" and I'd be like "OH YEAH, that is why she's in Montana! While this wasn't a huge deal for me (I'd rather have the steam to be honest), it did jerk me a bit while reading.

Another reason why I liked this book is because it's well described. Without sounding too much like a history lesson, there's quite a bit of knowledge about the "old west" and the gold rush sprinkled into this book. It's true that I've never worked on a ranch or owned a farm or even ridden a horse for more than a bit once at a Girl Scout camp, so take this with a grain of salt, but I felt like the ranching and rodeo aspects of this book felt true to life. (And if they aren't, I think there's props for Vane's writing skills, because I totally bought it.)

If you love contemporary romances starring smart and stubborn cowboys, than Slow Hand is a book that you shouldn't miss. If you're not a fan of insta-lust, then be warned that this book has some. I will definitely be continuing on with the next book in the series, Rough Rider that tells the story of Wade's veteran brother, Dirk. This is a book I'll need to buy a paperback of for my book boyfriend shelf, for sure.

Thank you to Victoria Vane & Sourcebooks Casablanca for giving me a copy in exchange for my honest review.

Giveaways:

Giveaway #1: Two copies of Slow Hand (two winners, ends 11/7)
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Giveaway 2 – Victoria Vane’s Cowboy Seduction Kit

Giveaway #3: HISTORICAL ROMANCE Ebook of Choice from Victoria's Back List!
A list of her books can be found here.

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LOOP by Karen Akins Release Day Celebration & Giveaway!

Title: Loop
Series: Loop #1
Author: Karen Atkins
Release date: 10/21/14
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin


Book Description:

At a school where Quantum Paradox 101 is a required course and history field trips are literal, sixteen year-old time traveler Bree Bennis excels…at screwing up.

After Bree botches a solo midterm to the 21st century by accidentally taking a boy hostage (a teensy snafu), she stands to lose her scholarship. But when Bree sneaks back to talk the kid into keeping his yap shut, she doesn’t go back far enough. The boy, Finn, now three years older and hot as a solar flare, is convinced he’s in love with Bree, or rather, a future version of her that doesn’t think he’s a complete pain in the arse. To make matters worse, she inadvertently transports him back to the 23rd century with her.

Once home, Bree discovers that a recent rash of accidents at her school are anything but accidental. Someone is attacking time travelers. As Bree and her temporal tagalong uncover seemingly unconnected clues—a broken bracelet, a missing data file, the art heist of the millennium—that lead to the person responsible, she alone has the knowledge to piece the puzzle together. Knowledge only one other person has. Her future self.

But when those closest to her become the next victims, Bree realizes the attacker is willing to do anything to stop her. In the past, present, or future.

Praise:

"A creative take on romance in a high-stakes, high-concept mystery that trusts its readers' intelligence." - Kirkus

"LOOP is a page-turning adventure with some brilliant and original twists to the time travel genre. I devoured the entire book in one sitting!" - Julie Cross, Author of the TEMPEST series

"Hilarious and suspenseful with a delicious dash of romance, LOOP is a mind-bending good time!" -Melissa Landers, Author of the ALIENATED series

Buy it here:
Amazon | B&N

About the Author:

Karen Akins lives in the MidSouth where she writes humorous, light YA sci-fi. When not writing or reading, she loves lightsaber dueling with her two sons and forcing her husband to watch BBC shows with her.

Karen has been many things in her life: an archery instructor, drummer for the shortest-lived garage band in history, and a shockingly bad tic-tac-toe player.
Facebook | Wattpad | Twitter | Goodreads | Tumblr | Instagram | Pinterest

Giveaway:

Must be 13+ To Enter | Ships in US Only

One Winner will get a signed final copy of LOOP + a swag pack!

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Perilous Risk Release Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Title: Perilous Risk
Author: Natasha Blackthorne
Series: Regency Risks #3
Can be read as stand alone.
Genre: Erotic Romance/Regency Historical/Light BDSM/Older Woman, Younger Man

Book Description:


Heartbroken and disillusioned, Rebecca Howland is done with all men. Especially noblemen. Past a certain age, she knows her previous life of carnal indulgence and grand adventure is over. Or so she thinks. Back at home, whilst working in her family’s shop, a moment of compassion entangles her in an old battle between two powerful, bitter enemies. A commoner, Rebecca finds herself falsely accused of a heinous act by a vicious member of the aristocracy. In grave peril, she turns to the one man she thinks can help her.

Stephen Drake, now inexplicably Baron Drake, has always desired Rebecca. When she turns to him, he vows to protect her at all costs, especially from the dangerous life he lives. The stakes are high and time is running out for her … and for him as well. Stephen finds himself driven to ruthless actions that threaten to kill the fragile bond between them.

Years ago, Rebecca forbade herself to love Stephen Drake. Now he’s back, no longer the young man she remembers but a dark and dangerous stranger. When he demands a fortnight of her complete submission in return for his protection, his sexual dominance ignites carnal passion that makes her feel alive like never before. But … dare she trust a man with too many secrets?

Excerpt:

She opened her mouth to deny him.
He brought his mouth down on hers, cutting off her protest. He thrust into her mouth, the taste of his hot, wet tongue more fiery than the best whisky. She shook, not with fear but with anticipation for the next stroke of his tongue against hers.
It came and delicious shudders quaked through her. Another stroke and another. Ruthlessly, he gripped her head and angled it, thrusting deeper. Taking her breath. Sucking her very soul and taking everything.
She didn’t care.
Every inch of his long, lean body pressed hers. She could feel the whipcord strength of his powerful muscles. Could feel his trembling as though he were holding back his ardour. His erection throbbed against her stomach, huge and hard. Heated.
A feeling of letting go, as though a tremendous weight had suddenly lifted from her. As though she’d been waiting forever for this moment. Tenderness burst within her. Her limbs went weak. Her fists unfurled and she grasped his shoulders, learning his feel, breathing in his scent, glorying in his taste, his strength, his forcefulness.
Stephen.
Her Stephen.
If she could, she would simply melt into him. She clung desperately to his hard body, surrendering herself wholly.
He tore his mouth from hers.
She cried out in protest.
He swept her up into his arms then lowered her. Her backside touched the table and the rickety wooden frame groaned and creaked.
He swooped down on her then gripped her chin in his large hand, gently yet firmly holding her in place. His eyes bore into hers, predatory, determined. “Now, tell me that you don’t know me.”

Buy it from Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA

Giveaway:

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Follow the rest of the tour by clicking here.

Release Day!- Review, Guest Post, & Giveaway: Jacob, King of Portalia by Casey Clubb

Hello my beautiful readers. I am so excited to share a guest post with you today from Casey Clubb, author of the middle-grade LGBT fantasy book, Jacob, King of Portalia. Keep scrolling and reading to see her post on writing mid-grade level LGBT books, my glowing review of the book, and enter to win an ebook copy for yourself!

Title: Jacob, King of Portalia
Series: The Pillars of Life
Author: Casey Clubb
Release date: September 16th, 2014
Genre: YA/MG Fantasy, GLBT story
Published by: Booktrope
Source: Booktrope


Summary:

Jacob is the only one who can protect us all from a vengeful lunatic.

But Jacob’s a tiny sixth grader who’s scared of his own shadow. And his only known talent is hiding.

A misfit in his own home, a boy out of place in his own skin, Jacob has been hiding all his life—in his head, or behind his only friend.

His kind of different just isn’t accepted.

He thought hiding would keep him safe. But he was wrong.

For Jacob’s hiding has buried more than one truth, more than one secret. Including a destiny and a duty that are his to fulfill.

And a powerful talent. One that could doom his people.

Or save them…if he can find the courage to stop hiding from the thing that terrifies him the most—the truth about who he is:

A boy who likes boys.
A boy with a destiny foretold in an ancient legend.
A boy whose love could save us all.

Buy it now on Amazon | B&N | iTunes

About the Author:
Casey Clubb lives near Portland, Oregon with her husband and her ever-growing collection of stuffed Tiggers.
For news and updates on Book Two—Jacob, Portal Master, visit www.caseyclubb.com.
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Guest Post with Casey Clubb:

Why LGBT For Middle Grade?

Many thanks to Jillyn for having me as a guest!

When I tell people what my middle-grade fantasy, Jacob, King of Portalia is about, the most common question I get is: “Why did you make Jacob gay?”

It’s a valid question I suppose. But wouldn’t it be great if it wasn’t?

Nobody ever asks why the hero has blue eyes or curly hair or freckles. Or why the girl fell in love with the boy, or why the boy fell in love with the girl.

Sometimes I think there’s this perception that there are no gay children in the world, only gay adults. A societal consensus that prior to the age of eighteen children are either heterosexual or confused.

But the truth is that gay adults are people who were once gay children. Yet despite the fact that there are many gay adults in the world, and as such it stands to reason that there are many gay kids in the world too, none of the heroes in children’s fiction are boys who fall in love with boys or girls who fall in love with girls.

Why is that?

Reading is a HUGE part of growing up.

We read to dream.

We read to escape.

And we read to identify with a fictitious character. We want to read about heroes who are different from us, and heroes who are like us.
LGBT kids who read hundreds of books are not going to fail to notice the fact that none of the heroes are like them.
Kids don’t need anyone to tell them what that means—our society believes that gay people should stay in the closet until they are adults. Just like they do in fiction.

Being a kid is a hard gig. And middle school in particular is rough. It’s a time of finding your way in the world. Kids want to fit in and be loved and accepted. Heck, we all want that.

But until the heroes in children’s stories are as diverse as the children who read about them, LGBT children will continue to grow up with a pervasive sense that something is wrong with them, a sense that society confirms with their actions if not with their words.

I didn’t set out to write a story about a gay boy. Like all of my stories, Jacob started as a kernel of an idea and grew from there.

Jacob is a lot like many other kids. He’s an ordinary boy with big dreams and high hopes. He’s a boy who feels out of place in his own home and in his own skin. He’s a boy who is looking for love and acceptance.

He’s also a boy who likes boys.

And like many LGBT children, Jacob hides the truth about who he is, from others and from himself, in order to find that love and acceptance.

Why did I write a story about a gay middle-school boy?

Because Jacob is gay.

He falls in love with a boy.

And if he finds the courage to come out of hiding he might just save us all.

Like heroes do.

Review:

★★★★★

Five amazing stars.

---

I am not sure I have enough words in my vocabulary to explain to you how much I loved this book, but I will try my hardest. In case you don't want to read my fangirling that will follow this introduction paragraph, here's the nutshell version: I loved this book to all of Portalia's moons and back and you should buy it and read it immediately.

When I was contacted to read this book, I was curious. I am a huge, huge fan of LGBT literature, being a member of the community myself. Then I read that it was not just middle grade LGBT, but a fantasy story too. I love all of those things, so I really hoped that I would love this one.

Love isn't a strong enough word.

First, let's talk about Jacob. He is so realistically portrayed and no more flawed than any one of us. His ears are a bit too big. He loves music and wants to be an intergalactic musician. He dreams big, even though he's not great at playing an instrument and has no way to leave our galaxy. But what struck the closest for me was the lies he told himself- that he wasn't really gay. He knows he looks at boys the way other boys look at girls, but he lies to himself and convinces himself that the kids teasing him for being a queer are wrong, that he's not. I lived "in the closet" so to speak for almost eight years. I knew I liked girls when I was 12, but I was too scared of losing my friends and family to admit it. Jacob feels the same. He's lost his father already, and he doesn't make friends so easily, as quirky as he is. He saw his bestest friend Sam make a gross face at two boys holding hands once, and he's terrified of losing him too. I could relate to him, and his story had me hooked from these beginning confessions.

But, let me just add, that his being gay is not the only story. I have read a lot of LGBT books that are about being gay and finding love, but little else. That's not a bad thing, per se, but I was blown away at how much plot was in here that wasn't directly tied to sexual orientation. The fantasy plot in this book is stellar. Jacob accidentally opens a portal to a new world, one of which he learns he is King. He is thrust into this new universe, where everyone knows him and the fate that has been set out for him, and he has to decide if he is brave enough to stand up for what he believes in. I adored watching Jacob grow into himself. He starts out as a quiet, shy, not-so-confident kid in the closet, and throughout this book turns into a determined leader who isn't afraid of letting our world or his know how he feels. It's admirable. I'm still working on being able to shout that I love my girlfriend from the rooftops, and Jacob's triumph gives me hope that I will get to that point.

The world building is great. Every detail and every sense is described, so that you will feel like you too are there with Jacob, learning and exploring the new lands of Portalia. Colors are brighter, the sky is differently colored, boys who love boys are no big deal, there are more moons and different foods and drinks and Casey Clubb details all of them so that you become sucked up into this magical sci-fi fantasy land. I read this book in one go. It's like a really cool middle grade pro-gay mix of Alice in Wonderland and Inkheart.

The message that this book carries is an important one: that you can believe in yourself and no matter what makes you different, be it who you love or what you wear- makes you awesome. Never be afraid to be yourself. I wholeheartedly agree and wish that I could somehow personally shove a copy of this book into every child's hand who has ever thought "Why am I such a freak? Why can't I be normal? Why can't I like girls/boys instead?" I can't say that this novel would have made me burst from the closet, but it definitely would have boosted my self-esteem and made me feel a little less alone.

I recommend this to fans of ya, middle grade, fantasy, and LGBT book. This book is clean and appropriate, and it reached me as an adult so it's for more than just junior high grade level. Casey Clubb has gained a new fangirl, and I will be waiting very, very impatiently to continue the next story that Jacob has to offer. Thanks to Booktrope for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

Giveaway:

-This giveaway will run from September 16th to September 24th, 2014
-This giveaway is open to those 13+
-It is open to ANYONE over that age who can legally enter, receive, and use their prize.
-Five (5) winners will win a copy.
-This giveaway is sponsored wholly by the publisher. I am not responsible.
-This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity.
-Winner will have 48 hours to reply, or a new winner will be chosen. Winner will be chosen using random.org.
-Invalid entries will be removed, so please don't cheat.
-Void where prohibited. Odds will vary. No purchase necessary.
-My opinions are my own. Information will not be stored or sold, and will be used only to contact the winners.

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Release Blitz: Dark Sacrifice by Angie Sandro!

Title: Dark Sacrifice
Authors: Angie Sandro
Release date: August 5th, 2014
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Book Description:
A GIFT AND A CURSE
Mala LaCroix sees dead people -really. After using her psychic gifts to catch a killer, she's locked in a psych ward and must strike a deal with the devil to secure her release. Apprenticed to a dark arts practitioner, Mala vows to free herself and save her loved ones from danger. But she doesn't know who to turn to when her crush on Landry Prince turns into something more serious.

A FATE WORSE THAN DEATH
Landry has sacrificed everything to protect Mala. A near-death experience changes him forever, and now he, too, possesses supernatural powers he doesn't understand. Mala and Landry must band together to defeat the dark forces-both human and otherworldly-who would use their abilities for evil. Even as they fall for each other, they must prepare to battle for their very souls...

Excerpt:

On Saturdays, the local farmers set up a market in Paradise Park. I plan to do my veggie shopping there since I didn’t get my garden planted this year. The streets bordering the park are packed. I’m lucky to find a spot in the parking lot of First National Bank kitty-corner from the Memorial Rose Garden. Colorful tents are lined up in orderly rows in the square. Each section is separated, with the organic foods in one row and regular folk who want to sell extra produce in the other. Local shops also set up booths selling everything from pastries, coffee and tea, handmade clothing and soaps, fresh eggs, organic meat, and toys and games. A freaktastic clown stands on the street corner with a tank of helium and a gaggle of kids around him. I’m tempted to buy Landry a balloon to cheer him up.

The passenger door slams shut as soon as I shut off the engine. Landry wastes no time coming around to open my door and lift me to the ground before I can squawk in protest. He strides off while I grab my cloth shopping bag, leaving me to stare after his retreating back in shock. When he’s halfway across the street, he pauses and turns around.

“This is your idea. Hurry,” he yells.

“I’m coming.” I shut the door and run to catch up. When I reach him, he moves around me until I’m on his blind side. He starts forward again, but slows his steps so they match mine. If I didn’t know him so well, I’d think he didn’t have a care in the world, but I do. He walks like he did in jail—shoulders back and tight, chest slightly raised. He scans the area, alert for a threat.

I take his hand, squeezing when he tries to pull away.

We blend into the crowd, strolling up and down the rows. It’s a mix of people of all ages. A few people say “hi.” Most don’t. A large percentage of them stare. I feel like I’m at the mercy of paparazzi.

“Smile and wave,” I mutter from the corner of my mouth, jabbing Landry in the side with my elbow.

“Huh?”

“You’re acting like you’ve done something wrong, but you haven’t. Don’t let these fools see you sweat. Weakness breeds violence. Like a silverback gorilla in the jungle, you need to beat your chest and fling your poop at someone.”

His snort-laugh doubles him over, and I pat him on the back. “That’s perfect,” I say. “No worries.”

He turns and lifts me into a breath-stealing hug. “Thanks,” he whispers in my ear and presses a brotherly kiss to my forehead. Wish he’d move his lips a little lower. Would a few inches kill him?

My voice comes a little thick and raspy too, and I cough to clear my throat. “No problem.”

How long has he been standing here holding me? We have an even larger audience than before. Now we really are the object of paparazzi-like behavior as people snap pictures of our embrace with their phones. I wrap my arms around his neck and press my cheek against his. “Cheese,” I say, grinning for the cameras.

A couple of high school kids start to laugh.

One yells, “Give her another kiss, Landry.”

“Yeah, Landry. Give me a kiss.” I bat my eyelashes, whispering in his ear, “I swear if you drop me on my ass in public—”

I don’t have to finish the threat.

His mouth steals across mine.

I lean into him, head tilting. My arms tighten around his neck. His lips are soft and juicy, like peaches. Yum. My thoughts scatter and swirl, leaving only the sensation of his mouth on mine.

He breaks free first and lowers me to my feet. He avoids my gaze. “Did it work?” he asks, running his fingers through his black hair so it falls forward to shield his eye again. He shifts from his forward foot to his back which somehow puts distance between us without him having to move.

I laugh, playing off the hurt. “Yeah, we gave our fans a titillating bit of new gossip to take the place of the old. Rumors about our relationship will be flying through town before lunch.” I glance around to be sure. The crowd drifts away, realizing there’s nothing more to see. Even better, nobody hurls insults or throws dead animals at our heads. “Let’s go.”

About the Author
Angie Sandro was born at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. Within six weeks, she began the first of eleven relocations throughout the United States, Spain, and Guam before the age of eighteen. Friends were left behind. The only constants in her life were her family and the books she shipped wherever she went. Traveling the world inspired her imagination and allowed her to create her own imaginary friends. Visits to her father's family in Louisiana inspired this story. Angie now lives in Northern California with her husband, two children, and an overweight Labrador.
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Release Day Book Blitz: Wavecrossed by Andrea Colt

Title: Wavecrossed
Author: Andrea Colt
Pub. Date: August 22 2013
Genre: Paranormal YA

Blurb:

A young-adult paranormal novel about selkies, tasers, kissing and secrets.
To Cassandra Kelleher, trust is a dirty word. A teenage selkie who grew up on land, all she wants is to free her family from the man who stole their sealskins long ago. With her twin brother Brennan losing hope and her window of opportunity disappearing like the beach at high tide, she’ll try anything. Before long, however, Cassandra can’t tell whether her biggest threat is the man holding her family captive, a classmate who’s discovered her secret, or her own paranoia. Battling broken friendships and alarming romantic entanglements, Cassandra finds that trust could be the key to winning her family’s freedom … or losing her own.

*Click cover for Goodreads page!*

Excerpt:

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About the Author

Andrea Colt grew up reading and squabbling with her identical twin. She lives in Alexandria, Virginia with her husband, a fridge full of cheese, and two feline muses. Visit to get to know her better.

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Come back on August 31 to see my review!!!