Cover Reveal: Sticks and Stones by Shawn McGuire

Sticks and Stones

(The Wishmakers Book One)

by Shawn McGuire

Cover designed by  Art by Karri

Publication date: June 15th 2014 
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

Everyone has a dark side. Mandy’s just moved in with her.
The last time sixteen-year-old Mandy Matteo broke a rule, her sister died. Since that day she has done only what is expected of her, but life as a goody-goody has made Mandy so boring her friends have all but abandoned her. And she’s given up on ever getting Ethan, the boy she’s liked forever, to notice her. Desperate, Mandy makes a wish to simply be happy.

Her wish is granted and happiness arrives in the form of Lexi, her childhood imaginary friend come to life. Magical wishes have conditions though: Once started, the wish cannot be altered or stopped. And once Mandy is truly content with her life again, Lexi must go back to where she came from. But Lexi loves being alive and she’ll do whatever it takes to stay that way.

About the Author: Shawn McGuire started writing after seeing the first Star Wars movie (that’s episode IV) as a kid; she couldn’t wait for the next one so wrote her own episodes. Sadly, those notebooks are long lost. STICKS AND STONES is her debut and is the first in the planned five-book YA fantasy series, THE WISH MAKERS. She grew up in the beautiful Mississippi River town of Winona, Minnesota and after graduating college moved to the Milwaukee area of Wisconsin where she lived for many years. She and her family now call Colorado home and when not writing or reading, Shawn enjoys cooking and baking, crafts, interior decorating, and spending time hiking and camping in the spectacular Rocky Mountains.

Author Links: 
Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest / Goodreads

BookSparks Summer Reading Challenge: The One and Only by Emily Giffin

I am very excited to be a part of BookSparks Summer Reading Challenge and am kicking it off with my reivew of The One and Only by Emily Giffin!  To see a full list of the review books, continue reading to the bottom of the post.

The One and Only

by Emily Giffin

Thirty-three-year-old Shea Rigsby has spent her entire life in Walker, Texas—a small college town that lives and dies by football, a passion she unabashedly shares. Raised alongside her best friend, Lucy, the daughter of Walker’s legendary head coach, Clive Carr, Shea was too devoted to her hometown team to leave. Instead she stayed in Walker for college, even taking a job in the university athletic department after graduation, where she has remained for more than a decade.

But when an unexpected tragedy strikes the tight-knit Walker community, Shea’s comfortable world is upended, and she begins to wonder if the life she’s chosen is really enough for her. As she finally gives up her safety net to set out on an unexpected path, Shea discovers unsettling truths about the people and things she has always trusted most—and is forced to confront her deepest desires, fears, and secrets.

Thoughtful, funny, and brilliantly observed, The One & Only is a luminous novel about finding your passion, following your heart, and, most of all, believing in something bigger than yourself . . . the one and only thing that truly makes life worth living.

My thoughts:  This book started out slow for me, but I was interested enough in Shea that I kept reading.  I soon became invested in Shea's life, wanting to know who she would end up with as well as what career path she would take.  

Shea was raised by her mother, but considers her best friend Lucy's family as her own as well.  When Lucy's mother Connie dies, it leaves a hole in all of their lives, including Coach Carr, her husband, who is also the winning coach of Walker football and has been for years.  Shea's relationship with Coach Carr has changed over the years, from him being her best friend's dad, to mentor, to friend.  She understands and is involved in football in a way that Lucy is not, so is closer to coach than his own daughter.  He has most recently given her a lead on a job that would finally get her out of the Walker atmosphere and start a life of her own.  

The relationships in this book were complex and messy.  And that is what I liked best.  The author does not back away from the uncomfortable, but meets it head on.  She explores unlikely attractions as well as unhealthy ones.  She shows us that what might appear perfect on the outside sometimes hides ugly secrets and the things that make us uncomfortable might really be what's worth fighting for.

I will definitely pick up another book by Emily Giffin!

~I received a complimentary ecopy of The One and Only from BookSparks and Net Galley in exchange for my unbiased review as part of the BookSparks Summer Reading Challenge.~

Purchase Links: 

THE ONE AND ONLY
by Emily Giffin
Random House; May 20, 2014
432 pages; $28.00 U.S.
ISBN- 978-0-345-54688-3

Check out all the great books that will be reviewed this summer!

May:

The One and Only by Emily Giffin

Love and Other Foreign Words by Erin McCahan

Cure for the Common Breakup by Beth Kendrick

June:

The Witch of Belladonna Bay by Suzanne Palmieri

The Revealed by Jessica Hickam

The Walk In Closet by Abdi Nazemian

July:

Elly in Love by Colleen Oakes

After I Do by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Serenade by Emily Kiebel

Queen of Hearts Vol. 2 by Colleen Oakes

August:

Gravel on the Side of the Road by Kris Raddish

The Curse of Van Gogh by Paul Hoppe

Wild Within by Melissa Hart

Add-ons

My Last Kiss by Bethany Neal

In Bloom by Katie Delahanty

Review: When We Met by Susan Mallery

When We Met

(Fool's Gold, #13)

by Susan Mallery

New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery invites you back to Fool's Gold, where a newcomer to town might finally meet the man she never knew she needed. . .

Angel Whittaker earned his scars the hard way, but the scars that can't be seen are the ones that haunt him the most.  Since he moved to Fool's Gold, California, he's cobbled together a life for himself as a bodyguard trainer.  If he's not exactly happy, at least his heart is safe.

Working with pro-football superstars taught tough-talking PR woman Taryn Crawford one thing -- she can go toe-to-toe with any man.  But then dark, dangerous former Special Ops Angel targets her for seduction. . . and challenges her to resist his tempting kisses.

Even in four-inch heels, Taryn never backs down.  Unless, somehow, Angel can convince her that surrender might feel even better than victory. 

My thoughts: Taryn and Angel were both mentioned in the last book and it was fun to see that storyline picked up in When We Met.  Neither is looking for a relationship - Angel because he had a family once - and he felt that he couldn't keep them safe - so didn't want to travel that path again.  Taryn had an ugly childhood and was left scarred by both parents, and feels single is safer if it means never having to trust again.  However. . . they are both open to having a little fun.

Taryn runs a PR firm and bosses around three NFL players, so when she is not at work she likes it that Angel doesn't always play be the rules.  He isn't following the script she is used to which leaves her even more intrigued.  Angel likes it that Taryn doesn't run from a challenge but actually steps up to play.  This makes for an interesting combination as the dating ritual begins, as neither one knows what to expect.

If it was all about the sparks, maybe neither one would be in trouble - but along the way they discover the softer side that they each try to hide.  

I liked this couple very much - both powerful, Taryn in her job, Angel - both physically and at his job.  At the same time, though they try to fight it, they very much love being a part of this small community and giving back.  Taryn might fight that every one is "too nice", but is really enjoying have girlfriends.  And though Angel feels he was coerced into being a Grove Keeper for a group of 7-8 year old girls, he is really enjoying it.  As they get to know each other, they also begin to know themselves better, and they are really not the loners they think they are.

 I have had the opportunity to read only one other Fool's Gold book - Three Little Words, but have found they they read very well as stand alones.  It was fun to recognize some of the other characters in the book and know some of their back story, so I look forward to continuing on in the series and hope to one day have the chance to go back and see where it all started.  

~I was given a copy of When We Met by Meryl Moss Media in exchange for my unbiased review.~

Purchase Links: 

About the author: SUSAN MALLERY is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 80 novels, with more than 25 million books sold worldwide. Mallery is known for creating characters who feel as real as the folks next door, and for putting them into emotional, often funny situations readers recognize from their own lives. Susan’s books have made Booklist’s Top 10 Romances list in four out of five consecutive years. RT Book Reviews says, “When it comes to heartfelt contemporary romance, Mallery is in a class by herself.” With her popular, ongoing Fool’s Gold series, Susan has reached new heights on the bestsellers lists and has won the hearts of countless new fans. Susan grew up in southern California, moved so many times that her friends stopped writing her address in pen, and now has settled in Seattle with her husband and the most delightfully spoiled little dog who ever lived. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.

WHEN WE MET
by Susan Mallery
Harlequin; May 1, 2014
352 pages; $8.99 U.S./$9.99 CAN.
ISBN- 978-0-373-77865-2

Cover Reveal: More than Music by Elizabeth Briggs

More than Music

(Chasing the Dream #1)

by Elizabeth Briggs

Cover designed by Najla Qamber Designs. 

Publication Date: June 17, 2014

Contemporary, NA

Music major Maddie Taylor seems to have her life all figured out. She’s just finished her junior year of college, has a summer internship lined up with the LA Philharmonic, and plans to go to grad school to write movie scores. Only her roommates know she practices guitar every night and secretly dreams of a louder life. But geeky girls like her don’t get to be rock stars.

Tattooed singer Jared Cross has a new girl every week, but when he catches Maddie playing one of his songs, she attracts his attention in an unexpected way. His band needs a fourth member for The Sound, a reality TV show competition—and he wants her. Though Maddie refuses to be another notch on Jared’s bedpost, she agrees to risk everything for the chance to be a rock star.

Once on the show, Maddie discovers there’s more to Jared behind his flirty smile, and with each performance their attraction becomes impossible to ignore. When the show pressures Jared to flaunt his player image, they’re forced to keep their relationship secret, but Maddie can’t help but want something real.

As the competition heats up, Jared will do whatever it takes for his band to win, and Maddie must decide if following her dream is worth losing her heart.

About the author: Elizabeth Briggs is a full-time geek who writes books for teens and adults. She plays the guitar, mentors at-risk teens, and volunteers with a dog rescue group. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and a pack of small, fluffy dogs.

Author links: 

Blog / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Welcome to The Chatsfield! (with giveaway)

Harlequin has launched The Chatsfield, a "first of its kind" digital series from Mills & Boon on 6th May.

Set in the luxury hotel "The Chatsfield", this digital series provides an extra journey for the reader to continue engaging with the characters of a book and series beyond what is just on the page, thereby extending the life of the story.

The Chatsfield is a digital journey that blends fiction and reality and comes across multiple mediums including print (The Chatsfield Presents books), video (YouTube), digital (blogs and the main Chatsfield website) and social (twitter, Facebook.)

To be a part of the digital journey, you can explore here:

The Chatsfield opened its doors on 6^th May at www.thechatsfield.com

Other important links:

Facebook / Twitter / Google+ / YouTube  / Mills & Boon website

THE BOOKS:

Coming in May

 Sheikh's Scandal

 by Lucy Monroe

Sheikh Sayed of Zeena Sarha and his harem of beautiful women are staying at the exclusive, opulent Chatsfield Hotel, London, for the last stop on his worldwide tour before his wedding. But when his engagement is unceremoniously broken, Sayed sets his sights on his sexy chambermaid! 

Liyah Amari only took the position as chambermaid to find the truth about her birth father. But her search ends in heartache, leaving Liyah vulnerable to this powerful Sheikh's desires. Now their one night of passion could result in a scandalous consequence for the proud Sheikh! 

Welcome to The Chatsfield, London!

About the author: Award-winning and bestselling author Lucy Monroe lives in the gorgeous Pacific Northwest, surrounded by a plethora of pets and children (her own, the neighbors, her sisters…). She finds inspiration for her stories everywhere as she is an avid people-watcher. So much so that she disconcerted her husband upon first meeting him when she watched the other dancers as much as she watched him. He thought she wasn't interested…silly man.

She believes there is no stronger emotion than love; that it truly can overcome pain, past rejection and the challenge of finding happiness despite the hardest things life has to offer. She believes in the victorious conclusions found in today's romance. To her, the passionately sensual romance novel is a beautiful expression of the reality of love, packaged in a fantasy readers can enjoy.

When she's not writing, Lucy likes to read—big surprise, that. She can't tell you the latest show going on television, but she loves romantic movies, action adventure and the theater. She adores her family, and is a smatterer when it comes to hobbies…a little of this, a little of that.

Since selling her first book to the Harlequin Presents line in September of 2002, she has sold more than thirty books to three publishers and shows no signs of slowing down in the near future.

Visit her web site to read about all of her books and see flash movies for select releases, including her Harlequin Presents title. She truly loves to hear from readers, and can be reached at lucymonroe@lucymonroe.com.

Coming in June

Playboy's Lesson

by Melanie Milburne

Lucca Chatsfield has one simple motto: no rings, no strings. Adored wherever he goes, he has yet to meet a woman who can resist him. Until he's sent to the small principality of Preitalle and meets his greatest challenge ever…. 

Poised and polished, princess Charlotte does not do drama. The very last person she needs interfering in her life is this reckless playboy! Lottie is determined to resist Lucca's seduction, but his charm is potent, and practically perfect Lottie finds herself risking everything for just one more touch….

About the author: It was while she was supposed to be studying for her final high school exams that Melanie Milburne read her first Mills & Boon novel. She was 17 and decided right then and there she would continue reading romance novels, and not only that, she would settle for no less than a tall dark handsome hero as her future husband. Well, she's not only still reading romance but writing it as well! And the tall dark handsome hero, you ask? She fell in love with him on the second date and was secretly engaged to him within six weeks.

They moved to Scotland so he could work and study for his M.D. in surgery, and two sons later, arrived in Hobart, Tasmania—the jewel in the Australian crown. Once their boys were safely at school, Melanie went back to university and upgraded her teaching qualifications to a bachelor's and then master's degree.

As part of her final assessment she conducted a tutorial in literary theory concentrating on the romance genre. She had the tutorial room decked out with hearts and champagne and roses and was standing at the front of the room reading a paragraph from the novel of a prominent Harlequin Mills & Boon author when the door suddenly burst open. The husband that she thought was safely tucked away in an operating theater doing what surgeons are supposed to do was actually standing there dressed in a tuxedo, his dark brown compelling gaze centered on her startled blue one. He strode purposefully across the room, hauled Melanie into his arms and kissed her deeply and passionately before setting her back down and leaving without a single word. The lecturer gave Melanie a High Distinction and her fellow students gave her jealous glares! You can see by now her pilgrimage into romance writing was more or less set!

As well as writing full-time, Melanie is also a keen athlete. She enjoys long-distance running and is a nationally ranked top-10 master's swimmer in Australia, holding several individual state records. She learned to swim as an adult, so for anyone out there who thinks they can't do something—you can! Her motto is "Don't say I can't; say I CAN TRY."

Melanie loves the pace and passion of the Harlequin Mills & Boon Presents series and hopes fans enjoy reading her stories as much as she loves writing them.

Coming in July

Socialite's Gamble

by Michelle Conder

As the darling of London's party scene, Cara Chatsfield isn't surprised when her father's CEO sends her to Las Vegas to host The Chatsfield's world-famous poker tournament. And if behind the glitz and glamour there's a girl hurt by her past? She'll never tell.  

Aidan Kelly detests women like Cara, but when his biggest rival includes Cara in the stakes, Aidan must win—and not just for her protection! But getting to know the stunning socialite, he discovers a beautiful, vulnerable young woman awoken by his own personal brand of passion!  

Welcome to The Chatsfield, Las Vegas!

About the author: After graduating from the University of Melbourne, Michelle Conder took a variety of jobs before packing her bags and traveling and working overseas. When none of the career opportunities she encountered grabbed her she returned to Australia, and after more study decided to follow her lifelong dream of becoming a writer.

Michelle now lives in Melbourne with her husband and three children; when she isn't writing, she loves to visit faraway places and spend time with her family and friends.

Giveaway: 

--10 winners will get copies of The Chatsfield series (Books 1-3)

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Cover Reveal: The Trouble Series by Rachel Morgan

The Trouble Series

by Rachel Morgan

Contemporary, NA, Romance

Covers designed by Morgan Media.

Four new heroines are about to enter the book world in this romance series full of swoon-worthy guys, comical moments, witty dialogue, and hot kisses…

#1: The Introvert

Sarah doesn’t talk to strangers, but the cute guy sitting next to her on the plane might have to be the exception. Hours of random conversation later, Sarah thinks Aiden could be her happily ever after. The trouble is, he’s gone now—and she has no idea how to find him.  ~ The Trouble with Flying

#2: The Nerd

Livi sees her first year of university as a chance to redefine herself and finally fit into the popular crowd. But how far will she go before realizing that what she really wants has always been right in front of her? ~ The Trouble with Flirting

#3: The Fraud

After a stupid miscommunication, everyone in Andi’s new res thinks she’s secretly dating Damien, boyfriend of resident queen bee Charlotte. Since the rumor’s already out there and refuses to be squashed, Andi and Damian decide to keep up the facade in the hopes of snagging the attention of the people they really want to be with. ~ The Trouble with Faking

#4: The Artist

With exam stress, family wedding craziness, and a spiraling relationship with her boyfriend, Sophie finds herself sucked further and further into the darkness of depression. The only thing making her remotely happy these days is her art—and the guy on the other side of the internet who seems to really get her. But is that enough to keep her from falling off the edge entirely? ~ The Trouble with Falling

Get the prequel novella, FORGIVEN, for FREE at most online retailers!

About the author: Rachel Morgan was born in South Africa and spent a large portion of her childhood living in a fantasy land of her own making. After completing a degree in genetics, she decided science wasn't for her—after all, they didn't approve of made-up facts. These days she spends much of her time immersed in fantasy land once more, writing fiction for young adults and those still young at heart.

Author Links: 
Twitter / Goodreads / Blog

Cover Reveal: Melt by Selene Castrovilla

I'm so excited to take part in the cover reveal for MELT by Selene Castrovilla! Check out the cover below, and let me know what you think in the comments. Then be sure to enter the giveaway for a chance to win a signed ARC of MELT, and a $25 Amazon or B&N gift card!

Melt

by Selene Castrovilla

MELT is a brutal love story, set against the backdrop of The Wizard of Oz. Sixteen year old “good girl” Dorothy just blew into the small town of Highland Park – where the social headquarters is Munchkinland (Dunkin’ Donuts.) There, she meets Joey – a “bad boy” who tells no one about the catastrophic domestic violence he witnesses at home. Can these two lovers survive peer pressure, Joey’s reputation, and his alcoholism? And then there’s his family's secret – about to be unleashed.

Told in dual first person, Joey's words are scattered on the page - reflecting his broken state. Dorothy is the voice of reason - until something so shattering happens that she, too, may lose her grip. Can their love endure, or will it melt away?

MELT is based on true events. It is both a chilling tale of abuse, and a timeless romance. It will hit you like a punch in the face, and also seep through the cracks in your soul.

What do you think of the cover?

About the author: Selene Castrovilla is an award-winning teen and children’s author who believes that through all trends, humanity remains at the core of literature. She is the author of Saved By the Music and The Girl Next Door, teen novels originally published by WestSide Books and now available digitally through ASD Publishing. Her third children’s book with Calkins Creek Books, Revolutionary Friends, was released in April 2013. She is also a contributing author to UncommonYA. Selene holds an MFA in creative writing from New School University and a BA in English from New York University. She lives on Long Island with her two sons. Visit her website www.SeleneCastrovilla.com for book excerpts and more information!

Author Links: 

 Website | Facebook | Twitter | Tumblr | Pinterest

GIVEAWAY

One winner will receive a signed ARC of MELT and $25 Amazon or B&N gift card (US/CA only).

***Any contestant that uses dummy or contest only accounts to enter will be disqualified.***

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Book Blast: Destruction by Sharon Bayliss

Light always exists and will always return when missing...

Publication Date: April 14, 2014

Series: The December People, Book One

Genre: Contemporary Fantasy 

David Vandergraff wants to be a good man. He goes to church every Sunday, keeps his lawn trim and green, and loves his wife and kids more than anything. Unfortunately, being a dark wizard isn't a choice.

Eleven years ago, David's secret second family went missing. When his two lost children are finally found, he learns they suffered years of unthinkable abuse. Ready to make things right, David brings the kids home even though it could mean losing the wife he can’t imagine living without. 

Keeping his life together becomes harder when the new children claim to be dark wizards. David believes they use this fantasy to cope with their trauma. Until, David's wife admits a secret of her own—she is a dark wizard too, as is David, and all of their children. 

Now, David must parent two hurting children from a dark world he doesn’t understand and keep his family from falling apart. All while dealing with the realization that everyone he loves, including himself, may be evil.

Available on Amazon and Barnes&Noble

Add it on Goodreads!

About the Author

Sharon Bayliss is the author of The December People Series and The Charge. When she’s not writing, she enjoys living happily-ever-after with her husband and two young sons. She can be found eating Tex-Mex on patios, wearing flip-flops, and playing in the mud (which she calls gardening). She only practices magic in emergencies.

Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads  |  Pintrest

Giveaway

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Review: If I Tell by Janet Gurtler

It I Tell

by Janet Gurtler

Raised by her grandparents, seventeen-year-old Jasmine, the result of a biracial one night stand, has never met her father but has a good relationship with her mother until she sees her mother's boyfriend kissing Jaz's best friend...

If only. . . if only I hadn't gone to that party.  I never would have seen what I did.  Jackson wouldn't have driven me home.  I wouldn't have started to fall for a guy just out of reform school.  I could go back to pretending everything was normal.  I wouldn't be keeping a secret from my mom that could blow our family apart. . .

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this young adult book.  Jaz has had an unusually upbringing.  I won't say it was terrible because she had grandparents who loved her and raised her.  Her mother had gotten pregnant as a teenager and hadn't been able to deal with the idea of being a mother - but she is still a part of her daughter's life.  Her father took off and never looked back.  She is also biracial - which is a minority (nonexistant) in the town she lives in, so she has never really felt like she belonged.  Because of an incident that happened in elementary school, she has closed herself off and can count the number of friends she has on one hand.  They are somewhat misfits like herself, but she is happy to have them.  Unfortunately when she sees one of them kissing her mom's boyfriend, well, let's just say it hurts to lose one of the few friends she has.  

I liked the relationship between Jaz and Jackson that develops - how they each discover they have things in common.  Things that go beyond what the eyes can see.  I think that Jaz does a lot of growing in this book.  She deals with some difficult truths and learns how to trust - both herself and others.  This is my first Janet Gurtler book, and I would definitely recommend it - especially to my daughters.

Purchase Links: 

About the author:  Janet Gurtler lives in Calgary, Canada, deliciously close to the Canadian Rockies, with her husband, son, and the memories of a sweet little dog named Meeko.  Janet does not live in an igloo or play hockey, but she does love maple syrup and says "eh" a lot. 

Author Links:

Twitter / Facebook / Blog