SheReadsRomance

Blog Tour, ARC Review & Giveaway: The Apollo Academy (The Apollo Academy #1) By Kimberly P. Chase

Posted on Friday, August 23, 2013 11:35 AM

Welcome to my stop on The Apollo Academy's Blog Tour!

THE APOLLO ACADEMY:

As the heiress to Titon Technologies, eighteen-year-old Aurora Titon can have whatever she wants—clothes, expensive gadgets, anything money can buy. All she really wants is to escape her pampered, paparazzi-prone life for the stars. Becoming the first female pilot to train as an astronaut for the Apollo Academy is exactly the chance for which she has been waiting. Everything would be perfect if it weren't for her unreciprocated crush on a fellow student, the sexy astronaut bent on making her life hell, and the fact that someone keeps trying to kill her.

The first in a four book new adult science fiction series, The Apollo Academy, is an action packed story of love, discovery, and survival.

Available NOW at Amazon and Barnes&Noble!

My Review

The Apollo Academy by Kimberly P. Chase

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The first book I read by Kimberly P. Chase and the one that just made me a huge fan...

I don't usually read books (sci-fi) like The Apollo Academy, but this book seriously blew me away and I can't but wait to read the sequel to this new sci-fi NA series.

The author created a whole new world and she did an amazing job! The writing was wonderful and I can't really find any fault to this book! The story had an even and nice flow that didn't confuse or got you lost.

The characters were all unique in their own way and very well developed.

Zane and Aurora are intriguing characters from two different ends of the spectrum. But in the end, they both want the same thing-to fit. As heiress to the Titon Technologies, you would expect Aurora to be spoilt rich brat but that is far from the truth! She's kind, intelligent and always in the spotlight. But that's the last place she wants to be. Aurora dreams of being a pilot at The Apollo Academy...

I liked how she wanted to blend in and seemed to hate the attention drawn to her because of her name. She wanted to be normal and at the same time, be the first female pilot. She's also very amicable and I'd have liked to be her friend. I also liked the love triangle! (Team Zane all the way btw!!!) It added some spice in the story. I can't say that I liked Sky too much. He was a good guy, a good teacher, an amazing pilot but he wasn't Zane. I think that says much.

Zane strives to become known to the society and and finally be a normal citicitizen. Entering the Apollo Academy is his opportunity to finally reach the status he wants. Zane is a fighter and and very adaptable, I liked him from the first time I saw him!!!

Moreover, the secondary characters were great as well. For example, we have Kaylana who drew me because of her humor, her caring nature and the fact that she "protected" those she considered friends. Hailen, is another of the secondary characters but I can't say that I liked her that much...Akemi, I really liked him but I'd have liked to see him in more scenes, he was one of those people who stay-out-of-your-way-and-mind-their-business type of man. Then there's Ms. Lovell who knows everything but tells nothing and Dr. Stevenson who's just a nice guy tring to help Zane dea with his problems but never gets involved.

All in all, the first book in the The Apollo Academy series is a worth-reading book and I totally recommend it!!!

My Casting:

About the Author:

Kimberly P. Chase holds a Bachelor's Degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, which basically means she's kind of a geek and loves flying airplanes. Naturally, her books tend to include aviation, hot flight instructors, aviator glasses, and—let's not forget—kissing! When Kimberly's not writing or reading, she's hanging out with her husband, four-year-old son, and two dogs.

Find Kimberly here:

Here's a chance to win a free electronic copy or an Apollo Academy Launch Specialist t-shirt!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sofia T.

Review: Ruin by Rachel Van Dyken

Posted on Tuesday, August 20, 2013 10:12 PM

Ruin

By Rachel Van Dyken

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fav Quote:

“Wherever I am, whatever I'm doing, alive or dead, young or old, my heart will always be with yours. Every beat you feel against your fingertips..." His fingers tapped against my chest, once, twice. "... is me calling out to you. It's you returning the call. It's us talking, communicating, bonding, sharing, Living -- Kiersten, it's us living.”

Kiersten hasn't had an easy life, but neither had Weston. Struggling to make it another day, they both just try to LIVE.That is, until they meet each other.

Running "into" Weston Michals on the day of registration, little does Kiersten know that her life is about to change forever! Kiersten isn't prepared for Wes 's appearance in her life. Weston, on the other hand, is determined to fight for what he's feeling and show her what life is really about. And so he does...

But what Kiersten doesn't know yet, is that their time together is has a limit!!!

“Time was the most precious thing in the world to me, and I’d just given her all of it. Because I was falling for her. Because I cared for her. Because I wanted to give her something to remember me by, even if it would eventually fade like its namesake. Time… what an absolute horror-inducing word”

Ruin is a story about a lost girl and a boy who makes it his goal to bring her back from the dark...

Ruin is the type of book that will ruin you and, at the same time, heal you (if that's possible!).

When I began reading this book, I didn't quite know what to expect. I loved the author's ability to convey emotion to us by the very first page. In the beginning, I loathed every feeling I got as I was reading the book, because I thought I new the end, but fortunately I couldn't be more wrong (Thank God I was!!!).

Luckily, Ruin has dual POVs, Kiersten and Weston's respectively. If it wasn't for this switch, it would be too late before we learned the secret Weston's been hiding. Thanks to the dual POVs, though, we knew from the start that something is wrong. But by the time we find out, it's too late as we're soooooo emotionally connected to him.

I admired and loved Weston, because no matter of what's going on in his life, he was adamant to make it through for all those people who loved him but for the woman he came to love as well.

“I prayed over and over again that God would spare me, not because I cared that much about my own life -- but because I cared about hers.”

As far as the secondary characters are concerned, I think that, to say I loved them, would be an understatement. First and foremost, Kiersten's roommate was a total "psycho" but she was wonderful and of course there was Gabe, her roommate's cousin. I L-O-V-E-D Gabe. He was so protective towards her, he was like a brother to her, he "mothered" her, he looked after her and did everything to protect her!!!

Ruin torn me apart and then made me pick up all my pieces. It's impossible for one to cry soooooo much while reading a book, but in the end it was absofuckinglutely worth it! I hope that there will be a sequel with Gabe's story. I can't wait!!!!

Highly Recommended!!!

Synopsis

I'm not your typical girl. I've been running away from the memories that haunt me for so long that depression has become my only comfort. I was content in the darkness...until Wes Michals offered to be my light.

I didn't know that time wasn't my ally -- that every second that ticked past was one step closer to the end of something that was beginning to mean the end of myself. He tried to warn me. He promised me all he was able to offer--each moment as it came--but it would never be enough.

Sometimes when you think it's the end, it's only the beginning. Wes thought he could save me, but in giving me everything, he ruined me. Because after one kiss, one touch, I couldn't--I wouldn't ever be the same.

And from that moment on, his heartbeat became my own.

Sofia T.

The Fiery Heart (Bloodlines #4) by Richelle Mead -Chapter 2

Posted on Monday, August 19, 2013 10:23 PM

The big-screen adaptation of Richelle Mead's best-selling "Vampire Academy" won't take a bite out of the box office until February 14, 2014, but thanks to the author's spin-off series, "Bloodlines," fans will have something to sink their teeth into while they wait.

The fourth chapter in alchemist Sydney Sage's tale—"The Fiery Heart"—hits bookstore shelves November 19, and Hollywood Crush has your EXCLUSIVE first look at the novel's second chapter!

As you'll recall from "Indigo Spell" (SPOILERS AHEAD IF YOU HAVEN'T READ IT!), Sydney made the bold decision to defy her strict upbringing and become romantically entangled with bad-boy Moroi Adrian Ivashkov. (We could hardly blame her...) "The Fiery Heart" picks up a couple of months later, and things are as complicated as ever—what with Sydney's little sister, Zoe, now at the academy and Sydney delving deeper into her magical powers. What is new in "The Fiery Heart"? Well, each chapter alternates between Sydney and Adrian's point of view, meaning you'll get a new perspective into the spirit user's psyche. (And what a beautiful mind it is...)

Click here to download the second chapter of "The Fiery Heart"!

(You can read the first chapter at Richelle's website.)

Will you be picking up a copy of "The Fiery Heart"?

Source

Sofia T.

Review: My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Posted on Sunday, August 18, 2013 1:58 AM

My Life Next Door

By Huntley Fitzpatrick

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fav Quote

“You're walking along on this path, dazzled by how perfect it is, how great you feel, and then just a few forks in the road and you are lost in a place so bad you never could have imagined it.”

Samantha has been "spying" the Garretts for many years and although she lives next door, it's not until 10 years pass that she gets to really know them. The Garretts are everything that her family isn't, have everything that her family hasn't. Samantha may come from a "good" family but ever since she saw the Garretts for the first time, she can't but envy them...

“The Garretts were my bedtime story, long before I ever thought I’d be part of the story myself.”

That is, until she finally gets to know Jase Garrett. Jase's family isn't your average one! 8 children and one messy, loud house. Samantha knows that Jase is the exact opposite from her, but all she ever wanted was to be part of that.

So, this summer Samantha's life will be forever changed. She will fall in love, she'll break the roules, she'll learn some lessons but mainly, she'll find out that life can be very hard.

Sometimes telling the truth can be hard, especially if telling the truth means hurting someone you love but not telling the truth, is hurting someone else you love. Is Samantha ready to face the consequences of her truth???

This book is a must- read, must-have!!! I knew I'd fall in love with this book from page one, but what I didn't know was that it would make me laugh and cry and even get jealous!!!! Let me just say that both main characters were very mature 17-year-olds, so there was no drama, no stubborn teenage behavior, no overreacting but instead there were two teenagers who found LOVE to be easy and patient.

I guarantee that if you read this book there no way not to fall in love with this couple, the amazinggggggggg Garrett family and of course George (who I wish was real) and Patsy.
And last but not least, my favourite F-A-V-O-U-R-I-T-E scene (it's a George scene, coincidence, I think not!):

“Is Jase already gonna marry you?”

I start coughing again. “Uh, No. No, George. I’m only seventeen.” As if that’s the only reason we’re not engaged.

“I’m this many.” George holds up four, slightly grubby fingers. “But Jase is seventeen and a half. You could. Then you could live in here with him. And have a big family.”

Jase strides back into the room, of course, midway through this proposition. “George. Beat it. Discovery Channel is on.”

George backs out of the room but not before saying, “His bed’s really comfortable. And he never pees in it.”

Synopsis:

"One thing my mother never knew, and would disapprove of most of all, was that I watched the Garretts. All the time."

The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, messy, affectionate. And every day from her rooftop perch, Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs up next to her and changes everything.

As the two fall fiercely for each other, stumbling through the awkwardness and awesomeness of first love, Jase's family embraces Samantha - even as she keeps him a secret from her own. Then something unthinkable happens, and the bottom drops out of Samantha's world. She's suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?

A transporting debut about family, friendship, first romance, and how to be true to one person you love without betraying another.

Sofia T.

Guest Post & Excerpt: Love, Lies, and Deception By L.P. Dover

Posted on Saturday, August 17, 2013 1:14 PM

Release Day: August 15th 2013

Synopsis:

What do you do when the one person you thought you knew turns out to be the one you knew the least?

Twenty-three year old Marissa Chase, and soon to be college graduate, has everything going for her: wonderful friends, a lucrative degree, and a chance to explore the world. What made it even better – or so she thought – was when her path crossed with the alluring Alec Holden. Unable to stay away from him, Marissa experiences a love like no other, and falls into his world of passion and intrigue. However, things begin to shift when this path takes a deadly turn.

Her trust is put to the test when hidden dangers unfold before her, revealing secrets that have been buried for years. Secrets that were meant to stay hidden. Murder, lies, and betrayal … will Marissa figure it all out in time and escape with her life intact, or will she be too late and fall into the trap of deception?

Guest Post

Today at my Blog I have the amazing L.P. Dover, author of the Forever Fae series and

Second Chances series .

She is going to tell us about her favourite fictional couples and the reason she loves them and how she came up with her two main characters (Marissa & Alec).

So without further due...

Please tell us your favorite fictional couples and the reason you love them...

I think I have so many it’s hard to decide … lol. First, I would have to say that I love my fictional couples more than anything. They hold a special place in my heart and there’s no one that can take their place. However, I do have others that I love as well.

Cat and Bones from the Night Huntress series by Jeaniene Frost are my ultimate favorite. I love how they fight for each other and the intensity of their love. I can feel it in every word that’s written and in every action. I think I read the whole series in one week. I couldn’t get enough of them. Bones’ real name is Crispin, and let me tell you … he is definitely crispy!!!

Vlad and Leila, also from Jeaniene Frost’s books, are another one of my favorite couples. There’s just something about the way she writes that has me mesmerized. Not only is Vlad HOT, but his determination and protectiveness makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. I seriously am in love with both Vlad and Bones.

Can you please tell us how you came up with your two main characters (Marissa & Alec)!

Marissa and Alec came to me one day just pondering along in Lala Land … lol. Actually, I was contemplating writing a romantic suspense to my fellow author friend, Jenna Pizzi. We were discussing my plot and she blurted out “Marissa and Alec!”

The names stuck to me so I decided to use them. Marissa is a once wild child who used to have tons of fun and not a care in the world until her parents die and her world changes. She then starts to concentrate on school more and focusing on her graduating instead of partying all the time. She’s a strong and stubborn girl who knows what she wants and she normally gets it. I love my heroine’s to be strong and not the needy kind, so of course, I made Marissa kick ass. ;)

Alec is the mysterious and gorgeous neighbor. He keeps to himself, and has hidden secrets that he keeps from Marissa. But there’s something about her that he falls in love with and keeping those secrets is not something he can continue doing. He has a shady past that not only can hurt his relationship with Marissa, but also draws in unwanted danger. He protects her and loves her with an unguarded passion, but sometimes that might not be enough. Given his past, he has to live with the fear that things might never be perfect, but he hopes with all hope that Marissa will see past it all.

Excerpt

Kristian was leaning against the wall with his muscular arms crossed at his chest. His smoky gray eyes watched me intently as I made my way to him, and it made me nervous. I’d never seen him look at me like that, with such longing and need.

When I approached, he loosened his arms and pulled me straight into them, enveloping me in his scent of bodywash and cologne; he smelled completely different from Alec, like they had their own enticing scent. He was wearing the cologne I had given him for his birthday the year before, and it made me smile as I laid my head on his chest.

“Please don’t go, Marissa. I can take you somewhere and keep you safe. Why does it have to be him? If anything, it’s more dangerous since whoever is after you is only doing it because of him.”

In all honesty, he had a point, but I didn’t want to imagine not going with Alec. I held onto Kristian tighter and breathed him in. I was going to miss him so much.

“I have to go, Kristian,” I whispered. “And I have to go with Alec. I don’t want you or any of our friends being targets just because of me. If anything happened to any of you I would never forgive myself.”

Kristian let me go and placed both of his hands on my cheeks, lifting my face up. “I’m not going to know what to do without you, Mare. You’ve been such a huge part of my life for so long. Just please promise me that you’ll call me or text if you need anything.”

Smiling, I leaned into his hand and placed mine over the top of his. “Always,” I whispered wholeheartedly. A lone tear escaped out of the corner of my eye and Kristian wiped it away with his thumb.

A pained look crossed his face and my heart shattered for him. “Be safe, Marissa.”

“I will,” I said, slowly backing away from him. “But I have to go.”

As soon as I turned to leave, Kristian grabbed my arm and pulled me to him, crushing his lips against mine. They were firm yet soft, and the desire that flowed through them to me shot through my body like electricity. Kristian had never kissed me like that before, or ever for that matter. The kiss only lasted briefly because Alec came up behind me and tore me away from him, and stepped in front of me.

In a low, menacing voice Alec said, “If I ever see you touch her like that again I’m gonna rip off your arms and shove them up your ass. Be thankful I can’t do anything about it now, but when we come back you better watch out.”

Kristian met Alec head on. “I’d like to see you try,” he sneered.

About The Author

L.P. Dover lives in the beautiful state of North Carolina with her husband and two wonderful daughters. She’s an avid reader that loves her collection of books. Writing has always been her passion and she’s delighted to share it with the world. L.P. Dover spent several years in college starting out with a major in Psychology and then switching to dental. She worked in the dental field for eight years and then decided to stay home with her two beautiful girls.

Her works consist of the Forever Fae series, and the Second Chances series. She’s really excited to be able to experience writing in the different genres. Her reading used to consist of nothing but suspense thrillers, but now she can't get away from the paranormal/fantasy books. Now that she has started on her passion and began writing, you will not see her go anywhere without a notebook, pen, and her secret energy builder … chocolate.

Sofia T.

‘Origin’ first chapter by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Posted on Friday, August 16, 2013 10:20 PM

Origin by Jennifer L Armentrout doesn’t release until August 27, but we have a sneak peek at the first chapter.

Origin is the fourth installment of the Lux Series which was recently optioned to be turned into a movie. The series focuses on Katy Swartz, a book blogger who moves to a new town. She discovers her hot neighbor isn’t exactly what he seems and her world changes from the second she meets Daemon and Dee Black. Origin picks up right where Opal left off keeping everyone in the middle of the action.

Check out Origin’s first chapter below:
rigin by Jennifer L Armentrout doesn’t release until August 27, but we have a sneak peek at the first chapter. Origin is the fourth installment of the Lux Series which was recently optioned to be turned into a movie. The series focuses on Katy Swartz, a book blogger who moves to a new town. She discovers her hot neighbor isn’t exactly what he seems and her world changes from the second she meets Daemon and Dee Black. Origin picks up right where Opal left off keeping everyone in the middle of the action. Check out our exclusive reveal of Origin’s first chapter below:

Origin by Jennifer L Armentrout

About Jennifer L Armentrout

Jennifer L Armentrout is a number one NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling author. She lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell, Loki.

Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen.
She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn.

She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

Source

Sofia T.