Wednesday, August 23, 2017

NerdBlast: Reunited by Colleen Houck



Blurb
After surviving her otherworldly adventure, Lily wakes up on her nana’s farm having forgotten everything. Her sun prince, her travels to Egypt, and her journey to the Afterlife are all distant memories.

But Lily is not the girl she once was. Her body is now part human, part lion, and part fairy. And if that isn’t bad enough, she must now harness this power of three and become Wasret: a goddess destined to defeat the evil god Seth once and for all.

With the help of her old friend Dr. Hassan, Lily departs on her final voyage through the cosmos and across the plains of Egypt. On the journey, she will transform into the being she is destined to become.

Reunited is the heart-pounding conclusion to the Reawakened series.

It is time for Lily to find her sunset.



About the Author
New York Times Bestselling author Colleen Houck is a lifelong reader whose literary interests include action, adventure, paranormal, science fiction, and romance. When she’s not busy writing, she likes to spend time chatting on the phone with one of her six siblings, watching plays, and shopping online. Colleen has lived in Arizona, Idaho, Utah, California, and North Carolina and is now permanently settled in Salem, Oregon with her husband and a huge assortment of plush tigers.



"[A] must-read for thrill-seekers and fans of alternate worlds."—RT Book Reviews

"Rick Riordan fans who are looking for another series will delight in this fantasy."—SLJ

"Littered with Egyptian mythology and snappy dialogue, this romantic adventure is a good choice for graduates of Rick Riordan or fans of Houck’s Tiger’s Curse series."—Booklist

"Fans of paranormal romance will love the Egyptian spin on this story of devotion and sacrifice, and Lily’s humor, combined with plentiful dangerous escapades, will keep readers engaged."—VOYA

"The author weaves her story out of Egyptian lore, cinematic magic, selfless love, and . . . is clever enough to remain surprising even to the last sentence."—Kirkus Reviews

“Houck’s moving depiction of the love between Lily and Amon is memorable."—Publishers Weekly

"Wonderfully written and…the heart-pounding adventures are topped only by the heart-melting romance."—The Deseret News

"A sparkling new novel with a fully imagined world and mythos, and crackling romance! Egyptian mythology has never been this riveting!"—Aprilynne Pike, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Wings series, on Reawakened, book one in the series

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Thursday, May 25, 2017

BOOK BLAST- Fractured Beauty

Blurb
Beauty and the Beast may be a tale as old as time, but in this collection by the Fairy Tale Five you’ll meet five newly imagined Belles and the Beasts they love. 

Angela Brimhall’s beast is a terrifying sea monster cursed by a scorned gypsy. He must risk all to save the strong-willed princess before losing his last chance at love and redemption, becoming forever damned to the briny deep. 

Lehua Parker’s Nani is trapped by Indian and Hawaiian traditions and a fiancĂ© locked in stasis in a medi-mod. Cultures and expectations collide in this sci-fi futuristic world where nano-bot tattoos and dreams reveal the secret of Nani’s heart. 

Angela Corbett’s Ledger is determined to find out more about the mysterious woman who saved him from certain death and uncover the secrets of Withering Woods, but some beasts are better left caged. 

Adrienne Monson’s Arabella rushes to an enchanted castle to pay her father’s debt, but is met with a burly beast with a mysterious past. It’s a howling paranormal regency romp that will keep you turning pages well past your bedtime. 

Angela Hartley’s Porta Bella discovers there’s more to Oregon life than taking care of her father when she finds herself rescued by Bigfoot. It’s up to Porta Bella to unravel the faery’s curse and discover who’s the real monster. 




About the Authors

LEHUA PARKER is the award-winning author of the MG/YA Pacific literature magic realism series, The Niuhi Shark Saga: One Boy, No Water; One Shark, No Swim; and One Truth, No Lie.



Originally from Hawaii and a graduate of The Kamehameha Schools, Lehua is an author, educator, and public speaker. Trained in literary criticism and an advocate of indigenous cultural narratives, Lehua is a frequent speaker at conferences and symposiums.



Now living in exile in the high desert mountains of Utah, during snowy winters she dreams about the beach.

Lehua is a pen name for Michelle C. Parker, a mediated message design and research professional. As Michelle she works as an editor, book consultant, and literary critic. In addition to her Lehua writings, she also publishes speculative fiction, short stories, personal essays, plays, and poetry.



Adrienne Monson has always had a voracious appetite for books. When she became a stay at home mom, she finally listened to her muse and began writing. 

She enjoys Zumba, kickboxing and weightlifting. She also loves delicious foods, which is why she has to work out so often.

Dissension and Defiance is available where books are sold. Deliverance, the final installment of the Blood Inheritance trilogy is slated for release April 2016.

Eyes of Persuasion is a mashup of paranormal and historical romance, found exclusively on Amazon.



Angela Corbett graduated from Westminster College with a double major in communication and sociology. She started working as a reporter for her local newspaper when she was sixteen and won awards for feature, news, and editorial writing. She has also done freelance writing. In addition to being an author, she works as a director of communications and marketing. She loves classic cars, traveling, and listening to U2. She lives in Utah with her extremely supportive husband and their five-pound Pomeranian, Pippin, whose following of fangirls ould rival Justin Bieber's.



Angela Hartley spent much of her childhood being shuffled from house to house with only a book for companionship. The magic she found in the written word saved her in many ways, transporting her into worlds far happier than the one she resided in. Literature became her passion and the idea of someday writing carried her through years of uncertainty.

Long ago, Angela left the disease of poverty behind. Through all of life’s ups and downs, her desire to make her own magic never waned. With a strong support system, she set out to create worlds, and publish books. Along with perusing her lifetime goal, she’s built and managed several writing organizations, been a life coach, and project manager. She has also entertained and educated at schools, symposiums, and conventions. In her down time, she studies religion theory, psychic abilities, and psychology to gain a better understanding of the human condition.



Angela Brimhall grew up trying to decide whether she liked romance or horror novels best. She graduated college with a BS degree in health, but decided she'd much rather experience the drama of life through her characters. She received an MFA in English and creative writing from Southern New Hampshire University and is a member of the Sigma Tau Delta English Honors Society, Romance Writers of America and Horror Writers Association. She lives in the heart of a city between two mountains with her husband, son and four dogs where spired castles dot every hill and fairy tales really do come true.

2 Winners will receive a $25 Gift Card of their choice (PayPal/Amazon/Barnes&Noble)


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Sunday, May 7, 2017

Bound Together By Christine Feehan

Blurb
For five years, Viktor Prakenskii has put his life on hold in order to take down the world’s most feared motorcycle club from the inside. But carrying out the insane violence and seeing the club’s exploitation of the innocent has brought his traumatic past roaring back. And there’s only one cure: to see the wife he left behind...

Blythe Daniels thought she’d never see Viktor again after he murdered her stepfather and left without a word. She rebuilt her life without him, becoming a personal trainer and physical therapist...becoming strong enough for others to lean on. But when Viktor comes back to Sea Haven, he’ll make Blythe question everything she thought she knew about good and evil—and the dark desires of the heart


Author- Christine Feehan



Christine Feehan is an American romance-paranormal writer. She has published more than 40 novels, including five series, and numerous novellas since 1999. Christine King was born in California. She grew up with three brothers and ten sisters. She spent a lot of time getting in trouble at school for writing instead of doing the things she was supposed to do. Later she forced her ten sisters to read every word. She is married to Richard Feehan, together they have 11 children. Today, her daughters read and help her edit her manuscripts.


Review
It feels like I've been waiting for this book for forever!!! I have read this whole series and with all the teasers on Blythes story left me restless to know more about her mystery guy. I couldn't even wait to go to the store to pick up the book but instead but it right away on my nook and read it immediately.
I loved every single minute reading the book and even read it 4 times more!! I already know which page to hop to to relive my favorite scenes. I am really glad that she will be making a spin off and already introduced some of the characters since I really love the Sea Haven series. I will say that it has gotten a bit darker in the sense of the situations people come from and how in depth she goes with the details which can be uncomfortable for some people. I wasn't too bothered by it since I'm mostly reading for the love story and already knew that most of her characters come from bad situations. I also really liked how this book tied everything together and even included the Drake sisters which makes sense since Blythe is there cousin. Feehan has definitely outdone herself with this book and it is now my favorite since it includes many fo the characters I have fallen in love with. I would recommend her series to romance fans.





Thursday, May 4, 2017

The Power of the Habit by Charles Duhigg Review

Blurb
In The Power of Habit, award-winning business reporter Charles Duhigg takes us to the thrilling edge of scientific discoveries that explain why habits exist and how they can be changed. Distilling vast amounts of information into engrossing narratives that take us from the boardrooms of Procter & Gamble to sidelines of the NFL to the front lines of the civil rights movement, Duhigg presents a whole new understanding of human nature and its potential. At its core, The Power of Habit contains an exhilarating argument: The key to exercising regularly, losing weight, being more productive, and achieving success is understanding how habits work. As Duhigg shows, by harnessing this new science, we can transform our businesses, our communities, and our lives.


Review 5/5
I first heard about this book on a Disney recommendations site when I worked for them. I of course jumped on it and I was not disappointed. This is the first time that I was able to read a self help book quickly. Clearly, I tend to stick to Young Adult fantasy books so this was out of my zone. I really enjoyed how this book slowly introduces you to methods and gives stories to better understand how the mind works. I am going into marketing so when they gave some market research studies and how habits affect sales I felt like I hit a gold mine. This book isn't just specifically for business students though but rather to anybody who wants to understand more about habits. After reading this I was able to pinpoint why I do the things I do and also how to change some bad habits.




Thursday, March 9, 2017

BLOG TOUR STOP! You Can't Hide by Dan Poblocki





Shadow House will find you . . .

Poppy, Marcus, Dash, Dylan, and Azumi are all trapped within Shadow House, a sinister estate where past and present intertwine. As they fight to find a way out, the kids think the ghosts of the house are the greatest danger they face. Little do the kids know it's the secrets they're each hiding that will prove even more lethal.
They're going to have to come face to face with their fears if they stand any hope of escaping the house alive. Is there anyone or anything in the house they can trust? Or is all hope disappearing, too. . .


Enter Shadow House . . . if you dare.


BONUS: Step inside Shadow House with the free app for your tablet or phone! Each image in the book reveals a haunting in the app, where the choices you make determine your fate.





Praise for YOU CAN'T HIDE

"Shadow House has everything I love—strange characters, magic and the supernatural, endless danger and adventure—and a mystery I dare any reader to try to solve". -- R.L. Stine, author of Goosebumps

Praise for The Book of Bad Things

"Ghostly... grotesque... eerie..." -- Booklist

"Poblocki's return, full of mystery, monsters and ghosts, is sure to satisfy his fans. Old-school, John Saul-style horror." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Fun and creepy in all the good ways." -- VOYA

Praise for The Haunting of Gabriel Ashe

A YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults selection

A Junior Library Guild selection

"The social dramas mesh well with the supernatural elements... Poblocki creates a real sense of suspense." -- Booklist

"Poblocki creates danger by not pulling punches. An atmospheric, creepy ghost story best read at night." -- Kirkus Reviews

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Dan Poblocki is an American author of mystery and horror novels for young people. He was born in Providence, Rhode Island. During his pre-teen years, his family moved to Basking Ridge, New Jersey. Dan currently lives in Brooklyn, NY with two scaredy cats.

Dan graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in theater. Subsequently, he toured the United States playing ultra-challenging roles such as Ichabod Crane in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and the Shoemaker in The Shoemaker and the Elves to packed houses filled with literally thousands of screaming children. (He hopes they weren’t screaming in fear.)

Dan ended his promising acting career to focus on other endeavors. While exploring various artistic options, he held a number of jobs in New York City including: a floral groomer, an audience-wrangler for a popular game show, a computer analyst, a chemotherapy-unit assistant, and a traveling bathing suit sales-dude.

That’s right. A traveling bathing suit sales-dude.

Dan now writes full time. He's probably working on something new this very minute!

Keep up with Dan Poblocki

REVIEW
It has been a long time since i've read a horror story and i've got to say that this was probably the best series to read to get back into it. One of the coolest things is that you can download an app and it gives you more information on the book. 
I really enjoyed getting more back story of each character and getting a better understanding of each of them. It's so hard to write this and not try to give away the story! I can definitely say that it's must read and you will be itching for the third book. Be prepared to be frightened. 

Giveaway!!
Giveaway is open to International. Must be 13+ to Enter

7 Winners will receive a Copy of You Can't Hide (Shadow House #2) by Dan Poblocki


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Friday, February 24, 2017

BLOG TOUR STOP! Reignited By Colleen Houck

A sibling rivalry.
A forbidden romance.
A spell that changes everything.

In Heliopolis secrets abound and passions ignite as chaos rises.

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Tiger’s Curse series and Reawakened comes a novella full of celestial marvel, passion, betrayal, and evil that will grow to reign over humanity forever.

Before Lily and Amon met, before the cosmos was in chaos and needed three brave brothers to fight off evil, there were four siblings who helped rule the earth.

Each sibling had a special gift. Osiris, the god of agriculture, helped mortals to grow and thrive in their natural environment. Isis, the goddess of creation, fostered health and wellness. Nephthys, the seer, was able to keep the balance between all living beings and the universe. But Seth, the youngest sibling, was left without any special powers. The Waters of Chaos, which granted each god’s talent, were running dry, and Seth was paying the price.

As time passed, however, Seth’s determination and willfulness resulted in a very special gift, one that should have granted him the ability to enact wondrous change. But Seth’s competitive childhood gave him a heart so cold and vacant that instead, his gift brought about great evil.

Seth was now the god of unmaking, the creator of disorder and destruction. And he was ready to seek his revenge, dominating all who got in his way.





"[A] must-read for thrill-seekers and fans of alternate worlds."—RT Book Reviews

"Rick Riordan fans who are looking for another series will delight in this fantasy."—SLJ 

"Littered with Egyptian mythology and snappy dialogue, this romantic adventure is a good choice for graduates of Rick Riordan or fans of Houck’s Tiger’s Curse series."—Booklist 
"Fans of paranormal romance will love the Egyptian spin on this story of devotion and sacrifice, and Lily’s humor, combined with plentiful dangerous escapades, will keep readers engaged."—VOYA

"The author weaves her story out of Egyptian lore, cinematic magic, selfless love, and . . . is clever enough to remain surprising even to the last sentence."—Kirk's Reviews

“Houck’s moving depiction of the love between Lily and Amon is memorable."—Publishers Weekly

"Wonderfully written and…the heart-pounding adventures are topped only by the heart-melting romance."—The Deseret News

"A sparkling new novel with a fully imagined world and mythos, and crackling romance! Egyptian mythology has never been this riveting!"—Aprilynne Pike, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Wings series, on Reawakened, book one in the series 

Review
Once again Colleen has made me swoon over another couple. Ever since I was a little girl I enjoyed mythology so when I read the first book I was immediately captivated.  I really liked how she had introduced each god slowly giving just a little bit of back story, which is why I fell in love with Reignited because we went back in time to see exactly what happened with Osiris and Isis as well as how Seth came to be the way he is. I thought I would've been bummed that I wouldn't see Lily and Amon's story but of course I forgot all about that a couple of pages in and was all about my new book boyfriend Osiris. I would recommend this to anybody who is a sucker for love stories and mythology.


About the Author

New York Times Bestselling author Colleen Houck is a lifelong reader whose literary interests include action, adventure, paranormal, science fiction, and romance. When she’s not busy writing, she likes to spend time chatting on the phone with one of her six siblings, watching plays, and shopping online. Colleen has lived in Arizona, Idaho, Utah, California, and North Carolina and is now permanently settled in Salem, Oregon with her husband and a huge assortment of plush tigers.

Keep up with Colleen through:


GIVEAWAY!!!

--Giveaway is open to International. | Must be 13+ to Enter

12 Winners will Receive a Copy of Reignited, Scarab Necklace + Exclusive Bonus by Colleen Houck
- 15 Winners will Receive an E-Copy of Reignited by Colleen Houck


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Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Dark Desire By Christine Feehan

Blurb
The stranger silently summons her from across the continents, across the seas. He whispers of eternal torment, of endless hunger...of dark, dangerous desires. And somehow American surgeon Shea O'Halloran can feel his anguish, sense his haunting aloneness, and she aches to heal him, to heal herself.

Drawn to the far Carpathian mountains, Shea finds a ravaged, raging man, a being like no other. And her soul trembles. For in his burning eyes, his icy heart, she recognizes the beloved stranger who's already become part of her. This imperious Carpathian male compels Shea to his side. But is she to be his healer...or his prey? His victim...or his mate? Is he luring her into madness...or will his dark desire make her whole?

2nd book in the Dark series by Christine Feehan


Review
I looooove every book in the Dark series but this one is probably in my top 5 because I was constantly at the edge of my seat wondering what Jacques would do since he has lost touch with his humanity and Shea is the only one who could help him. I also liked the drama about him being the brother of the prince so every carpathian was on edge about the woman who has been holing up with him in a cabin when he's been lost to them for some time now. So far each woman has been human with a psychic ability that has been able to save male carpathian which also brings about the problem of converting them. It's a hit or miss if they will be able to survive. Must read for those romantics. My hair was sticking up and I had tears in my eyes often which I quickly tried to wipe away so I can continue to read lol 

With each book we get to learn more about each character and Christine sets it up for the next carpathian who needs a mate. Before I got to this series I always read paranormal books, who am I kidding, I still read paranormal books! But it was more heavy on vampire so this was in my range of interests and intense romance. Sometimes I blame book for my expectations of relationships. 

By the way, the covers of the book periodically change so my picture may not match up with the link.



Saturday, January 7, 2017

Feeling Grateful

Happy Saturday!!


I was just thinking about when I came back to my blog and rereading my About me. I talked about my goal of going to Ohio State University and working for Disney. Here is an update.


I start Ohio State University Fisher school of Business on Monday!!!! I did a Disney college program last fall, and I am planning to do their professional internship once I graduate.


It has been a long journey but throughout it I have learned many things. The most important one is being grateful. I remember watching the show George Lopez show and his son wasn't taking care of his toys and George Lopez told him that there are kids who don't have toys and the boy replied that there are kids with tons of toys. This has stuck with me because people can always want more and not be satisfied. There are those that are in worse cases than our own so it's best to think about the things you do have and the opportunities that are open to you. I would like to continue this as a Grateful Saturday post and welcome everybody to comment.


I am grateful for being able to continue and focus on my education.

Friday, January 6, 2017

Recreated by Colleen Houck

Blurb
 Lily Young thought traveling across the globe with a reawakened sun prince was a grand adventure. Now she’s about to embark on the journey of a lifetime.    When Amon and Lily part tragically, he transports himself to the Netherworld—what mortals call hell. Tormented by the loss of his one true love, he’d rather suffer in agony during Lily’s mortal years than fulfill his duty to protect humanity.
   Heartbroken, Lily seeks refuge on her grandmother’s farm. Yet she can feel Amon’s pain, and she has been having dreams—dreams of Amon continually suffering. 
For before he departed, Amon gave Lily something very special, an item that connects them even though they are worlds apart. Now Lily must use this object to free him, and to free their realms from darkness and utter chaos. She will do whatever it takes
Review
 Colleen Houck has done it again!!! I am now obsessed with this series. The first book of every series always lays down the groundwork for the rest of the books so it's the second one that will most likely be a hit or miss because that's really when the story sets off. This book is probably one of the most action packed books I have ever read and it kept me wanting more. I especially love this storyline because I have always favored mythology especially Egyptian. I already know some background of the Egyptian Gods so for Houck to bring them to life was really fun to experience. I also could not this book down to save my life. I literally read it through out the day and finished it. It was the first thing I picked up in the morning, constantly by my side at work, and the last thing I read at night until I was on the last page. I cannot wait for the next book to come out =D



Wednesday, January 4, 2017

The Tribes of Palos Verdes by Joy Nicholson

Blurb
Medina Mason is a defiant, awkward newcomer to the affluent beach community of Palos Verdes, California. As her parents' marriage disintegrates and her beloved brother falls prey to the temptations of drugs and the lunacy of their mother, Medina surfs to survive, finding a bitter solace in the rough comfort of the waves. This is the moving story of growing up "different," of the love between siblings, and of one girl's power to save herself.


Review
This book is very different to my usual book reads. It has more of a serious tone and I guess you can say more realistic. To be honest it was pretty sad reading this because of all the issues that she deals with. Her only solace is surfing but she gets made fun of because she isn't like the other girls in the area. I wasn't really in love with the story, I usually read a book in 1 sitting but it took me a couple of days to get through it and the ending didn't leave me satisfied.



Monday, January 2, 2017

In the Works

Hello!


I am currently working on creating a facebook page, twitter, and instagram for this blog. You may see buttons and links and it'll connect you to whatever social media it is for but there might not be a lot of content on it. Go ahead and follow it if you would like. I just wanted to warn you guys that I am still working on each page so it may look funky.


Thanks for your patience!



The Secret by Rhonda Byrne Review


Blurb
Fragments of a Great Secret have been found in the oral traditions, in literature, in religions and philosophies throughout the centuries. For the first time, all the pieces of The Secret come together in an incredible revelation that will be life-transforming for all who experience it.

In this book, you’ll learn how to use The Secret in every aspect of your life—money, health, relationships, happiness, and in every interaction you have in the world. You’ll begin to understand the hidden, untapped power that’s within you, and this revelation can bring joy to every aspect of your life.

The Secret contains wisdom from modern-day teachers—men and women who have used it to achieve health, wealth, and happiness. By applying the knowledge of The Secret, they bring to light compelling stories of eradicating disease, acquiring massive wealth, overcoming obstacles, and achieving what many would regard as impossible.
Review
For over a year my mom has been asking me to read the Secret and I have been very skeptical about it but finally decided to read it yesterday. I tried to go in with an open mind but couldn't help but find myself questioning almost every page. The Secret basically focuses on the power of the mind and how to use it correctly. It also goes on about having a positive attitude and imagining what you want and sending that to the universe. I can see where someone can have a goal and work towards it but to just think something and it'll happen seems far fetched to me. I will agree that being positive and feeling gratitude for what you have makes you feel better and lifts your spirits but to think of something and hoping it will happen is just absurd. It went as far as to health and I think that millions of people with health problems have hoped for cures and may have never found them in their lifetime or ever.
What I took in from this book which is think is pretty obvious is to try to change my emotions in situations. My mom always says" change your channel" whenever I complain about working long hours or about homework. I should be grateful that I have a job and that I am able to gain an education. That helped, but there was a time when my car was totaled while it was parked in front of my house and she said I must've been thinking about it which I obviously wasn't! I was actually in a very good mood that day.
Overall I think this pushes the boundaries of reality. I am not a pessimist, I mean, it would be nice to think about millions of dollars falling from the sky but again, what are the chances of that actually happening? how many people have read this book and not seen results? Wouldn't everybody whom has read this be millionaires?

What are your thoughts?




Sunday, January 1, 2017

Reawakened By Colleen Houck

Blurb
 When seventeen-year-old Lilliana Young enters the Metropolitan Museum of Art one morning during spring break, the last thing she expects to find is a live Egyptian prince with godlike powers, who has been reawakened after a thousand years of mummification.
   
And she really can’t imagine being chosen to aid him in an epic quest that will lead them across the globe.
   But fate has taken hold of Lily, and she, along with her sun prince, Amon, must travel to the Valley of the Kings, raise his brothers, and stop an evil, shape-shifting god named Seth from taking over the world.


Review
Reawakened felt very similar to Houck's Tiger Curse series which I didn't really mind since I loved that series but I wish it was a bit more different. I have always loved mythology and I am a sucker for love stories that almost seem too complicated to ever work out but it eventually it does type of books, so this definitely satisfied my  quench for that.

One of my favorite thing's about Colleen Houck is that it doesn't take very long to lay out the background of each character. Usually books start of slow because of all the information we need to understand but with this book you just jump right in. I fell in love with Lilliana because she is a strong female character that reminded me a lot of myself and I could relate to her situation. Kind of gives me hope that i'll find some Egyptian hunky one day. Reawakened is action packed with challenges that characters have to overcome and it keep you on the edge of your seat. Luckily this is a series and as of today there are 2 out and 2 more are coming out this year (2017)!!!