My Summer TBR | 2015


Book Tour : Changed by Alicia Renee Kleine


changedTitle: Changed
Author: Alicia Renee Kline
Release date: April 7th, 2015
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Tour: Irresistible Reads Book Tours
Summary:
It was only supposed to be a one night thing…
Will Delaney and Gracie Alexander are little more than acquaintances when fate lands them in same place at the same time. One drunken hookup later, they decide that the best course of action for all involved is to pretend it never happened.
Will’s recently divorced. Gracie’s perennially single.
Upon first glance, they have absolutely nothing in common.
They both agree on one thing: they’re not looking for a relationship.
The only problem is that they can’t seem to stay away from each other.
Can two people who have sworn off love forever find it in the most unexpected setting?
badge1

Guest Post:

Keeping the Humor Alive

I can’t write a standard issue romance novel.  Not that there’s anything wrong with those types of books.  I’m sure I’ve read a couple in my time, and I admire anyone who can put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard and come out with a finished product that sells.  But they aren’t my thing.
I believe that an author who is truly fearless writes what comes to them naturally.  This type of person doesn’t worry about what genre is trendy.  They don’t mold their work to fit into a neat little category.  They write what they do because they can’t imagine creating a story any other way.
Some readers will call it an author’s voice.  You know how sometimes you can identify who wrote something simply by reading a small excerpt?  Of course, this phenomenon is way more likely to happen to readers who are already devoted fans of an author, but the concept is easy enough to grasp.  There are enough nuances in a certain teaser or a passage that you immediately recognize the writer.  You know exactly the kind of read you’re in for, and not because it’s boring or a copy of a previous work.  But because you’ve come to expect that author to deliver certain things.
I’ve found that my writing voice is sarcastic as hell.
In the course of my series, I cover some very serious topics.  My characters deal with everything from felonies to miscarriages to disownment and pretty much anything in between.  All while finding love in some of the most unexpected places, and at the most random of times.  But true to life, there are plenty of lighthearted moments as well.
The majority of the humor in The Intoxicated Books revolves at least in some part around Gracie.  In the first three books, she is a secondary character, the sort of best-friend-to-everyone girl that always has her wittiness turned up to the highest setting.  She is the voice in the back of the reader’s head, calling people out on their stupidity in an oddly endearing way.  As such, you can count on her to deliver the best one liners in each book, hands down.
In other words, Gracie is the embodiment of my sarcasm.  
In Changed, the tables turn on my favorite character to write for and she becomes the focus of her own misguided journey for love and happiness.  When I sat down to write her book, the pressure of doing her justice was both exciting and concerning all at once.  Would I be able to take that snarky vibe of hers and keep it up for an entire novel?  The end result in my opinion is a resounding yes.  My feeling is that this is the most fun of all the four current books, and definitely the steamiest.
Love comes in all shapes and sizes and doesn’t necessarily ride in on a white horse.
But you should decide for yourself. No, really.


About the Author:

Alicia
Alicia Renee Kline has been a writer since she was old enough to hold a pencil. This hobby has evolved from writing out everything in spiral notebooks and scribbling out her mistakes to being armed with technology so that she can hide the fact that she doesn’t get everything right the first time.
In real life, she is a wife and mother of two daughters, two cats and two hamsters. She is a lifelong resident of Northeastern Indiana and works in the insurance industry.
Official Website: http://aliciareneekline.com/ 


Giveaway:
Prize: 5 USD Amazon Gift Card


Miss Mabel's School for Girls by Katie Cross

25321022
Author: Katie Cross
Publisher: Amazon Digital Services
Publication Date: 28th May 2015
Source: ebook (provided by CBB Book Promotions)
Rate: 






Summary:
Letum Wood is a forest of fog and deadfall, home to the quietly famous Miss Mabel’s School for Girls, a place where young witches learn the art of magic.
Sixteen-year-old Bianca Monroe has inherited a deadly curse. Determined to break free before it kills her, she enrolls in the respected school to confront the cunning witch who cast the curse: Miss Mabel.
Bianca finds herself faced with dark magic she didn’t expect, with lessons more dangerous than she could have ever imagined. Will Bianca have the courage to save herself from the curse, or will Miss Mabel’s sinister plan be too powerful?
Miss Mabel’s School for Girls is the first novel in The Network Series, an exciting new fantasy collection. A gripping tale about the struggle to survive, it will take you to a new place and time, one you’ll never want to leave.
(via Goodreads)
Review:
In a world where magic exists and people can be cursed Bianca Monroe tries to get into the famous witchcraft school Miss Mabel's School for Girls in order to excape a deadly curse she has inherited.
In few words Katie Cross grabs the reader and throws him into a wall of  deep dark feelings and into a world of magic and beauty.
This book is extremely well written and contemplates everything a good fantasy book must have and even more! Through it you enter a voyage of self discovery and bravery leaded by Bianca, you never know wath will happen next...
I will warn you of one thing: if you start reading this book you'll binge read it!
I think this statement confirms how awesome and marvellous this book is! If you appreciate adventure, magic, boarding school stories and fairy tales you'll certainly should read this book!
Seriously grab it now and go read it!

Favorite Quotes:
"Your first job in every confrontation is to establish your opponent’s weakness. Strategy starts with weak spots.”
― Katie Cross, Miss Mabel's School for Girls

“I arrived early because I lifted my skirts and ran here. Hope that qualifies me to fit in. If not, let me impress you with my secret talent at brewing the perfect tea.”
― Katie Cross, Miss Mabel's School for Girls



Cover Reveal: The Day Human Way (The Day Human Trilogy) by B. Kristin McMichael


An Ember in The Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

An Ember in the Ashes (An Ember in the Ashes, #1)Author: Sabaa Tahir
Publisher: Razorbill
Publication Date: 28th April 2015
Source: ebook
Rate: 


Summary:Under the Martial Empire, defiance is met with death. Those who do not vow their blood and bodies to the Emperor risk the execution of their loved ones and the destruction of all they hold dear.
It is in this brutal world, inspired by ancient Rome, that Laia lives with her grandparents and older brother. The family ekes out an existence in the Empire’s impoverished backstreets. They do not challenge the Empire. They’ve seen what happens to those who do.
But when Laia’s brother is arrested for treason, Laia is forced to make a decision. In exchange for help from rebels who promise to rescue her brother, she will risk her life to spy for them from within the Empire’s greatest military academy.
There, Laia meets Elias, the school’s finest soldier—and secretly, its most unwilling. Elias wants only to be free of the tyranny he’s being trained to enforce. He and Laia will soon realize that their destinies are intertwined—and that their choices will change the fate of the Empire itself. (via Goodreads)

Review:
This book tells us the story of two breathtaking characthers: Elias and  Laia.
Elias is a Mask, a soldier to the Martial Empire and is supposed to be all kinds of inhuman and senseless while Laia is a Scholar girl whose family was slain by the masks and whose only living family member, her brother, is the Empire's prisioner.
When Laia joins forces with the rebels to save her brother and infiltrates in the Empire's greatest military academy to spy she crosses paths with Elias, the best soldier in the whole academy that secretly wants to escape the Empire's tyranny.
Finding friends in the most unexpected places these two have choices to make that can change the whole Empire...
I have to admit this is one of the best books that I've read in a relly long time! The way Sabaa Tahir writes can take you away like the breese takes a dead leaf away.
This world is a crossover between the Roman Empire and the Arabic Empire has a really complex plot with a lot of world building and thrilling adventures.
You will not be able to identify a characther in this book that's not worked with and well developed while serving a specific purpose that contributes to the complexity of this story!
This book has it all: romance, adventure, mythical creatures, power hungry villains and huge amounts of adrenaline!
If you like to get lost in amazing fantasies but also love the thrill of the battlefield with some bloodshed and some love involved then I don't know why you haven't picked this book up yet!

Book Trailer:


Favourite Quotes:
“The field of battle is my temple. I mentally chant a saying my grandfather taught me the day he met me, when I was six. He insists it sharpens the mind the way a whetstone sharpens a blade. The swordpoint is my priest. The dance of death is my prayer. The killing blow is my release.”
― Sabaa Tahir, An Ember in the Ashes
“Once, I'd have wanted that. I'd have wanted someone to tell me what to do, to fix everything. Once, I'd have wanted to be saved.”
― Sabaa Tahir, An Ember in the Ashes
“Life is made of so many moments that mean nothing. Then one day, a single moment comes along to define every second that comes after. Such moments are tests of courage, of strength.”
― Sabaa Tahir, An Ember in the Ashes



Beautiful Bloggers Award

Thank you so much Maureen at Diaries of A Book Lover for nominating me for this award! I'm so excited and so happy to be doing this! Love you all!

Rules
  • Link to the blogger who took the time to nominate you.
  • List seven random things about yourself.
  • Nominate seven creative, beautiful bloggers.
  • Notify the amazing people that you nominated for the award.
My Random Facts
  1. I am a proud scout!
  2. I mainly like to go to the beach because I'm able to tan and read all day without anyone bothering me!
  3. I have two dogs, two cats and one fish!
  4. My favourite writers are Meg Cabot and Isabel Ricardo!
  5. I would love to host more events and to connect more with other bloggers, sometimes is difficult since I'm in a different country and all...
  6. I love school and learning and next year I'll be taking Biology and Psychology!
  7. I love to read and sometimes I even forget to eat because I really get into the reading zone!
My Nominees
  1. Konstantina at The Reading Armchair;
  2. Haley and Karina at My Addiction: Books (I'll count this as two bloggers);
  3. Sinead at Less Reality More Books
  4. Kristelle and Narlyn at AMIABOOKLOVER (I'll count this as two bloggers);
  5. Erika at Books, Stars, Writing. And Everything In Between.
I look forward to see your random facts! 
Love, Ana

The Gift-Knight's Quest by Dylan Madeley + Interview

The Gift-Knight's QuestAuthor: Dylan Madeley
Publisher: Troubador Publishing
Publication Date: 28th May 2015
Source: ebook (provided by the author)
Rate: 




Summary:
Welcome to Kensrik, a world vividly imagined by Dylan Madeley, in which his debut fantasy novel The Gift-Knight’s Quest is set. His book follows the youngest descendants of two families that have traditionally been enemies: the Kenderleys, who now rule the world’s largest empire, and the Wancyeks, who have been reduced to common status.
“Chandra had yet to fathom why Jonnecht could not have lived and ruled for many long years, or why it was so urgent that she ascend immediately.”
Chandra never asked to rule Kensrik, but fate took a strange course. Known as a usurper and sorceress by most and traumatised by all that has transpired, she is forced to make use of the few loyal allies she has in order to hold together her restless empire. In an attempt to identify and defeat the conspirators who inadvertently landed her in power, Chandra risks putting the lives of many in mortal danger, as well as her own.
Derek is an aimless wanderer – the youngest in a lineage that has long fallen from nobility. He finds himself summoned by tradition to serve a family historically considered his bitter enemy. As he journeys down the same path a fateful ancestor once travelled, he struggles with personal demons and begins to reconsider his loyalty to the mission.
Duke Lenn found one true cause in love and it cost him everything. His legacy shaped the present in which Chandra and Derek find themselves. Now their choice will shape the future of Kensrik...
(via Goodreads)

Review:
This novel was sent to me by the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
This novel tells the story of two decendants of two families, the Wancyeks and the Kenderleys, who have been enemies for ages.
Trough this book you're able to read the story in different points of view and in different times, since the ancestor's story is told at the same time present event are being told. By looking trough the eyes of various characthers you enter a world where you can't decide who's right and who's wrong!
A high-fantasy novel that can be read  by all ages and be loved just the same!
The main characthers are so intriguing and some events are so unexpected that you are amazed by the marvelous outcome of the story! The characthers learn about themselves at the same time you learn about them and you can really see great amounts of development!
I loved the fictional world and how all the places had their own traditions and how they were so well defined in the story having even their own language! I also loved all the intrigue and adventure in this novel!
I truly recommend this book to all fantasy and history lovers, it'll make you swoon and go to the moon and land on your feet again! Even if you don't usually read this kind of book you should give it a try, I'm certain you'll love it!

Author Interview:

Can you tell us about your book, The Gift-Knight's Quest, in 25 words or less?
The decisions that two children of an ancient feud make about each other will determine the fate of an empire, and the world.

What was your favorite scene to write?  
Tough choice, but I will say this: though the manuscript underwent many rewrites since its 2008 first draft, Chandra's surreal encounter with the tapestries at night is the closest to being the same. All that's changed is the verb tense. If something survived that long without being completely tossed an rewritten, I must have a soft spot for it.

How many books total will be in this series?
There are three manuscripts in this overarching plot, which guarantees you three books. I am working on three others centered around different characters, but seeing as how I have only just begun one of those, and have yet to finish it, I make no guarantees.

What is one of your favorite quotes from The Gift-Knight's Quest?
“I appreciate your hope. Perhaps it alone is powerful enough to increase my radiance.” - Chandra Kenderley

Are you currently working on anything else?
I attempt to churn out a manuscript a year during National Novel Writing Month, and some of my unfinished projects are readable on Wattpad:
http://www.wattpad.com/user/DylanMadeley

What is the best book you’ve read recently?
The last great book I read was a collection of Ray Bradbury tales called The Martian Chronicles. I don't look to it for perfect scientific accuracy, but for the way Bradbury isn't afraid to present his prose.

What made you decide to start writing?
It was something my father talked about doing, and that got me started. I did also have a teacher at the Montessori school I attended, who introduced the class to “swish”/free writing—just sitting there and getting into the flow of writing, a valuable skill.

Do you have any must-haves during writing?
A musical playlist. Teas and coffees. Electrolyte beverages, or at least tall mugs of water to make sure I remember to drink. When I'm too deep into writing, I have a way of ignoring my hunger or thirst; having the beverage right there on my desk and in my field of view is my preferred reminder.

What would you like to say to your readers?
An outline or plan is helpful, but never sacred. Don't feel chained to it if better ideas come along. I outline almost every time, and significantly deviate from that outline almost every time.


Ever Near by Melissa MacVicar

Ever Near (Secret Affinity, #1)Author: Melissa MacVicar
Publisher: Red Adept Publishing
Publication Date: September 2013
Source: ebook (provided by the author on BookBlogging.com)
Rate:





Summary:
Love is ever near. But trouble is never far.
Nantucket Island is haunted, but only sixteen-year-old Jade Irving knows it. Ignoring the disturbing spirits isn’t an option, because one dwells in the enormous historic home she shares with her newly blended family. Jade is finding it more and more difficult to explain away Lacey’s ghostly, anguished tantrums, especially with Charlie, her gorgeous, almost step-brother, living right across the hall.
When a power-hungry ghost hunter tracks down Jade and blackmails her, Jade’s secret teeters on the edge of exposure, and her entire future hangs in the balance. If anyone finds out Jade can talk to ghosts, her life will be forever changed.
Can she save herself, free Lacey, and hang on to her tenuous connection with Charlie? Or will everything she ever wanted slip through her fingers?
( via Goodreads )

Review:
This book was provided by the author for review.
Jade is an amazing main characther and I was not disppointed with this story, I can state that it was even better than what I was expecting! I've never been in Nantucket Island but the story was so well develop that I felt like I had already been there and I felt like Jade!
Jades crush for her future brother-in-law is so cute and her gift for seeing ghosts and how she deals with that situation is breathtaking.
The ghosts are described as being very scary and very delicate and there were some parts of this story that frightened me and that contributed to my focus on the storyline and the plot!
I enjoyed this book very deeply! It made me cry, it made me smile and it made me laugh!This is a different and very engaging read if you love paranormal and romance! You'll be reading non-stop until the very end of this story!
The family drama also contributes immensily to the plot is well dealt with and you can have a good laugh while, at the same time, you're terrified!
The writing is so well done that you pass through it like a brease in the winter time, since you can read effortlessly and really get into this amazing story!
It's a good book to read when you're tired and don't have much time for reading but still really want to do it! It has a loads of emotion and action joined with romance and paranormal and tighly organized in an amazing story so I truly recommend it!