Friday, October 25, 2013

**Blog Tour & Giveaway ~ Panic ~ J.A. Huss**


Happy Friday and welcome to my stop on the blog tour for J.A. Huss' Panic. Yep, I know y'all know what that means...major fangirling ahead! :) My stop includes all the goods for the trilogy, my review and TWO giveaways! 

There is a tour-wide giveaway for a Kindle Fire HD (US), $100 Paypal $$ (INT), and some signed new swag. To enter, obey the rafflecopter.

Thanks to Ms. Huss, I am able to offer one lucky commenter an ecopy of either Tragic or Manic. This giveaway is open internationally and ends on November 1. To enter, simply leave a comment about this post.

This tour is presented by Xpresso Book Tours. If you want to check out all the amazing reviews from the tour, you can click here.


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Panic by J.A. Huss
#3 Rook & Ronin
Genre: New Adult Contemporary
Release Date: October 16, 2013

Rook is chasing her dream—film school and a chance at a life beyond the one she ran from six months ago. But before she can become the girl she wants to be, she must deal with the girl she left behind.

Ronin is also chasing his dream—a family of his own and a life away from erotic modeling. And he too, has a past he’s trying to forget. A past that makes Rook question everything about their life together.

Lies, secrets, and shocking truths will rock the foundation Rook and Ronin have built. Can they put the past behind them and move forward together? Or is this just another too good to be true relationship that will crash and burn in the end?







**Trailer for Panic**








If you haven't read Tragic and Manic, WTH?!? Go get them now!! ;) But seriously, my review may not make sense in some places if you haven't read the first two books...it may even be a bit spoiler-y. So read on at your own risk. :)

I swear my highlighter/bookmark function smokes from overuse when I'm reading one of Ms. Huss' books. There are always so many poignant and meaningful moments and quotes that I have to record! One of my favorite things about Ms. Huss' writing is her character and plot development. She always has a surprise or two for me and although I think I may have it figured out, I'm almost always wrong! LOL This is a good thing, in my opinion.

"...a door, still closed and leading to every opportunity imaginable and requiring a leap of faith that the risk is worth it. You are my doorway to endless possibilities and I'm ready to take that risk." -Rook, Loc 1001, eARC

I think this quote is the theme of the entire book.

Panic was intense. I could not put it down. So much happens and it's a thrill ride - I was anxious to know what was going to happen - where it was all going. I was clueless...I never saw it coming. I tried to pace myself...I DID! But I devoured this book. And when I finished, I wanted to start it all over again.

I enjoyed the culmination of Rook's journey towards forgiveness, love, and wholeness. Because even though they're an 'us', this story is more Rook's story than Ronin's. Ronin is the catalyst for Rook's growth and therefore an integral part of Rook's story, but it's Rook's. And as the events of Rook's past are revealed, I admired her all the more.

"Rook," Spencer blows out a long breath of air and then opens his eyes and stares straight at me. "You are the bravest f#cking chick I've ever met." Spencer, Loc 3168-3169, eARC

While Rook's behavior did irritate me on occasion in the first two books and I always cut her slack because of her age, I now know I was so right in my allowances for her actions. What Rook experienced and survived prove her mettle. She's grown up  - she's finally ready to let go of her past and move forward.

Ronin...ahh, Ronin - he just proved over and over again that he meant what he said,

"...I am so far beyond in love with you, I can barely function. I want to marry you. Like yesterday. But I know that's not gonna happen just yet, so I just want you to know, I can wait." Ronin, Loc 454, eARC

Ronin has moved past his player days - he's a goner for Rook. He even mans up and puts Clare in her place. We get an in-depth view of Ronin and his past - his mad skills. But Ronin isn't as prominent in Panic. He's present, of course, but doesn't feel as present. And it shocked me that I loved Panic so much because I love Ronin and he seemed to have a smaller role. The reason I loved Panic?!? That would be FORD!

Now Ford, well, I just love Ford. I have to admit to falling for him in Manic. I adored getting a deeper glimpse into his dark psyche. Ford's deep and I think Ms. Huss is barely scratching the surface here in exposing Ford. (that's okay - Ford is getting his own book in January 2014.) Ford shows many parts of himself to Rook in an attempt to push her away, I think. It boggles his mind that Rook just accepts it all and loves him anyway.

"And we're a team, he said. It doesn't have to be me against the world. Because I'm part of the team." Rook, Loc 210, eARC

Ronin challenges Rook to want a future - one with him. He challenges her to believe in herself, to believe in love and to believe she deserves it. Ford challenges Rook to stretch herself, to push past her boundaries, to reach and fulfill her potential. And Spencer, he provides Rook with the comfort and security of a big brother. They all, even Antoine and Elise, ask Rook to give them her trust. And that's the most difficult for Rook, in my opinion.

There's a lot of action and many revelations in Panic. Ms. Huss didn't take the story in the direction I was expecting. Seriously, I thought I had it mapped out and I so didn't. But I was thrilled with the direction she took. The events in Panic tied up some loose ends and allowed Rook the closure she needed.

And that epilogue...WOW! *Oh, Ford* I won't say anything more about it other than it was shocking! And I can't wait til January...and more Ford. ;)




**I did receive an ecopy of this book, as part of the tour, in exchange for an honest review. But y'all know me...I one-clicked my own copy on release day, as well! :)


**Panic Playlist ~ Courtesy of @MissAliGirl**




Books in the Rook & Ronin Trilogy


Tragic


Synopsis:
Rook Walsh is TRAGIC

Because life so far – just sucks.  Some girls get parents.  Rook got the foster care system.  Some girls get Prince Charming.  Rook got an abusive frog.  Some girls get lucky…

Rook got a second chance.

And she took it.  Because when fate throws you a bone – you grab it with both hands and run.

Antoine Chaput knows the minute he spies Rook in his photography studio that she’s got The Look.  The dark and desperate look he must have to land the exclusive TRAGIC media contract.

Rook is paired up with top model, Ronin, and he’s everything her abusive ex-boyfriend wasn’t. Patient, gentle, happy, attentive, and sexy!  He knows exactly what to do to make Rook blush for Antoine’s portfolio.

Rook’s luck changes in an instant and suddenly she’s the darling of the modeling world.  It’s a dream job to go with a dream guy and all she has to do is look pretty and follow directions. But there’s always a price to pay – and Rook is about to get the bill.

Tragic is a new adult contemporary romance.




**Trailer for Tragic**







Manic
My Review of Manic

Synopsis:
TRAGIC is over and Rook is ready for the future—Spencer Shrike and the STURGIS contract!

It’s three months of body art modeling! That means three months of Spencer Shrike’s paintbrush all over her body, three months in front of Antoine’s camera, and three months of twenty-four hour filming for Spencer’s Biker Channel reality show.

Wait a minute…what reality show? Maybe she should’ve read that STURGIS contract a little closer? ;)

Sure, Rook’s bank account is almost overflowing, but Ronin is angry, Clare is trying to escape rehab, Antoine is a worried mess, and Elise is just trying to hold everyone together. Her new family is about to fall apart before she even gets the chance to enjoy them.

Add in a mysterious man from her past, a road trip to the famous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, and a final show in front of the entire world where all her good are on display, and you’ve Manic—a new adult contemporary romance that will definitely make your summer sizzle!





J. A. Huss likes to write new adult books that make you think and keep you guessing. Her favorite genre to read is space opera, but since practically no one reads those books, she writes new adult science fiction, paranormal romance, contemporary romance, urban fantasy, and books about Junco (who refuses to be saddled with a label).

She has an undergraduate degree in horses, (yes, really–Thank you, Colorado State University) and a master’s degree in forensic toxicology from the University of Florida. She used to have a job driving around Colorado doing pretty much nothing but shooting the breeze with farmers, but now she just writes, runs the New Adult Addiction and Clean Teen Reads Book Blogs, and runs an online science classroom for homeschoolers.



18 comments:

  1. Oh man! SO many people seem to love this series and I love the sound of it. Also very pretty covers. Great review

    Teresa @ Readers Live A Thousand Lives

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    1. Thanks, Teresa! Yeah, Rook & Ronin totally ROCK! I'm a huge fan of J.A. Huss' and I think this series is definitely something you'd love!

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    2. Yay, Teresa! You're the winner of the giveaway!

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  2. Fantastic review, Brandee! This sound like such an emotional, intense and profound read with amazing characters all throughout. I've been reading so many great reviews of it it! So happy you're a fan, too! :)

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    1. Thanks, Giselle! Yep, Panic is all those things...and more! I'm just so thrilled with this trilogy and I'm glad I'll be getting more from the characters, too!

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  3. I LIVE your enthusiasm for this series, and Huss, Brandee! You know you have me convinced to read it ASAP.
    Sadly, I haven't found a time turner yet. lol

    I already have all three, so no need to enter me into the giveaway.

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    1. LOL Yeah, huge fangirl here! ;) I really think you'll love the trilogy Andrea. But I totally understand that time dilemma - you know I have the same issue! ;)

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  4. Great review! I really liked this book too and once they started to delve into the boy's past, I couldn't put the thing down. I agree with you, sometimes I had to really try not to get frustrated with Rook but knowing so much more about her past, Spencer was right. She is the bravest Effing chick ever!

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    1. Thanks so much, Chelsea! I'm glad you liked it too. Yep, you know it's a good book when it evokes so much emotion!

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  5. Thank you so much Brandee! :) I'm glad you liked it! <3

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    1. Thank YOU for writing such incredible characters! You have a fangirl for life here! <3

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  6. GAH!! I have all these books on my TBR, and I know I'll love them - partly because you loved them so much! It's almost scary how similar our tastes are when it comes to books!

    Because you said your review might not make sense if I hadn't read the two first books (*cries* I haven't read them yet *cries more*) I didn't read your review, because I don't want to know everything that happens later, before I know what happens first!

    But I'm sure the books are awesome, and I'm so happy when you're happy with a book or a series.

    Have a great weekend, and good luck with the band competition! *hugs*

    Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews

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    1. I'm glad you didn't read my review, Lexxie. It's not really spoiler-y but then again, it kinda is if you haven't read the first two. They are so full of awesome-sauce! LOL It is kinda scary how similar our tastes are - so I feel confident you'll love Rook & Ronin! :)

      Thanks and I hope your weekend is lovely! *hugs*

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    2. YAY, I am really looking forward to this series. And I'm pretty sure I'll enjoy them as well.

      My weekend has been great so far- but I really need to sit down and do some homework, and I don't feel like it at all! o.O I'm just like my teenagers :D

      I hope your weekend is good, too, and the band-competition is a huge success. *hugs*

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  7. More Ford! Yes! He turned out to be my favorite after Manic. I am so excited for the next one. You don't have to enter me into the discussion giveaway because I have these awesome books already because of your previous reviews. Have a great weekend, Brandee!!

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    1. *ha* Mine, too, Robyn. I kinda felt bad for 'cheating' on Ronin! LOL I hope you're having a great weekend, Robyn!

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  8. Ummmm I think they all have skeletons....but I don't think it would matter too much. For better or worse right? (Don't know if I am supposed to make my blog comment here or not LOL)

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    1. Good luck in the giveaways, Jaime! And thanks for dropping by!

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Now you know what I think...what are your thoughts??