**Blog Tour & GIveaway ~ Manic ~ J.A. Huss**

Hey y'all. I can't think of better way to kick off a week than with some major fangirling!! And as you're all well aware, if you see the name J.A. Huss on my blog, fangirling will ensue! :)

If you haven't met Rook and Ronin, get with the program! You won't be disappointed! :) And, during the blog tour, Tragic is available for only 99 cents!

So, welcome to my stop on the blog tour for J.A. Huss' Manic. This is the second book in her Rook & Ronin series. In case you missed my review of Tragic, you can read it here. My stop includes my review and a giveaway.

This tour is presented by Xpresso Book Tours. For the complete list of participating blogs, click here.

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Manic by J.A. Huss

Series: Rook and Ronin #2

Publication date: August 1st 2013

Genre: New Adult Contemporary

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!

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My Review

It seems when I finish any book by J.A. Huss, I want to shout out an expletive. So...holy s#*t!! Wow, just wow! Manic is seriously even better than Tragic. And I loved Tragic quite a bit. Manic has so much more...it's meatier. And it's packed with suspense, hot guys, action, hot guys...y'all get the picture. 

In Manic, Ms. Huss works some magic...keeping her readers even more involved and interested in Rook and Ronin's story through the reveal of some major revelations. We knew Rook's past was not a pretty one, but we learn even more about the extent to which she suffered. And then there's the shock  of the sordid (look Ford, I'm smart too! ;) past between Ronin, Spencer and Ford. And then there was the panic attack inducing, pulse pounding bombshell part of the book. Yeah, I can't tell y'all about that. ;) I really don't want to want to delve into the plot of Manic too much because that would ruin the experience. Y'all need to have those OMG moments yourselves! And I promise you'll have them.

Oh...about Ford...Manic introduces us to yet another hot guy. Yeah, I was thinking Ronin and Spencer were quite enough. Ms. Huss has provided us with the trifecta of hot guys, y'all. Seriously, we get everything we long for in a guy wrapped up in the very different packages. The trifecta of hotties! *grin* They are each mm-mmm good!

In Manic, we get to see Rook grow as a character. And I'm delighting in watching the evolution of Rook. Ms. Huss does an excellent job illustrating the dichotomy that exists for a new adult...that of wanting independence and that of wanting to be taken care of. Rook wants to be taken care of because she's been denied that care all her life. Yet, she also wants the independence, to make her own decisions. She was deprived of that ability in her last relationship. She's not always going to make the right decisions, and she may defer to others to make those decisions for her but it's all part of her growing up. 

I really enjoyed getting to know more about Spencer in this installment. Kudos to Ms. Huss for her descriptions of the incredible artwork that Spencer creates. The detail provided allowed me to envision what Rook looked like once the painting was done. I also found Ford to be a delightful character. Yes, he can be an a$$hole, but his character grew a lot throughout this book. I liked his techniques in providing Rook with the tools she needs to gain her independence. Ronin, well I know he loves Rook and would do anything for her. He proves it in Manic. I do hope to see him mature a little more in Panic, the last book in the series. I know it's early in their relationship, but he's holding out on Rook. Although, I guess the reality is they've both been holding out on the other. So I hope to see that resolved.

Rook and Ronin both have a long way to go to meet their goals in life. But they're getting there...together. And with a little help from their friends, Spencer and Ford, I think they might get there. And I'm sure as hell enjoying the ride!

**I did receive an ecopy of this book as part of the tour, but I purchased my own copy as well. Y'all know J.A. Huss is on my auto-buy list...she should be on yours as well!

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Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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About J.A.

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.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

**Cover Reveal ~ Unstoppable ~ Ginger Voight**

Hey y'all! I'm super excited to be a part of the cover reveal for Unstoppable. This is the second book in Ginger Voight's Fierce series. Take a look!

This cover reveal is presented by Brandee's Book Endings.

Unstoppable by Ginger Voight

#2 Fierce Saga

Release date: August 20, 2013

Synopsis:

In book #2 of the Fierce saga, Jordi Hemphill has joined her true love Jace Riga on cross-country tour with Giovanni Carnevale and Dreaming in Blue. The star-crossed lovers anticipate the freedom to explore their burgeoning relationship, despite the continued complications of her ties to her tormentor Eddie Nix and Jace's new standing as a rock icon. Nothing is as it seems, which make the pair fodder for the rumor mill. Forces from all directions threaten to tear them apart, but it is Jordi's own insecurities that drive a wedge between the aspiring diva and her hero.

Author Ginger Voight further delves into the key issues that keep Jordi from defeating her demons once and for all. This sweeping saga unearths revelations that will rock Jordi's world forever... and set her on the path to the path to her story's epic conclusion.

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Teaser

His eyes were rimmed red when they met mine. "I die inside every time he touches you, and there's nothing I can do about it. You've made it clear that you're going to go on with this sham of a marriage, no matter who it hurts in the process. You lie to everyone, Jordi, including the people you're supposed to love the most. And I just can't take it anymore. This is not the way I want to live my life."

"I thought I was worth it," I mumbled.

"You have no idea what you're worth," he said softly. "That's the problem."

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Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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About Ginger

Ginger Voight is prolific author, freelance writer and optioned screenwriter. Her fiction is diverse, with novels like the edgy, coming-of-age drama DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS, and the fun family adventure for kids of all ages, COMIC SQUAD.

Having grown up reading different authors like Danielle Steel and Stephen King, Ginger has always been drawn more to story than to genre. This shows up in her various stories. Titles such as MY IMMORTAL and TASTE OF BLOOD are a delicious, heady mix of horror, suspense, and romance.

Genre romance, however, has held a special place in her heart, ever since she read her first Harlequin novel when she was only eleven. As a result, Ginger is making a name for herself writing romances of her own, starring women who look more like the average American woman rather than those traditionally represented in the size-biased American media. Her Rubenesque romances were created especially for those heroines with fuller figures, who can still get the man of their dreams if only they believe they can. Such titles include UNDER TEXAS SKIES, LOVE PLUS ONE, GROUPIE and PICTURE POSTCARDS.

Ginger was included in the best-selling book by Smith Magazine NOT QUITE WHAT I WAS PLANNING, featuring her six-word memoir.

Website | Blog | Facebook | 

Fierce Facebook Page | Amazon | Twitter

**Cover Reveal ~ Rekindled Dreams ~ Linda Carroll-Bradd**

I'm excited to share with y'all the cover for 

Rekindled Dreams by Linda Carroll-Bradd.

This cover reveal is presented by Entranced Publishing.

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Rekindled Dreams

Author: Linda Carroll-Bradd

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: 7 October 2013

Synopsis
Museum curator Vena Fenton returns to her small Montana hometown to create a new display concept and is forced to live under the same roof as the star of her teenage dreams. 
Environmental lobbyist Finnian Quaid is restoring his parents’ historic inn and contemplating a run for state representative but backers insist he needs a more settled image.  When the romantic sparks fly, will the only-for-show engagement stay pretend or deepen into a love that will unsettle both their lives?

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About Linda

As a young girl, Linda was often found lying on her bed reading about fascinating characters  having exciting adventures in places far away and in other time periods. In later years, she  read and then started writing romances and achieved her first publication--a confession  story. Married with 4 adult children and 2 granddaughters, Linda now writes heartwarming contemporary and historical stories with a touch of humor from her home in the southern California mountains.

Website | Blog | GoodReads | Facebook | Twitter

**Sky Reviews ~ Leviathan ~ Scott Westerfeld **

Title: Leviathan

The Leviathan Series #1

Author: Scott Westerfeld

Genre: Science Fiction

Synopsis from back of book:

Choose Your Weapon: Beastie or Clanker

Alek is a prince without a throne. On the run from his own people, he has only a fighting machine and a small band of men.

Deryn is a girl disguised as a guy in the British Air Service. She must fight for her cause -- and protect her secret -- at all costs.

Alek and Deryn are thrown together aboard the mighty airship Leviathan. Though fighting side by side, their worlds are far apart. British fabricated beasts versus German steam-powered war machines. They are enemies with everything to lose, yet somehow destined to be together.

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Sky's Review

This book has been on my reading list for a long time, and this summer as a “Woohoo, school’s out!” book, I finally got around to reading it. Leviathan is a steampunk alternate universe of the time surrounding World War I; the Allies are replaced with the Darwinists, who use fabricated “beasties” to assist them in their work and war, and the Central Powers are replaced by the Clankers, who use machines. The steampunk and historical setting is what initially interested me in this book, and I wasn’t much disappointed.

Deryn Sharp was born to fly. Before the tragic accident, her pa always took her up into the sky in a balloon, and her older brother has been enlisted on an airship for a while. Unfortunately, since Deryn is a girl, she is legally unable to land herself upon an airship as anything but a passenger. Under the alibi of Dylan, Deryn donns her brother’s clothes and goes to sign up. By way of sheer coincidence, she finds herself on the largest darwinist airship in the British infantry -- a helium-filled whale called the Leviathan.

Prince Aleksander is a fictional secret son of Archduke Ferdinand, and also the heir to the Austro-Hungarian empire. After his father and mother are assassinated in Serbia and spawn arguably one of the silliest wars in history, Alek is forced to flee Austria-Hungary to the neutral Switzerland. Accompanied by a small crew of his father’s most loyal employees, he sets off in a small clanker war machine called a Walker (much like an AT-ST from Star Wars.) After narrowly surviving multiple attacks by much, much larger war machines, he finds himself in Switzerland, supposedly safe and sound -- until they discover the Leviathan. This is the point at which Deryn and Alek’s paths cross.

I very much enjoyed Leviathan for its historical setting. This time period is one that I find fascinating, so it was fun to read a fictional, largely more light-hearted version of the unstable period before and at the very beginning of World War I. Alek and Deryn were characters that were well-rounded and underwent a bit of development -- Alek more so than Deryn. Keith Thompson’s illustrations are beautiful and enrich the story.

Despite how much I wanted to extol this book, at times I had to push myself through it. I can’t put my finger on exactly what it is, but I’ve decided that I can’t stand something about Scott Westerfeld’s writing style. I struggled through three and a half of the Uglies series a few years back, so I’m not sure exactly what I expected to be different. Something about it makes it seem so cheesy that I can’t help but cringe and tear my eyes out with a rusty spoon. Additionally, these characters are constantly needlessly complaining about something. With Deryn, it’s how hard it is to pretend to be a boy, which honestly, I don’t think is a valid complaint. Before she goes to apply for the air force, Deryn bemoans that fact that if she’s denied, she’ll have to go back to wearing poofy dresses and corsets, embroidering things all day, and not being allowed to cuss. If you ask me, she already acts very much like a boy; there isn’t really much about her behavior that would easily indicate she’s a girl besides her lack of facial hair. Alek mostly complains about his crew, the lot of which have risked their lives to help save him. They could have easily denied his dead father’s orders and left him to be hunted down and assassinated, but instead, they decided to stay on his side and honour his father’s wishes. Given this, I don’t think that Alek has much of a right at all to complain about the behavior of his crew. As he grows, the problem becomes mostly resolved -- but in the very beginning, I think it was unnecessary to his character and highly annoying.

Overall, I enjoyed Leviathan for its story and disliked it for the writing style. I’d recommend it to younger readers especially, as it’s a good, easy introduction to the politics of World War I. The things that I disliked about it are probably petty in most peoples’ opinion, the characters are unique and interesting, and the story never really slows down. For younger kids who don’t read much, I’d definitely recommend Leviathan.

**Jax Reviews ~ The Lost Code ~ Kevin Emerson**

The Lost Code by Kevin Emerson

Series: The Atlanteans #1

Release Date: May 22, 2012

Genre: YA SciFi/Dystopian

Synopsis:

In the year 2086, Camp Eden promises summer “the way things used to be,” back before the oceans rose, the sun became a daily enemy, and modern civilization sank into chaos. Located inside the EdenWest BioDome, the camp is an oasis of pine trees, cool water, and rustic charm.

But all at Camp Eden is not what it seems.

No one will know this better than 15-year-old Owen Parker. A strange underwater vision, even stranger wounds on Owen’s neck, and a cryptic warning from the enchanting lifeguard Lilly hint at a mystery that will take Owen deep beneath Lake Eden and even deeper into the past. What he discovers could give him the chance to save the tattered planet. But first, Owen will have to escape Camp Eden alive…

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Jax's Review

This was probably the best book you could get from a free Friday- I didn't read anything else until this was finished! The book takes place in a grimly plausible dystopian future on the wrecked planet Earth. There's almost no ozone, a giant fire is creeping across America, and the sun is treated as an enemy.

Meanwhile, the human race has survived underground and in the three huge Eden domes, giant bubbles of safety with prosthetic clouds, stars, and even a sun. The whole thing is run by Paul, a mysterious figure that almost never appears. Owen Parker gets a once-in-a-lifetime chance, to go to Eden west away from his homeland, Yellowstone hub. There he realizes, along with Lily, a cryogenically frozen girl from before the “Great Rise,” balance the problems of romance and popularity with the secret of the atlanteans and the world.

The reason I liked this book is because Kevin Emerson did so much research on climate change to create a very realistic future. Also, it combines mythology into it, making it a very odd mix of the mythical world and reality. I would recommend it to pretty much anybody if they're interested in mythology and realistic fiction.

**Berkeley Reviews ~ Monster High ~ Lisi Harrison**

Monster High

Series: Monster High #1

Author: Lisi Harrison

Genre: YA Paranormal

Release Date: September 1, 2010

Synopsis:

They prefer to call themselves RAD (Regular Attribute Dodgers), but some call them monsters. So far, the "monster" community has kept a low profile in Salem, but this year two new girls enroll at Master High School, and the town will never be the same.

Created just fifteen days ago, Frankie Stein is psyched to trade her father's formaldehyde-smelling basement lab for parties and cheerleading. But with a student body totally freaked out by rumors of monsters who might be stalking the halls, Frankie finds that life in the "normi" world can be rough for a chic freak like her.

She thinks she finds a friend in fellow new student Melody Carver--but can a normi be trusted with her big secret?

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Berkeley's Review

Monster High is about monsters going to a public high school in Salem, Oregon. The newest member of the RADs (Regular Attribute Dodgers), Frankie, thinks that it's wrong for the RADs to have to hide their freaky flaws. As her fight begins she has to find what she really wants in this fight. And what to do to help her people.

The fight for Frankie’s personality, and the way she gets involved in the fight that is not hers at first was one of the most interesting parts. But Harrison also added in the other side of the fight from a mixed up girl named Melody. I really enjoy the way this book is written from so many different peoples perspectives. This is a really good book for pre teens. The only bad thing about this book is that they make some of the characters seem so clueless.  

**Release Day Spotlight Review ~ Destined for Fire ~ S.J. Pierce**

Happy Release Day, S.J. Pierce. 

Destined for Fire, the final book in 

he Alyx Rayer Chronicles is available today! :)

I reviewed the first two books in this series, Marked for Vengeance and Tethered by Fate. If you missed those reviews, you can click on the titles to read them now. It is hard to be non-spoiler-y of the previous books in the series at this point, but I will do my best. 

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Destined for Fire by S.J. Pierce
Alyx Rayer Chronicles #3
Release Date: August 1, 2013

Synopsis
"Fire… this was her destiny. She would leave this world in fire and hopefully right all of these terrible wrongs."

In this final installment of the Alyx Rayer Chronicles, follow Alyx and Micah as they travel back to the hell that once was Earth in search of Serpious and his legion, as well as the only thing they have left to care about now - revenge.

May not be suitable for YA.

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My Review

Wow! This is a brilliant conclusion to the Alyx Rayer Chronicles. This last installment doesn't have quite as much action but it certainly has suspense. Ms. Pierce did an excellent job of bring this series to a close.

Destined for Fire begins where Tethered by Fate ended. With Isaac gone and all the angels having been recalled to Heaven, Alyx decides to seek vengeance against the one who has destroyed her world. And Isaac's son, Micah, is accompanying her.

Their pursuit leads them to Australia, where we meet a few other colorful characters in Lachlan, Aiden, Cleo, Rae and Joshuah. We don't see Joshuah for too long but he made such an impression on me. He was so intuitive for his age and his words were exactly what Alyx needed to hear at the point where she meets him. It seemed almost like divine intervention. ;) 

Rae was an excellent addition to the cast. Her feisty spirit and knife throwing skills added to the liveliness of this story. And I enjoyed the relationship that was built between her and Micah.

Samuel, of course, is there to try to protect Alyx. His loyalty to Alyx almost broke my heart. I was very pleased with where his character ended up.

Destined for Fire is the culmination of all the opposing work done by Serpious as well as The Creator. I admired Alyx's faith in the face of having been effectively abandoned and left to seek justice on her own. I liked being able to feel it as Alyx questioned her decisions and motives. I could absolutely identify with her wavering. But Alyx is strong...stronger than she realized. And I was so proud of her.

I don't think there's quite as much action in Destined for Fire despite the big battle for Earth. I did like the imagery Ms. Pierce created for the battle. I was also glad to get the questions I'd carried throughout the series finally answered. For example, throughout the series, Alyx has known she is different from the other Protector Angels. I adored the revealing of The Creator's reason behind her differences.

Ms. Pierce's use of religion and mythology for the foundation of the series fascinated me. Her storyline doesn't always follow traditional tenets of religion but instead offers food for thought about The Creator and the grand design. I particularly delighted in the fresh look at what, in my mind, equated to the end of days. I found it interesting how humankind and their souls are saved.

In Destined for Fire, I was once again impressed with Ms. Pierce's storytelling. The Alyx Rayer Chronicles, as a series, is unique and very well-written. I'd highly recommend the series if you're looking for something a little out of the ordinary.

**Cover Reveal ~ Unlocked ~ Maya Cross**

If y'all have read my reviews of Maya Cross' The Alpha Group Trilogy, y'all will understand why I'm ecstatic over getting to be a part of the cover reveal for the conclusion to the trilogy, Unlocked! *squeeee*

On top of the cover, I also have an excerpt and Maya is offering a giveaway! 

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Unlocked (The Alpha Group Book Three)

by Maya Cross

Release Date: August 18, 2013

The breathtaking conclusion to the USA Today best selling Alpha Group Series.

Who is Sebastian Lock?

The heart can lead you to dangerous places. Abandoned by the man she loves, with nothing more than sweet words and riddles for an explanation, Sophia Pearce felt like her life was crumbling before her eyes. And then they came for her. Now, things will never be the same.

Confronted with the truth about Sebastian’s identity, she’s thrust into a high stakes world beyond anything she could have imagined. A world that threatens much more than just her feelings. 

Sebastian’s enemies will stop at nothing to get what they want, and they want her. The energy between them is as intense as ever, but as the danger mounts, and loyalties are tested, Sophia must answer one simple question. What is she willing to risk for love?

This book will be approximately 45,000 words, or about 160 printed pages. It contains erotic content and a dominant man who always gets what he wants in the bedroom. It is intended for readers aged 18 and over.

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Excerpt

The third or fourth time I woke, it was with a sob. Moonlight cast the room as a series of jagged silhouettes, and despite knowing that I was somewhere safe, the unfamiliarity of my surroundings sent something sharp skittering through my chest. Suddenly, it felt like everything was closing in around me. I let out another cry and burrowed deeper under the covers, feeling fresh tears welling in my eyes. I didn’t want to be this person, this person who cried at shadows, but I didn’t know how to deal with the emotions that were roaring up inside me.

I felt another bolt of fear as I heard the door open, but in a moment there was a familiar weight on the bed, and then Sebastian’s arms were circling my body from behind. 

“It’s okay,” he said softly. “Let it out.”

I have no idea how he knew I was in distress, but in spite of everything that was still unresolved between us, I loved that he’d come. The sheer strength of his presence dwarfed everything else, dulling the fear. He was like an anchor, and I clung on for dear life lest I slip back below the surface again.

He didn’t say anything else, and so neither did I, but just the act of being together was enough. I lay there, listening to the sound of his breathing, enjoying the sensation of that solid chest rising and falling against my back. Gradually, my turmoil began to dissipate. I had no idea how he had such a calming effect on me. When we were together, nothing else seemed to matter.

He felt like home, and for just that night, I pretended like he still was.

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Links to Other Books in The Alpha Group Trilogy

Locked (The Alpha Group Book One):

Amazon UK

Lockout (The Alpha Group Book Two):

Amazon UK

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Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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About Maya

Maya Cross is a writer who enjoys making people blush. Growing up with a mother who worked in a book store, she read a lot from a very young age, and soon enough picked up a pen of her own. 

She’s tried her hands at a whole variety of genres including horror, science fiction, and fantasy, but 

funnily enough, it was the sexy stuff that stuck. She has now started this pen name as an outlet for her spicier thoughts (they were starting to overflow). She likes her heroes strong but mysterious, her encounters sizzling, and her characters true to life.

She believes in writing familiar narratives told with a twist, so most of her stories will feel comfortable, but hopefully a little unique. Whatever genre she's writing, finding a fascinating concept is the first, and most important step.

The Alpha Group is her first attempt at erotic romance.

When she's not writing, she's playing tennis, trawling her home town of Sydney for new inspiration, and drinking too much coffee.

Stalk Maya Here

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