Best Series Blog Hop

 

Heck to the yeah, I'm taking part in the Best Series Blog Hop hosted by Cuddlebuggery. I have to admit, though, it is incredibly hard to pick ONE series to root for.

But I did.

Like the day I signed up for this.

Because I've just recently finished a series, and I loved the ending so hard, I literally NEEEED to tell y'all about it.

The Dante Walker trilogy by Victoria Scott 

  

If you know me, you know that I am all over these books. I heart them so hard, there are no words to actually compare the feeling to. Dante's my boy. I mean, have you SEEN my sidebar? It's pretty Dante-filled. 

I've already posted my review for The Collector and my review for The Liberator, but my review for The Warrior has to wait until closer to  the release date (May 6th!). You can totally check out my little teaser review from Goodreads if you wish, though.

But aside from making you wade through my reviews, just let me say that Dante is one of the most amusing, strong, and devoted characters I've ever read. He only has a trilogy, but I'm fairly certain I could sit through many, many more books about him if I got to do it from inside his mind. He's just so...HIM. And I love it. And the story he's IN? Rocks right along with him. I can't even explain it because words...WORDS. Ahhh.

So I'm giving away winner's choice of any book in this trilogy. Because there can never be enough Dante in your life.

But you do need to remember...

 #DanteIsMine ;)

The Deets: 

- One winner will be randomly selected to win their choice of any book in the Dante Walker trilogy.

- If the winner chooses The Warrior, it will be a pre-order, since the book isn't actually released yet.

- This giveaway is INTERNATIONAL. Yeah. 

- My giveaway policy applies. As it always does.

- Enter through the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win. 

- Pow! ;)

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Check out the other blogs sharing their favorite series in the hop!

Cover Reveal: Lux Series by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Last week, the new cover for the first volume of Lux books was revealed. This week, I'm revealing it again along with the second volume, since the first covered was tweaked a little to match the second. And then I'll show y'all how they look side by side, because it's kind of cool ;)

Lux: Beginnings by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Release Date: June 3, 2014

Publisher: Entangled Teen

Series: Lux #1-2

Buy It: Amazon | B&N 

Add Lux: Beginnings on Goodreads!

Description:

Obsidian

There’s an alien next door. And with his looming height and eerie green eyes, he’s hot…until he opens his mouth. He’s infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, he lights me up with a big fat bulls-eye. Turns out he has a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal his abilities and the only way I’m getting out of this alive is by sticking close to him until my alien mojo fades. If I don’t kill him first, that is.

Onyx

Daemon’s determined to prove what he feels for me is more than a product of our bizarro alien connection. So I’ve sworn him off, even though he’s running more hot than cold these days. But we’ve got bigger problems. I’ve seen someone who shouldn’t be alive. And I have to tell Daemon, even though I know he’s never going to stop searching until he gets the truth. What happened to his brother? Who betrayed him? And what does the DOD want from them—from me?

 Lux: Consequences by Jennifer L. Armentrout 

 Release Date: June 3, 2014
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Series: Lux #3-4
Buy It: Amazon | B&N 
Add Lux: Consequences on Goodreads!

Description:

Opal

After everything, I’m no longer the same Katy. I’m different... And I’m not sure what that will mean in the end. When each step we take in discovering the truth puts us in the path of the secret organization responsible for torturing and testing alien hybrids, the more I realize there is no end to what I’m capable. The death of someone close still lingers, help comes from the most unlikely source, and friends will become the deadliest of enemies, but we won’t turn back. Even if the outcome will shatter our worlds forever.

Origin

Daemon will do anything to get Katy back. After the successful but disastrous raid on Mount Weather, he’s facing the impossible. Katy is gone. Taken. Everything becomes about finding her. But the most dangerous foe has been there all along, and when the truths are exposed and the lies come crumbling down, which side will Daemon and Katy be standing on? And will they even be together?  

 
Both the covers together... 

*click to enlarge*

 I'm going to be honest here--I didn't like the new cover at first. I am sure attached to the Pepe & Sztella covers. Those two ARE Daemon and Katy to me. I mean, I know they're just models. But still. I was resistant to the idea of no Pepe and/or Sztella on the covers.

 HOWEVER, Pepe is on the cover for Consequences. So now I'm kind of okay with it. Which is probably stupid of me to think, but it's true. I saw Pepe on the second cover and squealed. My mind completely changed. I don't like these as much as the originals, of course, but I can dig 'em. 

What about you? Are they growing on you, too? Or have you always wished the Lux books would get a facelift? Or maybe you still loathe the new covers? You should totally let me know! 

 

# 1 NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling author Jennifer Armentrout 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. 

Author Links: 

Twitter | Facebook | Website  
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Review: Beyond Our Stars by Marie Langager

Beyond Our Stars by Marie Langager 
Release Date: December 19, 2013
Format: eARC, 180 pages
Publisher: Bloomsbury Spark
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review

Description from Goodreads:
Fleeing a destroyed Earth, seventeen-year-old orphan Hope grew up living in the confines of a spaceship heading to CR-3, a new home planet. She's been kicking the steel walls for too long and ever since she broke her boyfriend's heart, touchdown could mean open air and a fresh start. But no one expected the Locals.

Hope’s dreams of freedom turn into nightmares when the Locals trap the humans and mark groups for observation. At any moment she can be called into a holographic observation room for testing. Some days she’s drowning in a strange dark ocean, some days she’s locked up without food, and all with the one boy she can't seem to forget.

As the Locals study Hope, she studies them. She wants to believe the tall grey creatures could be peaceful, but as the simulations become more dangerous, Hope is about to become the human race’s last chance for survival.

I've been slowly branching out into sci-fi. I'm pretty cautious about it, because it's kind of easy for me to be completely bored with some science fiction books, but I thought this one would really entertain me. The MC sounds strong and likable, the premise as a whole appears interesting, and there's romance. All of that combined should equal a book I had a good time with, yes?

Unfortunately, no. That is not how this book turned out for me. I was actually pretty disappointed, considering how much I honestly thought I'd be into this book.

Beyond Our Stars started off great. I loved how we were pretty much thrown into the situation Hope was facing and were learning things little by little as we went. It kept me engaged and interested. But then the story went back to BEFORE they got to the planet they land on and the story got kind of dull for me. I'd much have preferred to keep going ahead instead of backtracking. After we went back, the story never really gained back to the level of awesome I felt like the very beginning was. 

Hope got on my nerves. She contradicted herself all the time, and she wasn't very open to ideas that weren't hers. She pretty much decided what she wanted to do and then stopped caring what anyone else had to say. And then everyone--even the captain/chief person of their spaceship--listened to Hope and followed her without question. Well, except for the rebel people. They didn't listen to her. But still, why did ANYONE listen to her? I don't understand what was so special about her. 

And then the rest of the characters...I didn't really care much about them. At all. They all seemed to practically worship Hope, and the ones who didn't were side-eyed by everyone else. I felt like all of the characters were pretty much puppets to do as the plot required. I wasn't attached to any of them. At all. Even when a certain twist happened (though I KNEW how that would turn out, so it wasn't a big deal for me), I didn't care much.

The plot...yeah, I still don't get it. I spent a majority of this book confused as to what the point was. The beginning was so promising, and then everything went downhill. I think the book may be about trying to make this new planet their home, and getting along with the Locals. Okay. But there was other stuff going on that didn't hold up. Things with Legacy--whose mind was very easily changed--and the rest of the rebel people. It all kind of linked. Sort of. I think.

Romance is something I freaking LOVE. I hoped so hard that the romance may be the saving grace in this book. But no. The fact that I didn't feel anything for these characters carried over to the lovey dovey stuff. I didn't care if they ended up together. I have to say, however, that I am glad the guy (his name was Chance, right?) didn't try to make Hope jealous. If he did that, I very well may have had to DNF this book because one more thing on top of the annoying MC and confusing plot with characters I cared nothing about would have been TOO MUCH. 

The world building didn't work for me. Just like the plot, I'm still utterly confused about what was going on. I understand the basics. I won't deny that. But I would have preferred to gain a more thorough understanding. The world sounded so interesting, but I don't think we got the explanations necessary to make that boat float.

I have to give this book credit, though. The premise, in general, was awesome, and the writing was pretty good. And the beginning rocked my socks. I have to give credit to the boyfriend/ex-boyfriend who didn't try to make the MC jealous. That made me happy. Other than those few things, though, there wasn't much I liked about this book. I honestly wish I could have found more enjoyment in this story.

Waiting on Wednesday (26)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted over at Breaking the Spine!

Better When He's Bad by Jay Crownover 
 
Release Date: June 17, 2014
Publisher: William Morrow
Series: Welcome to the Point #1

Description from Goodreads:
Welcome to the Point

There’s a difference between a bad boy and a boy who’s bad . . . meet Shane Baxter.

Sexy, dark, and dangerous, Bax isn’t just from the wrong side of the tracks, he is the wrong side of the tracks. A criminal, a thug, and a brawler, he’s the master of bad choices, until one such choice landed him in prison for five years. Now Bax is out and looking for answers, and he doesn’t care what he has to do or who he has to hurt to get them. But there’s a new player in the game, and she’s much too innocent, much too soft…and standing directly in his way.

Dovie Pryce knows all about living a hard life and the tough choices that come with it. She’s always tried to be good, tried to help others, and tried not to let the darkness pull her down. But the streets are fighting back, things have gone from bad to worse, and the only person who can help her is the scariest, sexiest, most complicated ex-con The Point has ever produced.

Bax terrifies her, but it doesn’t take Dovie long to realize that some boys are just better when they’re bad.
 
Why I'm Waiting: 
I have several reasons for being all kinds of excited for this book. It looks awesome. That description? Makes me break out the grabby hands every single time I read it. I mean, ahem, "Sexy, dark, and dangerous." And ohmygod. ALL OF IT. Looks so. Amazing. Just. Ahhhh! I also love the name Bax. Plus, this book is by Jay Crownover. I heart her and her books so freaking hard. (For real, if you haven't started on the Marked Men series yet, you need to get on that. Seriously. Now. DO IT.) 

So yeah. This book looks like a special brand of awesome, you know? 

What are you waiting on this week? Let me know! 

 

Review: Infinity Unleashed by Sedona Venez

Infinity Unleashed by Sedona Venez 
Release Date: December 10, 2013
Format: eARC, 254 pages
Series: Valkyries: Soaring Raven #2
Source: Author in exchange for an honest review

Description from Goodreads:
A new adult story of Betrayal. Sex. Addiction. Love. And Power...

Mason's diabolical plan had actually worked.

In a matter of minutes he had kidnapped me, stripping me of everything...money, family, and freedom. It was humbling, depressing, and damn infuriating but I refuse to go down without a fight. I refuse to be defeated.

Boulder will find me. I didn't know how, but I felt it deep in my soul.

Boulder...the one man that made my body quake with just one look. It was madness. There was so much I didn't know about him. For that matter, there was so much that he didn't know about me…like the evil darkness lurking inside me, waiting to be unleashed.

Could he accept me without judging?

That's where most men failed. Accepting the real me. But after years of hardening my heart, and sealing it behind a steel cage, I was ready to give myself to him freely. Knowing, that he planned to take everything I offered with both hands, until all I thought of...and wanted...was him…

After reading the first book in this series, I was kind of expecting the sequel to be better. I liked the first one well enough, but I also felt like it was setting down a foundation for the rest of the series, and since the first book is out of the way, this book would be all kinds of awesome. I ended up disappointed in that aspect.

I liked Infinity Unleashed. I did. But it was below my expectations. The book wasn't as fast-paced as I thought it would be, and I did find myself getting bored at times. I'm also not a fan of how much time apart the two main characters spent from each other. If it's a romance, I expect some actual ROMANCE to happen--not just sex. Though I have to say, the sex scene was one of the better parts of the book. 

I did like the little bits of romance we got--the concern and sweet thoughts. I also liked the subject matter, again. The world Sedona Venez has created in this series is so interesting, that was probably the most redeeming quality of this novel. That and the POV switches. I liked how we got first person from Infinity, but then we got third person from other characters. I always enjoy being in other characters' brains.

The pacing was the largest issue for me. The story felt like it dragged in some places, and it got hard to remain IN the story. I also felt like there was a lot of stating the obvious. I understood what was going on, yet the characters repeated it over and over in different ways. It was unnecessary. I was also disappointed that Torch wasn't in on the true-mate thing. It would have been fun having two alpha wolves all fierce and protective all the time. I have to admit, however, that just Boulder as our love interest worked out quite well, too.

The ending of this one was awesome. The last 30-ish percent was fantastic. I was flipping out and all excited and genuinely entertained with the story. And now I am DYING for the next book. Because I need to know what happens next! NEEEEEED.

Overall, Infinity Unleashed may not have lived up to my expectations, but it was still entertaining and I am definitely looking forward to continuing this series.

Cover Reveal: Lux Series: Beginnings by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Lux Series: Beginnings by Jennifer L. Armentrout
 

Release Date: June 3, 2014

Publisher: Entangled Teen

Series: Lux #1-2

Buy It: Amazon | B&N 

Add Lux Series: Beginnings on Goodreads!

Description:

Obsidian

There’s an alien next door. And with his looming height and eerie green eyes, he’s hot…until he opens his mouth. He’s infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, he lights me up with a big fat bulls-eye. Turns out he has a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal his abilities and the only way I’m getting out of this alive is by sticking close to him until my alien mojo fades. If I don’t kill him first, that is.

Onyx

Daemon’s determined to prove what he feels for me is more than a product of our bizarro alien connection. So I’ve sworn him off, even though he’s running more hot than cold these days. But we’ve got bigger problems. I’ve seen someone who shouldn’t be alive. And I have to tell Daemon, even though I know he’s never going to stop searching until he gets the truth. What happened to his brother? Who betrayed him? And what does the DOD want from them—from me?

 

# 1 NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling author Jennifer Armentrout 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. 

Author Links: 

Twitter | Facebook | Website 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Stacey Kade's Pre-Order Giveaway!

Stacey Kade, the author of the Ghost and the Goth trilogy (which I LOVE) has another book coming out on April 22nd! It's the second book in her Project Paper Doll series (The Hunt). Also, the paperback of the first book in the Project Paper Doll series (The Rules) is releasing on April 1st! If you know nothing about the books, I'll put the book info after the giveaway info ;)

So if you order/pre-order The Rules or The Hunt by April 22, a bunch of things will happen:
1. Stacey Kade will send you a signed bookmark and a set of magnets featuring the new covers for the series.

 

2. You'll be entered to win a $25 dollar gift card to your choice of bookstore/online retailer.

3. You'll receive exclusive access to a new scene Stacey's writing between Alona Dare and Will Killian from the Ghost and the Goth series (AHHHHHHHH!!!!!!). 

In case you could not tell, I think that Will/Alona scene is incentive enough. But hey, who doesn't like cool bookish things, right? 

To claim your prizes, all you have to do is send your name, mailing address (for the bookmark and magnets), and documentation of your purchase--a photo or screenshot of your receipt or order information, for example--BY APRIL 22, 2014 to:

staceykadepromo@gmail.com 

A few tips/caveats from Stacey (literally. I'm copying and pasting here):

–PLEASE use a subject line, something like Order/Pre-order Documentation, so it doesn’t get caught up in spam or mistaken for something virus-y.

 

–Send the confirmation from an email that you check regularly/plan to keep as that is how I’ll be contacting you.

–We’re still working out how the new Alona and Will scene will be shared. I may be emailing it to you directly. There may be a locked page on a website. Not sure yet, but I’ll keep you posted.

–Your name and address will not be shared with anyone.

–As they say in commercials, “Supplies are limited.” I’ll send bookmarks and magnets until I run out. But everyone who sends me the order/pre-order documentation will receive the new Alona/Will scene and will be entered to win the gift card.

–Please be patient with me. I may be able to get some help with the mailing, but more than likely, it’ll be just me sealing envelopes and scrawling addresses. So, it may take me a bit to get everything out to you.

For more information about Stacey or her books (because the Ghost and the Goth books freaking ROCK) or this giveaway, check out Stacey's website for info on that and how to contact her! :) 

The Rules by Stacey Kade 

Release Date: Hardcover, April 23, 2013

Paperback, April 1, 2014

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Series: Project Paper Doll #1

Description from Goodreads:

1. Never trust anyone.

2. Remember they are always searching.

3. Don't get involved.

4. Keep your head down.

5. Don't fall in love.

Five simple rules. Ariane Tucker has followed them since the night she escaped from the genetics lab where she was created, the result of combining human and extraterrestrial DNA. Ariane's survival-and that of her adoptive father-depends on her ability to blend in among the full-blooded humans, to hide in plain sight from those who seek to recover their lost (and expensive) "project."

But when a cruel prank at school goes awry, it puts Adriane in the path of Zane Bradshaw, the police chief's son and someone who sees too much. Someone who really sees her. After years of trying to be invisible, Ariane finds the attention frightening-and utterly intoxicating. Suddenly, nothing is simple anymore, especially not the rules.

The Hunt by Stacey Kade 

Release Date: April 22, 2014

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Series: Project Paper Doll #2

Description from Goodreads:

Ariane Tucker has finally escaped GTX, the research facility that created her. While on the run, Zane Bradshaw is the only person she can trust. He knows who-and what-she is and still wants to be part of her life.

But accepting Zane's help means putting him in danger.

Dr. Jacobs, head of GTX, is not the only one hunting for Ariane. Two rival corporations have their sights set on taking down their competition. Permanently. To protect Zane and herself, Ariane needs allies. She needs the other hybrids. The hybrids who are way more alien and a lot less human. Can Ariane win them over before they turn on her? Or will she be forced to choose sides, to decide who lives and who dies?

 

Cover Reveal & Giveaway: Something Like Normal by Monica James

Something Like Normal by Monica James 

 

Release Date: May 20, 2014

Publisher: Limitless Publishing

Description from Goodreads:

  Mia Lee has a secret…

A secret she’s kept hidden since she was eight years old, however, Mia will no longer allow that secret to define her.

An irrevocable decision has left Mia Lee a fugitive and on the run—a circumstance that should leave her weak and scared, yet Mia has never felt so alive.

Under the pseudonym of Paige Cassidy, Mia is ready to live the life she’s never had, and she’s determined not to allow her tainted past dictate her promising future.

Paige is on a Greyhound bus heading from L.A. to South Boston, Virginia, to start a new life. A life that includes finding her mother, who abandoned her at age three. But what she finds, is four people, who will change her life forever.

Yet no one can outrun their past…

Especially one filled with bitter memories, which refuse to remain hidden. 

  

Monica James spent her youth devouring the works of Anne Rice, William Shakespeare and Emily Dickinson.

When she is not writing, Monica is busy, running her own business, but she always finds a balance between the two. She enjoys writing honest, heartfelt and turbulent stories,hoping to leave an imprint on her readers, and her inspiration comes from every day life. 

Monica James resides in Melbourne, Australia, with her wonderful family, and menagerie of animals. 

She is slightly obsessed with cats, chucks and lip gloss, and secretly wishes she was a ninja on the weekends.

Author Links:

Facebook | Facebook "Like" Page | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest | Website

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Blog Tour: Lover, Divine by A. Star (Review & Giveaway)

 

Click the banner above for the full tour schedule!

Lover, Divine by A. Star 
Release Date: February 25, 2014
Format: Paperback, 182 pages
Series: Mythos: Gods & Lovers #1
Source: Author in exchange for an honest review
Buy It: Amazon | B&N

Description from Goodreads:
For fans of the Oracle of Delphi series...and for those who aren't...

Born into one of the wealthiest families in Ireland, Siobhan Law has status, privilege, and a secret: The Greek gods of Olympus and their kingdom in the clouds are real, and her family acts as one of their agents on Earth.

When the beautiful immortal celeste Liam Argyros shows up claiming to have come to Earth to deal in the affairs of the divine, Siobhan finds herself unable to resist his charms. New to the game of passion and seduction, she quickly ends up in over her head, sinking deeper with every attempt Liam makes to win her over.

But Liam’s divine mission is far more complex than she ever imagined and nothing is truly as it seems. Because Liam has a secret of his own: He is Apollo, Olympian god of the Sun, and his mission will never be complete until he has claimed Siobhan’s heart forever.

I am fascinated by Greek mythology. I think it's the coolest thing, and I have ever since I first started actually learning about it. And my favorite god? Apollo. Therefore, I pretty much needed to read this book. Lover, Divine was interesting, as I expected it would be, but it was also a whole lot of sweet, too.

Siobhan was a good narrator, and while I don't really see her as remarkable, I did kind of like her. She took everything with her own little stride and I liked that. Plus, she did become very accepting, which is fantastic because that meant she didn't turn all whining and needy--both things I hate in characters. 

Apollo was not your typical hero. He was MORE. Which isn't exactly surprising, considering he was a god and all. I was somewhat irked at first when his character didn't own up to being who he was at first, but then I kind of found it amusing. Because I totally knew who Apollo was the whole time, even in the beginning. But Siobhan didn't. So some of the stuff that happened early on were fun to read. And then his actual character...in general, he was someone I loved. He could be charming and friendly, but he could be so fierce, as well. I LOVED that.

The story as a whole told in this novel was pretty cool. I enjoyed seeing the mythological elements I know about, and I also liked how they were somewhat twisted in such a way to make this story unique. I didn't feel like I was reading just any ole Greek mythology love story. This one was fresh and it was fun, and I certainly had a good time reading it.

The romance kind of grew on me, as a whole. In the beginning, and in most of the book, I loved it. Romance usually rocks my socks off, and that was no exception in this book. But I had to adjust to the fact that this book IS in the realm of Greek mythology--where things can be odd. Specifically, gods have children. Lots of them. I generally get weird about characters turning out to have kids before the story begins with people who aren't their current love interest. There's nothing really wrong with it, I just have issues with it when reading and I have to get used to it. That's how it was in this book. I'm fine with it now--but I was weird about it at one point. Also, there are certain things about Apollo--like things he was destined to do--that picked at my nerves a tad. I'm over it now, but at the time I was irritated. All that said, I did like the romantic elements in this book, but they had to take some time to seep in at some points and make me feel happy.

Overall, Lover Divine is an interesting story that puts a fresh spin on Greek mythology, and I definitely enjoyed it. I liked the characters, the story held my attention the whole way through, and I just really liked this book. I will definitely be on the lookout for the next book in this series. :)

A. Star is a fan of dirty passion. She likes to read it, and she damn sure likes to write it. Her first adult romance/fantasy novella is called Invasion, an alien romance about sacrifice. Lover, Divine is the first release from the Mythos: Gods and Lovers series. Future releases under A. Star include, King, Desired (Mythos: Gods and Lovers #2), the Love & Steampunk series, the Purr, Inc. stories, and more.

Author Links: 

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

 

  a Rafflecopter giveaway