Cover Copy Reveal--Sense of Deception by Victoria Laurie

In New York Times bestselling author Victoria Laurie’s newest Psychic Eye Mystery, Abby Cooper senses a convicted killer is innocent, but she’ll need hard evidence to save the woman before it’s too late…

A ticked-off judge has tossed Abby in the slammer for contempt of court, and during her brief but unpleasant stay she learns the story of a condemned woman who is facing a far more serious sentence. Skylar Miller has been found guilty of murder and faces the death penalty. Everyone believes she’s guilty, including her own family and her ex-husband—everyone, that is, except Abby, whose finely honed intuition tells her this woman doesn’t belong behind bars.

With the help of her husband Dutch and her friend Candice, Abby launches into her own investigation to clear Skylar and find the real killer. But after a final appeal is denied and Skylar’s attorney scrambles for a stay of execution, time is running short—and the list of suspects keeps growing. There’s no margin for error as the life of an innocent woman hangs in the balance…

EEP! I still need to read the last one but always love seeing the next one!! Loving the orange!


Sense of Deception releases July 7, 2015--a VERY LUCKY DAY for books!!!

Boy Gets Schooled--Gaston Style!

Yeah...odd title choice, but I'm working through a head-cold! 

I saw this on Yahoo yesterday and HAD to share it! It was hilarious! Who would've thought that the Disney parks make sure their characters are perfectly qualified for their character position?!

ARC Review--When by Victoria Laurie

Maddie Fynn is a shy high school junior, cursed with an eerie intuitive ability: she sees a series of unique digits hovering above the foreheads of each person she encounters. Her earliest memories are marked by these numbers, but it takes her father’s premature death for Maddie and her family to realize that these mysterious digits are actually death dates, and just like birthdays, everyone has one.

Forced by her alcoholic mother to use her ability to make extra money, Maddie identifies the quickly approaching death date of one client's young son, but because her ability only allows her to see the when and not the how, she’s unable to offer any more insight. When the boy goes missing on that exact date, law enforcement turns to Maddie.

Soon, Maddie is entangled in a homicide investigation, and more young people disappear and are later found murdered. A suspect for the investigation, a target for the murderer, and attracting the attentions of a mysterious young admirer who may be connected to it all, Maddie's whole existence is about to be turned upside down. Can she right things before it's too late?

I received this ARC for review from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review, I was in no way compensated for this review.


Victoria Roberts' debut YA read, When, takes psychic abilities to a different level! Abby gets the psychic vibes and feels almost naturally, but Maddie here has a different sort of talent. She can see the death date on a person's forehead, living or dead, actual person or photo...and that's it. She can't see how they will die or anything else that could help said person, just tells them their date. 

When was a pretty intriguing read, though I will admit, at times things seemed a little slow. What Maddie does is the only source of "weird" in the book, which isn't so much of an issue, but when she decides to stop reading people, that kind of puts a damper on the pacing. For the longest time, Maddie has been charging people to tell them their death date or that of their loved ones. It was her mother's idea, mostly because she needs the extra cash to buy booze.

Maddie has a hard-knocked life to say the least, her mother has been turning to the bottle ever since her father's death a couple of years ago. And when Maddie reads the date of a young boy, a date that is fast approaching versus years into the future, she tries to warn the boy's mother and chaos ensues from it. And then when the day comes and the boy goes missing, Maddie finds herself in the middle of an FBI investigation!

I will admit, that the mystery element was incredible! And I also have to admit, that I really didn't suspect the murderer. I may have gave a passing thought to it, but then another "suspect" came up and I was positive of the who-dun-it and was wrong! And really, being wrong is just as fun as being right, because when you're wrong, you totally don't see who the real villain is and makes it all the more thrilling when it gets revealed!

I was kind of amazed with Maddie's character. Yet again, we have the not oh-so-popular type, and her one friend Stubby is her rock through it all. He tries to help her out and just be there for her. There's no romance between them though. But there's a lot of bullying in this one once the case gets underway and I was amazed at Maddie's strength. She's a fighter, but anyone can only take so much hate for so long.

One teeny, tiny complaint I had was the love interest that the description hints at. Maddie does have a crush and has an encounter or two with him. But that's it. He wasn't around for much. Though the ending does bring this up again, which I liked how it was twisted in. I guess I was just kind of hoping the crush would be around more then he was. Which again, wasn't very much. My one other complaint came from when there was an argument (of sorts) between Stubby and Maddie. And then a few pages later, all is well between them. It kind of left me reeling a bit. I guess I can see where Victoria was coming from with what she wrote, but then I don't know...I was just left wondering at the sudden and abrupt change in Stubby after everything.

Overall though, When was still an amazing read! I enjoyed it quite a bit despite a few little issues. And I can't be sure yet if this is a standalone or a possible series. It ends like it could be either way! I guess that's the magic of mystery series! Which reminds me of how behind on many of the other mystery series I have waiting for me! Including at the moment, one of Victoria's!

I definitely recommend When to the YA and mystery fans alike! It's a fun read with a good twisted mystery, which after all, is the best kind of mystery!


Overall Rating 4/5 stars


When releases January 13, 2015

It's Monday! What are You Reading?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is hosted by Sheila at Book Journey. It's a fun meme where we gather to share what we've read last week and our reading plans for this week.


I have a pounding headache as I write this, so I'm not sure how much reading I can get done this week. And that really makes me sad. :(

Last Week I Read:

Unhinged by A.G. Howard (4 stars)

Willowgrove by Kathleen Peacock (ARC) (5 stars)

MOVIE Review:

Into the Woods

 Review that was Posted:

The Witches of Echo Park by Amber Benson (ARC) (1.5 stars)

Currently Reading:

Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch

What I Plan to Read this Week:

Iced by Karen Marie Moning

Other Posts of Interest:

Cover Description Reveal--End of Days by Susan Ee

Cover Copy Reveal--Reawakened Colleen Houck

Teaser & Top Ten Tuesdays

Waiting on Wednesday

2014 End of the Year Book Survey

Random Thursday

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

COVER COPY REVEALS--Seduction's Kiss & Lure

Where to Buy--Bookish Items from my Xmas STS Haul!

Follow Friday

Top 5 Sundays

Stacking the Shelves
Princess of Thorns Sequel! WE can MAKE it HAPPEN!

Princess of Thorns Sequel! WE can MAKE it HAPPEN!

Hey all! I just read this post on Stacey Jay's blog, that there could possibly be a Princess of Thorns sequel, but Stacey needs the help of her readers. There's a kickstarter fund asking for donations that will be put towards the goal of making this book happen.

I find I might do so in the next few days or two weeks when I get paid! There's 32 days to go to donate. If the goal can't be met, Stacey says she'll likely go back to republishing from her backlist. I would personally LOVE to see a sequel because I LOVED the story!

Here's the link to Stacey's article, plus details.

And if you're ready and willing to donate, here's the page for that!

Stacking the Shelves

This weekly meme is hosted by Tynga's Reviews.

Stacking The Shelves is all about the books we are adding to our shelves each week, sharing with you our excitement for our newest titles and maybe have you discover a new book in the process!


So here's what I bought:

Low Midnight by Carrie Vaughn

From the library I got:

Veronica Mars: The Thousand Dollar Tan Line by Rob Thomas & Jennifer Graham

I had given this title to my friend to get me for Xmas and it's apart of the order that is being delayed due to the non-availability of other titles...I couldn't wait after watching the movie!

Then I received for review from the publisher:

Salt & Stone by Victoria Scott (ARC)

Top 5 Sundays

Top 5 Sundays is a weekly blog meme created by Larissa at Larissa and Friends' Bookish Life.

Every Sunday I will post a TOP 5 list on the blog. It can be about anything and every week I'll have a new theme {You can vote on next week’s theme on my left sidebar!} and I will ad the Mr.Linky bellow the post so you can do a list with the theme and add you link to it.

Rules:
1 - Write a post listing your TOP 5 choices within the theme I chose (or was chosen on a poll) for the week.
2 - Mention this Blog on the post and link back to it.
3 - Feel free to use the Feature's image (there is a smaller size version of it bellow)
4 - After you've finished your post, add you link (of the post, not your blog's main page) to the Mr.Linky at the end of that week's post.
5 – If you don’t have a blog to post, just leave your list in the comments =)

This week's topic is: FAVORITE BOOKS OF 2014!

*in no particular order

ADULT READS:

EVERNIGHT
by Kristen Callihan

LOOOOVED this one! I swear each new couple becomes my favorite in this series!!!


WICKED
by Jennifer L. Armentrout

A GREAT New Adult read!!! I LOVED it! Of course, it's JLA so what's not to love?!


FIREBORN
by Keri Arthur

 LOOOOOVED this one! It was a fresh, unique read and so exciting!!


GRAY BISHOP
by Kelly Meade

I LOVE this series!! So far it's freaking amazing and I can't wait for the third one!



SIXTH GRAVE ON THE EDGE
by Darynda Jones

Another amazing Charley Davidson read!! Still need to read 7 though, but sure to LOVE IT!

YA READS:

TEN

by Gretchen McNeil

I LOVED this one!! It was such a great mystery! Spooky, creepy, suspenseful!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE it!

DOROTHY MUST DIE

by Danielle Paige

A unique read! And awesome!! Love the new twist to Oz!!

THE KISS OF DECEPTION

by Mary E. Pearson

This one was amazing!!! LOVED the fantasy world, the twist of not knowing who was who...!!! Totally incredible!!

DIRE

by Alyssa Rose Ivy

A NA read so I have one in each section! LOVED this one!! Thought it was so awesome! Loved the romance, the eeriness and suspense! SOOO looking forward to the next one!

TALON

by Julie Kagawa

LOVED this one too!! DRAGONS! Been awhile since I read a dragon read...I think Sophie Jordan's Firelight trilogy! But it was a fantastical read!!

MOVIE Review--Into the Woods

So I saw Into the Woods today! It was...interesting! I don't know if many of you know, but this was a musical revival! It was a musical like wayyy back in 1987, I remember watching the video like when I was in the 6th grade, so 2000...whoa, time warp! Basically, I remember enjoying the oddity and quirks of the first one, though trying to track that DVD down is pretty much impossible!

I liked how this version stayed true to the original, but yet was its own story. Granted, I'm working on a 14-15 year memory going on here! I can't remember precisely when I saw it, but yeah...over 10 years! There were moments I totally remembered. Some of the songs, the main one I Wish...! This movie had all that!

I loved how Red Riding Hood was the same as well. She's a snarky, smarmy little girl. "You talk to birds?" said disdainfully to Cinderella when she talks to birds!! That moment happened in the original too! Also a moment with the witch, in this case Meryl Streep, when she shouts "Whooooooooooo cares!" The original witch, Bernadette Peters, did this as well and her voice is much higher, so it was always funny when she shrilled her tune!

The story has a baker and his wife trying to lift a curse placed on him and his family, where they can basically never have children. A lot of fairy tales are there, Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Rapunzel, Jack and the Beanstalk. All the characters are connected and it will definitely change the way you look at fairytales, Disney-ified ones and Grimm! I do like that the movie stuck with Grimm when it came to Cinderella. We're talking no fairy godmother, but a magical tree with her mother's spirit and yes, stepsisters who slice off toes and heels and get their eyes pecked out!

More of my memory came back to me as the story moved along and a particular detail popped up just moments before it happened! An event that kind of sets the course for the ending!

I was psyched when I knew Johnny Depp was going to be in it, because Johnny Depp! Playing the Big Bad Wolf no less, but sadly, his character wasn't in there much. I was reminded of his Sweeny Todd days and singing, so I definitely got a kick out of him singing again!

It was an enjoyable movie. Parts of it got a little slow, but it was one I enjoyed because I remembered watching the Broadway play on film. Which isn't necessary to see in order to enjoy the film obviously, a remake is a remake! Plus that film is a b*tch to find! LOL! My main reasons for wanting to see it was one, I remembered watching the original and two, Johnny Depp! Even if it was only 10-15 minutes of film time.



Overall Rating 3.5/5 stars

Follow Friday

This is a weekly blog meme hosted by Parajunkee's View and Alison Can Read.

Here are the general rules to Follow Friday:

1. Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Hosts and any one else you want to follow on the list  

2. Follow our Featured Bloggers
3. Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing.
4. Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say hi in your comments
5. Follow Follow Follow as many as you can
6. If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love...and the followers
7. If you want to show the link list, just follow the link below the entries and copy and paste it within your post!
8. If your new to the follow Friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog!

This week's question is: Happy New Year!!!! What was your favorite book of 2014 – or books if you can’t name just one? – via AlisonCanRead

MY ANSWER: Whoops! A mishap must have happened for I had NEXT week's question up! I can see the future! Now if only I knew the winning lottery numbers! LOL!

Hmm...since I am totally unprepared for this one and all its awesomeness because WOW! Were there some incredible reads last year. I'll say...

 

Where to Buy--Bookish Items from My Xmas STS Haul!

Hey all! Hope everyone's new year is going awesome! Thanks for all the New Year Wishes! I was absent from the blogging world yesterday, I actually went out into the real world! Sadly, no bookstore trip. None of my January releases are out and I have quite a few of them pre-ordered already!

I received a LOT of comments on my Stack of Books Ornament I got this Christmas!

It truly was and is awesome! And I wanted to share with you where I found it! My Birthday/Christmas list is usually fulfilled completely by my family because I rarely ask for much other than books, book gift certificates, and DVDs! Then I found this in the Signals Catalog that gets sent to us occasionally and I told my mom I HAVE to have it!

So here's the link to the product page for everyone who was interested! It's a good price too! Just $9.95! 

This is also where my aunt--though I did say my mom in my STS post, my bad!--got my Gargoyle reading a book statue too!

I thought he was cute! Plus a few years ago I was on a mission to find a small gargoyle statue. I did eventually after a good year or two of searching then this year I saw this bad boy! He went on my list and my aunt actually bought it before my mom could! And he's a decent size too, not overly huge like you'd find in a garden, but PERFECT for the bookshelf! He sits on top of my tallest holding up the few classics I have up there!

Just thought I'd share that buy link as well since he's from the same catalog! And Signals has a LOT of other bookish items! It's hard not to want to buy everything they have...but I must resist! Else I won't have money for the actual books!

Have a GREAT day!

COVER COPY REVEALS--Seduction's Kiss & Lure

We are thrilled to bring you this dual Cover Reveal for Alyssa Rose Ivy's SEDUCTION'S KISS and LURE!! SEDUCTION’S KISS is a prequel novella releasing January 29^th, and LURE is the first book in her new series, The Allure Chronicles. LURE is a New Adult Paranormal Romance that will be releasing February 16^th! Check out the synopses for these awesome new books and the gorgeous covers designed by Mae I Designs!

 

 
About SEDUCTION’S KISS: 

Never agree to a road trip to New Orleans with your roommate. At least not when your roommate is dragging you along while she reconnects with an ex-boyfriend. Possible consequences of failing to take my advice: 

1) Unknowingly going out with a vampire stripper
2) Getting kidnapped by said vampire's nest mates 
3) Falling head over heels for your winged hero 

Believe it or not number 3 is the worst one, especially when no one believes you that he exists.  

*Prequel novella to Lure (The Allure Chronicles #1)*

About LURE:  

There's danger in the beauty... 

Two years, six months, and twenty-five days. That's how long it had been since I'd seen my winged hero— not that I'd been counting. I'd suffered through years of counseling just to convince my friends and family that I wasn't crazy and knew he didn't exist. 

But he did. And I was done waiting.   

Days after college graduation I headed back down to New Orleans to retrace my steps and find Owen again only to find my life was about to get even crazier... thanks to the most beautiful and dangerous of all paranormal creatures, the Allures.

Alyssa Rose Ivy Bio: 

Alyssa Rose Ivy is a New Adult and Young Adult author who loves to weave stories with romance and a southern setting. Although raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to New Orleans for college. After years as a perpetual student, she turned back to her creative side and decided to write. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and two young children, and she can usually be found with a cup of coffee in her hand.      

 

 

 

 

 

Twitter ** Author Goodreads ** Pinterest ** Website ** LURE Goodreads ** SEDUCTION’S KISS Goodreads ** Facebook

  

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HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

I hope this new year brings you lots of BOOKS and many more happy moments!!

And a LOT of Disney moments too! (Should you enjoy Disney!!)

Random Thursday

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! I don't want to discuss resolutions really since I have a post for that with Top Ten Tuesdays next week.

Instead, I feel like sharing some accomplishments I made this year!

 

   

      2014 Reading Challenge
   

       

         
       

     

        Jessica has
            completed her goal of reading 150 books in 2014!
     

     

       

hide

     

     

        199 of 150 (100%)
     

       

          view books
       

 

   

Firstly, I completed my Goodreads challenge! I even surpassed the 150 books I was going for!!

I also completed a variety of other challenges:

TBR Challenge 65/51 Books
COYER Challenge 7/5 Ebooks
Beat the Heat 11/10 Books

GFC

I now have a total of 1706 GFC Followers! Which I do believe means I gained 200+ this year!

I opened an Instagram Account! 

So a pretty good year, I'd say! Did everyone else have a good year?