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Excerpt & Giveaway: To Know Me (To Know Me #1) by Marcy Blesy


To know me is to die...

Seventeen-year-old Mae is convinced that the consequences of her poor decisions have caused the untimely deaths of her dad, sister Laura, and grandma who all die within a year, no matter how ludicrous her thoughts seem to those she loves. The solution? Run away so no one else she cares for gets hurt (even if she has to keep a GPS tracker on her phone at all times).

Desperate to earn her diploma and salvage something of her life, she transfers schools when people get too close. After switching to Woodson Prep with only two months to go until graduation, Mae keeps her goals in sight. But when she meets Ty, the "perfect boy" with his own secrets and a relentless interest in Mae, she must decide if she can stop running from the past and still protect those she loves.


To know me is to die. I mean, to really know me, like when you know I can run for hours without so much as a water break, or that cinnamon sugar doughnuts are my weakness, or that my dad gave me a whole different name. But I don’t let people get that close. I’ve learned the hard way. Too many people die in my life. Grandma said I was only unlucky.

“It’s not your fault all those people you love die. It’s just bad luck that you’ve had to deal with grief so young. Not fair at all,” she’d said. That was right before she died on my seventeenth birthday and right after my sister Laura, my dad, and my dog Petie.

I direct Mom Number 4 toward the front door of the high school. I always get a new mom when I transfer schools. I have yet to find a school that allows a seventeen-year-old to register herself. I wanted to graduate in Ohio, but too many people started asking questions. They weren’t important questions. Just stuff like, “How come I can’t ever come over to your house?” or “Why won’t you ever talk about yourself?” or when I do, “That’s not what you told so-and-so.” I had to leave. To let people into my life isn’t an option anymore. But, there’re no worries anyone will start to ask questions here. It’s already March. That diploma is as good as mine. Then I can enroll in online college and try to salvage something of my pathetic life.

To Know Me - Purchase links and reading order

    

To Know Me is now only $0.99!!!


The Author
Marcy Blesy is the author of several middle grade and young adult novels and short stories. Her picture book, Am I Like My Daddy?, helps children who experienced the loss of a parent when they were much younger. She has also been published in two Chicken Soup for the Soul books as well as various newspapers and magazines. By day she runs an elementary school library and enjoys spending time with her husband and two boys.


Marcy is a believer in love and enjoys nothing more than making her readers feel a book more than simply reading it. 

Connect with Marcy Blesy.:


5x ebook copies of To Know Me (Open INTL)



Waiting On Wednesday: The Retribution of Mara Dyer (Mara Dyer #3) by Michelle Hodkin

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly anticipating.
It had to end sometime, but Mara had no idea it would end like this. Experience the mind-blowing conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Mara Dyer trilogy.

Loyalties are betrayed, guilt and innocence tangle, and fate and chance collide in this shocking conclusion to Mara Dyer’s story.

Publication Date: June 10th

Buy bookAmazon - Kindle

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What are you waiting on?

Total Book Geek
   

New Release & Giveaway: Fighting for Infinity (Kindrily #3) by Karen Amanda Hooper


Every moment, every lifetime, every decision—including her choice to erase—has led Maryah to this.

Two outcomes are possible: an infinite happy-ever-after with her kindrily or the final severing of her relationship with Nathan.

Closer to the enemy than ever before, Maryah unravels the diabolical plan that Dedrick has been manipulating into place for centuries. Revelations, secrets, and lies surface faster than Maryah can process. She doesn’t know who to trust, what to believe, or how to save her loved ones from the desolate future Dedrick is so close to executing.

Guided by an enigmatic raven-haired prisoner, Maryah fights body and soul to save Nathan, her kindrily, and countless others. But is her love strong enough to alter a prophecy written in the stars?

Right now all Kindrily series ebooks are on sale in honor of the trilogy being complete.
Book 1, GRASPING AT ETERNITY, is only $.99!
But hurry and grab your copies now because the price will go back up soon.

All books can be purchased on Amazon or Barnes&Noble.com

Karen is celebrating with a week-long Facebook party where many authors will be giving away free books and prizes. Click here to join.

Kindrily - Reading order and purchase links

    



Review & Giveaway: On My Knees (Bridge #1) by Meredith Wild


Haunted by the responsibility of caring for her troubled family, Maya Jacobs gave the only answer she could when Cameron asked her to marry him. Years later, entrenched in a soulless professional routine, she distracts herself from the lingering regret of her decision with a “work hard, play hard” lifestyle that guarantees no man will ever find his way into her heart again.

Cameron Bridge has spent the past five years married to the military, trying to escape the painful memory of losing Maya. After fighting his own war in the desert, he starts a new life in New York City, with his siblings, Olivia and Darren, by his side.

When fate brings Maya back to him in the heart of a city filled with its own hopes and shadows, can Cameron find the girl he once loved in the woman she’s become?

*I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review*

It all started very lovey-dovey. Maya was in college and Cameron had just enlisted a couple of months ago. This was his first time back from basic training, so it was all rainbows and sunshine until that date of him having to go came closer. When Cameron then proposes to Maya, she says no and therefor the relationship end. Now I could understand a bit why she wouldn't say yes right at that moment and there were some logistics to work out for sure. Still a flat out no, seemed so cruel. Though Cameron just walking away and not giving her a chance to explain, was pretty stubborn.

Fast forward a couple of years and Maya is living the life in New York, sort of. She got the degree she wanted. She works for some high financial banking thing, which means mostly hard work and no credit. Her love life is pretty much non existent. Let's say that 75% of the time she is pretty miserable. It is the weekends though that get her through. That is the time she hits the town and pretty much binge drinks. Certainly not a healthy habit and I honestly had no clue why anyone would do this. The last person she expected ever to run into here was Cameron.

Cameron has been pretty miserable the past couple of years. He even signed up for three tours, trying to outrun his broken heart. Hence why his family kind of hate Maya, since they blame her for breaking Cameron's heart and therefor him signing up so often. That blame seems totally unfair to me. Now him and his siblings are in New York, where Cameron opened a gym and slowly starts becoming happy again. Then he runs into Maya and to him it seems those past years haven't happen.

It is obvious for both there are still a lot of feelings for each other. While Cameron is all for giving it another try, Maya is more reluctant. Throughout the story you get to see how broken she truly is. It's not just from the break-up, though that plays the biggest part in her reluctance to just give in to it. After a while this really got frustrating to me. For every step they went forward, they took two steps back.

Slowly though it seems things are starting to look up for them, but things can be deceiving. Meredith has put some twists in there, to keep you guessing. I was mostly awed by how big Cameron's love was for Maya and how much he was willing to put up with from her. Bless that man. Maya isn't a bad girl, just a lot of trouble.

Overall a pretty good read, with an underlying heavier theme. I really liked the multiple layers of the characters. There was definitely more than meets the eye.

 




The Author
Meredith Wild is a USA Today and international bestselling author of erotic romance. She lives in Boston with her husband and three children. When she’s not writing or interacting with fans, she’s working with high-tech startups.

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Music Monday (Apr. 28)

Music Monday is a weekly book meme. Everyone can join in, you just have to do the following:
  • Choose a book or a scene from a book.
  • Choose a song that fits said book or scene.
  • Tell us why you paired them together.
  • Don't forget to share the title and author.
  • Be careful not to include spoilers!

I read the book Without You by Julie Prestsater last week and I kept hearing the chorus of David Guetta's song Without You in my head. Still it didn't feel quite right with me, as it is a very upbeat song. I am so glad I found this version though. Kurt Schneider and Max Schneider are two people I follow online and they are amazingly talented.

This slower version of the song and only using the piano was just what I was looking for. First of all when Evan James starts singing his song to Madison, it's just him and the piano. Now the lyrics aren't the same as used in the book, but they still remind me a bit of what Evan is going through. He had it all, the riches and the fame, but it isn't the same and it means nothing without her by his side.

"Can't erase, so I'll take blame. But I can't accept that we're estranged" This part reminds me of the reason they broke up. He was going places and somehow this created a certain distance between, which lead to the end of their relationship. Now he's back and at first it almost feels like they are strangers and Evan will make sure that is going to change.

If you don't have a blog and want to participate just share your links to the book and song in the comments. 

Review: Hung Up by Kristen Tracy


Can you fall in love with a voice? This witty romance, told entirely through phone calls, chronicles the tale of a wrong number gone right.

It all started with a wrong number. The voicemails Lucy left on James’s phone were meant for someone else—someone who used to have James’s digits. But then when James finally answers and the two start to talk, a unique bond forms between the two teens.

Gradually Lucy and James begin to understand each other on a deeper level than anyone else in their lives. But when James wants to meet in person, Lucy is strangely resistant. And when her secret is revealed, he’ll understand why…


When I first read this blurb it immediately reminded me of a story I read on Wattpad called 'Voice Addiction' by Lilian R. Dale. Since I really enjoyed that one, I thought to give this one a try. To be clear these two stories are totally different. The only thing they have in common is that she dialed a wrong number and then starts having phone conversations with a total stranger. If I'm going to be honest, I liked the story on Wattpad better. 

First of all, Hung Up is formatted in all dialogue. So if that is not your thing, you shouldn't read it. I thought it was very unique, though there is no description of any kind, which very much limits getting to know your characters.

The thing is, they start calling each other and in the beginning it is mostly about random stuff. As they get to know each other better, they start telling more about their lives and their problems. While James is often really opening up, Lucy is holding back a lot. Which got me and James frustrated. Here he is pouring his heart out and she's being all secretive. This did made me curious as to what she was hiding.

There were times when I did not understand why they kept calling each other. Half the time they were arguing, so it was difficult for me to see the connection between them. Certainly when on multiple occasions they were complaining about other people they had feelings for.

Since we can only read what they say to each other, we are very limited in getting to know the characters. Now you are on equal footing with them, but you also had no idea what they were thinking and that's what I had trouble with. Because we only have these conversations, I could not see the romance blooming between these two.

I could totally understand Lucy's reluctancy to meet, up until a certain degree. While she was thinking of not wanting to spoil what was going on between her and James, all I thought was how it would make things way less awkward and weird.

Hung Up was a fun and fast read, with an unique formatting. I really liked those last few pages of the book, they were probably the best part. James was a fun character and he added a lot of humor to the book. Lucy wasn't really my kind of girl and I had major trouble connecting with her, because she was so secretive. The book is definitely aimed at really young adults and I think they would certainly enjoy it.






The Author
My name is Kristen Tracy and I wrote Lost It. This is my first novel for young adults. I've also written a lot of poetry. Some of it is on the web. (If you find any of it, keep in mind that I invent about 50% of the material in my poems.) My second teen novel, Crimes of the Sarahs, was released in Spring 2008 from Simon Pulse. My first middle-grade novel, Camille McPhee Fell Under the Bus, was released in Summer 2009 from Delacorte Books for Young Readers. My third young adult novel, A Field Guide for Heartbreakers, was published by Hyperion-Disney on June 1st, 2010. My second middle-grade novel, The Reinvention of Bessica Lefter, and fourth young adult novel, Sharks & Boys, came out in 2011. They were followed by Bessica Lefter Bites Back (MG) and Death of a Kleptomaniac (YA) in 2012 and Too Cool For This School (MG) in 2013.
Connect with Kristen Tracy:


Sunday Post (Apr. 21 - 27)


The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news. A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme





Weekly Recap

Monday
(Review) Pulse by Rhea Wilde (2 stars)

Tuesday
(Review & Giveaway) Fixed On You by Laurelin Paige (4 stars)

Wednesday
(Review) Falling By Design by Valia Lind (4 stars)

Thursday
(Review & Giveaway) Without You by Julie Prestsater (4 stars)
(Cover Reveal & Giveaway) The Night Belongs To Fireman by Jennifer Bernard

Friday
(Interview & Giveaway) Golden Hour by Campbell Reinhardt

Saturday
(Saturday Series) City Of Glass by Cassandra Clare (4 stars)

*****

Next week
*Note: Some posts may change*

Monday
Music Monday
(Review) Hung Up by Kristen Tracy

Tuesday
(Review & Giveaway) On My Knees by Meredith Wild

Wednesday
Waiting On Wednesday
(Blitz) To Know Me by Marcy Blesy
(Blitz) Fighting For Infinity by Karen Hooper

Thursday
(Review) Play by Kylie Scott

Friday
(Blitz) You Make Me by Erin McCarthy

Saturday
(Saturday Series) City Of Glass by Cassandra Clare

*****

New on my TBR

    
$0.99

    

I've had some pretty great reads this week. Four books, with four stars and they are all so different.

Jennifer Bernard's surprise cover reveal for The Night Belongs To Fireman was very exciting. I just finished reading Four Weddings and a Fireman, and I already can not wait to read the next one :)

Golden Hour by Liz Reinhardt and Steph Campbell might be the best $0.99 deal this week!!!

Saturday Series: City of Glass (The Mortal Instruments #3) by Cassandra Clare


To save her mother's life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters - never mind that entering the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and Simon has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight.

As Clary uncovers more about her family's past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadowhunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadowhunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he's willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her newfound powers to help save the Glass City - whatever the cost?

Love is a mortal sin and the secrets of the past prove deadly as Clary and Jace face down Valentine in the third installment of the New York Timesbestselling series The Mortal Instruments.

Do not read this review if you haven't read the previous book!!!


So now Valentine has the cup and the sword, all he needs is the mirror to complete the ritual. This means he is going to Idris. Meanwhile Clary finally knows how to save her mother, except Jace is against her going to the city. As in he will try anything to stop her. When by a freak accident Simon ends up in Idris and Clary sneaks in, things really go wonky.

There were a lot more scenes from Simon's POV. Since he's been turned into a vampire, more specifically into a Daywalker, his world has changed even more. People are now after him too, while all he wants is to try and live a normal life.

Clary is on a mission to save her mother and nothing will get in her way. The lack of support from Jace is surprising and she finds a surprising ally in Sebastian. He's a family friend of the Lightwood's.Nothing is at it seems though. Jace is keeping his distance to protect Clary and Sebastian has a few secrets of his own.

Then there is the overall threat of Valentine. At first the Clave is reluctant in believing he would dare to attack the city. They are too confident in their 'supperior' defense system. When it will take Shadowhunters and Downworlders working together to stop Valentine.

This time you really have to pay attention, because there were a lot of hints to what was to come and it is possible to figure it all out. Also the multiple crossing storylines were interesting.The main focus was on Valentine though. He is the biggest threat to them all. There is of course still that drama between Jace and Clary, having you wonder where this is going exactly. 

Another great book, though the last fifty pages were the best, where everything came together and it all started to make sense. As usual a lot of action, plenty of drama and other typical teenage behaviour whil trying to save the world as they know it. A good end for the first trilogy.


The Mortal Instruments - Reading order and purchase links

    


    



The Author
Cassandra Clare was born overseas and spent her early years traveling around the world with her family and several trunks of fantasy books. Cassandra worked for several years as an entertainment journalist for the Hollywood Reporter before turning her attention to fiction. She is the author of City of Bones, the first book in the Mortal Instruments trilogy and a New York Times bestseller. Cassandra lives with her fiance and their two cats in Massachusetts.
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