Book Review & Promo Post: Pasadena Loves YA featuring Victora Aveyard, author of Red Queen

Mare Barrow’s world is divided by blood—those with red and those with silver. Mare and her family are lowly Reds, destined to serve the Silver elite whose supernatural abilities make them nearly gods. Mare steals what she can to help her family survive, but when her best friend is conscripted into the army she gambles everything to win his freedom. A twist of fate leads her to the royal palace itself, where, in front of the king and all his nobles, she discovers a power of her own—an ability she didn’t know she had. Except … her blood is Red.

To hide this impossibility, the king forces her into the role of a lost Silver princess and betroths her to one of his own sons. As Mare is drawn further into the Silver world, she risks her new position to aid the Scarlet Guard—the leaders of a Red rebellion. Her actions put into motion a deadly and violent dance, pitting prince against prince—and Mare against her own heart.

From debut author Victoria Aveyard comes a lush, vivid fantasy series where loyalty and desire can tear you apart and the only certainty is betrayal.

My Review

I am totally in love with this book. I received an ARC at last year's Comic Con. Two major things that I like about this book:

1) The cover.

     Simply elegant with a touch of violence. The subtext "Power is a dangerous game" makes me think about Reign and all of the shenanigans of court life.

2) The plot.
    The first section of the book was spent on world building. Part dysopian society with a bourgeoisie-style of social class ranking, but it's more about the color of your blood. Those with Silver blood are the bourgeoisie (high classes rich people with special abilities). Everyone else (peasants/working class) have Red blood. Being part of the working class, Mare works hard to find ways to help support her family. Unfortunately, that doesn't go according to plan. While working at a banquet gala at the palace, an incident causes a sequence of events that reveal Mare with silver blood abilities. The only problem is that her blood is Red. The second part was focused on her experiences in court as well as the underlying subplot of espionage. The final part was my favorite. Plans backfire, consequences rain down on Mare, relationships are broken and a really surprising turn on events. The ending was a great set up for the sequel.

Final Grade (duh duh duhhh).....

~4.5 stars~

Buy Your Copy Here!

Indiebound  |  Barnes & Noble  | Amazon  |  iBooks  |  Book Depository

About Victoria Aveyard

I’m a writer repped by Suzie Townsend at New Leaf Literary & Media, Inc. I split my time between my hometown East Longmeadow, Massachusetts and Los Angeles. After graduating with a BFA in Screenwriting from the University of Southern California, I decided to try my hand at writing a novel. My debut RED QUEEN came out of the terrifying, unemployed year after college.

Currently I’m revising the second book in the RED QUEEN series, along with pursuing other projects in literature and film. My proudest achievements are riding a horse in the mountains of Montana and navigating from London to Edinburgh without GPS.

You can find my BLOG at www.victoriaaveyard.blogspot.com if you’re interested in some longer ramblings.

Follow me on TWITTER @victoriaaveyard for 140 character ramblings.

And check me out on FACEBOOK for info, events, and other fun stuff!

Giveaway

*Fine print: 3 randomly chosen winners. Entires from USA only. Giveaway runs from April 30th to May 15th, PST. First prize is a hardback copy of Red Queen (with option to personalize), second prize is a signed poster, and the third prize is a signed chapter sampler. Winners have 5 days to claim their prize. 

Keep scrolling down for the second BONUS giveaway!

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About the Event

DATE: May 23rd 2015      TIME: 12-4 PM

Meet 20 YA authors / Panels and Book Signings / Giveaways and Refreshments / Free tote bags for the first 150 guests!

FREE event at Pasadena Public Library, Central Branch, 285 East Walnut Street, Pasadena, CA 91101

Keynote speaker Mary McCoy (author of Dead to Me) with Katie Alender, Victoria Aveyard, Alexis Bass, Julie Berry, Livia Blackburne, Virginia Boecker, Jessica Brody, Stephen Chbosky, Brandy Colbert, Ava Dellaira, Kody Keplinger, Liz Maccie, Morgan Matson, Lauren Miller, Alexandra Monir, Jennifer Niven, Romina Russell, Sarah Tomp and Kiersten White.

For more info, visit www.pasadenateenbookfestival.com

Book sales by Vroman's Bookstore will begin at 11am. 
Co-sponsored by Bridge to Books. No registration required, but we would appreciate it if you would post, share, tweet, and tell everyone you know about the upcoming event! Please use the hashtag #PLYA2015

2nd Giveaway

Any 3 books from the 2015 Pasadena Loves YA authors, US only, ends May 20th 2015.
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Cover Reveal: Black Widow by Marlene Sanchez

BLACK WIDOW

 by Marlene Sanchez

RELEASE DATE: APRIL 22, 2014

Cover Photo © Kim Pace Photography

Cover Model: Coleen Breslin

Reyna Montoya, a.k.a. Black Widow, is a top assassin. She’s good at what she does and gets the job done with precision. However, the recurring nightmare of seeing her parents murdered when she was sixteen in Cuba is a constant reminder of her ultimate plan… to find the killer and avenge her parents.

Nicolas Vargas fled Cuba with her after the murder, vowing to take care of her and help keep her safe. He is a self-taught computer genius and chemist and her best friend. After more than fifteen years of working closely together, the unrequited sexual tension between them is getting harder and harder to ignore. Would it ruin their friendship or make their bond stronger? However, Reyna is torn. Viper, Black Widow’s handler, is hot as hell and the sparks between them could burn them both.

As Reyna gets closer to her parents’ killer the distraction of two men is dangerous, and the true identity of the murderer could destroy them all.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Marlene Sanchez was born in New York and raised in Miami. Her family and friends are an important part of her life, a constant inspiration, and keep her motivated to succeed in pursuing her dream. She has had a passion for writing since her ninth grade English teacher put it all into perspective for her. “Write how you speak and write what you know.” She credits her teacher every chance she gets for giving her a love of writing!

Marlene writes mystery/suspense with a sprinkle of romance. Her love of crime and legal dramas, and of course The Godfather, has opened her eyes to the wonderful world of mystery/suspense. The action and thrill is what keeps her fingers gliding across the keyboard, as her brain explodes with ideas about the next unfortunate victim.

She is a strong, independent woman because her Cuban mother raised her right. Her main characters embrace that same attitude; strong Cuban American women that take no “caca” from anyone.

Marlene has a couple of books under her belt, with several in the works to release in 2014. She hopes to someday be a household name, at least in her own home if nowhere else. She just wants her sons to be proud of her, that’s reward enough… Yeah right, she wants the fame and fortune too.

FOLLOW MARLENE:

• Website
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Goodreads

Bloggerversary Part BONUS: Book Review/Giveaway: Chasing the Shadows by Keri Arthur (by Dana of Readaholics Anonymous)

A QUESTION OF LUST

Nikki James is in San Francisco at the request of her partner and best friend, Jake. The wife of an old friend is missing, and Jake intends to find her—whatever the cost. The authorities believe the kidnappings to be the work of a sick mind, but Nikki knows that the truth is something much worse—especially since she seems to have an unexpected psychic link to the killer. But as always, she is more than willing to risk her own life to save another’s.

For Michael Kelly, Nikki’s bravado is a source of endless terror. He wants nothing more than to make Nikki a permanent part of his life, but he knows that her quest is sure to get her killed. As they chase through the sewers and tunnels of San Francisco and the body count begins to rise, Michael badgers her to stay off the case, but Nikki has no intention of complying. She wants him to realize that she’s either a full partner in his life or she’s out. But nothing prepares her for the price she has to pay for her stubbornness—the life of someone she loves.

I gave this book

4 stars

My Review: Chasing the Shadows by Keri Arthur is a paranormal feast! The third installment in the Nikki and Michael series will have readers reflecting back as they unearth the horrors evils has in store. Michael, a three hundred year old vampire, and his sidekick Nikki will take readers on a ride as they solve the mystery at hand. Arthur offers readers just the right dose of romance to heighten the story. I can't wait to book four, answers are waiting for me just beyond my reach, and I know Arthur will deliver. A must read book and series.

Publisher: Random House Publishing Group - Bantam Dell Pub Date: Sept. 24, 2013

This Title was Accepted via Net Galley

~ Giveaway ~

One lucky winner will be taking this fantastic digital edition of Chasing the Shadows by Keri Arthur!

This giveaway is in honor of The Consumamate Reader's 1 Year Bloggerversary!

Lisa is the very dearest of friends, one that is like a sister to me. Congratz on a great year Lisa, I wish you the very best! XOXO

Fill out the Rafflecopter below for your chance at winning this prize. Winner will be chosen on September 30, 2013

GIVEAWAY!

Series in the Spotlight: The Play by Play series by Jaci Burton

Football pro Mick Riley is an all-star, both on the field and in the bedroom. But a sexy, determinedly single mom just might be the one to throw him off his game...

For years Mick has been taking full advantage of the life available to a pro athlete: fame, fortune, and a different girl in every city. But when he meets and beds confident, beautiful event planner Tara Lincoln, he wants much more than the typical one-night stand. Too bad Tara's not interested in getting to know football's most notorious playboy any better.

As the single mother of a teenage son, the last thing Tara needs is the jet-set lifestyle of Mick Riley; even though their steamy and passionate one-night stand was unforgettable. Tara's life is complicated enough without being thrust into the spotlight as Mick's latest girl du jour. Tara played the game of love once and lost big, and she doesn't intend to put herself out there again, especially with a heartbreaker like Mick.

But when Mick sets his mind to win, nothing will stop him. And he has the perfect play in mind.

Win at any cost. That's always been the mantra of sports agent Liz Darnell. When she carries things too far and risks losing her number-one client, baseball pro Gavin Riley, Liz realizes that she'll have to work extra innings to win him back. It might not be too much of a stretch. She's had a thing for this player's moves since she first laid eyes on him, and by the looks of it, he wants her just as bad.

Gavin's more than ready—especially when Liz is offering herself as part of the bargain. And as much of her as Gavin wants. For added thrills, he decides to throw a little curve ball Liz's way to see just how far she's truly willing to go to keep him as a client. But when love unexpectedly enters the playing field, neither Liz nor Gavin are ready for the biggest game-changer of them all.

 The last thing Jenna Riley needs is more sports in her life. While her brothers are off being athletic superstars, she's stuck running the family's sports bar, whether she likes it or not. Then in walks pro hockey stud Tyler Anderson. As much as Jenna would like to go to the boards with him, she's vowed to never fall for a jock-even one as hot as Ty.

Ty, intrigued by the beautiful bar owner, becomes a regular. He senses that Jenna wants to do something more with her life. And as he gains her trust, the passion between them grows, as does Ty's insistence that Jenna should start living for herself. With his encouragement, Jenna starts to believe it, too...

But first, Jenna has to figure out what she wants, what she needs, who she loves, and if she has the passion and pride to take a shot at having it all-including Ty...

 Football star Cole Riley is notorious for doing as he pleases—on the field and off. He parties hard and fights harder, but if he doesn’t clean up his act, his career is over—so Cole reluctantly agrees to work with image makeover consultant Savannah Brooks. He’s not used to being told what to do, especially by some (admittedly hot) Southern belle. As for Savannah, she’s not convinced she can transform this cocky (and aggressively sexy) force of nature. But she’s determined to give it her best shot.

When the sparks start to fly, Savannah lays down the ground rules: no personal complications. If she can turn off the tingle she feels every time Cole gives her a hot stare with his gorgeous baby blues, he can turn off his desire as well. But for two people determined to have it all, a hands-off policy can only last so long before one of them yields. 

 Sports medicine specialist Alicia Riley has the job of her dreams, until she's assigned to star pitcher Garrett Scott. Undergoing shoulder rehab, it's make it or break it time for Garrett, and he needs to focus to get back on the mound in time for opening day. But close proximity and combustible chemistry is a dangerous combination, and both Alicia and Garrett have a lot to lose if this doesn't work.

 Race car driver Gray Preston enjoys fast cars and an uncomplicated life, until political aide Evelyn Hill enters the picture and complicates the hell out of it with a request that he help out his estranged father’s political campaign. Racing and politics don’t mix, but Gray and Evelyn’s sexual attraction sizzles like asphalt in August.

WOOOOOOHOOOOOO! The next book of the Play by Play series is coming out soon! Yay! I am excited to see where Jaci Burton is going with her series, now that all of the Rileys have been paired. I should have know she'd go off on a tangent to Garrett Scott's buddies since they were introduced in the last book. We'll just have to see where this goes :D Enter my giveaway below to win a paperback copy of One Sweet Ride. < 3

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Blog Tour Post: Bound by Elisabeth Naughton

TITUS—To most his gift seems like a blessing, but for him it’s a curse the other Eternal Guardians—those who protect the mortal realm from threats of the Underworld—seek to exploit. One he would gladly trade for the chance to be free…
Obsessed. Her touch is like a drug. From the moment he met her, Titus knew she was different. Even dangerous. Yet though his guardian brethren are convinced Natasa is working for Hades, Titus can’t stop thinking about her. Can’t stop fantasizing about her. Can’t stop craving the one thing he knows could lead to the downfall of his world.
Possessed. Faced with stopping Natasa or joining in her quest, Titus falls to temptation and is thrust into a world of lust, deception, and deadly treachery designed by the gods. Her touch—only hers—frees him from his bonds, but desire may just condemn him. Because before the end he’ll have to decide which is more important: duty and honor to those he took an oath to defend, or a woman who could very well be the biggest curse to them all.

Ahoy there peeps! We have a special post today! Today we are hosting the lovely Elisabeth Naughton and her newly released book, Bound. I heard about Elisabeth from another blogger buddy (Viviana, Enchantress of Books) and once I read the first book in the Eternal Guardians series, I was hooked and this book was no different.

This volume focuses on Titus, Argonaut warrior, who can hear other people's thoughts and see memories through touch. And his lucky lady? A tough, strong, resourceful young woman, who's fate is either destined for great destruction or the key to the Gods' master plans.

I love the chemistry between the Titus and Natasa. The playful banter between these two helped develop their relationship into a stable give-and-take, instead of a one sided "I'm the man, you're the woman" roles. For the first time, Titus found someone who's touch doesn't hurt him and Natasa found someone she can generally depend on. 

Another thing I love about Elisabeth's books are the subplots. While the main couples' story develops throughout the book, the other Guardians and their mates' side stories are also continued to show the strains of royal life, the complications of soulmates, and the evil plans of the Gods.

I give this book a (drumroll).....

5 stars!!!!!

I loved this book. It's a great addition to the Eternal Guardians series. The characters are strong with a bit of vulnerabilities that make them  more relate-able. I highly recommend this book, so all of you Elissabeth Naughton fans, this book is another homerun. And if you're not a fan or haven't read Elisabeth Naughton before, I HIGHLY recommend this book!

Now as a special bonus, this blog tour is hosting a giveaway as pictured below...

which includes....

~ 1 eBook copy of Bound

~ Character Trading Cards

~ 1 Eternal Guardian Bookmarker

~ 1 Eternal Guardian Drink Coaster

~ 1 Eternal Guardian logo Temporary tattoo

~ 1 Bound Car Charm

~ 1 Bound Keychain

....isn't that awesome?

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As you follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. A list of tour dates can be found here: 

http://www.enchantressofbooksblogtours.com/p/blog-page.html

Here are some links below, to purchase a copy today!

Amazon

Barnes & Nobles

About the Author:

I was never one of those people who knew they wanted to be an author at the age of six. I didn’t have imaginary friends. I didn’t write stories in my journal or entertain my relatives by firelight after Thanksgiving dinner. For the most part, I was just a normal, everyday kid. I liked to read, but I wasn’t exceptional at it. And when my teachers complimented me on my writing abilities, I brushed them off. I did, however, always have a penchant for the unique and absurd. And as my mother told me all throughout my childhood, I should have been an actress—I was a drama queen before my time.

Years ago, my husband bought me Scarlett: The Sequel to Gone With The Wind. If you ever saw the book, you know it’s a long one. I sat and read that thing from cover to cover, and dreamed of one day being a writer. But I didn’t actually try my hand at writing until years later when I quit my teaching job to stay home with my kids. And my husband? After that week of reading where I neglected him and everything else until I finished Scarlett, he vowed never to buy me another book again. Little did he know I’d one day end up sitting at a keyboard all day drafting my own stories.

My writing journey has not been easy. I didn’t just sit down one day, decide I was going to write a book and voila! sell my very first attempt. As most authors will probably agree, the path to publication is filled with hours of work, pulling all-nighters I thought I’d given up in college, sacrifices, rejections, but a love I discovered along the way I just can’t live without. Instead of a big, thick book to read by lamplight (I do read much smaller ones when I get the chance), I’ve traded in my reading obsession for a laptop. And I’ve never been happier.

I’m one of the lucky ones. I have a wonderful family and fabulous husband who put up with my writing—and obsessive personality—even when life is chaotic. More than once my kids have been late to swimming or baseball because I needed just five more minutes to finish a scene. Their support and encouragement mean the world to me. I also have amazing friends and a support network I couldn’t survive without. So to all of you out there who have encouraged me along the way, sent me emails and fan letters, phone calls and congratulations, I just want to say, thank you. You make this whole writing gig that much more enjoyable. I truly wouldn’t be here without you.

Author Links:

Website/Blog:  http://www.elisabethnaughton.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ElisNaughton

FB Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/elisabeth.naughton1

Eternal Guardians FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/EternalGuardians

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2002988.Elisabeth_Naughton

Release Day Euphoria: Immortal Ever After by Lynsay Sands

I read an excerpt of this book in another book that Eloisa James put together with a number of other authors. It was a free compilation of different excerpts from different books. I read it and wrote a review that you can find here. Even though I felt the Argeneau series has been milked for all it's worth, I am still intrigued by this book. The excerpt was certainly interesting. The heroine is a victim of a crazy kidnapping vampire and the hero, Anders, comes to her rescue and so begins their story. I just wonder how Sands is gonna spin this one. The heroine was a victim of a crazed vampire, would she accept her fate as Anders' mate for life? Or will she go down swinging? Find out for yourself by getting your copy and giving it a go! Clickety clack the links below!

A kiss doesn’t mean eternity . . .
Valerie Moyer doesn’t believe in vampires—until she is kidnapped by a fanged psychopath! After escaping her bloodthirsty captor, she’s through with creatures of the night. Until she finds herself under the protection of the darkly handsome Anders. Not only is she expected to accept that Anders is immortal, but also that she is the woman destined to be his life mate!
. . . Or does it?
Anders felt a connection to Valerie from the moment he cradled her bruised body in his arms. But before he claims her, he must destroy the vampire who almost stole her from him forever. His job would be easier if Valerie didn’t fight him every step of the way. Still, Anders loves a challenge, and the green-eyed beauty is worth fighting for!

Amazon

BAM