Blog Tour: Nightmare of Caitlin Lockyer [Review Excerpt & Giveaway]

TITLE: Nightmares of Caitlin Lockyer
SERIES: Nightmares, #1
AUTHOR: Demelza Carlton
GENRE: New Adult, Contemporary, Suspense
RELEASE DATE: 30th July 2013
PUBLISHER: Lost Plot Press
RATING:  (3.5 stars)
PURCHASE IT AT: Amazon | B&N
REVIEW COPY: Blog Tour @ Tasty Book Tours
BOOK BLURB:

There are real monsters out there. The worst part is that they're human. 

They took her away from me. 

I mumbled a protest through the haze of pain and exhaustion that had turned me into little more than a zombie. I'll never be able to watch a zombie movie again without remembering this night, I thought. 

"It's all right - we have to move her to take care of her. She's hurt worse than you," I was told. "We need to treat you, too. There's a gunshot wound in your shoulder."

One of the hospital staff looked grim and came over. She started firing questions at me.

"Name?" 

"Nathan Miller."

"What happened?"

"I was shot."

"By whom?"

"A homicidal lunatic with a gun and bad aim." 

"Her name?"

"Caitlin Lockyer."

"What happened to her?"

"Looks like someone tried to kill her."

Nathan found Caitlin on a beach covered in blood. Saving her life was just the start. Now he's the prime suspect and he has to find out who's really responsible. Both of their lives depend on it.

Who hurt her? 

Why was he shot? 

What did he promise? 

Why doesn't his story add up? 

Who was the dead man on the beach? 

What will she remember when she wakes up?

Dark, disturbing and definitely scary - Nightmares of Caitlin Lockyer is the first book in Demelza Carlton's Nightmares Trilogy. The second book is Necessary Evil of Nathan Miller.

REVIEW

When I first started this book, I don't know what to expect. I didn't predict I'd read a story about murder, abuse, rape, etc. I didn't think that this one is so serious. 

ARC Review: Uninvited by Sophie Jordan

Title: Uninvited
Series: Uninvited, #1
Author: Sophie Jordan
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian
Release Date: 28th January 2014
Publisher: HarperTeen
Rating:  (2.5 stars)
Purchase it at: Amazon | B&N | TBD
Review Copy: Edelweiss
Book Blurb:

The Scarlet Letter meets Minority Report in bestselling author Sophie Jordan's chilling new novel about a teenage girl who is ostracized when her genetic test proves she's destined to become a murderer.

When Davy Hamilton's tests come back positive for Homicidal Tendency Syndrome (HTS)-aka the kill gene-she loses everything. Her boyfriend ditches her, her parents are scared of her, and she can forget about her bright future at Juilliard. Davy doesn't feel any different, but genes don't lie. One day she will kill someone.

Only Sean, a fellow HTS carrier, can relate to her new life. Davy wants to trust him; maybe he's not as dangerous as he seems. Or maybe Davy is just as deadly.

The first in a two-book series, Uninvited tackles intriguing questions about free will, identity, and human nature. Steeped in New York Times bestselling author Sophie Jordan's trademark mix of gripping action and breathless romance, this suspenseful tale is perfect for fans of James Patterson, Michelle Hodkin, and Lisa McMann.

REVIEW

*Received an ARC in exchange of an honest review*

After thinking it through... I rounded it down. Still 2.5 stars though.

ARC Mini Reviews: No One Else Can Have You and Drowning in Rapture

I got two mini ARC reviews! Mini cause... I don't really have much to say about them. Some are good some are okay. So I decided to just compile it rather than make one post each for just a short review. :)

Review #1: No One Else Can Have You by Kathleen Hale

Title: No One Else Can Have You
Author: Kathleen Hale
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Mystery+
Release Date: 7th January 2014
Publisher: HarperTeen
Rating: 
Order at: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Review Copy: Edelweiss
Book Blurb:

Small towns are nothing if not friendly. Friendship, Wisconsin (population: 689 688) is no different. Around here, everyone wears a smile. And no one ever locks their doors. Until, that is, high school sweetheart Ruth Fried is found murdered. Strung up like a scarecrow in the middle of a cornfield.

Unfortunately, Friendship’s police are more adept at looking for lost pets than catching killers. So Ruth’s best friend, Kippy Bushman, armed with only her tenacious Midwestern spirit and Ruth’s secret diary (which Ruth’s mother had asked her to read in order to redact any, you know, sex parts), sets out to find the murderer. But in a quiet town like Friendship—where no one is a suspect—anyone could be the killer.

REVIEW

*Received an ARC in exchange of honest review*

What's the point in all this? Don't be such a bitch cause someone might kill you? -_-

I don't get the why of this story. I actually just turn the pages rather quickly. I mostly scanned it when I get to, like 30%, of the book. It bored me but still makes me wonder who is the killer. So yeah, I wanted to finish it cause I wanna know who is the killer and why did he killed Ruth. 

But all I could say was Kippy is such a nice smart kid and she solved the case. Without the help of other adults, if I may add. That took guts. Especially when you are being accused of having a problem just because you know that the one in jail is innocent with the murder case. 

I think some would still like this story but still... just an okay book for me.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Review #2: Drowning in Rapture by Megan D. Martin

Title: Drowning in Rapture

Series: Rapture (Book 1)

Author: Megan D. Martin

Genre: Adult, Erotic, Contemporary Romance

Release Date: 1st February 2014
Rating: 
Review Copy: ARC from Megan D. Martin
Book Blurb:

I didn’t plan to become a stripper who performs live sex shows. But that’s what happened. It’s what I do, and I’m good at it. 
I was going to go on and do something with my life. I was going to be something more than just a piece of ass.But that’s not how it worked it out. 
Men don’t control me. Not anymore. Not until my best friend left and he came into my life.
I don’t want lose myself and drown in another man. But I’m afraid it’s already too late.
**This book is intended for mature audiences only due to graphic depictions of sex and bad language.

REVIEW

*Thank you Megan for the book in exchange for an honest review!*

It was between good and okay book. The guy is a control freak. Lol. Well, yeah. And like Edward (Twilight) tendecies. To extreme. :O If you read the book, you'll know what I meant by that. It's not that bad though, some parts it was fun to get insight of a strip club. It's not easy for people who got a job stripping. It's not like they want it or enjoyed it. Some might but in this case, she's a stripper because it pays oh-so-well.

So I am not condemning Julia for her choices. Bad choices she made because as she have said, she made mistakes, it was her choice so she owned it. I am glad for that kind of attitude.

Will I recommend the book? Hmm.. Maybe. It's not so bad. So yeah, maybe.

ARC Review: Defy by Sara B. Larson

Title: Defy
Series: Defy #1
Author: Sara B. Larson
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Fantasy
Release Date: 7th January 2014
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Rating:  (2.5 stars)
Review Copy: NetGalley

A lush and gorgeously written debut, packed with action, intrigue, and a thrilling love triangle.

Alexa Hollen is a fighter. Forced to disguise herself as a boy and serve in the king's army, Alex uses her quick wit and fierce sword-fighting skills to earn a spot on the elite prince's guard. But when a powerful sorcerer sneaks into the palace in the dead of night, even Alex, who is virtually unbeatable, can't prevent him from abducting her, her fellow guard and friend Rylan, and Prince Damian, taking them through the treacherous wilds of the jungle and deep into enemy territory.

The longer Alex is held captive with both Rylan and the prince, the more she realizes that she is not the only one who has been keeping dangerous secrets. And suddenly, after her own secret is revealed, Alex finds herself confronted with two men vying for her heart: the safe and steady Rylan, who has always cared for her, and the dark, intriguing Damian. With hidden foes lurking around every corner, is Alex strong enough to save herself and the kingdom she's sworn to protect?

*Thank you NetGalley and Scholastics for the ARC!*

I'm pretty honest when it came to my reviews... The thoughts I tried to convey by writing was what I really felt by the time I finished a book. So yes, I am starting this review as honestly as I could.

I have read the blurb when I first saw this book at Goodreads. I can't remember how did I suddenly found it. I was asking for an ARC then. It was so intriguing that I even didn't mind the love triangle it might present based from the blurb. I honestly like the concept the author presented with just the blurb.

A girl who is disguising herself as a boy? PLUS she knows how to fight? The best of the whole lot of boys? Sword fighter? HELL YES! I'd love to read it! I was excited to read it! So I got the time to read it...

And I'm sorry but I'm a bit disappointed with what happened. First few pages... So good. Alex (same name as me!) is so cool. I love that she's a good fighter. The best. I'm a sucker for that kind of female MC. Fierce, can handle herself and not a whiny damsel-in-distress kind of girl, and just purely awesome. I love her then.

Enter Prince Damian... he was introduced as a spoiled, whiny, selfish and childish Prince. I do understand the reason as to the why Prince Damian did the things he did. I do. I honestly do and I don't have anything against him. But at the same time I'm not in awe of him. He's an okay character. But that's just it. 

I think my favorite MALE character would be Marcel, yes, that twin brother of Alexa. I love that he protects his sister as much as he can and in any way he can. So it saddens me that he didn't get much exposure in this book cause he totally deserves it. 

Oh yes, during the later half of this story... I grown fond of the Prince's guards. Derron, Jaerom, Jude, Matteo, and everyone else... They are fiercely loyal and I love that about them. They are loyal to one another too not just to the Prince. And that they follow what they think is right. 

The things I didn't like... I really hate it when authors write stories about rape houses. I know. It might happen in the past, it might be true but still... I'm not comfortable with that scenes. I hate the breeding houses. Like women are some kind of cattle or any animal that you can impregnate. It's so horrible. I don't like that it was not mentioned in the blurb. :( If it was I might not read this one. I am so sorry but that one is not something I would agree on even if you say that the authors got the right to whatever they want.

But I know... I know... It's just that even as a child they were herded there and wait for them to get their monthly period AND have the guards and the girls have sex. It's just so freakin' wrong. They (the girls) didn't want that. And I hate that the guards (men) enjoyed it and it was like a game to them. 

Didn't they realized that if they did get the girls pregnant, it'll be their child? That if the child born is a girl, they would have the same fate as their mother? Men got it easy. I hate it.

And really this book was like 80-90% love story (love triangle if you must) and 10% action. I love the action scenes and I am a bit annoyed with the love story. If it was changed like 10% romance and 90% action... I'd gladly give it a 4 or 5 stars even with the breeding houses *shudder*. 

Also, I don't like what the author did with Alexa next. She's pretending to be a man for Pete's sake. But I can't remember how much SHE BLUSHED in this book while pretending to be a man. Let's not forget how everyone seems to know she's really a girl. Ugh. 

Would I recommend it? Maybe. I'm not sure with recommending it. If you're patient and not easily annoyed, then yes. It's a fast paced book so yeah, it can be done. I just don't know if it will be worth your time. It is for other readers, though. 

PURCHASE LINKS

    

ARC Review: Witch Fall by Amber Argyle [Blog Tour & Giveaway]

Title: Witch Fall
Series: Witch Song #3 (Prequel)
Author: Amber Argyle
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal
Release Date: 24th October 2013
Publisher: Starling Publishing
Rating: 
Review Copy: Xpresso Book Tours and Amber Argyle
Book Blurb:

All things fall.

Even Witches.

Supreme in their dominion over seasons, storms, and sea, the Witches have forgotten the unmatched destructiveness of mankind. And among the weapons men seek are the magical songs of the Witches.

Lilette is one of the few who see the decadence and decay weakening the Witches. As an outsider amid her own kind, can she help them survive the coming war?

REVIEW

I have read them all! All the books in this series. I have read them and I liked it. For the whole series, I'd rate it a FOUR stars. This was one of those series that I don't have anything to say besides it's good. I can criticize a book I got a problem with for hours but this is something totally different. 

Although I could honestly say that the way it was written was pretty good. Argyle was consistent all throughout the series. If I may say, she totally rock this third one. This is pretty good than the first or even the second one. I keep thinking though, Lilette is a powerful witch. Even if she forget all of it because of the experiences she got, I keep on believing she'll be bad. LOL. You'll understand me if you read the first part. Argyle was talking like small Lilette got the power so big that she couldn't handle it. I was thinking it like that. That one day, she'll snap and turn bad.

She gave me that kind of mindset. So I was kinda expecting something to happen. Did I get what I was expecting? Hmmmm.. You'll have to read it to find it out yourselves. :P I'm not gonna spoil anything.

It was also one of those books that you just had to read it all to satisfy yourself. It keeps you turning every page. Wanting to see what will happen next. That if you suddenly stop in the middle of the book you'll have it in your head thinking "What will happen to them? Will they finally resolve the problem? Will they be together?" Things like that will surely plague you. 

Oh yeah, I like the romance between Lilette and... Yeah, him. lol. :P He's loyal and brave and fierce. Loved it!

Witch Song, the first book, is also free in Amazon during the tour. Grab your copies now! :)

PURCHASE LINKS

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Amber Argyle is the author of Witch Song and Fairy Queen trilogies. She grew up with three brothers on a cattle ranch in the Rocky Mountains. She spent hours riding horses, roaming the mountains, and playing in her family’s creepy barn. This environment fueled her imagination for writing high fantasy. She has worked as a short order cook, janitor, and staff member in a mental institution. All of which has given her great insight into the human condition and has made for some unique characters. She received her bachelor’s degree in English and Physical Education from Utah State University. She currently resides in Utah with her husband and three small children.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

GIVEAWAY
Signed copies of Witch Song, Witch Born, and Witch Fall (US only)
a Rafflecopter giveaway

2014 DON’T LET IT END READING CHALLENGE

I know! I got enough in my plate but yes, I'm so joining this! Thank you Rachel @ Fiktshun!!! The goal of this challenge is to read the LAST book of the series you've been putting off because you don't want it to end. Or you've been dreading to read it. This challenge will start on February 14th and ends in July 14th. So I'm not gonna start reading the last books yet. :P

I do have something in my mind. I got to finish lots of series I've been putting off. XD Here's some of the series I want to finish:

• Requiem by Lauren Oliver.
• Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi (this will be totally okay since it'll be out on February 4th. :P)
• The Trap by Andrew Fukuda
• Before We Fall by Courtney Cole

I guess that's it for now. I'll add up if I can. :) Woot! 

Blog Tour: Savor by Kate Evangelista [Excerpt Review & Giveaway]

Teehee! I love the cover! Yes, I'm a cover slut, we already established that way back. :P And I'm excited to present you my review about this book. You see, this was my first book of Kate Evangelista. I have heard of her in the past, though I haven't got the time to read her books because I'm trying to catch up with my series then. But thanks to Paranormal Cravings Book Tours, I got the chance to read it. :)

2014: Books I'm Planning To Read

I've been hoarding errr buying lots of books. More than I could handle. But hey, all book lovers can totally relate to me. And there's never enough books one could own. ;) For this year, I've joined lots of Reading Challenges. Cause I really suck at reading the ARCs I got in NetGalley and Edelweiss. So yessss... here are some of the books I am so planning to read. One or two of em are already read. Woot! :)

ARC Review: The Almost Girl by Amalie Howard [Blog Tour & Giveaway]

Title: The Almost Girl
Author: Amalie Howard
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Science Fiction
Release Date: 4th January 2014
Publisher: Strange Chemistry Books
Rating: 
Review Copy: NetGalley
Pre-Order: Amazon | B&N | TBD
Book Blurb:

Seventeen-year-old Riven is as tough as they come. But coming from a world ravaged by a devastating android war, she has to be. There’s no room for softness, no room for emotion, no room for mistakes. A Legion General, she is the right hand of the young Prince of Neospes, a parallel universe to Earth. In Neospes, she has everything: rank, responsibility and respect. But when Prince Cale sends her away to find his long-lost brother, Caden, who has been spirited back to modern day Earth, Riven finds herself in uncharted territory.

Thrown out of her comfort zone but with the mindset of a soldier, Riven has to learn how to be a girl in a realm that is the opposite of what she knows.  Riven isn’t prepared for the beauty of a world that is unlike her own in so many ways. Nor is she prepared to feel something more than indifference for the very target she seeks. Caden is nothing like Cale, but he makes something in her come alive, igniting a spark deep down that goes against every cell in her body. For the first time in her life, Riven isn’t sure about her purpose, about her calling. Torn between duty and desire, she must decide whether Caden is simply a target or whether he is something more.

Faced with hideous reanimated Vector soldiers from her own world with agendas of their own, as well as an unexpected reunion with a sister who despises her, it is a race against time to bring Caden back to Neospes. But things aren’t always as they seem, and Riven will have to search for truth. Family betrayals and royal coups are only the tip of the iceberg. Will Riven be able to find the strength to defy her very nature? Or will she become the monstrous soldier she was designed to be?

REVIEW
*Thank you Angry Robots and NetGalley for the ARC!!*

I am at awe at this book. I liked it a lot. It is such a fast paced book that leaves me wanting more. More Riven. More Cade. More Neospes. The story made me breathless! Riven is such a good character and well developed. From being a cold-hearted Legion General to being just a seventeen year old girl.... Wow. It's just so right.

ARC Review: Impostor by Susanne Winnacker

Title: Impostor
Series: Variants #1
Author: Susanne Winnacker
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Mystery
Release Date: 2nd January 2014
Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
Rating:  (2.5 stars)
Review Copy: NetGalley
Book Blurb: 

Tessa is a Variant with extraordinary abilities. She could be a hero, but all she wants to do is fall in love ...

Tessa is a Variant, able to absorb the DNA of anyone she touches and mimic their appearance. Shunned by her family, she's spent the last two years with the Forces with Extraordinary Abilities, a secret branch of the FBI. There she trains with other Variants, such as long-term crush Alec, who each have their own extraordinary ability.

When a serial killer rocks a small town in Oregon, Tessa is given a mission: she must impersonate Madison, a local teen, to find the killer before he strikes again. Tessa hates everything about being an impostor - the stress, the danger, the deceit - but loves playing the role of a normal girl. As Madison, she finds friends, romance, and the kind of loving family she'd do anything to keep.

Amid action, suspense, and a ticking clock, this super-human comes to a very human conclusion: even a girl who can look like anyone struggles the most with being herself.

REVIEW
*Thank you NetGalley and Hodder Children's Books for the ARC! :)*

2.5 stars

Tessa... Name ring a bell? How about, shapeshifter? Ring a bell? Yes? Yes? Where did you hear it? I'll tell you. Cassandra Clare's The Infernal Devices's Tessa Gray. Same name, same ability. Difference is that Tessa of Impostor can copy your face, body, tone of voice perfectly without having to touch a person's belonging like Tessa of TID. 

Anyway, I liked this one. It's okay story, had me gripping my seat some of the time, made me want to ask more but a bit predictable. I set my eyes on the killer the moment he was introduced. I wavered, yes, but I usually go back to him.

I liked Alec (yes, same name again, this time with CC's TMI) but he's too stubborn, too controlling (hate controlling guys), too undecided. I liked Devon more, but one would ask "what's the difference with the two of them?" Honestly, not much. Devon is a bit controlling too. They're both (Devon and Alec) overprotective of Tessa/Madison. But I think Tessa will grow more together with Devon, I just know it.

She'll soon dump Alec. LOL. Devon is much honest with what he feels though, that was why I liked him better. And as for Tessa, I do understand her problems with everything. Like pretending to be Madison so they could get the killer. I liked her.

I'm definitely looking forward with the next book. I wanna know more about the guys. :)

P.S. I dunno why but my eARC copy was messed up, I think. Tessa got an email from her friend Holly but all it shows was a bunch of symbols. I'm not sure if it was intended by the author but I just turn and turn and turn the pages until I found the next words. And I feel something was missing because of that. But oh well, not gonna read it again anyway. I'm okay with what happened in the end. Guess that's fine. I could knit the pieces together anyways.

PURCHASE LINKS