Release Day Blitz : Sweet Temptation (The Sweet Trilogy, #4) by Wendy Higgins

SWEET
TEMPTATION

Author: 

Wendy Higgins

Pub. Date: 

September 8, 2015

Publisher: 

HarperTeen

Pages: 

485

Format: 

Paperback, eBook, audiobook

Find it: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, 



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Bad boy Kaidan Rowe has never wanted for anything—money, popularity, musical talent…hot girls—but seducing them is part of his duty as a Nephilim, slave to the demon Dukes. As the son of the Duke of Lust, Kaidan has learned his father’s ways, becoming a master of passion, a manipulator of chemistry. Disobeying his father would mean certain death. Thankfully for Kaidan, he’s good at his job. And he enjoys it.

Until he meets Anna Whitt—sweet, smart, feisty, and inexplicably good—the one girl seemingly immune to his charms. The daughter of a guardian angel and a fallen one, she has a certain power over him, one that makes him wish for more than he could ever deserve.

Determined to save all the Neph from their dark lives as the influencers of sin, Anna joins forces with Kaidan to overcome the demons’ oppressive ways. In the light of her affections, Kaidan must undergo his toughest test of all, a battle of the heart.

Sensual and swoon worthy, this companion volume to the acclaimed Sweet Evil series from New York Times bestselling author Wendy Higgins, told from the perspective of the irresistibly sexy and mysterious Kaidan Rowe, gives readers revealing insights into his struggle, his intense connection to Anna, and most of all, the true emotions that drive him.

Author Note:

Sweet Temptation will encompass the entire trilogy in a condensed version, beginning with Kai's life before he met Anna, and taking readers through the epilogue of Sweet Reckoning. Sweet Temptation is a companion novel, not meant to be a stand alone story. It will definitely be a richer experience for those who have read the original trilogy.

Go HERE to read an excerpt fro SWEET TEMPTATION!

Also check out Wendy's PINTEREST board for KAI!

Giveaway Details:

1 Paperback of SWEET TEMPTATION and a signed bookplate and bookmarks. US Only.

Ends on September 18th at Midnight EST!

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About Wendy Higgins:

Wendy Higgins is the USA Today and NYT bestselling author of the Sweet Evil series from HarperTeen and her independently published Irish fantasy, See Me. She is a former high school English teacher who now writes full time, and lives on the Eastern Shore of Virginia with her veterinarian husband, daughter, son, and doggie Rue. 

Wendy earned a bachelor's in Creative Writing from George Mason University and a master's in Curriculum and Instruction from Radford. Writing Young Adult (YA) stories gives her the opportunity to delve into the ambiguities of those pivotal, daunting, and exciting years before adulthood.

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Book Review: Under Different Stars & Sea of Stars (The Kricket Series 1&2) by Amy A. Bartol

Under Different Stars 

(Kricket #1) 

by 

Amy A. Bartol 

Pub December 9th 2014 

by 47North 

ARC for Review 

Summary
Winner of four 2014 UtopYA Awards, including Best Book of the Year and Best Sci-Fi Book of the Year

Kricket Hollowell never wished upon stars. She was too busy hiding in plain sight, eluding Chicago’s foster care system. As her eighteenth birthday approaches, she now eagerly anticipates the day she’ll stop running and finally find her place in the world.

That day comes when she meets a young Etharian soldier named Trey Allairis, who has been charged with coming to Earth to find Kricket and transport her to her true home. As danger draws close, he must protect her until she can wield the powers she cannot use on Earth…and he soon realizes that counting a galaxy of stars would be easier than losing this extraordinary girl.

Kyon Ensin knows the powerful depths of Kricket’s gifts—gifts he’ll control when he takes her for his tribe and leads the forces that will claim Ethar and destroy his enemies, starting with Trey Allairis. Now, Kricket faces the most difficult choice of her life: whether to wage a battle for survival, or a fight for love.

Belonging Doesn't Mean Fitting In

This is Si-Fi at its finest. I’ve been delving into this genre more and more I have to say Under Different Stars is my favorite thus far in this category. There were a lot of words that weren’t explained i.e. blusher. I think it meant girl? It wasn’t specific what type of girl? Pretty? Easy?…Yet there were enough words explained that it didn’t make the read confusing. Over all I would say this had a good flow with very high pacing. Unable to put this down I went through lots of action and surprises at every turn. The author had me guessing left and right the wormhole bit was perfection. The world building was excellent I felt like the differences between worlds was just enough! Not too much but plenty to make the transition and distinction simple for the reader. The second I’m done typing this review I will be picking up the next installment with a Cheshire grin plastered to my face! Eeeeep! Seriously I’m really excited about this!!

The Story, Kricket has had a very difficult life. Since the passing of her parents nothing has been easy. All she has to do is keep her head down and make it a few more months. Unfortunately that isn’t written in her stars. Taken to a different world she begins a different more dangerous journey where those that aim to protect her are the ones putting her in more peril. Slowly Kricket will discover there is more to her than she ever imagined. Maintaining the wolves at bay she will use her wit along with her gifts to keep her from serious harm.

The Characters, Kricket is every bit my favorite type of female lead. She loves fiercely, she is smart, she is kind, she is strong of mind, body, and soul, oh and she does some other pretty freaking awesome things along the way. All the while she is just trying to figure out a place for her on this world or the next. Threats of discord surround her but all she wants is somewhere to just be. Trey, yowza talk about smoking! He is a solder with a mission. Although he had knowledge of Kricket he never expected her to be so much more. His team grow to care for her deeply there isn’t anything either one of these solders wouldn’t do for her. Always following the rules Trey is his own biggest obstacle in having Kricket. Kyon, gosh I know I’m supposed to hate him because he is toted as the bad guy but I don’t. No, I don’t hate him at all he comes to love Kricket and will do whatever it takes to have her by his side. I’m not sure what is to become of everyone but I can’t wait to find out. Please know there isn’t a love triangle Kricket loves Trey and that will never change. Its probably because I love, love triangles so much that I’ve made one up in my head. ;) I hope Kyon redeems himself because I see glimpses of a wonderful person but who knows. I may be overdoing the optimism with this one. There are so many other characters I want to touch on but we’d be here forever! Every. Single. Character was perfectly placed and provided the right amount of depth to the story.

The End, very intense and full of action. The author does an excellent job of setting up the next book. There aren’t any serious cliffhangers it was just a culmination of Kricket’s developments. Everyone wants a piece of her because of who they think she is. All the while all Kricket wants is a life of peace with the freedom to love whoever she wants. As I mentioned before this is a wonderful Sci-Fi read. It had all of the makings of an excellent escape into a world not so different from our own. Though beautiful this society struggles under the fall out of what nearly destroyed them. Now rebuilding and though wanting to do so peacefully greed threatens all that they have built. Kricket plays a key role and I look forward to seeing how she will affect the outcome. I highly recommend this for anyone who loves the stars and loves love.

My Rating

4.5 Wish, Blonde, Brunette, Bar, Shotgun, Water, Wormhole, Stars, Trees, ID, Wild, Commitment, Soothsayer, Knife, Skye, Everyone knowing what is a stake filled stars!

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Sea of Stars 

(Kricket #2) 

by 

Amy A. Bartol

Pub March 31st 2015 

by 47North 

ARC for Review 

Summary
Eighteen-year-old Kricket Hollowell was looking for her place in the world when she discovered that the universe was bigger—and more dangerous—than she had ever dreamed. Now, whisked across space to the planet Ethar, Kricket learns that her genetic ability to see the future makes her a sought-after commodity…and the catalyst for war between her star-crossed parents’ clans. According to Alameedan prophecy, one house will rise to power and the other will be completely wiped out, and Kricket’s precognition is believed to be the weapon that will tip the scales.

A target of both the Rafe and the Alameeda houses, Kricket finds protection—and a home—in the arms of Trey, her Etharian bodyguard-turned-boyfriend. But her visions of what’s to come disturb her deeply, especially since she must discover whether the gift of foresight will allow her to rewrite the future, or if her fate is as immovable as the stars.

Insert Text

Destruction is Near at Hand

Well that was surprising Okay y'all talk about mass of emotions or is it massive emotions. I dunno I think both apply pretty well in this situation. Sea of Stars was another fast paced read. I was captivated by every page and could not put this read down. The author keeps the action coming blow for blow and we start to really understand the situation Kricket is in. Again, I can’t wait to pick up the next installment of this series to how is everything made right again when the world seems so far away.

The Story, this installment picks up right after the first ends. Like right after. In Under Different Stars Kricket had to face a political battle using her wits and her gifts. In Sea of Stars she will have to run and try to convince those around her to believe her. So many shocking truths are revealed they will make your head spin. I felt such sympathy for Kricket it seems she has always been a pawn of her own destiny. Not being able to practice or learn or change anything at all really. This was a huge rat race of explosions and all out war. On a very positive note Kricket is able to connect with Trey the way her heart has been pushing her to do this hole time. Kylon is looming at every turn he will turn over the universe to have Kricket. There is nothing he’ll stop at until he can have her.

The Characters, Kricket is still this amazing broken girl. Loving Trey isn’t enough to fix the world around her but his arms do offer her a reprieve. Just when she thought she couldn’t be any more alone she finds out just exactly how alone she truly is. Cast away purposely by those that were supposed to guide and love her is a pain she can hardly understand but she is stone. To stone she must return, given all of her circumstances I don’t know how she manages to keep it together. She is exemplary the way she cares for those that have written on her paper heart is heart aching. The scariest thing of all is I don’t see a way out. Trey, ever valiant ever present. He is everything to Kricket in the short amount of time it took to give him her heart he also managed to obtain every piece of her soul. There is nothing he would not sacrifice for her. Although their love is rushed and mostly hidden, the passion and all consuming emotion is there in spades. Kyon, is supposed to be this vicious monster but I don’t see it. Sure starting a war and easily murdering anyone in his way of Kricket seems slightly unhinged BUT when he’s with her its different. I’m really sure I’m the minority here but I could see her with either guy and be happy. However it has been made very known that Kricket has always and will always belong with Trey. We get to meet Trey’s family in this installment and it was perfect. I can’t explain it but things seem so calculated…whatever, I’m going to go with it and enjoy the read with out delving too deeply. We also get to meet some other priestesses what what! They seem so resigned it was sad to see. Key players are easily plucked down and we are introduced to a slew of others. Again the characters even the extras were a wonderful treat.

The End, okay this one was like what the WHAT?!!! From the first vision Kricket experienced I knew the end would be pretty epic. There isn’t a cliffy ending but there is for sure a surprising ending. I haven’t a clue of whats next but one thing is certain. I can’t wait to find out. Kricket has reached another crossroad in her life and she has made certain promises. I can’t wait to see how she plans on accomplishing all of that and on top of it saving the world. This ending had quite a few heart stopping moments but my little ticker is still ticking. I can’t wait to get started on the next one! Fave Sci-Fi series EVA!!! Still holding strong!

My Rating

4.5 Interrogation, Poison, Cell, Regeneration, Vision, Rain, Escape, Anomaly, Bruises, Hair, Secure Building, Consort, Spixes, Past, Ambush, Calming, Sea of Stars, Darkened Stars filled stars…lol couldn’t help it!

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About the Author

I live in Michigan with my husband and our two sons. My family is very supportive of my writing. When I'm writing, they often bring me the take-out menu so that I can call and order them dinner. They listen patiently when I talk about my characters like they're real. They rarely roll their eyes when I tell them I'll only be a second while I finish writing a chapter...and then they take off their coats. They ask me how the story is going when I surface after living for hours in a world of my own making. They have learned to accept my "writing uniform" consisting of a slightly unflattering pink fleece jacket, t-shirt, and black yoga pants. And they smile at my nerdy bookishness whenever I try to explain urban fantasy to them. In short, they get me, so they are perfect and I am blessed. Please visit me at my website: http://www.amyabartol.com

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Cover Reveal : Lawless (King, #3) by T.M. Frazier

Lawless

King, #3
by T.M. Frazier

Release Date:
December 8th, 2015

Genres:
Dark Romance

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Synopsis:

Lawless is a standalone spin-off in the King Series and is Bear's raw, and gritty tale! 

Thia is prim and proper. 
Bear is leather and lawless. 
It will never work between them. 
It's a lie they almost believe. 

About the Author 

T.M. (Tracey Marie) Frazier resides in sunny Southwest Florida with her husband and three feisty fur kids. 

She attended Florida Gulf Coast University where she specialized in public speaking. After years working in real estate and new home construction, she decided it was finally time to stop pushing her dreams to the back burner and pursue writing seriously. 

In the third grade she wrote her very first story about a lost hamster. It earned rave reviews from both her teacher and her parents. 

It only took her twenty years to start the next one. 
It will not be about hamsters. 

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Book Review: The Summer Marked (The Winter People #2) by Rebekah L. Purdy

The Summer Marked 

(The Winter People #2) 

by 

Rebekah L. Purdy

 

Expected publication: 

September 22nd 2015 

by Entangled: Teen 

ARC for Review 

Summary

The sequel to the chilling Winter People returns to the world of Faerie, and is a romantic and enchanting follow-up.

Salome left humankind behind to be with her boyfriend, Gareth, in the Kingdom of Summer. But now forces of darkness are rising. Her happily-ever-after is coming apart, and the Kingdom is on the brink of war.

Newly-single Kadie Byers is on her way home for Thanksgiving, imagining a visit filled with hot chocolate, a hot guy for a little rebound action, and some girl time with her bestie, Salome. Except she receives a message from Salome with two important words: PLEASE HURRY.

When Kadie rushes to help Salome, she’s ripped from the human world and pulled into the kingdoms of Faerie, where she's shocked to learn that Salome's monsters are real, and that she's now at the mercy of one extremely vengeful Winter Queen...

Now both Salome and Kadie must find a way to survive the deadly chaos...or lose themselves to Winter's deadly, icy grasp.

The Spirit of the Faerie Knows Ones True Heart

Wa-wa-wa-WHAT?!! If it were raining right now I’d be out there singing. TALK about MAGIC!!! GAH! Rant, Rant, Rant, RANT! Okay um Purdy flipping kills it with this installment. There was so much action and Faerie horror but underneath it a strong message of hope. One thing I learned about the authors writing style is she likes to cleverly develop things. Once the truth is revealed or we get closer to finding out what’s happening it is like MIND EXPLOSION!! I did not want to put this book down. Any one that enjoys books involving Faerie will love this series. So far this is my favorite in the series Ms. Purdy set the bar high with this one my eyes are aglow with all of the awesomeness that is coming. Almost a perfect read for me I will be pacing seriously pacing until the next comes out and we get all the intricate beautiful fantastic conclusions this series is sure to bring.
The Story, my oh me oh my. I want to spill my guts but I’m going to try and keep it vague for those that haven’t read this. Summer Marked picks up shortly after the end of The Winter People. Salome has chosen to live in love with Gareth! I love these two together pretty freaking hard. Well, although Salome has broken the curse from the previous book, the winter queen has decided not to take any further chances. The Winter Queen allowed a human witch to carry out the curse and failed. Now she will do things herself. Ruling all of Faerie with darkness and evil is her ultimate plan and she will stop at nothing to have her way. This is where Kadie comes in, through trickery she becomes a prisoner. Forced to face terrors beyond her wildest imagination she focuses on her strength to keep from breaking. Unfortunately the Queen has dark manipulative ways of getting what she wants, breaking people is one of her greatest joys. The story alternates between Salome and Kadie where we get to see two very different sides of Faerie. Kadie is surrounded by desolation and despair threatening to undo her very soul. Salome is surrounded with beauty and opulence but faces peril at every turn. All she wanted was to live with her love for the rest of her days but there is a much bigger picture than anyone could imagine. These girls are challenged to the brink and I hope its not too late.


The Characters, I mentioned the challenges Salome faced it is these experiences within Faerie that help develop her character to one I admire fully. I typically like the bad “A” firecracker character that comes with a punch. However, Salome brings a quiet, humble, innocence that is fueled by love. Her steadfast commitment to Gareth never wavers but becomes stronger through their many challenges. Gareth loyal and strong his heart belongs to Salome but he is bound by honor and duty. He is willing to sacrifice his own desires for the good of the people especially during these times of darkness where danger looms close by. We learn so much about Faerie and its inhabitants it was wonderful. Things are not as they seem and we find out more about the history behind why Faerie is on the brink of destruction by the hands of the winter queen. Kadie always so strong broke my heart and I don’t see how she will come out of this but I’m not worried I know the author will do what is best regardless of which way it goes. The Queen is vile and disturbed, there are few brief moments when we see glimpses of loss and pain. My heart wanted to go out to her but I can’t help and think it is a twisted distortion of the truth. I could go on and on about all of the wonderful characters but I will say this. Purdy presents a beautifully dark and complex array of characters that touch your heart and bring the smell of all the seasons. This is a magical experience that everyone who has ever seen a fairy tale needs to read. The words contained in Summer Marked are a gateway into a stunningly captivating story of growth, sacrifice, loyalty, and the willingness to fight darkness until there is nothing left.


The End, talk about shocking Ms. Purdy does not hold back several different things that were developing come out and the result is nothing short of amazing. Salome knows that secrets have always lead her down a dark and dangerous path. Knowing she has to do something to change the past she will open up as much as she can. Love runs through her veins, a love that wants to right all of the wrongs. Love that forgives and allows second chances. Faced with so much she wants to do Salome doubts her ability because as we all know wanting is not the same as doing or having. The strength is there with every chapter the reader sees growth, all that is left is tapping into it and not being afraid of failure but proud of achieving. There are Four Courts, Summer, Winter, Spring and Autumn each one is an integral part of what makes this story so magical. This was almost perfect for me…I can’t wait to see what adventure Ms. Purdy takes us on in the next installment. This is one I highly, highly recommend!!!

My Rating

4.75 Adaba, Magic, Kelpie, Sword, Faerie Queen, The Sister Holds The Doorway Open, Marked, Faerie Knows, War is brewing while light is returning, Holy canola I’m beyond exited about what comes next filled stars!! Bravo! Purdy Nails it!

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About the Author

I was born and raised in Michigan (just look for the mitten-shaped state on the map). I’ve lived here most of my life other than the few years I spent in the U.S. Army. At which time I got a chance to experience MO, KS, SC, and CA. 

I work full time for the court system and in my free time I write YA stories. Pretty much any genre within the YA realm is game for me, but my favorites are fantasy, urban fantasy, paranormal romance, thrillers, light sci-fi, and some time travel.

I also have a big family–I like to consider us the modern day Brady Bunch. When my hubby and I met and got married, he had 3 children from a previous marriage, I had 2 and we have 1 together. It’s a lot of fun though.

And I can’t forget my other family members–yep, we’ve got some pets: 4 dogs, 3 cats, and 1 turtle. Everyone in the family has one…I won’t bore you all with their names (unless you really want to know). Okay, you talked me into it! Jack, Pearl, Grr…(yes that’s my dog’s name), Callie, Shadow, Mooshoo, Grouchy, and Sorbert. Other than writing some of my other hobbies include: reading (mostly YA of course), singing, swimming, football, soccer, running, camping, sledding, church, hanging with my kids, and traveling.

I belong to a fabulous writing group called YA Fiction Fantatics (YAFF) and you guessed it we all write YA!

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Cover Reveal : Strung by Victoria Ashley

Expected to release early 2016!

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COVER ARTIST: CT Cover Creations

COVER MODEL: Derrick Keith Shane Meacham

PHOTOGRAPHER: Eric David Battershell

Madden Knox is tempting, talented and undeniably addictive to the last drop. He’s the Wild rush that I crave. The one night stand that all girls spend their nights fantasizing about. Dirty, hard, in charge and completely confident in all that he does. Especially with those fingers… 

He’s the last thing that I expect to find wandering around my brother’s beach house, naked, only wearing a guitar, but he’s the first thing that has ever had me craving for just one ‘anything goes’ night. 

Focus, Teegan. Just write your book. That was my plan. Leave my boring small town behind, bring my computer, clothes and whatever other crap I might need and find a little inspiration at my brother’s night club on the beach. 

A little inspiration is more than what I get slapped with. Talk about wanting to make love to a voice. I never knew exactly what that meant until I heard him playing at my brother’s club, but now just the thought of anything that has to do with that man’s tongue, leaves my whole body vibrating with a hunger that I’m not sure I can fight. 

Just one taste. One night. No strings. 

I’m a liar if I’d said I thought that would be possible. If I thought his guitar playing abilities were hot, seeing him in charge, demanding orders at Vortex, my brother’s club that Madden manages, has me completely coming undone and about ready to fall at his feet and obey. He’s a master at getting whatever he wants with little or no effort at all and I can’t help but to hope he wants me. 

Naughty, demanding, skilled and with a body that screams trouble with every rock hard muscle. He’s wrong in every way and… 

I’m completely fucking strung.

Victoria Ashley grew up in Rockford, IL and has had a passion for reading for as long as she can remember. After finding a reading app where it allowed readers to upload their own stories, she gave it a shot and writing became her passion. She lives for a good romance book with tattooed bad boys that are just highly misunderstood and is not afraid to be caught crying during a good read. When she’s not reading or writing about bad boys, you can find her watching her favorites shows such as Sons Of Anarchy, Dexter and True Blood. She is the author of Wake Up Call, This Regret, Slade, Hemy, Cale, and Get Off on the Pain. Victoria is currently working on more releases for 2015.

Victoria’s Facebook Page: http://goo.gl/mkzRHN