Kate's Book Life: August 2013

25 August 2013

Showcase Sunday #56

Showcase Sunday is a new weekly Meme that I am taking part of. This weekly meme is hosted by Vicky over at Book, Biscuits and Tea and for more info click on the SS image which will take you straight to the blog. Click images to take you to Goodreads.

Physical Books

Received this for free after using my Waterstones points that I got from getting my Kindle the other week!

Free Kindle Books

Only one freebie this week as this was the only one that I either didn't have or liked the sound of!

Kindle Books for Review

Really excited about Wild Cards I love Simone's books so am sure I will enjoy this one! I am also a new fan of Marie Hall so another review book to look forward to.

23 August 2013

Blog Tour: Shudder (Stitch Trilogy #2) by Samantha Durante

Shudder by Samanth Durante Blog Tour - June 15th to Sept 1st

Genre/Keywords: Dystopian, Paranormal Romance, Post-Apocalyptic, Young Adult, New Adult, Psychic Abilities, Empath, Clairvoyance, YA, NA

Length: ~80,000 words (348 pages)

Release Date: June 15th, 2013

Shudder Synopsis

It’s only been three days, and already everything is different.

Paragon is behind her, but somehow Alessa’s life may actually have gotten worse. In a wrenching twist of fate, she traded the safety and companionship of her sister for that of her true love, losing a vital partner she’d counted on for the ordeal ahead. Her comfortable university life is but a distant memory, as she faces the prospect of surviving a bleak winter on the meager remains of a ravaged world. And if she’d thought she’d tasted fear upon seeing a ghost, she was wrong; now she’s discovering new depths of terror while being hunted by a deadly virus and a terrifying pack of superhuman creatures thirsting for blood.

And then there are the visions.

The memory-altering “stitch” unlocked something in Alessa’s mind, and now she can’t shake the constant flood of alien feelings ransacking her emotions. Haunting memories of an old flame are driving a deep and painful rift into her once-secure relationship. And a series of staggering revelations about the treacherous Engineers – and the bone-chilling deceit shrouding her world’s sorry history – will soon leave Alessa reeling…

The second instalment in the electrifying Stitch Trilogy, Shudder follows Samantha Durante’s shocking and innovative debut with a heart-pounding, paranormal-dusted dystopian adventure sure to keep the pages turning.

My Review

After enjoying the first book in this series (Stitch) I jumped at the chance of reading and reviewing Shudder and although this one isn't as good as the first book it was still a gripping book.

The cover is very in keeping with the first one which I like as then you know that it's part of the series plus I love it definitely one of my favourite covers.

Like the first one this had a very slow start and it was very confusing. I was surprised by how much I was confused as I thought it would be less confusing with it being book number two but this one I was even more lost. I think it had to do with some of the chapters was looking at a different character without giving them a name or their real name so I didn't feel like I knew what was going on. I love that there are so many twists and turns and I never know what is coming next which I love when a book can surprise me. There is even times when am gobsmacked at what has happened that I just never saw. I don't feel like the romance side of the story is delved into enough and at times it feels a bit glossed over I would say that this series is more about the world in which they live in.

I do kind of like the characters especially Issac he seems great and he would do anything for Alessa. As for Alessa am still not really sure about, well actually am not sure we know much about the characters as all of them have been through so many traumas and for most they are just getting used to being themselves again. I liked that one of the side characters from the first one has a bigger role in this book, its a great way of adding something new to the book.

Overall it is very much a roller coaster ride which I am glad I have gotten on I just wish it wouldn't be so confusing at the beginning.

Haven’t read the first book in the series? Check it out on Amazon and Goodreads. Just $0.99!

Shudder Purchase Links

Amazon (Kindle $2.99, print $8.99)

Barnes & Noble (Nook $2.99)

Smashwords (multiple e-book formats $2.99)

Also available ($2.99 e-book) in the iTunes store, Kobo, and wherever e-books are sold

— Social Media Links —

Facebook: Stitch Trilogy | Author Samantha Durante

Goodreads: Stitch | Shudder | Author Samantha Durante

Twitter: @SamanthaDurante | Hashtag suggestions: #Stitch, #StitchTrilogy, #Shudder

LibraryThing: Stitch | Shudder | Author Samantha Durante

Shelfari: Stitch | Shudder | Author Samantha Durante

Samantha Durante lives in Westchester County, New York with her husband, Sudeep, and her cat, Gio. Formerly an engineer at Microsoft, Samantha left the world of software in 2010 to pursue her entrepreneurial dreams and a lifelong love of writing. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s Jerome Fisher Program in Management & Technology, Samantha is currently working full time for her company Medley Media Associates as a freelance business writer and communications consultant. The Stitch Trilogy is her debut series. Learn more about Samantha at www.samanthadurante.com.

Mrs. Potter’s Book Publicity Services Presents:

A month long Blog Tour for:

GIRLS LOVE TRAVIS WALKER

By: Anne Pfeffer

Book Description:

To nineteen-year-old high school dropout Travis Walker, women are like snowflakes–each one different, but beautiful in her own way. He can charm any girl he meets, and yet down deep he fears he’ll always be a loser like his jailbird father. As the landlady threatens to evict him and his sick mother, Travis takes a job he hates and spends his evenings picking up girls at a nearby night spot. When he enlists in a teen program at the local fire station, he finds out he’s amazing at it. Then he meets the smoking hot Kat Summers, enlists Kat’s friend Zoey to help him woo her, and falls in love for the first time ever. But he keeps the details of his life secret. His girl will never love him back if she knows the truth about him….

Add it to your Goodreads TBR List

Awards:

WINNER -- Third Place for Fiction 2013 Indie Reader Discovery Awards FINALIST-- New Fiction 2013 National Indie Excellence Awards

Reviews:

“ ….the title of this book had me expecting something very like a teen romance. While there is romance aplenty in this wonderful novel, Girls Love Travis Walker is far more than that…. “Little did I know that what I was about to read would have such a huge impact on me…. This book hit me right in the heart.” “I really loved Travis…. I cried and was scared with him.” “This book will make you fall in love for so many reasons…”

My Review:

Format: earc

Publishers: Indie

Published: 15th March 2013

Pages: 323

Genre: Contemporary Romance, YA

Main Characters: Travis

Date Read: 31at July - 12th August 2013

Rating Given:

I was asked if I wanted to join up on the blog tour for this book which I thought it sounded like my kind of book and I wasn't far wrong as it was an enjoyable read.

I'm not a fan of the cover it seems a bit cheesy for my liking but the setting feels like its a part of the story which I always like when that happens.

When I first started this book I actually wasn't sure I was going to like it as Travis seemed to be so full of himself and a bit annoying but the more I got into the story the more he became likeable therefore making the story likeable. I loved that this story wasn't just about him and which girl he was chasing but also it was about the love of a mother and son and what extents he would go to, to make sure she was safe. It was also about learning to love yourself because even though he comes across as though he loves himself I realised that that wasn't the case and he had some serious issues. The romance side of the story I wasn't actually expecting I thought it was going to be someone else he chased but that wasn't the case. I felt that the ending was a cute one but I would have liked a bit more of an ending that we actually got.

With the characters there was some annoying characters but for the most part there was hidden gems. Like I said earlier in my review Travis was one of those guys that I thought here we go again another annoying cocky male character but once we learn more about him and the things he has and had to deal with it's surprising how he could even walk around with a smile on his face. Towards the end I had fell in love with Travis Walker.

Overall it was a really enjoyable read I just wish it had started as good as it ended this is more of a grower read with a slow pace that as soon as it finds its feet it soon gains pace.

Purchase:

Amazon

Barnes&Noble

Author Bio:

Anne Pfeffer lives in Los Angeles, California. She likes to write, walk her dog, play poker, and work as a library volunteer at a local school. Her book Any Other Night has been named a Finalist in both the 2012 Indie Reader Discovery Awards and the 2013 National Indie Excellence Awards.

Author Links:

Facebook

Twitter @AnnePfeffer1

Website

Goodreads

Anne_Pfeffer To follow the other Blog Tour Stops, click on the photo below:

18 August 2013

Showcase Sunday #55

Physical Books

Kindle Books Bought

Free Kindle Books

Kindle Review Books

Blog Tour: Book Review: Now or Never by A. J. Bennett

Mrs. Potter’s Book Publicity Services Presents:

A Deluxe Blog Tour For:

NOW OR NEVER

By: A.J. Bennett

Book Description:

Twenty-one year old Grayson Alexander finally breaks away from an abusive relationship and finds herself free for the first time in three years. Determined to enjoy her new-found freedom, Grayson is intent on sticking with 'no strings attached' relationships—one-night stands, and steamy sex. But she didn't plan on Derrick. Her attraction to the sexy man in uniform quickly turns into an unhealthy relationship. They both try to resist the pull, but neither can stay away. When tragedy strikes, Grayson realizes it's now or never—walk away or make it work.

Add “Now or Never” to your Goodreads TBR list.

Purchase “Now or Never”:

Amazon

B&N

KOBO

My Review:

Format: earc

Published: 19th June 2013

Pages: 214

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance

Main Characters: Grayson, Derrick

Date Read: 28th July - 4th August 2013

Rating Given:

I was invited to join up for the blog tour for Now or Never and with me going through a New Adult kick I joined myself up but it wasn't as good as what I thought it would be.

I feel that the book cover is a bit misleading to what the story is about but apart from that I really like the way that it is simple especially the simplicity of the colours they really work well together.

When I first started this book I thought it was really good and very interesting even if the subject matter isn't something I would normally like to read about, however, I felt like that part of the story was a bit glossed over and nothing much after that happened that I would have expected and I definitely wouldn't expect her to jump around to different men it just didn't very realistic. Even though I thought I didn't like it I found myself drawn into the story and I was always wondering what was going to happen next. The romance side of the story was very unbelievable and at times I didn't want the two main characters together, there was other guys that seemed nicer than him who I thought she should be with. There was some sweet and tender moments but these where far and few between. With the ending I'm not a 100% sure with but it did seem like a realistic ending which was the only realistic thing that happened.

The main characters I wasn't overly keen on. Grayson at first I thought was such a strong person especially since she had gone through what she did but the further I got into the book the more annoying she got, I could understand her loosing her self confidence but her having one night stands it just wouldn't happen. Derrick at times was a sweet character but for the most time her didn't seem that nice and nothing he said was believable to me or Grayson. There was other characters that was annoying but there was a few nice ones and I just wished they had a bigger part in the story.

Overall it wasn't the best book but it wasn't the worse as it was addictive it just could have done with being more believable and then it would have been a really interesting book.

Author Bio:

A.J. Bennett lives in Nashville, TN with her husband and bulldog. She's addicted to coffee, popcorn and books. Becoming an author has been a lifelong dream, and she's extremely excited about her debut novel Now or Never.

Author Links:

Facebook / Twitter / Website / Goodreads

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