Review & Giveaway: How to Ravish a Rake by Vicky Dreiling - Blog Tour

Title: How to Ravish a Rake
Series: How To Series #3
Author: Vicky Dreiling | Website
Available: Now
Genre: Historical Romance
Reading Level: Adult










Synopsis via Goodreads:


SCANDALOUS DESIRES . . . 

Amy Hardwick has one last Season to shake off her wallflower image and make a love match. If she can't, she'll set aside her dreams of romance and return home to a suitor who can provide security-if little else. What she doesn't count on is the inappropriate-and irresistible-attention lavished on her in a darkened library by rake extraordinaire Will "The Devil" Darcett . . .

DEVILISH DELIGHT

When Will is caught in a tryst with the ton's shyest miss, he knows he must offer for her hand. Yet Amy is not the shrinking violet she seems to be. Passion lies beneath her prim exterior and Will is eager to release it. But winning Amy isn't simply a matter of seduction; first, Will must convince her that he's mended his wicked ways . . 


My thoughts:


First I have to comment on this cover. The colors and THAT dress and the guy! I am in love ♥ This is without a doubt my most favorite cover EVER!


Vicky Dreiling has quickly taken over the #1 spot on my list of favorite historical romance authors. She pairs smart and fun dialogue with well developed characters and premises unique to the historical romance genre. When picking up one of her novels I know it will be unlike anything else I have ever read. How to Ravish a Rake stays true to what I’ve come to expect from Dreiling and just might be her best novel yet. 


I enjoyed catching up with the characters I have come to love over the course of this series. Aunt Hester, Georgette, Beau, Charles Osgood, Hawk, and Julianne all make an appearance. I also loved meeting new characters I hope we get to know better in future novels (I'm talking about you Earl of Bellingham aka Bell).


After meeting Amy earlier in the series, I couldn't wait to see her finally get her HEA. I wasn't sold on her match with the classic youngest sibling, and notorious rake, Will. They are complete opposites, but that seemed to be what made their romance work. Will is somewhat childish at times, but that also seemed to fuel his wonderful sense of humor and love of adventure (the two things I loved most about him). Amy is always so levelheaded and sensible. Will is the perfect man to help her shed her wallflower image once and for all. He brings out a side of Amy that I'm not even sure she knew she had. I loved the amount of fun their romance contained. The progression of both characters was beautiful to watch. I was actually sad when the book ended. I didn’t want my time with Amy and Will to come to an end. I hope we get a glimpse of what happened after the final page in Dreiling's future novels.


How to Ravish a Rake was a pleasure to read. The reformation of the rake is a theme I don't think I'll ever tire of. I can't wait to see what Vicky Dreiling comes up with next.

My Rating:

Source: Received from publisher in exchange for my review.


Giveaway Details:


3 copies of How to Ravish a Rake are up for grabs courtesy of Hachette!
Open to the US & Canada
No P.O Boxes please
Winners are subject to Hachette's 1 copy per household rule
Please fill out the Rafflecopter form to enter

Mini Review: As I Wake by Elizabeth Scott

Title: As I Wake
Series or Stand-alone: Stand-alone
Author: Elizabeth Scott - Website
Available: Now
Reading Level: YA
Source: ALA












Description from Goodreads:


Ava is welcomed home from the hospital by a doting mother, lively friends, and a crush finally beginning to show interest. There's only one problem: Ava can't remember any of them - and can't shake the eerie feeling that she's not who they say she is.

Ava struggles to break through her amnesiac haze as she goes through the motions of high-school life, but the memories that surface take place in a very different world, where Ava and familiar-faced friends are under constant scrutiny and no one can be trusted. Ava doesn't know what to make of these visions, or of the boy who is at the center of them all, until he reappears in her life and offers answers . . . but only in exchange for her trust.


My thoughts:


This book was completely and totally not what I expected, and this is why I love it as much as I do. I’m contemplating how much detail to put in my review. I’d truly hate to ruin the ride for anyone else.

I will say this was one fast paced read. I was holding my breath, while anticipating what would come next the majority of the time I was reading. Thank goodness it was under 300 pages. It would have been a shame to pass out from lack of oxygen while reading such a fantastic book.

P.S I want to run (drive, skip, hitchhike) to the closest bookstore & purchase every book Elizabeth Scott has written. I am her newest fangirl.

My Rating:

ARC Review: Hourglass by Myra McEntire

Title: Hourglass
Series: Debut
Author: Myra McEntire | Author Website
Available: Now
Genre: Sci-Fi(ish)/Time Travel
Reading Level: Young Adult










Description via Goodreads:


One hour to rewrite the past . . . 

 
For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn’t there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents’ death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She’s tried everything, but the visions keep coming back.

So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson’s willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may change her past.

Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he’s around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should have happened?

Favorite quotes:

"He took my face into his hands, using them to control the intensity and depth of our kiss, which quickly moved from sweet to reckless. It was the most lovely of assaults.” 

"My heart stumbled a little, but the tenderness in his voice kept me from falling.” 

My thoughts:

Emerson Cole began to see people that weren't actually there right before her parents passed away. Relying heavily on the ghostly visitors attire to discern if they were real or an unwelcome "blast from the past". Emerson's condition caused numerous embarrassing situations, as well as her eventual admittance to a mental hospital.

The Emerson we meet in Hourglass has come a long way since she was a ghost seeing patient at the local loony bin. She seems like any other teen girl, but really she has just learned to keep her visitors a secret from her family and friends. She lives with her brother and his wife who both seem to easily accept Emerson's affliction. Even going so far as to recruit people claiming they can help her, but most are just frauds. Then Em's brother hires Michael who works for the secretive organization called The Hourglass. Emerson feels like she finally found someone who can truly understand and help her. What Michael eventually reveals Em never saw coming.

I have to start by saying this is NOT a ghost story. I've seen it referred to as a "time slip" novel. Call it what you want, but what this book should be called is full of awesome! I was craving something unique and different. Hourglass fit the bill perfectly. Having had bad luck with other time travel novels I was worried I wouldn't be able to get into this one. Not the case at all. I grieved for this book when I finished the last page. It was that good!

What debut author, Myra McEntire, brings to the YA genre is truly refreshing. Protag Emerson is just amazing. She is 100% smart ass with some of the best dialogue I've ever seen grace the pages of a book. I loved her moxie, and her ability to kick some serious ass. Em is just the beginning of what I loved about Hourglass. This book starred such an array of well-developed characters and relationships. Even though I loved all the amazing characters, the aspect I appreciated most about this book was the dialogue. This author has a writing style that is uniquely her own. I can't even think of an author who is similar. It gives her a definite edge that makes her writing stand out among other authors in this genre. AND it isn't dumb downed! I can definitely see this series appealing to teen and adult readers alike.

Now I can't review this book without talking boys. There are two serious hotties in Em's world. Michael and Kaleb. Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy! I don't even know where to begin. They both bring something special to the table. I'd be hard pressed to choose a favorite. For the reader who is anti love triangle, please don't let the mention of two boys scare you off. This book doesn't go the expected route when it comes to the romantic relationships. Yet another reason I love this book! The angst was practically nonexistent.

Hourglass is a delicious mix of romantic and sci-fi elements. The plot was fast paced and packed with twists and turns. The dialogue was witty and smart. Talk about a page-turner! I am madly in love with everything this author has created. I don't think a series, let alone author debut, has ever impressed me more. Only complaint is the next book in this series won't be out for an entire year :( I will be anxiously awaiting more of Emerson's story!

My Rating:

Source: Amazon Vine

ARC Review: Plain Kate by Erin Bow

Title: Plain Kate
Author: Erin Bow | Author’s Website
Available: Now
Reading Level: YA
Genre: Fantasy












Description via Goodreads:


Plain Kate lives in a world of superstitions and curses, where a song can heal a wound and a shadow can work deep magic. As the wood-carver's daughter, Kate held a carving knife before a spoon, and her wooden talismans are so fine that some even call her “witch-blade”: a dangerous nickname in a country where witches are hunted and burned in the square. 

For Kate and her village have fallen on hard times. Kate’s father has died, leaving her alone in the world. And a mysterious fog now covers the countryside, ruining crops and spreading fear of hunger and sickness. The townspeople are looking for someone to blame, and their eyes have fallen on Kate. 

Enter Linay, a stranger with a proposition: In exchange for her shadow, he’ll give Kate the means to escape the angry town, and what’s more, he’ll grant her heart’s wish. It’s a chance for her to start over, to find a home, a family, a place to belong. But Kate soon realizes she can't live shadowless forever -- and that Linay's designs are darker than she ever dreamed.


My thoughts:


Katerina Svetlana is known to most as Plain Kate. Raised by her father after her mother passed away. She has a gift with woodworking and hopes to become a master carver just like her father. When he dies from the witch's fever Kate is left alone. Too young and poor to become an apprentice to the carver taking her father's place in town, she finds herself living in her father's vacant booth in the town square with only a kitten for company. When strange things happen the townsfolk begin to suspect Plain Kate of witchcraft. This sets in motion Kate deciding to trade her shadow for the tools necessary to flee the small town she called home. Kate sets off on an adventure full of both excitement and grief. As her shadow slowly disappears she realizes her secrets won't stay hidden for long. When Kate agreed to the trade she didn't realize how difficult a shadowless life would be.

I'm not sure why I was under the impression Plain Kate was a middle grade novel. It turned out to be much darker than I had anticipated which was actually a good thing. I love books reminiscent of fairy tales, but laced with darker themes. It took me much longer than I would have liked to finish reading, but it wasn't because of the book itself. It was more life getting in the way. I found myself constantly thinking of what trials Kate would face next and eager to slack on responsibilities in order to spend more time reading. All signs of a really good read.

Kate is your classic outcast. Orphaned with an appearance that leads people to make incorrect assumptions. The town seemed to tolerate her until her father's death. After that poor Kate was on her own and struggling for survival. When the unexplainable occurs people search for someone to blame. Kate's "witch eyes" made her an easy target. Kate is the ideal heroine for this genre and fits her role in the story to perfection. There is also a great deal of wonderful secondary characters that Kate meets over the course of her journey. The characters in Plain Kate are exactly what characters in all books should hope to be. Well developed instead of just "filler characters". They felt just as familiar as main character and narrator, Kate. This isn't something that can be said of all books especially fantasy. With so much happening sometimes the secondary characters don't get the attention they deserve. This is not the case with the cast of Plain Kate. There is also a talking cat! As far as I'm concerned cats and fantasy go together like peanut butter and jelly. Give the cat the ability to speak, and I'm one happy reader.

The ending was executed perfectly. I loved that while the conflict was resolved it stayed true to the novels darker tones. I do love a happily ever after, but I also appreciate it when an author doesn't feel the need to insert rainbows and sunshine just to appease readers. Combine all of these elements with an amazing setting and you have a fantasy novel done right! This isn't a book everyone will love, but I think fans of darker fantasy will truly appreciate what Plain Kate has to offer.

My Rating:

Source: Amazon Vine

ARC Review: Entwined by Heather Dixon

Title: Entwined
Author: Heather Dixon | Blog
Available: Now
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy












Description from Goodreads:


Azalea is trapped. Just when she should feel that everything is before her . . . beautiful gowns, dashing suitors, balls filled with dancing . . . it's taken away. All of it.

The Keeper understands. He's trapped, too, held for centuries within the walls of the palace. And so he extends an invitation.

Every night, Azalea and her eleven sisters may step through the enchanted passage in their room to dance in his silver forest.

But there is a cost.

The Keeper likes to keep things.

Azalea may not realize how tangled she is in his web until it is too late.

My thoughts:

When Azalea’s mother dies the castle goes into mourning. Everyone has to wear black, the windows are covered and dancing is strictly prohibited. Desperate to dance, the girls discover a secret passage that leads them to an enchanted forest. It is here they meet The Keeper. The girls are so desperate to escape the depressing castle they are blinded to The Keeper’s motives, and the dangers closing in on them. 


Entwined is a retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses. I adore fairy tales and never hesitate to snatch up a new retelling when it hits the shelves. I thought Entwined was perfectly executed. It had all the elements I desire in a fairy tale. Azalea was a wonderful narrator and main character. Her sisters were well developed even though they were more like secondary characters to the plot. The Keeper was a despicably perfect villain. There were also a few romantic interests for the girls that added a nice romantic element to the plot. I also like that the boys didn’t have to be the heroes in this one. Azalea and her sisters are strong and smart girls who could kick butt when necessary. 


Entwined summoned a continuous sense of nostalgia for this long time lover of fairy tales and princesses. It was a book that just made me feel good. It isn’t a book I devoured in one sitting, but one I looked forward to cuddling up with while drinking a cup of tea each evening before bed.  This is a very big book, but it doesn’t seem that way when you’re reading. I was completely and totally enchanted by the author’s writing and the story she told. I couldn’t believe how quickly the pages flew by. I can see myself reading this with my daughters when they are a little older. I will most definitely add a finished copy of Entwined to my shelf of favorites very soon.


Cover Thoughts: Gorgeous and a perfect fit for the story on the pages!

My Rating:

Source:

Around the World Tours

Review & Giveaway: The Sweetest Thing by Jill Shalvis

Title: The Sweetest Thing
Series: Lucky Harbor #2
Author: Jill Shalvis
Available: Now
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance


*Possible Spoilers for the first book in this series*








Description from Goodreads:


Two Men Are One Too Many . . .

Tara has a thousand good reasons not to return to the little coastal town of Lucky Harbor, Washington. Yet with her life doing a major crash-and-burn, anywhere away from her unfulfilled dreams and sexy ex-husband will do. As Tara helps her two sisters get their newly renovated inn up and running, she finally has a chance to get things under control and come up with a new plan for her life.

But a certain tanned, green-eyed sailor has his own ideas, such as keeping Tara hot, bothered . . . and in his bed. And when her ex wants Tara back, three is a crowd she can't control-especially when her deepest secret reappears out of the blue. Now Tara must confront her past and discover what she really wants. If she's lucky, she might just find that everything her heart desires is right here in Lucky Harbor.

My thoughts:

In The Sweetest Thing we head back to Lucky Harbor where Tara, Chloe, and Maddie are attempting to open the inn their mother left them. They are still struggling to feel and behave like an actual family, but really they have come so far from the three strangers we met in Simply Irresistible (read my review here).  The inn is gearing up for opening day, and Tara is continuing to pretend Ford doesn’t exist. They had a whirlwind romance years prior that left Tara with a broken heart. So now she is using extreme caution when it comes to the guy who can still make her heart skip a beat. Ford with all his sexy maleness is ignoring her leave me alone vibes and invading her personal space at every opportunity. Then the famous NASCAR star ex shows up determined to win Tara back. This has Ford realizing he might not want to lose Tara a second time, but is he ready to actually get serious about something instead of being the laid back guy with no cares in the world.


I love, love, love this series! I was anxiously awaiting this book as soon as I finished the first in the series. I adore the town of Lucky Harbor, all its quirky residents, and the romantic adventures involving the three sisters. The Sweetest Thing is Tara “The Steel Magnolia” and Ford’s story. They are both resisting the urge to try for a second chance at love thanks to a mix of fear and stubbornness. They have very little in common other than their love of cooking, but they still mesh so well. I love when couples in books balance each other so perfectly. We also see Maddie and Jax again, and they are so very happy. Chloe is continuing with her wild child ways, and the tension between her and Sawyer is escalating quickly. I can’t wait to read her story in book #3.


This book stars such wonderfully lovable characters paired with witty dialogue. This one also had a family reunion that left me teary eyed on more than one occasion. The perfect mix of humor, romance, and tear jerker moments. I love a book that can make me laugh and cry on the same page. Jill Shalvis is an author who I know I can turn to when I need a comfort read. She writes stories that leave me feeling all warm and fuzzy. I can’t get enough, and I know I’ll read this one again! If you enjoy contemporary romance you don’t want to miss out on this series.

My Rating:

Jill Shalvis on the web:

Facebook

Website

Twitter

Goodreads


Books in this series:





E-book Companion Cook Book:

I also have 3 copies of The Sweetest Thing up for grabs thanks to Hachette Book Group.

Rules:

Open to residents of the U.S & Canada

No P.O Boxes please

Winners are subject to the 1 copy per household rule

Books will be shipped directly from HBG

Ends 4/24

Please fill out the form to enter. Comments are appreciated, but will not count as an entry :)

ARC Review: Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Title: Unearthly
Series: Unearthly #1
Author: Cynthia Hand
Available: Now
Reading Level: Young Adult


5 out of 5 Stars












Synopsis via Goodreads:

In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees . . . .

Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has apurpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.

Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place—and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.

As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make—between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?

My thoughts:

Clara Gardner is the daughter of a human father and a half angel mother. Her parents are divorced, and she lives in California with her mother and younger brother. She was recently let in on the family secret. She is an angel who will have to fulfill a purpose. Now that the visions have started, she knows she’ll have to save a boy from a forest fire. Her visions lead her and her family to beautiful Wyoming. Clara quickly locates the boy she is to save, and is instantly smitten. Only thing is he is taken, and throwing Clara some seriously mixed signals. Soon things seem to be falling into place, but where would the fun be if a few complications didn’t arise.

Wow! Just wow! This is one of those books that has the kind of amazingness that sneaks up on you. I started reading expecting another tale of angel loves human, but things didn’t go at all as anticipated. The authors writing and the plot pace flowed easily. This didn’t feel like a 400+ page book. When I reached the end I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to the characters I’d grown to love. As time passes I still find myself mulling over the events that occurred in Unearthly, and growing to love it even more. This is one for my shelf of favorites.

I loved the strength Clara encompassed, and I’m not just talking about her super angel strength. She is an excellent character who I loved from page one. I also enjoyed the family dynamic that was represented. It was so refreshing to see a present mother who wasn’t stupid or flakey. The twists and turns of the plot were nicely done. The love triangle was anything but typical, and didn’t progress as I expected. With that said I couldn’t have been more satisfied by how the ending played out. 


Unearthly is an absolutely stunning debut. Truly a breath of fresh air in the world of Young Adult. My only complaint is I now have another sequel to pine for.

Cynthia Hand on the web:

Website | Blog | Twitter

Buy Unearthly from Amazon:

Source: Around the World Tours

ARC Review: Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Title: Nightshade
Series: Nightshade #1
Author: Andrea Cremer
Available: Now
Reading Level: Young Adult


5 out of 5 Stars












Description from Goodreads:


Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything— including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?


My thoughts:


Calla has always accepted the life she was born to live. She is a werewolf, also known as a guardian, destined to become the mate of fellow alpha Ren. Calla has never thought to question the life she leads, or the choices that have been made for her. All that changes when she saves the life of a beautiful boy named Shay. 


I have to start by mentioning how madly in love I am with author Andrea Cremer’s writing. It is sexy without pushing the limit, or coming off as forced just to give the book an “edge”. It is sexy just because it is. She also really brings the reader into the story. The descriptions make it hard to feel like you aren’t actually standing beside Calla as the drama unfolds. As you read it is obvious this book was created by an intelligent and strong woman. Andrea Cremer’s imagination is a definite asset to YA fiction. I also enjoyed that the plot veered from the typical werewolf story line that is running rampant in both Young Adult and Adult fiction. I’m a card carrying werewolf groupie who was grateful for this refreshing take. 


Calla is a strong character. I loved her curious and rebellious nature. She has spent her life believing what she was taught without questioning those in charge. Then Shay shows her a book that could change all she has known. She could walk away, but finds she longs for answers. The community Calla was raised in seemed almost cult like. The Keepers dictate the life the guardians (wolves) will lead. The female guardians are expected to ignore their sexuality so they are pure when they bond with their mate. The male guardians on the other hand, are encouraged to embrace their desires even after they are with their mate. Some of the behavior of the guardians and Keepers in this book is seriously unsavory, and punishments for breaking the rules are extreme.


This was a fabulous book, and a very quick read even though it was over 400 pages. Unfortunately, I found I didn’t really feel the connection between Calla and Shay. While I like them both as characters, I didn’t enjoy the love match. Ren is definitely my pick for the feisty female alpha. The fact that I can give this one 5 stars without swooning over the primary love interest speaks volumes. I’m a very character driven reader, who loves some warm fuzzy inducing romance. This is a book you should read because Calla simply rocks. She is unique amongst the world of Young Adult protagonists. The ending leaves us hanging, so readers who abhor the cliffhanger should proceed with caution. I despise cliffhangers, but admit that Nightshade is worth the stress of waiting for the next in the series. It is that good!


Nightshade also features a well developed cast of secondary characters. Calla’s younger brother, Ansel, and her close friend Bryn, are two of my favorites. Ren’s pack mates are also very intriguing characters. I hope we learn more about them as the series continues. I am very curious about the not so nice Sabine. While I wanted to hate her for her attitude, I couldn’t. It is obvious the life she has led has made her who she is. I couldn’t help, but to feel sympathetic towards her (even when she was being a royal bitch to Calla). I have to give kudos to the author. She gave readers an interesting setting with fabulous characters, and she did it all in a series and author debut. That is seriously impressive! I can’t wait to see where Calla takes us next.


This is a kind of sexy read with situations that might not be appropriate for the younger peeps. The author also touches on topics of abuse that may be too heavy for some. If you’re a parent looking for a book for a teen or tween I’d recommend giving it a read before handing it off. Not only to make sure it’s appropriate, but because it is a fabulous read. Fans of adult paranormal romance and urban fantasy will appreciate this one. 

Books in this series:

Andrea Cremer on the web:

Website | Blog | Twitter

Source: LibraryThing’s Early Review Program