Never Sleep By Cady Vance Blog Tour, Book Review, & Giveaway

Title: Never Sleep

Author: Cady Vance

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy, Science Fiction

Source: ebook
Pages: 402

Publication Date: March 15th, 2015

Summary

Thora Green had a life once upon a time.  But that ended the day her parents enrolled her in a sleep clinic prison. At the facility, her chronic months-long insomnia is observed by scads of doctors, but she is never actually treated for her dire disease. In a feat of desperation, Thora escapes for New York City. Buried deep in the city’s underbelly, there is rumored to be a secret haven called the Insomniac Café: a place where people like Thora can find relief.
As Thora joins forces with Aiden and Florence, two fellow insomniacs, their midnight quest will take them from the dusty bookshelves of The Strand, to the smokey underground clubs in the Lower East Side, to countless taxi and subway rides. Clues leading to their final destination are waiting for them at every turn. But so are Sleepers—a powerful core of sworn-enemies to all Insomniacs—who wish to see Thora and her friends destroyed at any cost.

Buy on: Amazon

Review

Cover Thoughts-

The cover really gives me an idea of what washed out irises look like from lack of sleep. The eyes pop out and pull me in. It was a really good choice for this novel.

First Thought-

I'm always looking for something different in Young Adult Fantasy so I was very excited to see what this novel has in store for me. The summary had me interested right away. It sounds like an adventure that I can feel like I am part of.

Review-

Right away I fell in love with Thora's attitude. I love her sarcasm and the way she can still have this strength after not sleeping for 127 days. Honestly she is everything I love to see in a heroine. Even though she is incredibly weak from being put through to many tests and trauma, she keeps going, She strives for the solace of the Insomniac Cafe. There is adventure, nice character development, and a little bit of sexual tension between her and Lucas. There is grief, joy, and basically just a roller coaster of feelings after turning each page. These are the type of characters you bond with and cry when you see them go. This novel makes me wish there was an Insomniac Cafe just for me. I can't imagine what it would be like to go without sleep longer than 2 days. I would be suffering from multiple collapses that is for sure. I really like how each chapter has a cute little sentence from the Insomniac Handbook from the clinic too. This novel is also the type of book you want to finish in one sitting. There is too much suspension to stop and read later. I could never guess what was going to happen next and I needed so bad to know. This novel is so original and interesting that I am kind of inspired to write my own story similar to chronic insomnia. 

Overall Readability-

 Of course if you love any young adult fantasy this is a good pick for you. It's similar to a dystopia and a real page-turner. For the price it is on Amazon it is so worth it. You won't be disappointed with this novel.

My Final Thought-

Please tell me this is a series. The ending was such a surprise! How could I not expect this? 

5 out of 5 Haunted Roses

Giveaway

• A paperback copy of Never Sleep
• A "Dreaming of New York" sleep mask

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Author Information

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Cady Vance is the author of YA and NA speculative fiction. After growing up in small-town Tennessee, she decided to embark on a grand adventure by packing up her bags and moving to NYC. Now, she studies for her PhD in the UK and dreams of seeing the universe.

See the rest of the tour schedule HERE

Blog Tour Organized By Xpresso Book Tours

Demon Child By Kylie Chan Book Review & Blog Tour

Title: Demon Child (Celestial Battle #2)

Author: Kylie Chan

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy, Science Fiction

Source: Paperback
Pages: 544

Publication Date: February 24th, 2015

Summary

Australian bestseller Kylie Chan returns with a new, fast-paced adventure of magic, martial arts, and romance. 
This trilogy follows the story of John Chen and Emma Donohoe. They have just found out that Emma has Demon blood. The Sidhe - or Shining folk, who defeated the Western Shen a thousand years ago - are prepared to do battle against the Western Shen to retain their dominance. 
Emma’s allegiance is torn: to fight for her kind, the Western demons she is descended from, or to stand alongside her beloved Xuan Wu.

Buy on:Harper Collins

Review

Cover Thoughts-

I love the incorporation of the turtle because of the legend in the book. The first page even has a little quote about the turtle. It holds a lot of symbolism. I'm not sure what the Chinese characters are. If anyone knows feel free to comment the translation.

First Thought-

I haven't read the first book so I'm going in blind here. This is also the first book by Kylie Chan I have ever read.

Review-

I'm glad I read this book. It was a struggle at first because I was so lost. After reading this story I'm about to purchase the rest of the series and other Kylie Chan books and start from the beginning. The legend and story behind the characters is so enticing and vivid. I'll probably dream that I'm part of the series. I get pretty picky about novels that use unequal amounts of romance with action, but this story was perfect.  The character development is spot on. I really felt like I was Emma at times. In the beginning John makes a reference to Emma before she gets all bad ass. I can't wait to start from the beginning and find out how she was before. I believe my favorite part of the book is the symbolism. The different animals or creatures all mean something. There should be a quiz about what our true forms would be. Kylie Chan added a very nice glossary to the end so we could differentiate people and terms. Thank goodness otherwise I would have been more lost. I had to read some pages twice to understand who is who and what is what.

Overall Readability-

I recommend this book for readers who have read the first book. This was very hard for me to get into until I reached the middle. I do, however recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a good, legendary, romantic, action packed tale of bad assery.

My Final Thought-

Time to read every book by Kylie Chan.

4 out of 5 Haunted Roses

Giveaway

10 free paperback copies of Demon Child by Kylie Chan- open to US Shipping

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Author Information

Blog Facebook  Goodreads  Twitter

Kylie Chan is the bestselling author of the Dark Heavens and Journey to Wudang trilogies. She married a Hong Kong national in a traditional Chinese wedding ceremony. 

Kylie has studied Kung Fu and Tai Chi and is a senior belt in both forms. She has also made an intensive study of Buddhist and Taoist philosophy and has brought all of these interests together into her storytelling. 

She lived in Hong Kong for many years and now lives in Brisbane, Australia.

Blog Tour Organized By Bewitching Book Tours

Light By Gia Riley Book Blitz & Giveaway

Lighter

By: Gia Riley

New Adult Romance

Released February 16th, 2015 

                  Summary

What do you do when you can't save the one you love? 
Sophie can’t survive without control. Growing up with an alcoholic father, she craves the discipline of gymnastics. Feeling lost on a brand new college campus, she lets loose for the first time in her life. But with freedom comes consequences. Is one night everything she hopes? Or will she become her own worst nightmare?
Kipton's one year away from graduation. He's never thought beyond a one night stand until meeting his sister’s new roommate. Finally setting his sights on the girl he can't resist, he's more determined than ever when she won't give in to his persuasions. He's always gotten the girl, and he's not about to give up without a fight. 
Will Sophie be able to salvage her dreams and wage a war against her own vices? Can she finally let love in? Or will history repeat itself causing her to self-destruct?
Lighter isn't your typical college romance. Darkness suffocates, dreams are dashed, and battles are lost. Love takes on a whole new meaning.

Buy Links:

Amazon Barnes&Noble

Author Information

Gia is a lover of all things romance and a firm believer that everyone deserves a happily ever after. She resides in the small but mighty state of Delaware with her husband and son. Mother and wife by day, writer by night - she's a girl with a dream to write.
When she's not busy writing, she can be found roaming the isles of Kirkland's or up to her elbows in Play-doh.
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." ~Maya Angelou

Blog | Facebook | Twitter

Light Excerpt #1

“Sorry, what?” I look between Kipton and Cara. They both glance at me curiously, but don’t ask any questions. Even if they did, I’m not sure I’d have the guts to tell them about the darkness that haunts my past. It’s safer to push it away.
“What if I have you home early?” Kipton asks.
I shrug my shoulders, unsure with my decision at this point. The angel on my right shoulder is telling me to go to bed early and focus on my training. Of course the devil on the left has me picturing every inch of him naked. I have to stop this. My hormones have been in overdrive since he caught me in my towel. “I’ll think about it.” It’s a smart answer. This way, I leave my options open but don’t have to commit yet.
“I’m definitely in,” Cara adds with a clap of her hands and a shake of her ass. “And if I have any say in it, so are you, Sophie.”
Kipton rolls his eyes but waits until Cara turns around to hang more clothes in the closet. When she’s out of view, he mouths the word come and immediately I’m covered in goose bumps. I nod my head, accepting the invitation. My body answers before my brain has a chance to catch up. What did I agree too?
“Have a good night, ladies.” Before he closes the door completely, I let out the breath I’ve been holding. I throw myself onto my bed, realizing the earthy scent of his cologne has seeped into my bedding. If I close my eyes, it’s as if he’s still laying here with me. Inhaling deeply, I cuddle my pillow against my chest. Mid sniff, the door to our room swings open. Kipton grabs his keys off the top of the TV stand and winks at me. “Won’t get too far without these. See-ya tomorrow.”
“Bye, Kippy.” Cara practically sings from her closet. She’s on cloud nine about this party. I, on the other hand, am in serious trouble. Mortified, I roll over to face the window, hearing Kipton chuckle as the door closes. 
He caught me sniffing my pillow. 

GIVEAWAY

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Fading Out By Trisha Wolfe Book Review & Blog Tour

Title: Fading Out
(Living Heartwood #3)

Author: Trisha Wolfe

Genre: New Adult Contemporary

Source: ARC ebook
Pages: 251

Publication Date: February 18th, 2015
(Can be read as a stand alone)

Summary

Love means fading out so another shines brighter. 
Right clothes. Right school. Right fiancé. As a Wyndemere, Arian's expected to abide by the rules. The most important: be perfect. But Arian's seemingly flawless life is far from it. An embarrassing expulsion from her parents' alma mater spirals an already unhealthy obsession out of control, exposing a dark truth.
Faced with having to attend a small private college after a stint in rehab, Arian's just ready to coast under the radar and repair some of the wreckage, but her father's looming control is like a vise choking off her air supply.
When a run-in with Braxton's beloved star quarterback, Ryder Nash, puts Arian squarely in the crosshairs of his devoted teammates, the last of her controlled, orderly world unhinges. As the pranks and paybacks escalate, Arian and Ryder's rivalry takes a passionate turn. And once Arian glimpses beneath the all-star-athlete exterior Ryder projects, she realizes he's far more than just a jock.
As their relationship intensifies, outside forces feel the threat. Outrunning their pasts doesn't mean history won't repeat itself, but Ryder can't let that happen. He's just one Championship game away from breaking the mold. Only one moment, one choice, might change everything.

Amazon Barnes&Noble Google Play 

Review

Cover Thoughts-

Again, I love this cover. I can always really see the character in the covers of this series. Ryder is my favorite of all the male lead characters and DAMN I could not have pictured anyone sexier than that.

First Thought-

Since I am a big fan of the series I have began to expect the usual stay up all night to finish and crying thing. I didn't know what to expect about this novel being sports related though. Each novel had a certain theme. The Darkest Part was artistic, something I relate to. Losing Track was motorcycles and drugs which isn't something I know much about, but can imagine.

Review-

I hate football like a lot, but I would hands down become the Braxton's football team #1 fan. What I'm saying is you could hate sports and still fall in love with this novel. Arian is the least likely female lead I can connect with. She comes from a rich family but has a very serious food disorder due to dealing with so many anxiety and pressure to be a perfect Wyndemere. Fading Out made me feel like I could connect with her. Suddenly my social anxiety wasn't that much different from hers. I honestly see apart of myself in each of the female leads. I see my artistic side with Sam. I see my wild and free side with Melody. I see my determination to be the best with Arian. And again, I yelled at the book a lot. I was like get your crap together Arian! Ryder is my favorite so obviously I wanted them to be together sooner. I can not even fathom why she would ever in her life consider agreeing to an arranged marriage. I would elope with Ryder the first chance I got. He isn't your typical dumb jock. He is smart and knows there's more to life than football. He doesn't even like football! Just like every lead character in this series, he isn't perfect. They all have skeletons in their closet. What matters is that they are all perfect for each other. Sam and Melody make an appearance in the end to help Arian and Ryder through their problems. Just like Sam did for Melody, Melody explains the living heartwood to help Arian finally make the right decision. The ending was perfect. The novel begins and ends with carrot cake.

Overall Readability-

I strongly recommend this book if you enjoy a good contemporary romance and are ages 17 and up due to many steamy sex scenes. This series is a very good choice to read if you are looking for a new contemporary romance series.

My Final Thought-

The ending had a many years later chapter again! All the girls get together and you can see their beautiful friendship lasting a life time. Unfortunately, the next installment won't be out for a few months, so we won't see who the living heartwood affects this time until later.

5 out of 5 Haunted Roses

Giveaway
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Author Information

Facebook  Goodreads  Twitter

Join Trisha's Heartwood Pack Facebook Group!

From an early age, Trisha Wolfe dreamed up fantasy worlds and characters and was accused of talking to herself. Today, she lives in South Carolina with her family and writes full time, using her fantasy worlds as an excuse to continue talking to herself.

For more information on Trisha Wolfe and her works, please visit:

http://www.trishawolfe.com/.

See the rest of the tour schedule HERE

Blog Tour Organized By AToMR Blog Tours

Losing Track By Trisha Wolfe Book Review

Title: Losing Track
(Living Heartwood #2)

Author: Trisha Wolfe

Genre: New Adult Contemporary

Source: ebook
Pages: 344

Publication Date: October 2014
(Can be read as a stand alone)

Summary

The roar of a bike engine. The vibration between her thighs. The feel of cool darkness kissing her skin as she coasts along twisty back roads at night—Melody Lachlan lives for these things. Ever since Mel and her best friend Darla escaped their small, backwoods town, they’ve traveled the countryside in search of fast rides, tatted bikers, and good times.
A self-proclaimed poet and lover of all things free, Mel views her life as one long bike ride—with pit stops along the way to numb the pain. But she never saw herself as a junkie. Party as hard as you ride. That’s her motto…until a tragic night steals her soul. Then she’s forced to delve below the surface, to where her demons rage.
When she meets recovered drug addict Boone Randall, she’s more likely to deck him than kiss his dimple-adorable face. She doesn’t want his help; doesn’t want to own up to her part in that night. She just wants to do her time and keep her promise to her friend. Yet Boone challenges Mel, and soon she doesn’t mind sharing the road. Only when Boone’s own secret demons threaten their newfound, fragile security, Mel’s course becomes rocky, and she must decide if letting her well-worn track marks fade is worth finding a new path. 

Amazon Barnes&Noble Google Play 

Review

Cover Thoughts-

This is my favorite cover of the whole series so far. I love how you can see her pink bandanna of her MC with Darla, and you can see her tattoo that sparks the interest of Boone. I can really see Melody in this cover.

First Thought-

Since, I read the first book I know to expect crying and very good character development. What I wasn't expecting was the attitude of Melody. She is fierce and I love that about her.

Review-

The best part again is the fact that the main characters aren't perfect. They have their addictions they are trying to overcome. In the end they don't completely overcome it, but they can with each other. That's what this whole series means to me. It means not being perfect, but being perfect for each other. It really affected me in a profound way. In the beginning of the novel it really seems like Melody will be bad news for Boone, and Melody thinks Boone is too good for her. I almost believed that too, but I knew that her friend Jesse would be worse for her. Like the first book I yelled in my head a lot. I felt like Melody could be the most stubborn poet of all time. She gives out great advice and really helps people feel better, but then she can't take her own advice! I love how Sam from The Darkest Part makes an appearance in this novel by really helping Melody and Boone get their crap together. You can tell that there is a life long friendship building here. It really makes you feel good inside knowing that these two girls can build such a beautiful friendship coming from such grief. They can both work through their problems together. This is the type of friendship I would strive to have some day. Melody's attitude is similar to mine. I don't want to be cliche and say young, wild, and free, but that's the best description. This is the type of novel that leaves you feeling like you want to be part of the open road life. I feel like exploring something new and something exciting.

Overall Readability-

I strongly recommend this book if you read the first one (even though it's a stand alone) and enjoy a good contemporary romance. If you wanted to pick one of the series to read alone, I would choose Losing Track. The novel is best for ages 17 and up due to very steamy sex scenes.

My Final Thought-

Of course, I'm left in tears again, but the tears won't stop me from immediately starting the third novel in the series. I love how the ending has a many years later chapter. It really leaves you feeling hopeful.

5 out of 5 Haunted Roses

Author Information

Facebook  Goodreads  Twitter

Join Trisha's Heartwood Pack Facebook Group!

From an early age, Trisha Wolfe dreamed up fantasy worlds and characters and was accused of talking to herself. Today, she lives in South Carolina with her family and writes full time, using her fantasy worlds as an excuse to continue talking to herself.

For more information on Trisha Wolfe and her works, please visit:

http://www.trishawolfe.com/.

The Darkest Part By Trisha Wolfe Book Review

Title: The Darkest Part 
(Living Heartwood #1)

Author: Trisha Wolfe

Genre: New Adult Contemporary

Source: ebook
Pages: 374

Publication Date: August 2013
(Can be read as a stand alone)

Summary

Pressing the boundaries of both the psyche and the heart, Sam and Holden embark on a dangerous journey that will test the limits of love.
Sam Wintry’s life used to be almost perfect. She was engaged to her childhood best friend and high school sweetheart, Tyler Marks, planning an amazing cross-country honeymoon during her college break. But after a hit-and-run leaves her in ruin, she begins seeing Tyler’s fractured, ghostly presence, and her family believes she’s losing her mind. Not until she completes their journey, stopping along the way to scatter Tyler's remains, will Tyler be able cross over. Only...is Sam ready for him to leave her?
When the black sheep of the Marks' family, Holden Marks, returns to check on Tyler's case, Sam convinces him to give her his brother's ashes. Despite their shaky history, she needs him...plus, he owes it to Sam and his brother. What she doesn’t count on is Holden’s relentlessness to go on the trip.
On the road, Holden realizes just how unhinged Sam has become. Dealing with her psychosis forces him to confront his dark past, making it harder to keep secrets hidden that should remain buried. Especially from Sam, the only woman he’s ever loved. And as Sam starts to unravel the truth, she begins to question if the brother she's unwillingly falling for again is in an even darker place than her. 

Amazon Barnes&Noble Google Play 

Review

Cover Thoughts-

I love how you can see a tree in the title. The living Heartwood series has amazing covers. You can really see the characters with them.

First Thought-

At first, I was wondering how it was only considered contemporary romance if there was a "ghostly presense," but I figured out why. I wasn't expecting the character's journey through self awareness. I wasn't expecting one of those books that give you the ugly cry until you fall asleep.

Review-

My favorite part of the book, scratch that, the whole series is that it is made known that the main character isn't perfect. Honestly, I always picture the main character a strong lead heroine role. The Darkest Part really affected me by giving me a character that isn't perfect, isn't trying to save somebody, but dealing with grief and trying to save themselves. Sam is really somebody I can connect with. I felt her grief like it was my own. I can't imagine dealing with the love of your life dying and finding out there is a whole side of them you didn't know about, but the book sure made me feel like I did. I read so much paranormal that I really believed that Sam did see Tyler's ghost. And when she took a picture of him and there was no hint of a ghostly glare on the screen I was like WTF. You mean Sam really does suffer from a disorder? You mean she really isn't perfect like I want her to be? I felt so bad after that because the whole time I was saying to myself don't take your meds Sam! Not only is Sam not perfect, but Holden is just as messed up. They may not be perfect, but they are perfect for each other. I yelled at the book a lot. I mostly yelled at Holden because I felt like he was being a real a**hat. This is the type of book that pulls me along for the ride. I see it so vividly in my head that I bet it would make a great movie. Sam's description of the living heartwood of the tree greatly affected me too. I suddenly see myself in a whole new light.

Overall Readability-

I strongly recommend this book for everyone who enjoys a good contemporary romance ages 17 and up due to steamy sex scenes. If there ever was a book required to read in this genre, this would be it. I would apologize for your inevitable crying, but I feel like you all will love this cry.

My Final Thought-

Sam & Holden 4eva! Really an ending I never saw coming. I feel very satisfied, but itching to start the second installment right away.

5 out of 5 Haunted Roses

Author Information

Facebook  Goodreads  Twitter

Join Trisha's Heartwood Pack Facebook Group!

From an early age, Trisha Wolfe dreamed up fantasy worlds and characters and was accused of talking to herself. Today, she lives in South Carolina with her family and writes full time, using her fantasy worlds as an excuse to continue talking to herself.

For more information on Trisha Wolfe and her works, please visit:

http://www.trishawolfe.com/.