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

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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:

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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

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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. 

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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

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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/.

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Blog Tour Organized By AToMR Blog Tours

Henge by Realm Lovejoy Book Review & Blog Tour

 
Title: Henge (Le Fay #1)

Author: Realm Lovejoy

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Source: ebook
Pages: 333

Publication Date: November 11th, 2014

Summary

Modern-day Camelot. Where knights no longer carry swords. Magic is dangerous. And those who seek control are not to be trusted.
Sixteen-year-old Morgan le Fay is a fire user. An ordinary girl with an extraordinary skill, she has the ability to create and command fire at will. Her dream is to become the Maven—the right hand of the future King Arthur. In the chance of a lifetime, Morgan is selected to join Arthur’s Round, an elite group of young magic users from which the new Maven will be chosen.
Along with the other fire, water, and wind users in Arthur’s Round, Morgan is rigorously trained and tested. The handsome Merlin, a brilliant water user, takes a particular interest in her. Is his friendship to be trusted, or is Merlin simply trying to win the position of Maven for himself? Among the many rivals Morgan faces is the current Maven, Mordred, who seems determined to see her fail.
But Morgan has a secret—years ago, her mother was executed for using fire magic, and Morgan’s desire for justice makes her more than ready to take on the challenge before her. Can she prevail in Camelot’s tests of survival and magic? Only time—and Morgan’s powerful fire—will tell.

Buy on: Amazon

Review

Cover Thoughts-

I love the cover because it reminds me of a graphic novel. Seeing the cover makes it easier to picture Morgan and the uniform Arthur's Round wears. You can see the fiery nature of Morgan from the cover. It is a perfect illustration of her.

First Thought-

I'm not a fan of medieval fantasy or the stories behind Arthur and Excalibur at all. Henge is a modern-day version that sounds very captivating so I'm willing to take a chance.

Review-

I'm so glad I decided to read Henge. At first i was a little standoffish. I don't know what I was expecting but I was picturing the wizard Merlin battling Morgan and the great King Arthur and a journey or something like that, but Henge was better. It took an old story and made it modern and easy to become lost in. It's completely different from that common tale. My favorite part about the whole novel is the ending. It was completely unexpected. The whole story is basically a competition to see who will be Arthur's Maven. From the beginning Realm Lovejoy tells you about a vision Morgan has as a child inside the mysterious Henge. The vision says Morgan will be the Maven, but in the end Morgan gets more than what she bargained for. Henge keeps you constantly surprised. Throughout the novel I could never guess what would happen next. I guess, that could be why I wished it in one sitting. I also love the idea of having more than just fire, water, earth, and air magic. The author adds healing and blood magic, but makes earth, healing, and blood magic extremely rare. Henge was a welcomed surprise. 

Overall Readability-

Don't assume anything about Henge! It isn't that same old story with King Arthur and the wizard Merlin. Henge is a fantastic modern young adult fantasy story. I always look for stories outside the box, and Henge was a perfect read for that. I strongly recommend this book if your looking for something exciting and different in the fantasy genre. Henge is a great modern-day twist on age-old tale. 

My Final Thought-

The ending was completely unexpected. I turned the next page only to find I had reached the end. In my head I was screaming NO! I can not wait for the 2nd in the Le Fay series to be released. 

5 out of 5 Haunted Roses

Giveaway

• 1 signed copy of Henge + swag (US only)
• 1 Amazon Giftcard ($20) (INTL)
• 2 paperbacks of Henge (US only)
• 4 ebook copies of of Henge (INTL)

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Author Information

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Realm Lovejoy is an American writer and an artist. She grew up in both Washington State and the Japanese Alps of Nagano, Japan. Currently, she lives in Seattle and works as an artist in the video game industry. CLAN is her first book. You can find out more about her and her book at realmlovejoy.com

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Blog Tour Organized By Xpresso Book Tours

The Queen's Gift By T.R. Alllardice Book Blitz & Giveaway

The Queen's Gift

By: T.R. Allardice

Young Adult Fantasy

Released December 15th, 2014 

                  Summary

Fifteen-year-old, late-bloomer Jean Elliott dreams of becoming a Genie like her mom. When her family relocates to Tokyo, Jean is forced to use sleight-of-hand tricks to fool everyone at school into believing that she’s a normal Preternatural or risk expulsion. When her power finally appears, it comes in the form of the Queen’s Gift–an unspeakable magic that strips power from all Preternaturals and heralds the arrival of the new queen.
After an absence of two hundred years, not everyone wants the monarchy to return and they’re willing to go to great lengths to keep the status quo. When buried secrets rip Jean’s family apart, she has a choice to make: Walk away and hope for the best or embrace the power that’s known to lead to madness in order to save her family.
Jean’s greatest dream has turned into her biggest nightmare and no matter how hard she tries, there’ll be no wishing the Queen’s Gift away.

Buy Links:

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Author Information

T.R. Allardice writes young adult, new adult, and humorous horror stories. Most of what she writes incorporates several genres. The content won't always be 'safe'. What's the fun in that? She is a member of the Horror Writer's Association, Novelist Inc. and the Author's Guild. She has thirty-one books published under another pen name. To find out more about her upcoming work, go to:

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The Queen's Gift Excerpt #3

As I stepped inside the room, I felt eyes burning through the back of my sweatshirt. Was it too much to hope that it was Michael Cooper? I looked back. A Goth Fey was leaning against the far wall in the hall. His flame red hair, thick black eyeliner, and spiked choker clashed with the conservative uniform he wore. I hadn’t noticed him when we’d passed the Fey group earlier and he was hard to miss. 

I elbowed Karen and casually nodded in his direction. “Thought you said all the Fey hung out together.”
She followed my gaze and paled to lemon yellow. “That’s Akio Takahashi.”
“Akio?”
“Yes, but he goes by Spider because he doesn’t want anyone to know that his father is a member of the Assembly. I think he’s embarrassed by it,” she whispered, then leaned closer. “It’s not really a secret. Everyone knows, but it’s easier to pretend that we don’t.”
He didn’t look like any of the spiders I’d seen in Illinois. “Spider, seriously?”
“Yep, no one calls him Akio except his father and close friends. But most of them call him Spider, too.” Karen hesitated. “I’d never call him by his given name. And you shouldn’t either.”
“Okay...” I didn’t get what the big deal was about his name. Tokyo didn’t have a corner on the market for weird names. There’d been plenty of strange ones at my last school. “Why is he staring at me?” Was this an ‘offend one Fey, offend them all’ kind of school?
“Who knows?” Karen shrugged. “Spider kind of does his own thing. He’s weird, even for a Fey, but I’ve heard his glam punk band rocks.”
My head tingled as I tore my gaze away. “He’s in a band?” I’d never known anybody who was in a real band. I’d only been around the marching kind. 
Karen nodded. “They play around town sometimes. He’s the lead singer. I haven’t seen them, but I’ve heard Spider kills it on stage. To be honest, I don’t know him well, which I think is a good thing. He keeps to himself. And if you have any sense, you’ll give him plenty of space. You know how the Fey can be.” She rolled her eyes and flashed those dagger sharp teeth.
This from a Ghoul.

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