Book Blitz: Out of My League by Sarah Sutton

Andy Smithson: Power of the Heir's Passion (Prequel Novella) by L.R.W. Lee (@LRWLee) Series #Review

WATERFALL & Waterproof (The Water Crisis Chronicles) by Amber Garr #Review #BlogTour

Waterfall 

Amber Garr 

(The Water Crisis Chonicles, #1) 

Publication date: June 2015

Genres: Dystopia, New Adult

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The water is gone. The wars have begun.

Clean water is a luxury most can no longer afford. Climate change, industrial sabotage, and greed have turned country against country as each one tries to provide for its citizens. Terrorist groups target desalinization plants and frustrated governments hunt those who work against them. Rationing, sequestering, and patrolling have become routine at a time when there are too many people and not enough resources.

While the world around them disintegrates into chaos, Zach and Vivienne hope that their life in a government-run complex will retain some semblance of normalcy. But when attacks on their water supplies bring war to their sheltered community, they must accept their new fate. Stay and fight or flee and endure—it’s a difficult decision with lasting consequences.

Will they choose what’s safe? Or will they choose to survive?

 Book 2:

ADD TO GOODREADS

Dying of thirst is the new reality.

Five years after the last drop of clean water disappeared, global societies collapsed and nuclear war shattered all hope of recovery. In a place now only a skeleton of its former self, survivors fight to avoid capture by the government. Forced to work in factories that produce the only drinking water available, those who go in, never come out.

Zach and Vivienne have lived as deserters since they were teenagers. Fighting amongst their own and scrounging for the necessities of life, they’ve learned to rely on each other in every way. Yet when tragedy strikes and the true objectives of the government facility are revealed, their world is ripped apart. A fate once thought to hold their demise may be the sole answer to their survival. Who can they trust? Who can they believe?

In this life, it pays to be waterproof.

Disclaimer: Waterproof is a new adult dystopian with sex, violence, and language that may not be suitable for a younger audience.

DISCLAIMER: I received a review copy(ies) of this book(s) (via XpressoBookTours) in honor of this blog tour, and for an honest review. I did plan reviewing both books, but I kind of lost track of time while trying to read them both, and I only just got out of my reading slump. So I am only reviewing the first book . . . for now.

My Rating for Waterfall:

Zach is so funny. He is your typical teenage boy, who cannot find a shoe that is right under his nose.  Also, any guy who owns a Jeep is an automatic book-friend of mine. Living in a community/refugee camp, where water is rationed or too expensive, Zach would be considered a bit of a rebel? The change in perspectives helps let you get into the minds of both characters throughout the story. Vivienne is (I suppose) quite headstrong and willing to do the dangerous things to survive. In the midst of trying to live in peace, and the sudden explosions and threats and panic, everything just seems to tumble apart. The bond between Zach and Vivienne is brilliant from the start, even in their bantering. And Vee's mother must really like Zach because she GIGGLES whenever he is teasing her daughter. Obviously, he does like Vee. Zach's and Vivienne's fathers manage an escape from the government compound where they live and they run to a "safe-house". I think two of Zach comforts during the madness is knowing Vivienne is safe, and that he could pretend he was in a video-game. Vivienne's comforts are very similar, however, she takes on a sword. And the sweet reunion after a brief separation is enough to give anyone the feels. Losing family is never easy, which Zach and Vee did not have much time to be grieve about because they did not have time for it.

My Honest Opinions/Thoughts: I do not want to give the ending away, because I think you should definitely read it for yourself. This book definitely gave me a new sight of the Dystopia genre. The romance between Zach Vivienne had me all over the place. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters in full. The way Zach and Vivienne helped each other to cope in their situation and circumstances was amazing. I had goosebumps all over my arms and legs from start to finish. This book has won me over, and it seems that I rarely come across a book that I do not like. Waterproof review coming soon - I think.

Extra: I have to say that I really like the covers displayed in this post much better than the ones displayed below. Probably because the above covers show a male character, as well as the female character. And since the book(s) is told from both characters' perspectives, I think they fit better. But to each their own. Have a look at the below covers and decide for yourself. I did not really get a good picture of what I can imagine Zach and Vee to look like, so sadly I do not have any visuals in this post. Perhaps next time.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Amber Garr spends her days as a scientist and nights writing about other worlds. Her childhood imaginary friend was a witch, Halloween is sacred, and she is certain that she has a supernatural sense of smell. Amber is a multiple Royal Palm Literary Award winner, author of the bestselling novels The Syrenka Series, the award-winning Water Crisis Chronicles, The Leila Marx Novels, and the Death Warden Series. When not obsessing over the unknown, she can be found dancing, reading, or enjoying a good movie. Find out more at www.ambergarr.com.

WEBSITE | GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

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I Am Titanium by John Patrick Kennedy (@JohnPatKennedy) #Review #HaddiesHaven

I Am Titanium 
John Patrick Kennedy 
Publication date: June 19th 2015
Genres: Science Fiction, Young Adult

My Rating:

Book Description: Pax is a teen-age genius who learned to contact the astral plane and communicate with a being who lives there.

He’s also dying.

So when Pax’s astral mentor offers him a chance at life and power greater than any human has ever possessed, in exchange for helping the astrals inspect Earth, Pax jumps at the chance.

What happens next sets off a series of events that change Pax and his friend Scarlett forever… Partly because the astral beings have their own agendas, and for some of them, mankind’s survival means very little.

And they’re not even the biggest threat…

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes&Noble

DISCLAIMER: I own this book, but I had requested to review this book (via XpressoBookTours) before learning that I had won an e-book copy. I read from my e-book copy. I am going to keep this as non-spoiler as I can.

Characters/Plot: Pax is an incredible character, you can't not like him. He sticks in your head (probably because the first thing that is happening is him in the hosipta); you can't stop thinking about his story. First few chapters has you on a book roller coaster, and I know it is not easy to do that. Which was fantastic. You get sucked in at the beginning. It is so hard to stop reading about Pax and the things he goes through. His friend, Scarlett; you learn that she cannot live without him. You feel her agony in the beginning and as everything progresses, you learn more about their friendship, and Astral beings. It is a heart-jolting book!

My Honest Opinions/Thoughts: I never read anything like this. I was glued to my seat while reading. And I actually had to force myself to stop reading to catch up with other books that I should have read before this one. But this was too good not to read, I just could not stop. I did not want to stop. If you're a Sci-Fi junkie, this is definitely the book for you. Also, the cover is EPIC! I showed it to my brothers and it inspired them in their artwork. They have been trying to make similar drawings ever since. Be sure to grab your copy now!

About the Author

John Patrick Kennedy has been writing stories ever since he could write. At first, his imagination was his escape from a difficult childhood, where he never seemed to "fit in." Other kids taunted him for being different and John began to create worlds in his stories where he could feel safe and secure; stronger and more confident.

When John grew older, he discovered a taste for wanderlust and adventure. As a young man, he travelled the world with little but what he could carry on his back. He has climbed Denali, hiked the Amazon, and even spent a year in Japan, teaching English and feeding deer in the famous Nara Park. His love of Asian history and philosophy has led him to become a master at Jeet Kune Do and a practicing Taoist.

Goodreads | Website | Twitter | Amazon

 

Never Forgotten by Stacey Nash (@StaceyNash) #BookBlitz #BlogTour

Never Forgotten by Stacey Nash
(Collective #3)
Published by: HarperCollins
Publication date: September 1st 2015
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

Synopsis:

Continuing on from Forget Me Not and Remember Me, this is the thrilling third novel in Stacey Nash’s unforgettable series.

Since the strike on Collective territory during Anamae’s rescue, things have taken a turn for the worse. Unprovoked attacks on innocent people have Anamae and her friends fighting day and night to minimize the damage. With hundreds of lives lost, morale amongst the resistance fighters has plummeted. But that’s the least of her worries.

Manvyke still has Anamae’s mom, Annie, secreted away somewhere and after the way they parted, Anamae worries it’s not at her mother’s bidding. Maybe Annie’s disappearance all those years ago wasn’t her choice. But with Manvyke scouring the world, there’s something far more pressing than the need to find Anamae’s mother …

It’s a fight against time to find the other keys before Manvyke. In his hands, the three relics could unlock enough power to reek a much worse havoc than the current issues at hand. If the councillor gets his hands on those keys, civilization will bow down.

THE RACE IS ON.

Goodreads | Amazon | Barns&Noble

An Excerpt:

We’re too late.

The minute I step out of the alley with my crew of resistance fighters I can tell. Blood, so much blood everywhere. And the silence. You’d think in the midst of such horror it’d be loud: people screaming, wailing, crying even. But it’s not. The silence is almost deafening.

My heart constricts like someone tugged at its laces.

We’re too late.

We can only help the survivors now and that’s the horrid truth. On autopilot, I walk then run to the closest victim. A woman sprawled on the ground, blood covering every inch of her, so I can barely make out the color of her blouse. She moans when I hold my fingers to her neck, checking for a pulse.

Not too late for her, thank god.

“I’ve called 911.” Will’s voice echoes through my mind. Even with the lack of inflection due to the telcom I can hear the sorrow in his words.

“Damn it,” Jax says through the same tech device, “we’re getting later each time.”

And he’s right, we are. More people perish with each attack and all because we can’t reach them in time to intercept the Collective. I’ve never felt so useless.

The woman groans—a long drawn-out noise like no other I’ve ever heard—and slowly sound returns to the scene. Moaning, whimpering, noises of pain, and my friends’ voices pitched low and soothing as we reassure the wounded it’s okay. They’ll be okay. Even though sometimes we know that they won’t. Like this woman. Each ragged breath now comes a little shorter and sharper than her last. I hate the damn Collective for stealing people’s lives, but she doesn’t need to see that.

“I’m here. You’re okay.” I rest my hand on her sticky arm.

Her breath hitches, she gives a last weak heave and she’s gone, her head rolling to the side.

We are too late.

The saddest thing in this whole mess is that I can’t cry. I’ve seen so much it’s like nothing’s left in me but hatred. My compassion is drained. I glance around trying to decide where I’m needed most, but too many dead and wounded lay in the open-air amphitheater that it’s impossible to know where to turn next. In places, the bodies pile on top of each other, just lying where they fell.

So much loss and devastation and for what? Because the Collective want to send a message to us; that they’re in control, that the resistance is hurting more people, not helping. Somehow I don’t think us backing off will help.

A guy walks toward me, his T-shirt—an advertisement for the main band—a tattered mess with his bloody shoulder peeking through a gaping hole. His eyes lock on me, but they’re unseeing, glassed over like he’s retreated inside his mind. He steps over and around those on the ground as if he knows right where they are without looking.

Hate isn’t a strong enough word for how I feel about the Collective.

I dread the day we might turn up to find one of my friends, like Cynnie or Xane. I’m not sure how I’d react, but I like to think I won’t see them. That neither of my free-thinking friends would be involved in something like this, regardless of agent duty.

It doesn’t take long before the wail of sirens fills the air and as the paramedics arrive on the scene, we’re no longer needed. Jax and Will both appear at my side looking as somber as I feel. Today we have another person who’s seen too much, left with too little, and has no choice but to port with us. We can’t leave him for the Collective’s clean up.

Jax takes a look at the ragged, zombie-like guy and says, “I’ll catch a ride with one of the others.”

I nod, any words I might have had stolen by this day’s horror, then grab my charge and Will to port us out.

AUTHOR BIO:

Writing for the young and new adult market, Stacey's books all hold a lot of adventure, a good dose of danger, a smattering of romance, and plenty of KISSING! Hailing from the Hunter Valley in New South Wales, she loves nothing more than immersing herself in the beauty and culture of the local area.

Author of the Collective Series; Forget Me Not, Remember Me, Never Forgotten. And the Oxley College Saga; Shh! and Wait!

Author links:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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Picture Imperfect by Jelsa Mepsey (@JelsaMepsey) #BlogTour #BookBlitz

Picture Imperfect by Jelsa Mepsey 
Published by: Swoon Romance
Publication date: September 22nd 2015
Genres: Romance, Young Adult

Synopsis:

Sixteen-year-old Max Prescott knows all too well the joys of cheating girlfriends and traitorous friends. He’s not eager to have his heart trampled again, but money and a fresh start can mean the difference between happiness and a dark path with his name on it.

So when Melly Hewson, a perky and enigmatic classmate, asks him to be her model for a year-long photography project, Max agrees. Melly Hewson is everything Max isn’t. She’s outgoing, witty and always knows the right words to say. And despite his best efforts, Max finds himself drawn to her.

Still, he isn’t stupid. He knows a girl like Melly will only use him and then never speak to him again. Besides, he’s been to that rodeo. As long as he keeps his feelings off the market, he won’t make the same mistakes as last time.

Yet underneath Melly’s sweet smiles lies a secret she’d rather kept hidden. And as the year goes on and the photos pile up, Max and Melly will find themselves developing through the negatives, a story that when told could push them to opposite ends of their world. But the only thing worst than the truth is, the facade that surrounds them.

Goodreads | Amazon

Chapter 1

I prop myself up on my elbows and peer into the toilet bowl. Bloodshot brown eyes glare back at me between chunks of floating vomit, light glinting off the metal toilet seat. Bile runs down my chin, stuck in my stubble. When I reach for the toilet paper roll, I find it empty. I wipe my face on my crusty sleeve. Flies guard the toilet, flanked by a million tiny ants. So much for using the park bathroom to puke and take a piss. I don’t need anything on my dick or up my ass.

Last night’s chunky dinner rises up my sore throat. The chunks stick, choking me. I cough and cough, but only greasy spit dribbles out. I grip the empty toilet paper holder for support, accidentally yanking it out of the wall. When I uncurl my fingers, it drops into the toilet, splashing water onto my shirt. I stagger into the sink and twist the rusty faucet. Nothing comes out. Of course. A place to shit would be a shitty place.

The pressure in my bladder increases. Flies buzz around the toilet. Screw them. I unzip, only for them to fly closer. Little fuckers! I zip back up and shove the door open, stumbling into some bushes. I unzip again and piss on them. Once I finish, I zip my pants up, my teeth chattering. Goosebumps pop up on my skin, and I rub my arms.

Click! A flash blinds me, and I shield my eyes. Someone’s walking closer to me. After heavy blinking, I’m able to see the culprit’s wide gray eyes. Brown-haired ponytail swishing and lips twitching in amusement, she pockets her bright orange digital camera. I don’t know her. Why is she taking a picture of me?

“What was that?” I step out from behind the bush.

The girl blinks twice. “I was getting blackmail.”

Blackmail? She doesn’t even know me! “Delete that. Now!” My stomach riots, my vision still blinded from the flash. Who takes pictures of random strangers? Who takes pictures of random strangers peeing?

The girl ignores me and hops in place, her smile so wide it should fall off her face. “This is perfect!”

“I told you to delete it!” I reach out and try to snatch the camera from her, but she lowers her arm at the last second. My arm drops as she finally looks up.

“Calm down, Max.” She smiles and pockets her camera in her coat. “What’s up?”

Did she just say my name? “Do I know you?”

She frowns. “Yeah. We’re in the same chemistry class.”

Chemistry. Cassy’s in my chemistry class. I’d nudge her with my knee under the table while the teacher droned on. But I can’t do that anymore. She belongs to him now. Asshole girlfriend stealer.

The girl’s stare is still on me.

“I’m Melly.” She holds her hand out. I don’t shake it. She lowers her hand, continuing to stare. This is really awkward. A quick glance is normal. Staring is just creepy.

I narrow my eyes. “Do you need something from me?”

“Actually, yes.” She grins, revealing braces. What’s a high school sophomore doing still wearing those? Braces are so middle school. “I need you to be my photo model for the next three hundred and sixty-five days. Well, three hundred and sixty-four now, since I’ve already taken a picture of you today.”

I stare back at her. When the smile doesn’t fall from her face, I laugh, breaking the silence. “Model? For you? For an entire year?”

“I’m serious!” She looks at the ground. “Your hair is really awesome, since you change it so much. That’s why I’d like to photograph you.”

My hair definitely isn’t “awesome” today. It’s still oily because I didn’t take a shower this morning and the wind’s blowing it everywhere. Sometimes, girls pet my hair after I changed it even though it pissed Cassy off.

Is that why Cassy broke up with me? Or is it just because Jaxon is so much better for her?

She looks up. I shake my head. “No.”

“Aw, come on.” She frowns. “It’s not like you have to do a lot of work.”

“Maybe, maybe not. But we’re not friends.” I shrug. “I don’t see why I should do this for you.”

Melly rolls her eyes. “This is why I didn’t ask for permission before taking your picture. I expected this from you.”

“Then why’d you take it anyway?” And how does she know so much about me?

The smile never leaves her face. “Here’s the deal. I’ll pay you. That photo is for a scholarship. I have to photograph something that’ll change over the course of a year.”

I scoff. “And you thought of me?”

“Well, no.” She scratches her head. “I mean, I was wandering around the park trying to come up with some ideas, and then I saw you.” She exhales. “So … yeah! Come on, Max! Please? I’ll pay you! Even if I don’t win, it’ll be a fun project.”

“Fun?” I groan. “Maybe for you.”

She steps a little closer. “Don’t you want to know how much I’ll pay you?”

A little money never hurt. “Hmm. How much?”

“A dollar a day.”

I snort. “Two.”

She grins. “Sure. So, you’ll do it?”

Way to jump to conclusions. “I never agreed to anything.”

“True.” She raises an eyebrow. “Still. Seven hundred and thirty dollars. Not bad, if you ask me.”

“I guess not.” She must be hoping for a lot of money if she’s willing to pay me so much. “What do you get if you win the scholarship?”

She scoffs. “Like you care. Focus on what you’re going to get. Seriously. It’s not bad.”

“I guess it’s not.” Just one more thing. “What about the picture?”

“Oh, right.” She adjusts the camera around her neck. “I won’t show it to anyone but the scholarship people.”

“And if I say no?”

“Then I guess your lovely ex-girlfriend Cassy Carlson would love to see it.”

How does she know about me and Cassy already? “You can’t be serious.”

“I am.” She folds her arms across her chest. “So? Will you do it?”

If she puts it that way, I really don’t have a choice. Besides, money is nice. “This isn’t gonna take a lot of time, is it?”

She shakes her head. “It shouldn’t. So, it’s a deal, right?”

I hesitate; the frogs in my stomach seem to have died for now. My throat, however, continues torturing me. I cough. “Seven hundred thirty dollars?”

She shrugs. “If you want. I think it’s worth it. I’d do it if I were you.”

“Mm-hmm.” Should I? It’s not like I have anything better to do. But do I really want some chick taking pictures of me every day? I should tell her to get lost and suck a dick. That might knock the smile off her face. But if I take her up on it, I’ll have some money for a drum set.

“Max?” She waves a hand in front of my face. “Yes or no?”

This is gonna be a long year. “Fine. I’ll do it. But only because you’re paying me.” And Cassy doesn’t need to see a picture of me hung-over and pissing in bushes.

Her forehead creases. “Are you sure? Don’t commit if you’re not going to cooperate.”

“I said yes, okay?” Great. I’m already regretting this. “Just stop bothering me.”

Melly grins as if she’s just been declared homecoming queen. “Awesome! Thanks, Max!”

“Yeah, whatever.” I stand. The frogs resurrect their leaping contest, and I steady myself on a nearby bench. Cassy and I used to come here and make out a lot: a private world in a public place. “Have fun with your project. Use me as little as possible.”

“Of course.” She twirls some hair around her finger. “So, when are we meeting tomorrow?”

She can’t be serious. “Huh?”

“Well, I need a picture for every day of the year. That means I need you tomorrow too.”

What have I gotten myself into? “Can we just come here tomorrow?”

She nods. “Sounds good to me. I’ll see you here at ten. Don’t forget to come.”

Hmph. “And if I do?”

“Your loss.” She shoves her hands into her pockets. “I’m not paying you until this time next year.”

“Fine.” This has been enough perkiness for a day. She smiles enough for both of us. “Well, I’m gonna go now. Guess I’ll see you here tomorrow.”

She smirks. “You better.” She steps even closer, smile widening. “Try to be a little nicer though, okay? Also, I’d appreciate it if you were sober tomorrow. Just saying.” She tilts her head and narrows her eyes. “Looks like you had fun last night. Nice shirt.”

“Fun?” I chuckle without humor. “Sure, if that’s what you want to think.”

She frowns. “What happened last night?”

What did happen? “Shit.”

“Oh.” She raises an eyebrow. “What kind?”

“Nothing.” Who cares that my girlfriend dumped me less than a day before our anniversary? Who cares that I caught her making out with my supposed best friend only five minutes later? No one. No one’s ever cared. And no one ever will.

“Fine. Don’t tell me. See you tomorrow.”

With that, she walks away. Finally. I shake my head and check my phone. It’s about noon. Time to go home. I don’t want to be there either. But it beats being photographed by random strangers, even if I’m getting paid.

I still need a drink. There’s a fountain across the street. Even from here, it looks rusty. I’m about halfway across when a horn blares and brakes screech. I dive forward, glancing behind me to see a car’s bumper. One of the front wheels is inches from my shoe, another almost planting into a tree. I crawl across the street, peering at the window. A middle-aged driver flips me off. The horn’s blare is like a dozen hammers slamming into my skull. I laugh, almost wishing he’d hit me. Almost. He shakes his head and drives off. My stomach churns again. For a moment, I think vomit will burst out of my throat, but I force it back. I pant as I glance around me, then brace my hands on the ground and stand slowly.

Blood roars in my ears as my heart pounds. That was close. Okay. It’s official. My New Year’s resolution is to not let that happen a second time. For now, I’m getting my ass home.

AUTHOR BIO:

Jelsa Mepsey writes young adult contemporary romance fiction, drawing inspiration from daily life. With her work, she is dedicated to spurring people to think about what they have taken for granted and to shed light on the issues people avoid talking about. As an Asian-American in her 20s, she is excited to explore more of the human experience as she herself journeys through life. Writing, rock climbing 5.12 routes, and playing various instruments have resulted in the formation of many calluses on her hands over the years. When not engaging in her previously mentioned hobbies, Jelsa can be found at her local library with a stack of at least ten books, naming her various pens, or staring at her dog Waffles for inspiration.

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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Lost in Geeklandia by E.J. Russel (@EJ_Russel) #Romance #Review

Lost In Geeklandia (Entangled: Select Contemporary)
by E.J. Russell
Genre: Romance
Pub Date: September 28, 2015

My Rating:


She has 30 days to turn her enemy into her boyfriend...

Introverted computer engineer Charlie Forrester has coded an algorithm for love, a nearly flawless matchmaking program. But then she's challenged to prove its accuracy - on herself. With her dream job on the line, Charlie has thirty days to forge a romantic relationship with her "perfect" match...her ex-friend and now-nemesis, Daniel Shawn. Since her dating experience is expressed in binary, she'll need more than flirting lessons and a wardrobe overhaul to pull it off.

After falling victim to the same online matchmaking con he was investigating, reporter Daniel Shawn's professional reputation went up in flames. Now he suspects someone has rebooted the scam, and he's determined to expose the fraud and rebuild his career. Unfortunately, his efforts to get back in the game get sidetracked by Charlie and her adorable geekitude, even though she seems to know a little too much about digital dating for Daniel's comfort.

And when fake romance crosses into real chemistry, Charlie's formula for love might just be the perfect formula for disaster...
Goodreads

DISCLAIMER: I received a review copy of this book (via NetGalley) in exchange for an honest review.

Characters/Plot: The main female character is Charlie. As the synopsis states, she is a computer engineer, and she is dared to prove her matchmaking flawlessness on herself. The glitch in the deal is that she must try and use her skills on someone whom she has chosen to loathe, Daniel. Because they have a history ( a friendship-py history) Charlie finds it to be quite a task. Sparks fly, chemistry builds. Its your typical good read.

My Honest Opinions/Thoughts: I am usually a fairly quick reader, but for some odd reason, it took me a couple weeks to get into this book. I was thrown off at the beginning because I was slightly confused with the character and it took a while for the plot to pick up. I was intrigued to read this book because it is from Entangled Publishing, and I have loved the majority of their books thus far. The second thing that caught my attention was the cover. I liked the splash of color over the tech background, and of course the couple on the front.  I must say that though I fairly liked this book, I probably won't check out the author's other work(s). Not hating, but its not my thing. 

I gave this book 4 of 5 stars because it was intriguing, I liked the overall storyline, in spite of the slow build up. But don't count on my opinion to influence your reaction to this book. Your reading experience might be different from mine, so I challenge you to see for yourself.

About the Author
E.J. Russell writes romance in a rainbow of flavors — from M/F stories grounded in absurd contemporary reality to M/M tales splashed with the supernatural — but you can be sure that while the couple makes their way to HEA, they’ll never stray too far into the dark.

Goodreads | Website | Twitter | Facebook

Queen of Always (Stolen Empire Book 3) by Sherry D. Ficklin @authorsherry #BookBlitz #Giveaway

Queen of Always by Sherry D. Ficklin 

(Stolen Empire #3) 

Published by: Clean Teen Publishing

Publication date: September 15th 2015

Genres: Historical, Young Adult

Synopsis:

LONG LIVE THE QUEEN

If her time at court has taught Catherine anything, it’s that there is no room for weakness in Imperial Russia. With the Empress’ health failing and rumors of a change in the line of succession, her place in the royal line is once more in jeopardy. Tormented by her sadistic husband and his venomous mistress, Catherine must once more walk the fine line between pleasure and politics—between scandal and survival.

When her young son becomes the target of those rebelling against Peter’s reign, Catherine will have to rise up to protect herself, her child, and her nation from his unstable and potentially catastrophic rule. This means putting herself at odds with the most dangerous man she’s ever known, trusting those who once proved to be her enemies, and turning a nation against its sovereign. In the ultimate battle for the crown, new alliances will be forged, loyalties will be tested, and blood will be shed.

Don’t miss this breathtaking conclusion to the Stolen Empire series!

Queen of Always is a YA historical fiction based on the life of young Catherine the Great. Fans of the hit TV show REIGN will devour this scandalous glimpse into the life of one of the most dynamic women in history.

Goodreads | Amazon | Barns&Noble

Exclusive Excerpt:

Once everyone has filed in, Peter stands.

“I have gathered you together to witness a momentous occasion.” The crowd hushes. “This week, my son and heir was taken by those who would seek to destabilize our beloved country. Those men have been executed. But before their deaths, it was discovered that one of them had ties to Danish court.”

I watch on in horror as his eyes lock on to Alexander in the crowd. “While I cannot prove he was acting on orders from Danish court, I have decided that a show of force is necessary. And so this week, I am dispatching troops to Demark. We will take the country and any who oppose us will be razed to the ground.” He lifts a glass as if to toast, but the room is silent. I stand, leaning over and whispering.

“Peter, you can’t declare war on Denmark with no evidence. They are our ally, if you attack them unprovoked—“

I don’t get to finish my thought. His hand shoots out, slapping me in the face so hard I pitch forward and roll down the small staircase.

My ears are still ringing when he slowly climbs down and takes a handful of my hair in his fist, lifting me to my feet.

“There may be some of you who question my decisions. But I am sovereign Russia. This country, and everyone in it, belong to me. I decide who we will be at war with and I will decide who to call my wife.”

He’s shouting, spittle flying from his mouth as he takes two steps forward, dragging me with him. When he finally releases me, I stumble but manage to keep my feet under me.

“George, take her to the cells!”

I blink, steeling myself to be taken into custody. But to my surprise, George doesn’t move. He simply lowers his head.

“Mikahil!” Peter yells, looking for support from his oldest friend. Mikhail rushes to Peter’s side and whispers furiously. Peter waves him off in an angry fit.

“Guards, take her!” he orders. Two guards near the rear door move, only to be met with a line of Nobles blocking their path. My own guards rush in, swords drawn, and circle me.

I can feel the rage radiating off Peter in waves. Straightening myself I hold up my hands.

“No, please. Let them through.” Then to Grigori, “Let them take me, that is my command.”

Reluctantly the Nobles step aside, and my guards retreat. But before his guards can touch me Peter screams and they freeze.

“No! You will not obey her. You will obey me!”

For a long moment no one moves. Battle lines have been drawn and it’s as if the entire assembly might erupt into a bloody massacre right here in open court. My breath is coming too fast, I realize, forcing myself to still against the rising panic. Unsure what else to do to defuse the situation I turn to Peter and curtsey deeply.

“Yes, we will obey our king!” I say, my voice as steady as I can make it. Around me, others do the same, some even dropping to one knee.

Finally, Peter takes a deep breath, seeming to calm. But it’s a menacing sound, one I know all too well, and goosebumps break out across my skin. It’s the sound the wind makes before it blows, the sound of waves an instant before they crash to the shore. The sound of inevitability. While I realize that nothing can stop him now, I know I must try anyway, I must try to contain the damage.

“Punish me, if you will, but leave the others. It was only their deep sense of chivalry that drove them to defend me, nothing more,” I plead.

The side of his mouth curls up as Peter nods.

“Yes, you must be punished. You publically challenged my authority and your punishment will be equally public.”

I swallow hard. A flogging, if I’m lucky. Or perhaps simply a few days in the stockade. He will punish me, but he will not kill me, not even for this. I sag, a moment of relief washing over me, but he sees it, and in his eyes, I see something change.

Moving slowly across the room he grabs a crystal flask of liquid, each step, each gesture exaggerated like a court fool might. When he moves back to me, he holds it close enough for me to smell, swirling the clear liquid inside. Vodka? My confusion lasts only a moment.

Slowly he begins pouring it down my shoulders, into my hair, and down my white feathered gown. The liquid is cold against my hot flesh, soaking into my heavy damask gown. The heavy odor fills my lungs, making each breath sting. Around me people watch, looks of shock and horror etched onto their faces. I find Sergei in the crowd and hold his gaze. His blue-green eyes are narrow, his hand hovering inches above the long knife attached to his waistcoat. I shake my head, imperceptibly, and he blinks, still not relaxing. He’s trying to decide if he’s going to come to my rescue, but I know that if he does, Peter will kill us both. His jaw clenches, but finally, he drops his hand. I feel myself relax, just a bit, as Peter begins speaking again, drawing my attention to his face. He’s excited, like a child about to play his favorite game. It’s then that the real fear hits me.

“My Aunt didn’t believe in executing her enemies. She understood that death was a privilege, that there were far worse things.” He pauses, sweeping the room with a glance. “Let me be very clear. I will not tolerate any disloyalty.” He replaces the now empty flask on the tray and picks a lit candle from the nearby candelabra. I hold his gaze as he walks slowly toward me, each footstep echoing in the deathly still room. The pulse beats in my ears so loudly it drowns out all other sounds, my heart flutters in my ribcage like a hummingbird. I will not let him see me afraid, I decide, steeling myself. I will not give him the pleasure. I would rather die in flames right now than to let him break me again. I lift my chin, refusing to falter.

Once he’s close enough he leans in close, whispering into my ear.

“I have wanted to do this for a very long time, wife.”

He touches the flame to my gown. All I can do is scream as chaos erupts around me.

Sherry D. Ficklin is a full time writer from Colorado. She can often be found browsing her local bookstore with a large white hot chocolate in one hand and a towering stack of books in the other. That is, unless she's on deadline at which time she, like the Loch Ness monster, is only seen in blurry photographs. She is the author of over a dozen novels ranging from contemporary romance to science fiction. In her spare time she co-hosts the Pop Lit Divas radio show and is a contributor for Fangirlish.com.

You can see more about Sherry and her books at her official website, sherryficklin.com

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