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Showing posts with label tour. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tour. Show all posts

Apr 6, 2013

Review: The Collector by Victoria Scott




He makes good girls...bad.

Dante Walker is flippin’ awesome, and he knows it. His good looks, killer charm, and stellar confidence have made him one of hell’s best—a soul collector. His job is simple: weed through humanity and label those round rears with a big red good or bad stamp. Old Saint Nick gets the good guys, and he gets the fun ones. Bag-and-tag.

Sealing souls is nothing personal. Dante’s an equal-opportunity collector and doesn't want it any other way. But he’ll have to adjust, because Boss Man has given him a new assignment:

Collect Charlie Cooper’s soul within ten days.

Dante doesn't know why Boss Man wants Charlie, nor does he care. This assignment means only one thing to him, and that’s a permanent ticket out of hell. But after Dante meets the quirky Nerd Alert chick he’s come to collect, he realizes this assignment will test his abilities as a collector…and uncover emotions deeply buried.


Ain't no one do bad like I do.



Dante Walker. Those two words have been the object of obsession and anticipation for many months, and now the time is finally here when he is revealed to the world in all his slightly egotistical but oh-so-sexy glory. I'm not a usually a fan of guys who are full of themselves, but Dante is in a league of his own, and let's face it, he's definitely got a few somethings to show off.
I look like a movie star and move like an athlete. That didn't change when I kicked the bucket. It's okay to be jealous, to covet me. It's a delicious sin - tastes like chicken.
But you know how it is with guys like Dante (if there truly is such a thing) ~ all that big personality is usually trick, a mask to cover up something else ~ something he doesn't want to think about, something he doesn't want others to see. Dante goes much deeper than his "I'm-hot-and-I-know-it" persona, and it's that element that makes us love him so much.

Charlie Cooper isn't his typical mission. Just looking at her and you've got to wonder what the heck the devil would want with her soul.
My eyes widen at the sight of her. This is the girl Boss Man is after? She looks like a porcelain doll...beat three times with an ugly stick. I take it all in: glasses, frizzy blond hair, a spray of pimples, and a stick figure so not attractive on a seventeen-year-old-girl.
But as he carries out his job, she surprises him at every turn. Charlie is an innocent, caring, fun, and overly chatty teenager, and there's something about her that gets under Dante's skin, poking and prodding at emotions he thought he'd left behind long ago along with a few new ones he never considered himself.
Second chances - they were never for me. But Charlie, she just gave me one. She just saw something in me. And maybe I can be the thing she sees.
Dante's cockiness and tendency towards bad versus Charlie's generous innocence is fascinating to watch as they bounce off and affect each other to move to actions neither would have expected of themselves.

I loved Victoria Scott's take on demons and angels, the balance between good vs. evil, and how anyone can earn a second chance. Not only that but the concept that beauty is relative, that it is truly defined by who you are. Dante learns that his superficial way of looking at life and death is pretty cheap and that the way he's come to define himself isn't necessarily true. He's not a know-it-all. Go figure. :)

Victoria Scott has created characters that you can carry with you and a story that is as memorable as it is admirable, funny, emotional, and complex. Her witty writing style and ability to weave a novel full of growth, conflict, and hope are just a few of the reasons I will pick up anything she writes in the future.

Five fabulous stars across the board :).


I'm a YA writer represented by Laurie McLean. Author of THE COLLECTOR (Entangled Teen, April 2013) and THE BRIMSTONE BLEED (Scholastic, 2014). I have a master's degree in marketing, and live in Dallas with my husband. When not writing, I can be found munching cotton candy and snuggling obese cats.


Visit Victoria Scott via


OOOO and enter the giveaway!! 

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(P.S. I'm hosting a giveaway as well via the Fool For Books Giveaway Hop ~ Click here to enter!)


Order The Collector

or via Barnes & Noble
& Pre-Order The Liberator
Also, check out past posts that include an excerpt and a playlist for Dante.
AND check out the rest of the tour schedule :).

Get reading guys!! This is one you don't wanna miss!
Happy Reading Everyone :)




Feb 8, 2013

Tour Stop: Persistence of Vision by Liesel Hill

Musings on Fantasia



In a world where collective hives are enslaving the population and individuals have been hunted to the verge of extinction, Maggie Harper, and independent 21st Century woman, must find the strength to preserve the freedom of the future, but without the aid of her memories.

After experiencing a traumatic time loss, Maggie is plagued by a barrage of images she can't explain. When she's attacked by a creep with a spider's web tattoo, she is saved by Marcus, a man she's never met, but somehow remembers. He tells her that both he and her creepy attacker are from a future in which individuals are being murdered by collectives, and Marcus is part of the rebellion. The collectives have acquired time travel and they plan to enslave the human race throughout all of history. The flashes Maggie has been seeing are echoes of lost memories, and the information buried deep within them is instrumental in defeating the collective hives.

In order to preserve the individuality of mankind, Maggie must try to re-discover stolen memories, re-kindle friendships she has no recollection of, and wade through her feelings for the mysterious Marcus, all while dodging the tattooed assassins the collectives keep sending her way.

If Maggie can't fill the holes in her memory and find the answers to stop the collectives, the world both in her time and in all ages past and future will be doomed to enslavement in the grey, mediocre collectives. As the danger swirls around her and the collectives close in, Maggie realizes she must make a choice: stand out or fade away...


Woah... I'm totally.. uh... I guess mind blown would be the accurate description...

Maggie has a pretty normal life. Except for that whole 12 hour time period in Vegas that she can't remember. They say "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas," but this is ridiculous. The last thing she can remember previous to waking up in a strange hotel room with weird scars was having a drink with her brother. And he wakes up right next to her with sudden scars of his own. Her brother, Jonah, moves on easily enough, but there's something about that creepy experience that Maggie just can't let go. It's as if she left a piece of herself behind, and it's jumbled somewhere in the memory of that 12 hour period that she just can't do anything to recollect.

I love the way this book begins. Maggie sees this familiar stranger, she has drink with her brother and BAM... everything's a mess. You gotta take it on faith that you'll figure out what's going on at first, because lemme tell ya, I was a little lost... but that's the whole point. You learn with Maggie, and since she has no clue, neither do you. It's awesome figuring out how the puzzle fits together through her eyes.   You can guess all you want, but I'm pretty sure it'll still blow your mind. This may seem like a slow introduction to the core of this novel, but I promise, it's pretty fast paced. Before you know it, you're diving right in.

Maggie is a great heroine. She's strong, curious, determined, stubborn, and she takes nothing at face value. Marcus, Mr. Lover Boy, is sweet and patient, and while I suspect that there might be something going on between him and Maggie, he doesn't push it, allowing her to come to her own resolutions about the loss of her memories. He becomes her rock, her friend, her comfort, and who knows what will happen in the future ;). If only there were more Marcuses in the world.

Karl was my favorite. He's like this big teddy bear you just want to curl up with and squeeze. Not in a creepy, invasive way, of course ~ he's just so friggin' CUTE. He's the comic relief in this novel filled with life and death situations, scientific explanations, and the awkward and painful emotions everyone seems to be feeling at any given time. It's a tough world they live in, what with people trying to control their minds, but Karl is all grace and smiles.

Doc had me trusting him at first, but there's so much he doesn't say. Every time they have a "team meeting" he tries to hide something, and after a while one tends to get a bit suspicious. There's a lot going on that Doc knows and isn't telling, even still after reading the first novel, and I'm curious to discover how big of a role he really has to play in the twists and turns of this story.

David captured my curiosity more than any other character. He ripped himself away from the "collective," a place where people are more like drones than individuals.
A person was never alone with his or her own thoughts in a collective.
He has a difficult time forming thoughts and opinions and even words on his own, so it's interesting to see him become his own person.
Strange, to come to a conclusion on one's own without anyone else's input.
I will mention Jonah too... As I think there's a lot more to his story. You almost forget about him in the novel, but he's brought back to life a few times and it leaves you wondering. I hope, hope, hope we learn more about his experiences.

As for the rest of them.... I dunno, I wish there was more. I wouldn't say they are forgettable, I just think we need more time to get to know them.

I loved the idea of individualism vs. collectivism. To me, it parallels to the world we live in today. Individualism being those who aren't afraid to be themselves, to stand up for who they are and what they believe. Collectivism being the "crowd" ~ mindless drones who follow the trend, giving no thought to how they really feel about it.

It's interesting seeing these two groups side by side and how different they are. We can see both sides to the argument, which is... I came to the conclusion that there is both a different kind of beauty and danger for each.

David, who lived both as an individualist and a collectivist, struggles with his decision to rip himself away from the "collective." For him, collectivism is:
Just easier. There are always others...to share pain and...life with. No loneliness, no uncertainty, no vulnerability. ... People ought to be equal.
Maggie, and individualist, believes,
People ought to be treated equally and given equal opportunities, but no two people are exactly alike. They exude their own kind of beauty - strong in some areas, weak in others, and just as beautiful for their weaknesses as for their strengths.
It's a pretty real concept that we could relate to in our own lives. I mean which do you choose? Painless and certain or being able to feel what's yours, both good and bad.

But Hill doesn't stop there. O yeah, there's a lot more. I mentioned scientific explanations, and this book is stuffed full, but it's not so technical as to be way over your head. It all feels far fetched at the same time that it seems logical, and that's just the work of an author who did a lot of research... I was never confused or perplexed by the scientific and theoretical concepts brought to life in this novel. I won't give anything away, but there is some pretty cool "mind" abilities that would be awesome to have.

All in all, I would definitely recommend this novel, especially to those who love Sci-Fi or books that revolve around what it means to be human. It's incredible and there are just so many ways that this story could unfold.

4/5 Stars!!

****
PLEASE visit Liesel Hill via




Happy Reading Everyone :)


~ Keely ~


Feb 1, 2013

Tour Stop ~ Review + Giveaway: Oxford Whispers by Marion Croslydon



Madison LeBon is dead set against the dead. 

Her fresh start at Oxford University is a brand new beginning. She finally has a chance to turn the page on her psychic powers and cumbersome voodoo heritage. Snakes, dolls, ghosts, and spirits: Farewell…

Not quite.

When the tragic lovers in a painting—the subject of her first history class—begin to haunt her, she must accept her gift before life imitates art. The lovers warn her against their own nemesis, a Puritan from the English Civil War. Unfortunately, said nemesis is now going all homicidal on Madison. 

College becomes more complicated when she falls hard for Rupert Vance, a troubled aristocrat and descendant of one of the characters in the painting. With the spirit of a murderer after her, Madison realizes that her own first love may also be doomed…


So you know a book is good when you finish it with tears in your eyes. Geezum.. I'm still reeling from the emotional roller-coaster that is Madison and Rupert.

Madison is this quirky, shy, intelligent young woman who tries, with every accomplishment, to outmaneuver who she is meant to be. She's in Oxford, a place she believes will be her savior, but she soon discovers that it might be the very thing that shatters all her plans for a normal life.

I love her odd sense of humor ~ something I can totally relate to. She's a little feisty even if she's unsure of herself. She loves unconditionally, whether it be her friends or the man who claims her heart. Madison does everything she can to bear her own burdens without affecting or inconveniencing anyone else. I think this quality is both a strength and a weakness. She doesn't want to cause trouble for those she loves, but she also hurts them by pushing them away ~ she has a difficult time believing that people would actually want to be there for her. Her insecurities get in the way of the truth of things ~ especially when it comes to Rupert.

I'm not really a fan of his name, but I really fell in love with Rupert. He's the bad boy turned good through love, which could be called a cliche, but I'm totally fine with that when it comes to him. He's the typical rich hottie: he parties too much, gets whatever girl he wants, and has daddy issues.
The guy probably bought a new boat each time his other one got wet.
But he's also afraid and carries a tremendous guilt that he'd like nothing more than to bury. He wants to be better and deserving, but nothing moves him to action until Madison throws a wrench in his broody, superficial life.


Rupert's theme song....


There relationship is nothing short of electrical. Thank goodness there's no insta-love in sight, but there is an instant attraction that is as believable as it is hilarious.
He's hotter than the hinges on the gates of hell.
Madison tells Rupert exactly how she sees him: a snobby, pain-in-the-ass who gets everything handed to him. He finds this amusing, especially because she's not drooling over him like every other female in a fifty-mile radius. Props to Madison. But as attracted as they are to one another, they have a pretty rocky start due to the two different worlds they've grown up in and their massive cases of insecurity.
Attractive or not, Madison Lebon wasn't for Rupert. Even if he tried to be a better man, he wouldn't ever be enough for her. He wasn't even sure he could commit to her the way a girl like that deserved to. She was not for him.
They definitely have their ups and downs ~ it's frustrating, heartbreaking, and nail-bitingly hopeful... I lost count of how many times my heart skipped a beat...

Honestly, I could go on and on about their relationship, but there's a heck of a lot more to the story. Madison has an ancestry that follows her around, and because of this, she sees and does things that others would deny are even possible. She's an old soul, and while that's a familiar term, in this case, it's quite literal.

She's forced to deal with a tragic love story that has gone unresolved for centuries, and it needs to end with her. We get flashed back to the past that is in relation to the present, raising ghosts and emotions that Madison can't explain. This novel is just saturated in history, all revolving around a single painting and the tragic story that stems from it. As an art history graduate, I was entranced.

And the twist... I kept trying to figure out who the bad guy actually was. And I guessed wrong about three times. Totally didn't see that coming.

You want love? You got it. Mystery? Loaded. Danger? Totally. History? It's everywhere. Thrills? You won't be disappointed.

If you can't tell, I'd highly recommend Oxford Whispers. (Keep scrolling for a chance to win a copy all to yourself *(:*)

5/5 stars :)

*****
Visit Marion Croslydon via


Favorite Quotes

Please God, keep this dress below my panty line.
Surely there was an expiration date on vengeance, even for ghosts. 
Bad boys were so not advisable for virgins. Whatever they wrote in romance novels. 
But in the words of her mother, Lebon women always held their heads high and their ninnies even higher. 
Engaging in coversation felt like climbing Everest. Barefoot. In a bikini. 
"Madison Lebon, there's only one place for you in my life, and it's in the front row." 

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Happy Reading Everyone :)


~ Keely ~

Jan 31, 2013

Tour Stop ~ Review: Indigo Awakening by Jordan Dane



Because of what you are, the Believers will hunt you down.

Voices told Lucas Darby to run. Voices no one else can hear. He’s warned his sister not to look for him, but Rayne refuses to let her troubled brother vanish on the streets of LA. In her desperate search, she meets Gabriel Stewart, a runaway with mysterious powers and far too many secrets. Rayne can’t explain her crazy need to trust the strange yet compelling boy—to touch him—to protect him even though he scares her.

A fanatical church secretly hunts psychic kids—gifted “Indigo” teens feared to be the next evolution of mankind—for reasons only “the Believers” know. Now Rayne’s only hope is Gabe, who is haunted by an awakening power—a force darker than either of them imagine—that could doom them all.


Rayne Darby has had a pretty rough go of things in her seventeen years. She's lost her parents; her sister, Mia, is a snobbish control freak; and her brother, Lucas, has been committed to the looney bin. She's alone, with the exception of her pet iguana, Floyd, and she suffers some massive guilt over the fact that her family has fallen apart. It's only until that fateful night that she goes in search of Lucas, who had escaped from his medical prison, that she meets Gabriel and things begin to change ~ for better and for worse. 

Indigo Awakening is a dark, mysterious, and rather intense read. It draws a connection between what we would consider the paranormal and the science of evolution. It's interesting and unique because we automatically assume that beings with extraordinary powers are fiction, but what if the human mind evolved? There is a myth that we humans only use 10% of our brain power. What if that were true, and we grew to use our brains in their entire capacity? According to Jordan Dane, you'd get Indigos. 
Supposedly Indigo kids had high IQs and were the next evolution of mankind with their special gifts.
But of course, when you have something that folks don't understand, there tends to be aggression. In this case, there's a church ~ a group that others may hesitate to question ~ that plays the role of a coverup for what's really going on. They collect Indigos, do some research and probing, and then discard whatever's left. They are afraid of what they do not know, and this begins a silent war between the "church" and the future of humanity.

Indigo Awakening is reminiscent of X-Men, but it's got its own unique flair. There are connections to the dead, psychic visions, mental bonds, and the fact that these kids are pretty much on their own ~ they live in underground tunnels and constantly live in suspense that they will be found out. 

There are so many characters to fall in love with in this novel ~ although it is difficult to determine which is the focus. The multiple POVs were a little confusing and distanced the characters from the reader. It felt like we were just skimming over the surface, and as soon as it started digging deep, we were switched over to another character's story. There is never a dull moment in this story, but there is so much going on, that it can be difficult to stay connected to everyone. 

BUT the characters do feel genuine and there are some dynamics totally worth mentioning. I adored Rafe and Benny's relationship. Rafe, this bad dude with a rap sheet, wants to be better because of this little boy he considers to be the younger brother he never had. They take care of each other. Kendra, the leader of the group, felt like one of the more dominant characters, but I'm not sure if I like her or not. I admire her strength and wisdom, and while she wants to save everyone, I feel like she's blind and inconsiderate of those closest to her (*ahem* like Rafe, a sweety she obviously loves but won't admit to it). Lucas ~ well... he just plays the role of the domino that starts the whole effect. 

Then we have Gabriel and Rayne. If I had to choose who the main character is of Indigo Awakening, I'd probably pick Gabriel. Like all the young people in this book, Gabriel has a pretty heart-breaking past, something Rayne helps him come to terms with. They meet when Rayne finds herself in trouble, and Gabriel scares her just as much as he piques her interest.
She didn't know anything about him, except that he had a thing for rain, knew how to lie, could spontaneously combust and was a real party animal.
He looked normal - sort of - if she didn't  count his Pied Piper bat entourage and the fact that she could roast marshallows on him.
I really loved Rayne's voice, and I'm a little bummed that we didn't get more of it in this novel. She starts out as the strongest character and then kinda fades into the background. I'm hopin' we get more of her in future novels.

The relationship between Gabriel and Rayne was... Sorry guys, it was totally insta-love. *cringe* For a badass girl who emancipated herself, has a pet iguana, and rides a Harley, I had hoped Rayne would live up to her image, but she immediately went soft and gooey under the gaze of Gabriel's eyes. *sigh* I love a little love, but it felt rushed.

But ya know, even with the insta-love, I found myself rooting for Gabriel and Rayne, their cause, and the group that they've become a significant part of. They have a battle to fight, and hopefully win, and while their spirits falter and they doubt themselves sometimes, together they are discovering that they are stronger than they could have ever imagined.

All in all guys, I'd recommend this one. It's totally action packed, loaded with mystery and unique questions, got a hint of romance, and ultimately it raises the issue of accepting yourself no matter what and fighting for the right to be who you are.

4/5 stars :)

****
Visit Jordan Dane via

Get a copy of Indigo Awakening via
Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble

AND keep scrolling for the GIVEAWAY!


Favorite Quotes

She needed the distraction of being in a crowd with a drool-worthy boy buffet on stage, guys who knew how to dish out a heaping side of decibels.
Sometimes it did her good to picture Miss Perfect Mia with a ripe zit - ready to harvest - in the middle of her forehead.
Now or never, she flipped onto her belly and backed her way out of the vent shaft. She hoped she looked like a beautiful butterfly emerging from its cocoon, but more than likely, she resembled raw bratwurst being squished into a sausage.
He could've stayed there, watching her sleep, but that would only be torture over a life he could never have. 
The man's eyes bugged out like a pug on meth.
She could be strong one minute but need him the next. He liked that.



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Bestselling, critically-acclaimed author Jordan Dane’s gritty romantic thrillers are ripped from the headlines with vivid settings, intrigue, and dark humor. Publishers Weekly compared her intense novels to Lisa Jackson, Lisa Gardner, and Tami Hoag, naming her debut novel NO ONE HEARD HER SCREAM as Best Books of 2008. She also pens young-adult novels for Harlequin Teen. Formerly an energy sales manager, she now writes full time. Jordan and her husband share their Texas residence with two cats of highborn lineage and two lucky rescue dogs.




Happy Reading Everyone :)


~ Keely ~

Jan 13, 2013

Blog Tour Stop: Review ~ Inescapable by Amy Bartol

My name is Evie Claremont and this was to be the making of me--my freshman year of college. I had been hoping that once I had arrived on Crestwood's campus, the nightmare that I've been having would go away. It hasn't.

I may be an inexperienced seventeen-year-old, but I'm grounded...sane. Since meeting sophomore Reed Wellington, however, nothing makes any sense. Whenever he is near, I feel an attraction to him--a magnetic kind of force pulling me towards him. I know what you're thinking...that sounds fairly awesome. Yeah, it would--if he liked me, but Reed acts as if I'm the worst thing that's ever happened to Crestwood...or him. But, get this, for some reason every time I turn around he's there, barging into my life.

What is the secret he is keeping from me? I'm hoping that it is anything but what I expect: that he is not exactly normal...and neither am I. So maybe Crestwood won't be the making of me, but it could be the breaking of me. I have been left to wonder if the dark future my dream is foretelling is...inescapable.


Don't stress, I tell myself while taking a deep breath. This will be the making of you. Everything will be fine. 

 Oh, Evie. If you only you knew how right you were. The story opens up with Evie moving in to her new dorm at Crestwood, away from everything and everyone she knows ~ her parental Uncle Jim in particular. She's a little anxious, and it's no wonder with the nightmares that keep her up at night. Will this be a fresh start? Will this next chapter in her life put the dark dreams behind her?

Meeting Reed Wellington kind of puts a damper on those hopes. He's a bit controlling, definitely pushy, and there's something about Evie that gets his panties in a twist to the point that he wants her gone ~ as in leaving school and throwing away her scholarship. What on earth did she ever do to Mr. Perfect to make him treat her like some kind of plague?

What's up with hotness? I wonder. He looks like someone definitely broke his crayons.

Evie's pretty stubborn though, and her charisma allows her to make friends easily. Even, eventually, when it comes to Reed. I love Evie. She's smart, witty, strong, hilarious, and she always wants to do the right thing. She's not perfect and she gets confused with the battle between her mind and heart, but her intentions tend to lean on the side of good. She knows there's something different about her, and after spending time with Reed, she begins to suspect that he might have some answers.

If she wants to experience what it would be like to pull some teeth, that is. Reed is a vague creature, unwilling to simply hand over everything Evie wants to know. Most of what he does tell her comes without much explanation. Vague at best. Which is probably the only problem that I had with the novel. Evie just falls into the little information that Reed tells her, believing him without any real objections or skepticism. I don't know about you, but I would be freaking out if I knew I was in imminent and fatal danger, and I would be demanding to know what the heck it was about me that would cause such a situation to arise. Evie just kinda goes with the flow; worrying, fearing, but never really asking why or how this has begun to happen to her.

On the other hand, maybe she never really wanted to know. She says herself that she was in denial, and maybe that's what it was all about ~ ignore it and maybe it'll go away. She's afraid, but even in her rocky relationship with Reed, she knows he'll keep her safe.

Evie and Reed's relationship is... interesting. It's like two magnets of opposing poles being drawn together. There attraction is sudden and consistent, like they have no control, even when they aren't together. Poor Russell, the enigmatic football player who befriends Evie from day one. He never stood a chance. Or did he? Time will tell. I know love triangles are overdone, for the most part, but I don't feel like this one follows the rules of the typical tug-of-war. It's different, and while I'm quite certain Evie knows what's in her heart, I'm really not sure what's going to happen.

"Red, I know ya don't know much about men, but seein' ya there like that, it just hits ya and ya start thankin' God that there is such beauty in the world and that yer lucky enough to have seen it." ~ Russell

Russell's my favorite by the way ~ southern boy charm mixed together with the biggest heart you've ever seen. Love him to pieces.

Another little side note: I love the way Amy Bartol wrote each character. They are all so distinct and believable in their personalities. The angels, who's lives have spanned for eternity, are obviously a little old fashioned in their dialogue and sense of humor. Buns and Brownie had their own little quirks when they speak and Russell... well, you could just hear the southern twang in your head as you read him. As a character-driven reader, I couldn't ask for more than the depth and dynamic attributes of these characters.

The story itself is freakin' awesome. So many different elements are brought together to create a very unique story that includes angels, reapers, demons, wars, hybrids, soul-mates, ghosts... It's incredible and just flows effortlessly. And the twists? Usually I can predict or at least have a suspicion of what might happen, but not in Inescapable. I didn't see that one coming.

All in all ~ Fabulous book that would highly recommend :) Four out of five stars!!!

****
Visit Amy Bartol via




Happy Reading Everyone :)


~ Keely ~




Dec 20, 2012

WInterHaven Sleigh Tour



Only five more days until Christmas! And the countdown begins... In celebration, Realms of an Open Mind has joined up with the WinterHaven Sleigh Tour hosted by WinterHaven Books. This week is all about childhood memories ~ what are our favorite children's christmas stories?

This was easy for me. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Everyone knows the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his famous "Bah Humbugs." His image was recently capture by the spectacularly hilarious Jim Carrey in Disney's most current rendition of the story.

There are more than enough movies to fill your day with this classic tale, but they all tell the same tale, courtesy of Dickens. It's a bit of a spooky Christmas story, especially when you're a child, with heartless old men, rattling ghosts, and the image of a lonely death looming in the not-too-far distance.


I think I loved the paranormal aspect of this book ~ not only that, but the way it's portrayed. These spirits scare Ebenezer back to humanity, making him remember his past, showing him the truth of the present he has chosen to ignore, and giving him a glimpse of his dark and devastating future. He goes from one of the worst men in town to someone joyously unrecognizable ~ all in the Christmas spirit :). It's a happy ending, but the journey to get to that point was emotional, and Ebenezer had to face more than a few of those demons lurking around in his crippled soul.

I'm sure many of you have read the book, but you should also check out the newest film version. It's amazing and absolutely something fun to share with your family.



ALSO, as part of The Magic of Christmas, WinterHaven Books is hosting a give-away that will include a Children's or YA book bundle to be shipped to an elementary school or library of the winner's choosing. The winner will be offered a few options and they can choose what bundle and location to ship to within the United States. Awesome, right?  Good luck and happy holidays!

(P.S. Swing on over to WinterHaven Sleigh Tour to see who else is along for the ride...)


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Happy Reading Everyone :)


~ Keely ~

Dec 9, 2012

Review: The Secret of Ella and Micha



Ella and Micha have been best friends since they were kids. But one tragic night shatters their friendship and their lives forever.

Ella used to be a rule-breaker with fiery attitude who wore her heart on her sleeve. But she left everything behind when she went to college and transformed into someone that follows the rules, keeps everything together, and hides all her problems. But now it's summer break and she has nowhere else to go but home.

Ella fears everything she worked so hard to bury might resurface, especially with Micha living right next door. If Micha tries to tempt the old her back, she knows that it will be hard to resist.

Micha is sexy, smart, confident, and can get under Ella’s skin like no one else can. He knows everything about her, including her darkest secrets. And he’s determined to bring his best friend, and the girl he loves back, no matter what it takes.


I'm a little late in posting this review due to a family emergency ~ so sorry! Honestly, I couldn't wait to spread the word about this book ~ it's so freakin' beautiful :)

Ella is this tough, mouthy, adrenaline-junkie of a girl from a not-so-great-neighborhood. She doesn't take crap from anyone but she also has a heart of gold ~ a combination that caused her best friend, Micha, to fall in love with her. She's wrestling some demons though, and instead of facing them, she runs from them and buries them deep within herself, pretending to be someone else entirely. Ella wears this thick mask, and she's determined not to let anyone see what lies beneath it ... But the thing is, she's never been good at hiding what she's feeling, and Micha can see right through her....

I loved Ella. She's not whiny and helpless, and when she does cry, she's got a damn good reason. She's had to put up with more than any teenager should, but she's stronger than she thinks.

And Micha *swoon* is amazing. He's kinda half bad-boy, half good-guy ~ killer combination. I knew I was a fan of tattoos, but I never thought I'd grin at the idea of a lip ring ;). He's compassionate and gentle with Ella's feelings ~ for the most part ~ but he's also not afraid to say how he feels. Micha's got plenty of issues of his own, but he's willing to face them if that means he'll be stronger for Ella.

Even when Ella's afraid of her feelings for Micha, their relationship is beautiful. It's the one thing that saves them both. It's not possessive or clingy in any way, like so many of the young adult relationships we read about today. Ella and Micha give each other space to think, to process, and to follow their individual dreams. There's a wonderful independence in each of them even as they hold onto each other. They love unconditionally and no amount of distance or time will change that.

I absolutely adored this book and will certainly be reading the next in the series. I read most of it in one sitting, reluctantly putting it down to get back to my life. I would totally recommend :)

Five out of Five stars!





:about the author:



I live in Wyoming with my husband and three kids, where I spend most of my time writing, reading, and hanging out with my family. I’m the author of the Fallen Star Series, the Darkness Falls Series, and the Death Collectors. I also just branched out to the New Adult Contemporary genre with my book, The Secret of Ella and Micha.

Visit Jessica via
Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ GoodReads







Happy Reading Everyone :)


~ Keely ~

Shadow Slayer Tour Stop


Roxie has the best night of her life until the popular kids decide they want to celebrate her birthday in a way Roxie never expects––in her attic, with a gift that’s out of this world, and a pact to never tell a living soul what happens next.

Twelve-year-old Roxie wants to be like Adrianne, the popular girl who gets everything she wants––a flock to prowl around the mall with; invitations to parties; and for Hayden, the cutest guy in the eighth grade to, you know, notice her. When Roxie invites all the eighth grade peacocks (code word : popular kids) to her first ever thirteenth birthday party on Halloween, they all come and give her a gift that’s literally out of this world. Roxie astral projects to Planet Popular where she becomes seventeen instantly and gets everything she’s always wanted, but nothing is as it seems. Being a high school peacock is complicated and Roxie will risk everything to be who she thinks she wants to be. Oh yeah, there’s Prom, doppelgangers, a mysterious map, and lots of bad peacocks too.

Shadows will do anything to become human. You see their influence everyday. You say things you don’t mean or do things that aren’t like you. You look, different. Friends you’ve known forever suddenly never call.

As a freshman, Roxie just wants to fit in which is impossible because she barely runs into her friends at her huge high school. Adrianne’s disappearance and Hayden’s attention rock Roxie’s world. But nothing rocks it like the most gorgeous guy at school, Drew. And nothing is more important to Roxie than astral projecting back to Planet Popular to solve the mystery of the map. But that changes when Drew invites Roxie to Homecoming. Hayden warns her that something’s wrong. Why would a guy like Drew like Roxie anyway? Drew must want something. Hayden’s right. Drew is...different. Planet Popular was just the beginning. Part of a bigger world, the Shadow World. There’s a war brewing between the world of humans and the world of shadows. When the shadow invasion begins at Roxie’s high school, she’ll not only fight for her life but the lives of her family and friends, when she discovers she’s the Shadow Slayer, the one human who can save Earth from the shadow onslaught. But, Roxie can’t even kill a spider. Oh yeah, there’s an evil English teacher, an enchanted play, a sword of Sandonian steel, a homecoming of horrors, and seven magic words too.

These two books are fun and quick to read. Roxie is a typical preteen trying to figure out who she is - she's not quite a child anymore, but she doesn't feel all that grown up. She's constantly worried about her social status, as if every move she makes right now will determine the course of the rest of her life. Ahhh, to be in high school again... Nothing outside of it exists when you're a teenager, and this is something that Roxie struggles with.

In 13 on Halloween, Roxie feels so young. She compares every emotion and personality type to an animal, which feels like another language at first. She tries to convince herself not to care about her popularity, but deep down, all she wants is to be the center of attention. She's constantly at war with herself, not really knowing what she wants - to be independent and carefree or to be popular.

In Shadow Slayer, Roxie matures, and it's nice to see her grow and find more pieces of herself. She still struggles with her self-esteem and is always worrying about what others will see when they look at her. Everything and everyone around her is changing, and at times she feels completely alone. Her best friend has pretty much turned her back on her and dreams of Hayden go up in smoke. Perfect "tens" do exist - the proof lies in Drew, and Roxie even tries out for a play.

But Drew, the hottie who becomes Roxie's perfect-ten boyfriend, is a little too perfect. Could he really just want to be with Roxie or does he have other motives?

After her first few weeks of school, Roxie should have known she wouldn't get the "boring" year she had hoped for. She learns of her true identity, changing not only her Freshman year, but her life forever. The shadows are coming out to play, and it's her responsibility to keep humans safe.

She's got a lot on her plate for a fourteen-year-old. As if starting high school wasn't enough drama to deal with, now Roxie's got the fate of everyone around her in her hands.

At first, I couldn't take Roxie seriously, but she's one of those characters that grows on you. I had to put myself in her shoes and stretch myself back to when I was a freshman in high school and all the emotions that were going through me at the time. Roxie handles herself pretty well.

This is a great series for young adults. Clean, fun, and super action-packed.

Four out of five stars from this reader :)



***Don't forget to enter the giveaway!!***



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:about the author:

I love writing about enchanted road trips, shadow worlds, and alien romance while eating lots of popcorn. I live with my hubby and Oso, our aussie shepherd, in our tree house on the central California coast. After twenty-plus years as a freelance graphic designer/animator with clients including E! Entertainment Television and The Los Angeles Times, I crossed over into the world of publishing non-fiction and followed my heart to the world of fiction. Check out my other books at Laurasmagicday.wordpress.com or find me on Facebook or @Laurawriting!



Buy Shadow Slayer on Amazon
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Happy Reading Everyone :)


~ Keely ~

Oct 28, 2012

Book Tour Stop: Phantom by Laura DeLuca






The “Phantom” was a musical phenomenon that Rebecca had always found enchanting. She had no idea that her life was about to mirror the play that was her obsession. When her high school drama club chooses “Phantom” as their annual production, Rebecca finds herself in the middle of an unlikely love triangle and the target of a sadistic stalker who uses the lines from the play as their calling card.

Rebecca lands the lead role of Christine, the opera diva, and like her character, she is torn between her two co-stars—Tom the surfer and basketball star who plays the lovable hero, and Justyn, the strangely appealing Goth who is more than realistic in the role of the tortured artist.

Almost immediately after casting, strange things start to happen both on and off the stage. Curtains fall. Mirrors are shattered. People are hurt in true phantom style. They all seem like accidents until Rebecca receives notes and phone calls that hint at something more sinister. Is Justyn bringing to life the twisted character of the phantom? Or in real life are the roles of the hero and the villain reversed? Rebecca doesn’t know who to trust, but she knows she’s running out of time as she gets closer and closer to opening night. Only when the mask is stripped away, will the twenty first century phantom finally be revealed.

Ahh, just in time for Halloween... I've always considered The Phantom of the Opera to be one of those classic horror stories that will stand the test of time (and countless remakes). Laura DeLuca offers up a "twenty first century phantom," concocting her own modern twist based on the well-known legend.

Sound good to you? Check out the excerpt below for a bit of a teaser and a look into Laura DeLuca's novel:

“Lord…Justyn?”

It sounded more like a question than an audition call. Miss King looked slightly baffled as she scanned her paperwork and read the last name on her list of male candidates. Once she was certain she had read the name correctly, she called it out once more with a little more confidence. When she received no immediate response, she seemed ready to dismiss the whole thing as a joke. But then a strange black clad figure seemed to materialize in the corner of the stage, and with practiced grace, he moved towards the center of the platform and the waiting microphone.

“That’s Justyn Patko,” Carmen informed Rebecca matter-of-factly. Luckily her best friend was the queen of gossip. “He just moved here this year. From Vegas, I think. He’s in my Calculus class.”

“He’s a little creepy if you ask me,” Debbie whispered.

Creepy he might have been to some, with his black clothes trimmed with silver chains, black hair, and black fingernails. He was obviously Gothic to the core, a fashion statement Rebecca had always thought was secretly a cry for attention. But for Justyn, there seemed no other possibility. She couldn’t imagine the darkly mysterious figure dressed in earth tones or preppy, button-down shirts. They would have clashed with his dark eyes and pale skin. She had seen him in the hallway a few times, but they didn’t share any classes together, so Rebecca had never really taken the time to study him before. Despite his odd style, there was something strangely appealing about Justyn. In his own way, he was just as handsome as Tom.

The orchestra tuned for its virtuoso, and Justyn stood ready. But no one else was ready for the magical performance he began. Beside her, Carmen was rambling on about something mundane. Rebecca elbowed her to silence so she could listen to the perfectly thrilling tenor. As she listened to the song unfold, the world around her started to slip away. Gone was the high school auditorium. Gone were the rowdy teenagers. The Gothic stranger on the stage had become the embodiment of Erik, and Rebecca watched him in all his dark glory, belting out his tormented love through the words of his song. And she was as breathless with wonder as Christine herself must have been when the masked stranger serenaded her in the candlelit labyrinth of the opera house. In that moment, Justyn wasn’t just portraying the phantom. Justyn was the phantom.

“Let the music touch your soul.
Let the darkness make you whole.
Do not fear what is unknown.
Your true path has now been shown.
Listen to the words I sing.
Embrace the peace that night will bring.”

As he continued to sing in his deep but somehow angelic voice, Rebecca found that she couldn’t tear her eyes away from him. With every line, her heart began to beat faster. She truly felt the arms of night wrapping her in a warm embrace. She could almost feel the hands of the phantom glide along her body as the words poured forth. The music caressed her. It possessed her—mind, body and soul. Each word left her longing, yearning for more.

She was gawking so obviously, it was hardly surprising when Justyn felt her eyes on him and steadily met her gaze. She realized her mouth was hanging open in stunned awe, and she quickly snapped it shut. His lips moved into just a small hint of a smile. He never took his eyes off her while he sang the final verse, making her cheeks flush to the point that she felt almost feverish. But it wasn’t embarrassment but excitement, arousal even, which was sending her mind spinning in so many directions.

When the song was over, and Rebecca had recovered just a hint of her composure, she couldn’t help but burst into a healthy round of applause. A few scattered people joined in, including Debbie and Carmen after she nudged them in the ribs. But only Miss King seemed to truly appreciate the brilliance of his talent as much as Rebecca did.

“That was amazing, Justyn!” the teacher gushed.

“Lord Justyn,” he corrected as he stepped down from the stage.

A few others complimented him as well, but he took in all in stride. In fact, his serious expression never faltered as he stepped down from the stage. He seemed almost bored, like it was all he could do to hold back a yawn, despite the smiles and words of encouragement.

But not everyone in the crowd was pleased as Justyn glided down the aisle, so ethereal in his dark garments that he still resonated the spirit of the Opera Ghost. Miss King might have been excited about the newest male addition to her cast after being limited for many years, but Tom and his group of boisterous companions glared at him as he passed them by. Jay sneered and tossed a balled up piece of paper in Justyn’s direction, but the Goth was quick, and caught it in his hand without missing a beat.

“I think you dropped something,” he said.

His speaking voice was no less melodic than his singing voice, but something about his tone made Rebecca shiver. He tossed the paper back at Jay, who was nowhere near as coordinated as Justyn. He practically fell off his seat in his efforts to catch it.

“Hey vampire,” Tom called when Justyn went to walk away. “Are you sure you can handle the competition?”

Justyn smiled, a cool, sarcastic half-smile, and crossed his arms over his chest. “Are you?”

Miss King didn’t notice the short confrontation, and Justyn vanished from the auditorium as quickly and mysteriously as he had appeared. Only Rebecca had noticed the very real tension between the two boys. She wondered if it was a bad omen for them to start off the production with hard feelings and envy. That could only lead to trouble. The kind of trouble that could end with someone getting hurt. The kind of trouble that Rebecca would do whatever it took to avoid.



About Laura DeLuca 

Laura “Luna” DeLuca lives at the beautiful Jersey shore with her husband and four children. She loves writing in the young adult genre because it keeps her young at heart. In addition to writing fiction, Laura is also the sole author of a popular review blog called New Age Mama. She is an active member of her local pagan community, and has been studying Wicca for close to eight years. Visit her on her websites at http://authorlauradeluca.blogspot.com or http://newagemama.blogspot.com .


Or visit her via




Purchase Phantom



Happy Reading Everyone :)


~ Keely ~

Oct 21, 2012

Book Tour: Review and Giveaway: Taking on the Dead by Annie Walls


Life for Kansas was perfect until the day the world changed.

She has been hiding out for four years in solitude. It's the only way to survive. The only way not to draw the living dead. Helping a small group of people, she learns the new world might not be what she assumes. Venturing out of her refuge and comfort zone, she meets Rudy, who helps her find a greater purpose. She realizes that the world has moved on without her. Only it's not what she expects. Her knowledge of the living dead grows and only makes her more curious as humanity continues to hang on by a thread. While on her search for answers she finds comfort in new friendships and love, but her past seems as if it will haunt her forever. 

Kansas takes it upon herself to help other survivors, which would be easy if the famished were the only obstacles.

In a trilogy plot thick with twists and turns, this adult dark fantasy is emotional as much as it is horrifyingly gripping.

*Not intended for a young audience. Mature content.*


A world full of zombies would be difficult to live in. A world full of crazy people in a world full of zombies is even harder. There's no government, no real law, nothing to keep people from revealing their true selves ~ in both good and bad ways. You've got your religious cults that kidnap women, your monarchist-style mad scientists that think they can destroy and run the world, and then you have Kansas and the rat pack.

Kansas City Sunshine Moore is a complete badass. She's my new favorite heroine. Her strength and resilience in a world gone to crap never ceases to astound me throughout this book. She survives losing everyone she's ever loved, cooking her own food, slashing zombies, and creating a safe haven for herself. She's afraid, but she doesn't let her fear control her ~ nor does she allow solitude to drive her mad. Even when she loses everything all over again, she keeps her head high and focuses on her next move. What I love most about her, though, is that deep down, she still holds on to her heart even as its ripped in two time and time again.

Of course, that would have absolutely nothing to do with Rudy, a goliath of a gorgeous man who's kindness and brute strength saves her life time and time again. Or, for that matter, Mac ~ who I don't trust by the way ~ a curly-headed, supposedly decent guy with a fetish for white t-shirts. Kansas finds herself confused and torn between them in a not-so-classic love triangle. And that's just the small stuff. Kansas has a lot more to worry about than who she'd like to give her heart to. Her youth and "fertility" make her a high-demand target, and she runs, kicks, curses, and slashes through hell to survive.

Kansas is lucky, in a way, even through all the atrocious sights she's seen and violations she's experienced. She has her group of scheming boys and she has her gal pal Glinda. Kansas may find herself in a community where the dead are treated as works of art (freakish, I know), but she's free to make her own choices and build a life for herself. Not many people in this new famished-infested world ever get a chance to do that, much less dream about it.

What I really loved about this book was that there was no holding back. Annie Walls doesn't hide the gore or the appalling actions humans take when a world is stripped of reputation and law. Everything the people do or experience is something I could imagine truly happening if humanity as we know it came to an end. People would have no qualms about taking what they want, forcing their beliefs on someone else, or breeding people like cattle. It's crazy, brutal, and completely horrific ~ but it's believable, and that's what makes it so damn good.

Would highly recommend to those who:

  • Don't have a weak stomach
  • Have zombie love
  • Admire a kick-ass heroine

Can't wait for the second book to be released, Controlling the Dead! Super excited about this series :) 

Don't forget to enter the giveaway below!!!

Visit Annie Walls via


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Happy Reading Everyone :)


~ Keely ~







Aug 7, 2012

Pledged Tour: Character Interview ~ Meet Jared!



I've already introduced you to the characters of Gwynneth White's Pledged, but I'm quite positive you're thirsting for more. You don't have to deny it. I don't blame you ;).

That being said, I'm excited to say that this blog has come across the lucky opportunity of having Jared stop by for a quick visit. He's a busy guy, what with being Warlord of Shenaya, fighting curses, and winning the hearts of stubborn women, so I'm surprised his aides even built up the audacity to ask him to do this favor for me.

And speak of the devil...


*Jared gives mock salute* “Keely, I have been informed by my aides that you wish to interview me. I suppose I should be flattered. But let me begin by asking you a question. You could have picked either of my cousins or my best friend Seth, why me?”

Keely: It’s no surprise. I’ve already posted on my blog and on Twitter that I love you,” *quickly adds* “in a ‘he’s my favourite character’ sort of way.

Jared: *gives Keely a sardonic smile* “Sorry to disappoint you, but I’m spoken for. And I mate for life.” *pauses* “Correction. Eternity.”

Keely: But Jared, you are under the curse. You've pledged.

Jared: “What’s that’s got to do with anything? I might have made Reuel some promises, but that doesn’t mean he owns me. No one owns me. Except maybe Sophia – and that’s because I choose it to be that way.”

Keely: This is my main question . . . how do you get to do what you want when the curse is supposed to change you? Do you fight the curse, or is there just something within you that is stronger than the promise you made to Reuel?

Jared: “My lady, the Guardians – those are angels, by the way – will try and tell you it’s because I have a valiant spirit. Whatever that’s supposed to mean. I just think it’s because I take exception to people telling me what to do. I was born to lead, not to follow. *laughs depreciatingly* Okay, Keely, if you promise not to tell anyone, I’ll admit that I do fight it. All the time. I don’t always succeed, but, hell, I try. I guess I didn’t really understand what I was doing when I pledged. I’m a bit wiser now. And a lot more pissed off too, if you’ll excuse the expletive.”

Keely: When you first met Sophia, you revealed nothing of your eventual feelings for her. There must have been an attraction when you first saw her. Did you feel something like, say, spiritual recognition, when you first met her?

Jared: “Have you seen her? Obviously not, or you wouldn’t be asking such an asinine question. Of course I felt something! What man wouldn’t - given that she’s the most beautiful girl on the planet? Next question.”

Keely: Sorry, Jared, I know you like controlling conversations, but you still haven’t really give me my answer.

Jared: *grins* “I do like it when women hold their ground. Where I come from girls are seen as little more than chattel. It was one of the things that first struck me about Sophia. She just couldn’t grasp the concept that girls are supposed to be demure - keep your head down, say nothing, make babies. I loved that she challenged that in everyone. She still does. Even after all this time.”

Keely: “And that connection I asked about? Please just answer that question? After all you are supposed to be soul mates!”

Jared: *laughs playfully* “Anything to please and delight you, my lady. After all, I would hate you say that Jared, Warlord of Shenaya, was afraid to answer a few impertinent questions. Now what did you call it? A spiritual recognition? No. I had no flash of lightening telling me she was my soul mate when I first saw her.”

Keely: So you admit you were a bit dense?

Jared: *narrows eyes* ”No, just focused on getting what I want.”

Keely: That brings me to my next question. You carry a tremendous amount of responsibility leading Shenaya's army. Not that you can't handle it, but how does it feel to be warlord at such a young age?

Jared: *incredulous* “Young age? I’m eighteen! That’s pretty average for Warlords where I come from.” *gives Keelly a quizzical look* “Not in your time, apparently. Okay, maybe some explanation is required. I started my military training at Pledging Camp when I was six. And I have a natural affinity for strategy. Thanks to that I’d run rings around all the other Pledged and the Defenders when we practiced war games.” *grins* “And I’m also painfully modest. It’s a real failing.”

Keely: Yea, right! Full of yourself, if you ask me. And no, don’t answer that. I’m leading this interview. Now tell me, you pledged, but your friends ~ brothers, really ~ Caleb and Daniel did not. How do you think things might have been different had you not fallen under the curse?

Jared: *caught in a rare moment of introspection* “I often wonder about that. How different life would have been. I guess Caleb and I still would have fought, because that was our way. Fight and make up. It’s what made our friendship special. The trouble was, after I pledged we never got to the make-up part. I see now that our war made it easier for Reuel to manipulate us both.” *shakes head* I hate that it made us weak. We probably could have taken him and his demons on in battle – and won, if I hadn’t pledged.” *pauses* “Not that I’m saying it’s my fault. Caleb is such a moron, if hadn’t done what he did to Phineas none of this would have happened.”

Keely: Thanks for a straight and honest answer, Jared. Now maybe you can clear up a confusion I have. Most of the people around you seem to be distrustful of the Guardians even though they are supposed to be the 'good guys.' How do you feel about them?

Jared: *laughs* “Most of the people? Or do you just mean Seth and Caleb? I don’t expect you to answer that. *looks over shoulder* “I’m what’s called a ‘covert’ supporter of Gideon and the Guardians. I hate that I’m pledged and that, like it or not, it gives Reuel power to control me. I really look forward to the day Gideon’s Prophecy is fulfilled and Reuel is destroyed. But I guess I’m beginning to sound like Sophia – indiscrete – and in Shenaya, where I come from, people have been fed to the vultures for less serious admissions. So . . . let’s talk about the weather.”

Keely: Jared, thanks for coming onto my blog today. I really enjoyed talking with you…..

Jared: “Pleasure, My lady. Now with that out the way, we really must discuss this modern technology of yours . . . Twitter? Isn’t that something girls do on the morning of the Emblem Picking when they’re trying to intimidate all the boys?”


Keely: *shakes her head, biting her tongue* Jared, I think that's a long conversation for another time...


Wanna get to know Jared and the other characters even better? Check out Pledged and Gwynneth White via



Happy Reading Everyone :)


~ Keely ~