Blog Tour: Top Ten, Review, & Giveaway Origin by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Today at WinterHaven Books we are beyond excited to join in the blog tour for Origin!!  This series is just so amazing and definitely one of our favorites!  For our stop we have the top ten reasons why Katy is kickass and a review!

Top Ten Reasons Why Katy is Kick-Ass!

1.Doesn’t take Daemon’s crap

2.Wears shirts like “My vlog is better than your blog”

3.Tortures herself with Onyx to help the Luxen

4.Doesn’t back down from a fight

5.Stands behind what she believes is right

6.Accepts the Luxen without prejudice

7.Has fantastic taste in socks

8.Is badass at gardening

9.Loves zombie movies

10.Can rival a Luxen with her abilities as a hybid

 I think we can all agree that Katy is such an awesome character! She is on our top 5 list of characters we would love to be besties with and someone we actually wish we could switch places with =P

Origin by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Publisher-Entangled Publishing
Released- Aug 27th 2013
Purchase- Amazon/ B & N/ Chapters

Daemon will do anything to get Katy back.After the successful but disastrous raid on Mount Weather, he’s facing the impossible. Katy is gone. Taken. Everything becomes about finding her. Taking out anyone who stands in his way? Done. Burning down the whole world to save her? Gladly. Exposing his alien race to the world? With pleasure.All Katy can do is survive.Surrounded by enemies, the only way she can come out of this is to adapt. After all, there are sides of Daedalus that don’t seem entirely crazy, but the group’s goals are frightening and the truths they speak even more disturbing. Who are the real bad guys? Daedalus? Mankind? Or the Luxen?Together, they can face anything. But the most dangerous foe has been there all along, and when the truths are exposed and the lies come crumbling down, which side will Daemon and Katy be standing on? And will they even be together?

My Thoughts:

This book. You guys. O.M.G! Things just got out of this world c r a z y. Jennifer is not holding anything back!! Just...WOW!!

You know that feeling after you've read a book and you think to yourself ' this just can't get topped'. Well that's me every time I read a Jennifer L. Armentrout novel. The thing is, the women always proves me wrong. These books just keeps getting better and better and I've never been so happy to be proven wrong time and time again. Jennifer is the real deal peeps. I don't know how she does it, but she manages to deliver another heart-pulsing, jaw dropping, jumping-out-of-my-own-skin installment, that turned my insides up with all kinds of emotions. I was torn between devouring and savoring every inch of this book. But one thing is for certain, I always walk away craving MORE!!!

This book takes place right after the aftermath that enfolded in Opal. With a rescue mission on the verge of turning out, something horrible goes wrong and Kat was left behind and is now in the hands of the Daedalus. My imagination went  into overdrive fearing for all the horrible things that could happen to Kat, and yeah, I had a reason to be afraid. It's not pretty my friends. My stomach was twisted in knots so badly the entire time. JLA paints a rather graphic picture and while she tried her best to tame it down, she made her point. And it broke my heart. I cringed and cried. Jennifer blew me away. Extremely well written stuff guys.

There is a brand new side to Daemon Black and it comes in all shades of pissed off and get the hell out of my way! You do not want to mess with an enraged Luxen that's being denied the love of his life. His temper deserves to have it's own name. Given his days of asshatery, Daemon has come a long way in regards to the way he feels about Katy. They've been through so much already, but it's times like this, where his feelings have been ultimately tested and he finally knows what's he wants and what he'll do get her back, that takes my breath away.

There is so so so much that happens plot wise and it's killing me that I can't express it in this review since it's suppose to be spoiler-free but, damey dame dame!! JLA is killing me. There isn't a dull moment in this book. Seriously. From the first page on expect nothing but a constant flow of in your face action, heart-stopping revelations and melt-you-into-a-pile-of-goo swoon-worthy-goodness. I love the Origin's concept. It's riveting, incredibly creepy, creative and such a brilliant move. There are also some really gripping surprises in this one, both good and bad which include a shocking betrayal and devastating losses and an astounding ending that had my eyes popping out and in holy-shit mode. In short, be prepared to be entertained, thrilled and in awe of this sensational and outstanding installment in the Lux world!! 

Katy has always been a fierce character but I've never bee more proud or impressed with her then in this book. Good gawd, my heart. The things that she had to endure nearly broke me and yet through it all this girl stayed strong. I adore her strength, her bravery and the fight she has flowing in her veins, but what I love about her the most is her endless heart. No matter what kinds of hell she's going through, she was more concerned about Daemon then she is about what will happen to her next. 

In this installment we are finally treated to Daemon's point of view. I could kiss Jennifer. All the wonderful and naughty thoughts I always believed he had in that head of his, is all on paper for us to devour, but we get so so much more then wicked thoughts. Daemon is truly all kinds awesomesauce. He's one mean glow-dude when he has to be. What he did for Kat was insane but it's such a Daemon move. I wouldn't have expected anything less. Then we have that softer and sexy side to him that did stupid things to my heart. Scene after delicious scene, these two make being in love feel like the first time over and over again. And lets not forget the trademark funny and wit. JLA knows exactly when to punch it without taking away from the dire situation surrounding them. We're also introduced to a new character that I loved and we also get to see more of Luc in this book which was so great since he became such an important force. Fans of Obsession will smile at Hunter and Serena's cameo appearance. I know I did. 

I wish I could say more, but at this rate I could go on forever. So bottom line, Origin is a kickass and remarkable installment. It's my favorite JLA book to date, or well, at least till her next book comes out. Fans of this series will not be disappointed. It doesn't end on an evil cliffy but it does leave us with a heavy heart and a million and one questions at the ready. I'm excited but sad for the last book in this series. It's a bittersweet feeling craving the next book but knowing it's the last one. I've grown so attached to everything this world has to offer. Daemon, Katy and the rest of the characters will forever be loved and I simply can't wait for more!

Find the author:
Goodreads / Website                               5 Snowflakes

Also we have a GIVEAWAY for our readers! The wonderful people at Entangled Teen have offered to send one lucky reader a PDF copy of Origin!  We are going to make this super simple, just leave a comment with your own reason why you think Katy is Kick-Ass and we will randomly draw a winner in one week!

Good luck!

About Jennifer L. Armentrout

# 1 NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg,
West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at
work writing, she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies,
pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell, Loki.
Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time
writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult
paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer
Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen.
She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by
Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Blog

Blog Tour & Guest Post: Hellsbane by Paige Cuccaro

We are so excited to have Paige back on the blog today!  It was a real treat having her on for Halloween during her Commencement tour, which by the way is free right now on several online books site.  I put a list at the bottom of the post so you can grab it!!  So for the Hellsbane blog tour we thought we would keep with the holiday theme and we asked Paige...

"Which 5 fictional characters are the most thankful for?  By the way hottness is definitely an okay reason to be thankful =P"

Paige : Wow…I’ve never even consider this question, but I’ve gottem…

5. Anita Blake (From Laurell K. Hamliton’s Anita Blake series. She
was the first truly kick butt heroine I read.)

4. Harry Dresden (From Jim Butcher’s Dresden series. He showed me
characters could be tough, sensitive and funny!)

3. Harry Potter (From, well…y’know. For opening up the world of
reading to a young generation and many generations to come.)

2. Louis de Pointe du Lac (Interview with a Vampire: I loved this
book. It literally changed my life. This book, this character made me
want to write.)

1. Elizal --a.k.a Eli (From Hellsbane for being the walking talking
embodiment of forbidden yummy hotness…Oh..and for staring in my
books. Hehehe)

Thanks for having me Crystal!!

I have to say that I agree with your answers!  Thanks Paige for stopping by!!

Now for a little bit about these amazing books!

Commencement
Published on September 27, 2012 by Entangled Publishing
Purchase :Kobo / Books on Board / Amazon

Hell hath no fury like a woman’s scorn for frat guys…

Emma Jane Hellsbane knows something evil is worming its way through her college campus—she can feel it. Literally. Her freakish ability to feel other people’s emotions as though they were her own has always been monumentally awkward, and it’s easier for her to just pretend it doesn’t exist. But this time her paranormal ability just might help her save lives.

Emma Jane’s fairly certain that whatever the hateful, egomaniacal, Godlike thing is, it’s set up shop inside her boyfriend, the frat boy/soccer star Justin. And if she doesn’t figure a way to get it out of him soon, Justin’s soul will be the appetizer to the main course—the whole student body. Problem is, the big baddy is granting sinister wishes, and with each one the risks grow higher and the phrase Be careful what you wish for becomes a real-life dire warning. Of course for Emma, what feels like it could be the end is in fact just the beginning…

Hellsbane
Published November 20, 2012 by Entangled Select
Purchase: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Twenty-three-year-old Emma Jane Hellsbane just found out she’s not human—or, at least, not only human. She’s half angel, too, and now Heaven’s got a job for her: round up all the Fallen angels and their red-skinned, horned devil-demon minions and boot their butts back into the abyss. Only problem? The demons and their Fallen masters fight back…and they don’t fight fair.

Luckily for Emma, she can put a stop to the constant threat of having her head hacked off if she figures out which Fallen angel is her father—and then kill him before he kills her. Of course, in the meantime, she’ll have to avoid accidentally seducing her angelic mentor, help an old friend conquer his own Fallen sperm donor, and basically save the world from a cataclysmic divine smack down.

No one said being Heaven’s bounty hunter would be easy. But with a name like Hellsbane, Emma Jane was born for the job.

About the Author:
Writing was never a foregone conclusion for me. I once had dreams of being a psychologist, a pediatrician, a school
teacher, a photojournalist, a bartender, and/or an EMT. And then I met my husband and my world came into
focus. Being wife and mother are my highest priorities and greatest joy. But escaping to the fanciful, sexy worlds
twirling through my mind is an absolute necessity. Putting those worlds, and the cornucopia of characters that people them, on paper is just plain fun.
Paige lives in Ohio, with her husband, three daughters, three dogs, three cats, a parakeet and a bearded dragon named Rexy, in an ever shrinking house. When she’s not writing she can be found doing the mom thing with a
book in one hand and a notepad and pen in the other. Ideas come without warning and the best way to stimulate your imagination is to enjoy the imagination of someone else.
Find Paige:
Website / Blog / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads

And the wonderful Entangled is hosting an AMAZING giveaway!  Take a look at what you can win...

Nook Giveaway.

1 nook color

3 signed paperbacks

2 $25 amazon gift cards

Just fill out the Rafflecopter form below!  Good luck!

a
Rafflecopter giveaway

One more thing!  There is a fun word hunt going on for this blog tour as well as some amazing guests posts here are the stops that you need to visit to take part in the all the fun!

11/19 Fiktshun’s Annex Chapter 1 part 1

11/20 Shortie Says Q &A

11/21 A Diary of A Book Addict Chapter 1 part 2

11/23 Winterhaven Books Guest Post

11/24 What The Cat Read Chapter 1 part 3

11/26 Kindle and Me Guest Post

11/27 A Life Bound By Books Chapter 1 part 4

11/28 K-Books Guest Post

11/29 My Shelf Confessions Chapter 1 part 5

12/1 All Things Urban Fantasy Chapter 1 part 6

Opal Trailer Reveal!

Hey everyone!!  We have right here the book trailer for Opal!!  This book is definitely one of our most anticipated of the year and this trailer is just insane!!  They just keep getting better and better!  Okay no more talking take a look!!

Opal (The third book in the Lux Series)

Available in both print and digital version on December 18, 2012

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Official Opal Book Trailer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=oLkv3DotkqM

Check out Jennifer L. Armentrout on the following sites:

Facebook

Twitter

Official Website

So what do you think?  I absolutely love it and it makes me want the book so much more!!  Dec 18 can't come fast enough!

 

Blog Tour & Guest Post: Conjure by Lea Nolan

 Today we are so excited to take part in the Conjure blog tour hosted by Entangled Publishing!  Conjure was such a fun book and we were lucky enough to have Lea Nolan, the author, stop by to discuss what genre Conjure falls into!

Thanks so much for having me, Crystal! It’s a pleasure to be here at WinterHaven Books to discuss my debut novel, CONJURE, book one in The Hoodoo Apprentice Series. CONJURE is a Middle Grade/Young Adult crossover, an emerging trend in publishing that is new to many folks. So I figured I’d use my time here to describe this hybrid and extol its virtues. So without further ado, I give you…

What the Heck is a Middle Grade/YA Crossover?
MG/YA crossovers feature action-packed romance:
CONJURE features a hidden 18th-century pirate treasure, demon dogs, soul snatching, and a wicked flesh-eating curse that can only be broken with Gullah hoodoo magic. Sounds action-adventure-y doesn’t it? That’s because it is! Which is often what you find in a great, face-paced middle grade story.

But before you get ready to confine it into the MG category, consider this:
CONJURE also features a heart-swelling romance between its teen leads Emma Guthrie and the unrequited, secret crush of her life, Cooper Beaumont. Which leads me to my next point…

MG/YA crossovers emphasize sweet romance:
Romance—sweet or otherwise—doesn’t typically show up in a middle grade story. In fact, that’s usually a deal breaker since kids under 12 aren’t into that sort of thing. Smoochy time is generally reserved to Young Adult stories. Recent market trends have pushed YA romances in a more edgy direction, hence the “Upper YA” category.

But what about tweens and teens who aren’t drawn to, or aren’t quite ready for the darker/edgier/sexier fare, but still want to read books with a little somethin’ something? 
MG/YA crossovers provide sweet romance that gets their pulse pumping, but keep things decidedly more PG.

MG/YA crossovers grow with their readers:
Like JK Rowling’s Harry Potter Series and Rick Riordan’s The Kane Chronicles, MG/YA crossovers grow with their readers, getting progressively darker as the series goes on. As I mentioned earlier, CONJURE is just the first book in The Hoodoo Apprentice series. Two more books will follow, and each takes a more
creepy and sinister turn than the last. I love that these books will grow with their readers and hopefully will carry them along to the final series climax.

Thanks so much for having me! I hope it convinces you to give CONJURE and other MG/YA crossovers a try!
~Lea

Thanks Lea for stopping by!  This was so helpful!  Sometimes I have a hard time figuring out certain genres and this will definitely help my in the future =)

Now for a little bit about Lea's fabulous book Conjure!

Conjure by Lea Nolan
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Release Date: October 16, 2012
Purchase:  Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Powells / TBD

Be careful what you search for...

Emma Guthrie expects this summer to be like any other in the South Carolina Lowcountry—hot and steamy with plenty of beach time alongside her best friend and secret crush, Cooper Beaumont, and Emma’s ever-present twin brother, Jack. But then a mysterious eighteenth-century message in a bottle surfaces, revealing a hidden pirate bounty. Lured by the adventure, the trio discovers the treasure and unwittingly
unleashes an ancient Gullah curse that attacks Jack with the wicked flesh-eating Creep and promises to steal Cooper’s soul on his approaching sixteenth birthday.

But when a strange girl appears bent on revenge, demon dogs become a threat, andJack turns into a walking skeleton, Emma has no choice but to learn hoodoo magic to undo the hex, all before summer—and her friends—are lost forever.

Lea Nolan writes the kinds of stories she sought as a teen—smart paranormals with bright heroines, crazy-hot heroes, diabolical plot twists, plus a dose of magic, a draft of romance, and a sprinkle of history. She’s holds degrees in history and women’s studies concentrating in public policy and spent fifteen years as a health policy analyst and researcher. She lives in Maryland with her heroically supportive husband and three
clever children. Her debut YA novel, CONJURE, book one in The Hoodoo Apprentice Series is a new release from Entangled Publishing under the Entangled Teen imprint. You can learn more about Lea on her website, on Facebook, Twitter and on Goodreads. CONJURE is available at both Barnes and Noble and Amazon.

Additional Social Media links:

Entangled / Facebook Series page / Group blog / Entangled Group blog

About the author:
Lea Nolan couldn’t read until the third grade. After a lot of hard work she finally got the hang of it and devoured any book she could find with a shiny Newberry Award sticker on the cover. Today she writes the stories she sought as a teen—smart paranormals with bright heroines, crazy-hot heroes, diabolical plot twists, plus a dose of magic, a draft of romance and a sprinkle of history. She holds degrees in history and women’s studies concentrating in public policy and lives with her heroically supportive husband and three brilliant children in Maryland.

Website / Group blog / Facebook / Twitter

My mini review:
Conjure is pure pirate adventure with a twist.  This story will take you back to your Treasure Island days and make you remember why reading as a kid was the best thing ever.  I absolutely fell in love with Emma, Jack, And Cooper. They were an awesome cast of characters that never gave up and were truly there for one another.  The story was very fast paced, I never knew from one minute to the next what was going to happen. I have to also mention that the twists thrown into this story were amazing.  I love a great adventure and Conjure is just the right kind of mix of adventure, romance, and fun!

4 Snowflakes

That's not all!  We have a giveaway for you!!  Entangled is hosting a one day giveaway so make sure to enter TODAY!  All you have to do is make a comment in the section below about something we talked about in this post.  It can be about the gnere, pirates, Lea, Conjure, whatever you want!  Good luck everyone and remember the giveaway ends today.  The winner will be chosen by Random.org.

Blog Tour: Commencement by Paige Cuccaro

Hey everyone!  We are so excited to be apart of this amazing blog tour set up by Jamie over at Entangled Publishing. Commencement is part of their Flirt line and it sounds amazing!  We have the author Paige on the blog today and in the spirit of Halloween we asked her..

Which book boyfriend would you trap in your personal spider web and why?  

Take a look at her answer, it is awesome!

"Eli. For sure! Because he’s awesome…and really fast. He can move at the speed of thought, so if a girl wanted to get close to him she’d have to trap him in a sticky web. Eli’s an angel with a kind of Superman vibe. He’s powerful, pure of heart, loyal, sexy as heck, and being with him could ruin you both. He’s the ultimate forbidden hero."--Paige

Thanks Paige for stopping by!  I can't wait to meet Eli!!

For those of you out there who aren't familiar with Commencement here is a little peek about the book and it's amazing author!

Commencement (a Hellsbane novella) by Paige Curraro
Published in September 2012 by Entangled-Flirt
Purchase: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Hell hath no fury like a woman’s scorn for frat guys…

Emma Jane Hellsbane knows something evil is worming its way through her college campus—she can feel it. Literally. Her freakish ability to feel other people’s emotions as though they were her own has always been monumentally awkward, and it’s easier for her to just pretend it doesn’t exist. But this time her paranormal ability just might help her save lives.

Emma Jane’s fairly certain that whatever the hateful, egomaniacal, Godlike thing is, it’s set up shop inside her boyfriend, the frat boy/soccer star Justin. And if she doesn’t figure a way to get it out of him soon, Justin’s soul will be the appetizer to the main course—the whole student body. Problem is, the big baddy is granting sinister wishes, and with each one the risks grow higher and the phrase Be careful what you wish for becomes a real-life dire warning. Of course for Emma, what feels like it could be the end is in fact just the beginning

About the author:

Writing was never a foregone conclusion for me. I once had dreams of being a psychologist, a pediatrician, a school teacher, a photojournalist, a bartender, and/or an EMT. And then I met my husband and my world came into focus. Being wife and mother are my highest priorities and greatest joy. But escaping to the fanciful, sexy worlds twirling through my mind is an absolute necessity. Putting those worlds, and the cornucopia of characters that people them, on paper is just plain fun.

Paige lives in Ohio, with her husband, three daughters, three dogs, three cats, a parakeet and a bearded dragon named Rexy, in an ever shrinking house. When she’s not writing she can be found doing the mom thing with a book in one hand and a notepad and pen in the other. Ideas come without warning and the best way to stimulate your imagination is to enjoy the imagination of someone else.

Find Paige:
Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Wait that is not all!  We are also happy to announce that Entangled has graciously donated an eBook copy of Commencement!  All you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter form below.  Giveaway is international!  Good luck everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Interview, Give-away+ Review of Toxic by Jus Accardo

Do we have a treat for you!! Not only do we have an interview with the fantastic Jus Accardo, One lucky winner will receive this fantastic swag pack! Be sure to fill out the Rafflecoptor form below for your chance to win! This includes: Touch post card signed
Toxic postcard signed
Touch magnet
Untouched magnet
Toxic magnet
Toxic bookmark
signed bookplate
Team Kale sticker

Interview with Jus Accardo

1. You definitely wrote one of the most irritating secondary characters
to date. How did you channel in Jade's character while writing her?
Jade is like that girl in high school who has to be the best and the prettiest and have all the attention. The scheming, manipulative girl who will plow over anyone to get her way. I knew a lot of girls in high school like that. Jade is one big mash up of all the mean girls, lol.

2. Do you listen to music while you write? If so, do you listen to
different bands/artists to capture different moods?
I do! I’d be lost without music. I have a playlist for each book, then a different one for each character. It never fails to get the wheels turning if I get stuck on something.

3. If you could be any fictional character, who would you be and why?
This is a tough one, but I kind of love Elena Michaels from Kelley Armstrong’s Women of the Otherworld. I have a mega crush on Clay… :D

4. What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I love to bake and be outdoors. Our property backs up to a nature preserve and I love to go hiking with the dogs. I’m also a huge World of Warcraft fanatic.

5. What was your favorite chapter in Toxic (or part) to write and why?
Hmmm. Well I love the Jade/Dez scenes. They rub each other a lot like Alex/Kale and I’m a sucker for that kind of back and forth. There’s one scene in particular that takes place at a party—I can’t say much without giving it away—but I giggle every time I think about it!

6. What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What
has been the best compliment?
I think the toughest to hear was not long after TOUCH came out, someone went out of their way to email me, stating I should kill myself and put the world out of its misery because the book was just stupid on every possible level. I laugh about it now because, well, come on! Really? But at the time, I pretty much cried.
As for the best, I’ll be totally honest—and you’ll probably think I’m a goober—but any time someone tells me they like my books, it’s a huge high. Like, goofy smile and chair dancing all the way. And really, now that I’ve gotten those first few bad reviews out of the way, those are kind of awesome, too. Think about it. If someone—we’ll use the emailer for example—hates my book that much, then obviously I’ve evoked a strong emotion. As a writer, that’s really all I can ask for. Emotion.

Thanks Jus for stopping by to answer a few questions for us.  

Toxic by Jus Accardo
Release Date: October 16, 2012
Publisher: Entangled Teen

When a Six saved Kale's life the night of Sumrun, she warned there would be consequences. A trade-off. Something taken for the life they gained. But Dez never imagined she'd lose the one thing she'd give anything to keep... And as if it's not enough Dez finds her immunity to Kale fading, the Six brought in to help Kale learn to control his killer touch starts drooling on him the moment they meet. Worse than that? Jade can touch Kale. But bimbo Barbie is the least of Dez's problems.

After Dez and Kale got away at Sumrun, her father lost not only his most powerful weapon but an important piece of the Supremacy project. Forced by Denazen to remedy the situation, he poisons Dez and offers her a choice--surrender to Denazen for the cure...or die. Determined to find a solution that doesn't involve being bagged and tagged--or losing someone she loves--Dez keeps the poison a secret. But when a rash of Denazen attacks hit a little too close to home, Dez is convinced there's a traitor among them. Jade.

Sacrifices, broken promises, and secrets. Dez will have to lay it all on the line if there's any hope of proving Jade's guilt before they all end up Residents of Denazen. Or worse, dead..

My thoughts:

Toxic is the second book in the Denezen series, and one of my most anticipated sequels, so I was so excited to dive right into it without hesitation. I just love Dez and Kale, and their unique world. This installment has a different tone to it than Touch.   Dez is up to her old shenanigans; thriving off adrenaline, but her world is turned upside down when Kale’s touch begins to affect her. There were so many twists thrown into Toxic. And, I don’t say that lightly. I think they were well executed and the plot was great. My only complaint was that Dez wasn’t the kick-butt heroine she was in Touch. She still maintains her snarky attitude, which I love by the way, but her insecurities got the better of her when Jade was able to touch Kale. Jade has a special gift that ground harmful gifts within a fifteen-foot radius. Not only did that tick off Dez, but Jade was impervious to harm and, she had her sights set on Kale.

I think Jus wrote Jade as the most irritating secondary character ever!!! Just thinking about her gets me all fired up. She was always getting in Dez and Kale’s way. Seriously folks, when I say this girl is annoying, I so am not kidding.

There were many facets to the story that really brought it to life. The unique gifts the characters have as well as new characters that were introduced were just great. There were a lot of relationship developments throughout Toxic. One in particular was Dez and her mom.

Dez wasn’t used to answering to anyone, so when her mom began showing parental authority, it didn’t sit well with Dez, but she really tried to take it in stride. I think that Dez had so much going on in her life that she began to feel defeated in a way.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read. I loved all the twists thrown in. The ending was a big opener for the next installment and I really can’t wait to see what Jus will pull on us next. I just hope that she gives Jade what’s coming to her!

3.5 Snowflakes

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Guest Post & Review: My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century by Rachel Harris

We would like to thank Rachel Harris for being our guest here at WinterHaven Books, and are so excited about her newly released debut. We asked Rachel:

 How do you unleash your inner flirt??

Flirt.

To me, that word symbolizes everything that’s fun, playful, and good about romance. Especially a new romance, when your tummy clenches just hearing your crush’s name, you put that extra effort into your appearance, and every look and smile is charged with excitement.

When I was creating my tagline, Unmask Your Inner-Flirt, I asked myself what I wanted readers to think about when they saw a “Rachel Harris book.” I knew over the course of my career I’d be tackling various genres and plotlines, all with hugely different tones and purpose, but at their heart, I wanted to have certain constants.

One was the idea that we all wear a mask of some kind, at some point, whether intentional or not. It could be a makeover or trying on a new identity, it could be a front we put up to protect ourselves, or a deep down desire we never even acknowledged but is there all the same.

And the other is romance.

Y’all, I’m a sucker for romance, and the idea of flirting—in my mind—represents the best part of the whole ride.

It’s that special guy or girl catching your eye and asking you to dance.

It’s the talking all night on the phone and not wanting to hang up.

It’s the build-up of the first kiss, the tension that comes from wondering when it’s gonna happen, if it’s gonna happen, and what if I suck at it when it does?
No? Maybe that’s just what I thought when I was a teen, but you get my point.

The girls here at Winter Haven Books thought it’d be fun to ask me how I unleashed or unmasked my inner-flirt, and I tell ya, I laughed when I thought about it. I’m an old married woman—hmm, maybe not old. Is 32 old? Never mind, don’t answer that—but the truth is, I’m still a flirt.
In high school, I embraced the word—so much so that my nickname was ATM because I flirted with Anything That Moved. True story—and I still embrace it today. I like to have fun. My husband and I laugh at ourselves and with each other all the time. We chase each other and our kids around the house, I dance spastically as often as I can and attempt to get him to do the same, and we go out on regular date nights.
And as for getting my flirt on (ha!) when I’m writing, whenever I sit at my desk to hammer out my latest chapter, my high school diary is never more than an arm’s reach away. I vividly remember what those years were like: the anticipation, the heartache, the embarrassment.
Boy, do I remember the embarrassment…. But thankfully, that’s a story for another day.

I relive those moments, as fun and painful as they are, and then I dive into my story world. And if and when that doesn’t work, I pop in a really good chick flick—a girl can never have enough reasons to watch one of those, am I right?

 What about YOU? How do you unleash YOUR inner-flirt? I’d love to hear from you in the comments!!

Thanks Rachel for stopping by!  I absolutely loved My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century!  For those of you out there that haven't yet read this book take a look below to find out more about it!

My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century by Rachel Harris
Publishing Date: September 11, 2012
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Order: Barnes & Noble / Amazon

On the precipice of her sixteenth birthday, the last thing lone wolf Cat Crawford wants is an extravagant gala thrown by her bubbly stepmother and well-meaning father. So even though Cat knows the family’s trip to Florence, Italy, is a peace offering, she embraces the magical city and all it offers. But when her curiosity leads her to an unusual gypsy tent, she exits . . . right into Renaissance Firenze.

Thrust into the sixteenth century armed with only a backpack full of contraband future items, Cat joins up with her ancestors, the sweet Alessandra and protective Cipriano, and soon falls for the gorgeous aspiring artist Lorenzo. But when the much-older Niccolo starts sniffing around, Cat realizes that an unwanted birthday party is nothing compared to an unwanted suitor full of creeptastic amore.

Can she find her way back to modern times before her Italian adventure turns into an Italian forever?

My Thoughts:
This awe-inspiring debut will have you giggling, swooning, and longing for more. I absolutely LOVED this book!! I wanted to live in those beautifully written pages. Time travel, Italy, hotties...what more could you ask for?! This is a MUST read! My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century has it all! This will easily be a classic that should be on your shelves. Rachel Harris has penned a remarkable story. I'm a huge fan of the Renaissance, beautiful flowing dresses, vivid scenes and Romance. Travel back in time with Catarina, as she discovers what life is like in the sixteenth century and opens her heart up to possibilities. This book will sweep you off your feet.

I am totally gushing at the fabulousness of this story. This is one book that I will read over and over again. Catarina Crawford's life is anything but ordinary. Her father is a well-known film director, engaged to an overzelous Jenna, who is an event-planner. She's planned for Cat to have a "Super Sweet Sixteenth" party showcased on MTV.

Cat's been obsessed with her Italian heritage and the Renaissance ever since she saw Bernard van Orley's Madonna and Child with Apples and Pears painting. A trip to Italy is where Cat's journy begins. I loved that Cat saw it as an adventure. She changed adversity to opportunity when she was swept into the Sixteenth Century after seeking time alone to tour in Florance, when she stumbled upon a gypsy tent.

"Caterina, a great adventure is in store for you. Be sure to keep your mind open to the lessons ahead."

The imagery was fantastic. I could easily picture the scenes described, the clothes they wore, the decor and the characters overall looks. The plot kept me very intrigued. Actually, I didn't want to set this book down. Cat Crawford, the protagonist, was fun, spunky and tough, which brings a realistic personality and one relatable to the readers. She learned to open her heart on her journey and made tough choices along the way. There were so many funny parts in the story, but what really was great, was that even though it's been centuries, guys haven't changed. Perhaps the language, but the final goal to "get the girl" was compelling.

I believe that every female that reads this book will fall in love with Lorenzo, I know I did. Not only did Cat change, but so did Lorenzo. He went from being the "player" to a guy who falls in love and would do anything to make "it" work.What truly captured her attention when meeting Lorenzo, was that he was an impressive artist himself. I loved watching these two characters develop throughout the story. Not only did Cat develop a relationship with Lorenzo, but the relationship between her and her ancestors was simply devine. Cat had always avoided female emotional drama for most of her life and was clueless as to how it worked. She didn't have a relationship with her mother but she learned to embrace this distant family with lots of hugs and love.

The secondary characters, even though they weren't the nicest, they sure added so much flavor to the story and I really loved them all.

One aspect to the story that really stood out was the history that was intertwined within. Cat's love of art brought on famous artists from the past.  Rachel did a fantastic job writing in the history from the Renaissance era and relaying it to the readers. I for one, felt like I was living within those pages. The ending was awesome! I felt like it ended perfectly and it leads up into the next book. I can't wait to see what will happen next. I will be on pins and needles until it's release. A Tale of Two Centuries is due to release in 3013.

There are so many reasons why I just adored this book. It wasn't just fluffy goodness and rainbows, there were scandles and a lesson to be learned beneath it all. My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century is one of my most favorite books this year and it's one that I will read over and over again.

 5 Snowflakes

 

Barnes & Noble

Cover Reveal: Inbetween by Tara Fuller

We were super thrilled to participate in the first cover reveal for Tara a few months ago and when we heard that she had a cover update we jumped at the chance to help in the unveiling.  Take a look at the new and awesome cover for Inbetween.
Inbetween by Tara Fuller
Imprint: Entangled Teen
Release Date: August 2012
Preorder: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository / Books a Million

Since the car crash that took her father’s life three years ago, Emma’s life has been a freaky—and unending—lesson in caution. Surviving “accidents” has taken priority over being a normal seventeen-year-old, so Emma spends her days taking pictures of life instead of living it. Falling in love with a boy was never part of the plan. Falling for a reaper who makes her chest ache and her head spin? Not an option.

It’s not easy being dead, especially for a reaper in love with a girl fate has put on his list not once, but twice. Finn’s fellow reapers give him hell about spending time with Emma, but Finn couldn’t let her die before, and he’s not about to let her die now. He will protect the girl he loves from the evil he accidentally unleashed, even if it means sacrificing the only thing he has left...his soul.

Go here to read the prologue--Tara's website
Also check out this awesome trailer!! Youtube

I have to say I am really liking this new cover so much better.  It gives me more of an idea of what the book might be about and I am already hooked!  What do you think?  Do you like the old cover better or is this one more to your liking??  Let us know in the comments below!

About the Author:

Tara Fuller writes novels. Some about grim reapers​. Some about witches. All of course are delightfully full of teen angst and kissing. Tara grew up in a one stop light town in Oklahoma where once upon a time she stayed up with a flash light reading RL Stine novels and only dreamed of becoming a writer. She has a slight obsession with music and a shameless addiction for zombie fiction, Mystery Science Theater, and black and white mochas. Tara no longer lives in a one stop light town. Now she lives with her family in a slightly larger town in North Carolina where they have at least three stoplights.

Find her:

Website /Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads / Blog

Bare-Naked Lola by Misa Ramirez

Bare-Naked Lola by Misa Ramirez
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Release Date: May 15, 2012
Purchase: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Going undercover is second nature for Private Investigator Lola Cruz, but she’s out of her league when the case of a murdered Royals Courtside Dancer leads her to a local nudist resort. Parading around the sidelines of Sacramento’s professional basketball scene in a barely-there cheerleading outfit is one thing—but parading around in nothing but smile? If she has any chance of hiding this from her traditional family and on-again/off-again boyfriend Jack, she’s going to have a lot more than her duct tape bra and killer dance moves to keep under wraps….

Every so often I find a book where I just want to be the main character so bad that I dream about it.  Bare-Naked Lola is definitely one of those books.  I woke up twice thinking I was some kick arse, kung fu fighting, Spanish speaking girl bringing down the bad guy.  I have to admit that I tried to go back to sleep because being Lola was so much fun!!

Lola is a PI and part time waitress at her parents restaurant.  She has been trying to convince everybody that she has what it takes to become a big time player in this male dominant world.  Her big chance comes when the owner of a famous basketball dance team needs her to fish out the crazy person leaving threatening notes for the dancers.  The story is part hilarious and part all out crime fighting fun.  Lola takes a chance and goes undercover as a  Royal dancer and in doing so hopes that nobody she knows will spot her new “career choice”.  Right like that was gonna happen!

This whole book was so much fun!  I loved Lola’s crazy family and all her friends.  I seriously laughed my arse off the entire book!  I never knew who was the villain and I have to say that the whole naturist community was a hoot!  I haven’t laughed this much in a long time.  The story also held its own and I was blown away when the big reveal happened.  It was pure brilliance on the authors part in my opinion.  She definitely kept me on my toes.

I can’t leave this review without mentioning Jack.  He was *sigh* awesome.  Even though I jumped into this series in the middle I could still feel all that angst and heat between him and Lola.  I definitely want to pick up the first 2 books in the series to see what I missed because I have a feeling it was a lot and I want more from these two characters.

I am so SO glad that I was gifted this book.  It was beyond entertaining and I am definitely going to pick up the next installment.  I can’t wait to see what Lola gets into next!
                                                                       4 Stars
                                                      

Find the author:
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