Four-day puzzle piece cover reveal for Jay Crownover! Part 2!

Today we have the second puzzle piece cover reveal for Jay Crownover!  I don't know about you but I am dying to see this cover!  This is slow torture LOL!  Take a look at the newest piece!

Review: Outside by Laura Bickle

The Outside by Laura Bickle
Publisher: Harcourt Children's House
Release Date: September 3, 2013
Purchase: Amazon / Barnes & Noble

One girl. One road. One chance to save what remains…

After a plague of vampires is unleashed in the world, Katie is kicked out of her Amish community for her refusal to adhere to the new rules of survival. Now in exile, she enters an outside world of unspeakable violence with only her two “English” friends and a horse by her side. Together they seek answers and other survivors—but each sunset brings the threat of vampire attack, and each sunrise the threat of starvation.

And yet through this darkness come the shining ones: luminescent men and women with the power to deflect vampires and survive the night. But can these new people be trusted, and are they even people at all?

In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, it’s up to one Amish girl to save her family, her community, and the boy she loves . . . but what will she be asked to leave behind in return?

My thoughts:
If you read my review of the first book in this series, The Hallowed Ones, then you know that I am a HUGE fan of this author.  Laura Bickle managed to completely scare the daylights out of me with her insane vampires and I couldn't wait to get my hands on The Outside, the sequel.  Where The Hallowed Ones scared me and made me want to take shelter The Outside showed me that humans will overcome whatever is thrown at them and made me slowly crawl out of my hole.

I have to say something though about this book. While I did like it this one is very heavy handed in the religion aspect.  I understand why because Katie is Amish and her faith is a huge part of who she is, but I felt like it was kind thrown at you and right in your face.  The Hallowed Ones definitely had the religion in it, but I just didn't feel like it was a huge part of the book.  I felt more like I was learning along with Alex about how the Amish lived.  In this one I felt like Katie was going through more of a faith meltdown and that part did turn me off.  Like I said I understand why the religion was there, I mean it had to be when everything Katie knew was turned upside down, but I just wish it wasn't on every other page.  I think in my opinion there were other things that could have been given more attention.

Even with the religion being a strong part of the book I still really enjoyed it. Bickle's vampires are like no other and truly give me the creeps.  I had goosebumps several times throughout and I honestly never knew if Katie and her friends were going to survive or not.  This book made me sit on the edge of my seat the entire time I loved it.

I loved Alex.  He stood by Katie and never once pressured her or made her choose between her faith and him.  It is rare that we get to see two main characters who are love interests not fight and this was one of those rare times.  They just understood each other and it was refreshing.  Katie was an awesome character who would do anything to help anyone even at the expense of her own life.  I really admired her for that even when I was screaming at her to run.

My only other wish for this book was that I wanted more of a conclusion.  I don't quite buy into the ending so I would have liked something a little different.  I guess after the build up I just wanted a more balls to the wall approach if you get my meaning.  I am definitely a fan of Laura Bickle's for life though and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!

3 snowflakes

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

Four-day puzzle piece cover reveal for Jay Crownover! Part 1!

Today WinterHaven Books is joining in a four day puzzle piece cover reveal for Jay Crownover's newest novel!  We are very excited to join in the fun!  For the next four days make sure to stop by to see each piece!

Review: I Stand Before You by S.R. Grey

I Stand Before You by S.R. Grey
Publisher- Self pub
Released- Sept 6th 2013
Purchase- Amazon / B & N (coming soon)

When it comes to tattooed bad boys, Chase Gartner is the real deal. Partying, engaging in meaningless sex, getting into fights---Chase indulges in it all during his late teen years, thus firmly solidifying his status as a heartbreakingly gorgeous but way-too dangerous-to-trust guy in his hometown of Harmony Creek, Ohio. Then, following one fateful night of reckless decisions, Chase's actions finally catch up to him and land him in prison.
Now, four years have passed and Chase finds himself a free man. He returns to Harmony Creek, ready to pick up the pieces and start rebuilding his shattered life.
Things are off to a promising start when he meets Kay Stanton, a young woman with a tragic past of her own. Despite a powerful attraction, Chase and Kay are naturally hesitant to become involved. That's why friendship feels like the safest option. But when passions ignite and love blossoms, a relationship that is destined and meant to be can only be resisted for so long. When Chase and Kay finally succumb to their feelings they realize being together feels more right and true than anything they have ever experienced.
But their love is soon tested. Chase's wild past still haunts and tempts him, and Kay is keeping a secret that could tear them apart.
I Stand Before You is a journey of hope and forgiveness, coming to terms with the past and moving forward. But mostly it's a story of two damaged people who take a chance, open their hearts, and find true love.

 New Adult/Contemporary Romance genres. First in a series. 

***warning: contains graphic sexual situations, drug use, some violence, and profanity***

My Thoughts:

I'm a big fan of S.R Grey's Harbour Falls mystery books, so I couldn't wait to read her newest release, I Stand Before You. I admit, I don't read very many Adult/NA contemporary, but this was a beautiful, powerful and passionate emotional journey about mistakes, forgiveness and finding a love worth living for.

We start our story with Chase Gartner. He had a good life. His dad ran his own successful company, he has a great mom and the best little brother. He also had a promising future with the pictures he'd sketch and wanted to grow up to be an architect one day. But everything came tumbling down when his father lost his business, losing everything they own and so much more. Life as he knew it will never be the same. His mother spends most days at the casino, gambling her life away and Chase turned to drugs, sex and violence for escape. That is, till it went a little to far and he got caught with enough drugs to land him in prison.

Four years later, Chase is a free man and despite being tempted to turn back to his wicked ways, he's determined to live a different life. A clean life. A better life with better choices. His grandma left him the farm in Harmony Creek and working at the church and school as a maintenance man, Chase is well on his way to a second chance.

Kay Stanton will never forgive herself and neither will her family. Blamed and abandoned, Kay is a lost and broken after the lost of her six year old sister, Sarah. Her family will never forgive her and Kay must live with the secret of that horrible night for the rest of her life. When Kay and Chase meet it's the start of an easy and natural friendship but inevitably grows into something much stronger. But can their love heal the past? Or will the same mistakes creep into their future.

If I had to pick one word for Kay and Chase, it would be undeniable. Here we have two desperate souls that have been living with guilt, torment and haunted by all the mistakes they've made, but together, they have a chance to be the person they can be proud of and are stronger because of it. I've always been a fan of the they way Grey can write. Her mystery books are clever and unpredictable, but I think she took it one step further with this book. The emotional moments with Kay and Chase, together and apart were incredibly moving and irresistible. They have such a sad story filled with struggle and remorse. Grey captures that overwhelming desire to want something so desperately and then finally believing you deserve it come the end. 

Chase got a bum deal growing up. He lost everything and when you don't know how to cope, some turn to the only escape that's available. Sadly, fighting, sex and drugs are the last thing that a young teen should be getting into. Lesson learned but not ever forgotten, I admire Chase for owing up to his mistakes, not changing who he is, but changing what he does with his life. He's crude, but sexy. Intense but playful, strong but vulnerable. He's human, complex and wonderfully flawed.

Kay is a fragile little thing. What happened to her sister broke my heart and I hate what her parents did to her. But through it all, Kay remains good and it shows when she gave Chase an honest chance.The friendship between the two was warm and sweet and made my heart happy, but I think the romance between the two was even better. Tender, sexy, seductive and amazingly steamy.

Another character that I liked was Will, and while we only got bits of him in Chase's memory, I fell in love with that little boy and just as afraid for him as Chase is and look forward to hearing his story in the next book; Never Doubt Me.

All in all, I really loved this one. Kay and Chase are two broken messes but slowly and together they pick up the pieces of the past and learn to move on. It's not perfect and it's not easy, but one should never underestimate the power of love, acceptance and forgiveness. Everyone loses their way at one point of their lives, but it's what you do with the rest of it that really matters. S.R Grey captures heart and soul characters that will pull on your heart strings and makes you believe in second chances. Beautifully and touching. Wonderfully done!

Find the author:

Goodreads / Website / Twitter / Facebook

                                                                   4 Snowflakes

Author Bio:

S.R. Grey is the author of the bestselling Harbour Falls, and Willow Point, first and second novels in A Harbour Falls Mystery series. She is also the author of I Stand Before You, the first novel in the Judge Me Not series (New Adult/Contemporary Romance).

Ms. Grey resides in western Pennsylvania. She has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, as well as an MBA. 

She is currently working on Wickingham Way, the third installment in A Harbour Falls Mystery series, to be released in January 2014, as well as Never Doubt Me, second novel in the Judge Me Not series. 

Other interests include reading, traveling, running, and cheering for her hometown sports teams. 

Playlist for, I Stand Before You

Wanksta: 50 Cent

Radioactive: Imagine Dragons

Dream: Priscilla Ahn

Angels on the Moon: Thriving Ivory

Halo: Beyoncé 

A Man I’ll Never Be: Boston

Sweet Surrender: Sarah McLachlan

Tautou: Brand New 

Breathe Me: Sia 

Change: Deftones: 

Stay: Rihanna (feat. Mikky Ekko)

Hanging By a Moment: Lifehouse

Heavenly Day: Patty Griffin

Kiss Me: Ed Sheeran

Good Enough: Evanescence

My Lover’s Prayer: Otis Redding

Excuse Me: Fools For April

Sweetest Thing: U2

Found: Christel Alsos

Have A Drink On Me: AC/DC

Be Here to Love Me: Norah Jones

You Make It Real: James Morrison

Special thanks to Susie for giving us an Arc copy in exchange for an honest review.