Blog Tour & Swag Giveaway: Toxic by Jus Accardo

I was so thrilled to be part of this tour as I have loved the Denazen series so far.  Toxic is also an amazing book.  If you haven't already read Touch then grab yourself a copy as you will not be disappointed!!  For my stop of the tour I have an author guest post and also my review of Toxic.  There is also a giveaway for (US/CAN) a chance to win some awesome swag :)

Released: October 16th 2012

Publisher: Entangled Teen

Series: Yes #2 in the Denazen series

Source: From Publisher for review purposes.

Find at: Goodreads | Amazon UK | Amazon | The Book Depository | Barnes & Noble

Author Site: Jus Accardo

Goodreads Synopsis:

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 Review:

This is book two in the Denazen series and I have to say it was a brilliant addition.  Oh my, what a rollercoaster of a story, I was on the edge of my seat reading this.

Lots of new characters added and also some old faces to add to the mix.  I really do love Dez and Kale they are two most amazing characters.  There is another character to add to my favourites and that's Jade, she is feisty and such a colourful person.  I loved the tension between her and Dez, sometimes you could really see the sparks flying.  It was lovely to find out a bit more about the characters and see each one progress.  I want another book NOW!

I'm not going to give too much away about the plot as I don't believe in spoiling it for people who haven't read Touch.  And if you haven't picked up Touch then I seriously beg you too, this book seriously is unique and pretty damn amazing. 

I really do love Jus's writing style, it feels like a comfy pair of trainers that you can slip into with ease.  Sometimes you hit a writer that you instantly click with and Jus Accardo is one of these.

Overall:

Loved, loved, loved this and it gets another top mark from me.

My Thoughts on the Cover:

I do love this cover, it goes really well with the other covers in the series.  The girl on the front, Dez, stands out so much and is very eye catching.  The background goes with the feel of the name Toxic, because it looks so well......toxic!  I would pick this up in the bookshop.

Wishlist Wednesday #49

Every Wednesday, Dani at Pen To Paper features Wishlist Wednesday, a meme in which you can list a book that you really want to read or keep meaning to get. These are books that you want to add to your wishlist, and believe me there are plenty!  I've decided to use Dani's feature every Wednesday :)

So what do you need to do to join in?

• Follow Pen to Paper as host of the meme.
• Pick a book from your wishlist that you are dying to get to put on your shelves.
• Do a post telling your readers about the book and why it's on your wishlist.
• Add your blog to the linky at the bottom of her post.
• Put a link back to pen to paper (http://www.pentopaperblog.com/) somewhere in your post.
• Visit the other blogs and enjoy!

So here is my book for this weeks Wishlist Wednesday:

Touched by Cyn Balog

Goodreads Synopsis:

Nick Cross always listens to the voice in his head. Because if he doesn't? Things can go really, really wrong. Like the day he decided to go off script and saved a girl from being run over . . . and let another one drown. Trying to change the future doesn't work.

But this summer at the Jersey Shore, something's about to happen that Nick never could have predicted. He meets a girl named Taryn and finds out about the Book of Touch. Now the path that he thought he was on begins to shift . . . and there's no way to stop things from happening. Or is there?

In a life where there are no surprises, nothing has prepared Nick for what he's about to discover--or the choice he will be forced to make. . . 

It was the cover that first drew me to this book, I think it looks awesome.  I have to say it sounds just my kind of thing, I really want to read it!  It is out now, so hopefully soon I can get my hands on a copy, as I really really want to find out the story of Nick Cross and this mysterious Book of Touch :)

***Review*** The Obsidian Mirror by Catherine Fisher

The Obsidian Mirror by Catherine Fisher

Released: 4th October 2012
Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
Series: Yes #1 in the Chronoptika series
Source: From Publisher for review purposes
Find at: Goodreads | Amazon UK | Amazon | The Book Depository | Barnes & Noble
Author Site: Catherine Fisher

Goodreads Synopsis:

Jake's father disappears while working on mysterious experiments with the obsessive, reclusive Oberon Venn. Jake is convinced Venn has murdered him. But the truth he finds at the snow-bound Wintercombe Abbey is far stranger ... The experiments concerned a black mirror, which is a portal to both the past and the future. Venn is not alone in wanting to use its powers. Strangers begin gathering in and around Venn's estate: Sarah - a runaway, who appears out of nowhere and is clearly not what she says, Maskelyne - who claims the mirror was stolen from him in some past century. There are others, a product of the mirror's power to twist time. And a tribe of elemental beings surround this isolated estate, fey, cold, untrustworthy, and filled with hate for humans. But of them all, Jake is hell-bent on using the mirror to get to the truth. Whatever the cost, he must learn what really happened to his father.

My Review:

I have to say overall I really really enjoyed this one. The scene was set very early on and it gripped me.  I really loved the characters especially Sarah and Jake, they were really multi-faceted and shone like jewels from the rest of the characters. There was so much mystery and intrigue surrounding some people in the book, I really enjoyed seeing how things panned out.  The story held my concentration all the way through and there were no flat bits for me.  The story is well written and it flows really seamlesly.  The different points of view from characters made the story more real to me, I do love books told from different POV's as you get the whole picture and certainly from different angles.

 I loved the sinister atmosphere some of the villains cast, you really feel the action and suspense surrounding them.  I was on the edge of my seat a couple of times.The description of the surrounding is excellent and imaginative, I could really feel myself walking around Wintercombe Abbey beside the characters.  This really helped me connect with the book and characters.

There's a bit of everything in this book: folklore, magic, mystery, adventure, twists and betrayal.  Fantastic!

This is the first book I have read by this author and you know what? It won't be the last, I can't wait to get my hands on some more of her books. I am so pleased this is part of a series and I would love to know more about the characters and what happens next in the story.  I have a little way to wait as the next book in the series doesn't look to be out until the end of 2013!  Eeek can I really wait that long.....

Overall:

If you want a rich story filled with imagination and excitement, then this is for you.

My Thoughts on the Cover:

At first it feels there is a lot going on in the cover, but when you break each piece down bit by bit it doesn't confuse.  I love the snowflakes and the snake bracelet as they certainly tie in with the story.  I love the blue colour scheme.  The font for the name of the book is really cool, it certainly stands out for me.

Blog Tour: Obsidian Mirror by Catherine Fisher

Hi Guys!  I'm really excited to be hosting a tour stop for Obsidian Mirror by Catherine Fisher.  It's an awesome book!!  For my stop of the tour there will be an author interview with Catherine and an exciting giveaway for your very own copy of the book.  The giveaway is open to UK only.  Enjoy.......

Released: 4th October 2012
Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
Series: Yes #1 in the Chronoptika series
Source: From Publisher for review purposes
Find at: Goodreads | Amazon UK | Amazon | The Book Depository | Barnes & Noble
Author Site: Catherine Fisher

Goodreads Synopsis:

 Jake's father disappears while working on mysterious experiments with the obsessive, reclusive Oberon Venn. Jake is convinced Venn has murdered him. But the truth he finds at the snow-bound Wintercombe Abbey is far stranger ... The experiments concerned a black mirror, which is a portal to both the past and the future. Venn is not alone in wanting to use its powers. Strangers begin gathering in and around Venn's estate: Sarah - a runaway, who appears out of nowhere and is clearly not what she says, Maskelyne - who claims the mirror was stolen from him in some past century. There are others, a product of the mirror's power to twist time. And a tribe of elemental beings surround this isolated estate, fey, cold, untrustworthy, and filled with hate for humans. But of them all, Jake is hell-bent on using the mirror to get to the truth. Whatever the cost, he must learn what really happened to his father.

Author Interview:  Catherine Fisher

Tell us a little bit about yourself...

I live in Wales and like to write, draw and walk in the woods. That's about it really.

What inspired you to want to become a writer?

Reading fantasy novels by writers like Alan Garner and Tolkien. Also reading poetry, because I began by writing poetry.

Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book.

The Obsidian Mirror will beguile and entertain you, I hope.

What books have most influenced your life most?

Alice in Wonderland, The Mabinogi, The Hill of Dreams, Treasure Island, The Owl Service, the Lord of the Rings, and a lot more.

If you could travel back in time to a certain event in history, what would it be?

The building of Stonehenge- the phase when the sarsen stones were erected. I find the Neolithic a fascinating age.

Favourite fictional character?

That's very difficult. Sherlock Holmes?

Giveaway:

Chance to win your very own copy of Obsidian Mirror by Catherine Fisher.  This is open to the UK/IRE only as the publisher is kindly supplying the prize.

So here are the details: 

• There will be 1 winner- winner will receive a paperback copy of Obsidian Mirror sent directly from the Publisher.

• ·         Open to UK/IRE only·      

• You must fill out the rafflecopter form below to enter
• Giveaway will end 13th October 2012
• Please don't leave your email address in the comments box

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour: Playing With Fire by Tamara Morgan

Hi Guys!  And welcome to my tour stop of Playing With Fire by Tamara Morgan.  I'm really excited to be part of this blog tour.  For my stop of the tour I have an author interview with Tamara, and exciting giveaway of an e-book of Playing With Fire and also my review of the book.  I hope you enjoy it :D

Released: 7th September 2012
Publisher: Entangled - imprint Ever After
Series: Yes - Holding Out For A Hero Anthology
Format: E-book
Source: From publisher for review purposes
Find At:  Goodreads | Amazon UK | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Author Site:  Tamara Morgan

Goodreads Synopsis:

Fiona Nelson has always been one hot ticket—even before she took the conversion serum that gave her superhuman abilities. Fiona's powers come at a price: lack of human contact, or she won't be the only thing burning. When she loses control of her emotions, her fire powers run rampant...and she's hurt enough people already.

Including herself.

But when the man behind her conversion returns to blackmail her into helping him gain power, the only person she can turn to is Ian Jones, the man who broke her teenage heart. The man determined to expose the criminal known as Fireball, whose explosive escapades are just a little too close to Fiona's M.O.

Ian is convinced Fiona's dangerous, convinced she's Fireball, and convinced he'll damn himself if he doesn't resist a heat that's always drawn him to Fiona like a moth to a flame—but Ian has his own secrets.

And he'll learn far too soon what happens when you play with fire.

My Review:

I have to say when I first came across this book both the cover and the synopsis really stood out for me. It sounded just like something I would have picked up in a bookstore, so when I was offered a chance to review this book I leapt upon it.

This is a very fast and easy read, the writing flowed nicely and I really felt myself connect with the characters and the story. It didn't take me long to finish this book and I do wish it had been a little bit longer.  I would have liked to know more about the characters.

 I did find a times though that the main character, Fiona, had terrible issues with self-worth and it was a little bit annoying at times.  As you read into the story you do find out why she is like that, but I really did want to shake her by the shoulders and say get a grip girl.  Aside from that I did enjoy the story.

There were no real twists or turns to the story, it was a little bit predictable.  But this was fine, I had no real issues with the plot.

It did tick the paranormal romance side of things for me.  The "hunk" in the story was just how I would want him to be, so that was good.  There were a good mix of villains in there too, which kept the story edgy.

I would definitely read another book by this author as I did enjoy the story and liked her writing style. 

Overall:

A fast and easy read that ticked the right boxes.

My Thoughts On The Cover:

I really like this cover, the colour scheme is lovely and really stands out.  I like the girl on the front with the swirly magical fire, it's very apt to the story.  I also like how they have made the title go down the side of the page rather than across the top, this makes the girl stand out more.


*** Many thanks to the publisher for supplying me with a copy of this book for review.***


Author Interview:  Tamara Morgan

Tell us a little bit about yourself. 
I'm a secret, undercover superheroine whose superpowers are undisclosed at this time…though I will reveal that romance novels are my source of strength and wasting time on the Internet is my Kryptonite. Also, I like coffee. And cake.

 What inspired you to want to become a writer? 
 There’s a saying that floats around the web every so often that falls along the lines of, “Write the book you really want to read.” That, more than anything else, is what gets me to put my proverbial pen to the proverbial paper. I love reading books—always have—but writing them fulfills a different, more demanding Tamara who lurks inside. She’s quite insistent. Insatiable, really.

 Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book. 
Superheroes, second chances, and sexytimes, oh my!

Who is your favorite character from Playing with Fire, and why?
 Oh, you’re making me choose favorites among my babies! How cruel. I think I’d have to go with Neil, Ian’s sidekick and cohort. Every now and then, one of these characters with a really distinct voice will pop into my books, and I can’t seem to stop them. Neil’s not quite likable and slightly odd, but he’s unapologetically himself. I wish more people were like that.

Your favorite authors?
 For me, the basis for this question has changed over the past five years. If you’d have asked me before I became a writer, I would have said without question Georgette Heyer, Isabelle Allende, and Mary Doria Russell. While I still greatly admire the works of all three of these women, I find myself drawn more and more to authors whose personalities I’ve gotten to know via Twitter and other writing channels. These days, my “favorite” authors are ones like Moira Rogers, Alexia Reed, Elyssa Patrick, and Gwen Hayes—great writers in their own right, but also women I’m proud to call friends.

If you could have dinner with one person, dead or alive, who would it be and why? 
Julia Child. She’s going to do the cooking, too, right?

Giveaway:

 Chance to win your very own e-book copy of Playing With Fire by Tamara Morgan.  This is open to Everyone!!

So here are the details: 

• There will be 1 winner- winner will receive an E-book copy of Playing With Fire sent directly from the Publisher.

• ·         Open to Everyone·      

• You must fill out the rafflecopter form below to enter
• Giveaway will end 12th October 2012
• Please don't leave your email address in the comments box

a Rafflecopter giveaway