Giveaway Review THE RING AND THE CROWN by MELISSA de la CRUZ @MelissadelaCruz @DisneyHyperion #ringandthecrown

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2014

Magic is power, and power is magic... Once they were inseparable, just two little girls playing games in a mighty castle. Now Princess Marie-Victoria, heir to the mightiest empire in the world, and Aelwyn Myrddyn, a bastard mage, face vastly different futures. Quiet and gentle, Marie has never lived up to the ambitions of her mother, Queen Eleanor the Second. With the help of her Merlin, Eleanor has maintained a stranglehold on the world's only source of magic. While the enchanters faithfully serve the crown, the sun will never set on the Franco-British Empire. As the annual London Season begins, the great and noble families across the globe flaunt their wealth and magic at parties, teas, and, of course, the lavish Bal du Drap d'Or, the Ball of the Gold Cloth. But the talk of the season is Ronan Astor, a social-climbing American with only her dazzling beauty to recommend her. Ronan is determined to make a good match to save her family's position. But when she falls for a handsome rogue on the voyage over, her lofty plans are imperiled by her desires. Meanwhile, Isabelle of Orleans, daughter of the displaced French royal family, finds herself cast aside by Leopold, heir to the Prussian crown, in favor of a political marriage to Marie-Victoria. Isabelle arrives in the city bent on reclaiming what is hers. But Marie doesn't even want Leopold—she has lost her heart to a boy the future queen would never be allowed to marry. When Marie comes to Aelwyn, desperate to escape a life without love, the girls form a perilous plan that endangers not only the entire kingdom but the fate of the monarchy.

Amazon

About the Author 

Melissa de la Cruz is the New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of many critically acclaimed and award-winning novels for teens including The Au Pairs series, the Blue Bloods series, the Ashleys series, the Angels on Sunset Boulevard series and the semi-autobiographical novel Fresh off the Boat.

Her books for adults include the novel Cat’s Meow, the anthology Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys and the tongue-in-chic handbooks How to Become Famous in Two Weeks or Less and The Fashionista Files: Adventures in Four-inch heels and Faux-Pas.

She has worked as a fashion and beauty editor and has written for many publications including The New York Times, Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Allure, The San Francisco Chronicle, McSweeney’s, Teen Vogue, CosmoGirl! and Seventeen. She has also appeared as an expert on fashion, trends and fame for CNN, E! and FoxNews.

Melissa grew up in Manila and moved to San Francisco with her family, where she graduated high school salutatorian from The Convent of the Sacred Heart. She majored in art history and English at Columbia University (and minored in nightclubs and shopping!).

She now divides her time between New York and Los Angeles, where she lives in the Hollywood Hills with her husband and daughter.

Website * tumblr  * Twitter  *  Goodreads

SOURCE:  PUBLISHER

MY THOUGHTS

ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT

Marie-Victoria is heir to the Franco-British Empire and Aelwyn, bastard daughter of Merlin, have grown up in the castle together but once they reach an age where Marie must start to rule, Aelwyn, has decided to devote herself to the crown as a supplier of magic.  Queen Eleanor, has ruled the Empire for over one hundred and now see her ends is near.  With the help of her Merlin, she seeks to marry Marie for political gain to the crown prince of Prussia. Even as the two countries have been at war, the two girls have had long visits with Leopold and Wolfgang. Leo is promised to Isabelle, once the heir to the French throne while Wolf as the younger son is left to his own devices.  

Just to make things interesting, Wolf meets Ronan Astor, a socialite from New York, whose family has fallen on hard times.  She is on the move to make a match with a rich and titled man to save the family. The pair find instant chemistry and Ronan is just the one to take his heart.  The magic is an underlying current through out the story which is set in an alternate history of what would have happened if the British had continued their dominance and they controlled all of the power by restricting the use of magic.  With this historical background and a Game of Thrones feel, this is the start of a wonderful new series.  

The story reads like a celebrity expose' and will keep you very entertained.   I really didn't want to put it down when I started and the balance of dialogue, action and descriptive elements gave me everything I wanted in a fun read.  There are plots and subplots galore with twists and turns you won't expect.   I really can't wait to read what happens next since this one ended with a bit of a cliffhanger. Parents:  This one is best for mature teens since there are mentions of sexual situations, violence and alcohol.

WANT TO WIN THIS BOOK?

Ends 4/2/14

Open to anyone with a US mailing address (sorry no po boxes)

Open only to those who can legally enter

Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary.

You must be 13 or older to enter .

The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified.

The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning.

Giveaway was organized by BookHounds and sponsored by me.

VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Giveaway Review BEING HARTLEY by ALLISON RUSHBY @Allison_Rushby

Book Description

Publication Date: February 10, 2014

Fifteen-year-old Thea Wallis was born to entertain. Her mother, Oscar winning actress Cassie Hartley, thinks differently and has kept her daughter out of the spotlight since day one. Coming from showbiz royalty, it hasn't been easy to go unnoticed, but mismatched surnames, a family home in Tasmania and a low-key scriptwriter father has made this possible.

Just like her cousin Rory on the hugely popular TV show Saturday Morning Dance, Thea loves to dance. She learns the show's routines off by heart each week, despite her mother's attempts to convince her that dentistry would be a far more fulfilling career choice.

However, when Rory goes off the rails in LA, Thea's mother is suddenly left with no choice at all – Rory needs them and to LA they must go. Within forty-eight hours, Thea finds herself a long way from Tasmania and living her dream – on the road to Las Vegas with the Saturday Morning Dance team.
It doesn't take long before Thea's talents are discovered and she's offered everything she's ever wanted on a plate, including the dance partner she's had a crush on forever.

But, as her mother has always told her, Hollywood dreams come at a price. Thea soon realizes she will have to work out just how much she's willing to pay. And, ultimately, discover her own way to be Hartley.

BUY Being Hartley on Amazon

Allison Rushby is the Australian author of a whole lot of books. She is crazy about Mini Coopers, Devon Rex cats and corn chips. In November 2013, she will release her thirteenth book (she thinks… maths was never her forte) – Being Hartley. You can find her at http://www.allisonrushby.com, procrastinating on Facebook, or on Twitter at @Allison_Rushby. That is, when she’s not on eBay, or Etsy, or any other place she can shop in secret while looking like she's writing…

http://www.allisonrushby.com
http://www.keepcalmandcarryvegemite.com

SOURCE: AUTHOR

MY THOUGHTS
LOVED IT

Thea Wallis comes from a full fledged entertainment dynasty but her mother, Cass, an Oscar winning actress, does her best to keep her out of the eye of the storm. All Thea wants to do is dance like her cousin, Rory who stars on Saturday Morning Dance (SMD), a sort of more mature Mickey Mouse Club.  The show teaches everyone the latest dance moves that is super family friendly.  Cass is contacted by her brother Eric, when Rory is going off the rails.  No one is quite certain why Rory has become so despondent and acting strange.  Cass thinks she knows what is behind the sudden change in personality since she experienced the same thing as a child star transitioning into adulthood.  

As Thea tries to reconnect with her cousin, she is experiencing her own set of growing pains and just wants to be a "normal teenager" instead of the hidden lifestyle she has had to deal with her whole life.  Her mother has her own goals with Thea, not wanting her to experience the problems she had as a child growing up in a famous family.  When Thea meets and has a chance to dance with the other star, Noah on SMD, she finds a true connection with a boy for the first time in her life.  It isn't until everyone is completely honest and the truth comes out that the air is finally cleared with Rory,  which in turn, forces Thea to confront her mother about her own seclusion.  

The story is safe for even young teens and has some very important lessons about growing up, being yourself and being truthful to yourself and others.  Not that Thea or Rory are deceitful, it is only when they don't speak up about what is really bothering them, that creates problems.  The adults are believable as well in this one.  When her mother tries to protect her, Thea discovers that by talking to her mother, she can grow.  Her stories are just full of fun and have the right blend of imagination, fantasy and reality that should get the most reluctant reader to join in. I so adore the way Rushby writes! 

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Mental Health Giveaway Hop Win THE BLOGS OF WRATH @blogsofwrath

Welcome to the 

Mental Health Giveaway Hop

March 20th to 27th

Hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer & Reading in Twilight

There are a bunch of blogs participating in this one so be sure to stop by each one. Each has their own entry rules and geographic limits, so be sure to read the rules for each one.  This hop starts March 20th and ends on March 27th,  midnight. 


From The Office of Adolescent Health 

Important mental health habits—including coping, resilience and good judgment—help adolescents to achieve overall wellbeing and set the stage for positive mental health in adulthood.  Although mood swings are common during adolescence, approximately one in five adolescents has a diagnosable mental disorder, such as depression and/or “acting out” conditions that can include extremely defiant behavior. Friends and family can watch for warning signs of mental disorders and urge young people to get help. Effective treatments exist and may involve a combination of psychotherapy and medication.Unfortunately, less than half of adolescents who need mental health services receive them.

HERE IS WHAT I HAVE FOR ONE LUCKY WINNER:

(ebook)





WANT TO WIN THIS eBOOK?

Ends 3/27/14


Open to anyone who can use an Amazon ebook

Open only to those who can legally enter

Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary.

You must be 13 or older to enter .

The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified.

The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning.

Giveaway was organized by BookHounds and sponsored by me.

VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Giveaway LEAPING LEPRECHAUNS Win 2 books!

Welcome to the LEAPING LEPRECHAUNS Giveaway Hop

This hop is hosted by

Candace's Book Blog

And

Gin's Book Notes


There are a bunch of blogs participating in this one so be sure to stop by each one. Each has their own entry rules and geographic limits, so be sure to read the rules for each one.  This hop starts March 17th and ends on March 24th,  midnight. 

HERE IS WHAT I HAVE FOR ONE LUCKY WINNER:

WANT TO WIN THESE BOOKS?

Ends 3/24/14


Open to US residents only!

Open only to those who can legally enter

Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary.

You must be 13 or older to enter .

The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified.

The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning.

Giveaway was organized by BookHounds and sponsored by me.

VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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$15 Giveaway Cover Buzzl CATHERINE by APRIL LINDNER @misadventure123 @lbkids

I am super excited to be able to help spread the word about the new cover for the paperback edition of CATHERINE by April Lindner which will be available this August.

Both covers are amazing but convey something very different with the image and colors. And I’m thrilled to be able to welcome April Lindner to the blog with a post discussing them both.

There is also a giveaway for an Amazon eGift Card. Just scroll to the bottom of this post for details and to enter.

While CATHERINE’s paperback release is still a few months away, if you purchase the eBook edition now, it comes with the new cover. And if you’re a fan of the first cover, the hardback copy is still available to purchase.

Both covers rock, but which one is your favorite?

About CATHERINE

Title: CATHERINE
Author: April Lindner
Publisher: Poppy
Release date: January 1, 2013 | August 19, 2014 (paperback)
Formats: Hardcover, paperback, eBook

Catherine is tired of struggling musicians befriending her just so they can get a gig at her Dad's famous Manhattan club, The Underground. Then she meets mysterious Hence, an unbelievably passionate and talented musician on the brink of success. As their relationship grows, both are swept away in a fiery romance. But when their love is tested by a cruel whim of fate, will pride keep them apart?

Chelsea has always believed that her mom died of a sudden illness, until she finds a letter her dad has kept from her for years -- a letter from her mom, Catherine, who didn't die: She disappeared. Driven by unanswered questions, Chelsea sets out to look for her -- starting with the return address on the letter: The Underground.

Told in two voices, twenty years apart, Catherine delivers a fresh retelling of the Emily Brontë classic Wuthering Heights, interweaving a timeless forbidden romance with a captivating modern mystery.

GOODREADS | AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | THE BOOK DEPOSITORY

***

The Guest Post

Promises, Promises: Judging a Book by Its Cover

By April Lindner

We’ve all been told that you can’t judge a book by its cover. And yet some of us book lovers can’t help ourselves; there’s nothing like a gorgeous cover to lure us in. More often than not, an enticing cover is the main thing that moves me to pick up a book I've never heard of, to start paging through it, giving the first few paragraphs a chance to seal the deal—or not.

So for me the most exciting moment in the whole bookmaking occurs when a book’s future cover appears in my inbox. I click on the thumbnail, and wait breathlessly as the image blooms onto my computer screen. Only then can I imagine my manuscript as a book—on a shelf, or, better still, in the hands of a reader. I know the cover will set the book’s tone. And it will make promises—hopefully the right ones.

All of this explains why I’m so thrilled by the new cover of Catherine’s paperback edition, due out in August. Don’t get me wrong: I love the original Catherine cover. Lush and dramatic, it makes certain promises—ones I believe the book keeps. The elegant model in her kickass stance promises a strong female protagonist. (Actually, the book has two alternating strong female narrators—Catherine and her daughter Chelsea.) And the background, with the iconic Flatiron Building rising up through the mist, promises the book’s Lower Manhattan setting will be as important as its characters. The title typeface—bold and purple—promises a confident, free-spirited heroine—exactly how I see Catherine herself.

But the new paperback cover—already available to readers who download the Ebook-- makes a different set of promises. On it, a boy and a girl hold each other in the shadows of a graffiti-covered underpass. They gaze at each other in rapt wonder, their shoulders, neck and heads echoing the shape of a heart. Secret romance, this cover says. It promises love against the odds. The scene is gritty—less glamorous than the cityscape on the original—but this grittiness befits the book’s main setting, a post punk night club on the Bowery. The title’s typeface is still bold, but its peachy color underscores the sweet and optimistic innocence of this couple’s embrace.

Inspired by the classic romance Wuthering Heights, Catherine is a story of star-crossed love interwoven with mystery. Its soundtrack is the post-punk music played by Catherine’s boyfriend, Hence. And the new paperback cover captures that complex mood exactly, I think. In fact, when it popped up on my computer screen for the first time, I almost swooned. There it was, in front of me: almost exactly the picture I saw in my imagination as I wrote the book.

An author can hope for nothing more than that.

***

About April Lindner

April Lindner is the author of three novels: Catherine, a modernization of Wuthering Heights; Jane, an update of Jane Eyre; and Love, Lucy, due out in January, 2015. She also has published two poetry collections, Skin and This Bed Our Bodies Shaped. She plays acoustic guitar badly, sees more rock concerts than she’d care to admit, travels whenever she can, cooks Italian food, and lavishes attention on her pets—two Labrador retriever mixes and two excitable guinea pigs. A professor of English at Saint Joseph’s University, April lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two sons.

BLOG | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS

***

The Giveaway

The Cover Buzz Blast includes a blast-wide giveaway for a $15 Amazon eGift Card to one winner.

• Must be 13 or older to enter
• Giveaway is open to anyone who can accept eGift Cards from Amazon's US online store
• Giveaway ends on March 25th at 11:59 p.m. Pacific

Enter in the Rafflecopter below...


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Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop Win $10 - Open Internationally

Welcome to the LUCKY LEPRECHAUN Giveaway Hop

This hop is hosted by

  IAmAReader.com 

And

Books Complete Me


There are a bunch of blogs participating in this one so be sure to stop by each one. Each has their own entry rules and geographic limits, so be sure to read the rules for each one.  This hop starts March 17th and ends on March 24th,  midnight. 

HERE IS WHAT I HAVE FOR ONE LUCKY WINNER:

WANT TO WIN THIS CREDIT?

Ends 3/24/14 Open to anyone who can accept Paypal cash!

Open only to those who can legally enter

Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary.

You must be 13 or older to enter .

The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified.

The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning.

Giveaway was organized by BookHounds and sponsored by me.

VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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$50 Giveaway AVALON by RACHEL ROBERTS @AvalonWebMagic @toobusyreading

Avalon: Web of Magic 

 Three very different young teens, Emily, the shy one, Adriane, the outsider, and Kara, the power shopper, are all drawn to a secret place deep in the woods where they discover a portal to another world. Wondrous animals have emerged from the portal, desperately seeking the magic that will keep them alive. Though the animals are peaceful and good, what follows them through the portal is twisted and evil and bent on destroying them all. The Fairimentals have chosen these three fourteen-year-olds to protect the magical animals. To save them and their world, the girls must overcome their differences and band together. They begin a perilous quest to discover Avalon, the lost, legendary home of magic, little knowing the terrible dangers they will face along the way.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo

Author Rachel Roberts 

 Rachel Roberts adores magic, adventure, animals, and music. Rachel is an devoted campaigner with animal rights and protection of wild places organizations. Rachel’s has been reading ever since she could first carry a book and enjoys getting lost in a fantastic story. Rachel has been a writer as well as a editor her entire career. Rachel says the majority of concepts for her stories and characters appear on lengthy hikes. She brings a little notepad, just for jotting down thoughts. Afterward at her house Rachel builds on the ideas together with feline friends, Attila and Raider. She also is in love with music, playing the piano, flute, as well as learning to play guitar. Avalon: Web of Magic is Rachel’s very first series of novels.

Website * Facebook * Twitter

Magic Animal Sweepstakes

Win a Kindle Fire in Emily’s Pet Palace Sweepstakes!

You can earn magical badges and win amazing prizes like signed posters, t-shirts, bracelets and plushies of your fav Avalon animals by: a. Signing up (email is used only to notify you if you are a winner) b. Uploading pics of your bonded animals to Emily’s Pet Palace c. Comment and Rate other Mages’ pics and invite your friends to join. The more you upload and participate, the more badges you earn.

Complete your collection by finding the final two rare Avalon badges for a chance to win the special grand prize of a Kindle Fire!

      Blast Giveaway 

 $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash 


 Ends 4/2/14 


 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.



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