Stacking the Shelves, & Sunday Post (7)

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Tynga's Reviews

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ARCS

Gabriel’s Redemption  by  Sylvain Reynard	Searching For Someday  by  Jennifer Probst

eARCS

Bitter Sweet Love  by  Jennifer Armentrout	Perfect Together  by  Carly Phillips	Staying on Top  by  Lyla Payne

Purchased

Motorcycle Man  by  Kristen Ashley	Own The Wind  by  Kristen Ashley	Fire Inside  by  Kristen Ashley

Be My Downfall  by  Lyla Payne	Beat of the Heart  by  Katie Ashley	Gabriel’s Inferno  by  Sylvain Reynard	Gabriel’s Rapture  by  Sylvain Reynard

Big Thanks To:  Penguin Berkley, Gallery Books, Harlequin Teen, Berkley Nal, and Lyla Payne :)

eARC’s

Seamless  (By A Thread Trilogy #3) by  R.L. Griffin	Lennon's Rain  (Lennon's Girls #2) by  Chris Myers	Wrecked (Wrecked #1) by  Priscilla West

Gifted

Avoiding Decisions  (Avoiding #1.5) by  K.A. Linde

Big Thanks to R.L. Griffin, Priscilla West, our fab tour hosts and My Beautiful Sister Lindy Lou

eARC’s

Purchased

Gifted

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The Twelve Days of New Adult Giveaway Hop‏

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Harlequin Teen Scavenger Hunt & Book Review: Another Little Piece of My Heart by Tracey Martin

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Another Little Piece of my Heart
By:  Tracey Martin
Release Date:  December 1, 2013
By: Harlequin Teen
Source:  Publisher

GR's Summary:

What if your devastating break-up became this summer’s hit single? In this rock-and-roll retelling of Jane Austen’s Persuasion, music can either bring you together or tear you apart.

At her dying mother’s request, Claire dumps Jared, the only boy she’s ever loved. Left with a broken family and a broken heart, Claire is furious when she discovers that her biggest regret became Jared’s big break. While Jared is catapulted into rock-star status, another piece of Claire’s heart crumbles every time his song plays on the radio.

The summer after her senior year, it’s been months since the big break-up, and Claire is just trying to keep her head down and make it through a tense trip to the beach with her family. But when Jared shows up, and old feelings reignite, can Claire and Jared let go of the past? Or will they be stuck singing the same old refrain?

 

 

Welcome to A Bookish Escape's Stop of the Harlequin Teen Musical Scavenger Hunt featuring Another Little Piece of My Heart by Tracey Martin.  This YA/NA Contemporary Romance focuses on music, first love, and heartache.  Therefore, each blog stop participating in this event will focus on one song from Claire's Playlist.  Check below for details of how you can participate, and enter to win many awesome prizes!    

Our Song Title & Playlist Number Is...

Matt Nathanson, “Love Comes Tumbling Down”; Song #8 in Claire’s Summer Survival Playlist

YouTube Link | iTunes Link

Musical Scavenger Hunt Details:

In my post, you’ll notice that I’ve linked to one song from the Another Little Piece of My Heart Claire’s Summer Survival Playlist. There are 12 songs on the playlist in total, and therefore 12 stops on the scavenger hunt (posting from November 29 – December 1). Find them all, and discover 12 chances to win great Harlequin TEEN books and Another Little Piece of My Heart swag.

But there’s more! One grand-prize winner will be randomly drawn to receive a $25 iTunes gift card in addition to books and swag! To enter for the grand prize, send the complete, 12-song playlist, along with your contact information (including the address where you’d like to receive your prize) to the author by using this contact form: http://tracey-martin.com/contact/. The winner will be notified by email after the contest ends on December 5^th. 

Rules: Open internationally, anyone below the age of 18 should have a parent or guardian’s permission to enter. To be eligible for the grand prize, you must submit the playlist using the contact form above by December 5th at noon Eastern Time. Entries sent without the correct playlist or without contact information will not be considered.

Giveaway:

Harlequin Teen is giving 1 Winner (U.S. & INTL.) 3 Harlequin Teen Backlist Titles, Bookmarks & Swag!  Enter Below! 

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My Thoughts:

Another Little Piece of My Heart, by Tracey Martin, is a beautiful and bittersweet debut about first love, following your passion and dreams, and most importantly being true to yourself.  I became deeply drawn into Claire and Jared's story, and felt many intense and deep emotions, as I followed them on their journey.

Claire comes from a wealthy socioeconomic background.  She lives in a huge home, attends a top notch prestigious private high school, and can have any material item that she desires.  Both of her parents only care about keeping up appearances, making money, and having the best that money can buy.  Claire has had classical piano training since she was young, is very intelligent, but is not snobby like her parents.  She has a deep passion for music, plays piano beautifully, and loves writing her own music.

When Claire attends her first high school party, she meets Jared Steel.  Immediately these two click when they begin discussing their love of all of their favorite bands (especially, The Beatles), compare the talents of various musicians, debate politics, and completely become taken by one another.  Before they know it, the party ends, and from that day forward the two of them become inseparable. Jared teaches Claire how to play the guitar, she loses her virginity to him, and realizes he is the only guy that she ever wants to be with.  Unfortunately, Claire's parents do not approve of Jared.  He doesn't come from money, drives an old beat up truck, attends public school, and doesn't plan on attending college.  Jared's dream and passion is to follow music, and him and Claire have a plan to write music and sing it together.  Claire's mother finds out she is dying of Cancer, and repeatedly puts pressure on Claire to leave Jared.  Claire's father tells her that she is selfish, and is putting stress on her mother.  Claire's parents are horrible to Jared, and treat him like he is trash, and not worthy of their daughter.  Needless to say, Claire is caught in the middle of a difficult situation.  Her parents try everything to keep her from Jared, by grounding her, refusing to let her see him, and constantly making her feel guilty.  Jared refuses to go to Claire's home, and they argue about her family.  Eventually, Claire breaks down and tells Jared that they need a break from each other.  Jared leaves, and even though Claire quickly realizes that she has made a mistake, Jared refuses to answer her calls, texts, and emails.  He moves away, and they don't see each other again.

Two years later, circumstances end up bringing Claire and Jared face to face in the same small town.  They both have a lot of hurt and anger toward one another, and things become complicated when they end up sharing the same circle of friends. Every time they end up having to be around each other there is a lot of tension and animosity.  Jealousy also ends up playing a significant role in their feelings for one another, and the dynamic between Claire and Jared becomes very interesting.

I loved the main characters, Claire and Jared.  They were both very realistic, unique, complex, and dynamic.

Neither of them were perfect, but I loved the essence of who they were as individuals.  It was obvious that these two were meant to be together from the very beginning.  They were both intelligent, giving, passionate, and talented people.  However, all of the trials and tribulations that they went through were part of growing up, and maturing.  This story was character driven, and I became very attached to Claire and Jared.  I could feel their pain, and wanted them to stop being so stubborn, because it was obvious to me that they still loved one another deeply.  The pacing of the story was on the slow side, but I think that's because Ms. Martin really took the time to develop the characters, and plot.  There were no dull moments, as Another Little Piece of my Heart was filled with the innocence, excitement and anticipation of first love, as well as angst, heartache, passion, and surprises!  I loved the musical aspect in this story.  It was fun reading the lyrics that Claire and Jared wrote in their music.  Music was so intricately woven in to the story plot, was important in how Claire and Jared expressed themselves, and was an aspect that made the story really come alive and stand out for me. 

   

My Rating:

I give Another Little Piece of My Heart, by Tracey Martin, 3.5 Passionate, Path Finding, First Love Filled Stars!  This was a sweet and angst filled love story that leapt off of the pages!  If you are a music lover, and are looking for a unique, and engaging debut, read A Little Piece of My Heart!  

My Favorite Quote:

"Kissing him is better than teasing him.  This is how kisses are supposed to be.  Just like I remember them.  Just like no time has passed since our last one.  When we pull apart I'm out of breath and can barely stand."  (eARC, Loc. 2688)

~Claire

Preorder At:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | Harlequin

About Tracey Martin:

Tracey Martin grew up outside of Philadelphia, the lucky recipient of a drama-free childhood, which is why she spent so much time reading about other people’s lives. It was while she was working on her doctorate in psychology that she had an epiphany–imaginary people are way more fun than real ones. And so she began writing. Never able to choose just one of anything, she currently writes both urban fantasy for adults and contemporary stories for teens.

She likes her coffee simple, her music epic, and her movies to contain explosions. A city girl at heart, she doesn’t understand how she and her husband ended up living in New Hampshire, but writing keeps her off the mean, small town streets.

Tracey is represented by Michelle Humphrey at the Martha Kaplan Agency and finds referring to herself in the third person to be very weird.

Website | Goodreads| Twitter

Release Day Review: Bitter Sweet Love (Dark Elements Series 0.5) by Jemmifer L. Armentrout

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Bitter Sweet Love
A Dark Elements Novella
By:  Jennifer L. Armentrout
Published: 12/01/13
By:  Harlequin Teen

GR's Summary:

In a sizzling prequel novella to her new series THE DARK ELEMENTS, #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout draws readers into the extraordinary, irresistible world of Wardens and demons.

Dez wasn't just Jasmine's crush. A gargoyle Warden like Jas, he helped her come to terms with her destiny—fending off demons and maintaining balance between good and evil. He was her everything...right until the moment he disappeared without a trace. It didn't help that Jas's father had just announced that she and Dez would one day be mated. Hard not to take that personally.

And now he's back, three years older, ten times hotter, ready to pick up exactly where they left off. But Jas isn't taking that risk again. Dez has seven days to meet all her conditions and earn back her trust. Seven days filled with terrifying danger and sweet temptation. Seven days to win her heart—or shatter it all over again...

The Dark Elements Series:

Prequel: Bitter Sweet Love (Dec 2013)

Book 1: White Hot Kiss (March 2014)

Book 2: Stone Cold Touch (November 2014)

Read an Excerpt of Bitter Sweet Love HERE



My Thoughts:

I am beyond thrilled that Ms. Armentrout has given us a spectacular and colorful new series filled with vivid imagery, magic, passion, excitement, and adventure!  Bitter Sweet Love, is a prequel in the Dark Elements Series.  This little novella hooked me from the very first page of the story, and took me on an unbelievable ride.  Jas, is a warden (similar to the gargoyles of urban legend), which were created by Alphas (Angels) to protect humans from the dangerous and sinister actions of demons.  Dez, a gorgeous and sexy warden, comes to live with Jas' clan, when his parents, and clan are brutally murdered by a powerful, and upper level demon.  Dez is completely disturbed and devastated by what occurred.  He refuses to eat, talk, or let anyone near him.  Jas finds a way to break down Dez' walls, and they become inseparable.  The two fall madly in love, but one day Dez just disappears, leaving Jas completely heartbroken.  Three years later, Dez returns, and tells Dez' father that he wants her for his mate, and Dez has seven days to decide if she will accept or deny him.

As a female warden, Dez doesn't have any freedom.  She is constantly monitored, and protected.  Females are not trained to fight, and are only expected to give birth.  Unfortunately, many female wardens die in childbirth.  Dez has a very adventurous spirit, and gives Dez a list of conditions that he must complete in order for her to consider his proposal, but she has no intention of accepting it.  She still loves Dez, but doesn't trust him to not leave her, and break her heart all over again.

Bitter Sweet Love was a fast paced, and addicting read!  The world building was amazing.  The descriptions were vivid, and brought the whole story to life.  I experienced flying, looking down at the city, the rush, and sense of freedom, right along with Jas.  I quickly learned of various demons, what they looked like, their abilities, and ranking.  I repeatedly swooned over Dez, and felt the intoxicating intensity, and anticipation of every moment that Jas and Dez were together.  This story was unique, imaginative, magical, and and seductive.  I loved it, and am highly anticipating, White Hot Kiss.  I am so excited to find a fresh, and unique new paranormal series, by the queen of swoon!    

My Rating:

I highly recommend, Bitter Sweet Love, by Jennifer L. Armentrout.  Ms. Armentrout never ceases to amaze me.  She has made gargoyles sexy, in this new series, the same way that she made aliens sexy in her Lux Series.  I'm not into reading about gargoyles (or aliens), but make an exception to that rule, when I see that the author is the talented Ms. Armentrout.  She consistently takes my breath away with the beautiful, sexy, and addictive romances she seamlessly creates.  I give, Bitter Sweet Love, 4.5 Intoxicating, Seductive, and Swoon Worthy Stars!  

My Favorite Quote:

"Nothing in this world is stronger than love.  It should always be enough, no matter what."  (eARC, Loc. 1532)

Casting:


"Dez" as Ms. Armentrout Views Him

Purchase At:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo

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. Her book Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture.

She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

Jennifer would love to hear from you. If you have questions about any of her books, would like to set up an interview, book signing, etc, please use the email address below. Please check out each book/series individual page for more information about each title and the FAQ section.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

Cover Reveal‏ & Excerpt : Because of Ellison by M.S. Willis

Because of Ellison

by M.S. Willis

Release Date: January 14th, 2014

Genres: Adult Contemporary Romance

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Synopsis:

When I was nineteen years old, I lived for sex, drugs and a good party. I had it all - good looks, a fast car and a hot girlfriend. Nothing in life was more important. 

That was, until I met Ellison James….

Since the moment I first saw her she was a raging bull; tackling me in the mud and throwing out insults as fast as her tongue could form the sound. 

She was snarky 
She was rude 
And she pissed me off like no other woman could.

I lived beside her for a summer and in the three months that I walked by her side...

She opened my eyes
She changed my life
And she made me a better man

Excerpt:

I approached Ellison and we stood nose to nose and chest to chest because I’d walked up so close. She craned her neck to look up at me and I raised my hands to smooth down her arms. But I couldn’t touch her. I held my hands at her shoulders and I looked down at her longingly, but I just couldn’t push past the thin, invisible force that seemed to surround her. I didn’t want to be like Finn. I didn’t want to push myself on her when she was already upset about something else. It wasn’t fair to her. The energy from her body brushed across my palms and I felt twisted up inside because I couldn’t actually touch her.

She blinked slowly and the blue was shining in contrast with her red-rimmed eyes. I could smell the beer on her and she swayed slightly. “Please don’t, Hunter. Please don’t make this harder.” Her voice was a breathy whisper and I closed my eyes in reaction to it. I wanted to do more than touch her. I wanted to sweep her up in my arms and cradle her to me. I wanted to hold her until all the pain and worry left her body. I wanted to tell her I’d take care of her, I’d cherish her, I’d…that, in reality, I’d end up leaving her.

I’d never felt pain before like I did at that moment. It tore at me. Physical pain shot through my body and my chest tightened. But I pulled my hands back to myself. I protected her heart by not touching her. 

For once, I was trying not to be the selfish bastard I knew I was.

Author Bio:

M.S. Willis is a romance novelist whose debut novel, Control, was released in 2013.  Although currently writing in the romance genre, Willis has plans to expand her literary pursuits into multiple genres and has no fear conquering difficult subject matters in her writing.  Willis is a native Floridian who is also a photographer and musician.  When not absorbing herself in written, visual or musical expression, Willis is an adrenaline junkie, a ‘closet’ video game enthusiast, and an avid outdoors person and nature lover.

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