BLOG TOUR & GIVEAWAY: In Harmony by Helena Newbury

In Harmony by Helena Newbury

Title: In Harmony

Author: Helena Newbury

Series: Fenbrook Academy #2

Publication Date: September 21st 2013
Publisher: Foster & Black New Adult

Everyone expects her to succeed...
Karen plays the cello like an angel, and it’s the only thing that makes her truly feel alive. But her father’s dream—for her to join a prestigious orchestra—leaves no time in her life for anything but music...not even love. Trapped on her path, she doesn’t know how to rebel.
Everyone expects him to fail...
Connor plays rock guitar like the devil himself, and his ability has got him all the way from a dead-end life in Belfast to a scholarship at Fenbrook Academy. But beneath his arrogance and charm, he doesn’t believe he has what it takes. He’s spent his time in New York drinking and partying, and the only future he sees is a return to Ireland as soon as he flunks out.
But what no one expects...
When Karen’s duet partner is injured, the bad boy guitarist and the shy, sheltered cellist are forced to team up. Neither likes the idea, but what begins as anger and distrust slowly spirals into love...and lust. If they can face up to their feelings, they might just have a chance together. If Connor will allow Karen to stop his fall, maybe he can show her a life she never thought possible...

| Goodreads |

My Review

I received this as an ARC in exchange for a review for the tour.

IN HARMONY was just...amazing. It practically blew me out of the room, I just couldn't put it down! This is the second book in the Fenbrook Academy series. And after enjoying the first book, I completely got addicted to this one. 

Focusing on the story of Karen--a cellist who has been dominated by her father for 21 years--and Connor--a bad boy who plays electric guitar instead of those 'geek' instruments (as they say in the book). 

Karen is a very serious person, always practicing her cello and always thinking about study, study, study. She wants to graduate, but she can't when her plans went downhill when her recital partner broke his arm in a robbing situation. Now all she has left is....Connor. Karen is a really likeable person, she's quiet most of the time, tucked away in her comfort zone, but once I got to know her, I couldn't help but find her likeable.

Connor is a bad boy, a player, whatever you want to call it. He plays electric guitar like it's part of him, and it is. He doesn't care about graduating, he barely shows up in class. But since he was Karen's last chance, she had to take it. Connor acts like he doesn't have a care in the world. But in reality, he's hiding a secret from everybody.

Karen's friends are all really friendly, in here we get to see characters from the first book in the series, DANCE FOR ME as well. They all help her with her music problems, and in turn she helps them with their own problems. It was nice to see that this book wasn't just about Karen and Connor, it was about Karen's friends as well.

This book was really enjoyable. The characters and the romance blossoms over time, and they don't just fall straight into bed. The characters learn to live with everything and move on with life, falling in love on the way.

You could read this as a standalone, but I recommend reading DANCE FOR ME first since the characters appears in this book. Really enjoyable, and I couldn't get y head out of it even in my sleep. Fans of romance, music and secrets would really enjoy this!

Giveaway

Up for grabs:

1. $50 Amazon GC (INT)

2. DANCE FOR ME and IN HARMONY ebooks (INT)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About The Author

Helena Newbury is a New Adult Romance author with a love of bakingly hot summer days, strawberry gelato, good coffee and interesting people. Unlike the characters in her books, Helena cannot dance, act or play anything (though she is substantially more flexible since she started writing Dance For Me and tried doing dancer’s stretches, so she's hoping that something will rub off on her from each book).

Helena writes in a very noisy, very busy coffee shop which means she sometimes end up mainlining caffeine to keep her seat. You’ll know when this happens because she’ll still be on Twitter that night at 4am.

She loves meeting and talking with other authors, traveling to new places and discovering new books

BLOG TOUR & GIVEAWAY: Left by T.R. Graves

Left by T.R. Graves

Title: Left

Author: T.R. Graves

Series: Still Standing #1

Publication Date: September 1st 2013

Publisher: Self-Published

Your own two feet are all you have when you've been left.

A naive Baylee loves Colt, her boyfriend of four years, more than she ever thought possible. After a little snooping, she's convinced she's well on her way toward hearing an once-in-a-lifetime proposal and starring in the wedding-of-the-year event. Instead, she's blindsided by a very public breakup and the crushing news that Colt is marrying someone else… someone more befitting him and the role his father expects him to take in his law firm.

Baylee may have spent years resenting Ariana, her mother, and her suicide, an intolerable show of weakness in Baylee's opinion, but after Colt leaves her just short of the altar, Baylee sees the world through her mother's eyes. She sympathizes with Ariana's actions and realizes that some things—soul-deep aches—can irreparably damage you and make moving on nearly impossible.

At least that's how she feels until she meets Ryker. With his help, Baylee discovers there is life after Colt, and she prepares to move on by pulling herself up by the bootstraps, holding her head high, and standing on her own two feet. Unfortunately, a new jealous and hateful Colt has his own plans for her, and they are plans no one—especially Baylee—ever saw coming.

| Goodreads |

My Review

I cannot say how much I enjoyed this book. I mean, everything was so hectic and I had to squeeze this book in to be able to do the tour. And after I started, I couldn't stop. Like, at all.

LEFT tells the story of Baylee. Baylee thought that she loved the right man, she thought that Colt was going to propose to her but instead, he dumped her. Baylee is weak or fragile like most with her past. Her mother committed suicide and everybody expects her to do that too. She has no one, her father is barely there, but Baylee is strong and puts up with everything. That's what I liked most about her.

And Ryker. I fell in love with him straight away when he got introduced. He's kind, such a gentleman and most of all? HOT! Haha! He cares for Baylee and he isn't the type of men who take advantage of women when they are in a weak moment. I love his mum too. She was such a great addition to the book.

The book made me feel happy to giddy, angry to absolute bat-arse mad. I just couldn't put this book down. And near the end, it had me in shock. I mean, HOW COULD HE DO THAT?? (Read it and you'll know what I'm talking about)

The ending wasn't exactly a cliffhanger, but Baylee and Ryker's story will continue onto the second book. I'm so excited!! I can't wait to see what's going to happen next in their relationship!!

My Playlist

I only have a few songs since I didn't listen to much music while I was reading this book (I was on borrowed time so...).

But here's the short list of songs that I listened to and thought that fitted the book:

(Click on the link to go to Youtube)

1. Bastille ft. Ella -- No Angels

2. Cinematic Orchestra ft. Patrick -- To Build A home

3. Lifehouse -- Blind

4. Lifehouse ft. Natasha -- Between The Raindrops

5. Tyler James -- Single Tear

There you go. That's my short playlist that I thought suited this song! 

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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About The Author

T. R. Graves, the author of The Warrior Series and The Secrets Series and The Underwater Series, is a 2012 NaNoWriMo Winner. 

She lives along the Texas coast with her husband. Together, they raise T. R.'s beta reading daughter and their football-loving son. Besides being blessed with a supportive family, she counts her career as a registered nurse in not-for-profit hospitals high on her list of fulfilling accomplishments.

BLOG TOUR & GIVEAWAY: Give Me Strength by Kate McCarthy

Give Me Strength by Kate McCarthy

Title: Give Me Strength

Author: Kate McCarthy

Series: Give Me #2

Publication Date: September 16th 2013

Quinn Salisbury doesn’t think she’s cut out for this whole living thing. Even as a young girl she struggled. Just when she thinks she’s found a way to leave her violent past behind her, the only thing that’s kept her going is ripped away, leaving her damaged and heartbroken.
Four years later, she is slowly rebuilding her life and lands a job as an assistant band manager to Jamieson, the hot new Australian act climbing their way to the top of the charts. There she meets Travis Valentine, the charismatic older brother of her boss, Mac.
From his commanding charm to his confidence and passion, Travis is everything Quinn believes is too good for her, and despite her apprehension, she finds their attraction undeniable and intense.
When her past resurfaces, it complicates their relationship. Instead of reaching out for help, Quinn pushes Travis away, until a staggering secret is revealed that leaves her fighting for her very life.
Torn between running and opening her heart to the man determined to have her, can Quinn find the strength within herself to fight for her future?

| Goodreads |

My Review

I received this as an ARC in exchange for a review for the tour.

GIVE ME STRENGTH is a hilarious, love and crime story. I loved every single second of it. When I read GIVE ME LOVE (book 1), I knew I was going to enjoy this series. But for those that haven't read GIVE ME LOVE yet, you need to before you read this one.

This books tells the story of Quinn and Travis. Quinn was raised in a dump, her mother didn't care about her and her step-dad wasn't much different. When she was 17, she moved out after her beloved boyfriend died., leaving her alone and scared. Now years later, Quinn ended up in a night club with her friend, Lucy. That was where she met Travis. Quinn is quite weak on the inside, but that's what made me delicate and really likeable. She might be weak, but she doesn't put her problems onto other people's shoulders. She kept her problems to herself and built a wall around her. 

Travis is...what can I say, he's hot. Like TOTALLY HOT! In fact, all of the Valentine brothers are hot! Travis works for this agency that helps with children kidnaping and abductions. Other than the protective vibe he has for his family and Quinn, inside, Travis is a kind hearted man. He loves his family and cares for all of them, even though they annoys the heck out of him. LOL! Travis was easy to like, love even. And I seriously love everyone in this book. The Valentine brothers, the band, Mac and Evie!

Other than the amazing characters in this series, the book was HILARIOUS! Seriously, between Mac and Henry. Those two are like..the twosome gruesome. They annoy each other out every single day. And whenever they're together, I just burst out laughing so hard that I had to stop for a few minutes!

Kate McCarthy is an amazing writer, you NEED to read this series. You will LOVE IT!! I seriously can't wait for her next book!

Giveaway

Prizes:

Up for grabs are:

1. $100 Amazon GC

2. 2 SIGNED paperbacks (1 INT & 1 AUS)

3. 10 ebooks of GIVE ME STRENGTH

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About The Author

Kate McCarthy grew up in a small town outside of Port Macquarie, Australia. Raised in a house just a short walk to the beach, Kate enjoyed the peaceful, relaxed atmosphere and friendships that come from being raised in a friendly, small town area.
She now resides in Brisbane, Australia, a city in the state of Queensland where she works as an accountant, along with a sideline wedding cake business and her writing.
She is married with two children, has two dogs and house in the suburbs, and a pile of friends and family dotted all over the country that help keep her sane.
When she’s not busy running after naughty kids, filthy dogs, crunching numbers, piping buttercream and writing books, you can find her curled up in bed in the early hours of the morning reading new books and re-reading old favourites. Her favourite books are the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward in which she longs to eventually join the brotherhood and change her name to Phierce Mutha.

ARC REVIEW: Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan

Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan

Title: Boy Meets Boy

Author: David Levithan

Publication Date: August 1st 2013

Publisher: Harper Collins, UK

Source: Netgalley

This is the story of Paul, a sophomore at a high school like no other: The cheerleaders ride Harleys, the homecoming queen used to be a guy named Daryl (she now prefers Infinite Darlene and is also the star quarterback), and the gay-straight alliance was formed to help the straight kids learn how to dance.
When Paul meets Noah, he thinks he’s found the one his heart is made for. Until he blows it. The school bookie says the odds are 12-to-1 against him getting Noah back, but Paul’s not giving up without playing his love really loud. His best friend Joni might be drifting away, his other best friend Tony might be dealing with ultra-religious parents, and his ex-boyfriend Kyle might not be going away anytime soon, but sometimes everything needs to fall apart before it can really fit together right.
This is a happy-meaningful romantic comedy about finding love, losing love, and doing what it takes to get love back in a crazy-wonderful world.

| Goodreads | 

My Review

ARC received from the publisher and author in exchange for a review.

First, I just wanted to say that I have never ever read a book based around a gay person before. Yes, I have read books that has gay characters in them (and love them), but I have never read anything like this book.

At the beginning, in the acknowledgement, David wrote that this book was dedicated to one of his friends, and some of it was based in real life too, and from that moment, I knew straight away that I would love this book. I don't know why, it was just an instinct. And I was right, I did love it.

BOY MEETS BOY tells the story of Paul and his friends. Paul is gay, and he isn't ashamed of it. He was in a relationship with another boy when they broke up, leaving Paul hurt and confused. Paul is such a easy liking person, I can't think of any reason not to like him. He's kind, understanding, selfless and supportive. I would seriously love to have a friend like him. 

Paul then meets Noah, the new boy in town. Noah, like Paul, is really likeable. He's funny and whenever he's near Paul, there's like, a sparkle going off. Noah is quiet most of the time, he's isn't carefree like Paul, but he enjoys life and has fun. I really love seeing them too together. They just make my stomach flutter.

And it's also heartbreaking when I read about Tony, Paul's friend (who is either gay or bi-sexual, I'm a little bit confused, but I'm going for the latter). His parents are strict, strict like religious strict. I'm not a religious person, but I still understand how Tony felt as his parents didn't approve of him being different. But me? I love him. Tony might be stuck in one place trying over and over again to make his parents approve of who he is, but he still supports his friends, especially Paul and Noah. 

Overall, this book was just beautiful, hilarious, witty and just so enjoyable at the same time. I love every single second I spent reading this book. David Levithan's words just pulls at my heart and won't let go. This book was just utterly amazing. 

~ June

About The Author

David Levithan (born 1972) is an American children's book editor and award-winning author. He published his first YA book, Boy Meets Boy, in 2003. Levithan is also the founding editor of PUSH, a Young Adult imprint of Scholastic Press.

BLOG TOUR & GIVEAWAY: Becoming Bryn by Angela Carling

Becoming Bryn by Angela Carling

Title: Becoming Bryn

Author: Angela Carling

Publication Date: June 15th 2013

Publisher: Acacia Publishing

Blog Tour Host: Irresistible Reada

For months, Jesse has been envious of her twin sister Bryn and even has a crush on Bryn’s gorgeous, popular boyfriend, Quinton. When Jesse awakens from a coma to learn that everyone thinks she IS Bryn, the option of actually taking over her sister’s life is beyond tempting, but there’s a downside. She’d have to give up Ethan, her best friend and the only person she trusts. Could she actually live as Bryn for the rest of her life? And if her family and friends found out, would they ever forgive her?

 | Goodreads |

My Review

ARC given in exchange for a review for the tour. 

Have you ever wonered what it would be like having a twin? I have. I mean, I wished I had a twin so many times. I always thought it would be fun to share the same face and that kind of stuff. But I never thought twins would have these type of problems.

BECOMING BRYN tells the story of Jesse and Bryn, twin sisters that drew apart after one got pushed up the social ladder. Jesse wants to feel loved, she wants to be loved. People around her acted as if she was just a stranger while they give all their time and love to Bryn. All except Ethan. I kind of know how Jesse was feeling, in fact, everyone that has a sibling knows how Jesse feels. We all feel like that. Like your family loves your sister/brother more than you. I always feel that. So I know exactly how Jesse was feeling and I understood her view completely.

I felt the same for Bryn. She is just like her sister, she hates her life and wants to swap it with Jesse's. It was like as if both sisters were blind. They both wanted each other's life. So when they were in a car accident that killed Bryn, everyone thinks Jesse is Bryn.

Some people doesn't understand why Jesse didn't fight back and say that she's Jesse. But I understood. She didn't want Bryn's fame at the top of the social ladder, in fact, she just wanted to feel loved for once. So with her family thinking that she is Bryn, she's glad. It might've been wrong, but she just didn't know it yet.

And the addition of Quinton and Ethan was great! Quinton was a great guy, even though he'd made some mistakes. And Ethan was just...Ethan. He was really likeable, but most of the time, we didn't get to see him much.

This book was really enjoyable, I always had it in my hand and kept reading it and didn't stop until I got to the end. Fans of realistic and young adult fiction will really enjoy this!!

- June

Giveaway

Win $10 Amazon Giftcard!!

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About The Author

Raised in Palm Springs California. A desert rat that writes Young Adult novels and loves all kitties and her family. Can be bribed with chocolate. Published books, Unbreakable Love, Shackled and Becoming Bryn.

COVER & TRAILER REVEAL & GIVEAWAY: Panic by J.A. Huss

So...

Before I even say anything, you all should know that I am freaking out about this cover reveal. I mean, literally FREAKING out. Like this:

And...

So obviously now you know how I'm feeling about revealing this cover. I mean, have you read TRAGIC yet? You HAVE to. I swear, if you haven't then you are seriously missing out on some seriously sizzling stuff. 

And of course, EVERYBODY knows that I am a MAJOR (and by major, I mean absolutely MAJOR) fan of Julie (J.A. Huss). She is my TOP TOP TOP favourite author EVER. I fell in love with her ever since I read her I AM JUST JUNCO series. And I'm still in love with her. 

Panic is the third instalment to the ROOK & RONIN series. 

Check it out:

1. Tragic (#1)

2. Manic (#2)

And now, it's time to reveal the cover!

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Panic by J.A. Huss

Title: Panic

Series: Rook & Ronin #3

Author: J.A. Huss

Publication Date: October 24th 2013

Publisher: Science Future Press

Rook is chasing her dream—film school and a chance at a life beyond the one she left behind six months ago. But before she can become the girl she wants to be, she must deal with the girl she left behind.

Ronin is also chasing his dream—a family of his own and a life away from erotic modeling. And he too, has a past he’s trying to forget. A past that makes Rook question everything about their life together.

Lies, secrets, and shocking truths will rock the foundation Rook and Ronin have built. Can they put the past behind them and move forward together? Or is this just another too good to be true relationship that will crash and burn in the end?

| Goodreads | 

So...what do you think of the cover? Isn't it AMAZING??

This one is much calmer than the first two books, but I still love it to bits!

I am seriously way FREAKING OUT!! 

Here are some more promo pics to make YOU start freaking out like me. HEHEH!! 

*Jumping around like a lunatic*

EEEEEEEEEE!!! How can you be falling apart after seeing this??

This quote just melts my heart and seriously, the picture behind it? HOTTTT!!

*swoon*

OOOh! And check out the HOT trailer! I mean, seriously...you might want to stick your head in a freezer while watching this. I'M SERIOUS!!

PANIC Trailer

And of course, how could i forget? THE GIVEAWAY!!

Julie is such a generous person. She is holding an amazing giveaway!!

Up for grabs are:

1. $15 Amazon GC

2. Signed Swag Pack

3. TRAGIC & MANIC ebooks

Open INT.

Want to win?

ENTER NOW!

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About The Author

J. A. Huss likes to write new adult books that make you think and keep you guessing. Her favorite genre to read is space opera, but since practically no one reads those books, she writes new adult science fiction, paranormal romance, contemporary romance, urban fantasy, and books about Junco (who refuses to be saddled with a label).
She has an undergraduate degree in horses, (yes, really–Thank you, Colorado State University) and a master’s degree in forensic toxicology from the University of Florida. She used to have a job driving around Colorado doing pretty much nothing but shooting the breeze with farmers, but now she just writes, runs the New Adult Addiction and Clean Teen Reads Book Blogs, and runs an online science classroom for homeschoolers.