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Review: Sweet On You by Kate Perry Blog Tour

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Title: Sweet On You (Laurel Heights, #6)
Author: Kate Perry
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Phoenix Rising Enterprises, Inc
Release Date: 20 December 2012
Pages: 122 (eBook)


Synopsis
Sugar and spice and everything…naughty?
Pastry-chef-to-the-stars Daniela Rossi wants one thing: the abandoned building South of Market. Turning it into a soup kitchen for the homeless is the only thing that’s excited her in months. And Daniella needs to feel again. Until she finds herself feeling too much – for the man who’s competition for the property.
Ruthless entrepreneur Nico Cruz wants one thing: the abandoned SOMA building he grew up in, where his brother was killed. Destroying it is the only thing that will set his brother’s soul at peace. And Nico always gets what he wants. But Daniela’s sweet temptation makes him question what it will take to soothe his own soul.
Fortunately, in this bidding war, all’s fair…
My Rating
* * *
The Review

It’s been a long time since I last picked up an adult contemporary romance so when I came across Sweet On You, it sounded just what I needed to get back into the genre. And it was. Sweet On You begins with Danielle who is all but had it with her choice of career. She might have been the best at being a pastry chef but lately, it’s been all work. She’s had enough of people treating her more like a pastry chef and less like a person.
Call it a pre-midlife crisis or call it a change of heart, Danielle knows she won’t be ever going back to her former glamorous life once she spots a kid giving her sister a teddy bear from the trash bin. She’s never known life on the other side of the tracks but she does know she needs to feed the homeless kids. And maybe buy the building they’re living in so that she could turn it in a soup kitchen. It sounds perfect. However, that’s where Nico comes in, he’s had his sights set on the building just so he could buy and have it demolished in order to fulfill the promise he made to his brother. Thus, starts a battle between Danielle and Nico.
Despite what started as a surprising first chance meeting, the instant attraction and the heavy flirtation kind of felt off. Still, it was easier to see how Danielle and Nico fit together and hot to read about. I could see where both of them were coming from and it was easy to predict how it would all end, but it was fun reading about it. Sweet On You is definitely all it promised to be, sugary, spicy and naughty.
Even though I wasn’t expecting Danielle’s assistant Marley to have a story of her own, it was nice reading it. It definitely gave a much clearer insight inside the world of Danielle. What I really liked about Sweet On You is how much Danielle and Marley grow in just over a hundred pages. The pace is fast and the chapters are arranged in multiple perspectives of Nico, Danielle and Marley. It’s refreshing to read them because you get the know-how of what’s everyone thinking and doing but it also leaves space for the reader to be left guessing a little.
Sweet On You is the sixth book in the Laurel Heights series but it can be read as a stand alone. I would totally recommend it as a light read which can be finished in a single sitting. A guilty pleasure read, if you must. I would definitely be reading more from Kate Perry. Also I think I can guess who the next book in the series will be about!


Best Quotes:

“Love doesn’t cause catastrophes and death.“ 
“No, those are just parts of living.” She cupped his face. “Love dictates how we react to them though.” 
About the Author
As a little girl, Kate dreamt of many things. Like becoming a ninja. Dressing up in black and carrying a big sword? Seemed like a no brainer.

However, Fate had other plans for her, and she studied Kung Fu San Soo instead. A Kung Fu Master, Kate now has more weapons than she ever imagined—including several swords.

She lives in San Francisco. Voted by her friends as the woman they’d most want to stroll with down a dark alley, Kate’s as likely to be spotted at the opera as she is doing tai chi in Golden Gate Park. The rest of the time, she’s in her favorite cafe, working on her next novel.

Kate Perry can be found at 
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Buy Sweet On You (Laurel Heights, #6)
Thanks to Kate Perry and ATOMR for providing me a copy of Sweet On You for review.

Review: Fractured Soul by Rachel McClellan Blog Tour + Interview + Giveaway

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Title: Fractured Soul (Fractured Light, #2)
Author: Rachel McClellan
Genre: Young Adult, Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Cedar Fort
Release Date: 12 February 2013
Pages:  336 (eARC)


Synopsis
Llona will do whatever it takes to protect her new found friends and home, but the dark plot that is threatening Lucent Academy, a school that’s supposed to be a safe place for Auras, may be too powerful for even Llona to defeat. This fast-paced tale of love, loyalty, and overcoming the darkness will keep you on the edge of your seat until the last page!

My Rating

* * * *
The Review

Fractures Soul begins with Llona’s first day at Lucent Academy and even though there’s only a slight chance of things getting back to normal, Llona knows her life wouldn’t ever be the same. Her plan is simple: to learn more about the nature and history of Aura, hone her abilities and get out of world the Auras has chosen to live in. However, she is yet unknown to the danger that threatens to wipe out Auras and it seems that trouble has followed Llona inside the protected walls of The Lucent Academy. 
The stakes are higher especially when the ones responsible for the safety of Auras are willing to sacrifice it for personal gains. Llona has her own demons to deal with as darkness calls to her, a hunger lodged deep inside her and the smell of blood everywhere. It is no surprise when Llona plans to sneak out at night unable to get rid of her nightmares.
Llona craves destruction and her need to get rid of the energy buzzing inside of her leads her to Vykens present close to Lucent. Llona fights the blood battles despite warnings from Jackson, a Guardian. Christian also arrives but Sophia is against their relationship and makes it clear so. Despite the dangerous ground she is treading upon with him, Llona knows he means too much to her to lose him. Thus, she eventually takes Liam’s offer to help the light within her come to life again. 
Rebellious as ever, Llona has to overcome the difficulties she is faced with. Fractured Soul fits perfectly to Llona’s state in this book as she tethers on the edge of darkness. Threats are given, secrets revealed and hearts are broken as it becomes clear that something big is going on. With the help of Christian, Liam, Tessa and May, Llona sets out to fight the danger, loving the thrill it offers to a showdown and another life-changing moment in Llona’s life. 
Will she ever find salvation and come to peace with herself? Fractured Soul shows a new side of Llona, but she is consistent with her rebellious streak which is what I love about her. This is one tough nut to break. Fractured Soul is a very satisfying continuation of the series and I’m more than looking forward to how it will end. Three cheers to Rachel McClellan for crafting a yet another brilliant story.

Best Quotes:
“I imagined my skin shimmering, transforming into actual Light, My nails dug into my palms. Change! My body began to vibrate, ratting my insides until I thought I’d break into two.“
“If I could just find him, give him all of my Light to save him.“ 
About the Author
Rachel was born and raised in Idaho, a place secretly known for its supernatural creatures. When she’s not in her writing lair, she’s partying with her husband and four children. Her love for storytelling began as a child when the moon first possessed the night. For when the lights went out, her imagination painted a whole new world. And what a scary world it was…

Rachel McClellan can be found at 
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Buy Fractured Light (Fractured Light, #1)
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Starting 4 February, buy the eBook of Fractured Light for only $2.99 for two weeks only!

Pre-order Fractured Soul (Fractured Light, #2)
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The Interview

What is the one thing writing Fractured Light series has taught you about yourself?
Honestly it taught me to be stronger and to face my problems head on. It was amazing how simply writing about a tough girl made me want to be one. No shrinks for me. I write. 🙂
What five words would you use to define Fractured Soul?
Enduring, power, loyalty, strength, and heart-breaking.
Despite being cautious about her survival it’s clear that Llona’s looking for more than just to survive. How does that shape up in Fractured Soul?
It’s one thing to survive outside forces, but I think it’s a whole other beast to survive inner torment. In Fractured Soul Llona has to do just this. In addition she wants desperately to fit in, but not at the cost of giving up what she believes in. That’s why the title of this book is so perfect for Llona.
Manipulation of light. How did you come up with the idea?
I’ve always been fascinated by light. It contains so much power and always chases away the darkness. This is an eternal truth that can never be changed. Because it is so strong, I wanted to give it to a teenage girl to see what she could do with it. I was pleased with the results.
Did you think making Llona’s hair to be so whitish blonde made her stand out more? Or is it only about being different?
I wanted there to be something in Llona’s life that not only made her stand out, but also was something she couldn’t control. Sometimes that’s how how life is–we are different and there’s nothing we can do about it.
Everyone should know that you are – ?
Really into my TV shows, but I don’t just watch them for enjoyment. I study how they are done: when the main conflict is introduced, how the characters develop, how they keep the dialogue focused on the current problem, etc. I love the shows The Walking Dead, Being Human, Supernatural, The Vampire Diaries, The Following, and Downton Abbey.
Lastly, what question have you always wanted to be asked in an interview and how would you answer that question
Does writing run in your family?
My mother is an excellent poet and has written some short stories. And although she’s the only writer, everyone else in my family is extremely artistic. I, however, can not draw or paint to save my life. Only create stories.
Thank you so much!

The Giveaway

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Thanks to Rachel McClellan and Cedar Fort for providing me a copy of Fractured Soul for review.

Top Ten Tuesday: Most Frustrating Characters Ever

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Frustrating, dissatisfying and what not, some characters could be frustratingly good others just plain frustrating. My list is leaning towards the later. I bet Bella is on your list.

i. Lily – Can I just say argh one more time? 
Lily is frustrating from the get-go, I mean she used the word canoodling. It’s like this with Lily: if she catches her boyfriend with a i-hate-that-do-gooder-girl-from-high-school, she presumes that her boyfriend needs her. And then she has the nerve to be sarcastic which is really just her being insulting in From What I Remember…
ii. Bishop – Insta-love-me-baby.
I liked Bishop a lot in the prologue when he’s all defiant and what not. But come the actual start of the book, he just seems almost… bored. Kraven garnered more attention from me than Bishop and he isn’t even the main character in Dark Kiss.
iii. Scarlett – “And, you, Miss, are no lady.”
I love Gone With the Wind and I ended up liking Scarlett. But at first she was definitely the meanest, heartless b*tch. I was overjoyed when Rhett finally saw right through her and saw through he did. And then began the un-frustration part but that is a story for another day.
iv. Veronique – Don’t you just hate that name?
It’s pretty normal to hate the girl who dates your ex but Veronique takes it to another level. She is a total psycho and her brother, Carter is beyond evil. He makes Chuck Bass look like a puppy, okay not really but you get my point. But it was really Veronique who got to me like a bad case of a cold in Kiss and Make Up.
v. Cameron MacDonald – Can anyone get any more frustrating than him?
That guy from Mercy is blind! While his wife life revolves around him, Cam is as selfish, controlling and self-centered as they come. I mean you’re having an affair with your wife’s Flower Shop assistant for God’s sake!
vi. Bella – Clumsy, much? Oh…right.
There is nothing more disappointing than a girl fixated on a perfect vampire who has nothing better to do with his time than graduate high school over and over. She is made up to be this girl who never really felt at home being human. What the hell? And oh, Edward basically described himself best here in The Twilight Saga: “What a sick, masochistic lion.” You betcha.
vii. Brianna – Just look at me already!
I found Brianna from Silver to be shallow and needy. I get that, being a teenager, it hurts when boy look past you but then your bracelet comes off and suddenly you’re this gorgeous woman. There is not much else to her.
viii. Kate – Will you stop about the vibe?
Did You Get the Vibe? is a pretty unknown book and rightly so. Kate pretty much sleeps with anyone provided she gets the vibe from them. It’s just all sad, really.
ix. Tobey – It’s really just a matter of time.
Tobey wants Sara but when he can’t, he chooses to spend his days observing Sara and trying to get her to fall for him. He just won’t take no for an answer or get a clue. Buut then the book is titled When It Happens.
x. Zoe – Dumbed down.

Zoe from Glitch frustrated me because she got attracted to Max who is really a class one jerk. It’s not apparent at first to Zoe but when even it does, Zoe forgives him over and over. God.

Link up your Top Ten Tuesday’s post below and I’ll be sure to visit!

Top Ten Tuesday: Settings I’d Like to See More of

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You can never have too much tea, coffee and settings. Setting a scene is essential and these are the top places where I’d like the main characters to be at some point in a book. Some of these places reflect my personality while others are just classic settings.
Photo Credit: Mohamed Al-Tantawi
Mountains are exquisite, majestic and they have a kind of quiet beauty that ruins of a palace have but with no ruins. 
Photo Credit: Wenzel
Historical romance books are filled with balcony or terrace scenes why not mix terrace settings with the contemporary genre for a whole new image instead of just sneaking out of them? I will such books.
Photo Credit: leiyagami
Clubbing, buildings and city lights. Think Vegas but with a lot of subtlety and a damaged protagonist. There are no shortage of such settings in movies but I’d love to read more books with it.

Photo Credit: 4chan
I love road trips books so this had to be on the list. Think Carolee Dean’s Take Me There which basically made me fall in love with road trips and books with road trips in it. Believe me ,they have to be the classiest books out there.

Photo Credit: jhkv
I adore winters. Snow provides one hell of a cover and it’s a perfect setting for mystery books. A secluded cabin and a murderer on the loose? I think I even read such a book before and I want more of them!

Photo Credit: Draft Podium
Remember Gossip Girl, steps of the Met and Queen B? No wonder I want to read books where scenes take place on the steps!
Photo Credit: FelisKachu
Cobblestone streets always make me think of a woman wearing red heels running away or towards her lover. It can play out in different ways but it all sounds really artsy to me. Also, I always associate cobblestone streets with Europe somehow.

Photo Credit: s3xeh
I am someone who loves nature more than I can ever care to admit. I like to think that trees have soul and the woods can provide serenity. They seem personal and it’s a place where humans are really in touch with themselves. Thus, a setting in the woods sounds just about perfect to me.

Photo Credit
Paris ought on many lists today, it is on mine and I haven’t even been there! At first, Paris fascinated me with the city of love vibe it had on going but now, I’m also fascinated with more of it. There are so many aspects of Paris that I’d love to see with my own eyes. The art, cafes, railway stations, The Louvre, opera houses, cuisine, libraries and of course, the Eiffel Tower. Sigh.

Photo Credit: Bondy Lee
Let’s face it: rains scenes are the best kind. They are intense and the setting can play out on so many different ways from being extremely sexy to downright creepy. I remember Simone Elkele’s Rules of Attraction had that one scene where the main characters are kissing leaning out of cars’ windows parked parallel to each other. It’s even on the cover and it’s a pretty amazing scene.

Link up your Top Ten Tuesday’s post below and I’ll be sure to visit!

Top Ten Tuesday: 2013 Debuts I’m Looking Forward to

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Every year, there are tons of debuts to look forward to and I wasn’t really aware when I was my non-blogger self. But now I pretty much thrive on debuts, they make life as a reader that much more exciting. So it goes without saying that I had a hard time limiting my list to just ten debuts but these are pretty much the ones I’m dying to read.

  1. The Madman’s Daughter by Megan Shephard – So really who isn’t looking forward to this book? Also, it has elements of gothic.
  2. Altered by Jennifer Rush – It’s already been released and I’m looking forward to reading Altered the most.
  3. Linked by Imogen Howson – I wanted to read it as soon as I saw its cover back at the end of 2011. A long wait indeed and I just read its synopsis today. I love on-the-run books!
  4. Dualed by Elsie Chapman – Everything about this books sounds wickedly awesome.
  5. Pivot Point by Kasie West – I was blown away when I read what it was all about and then I won an ARC of it. I plan to pick it up before the month is over instead of just staring at the cover at odd times.

  6. Let the Sky Fall by Shannon Messenger – I’ve always been a fan of forbidden romance and this book has revamped the whole concept into ‘a broken past and a divided future.’ Yummy.
  7. Nobody But Us by Kristin Halbrook – I love contemporaries and the ones involving road trips are the best kind. 
  8. In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters – This isn’t what I would usually pick up being it historical but the synopsis managed to sway me and I so will be reading it!
  9. Taken by Erin Bowman – I just love the cover of this book and this is the second most anticipated 2013 debut for me. God, I am waiting for the release of Taken like anything.
  10. Acid by Emma Pass – I discovered Acid only last month but it definitely is made of awesome with that kick-ass heroine on the cover and the sending-a-chill-up-the-spine title.

Link up your Top Ten Tuesday’s post below and I’ll be sure to visit!