Gifts That Give – Gifts Aren’t Only From Santa Promo

Hello, my fellow book peeps! Some amazing authors have put together a special promotion of FREE and Discounted ebooks that keep on giving. 

The Gifts Aren't Only From Santa crew are gearing up for two days of FREE and discounted for charity!

That's right. December 14th and December 15th, treat yourself to a buffet of ebook joy by visiting Amazon and downloading FREE ebooks or heavily discounted titles where 100% of the proceeds go to the Children’s Hospital. How cool is that to be a giver and a receiver all at one time?!?!

Also, be sure to join the Facebook Event on Friday, December 14th, for a three-hour event of games and giveaways of awesome prizes donated by these amazing young-adult-fiction authors. Invite your friends, too! There will be something for everyone: ebooks, autographed paperbacks, bookmarks, jewelry, Amazon gift cards, picture books, even a popular DVD! The event takes place from 9 a.m. to 12 noon PST.

Want to get a heads up on the great novels coming up for FREE or discounted? Go here to peruse the titles. Just make sure you don't drool on the keyboard. You'll need it for the December 14th Facebook fun.

These are the talented YA fiction authors that are participating:

Diana Murdock - Souled
Angela Orlowski-Peart - Forged by Greed
Amanda DeWees - The Shadow and the Rose
Julie Cassar - Ruby Blue
Angela Brown - Neverlove
Gwen Gardner - Givin’ up the Ghost
Fabio Bueno - Wicked Sense
Linda Leander - Inzared, Queen of the Elephant Riders

"What if I don't have a kindle?" you ask. Well, that isn't a problem. Got a smartphone (android, blackberry, iPhone), computer (Mac or Windows-based), or a tablet (iPad or android tablet), then you can download a FREE kindle app and take advantage of these great titles being made available to you.

Don't forget to enter to win some great prizes in the Rafflecopter as well. Yeah, we're just loving the giving spirit! Make sure to share this with everyone so no one misses out on the fun, prizes and ebook galore!

For The Love of YA & Beth Revis Giveaway!!

Do you love YA? Because I do. Let me tell you why:

I was never a reader. Actually, I hated reading in school or in general. My grandmother loved it and she would try to get me to read small books, but I never did- I really did not see why.

Until one day when my young life started getting hectic and stressful, I decided to give it a go. I was around 20 years old and just had my first child. I was bored out my mind with no cable, Internet, or phone. It was just me and my princess.

My first book that I really really read was A Certain Slant of Light by Laura Whitcomb. I instantly fell in love! Not with the book but with the story, plot, and structure. I didn't have a car so I couldn't get more books...so I was book-less for a few more years.

When I was about 23, my daughter was diagnosed with autism. My daughter was non-verbal and constantly screamed and threw tantrums all day. I knew it was not her fault that she was like that, and I did everything possible to get her help. I was always stressed and sleepless. Until I remembered the way that first book made me feel- all my stress went away... 

I decided to read Twilight by Stephanie Meyer and instantly she won me over. My stress started melting with each page I read. I was able to attend to my daughters more, since I wasn't so stressed. I picked up all her books and decided she was my favorite author in the world. 

I started reading more and more and more of different genre. I found that any other type of books did not make me lose myself in my imagination as YA did. I decided only to read YA and some Adult fiction from now on. 

As the years past and I couldn't get out of YA I came to the conclusion that the reason I love Young Adult so much is because I didn't have a normal teenage life. I fell in love at 14 and had been living like a married person since then. I worked, went to school and had an apartment at 16. I never did what teenagers did- go to the movies, party, have fun. It was always school, work, pay bills, and do it again tomorrow. 

When I read YA, I tune into a different world that makes my creative imagination go beyond measure. For the time being, I am my own person with no problems. I don't even see words or pages, just my imagination unfolding before my eyes.  I can imagine doing the same experiences they are  doing when I was a young teenager and just lose myself in that world. It's most likely better than any other drug out there-it's a good addiction that feeds your soul and mind. 

Yep. That's why I love YA. It has not only helped me with stress, it has also shown me what my true passion is; a passion I didn't know existed. I LOVE reading YA now, more than I ever did before. Now I know what my grandmother was talking about when she tried to get me to read as a child--It's a passion worth living for and I am truly grateful for these amazing authors that showed me that passion. 

Most are listed in this giveaway and, yes, Beth Revis is one of them authors that I truly love! She has generously offered to give away a library of fifty books to one lucky winner. You can find out more information on the giveaway here:

Celebrate Books and Win a Library of Books!



P.S. Why do you love YA?

September Madness Giveaway! Hosted by Devon Ashley!

19 AUTHORS, 30 TITLES, 55 GIVEAWAYS!!!!

Devon Ashley is hosting a huge giveaway on her blog: The Crazy Dream Blog! How awesome is that? Thank you, Devon, for putting together this GREAT Giveaway!

Go over to her blog NOW and check out these awesome prizes before it ends- ENDS SEPTEMBER 30th.

Here is the recent list of titles/authors that are  participating:


AIRBORNE by Constance Sharper - 1 paperback
BEAUTIFUL BEAST by Cindy C. Bennett - 1 ebook
DARKNESS FALLS by Jessica Sorensen - 3 ebooks
DEFY THE STARS by Stephanie Parent - 3 ebooks
DESTINED by Jessie Harrell - 1 ebook
DUST by Devon Ashley - 1 paperback (Exp. Pub: 9/18)
EMBER by Jessica Sorensen - 3 ebooks
FALLING IN BETWEEN by Devon Ashley - 2 ebooks
GUARDIANS, THE by Lily Raye - 2 ebooks
HACIENDA MOON by Kasonndra Leigh - 3 ebooks
HEALER'S DESTINY by Julee F. Page - 1 ebook
HEART ON A CHAIN by Cindy C. Bennett - 1 ebook
IMMORTAL MINE by Cindy C. Bennett - 1 ebook
IMMORTALS, THE by KaSonndra Leigh - 3 ebooks (Exp. Pub 9/11)
IT'S A LOVE THING by Cindy C. Bennett, et al. - 1 ebook
JERICHO SOLUS by Jeffery Moore - 1 ebook
KINDRED by J.A. Redmerski - 1 paperback
LAST SUMMER by Rebecca A. Rogers - 2 ebook
LOST SOUL, THE by Jessica Sorensen - 3 ebooks
MAYFAIR MOON, THE by J.A. Redmerski - 1 paperback
MY HEART BE DAMNED by Chanelle Gray - 1 ebook (Exp. Pub: 9/15)
ORDAINED by Devon Ashley - 2 ebooks
POISON by Dejana Vuletić - 5 ebooks
RED AND THE WOLF by Cindy C. Bennett - 1 ebook
REDEMPTION by Veronique Launier - 1 signed paperback (Exp. Pub: 9/8)
ROYAL ELF OF ABALON, A by Anna del C. Dye - 1 ebook
SCREAMS IN THE NIGHT - TALES OF TERROR by Cindy C. Bennet, et al. - 1 ebook
TAKEN by Kelli Maine - 1 ebook
TAKING CHANCES by Molly McAdams - 2 ebooks
THUNDERSTRUCK by Kelly Libsack - 5 copies (Exp. Pub: 9/6)

Click below to enter:

***The Crazy Dream Blog- Sept. Madness Giveaway!***

Enclave by Ann Aguirre Sale! Don't miss it!

Have you read Enclave by Ann Aguirre, yet? If not, this book is YA dystopia (which I love) and is full of action, suspense, and romance! It's a really great read and I personaly loved it! And the best part is--it's on sale RIGHT NOW for only $2.99!!! How awesome is Ann Aguirre for doing that?

Don't pass up this amazing oppurtunity and go get it now, because I'm not sure how long this promotion is going to last. Here is the blurb from Goodreads:

 

In Deuce’s world, people earn the right to a name only if they survive their first fifteen years. By that point, each unnamed ‘brat’ has trained into one of three groups–Breeders, Builders, or Hunters, identifiable by the number of scars they bear on their arms. Deuce has wanted to be a Huntress for as long as she can remember.

As a Huntress, her purpose is clear—to brave the dangerous tunnels outside the enclave and bring back meat to feed the group while evading ferocious monsters known as Freaks. She’s worked toward this goal her whole life, and nothing’s going to stop her, not even a beautiful, brooding Hunter named Fade. When the mysterious boy becomes her partner, Deuce’s troubles are just beginning.

Down below, deviation from the rules is punished swiftly and harshly, and Fade doesn’t like following orders. At first Deuce thinks he’s crazy, but as death stalks their sanctuary, and it becomes clear the elders don’t always know best, Deuce wonders if Fade might be telling the truth. Her partner confuses her; she’s never known a boy like him before, as prone to touching her gently as using his knives with feral grace.

As Deuce’s perception shifts, so does the balance in the constant battle for survival. The mindless Freaks, once considered a threat only due to their sheer numbers, show signs of cunning and strategy… but the elders refuse to heed any warnings. Despite imminent disaster, the enclave puts their faith in strictures and sacrifice instead. No matter how she tries, Deuce cannot stem the dark tide that carries her far from the only world she’s ever known.

Here are the links:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

iTunes

Google Books

 

Follow Ann Aguirre here:

Goodreads

Facebook

Twitter

Website

 

Also,  if you loved this book, like I did, the second book Outpost, is going to be out in stores September 4th, 2012! Here is the blurb from Goodreads:

 

Deuce’s whole world has changed. Down below, she was considered an adult. Now, topside in a town called Salvation, she’s a brat in need of training in the eyes of the townsfolk. She doesn’t fit in with the other girls: Deuce only knows how to fight.

To make matters worse, her Hunter partner, Fade, keeps Deuce at a distance. Her feelings for Fade haven’t changed, but he seems not to want her around anymore. Confused and lonely, she starts looking for a way out.

Deuce signs up to serve in the summer patrols—those who make sure the planters can work the fields without danger. It should be routine, but things have been changing on the surface, just as they did below ground. The Freaks have grown smarter. They’re watching. Waiting. Planning. The monsters don’t intend to let Salvation survive, and it may take a girl like Deuce to turn back the tide.

 

 

 

 

*Don't forget to add these books to your TBR pile on Goodreads!*

Enclave

Outpost 





Review: Night of the Purple Moon by Scott Cramer

Night of the Purple Moon

by Scott Cramer

 

 

Goodreads Description:

Space germs wipe out virtually everyone who has passed through puberty.

Abby Leigh is looking forward to watching the moon turn purple. For months, astronomers have been predicting that Earth will pass through the tail of a comet. They say that people will see colorful sunsets and, best of all, a purple moon.

But nobody has predicted the lightning-fast epidemic that sweeps across the planet on the night of the purple moon. The comet brings space dust with it that contains germs that attack human hormones. Older teens and adults die within hours of exposure.

On a small island off the coast of Maine, Abby must help her brother and baby sister survive in this new world, but all the while she has a ticking time bomb inside of her -- adolescence.

 

My Review:

 Night of the Purple Moon is a great read for dystopia and YA fans! Being a huge fan myself, I have to say that this book is one of my top favorites, and I have read TONS of dystopia books. I was offered this book from the author himself and I’m glad that I got the chance to review It because this one was a real page turner.

It’s the night of the purple moon—when Earth enters the comet’s tail, and astronomers predict weeks of colorful sunsets and sunrises, and best of all—a purple moon. The whole world has a front view seat and is excited for the event. Little did they know, this ‘purple moon’ was going to do more than just provide a colorful scene, the space dust is going to [unknowingly] kill anyone that has hormones of puberty. So, who does that leave? You guessed it—the children. The world as they know it is in chaos with children trying to survive on their own.

In a small foggy island, away from the main cities, thirteen-year-old Abby must do all she can in order to protect her living family members—her little brother Jordan and baby sister Toucan. As they work together to find a plan, they end up gathering all the kids from their island and developing a small community to take care of themselves. Suddenly, children start dying once they hit puberty, and Abby (and the other elders) must find another way to save them before it’s too late, even for them.

This incredible story will take you on a rollercoaster ride as you engage in the adventure and journey these children have to go through in order to survive. They experience death and survival that a great apocalypse story will bring.

The characters were amazing, especially Abby, who is a true female heroine in this story. She goes through so many obstacles to survive and her commitment to protect these children is astonishing. Her brother Jordan is a typical young boy who tries his best in helping, and he does a great job. We meet other characters like the potential love interest, Kevin, who is into technology and a true leader—so that helps with the survival. And Emily, who is Kevin’s sister, is sweet and helps a lot with the younger children and farming. There are many more survivors that are equally good and bad, and each of these characters play through well.

The plot is amazing and unpredictable, which will have you flipping through these pages as fast as you can to see what’s next! The story is well-developed and well-written, so you won’t have any trouble seeing this story unfold before your eyes. I love how there is so much action and suspense throughout the story--there were plenty of twists and turns that will capture you in.

Overall, we experience death, loss, survival, courage, action, suspense and just enough romance to keep you on your toes. I highly recommend this book to children 13 or older, young adults that love a good dystopian story, or even adults—like me—who just love YA and Dystopia!

Five Beautiful Butterflies*****
 

 

Amazon Kindle: $2.99

Print Price: $9.95

Pages: 188 (kindle)

 

Follow Scott Cramer on:

Facebook

Twitter

Blog

 

Review: Souled by Diana Murdock

Souled by Diana Murdock

Goodreads Discription:

Power and Control…

What 17-year-old boy wouldn’t be tempted by the promise of power and control - no matter what form that promise came in?

Seth knew exactly what he would do with power and control. He’d be well on his way to a wrestling scholarship, his dad could stop working so hard to make ends meet, and he’d forever have the heart of his girlfriend, Sandpoint High’s most beautiful girl.

For Seth, the temptation was much too strong to resist. And why should he? The way he saw it, he had everything to gain.

But when he unknowingly invites another soul to share his body, Seth discovers that not all power is good – especially when it was never his to wield. And when the soul reveals its true intentions, will Seth have the strength to fight it or would death be less painful

 

My Review:

Seth is captivated by an online ad on eSouled, which offers power and control. Unknowingly, he offers another soul into his body that gives him magical powers and control. Once Seth finds out what the soul really wants, he does everything to make it stop, but it isn’t easy. The soul—Maksim—is there on a mission and now he will make Seth fall through with is will.

His girlfriend, Dani, must find a way to save the boy she loves; she must take risks in order to regain their relationship, and most importantly, to save Seth’s life. With the help of some friends, together, they go on a remarkable adventure to find out what this particular soul is, what it really wants, and how to get rid of it. Once they find out Maskim's true intentions, they must fight together to save Seth’s humanity, but it might be too late.

The story itself is well-written with an unforgettable plot that will leave you wanting more! I fell in love with the story from the very beginning and couldn't put it down. The characters are amazingly well-developed and likeable—they have their own unique agenda that stands out from the norm. I just love them all, even Maksim, who is the poltergeist in this story.

Seth is the first POV in this story and he is easily likeable. All he wants is for everything to be normal and to give more to the people he loves most in his life.

Dani, Seth’s girlfriend, is another POV in this story. She is smart, kind hearted, and loves animals but she also stands up for what’s right, and not afraid to kick some soul butt! I was in awe of her courage and commitment to save Seth.

Alyx was my most favorite character. She is a Goth girl, who ‘knows’ something is wrong with Seth. Her character was funny and unpredictable. She was quick to help Dani in her adventure, but there is something about her that lies underneath, and I hoping to hear more about her.

The plot provides twist and turns that will keep you on the edge. Once you start on the first page, it is hard to stop—which makes this story fast and exciting to read. We’re left with a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to see what’s next!

Overall, we experience love, courage, commitment, suspense, and action. I am a fan of YA and I must say that this book hit the main points. I would definitely recommend this book for young readers and adults that would love to read this amazing story—believe me, you won’t regret it.

Diana is a remarkable author and I love her work. It is so easy to get into her books because they are well written and captivating at the same time! I’m sure you’ll love her also. Her other book Again is out now, which is an adult novel about reincarnation—you can read my review here: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/119423021

Five Beautiful Butterflies*****

 

Amazon Kindle: $3.99

Print Price: $12.99

Number of Pages: 314 (print)


Find Diana Murdock on: 

Facebook

 Twitter

Blog

 

 

Review: Shadows and Voices by Jason Ellis

Shadows and Voices by Jason Ellis
Holly Silverstone Avdenture
Part 1

Goodreads Description:

Meet young Holly Silverstone, the girl who sees daisies turn to butterflies ... who dreams of places that she has never been to ... who is invited to study at the elusive and enchanting Highlands Academy of truth and excellence.
 

My Review:

 *may contain spoilers*

Holly Silverstone: Shadows and Voices is an exceptional read that will leave you wanting more. I received this e-book from the author and I am glad I did because I really enjoyed diving into Holly's exciting adventure as she discovers an unseen seen world surrounded by magic, in hopes of helping her newly found teacher uncover the mystery of ` The Beast of the South-East.'

*After being accepted into The Highlands Academy, Holly learns of a new world--Obscura--that can only be seen by those with special abilities. As she favors a particular geography teacher--Ovissa--who was once an Embassy Officer, Holly gets inspired to play detective in the search of the mysterious beast.

*The tables turn for the worst when Ovissa get kidnapped, and now Holly must do all she can to rescue her teacher. She goes on an secretive journey in investigating, researching, and finding clues [within this new magical world] that will lead her to her teacher's whereabouts.

*Holly is goes through Obscura in attempt to find her kidnapped teacher, unprotected, not knowing the risks or what awaits her in this new world. What she finds is not what she expected--it's far worse.

The story itself is well written and intriguing as we dive deeper into the world of Obscura. Though the introduction is a bit confusing, once the story starts to unfold, it is extremely hard to put down. Holly's character is easily likable and the twists and turns throughout the story are captivating until the end.

I would definitely recommend this story to children ages 13 and older that are in search for a mysterious magical adventure.

                                   Four Beautiful Butterflies ****

                                

Amazon Kindle: $4.99

Print Price: $11.99

Number of Pages: 262 (Kindle)

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Review: Saving Bobby by Crystal Cattabriga

Saving Bobby by Crystal Cattabriga

Goodreads Description:

When Bobby's world came crashing down on his thirteenth birthday he knew his life would never be the same again. After losing most of his family before ever becoming a teenager. Bobby was determined not to lose the only person who had truly loved him and was always there for him; his mom. Struggling with the fear of losing his mother to cancer Bobby takes it upon himself running away in search for a way to save her. Along Bobby's journey, he meets Annie, a 'runaway.' Together, they embark on a road where they both find a friendship that will last forever and the true meaning of God. Will Bobby save his mother in time and will Annie go back to the life she had? Experience this journey with Bobby and Annie and feel the power of true determination, and what God can do if you just let him into your heart....

My Thoughts:

"Saving Bobby" is amazingly, the most heartwarming story I've read all year. You will not be disappointed when you pick this one up. I was given this book by the author herself, and I am so glad that I got the chance to read it. This is not my usual genre, but this story won me over.

Thirteen year-old Bobby's life starts to turn for the worst on his thirteenth birthday. When he finds out that his mother is sick from cancer, and does not have that long to live, he does everything in his power to save her. During his journey, not knowing where to go or what to do, he finds company of a girl named Annie. Annie, accompanies Bobby on an unforgettable journey to save his mother, and to save himself. He never believed in God or miracles, but Annie slowing guides him in the path to God. Bobby starts to see God's work and accepts him into his life and heart.

This was an incredible read about God, miracles, angles, and heartbreak. This is a story that will truly stay with me for a lifetime. I love everything about this story: the courage this young boy has and everything he will do to save his mother; the unforgettable plot that will have you in tears; and most importantly, the miracles that God will do if you believe and accept Him in your heart.

I loved that this is the type of story that does not push God on you, it simply "shows" you what God is capable of. I would definitely recommend this book to others who want to enjoy a heartwarming read that will stay with you forever.

Four 1/2 Beautiful Butterflies****

You can pick up this heartwarming story on Amazon for only $2.99

Review: Energy-The Awakening by M.J. Schutte

Energy by MJ Schutte Review


Goodreads Description:
Book 1 of The Energy Chronicles 




Follow Brighton and Lilian through an action packed, fast paced adventure in the first book of the Energy Chronicles Trilogy as they discover their unique talents in the art of energy manipulation.




As teenagers, Brighton and Lilian live quiet, peaceful and uncomplicated lives in a remote mountain village called Four Mountains. Before they can explore their feelings for each other, a dark secret about Lilian’s past rips their world apart. Brighton finds himself fighting for the girl he loves as well as his own life while simultaneously discovering an even bigger secret about himself.




Brighton has to overcome great odds and even death itself if he is going to save himself and Lilian from the evil determined to destroy them.


My Review:                                                                                

I received this eBook on Energy's Facebook Page and I am so glad that I did. I fell in love with all the characters and the plot will take your breath away with all the suspense, romance, action, adventure and humor.

                                                 *May Contain Some Spoilers*


Brighton and Lily have been friends for as long as they can remember. They live in a small peaceful town called Four Mountains where everyone shares their food and lives in a normal society. As young teenagers, they soon start to dig deeper in their feeling and realize their friendship has blossomed into something else. When Lily’s past comes to find her and take her from the only place she knows, Brighton goes after her in order to bring back his best friend and in doing so he finds secrets about himself that he never knew existed.

He has powers that no other has seen—he can manipulate energy and feel the presence in anything that is living—humans, plants, etc. He also learns that others have powers also on the “other side” where no one goes. And that these people are using their power to rule, they are called the “Dark Ones” that drain energy from anything they touch with their black thread of smoke.

With his one and only parent dead and realizing that Lily is gone and never coming back, he settles with an older lady that provides his shelter. He takes all this pain and suffering into his work—working long and hard to rid of the sadness and emptiness his best friend left behind.

Soon enough, after about 6 years has past and he is an adult, he meets Lily again. Though their reunion is special and they fall in love, her present and the threat of his powers make Lily’s ”true” father, Seth, whom is the leader of the Dark Ones, want to destroy anything more powerful than him.

Will Brighton find the courage to fight for his true love? Will he give everything up for her or will he destroy the Dark Ones in order to gain peace in this world? If so, will the people make this world a more peaceful place? The answers will reveal in this action packed, suspenseful, page-turning adventure.

M.J. Schutte takes us on an unforgettable journey that will leave you wanting more. I found this book with so much suspense and action that I thought it would never end (which is a good thing ;)) It also left me in tears in some parts and in awe of the surprises that were hidden. I can easily see this book published as two books. I really loved this book and cannot wait to read Birth of a Wizard which is part two in the series.

The romance between these two is beautiful and protective.I loved that there was no love triangle—he (and she) already knew that there was no other love then themselves. So sweet :”)

And Velvet and Mischief won my heart over, you’ll see ;)

I would definitely recommend Energy to anyone who loves paranormal romance with lots of kick ass action and suspense.

Five Beautiful Butterflies *****

You can purchase this amazing read on Amazon for only $3.99!!!

Giveaway on Stuck in YA Books's Blog

Wanna win a BOX full of Books? Head over to Stuck in YA Book's blog today!

Copy and paste the link below for your chance to win.

http://lovesbooksreviews.blogspot.com/2012/03/march-madness-giveaway.html


Hurry, the giveaway ends March 31, 2012

Best of Luck!

Monica