Cover Reveal: Reap by Christina Channelle

Hi everyone! I hope you are having a great 4th of July so far if you live in the States. Today I have an awesome cover reveal and a giveaway of a book coming out soon. Enjoy!

Reap by Christina Channelle

Publication Date: October 11th, 2013

Genre: YA Paranormal Romance 

Synopsis:

Foreign, or rather unfamiliar, would be the word I would use to describe how I felt.

Faintly, I could hear the glimmer of voices surrounding me in this dark haze, caressing my ears like skin against silk. I felt like I was in a cocoon of sorts, protectively enveloped, quietly drifting in some far-off place. I wanted to stay that way forever.

But we all know that what you want never really seems to happen in the real world.

Something’s not right in Mia’s head.

The first thing is that her name isn’t Mia. In fact, she has no clue what her name is—who she is. All that she knows is that she’s not like the ones who found her: Dante with his kind blue eyes, Amy with her child-like demeanor, James with his questioning gaze.

And Briggs.

The one she cannot decipher no matter how hard she tries.

As Mia tries to fit in with these people, a strange occurrence is amidst outside. And as she finally remembers who she is …

Well, let’s just say that things get a little more complicated.

Author Bio:

A dreamer, Christina Channelle holds two degrees in health sciences but has always had a passion for writing. You will find her reading other young adult novels, or typing up a new story on her computer. When not writing, Christina spends her free time at the movies, listening to music, or eating sushi. She’s a reality TV junkie and has a close relationship to many characters on TV that have been a topic of many heated discussions among friends. She resides in Ontario, Canada.

Author Links:

Website

Goodreads

Facebook

Twitter

Giveaway:

I am not the one handling the giveaway, it is the author of this book who is doing so. I am simply sharing it.

Rules:

• To enter,simply fill out the Rafflecopter form below.
• I ask that all entrants be 13 years or older.
• This giveaway is open to US and Canada only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

** Thank you to Giselle@Xpresso Book Tours and and Christina Channelle for letting me be a part of this cover reveal!**

♦Haley♦

Waiting on Wednesday #4

Imperfect Spiral by Debbie Levy


Page Count(Hardcover Edition): 352 pgs
Publisher: Walker Childrens
Publication Date: July 16th, 2013
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary

Synopsis: 

Danielle Snyder's summer job as a babysitter takes a tragic turn when Humphrey, the five-year-old boy she's watching, runs in front of oncoming traffic to chase down his football. Immediately Danielle is caught up in the machinery of tragedy: police investigations, neighborhood squabbling, and, when the driver of the car that struck Humphrey turns out to be an undocumented alien, outsiders use the accident to further a politically charged immigration debate. 

Wanting only to mourn Humphrey, the sweet kid she had a surprisingly strong friendship with, Danielle tries to avoid the world around her. Through a new relationship with Justin, a boy she meets at the park, she begins to work through her grief, but as details of the accident emerge, much is not as it seems. It's time for Danielle to face reality, but when the truth brings so much pain, can she find a way to do right by Humphrey's memory and forgive herself for his death?

 Why I want to read this:

• The cover has a dark meaning but is enticing
• The synopsis grabbed me
• The central theme seems to be forgive and forget, which is what I really need to work on.

♦Haley♦

Top Ten Tuesday #5

This week's topic is Top Ten Books I've Read So Far In 2013. I've read 15 books this year so far, and I'm trying to read 75.

Meme by The Broke and Bookish

1. The Silenced by James Devita

I don't recall a book ever making me think this long and hard about the future world and what the probability is of an apocalypse in the future. I honestly haven't been this aghast after reading a book except for The book thief. It's definitely my favorite book of 2013 so far. I will be putting up a review of it soon, so stay tuned!

2. The Elite(The Selection, #2) by Kiera Cass

At the beginning of the year, I read The Selection, the first of this series, and I LOVED IT. I can't believe I'm saying this but, I LOVE THIS ONE EVEN MORE. I don't know how it's possible that this book had even more action and romance and suspense?!?? I became obsessed, and of course being me, I made sure that my copy would be delivered from Amazon the day it came out, and it did!

3. The Selection(The Selection, #1) by Kiera Cass

So when I first got my copy of this book, I really didn't know that there was a lot of hype about it, but after I read it(let me mention, I more like devoured it in one night sitting okay) I could understand totally! The future-ness and competition like themes pulled at my heartstrings, and I just loved it then as I love it now!

4. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

I read this for my English class, and I really did enjoy the story. Since my class all read it together, we basically picked at the tiniest details, so I totally understood the theme and the mood of the story afterwards. We also watched the movie, and I liked it too! Usually, we read really boring Non-Fiction books in English, so this was a good surprising turn.

5. North of Beautiful by Justina Chen

This was a book that I knew I wanted to pick up, but it wasn't a huge need. One day, I just saw it at Books-A-Million and thought, "Yeah, why not?" I really really enjoyed this book! I wasn't expecting much, but I actually learned a lot about myself while reading it. I have yet to write a review, but it's coming soon!

6. Entwined by Heather Dixon

This was kind of a new topic for me, as dancing and olden times are a focal point in the story. I thought the pace could've gone a bit faster, but it was a really great book!

7. Burn for Burn by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian

One thing I really thought was intersting about this book was that is was all centered on revenge. I know people say revenge is bad, two wrongs don't make a right, so on and so forth. But somewhere along the line, a girl has to have a guilty pleasure!Also, the fact that this book was co-written by two different authors, while their work fits in seamlessly together, makes it all the more cooler!

8. Ever(Ever, #1) by Jessa Russo

I actually already was included in a  book tour for this, and enjoyed the book. It was fast paced with lots of drama, romance and action just like I like it. Ever definitely kept me entertained!

9. Transfusion(Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter, #1) by Nikki Jefford

This was also another book I was included in for a book tour, and this was enjoyable too! I needed vampires back in my life again, because the last 2 major series I read about them were The Twilight Saga and Vampire Academy. Definitely loved this one, hoping for the next soon!

10. Glimmerglass(Glimmerglass, #1) by Jenna Black

Lets start out with this: I don't do Faerie books. They just aren't my thing, my genre, whatever. I've had bad past experiences with them that make me wanna just throw the book away. With Glimmerglass however, this was the first Faerie book I really got into. The story made sense, with good romance and rising plot actions. I would definitely like to read the 2nd book sometime soon, whenever I go back to the library again.

So there we have it! Guys! This is my second post since I've been back!*Gasps audibly* I just hope I keep on this track.

♦Haley♦

Review of: Possess by Gretchen McNeil

Possess by Gretchen McNeil 

Page Count(Hardcover Edition): 379 pgs
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Released: August 23rd, 2011
Genre:Young Adult Paranormal
My Rating: 3.5
/5 stars
Read: February 21st-March 18th, 2013
Source: Library

Synopsis: 

Rule #1: Do not show fear.
Rule #2: Do not show pity.
Rule #3: Do not engage.
Rule #4: Do not let your guard down.
Rule #5: They lie.

Fifteen-year-old Bridget Liu just wants to be left alone: by her mom, by the cute son of a local police sergeant, and by the eerie voices she can suddenly and inexplicably hear. Unfortunately for Bridget, it turns out the voices are demons – and Bridget has the rare ability to banish them back to whatever hell they came from.

Terrified to tell people about her new power, Bridget confides in a local priest who enlists her help in increasingly dangerous cases of demonic possession. But just as she is starting to come to terms with her new power, Bridget receives a startling message from one of the demons. Now Bridget must unlock the secret to the demons' plan before someone close to her winds up dead – or worse, the human vessel of a demon king.

So I guess I'm back! However temporarily that may be, I'm not sure. I'm sorry if this is is a completely meaningless and horrible review; I have forgotten how to write them. But lets just all enjoy this time while it lasts, shall we? Lets get on with this review.

When I first read the synopsis for Possess, I was a little bit frightened but intrigued, because paranormal does that to me I guess. Demons as a topic is a definite first for me. Possess was a pretty short read because it drew me in fast and furious. I was hoping for a second book or even a series, but I guess some books are better off standing alone.

I liked the fact that Bridget was pretty young, like my age, and dealing with banishing demons into who-knows-where. She had her moments as a 15 year old would, but for the most part, she was in control of the situations she was put in. Bridget was dealing with the murder of her father, so being able to pull off all she did was pretty impressive. The demon banishing scenes were the ones that drew me in the most because of the suspense. I felt like I was actually there in the heat of the moment. I also liked the romance between Bridget and Matt. It, unfortunately, was underdeveloped, but from what I glimpsed of it, I really liked their relationship and how Matt was willing to do almost anything for Bridget

I didn't like how predictable the whodunit character was. I do admit that I went back and forth a bit between 2 people, but it became pretty clear about halfway through the book. I like to be surprised, and in this case I wasn't. I also wasn't very fond on how some characters and their background weren't very developed. Hector, Peter and even Matt seemed 1-D because of how so little I knew about them.

Overall, Possess was an okay book. Better than meh, but I didn't totally love it.

So happy I did a review in what seems like forever! See you guys soon, I hope!

♦Haley♦

My absence.

Hi everyone.

It's been a long time since I've posted anything on here, and I want to explain why, and when I will be able to post again.

So lets just start out with school. Being a Freshman is no easy task, especially with the classes I'm taking. From the time I was absent to now, I have been preparing for 2 EOC's(End of Course Exams)for Biology and Algebra 1, and 2 AP Exams(College level) for Environmental Science and Human Geography. My life has been so hectic every night, just coming home from  softball practice or a game, trying to balance doing homework, relaxing and having a social life. As of right now, my softball season has ended with my high school, so I have afternoons clear now. My main focus as of today is studying for my AP exams, one of which I take this coming Monday, and another I take May 17th. After that, everything should be calmed down enough to where I could start posting again. I know it's really far way, but it's the best I can do.

About a month ago, I was in the ER because I hurt my back majorly playing softball. Long story short, I had a muscle strain, then when they squeezed really hard, it caused a pinching of my sciatic nerve. I'm still have a quite a bit of pain in my lower back, and I plan on going to an orthopedic sometime soon. I do have a summer travel season of softball coming up, starting this weekend actually. So I do need it checked out before it gets worse.

All in all, that's why I have been away for so long. I really do miss you guys, and I can't wait to get back to posting again. Now, I do want to share with you what I have just recently read:

Both of them were really great books, especially The Elite! I received it from Amazon the day it was released, April 23rd, 2013! I am currently reading nothing, but I will soon be reading this beauty:

It looks great! I can't wait to start reading it soon(:

So that's about it for me. Up until like the middle of May, I most likely will not be posting on here. Maybe tomorrow I'll try and put a review up, but Blogger has been acting up every time I try to copy and paste a synopsis from good reads to here, which gets very frustrating. I hope to see you soon! Kisses *muah*

♦Haley♦

Blog Tour: Transfusion(Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter, #1) by Nikki Jefford

Hi everyone. So today I have a book tour to share with you all. I am including my review, giveaways, and other tour stops along the way. I hope you enjoy!

Transfusion(Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter, #1) by Nikki Jefford

Page Count(E-book Edition): 231 pgs
Publisher: Nikki Jefford
Released: December 9th, 2012
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal
My Rating: 4/5 stars
Read: March 18th-26th, 2013
Source: Xpresso Book Tours

Synopsis: 

If there is one thing eighteen-year-old Aurora Sky wants, it's to get off the iceburg she calls home. Being kissed before she graduates wouldn't hurt either.

Then a near-fatal car wreck changes everything. Government agents step in and save Aurora's life in exchange for her services as a vampire hunter. In Alaska. Basically, she's a glorified chew toy. All thanks to her rare blood type, which sends a vampire into temporary paralysis right before she has to finish the job.. by hand.

Now, Aurora's only friends are groupies of the undead and the only boy she can think about may very well be a vampire. And if she's a vampire, will she be forced to kill him?

Transfusion was a very enjoyable read. Nikki Jefford was able to break all the vampire stereotypes, and make her own new vampire species. She was able to piece together Aurora and Fane's love, while adding in the vampire hunting with danger.

Obviously, Aurora and Fane were my 2 favorite characters, while Noel came in close 3rd. Aurora is this witty, comical, sarcastic senior in high-school that made me chuckle and smile while I turned the pages. Even though she has been through quite a lot, she made the best of every situation with her side comments. Fane is this mysterious,(SPOILER ALERT!) charming vampire that I came to love as he interacted with Aurora. He stole my heart from the beginning, and  had me swooning every time he is mentioned. Noel is a character I adored. She is part of this "groupie" at their high-school and has just become friends with Aurora. Not only did she really care for Aurora like a sister, she really helped her out in the end like any close friend would have done. Noel was like a little kitten; I just wanted to hold her and hug her tight! Oh, and yes, Dante. Boy, he was scrumptious! I actually imagined him looking like Emmett Cullen(Kellan Lutz) in The Twilight Saga. For all you twilight lovers like me, you may get the comparison I'm trying to make: Dark hair, skin, big and muscly ;) I could have cried with happiness when Jefford added this little part in the book when Dante was interested in Aurora. You could probably hear me chanting TEAM DURORA! TEAM DURORA! Sadly, Nikki chose not to commit to their possible love :(

When Aurora became a Vampire Hunter, her whole demeanor changed, in a good way. She became tougher and a better fighter than before. Aurora was very calm in most of the vampire killings throughout the book, which is a trait that I admire. I know that if that was me, I'd probably either go crazy or break down and cry.

All in all, Transfusion was a great jump start to Nikki Jefford's new series, and I can't wait to read the next book in the series, Northern Bites.

Tour Stops:

If you are interested, I am linking the tour schedule here for you to check out as well. Have fun!

Where to Purchase:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

About The Author:

Nikki Jefford is a third generation Alaskan who loves fictional bad boys and heroines who kick butt. She is the author of the Spellbound Trilogy and upcoming Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter series. Nikki married Sebastien, the love of her life, while working as a teaching assistant in France. They now reside in the not-so-tropical San Juan Islands, 70 miles northeast of Forks, Washington.

Author Links:

Website

Goodreads

Facebook

Twitter

Book Trailer:

Giveaway Time!:

Rules:

• To enter, simply fill out the Rafflecopter forms below
• When the top giveaway's winner is chosen, it will be announced here and the winner will be emailed by me. Please check your email, because I am only giving the winner 48 hours to respond. Another winner will be selected if this occur's.
• Please enter your email address in the form below, and not in the comments please!(:
• I ask that all entrants be 13 years or older.
• The first giveaway is INT(international)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This Tour Grand Prize includes everyone that has entered throughout the tour. Feel free to enter!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hope you enjoyed! See you soon!

♦Haley♦

Review of: Mister Death's Blue-Eyed Girls by Mary Downing Hahn

Mister Death's Blue-Eyed Girls by Mary Downing Hahn

Page Count(Hardcover Edition): 330 pgs
Publisher: Clarion Books
Released: April 17th, 2012
Genre: Young Adult Historical Fiction
My Rating: 4/5 stars 
Read: February 3rd-19th, 2013
Source: Library

Synopsis:

Based on an actual crime in 1955, this YA novel is at once a mystery and a coming-of-age story. The brutal murder of two teenage girls on the last day of Nora Cunningham's junior year in high school throws Nora into turmoil. Her certainties, friendships, religion, her prudence, her resolve to find a boyfriend taller than she is - are shaken or cast off altogether. 

Most people in Elmgrove, Maryland, share the comforting conviction that Buddy Novak, who had every reason to want his ex-girlfriend dead, is responsible for the killings. Nora agree's at first, then begins to doubt Buddy's guilt, and finally comes to believe him innocent - the lone dissenting voice of Elmgrove.

Told from several different perspectives, including that of the murderer, Mister Death's Blue-Eyed Girls is a suspenseful page-turner with a powerful human drama at it's core.

I was shocked, scared and provoked after reading this book. I can say that Mister Death's Blue-Eyed Girls is the first book to make me think: HOW AND WHY?!?!? After I discovered that it was based off a true story back in the 50's, it became even creepier than the synopsis had made it.

Throughout the story, you are taken on this ride of who killed those 2 poor girls(not a spoiler), why they did it, and how these killings have taken a toll on Nora. This book was so much more than 2 murders of teenage girls. This book was and inside look of the author's actual experience with these murder's and the murderer's possible point of view. I think the perspectives were spot on with emotion, facts and truth.

Back in the 1950's and into the 1960's, family values and religious practices were stricter and taken more seriously. Nora is struggling with her faith as her world is tumbling down around her. She begins to experiment more, with boys and alcohol. Every time she gets close to breaking even more rules within her religion, she questions herself, but then basically ignores the warnings and jumps in full force. Though this all happened, I still see Nora as one-dimensional, almost incapable of emotions. But hey, who can blame her? I would be too if 2 of my friends were murdered when I was no less than 15 minutes away from them.

The plot progressed at a fairly good pace. Every chapter was from either Nora or Mr. Death's point of view, and sometimes Buddy was thrown in there as well. I liked the way the book was split into 10 parts, with Cheryl's and  Bobbi Jo's diary's added. At the end, the author adds her  personal touch to the story with the afterword, explaining the tragedy in her own words. She tells how this story has been haunting her for many years, and the only way to release it was to write a book about it.

I really, really enjoyed Mister Death's Blue-Eyed Girls. It was haunting, creepy and thought-provoking, but the story will stay with me for a long time.

♦Haley♦