Elevated by Elana Johnson

Elevated

Author: Elana Johnson

Published: Febuary 19th, 2014

Publisher: self

ASIN: B00IGINRFI

Genre: YA

Ebook: 266 pages

About ELEVATED: The last person seventeen-year-old Eleanor Livingston wants to see on the elevator—let alone get stuck with—is her ex-boyfriend Travis, the guy she's been avoiding for five months.

Plagued with the belief that when she speaks the truth, bad things happen, Elly hasn’t told Trav anything. Not why she broke up with him and cut off all contact. Not what happened the day her father returned from his deployment to Afghanistan. And certainly not that she misses him and still thinks about him everyday.

But with nowhere to hide and Travis so close it hurts, Elly’s worried she won’t be able to contain her secrets for long. She’s terrified of finally revealing the truth, because she can’t bear to watch a tragedy befall the boy she still loves.

My Review

Right away we know Elly has secrets.  Secrets she doesn't share, even with those she loves most, like Trav.  Most of all, she blames herself for events that have gone wrong.  Can being stuck in an elevator help solve her hurting?

I absolutely loved the way this story was written.  Elana did a great job with this in-verse style writing.  The way she had certain words and phrases stand out to make it a even more powerful story, was brilliant.  You could truly feel what Elly and the other characters felt.  Elevated is a quick, but intense read that pulls at your heart while you eagerly turn pages.  

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Elevated-Elana-Johnson-ebook/dp/B00IGINRFI/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1392473749&sr=8-6&keywords=elana+johnson  

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/elevated-elana-johnson/1118630040?ean=2940148251064 

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/elevated 

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/elevated/id802533886?mt=11 

On Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18947183-elevated 

Praise for ELEVATED:

"ELEVATED will take you on an emotionally gripping journey through the highs and lows of first love."

~Carolee Dean, author of Take Me There and Forget Me Not

"Poignant, raw, and intense, ELEVATED is a novel that will grip your heart and linger in your mind long after you turn the last page."

~Stasia Ward Kehoe, author of Audition and The Sound of Letting Go

About Elana Johnson: Elana Johnson’s work, including Possession, Surrender, Abandon, and Regret, published by Simon Pulse (Simon & Schuster), is available now everywhere books are sold. Her popular ebook, From the Query to the Call, is also available for free download, as well as a Possession short story, Resist. School teacher by day, Query Ninja by night, you can find her online at her personal blog or Twitter. She also co-founded the Query Tracker blog, and contributes to the League of Extraordinary Writers.

Social Media Links:

Website/blog: http://elanajohnson.blogspot.com/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ElanaJ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/possessionthebook 

Tumblr: http://elanajohnson.tumblr.com/ 

Wattpad: http://www.wattpad.com/user/elanajohnson 

League of Extraordinary Writers: http://leaguewriters.blogspot.com/ 

WriteOnCon: http://writeoncon.com/ 

Elana on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4044383.Elana_Johnson 

Into the Dark: The Shadow Prince by Bree Despain

Into the Dark: The Shadow Prince

Author: Bree Despain

Publisher: Egmont USA

Published: Expected March 11, 2014

ISBN13: 9781606842478

Hardcover: 512 pages

Genre: YA

FTC FYI: Received a digital copy from Netgalley

Goodreads Summary

Haden Lord, the disgraced prince of the Underrealm, has been sent to the mortal world to entice a girl into returning with him to the land of the dead. Posing as a student at Olympus Hills High—a haven for children of the rich and famous—Haden must single out the one girl rumored to be able to restore immortality to his race.

Daphne Raines has dreams much bigger than her tiny southern Utah town, so when her rock star dad suddenly reappears, offering her full tuition to Olympus Hills High’s prestigious music program, she sees an opportunity to catch the break she needs to make it as a singer. But upon moving into her estranged father’s mansion in California, and attending her glamorous new school, Daphne soon realizes she isn’t the only student in Olympus who doesn’t quite belong.

Haden and Daphne—destined for each other—know nothing of the true stakes their fated courtship entails. As war between the gods brews, the teenagers’ lives collide. But Daphne won’t be wooed easily and when it seems their prophesied link could happen, Haden realizes something he never intended—he’s fallen in love. Now to save themselves, Haden and Daphne must rewrite their destinies. But as their destinies change, so do the fates of both their worlds.

My Review

Another great book from Bree Despain.  The Shadow Prince starts off strong and doesn't let go.  In the first chapter we are introduced to Haden and his mysterious life in the Underworld.  He is chosen by the Oracle to bring back the Cypher.  The one who can restore what was taken from the Underlords.  But, she has to go back with him by choice, not forced.  Haden is the rejected son of Ren, the ruler of the Underworld.  His father hates him, so does his twin brother Rowan.  Daphne Raines lives with her protective mom in a small town in Utah.  She dreams of hitting it big in the singing world.  Her long-lost father returns to take her to Olympus Hills High, a school that can help her reach her goals of singing career.  Her father, Joe Vince, is a famous musician who has never been there for Daphne.

I can't tell much else about the story without giving it away, but know you are in for a treat.  I love the mythical legend behind this story, and the author does a great job of creating mysterious characters who have their own agendas.  I loved Daphne instantly, but Haden took awhile to grow on me.  Bree wrote this bad guy well.  How are we supposed to think that Daphne would go with Haden willingly.  Bree takes time to develop their relationship, while revealing back story carefully throughout the story that helps the reader get to know Haden better.  While Haden has his powers, Daphne has gifts of her own.  There are many exciting events that take place with great twists and surprises that will keep you wanting more when you finish reading.

4 out of 5 stars.  I know this book isn't out yet, but I am eagerly awaiting the book two.

Author Links

Website /  Twitter / Goodreads

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Rules of Engagement by Amber Gilchrist -- Blog Tour Spotlight

"Rules of Engagement" by Amber Gilchrist.

For Annemarie Whitted, her youngest sister’s engagement starts as a happy event, and ends as a slap in the face when she comes to the harsh realization that she’s a failure at relationships, a person in stasis. Annemarie is motivated and organized, a woman on a mission, and she’s getting married now. Her Rules of Engagement ensure she’ll make the right choice, and her committee will find her potential eternal companions. She assigns the job to her closest sister, Lisa, and Lisa’s husband, Tanner. Of course, Tanner comes with baggage— his brother, Ben, Annemarie’s lifelong nemesis. The war between the two of them gives a brand new meaning to Annemarie’s Rules of Engagement, and his presence isn’t helping her at all. Especially when he disapproves of her methods and questions every step she makes. Especially when their forced proximity makes each of them really see each other for the first time. Especially when she discovers that her heart has secret corners she never knew, and that the Rules might have been her biggest mistake of all.  

Purchase for $4.49 at:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Add to Goodreads

About the Author:

Amber Gilchrist lives in New Mexico with her husband and three children. She writes YA for upper teens, as well as LDS Romantic Comedies. She calls her lifetime of jumping from one job to another 'experience' for her books and not an inability to settle down. Amber loves mysteries and a good, happy romance. She also loves to laugh. Sometimes she likes all of them together. A fan of quirky movies and indie books, Amber likes to be with her family, is socially inept, and fears strangers and small yippy dogs. She alternates between writing and being a mom and wife. She tries to do both at the same time but her kids don't appreciate being served lunch and told, "This is the hot dog of your discontent." So mostly she writes when everyone else is in bed. Amber loves to hear from readers and can be reached at ambergilchristbooks@gmail.com If you would like to be added to her newsletter please email your address to be notified about future releases and events.

Amazon Author Page | Website | Facebook

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The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski

Blurb:

As a general's daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. But Kestrel has other intentions. One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction. Arin's eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him'with unexpected consequences. It's not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin. But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined.

Set in a richly imagined new world, The Winner's Curse is a story of deadly games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart.

Buy LINKS:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Winners-Curse-Trilogy/dp/0374384673/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1385404273&sr=1-1&keywords=0374384673

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-winners-curse-marie-rutkoski/1115382395?ean=9780374384678&itm=1&usri=9780374384678&r=1

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-winners-curse/id693746227?mt=11

IndieBound: http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780374384678

Google Books: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Marie_Rutkoski_The_Winner_s_Curse?id=SXvqAQAAQBAJ&hl=en

Books-A-Million: http://www.booksamillion.com/ncom/books?isbn=0374384673

GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16069030-the-winner-s-curse

Website: www.TheWinnersCurse.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/winnerstrilogy

Book Trailer: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvF8_sXyLyU

Author Information

Marie Rutkoski is the author of The Kronos Chronicles, including The Cabinet of Wonders and The Celestial Globe. The Cabinet of Wonders, her debut novel, was named an Indie Next Kids’ List Great Read and a Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year, among other honors. Rutkoski grew up in Bolingbrook, Illinois (a suburb of Chicago), as the oldest of four children. She attended the University of Iowa, where she took Writers’ Workshop classes and studied with Pulitzer Prize-winner James Alant McPherson. After graduating, she lived in Moscow and Prague. Upon receiving her Ph.D. from Harvard University, she held dual appointments as a lecturer there in both English and American Literature and Language, and History and Literature. Rutkoski is currently a professor at Brooklyn College, where she teaches Renaissance Drama, children’s literature and creative writing. She lives in New York City with her husband and cat.

Author Links: 

Website: http://www.marierutkoski.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarieRutkoskiYA

Twitter: https://twitter.com/@marierutkoski

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1238111.Marie_Rutkoski

Instagram: @MarieRutkoski

Paris Cravings by Kimberley Montpetit -- Book Blitz

Paris Cravings

Can life really turn on a dime,
a missed bus—
or a stuck pastry shop door?

Chloe Dillard’s life has always been complicated. Her mother is a neurotic romance novelist and her boyfriend, Mathew, has been pressuring her to go “all the way”.

But after The Worst Night of Her Life, Chloe escapes on her Senior Class trip to the swoon-worthy city of Paris which takes her mind off her troubles—temporarily. On the final leg of her dream trip, Chloe squeezes in one final run for a last-minute box of decadent pastries. Add a stuck door, subtract a broken four-inch heel from her cute strappy sandals, and Chloe ends up one stuck girl on the bakery shop floor with a sprained ankle.

Rescued by the shop owner’s dreamy son with chocolate-syrup eyes, the beautiful city of Paris suddenly becomes Chloe’s personal secret adventure. And even though Jean-Paul, the oh-so-kind La Patisserie shop boy is the gentlemanly guy Chloe has always dreamed of, even he has a girlfriend.

The police are tracking her down as a run-away, Mom’s having a nervous breakdown over her daughter’s “disappearance”, and Chloe’s just trying to have a Happily-Ever-After even as her dreams with Matt are swirling down the drain.

Could being lost in the city of Paris be just what the doctor ordered? What’s a girl to do in the most romantic city in the world?

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo * Smashwords

Praise for Paris Cravings:

“PARIS CRAVINGS is such a fun read, I couldn’t put it down! This is a humorous, delicious, and dreamy romance set in Paris about pastries, growing up, dating, and making those hard decisions about the kind of guy you want to be with, and who is best for you.” ~Milyssa Rivera

“Who can resist a book set in Paris amidst a Patisserie shop full of eclairs and pastries?! I’m excited this is a series, because anything with a bakery involved and I am in! Paris Cravings started out with a girl, a big box, some high heels and a mishap with a door. Insert cute worker with Hershey brown eyes, a French accent and a missing passport and you have the beginnings of romance.” ~Fire & Ice Blogger

Excerpt:

Dear Diary:

I have a confession to make: I’ve become a total idiot over French pastries.

They’re my new favorite food.

My new-found edible souvenir.

My new favorite sin.

Drizzled chocolate, sugar-dusted raspberries, flaky crusts with perfect crimped edges. I’ll have to run a marathon when I get back home to New York just to burn off my new five pounds. French beignets are the worst temptation. Those yeasty chocolate-filled pastries call to me the way Prada handbags call to my mother from Fifth Avenue.

Dunkin Donuts—so yesterday.

Climbing the Eiffel tower, running through miles of hallways at the Louvre Museum, gourmet lunches on the Seine River . . . yes, those are all must-sees . . . if you don’t mind vertigo-dizzying heights and enough paintings to saturate your brain for the rest of your life.

But once I discovered La Patisserie, the rest of Paris became a mere backdrop for my guilty pleasure. What’s a girl to do?

Author Kimberley Montpetit

Kimberley Montpetit once spent all her souvenir money at the La Patisserie shops when she was in Paris—on the arm of her adorable husband. The author grew up in San Francisco, another swoon-worthy city, loves all things Parisian and chocolate and lives in a small town along the Rio Grande with her family.

Kimberley has won many awards for her work, including the Southwest Book Award, the Whitney Award, the Arizona/New Mexico Book Award, is a Crystal Kite Finalist (SCBWI) and included in the Bank Street College Best Books of the Year.

She once stayed in a haunted castle tower room at Borthwick Castle in Scotland, sailed on the Seine in Paris, walked the beaches of Normandy, eaten in numerous French cafes, ridden a camel in Petra, Jordan, sunbathed on Waikiki, shopped the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, and spent the night in an old Communist hotel in Bulgaria.

She adores all baked goodies; brownies, éclairs, donuts, tarts, and pie, and makes a lot of chocolate chip cookies while revising.

Kimberley is, of course, hard at work on her next novel(s).

 Facebook * Twitter * Website

BookBlast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 3/14/14

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Not Your Average Happy Ending by Chantele Sedgwick -- Cover Reveal

My darling friend Chantele Sedgwick's new book is coming out soon!

I am thrilled be one of the blogs that reveals her new cover.

NOT YOUR AVERAGE HAPPY ENDING

YA Contemporary Fantasy

Release Date: March 3, 2014

Crescent Moon Press

When Ash Summerland left the Academy of Magical Beings, he was sure he’d put his troubles behind him. But when his girlfriend, Kendall, is almost killed by an old enemy over something he knows little about, Ash is forced to confront the demons of his past if he wants to save his and Kendall’s future.

With his fairy magic fading and his djinn magic more powerful than ever, Ash isn’t sure he can stop the evil from closing in around him. Although Kendall is the only thing keeping him from going over the edge, if he can’t learn to balance out his magic and find a way to defeat his enemies once and for all, both his world, and the girl he loves will be lost forever.

Here it is!

Valentine Sale from author Kelly Oram

In celebration of the paperback release of Amazon Best-seller The Avery Shaw Experiment, YA author Kelly Oram is having a special Valentines Day sale and Giveaway. 

From science geeks & serial killers to warlocks & rockstars, no matter your flavor, Kelly Oram has a fictional boyfriend for you! Make the most of this holiday of love and cuddle up with a boy who's sure to make you swoon, will never talk back, and will never ever break your heart!

Visit KELLYORAM.COM to see which boy is right for you and enter the giveaway.

Kelly Oram's Amazon page

Kelly Oram on Barnes&Noble

Kelly Oram wrote her first novel at age fifteen–a fan fiction about her favorite music group, The Backstreet Boys, for which family and friends still tease her. She's obsessed with reading, talks way too much, and loves to eat frosting by the spoonful. She lives outside of Phoenix, Arizona with her husband and four children. 

Connect with Kelly on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, & her Blog.