L.H. Nicole's Blog, page 9
April 21, 2014
R for Reckoning (Sweep Series)
Day 18 of the A to Z Challenge Today's offering:
R is for Reckoning by Cate Tiernan
BOOK BLURB:
Somewhere, there is a place for me. There are people who understand me and can explain the mysteries of my past.
I have traveled far in search of this place.
But instead of knowledge or understanding, I have found only danger, hostility, and fear....Alisa is half blood witch and is desperate to find out more about her witch ancestry so she runs away to find her late mother's witch family. From the moment she arrives, terrifying events envelop the entire family and Alisa herself appears to become the target of her ancestor's ghost. But there is no ghost. Alisa's striking resemblance to her mother is so distressing to her grandmother Evelyn, that it triggers dormant telekinetic powers in Evelyn which are responsible for causing the havoc. The revelation reconciles Alisa to her estranged family and to her own powers as a witch. Now she is ready to go home.COVER RATING: On a scale of 1-9
There are several different lives of this cover, but this one is my favorite!MY THOUGHTS:Yes, this is book 13 in the Sweep/Wicca series. But I promise, there’s a good reason I chose a book so far into the series. This is the book that switches from Morgan, the main female protag in the whole Sweep series, to Alisa. An untrained half-witch who I love almost as much as Morgan. This entire series was, and still is, one of my top favorite YA series of all time. I still have all the original, 1stedition print books—in almost perfect condition—and even go back every now and them and breeze through one or two of them.Since this series was first published in 2001, like all YA books of that time and for the next few years, it is a very short book. Thus making a quick read. One of my favorite things of this whole series, and Cate Tiernan (who is another of my hero authors) is the way she tells her stories.She is a master, seriously, from every aspect! The romance, the character and their developments and voices, intriguing, original and unique plots are all her strong suits. I mean, she totally had me going with Cal and Morgan in the first few books then Hunter and when she revea………Wait. Stop. Breath. Spoiler stop.Okay, besides the romance and the clear research Cate did, this series is also great for younger girls to read because both Alisa and Morgan grow from shy girls trying to find out who they are and understand themselves, into strong, confident and genuinely real people. Neither is perfect, even in the end, but they are good, decent, strong female a girl can look up to. And Cate does all of this without it feeling like an after school special!
Okay, I’ve taken a breath, and now I want to power read books 1-5. Damn it, now I’m gonna have a whole stack of books to read by the end of this blog challenge. There you go, come back tomorrow for day 19!Later lovelies!<3 L.H.
Find out more about the April A to Z blog challenge , and check out the other participants !
a Rafflecopter giveaway
R is for Reckoning by Cate Tiernan
BOOK BLURB:
Somewhere, there is a place for me. There are people who understand me and can explain the mysteries of my past.
I have traveled far in search of this place.
But instead of knowledge or understanding, I have found only danger, hostility, and fear....Alisa is half blood witch and is desperate to find out more about her witch ancestry so she runs away to find her late mother's witch family. From the moment she arrives, terrifying events envelop the entire family and Alisa herself appears to become the target of her ancestor's ghost. But there is no ghost. Alisa's striking resemblance to her mother is so distressing to her grandmother Evelyn, that it triggers dormant telekinetic powers in Evelyn which are responsible for causing the havoc. The revelation reconciles Alisa to her estranged family and to her own powers as a witch. Now she is ready to go home.COVER RATING: On a scale of 1-9
There are several different lives of this cover, but this one is my favorite!MY THOUGHTS:Yes, this is book 13 in the Sweep/Wicca series. But I promise, there’s a good reason I chose a book so far into the series. This is the book that switches from Morgan, the main female protag in the whole Sweep series, to Alisa. An untrained half-witch who I love almost as much as Morgan. This entire series was, and still is, one of my top favorite YA series of all time. I still have all the original, 1stedition print books—in almost perfect condition—and even go back every now and them and breeze through one or two of them.Since this series was first published in 2001, like all YA books of that time and for the next few years, it is a very short book. Thus making a quick read. One of my favorite things of this whole series, and Cate Tiernan (who is another of my hero authors) is the way she tells her stories.She is a master, seriously, from every aspect! The romance, the character and their developments and voices, intriguing, original and unique plots are all her strong suits. I mean, she totally had me going with Cal and Morgan in the first few books then Hunter and when she revea………Wait. Stop. Breath. Spoiler stop.Okay, besides the romance and the clear research Cate did, this series is also great for younger girls to read because both Alisa and Morgan grow from shy girls trying to find out who they are and understand themselves, into strong, confident and genuinely real people. Neither is perfect, even in the end, but they are good, decent, strong female a girl can look up to. And Cate does all of this without it feeling like an after school special! Okay, I’ve taken a breath, and now I want to power read books 1-5. Damn it, now I’m gonna have a whole stack of books to read by the end of this blog challenge. There you go, come back tomorrow for day 19!Later lovelies!<3 L.H.
Find out more about the April A to Z blog challenge , and check out the other participants !
a Rafflecopter giveaway
April 19, 2014
Q for Queen B
Day 17 of the A to Z Challenge. Today's offering:
Q is for Queen B by Laura Peyton Roberts
BOOK BLURB:To B or to Bee?
Cassie Howard has been second best all her life, but as Snow Queen runner-up—with a cute new boyfriend, to boot—she’s determined to reach new social heights this semester. The time has come to move from Queen B to Queen Bee.
But how is she supposed to fly when life keeps pinching her wings? Her lovesick brother is determined to mortify her in public. She’s in charge of her school’s talentless talent show, where at any moment someone could pull back the curtain and expose her (many) insecurities. The people she cares about most are mad at her. (Again.) And her nemesis, Sterling, has an evil new clone, one who’s making a hobby of humiliating Cassie—and a beeline for Cassie’s boyfriend.
Does being popular mean you have to sting like a bee? Or can a girl become queen without losing her honey? Let the buzz begin!
For the first time in my life, I have an actual shot at being someone at school. I’ve always been more of a Queen B than a Queen Bee—you know, B as in not A. Second tier. (Fine, if you have to get technical, sometimes even lower.) But this year, out of nowhere, I have a chance to be a real Queen Bee.
Not that I intend to be snobby, or cliquish, or any of the other rude things sometimes stapled to that label.
I just want people to love me.COVER RATING: On a scale of 1-9
I just think they could’ve done more. MY THOUGHTS:This another on my to read list, though I admit a big part of getting this book on that list is because finding a YA book that starts with Q is really hard! I never would’ve imagined…This book seems like it would be a good read to remember what some of your first experiences was like. And remember what it was like to strive to be better than what you already are in High school and have your first love.This is a contemporary, one of only 4 that I am featuring for this challenge, so it’s not exactly on the top of my list but…I can imagine reading it this summer at work. When it’s really slow and I can lock myself in my office. LOL
What do you guys think? Or do you know any other YA books that start with Q that I should know about?There you go, come back tomorrow for day 18!Later lovelies!<3 L.H.Find out more about the April A to Z blog challenge , and check out the other participants !
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Q is for Queen B by Laura Peyton Roberts
BOOK BLURB:To B or to Bee?
Cassie Howard has been second best all her life, but as Snow Queen runner-up—with a cute new boyfriend, to boot—she’s determined to reach new social heights this semester. The time has come to move from Queen B to Queen Bee.
But how is she supposed to fly when life keeps pinching her wings? Her lovesick brother is determined to mortify her in public. She’s in charge of her school’s talentless talent show, where at any moment someone could pull back the curtain and expose her (many) insecurities. The people she cares about most are mad at her. (Again.) And her nemesis, Sterling, has an evil new clone, one who’s making a hobby of humiliating Cassie—and a beeline for Cassie’s boyfriend.
Does being popular mean you have to sting like a bee? Or can a girl become queen without losing her honey? Let the buzz begin!
For the first time in my life, I have an actual shot at being someone at school. I’ve always been more of a Queen B than a Queen Bee—you know, B as in not A. Second tier. (Fine, if you have to get technical, sometimes even lower.) But this year, out of nowhere, I have a chance to be a real Queen Bee.
Not that I intend to be snobby, or cliquish, or any of the other rude things sometimes stapled to that label.
I just want people to love me.COVER RATING: On a scale of 1-9
I just think they could’ve done more. MY THOUGHTS:This another on my to read list, though I admit a big part of getting this book on that list is because finding a YA book that starts with Q is really hard! I never would’ve imagined…This book seems like it would be a good read to remember what some of your first experiences was like. And remember what it was like to strive to be better than what you already are in High school and have your first love.This is a contemporary, one of only 4 that I am featuring for this challenge, so it’s not exactly on the top of my list but…I can imagine reading it this summer at work. When it’s really slow and I can lock myself in my office. LOL What do you guys think? Or do you know any other YA books that start with Q that I should know about?There you go, come back tomorrow for day 18!Later lovelies!<3 L.H.Find out more about the April A to Z blog challenge , and check out the other participants !
a Rafflecopter giveaway
April 18, 2014
P for The Princess Diaries
Day 16 of the A to Z Challenge. Today's offering:
P is for The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot
BOOK BLURB:She's just a New York City girl living with her artist mom...
News Flash: Dad is prince of Genovia. (So that's why a limo meets her at the airport!)
Downer: Dad can't have any more kids. (So no heir to the throne.)
Shock of the Century: Like it or not, Mia Thermopolis is prime princess material.
Mia must take princess lessons from her dreaded grandmére, the dowager princess of Genovia, who thinks Mia has a thing or two to learn before she steps up to the throne.
Well, her father can lecture her until he's royal-blue in the face about her princessly duty--no way is she moving to Genovia and leaving Manhattan behind. But what's a girl to do when her name is Princess Amelia Mignonette Grimaldi Thermopolis Renaldo?
COVER RATING: On a scale of 1-9
OK Meg Cabot is one of my heroes, and when I was a 13-year-old girl, yeah I loved this cover. Now not so much. Book’s still great! MY THOUGHTS:I admit I didn’t read book 5 and on in this series, but there is no denying the amazingness of this first book in the series. I could totally relate to Mia, loved her mom and Dad, hated her Grandma and loved her best friend Lilly. As I’m sure Meg intended. The amazing thing about this book and series is that it’s influenced so many writers, look as some of the popular New Adult titles that are out now. Totally a more adult version of Princess Diaries. And who can forget my fav actress Anne Hathaway staring as Mia in one of her first major movie rolls? I would even go as far as to say this movie launched her career!This part is to Meg- you are one of my hero authors, inspirations and I LOVED meeting you last fall!
This book and all her series are AMAZING! I highly recommend reading them, if you love a good, draw you in YA book.
P.S. she also writes under the name Jenny Carol, and one of my favorite series by her is about to be re-launched! But more on that after the challenge. OMG still freaking out!There you go, come back tomorrow for day 17!Later lovelies!<3 L.H.
Find out more about the April A to Z blog challenge , and check out the other
a Rafflecopter giveaway
P is for The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot
BOOK BLURB:She's just a New York City girl living with her artist mom...
News Flash: Dad is prince of Genovia. (So that's why a limo meets her at the airport!)
Downer: Dad can't have any more kids. (So no heir to the throne.)
Shock of the Century: Like it or not, Mia Thermopolis is prime princess material.
Mia must take princess lessons from her dreaded grandmére, the dowager princess of Genovia, who thinks Mia has a thing or two to learn before she steps up to the throne.
Well, her father can lecture her until he's royal-blue in the face about her princessly duty--no way is she moving to Genovia and leaving Manhattan behind. But what's a girl to do when her name is Princess Amelia Mignonette Grimaldi Thermopolis Renaldo?
COVER RATING: On a scale of 1-9
OK Meg Cabot is one of my heroes, and when I was a 13-year-old girl, yeah I loved this cover. Now not so much. Book’s still great! MY THOUGHTS:I admit I didn’t read book 5 and on in this series, but there is no denying the amazingness of this first book in the series. I could totally relate to Mia, loved her mom and Dad, hated her Grandma and loved her best friend Lilly. As I’m sure Meg intended. The amazing thing about this book and series is that it’s influenced so many writers, look as some of the popular New Adult titles that are out now. Totally a more adult version of Princess Diaries. And who can forget my fav actress Anne Hathaway staring as Mia in one of her first major movie rolls? I would even go as far as to say this movie launched her career!This part is to Meg- you are one of my hero authors, inspirations and I LOVED meeting you last fall!
This book and all her series are AMAZING! I highly recommend reading them, if you love a good, draw you in YA book.
P.S. she also writes under the name Jenny Carol, and one of my favorite series by her is about to be re-launched! But more on that after the challenge. OMG still freaking out!There you go, come back tomorrow for day 17!Later lovelies!<3 L.H.
Find out more about the April A to Z blog challenge , and check out the other
a Rafflecopter giveaway
April 17, 2014
O for Oh My Gods
Day 15 of the A to Z Challenge. Today's offering:
O is for Oh My Gods by Tera Lynn Childs
BOOK BLURB:A modern girl's comedic odyssey in a school filled with the descendants of Greek gods.
When Phoebe's mom returns from Greece with a new husband and moves them to an island in the Aegean, Phoebe's plans for her senior year and track season are ancient history. Now she must attend the uber exclusive academy, where admission depends on pedigree, namely, ancestry from Zeus, Hera, and other Greek gods. That's right, they're real, not myth, and their teen descendants are like the classical heroes: supersmart and super beautiful with a few superpowers. And now they're on her track team! Armed only with her Nikes and the will to win, Phoebe races to find her place among the gods.COVER RATING: On a scale of 1-9
This cover catches my eye every time. But then I look at it again and again and think, Maybe something else would’ve worked betterMY THOUGHTS:I read this and I loved it. I like that even thought this book is so majorly focused on the Greek gods, there is no world threatening feeling/story line. That alone makes this book series worth reading. It is on the younger side of YA but full of almost contemporary style romance. This book is pure fun and determination and accepting that maybe, just maybe, you might not be the best at something and that’s okay.
If you want a fast, fun, light read…or something your daughter or niece or younger sister—whatever—might like. And this is by the Author who brought us the Medusa Girls series and the Fins series. All worth a read! There you go, come back tomorrow for day 16!Later lovelies!<3 L.H.
Find out more about the April A to Z blog challenge , and check out the other a Rafflecopter giveaway
O is for Oh My Gods by Tera Lynn Childs
BOOK BLURB:A modern girl's comedic odyssey in a school filled with the descendants of Greek gods.
When Phoebe's mom returns from Greece with a new husband and moves them to an island in the Aegean, Phoebe's plans for her senior year and track season are ancient history. Now she must attend the uber exclusive academy, where admission depends on pedigree, namely, ancestry from Zeus, Hera, and other Greek gods. That's right, they're real, not myth, and their teen descendants are like the classical heroes: supersmart and super beautiful with a few superpowers. And now they're on her track team! Armed only with her Nikes and the will to win, Phoebe races to find her place among the gods.COVER RATING: On a scale of 1-9
This cover catches my eye every time. But then I look at it again and again and think, Maybe something else would’ve worked betterMY THOUGHTS:I read this and I loved it. I like that even thought this book is so majorly focused on the Greek gods, there is no world threatening feeling/story line. That alone makes this book series worth reading. It is on the younger side of YA but full of almost contemporary style romance. This book is pure fun and determination and accepting that maybe, just maybe, you might not be the best at something and that’s okay. If you want a fast, fun, light read…or something your daughter or niece or younger sister—whatever—might like. And this is by the Author who brought us the Medusa Girls series and the Fins series. All worth a read! There you go, come back tomorrow for day 16!Later lovelies!<3 L.H.
Find out more about the April A to Z blog challenge , and check out the other a Rafflecopter giveaway
April 16, 2014
N for Name of the Star
Day 14 of the A to Z Challenge. Today's offering:
N is for
BOOK BLURB:Jack the Ripper is back,
and he's coming for Rory next....
Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London to start a new life at boarding school just as a series of brutal murders mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper killing spree of more than a century ago has broken out across the city. The police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man believed to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him - the only one who can see him. And now Rory has become his next target...unless she can tap her previously unknown abilities to turn the tables.COVER RATING: On a scale of 1-9
Fantastical. Just Fantastical. The cover’s amazingness speaks for it’s self!MY THOUGHTS:I HAVE NOT FINISHED THIS ONE YET. There I said it. It’s good, but life, well it gets in the way, and I just haven’t gotten back to it. Maybe it’s not holding my attention as much because there’s not really as much romance as I normally like. BUT I still recall where I left off and I plan on getting back to it when I get a chance to breath from work and writing.The suspense and mystery is amazing, and I love how the author has used the Jack the Ripper lore to her own way in the story. I think this could technically be considered New Adult, but the voice feels like YA to me and if I’m not mistaken Rory’s age is seventeen so…
For those who like mystery and suspense and thrillers I would totally say check this book out. And there’s a second in the series too! I hope I can fall back into the cool story soon.There you go, come back tomorrow for day 15!Later lovelies!<3 L.H.
Find out more about the April A to Z blog challenge , and check out the other participants!a Rafflecopter giveaway
N is for
BOOK BLURB:Jack the Ripper is back,
and he's coming for Rory next....
Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London to start a new life at boarding school just as a series of brutal murders mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper killing spree of more than a century ago has broken out across the city. The police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man believed to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him - the only one who can see him. And now Rory has become his next target...unless she can tap her previously unknown abilities to turn the tables.COVER RATING: On a scale of 1-9
Fantastical. Just Fantastical. The cover’s amazingness speaks for it’s self!MY THOUGHTS:I HAVE NOT FINISHED THIS ONE YET. There I said it. It’s good, but life, well it gets in the way, and I just haven’t gotten back to it. Maybe it’s not holding my attention as much because there’s not really as much romance as I normally like. BUT I still recall where I left off and I plan on getting back to it when I get a chance to breath from work and writing.The suspense and mystery is amazing, and I love how the author has used the Jack the Ripper lore to her own way in the story. I think this could technically be considered New Adult, but the voice feels like YA to me and if I’m not mistaken Rory’s age is seventeen so… For those who like mystery and suspense and thrillers I would totally say check this book out. And there’s a second in the series too! I hope I can fall back into the cool story soon.There you go, come back tomorrow for day 15!Later lovelies!<3 L.H.
Find out more about the April A to Z blog challenge , and check out the other participants!a Rafflecopter giveaway
April 15, 2014
M for he Mark of Athena
Day 13 of the A to Z Challenge. Today's offering:
M is for The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan
BOOK BLURB:Annabeth is terrified. Just when she's about to be reunited with Percy—after six months of being apart, thanks to Hera—it looks like Camp Jupiter is preparing for war. As Annabeth and her friends Jason, Piper, and Leo fly in on the Argo II, she can’t blame the Roman demigods for thinking the ship is a Greek weapon. With its steaming bronze dragon masthead, Leo's fantastical creation doesn't appear friendly. Annabeth hopes that the sight of their praetor Jason on deck will reassure the Romans that the visitors from Camp Half-Blood are coming in peace.
And that's only one of her worries. In her pocket Annabeth carries a gift from her mother that came with an unnerving demand: Follow the Mark of Athena. Avenge me. Annabeth already feels weighed down by the prophecy that will send seven demigods on a quest to find—and close—the Doors of Death. What more does Athena want from her?
Annabeth's biggest fear, though, is that Percy might have changed. What if he's now attached to Roman ways? Does he still need his old friends? As the daughter of the goddess of war and wisdom, Annabeth knows she was born to be a leader, but never again does she want to be without Seaweed Brain by her side.
Narrated by four different demigods, The Mark of Athena is an unforgettable journey across land and sea to Rome, where important discoveries, surprising sacrifices, and unspeakable horrors await. Climb aboard the Argo II, if you dare....COVER RATING: On a scale of 1-9
LETS FACE IT, AS LONG AS THEY STAY TRUE TO THE STYLE OF RICK RIORDAN THE PUBLISHERS CAN DO NO WRONG WITH THE COVERS. MUCH LINK WITH HARRY POTTER.TO BE READ:
Okay, okay. You can smack me if you want, but I have only read the first book of the Heroes of Olympus series. **Ducks books thrown at my head** But you have to understand why. I started reading the Percy Jackson series while waiting on book 4 and book 5 to be released, and like with Harry Potter and the Tigers Curse series, I lost my freaking mind going crazy with anticipation. The reason I’ve not read book 2 3 or 4 yet is because I want the whole series to be out first. That way I’m not chomping at the bit as much waiting. That said, the Percy Jackson and Heroes of Olympus series have created one heck of a dedicated and amazing fandom. I’m bringing this up because I love looking at fanart and there is this one artist who does AMAZING fanart for both of these amazing series. So today I want to bring you Burge-bug and a small sampling of her amazing fanart. All images I post today belong to Burge, were created and brought to life by Burge! I’m just sharing her awesomeness with all of you.
There you go, come back tomorrow for day 14!Later lovelies!<3 L.H.
Find out more about the April A to Z blog challenge , and check out the other participants!a Rafflecopter giveaway
M is for The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan
BOOK BLURB:Annabeth is terrified. Just when she's about to be reunited with Percy—after six months of being apart, thanks to Hera—it looks like Camp Jupiter is preparing for war. As Annabeth and her friends Jason, Piper, and Leo fly in on the Argo II, she can’t blame the Roman demigods for thinking the ship is a Greek weapon. With its steaming bronze dragon masthead, Leo's fantastical creation doesn't appear friendly. Annabeth hopes that the sight of their praetor Jason on deck will reassure the Romans that the visitors from Camp Half-Blood are coming in peace.
And that's only one of her worries. In her pocket Annabeth carries a gift from her mother that came with an unnerving demand: Follow the Mark of Athena. Avenge me. Annabeth already feels weighed down by the prophecy that will send seven demigods on a quest to find—and close—the Doors of Death. What more does Athena want from her?
Annabeth's biggest fear, though, is that Percy might have changed. What if he's now attached to Roman ways? Does he still need his old friends? As the daughter of the goddess of war and wisdom, Annabeth knows she was born to be a leader, but never again does she want to be without Seaweed Brain by her side.
Narrated by four different demigods, The Mark of Athena is an unforgettable journey across land and sea to Rome, where important discoveries, surprising sacrifices, and unspeakable horrors await. Climb aboard the Argo II, if you dare....COVER RATING: On a scale of 1-9
LETS FACE IT, AS LONG AS THEY STAY TRUE TO THE STYLE OF RICK RIORDAN THE PUBLISHERS CAN DO NO WRONG WITH THE COVERS. MUCH LINK WITH HARRY POTTER.TO BE READ: Okay, okay. You can smack me if you want, but I have only read the first book of the Heroes of Olympus series. **Ducks books thrown at my head** But you have to understand why. I started reading the Percy Jackson series while waiting on book 4 and book 5 to be released, and like with Harry Potter and the Tigers Curse series, I lost my freaking mind going crazy with anticipation. The reason I’ve not read book 2 3 or 4 yet is because I want the whole series to be out first. That way I’m not chomping at the bit as much waiting. That said, the Percy Jackson and Heroes of Olympus series have created one heck of a dedicated and amazing fandom. I’m bringing this up because I love looking at fanart and there is this one artist who does AMAZING fanart for both of these amazing series. So today I want to bring you Burge-bug and a small sampling of her amazing fanart. All images I post today belong to Burge, were created and brought to life by Burge! I’m just sharing her awesomeness with all of you.
There you go, come back tomorrow for day 14!Later lovelies!<3 L.H.
Find out more about the April A to Z blog challenge , and check out the other participants!a Rafflecopter giveaway
April 14, 2014
L for Legendary
Day 12 of the A to Z Challenge. Today's offering:
L is for Legendary by L.H. Nicole
BOOK BLURB:Aliana Fagan spent her childhood traveling the world, dreaming of legendary heroes and mythical lands. But after the sudden death of her parents, she hides behind the safety of her camera and her art until a vivid recurring dream compels her to dig into her father's research about Avalon and Camelot. When she is hurled into a magical realm by forces she thought were only the stuff of fairy tales, she finds herself thrown into an adventure she could never have imagined. Nearly everything she thought she knew about Arthurian legend was wrong.
The independent eighteen-year-old is shocked to find that the people of Avalon think that she is the Destined One, the only person who can summon King Arthur back to life from his hidden chamber. Most surprising of all is that it's up to her to lead the Knights of the Round Table on an epic quest—an adventure that will transport them across the seven magic realms to reclaim all that has been lost so they can defeat the evil Mordrid for good. But first, she must bring the ancient warriors into her world and reunite them with their lost brothers. Chaperoning the legendary knights-with-a-chivalry-complex as they navigate the modern world is a constant challenge, and she certainly never thought she'd be caught between her intense feelings for the noble Sir Galahad and her growing friendship with the King.
To fulfill the prophecy, Aliana will have to discover the meaning of friendship, bravery, loyalty, true love, and forgiveness. But can she do it all in time to save the realms from Mordrid's impending Armageddon?COVER RATING: On a scale of 1-9
THIS MAY SEEM SELF-SERVING, BUT THERE IS A BIG REASON I GAVE MY OWN COVER A NINE: I**COUGH DISLIKED** COUGH** THE FIRST OPTIONS THAT CAME ACROSS. BUT AFTER SOME DISCUSSION, OMG MY PUBLISHER KNOCKED THIS OUT OF THE PARK AND I LOVE IT SOOOOOO MUCH!
IMAGES INSPIRED BY AND INSPIRING THE LEGENDARY SAGA:
You have my book blurb up top and you can see the reviews Legendary has gotten on goodreads, both nice things to help you decide if you want to read Legendary. But my publicist thought some more incentives might help. So I came up with some meme’s using pictures that inspired characters from Legendary or are a good representation of how I see the scenes and characters. They also feature some of my favorite quotes from the books. Enjoy them! I hope, one day soon, I’ll have some proper fan made ones to display!
There you go, come back tomorrow for day 13!Later lovelies!<3 L.H.
Find out more about the April A to Z blog challenge , and check out the other participants!a Rafflecopter giveaway
L is for Legendary by L.H. Nicole
BOOK BLURB:Aliana Fagan spent her childhood traveling the world, dreaming of legendary heroes and mythical lands. But after the sudden death of her parents, she hides behind the safety of her camera and her art until a vivid recurring dream compels her to dig into her father's research about Avalon and Camelot. When she is hurled into a magical realm by forces she thought were only the stuff of fairy tales, she finds herself thrown into an adventure she could never have imagined. Nearly everything she thought she knew about Arthurian legend was wrong.
The independent eighteen-year-old is shocked to find that the people of Avalon think that she is the Destined One, the only person who can summon King Arthur back to life from his hidden chamber. Most surprising of all is that it's up to her to lead the Knights of the Round Table on an epic quest—an adventure that will transport them across the seven magic realms to reclaim all that has been lost so they can defeat the evil Mordrid for good. But first, she must bring the ancient warriors into her world and reunite them with their lost brothers. Chaperoning the legendary knights-with-a-chivalry-complex as they navigate the modern world is a constant challenge, and she certainly never thought she'd be caught between her intense feelings for the noble Sir Galahad and her growing friendship with the King.
To fulfill the prophecy, Aliana will have to discover the meaning of friendship, bravery, loyalty, true love, and forgiveness. But can she do it all in time to save the realms from Mordrid's impending Armageddon?COVER RATING: On a scale of 1-9
THIS MAY SEEM SELF-SERVING, BUT THERE IS A BIG REASON I GAVE MY OWN COVER A NINE: I**COUGH DISLIKED** COUGH** THE FIRST OPTIONS THAT CAME ACROSS. BUT AFTER SOME DISCUSSION, OMG MY PUBLISHER KNOCKED THIS OUT OF THE PARK AND I LOVE IT SOOOOOO MUCH!IMAGES INSPIRED BY AND INSPIRING THE LEGENDARY SAGA:
You have my book blurb up top and you can see the reviews Legendary has gotten on goodreads, both nice things to help you decide if you want to read Legendary. But my publicist thought some more incentives might help. So I came up with some meme’s using pictures that inspired characters from Legendary or are a good representation of how I see the scenes and characters. They also feature some of my favorite quotes from the books. Enjoy them! I hope, one day soon, I’ll have some proper fan made ones to display!
There you go, come back tomorrow for day 13!Later lovelies!<3 L.H.
Find out more about the April A to Z blog challenge , and check out the other participants!a Rafflecopter giveaway
April 12, 2014
K for Killer Frost
Day 11 of the A to Z Challenge Today's offering:
K is for Killer Frost by Jennifer Estep
BOOK BLURB:I’ve battled the Reapers of Chaos before–and survived. But this time I have a Bad, Bad Feeling it’s going to be a fight to the death … most likely mine.
Yeah, I’ve got my psychometry magic, my talking sword, Vic–and even the most dangerous Spartan on campus at my side, in Logan freaking Quinn, but I’m no match for Loki, the evil Norse god of chaos. I may be Nike’s Champion, but at heart, I’m still just Gwen Frost, that weird Gypsy girl everyone at school loves to gossip about.
Then someone I love is put in more danger than ever before, and something inside me snaps. This time, Loki and his Reapers are going down for good … or I am.
COVER RATING: On a scale of 1-9
Love this series, but this is definitely not my favorite of the eight covers. I think that would be book 2.
MY THOUGHTS:
I could go on about the Mythos Academy series for AGES! I adore it so much, and I’m bummed that this was the last of the series. But I don’t’ think Jennifer Estep could’ve ended it any better. This series is chalk full of mythology from so many different cultures its mind boggling. Not only does she pull form Greek myths, she pulls from Roman, Celtic and even some Asian myths and legends. I think her concept was brilliant and original and the whole cast of characters are ones that will stick with you! Now I’ll let my buddy DynoMoon give you her thoughts on this book.
DynoMoon's series review:I wanted to start this by saying how much I love this series. Ever since I picked up the first book ‘Touch of Frost’- when it first came out- I have loved all the crazy, action, drama filled goodness that is the Mythos Academy. Since then I have been addicted and eagerly jonzing for the next book to come out. I nearly fainted when MissLittleBookAddict told me she had got an ARC copy! Thank you!Following her rating system I give this sixth and final installment of the series 4.5 stars out of 5. Here’s my breakdown:Characters: Loved! As always, but I feel like I saw the growth I wanted in Gwen and Logan- our heroine and hero- but we didn’t get to see much in the way of the other characters who I love just as much. I just wanted more from them.Action: as evident in this series and J. Estep’s other books, action scenes are a specialty of hers, and she doesn’t disappoint! I love reading the battle scenes and fight scenarios because they’re always different.Pacing: Next to my desire to want more from the other characters this was the element that kept me from giving this a perfect review. Why you ask, simple, I felt there were several parts where we didn’t really get anything that helped move the story along, or add anything to the drama/conflict of the story. Some of Gwen’s internal debates and monologues were just too long for me, I got bored (insert loud Sherlock “bored” shouts here-though minus the gun) and glanced over those parts.3 Absolute favorite parts: The theft scene! GENIUS! I loved it so much. Also seeing the seeing the griffins again and most of all, Gwen and Logan-or Gypsy Girl and Spartan- as they commonly refer to each other.Over all this book didn’t disappoint-well almost…. I am disappointed that there’s not going to be any more Gypsy Gewnness. I will miss this series a lot but, that said, guess I’ll just have to go back and re-read all the books over again. And again. And again.
I have yet to meet a J. Estep book I didn’t like, but the Mythos Academy is by far my favorite!
There you go, come back tomorrow for day 12!Later lovelies!<3 L.H.
Find out more about the April A to Z blog challenge , and check out the other participants!a Rafflecopter giveaway
K is for Killer Frost by Jennifer Estep
BOOK BLURB:I’ve battled the Reapers of Chaos before–and survived. But this time I have a Bad, Bad Feeling it’s going to be a fight to the death … most likely mine.
Yeah, I’ve got my psychometry magic, my talking sword, Vic–and even the most dangerous Spartan on campus at my side, in Logan freaking Quinn, but I’m no match for Loki, the evil Norse god of chaos. I may be Nike’s Champion, but at heart, I’m still just Gwen Frost, that weird Gypsy girl everyone at school loves to gossip about.
Then someone I love is put in more danger than ever before, and something inside me snaps. This time, Loki and his Reapers are going down for good … or I am.
COVER RATING: On a scale of 1-9
Love this series, but this is definitely not my favorite of the eight covers. I think that would be book 2.
MY THOUGHTS:
I could go on about the Mythos Academy series for AGES! I adore it so much, and I’m bummed that this was the last of the series. But I don’t’ think Jennifer Estep could’ve ended it any better. This series is chalk full of mythology from so many different cultures its mind boggling. Not only does she pull form Greek myths, she pulls from Roman, Celtic and even some Asian myths and legends. I think her concept was brilliant and original and the whole cast of characters are ones that will stick with you! Now I’ll let my buddy DynoMoon give you her thoughts on this book.
DynoMoon's series review:I wanted to start this by saying how much I love this series. Ever since I picked up the first book ‘Touch of Frost’- when it first came out- I have loved all the crazy, action, drama filled goodness that is the Mythos Academy. Since then I have been addicted and eagerly jonzing for the next book to come out. I nearly fainted when MissLittleBookAddict told me she had got an ARC copy! Thank you!Following her rating system I give this sixth and final installment of the series 4.5 stars out of 5. Here’s my breakdown:Characters: Loved! As always, but I feel like I saw the growth I wanted in Gwen and Logan- our heroine and hero- but we didn’t get to see much in the way of the other characters who I love just as much. I just wanted more from them.Action: as evident in this series and J. Estep’s other books, action scenes are a specialty of hers, and she doesn’t disappoint! I love reading the battle scenes and fight scenarios because they’re always different.Pacing: Next to my desire to want more from the other characters this was the element that kept me from giving this a perfect review. Why you ask, simple, I felt there were several parts where we didn’t really get anything that helped move the story along, or add anything to the drama/conflict of the story. Some of Gwen’s internal debates and monologues were just too long for me, I got bored (insert loud Sherlock “bored” shouts here-though minus the gun) and glanced over those parts.3 Absolute favorite parts: The theft scene! GENIUS! I loved it so much. Also seeing the seeing the griffins again and most of all, Gwen and Logan-or Gypsy Girl and Spartan- as they commonly refer to each other.Over all this book didn’t disappoint-well almost…. I am disappointed that there’s not going to be any more Gypsy Gewnness. I will miss this series a lot but, that said, guess I’ll just have to go back and re-read all the books over again. And again. And again.I have yet to meet a J. Estep book I didn’t like, but the Mythos Academy is by far my favorite!
There you go, come back tomorrow for day 12!Later lovelies!<3 L.H.
Find out more about the April A to Z blog challenge , and check out the other participants!a Rafflecopter giveaway
April 11, 2014
J for The Juliet Club
Day 10 of the A to Z Challenge. today's offering:
J is for The Juliet Club by Suzanne Harper
BOOK BLURB:Italy . . . Shakespeare . . . but no romance?
Kate Sanderson inherited her good sense from her mother, a disciplined law professor, and her admiration for the Bard from her father, a passionate Shakespeare scholar. When she gets dumped, out of the blue, for the Practically Perfect Ashley Lawson, she vows never to fall in love again. From now on she will control her own destiny, and every decision she makes will be highly reasoned and rational. She thinks Shakespeare would have approved.
So when she is accepted to a summer Shakespeare symposium in Verona, Italy, Kate sees it as the ideal way to get over her heartbreak once and for all. She'll lose herself in her studies, explore ancient architecture, and eat plenty of pasta and gelato. (Plus, she'll be getting college credit for it--another goal accomplished ) But can even completely logical Kate resist the romance of living in a beautiful villa in the city where those star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet met and died for each other? Especially when the other Shakespeare Scholars--in particular Giacomo, with his tousled brown hair, expressive dark eyes, and charming ways--try hard to break her protective shell?
"In fair Verona, where we lay our scene . . . "COVER RATING: On a scale of 1-9
I was originally going to give this cover a one point lower rating, but then I thought, even thought this book is a contemporary, it deserves and extra point for not being like every other contemporary book cover.
TO BE READ:The Juliet Club came across my path a few months back, even though it was released in ’08. As we’ve established, I’m not much for the contemporary genre. But this one hangs out in the back corner of my book brain shelves, popping up here and there saying, “remember me?” What catches me, SHAKESPEAR! Romeo and Juliet is NOT my favorite of his works, it’s my second, maybe third. (A Midsummer’s Night Dream is my top fav Shakespeare)
I love all things Italian! So stories set in Italy, especially the most romantic city in all of the country, yeah, you get my attention. This book seems like it would be similar to the movie “letters to Juliet” which I like, another bonus point. I’ve also heard it’s pretty funny-in the fluffy way. So who knows, maybe over the summer I’ll give it a try. Like last time, I want to hear y’all’s thoughts! Leave me a comment, and if you’ve read it, sound off with your opinion.There you go, come back tomorrow for day 11!Later lovelies!<3 L.H.
Find out more about the April A to Z blog challenge , and check out the other participants!a Rafflecopter giveaway
J is for The Juliet Club by Suzanne Harper
BOOK BLURB:Italy . . . Shakespeare . . . but no romance?
Kate Sanderson inherited her good sense from her mother, a disciplined law professor, and her admiration for the Bard from her father, a passionate Shakespeare scholar. When she gets dumped, out of the blue, for the Practically Perfect Ashley Lawson, she vows never to fall in love again. From now on she will control her own destiny, and every decision she makes will be highly reasoned and rational. She thinks Shakespeare would have approved.
So when she is accepted to a summer Shakespeare symposium in Verona, Italy, Kate sees it as the ideal way to get over her heartbreak once and for all. She'll lose herself in her studies, explore ancient architecture, and eat plenty of pasta and gelato. (Plus, she'll be getting college credit for it--another goal accomplished ) But can even completely logical Kate resist the romance of living in a beautiful villa in the city where those star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet met and died for each other? Especially when the other Shakespeare Scholars--in particular Giacomo, with his tousled brown hair, expressive dark eyes, and charming ways--try hard to break her protective shell?
"In fair Verona, where we lay our scene . . . "COVER RATING: On a scale of 1-9
I was originally going to give this cover a one point lower rating, but then I thought, even thought this book is a contemporary, it deserves and extra point for not being like every other contemporary book cover.TO BE READ:The Juliet Club came across my path a few months back, even though it was released in ’08. As we’ve established, I’m not much for the contemporary genre. But this one hangs out in the back corner of my book brain shelves, popping up here and there saying, “remember me?” What catches me, SHAKESPEAR! Romeo and Juliet is NOT my favorite of his works, it’s my second, maybe third. (A Midsummer’s Night Dream is my top fav Shakespeare)
I love all things Italian! So stories set in Italy, especially the most romantic city in all of the country, yeah, you get my attention. This book seems like it would be similar to the movie “letters to Juliet” which I like, another bonus point. I’ve also heard it’s pretty funny-in the fluffy way. So who knows, maybe over the summer I’ll give it a try. Like last time, I want to hear y’all’s thoughts! Leave me a comment, and if you’ve read it, sound off with your opinion.There you go, come back tomorrow for day 11!Later lovelies!<3 L.H.
Find out more about the April A to Z blog challenge , and check out the other participants!a Rafflecopter giveaway
April 10, 2014
I for Illuminate
Day 9 of the A to Z challenge. Today's offering:
I is for Illuminate by Aimee Agresti
BOOK BLURB:Haven Terra is a brainy, shy high school outcast. But everything changes when she is awarded a prestigious internship at a posh Chicago hotel under the watchful eyes of a group of gorgeous strangers: the powerful and alluring hotel owner Aurelia Brown; her second-in-command, the dashing Lucian Grove; and their stunning but aloof staff of glamazons called The Outfit.
As Haven begins falling for Lucian, she discovers that these beautiful people are not quite what they seem. With the help of a mysterious book, she uncovers the evil agenda of Aurelia and company: they’re in the business of buying souls. Will they succeed in wooing Haven to join them in their recruitment efforts, or will she be able to thwart this devilish set’s plans to take the souls of her classmates on prom night at the hotel?
COVER RATING: On a scale of 1-9
I like this cover, but there just an over the top WOW factor missing for me. It’s nice, and it got my attention for a hot minute but…..
TBR- TO BE READ:I marked this book as to be read back in mid 2012, but I have yet to get myself motivated to buy it/read it. There are many things about this that peaks my interest. One of the biggest being that it’s set in a hotel, and the main girl Haven is doing a sort of internship there. I work in the Hospitality industry (when I’m not writing, or even when I am, on occasion ;P )I don’t see many YA books set in hotels, so points there. But I don’t know, I’m weary to put my time into it. I’ve had some friends read it and one was like “yeah, I think you’ll like it. The guys are totally hot and the romance is good” And the other was like “L, no way, it was way slow and Haven was kinda hard to relate to.” Both girls know my reading preferences, likes and peeves so, like I said: I’m torn. After saying all this I am a little more motivated to read it, and the over 500 5 star reviews on goodreads helps me think I’ll like it. What do you guys think? Have any of you read it? Leave me your comments and don’t forget to enter in the fantastic giveaway!
There you go, come back tomorrow for day 10!Later lovelies!<3 L.H.
Find out more about the April A to Z blog challenge , and check out the other participants!a Rafflecopter giveaway
I is for Illuminate by Aimee Agresti
BOOK BLURB:Haven Terra is a brainy, shy high school outcast. But everything changes when she is awarded a prestigious internship at a posh Chicago hotel under the watchful eyes of a group of gorgeous strangers: the powerful and alluring hotel owner Aurelia Brown; her second-in-command, the dashing Lucian Grove; and their stunning but aloof staff of glamazons called The Outfit.
As Haven begins falling for Lucian, she discovers that these beautiful people are not quite what they seem. With the help of a mysterious book, she uncovers the evil agenda of Aurelia and company: they’re in the business of buying souls. Will they succeed in wooing Haven to join them in their recruitment efforts, or will she be able to thwart this devilish set’s plans to take the souls of her classmates on prom night at the hotel?
COVER RATING: On a scale of 1-9
I like this cover, but there just an over the top WOW factor missing for me. It’s nice, and it got my attention for a hot minute but…..TBR- TO BE READ:I marked this book as to be read back in mid 2012, but I have yet to get myself motivated to buy it/read it. There are many things about this that peaks my interest. One of the biggest being that it’s set in a hotel, and the main girl Haven is doing a sort of internship there. I work in the Hospitality industry (when I’m not writing, or even when I am, on occasion ;P )I don’t see many YA books set in hotels, so points there. But I don’t know, I’m weary to put my time into it. I’ve had some friends read it and one was like “yeah, I think you’ll like it. The guys are totally hot and the romance is good” And the other was like “L, no way, it was way slow and Haven was kinda hard to relate to.” Both girls know my reading preferences, likes and peeves so, like I said: I’m torn. After saying all this I am a little more motivated to read it, and the over 500 5 star reviews on goodreads helps me think I’ll like it. What do you guys think? Have any of you read it? Leave me your comments and don’t forget to enter in the fantastic giveaway!
There you go, come back tomorrow for day 10!Later lovelies!<3 L.H.
Find out more about the April A to Z blog challenge , and check out the other participants!a Rafflecopter giveaway
