**REVIEW** Perception by Lee Strauss

Today's Stop features a book that I just could not get enough of and 

eagerly await the next book!!

Eternal Life is To Die For.
Seventeen year old Zoe Vanderveen is a GAP—a genetically altered person. She lives in the security of a walled city on prime water-front property along-side other equally beautiful people with extended life spans.
Her brother Liam is missing.
Noah Brody is a natural who lives on the outside. He leads protests against the GAPs and detests the widening chasm they’ve created between those who have and those who don’t. He doesn’t like girls like Zoe and he has good reason not to like her specifically.
Zoe’s carefree life takes a traumatic turn. She’s in trouble and it turns out that Noah, the last guy on earth she should trust, is the only one who can help her.
PERCEPTION is a (SF/mystery/romance) Young Adult novel that takes place in the not-too-distant future in a world changed by climate extremes, natural disasters and impending wars, and where scientific breakthroughs cause class divisions—both financially and philosophically. It explores the clash between faith and science and how differences can separate us as enemies or ally us together. And in some cases, even in the midst of betrayal and personal crisis, there’s room to fall in love.

Release Date: September 12,2012

Published By: ESB Publishing

Review Copy: Mobi.

*provided by Author

 

Buy it:

Amazon||Barnes & Noble

Review

  I love dystopian novels.  Though this one could be seen as a sci-fi/dystopian, I think it lay more in the dystopian end of things for me.  I was offered a copy for review and excitedly accepted.  Thing is I realized not long after I had this gem but it had become lost within the mess that is my kindle.  What this told me was hat:1. I already wanted to read this & 2.  No better time than like yesterday.

  Perception has so many unique things to take in, mainly the GAPS though.  GAP= Genetically Altered Person.  Meaning everyone in the GAP community fits into the same category.  They are all blonde, blue eyed, fit and extremely intelligent.  Oh and I forgot to mention they all live to be 200+ and don't age like the average person.  Not everyone agrees with this though, especially not the normals.  Being a GAP brings many privileges and advantages but many also feel its wrong.  Wrong to mess with life and what we are given.  Life isn't perfect though when it's filled with secrets and your brother goes missing.  This is Zoe's life and the start of her new one.

  Zoe is a wonderful character.  Slightly oblivious but living the way she does I kind of understood.  She lives in a GAP gated community so they only learn what the community sees fit and when that's all you know that's all you believe.  This does change when her brother goes missing because she would do anything to figure out what happened to him and why his chip was removed.  Turns out that Zoe is quite the detective and had a determination like no other.  I enjoyed how much growth there was for her throughout this novel, no she didn't end up perfect but she opened her eyes to what was really going on in the world.  She was strong when needed and did what was necessary to get what she wanted.

  Noah is a natural and one of Zoe's maids children but there way way more to him than I had originally thought.  He harbours some serious anger towards GAPs and their way of life but you do find out a deeper reason behind it.  I seriously heart Noah for many reasons but the biggest thing is his heart.  Despite a rough exterior he really wants to help people, wants to do the right thing.  Though his main thing is continuing what his father started, rallying against GAPs and the unfair, unnatural advantages they have but he was fair.  Basically he was this great balance of hard, compassionate and strong.

  The romance was not the main focus but it did end up standing out.  Zoe and Noah were from two completely different people from two really different worlds.  In the start they formed more of a agreement in which they worked together but it wasn't something that I expected to become more.  In hindsight this was a good thing because there was no insta love in sight.  Things do develop over a shorter period of time but still they develop and they do so in an evolving to friends and then more without them really realizing it.  Ultimately the choice they make will effect them both more than they realize but the fight will be worth it.

  This book took me by surprise in so many ways and really put Strauss's talent on show.  I knew after reading Colockwise (which she writes under Elle Strauss) that she was good but the writing, the characters and the world in this one really stepped it up a notch.  This is the starting of a series that I will eagerly await each new book.  In fact I am already awaiting the next book which luckily for me realeases mid April.  If you are a fan of dystopians and like a little sci-fi in your novels don't waste any more time an pick this on up!!

Quotes

Really, what did I actually know about Noah Brody?  What made me think he could be trusted?  And why was I still thinking about him?  I had to get back to my search for Liam.

I reached for his hand and weaved my fingers through his.  "But I have you."  I'd defaulted to my base instinct.  Use my looks and charm to my advantage.  I'd once thought that Noah was immune to me, but it seemed that might have changed.

LA didn't frighten me like it had just last week.  I felt like I'd grown up overnight.  My world and mind had expanded because I'd dared to venture outside.

Was it wrong that the only person in the world I trusted, the only person on the planet I wanted to be with now, was an outsider?  A natural and an anti-GAP protester?

When he produced a selection of sweets, I smiled.  He held them out like a candy bar fan.  "I've heard chocolate cures a multitude of aliments."  I laughed a little.  "You know more about girls than you let on Noah Brody."

Giveaway

Lee Strauss (aka Elle Struass) has been kind enough to donate a copy of this 

book for the giveaway & Playing with Matches!! What are you waiting for ENTER!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author Post **Meet Ada Adams**

It is now time to introduce Ada Adams!!!  She is a talented and easy to 

talk to Indie that brought her own fun to vampires!

Meet Ada

“Many people sing in the shower. I write scenes in my head and act them out.”In her career as a writer and an actress, Ada spends most of her days immersed in imaginary worlds. Much like the kick-butt female characters she enjoys playing and writing about, Ada is a martial artist with a Black Belt in Shotokan Karate. She is also a big proponent of lifelong learning and has attained a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (it aids in creating characters with unique quirks!) as well as a Masters of Science in Education.Ada began her writing career at age three with a string of short stories that only a mother could love, and has been inventing quirky characters and imaginary worlds ever since. Her readership has now grown to include people who aren't related to her. A passionate advocate for the arts, Ada is an editor-in-chief of VEUX Magazine - a fashion/literary publication which showcases up-and-coming talent from all over the world. Amongst other things she enjoys are zombies, chocolate, and bubble tea.Ada lives in Toronto, Canada, and when she's not writing you can find her on an adventurous nature hike with her puppies, Caramilk and Oreo. Or deep in a jar of Nutella...

Find Her:

Goodreads||Twitter||Blog ||Amazon

Her Books

Buy It: 

Amazon

Buy It:

Amazon

Giveaway

Ada has donated the second book in her Angel Creek series and a swag pack!!  One

winner for each prize YAY!!  Good luck guys :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

**Review Repost** ReAwakened by Ada Adams

Ada is an amazing person and a wonderful author!!  I been invested in 

this series since ReVamped thanks to Jessirae from Words, Pages & Books!! 

Becoming a vampire guardian was Dawn Fairchild’s ticket out of the Scarlet House. Fresh off a successful mission, life in Angel Creek should have been great. But when her sort-of-maybe-boyfriend, Sebastian, disappears on a quest to help a beautiful vampire from his past, Dawn finds herself amidst a web of danger, lies, and deceit.
Joining forces with Razor, an enigmatic rebel lacking both a verbal and a physical filter, and her band of Misfits—Brooke, Sophie, Hunter, and Seth—Dawn is thrust into a race against the clock to solve the mystery surrounding brutal Born kidnappings and come to terms with the sudden discovery of her own unique powers. With time ticking away and Born vampires’ livesin jeopardy, it quickly becomes evident that someone—or something—desperately wants Dawn and is willing to shed any amount of blood to get her.
Dawn has only one chance to face her demons and overcome all obstacles standing in her way as she embarks on the biggest mission of her life—one that threatens a deadly outcome for all involved.

Expected Release: November 27, 2012

Paperback: 520 pages

Review Copy: Mobi.

**Copy provided by author for review

Buy It!!:
Amazon

Review

  Holy talent Batman.  Ada Adams has done it yet again!  ReAwakened was every bit the awesome action packed page turner that ReVamped was.  Actually if possible I liked this one a little more... Not really sure if that is 

possible though.  This is one series that I'm not quite sure why it's not on shelves of every bookstore out there.  It's the type of book you pick up and don't put down until you have turned the very last page.

  The story in this one is just a quick paced and fun to read as the first.  You are taken back to Angel Creek with Dawn and her awesome group of misfits but things are changing.  The group is supposed to become the towns protectors but things just go horribly wrong.  The team seems to be put in an impossible situation in which they are made out to be less than they really are.  Fear not though  Dawn is determined to keep spirits up and get to the bottom of everything.  Everything being all of the Borns that are being abducted and never returning.  Scary considering Dawn is one but as always she is willing to do whatever it takes to protect those around her, even if it does mean putting herself in danger.

  Dawn is such an awesome character.  I have a serious girl crush on her.  She is all around kick ass but when it comes down to it she is still just a girl.  I was going to say human but she is far from human.  I really enjoyed the growth in her throughout this book.  Actually truth be told Dawn is one character that I can say with certainty is always growing.  I love that I don't have you scream and pull my hair out because she is constantly making the same mistakes.  Not saying that she is perfect because she is far from perfect but she learns from her mistakes and tries not to make the same one twice.  Though sometimes her heart takes over her head, I think that I love her more for it.  You know sometimes when a character is just too perfect you're like "Um...  Where can I relate?"  Dawn doesn't have that feel.  Though her flaws are not abundant she has them and they are what make her so easy to love and relate to.

  Now normally I would go into the relationship part of the book here. However there are far too many awesome characters that I feel would be left out by me doing this.  Like Hunter.  If you read book one (ReVamped) I know you are thing WTF?!  But Hunter is all different now and actually in his first appearance in this book my jaw may have dropped just a little.  He is so much more than he was in book one and we get a look at his past.  It's not all rainbows and butterflies and you kind of get why he was the way he was.  Though he is no longer that person either.  There is also so much growth in Brooke, Sophie and  Seth.  My gosh I love the banter that goes on between Sophie and Seth.  The make the cutest non-couple, couple.  And Sophie is becoming more than he stand back librarian self.  She is becoming someone that can stand up for herself but she also really stands up for her team and does what is necessary to help them.  Overall the entire band of misfits has become oh so much more.  I am seriously routing for Hunter though!

  Now the romance...  I am at a loss for words really, this is not easy to explain at all.  In the start of the book I wanted to punch Sebastian.  Oh ya, I wanted to haul off and tell him how unbelievably stupid he was.  With the undeniable attraction between him and Dawn, I just couldn't understand his actions. I don't think Dawn understood either but even through her hurt her affection never changed.  Even when Razor (the hot new guy) steps on the scene.  Truth be told Razor never even had a chance because of how Dawn feels for Sebastian but he does make for some awesome verbal wars.  If you fear the dreaded love triangle than you can pick up ReAwakened worry free.  Despite the addition the romance remains between Dawn and Sebastian.

  Truth be told I am unsure if I love this book or ReVamped better.  The are both chalk full of awesome and are undeniably a must read!   Even if you aren't a huge fan of Vamps you may want to give this one a try.  With such witty and fun dialogue it's hard not to love.  Then you can actually top that with the fact it is masterfully written and a fun read.  Ada Adams is brilliant and I can't wait to see what happens next!! Literally, the ending KILLED ME a little on the inside.

Event Giveaway

Because I already have a Giveaway running for ReVamped Ada thought 

it would be awesome to give away a copy of ReAwakened & some swag!

ENTER AWAY!! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author Nely Cab **A Top 5 & Giveaway**

OMG if you have not read Nely Cab's Creatura you totally need to!!  This

book hooked me and I am practically DYING for more!!

Meet Nely Cab

Nely Cab was born on December 9, 1974, in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico. She has lived and resided in South Texas most of her life. In 2001, the author relocated to Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, where she dedicated time to the study of culinary arts and the art of oil painting.After her return to the U.S., she resumed her employment in banking and in the following year transitioned to the field of Social Work. Later, Nely took up writing as a hobby and produced her first novel entitled "Creatura".Recently, the rights to "Creatura" were sold to a leading Young Adult publisher in a foreign country, where it scheduled to appear within the next year. Today, Nely Cab writes from the comfort of her home in South Texas, where she lives with her husband and son. Currently, Nely is working on the second installment in her debut series "Creatura".

Find Her

Blog||Website||Twitter||Goodreads||

Creatura on Facebook||Nely on Facebook

Nely's Books

My Review of Creatura

Buy Creatura: Amazon||Barnes & Noble

Buy Love is Lethal:  Amazon

Nely's Top 5 Things she NEEDS to Write

1. Inspiration

2. Coffee

3. A really good idea

4. The Internet (for research)

5. My computer

Giveaway

For her part Nely has donated an e-copy of Creatura & A Print 

copy of Love is Lethal!! So jealous!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

L.M. Preston & Her Books **Interview & Giveaway**

L.M. Preston may be another new author to me but she is yet another great example 

of why #IndieGirlMarch ROCKS!!

Meet L.M. Preston

LM. Preston loved to create poetry and short-stories as a young girl. A Techie and Educator for over sixteen years, she started writing science fiction under the encouragement of her husband who was a Sci-Fi buff and her four kids. She has an obsessive desire to write and create stories of young people who overcome unbelievable odds. She loves to write while on the porch watching her kids play or when she is traveling, which is another passion that encouraged her writing. In addition to being an author, she's also a Moderator for Yalitchat.ning.org, 2012 Vice President of Mid Atlantic Book Association and 2012 co-chair for the Maryland Writer's Conference.

Find Her:

Website||Blog||Twitter||Goodreads||Facebook 

L.M.'s Books

Go HERE to find buy links to L.M. Preston's books

Interview

Pink= Me

Green= L.M.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m a mother, a wife of 20yrs married to my best friend since I was fifteen. I’m also an engineer project lead by day and an obsessive insomniac of a writer by night. Also, I volunteer with Yalitchat.org, Mid Atlantic Book Publishers Association and Maryland Writers Association.

How long have you been writing?

I started writing around 12yrs old. I kept a diary of short stories, songs and poems.

Tell us about PURGATORY REIGN. What’s the story about?

It’s about Peter Saints, a kid that can’t seem to get a break. One that wants to be loved and love so badly but realizes that all of the people he’s cared about have died in rather violent ways. When he meets the one girl that captures his heart, she’s stolen from him and the only way he can save her is to unleash something that only his blood holds the key to, something deadly and dangerous.

How did the idea of the story come to you?

Well about three years ago, I found a short story my husband wrote for a creative writing class. The story depicted a secret that was hidden from the world and how these adult characters fought to hide this secret. It sparked a story in me and I went to him and asked him if I could write a story, into the future about the kids of the people in his short story. He said ‘I don’t care, go for it’and I put together the outline for Purgatory Reign and he was floored. He became my sounding board for the core of the story and then I went off and wrote it. When I read it to him (we read my books while we drive on long family trips) he was shocked and happy with what I developed. I now have three books in the Purgatory Reign series that’s already outlined. However, there is room for my husband to build an awesome story on the ancestors who spurned the adventure that my main character, Peter Saints gets caught up in.

Do you have a critique group/partner or beta readers, or do you self-edit?

I usually have to write the story out first. Then I use beta readers I find randomly and some who I use frequently to give me feedback. As far as editing goes, I use several editing tools online to find repetition and grammar issues prior to submitting the manuscript to my editor.

Are you a planner or a pantser?

I plan out everything only to increase my writing speed and to keep me on plot. (Lol!)

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

Focusing on one story at a time. I tend to have many ideas for books and want to write them all at the same time, but if I did that I wouldn’t finish one. So I force myself to do one book at a time.

What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?

A heater or a blanket. I get so cold. <-- Me too!!

If you could have any super power, what would it be?

I need the power to duplicate myself :-D

What's the weirdest thing you've googled?

Blood red water.

Here’s the part where you thank the people who are supporting you. Let's hear your shout outs.

Willow Cross you are the best beta reader ever!! K.L. Brady you were my inspiration to do the impossible. John Kremer thanks for your encouragement on the beginning of my writing journey. Jonathan Maberry thanks for your tips, Leslie Banks you are so missed.

And finally, where can people find you and your book online?

Purgatory Reign can be ordered on Amazon, B&N, BooksAmillion, IndieUnbound and more!

Giveaway

Want to win a copy of Purgatory Reign?  The book I reviewed yesterday? 

Enter below and have your chance at a free copy because the generous

L.M. Preston was kind enough to donate a copy!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

**REVIEW** Purgatory Reign by L.M. Preston

Today's stop features one of the lovely ladies that I got a chance to work

with because of this event!  So glad that she wanted to be a part of it <3

Peter Saint’s life stinks. But things are about to get much worst. First, his parents are murdered in front of him. Then another victim dies in his arms. Visions plague Peter with warnings that something wants him for a sinister cause. It desires the one thing that Peter refuses to give—his blood. Peter carries within him the one gift or curse that could unlock a secret to destroy the human race. On the run with Angel, a scruffy kid, Peter starts to unravel the mystery. It’s the one treasure the heavens sought to hide from the world. Unfortunately, when Peter finds the answer that he hopes will save the girl he loves, he opens the door to a great evil that happens to be salivating to meet him.

Release Date: May 18, 2013Published By: Phenomenal One Press

Review Copy: Paperback, 307 pages

**provided by author for event

Buy it:

Amazon||Barnes & Noble

Review

  L.M. Preston is new to my Indie love but I am happy to say that she has a permanent place there now!

  Everything is told from a male POV in Purgatory Reign.  There is the villain and Peter.   Peter has lived his life as an orphan, thinking that if he cares about someone they will die.  Then a set of events begins and the non stop action that is his book stars.  Peter is forced o leave the only home and he only person he could considered family to run from something that he doesn't even know what it is.  Along he way he ends up in Angel who turns out to be a saving grace in a way and is not who he seems but something better.  Being on the run from evil sucks but the alternative is worse than you can imagine.

  Peter was a great and realistic character.  He was far from perfect but that made him believable.  Being an orphan toughened him up, he had a short fuse and when you pushed him  to that fuse the way in which his thoughts ran was completely believable.  Though sometimes his cautious and temperamental ways did make him a little bit of a pain in the rear.  He had no idea who he really was yet was always determined he knew exactly what to do but it seemed at times when his instinct screamed at him, he looked the other way.  Looking at it now I guess we all do that now and again.  Basically no matter how I look at it Peter was realistic and even in his moments was a character that you could find some way to enjoy.

  The secondary characters were not just shadows in this read.  To be honest I almost enjoyed Angel more than Peter.  Almost.  Angel was somewhat of a surprise, you knew that eventually Peter would meet up with a scruffy street kid but what Angel was, was the surprise.  Though all starting signs lead to boy turns out she is anything but.  Angel is a seriously kick ass chick for the most part.  She has a couple girly moments where she breaks down but she is a girl!  There is also Kyle and I'm not quite sure if I trust him.  Heck Peter isn't sure if he can trust him but outside of his cocky, I'm better than you ways, the guy did save Angel and Peter's behinds a couple of times.

  The person I didn't mention much in the review is the villain and I did this on purpose.  He is someone you need to read and experience to understand.  L.M. did a marvellous job creating and giving him just as much depth and background as the other characters.  The depth and history you get in this read is amazing.  Not like many other reads where you have to read a couple books before you understand what is happening and why.  The only thing I am not looking forward to is the wait until next February to read the next book in this series because lets face it I'm not a very patient person.  Pick this read up if y are looking for something with continuos action and well developed characters.

Quotes

"I keep getting deeper and deeper into some insane..." he started to choke when he saw it.  The hazy, ghostly glow he'd seen in the other sanctuary hoovered over the masses of angels in the lower left cornor of the wall carvings.

Something was after them, he could feel it like a palatable fog and he couldn't help but push on the gas a bit harder, hoping he'd outrun it just awhile longer.

"I mean a grave in the middle of nowhere that pops the hell up out of the ground-dude, I'm thinking zombies, vampires, all kinds of horror-fried shit down there."

"I'm not natural, now shut up.  We're gettin' close."  Peter didn't have time to look at the beach.  It had been tears since he'd been to one-much less play on it.

Giveaway

  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author Tiffany King **Interview**

Though I haven't read much of Tiffany's work yet it is only because I am 

stubborn and determined to do it with a physical copy!  What I have read I 

have seriously enjoyed-loved!!  Resolution- I WILL read more Tiffany King!

Meet Tiffany King

Tiffany King is the author of The Saving Angels Series, Wishing For Someday Soon, Forever Changed, and Unlikely Allies. Writer by day and book fanatic the rest of the time, she is now pursuing her life-long dream of weaving tales for others to enjoy. She has a loving husband and two wonderful kids. (Five, if you count her three spoiled cats). Her addictions include: Her iphone and ipad, chocolate, Diet Coke, chocolate, Harry Potter, chocolate, and her favorite TV shows. Want to know what they are? Just ask. She can always be found on Twitter(@AuthorTiffany) Facebook(Tiffany King) Pintrest and her website(authortiffanyjking.blogspot.com)or you can always email her at authortiffany@yahoo.com.

Find Her

Blog||Twitter||Goodreads||Facebook 

Interview

1) You have written an amazing variety or books. What one was your favorite to write?

All of my books hold a special place in my heart, but if asked, my favorites would be

Miss Me Not and Jordyn. Maybe it's their snarky attitudes, but I love Madison and

Jordyn dearly. Their lines were enjoyable to write and I loved the growth of both of them

throughout their stories.

2) You have changed the covers for your The Saving Angels series, what made you

decide to do this?

I always had a vision of what I wanted the covers to be, so when I had the opportunity to

work with a talented cover artist that saw my vision also, I jumped at the chance. Each

cover will always be loved, but I feel the new ones fit the series the best.

3) What does being an Indie mean to you and what is your favorite part of being Indie?

Indie means independence to me. Being a bit of a control freak, I love the idea that I

have control over everything. It's a ton of work and stress, but entirely worth it to me.

4) Is there any genre that you would like to write that you haven't?

I've recently started reading a lot of New Adult and feel that's a genre I definitely would

like to dabble in.

5) Best advice that you can give to other Indie writers and the best advice you have

ever received.

Never give up. Believe in your work and never let anyone say you can't do it.

6) Where is one place that you haven't been that you would like to go?

I would love to go to an ocean resort where the water is bluer than you could ever

imagine. I want the water to be crystal clear and the atmosphere to be completely laid

back. Oh, but it has to have cell service...refer to question 7 ;)

7) When you pack your purse/bag to go out what are 5 things that you can't leave the

house without?

My phone, my phone, my phone, my phone...Did I mention my phone? LOL, my entire

life is in my iphone, so I never leave the house without it.

8) And just for fun: Apples or Oranges?

Can I pick grapes?? LOL, I guess I'll go with oranges.