BOOK BLITZ - EXCERPT & GIVEAWAY: The Crescent Chronicles by Alyssa Rose Ivy

Flight by Alyssa Rose Ivy  (The Crescent Chronicles #1) - Publication date: August 2012
Sometimes you just have to take flight.

A summer in New Orleans is exactly what Allie needs before starting college. Accepting her dad’s invitation to work at his hotel offers an escape from her ex-boyfriend and the chance to spend the summer with her best friend. Meeting a guy is the last thing on her mind—until she sees Levi.

Unable to resist the infuriating yet alluring Levi, Allie finds herself at the center of a supernatural society and forced to decide between following the path she has always trusted or saving a city that might just save her.

Links: Goodreads l Amazon l Barnes & Noble

Focus by Alyssa Rose Ivy  (The Crescent Chronicles #2) - Publication date: January 31st, 2013
Freshman year of college is hard even when you're not tied to the future king of a supernatural society.

Allie dives into college head first with Hailey as her roommate and the city of New Orleans as her backyard. As things within The Society heat up, Allie realizes that whether she’s with Levi or not, she's in far too deep to turn back.

Links: Goodreads l Amazon

AUTHOR BIO

Alyssa Rose Ivy

Alyssa Rose Ivy is a Young Adult and New Adult author who loves to weave stories with romance and a southern setting. Although raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to New Orleans for college. After years as a perpetual student, she turned back to her creative side and decided to write. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and two young children, and she can usually be found with a cup of coffee in her hand.

Author Links: Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter 

Flight Excerpt

We walked through the French Quarter slowly, and I tried to take it all in. The music, the crowds, and the atmosphere still felt surreal. Music spilled out of the endless bars and clubs. 

“Wow, are those people seriously dressed up as vampires?” I asked, looking in at a dark bar on the corner. Inside I watched a man and woman holding up a chalice and smiling with fangs showing.

Levi laughed. “If you think those people are weird, you’d be freaked out by the real thing.”

“The real thing? Very funny.”

“What, you don’t think vampires are real?”

“No, and I’m glad they aren’t.”

“Why? Do they scare you?” Levi stopped walking, and turned me to look at him.

“Does the thought of blood sucking monsters scare me? Hell yes. Who wouldn’t be scared of that? ”

He laughed again even louder. “Trust me sweetheart, in New Orleans vampires are the least of your worries.”

“What do you mean?” Something about the glint in his eyes made me feel a little uneasy.

Levi’s face turned into a faint smile. “I’m really glad you asked that.”

“What are you talking about?”

“You’ll have to wait and see.”

“Okay, listen, scaring me isn’t a good way to get me interested, so if you have any weird tricks up your sleeve just shelve them.” I wondered if this was the time to tell him I avoided horror movies like the plague.

“No tricks, hon.” Levi pulled his phone out of his pocket and texted a few times.

 I continued my people watching. I’d never seen so many middle-aged people laughing and partying before. It almost felt like the twilight zone.

Levi slipped his phone back in his pocket. “We’re meeting everyone over at Club 360.”

“What’s that?”

“The lounge on the top of the World Trade Center down by the river.”

“Okay, is it a cool view?”

“Yeah, it’s got a good view.” Levi laughed again and I had the distinct impression he was hiding something from me.

“You promise you aren’t luring me into some trap?”

“A trap? No. Let’s just call it a new experience.”

My stomach dropped. What the heck did I get myself into?

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BLOG TOUR - REVIEW: A Matter of Fate (Fate Series #1) by Heather Lyons

Chloe Lilywhite struggles with all the normal problems of a typical seventeen-year-old high school student. Only, Chloe isn't a normal teenage girl. She's a Magical, part of a secret race of beings who influence the universe. More importantly, she's a Creator, which means Fate mapped out her destiny long ago, from her college choice, to where she will live, to even her job. While her friends and relatives relish their future roles, Chloe resents the lack of say in her life, especially when she learns she's to be guarded against a vengeful group of beings bent on wiping out her kind. Their number one target? Chloe, of course. 

That's nothing compared to the boy trouble she's gotten herself into. Because a guy she's literally dreamed of and loved her entire life, one she never knew truly existed, shows up in her math class, and with him comes a twin brother she finds herself inexplicably drawn to. 

Chloe's once unyielding path now has a lot more choices than she ever thought possible.

Author Bio:

Heather Lyons has been putting stories to paper since she was a little girl. Her first "published" book was a humorous retelling of The Princess and the Pauper. After detours in archaeology and teaching, she is now writing and living in Southern California with her husband and three sons. She likes cupcakes, baseball, hockey, reading, and collecting far too many handbags.

Links: Goodreads l Blog l Website l Twitter l Facebook

My Thoughts:

Because being here with him is like coming home after being gone for so very long. Everything about him is so familiar: his smell, warm and lovely, the way his head feels against mine, the crook in his neck that my forehead fits perfectly into, his fingers spread across my back, and, most importantly, his heartbeat against mine.

I have to start by saying that A Matter of Fate was a book that I absolutely loved, but it was also a book that frustrated me beyond belief and I think that was purely because I was so invested in the story and the characters. Once I got to the end of the book and looked back and reflected over what I had just read, I wish that I had been able to relax more while reading it. But I had this big ball of tension sitting in the pit of my stomach or squeezing my heart for a good portion of the book. I had such a set way in my head of how I wanted things to go and when things veered of the path that I envisioned it put me in a tailspin.

I really enjoyed Chloe's character a lot. I felt a great deal of empathy for her to have such a huge responsibly as being The Creator and also with the fact that her parents were so emotionally cold and had kept her in the dark about the world that she is destined to inhabit. She was strong when the need arose and definitely didn't back down from the hurdles placed in her path. But for a lot of the book it was with her that my frustrations and anxiety lay. Without giving too much away, this book contains a love triangle to rival all love triangles!! And there were times that I wanted to reach into the book and give her a huge shake over some of her decisions or to sit her down and talk some sense into her. 

Without delving too much into things and giving the story away our love interests are Kellan and Jonah. I liked Kellan. He was fun and sweet and all those things that you want a love interest to be and if it had just been him I'm pretty sure I would have been completely smitten. But then there is Jonah. From the very first mention of him he was the one who had me. There was just something incredibly special about him. He was all those things that Kellan was and then some.

This is who Jonah is. He is generosity, love and loyalty all wrapped in one. Fate may suck sometimes, but in other instances, it can be so wonderful that I would get down on my knees and offer thanks if I could.

A Matter of Fate was quite a long read but it never felt that way. Heather Lyons writing is wonderful and it moves along at a great pace. The action scenes are awesome and the romance while I mentioned at times frustrated me there were also many times it was just beautiful. This book is definitely one I would recommend checking out!! Looking forward to reading what happens next!!

4.5/5 Stars!!

Waiting on Wednesday #10 - Stained by Cheryl Rainfield

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

In this heart-wrenching and suspenseful teen thriller, sixteen-year-old Sarah Meadows longs for "normal." Born with a port-wine stain covering half her face, all her life she’s been plagued by stares, giggles, bullying, and disgust. But when she’s abducted on the way home from school, Sarah is forced to uncover the courage she never knew she had, become a hero rather than a victim, and learn to look beyond her face to find the beauty and strength she has inside. It’s that—or succumb to a killer.

Expected publication: November 19th 2013

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****

Stained sounds like an intense read. Just the cover alone has my heart in my mouth. Can't wait for this one!!!

What book are you patiently waiting for the release of?

COVER REVEAL: The Only Exception by Magan Vernon

The Only Exception by Magan Vernon -- April 9th, 2013

Fiercely liberal Monica Remy prefers to blend in. Despite her tattoos, piercings, and outspoken personality, she transferred to Central to escape—before she finds out that her next door neighbor is the uber conservative governor's son, Trey Chapman.

No matter how hard she tries to avoid Trey, he still finds a way to get under her skin. Monica can’t stand his crisp white shirts or his staunch views on women. But she can’t help counting every freckle on his face and wondering what it would feel like to have him stop talking politics and kiss her.

A class debate project forces the unlikely pair to work together, and the political lines are blurred in late-night make out sessions. But despite their fiery chemistry, Trey’s politics threatens to smother their relationship for good.

**Due to sexual content and heavy subject matter, this book is recommended for ages 16+**

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AUTHOR BIO

Magan Vernon

Magan Vernon is a Young Adult and New Adult writer who lives with her family in the insurance capital of the world. She is in a very serious, fake relationship with Adam Lambert and constantly asks her husband to wear guyliner. He still refuses. She also believes her husband is secretly an alien, disguised as a southern gentleman.

Author Links: Website l Goodreads l Twitter l Facebook

RELEASE DAY BLITZ: Chosen (Daughters of the Sea #3) by Kristen Day

Today is the release day of the third and final installment of the Daughters of the Sea trilogy, Chosen!

Title: Chosen (Daughters of the Sea #3) 

Author: Kristen Day 

Publisher: Self Published 

Blurb: The essence of who we are lies not in what we have, but in what we are willing to give up. Because in the end, Time and Tide wait for no one. 

 After sacrificing all that she had, the evil princess of the Underworld is still successful in her bid to tear Finn from Stasia’s life. In the midst of her search to reclaim him, Stasia is summoned to the island nation of Cyprus to take part in an age-old ritual; unveiling the missing pieces of her ancestry and re-igniting an ancient war. As she struggles to both save Finn’s soul and free Carmen’s mind, Stasia’s bravery and determination will be pushed to its breaking point. A dark storm is forming on the horizon, and the forces who are vying to destroy her may be much closer than she thinks. Destiny weaves a sticky web of evil, betrayal, and revenge that can only be undone by the purity of love and the soul’s unyielding will to survive. In the last installment of the Daughters of the Sea trilogy, the past will collide with the present as Stasia’s future hangs in the balance. The prophecy that paved the way for her new life may indeed be the very thing that strips her of the ones she loves the most.

Buy Link: Amazon

Prologue

A crisp, biting wind swirled through the open window; lifting the thin sheet draped over his aching body. The night surrounding his isolated room was dark and still when the roar of the ocean’s waves was interrupted by an entrancing melody. The full moon shone into his tired eyes as they cracked open at the faint singing; its silver glow pulling at his conscious. He wrapped the tattered sheet around his body and slowly made his way to the window. The night sky above glittered with the dancing of stars, while the radiance of the moon highlighted the rolling waves below.

The bubbling surf raced up the beach until its energy was spent; tugging on the sand and rocks below as it retreated once again. The cool breeze swept through his white beard as he squinted his eyes at the beach below. With each fallen wave, the glow became brighter. Hundreds of magnificent blue lights sparkled within the water, creating a magical blanket of effervescence along the water’s edge. He had only seen this phenomenon once before. Many, many years ago. It was a type of plankton that glistened a beaming blue when it became stirred up; however, he knew that it was typically found farther out in the ocean. Its unexpected arrival on land had his suddenly guarded eyes scanning the beach. That’s when he saw her.

The sheer white fabric of her flowing dress drifted in the breeze as she glided in a wide circle, dancing and spinning with a power he could feel down in the core of his tired soul. She was spellbinding and beautiful. And deadly. The captivating symphony of her voice cascaded down the stone walls of his prison and whirled around the crescent shaped beach below. Her wild, curly dark hair was accentuated by streaks of silver as it blew around her pale face. Eyes closed, her skin shimmered silver in the light of the moon above while she continued her trancelike dance. Loose silver ribbons lifted from her wrists, ankles, and hair where they were loosely secured. They created an illusion of fire; its sparkling flames shooting up into the air and around its writhing center. He shook his head and closed his eyes to snap himself out of her allure.

As the singing faded slightly, he looked on as she stopped twirling and raised her thin arms into the air with closed fists. She tilted her head back; her dark hair falling down her back, her body now fully embraced by the moonlight. She herself emanated an eerie glow. She wasn’t just dancing amongst the night; she was a part of the night. The moonlight that caressed her angelic face also shone from within. She stood perfectly still for what seemed like hours, while the ever moving world around her continued on its pace. Finally, she slowly dropped her arms and flashed open her palms. What appeared to be small crystals scattered around her onto the sand. They shimmered and flickered as they brightened further.

She raised her arms again very slowly, making the circle of crystals hover in the air around her. As they began to spin, they took on the appearance of a solid ring of light. Her arms continued to lift, taking the ring of light higher and higher. A bright flash caught him by surprise and he stumbled backwards; shielding his face. After regaining his balance, he approached the window once more; only to see the ring of light had disappeared as well as the glowing plankton. All that remained was her.

She stood rigid and silent as the surf swept over her feet and rushed back toward the waves. She began to sway gently from side to side and he realized how innocent she looked. Her small stature was a reminder of who she used to be, but he knew better. He knew what she was capable of. In a flash, she twisted her head; locking him in her chilling glare. The startling silver of her eyes chilled him to the bone and had him slowly backing away from the window. Amongst the dark shadows of his room, he stared at the long ray of light cast across the floor by the moon. He knew what her witching hour display meant. He knew it with certainty. A creeping cold slithered up his spine and squeezed his heart. They were running out of time.

About Kristen Day

 

 Kristen Day is a southern belle at heart with a crazy streak that desperately tries to escape at every opportunity. She loves all things nostalgic, rustic, and quirky. She’s been told she sees the world through rose-colored glasses, but she prefers to think of them as kaleidoscope glasses - swirling and morphing reality into something she can digest (who hasn't pretended those pasty lima beans were really kiwi strawberry jelly beans?). She is the author of the DAUGHTERS OF THE SEA trilogy, which includes FORSAKEN, AWAKEN (Oct 2012), and CHOSEN (Winter 2012). She loves all books, but really enjoys writing young adult, paranormal romances. She’s loved to write for as long as she can remember. Her first published work was her poem RED in second grade (you guessed it - it was a poem about the color red - life altering, right?) that won her 5 gold stars and a spot in her elementary school's poetry book. That's when her addiction to the written word officially began. She was the only kid in fifth grade that actually enjoyed diagramming sentences. Go ahead and laugh - its okay. When she’s not writing she’s making jewelry, painting, feeding her addiction to sweet tea, watching the Discovery Channel, or going on random adventures in the mountains of North Carolina with her amazing husband. She was born in Boone, NC and graduated from Appalachian State University with a degree in Marketing in 2001. 

  Author’s Links Goodreads Blog Twitter Facebook  

REVIEW: Drawn: His Secret Toy (Good Girls with Secrets, #1) by Marian Tee

Senior student Katerina “KC” Chariot is a good girl with a secret. She’s so nice she has an impossible time swearing unless she’s using pretty British cuss words. She also likes to fantasize about hot guys in her school. But it’s for work. Really. Katerina is an aspiring mangaka, and she needs “inspiration” for drawing smutty scenes.

Unfortunately, one particular fantasy about the Japanese-Russian transfer student Yuki Himura gets the better of her. She ends up unconsciously moaning his name – in Yuki’s presence, too. In a twist of fate, Katerina finds herself agreeing to become Yuki’s secret toy, which sounds a lot worse than it actually is- especially in the eyes of her Theology-professor dad.

The whole school thinks of Yuki as the ideal guy – gorgeous, smart, and sweet. But with Katerina, he’s the Devil sent to torment her, seduce her, and – worst of all – he’s making her fall in love with him even though he's said it’s the one thing she should never ever do.

My Thoughts:

I have to start off by saying that I'm having some trouble with how to categorise this book. It's classed as YA. The characters are in high school. But it's way hotter than anything that I've ever read that is YA before. But it's not as wordy or descriptive as New Adult, so I suppose if I had to slot it in somewhere I would put it in a class all of it's own in the middle of Young Adult and New Adult. But putting labels aside...

I like to Fantasize about hot guys. But sometimes the guilt gets to me so that I tell myself it's a necessity. I love to draw. I'm fairly good at it, yet when it comes to scenes where my characters feel a desperate urge to bang each other my fingers refuse to move until I'm properly turned on.

That's the first paragraph in the book. If the book description didn't clue me in then after reading just those four sentences I knew that Drawn was going to be something completely different!!!

Katerina Chariot is a good girl. She is sweet and innocent. So much so that she can't even bring herself to swear unless she's using british swear words. At least that's what everyone thinks. But Katerina has a secret. She fantasises about hot boys at her school. The boy that features in her latest fantasies is her classmate  Yuki Himura. But he's about to be made aware of her secret fantasies when she moans his name in class one day. And so Yuki has a proposition for her... Become his toy!! But he has one rule. She must not fall in love with him!!

Drawn is told from Kat's point of view. She is a mangaka and she takes inspiration for her drawings from her fantasies. Fantasising comes so easy to her and even more so when she is living out these fantasies with Yuki. She is a real contradiction. She is such a strong character but she is also vulnerable and worries what others think of her. But she can be tough when she needs to be. 

I loved Yuki!! He is confident, self assured and deliciously wicked. He is a master of seduction!! He knows what he wants from Kat as his toy and has no problem in telling her. He also knows just the right thing to say and the right way to touch and tease. But he also has a strong jealous streak. And he's been carrying around some pretty heavy baggage which has seen him put up walls so that people don't get too close. There is also another side to Yuki. He is sweet and thoughtful and caring. But don't tell him he's any of those things because he won't be impressed. And did I mention that I loved him!!!

Drawn also had a whole lot of really funny moments and I found myself having a good laugh on more than one occasion. Add into that all the Manga references, and to be honest I hadn't delved into Manga at all besides knowing the very basics, but after reading Drawn it will be something that I definitely have a closer look at. The Manga also added it's own distinct uniqueness to the story. 

Marian Tee has without a doubt created a book that I can see myself reading on more than one occasion. An original storyline, fantastic characters and wonderful writing which all pulled together into this book that I absolutely loved!!! And there's going to be a sequel!!! Happy dance!!! I will definitely be picking up the other books written by this author!!

5/5 Huge, Hot, Original Stars!!!

Links: Goodreads l Amazon 

COVER REVEAL & GIVEAWAY: Flame (Fireborn #1) by Mari Arden

I'm so excited to be able to share with you the stunning cover for the first book in Mari Arden's Fireborn series. Expected publication is March 2013.

Some secrets change your life forever. 

Have you ever felt invisible? I do. Everyday. I can't get close to anyone, and people can't get close to me. Everytime I feel a friendship beginning, something inevitably happens, and I become invisible again. Unseen. Ignored. It's been a part of me for so long that it's hard to imagine anything different. 

Then the Saguinox arrive, and my life is forever altered. People are fascinated by these beautiful creatures who look and talk like us. They're alluring. Seductive. Intoxicating. And two of them are going to my school. Rhys is everything I shouldn't want, but his eyes are like something from a memory. I can't help but be intrigued. He's the only one who can really see me. 

Some secrets you're better off not knowing. 

I had been found on a cold winter night with nothing but a blanket, and ashes covering my skin. My mother saved me from death, and took me in with love. But she couldn't save herself. I didn't think heroes were real anymore until the day Kaiden saved me. I couldn't believe in miracles until the day he revealed I was the miracle they had all been hoping for. Deep inside I always knew my past mattered.

I just didn't know my life would depend on it.

AUTHOR BIO: 

My name is Mari Arden (Mari- rhymes with safari). Teacher by day, author by night. I love my double life. You can also catch me at the gym attempting to sweat out all the sweets I eat when I write. Key word: TRY. I adore sushi and Chipotle burritos, and wouldn't it be paradise if they could be combined somehow?.... Well on second thought, maybe not. I'm one class away from my masters in education, and feel so fortunate to do two things I'm passionate about: teaching and writing. Adventurous? Come join my double life!

Links: Blog l Facebook l Goodreads l Twitter

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REVIEW: The Soul's Mark: FOUND (The Soul's Mark #1) by Ashley Stoyanoff

Anxious to leave her destructive past behind, Amelia Caldwell moves to Willowberg, excited for a fresh start. Once there, she discovers that her birthmark is more than it seems. She has been marked by a vampire’s soul. Not only does she hold his soul, but Amelia is also his soulmate.

After almost a century of searching for his soulmate, Mitchell Lang fears the worst—he is going to lose Amelia to another man. His heart takes over, and his impulsive decision to take away her free will and to intensify their bond quickly turns her growing love into hate.

When they become trapped in the emotional rollercoaster of their souls' bond, open conflict erupts. Amelia has no intentions of belonging to anyone, not even her soulmate, and Mitchell refuses to let her go.

While she frantically searches for a way to escape his grasp, Amelia unlocks the painful memories of her past and uncovers a powerful secret. But before she has a chance to explore her newfound edge, she finds herself caught in the middle of a deadly game of revenge and is forced to realize that YOU CANNOT RUN FROM DESTINY.

My Thoughts:

"From this point on you are no longer the master of your destiny. It is imperative for you to forget the notion that you have the power to control your own fate. Your path has been chosen for you and whether you like it or not always remember you canNOT run from destiny."

The Souls Mark: FOUND is the first book in The Souls Mark series. As with most first books in a series you have the getting to know the characters faze. And while that is true with this book, it is also packed with action, romance, suspense and back story.

This is the story of Amelia Caldwell, who moves to Willowberg after winning a scholarship. Instead of living on campus she will be living in the home of the town's very wealthy and influential Mr Lang. At first Amelia is completely overwhelmed in her new surroundings. Not just by the palatial home, or the complete acceptance and warmth from the others who also live there, but by the stir she creates at school. She is like everyones shiny new toy and having never been a part of the popular crowd before she is slightly taken aback!!

But Amelia soon learns that her friends are not all they seem, her soul has been marked by Mitchell Lang, a very powerful vampire, contrary to what she has always believed, soulmates really do exist and she will learn things about herself that will she never imagined in her wildest dreams!!

You definitely couldn't say that this was a boring read!! There always seemed to be something happening to hold my attention and the vampire story, although having been told countless times before was new and original. 

Amelia is incredibly strong willed and likeable. She has been through and witnessed first hand a lot of trauma in her life. But I have to admit there were times that I was frustrated with her quick temper.  Her Vampire soulmate Mitch Lang was a character that I had a real love/hate relationship with. He could be so loving and sweet and in the blink of an eye be incredibly violent to the ones he claimed to love. Yes, it had a lot to do with their souls bond, but these two are volatile together!!! Amelia is fuelled by independence and Mitch is fuelled by jealousy. But they also love each other with intensity and passion. For me, my favourite character was Eric. I loved his fun side and sense of humour. I loved that he marched to his own drum. I loved his green hair. I loved his concern for Amelia.  I just loved him!!!

All in all The Souls Mark: FOUND was a great read!! I read it in one day simply because I was excited to see what would happen next. Original and well written. I can't wait to start book two!!

4/5 Stars!!

Links: Goodreads l Amazon l Barnes & Noble

GUEST REVIEW: The Witchlings - Midnight curse (The Witchlings #1) by Amanda Turner

Roxanne didn't know what to expect when she started her new school. However, what she didn't expect was a new boyfriend. Luke was gorgeous but came with baggage, otherwise known as the Elites. Why did they worry her so much ? She was soon to discover that the Elites were a secret coven of witches. Roxanne is thrown into a world full of mystery, spells and best of all love. But love comes at a price. Can Roxanne overcome the Elites, a curse and worst of all the witch finders to find true happiness.

Review:

I found this book to be enjoyable.  It is the story of a girl named Roxy, who has just moved into a new town with her father.  As the new kid in the high school she feels uncomfortable until she meets Amber.  They become best friends and Amber helps her adjust.  There is a small group of students called The Elites; they are beautiful and stick to themselves.  Roxy feels an immediate pull towards one of them- Luke.  He is absolutely beautiful and he seems attracted to Amber too.  The stares Roxy gets from the other Elites makes her question what they are all about.  Roxy and Luke do begin a relationship that goes VERY fast.  The other Elites are not happy about it. From their relationship Roxy learns a lot of things- what the elites are about, that she really is a witch, where her mother is (who left when she was young), the identity of the black cat that has been coming around her, about the witch hunters, and more.

This book was a fun read.  It totally reminded me of Twilight in parts.  The characters were great.  I felt bad for Roxy at times and Luke was definitely a bit of a crush for me.  I did think the relationship between Roxy and Luke went a little too fast.  They were in love with each other within a few days of starting their relationship.  The book does need some editing- not a ton but I did notice some things.  Overall, this is a good young adult book; definitely for younger people.  I am curious to see what happens in next book in the series.  If you are looking for a fun, light read, this is a good choice!

3/5 Stars

Reviewed by Virginia Tesi Carey for YA Book Addict

Links: Goodreads l Amazon l Smashwords l Barnes & Noble