Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Preparing for Predestined's release here's my review the first book: Existence by Abbi Glines



Existence by Abbi Glines





My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Recommended for: 13+ YA and Cont Adult Paranormal
Read from February 05 to 06, 2012 — I own a copy





What happens when you're stalked by Death? You fall in love with him, of course.


Pagan Moore doesn't cheat Death, but instead, falls in love with him.


Seventeen year old Pagan Moore has seen souls her entire life. Once she realized the strangers she often saw walking through walls were not visible to anyone else, she started ignoring them. If she didn't let them know she could see them, then they left her alone. Until she stepped out of her car the first day of school and saw an incredibly sexy guy lounging on a picnic table, watching her with an amused smirk on his face. Problem is, she knows he's dead.


Not only does he not go away when she ignores him, but he does something none of the others have ever done. He speaks. Pagan is fascinated by the soul. What she doesn't realize is that her appointed time to die is drawing near and the wickedly beautiful soul she is falling in love with is not a soul at all.


He is Death and he's about to break all the rules.   (Product Description)
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I have not been too much into the paranormal books. I love Twilight but then the whole vampire thing got over done and I stayed away from this genre... am I glad that Abbi Glines made me change my mind! (The absolutely awesome cover helped also!)


Here we have a good girl dating the quarterback but secretly dreams about the bad boy. Then, we have a bad boy who likes the good girl but tries to stay away from her by dating a bad girl. Sounds kinda cliche but this book is anything but.




First... so many people have talked about Death's name. Dank. It is short for Dankmar, which means famous for his spirit. I personally think this name fits him completely. Death is a unique guy so he obviously needs a unique name. He is compassionate, caring, and sensitive... not to mention totally hot! (I wish there were guys like him at my high school!)


I found Pagan to be very likable yet under-bearing. She tries so hard to be a 'normal' teen but how normal can you be when you see spirits. Then, one starts speaking to her... and as her world starts to change... she clings to what she believes is expected. She dates who she 'should.' She goes where her mother sends her without complaint. She just goes with the flow even if it's not what she wants or needs. She finally stops resisting her draw to Dank and everything starts fitting into place. 


In the end, Dank must fight for Pagan and they both must make truly difficult and life altering decisions. Now, I admit the actual ending of the book  made me say, "What?! I can't stop here!!" Thank goodness Predestined is due out April 3, 2012 so we don't have to wait too long to see what happens next.


As an author, I find Abbi Glines has an fantastic way with words. I have truly enjoyed every book of hers that I have read. I also love how she puts so many extras on her website. Dream casts, song lists, alternate POV's and much more.    http://www.abbiglines.com/

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Review: Trying to Score


Trying to Score
Trying to Score by Toni Aleo

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Great sophomore novel by Toni Aleo!!!

Toni's blog tour will stop by Nose In A Book on May 3rd!!

There will be a review of TRYING TO SCORE, TRYING TO SCORE excerpt, & ebook giveaway of TRYING TO SCORE & Author Q&A.



View all my reviews

Teaser Tuesday! Noah by Elizabeth Reyes

The Beginnings... by Elizabeth Reyes author of The Moreno Brothers Series: Teaser Tuesday! 2/27/12:


Here it is! What I'm hoping is the last teaser before the release. *fingers crossed!*

Set up: Noah and the guys have spent the day at his friend Roni's place when suddenly she gets an unexpected guest. 

Saturday, February 25, 2012


Streamline by Jennifer Lane


Seems like Leo Scott has it all: looks, brains, and athletic talent. He’s captain of his high school swim team with a bright future in college and beyond. But Leo has secrets. His mother’s crippling car accident has devastated his family and left Leo to deal with his father’s abuse, battered and alone. 

Leo’s girlfriend Audrey Rose is poised for her own share of success. As one of Florida’s top high school swimmers, Audrey dreams of college swimming stardom. But there’s an obstacle to her glorious rise to the top. Her number-one supporter--her father--is in prison for murder. 

Part murder mystery, part tale of young love in a military family, this gripping story takes readers on a journey from Pensacola to Annapolis. Leo and Audrey must band together to rise above the adversity they encounter and find their true selves in the process. When everything’s on the line . . . streamline.

Friday, February 24, 2012

The Vincent Brothers

The Vincent Brothers
Coming July 2012




He may have given her up without a fight, but Sawyer Vincent is far from over losing the girl he’s loved all of his life. Instead of giving up his best friend and the girl he thought he’d spend forever with, he gave Ashton and his brother Beau his blessing. However, adjusting to seeing Ashton wrapped up in Beau’s arms isn’t easy. Complicating everything even more, Ashton’s cousin Lana is in town for the summer. Sweet, kind, soft-spoken Lana, who gets under his skin. Just being near her makes him forget all about Ashton and his broken heart. Lana is everything he wanted Ashton to be except she isn’t Ashton. She lacks the backbone to stand up for herself and confidence that Ashton wears like a crown. 
Lana McDaniel  has lived her life in her cousin's shadow. While Lana struggled with her grades no matter how hard she tried, her mother praised Ashton's intelligence. She hadn’t been blessed with Ashton’s blond hair and flawless skin, but that didn't keep her mother from lamenting her naturally red hair and freckles. But none of that would have mattered if Ashton hadn’t always had Sawyer Vincent wrapped around her finger -- the only boy Lana wanted. Once Ashton let Sawyer go, Lana had been so sure that he’d move on. Determined to make Sawyer finally see her, she'd talked her mother into letting her spend the summer with Ashton. But Sawyer is still in love with Ashton, and Lana isn’t going to be anyone's rebound girl. No matter how yummy Sawyer Vincent’s kisses taste.








Thursday, February 23, 2012

Official blurb of Noah by Elizabeth Reyes

Official blurb of Noah: Veronica Cruz has been through hell and back. After disconnecting with the world two years ago to be at the side of her dying mother...

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Moreno's Mini-Series: Ignite Your Alpha!





Welcome back to Just Judy's Jumbles for another visit with the Moreno's. As you will see in these clips and later when we have our full cast reunion, a few years have passed but time has been good to both our guys and gals. They are all as sexy as ever. We had to smile when we noticed a few folks passing by that almost got whiplash swinging their heads with their double takes. *Judy uses the remote to start the clip. *

Monday, February 20, 2012

Need Morenos? Read brand new never before seen shorts of all the couples!!



Very soon as in starting later today! The Moreno Brothers hidden camera “Ignite Your Alpha” mini series starts today on Judy’s Jumbles blog with Sofie and Eric. So let me just give you a glimpse of what you’re in for? You know those intense scenes in the books? The ones where the guys start clenching their teeth and fisting their hands. Well imagine ONLY those scenes for each couple. We managed to rile up the guys so bad, we made ourselves nervous! So starting today the guys will get ignited one by one or for you youngins you might refer to this as getting punked. Then when it’s all over we’ll get the gang together for a reunion to talk about this and take questions from the audience.

Come see the rest here:


The Beginnings... by Elizabeth Reyes author of The Moreno Brothers Series

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Thirsty Thursday




Thirsty Thursday! I'm going to be extra nice... or extra mean today? Give you the very first line of Vince & Rose coming later this year so I'll leave you thirsty for a while. I'd be SO incredibly impressed if anyone can guess whats going on here:

“Spread your legs.” The cop kicked Vincent’s legs open before he even had a chance to spread them.

Review: Because of Low


Because of Low
Because of Low by Abbi Glines

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


In Abbi Glines’s debut novel, Breathe, Sadie may have fallen in love with the teen rock star, Jax Stone, but readers fell head over heels for Marcus Hardy. This is his story…

Marcus Hardy had hoped to enjoy a year away at college while he put the summer he’d rather forget behind him. But instead, he’s jerked right back to the coastal town of Sea Breeze, Alabama due to a family crisis. His sister needs help dealing with their mother who is mentally falling apart. The only bright spot to returning is the fascinating red head that sleeps over several times a week. The problem is she's sleeping in bed with his new roommate, Cage Watson.

Willow “Low” Foster needs a place to live. Running to Cage’s apartment every time her sister kicks her out isn’t exactly a long term solution. Juggling her courses at the local community college and a part time job doesn’t produce excess income. But Cage has a new roommate and suddenly sleeping over at her best friend’s apartment isn’t such a bad thing.
Even though Cage seems a little territorial where Low is concerned, Marcus finds time to spend with Low without upsetting his roommate. Cage may sleep with every hot female in his path but he’s still under the disillusion that when he’s through sowing his wild oats, he’s going to marry Low. Marcus intends to change that assumption. When Marcus’s plans come crashing down, he’ll have to choose between Low and his family. Because once the truth comes out.... there’s no other choice. (Product description)

Low is a homeless older teen who gets to stay with her single mother sister when she babysits. The other nights to goes to Cage’s place. She’s been left to her own devices to care for herself. She does not trust anyone, except Cage. Since meeting Marcus, she begins to wonder if it is possible to find someone who will stay by her side.

Marcus, still reeling from last summer, is moody and upset over what he lost… until Low knocks on his door. He is immediately smitten but takes a step back after Cage, his new roommate, claims he and Low are going to get married. Marcus decides to take his chances with Cage and pursue Low. Until he believes that Low has committed the ultimate betrayal.

Even though you want to hate Cage for his behavior, he redeems himself by the way he cares for Low. He drops everything to be there for her when she needs him. She’s the only person he wants to care for.

Abbi Glines does it again. She weaves a story where nothing is as it seems. Once you think you have things figured out and know where everyone stands, she changes it up on you and you have to figure it out all over again. There is sweet and tender romance. There is heart break, betrayals, and misunderstandings. These are basically kids dealing with situations that most adults cannot handle. The characters were relatable and you understood their reactions. They were flawed and could admit that they were, which makes them even more lovable. It was also nice to see Jax and Sadie from Breathe. They are woven into the novel without becoming their own side story. I truly enjoyed the book and it will be placed on my favorites shelf to be read again.
Because of Low is great for young adult readers. There are sexual references but no actual content.

I own it.
I recommend for 13+ YA and Adult
5/5 GoodReads: It was amazing!




View all my reviews

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Review: Forever Mine





Forever Mine by Elizabeth Reyes






Seventeen-year old Sarah’s life is turned upside down when her single mom is sent to jail. She’s forced to move, leaving behind everything she’s ever known, including her best friend Sydney. Lost and bitter in a new school, her one goal is to save money and move back home. Then she meets Angel Moreno. 

Enigmatic but gorgeous, Angel is almost too good to be true. Except for one thing, his archaic belief that guys and girls can never be “just friends”. The problem? Sarah’s best friend Sydney is not a girl. 

With their unexpected romance intensifying to places neither ever experienced, how long can Sarah keep Angel in the dark about the guy waiting for her back home? (GoodReads & Amazon Descriptions)







This brought back the feelings and memories of your first love. The insecurities, the joy, the angst, the butterflies. While I did like Sarah, she seemed to be a little too timid and trusting. She did need to come clean about a few things long before she did. I can understand not wanting to give 100% disclosure on your entire life on your first date. However, that's no excuse for not coming clean.


Angel. What can I say about Angel? *sigh* He is your typical HS big man on campus. He hasn't had a steady girlfriend... he hasn't needed one or wanted one. Then Sarah comes along. She bring out the protective and alpha male side to Angel.  (I think it's because he is a guy and know how guys think...) He is very wary of any male showing any type of interest in Sarah.  He might not have always behaved the best but let's not forget how most guys are at 17. 

I believe Elizabeth Reyes wrote an excellent first novel. It was fun and (mostly) light-hearted. She laid the foundation for continuing the series on the Moreno Brothers.


Parts of their relationship do become rather intense and physical. Because of this and other mature situations, this book is for the Mature YA reader (I'd say 17ish and up).


I own a copy of the book
I would recommend for 17+ YA and Adult
5/5 GoodReads: It was amazing!



Review: Beautiful Disaster


Beautiful Disaster
Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



The new Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn’t drink or swear, and she has the appropriate percentage of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance between her and the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend America, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University’s Walking One-Night Stand.

Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby needs—and wants—to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the charming college co-ed. Intrigued by Abby’s resistance to his charms, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis’ apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match. (GoodReads & Amazon Description)

I loved this book. I know I shouldn't, but I do.Abby was basically a strong independent woman who had a rough childhood and has moved across the country to get away from her past. She knows what she wants and what is acceptable. While Travis (I'll get to him in a second.) may not always act appropriately, Abby calls him on his bad behavior and learns to forgive as he learns self-control.

OK- Travis, Travis, Travis... as much as I should not like his beyond Alpha Male behavior, I must confess that he is one of my favorite heroes. (If not the favorite.) He is rude, crude, possessive, takes no prisoners and no holds are barred. He has always done what he needed to do to survive and makes no apologies for it. While he has a tendency towards violence, he NEVER directs it towards Abby. (Not that this is an excuse) But most of those he acted out towards knew is disposition and tendencies, yet they poked and prodded until he snapped. Because of his childhood, Travis doesn't think he is capable to care for a woman, let alone love one.

While there are many aspects of these characters and their relationship that are far from the ideal, however, it works for them. After learning more about each other and the events that shaped their character, they come to a deeper level of understanding, knowing that no one is perfect and both people must work to improve the relationship.

Overall Jamie McGuire's "Beautiful Disaster" was an awesome read that was heard to put down. I've had it for 8 days and already read it twice. This is NOT is typical lovey-dovey bubble gum romance. This is deep and hard hitting but, boy, does it hurt so good!

I own this book.
I would recommend this for 17+ YA and Adult
5/5 GoodReads: It was amazing




View all my reviews

My response to Toni Aleo's Hockey Crush Contest


My hockey crushes…  I gotta go with my hometown boys (ok… so they’re the closest hometown boys- after all it is HockeyTown!)  Valttari Filppula from the Detroit Red Wings. *sigh*


Come on… this should be enough said…               But this is awesome as well..                            




What’s that about wearing a ball cap to hide his blue eyes?
But if this isn’t enough… I’m gonna hafta take your woman card!!


Now – to keep with the Predator theme… Craig Smith
(Toni- you know, Craig & I could double date with you & Shea)


Wait a second…


TONI!!!!   Are you trying to steal my man?!?!?!?!
lol

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Taking Shots














In this standout debut novel from Toni Aleo, we see how insecurities from the past can effect our future. Elli Fisher has been hurt, emotionally and physically, by former loves and her family. After overcoming a medical issues, she stood on her own for so long that she doesn't quite know how to trust others and believe that their intentions are honest... which is where Shea Adler comes in. He is smitten from the beginning but has a difficult time getting past Elli's insecurities. He uses all the tools a his disposal to win her- his wit & charm, his sister, and her friend.


Elli is a real woman... she's not blond and a size four! I can actually put myself in her shoes because she is real. She's had major issues that she tries to keep hidden but, like the rest of us, her problems surface more often than she would like.

Shea... what can I say about Shea. He is what we all hope (and dream) a professional athlete can be. He's hot and sexy. He's charming and sensitive. He's shy and humble. He's confident and knows what he wants, he wants Elli.

This was an awesome read. The pacing was nice and even. You felt anxious for Elli & Shea to get where you wanted them to go but it wasn't rushed. I've read some books where the h/h fall in love and are engaged within a week. Like that's realistic. "Taking Shots" has the feel of a real life romance with all it's ups and downs. Shea and Elli also show real emotions. They laugh. They cry. Most importantly, they have fun together (like at the Dance-Off at Shea's condo... you'll know when you get there). There is also a great side story between the best friends.
It is a slightly longer book, which I enjoy, as a can finish a Harlequin size novel in less than a day sometimes. This took me two.

All in all, an awesome book. One of my favorite. Cannot wait for "Trying to Score" to release in April 2012.

I own this book.
I would recommend for Adult.
5/5 Stars- GoodReads: It was amazing!

Valentine's Day Specials!!!

Sweet Sofie  (Elizabeth Reyes) is only $0.99 on Amazon today!!


Taking Shots (Toni Aleo) is also only $0.99 on Amazon today!!


Go check them out!!

Monday, February 13, 2012

Perfect Chemistry






Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles 






"A fresh, urban twist on the classic tale of star-crossed lovers.


When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created "perfect" life is about to unravel before her eyes. She's forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she's worked so hard for?her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect. Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more.

In a passionate story about looking beneath the surface, Simone Elkeles breaks through the stereotypes and barriers that threaten to keep Brittany and Alex apart."    Amazon product description.

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On the first day of school in Chemistry, Alex and Brittany look at each other through the eyes of prejudice and stereotype. As the year progresses, they slowly start peeling away the layers of their public persona and begin to see the true person underneath. Mixing their two worlds seemed insurmountable but their strength, determination, and faith in each other overcame the odds.

Awesome book! I cried. I laughed! (the bathroom scene during the wedding had me laughing so hard I was crying) I felt sorrow, pain, and rejection. I was delighted and happy to see two teens rise above it all. This book had it all.

I own a copy.
I would definitely recommend it for Mature YA and Adult Contemporary!
5/5- GoodReads: It was amazing

Upcoming Releases


Taking a Shot (Play by Play, #3)


                                                 Predestined by Abbi Glines- April 4, 2012



                                             Trying To Score by Toni Aleo- April 30, 2012

                                             
                                                    Noah by Elizabeth Reyes- Early 2012

Love it!




A very special thanks to Abbi Glines for her signed goodies... the 16 yr old is still upset that I won't let her keep any of it! lol

"Taking Shots" will be $0.99 on Valentine's Day


A Few of My Favorite Indie Authors








I have discovered an awesome YA author, Abbi Glines. Please check out her books and follow her blog tour!