Tuesday, April 2, 2013

ARC Review: White Lines by Jennifer Banash / Win a ARC + a signed finished hardcopy!

White Lines
Title: White Lines
Authors: Jennifer Banash
Number of Pages: 304
Expected publication: April 4th 2013 by Putnam Juvenile
Source: Publisher - paperback
Genre: Realistic Fiction > Contemporary Romance
Reading Level: Young Adult - New Adult




A gritty, atmospheric coming of age tale set in 1980s New York City.


Seventeen-year-old Cat is living every teenager’s dream: she has her own apartment on the Lower East Side and at night she’s club kid royalty, guarding the velvet rope at some of the hottest clubs in the city. The night with its crazy, frenetic, high-inducing energy—the pulsing beat of the music, the radiant, joyful people and those seductive white lines that can ease all pain—is when Cat truly lives. But her daytime, when real life occurs, is more nightmare than dream. Having spent years suffering her mother’s emotional and physical abuse, and abandoned by her father, Cat is terrified and alone—unable to connect to anyone or anything. But when someone comes along who makes her want to truly live, she’ll need to summon the courage to confront her demons and take control of a life already spinning dangerously out of control.


Both poignant and raw, White Lines is a gripping tale and the reader won’t want to look away.
Pre-Order/Purchase @ Amazon / B&N / The Book Depository


White Lines was one of the most intense books I have ever read. At first glance I was not sure why the book was named White Lines but after reading just the first chapter I find out why. The story is basically about a 17 year old girl named Cat. It focuses on her life, the hardships she endures, and the choices she makes along the way. 

Cat works in a club in New York City. Although she is only still a teenager she works the ropes choosing who is and isn't allowed into the club. She loves the late nights and definitely knows how to party "hard". Cat's Father and Mother are divorced. She barely speaks to either of them. With her Fathers help Cat lives alone in a apartment near the club she works for. 

Sounds like a dream come true, right? WRONG! Cat is beyond messed up. A Broken Soul.


Her Mother has been abusive throughout Cat's life. She makes Cat feels useless and has always found a away to physically hurt Cat. Her Father was never any help....he turned a blind eye to this abuse. With no other choice but to move out and take care of herself, Cat does just that. 

Cat feels lost and broken. She turns to doing things like drugs, skipping school, and the night life; parties, and dancing at clubs. She wants to feel loved and to know someone cares about her. So when Cat meets a new boy at school who take interest in her, she is now faced with the idea that he will someone she can truly trust...someone who challenges her to not only love herself but to be loved. Cat must now summon the courage to face her demons and change her life for the better.

White Lines is a coming of age story set in a dark and gritty world of the nightlife of NY City during the 80's. We follow the journey of a lost and broken girl who has everything to loose but also so much to gain.  Her choices made along the way make White Lines a enthralling read. Author Jennifer Banash wrote such a heart breaking and intense book that will leave readers thinking about the book long after the last page.  There was so much raw emotions throughout the book.  The world the author creates is so haunting and dark that I found myself getting lost within the pages. There was never a dull moment. White Lines is like no other book I have ever read....and while the book deals with so diverse emotions throughout, it really does teaches a lesson at the same time. 


 Totally Awesome! I loved it, would read again.


I just so happen to have a extra print ARC of White Lines (Thank you Putnam Juvenile). So I figured.....why not give the copy away to ONE lucky reader of my blog. Unfortunately I will only be able to open this giveaway to US Residents. (unless your willing to help with shipping cost.) If so then enter away. 

I just talked with Jennifer and she being the awesome person she is has upped the ante on my giveaway. WHOO! She is offering (1) signed hard copy of White Lines. So that means there will be TWO winners. I will have a seperate giveaway form below because she has offered to ship to US and Canada. 


Giveaway Rules:
  • Giveaway 1 - OPEN TO US RESIDENTS ONLY! 
  • Giveaway 2 - OPEN TO US & Canada RESIDENTS ONLY!
  • No Cheating or doing multiple entries. 
  • There will be (1) mandatory entry. All others are optional but will increase your chances of winning.
  • Use the rafflercopter form below to enter the giveaway.

Giveaway 1 - OPEN TO US RESIDENTS ONLY


Giveaway 2 - OPEN TO US & Canada RESIDENTS ONLY

Monday, April 1, 2013

No Joke! Win Big! - April Fools Kindle Fire HD 7" Giveaway!


No Joke - Win Big April Fools Giveaway
Kindle Fire HD 7" Giveaway



The winner will have the option of receiving a 7" Kindle Fire HD (US Only)


Or $199 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)


Or $199 in Paypal Cash (International)




Sponsoring Authors


The Breeders by Katie French

"The Breeders is a YA dystopian read that's as gritty and dark as the cover and title suggest. It takes a look at how society might devolve if females were commodities: bought, sold, stolen, and traded to keep the dwindling human race going. Frightening concept. I loved it." --A.G. Henley, author of The Scourge







Dissidence by Jamie Canosa

"An amazingly snarky protagonist, two hot boys, a mass rebellion, and an ending that will blow your mind are the perfect ingredients that will make Dissidence the next big thing in YA." --Beth, YA Sisterhood






The Moon Dwellers and Fire Country 
by David Estes

“Fire Country is an epic start to the Country saga and left me with my heart pounding and totally breathless. Phenomenal" --K-booksxo.blogspot.com








Blue Hearts of Mars by Nicole Grotepas

Love between humans and androids is forbidden, but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen...











The Tale of Mally Biddle by M.L. LeGette

"To say I loved this book is an understatement." --April Holgate










Terra by Gretchen Powell

"This could be your world... but it's definitely Terra's, and she navigates it with determination, and a longing for answers that makes her story engrossing and entertaining." -- abookobsession.com







After the Fear by Rosanne Rivers


"The book is just breathtaking from the moment you start till the moment you put it down." -- Amazon review








Entanglement by Dan Rix

A YA Dystopian Romance where every human is born with a soulmate, whom they meet on their 18th birthday...and the one boy who's the exception.








Daynight by Megan Thomason

“Sure to win over YA readers looking for a dangerous, dystopian adventure story” --Kirkus Reviews
 “Gripping; page-turner” --BlueInk Review (starred review)








Fields of Elysium by A.B. Whelan

"The novel's take on otherworldly travel is a compelling one, and the romantic plot will likely appeal to Twilight fans." - Kirkus Reviews






Giveaway Details
1 winner will receive their choice of a Kindle Fire HD (US Only), $199 Amazon Gift Card or $199 in Paypal Cash (International).
Ends 4/15/13

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

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Cover Reveal + Giveaway: Of Silver and Beasts by Trisha Wolfe

Of Silver and Beasts (A Goddess Wars Novel)
Release Date: June 1, 2013
Genre: New Adult Dark Fantasy
Cover Reveal Organized by: YA Bound
Cover Designed by: Steven Novak



Summary from Goodreads:
In the sand-covered queendom of Cavan, the goddess once saved a young Kaliope’s life, preventing the mercury her father attempted to hide in her blood from reaching her heart. Now, a cybernetic clamp filters it, but the silver streaks swirling faintly beneath her skin are a constant reminder that she’s different.When nineteen- year-old Kaliope is chosen as head of the Nactue Guard, she becomes the sworn protector to her empress.

 In the midst of an invasion on a neighboring land, Kaliope is placed in charge of guarding Prince Caben, the last heir to his kingdom. But when they’re attacked by the feared Otherworlders, Caben and Kaliope are abducted and taken below to a realm where they must fight for their life in a caged arena.

Kaliope struggles to protect her princely charge, keeping him and herself alive while battling inhumanly opponents, and trying to save the stolen, sacred relic that will restore her empress’s life force and all of Cavan. And if she can somehow awaken the goddess within her, she may save what’s most important.


I open my mouth to say something comforting, but I’m unsure of what. In this moment, I’m reminded that I know little about him. Other than the sarcasm and desire to understand nothing of my queendom, he hasn’t allowed me past the surface. But then, I have my own walls, hiding things I’d never want him or any other to know. And I understand that need to hide them. You can’t trust anyone. “Caben…” I start, but still can’t find the right words. He lowers his hand from his face, never taking his eyes off the glinting water top. “You’re right,” he finally says. “Let’s find the access to Lilly’s section.” A hollow pang hits my chest, and I’m not sure why. Something in his voice sounds lost, broken. I imagine the gears around my heart spinning faster, trying to keep up with my racing heart. When he sidesteps me, I reach out and grab his arm. “Caben, I didn’t mean—” “It’s fine, Kal,” he snaps. “We have work to do.” “No, I’ve said something to offend you.” I drop my hand, but keep close to him, not allowing him to leave my side. Goddess, trying to understand the male brain is harder than anything in protector training. I’ve heard people say that you have to tip-toe around a woman’s emotions, but a man’s ego is every bit as fragile, if not more so. He releases a heavy breath through his nose and walks back to the pool. He sits down along the edge and rolls up his pants, then slips off his boots. “I honestly don’t think Bax or his goons will be returning tonight.” He sinks his bare feet into the water and sighs. Glancing at the back of the cave, I plant my hands on my hips. We don’t have time for indulgencies, but the prince is still my charge. If it were my empress, I’d give her anything she’d ask for. Allow her as much time as she needed to collect herself. I have to watch over his mental state as well as protect him, so I try to push the pending need to find Lilly aside and sit down next to him. “Here,” he says, turning his hand out near my crossed feet. “You have to feel this.” A smile tugs at the corner of my mouth. “I can remove my own—” “Have you never been pampered a day in your life?” he asks, lifting an eyebrow. “I know that the Nactue are fierce and will put a hurt on any man for touching them. But try to relax.” “Is that the rumor in Perinya?” “What?” I bite my lip, suddenly regretting my blurt. “Nothing. Never mind.” From the corner of my eye, I see his lips pucker into a pinched smile, as if he’s trying not to. “Ah,” he says, like he’s made some great universal connection. “Well, there are many whisperings about the Nactue. Some I dare not repeat for fear I’d leave here missing a limb, but that’s one, yes.” He takes my booted foot and begins to unlace it. “I’ve heard that the empress’s protectors are untouchable—forbidden to give themselves to men. And that they’ll snap a man’s neck just for making an advance.” My mouth drops open. Appalled, I counter, “That’s not true.” “All right,” he says, as if he hasn’t just insulted my very existence. “It’s only rumors. Things men jaw about in pubs. The unattainable woman is a fantasy, Kal. Don’t be offended.” “Unattainable?” I grit my teeth, trying to maintain my composure. “Tell me, prince. Do men in your country just go around bedding every woman they can in order to keep them compliant?” I shake my head. “If their fantasy is a woman that would have nothing to do with them, it seems to me it’s their way of feeding their egos after being rejected.” His eyes widen. “No! How does your brain come up with these—” He bites off his words, his lips thin as he presses them together. “Look, it was a joke.” I nod, many times. “Another joke. I’m glad that our hard work and sacrifice is amusing to the men of Perinya.” Caben lets out another sigh and slowly pulls off my boot. His warm fingers skim my calf as he inches up my pant leg. “Just stick your foot in,” he says, then adds lower, “while I stick mine in my mouth.” Unexpectedly, I laugh. “At least it’s now clean,” I say. “Would you like some help getting it to your face?”

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