Sorry I've been MIA - Update & A very special thanks!

Yep, that's me right now and pretty much all week so far. It's official, I have got my first cold of the fall season. Ugh! My head and nose are stuffed up and I am coughing up a lung (or so it feels like) 0_o

This is ultimately why I have been MIA for the last several days. I hope and pray I feel better soon. I better *shakes fist* since my Birthday is November 5th. Hopefully things will get back to normal soon. :)

So onto the update....

As some of you may know last year around this time I went to visit family in Maryland/West Virginia area. I plan to once again come November 8th and plan on coming back on the 18th (or so). While away I fully attend to take a break from blogging, at least for the most part. All tours and reviews will still be posted on their scheduled dates. So no worries there but I feel I need this time to have some fun, read, and visit with my family. A small vacation from blogging if you will. With that said, if anyone notices a shortage in my posting you'll understand why. Once I return I plan on getting back to normal as well as working my tail off to get e-mailed read and replied to. I am so behind it's not funny. Thanks COLD! Ugh! ;)

A HUGE thank you and hugs to to my awesome, wonderful, and most of all SPECIAL friend, HILLARY!
Hillary is my part-time reviewer here at Bittersweet Enchantment and also one of my dear friends. I received a birthday card from her today that made me feel so appreciated and special.

Hillary you TOTALLY rock girl! I am super happy we meet and became fast friends. Without a doubt your reviews rock and you will always have a place here at BE. :)

Also...a HUGE thank you to each and everyone of my followers/readers. YOU are the reason I blog and loving doing it! 

Tethered by Brandi Leigh Hall Release Day Blitz + Giveaway!

Tethered (BirthRight #1) by Brandi Leigh Hall

Paperback, 1st Edition, 273 pages

Published October 29th 2013 by Brandi Hall

Genre: New Adult/Upper Young Adult Urban Fantasy

What if the life you were born into, was never really yours to begin with?

I’ve never felt normal in my own skin. Like an oversized pair of UGG boots, nothing about my life fits the way it should. At least, not the way I’d like it to. I was born a Witch, with an ability I despise. And I’d do anything to give it back. But how do you return a “gift” that came with no card? I learned long ago—visions are one thing—you can never send back.

For six years, I’ve been an in-the-closet Seer, desperate to escape the murderous vision that ruined my childhood, and the Wiccan family I tore apart in the process. But I can no longer deny who I am.

Something terrible awaits those I love. Something big.

I’ve only seen bits and pieces, but I know I’m meant to move back home to save them. And who’s the tall, dark and delicious mystery guy in this vision with my family? He kisses me with more tenderness than I’ve ever known, yet I can’t tell how he makes me feel. Are we in love, or is it just a physical thing?

All I know is, I have to meet him. And I have to protect my family.

No more hiding from the truth. The time has come to face the ones I left behind. It’s time my visions of the future—go head-on—with the demons from my past.

Purchase on Amazon | Purchase on B&N

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About The Author: Brandi Leigh Hall

Find Brandi @

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Brandi lives in central Pennsylvania with her fur-ball cats (Onyx and Klepto), where she spends most of her time attached to her laptops, reading books, appeasing her sweet tooth, and watching TV for motivation.

Growing up in a haunted house inspired Brandi’s fascination with the paranormal, so it only made sense that she’d write Urban Fantasy books for both teens and adults.

Brandi hasn’t been lucky enough to meet her soul mate (yet), so she writes paranormal tales of those who have. Her stories combine magical elements with real-life issues, strong female characters, semi-old fashioned men and family values, woven together and told from an emotional, first-person perspective. She enjoys writing sweet stories that teach girls it’s okay to speak your mind and be independent, career-driven, and not worry about fitting in to society’s mold.

In addition to the BirthRight Novels, she also has four additional adventures she’ll be writing over the next few years, so stay-tuned.

Thank you for stopping by! 

ARC Review: Red Hill by Jamie McGuire

Today I will be sharing with my readers my book review of Red Hill by Jamie McGuire. To check out more about the book and to be entered in a giveaway to win a copy for yourself CLICK HERE - on my original tour stop. 

Title: Red Hill 
Author: Jamie McGuire
Paperback, 368 pages
Published: October 1st 2013 by Atria Books
Source: Print ARC - Publisher
Reading Level: NA - Adult

When the world ends, can love survive?

For Scarlet, raising her two daughters alone makes fighting for tomorrow an everyday battle. Nathan has a wife, but can’t remember what it’s like to be in love; only his young daughter Zoe makes coming home worthwhile. Miranda’s biggest concern is whether her new VW Bug is big enough to carry her sister and their boyfriends on a weekend escape from college finals.

When reports of a widespread, deadly “outbreak” begin to surface, these ordinary people face extraordinary circumstances and suddenly their fates are intertwined. Recognizing they can’t outrun the danger, Scarlet, Nathan, and Miranda desperately seek shelter at the same secluded ranch, Red Hill. Emotions run high while old and new relationships are tested in the face of a terrifying enemy—an enemy who no longer remembers what it’s like to be human.

Set against the backdrop of a brilliantly realized apocalyptic world, love somehow finds a way to survive. But what happens when the one you’d die for becomes the one who could destroy you?

Red Hill grabs you from page one and doesn’t let go until its stunning conclusion. This is #1 New York Times bestselling author Jamie McGuire at her unforgettable best.

The much anticipated new release, RED HILL by Jamie McGuire made it's way across the blogosphere causing excitement for zombie lovers everywhere. I myself was so very anxious to get my hands on a copy. So when a blog tour offer presented itself to me I jumped at the chance to join in and review Jamie's newest novel. I am a huge fan of the author having read Beautiful Disaster a while back. I knew to expected something fabulous once again. Alas, sadly I was disappointed. I was so hoping for a epic adventure, something new and fresh within the zombie craze. While, I didn't hate RED HILL per say. I didn't love it either. 

There was a most definite love hate relationship for me while reading. So let me explain myself,  and my reasoning behind these feelings throughout the book.

The Good, The Bad and The Zombies?

First the BAD,

I myself am a huge fan of the comics and TV show "The Walking Dead" as I know many of you are as well. Red Hill had way to many similarities throughout the book. Now, I am in no way saying the plot was copied but it gave me the feeling I was reading or watching a episode of the show. The concept felt overdone and was like so many other zombie novels I have read before. It was difficult to find any unique or compelling attributes that set Red Hill apart for other zombie books out there. While I wouldn't say this is necessarily a bad thing, for others, but for me it became more tiresome than anything. I keep hoping for something new and thrilling to happen but I just didn't get that. 

Other than my disappointment in concept I found myself being quite upset with another part of the story. ALL MY FAVORITE CHARTERERS DIED!!! All or most. I would get so involved in certain character(s) and their pasts then....BOOM, ....DEAD! I know, I know, some are bound to die at some point in the book. I mean we are dealing with a zombie apocalypse here, right? Jamie knew exactly how to make you fall in love with a character then only to later see him or her get killed in the end. Hmmm... not sure this was such a BAD thing but most definitely very sad for the reader and if your anything like you'll need a box of tissues nearing the end of the book.

The Good, 

In all honestly there was quite a bit of greatness in Red Hill. One being the main and secondary characters. As the story is being told from multiple POV's the reader actually can see the plot and story unfold from three different characters. Scarlet. Nathan. Miranda. All fighting their way to safely, in pursuit of reaching Red Hill. Each character with their own and unique story to tell. Somewhere in the middle their stories and lives become one. As each of them reach this safe haven, Scarlet, Nathan, Miranda (and of course many secondary characters) are now left to deal with not only the consent fear of approaching zombies but the unknown of what comes next. 

Another thing I really loved about Red Hill is the romance between TWO certain characters...I can't say who or I would end up spoiling things but I enjoyed immensely how the Author Jamie McGuire found  a way to write such a beautiful love story into such a sad and heartbreaking novel.

Last but not least more than anything the story within Scarlet's POV was for me the most emotional and heartbreaking to read, but in a good way. Scarlet without a doubt was the strongest character in the book and gave such a "NEVER GIVE UP" vive when it came to her lost daughters. Throughout everything her story gave me hope for a happy ending....

The Zombies?

Shufflers, zombies, living dead, teds? o_0 

Whatever Jamie decided to call them in her novel was perfectly fine with me. There was just the right amount of blood and gore in the book. Not too gruesome or scary, and not a bit anticlimactic in the least. I really enjoyed learning in the beginning how the infective being affected by the virus that pretty much changed the world we know it.

If you're a zombie die-hard fan or a "The Walking Dead" fan I would most definitely Red Hill. 

I liked it a lot. Would recommend.

Review by Hillary: Find Me by Romily Bernard

Title: Find Me
Author: Romily Bernard
Published: September 24th 2013 by HarperTeen
Hardcover, 307 pages
Source: 
Genre: Mystery/Thriller/Romance
Reading Level: YA

“Find Me.”

These are the words written on Tessa Waye’s diary. The diary that ends up with Wick Tate. But Tessa’s just been found . . . dead.

Wick has the right computer-hacking skills for the job, but little interest in this perverse game of hide-and-seek. Until her sister Lily is the next target.

Then Griff, trailer-park boy next door and fellow hacker, shows up, intent on helping Wick. Is a happy ending possible with the threat of Wick’s deadbeat dad returning, the detective hunting him sniffing around Wick instead, and a killer taunting her at every step?

Foster child. Daughter of a felon. Loner hacker girl. Wick has a bad attitude and sarcasm to spare.

But she’s going to find this killer no matter what.

Because it just got personal.

Purchase @ Amazon | B&N | Kobo | The Book Depository | Indiebound

Whoa! Why couldn’t I figure out who the mystery killer was? Why did I think I could figure out who it was in the first place?

Those are the questions I asked myself throughout the last few chapters until the end of Find Me. First, I couldn’t even believe I’d finished the book in about three hours when I couldn’t even read about three chapters in the past four days, so I was pretty surprised. Secondly, every event that happened after the character started getting closer and closer to Tessa’s killer became a world full of whirlwinds. And thirdly, I could see why I believed in the story before ever getting my hands on this book. By the way, I would like to give out a shout out to Romily Bernard for writing an amazing and entertaining story and also for giving readers (like me) the opportunity to win her book. I wouldn’t have been able to read Find Me for many more months I’m sure.

The story starts out with Wick (Wicket) Tate being confused about why a detective she knows well is stalking her and her younger sister at their new home. Wick and her younger sister, Lily, go to investigate why the heck the detective is there at the most ungodly hour of night, when everyone else is asleep, and find that the detective is looking for ways into the home. Thankfully, the doors are locked, but the creepy smile he throws at them through the window is creepy enough. Weirdest part, he couldn’t see them, but they could see him.

As I said, the events afterwards became whirlwinds of all kinds of crazy. However, I can say the moments that I loved the most throughout the story were the ones that involved Wick and Griff. Those just made me feel envious because I’ve never met a guy so genuinely kind and brave like Griff is. If he were real, I would probably have to fight Wick for him.

So you’re probably wondering what the characters are like and who they are, right? Let’s start with Wick. She is all sorts of awesomeness and even if she has a bad mouth once in a while, I think it makes her who she is and makes her tougher. Her attitude though reminds me a lot of myself. When it comes to me and my parents (mostly my dad) I give off a lot of attitude and even more so when I’m just not in the mood. I love her sarcasm! Somehow, Romily is good with this trait and it almost always comes out sort of funny. Lauren is Wick’s only and closest friend and she is almost as awesome as Wick. She’s definitely a tough girl and I would never mind having a friend who could defend and watch my back like she does for Wick. Griff is kind of not a lot to Wick in the beginning, but *hint hint* they grow into more with the circumstances that surrounds them. I can only imagine what he looks like, but my mind comes up with a really hot guy. Lily is Wick’s younger sister and I really adored how Romily portrayed her youth and innocence throughout the story. I could feel and empathize with Wick the whole time. If that were my sister I’d do anything to keep her safe too.

Find Me by Romily Bernard is an epic read! I couldn’t put it down (though I had to at times because studying started swamping up my time). I finished the story only to crave more and knowing there are two more books in the next few years makes me feel excited already! I also have to say that Romily is a sweet, awesome, and hilarious author and you should totally hit her up on twitter and chat. She doesn’t bite I promise. (Okay, back to the review) The character growth in the story is gradual and timely with the events that occur. I could practically see and feel Wick grow mentally, physically, and emotionally. She no longer had anything to be afraid of once she realized it only became her weakness. She learned to love others when she used to be unsure if she could trust anyone. And she learned to believe in herself after thinking she would only disappoint and have everyone distrust her. I could see a little of myself in Wick and the parts that I didn’t made me wish and hope to grow gradually as she had. I believe Find Me was an epic and honest read. I loved how the story surprised me each time and I liked that the past and present blended together to create an amazing story (you’ll see what I mean once you read the story yourself). I hope other’s read Find Me as well and understand what an awesome person and writer Romily is. She is definitely one of a kind!

Totally EPIC! One of the best books I have read. A MUST read!!

Special Guest: Book Reviewer:

Hillary

Find Hillary @

| Goodreads | Twitter | 

Hillary currently lives in Fontana, California and sometimes wishes she lived in a rainier place. When out of her world of fiction and music, college homework becomes part of her focus and so does worrying about exams. She still manages to find plenty of time to read YA books and hopes to have a room full of books like some authors are fortunate to have. Hillary is currently working toward earning a degree in English, but in the meantime she is content to help a very kind book blogger known as Beckie from Bittersweet Enchantment. Hillary hopes to become a well-known author one day, but currently writes small stories whenever she has time.

Wow, what a fantastic review! Leave some comment love for Hillary. :)

Cover Reveal: Coming Spring 2014! > Scan (Scan #1) by S.E. Fine and Walter Jury + ARC Giveaway!

Hi everyone! Today I am super excited to present you with the COVER REVEAL for the upcoming novel,

Scan (Scan #1) by S.E. Fine and Walter Jury

 Thank you Penguin/Putnam publishing for asking me to share this AMAZING new cover. Oh, and did I mention I have a print copy to give away to a lucky reader? How awesome is that! Be sure to enter the giveaway at the end of this post to win. Of course the giveaway is only open for my blog readers....that means YOU! ;)

Without further ado...

I present to you....

SCAN

Scan (Scan #1) by S.E. Fine and Walter Jury

Hardcover, 336 pages

Publication Date: May 1, 2014

Publisher: Putnam Children’s

Genre: YA Science Fiction

MacGyver Meets War of the Worlds in this Exhilarating Adventure

Tate and his father don’t exactly get along. As Tate sees it, his father has unreasonably high expectations for Tate to be the best—at everything. Tate finally learns what he’s being prepared for when he steals one of his dad’s odd tech inventions and mercenaries ambush the school, killing his father in the process and sending Tate on the run from aliens who look just like humans. 

Even with all he knows like how to defend himself with useful tools made out of bubblegum, Tate fears he’s still inadequate. With the help of his girlfriend and estranged mother, all Tate can really do is keep moving and ensure his father’s invention stays out of the hands of his pursuers and that his father didn’t die in vain. A riveting, fast-paced adventure, Scan is a clever alien thriller with muscle and heart.

To find out more about SCAN, click the links below:

Peep The EXCLUSIVE Cover Reveal Of Sci-Fi Superbook 'Scan'

Manager Turns YA Author, Gets Publishing Deal (Exclusive)

Walter Jury was born in London, has a background in the film industry, is a big fan of the New York Giants, and is an enthusiast of Jamba Juice’s Protein Berry Workout smoothie only with soy, never whey. Scan is his first book for teens. Oh, and under his real name, he’s a producer of one of 2014’s biggest blockbusters. Let’s just say he “diverges” in his career from film to literature quite well.

 S. E. Fine was born on the West Coast, raised in the Midwest, and is now firmly entrenched on the East Coast, where she lives with her husband and two children. She’s a clinical child psychologist and the author of the YA fantasy series Guards of the Shadowlands.

thestrangestsituation.blogspot.com

Enter to win a PRINT ARC of Scan using the rafflecopter form below.

Open to US/Canada Only.

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Blog Tour: Garden of Eden by Kate Cowan | Book Spotlight + Author Interview + Giveaway!

Presenting...

Garden of Eden by Kate Cowen Blog Tour!

Hosted by:

First a quick shout out: 

"I use Grammarly's free plagiarism checker because stealing is a BIG No No. My idea's, words, and thoughts are mine. All copycats will be strung up by their feet and dipped on honey. 0_o

Hey all! Today I will be sharing all about the newly released novel, Garden of Eden by Kate Cowen. I really love the idea for the book and can't wait to read it myself. There will be a giveaway at the end of this post to win a print (and ebook) copy of the book. Enjoy!

Garden of Eden by Kate Cowan

Series: The Legend of Eden #1

169 pages - Ebook

Re-Release date: October 22nd 2013
Publisher: Anchor Group Publishing
Average Rating: 4.30

Genre: YA Fantasy

It has been four years.

Four years since the day the Catchers found her family.

Four years since she escaped capture.

And four years since the day her mother locked her and Will, a boy she hardly knew, in an attic, 'for their own protection'. 

Now, Eden White is fifteen, and sick of being a prisoner of parents who all but abandoned her. It was as simple as one walk down a beautiful, foggy beach, but it ended with Eden and Will face to face with Catchers - and this time, there is no escape. When Eden wakes, she finds herself on an island, surrounded by hundreds of stolen children. Enrolled in the island school, Jordan Hall, Eden quickly learns that the island is not what it seems.

And, in the woods surrounding the school, she discovers a wild, beautiful magic inside of herself - one she has no idea how to control. With three unlikely new friends, Eden begins to realize that the headmistress is hiding much more than the stolen children - and what they learn in the laboratories below the school could cost Eden her life.

Purchase @ Amazon | B&N

1. What was your inspiration for writing your new book, Garden of Eden?

Kate: I wouldn't call it inspiration so much as... I kind of just got this idea out of no where. Working this awful job, and it just sort of walked into my head. I had to write it down! 

So I'd love to say things inspired me - and I'm sure they did, in smaller ways - but really, it just happened on it's own.

2. What do you feel was the most difficult part of writing your novel or making your novel known to others?

Kate: Making it known, for sure. I had no idea how hard promotion and getting the book in front of people to see and read would be so hard!! It's crazy, but I still love it. Writing is starting to look like the easy bit, which says a lot, since it's well... not that easy.

3. Is there anything you wish you could go back and change? A character, chapter or technique?

Kate: Not really, actually. Sometimes, I have those neurotic moments, and I think, "Oh, WHY did I do *insert random thing here* when I was writing this?!*. But then later, I'll realize that changing anything would be a bad plan. I'm very happy with the way Garden of Eden has come out and the reception it's getting from reviewers. 

4. Where is your favorite plan to write and where is your favorite place to read?

Kate: The back seat of a moving car. Is that weird? It feels a bit weird, but I like the motion of the car and the ever-changing scenery.

5. Do you have a favorite author?  If so, who and why?

Kate: I love Alison Croggon and her Pellinor series, Dunmore and her Ingo series, and Davies for The Sight and Fell. But I'm less of a 'love the author' person and more of a 'love the book' person. I don't think there's any one author who I read no matter what, actually.

6. Have you always wanted to be an author? 

Kate: No. Actually, I wanted to be a chef until I was in 12th grade, which is the same time I wrote Garden of Eden. In that same year, I also changed my plans from chef to 3D animator, so a lot of things changed in that year for me! But I'm happy I did become an author, because I doubt I'll ever stop writing now.

7. When you're not writing what kinds of things do you love to do? Hobbies?

Kate: I draw a lot, and I really love to feed the squirrels that live in the trees around my house. Not sure that counts as a hobby, though! I also love to cook, and I'm a first-degree black belt in karate. That's about it!

8. What's your favorite genre to READ?

Kate: Anything YA except contemporary. I just don't like it... never have. And I have an extra soft spot for anything epic-fantasy.

Thanks for the great interview questions! They were awesome!

About The Author: Kate Cowen

Find Kate @

Website / Twitter / Goodreads / FB

Kate is an artist, an animation student, a black belt in karate and now, an author. She didn't discover writing until mid-high school, when she began writing an (unintentionally) hilarious novel involving a teenage girl and a magic necklace. Her current novel series, The Legend of Eden, began as a story of Arthurian magic, but quickly transformed into something much different.

Kate currently lives in Ontario, Canada, in a zoo of a house. When she isn't writing, she's drawing, cooking, or browsing the Internet for new music.

To win a paperback copy and/or a ebook of Garden of Eden please use the rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

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Blog Tour: Red Hill by Jamie McGuire | Book Spotlight + Giveaway!

Hello and welcome to the official blog tour for the newly released novel, RED HILL by Jamie McGuire! Today is my stop on the tour and I am super excited to share with everyone all about the book. Now I was supposed to do my review on Red Hill today but sadly I have been dealing with a cold and was unable to finish reading. My review will be posted later in the week. So today instead I will sharing a book spotlight and giveaway.  Enjoy!

Red Hill blog tour is hosted by:

Title: Red Hill 
Author: Jamie McGuire
Paperback, 368 pages
Published: October 1st 2013 by Atria Books
Reading Level: NA - Adult

When the world ends, can love survive?

For Scarlet, raising her two daughters alone makes fighting for tomorrow an everyday battle. Nathan has a wife, but can’t remember what it’s like to be in love; only his young daughter Zoe makes coming home worthwhile. Miranda’s biggest concern is whether her new VW Bug is big enough to carry her sister and their boyfriends on a weekend escape from college finals.

When reports of a widespread, deadly “outbreak” begin to surface, these ordinary people face extraordinary circumstances and suddenly their fates are intertwined. Recognizing they can’t outrun the danger, Scarlet, Nathan, and Miranda desperately seek shelter at the same secluded ranch, Red Hill. Emotions run high while old and new relationships are tested in the face of a terrifying enemy—an enemy who no longer remembers what it’s like to be human.

Set against the backdrop of a brilliantly realized apocalyptic world, love somehow finds a way to survive. But what happens when the one you’d die for becomes the one who could destroy you?

Red Hill grabs you from page one and doesn’t let go until its stunning conclusion. This is #1 New York Times bestselling author Jamie McGuire at her unforgettable best.

 Amazon | B&N | Kobo | The Book Depository | IndieBound

Want to win a copy of Red Hill? 

Must be 13+ to Enter | Shipping in the US Only.

1 Winner will get a Jamie McGuire Tote Bag as well as a Signed Limited Edition of BEAUTIFUL DISASTER, a copy of WALKING DISASTER and a copy of RED HILL.

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About The Author: Jamie McGuire 

Find Jamie @

Website / Goodreads / Twitter / FB / Pinterest

Jamie McGuire was born in Tulsa, OK. She attended the

Northern Oklahoma College, the University of Central

Oklahoma, and Autry Technology Center where she graduated with a degree in Radiography.Her most recent novel, Walking Disaster debuted at #1 on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists. She has also written bestselling contemporary romance Beautiful Disaster, and the Providence series.Jamie now lives in Enid, OK with her three children and husband Jeff, who is a real, live cowboy. They share their 30 acres with six horses, three dogs, and Rooster the cat.

Be sure to stop by all of the stops on the tour.

October 5th – Holly @ I Love Indie Books

October 6th – Yara @ Once Upon A Twilight

October 7th – Ana @ Owl Always Be Reading

October 8th – Andrea @ Andrea’s Book Blog

October 9th – Trini @ A Book Lovers Review

October 10th – Jamie @ Addicted2Heroines

October 11th – Vanessa @ Boekie’s Book Reviews

October 12th –  Jon @ Scott Reads It

October 13th – Jean @ Jean Book Nerd – INTERVIEW WITH JAMIE MCGUIRE

October 14th – Jessica @ Jessica’s Book Review SPOTLIGHT

October 15th - Brighton @ Dear Brighton

October 16th –  Kristi @ The Story Siren EXCERPT from RED HILL

October 18th - Nancy @ 5 Minutes for Books

October 19th – Marni @ Words to Dreams

October 20th Amber @ Me, My Shelf and I  - DREAM CAST

October 21st - Brandelyn @ Seductive Romance Reviews

October 22nd – Katrina @ Bookish Things and More

October 23rd – Beckie @ Bittersweet Enchantment

October 24th – Audra @ The Society PLAYLIST

October 25th - Isalys @ BookSoulmates