Friday, November 7, 2014

Book Blitz: Diamonds in the Rough (The Secret Diamond Sisters #2) by Michelle Madow + Giveaway!

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Welcome everyone to the Diamonds in the Rough by Michelle Madow book blitz!
Today in this post you can learn all about the book, get an inside look at the characters: Payton, Courtney and Savannah, and enter a giveaway to win a paperback copy of the book! Enjoy!



Diamonds in the Rough (The Secret Diamond Sisters #2)
Release Date: 10/28/14
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
448 pages

All-access doesn't mean no problems.

The three Diamond sisters survived the summer in style after coming to live with their long-lost billionaire father. But making a place for themselves at their exclusive new Las Vegas private school is throwing them any number of gold-plated curves. Savannah's YouTube stardom turns into a Sweet Sixteen reality show extravaganza—with complimentary enemies on the side. Dangerous flirtations don't keep Peyton from a gamble that will risk far more than she planned to bet. And when Courtney and the sisters' archenemy, Madison, uncover two explosive secrets, it will rock even this town of glittering illusion—and turn their lives upside down all over again.

Sisterhood, first crushes, and scandalous secrets explode in book two of Michelle Madow's riveting series, The Secret Diamond Sisters.
Buy Links:

Sequel to:
(cover linked to Goodreads)

Buy Links:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books A Million | Book Depository | iBookstore


At seventeen years old, Peyton is the oldest Diamond sister. She’s been hurt in the past, but because of it, has developed a thick skin. She will do anything for her sisters, going as far as protecting them from their mom’s outbursts and getting home first from school to make sure everything in the house (including their mom) is ready for them. She’s tough, doesn’t trust easily, and while she has many people she hangs out with, the only people who she feels truly know her are her sisters. She doesn’t like school (she gets restless sitting in classrooms!) and can’t wait until graduation so she’ll be done forever.

Peyton’s a natural night owl, and waking up in the morning is a constant struggle. (Her sisters usually resort to throwing things at her to wake her up, and often yell at her to hurry up showering so they can have time for their morning routines, too.) She needs at least three cups of coffee to get going. She loves rock music, and can usually be found with an earbud attached to her ear, even during her classes. She loves partying and dancing and getting lost in the music. She also enjoys an occasional chill night of movies and television shows, as long as it’s not a rom-com chick flick.

She wears mostly black clothing—why bother with colors when black always looks hot on her? Her nails are usually painted black as well. She’s not afraid to speak up for what she believes in and she will always stand up for her sisters. She tries to not let anyone in to avoid getting hurt—but really she just wants to find that one person who cares enough to break down her walls.

Courtney is sixteen years old, and is the middle Diamond sister. She’s the responsible one—she studies hard, does well in school, is a student tutor, and works after school and on weekends to help out her family. Her main goal is to keep up her grades and do well on her SATs so she can get into Stanford, her dream school. She wants to major in English and someday get a career in publishing. She’s competitive with herself and always strives to do her best.

Courtney’s closest friends are her sisters—with all the time she spends on school and work, she doesn’t have time for anyone else. She’s never had a boyfriend and is fine with waiting to date until college. (She doesn’t need any distractions right now!) She’s not into the high school party scene, and whenever she has time in her busy schedule, her favorite thing to do is read novels. She also loves listening to Broadway music (Phantom of the Opera and Wicked are her favorites) and would love to see a live show someday.

She’s a natural early bird, and is always awake before her sisters. She could happily wear jeans, t-shirts, and flip-flops every day, and always goes natural with her makeup. Her favorite drink is chai tea. She’s quiet and reserved while first meeting someone, but she will do anything for the people she loves. She would love to travel the world to see historic sites and well-known museums, but it’s always felt more like a dream than a possible reality.

At fifteen years old, Savannah is the youngest Diamond sister. Her older sisters have sheltered her for her entire life. Despite her rough upbringing, she’s optimistic and wants to think the best of people, although this can sometimes lead to her coming off as naïve. She wants to fit in at school, but has always felt like an outsider. She tends to feel overshadowed by the people around her. She trusts easily, and it sometimes leads to her getting hurt, but she’s always there for her sisters and friends when they need her!

Savannah loves singing, and has a fantastic voice, so it’s her ultimate dream to be a famous pop star. She’s been stage fright since a talent show disaster in middle school, but wants to record cover songs and post them on YouTube to try to get a following, like the YouTube stars she idolizes. She also plays guitar, but is self-taught, so she’s still learning how to improve. She mainly plays to accompany herself while singing. She’s athletic, and played on the JV volleyball team in her school in her hometown. She hopes to make Varsity as a sophomore.

She loves shopping and wearing anything that sparkles—dresses, nail polish, shoes, eye shadow, you name it! She loves reading fashion magazines and trying to duplicate the high-end styles worn by the models. Her favorite meal of the day is breakfast, and her favorite food is pancakes. Savannah has never had a serious boyfriend, and wants more than anything to believe that true love is possible!


About the Author: Michelle Madow
Author Links:
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Michelle Madow was inspired to write The Secret Diamond Sisters series while walking through her favorite hotel in Las Vegas. The next book in the series, Diamonds in the Rough, launches in October. Prior to The Secret Diamond Sisters, she successfully self-published The Transcend Time Saga. A tireless promoter of her work, Michelle is active on social media networks and has toured across America to promote her books and encourage high school students to embrace reading and writing. A graduate of Rollins College, Michelle lives in Florida ... but she loves going to Vegas.

To chat with Michelle and other fans about her books, join Michelle Madow's Street Team on Facebook!



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Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Happy Birthday To Me!


Today's my Birthday! 
I turned 30-somethingorother (36, shhh!) - 
highlight with mouse to see my real age. 

I just finished my Birthday party with all of my close friends and family. The party was FROZEN themed. Yes, I LOVE that movie! :) I will share pictures later on. 

So for now I just wanted to share with you all this but I am soon planning on having a giveaway for my birthday and my 4 year blogiversary! Be on the look out for that very soon. Also I will be working on doing a lot of long overdue updates which include: giveaway winners, blog posts, reviews and more. Yes, I know I am super behind on things but everything will be back to normal asap. :) 

If you'd like to send some Birthday wishes, please comment below!


Oh before I forget, I have a question for everyone. What would you like to see in the bday giveaway? Print ARC's, swag, or gift cards, etc?


Blinkie Graphics Generator at TextSpace.net

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Blog Tour: Embers by Karen Ann Hopkins || Review & Giveaway!


Today I am so very excited to be part of this fabulous book tour for one of my very favorite authors, Karen Ann Hopkins! I will be sharing my review for her book, Embers below and there's a giveaway too! You could win some amazing prizes. One winner will receive a $100 gift card, another will receive a signed Temptation Series book set, including Temptation, Belonging & Forever, and ten lucky winners will receive an eCopy of EMBERS!

Thanks for stopping by & enjoy!





Title: Ember 
Series: The Wings of War #1
Author: Karen Ann Hopkins
Kindle, 357 pages
Published: October 21st 2014 by author
Genre: YA - Paranormal Romance > Angels
Source: eARC via author
Purchase at Amazon


There are descendants of angels walking among us. Ember is one of them. And she may be the only hope mankind has as the rapture approaches and evils rises. 


Embers is an epic paranormal adventure about a seventeen year old girl who discovers that she's immune to fire and any other injury when she’s in a horrific car crash that kills her parents. Following a violent episode with her aunt's boyfriend, Ember flees Ohio to live with an old relative in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Ember's exuberance at escaping a bad home life soon turns to trepidation when she finds out that she's a Watcher, a descendant of angels. While Ember learns about her heritage, and the powers that go along with it, she strikes up friendships with two teenagers who live in a frightening walled compound in the forest. Inexplicitly drawn to one of the young men in particular, an impossible romance develops. But it is cut short when Ember discovers that her new friends are fighting on the opposite side of a war, one that’s been raging between two factions of Watchers for thousands of years. When the compound’s inhabitants threaten the townspeople, Ember takes action, sealing her fate in the ancient battle of good versus evil, and the grayness in between. Ember is up to the challenge, until she realizes that she isn’t only fighting for the lives of the locals and the souls of her new friends. She also might be one of the few champions who will make a stand for all of mankind as the rapture approaches and the end of days begin.



Embers is a dark and gritty YA novel that’s the first book in the series, The Wings of War.

Oh where, oh where do I begin? *pausing to find significance words*

In all honestly, I truly don't feel I could ever find the right or perfect words to say to proclaim how much I dearly loved this book, Embers! I am utterly speechless but of course that's the point of a review is to tell you everything I loved about this book. ;) So I will try my very best. 

*crossing fingers*

*uncrosses fingers because well...I need to type) XD

First, if you don't know already I have read/reviewed ALL of author Karen Ann Hopkins novels. She is one of my favorite authors and for good reason. There hasn't been a book she's written that I didn't absolutely adore and couldn't put down. Embers was no different. In fact, I wholeheartedly believe Embers is her best book yet! 

Ember is the lone survivor of a horrific fiery car crash which killed both of her parents. Somehow Ember survived... 
While at her parents funeral a priest comes to speak with Ember telling her there is a reason she was not killed, that she was meant for something more. Swearing that an angel told him to relay this message. Confused by the holy man's words, Ember begins to wonder what this all means. Soon after the death of her parents, Ember is sent to live with a friend of her Mom's way out in the country, to stay with a woman she has only meet once before. Soon after Ember arrives she is told the truth about who she really is and why she didn't parish in the fire along with her Mom and Dad. 
She is a decadent of an Angel, a "Watcher". A Watcher is able to yield powers from the elements, Earth, Fire, Water, and Wind. Ember soon learns she is able to yield the element of fire and earth. She must now learn how to work and control her newfound powers for someday the world will be ending and Ember.... is the KEY. 

Side note: I know usually I go much more into detail about the story (without spoilers) but I feel if I did this time it would ruin the story for anyone is wants to read the book.


Everything about this book was beyond perfect. The world-building was beautiful done with such dimension and depth. The characters all were so brilliantly done and each of them fitting perfectly into the story. I was blown away by Ember. She was such a deep and compelling character. Oh, and her powers?!  WOW!!!! I was blown away by what she could do, not only with fire but with healing. Ember is my own personal super-hero! Fighting for all that's good and for the ones she loves. I really also loved Sawyer. *swoons* Especially, toward the ending of the book. (not saying why :P)

Karen Ann Hopkins seamlessly blurs the line between Good and Evil, Angels and Demons, and everything in-between. Her story, Embers is without a doubt one of the most exquisite, breathtaking, and romantic novels I have ever read. All I can say is bring on book 2! I can't wait!!! 

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



About The Author: Karen Ann Hopkins
Find Karen @
Website | Blog | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter
A native of New York State, Karen Ann Hopkins now lives with her family on a farm in northern Kentucky, where her neighbors in all directions are members of a strict Amish community. Her unique perspective became the inspiration for the story of star-crossed lovers Rose and Noah. When she’s not homeschooling her kids, giving riding lessons or tending to a menagerie of horses, goats, peacocks, chickens, ducks, rabbits, dogs and cats, she is dreaming up her next romantic novel.



Please use the rafflecopter form below to enter.
One winner will receive a $100 gift card, another will receive a signed Temptation Series book set, including Temptation, Belonging & Forever, and ten lucky winners will receive an eCopy of EMBERS!

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I would love to hear what everyone thinks of my review. Leave me a comment. ;)



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