Roanoke Vanishing Blog Tour: Review and Giveaway

Welcome to Unabridged Bookshelf's stop on the Roanoke Vanishing Blog Tour!  Make sure to check out everything awesome going on during this tour by clicking the banner above. 

About the Book

Title: Roanoke Vanishing

Author: Auburn Seal

Series: Vanishing #1
Publisher: Keys Publishing House

Publication Date: October 30, 2013

Genres: New Adult, Historical Mystery

Amazon | Barnes and Noble 

What if the only thing standing between you and certain death was the spirit of someone long dead?
Avery Lane, a plucky grad student, is determined to discover the fate of the colonists from sixteenth century Roanoke. Nearly one-hundred twenty souls vanished without a trace in August 1597 and their demise has remained a mystery to world's historical experts.  Aided by a ghost from that time, Avery is certain that she is closer than ever to the truth, but soon discovers that some people will stop at nothing to keep the secret buried. Can Avery find the answers she seeks before it’s too late?

About the Author

Auburn Seal enjoys zipping through life in the lovely Pacific Northwest where she finds herself
surrounded by a great family—one super-cool husband and three awesome children—and gorgeous scenery.
She is a fair-weather blogger (it’s possible she has commitment issues), and has a unique ability to weave the dead into her stories.
Auburn graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science in Student Loans. Oops, Justice Studies. Note the irony. Still, Go Sun Devils!
One of her favorite activities is getting to know new people, so send her an e-mail and check out her website. auburnseal@gmail.com
  

My Review of 

Roanoke Vanishing is a historical mystery with paranormal elements. The unsolved mysteries of history as fascinate me, and the Lost Colony of Roanoke is one that has always peaks my interest. That is why I could not pass up reading Roanoke Vanishing.  With the fluctuating viewpoints between present (Avery) and the past (Elinor Dare), the mystery is given a whole new look from Auburn Seal. While Roanoke Vanishing is a fictional novel, the feel and information in the novel reflects the author’s extensive research and ability to use elements of truth to spin her story. 

Avery is just a graduate student researching her thesis on the Roanoke Colony, when she is pulled deeper into the mystery and the danger that follows, then she ever imagined. Avery is smart, and stubborn, and she will not stop until she has answers. As the protagonist in a mystery those are qualities I think they need to succeed. Although I think, Avery’s need for answers overshadows her relationships with those closest to her, and is probably her biggest flaw.

Since the viewpoint of the story changes between two different characters, the pace and flow of the story changes on a regular basis. To keep this up without deviating or affecting the whole of the story is not something that is easy to achieve, but Auburn Seal does it. This really adds to the distinction between the two viewpoints, and both characters.

I really enjoyed discovering the mysteries of Roanoke Vanishing through Avery and Elinor’s eyes. It really brought my love of history, and mysteries to the surface. I hope that the actual mystery of Roanoke is solved, but for now I will stick to reading others interpretation of the story through fiction. The best part about Roanoke Vanishing is that it is the first book in the Vanishing series, so I get to enjoy more of Avery solving other historical mysteries.

**Unabridged Bookshelf received this book, in exchange for an honest review**

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Waiting on Wednesday: Deception's Princess

 

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we cannot wait to get our hands on.

 I am waiting on:

Title: Deception's Princess

Author: Esther Friesner

Series: Deception's Princess #1

Publisher: Random House

Publication Date: April 22, 2014

Some lies lead to true adventure. . . .
Maeve, princess of Connacht, was born with her fists clenched. And it's her spirit and courage that make Maeve her father's favorite daughter. But once he becomes the High King, powerful men begin to circle--it's easy to love the girl who brings her husband a kingdom.
Yet Maeve is more than a prize to be won, and she's determined to win the right to decide her own fate. In the court's deadly game of intrigue, she uses her wits to keep her father's friends and enemies close--but not too close. When she strikes up an unlikely friendship with the son of a visiting druid, Maeve faces a brutal decision between her loyalty to her family and to her own heart.
Award-winning author Esther Friesner has a remarkable gift for combining exciting myth and richly researched history. This fiery heroine's fight for independence in first-century Ireland is truly worthy of a bard's tale. Hand Deception's Princess to fans of Tamora Pierce, Shannon Hale, and Malinda Lo.

Why am I waiting?

When this one caught my attention it was because I love the cover, but after reading the descprition I realized it had been months since I have read a good historical romance. I am also like a powerful female lead especially in settings and times that do not approve of strong women. I am definatly adding this one to my ever growing reading list. 

What are you waiting on?

Make sure to let me know in the comments

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Book Review: The Secret Diamond Sister

About the Book

Title: The Secret Diamond Sisters

Author: Michelle Madow

Series: The Secret Diamond Sisters #1

Publication Date: February 25, 2014

Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary

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Savannah. Courtney. Peyton.
The three sisters grew up not knowing their father and not quite catching a break. But it looks like their luck is about to change when they find out the secret identity of their long-lost dad—a billionaire Las Vegas hotel owner who wants them to come live in a gorgeous penthouse hotel suite. Suddenly the Strip's most exclusive clubs are all-access, and with an unlimited credit card each, it should be easier than ever to fit right in. But in a town full of secrets and illusion, fitting in is nothing compared to finding out the truth about their past.

My Review of The Secret Diamond Sisters

The Secret Diamond Sisters is a modern American fairytale, where three girls who could barely keep food on their table discover they are daughters of a billionaire. Since this is just the first book, this is just a glimpse into how Peyton, Courtney, and Savannah adjust to the ritzy, celebrity life of being the daughters of a hotel mogul, and just having a father in their lives at all. Each of the girls reacts differently, and I like that each of the girls had their own personalities. Peyton is the most jaded of the sisters; Courtney is the reasonable, responsible sister, while Savannah is the naïve one who looks at this as an opportunity to start over, become the new Savannah, and finally be popular. 

Each of Chapter is told from a different viewpoint usually one of the sisters but there is also the viewpoint of Madison, who is current Queen Bee of the Goodman social scene. I love all the viewpoints except Madeline, simply because she is very self-centered, and conniving. I can only hope for a personality change or sweet justice in the next book. The other personality I had some issues with was Peyton. She is bitter, and angry because of her mom’s alcoholism, absente father’s reappearance, and because her ex-boyfriend broke her heart years ago. For someone so hateful of the male species, she constantly leaves her 15 year old sister alone in Las Vegan nightclubs, with an older, more experience guy. Let alone their father, who is so concerned about their safety and the danger of being related to him, he has hired personal bodyguards, but lets them live in their own condo and have free reign of the Vegas nightlife. I am not saying this is a problem with the storyline, because it is just sadly realistic, and believable. Rich celebrity and hotel moguls’ children grace tabloids much more than they should nowadays. 

Savannah is the biggest concern for being influence by unlimited money, too much freedom, and the lifestyles of living in Las Vegas. She has always wanted to fit in and she seems like she will do almost anything to be part of “the elite.” Courtney is my favorite, because well she is a fellow book nerd. She is also more down to earth and responsible than her sisters. 

When I heard Michelle Madow had written a new series, I just knew I had to try it. I loved Remembrance, and her Transcend Time series. Even though The Secret Diamond Sisters is very different in genre, pace, and feel, but it is a perfect way to tell this story. The Secret Diamond Sisters is just a fun read with a bit of romance. It was a change of pace from my usual reading as of late. I also have a feeling there are secrets still hidden. When those secrets finally come out, it could change the story drastically in the next installment. I will defiantly be picking up the next book in this series. 

**Unabridged Bookshelf received this book, in exchange for an honest review**

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Sunrise Blog Tour: Review and Giveaway

Welcome to Unabridged Bookshelf's stop on the Sunrise Blog Tour! Make sure to check out everything going on during this tour by clicking the banner above. 

About the Book

Title: Sunrise

Author: Mike Mullin

Series: Ashfall #3

Publication Date: April 15, 2014

Genres: Young Adult, Post Apocalyptic, 

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | The Book Depository | IndieBound

The Yellowstone supervolcano nearly wiped out the human race. Now, almost a year after the eruption, the survivors seem determined to finish the job. Communities wage war on each other, gangs of cannibals roam the countryside, and what little government survived the eruption has collapsed completely. The ham radio has gone silent. Sickness, cold, and starvation are the survivors’ constant companions.
When it becomes apparent that their home is no longer safe and adults are not facing the stark realities, Alex and Darla must create a community that can survive the ongoing disaster, an almost impossible task requiring even more guts and more smarts than ever—and unthinkable sacrifice. If they fail . . . they, their loved ones, and the few remaining survivors will perish.
This epic finale has the heart of Ashfall, the action of Ashen Winter, and a depth all its own, examining questions of responsibility and bravery, civilization and society, illuminated by the story of an unshakable love that transcends a post-apocalyptic world and even life itself.

About the Author

Mike Mullin’s first job was scraping the gum off the undersides of desks at his high school. From
there, things went steadily downhill. He almost got fired by the owner of a bookstore due to his poor taste in earrings. He worked at a place that showed slides of poopy diapers during lunch (it did cut down on the cafeteria budget). The hazing process at the next company included eating live termites raised by the resident entomologist, so that didn’t last long either. For a while Mike juggled bottles at a wine shop, sometimes to disastrous effect. Oh, and then there was the job where swarms of wasps occasionally tried to chase him off ladders. So he’s really glad this writing thing seems to be working out.
Mike holds a black belt in Songahm Taekwondo. He lives in Indianapolis with his wife and her three cats. Ashen Winter is his second novel. His debut, Ashfall, was named one of the top five young adult novels of 2011 by National Public Radio, a Best Teen Book of 2011 by Kirkus Reviews, and a New Voices selection by the American Booksellers Association
   

My Review of Sunrise

Mike Mullin is a magician with words and he uses his powers to suck readers into the worlds he creates leaving readers desperately hanging on every word. Ashfall started my infatuation, which only grew with Ashen Winter. The wait for Sunrise only made my infatuation into an obsession. When I finally got my hands on Sunrise, the obsession paid off. Sunrise is the perfect conclusion to the Ashfall trilogy. 

Hope is a central theme throughout the entire Ashfall series, but I really think Sunrise is the book where hope is really the key to survival. Alex even though only 17, knows that without planning, there will be no future. As survivors begin to run out of viable food and supplies, they begin to turn on each other. Under constant fear of attack on the farm, Alex and Darla decided it is time to move and start a settlement, one geared towards survival and the future. 

I really think Alex has grown into his own over the course of this series, and those he loves are lucky to have his protection and devotion. Alex would do just about anything to ensure their survival, and future. Darla’s mechanical knowledge is the key to that survival, and it is something I would love to have or at least have someone like her in my group, should the world be plunged into chaos. The relationship between Alex and Darla is my favorite part of Sunrise, because their love is a bright spot in a dark and dreary world. 

Sunrise is a must read especially for fans of the Ashfall series. If have not started this series, what are you waiting for, Yellowstone to erupt? But seriously, this book and series is one of my favorite series of all time. These books are not always the easiest to read, because some of the situations are intense and even terrifying, but they are realistic. That honesty makes me love these books even more, and I want to read anything written by Mike Mullin. I am very curious to see what story he creates next, now that I have to say goodbye to Ashfall. 

**Unabridged Bookshelf received this book, in exchange for an honest review**

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Cover Reveal and Giveaway: Search

Search by Alyssa Rose Ivy
The Empire Chronicles #2

Expected Publication: Summer of 2014
 Cover Design by Phatpuppy Art
Genres: New Adult, Paranormal Romance,

Casey isn't human. The revelation should terrify her, but it doesn't. Instead it excites her. Too bad not everyone is as excited as she is.

Torn between two lives, the only one she's ever known and her life as a paranormal princess, Casey has to decide whether she can trust the man she loves.

Sometimes being a princess isn't all it's cracked up to be.

Other Books In The Series

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

In the city that never sleeps the Chronicles continue…

Serving coffee is temporary, just like Casey’s year off from school. She’s going to come up with a plan to stay in New York City and go back to college, and that plan does not involve dating a paranormal creature—let alone two.

Running the supernatural society of New York is not as fun as it sounds, especially when you still have to answer to your ex-girlfriend’s fiancé. Toby doesn’t mean to bring Casey into the chaos of his life, but he can’t resist the girl who makes him smile when he thought no one else ever could.

Jared’s in New York checking out a security risk for his best friend, the king. He plans to return to New Orleans quickly, but not if it means losing his chance with the brunette who pretends she wants nothing to do with him.

In over her head with a bunch of winged creatures who most definitely are not angels, Casey has to figure out who to trust with her life and maybe her heart.

 About the Author

Alyssa Rose Ivy is a New Adult and Young 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.

    

My Thoughts: If you are a regular visitor to Unabridged Bookshelf, you know that I am an avid Alyssa Rose Ivy fan. My favorite series by her has to be the Crescent Chronicles, and of course the Empire Chronicles because I get to see some of my favorite characters. I am really excited to see where Casey's story goes in Search. I also want to see how Jared and Toby react to the new revelations.

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I want to hear what you think!

Let me know in the comments

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Impossibly Forever Book Blitz: Teaser and Giveaway

Welcome to Impossibly Forever Book Blitz!  Today I have a short teaser from Impossibly Forever and a blitz giveaway for you today!

About the Book

Title: Impossibly Forever: The Complete Impossibly Duology

Author: Shane Morgan

Series: Impossibly Duology #1-2

Publication Date: February 24, 2014

Genres: New Adult, Romance
Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Discover the love story of Moya and Branden; from the very first kiss, to the moment where forever begins.

Includes the first and final book:

Impossibly Love:

All Moya Douglas wants to do is study hard, maintain her scholarship, and make her mother proud while attending college. She doesn't have time for a boyfriend or going on dates arranged by her best friend. Moya doesn't believe in love. And she has no intention of ever finding it.

Branden McCarthy is determined to change her views.

A selfless romantic who's had his heart broken in the past, Branden is fascinated with Moya's personality and hopes to develop something real with her—a connection so strong it'll open her heart. But just when things start to work between the two, Branden’s secret threatens to get in the way.

Will Moya finally do the impossible and give love a chance with Branden, or will fear keep them apart?

Impossibly True:

Moya is finally listening to her heart.

She’s ready for love and willing to bask in all the joy it brings, but still, she insists on taking things slow. After all, her relationship with Branden isn't the only one that needs a chance.

With his health scare behind him, Branden wants nothing more than to get his life back on track—play hockey again, catch up on school, and get things moving with his girlfriend.

In the middle of strengthening their relationship and sorting out their individual lives, trouble begins to brew, testing the depth of their feelings for each other.

Can Branden and Moya once again overcome their trials and prove that their love is indeed true, or will past ghosts and new temptations drive them apart forever? 

INCLUDES

About the Author

SHANE MORGAN is the Amazon Bestselling author of Impossibly Love, and Unresisting. A book fanatic at heart, Shane currently lives in Narragansett, RI. where she spends her days blogging and writing young adult and new adult fiction.

Visit her online:

    

Impossibly Forever Teaser

Moya stayed in the room the rest of the evening. I knew she was upset after seeing Samantha’s text, so I wanted to assure her again that it meant nothing. 

I knocked twice on the door then let myself in when she didn’t respond. She sat down on the loveseat by the window, appearing deep in thought as she picked at her jeans. I sat down next to her.

“Moya, there’s really nothing to be jealous about.”

Slowly, I placed my hand at her back. “Come on, babe don’t let that ruin our weekend.”

“I’m not jealous. I’m fine.”

“Really?”

She rose to her feet, walking over to the window. “Yes. Really.” 

I got up as well. “You should talk to me when you’re upset, and don’t walk away like you did earlier.” 

Her expression relaxed as I took her hand. Turning slightly to meet my gaze, she said, “I’m not used to…being like this. I don’t like it. It makes me feel…”

“Vulnerable,” I finished for her. “I understand, babe.”

She faced me fully, her chocolate brown eyes craving for me. “I hate that another girl loved you that much, before me.” She laughed at herself. “It makes me seem possessive, but I want to love you more…so much more than she did.”

“That’s intense,” I teased. 

Scoffing, Moya rolled her eyes and spun away from me, staring out the window again. I edged closer and cloaked my arms around her. “I like how passionate you are, because I’m the same. I want to be your first and your last. I want every part of you, Moya.”

Seconds later, I was peering into her mesmerizing eyes again. My heart started to race just as her breathing strengthened. There was something rising between us. Heat circulated in the air, making it difficult to control my thoughts. 

Unexpectedly, Moya pushed into my chest, biting on my bottom lip as she kissed me hard.

We continued for a while, burning up in desire, until Moya yanked on my shirt and guided me over to the bed.

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Cover Reveal: Timespell: Perilous Waters

Cover Reveal
Timespell: Perilous Waters by Diana Paz
Timespell #2

Expected Publication: May 15, 2014
 Cover Design by Michelle Davidson Argyle
Genres: Science Fiction, Time-Travel, Young Adult

After nearly losing their lives defeating the creatures of Mythos in Revolutionary France, Julia and Kaitlyn finally understand what Angie has known all along… being a Daughter of Fate isn’t so fun when one mistake can mean their deaths. Haunted by visions and horror-filled memories, the girls have spent the summer honing their newly discovered magical abilities, determined to grow in power and prepare for the uncertain time when the Fates summon them to their next mission.

But their protector Ethan, still embittered by Julia’s betrayal, refuses to engage in the girls’ magical research or power-enhancing spell practice. That is, until his brother’s loyalty to Julia causes him to unwittingly uncover ancient magic greater and more binding than any force the girls have encountered so far. Before the girls or Ethan grasp the full extent of what his brother has done, the girls are jettisoned through time into the madness of the Caribbean during the golden age of piracy.

Only by working together can the girls harness the full power of their magic and secure the world timeline, but with the lives of those close to Angie and Julia at risk, and Kaitlyn designing a dark agenda of her own, all three girls harbor secrets that threaten to drive their fledgling trinity apart. Small treacheries, mounting fear, and the use of dark magic have not gone unnoticed by those trapped within the Nether… those who would stop at nothing to unleash their destruction upon the world once more.

 About the Author

Diana Paz writes books about magic, adventure, and romance. She was born in Costa Rica, grew upon Miami Beach, moved to Los Angeles in high school, and went to college in San Diego. Basically, she’s a beach bum. Diana graduated from California State University, San Marcos with a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts. She loves old movies, epic fantasy, all kinds of music, and heading to the beach with a good book. Preferably sipping a highly sweetened iced coffee.

  

My Thoughts: I really like the different blues on the cover they really work well together, and they make of course think of the ocean and water.

I want to hear what you think!

Let me know in the comments

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