Guardians Inc: The Cypher Book Blast: Win $100 Amazon/Paypal

GUARDIANS INC.: THE CYPHER

A chance reading of a newspaper ad will send 16 year old Thomas Byrne into the world within our world.

Following the ad he will find Guardians Incorporated. A seven thousand year old organization charged with protecting the balance between Magic and technology.

Through their guidance, technology has kept Magic at bay since the Renaissance, but the balance is shifting and soon all those creatures we've driven into myth and legend will come back with a vengeance.

To protect the present, Guardians Incorporated needs to know the future and to unlock the future
they need a Cypher.

Book Trailer

Guardians Inc.: The Cypher is FREE on Kindle, Nook & iBooks

Praise
USA Book News 2012 Finalist -Young Adult Fiction

"Rosado-Machain brings a light, humorous touch to themes of teenage love, loss and betrayal wrapped up in a tasty package of magical coming-of-age."
~Kirkus Reviews

"It's like Julian Rosado-Machain took everything that I love about middle grade children's fiction and slammed it into one awesome, well-paced fantasy"
~Emi London Oktopusink.blogspot.com

"The Cypher hooked me from the beginning. And kept my attention right through to the very end."
- Heidi Roth reviewthebook.com

Get Your Copy for FREE

Amazon * Barnes & Noble 

iTunes

Author Julian Rosado-Machain

Julian has enjoyed pizza in three continents, holds a degree in graphic design, built armored vehicles and computers, handcrafted alebrijes and swears has seen at least one ghost.

He is the Co-owner of Hacienda de Vega Restaurant in San Diego, California and enjoys the sun with his wife, three children and cat.

Website * Facebook

Book Blast Giveaway
$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 3/13/13

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 author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.



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Leap Into Books Giveaway Hop!

Welcome to the Leap Into Books Giveaway Hop, hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and Jinky is Reading. This hop runs from February 28th to March 7th.

For this giveaway, one winner will be able to choose one book of their choice from The Book Depository (or Amazon if you are US), up to $10(US). Open INT, you are eligible to win as long as The Book Depository ships free to your country (check HERE). So what are you waiting for? Just fill out the handy dandy Rafflecopter and make your way down the linky!

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Waiting On Wednesday (73)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Title: Another Little Piece

Author: Kate Karyus Quinn

Expected Publication Date: June 11, 2013

Synopsis:

On a cool autumn night, Annaliese Rose Gordon stumbled out of the woods and into a high school party. She was screaming. Drenched in blood. Then she vanished.

A year later, Annaliese is found wandering down a road hundreds of miles away. She doesn't know who she is. She doesn't know how she got there. She only knows one thing: She is not the real Annaliese Rose Gordon.

Now Annaliese is haunted by strange visions and broken memories. Memories of a reckless, desperate wish . . . a bloody razor . . . and the faces of other girls who disappeared. Piece by piece, Annaliese's fractured memories come together to reveal a violent, endless cycle that she will never escape—unless she can unlock the twisted secrets of her past.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: I love amnesia stories. Something about not knowing who you are or where you've been is so intriguing to me. I'm also a fan of missing person stories, and this has both of those elements in one. I'm also loving the cover. I can't wait till June!

What about you? What are you desperate for? Leave me a link in the comments and I'll come check it out!

Fields of Elysium Book Blast: Win $50 Amazon/Paypal

Fields of Elysium by A.B. Whelan

How can love mend a heart full of hate?

Small town girl, Molly Bennett, moves to Los Angeles where she becomes an outsider while attending Beverly Hills High School. It seems life cannot be any more dreadful. Then one day after school, something magical happens. On a secluded hike in the Hollywood Hills, Molly chases her disobedient mutt and only friend into a hidden cavern. She stumbles upon a strange glimmering gateway that transports her to Arkana, a planet that is the cradle of an advanced human race. There, teenagers navigate amazing flying vehicles, compete in perilous games for glory, and possess supernatural powers. While Molly tries to wrap her mind around this unbelievable discovery, she meets the alluring and mysterious Victor Sorren. He is a Sentinel Apprentice, whose hatred toward people from Earth is beyond understanding. Yet every time Victor unpredictably saves Molly's life, his heart draws closer to hers, no matter how much he tries to fight against it. It further complicates things that their growing friendship is strictly forbidden. Earth people are prohibited in Arkana, yet Molly continues to cross through the portal to Arkana to see Victor. Torn between their double lives, they go down a dangerous path, from where there is no return and multiple endings.

Fields of Elysium is a suspenseful, romantic tale full of forbidden secrets, unimaginable danger, deception, and the never-ending fight for true love.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Goodreads * Facebook

PRAISE

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

"I expected a good love story with a paranormal twist. I got so much more. I think you should take the chance and read it. Let this book take you on the adventure, fall in love." - Young Adult and Teen Readers

"Fields of Elysium is a fabulous read. ... Whelan paints her faith into the fabric of her story with deft, light brushstrokes, making her work accessible to all, no matter their spiritual beliefs or background." - Readers Favorite

"I escaped into this fantasy world, author, A.B.Whelan, created and I didn’t want Molly to go. From detailed descriptions, to sweet romance, and to all the twist and turns in the story, it had me captivated from page one." - Mary Ting, author of the Crossroads Saga

"Whelan's writing is very vivid and descriptive. It's more formal than the average YA novel, but I enjoyed the lyrical and mesmerizing quality to it. I thought the overall story read like a fairy tale--very sweet." - Megan Thomason, author of Daynight

Author A.B. Whelan

A.B.Whelan is a Hungarian born, American writer. She currently lives with her husband and two children in Southern California.
While growing up in a wealthy Eastern European family, she had a chance to travel Europe. Later as an adult, she visited Africa and the Middle East and lived in Ecuador and in Crete.

Website * Facebook * Twitter

Tour Schedule

$50 Book Blast Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash plus a gift bag of one signed copy of Fields of Elysium, a scrabble-tile pendant with a butterfly image on a chain necklace, and a fridge magnet.

Ends 3/11/13

Gift Bag open to US only.  If winner is international they will receive only the gift card or paypal cash.
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 author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


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Teaser Tuesday (73)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

This Week's Teaser Is From:

Persephone by Kaitlin Bevis

"Her expression grew more detached, her eyes somehow got older, wiser. Looking at her, there was nothing comforting about her that said mom. This was something else. Something powerful. Something scary."

(Kindle Locations 521-523)

Phantom Summer Book Blast: Win $50 Amazon/Paypal

Phantom Summer by Amy Sparling

Seventeen-year-old Taylor Gray moves to Sterling Island to get over her dead boyfriend. Mom’s cool with letting her crash on the couch, but Taylor needs to get a job before the lights are cut off again.

When the tall, dark and crazy Raine Tsunami offers her a position at his thriving ghost tour business, she figures it’s an easy way to make some cash. Taylor isn’t afraid of ghosts--that crap is as fake as her mom’s boob job. She loves their adventures on the historic island, especially the secret places he shows her when the crowds go home. So what if all the ghost stories are just legends?

When Taylor comes face to face with a ghost and Raine crosses the line between friend and boyfriend--Taylor’s new life collides with her haunted past. If murdered people end up as ghosts, then that someone she was trying to forget is probably trying to find her.

Amazon * Createspace * Goodreads

Praise
"I was wonderfully surprised by Phantom Summer!!! I couldn't put it down. Loved everything about it."
~Amazon Reviewer Angelmusic

"The emotions are so well written... I would definitely recommend reading this."
~Goodreads Reviewer Lauren

Author Amy Sparling

Amy Sparling is a Texas native with a passion for young adult literature. In her free time she participates in an unhealthy amount of Xbox playing, attends nerd conventions and reads books with her daughter. She's studying to become a high school teacher and lives near the beach with her daughter and two cats. Amy Sparling is a pen name.

 Website * Goodreads * Twitter

$50 Book Blast Giveaway

Ends 3/10/13

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 author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


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Review: The Girls' Guide to Love and Supper Clubs by Dana Bate

Title: The Girls' Guide to Love and Supper Clubs Author: Dana Bate Publication Date: February 5, 2013
Synopsis:
Hannah Sugarman seems to have it all. She works for an influential think tank in Washington, D.C., lives in a swanky apartment with her high-achieving boyfriend, and is poised for an academic career just like her parents. The only problem is that Hannah doesn’t want any of it. What she wants is much simpler: to cook.

When her relationship collapses, Hannah seizes the chance to do what she’s always loved and launches an underground supper club out of her new landlord’s town house. Though her delicious dishes become the talk of the town, her secret venture is highly problematic, given that it is not, technically speaking, legal. She also conveniently forgets to tell her landlord she has been using his place while he is out of town.

On top of that, Hannah faces various romantic prospects that leave her guessing and confused, parents who don’t support cooking as a career, and her own fears of taking a risk and charting her own path. A charming romantic comedy, The Girls’ Guide to Love and Supper Clubs is a story about finding yourself, fulfilling your dreams, and falling in love along the way.

~My Thoughts~

If you think the cover of this book is enough to make you hungry, be prepared for what you will find inside. The Girls' Guide to Love and Supper Clubs is packed full of deliciousness. I don't even know what half the food in this book is but I know that I want to eat it. I also know that Hannah, our heroine, and I are destined to be best friends. She loves to cook, I love to eat. She's witty and nervous, just like me. What a fantastic relationship that could be!
I knew from the very beginning of this book that I was going to love Hannah. She isn't your typical skinny girl with a complex. She's not a size two and isn't ashamed of her body. Ok, well maybe she has a few issues with it, but doesn't everyone? She has curves, she cooks, she eats and she makes no apologies for it. But as much as she loves to cook and wants to make a career out of it, she is still being held back. Her boyfriend, his family and even her parents are constantly pressuring her into following their footsteps, which is exactly what she wants to avoid. But Hannah lacks the will power to stand up to her parents and this is constantly getting her in trouble. I could definitely understand her struggles with this. Who wants to disappoint their parents? Especially parents that are so successful themselves. She is also very accident prone, as in if something bad can go wrong, it will. This, of course, makes for some pretty hilarious moments that you can't help but cringe during and hope that Hannah will make it through will just a little bit of dignity left.
Besides Hannah's constant battle in the workforce, she also struggles in love. There are three rather important men in Hannah's life. Adam, the soon to be ex-boyfriend, was not my favorite. To be honest, he was an ass. I kept waiting for something bad to happen to him! Blake, Hannah's new landlord who is constantly making fishing jokes, and Jacob, a sexy Supper Club customer who has taken a liking to Hannah. I had mixed feelings about Jacob, I wasn't sure of his intentions and he made me nervous. On the other hand, I loved Blake. He was weird, dorky and seemed genuine. 
So I guess what I'm saying here is that you seriously need to read this book. I absolutely loved it. Besides Hannah's love life and lack of grace, there is a real story being told here about what it means to grow up and find your own way. Hannah is going through what we all have to go through, growing up and taking charge of your own life. It isn't easy, especially when everyone and everything seems to be pulling against you. 
I can't recommend this book enough. If you are a love of Chick Lit like me, or are just looking for something fun and quick-witted, you don't want to miss this. I also recommend that you be prepared and have a snack ready when you sit down, there are some seriously delicious foods going on in this story. And don't worry, if you find yourself craving one of Hannah's foods, there are recipes in the back to help you make your own.

For more about Dana Bate and The Girls' Guide to Love and Supper Clubs, visit her website here.

~Purchase~
Amazon B&N
The Book Depository








*I received this book for free in exchange of my honest review. This did not influence my opinion in any way and all views and opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Showcase Sunday (44)

Welcome to Showcase Sunday, hosted by Books, Biscuits and Tea. The aim of this event is to showcase our newest books or book related swag and to see what everyone else received for review, borrowed form the libraries, bought in bookshops and downloaded onto eReaders this week. For more information about how this feature works and to join in, click here.

Won:

Pivot Point by Kasie West - Thank you, Xpresso Reads!

The Little Woods by McCormick Templeman - Thank you, Little Library Muse!

It was another small week here again, but that's ok! My husband and kids are all on vacation this coming week so I'm  hoping to get some serious reading time in, although it's pretty hard to read with them all driving me crazy :) We are also getting pounded by snow right now so it doesn't look like we will be able to leave our house any time soon. It's the perfect opportunity to settle in with a warm blanket and a book. 
What about you? Did you get any fun goodies this week? Leave me a link in the comments and I'll come check them out!

On My Wish List (72)

On My Wish List is a fun weekly event hosted by Workaday Reads and runs every Saturday. It's where we list all the books we desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming.

Title: Hunting Lila Author: Sarah Alderson Publication Date: August 5, 2011
Synopsis: 
17-year-old Lila has two secrets she’s prepared to take to the grave. The first is that she can move things just by looking at them. The second is that she’s been in love with her brother’s best friend, Alex, since forever.

After a mugging exposes her unique ability, Lila decides to run to the only people she can trust—her brother and Alex. They live in Southern California where they work for a secret organisation called The Unit, and Lila discovers that the two of them are hunting down the men who murdered her mother five years before. And that they’ve found them.

In a world where nothing and no one is quite as they seem, Lila quickly realises that she is not alone—there are others out there just like her—people with special powers—and her mother’s killer is one of them…

This is another one of those books that escaped my grasp around release time and then quickly fell off my radar. I have seen a ton of good things about it, but I have yet to rush out and grab it. Tell me, have you read it? Should I make a better effort at getting a copy? 

How about you? What do you have waiting for you on your wish list? Leave me a link and I'll come check it out!

Baked Alaska Book Blast: Win $50 Amazon/Paypal

Baked Alaska by Josi S. Kilpack

An Alaskan cruise is the setting for amateur detective Sadie Hoffmillers latest adventure. Sadie plans to spend time relaxing with her two grown children, Breanna and Shawn, and her boyfriend, Pete, while enjoying the luxury and cuisine of an elegant cruise ship and helping to plan her daughters upcoming wedding. But even as the crew prepares to leave port, Sadie has suspicions about the voyage ahead and the relationship between her normally easygoing son and a mysterious female passenger he obviously knows but refuses to discuss. When the woman is discovered unconscious during the second night at sea, Sadies apprehension escalates. Over the last few years, Sadie has developed an extreme dislike for secrets and it would seem her son is keeping one from her. *Includes eight new mouthwatering recipes, tested and approved by the official bakers of Sadies Virtual Test Kitchen.




Praise for Baked Alaska
Josi Kilpack has done it again. You would think that all these events that occur in Sadie's life wouldn't be natural, but Josi Kilpack has a way of making you believe that it just "happens" and it is normal. I have grown to love Sadie's character, even if she is a busybody, you can't help but cheer for her as she attempts to solve a mystery or crime. One of my favorite series. :)
~Goodreads Reviewer Lacey McNeill

Purchase
Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Deseret Book

Sadie Hoffmiller Culinary Mystery Series

Author Josi S. Kilpack

Josi S. Kilpack grew up hating to read until she was thirteen and her mother handed her a copy of The Witch of Blackbird Pond. From that day forward, she read everything she could get her hands on and credits her writing “education” to the many novels she has “studied” since then. She began her first novel in 1998 and hasn’t stopped since. Her seventh novel, Sheep’s Clothing, won the 2007 Whitney Award for Mystery/Suspense, and Lemon Tart, her ninth novel, was a 2009 Whitney Award Finalist. Josi was the Best in State winner in literature for 2012 and currently has two books (Banana Split and Tres Leches Cupcakes) as finalists in the 2012 Whitney awards.

Josi currently lives in Willard, Utah, with her family.

Website * Twitter

Tour Schedule

Book Blast Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 3/17/13

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 author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.



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Weigh Me Wednesday: My Journey with Nutrisystem (#NSNation #spon)- Week 13

Welcome to Week 13 of Weigh Me Wednesday: My Journey with Nutrisystem! As a Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program member, I am on the Women's Diabetes Select Program!

In Which I've Hit a Slump:
It hasn't been a great couple of weeks for me. I haven't lost anything the past two weeks and this week I only lost half a pound. I know I should be happy to have lost even that, but I'm still wishing it were more. I'm hoping for more next week.

Exercise:
Nutrisystem recommends at least three ten minute daily exercise activities. Not so bad right? Sadly, I've found myself growing bored with my exercise routine and am desperate for Spring to make an appearance. I love my elliptical, but I hate being stuck inside day after day. I want sun! I want fresh air! I want to not freeze! So I'm on the hunt for new exercise ideas that are fun to do and can be done indoors while I wait for nature to give me some love. I think I'm leaning towards yoga and some exercise channels on tv. 
Food:
I'm still experimenting with Nutrisystem's new menu, although I find myself gravitating towards the same foods. I'm absolutely LOVING the Kung Pao Noodles, even though they are super spicy. As for snacks, I've tried some new cookies (oatmeal, yum!) but am still obsessing over the Zesty Snack Mix. It's just about time to put in my next Nutrisystem food order and I'm looking forward to trying some new foods. New foods = new pics!
I love that Nutrisystem's menu is always changing, with new meals being added often. I'm a very picky eater and having diabetes is probably the worst thing for someone who struggles finding food they like. Most things I like are not great for my health. I'm so thankful that Nutrisystem has a large variety of meals to choose from so I can always be sure to have something tasty. This keeps me from straying off the menu plan and keeps those naughty urges at bay. 

So what's my goal for next week?
Next week I am aiming for another pound. My kids will be on vacation start Friday and I'm hoping that they will get me up and moving around. Maybe I will have to teach them who's boss on Wii Fit Plus ;)
Remember to stop by next week for Week 14's results!


Huge thanks to Meredith Bandy and Nutrisystem for giving me the opportunity to take part in their program!


Want to join me on my journey through weight loss with Nutrisystem? Head on over to their website here or call 1-888-853-4689 to join now! Come on, what are you waiting for? Let's get healthy!







*Disclaimer: As part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program, Nutrisystem has provided me with their food and services for free in exchange of my honest review of their program. This does not influence my opinion in any way and all views and opinions expressed are 100% my own. 

Waiting On Wednesday (72)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Title: Rush Author: Eve Silver Expected Publication Date: June 11, 2013
Synopsis:
So what’s the game now? This, or the life I used to know?

When Miki Jones is pulled from her life, pulled through time and space into some kind of game—her carefully controlled life spirals into chaos. In the game, she and a team of other teens are sent on missions to eliminate the Drau, terrifying and beautiful alien creatures. There are no practice runs, no training, and no way out. Miki has only the guidance of secretive but maddeningly attractive team leader Jackson Tate, who says the game isn’t really a game, that what Miki and her new teammates do now determines their survival, and the survival of every other person on this planet. She laughs. He doesn’t. And then the game takes a deadly and terrifying turn.

Well I think it's pretty obvious why I've gone with Rush this week. Games of survival  swoon-worthy lead male and aliens. Yup, pretty much sums up a kickass book to me! If only June weren't so far away :(

What about you? What are you anxiously awaiting? You know the drill, link me up!

Teaser Tuesday (72)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

This Week's Teaser Is From:

A Shade of Vampire by Bella Forrest

"I’d never felt more vulnerable than I did the moment Derek Novak’s electric blue eyes settled on me. His gaze betrayed the thoughts roaming his mind. I was a lamb – a lamb ready for slaughter." Kindle edition - 19%