Sunday 7 September 2014

Bought, Borrowed & Bagged (67)

Bought, Borrowed and Bagged hosted by Talk Supe is a weekly meme where you can share your book haul, ongoing events and news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead.
Please Note: All images link back to their GR pages.
New Books
It has been a very long time since entering any giveaways on goodreads, so before I headed off to i52 I did just this, and was very surprised upon returning home to have a copy of Disappeared by Anthony Quinn on my bed! I also received a copy of Patch Up by Stephanie Witter to review, not my usual choice of books but I'm interested.
DisappearedPatch Up (Patch Up, #1)

Recently on Northern Plunder
Upcoming on Northern Plunder
Review: Memory's Wake by Selena Fenech
Review: Embracing the Wolf by Catherine Bybee
Attempting University
Lauren's Progress
Read in 2014: 22 / 50
Deviation by Christine Manzari
Patch Up by Stephanie Witter

Currently Reading:
Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor
News from Lauren
I've now been in my new flat for almost a week, its great how much easier living here is compared to the last flat. I'm with actual friends this time who are tidy too.
Also my best friend stayed with me and he gave me one of my birthday presents early, its a phone case with my favourite character on it from Smite. I'll be sure to show it when I do the wrap up post with my other presents!
Please note that I've implemented a new drop down menu at the top but some pages are still in progress so the links haven't been added yet!

Wednesday 3 September 2014

Review: Deviation by Christine Manzari


Deviation by Christine Maznari

Published: 9th August 2013 by CreateSpace
Genre: Young Adult / Science Fiction
Series: The Sophisticates #1
Page Count: 430
Format: eBook
Source: From author via Xpresso Book Tours

Synopsis: 
Being a Sophisticate of the Program seems like it’d be a pretty sweet deal: a little genetic alteration and anyone can be smarter, faster, and stronger. It’s a dream come true. All you have to give up is your freedom. 

Cleo is a Sophisticate and she has a bright future in the Program. But she has a secret. When she gets upset, bad things happen. Explosive things. Things she can’t control. 

When her secret is discovered, she’s sent to the Academy to train in the military branch of the Program. She’s destined to be a human weapon in the war that’s been going on since Wormwood occurred nearly 30 years ago. She soon learns that although her ability is unique, there are others like her — other Sophisticates with lethal skills and odd code names like Archerfish and Mimic Octopus.

Immersed in a dangerous game of supernatural powers and dubious motives, Cleo doesn’t know who to trust. Ozzy, the annoyingly attractive cadet who has perfect aim in weapons class and deviant lips behind closed doors, begs her not to use her powers. He’s the golden boy of the Program, but can she trust him? Or will she find herself a target, caught in his crosshairs?

Goodreads
Purchase: Amazon* / TBD* / B&N


Author: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

*When purchasing through these links, I will receive a small amount, I will put any money earned towards hosting a giveaway.


Review:
4 / 5 Stars
I got my copy of Deviation through a review opportunity that Xpresso Book Tours brought to my attention and even though I've been in a little bit of a reading rut - yes still - I decided to try my luck with this book as the synopsis grabbed my attention and I'm super glad I was approved.

Deviation starts off introducing us to Cleo and her dystopian American world where kids likes her are made by the government as part of the Sophisticate programme to be well trained in various areas to take on the terrorists.

Cleo's area of knowledge is mostly in computers and hacking, which only gets her into trouble as she tries to track down who her parents.

This causes the strangest of reactions from her, her room becomes engulfed in fire.

Unsure as to why this happened and unwilling to admit she could've possibly done this she tries to ignore it but as her next day in class only leaves her to be transferred to school for mandates that are training as part of the military branch, she realises things are only going to get more complicated.

Especially for someone who faints when holding a gun and has already gotten more than enough attention from the prickly head bitch at the school - Quinby.

What I liked about this book is how real Cleo's struggle was with adapting to a new school but also with all the secrets she starts finding out. Her judgement and reactions are believable and I really liked her growth throughout the book.

"The future wasn't something I could control; I knew that. I just had to control how I handled it."

Another bit that hooked me was the roller derby she has to compete in, I've only read one other book with roller derby and it was so great to read about it more. I loved how it fit into the story and provided a ground for Cleo and Quinby to thrash it out on.

The one downside I had with this book is Ozzy. Ozzy is supposed to he be the hero, the book boyfriend we're gushing over with Cleo, but I just couldn't find it in me to like him. At first I couldn't really place it and I thought he would grow on me more, he was pretty mysterious and seemed to know a lot about Cleo which I had assumed was more his deviation that anything but as it comes to light he was a little too creepy.

Years of stalking, being an assassin and telling me you know everything about me whilst wanting to have kissed me for the last two years when I've only known you for two weeks is not going to make my panties drop. 

I decided to try and ignore how uncomfortable Ozzy made me feel as Cleo is clearly attracted too him and i you choose to believe everything he says, he is really only looking out for her and the others. I moved on and enjoyed the book.

That was until Ozzy decided to go all straight white boy texting on her and flaunt about in a fedora.

Yes he may be well built, good with weapons and good looking but a fedora is a fedora.

The following quote happens shortly after Cleo turns down him and the dress he's bought her to wear to the dance:


"Ozzy: I was hoping to have dreams about you wearing it.
Me: Well, you'll just have to dream about me without it.
Okay I realised my mistake too late.
Me: That's not what I meant and you know it.
Ozzy: Too late. Good night, Cleo. Sweet dreams I know mine will be."


The reason this really threw me off Ozzy is because Cleo has made it pretty clear up until now that she isn't 100% sure she wants anything to do with him and he's so pushy with her and kissing her to "help her make up her mind" and it just makes me feel very uncomfortable. 

Cleo doesn't really seem to think so eventually but it just didn't sit right with me and I hope in the second book he'll calm down a bit and I'll be able to like him more.

He's the only reason its not five stars really. Ooops.

Anyhow, aside from that I really enjoyed reading this book and was really hooked the other day when I finished it. I couldn't put it down because its such a gripping ending and what people will have to keep in mind is that this book is 430 pages so we aren't thrown straight into the action and all-knowing parts, it takes its time, builds up all the important characters and their abilities (yes Cleo isn't the only one) and I definitely think as everything is already laid out, plus a small twist, that the second book will not suffer from second book syndrome and will be a thrilling read too.

Friday 29 August 2014

Insomnia Gaming Festival

Less books, more gaming. 
I had intended to do a very well planned out post about my time at Insomnia Gaming Festival, or i52 for short, with lovely pictures of the exhibition halls the Bring Your Own Computer halls and overall documenting the great time I had with my friends.

However I didn't take any photographs because I was simply enjoying myself too much and well running off not a lot of sleep.


i52 started for my group of friends on the Thursday which went very smoothly and we gamed until 2am I believe. Friday was the first  "proper" day though as the exhibition halls actually opened, inside there were stalls to try out early access to Evolve and Borderlands: The Pre-sequel and a Transformers themed MOBA, a few stalls selling geek themed items and of course PC stallls. Above is my group of friends with one of the guys we know working there.

I aimed to pull an all nighter that night too, most of my group abandoned ship before 4am I believe so it was just myself and my best friend, Jon. It went pretty smoothly and I didn'[t even feel tired until they so rudely turned the lights back on at 8:20am. That was killer. Have you ever gone from so long in the dark to sudden and un-warning bright light when tired. It is not fun!
soz @precipere it’s mine now where c:6:30am. It’s pretty cold inside the hall right now but I can totally handle this all nighter with @precipere
Of course some obligatory selca's of me during the night, the second one I was adamant I could last until that evening until I slept. 

The rest of the weekend pretty much carried on the same, apart from I was much more sensible with my sleeping - only getting myself delirious with lack of sleep on the Sunday night. The only downside to the long weekend was the local shops and restaurants weren't prepared for the extra 2,500+ people that they should've been feeding. It was very much a first come, first served, fight for the best food situation each day.

The drive back was really smooth though! (Nothing to do with me sleeping, nope).

Sunday 17 August 2014

Bought, Borrowed & Bagged (66)

Bought, Borrowed and Bagged hosted by Talk Supe is a weekly meme where you can share your book haul, ongoing events and news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead.
Please Note: All images link back to their GR pages.
New Books
I'm still being well behaved on the book side of things, both Captured by S.J. Harper and the Kingdom Series Collection (1-3) by Marie Hall are amazon freebies. I saw them on another blog and their covers were too nice to pass.
Captured (Fallen Siren, #0.5)Kingdom Series Collection: Books 1-3 (Kingdom, #1-3)
However outside of reading I did pretty bad, I spent last week with my best friend and we saw Guardians of the Galaxy as well as having a take away every night, so not only did I loose a few £ I probably gained a few too. I shall behave better for the rest of the year.

Recently on Northern Plunder
Upcoming on Northern Plunder
*nothing next week as I'm at a gaming festival and decided to leave my blog inactive for it, ready for a potential wrap up post*
Lauren's Progress
Read in 2014: 21 / 70
Deviation by Christine Manzari

Currently Reading:
Soulless by Gail Carriger
Dreams of Gods and Monsters by Laini Taylor
News from Lauren
As mentioned I spent a week with my best friend, we basically had a week long movie marathon, it was so amazing. Its been too long since I've just done nothing, but also so long since seeing The Matrix, Sin City and other movies. Plus how frakking amazing is Guardians of the Galaxy? I love it.
This week I'm starting to move some of the non-essentials into my new flat which'll be great, I can't wait to fully move in.

Please note that I've implemented a new drop down menu at the top but some pages are still in progress so the links haven't been added yet!

Wednesday 13 August 2014

DNF Review: All He Saw Was The Girl by Peter Leonard


All He Saw Was The Girl by Peter Leonard

Published: 15th May 2012 by The Story Plant
Genre: Thriller / Mystery
Page Count: 290
Format: eBook
Source: Book Tour

Synopsis: 
Rome:
McCabe and Chip, two American exchange students, are about to become embroiled with a violent street gang, a beautiful Italian girl, and a flawed kidnapping plan.

Detroit:
Sharon Vanelli’s affair with Joey Palermo, a Mafia enforcer, is about to be discovered by her husband, Ray, a secret service agent.

Brilliantly plotted and shot through with wry humor, ALL HE SAW WAS THE GIRL sees these two narratives collide in the backstreets of Italy’s oldest city.

Goodreads
Purchase: Amazon* / TBD* / B&N / Kobo

Peter Leonard: Website | Facebook | Goodreads
*When purchasing through these links, I will receive a small amount, I will put any money earned towards hosting a giveaway.


Review:
Did Not Finish
1 / 5 Stars

I first received this book two years ago, it was the first book I ever agreed to review as part of a book tour and I felt terrible that I just couldn't get into it that I promised I'd give it ago at a later date.

Well this year was the later date and yet again it just didn't grip me, back then I should've known I wouldn't finish it even after time had passed but I also was very stubborn and refused to acknowledge "did not finish" could be a thing.

The reason I agreed to this tour was because I was still very much in love with Rome, I always will be, I had a great time being there and I wanted to read a book set there to see how they'd portray the two cities and whether they'd connect.

After reading two chapters and then finding myself skimming the words I realised I just couldn't do it, nothing grabbed my attention and hooked me, it was simply a chore.

I've seen the book have some good reviews and I'm upset that I didn't get to see this part of the book, but alas I just couldn't connect.

Sunday 10 August 2014

Mini Review: Hot Ticket by Olivia Cunning


Hot Ticket by Olivia Cunning

Published: 5th February 2013 by Sourcebooks Casablance
Genre: Romance / 18+
Series: Sinners on Tour #3
Page Count: 365
Format: eBook
Source: Bought

Synopsis: 
Book #3 in reading order of events in book series, per author

There are things in bassist Jace Seymour’s past that he is unwilling to share with anyone. To cover his guilt and anguish, he seeks dominatrix Mistress V (Aggie) to temporarily placate his inner turmoil.

Aggie doesn’t have much use for men–besides the power rush she gets when they’re begging for mercy at her feet–but Jace isn’t like her usual clients. His cool defiance and unexpected dominance in the bedroom drives her to distraction and quickly steals her heart.

When circumstances threaten Jace’s position in Sinners, Aggie must help him regain his rightful place in the band while showing him that time and love can heal all wounds.

Goodreads

Purchase: Amazon* / TBD* / B&N / Kobo

Olivia Cunning: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

*When purchasing through these links, I will receive a small amount, I will put any money earned towards hosting a giveaway.

Click here for review of Sinners on Tour Book 1 and 2.

Review:
3.5 / 5 Stars
Hot Ticket is from Jace's point of view, and probably my favourite of the series read so far and this falls down to one thing, and this one thing bumped it up to a 3.5 stars.

The thing in question is the character development of Jace, if you loved his character before hand I can only think that after reading this you will love him more.

The depth that exists in Jace's emotions in immense, the guilt and anguish he feels is real and he barely knows how to handle it.

That is until Aggie comes along, she is amazing. Even outside of her dominatrix career she is able to handle Jace so well and it just made me gush an awful lot watching her work through his past with him which allowed him to gain control over the parts of his life that were out of his control.

Aside from this I did have some things about the book I disliked, that being the trend of this book when comparing it to the previous ones.

The Sinners on Tour stories follow a trend: he meets her > they're not good for each other > they need each other > they finally have each other > INJURY!! > happily ever after.

So after reading a third book with a similar path its a bit samey, however I do intend to finish the series because I'm invested now.

Wednesday 6 August 2014

Attempting University (3)


First year of university is over, I finished it with some very good grades and I got the full deposit back on my flat even though it had looked more like a garbage truck most of the time.

Summer has been really good, I've not done too much when it comes to being creative but I have been working on a few small things.

But for now I want to finish sharing my Creative Narrative work with you, don't know what I'm talking about? Please refer to this post for the first lot of my work.

(Hey also please note that I do have a blog to keep track of my work in progress which can be viewed here, at the moment I'm posting these images you can see below as I'm not actually working on anything I can show just yet - its a present for my best friend)

These two images illustrate a transition of sorts, the change in nature to man-made and old to new. I prefer my second attempt at this and surprisingly really enjoyed the process and outcome.



I have a great love for typography, and I think that is why I took to this task so strong. I had to illustrate a different typeface for every letter of the alphabet that portrayed "environment" before selection one to create fully. My chosen design was inspired by tree rings and ripples in water.


Here I decided to use leaves and plants to portray the "environment" theme by dipping and printing them with ink.


These last two aren't of my creations but instead some of the research, planning and development that went into some of my final pieces of work. I think I ended up working harder on this part than the outcome in the end.


Sunday 3 August 2014

Bought, Borrowed & Bagged (65)

Bought, Borrowed and Bagged hosted by Talk Supe is a weekly meme where you can share your book haul, ongoing events and news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead.

New Books
So I've finally completed my current ASOIAF paperback set, thank you to my friend for sending me these. I'm really happy that I own them all now as its given me the push I needed to keep reading A Storm of Swords.
A Feast for Crows (A Song of Ice and Fire, #4)A Dance with Dragons: Dreams and Dust (A Song of Ice and Fire #5, Part 1 of 2)A Dance with Dragons: After the Feast (A Song of Ice and Fire #5, Part 2 of 2)
Since accepting a hardback copy of The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest from my Grandpa he's been hoarding hardback books for me, not realising it was that specific book I was lusting for in hardcover and not all hardcovers but this has turned out into a good thing because no doubt I'm getting introduced into authors I wouldn't otherwise pick up so thats why I have Faces by Martina Cole,  Unscathed by Major Phil AshbyNYPD Red by James Patterson and Marshall Karp, Book of the Dead by Patricia Cornwell, Presumed Guilty and Never Say Die by Tess Gerritsen, and Sanctus and The Key by Simon Tyone added to my shelf.
FacesUnscathed: Escape from Sierra LeoneNYPD Red (NYPD Red, #1)Book Of The Dead (Kay Scarpetta, #15)
Presumed GuiltyNever Say Die
SanctusThe Key
Whilst ordering my dad birthday presents I also slipped up and ordered Saga, Volume One by Brian K. Vaughan/Fiona Staples and Tank Girl, Volume One Remastered by Alan Martin/James Hewlett.
Saga, Volume 1Tank Girl 1 (Remastered Edition)
Lastly I actually accepted a book for review too, which is Diamones by Massimo Marino.
Daimones (Daimones Trilogy, #1)
Recently on Northern Plunder
Upcoming on Northern Plunder
Attempting University
Mini Review: Hot Ticket by Oliva Cunning
DNF Review: All He Saw was the Girl by Peter Leonard
Mini Review: The Restaurant at the End of the Universe by Douglas Adams
Lauren's Progress
Read in 2014: 20 / 70
Assured Destruction by Michael F. Stewart
Script Kiddie by Michael F. Stewart
Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor
With Zombies by Michael F. Stewart
Memory's Wake by Selina Fenech
Embracing the Wolf by Catherine Bybee
Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr
Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr
Kick Ass by Mark Millar
Kick Ass 2 by Mark Millar

Currently Reading:
Deviation by Christine Manzari
Dreams of Gods and Monsters by Laini Taylor
Soulless by Gail Carriger
A Storm of Sword: Steel and Snow by George R. R. Martin
News from Lauren
I took a break from blogging and now I'm finally back, I've used the time off to queue up stuff ready to post this month and the following in hopes this'll give me the start I need to not get behind again. My reading has picked up slowly but surely too. 
August is actually a really busy month for me, I'm sure I'll clue you in on some of the highlights as they happen, at the moment I'm staying with a friend for a week so any comments will be replied too once I get back home. 
I hope everyone's August and reading is going well, and hello again I guess.

Please note that I've implemented a new drop down menu at the top but some pages are still in progress so the links haven't been added yet!

Friday 1 August 2014

June & July Wrap Up

As June started I decided I needed to figure out my reading, I needed to find myself again. Somewhere along the road reading had become too much of a chore for myself and whilst what I read I was enjoying it also felt taxing, because of this I put down the two larger books I was trying to make my way through and focus on smaller or YA books. As you can see this has worked out well for me and these past two months have been so much more successful for me. I also started blogging more but only queued posts up for August/September to keep myself from getting behind again.


Women Author Challenge
8. Memory's Wake by Selina Fenech
9. Embracing the Wolf by Catherine Bybee

10. Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr
11. Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr
Total: 11 / 20

Indie Fever Challenge
8. With Zombies by Michael F. Stewart
Total: 8 / 24

TBR Pile Challenge
5. Memory's Wake by Selina Fenech
6. Embracing the Wolf by Catherine Bybee

7. Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr
8. Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr
9. Kick Ass by Mark Millar
10. Kick Ass 2 by Mark Millar
Total: 10 / 24

Shelf Stacking:
Over these two months I've only purchased the two graphic novels, all others have been gifted to me from family or friends.

A Feast for Crows (A Song of Ice and Fire, #4)A Dance with Dragons: Dreams and Dust (A Song of Ice and Fire #5, Part 1 of 2)A Dance with Dragons: After the Feast (A Song of Ice and Fire #5, Part 2 of 2)
FacesUnscathed: Escape from Sierra LeoneNYPD Red (NYPD Red, #1)Book Of The Dead (Kay Scarpetta, #15)
Presumed GuiltyNever Say DieSanctusThe Key
Saga, Volume 1Tank Girl 1 (Remastered Edition)
Daimones (Daimones Trilogy, #1)

Thursday 31 July 2014

Cover Reveal & Giveaway: Cinder & Ella by Kelly Oram

Thanks to Kelly Oram I'm able to share the cover for her new YA/NA retelling of Cinderella, which is expected to be released 1st October.


Sysnopsis
It’s been almost a year since eighteen-year-old Ella Rodriguez was in a car accident that left her crippled, scarred, and without a mother. After a very difficult recovery, she’s been uprooted across the country and forced into the custody of a father that abandoned her when she was a young child. If Ella wants to escape her father’s home and her awful new stepfamily, she must convince her doctors that she’s capable, both physically and emotionally, of living on her own. The problem is, she’s not ready yet. The only way she can think of to start healing is by reconnecting with the one person left in the world who’s ever meant anything to her—her anonymous Internet best friend, Cinder. 

Hollywood sensation Brian Oliver has a reputation for being trouble. There’s major buzz around his performance in his upcoming film The Druid Prince, but his management team says he won’t make the transition from teen heartthrob to serious A-list actor unless he can prove he’s left his wild days behind and become a mature adult. In order to douse the flames on Brian’s bad-boy reputation, his management stages a fake engagement for him to his co-star Kaylee. Brian isn’t thrilled with the arrangement—or his fake fiancée—but decides he’ll suffer through it if it means he’ll get an Oscar nomination. Then a surprise email from an old Internet friend changes everything.

Extract
You do have someone who cares, he said softly. No matter how bad things are at home or at school or whatever, you have me. Youre my best friend, too. You have my number now. Save it in your phone and call it anytimeday, night, the witching hourit doesnt matter. Okay?

It took me a momentand a series of deep breathsbefore I could respond. Okay.

Promise?

I promise. As long as I always have you, Ill be fine. I kicked myself internally and laughed.Wow, that sounded really cheesy. You see? Thats why I didnt want to call you. I can filter my stupid mouth so much better when I have to type out my thoughts.

Cinder laughed again. Ah, but then you would miss out on all the sweet nothings I plan to whisper in your ear now that I know how much you like my ultra-sexy voice.

I blushed but refused to let him know that his flirting rattled me. I never said ultra, you egomaniac. But you should definitely consider recording audiobooks for a living.

Hmm. Thats not a bad idea. Cinders voice dropped to that slow, seductive purr again as he asked, Would you like me to read to you, Ellamara?

I thrilled at the thought and couldnt quite mask my excitement. Seriously?

Why not? Before you called, I was getting ready to have a Top Gear marathon all by my lonesome.

You are such a liar. Tonight is Friday night, and its Halloween. There is no way you dont have plans.

I dont have important ones. Its just a stupid party that my sort-of girlfriend wants me to go to.

Your sort-of girlfriend?

Yeah. Cinder stretched the word out in a long breath. Its a long story, but Im not that into her. Id much rather stay home and read with you. Besides, I cant hang up on you when youve had the worst day ever. What kind of best friend would that make me?

I almost cried again. The offer was so sweet. And thoughtful. Reading was a passion Cinder and I shared. We read and discussed books all the time. Wed even decided to read the same book at the same time before, but wed never read one together. Cinder had to know how much that would mean to me.

It has to be The Druid Prince, I said.

Cinder laughed. Its already in my hands.

Giveaway

Tuesday 29 July 2014

Release Day Blitz: Tracy Bangart, Heather Hildenbrand & Aimee L. Salter



Every Ugly Word by Aimee L. Salter
When seventeen-year-old Ashley Watson walks through the halls of her high school bullies taunt and shove her. She can’t go a day without fighting with her mother. And no matter how hard she tries, she can’t make her best friend, Matt, fall in love with her. But Ashley also has something no one else does: a literal glimpse into the future. When Ashley looks into the mirror, she can see her twenty-three-year-old self. Her older self has been through it all already—she endured the bullying, survived the heartbreak, and heard every ugly word her classmates threw at her. But her older self is also keeping a dark secret: Something terrible is about to happen to Ashley. Something that will change her life forever. Something even her older self is powerless to stop.

Purchase on Amazon


Aimee L. Salter

Aimee L. Salter writes novels for teens and the occasional adult who, like herself, is still in touch with their inner-high schooler. She never stopped appreciating those moments in the dark when you say what you're really thinking. And she'll always ask you about the things you wish she wouldn't ask you about. Aimee blogs for both writers and readers at www.aimeelsalter.com. You can also find her on Twitter and Facebook.
FACEBOOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE | GOODREADS | AMAZON






Imitation by Heather Hildenbrand

 Everyone is exactly like me. There is no one like me. Ven wrestles with these contradicting truths every day. A clone of wealthy eighteen- year-old Raven Rogen, Ven knows everything about the girl she was created to serve: the clothes she wears, the boys she loves, the friends she loves to hate. Yet she’s never met the Authentic Raven face-to-face. Imitations like Ven only get to leave the lab when they’re needed—to replace a dead Authentic, donate an organ, or complete a specific mission. And Raven has never needed Ven . . . until now. When there is an attack on Raven’s life, Ven is thrust into the real world, posing as Raven to draw-out the people who tried to harm her. But as Ven dives deeper into Raven’s world, she begins to question everything she was ever told. She exists for Raven, but is she prepared to sacrifice herself for a girl she’s never met?
Purchase on Amazon

Heather HildenbrandHeather Hildenbrand was born and raised in a small town in northern Virginia where she was homeschooled through high school. Since 2011, she's published more than eight YA & NA novels including the bestselling Dirty Blood series. She splits her time between coastal Virginia and the island of Guam and loves having a mobile career and outrageous lifestyle of living in two places. Heather is also a publishing and success coach bent on equipping and educating artists who call themselves authors. She loves teaching fellow writers how to create the same freedom-based lifestyle she enjoys. For more information visit www.phoenixauthorink.com and find out how to create your own OutRAGEous Life. You can find out more about her and her books at www.heatherhildenbrand.blogspot.com
FACEBOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON 


Rebel Wing by Tracy Banghart
The Dominion of Atalanta is at war. But for eighteen-year-old Aris, the fighting is nothing more than a distant nightmare, something she watches on news vids from the safety of her idyllic seaside town. Then her boyfriend, Calix, is drafted into the Military, and the nightmare becomes a dangerous reality. Left behind, Aris has nothing to fill her days. Even flying her wingjet—the thing she loves most, aside from Calix—feels meaningless without him by her side. So when she’s recruited to be a pilot for an elite search-and-rescue unit, she leaps at the chance, hoping she’ll be stationed near Calix. But there’s a catch: She must disguise herself as a man named Aristos. There are no women in the Atalantan Military, and there never will be. Aris gives up everything to find Calix: her home. Her family. Even her identity. But as the war rages on, Aris discovers she’s fighting for much more than her relationship. With each injured person she rescues and each violent battle she survives, Aris is becoming a true soldier—and the best flyer in the Atalantan Military. She’s determined to save her Dominion . . . or die trying.
 
Tracy E. Banghart


Tracy Banghart is a cheesy movie-loving, fantasy football-playing (go Ravens!), globe-trotting Army wife who began "practicing" her craft at the age of five, when she wrote her first story. She loves visiting the international friends she met while pursuing her MA in Publishing and spends a portion of every summer at her family's cabin in Canada, where she finds inspiration and lots of time to relax on the dock. She lives with her husband, son, two lazy dogs and one ornery cat. When not writing or spending time with her family, she is on a mission to bake the perfect cupcake. 

  FACEBOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON