100 Followers Giveaway! :)

I reached 100 followers on my blog?!?!?!

OH MY GOSH, I'M SO HAPPY!

I love you guys! Thanks for checking out my posts, and for commenting! Y'all make this blogging thing so much fun! :)

(Side-note: I totally saw Despicable Me 2 with my little brother last week. It was SO CUTE!)

***

Okay, let's get real now that I've had my fun. I think I've been gif deprived since I haven't used them in reviews in awhile. :) 

Like, no joke, I never thought I would actually get followers, let alone have 100 of them. (Oh, I've been going by my Bloglovin account, BTW. Since GFC was supposed to be gone and all, I've been using Bloglovin as the primary way to follow Part of that World). I've had this blog since November of 2012, but I blogged maybe 2 or 3 times a month until May. It was just this lonely little blog out in the blogosphere. Until I decided that I wanted to make it a full-time book blog. Then I asked my friend, Liz, for help with blog names, and she came up with some really cool ones. I thought on it, and decided on Part of that World. I love all things Disney, and I'm sure if you've read any of my previous posts, you'd have figured that out. :P I started joining groups on Goodreads and following other people's blogs. I participate in three weekly memes, where I've found a lot of awesome people who share the same love of books as me.

I just love having book talks with people. <3

***

So, I'd just like to say to you all:

I appreciate the follows and the comments a lot! <3

***

This will be my first giveaway! So, please excuse any errors! I hope this goes smoothly. :)

GIVEAWAY TIME! This is what y'all have been waiting for, isn't it?

*hardcore drumroll* 

Well, I'm going to be giving away a paperback copy of That Night on Thistle Lane by Carla Neggers!

Which means.... *dun, dun, dun* It's a US only giveaway... 

I'M SO SORRY, INTERNATIONAL FOLLOWERS! I just don't have the money to send a book overseas. In the future, I hope to do e-book giveaways, where I can include you guys. Please forgive me! I love you all, and I wish I didn't have to exclude you because of where you live. 

Because I'm a college student, I don't have a lot of money. But what I do have are tons of books that I've either already read and didn't like, ones that wouldn't make me cry if I gave them away, or ones that are duplicates. This is one of the duplicates. And I thought, why not give it away to someone who loves books as much as I do? It's brand-new, never been read. No tears, no dog-ears. 

Here's the book! (Well, the online version).

I just love this cover!

If you've never read any of her books, then you are missing out! Carla Neggers is a genius when it comes to mixing mystery and romance in her books. She's one of my favorite authors. I actually have not read this one yet! *gasps* I know, I know. I just haven't had the time to read ANY adult book. But I just know it's going to be good. I hope whoever wins this will enjoy the paperback! :) 

***

The Fine Print:

I just have a few conditions that I need to stress with y'all. I want to make this as easy as possible, and I want the process to go smoothly!

1. You must be 16 years or older!
2. You must have a United States address.
3. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to an email (or a new winner will be chosen!).
4. Any personal information (email and mailing address) given to me will be used only to ensure that the winner receives the book and it will not be shared with anyone.
5. Contest ends on August 13th at 12 a.m. Winner will be chosen and emailed on August 14th. :)

***

Again, thank you so much for your continued support of my blog! I LOVE getting comments and talking books with fellow readers. You guys make this so much fun! :)

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Waiting on Wednesday #9

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. 

This week I'm anxiously awaiting the release of Dark Witch (The Cousins O'Dwyer Trilogy #1) by Nora Roberts!!!

Expected publication date: October 29th, 2013

Add to Goodreads

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts comes a trilogy about the land we’re drawn to, the family we learn to cherish, and the people we long to love…

With indifferent parents, Iona Sheehan grew up craving devotion and acceptance. From her maternal grandmother, she learned where to find both: a land of lush forests, dazzling lakes, and centuries-old legends.

Ireland.

County Mayo, to be exact. Where her ancestors’ blood and magic have flowed through generations—and where her destiny awaits.

Iona arrives in Ireland with nothing but her Nan’s directions, an unfailingly optimistic attitude, and an innate talent with horses. Not far from the luxurious castle where she is spending a week, she finds her cousins, Branna and Connor O’Dwyer. And since family is family, they invite her into their home and their lives.

When Iona lands a job at the local stables, she meets the owner, Boyle McGrath. Cowboy, pirate, wild tribal horsemen, he’s three of her biggest fantasy weaknesses all in one big, bold package.

Iona realizes that here she can make a home for herself—and live her life as she wants, even if that means falling head over heels for Boyle. But nothing is as it seems. An ancient evil has wound its way around Iona’s family tree and must be defeated. Family and friends will fight with each other and for each other to keep the promise of hope—and love—alive…

***

Why am I waiting for this one?

Nora Roberts is my favorite author. Hands down. I love her books, and I've been reading them for years. And that's why I'm even more excited for this one, because I've caught up on her book list (well, almost) and I'm in serious need of something new from her. And Nora's fantasy/paranormal series are the best! Her Circle Trilogy and Sign of Seven Trilogy are two of my favorite series ever, both of them in the fantasy and paranormal genre. When I heard this, I immediately bumped it up to my number 1 anticipated fall 2013 release.

I. CAN'T. WAIT. 

***

This past week I reached 100 followers on my blog! (I've been using Bloglovin as the primary way to follow my blog). So I thought, what better way to celebrate than a giveaway? Click HERE to win a paperback of That Night on Thistle Lane!

What book(s) are you eagerly anticipating the release of? Leave me a comment with your WOW link! :)

♥♥♥

Cover Reveal: Moirai by Ruth Silver

Moirai (Aberrant )

by Ruth Silver

Release Date: September 2013

Summary from Goodreads:

Olivia has been on the run from the government of Cabal since the marriage ceremony. Finally settling in and finding herself a place to call home, in Shadow, Olivia and Joshua are preparing for the uprising that they and the rebel alliance have been planning for months.

With new abilities and special talents, from Mindonsiphan, Olivia learns that she can do more than most ordinary eighteen year olds. Learning both to hide and perfect her skills will be one of the biggest challenges she'll be forced to face.

A constant rollercoaster of emotion and adventure await Olivia and Joshua, as they embark on a journey to the rebel city of Torv, and what was once home, Genesis.

About the Author

Ruth Silver first began writing poetry as a teenager and reading heaps of fan fiction in her free time. She has written under three unique pseudo names and penned well over a hundred stories.

She attended Northern Illinois University in 2001 and graduated with a Bachelor's in Communication. While in college she spent much of her free time writing with friends she met online and penning her first novel, "Deuces are Wild", which she self-published in 2004. Her favorite class was Creative Writing senior year where she often handed in assignments longer than the professor required because she loved to write and always wanted to finish her stories.

Her love of writing, led her on an adventure in 2007 to Melbourne, Australia. Silver enjoys reading YA novels and sharing her favorite books with other readers. She runs her own book blog and also enjoys photography and traveling.

Her favorite YA genre is a mix of Dystopian & Fantasy which is evident in the upcoming release of her latest book, Aberrant. Slated for release April 2013 by Lazy Day Publishing, it is the first in a trilogy.

***Author Links***

   

Cover reveal organized by:

Cover Reveal: Only For You by Marquita Valentine

Today is the cover reveal for the second book in the Boys of the South series by Marquita Valentine, Only For You!

    Title: Only For You (Boys of the South, #2) 

  Author: Marquita Valentine 

  Expected release: September 2, 2013 

  Genre: Contemporary 

  Age Group: New Adult 

  Cover designed by: Marquita Valentine 

  Loose ends left loose for too long tend to strangle. Cole and Violet knew it wouldn’t be easy. They knew their relationship would take work. But when the press finds out about Violet Lynn’s newest boyfriend, they start digging. And when his past come to light, exposing all of his family’s secrets, their relationship begins to fray. Country Music’s Golden Boy, Jaxon Hunter, has it all, except the girl that got away. What she saw, she really didn’t. What she thought happened, he allowed her to believe for reasons so insane that no one would ever have believed him if he had confessed. But now that everything’s out in the open, he’s going to do his damndest to convince her that he’s the only one for her. Now Violet must choose between Jaxon— her first love and the guy she thought had cheated on her—and Cole—the guy who helped her heal and love again. Or will one of them make the decision for her?

   

About the Author 

New York Times Bestselling Author, Marquita Valentine, writes sexy heroes that make you swoon and sassy heroines that make you laugh. She’s the author of the bestselling contemporary romance series, Holland Springs, and the new adult romance series, Boys of the South. Marquita met her husband aka Hot Builder at Sonic when they were in high school. She suggests this location to all of her single friends in search of a good man—and if that doesn't work, they can console themselves with cheesy tatertots. She lives in North Carolina in a very, very small town with Hot Builder and their two children.

Website | Twitter | Facebook

  

Butterflies and Pumpkins: Point of Retreat (Review)

*I received a copy of this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

***

Well, CoHo has done it again. 

5 Butterflying Stars!

Possible spoilers, especially if you haven't read Slammed!


Every single book of hers, I'm guaranteed three things. 

1. I'll cry.

2. I'll fall in love with an amazing guy.

3. I'll stay up all night to finish it.

Point of Retreat was no exception. In fact, I loved it more than Slammed. I didn't even think that was possible.

***

This story is told in Will's POV instead of Lake's, which surprised me since she was the sole voice of Slammed. But I was equally happy to have his thoughts and feelings front and center, to be able to see the world through his eyes. 

It's been almost five months since Lake's mom, Julia, passed away and she became the sole guardian of her little brother, Kel. She needs Will now more than ever to help her through everything, from her grief to her new responsibilities. And he will do whatever he can to keep her going, to keep her smiling. 

"It's okay to be sad, Lake. Quit trying to carve so many pumpkins." 

(And if you don't know the "carving pumpkins" reference, you really need to read Slammed!). 

With raising two boys and going to school, Lake and Will have little time to actually be together. It was actually funny and heartwarming reading about them trying to be parents. They had to figure out how to draw the line between right and wrong, and choose their battles. They had to put their parental duties before sibling duties. Although, at times, it was so hard for them because Kel and Caulder are freaking hilarious. It was hard, but they knew that it would be. And the one thing that Will didn't have at the start of this new responsibility was another helping hand. He and Lake make all their decisions together, and they are just learning as they go. But neither of them would change a thing about their decisions to become guardians of their little brothers. 

And it's not like they don't have friends or Will's grandparents to help them from time to time. Remember the saying, it takes a village to raise a child? Well, this is sort of what it's like for Will and Lake. They have Will's grandparents, Gavin and Eddie, and in this book, their new neighbors, Sherry and young Kiersten, whom Kel is crushing on... ;) Every one of them brings something to the story, and also helps the two main characters grow. Even eleven year old Kiersten has some small wisdom of advice for Will, Lake, and Gavin. Whatever Lake and Will go through, they have people in their corners, fighting with them. And I just loved the interactions between them all, from walking through their doors without knocking to the dinners and food fights. The suck-and-sweet times. The references to Lake always carving pumpkins to the use of the word butterflying. These characters made me laugh, cry, smile, and even yell. 

***

I just noticed I haven't even talked about Will's and Lake's relationship yet, other than the fact they both help each other out and make parental decisions together. I need to talk about their relationship, because it's the major story-line of this novel. It's what the novel is really about, except for how family is not always the people you're related to. Family can be the people who stick by you through the good times and the bad, who help you out when you need it, who give you advice even when you don't want it. These people are family, Will's and Lake's family. :)

Anyway... After a rocky start to Will's and Lake's relationship in Slammed, they now have the freedom to be together. He's not a teacher at the school anymore, and Lake is in college. Except, no relationship is perfect, and there are always obstacles and challenges. But if two people really love each other and want to be together, they'll pull through it and it'll make them even stronger as a couple. 

I truly loved their relationship in this novel, how they grew as individuals and as a couple, and how they came out of the obstacles stronger and more in love than before. You have to expect in a CoHo book that the relationship won't be perfect, and that it won't be without a few tests. When someone from Will's past comes back into his life, it leaves Lake questioning everything about their relationship. And it leaves Will in a bad state, leaves him doing everything he can to prove to her that he loves her for her.

"A man can tell a woman he's in love with her until he's blue in the face. Words don't mean anything to her when her head is full of doubt. You have to show her."

Well said, Grandma Cooper. Well said. And Will takes this advice to heart, and he won't give up on Lake. Sometimes, I was angry at Lake for giving up. But when she explained her reasons, when she questioned their relationship, I was left with a woman's understanding of the situation. I understood why she was feeling this way. She wasn't questioning their relationship; she was questioning his love for her. She wondered if he'd still feel the same way had their life gone anything according to plan. Had they not become guardians to their little brothers. Had they not lost their parents and depended on each other to make it through this. She said, take all of that away and what would we have in common? What would there be to love about me? She wonders if he's just with her out of duty and out of compassion because she's in the same situation as he is, and thanks to that bitch ex of his, she's got seedlings of doubt in her mind. She wonders if he's just playing the white knight and trying to rescue her.

Very valid questions, yet she's stupid enough to believe that doubt. Her mom did tell her to question everything about her life, but Lake should know that what she and Will have is an epic love.

"I know we're young, Lake. We've got an entire lifetime ahead of us to do things like get married. But sometimes things in people's lives don't happen in chronological order, like they should. Especially in our lives. Our chronological order got mixed up a long time ago."

What they have together has nothing to do with duty and honor, but everything to do with love and laughter, happiness and sadness, the good and bad. It's a real relationship, and I ship this couple so much. <3

***

1. I cried.

Yup, I was crying within the first few chapters, and even a lot near the last quarter of the book (for reasons which I cannot tell you for it would spoil a pretty major plot point). Damn you, Colleen Hoover! That vase full of stars was so wonderful, and using Julia even after she's gone to help them out made me smile (through the tears) and laugh because Lake's mother was just so funny. And awesome. And I wish she were still there for them. But she is, in her own way, with a vase full of stars. Written on them are quotes, lyrics, and little inspirational words of wisdom for them to use when they're fighting and need a reminder of why they love each other. 

They went through a bunch of them in such a short time, they're going to need to savor them for later on in life.... :)

2. I fell in love with an amazing guy. 

Oh, Will Cooper... *sigh* He is one book boyfriend I just love reading about, and his love for Layken makes me swoon.  I was happy the tale was being recounted by Will, for he made me fall in love with his poetry, responsibility, and how he doesn't take for granted the people he loves. If anything, he's learned that death doesn't wait for anyone, doesn't care if you're not ready to say goodbye. It's made him put the emphasis on life. And it's made him grow up way too fast. 

But he wouldn't change a single decision of his. Everything led him up to this point, to finding Lake, to becoming a part of this wonderful cast of characters that are like family to each other. He loves his little brother, Caulder, and he knows that, given the chance to go back in time, he'd still become his guardian even though he knew next to nothing about being a parent. But Caulder needed him, and Will needed his little brother.

And his poetry! God, it makes me love him even more. I'm sure CoHo wrote all of this slammed poetry, which makes me just love her even more for it. It's just such a cool aspect. :) 

3. I stayed up all night to finish it.

And yeah, I stayed up all night to finish this book. I just had to! Well, technically, I finished it later on in the day, but I got about 75% of the way through during the early morning hours. At 6 a.m. I hit the surprise major plot point that had me clutching my heart and wondering what was going to happen and if everyone was going to be okay. I have to say, what a sucky place to end my reading! I could've kept reading, but I knew I needed sleep. But I did stay up all night; I, sadly, just didn't finish it then.

***

Point of Retreat was.... amazing! I don't even know how to describe to you in words how much I loved this book. It might have something to do with the fact that I enjoyed Will's POV more than Lake's, or it might be because this was just so crazy good with infinite wisdom that'll stick with you in real life. But what I got out of this was so much more than what I got out of Slammed. 

Sometimes I need a chapter break like Sky in Hopeless. And sometimes I just need to butterflying carve pumpkins. Whatever the case, CoHo books always give me something to think about, and something to apply to my life. I cry, I fall in love, I laugh, I swoon, and sometimes I just need to keep reading the book no matter what time it is. :)

I butterflying loved this book! <3

♥♥♥

Book Blitz and Giveaway: You Are Mine by Janeal Falor

You Are Mine (Mine #1)

by Janeal Falor

Release Date: 05/06/13

273 pages

Summary from Goodreads:

Serena knows a few simple things. She will always be owned by a warlock. She will never have freedom. She will always do what her warlock wishes, regardless of how inane, frivolous, or cruel it is. And if she doesn’t follow the rules, she will be tarnished. Spelled to be bald, inked, and barren for the rest of her life—worth less than the shadow she casts.

Then her ownership is won by a barbarian from another country. With the uncertainty that comes from belonging to a new warlock, Serena questions if being tarnished is really worse than being owned by a barbarian, and tempts fate by breaking the rules. When he looks the other way instead of punishing her, she discovers a new world. The more she ventures into the forbidden, the more she learns of love and a freedom just out of reach. Serena longs for both. But in a society where women are only ever property, hoping for more could be deadly.

On sale for only $.99!

  

Advanced Praise:

“I was blown away by the beautiful writing, haunting themes, and chilling visuals.” ~Becca at Nawanda Files

“There were times when I had to fight back my tears and the emotion that this book drew from me made me feel so connected to what was going on as if I was actually there. You Are Mine should be on everyones to-read list and I cannot wait to see what Janeal Falor comes up with next.” ~Danielle at Coffee and Characters

***

Excerpt #1:

My insides hurt. I fold my arms across my stomach as they head out, but it doesn't help with the pain. I move to follow.

Mother touches my elbow. The touch startles me to a stop and she lets go. “I remember when I was chosen by your Father. It was a troublesome time, but you can do it. You're strong and your sisters need your example.”

I close my eyes and shake my head before opening them again. “I don't think I'm that type of strong.”

Mother sighs. “Maybe not, but you still have to go through it, society expects it. You'll have a new owner soon.”

She's right. A warlock could ask to buy me at any time. There's nothing I can do about it. I follow mother from the room, bowing my head with the hope that it will keep further attention from me. But it's too late to hope. I will always be owned.

About the Author

Janeal Falor lives in Utah where she’s finally managed to live in the same house for more than five years without moving. In her spare time she reads books like they’re nuts covered in caramel and chocolate, cooks whatever strikes her fancy, and enjoys the outdoors. Her husband and three children try to keep up with her overactive imagination. Usually they settle for having dinner on the table, even if she’s still going on about the voices in her head.

Author Links:

   

***GIVEAWAY***

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Book Blitz Organized by:

Book Blitz: Replacing Gentry by Julie Ford

Amazon e-book link

Replacing Gentry by Julie N. Ford 

When Marlie agrees to attend a cadaver ball at Vanderbilt Medical School, she did not expect to actually see any cadavers. Or, that a strange apparition would issue her a chilling message.

Despite the cadaver's warning, Marlie is married a year later to Tennessee State Senator, Daniel Cannon, and living in a plantation-style mansion with two step-sons. Add to the mix her growing suspicion that something is amiss with the death of Daniel’s first wife, Gentry, and newlywed Marlie is definitely in over her pretty Yankee head.

What begins as an innocent inquiry into her new husband’s clouded past ends with Marlie in the midst of a dangerous conspiracy.

A modern twist on the classic Gothic romance novels of Rebecca and Jane Eyre, Replacing Gentry follows Marlie’s precarious journey as she learns the truth about the man she married.

Amazon - E-book

Amazon - Paperback

Barnes and Noble 

Author Bio:

Julie N. Ford graduated from San Diego State University with a BA in Political Science and a minor in English Literature. In addition, she has a Masters in Social Work from the University of Alabama. Professionally, she has worked in teaching and as a Marriage & Family Counselor. In addition to Replacing Gentry, she is the author of two women’s fiction novels, The Woman He Married and No Holly for Christmas, published in 2011. She also wrote a romance/chick-lit novel, Count Down to Love, published in 2011. Count Down to Love was a 2011 Whitney Award finalist.

Currently, she lives in Nashville, TN with her husband, two daughters and one baby hedgehog. For more information or see what Julie is working on now, you can visit her at JulieNFord.com.

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