{Blog Tour: Review + Giveaway) The Devil's Tattoo by Nicole R. Taylor

Release date: September 1, 2013
Author info: Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter
Format: Egalley
Source: Provided for blog tour
Buy the book: Barnes & Noble | Amazon

Zoe Granger picked up her first guitar the day her heart was smashed into a billion pieces. It was a way to keep her mind off her inevitable downward spiral, but music soon became her escape. She's been burned too many times to tell and is just happy to coast through life, never putting herself out there. That's until her best friend Dee suggests they start a band and suddenly she finds herself not just a part of it, but fronting the whole outfit.

They call themselves The Devil's Tattoo and when they release their debut EP, it rockets to the top of the charts and it's like an overnight fairytale. Contracts, photo shoots, royalties and interviews are heaped onto the shy Zoe and it's like she's finally found her place. Then comes the phone call that changes everything. They've been asked to co-headline a tour with one of the hottest bands of the moment, The Stabs and Zoe will never be the same again.

Will Strickland is one fourth of the hottest indie rock band to ever grace the airwaves. He's the bass player in The Stabs, hot as hell and could have his pick of any girl that flings herself at him. But he's only got eyes for Zoe and she has no idea why he'd bother. She's got one hell of a trust issue and an attitude to boot and Will seems to be the one who wants to tame her, but is he game enough?

The Devil's Tattoo and The Stabs go on the road and it's either going to be a highway to hell or a stairway to heaven. Only time will tell who will come out on top and Zoe's determined to do it without getting her heart broken… again.

Something inexplicably drew me to The Devil's Tattoo because I don't normally pick up books of this type, but I'd participated in the cover reveal and had been so intrigued by the teasers. Also, I love music and it's been a big part of my life for a long time, so a book in which music plays such a large role interested me. Not to mention, I think we all have a little fantasy of becoming rock stars, and that's just what happens to Zoe Granger. Yes, she has a troubled past, but music has brought her out of that misery and led her to a life she didn't dare to dream of before.

When Zoe's best friend Dee (short for Dylan, but don't tell anyone; it'll ruin his "mystique") decides they should start a band, she is skeptical, not to mention nervous. Not only has Zoe never played or sung for others, but she's nursing emotional wounds that have led her away from putting herself out there. But, not only is Zoe like another person on stage, but the band, named The Devil's Tattoo, takes off. Soon they're off on a national tour co-headlining with The Stabs. The bass player for The Stabs just happens to be Will Strickland, whom Zoe can't seem to stop thinking about. Zoe is determined never to be hurt again, but Will proves to be different, at least he seems to be. Just as Zoe lets her guard down, things fall apart. Can she make it through without losing herself again, or losing Will?

I really enjoyed the romance between Zoe and Will. It developed slowly, which just made it feel altogether more gratifying when something finally does happen. I know I was cheering it on, and you just want the characters to be happy. Also, you can't help but like both Zoe and Will. Zoe's had some hardships and people pushing her down, but she's fought past that, and you just want her to have someone to looooove her. And Will is just unbearably adorable at times. :) Even so, both have their faults that make you want to smack them--but that's humanity, eh?

It was such fun reading Zoe and Dee's relationship, as well. They're really the BEST of friends, through thick and thin and everything in between. They also have some of the funniest back and forths that will make you laugh out loud. :) Oh! And it's set in Australia! I don't often read Aussie authors--and I really don't read a lot of books set there!--so it was a fun, refreshing thing to see.

My only qualm is that it could use a bit more editing. I can't help but want to fix tenses that don't agree, misused words and phrases, and the like. It's a small thing, really, and something that's especially particular to me as a reader. It didn't particularly detract from the book as a whole, just momentarily distracted me.

So, if you like music and romance, I have a feeling The Devil's Tattoo could be for you! (I'm really trying to come up with a musical pun, but I've just got nothing.... Dang.) I will caution that this is a new adult book, so it does have adult content.

About the author:

Nicole R. Taylor is an Australian born paranormal, fantasy and contemporary fiction author. She is a graduate of the University of Ballarat Professional Writing and Editing programme and is a former music memorabilia sales person and grocery merchandiser. She currently lives in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia with a two year old rescue cat named, Burger. She enjoys reading, writing (of course!), traveling and a little too much chocolate. One day she hopes to sky dive, but has to work up the courage first.

The first in her new paranormal fantasy series, The Witch Hunter Saga was released in e-edition and print March 20, 2013.

And, of course, there's a giveaway! You can win a The Devil's Tattoo swag pack (pictured, 1 winner), signed postcard and band sticker (2 winners), or an ebook copy of the book (5 winners)! Open INTERNATIONALLY. :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Waiting on Wednesday: The One by Kiera Cass {18}

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly awaiting!!

Title: The One (The Selection #3)
Author: Kiera Cass
Release date: May 6, 2014
Publisher: HarperTeen

The Selection changed the lives of thirty-five girls forever. And now, the time has come for one winner to be chosen.

America never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown—or to Prince Maxon's heart. But as the competition approaches its end and the threats outside the palace walls grow more vicious, America realizes just how much she stands to lose—and how hard she'll have to fight for the future she wants.

From the very first page of The Selection, this #1 New York Times bestselling series has captured readers' hearts and swept them away on a captivating journey... Now, in The One, Kiera Cass delivers a satisfying and unforgettable conclusion that will keep readers sighing over this electrifying fairy-tale long after the final page is turned.

I'm a little ashamed of how much I love this series. I am absolutely DYING with anticipation and I might flip out if it doesn't end the way I want it to. That's not extreme, right?

So what are you guys waiting on this week? :)

Teaser Tuesday: Sapphire Blue by Kerstin Gier {45}

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Title: Sapphire Blue
Author: Kerstin Gier
Release date: October 30, 2012
Pages: 362

Gwen’s life has been a rollercoaster since she discovered she was the Ruby, the final member of the secret time-traveling Circle of Twelve. In between searching through history for the other time-travelers and asking for a bit of their blood (gross!), she’s been trying to figure out what all the mysteries and prophecies surrounding the Circle really mean.

At least Gwen has plenty of help. Her best friend Lesley follows every lead diligently on the Internet. James the ghost teaches Gwen how to fit in at an eighteenth century party. And Xemerius, the gargoyle demon who has been following Gwen since he caught her kissing Gideon in a church, offers advice on everything. Oh, yes. And of course there is Gideon, the Diamond. One minute he’s very warm indeed; the next he’s freezing cold. Gwen’s not sure what’s going on there, but she’s pretty much destined to find out.

My teaser, from p. 137:

"And every breath he drew was hallelujah," sang Bon Jovi in my ear. I'd always loved that song--it was one of those I could listen to fifteen times running--but now I supposed it would be connected with the memory of Gideon for ever and ever.

Hallelujah.

I loved Ruby Red, so I knew I'd need to read this very soon, and here it is! I laughed out loud at this teaser when I read it, so I hope you like it. I am quite excited to see how this story continues, and hopefully there's more kissing. :)

I'll be visiting around and visiting back, so leave me links to your teasers! Have a lovely Tuesday!

Mini Reviews: The First Star to Fall & Finding Cinderella

Mini reviews! As before, the links on the titles lead to the Goodreads pages, where you can read the synopsis and get any other information I might not have included. Fun note: both of the novellas I'm featuring are FREE! So why would you hesitate to try them out? :)

Title: The First Star to Fall

Author: Diana Peterfreund

Release date: June 29, 2013

Get the ebook: Barnes & Noble | Amazon

I loved For Darkness Shows the Stars, so when I learned there would be a sequel I was terribly excited. Likewise, I'd enjoyed the first novella Diana Peterfreund had written in this series and might have flipped out a bit when I learned there was a new one. This time I read the prequel novella before the book and it's just made me that much more excited to read Across a Star-Swept Sea!

In The First Star to Fall, we're introduced to Persis Blake, who is an aristo in Albion just as Albion's neighbor across the sea, Galatea, is erupting into revolution. Though the Reduction was eradicated two generations ago, the revolutionaries have found a way to bring it back--and have done so on their deposed queen. Persis wants to witness the historic events on Galatea, but finds that the revolution is much larger and violent than she could have ever anticipated. She either has to accept what she's been taught or believe what she's seeing, for it might save her country.

This novella is absolutely perfect to get you back into the swing of the world Peterfreund created in FDStS or to introduce it to you! Not only do you get a bit of background on the world itself, you also learn a lot about Persis, her friends, beliefs, and lifestyle. I can already tell she's a girl I'm going to like. We also get to see her first actions as the Wild Poppy!

Whether you read this before or after the book, I definitely recommend it! It's a very short read (30 minutes, maybe?) and will immerse you in the world THAT quickly. Now I'm about to combust with my need for Across a Star-Swept Sea!

Title: Finding Cinderella

Author: Colleen Hoover

Release date: October 14, 2013

Get the ebook: Barnes & Noble | Amazon

Before this I'd only read Colleen Hoover's Slammed, but I might officially be obsessed with her after reading Finding Cinderella. I went in expecting something short and cute, but, while it was definitely packed with cute moments, this novella manages to also be deeply emotional and just good.

Daniel had a one-off experience in a maintenance closet with a girl he nicknames Cinderella, wishing to--and knowing he won't get to--see her again. This experience makes him believe he won't find another girl who makes him feel as good as she did. But then he meets Six, a girl with quirks to spare, and who shows him the reality of love is better than any acted experience. Soon Daniel finds that his Cinderella and Six aren't so far apart, but this realization could destroy his relationship with Six if he can't accept the reality.

I honestly only downloaded this because it was free and I thought I might pick it up on a rainy day, but then I kept seeing great reviews so I decided I'd go ahead and give it a try--without a lot of expectation. It's a free novella, you know? But that just doesn't matter. I found myself smiling from ear to ear, laughing out loud, and tearing up a various parts and just enjoyed the heck out of reading it. I can't recommend it enough.

No worries if you haven't read the Hopeless series; I haven't either and it didn't decrease my enjoyment. :)

Stacking the Shelves {39}

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews where we get to share the books we've bought, been gifted, or received for review!

How was everybody's week? Mine's been good! Busy, but good. :) I've only got class two days this week--fall break finally!--so here's to hoping I'll get lots of reading done!

For review:

Reality Boy by A.S. King
Sekret by Lindsay Smith

A big thanks to Little, Brown BfYR, Macmillan, and Netgalley for these! 

Purchased:

All Our Yesterdays by Cristin Terrell (ebook)
The Program by Suzanne Young (ebook)
Allegiant (Divergent #3) by Veronica Roth

Library:

Sapphire Blue by Kerstin Gier 

A recap of the week here on Paper Cuts:
Monday - I reviewed Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier.
Tuesday - I teased from The Gathering Storm by Robin Bridges.
Wednesday - I was waiting on The Mirk and Midnight Hour by Jane Nickerson.
Thursday - I discussed rereading books.
Saturday - I reviewed The Gathering Storm by Robin Bridges.

Books I read this week:
Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier
The Gathering Storm by Robin Bridges

I'm currently reading:
I haven't started my next book yet! I'm getting some school work done first, but then I'll be reading Sapphire Blue and The Devil's Tattoo this week. :)

So that's been my week! I'm really, REALLY trying to get better about commenting on others blogs, which has always been a big weakness of mine. I did okay this week, but it's hard! How do y'all do it? :) Anyways, I'd love to see what y'all got, so leave me links! I'll be visiting about in just a little while. Have a lovely Sunday and a fabulous week!

Review: The Gathering Storm by Robin Bridges

Release date: January 10, 2012
Author info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Publisher: Ember
Format: Paperback
Pages: 386
Source: Purchased
Buy the book: Barnes & Noble | Amazon | The Book Depository

St. Petersburg, Russia, 1888. As she attends a whirl of glittering balls, royal debutante Katerina Alexandrovna, Duchess of Oldenburg, tries to hide a dark secret: she can raise the dead. No one knows. Not her family. Not the girls at her finishing school. Not the tsar or anyone in her aristocratic circle. Katerina considers her talent a curse, not a gift. But when she uses her special skill to protect a member of the Imperial Family, she finds herself caught in a web of intrigue.

An evil presence is growing within Europe's royal bloodlines—and those aligned with the darkness threaten to topple the tsar. Suddenly Katerina's strength as a necromancer attracts attention from unwelcome sources . . . including two young men—George Alexandrovich, the tsar's standoffish middle son, who needs Katerina's help to safeguard Russia, even if he's repelled by her secret, and the dashing Prince Danilo, heir to the throne of Montenegro, to whom Katerina feels inexplicably drawn.

The time has come for Katerina to embrace her power, but which side will she choose—and to whom will she give her heart?

The Gathering Storm has been on my TBR list for too long. I've always been fascinated with Russian history and necromancers have fascinated me since I read Garth Nix's Sabriel in elementary school, so when I originally heard of the book--back in 2011, mind you--I knew it was one I was going to have to read. Somehow it took me about two years to get to it. I'm so glad I finally picked it up. But, I'm a little confused when it comes to how I feel about the book after having finished it. There was a lot to love and I very much enjoyed reading it, don't get me wrong, but something is keeping me from saying that I just loved the book.

First and foremost, the setting. Like many, I'm fascinated by the Romanov dynasty and the mystery surrounding it, (Note: the tsar here is the next-to-last tsar of Russia--his heir will be the last. Also, don't read about George on Wikipedia! Don't!) so a book set during that time period dealing with the nobility was one I couldn't pass up. Not only was it immensely enjoyable to read about these people, but the world around them was perfectly constructed. It was easy to note that Robin Bridges did her research and it was so much fun to almost feel the cold of the Russian winter, taste the spiced teas, and dance in the glittering balls.

Katerina is also a highlight. She strikes a perfect balance between the girl she should be and the girl we want her to be. She knows her duty to her family and observes all of the nuances of her society. Yet she also dreams of being a doctor and fights tirelessly to save her family, even at the highest costs. She's intelligent, driven, compassionate, and brave. At times she's a little naive and not as smart as she should be, but that's okay; the girl's only sixteen going on seventeen.

I guess what's keeping me from waxing poetic about The Gathering Storm is that it felt like an effort to cram a few too many paranormal ideas into one book. With vampires. werewolves, fairies, necromancers, and sorcerers all vying for attention, it's not only hard to keep track of but a little unfocused.

Despite that, though, I'm so excited to see where this series heads in the next two books (which are both out, muahahahahaha)! With a setting anyone is bound to be captivated by, characters that are immediately winning, and a mystery- and romance-filled plot, what's not to like?

Let's Talk About... Rereading

I feel like everyone has their own, very specific views on rereading. There those on one side, who reread books they love over and over again until they've almost memorized the book. But then there are others who never reread, who always want to move on to the next thing. I'm kind of in the middle, like always. :) I'll reread things I love love love and I'll also reread things I just can't remember but am curious about. Examples? Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier (LOVE) and Divergent by Veronica Roth (couldn't remember).

Sometimes this changes my ideas about those books. Sometimes I'll love it just as much as I remember or like it more than I thought, as was the case with both of the books I mentioned. But, it could easily go the other way. I might have not liked one as much or I might've hated the other.

I think that risk runs higher when it comes to reading books that I read before I started blogging (which was the case with both) or even at the beginning of my time blogging. With blogging (and college, too) has come a more critical look at books and less of an ability to accept crappy elements. Yes, I'll still look over some stuff because I want to, but it happens a lot less often. With age and experience comes discernment. :)

So how about y'all? Do you reread? If you do, do you often find that you like a book more or less? What books? And do you think it's just misremembered or new opinions?

Waiting on Wednesday: The Mirk and Midnight Hour by Jane Nickerson {17}

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly awaiting!!

Title: The Mirk and Midnight Hour
Author: Jane Nickerson
Release date: March 11, 2014
Publisher: Knopf BYR

Seventeen-year-old Violet Dancey has been left at home in Mississippi with a laudanum-addicted stepmother and love-crazed stepsister while her father fights in the war—a war that has already claimed her twin brother.

When she comes across a severely injured Union soldier lying in an abandoned lodge deep in the woods, things begin to change. Thomas is the enemy—one of the men who might have killed her own brother—and yet she's drawn to him. But Violet isn't Thomas's only visitor; someone has been tending to his wounds—keeping him alive—and it becomes chillingly clear that this care hasn't been out of compassion. Against the dangers of war and ominous powers of voodoo, Violet must fight to protect her home and the people she loves.

Y'all, I'm a sucker for anything set in Mississippi since it's so rare. I really enjoyed Strands of Bronze and Gold, so I'm excited to see how Jane Nickerson takes on Tam Lin for this story. Her Gothic tone was spot-on and I know it'll be the same here. :) PLUS THAT COVER.

So what are you guys waiting on this week? :)

Teaser Tuesday: The Gathering Storm by Robin Bridges {44}

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Title: The Gathering Storm (Katerina #1)
Author: Robin Bridges
Release date: January 10, 2012
Pages: 386

St. Petersburg, Russia, 1888. As she attends a whirl of glittering balls, royal debutante Katerina Alexandrovna, Duchess of Oldenburg, tries to hide a dark secret: she can raise the dead. No one knows. Not her family. Not the girls at her finishing school. Not the tsar or anyone in her aristocratic circle. Katerina considers her talent a curse, not a gift. But when she uses her special skill to protect a member of the Imperial Family, she finds herself caught in a web of intrigue.

An evil presence is growing within Europe's royal bloodlines—and those aligned with the darkness threaten to topple the tsar. Suddenly Katerina's strength as a necromancer attracts attention from unwelcome sources . . . including two young men—George Alexandrovich, the tsar's standoffish middle son, who needs Katerina's help to safeguard Russia, even if he's repelled by her secret, and the dashing Prince Danilo, heir to the throne of Montenegro, to whom Katerina feels inexplicably drawn.

The time has come for Katerina to embrace her power, but which side will she choose—and to whom will she give her heart?

My teaser, from p. 154:

He said this loudly, for Madame Metcherskey was standing in the portico, glaring at me with her pinched mossy-green eyes. I knew whatever punishment the grand duke was going to face, mine would most likely be worse.

This has been on my shelf since April, and I actually originally had an egalley back before its release, but never got to around to reading it before it expired. I'm finally reading it, though, and I'm really liking it! Books set in Russia are just so interesting to me. :)

I'll be visiting around and visiting back, so leave me links to your teasers! Have a lovely Tuesday!

Review: Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier

Release date: May 22, 2012
Author info: Website | Facebook
Publisher: Square Fish
Format: Paperback
Pages: 324
Source: Purchased
Buy the book: Barnes & Noble | Amazon | The Book Depository

Although I had never seen him before, I recognized him immediately. I'd have known his voice anywhere. This was the guy I'd seen on my last journey back in time.

Or more precisely, the one who'd kissed my doppelganger while I was hiding behind the curtain in disbelief.

Sixteen-year-old Gwen lives with her extended - and rather eccentric - family in an exclusive London neighborhood. In spite of her ancestors' peculiar history, she's had a relatively normal life so far. The time-traveling gene that runs like a secret thread through the female half of the family is supposed to have skipped over Gwen, so she hasn't been introduced to "the mysteries," and can spend her time hanging out with her best friend, Lesly. It comes as an unwelcome surprise when she starts taking sudden, uncontrolled leaps into the past.

She's totally unprepared for time travel, not to mention all that comes with it: fancy clothes, archaic manners, a mysterious secret society, and Gideon, her time-traveling counterpart. He's obnoxious, a know-it-all, and possibly the best-looking guy she's seen in any century . . .

After attempting to trudge through Perfect Ruin for over a week, Ruby Red is exactly the kind of book I needed to read. It was such a quick, engaging, and intriguing read that it kept me turning the pages until the end suddenly appeared. And now I'm just wishing I didn't have to read for school so I could start the sequel!

In modern-day London, Gwendolyn Shepherd's family is an odd one. Certain members inherit the ability to travel through time and Gwen has just learned that she is one of them--though it's her cousin Charlotte who has been trained with the intention to travel back from a young age. Now, Gwen is in a crash course to learn as much as possible about travelling through time, all while dealing with the frustrating and frustratingly good-looking Gideon, who travels with her. But nothing about dealing with the Guardians--those in charge of the travelling--is simple, and it seems that no one is telling the whole truth.

There's a lot about Ruby Red that I loved, big and small. I liked the secret society feeling that I was getting from the Guardians and can't wait to see how that is developed, whether their mission is good or bad, and it's set up just right. We can't tell just who is really looking out for the good of all or for themselves. I also loved Gwen's relationship with Lesley, which was so genuine and nice to read--and Lesley was hilarious herself. (And Titanic reference, yesssss.)

I also really liked Gwen. She could come off a little bit whiny once or twice, but for the most part I thought she was fun and feisty, and she tells it like it is. She's not afraid to share her mind or point out injustices. Her thoughts when meeting Lord Brampton were AMAZING.

I am so happy that I finally picked up this book! It'd been on my shelf for at least a year and a half, just waiting to be loved. (Plus all three books are out now, so I can read them alllll. Muahaha.) Ruby Red is a must-read for those who love time travel with a lot of mystery. It's a perfect afternoon read, and I promise you'll fly through it and be happy you did. :)

Stacking the Shelves {38}

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews where we get to share the books we've bought, been gifted, or received for review!

How was everybody's week? Mine's been pretty good. I've been asking for this favor for a few days, but I'll ask one more time. I need a little help with a school project, and all that help involves is tweeting your favorite book using the hashtag #ReadingChangesLives. That's it! And a big, big, big thank you to everyone who has already done so! It helps so much, plus I love reading what books y'all love! :)

Purchased: 

The Geek Girl and the Scandalous Earl by Gina Lamm (ebook)

Freebies:

Finding Cinderella by Colleen Hoover (ebook)
The First Star to Fall by Diana Peterfreund (ebook)
 

A recap of the week here on Paper Cuts:
Tuesday - I teased from Perfect Ruin by Lauren DeStefano.
Wednesday - I'm waiting on Of Metal and Wishes by Sarah Fine.
Thursday - I asked for a little help regarding a school project.
Friday - I DNFed Perfect Ruin, and sort of reviewed it.

Books I read this week:
Perfect Ruin by Lauren DeStefano (sort of)

I'm currently reading:
Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier

So that's been my week! It was a little bit of an odd one for me, but oh well. :) Anyways, I'd love to see what y'all got, so leave me links! I'll be visiting about in just a little while. Have a lovely Sunday and a fabulous week!

DNF Review: Perfect Ruin by Lauren DeStefano

Release date: October 1, 2013
Author info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Publisher: Simon & Schuster BFYR
Pages: 356
Format: Hardcover
Source: Library
Buy the book: Barnes & Noble | Amazon | The Book Depository

On Internment, the floating island in the clouds where 16-year-old Morgan Stockhour lives, getting too close to the edge can lead to madness. Even though Morgan's older brother, Lex, was a Jumper, Morgan vows never to end up like him. She tries her best not to mind that her life is orderly and boring, and if she ever wonders about the ground, and why it is forbidden, she takes solace in best friend Pen and her betrothed, Basil.

Then a murder, the first in a generation, rocks the city. With whispers swirling and fear on the wind, Morgan can no longer stop herself from investigating, especially when she meets Judas. He is the boy being blamed for the murder — betrothed to the victim — but Morgan is convinced of his innocence. Secrets lay at the heart of Internment, but nothing can prepare Morgan for what she will find — or who she will lose.

So I've been sitting here for the past two hours or so, just thinking about reading Perfect Ruin. I've been reading it for a week and am about 120 pages in and I'm just not feeling it. I don't generally DNF books, but this is going to be one. Maybe I'll come back to it eventually.

I'm finding that Perfect Ruin isn't moving very quickly, and there's just not enough to hold my attention. The idea is fascinating and the tone of the book is very foreboding and effective, but I'm not engaged. I expected to be enthralled by the world and curious about what's going on in Internment, but I'm not. It's really not that there's anything wrong with the book, but I'm bored. Simple as that.

I'd love to be as enthralled with this book as everyone else seems to be, but... I'm just not. I've tried and it's not happening. I'd rather not force myself and move on to something else, especially since I have so little time to read for fun right now. Oh well.

Any Chance Y'all Could Help Me Out?

I'm currently in a digital publishing class and one project we are doing involves creating our own manifesto. Normally I wouldn't ask for any help of this kind here on the blog, but part of the assignment involves measuring engagement, and my project is all about reading!

My manifesto simply uses quotes from authors and prominent figures to demonstrate the power of reading. I've set up a blog to share the manifesto itself, which I'd love for y'all to visit, though it's nothing terribly special. And to the right you can see the image that is on the bookmarks I'm making to distribute. :)

The REAL involvement I'm asking for is very simple! All I need people to do is to tweet the title of the their favorite book using the hashtag #ReadingChangesLives! That's it! I would love you all forever and ever if you did that to help me out. (I already love you, but you know.) If you don't have a Twitter account, you can also visit the blog and simply comment on the top post!

Thanks guys!! :) Hugs all around!

Waiting on Wednesday: Of Metal and Wishes by Sarah Fine {16}

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly awaiting!!

Title: Of Metal and Wishes
Author: Sarah Fine
Release date: August 5, 2014
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

There are whispers of a ghost in the slaughterhouse where sixteen-year-old Wen assists her father in his medical clinic—a ghost who grants wishes to those who need them most. When one of the Noor, men hired as cheap factory labor, humiliates Wen, she makes an impulsive wish of her own, and the Ghost grants it. Brutally.

Guilt-ridden, Wen befriends the Noor, including their outspoken leader, a young man named Melik. At the same time, she is lured by the mystery of the Ghost and learns he has been watching her … for a very long time.

As deadly accidents fuel tensions within the factory, Wen must confront her growing feelings for Melik, who is enraged at the sadistic factory bosses and the prejudice faced by his people at the hand of Wen’s, and her need to appease the Ghost, who is determined to protect her against any threat—real or imagined. She must decide whom she can trust, because as her heart is torn, the factory is exploding around her … and she might go down with it.

I am so excited for this!! It looks so, so good, but AUGUST? I didn't even realize that until I went to put in the release date. So sad.

So what are you guys waiting on this week? :)

Teaser Tuesday: Perfect Ruin by Lauren DeStefano {43}

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Title: Perfect Ruin (The Internment Chronicles #1)
Author: Lauren DeStefano
Release date: October 1, 2013
Pages: 356

On Internment, the floating island in the clouds where 16-year-old Morgan Stockhour lives, getting too close to the edge can lead to madness. Even though Morgan's older brother, Lex, was a Jumper, Morgan vows never to end up like him. She tries her best not to mind that her life is orderly and boring, and if she ever wonders about the ground, and why it is forbidden, she takes solace in best friend Pen and her betrothed, Basil.

Then a murder, the first in a generation, rocks the city. With whispers swirling and fear on the wind, Morgan can no longer stop herself from investigating, especially when she meets Judas. He is the boy being blamed for the murder — betrothed to the victim — but Morgan is convinced of his innocence. Secrets lay at the heart of Internment, but nothing can prepare Morgan for what she will find — or who she will lose.

My teaser, from p. 142:

He knows that I'm not like the other girls--the normal ones--that a part of me is slipping off this floating city, and he doesn't care. He doesn't care.

Maybe we're both beyond saving.

I've been so excited about this book for so long! I'm not even this far yet, but so far I'm loving it! The tone is really interesting, and, for whatever reason, it makes me think of Fahrenheit 451. I'm excited to read more!

I'll be visiting around and visiting back, so leave me links to your teasers! Have a lovely Tuesday!

Stacking the Shelves {37}

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews where we get to share the books we've bought, been gifted, or received for review!

How was everybody's week? Mine was stressful, what with midterms and having papers due all this week, BUT now I've got a little bit of time to relax! Hopefully that means more reading, at least for a short while. :)

Purchased: 

Arclight by Josin L. McQuein (ebook)

A recap of the week here on Paper Cuts:
Monday - I reviewed The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd.
Tuesday - I teased from Unbreakble by Kami Garcia.
Wednesday - I'm waiting on Across a Star-Swept Sea by Diana Peterfreund.
Thursday - I'm a failure at Classics Retold.
Friday - I helped unveil the covers of Where Silence Gathers by Kelsey Sutton and of Born of Deception by Teri Brown.

Books I read this week:
Nothing outside of school books! :(

I'm currently reading:
Perfect Ruin by Lauren DeStefano

So that's been my week! Kind of boring, right? Just the one book! :) Anyways, I'd love to see what y'all got, so leave me links! I'll be visiting about in just a little while. Have a lovely Sunday and a fabulous week!

{Cover Reveal + Giveaway) Born of Deception by Teri Brown

I am so excited to be helping unveil the cover for Born of Deception (Born of Illusion #2) by Teri Brown! While I haven't read the first book--YET!--I am dying to and that certainly doesn't diminish my love of these covers. Anyways, I'm not going to talk about me anymore. Let's get on to the cover, because it's beautiful! :)

About the book:

Budding illusionist Anna Van Housen is on top of the world: after scoring a spot on a prestigious European vaudeville tour, she has moved to London to chase her dream and to join an underground society for people like her with psychic abilities. Along with her handsome beau, Cole Archer, Anna is prepared to take the city by storm.

But when Anna arrives in London, she finds the group in turmoil. Sensitives are disappearing and, without a suspect, the group’s members are turning on one another. Could the kidnapper be someone within the society itself—or has the nefarious Dr. Boyle followed them to London?

As Cole and Anna begin to unravel the case and secrets about the society are revealed, they find themselves at odds, their plans for romance in London having vanished. Her life in danger and her relationship fizzling, can Anna find a way to track down the killer before he makes her his next victim—or will she have to pay the ultimate price for her powers?

Set in Jazz-Age London, this alluring sequel to Born of Illusion comes alive with sparkling romance, deadly intrigue, and daring magic.

Goodreads | Amazon

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the author:

I’m not sure who to tell you about here because I’m actually two people rolled into one. As a responsible mother of teens, I show one persona to the world. That person is driven, conservative and level headed. But the other part of me just never grew up. She is rebellious, impulsive and curious.

It’s hard being both these people. They’re often at odds.

The mother part of me knows I should put a cap on how many animals we take in. The teen part of me wants to save them all. We have five cats and two dogs. Who do you think is winning?

Even now. The mother part wants to make a meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and a tossed salad. The teen part wants to order a pizza, work on my website and check my Facebook.

Luckily, though my two halves don’t always agree, both of us live happily in Portland, Oregon, with a husband and too many animals. And we both love to write and write and write..

Website | Twitter | Facebook

{Cover Reveal + Giveaway} Where Silence Gathers by Kelsey Sutton

Today The Mod Podge Bookshelf and Mod Podge Blog Tours are hosting Kelsey Sutton’s exclusive 

WHERE SILENCE GATHERS 

cover reveal!

Summary:

In this companion novel to the critically acclaimed Some Quiet Place, Alex must choose between Revenge and Forgiveness.

Seventeen-year-old Alexandra Tate sits outside Nate Foster’s house, clutching a gun. After serving ten years for the drunk driving accident that killed Alex’s family, Nate has been released from prison. Every night, Alex waits out of sight, building up the courage to exact her own justice. There’s just one problem: Forgiveness. Alex has been able to see personified Emotions for as long as she can remember, and Revenge is her best friend. But when Forgiveness suddenly appears, he offers Alex a choice—getting even or moving on. It’s impossible to decide when Revenge whispers in one ear . . . and Forgiveness whispers in the other.

Enter to win an ARC  of WHERE SILENCE GATHERS below, or a signed copy of SOME QUIET PLACE or a $20 Amazon gift card!

(This giveaway is international.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Kelsey Sutton has done everything from training dogs, making cheeseburgers, selling yellow page ads, and cleaning hotel rooms. Now she divides her time between her college classes and her writing. Kelsey lives in northern Minnesota with her dog and cat, Lewis and Clark.

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Classics Retold: I'm a Failure

So... I failed at Classics Retold. Like badly. (I couldn't even get this post up in the first week of October!)

When I signed up, I was not aware of all the work I was going to have last month--how much reading, especially. I tried, but I only got a few chapters into North and South, though I enjoyed what I read of it and noticed a decent number of differences between it and the most recent BBC adaptation. I took notes, but I misplaced them. Like I said, I failed. Hardcore.

I don't have anything to say for myself. I didn't even get a miniseries watched! I guess I've learned my lesson. Don't assign yourself extra things to do so far in advance. Sometimes you have English classes that make you read hundreds of pages for one day of class. That happens. :(

I must endorse the most recently BBC adaptation of this book, though! While I didn't get the book read, as a viewer who doesn't know the story, it's a very entertaining miniseries. I think I've watched it all the way through four or five times in the past couple of years and love it even more each time. So if you have any interest in that sort of thing, go forth and watch! It's on Netflix!

Waiting on Wednesday: Across a Star-Swept Sea by Diana Peterfreund {15}

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly awaiting!!

Title: Across a Star-Swept Sea
Author: Diana Peterfreund
Release date: October 15, 2013
Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Centuries after wars nearly destroyed civilization, the two islands of New Pacifica stand alone, a terraformed paradise where even the Reduction—the devastating brain disorder that sparked the wars—is a distant memory. Yet on the isle of Galatea, an uprising against the ruling aristocrats has turned deadly. The revolutionaries’ weapon is a drug that damages their enemies’ brains, and the only hope is rescue by a mysterious spy known as the Wild Poppy.

On the neighboring island of Albion, no one suspects that the Wild Poppy is actually famously frivolous aristocrat Persis Blake. The teenager uses her shallow, socialite trappings to hide her true purpose: her gossipy flutternotes are encrypted plans, her pampered sea mink is genetically engineered for spying, and her well-publicized new romance with handsome Galatean medic Justen Helo… is her most dangerous mission ever.

Though Persis is falling for Justen, she can’t risk showing him her true self, especially once she learns he’s hiding far more than simply his disenchantment with his country’s revolution and his undeniable attraction to the silly socialite he’s pretending to love. His darkest secret could plunge both islands into a new dark age, and Persis realizes that when it comes to Justen Helo, she’s not only risking her heart, she’s risking the world she’s sworn to protect.

In this thrilling adventure inspired by The Scarlet Pimpernel, Diana Peterfreund creates an exquisitely rendered world where nothing is as it seems and two teens with very different pasts fight for a future only they dare to imagine.

I decided to feature a book that's actually coming out soon! Next week in fact! I so loved For Darkness Shows the Stars, so of course I need to read it's companion novel. I believe the two are only loosely connected, like set in the same world. I'll be getting this next week! :)

So what are you guys waiting on this week? :)

Teaser Tuesday: Unbreakable by Kami Garcia {42}

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Title: Unbreakable (The Legion #1)
Author: Kami Garcia
Release date: October 1, 2013
Pages: 320

I never believed in ghosts. Until one tried to kill me.

When Kennedy Waters finds her mother dead, her world begins to unravel. She doesn’t know that paranormal forces in a much darker world are the ones pulling the strings. Not until identical twins Jared and Lukas Lockhart break into Kennedy’s room and destroy a dangerous spirit sent to kill her. The brothers reveal that her mother was part of an ancient secret society responsible for protecting the world from a vengeful demon — a society whose five members were all murdered on the same night.

Now Kennedy has to take her mother’s place in the Legion if she wants to uncover the truth and stay alive. Along with new Legion members Priest and Alara, the teens race to find the only weapon that might be able to destroy the demon — battling the deadly spirits he controls every step of the way.

Suspense, romance, and the paranormal meet in this chilling urban fantasy, the first book in a new series from Kami Garcia, bestselling coauthor of the Beautiful Creatures novels.

My teaser, from p. 37:

I didn't come out until the front door slammed. I leaned against the wall, staring at my bedroom door, as a question fought its way from the back of my mind.

How did they know my name?

Kami's going to be like 3 hours from me today, and it's making me terribly sad that I can't be thereee. I have a quiz in my last class of the day that I can't miss, plus a paper due in an earlier class. Stupid college. So in honor of my missing the signing, I'm featuring her newest book today! I got it from the library on Thursday and will hopefully be starting in the next day or two! :)

I'll be visiting around and visiting back, so leave me links to your teasers! Have a lovely Tuesday!

The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd

Release date: January 29, 2013
Author info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Pages: 423
Format: Ebook
Source: Purchased
Buy the book: Barnes & Noble | Amazon | The Book Depository

In the darkest places, even love is deadly.

Sixteen-year-old Juliet Moreau has built a life for herself in London—working as a maid, attending church on Sundays, and trying not to think about the scandal that ruined her life. After all, no one ever proved the rumors about her father's gruesome experiments. But when she learns he is alive and continuing his work on a remote tropical island, she is determined to find out if the accusations are true.

Accompanied by her father's handsome young assistant, Montgomery, and an enigmatic castaway, Edward—both of whom she is deeply drawn to—Juliet travels to the island, only to discover the depths of her father's madness: He has experimented on animals so that they resemble, speak, and behave as humans. And worse, one of the creatures has turned violent and is killing the island's inhabitants. Torn between horror and scientific curiosity, Juliet knows she must end her father's dangerous experiments and escape her jungle prison before it's too late. Yet as the island falls into chaos, she discovers the extent of her father's genius—and madness—in her own blood.

Without even intending to do so, I picked up the perfect book for Halloween right at the beginning of October. I've never read The Island of Dr. Moreau, so I didn't have that inherent interest in the story that I do with a lot of retellings, but I found that that probably helped me enjoy this one more. I liked the suspense of not having any idea of what was to come, and the story quickly pulled me in. I didn't intend to read this book so quickly, but I just couldn't stop!

If you're like me and love Gothic novels, of any type, this is the book for you. No, The Madman's Daughter isn't set in an old house or mansion, but Dr. Moreau's island more than makes up for it. The story keeps you on the edge of your seat, wondering what is going to happen next, and you can't help but fear that the monster is just outside your window. Both the polluted London and the humid island are unforgettable locations and both hold secrets that Juliet must uncover, and I couldn't tell you which one I'd rather explore first.

I've gotta warn those of you who care that there is a love triangle going on, if you didn't know already. I know a lot of people run screaming for the hills at the mention of a love triangle, but let me tell you why this one might not bother you so much--though if it's something you just can't stand, you still won't like it here. Fair warning. First, each boy, Montgomery and Edward, represents either side of the choice Juliet must make--to venture back into the civilized world and a "normal" future, or to embrace who she is and always has been and to live a life that will be far from ordinary. Each has its value, and Juliet sees that, so she has a hard time choosing. At the same time, she really does know what she truly wants, but she takes a while to decide because she knows she should want the other. The triangle isn't arbitrary and is resolved in this book (or at least I'm pretty sure it is). Neither is inherently better than the other; both have flaws and don't make the best decisions all of the time. I certainly was rooting for one over the other the entire time, but I could still see why Juliet would be indecisive, and it didn't bother me.

Now Juliet is not your simpering society girl either. She certainly was brought up to be so, but she has never felt at home in that role. The darkness of her father lies within somewhere and Juliet knows that it's going to come out and play one day. She's had her share of hardships, but she never lets that defeat her. Instead she goes to work and is honestly tougher than you could ever expect. Juliet is not the only character that is well-drawn. I don't think I found a character that I didn't find compelling in some way. I especially felt for Balthazar and Alice and liked seeing them imbued with so much soul.

My only complaint is that the romance really took the front seat when I wanted the creepy island and the potential major gore to drive the story. Juliet needed to spend a little less time dreaming about boys and more worrying about her situation. I think I could've given this five stars had the romance been cut some. It made the middle a bit slow. BUT, both the beginning and the end are fantastic.

With the ending of this book, I kind of wanted to hurl something across the room, only because of its perfection. (I know that doesn't make sense, but it's true.) There is quite a lot of potential in this series to become a favorite of mine if the next two books build on what was written here. I loved the overall tone, world, and characters, and I can't wait to see what Megan Shepherd does with Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde!

Stacking the Shelves {36}

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews where we get to share the books we've bought, been gifted, or received for review!

How was everybody's week? I have to say the highlight of the week was getting auto-approved by HarperCollins on Edelweiss. :) I was flailing so badly that it was a little embarrassing. I did actually contain myself in getting books from them, though that control may not hold out in the coming weeks... :)

For review:

The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender by Leslye Walton
Far From You by Tess Sharpe
Uninvited by Sophie Jordan
Death Sworn by Leah Cypess
Her Dark Curiosity (The Madman's Daughter #2) by Megan Shepherd

A big thanks to Candlewick, Disney-Hyperion, Netgalley, HarperCollins, and Edelweiss for these! I'm so excited!

Purchased: 

Blackwood by Gwenda Bond (ebook)

SO. CHEAP. A bunch of Strange Chemistry's titles are like $1.39 right now, so you should check that out!

Library:

Perfect Ruin by Lauren DeStefano
Unbreakable by Kami Garcia
Shadows by Robin McKinley

Seriously, best library ever here in Tuscaloosa.

A recap of the week here on Paper Cuts:
Monday - I reviewed The Infinite Moment of Us by Lauren Myracle.
Tuesday - I teased from Seraphina by Rachel Hartman and I helped reveal the cover for Defector by Susanne Winnacker.
Wednesday - I'm waiting on To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han.
Thursday - I helped promote Leap of Faith by Jamie Blair.
Friday - I'm participating in Netgalley November!

Books I read this week:
The Infinite Moment of Us by Lauren Myracle
The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd

I'm currently reading:
I actually haven't picked my next book because I'm doing schoolwork. It'll likely be something fantasy! :)

So that's been my week! I don't think I'll get to read much this week, since I have a midterm, two papers, and a project due on top of my normal work load. Woo college! :) Anyways, I'd love to see what y'all got, so leave me links! I'll be visiting about in just a little while. Have a lovely Sunday and a fabulous week!