{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?