The Reading Realm

{Indie-Credible Authors} Magan Vernon

I am super excited to be hosting the awesome Magan Vernon on the Indie-Credible Tour! I absolutely LOVE her books, they sweet, funny, emotional, romantic and quite often down right sexy!!

Magan's Books:

Published books:

How To Date An Alien (My Alien Romance #1)

How To Break Up With An Alien (My Alien Romance #2)

How To Marry An Alien (My Alien Romance #3)

My Paper Heart (My Paper Heart #1)

Life Love & Lemons - (REVIEW)

The Only Exception - (REVIEW)

Upcoming Releases:

The Only One - Oct 10th 2013 (REVIEW)

One Wild Night - Dec 5th 2013

On Paper Wings (My Paper Heart #2) - 2014

Interview with Trey & John Boy:

Today Magan has kindly allowed me to interview my two favourite characters Trey & John Boy from The Only Exception & The Only One!

Amy: Well hello there Trey & John Boy & welcome to The Reading Realm! I'm so excited to be drooling *cough* sorry I mean interviewing you today! Okay now, lets jump right into the questions:

Q. So you two must know each other pretty well, so tell us something about the other that nobody else knows?

John: Trey watches chick flicks

Trey: *glares at him* I only watch them when Monica wins an argument. It’s not like I seek out to watch them.

John: Dude, you totally like that shit.

Trey: Some of those movies have a good storyline and the actors can portray their characters very well.

John: *rolls eyes* That’s such a lame ass political answer.

Trey: Fine. Then what about your big secret?

John: I don’t keep secrets. I’m an open book.

Trey: The fact that you like to use Melanie’s body wash is definitely something that you don’t share with everyone.

John: Son of a bitch, Chapman. You know what? Sometimes I like that chick smelling stuff, but did you need to tell the whole world that a dude likes that?

Trey: *raises hands* I’m just answering honestly.

Q. When you each first set eyes on your lovely ladies Monica and Melanie what was the first thing you noticed/thought about them?

Trey: The first thing I noticed about Monica was, of course, her hair. There something incredibly sexy about a redhead and the personality that goes with it. When she opened her mouth to speak was when I knew she was a goner. She has the fieriest personality and I can’t resist a girl that challenges me.

John: I’d seen Melanie a few times at the coffee shop she works at. Always with her head down and not paying much attention to me. But when I first caught her out of her element at the party; the way she looked at me all wide-eyed I knew I had to take the put together girl and get her out of her element.

Q. If you could go back in time and change one thing what would it be?

Trey: You can’t change the past. You can only learn from it as you move forward.

John: That is such a freaking politically correct answer

Trey: But it’s true. Do you really think that there is any point on trying to dwell on going back and changing things? Don’t you think I would kill to go back and change what happened to Monica if I could? But I can’t. And everything really does happen for a reason. If none of that would have happened she might not have transferred and I would have never met the girl her. *eyes John* And what if things never happened with Melanie? What if you weren’t there with her? Would things still bet he same?

John: *Thinks on it for a moment, then lets out a deep breath* You’re right. As always. I wish I could change the shit that Melanie went through. I don’t want to say that what happened to her changed at all how I felt about her, but seeing her crumble and being there for her was the first moment I knew I would do anything for that girl.

Q. At the Alpha Mu Halloween party you both wear some sexy costumes, do these ever get used for any…um…extracurricular actives?

Trey: That’s sort of a personal question. And I’m not really a boxers type guy.

John: Every day she lets me wear the loincloth.

Amy: *mumbles* I bet she would

Q. Trey, you and Monica have some very fiery political 'discussions', how do you have such a strong relationship with such different opinions?

Trey: I think that you can’t have a good relationship with someone if you aren’t honest. You can’t just always bend to what someone else wants or it makes life boring and at least one person will get sick of always being the pushover and the relationship wont work. Monica has never just bent to what I wanted and I haven’t done the same for her. We make exceptions for each other, but I love our debates before it happens.

John: You just like debating with her so you can get a prize if you win. By prize I mine *makes an inappropriate hand gesture.*

Trey: Really? Another sex joke?

John: I aim to please.

Q. John, you and Melanie deal with some very heavy issues early in the relationship, do you think that added more pressure or brought you closer together?

John: I think it did both. I don’t know how to explain it. I mean, it sucked that we barely even had a relationship forming and then it was like a volcano blew up in our face. We didn’t get to do all the first date formalities and it went into full-blown chaos. *rubs the back of his neck* But honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. It may have been hectic. It may have been one of the most messed up relationships, but I love that girl more than anything. I wouldn’t have wanted anyone else to have been there with her but me.

A Quickie with Trey:

Boxers, Briefs or Commando?

Trey: I plead the fifth.

John: He wears those expensive, name brand boxer briefs!

Guilty pleasure?

Trey: Dancing with the Stars

Most embarrassing memory?

Trey: When my mom…the cleaning lady…and the gardener walked in on me and Monica. All in the same day.

Quirky habits?

Trey: Monica probably has a lot to say about this.

John: He shoves his hands in his pockets whenever he’s trying to appear distinguished or really nervous.

Trey: John she didn’t ask you.

John: Someone had to give a real answer.

Pet peeve?

Trey: People that say ‘swag’ and ‘yolo’

Do you have a life motto?

Trey: Swag is for boys. Class is for men.

Do you sing in the shower?

Trey: All the time.

Biggest fear?

Trey: Flying.

John: You’re afraid to fly?

Trey: Do you know how many people die in plane crashes?

John: People die by sticking their hand in a blender. Yolo.

Trey: *grumbles*

Wallpaper on your computer right now?

Trey: A picture of me and Monica from Halloween. She looked good in a beret

Most embarrassing song on your iPod?

Trey: Monica likes to get a hold of my iPod and likes to put random songs on it, like “Ghetto Superstar”

Top Five Most Played Song on iPod?

Clocks by Cold Play

Imagine by John Lennon

Crash Into Me by Dave Matthews Band

You found me by The Frey

Be Here now by Ray Lamontague

A Quickie with John Boy:

John: *leans in close, his breath just a whisper on her ear* Baby, it’s never quick with me.

Amy: *giggles*

Boxers, Briefs or Commando?

John: loincloth

Guilty pleasure?

John: cheesecake

Most embarrassing memory?

John: I don’t get embarrassed.

Trey: I call foul

John: What? I don’t.

Trey: Not even when you had leave Melanie’s one morning and Short Stack caught you wearing a pair of her shorts that were way too short on you?

John: Touché

Quirky habits?

John:I guess I rub the back of my neck when I get nervous.

Pet peeve?

John: Girls that don’t take the hint. If I’m taken, I don’t want you all over me.

Do you have a life motto?

John: Don’t give up

Do you sing in the shower?

John: All the time. Love me some Rhianna.

Biggest fear?

John: That I’ll always be the bull.

Wallpaper on your computer right now?

John: Melanie in her Hermione costume.

Most embarrassing song on your iPod?

John: Backstreet Boys. What? They’re classic

Top Five Most Played Song on iPod?

I will Wait by Mumford and Sons

Some Nights by Fun

Demons by Imagine Dragons

The Last by Sam Thacker

Won’t go home without you by Maroon 5

Amy: Well, that's it for today boys!

Trey: Thank you, Amy, for having us on your blog.

John: *Leans in, a slight grin on his face* Yeah, Amy. I hope us coming made your day.

Amy: *blushes* yes um...*giggles*...it's been excellent…thank you so much for stopping by!!

*****ADD TO GOODREADS NOW*****

Stacking The Shelves #6

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Stacking The Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews and is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves.

These are all the beautiful books I got over the past fortnight!

ARCs for Review:

Crash Into You by Katie McGarry
A huge thanks to Harlequin Teen Australia (who also auto-approved me this week, yay!!)

Off Chance by Sawyer Bennett
A big thanks to Sawyer for sending this one!

Seven Day Fiancé By Rachel Harris
A big thanks to Rachel & Entangled!

In Harmony by Helena Hewbury
Thanks to Helena & IFB Tours

Gifted:

Escaping Me by Elizabeth Lee

A huge thanks & hugs to fellow Aussie Rachel Brookes for gifting this to me :) xx

Purchased:

Destiny Gift by Juliana Haygert

Out Of Line by Jen McLaughlin

Playing With Her Heart by Lauren Blakely

The Devil's Tattoo by Nicole R Taylor

A Matter Of Fate by Heather Lyons

Swag:

I also got these awesome Lux bookmarks from the lovely Christine @ I *Heart* Big Books!! Thanks so much! :)

Well that's what's new to my bookshelf - what about you?

Swoon Thursday #23

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Swoon Thursday is a weekly event hosted by YA Bound.This is how it works:

From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. Shout it out on Twitter with the hashtag #YABound, post it here in the comments, or grab the adorable button above and share it on your blog.

This week, I’m SWOONING over:

Title: A Song For Julia

Author: Charles Sheehan-Miles

Published: December 4th 2012

Age Group: New Adult

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Rating: 5/5

Goodreads | Amazon | Review

"It's true," I said. "I love you, and I want you to be happy, I want you to have the life you deserve. And if that means…if that means I have to stand here and watch you walk away, then I'll do it. I won't be happy about it. It'll break my heart. But…if that's what you really need, then we're done."

She looked at me, her expression shifting, and I couldn't figure out what was going on in there.

"Before you go." I said, "you need to know - I'd do anything for you." I stepped close, so close we were almost touching. "Even kiss you goodbye and watch you go."

Oh this book gave me major feels…it was heartbreakingly beautiful. I had to choose a swoon from Crank's POV because I absolutely loved his voice in this story. This is a MUST read book!

So what's making you swoon this week?

Review: Keep Me Still by Caisey Quinn

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Title: Keep Me Still (incl. Let You Leave prequel novella)

Author: Caisey Quinn

Published: August 1st 2013

Age Group: New Adult

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Source: eARC provided by author for honest review

Rating: 5/5

Goodreads | Amazon

BLURB:

Let You Leave Novella:

Layla Flaherty had the perfect life, or close to it. Until a stranger gunned her parents down right in front of her, leaving her with seizure inducing PTSD. After years of trying to pass as normal and failing miserably, she resigns herself to being invisible. But new to town Landen O’Brien sees her, and he likes what he sees. Much to Layla’s surprise, he doesn’t freak out when she has a seizure in front of him. He does the exact opposite, calming her until the tremors subside. But Landen has secrets of his own. Secrets that will either bind them together or tear them apart.

Keep Me Still:

Scarred by loss, Layla leaves her hometown of Hope Springs, Georgia, hoping to put her painful past behind her and start over in college in California. When she runs into Landen at freshmen orientation, she has a choice to make. Reinforce those steel walls she's built up around herself or give the only boy who can keep her still a second chance.

Landen’s more than ready to tear down those walls, but this time when they come crashing down, they might bury her

This was seriously one of the best books I have read this year!! And OMG I will seriously NEVER EVER think of a cherry the same way again….EVER!!!!

REVIEW:

The story:

The novella Let You Leave, is kind of like an extra long prologue, and it sets the story up beautifully, with Landen and Layla meeting in their last year of high school. Layla is the social pariah of the school, something that new student Landen can't understand. He befriends her and so begins their epic relationship.

The main story Keep Me Still picks up their story when they go off to college, where their relationship teeters between friendship and romance. Layla struggles to keep her 'secret' from her new friends, afraid she will once again become an outcast, just as she's starting to find her feet. Meanwhile, Landen is also hiding something, the question is what is his big secret and what will happen when Layla finds out?

The characters:

After a traumatic childhood experience & and awkward high school social life, Layla really starts to come out of her shell in college. She's a sweet and innocent character, who's been hiding from life…until now. She embraces her new found freedom and starts to discover who she is. I loved watching her grow into the person she wanted to be, rather than what other thought she should be.

Landen…sexy, sweet caring Landen, he is the ultimate book boyfriend and I love him! He's a very realistic character and does make mistakes and bad decision like all of us, and that just made him all the more likeable (and swoon worthy). The whole way through the book, you can see and feel how much he cares for Layla, not just with what he says but with his actions too. I don't think I could ever get enough Landen.

The romance:

I personally think Layla & Landen are one of my All-Time-Favourite-Couples, along with "Ross & Rachel", and of course "Cinderella & Prince Charming"! I get that tingly feeling just thinking about them! Landen would do anything for Layla and proves this many times through the novel. And the love scenes…OH-MY-GOD they are epic and made of pure hotness. What I will refer to as 'The Cherry Scene' is hands down one of the most smokin hot scenes I have read! All I can say is you need to read this book if only for that scene alone…yes it was that good!

The Writing:

Well it's no secret that I'm a bit of a fangirl of Caisey's, her books are romantic with swoon worthy heroes, and plenty of angst to keep you reading into the early hours of the morning. I think the strongest part of this book is the emotions that you feel - I was torn apart with sadness and put back together with all the romance!

FINAL WORD:

This book made me feel every emotion possible, it had me laughing, crying and swooning!! It is most definitely one of the must read books of the year! I can't wait for the follow up novella, because I will never get enough Layla & Landen! Caisey can you pleeeeeease release it now…pretty please…with a cherry on top ;)

CONTENT:

Sexuality: strong / descriptive sex scenes

Violence: mild

Language:

Drugs & alcohol: mild

Review: No One's Angel by Kelly Walker

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Title: No One's Angel

Author: Kelly Walker

Published: September 6th 2013

Age Group: New Adult

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Source: eARC provided via Netgalley for honest review

Rating: 3/5

Goodreads | Amazon

BLURB:

Tess used to spend more hours than she'd care to admit playing her favorite computer game, using the nickname Angel. She could pretend her life was different, and she could pretend Arion was just a friend. But a girl needs more to keep her warm at night than pixels, and she traded her virtual heaven for a real-life hell. Now she's on the run from a past she won't talk about, and the only place she has to go is the doorstep of the friend she's never actually met.

When Angel disappeared from their nightly games, it nearly destroyed Arion. He threw himself into work and women, but he can't help knowing the one-night stands will never compare to the angel who haunts his dreams. At first, when she shows up soaking wet and scared-shitless on his doorstep, he thinks his prayers have been answered.

But the more Arion tries to keep Angel close, the more her fear drives her away. If they are ever going to have a chance for a future, they'll first have to deal with the past that hasn't forgotten her any more than she's forgotten it--and Arion will have to learn how to let her go.

REVIEW:

The story:

I really loved the unique storyline that this book takes. It opens with Angel/Tess suddenly appearing on the doorstep of the only person she feels she can trust - Arion, her online gamer friend. After not having spoken for the past year he both surprised & happy to see her, but it's clear that she hiding from something or someone and Arion wants to be the one to save her. We know that she's running away from her abusive boyfriend, but there is more to story that is revealed throughout the book.

The is quite slow paced and it does take some time before the 'big reveals' occur. However when they do the story picks up immensely. The suspense element was probably the strongest part of this book, with the climax of the story taking on an intense edge of your seat feeling.

The characters:

Tess, although she goes by her gamer name Angel, is a very damaged character. She doesn't trust anyone, but despite this she wants her life to change and stop running from the things she scared of. I love that we get to see how much Angel grows over the course of the book, and I felt that she was a much stronger person by then end.

At the beginning I really liked Axel or Arion (his gamer name). For the most part he was the perfect guy - hardworking, dedicated to his employees & his family and very protective of Angel. However as the story progressed I felt he was a little too possessive and that bothered me. After everything that Angel has been through she needed someone patient & understanding. Arion's possessive behaviour also brought out his violent streak. And although his violence was never directed at Angel, he did beat up a guy in front of her, and has thoughts like:

"I honestly don’t think I would’ve shed a tear had I killed the guy"

It would only take one moment where he looses control of his anger to hurt her. Later, when Angel clearly tells him she needs space from him he 'lets her go', but ends up following her and watching from his car. Despite the fact that this is to protect her some his actions just didn't sit well me.

The romance:

The romance in this story was different, because it was already established through their online gaming relationship. And although they've never met before in real life they feel a strong connection towards each other. Despite this connection, I felt the romance was a little underdeveloped, because we don't actually see any of their gamer romance. Perhaps a prologue or flash backs could have helped convince me of the depth of their relationship. Once the story progressed I did start to see their connection develop, but it still felt fast because we haven't seen any of their earlier interactions.

The Writing:

I really enjoyed the unique element to this story - online gaming relationships. And while some consider them 'strange', they do happen. I think the author did a great job of showing both sides to this story, with Arion's friends thinking their relationship was weird, while Angel & Arion both show that it is possible. I also felt the suspense aspect of the story was well written too. The climax of the story was very effective and I was completely drawn into the story.

FINAL WORD:

I'm still not sure how I feel about this book - there were certainly elements that I felt could have been improved, however the climax of the story was very strong and had me completely engaged. I also love that it has a non-cliffhanger HEA ending. Overall I did enjoy reading this one, and the unique storyline does make it worth a read.

CONTENT:

Sexuality: medium / sex scenes (not overly descriptive)

Violence: medium / domestic violence & bashing

Language: medium / some f words

Drugs & alcohol: medium-strong / a character gets drunk, drink spiking

{Book Blitz} Kinetic by S.K. Anthony

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Title: Kinetic

Series: The Luminaries #1

Author: S.K. Anthony

Published: 18th September 2013

Age Group: New Adult

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Goodreads | Amazon

BLURB:

Being strong is one thing. Being an unlimited source of power is quite another.

Genetically altered by the Organization, Annie Fox takes down criminals CIA-style with her luminary strength. With nothing to mend but her broken heart, she is relentlessly pursued by her boss Derek Lake. Just when Annie is about to give him a chance, her ex-husband unexpectedly comes out of hiding.

A wanted man, Nick Logan is a cold-hearted murderer who is considered enemy number one, and orders are clear: kill on contact. He is more powerful than ever and threatens the lives of those she holds most dear. His plan? Get his hands on Annie and use her Kinetic energy to destroy them all. When Annie finds herself with an opportunity to end him, she pauses, horrified by the scars covering the face she once loved. A split second that will cost her everything…

AUTHOR BIO:

S. K. Anthony is a writer, a reader and a make-stuff-up-er who lives in New York with her husband and toddler twins. She is a wine connoisseur, which just really means she knows she loves it, and a caffeine addict. When she isn’t busy with her family she finds herself being transported into the world of imagination. Well, either that or running away from spiders…she is convinced they are out to get her!

Website: http://www.skanthony.com/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7133166.S_K_Anthony

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/S-Katherine-Anthony/403554526400225?ref=hl

Twitter: @SKathAnthony

GIVEAWAYS:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Swoon Thursday #22

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Swoon Thursday is a weekly event hosted by YA Bound.This is how it works:

This week, I’m SWOONING over:

Title: All Of You

Author: Christina Lee

Published: September 17th 2013

Age Group: New Adult

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Source: eARC provided by author for honest review

Rating: 5/5

Goodreads | Amazon | Review

"I pushed away from the tree to make a run for the tent. All at once I saw a blur of red as I was forced against the tree trunk, the bark digging into my sweater. Bennett's soaked hair swung against my forehead, his hands gripped my face, and his mouth sealed over mine, fusing our wet lips and tongues together.

I scraped my fingertips up his chest to his hairline and felt him tremble against me. My heart thudded against my rib cage as Bennett's mouth devoured me - like he was pouring all of his frustration into me.

We were sopping wet, our clothes clinging to us, and the rain wasn't letting up anytime soon. I swept my tongue across his lips and the hottest f**king growl erupted from his mouth. He flattened his body against mine, crushing me with the weight of his passion."

You doesn't love a kiss in the rain?! I love Bennett so much, he such a sweetie!!

I really enjoyed the role reversal of this book with the guy being the inexperienced one - but that certainly doesn't mean this book isn't hot - because it was all HOT & STEAMY!!

So what's making you swoon this week?

Review: All Of You by Christina Lee

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Title: All Of You

Author: Christina Lee

Published: September 17th 2013

Age Group: New Adult

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Source: eARC provided by author for honest review

Rating: 5/5

Goodreads | Amazon

BLURB:

Avery has just met her hot upstairs neighbor. He's irresistible. Tattooed. And a virgin.

Nursing student Avery Michaels wants nothing to do with dating—she's perfectly happy single. Privy to too many of her mother's bad decisions and even worse taste in boyfriends, all Avery can handle is a string of uncomplicated hookups whenever the mood strikes.

When she meets smoking hot tattoo artist Bennett, she wants him—for just one night. But he won't accept a no-strings-attached arrangement. He lives by a straight-laced code of values based on his own troubled upbringing.

Bennett sees something special in Avery and he wants more from her. Way more. As Avery wrestles with her emotions for Bennett, danger and tragedy force them to open up to each other. And Avery must face the terrifying realization that she wants more from him, too.

So she needs to make a choice—let Bennett go or finally let him in.

REVIEW:

The story:

I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this story - it's a New Adult book with a difference! And it all starts when Bennett moves into the same apartment building as Avery. The attraction between them is obvious from the beginning, and after Bennett stops a potential break in from an intruder, he & Avery get closer and the lines between friendship & something more start to become blurred. However, while Avery is looking for a casual hook up, Bennett wants something more serious from their growing relationship, and this is where the real drama begins.

I love the little twist that this books takes on the usual NA romance plot, with the sexually experienced girl and virgin hero. What I especially liked about it was the reasoning behind both their lifestyle choices. They've both had difficult home lives and it's effected the way they approach life and relationships.

The characters:

Avery was an interesting character, and although she has her faults, she's very likeable. She's has had a rough childhood, with a mother more interested in men than her own kids. After a traumatic experience Avery wants to take control of her life & body, and becomes very assertive in her sex life. She believes this is the only way for her to be happy and doesn't want a serious relationship. Despite her past, she's a strong character in other aspects of her life and very dedicated to her job at the local nursing home.

Bennett, who also has his fair share of family dramas, deals with his issues very differently to Avery. He doesn't want to be intimate with a girl unless he's able to trust her and is ready to commit to a relationship. He works as a tattoo artist, but he's not the cliche bad boy covered head to toe in tats and piercings, he's an artist and sell paintings on the side. But what I really loved about Bennett is that he's a good guy - not possessive, aggressive, no anger issues and certainly not a man-whore!!! Hallelujah!!!

Another character I must mention is Mrs Jackson, one of the residents at the nursing home where Avery works. Avery has grown attached to Mr Jackson as she reminds her of her own late grandmother. The relationship between these two was rather touching and made me tear up several times. It just added another dimension to the story.

The romance:

The romance between Avery & Bennett starts out more as friendship, but the sparks are definitely there from the very beginning. As they spend more time together & get to know one another better the tension just builds and builds and explodes in one hell of scene! (yes that pun was totally intended :)

However their romance is not without it's difficulties. Avery struggles to let go of her past and trust him, while Bennett tries to deal with his own insecurities that threaten their relationship. It was really sweet watching them both try to help one another through their own issues, and make the relationship work.

The Writing:

Christina's writing is very natural & fluid, and I flew through this book. I also liked how the difficult issues addressed in the book are handled well, without over dramatising them. And as for the love scenes, well there are some seriously steamy scenes, literally - two words: shower scene!!!

FINAL WORD:

This book has all the things that I love about New Adult fiction! Great characters, intense romance and a powerfully emotional story line. I loved Avery & Bennett's story and can't wait for the companion novel, Before You Break!

CONTENT:

Sexuality: medium-strong / descriptive sex scenes

Violence: medium / domestic violence mentioned / fist fight

Language: medium / several f*ck

Drugs & alcohol: mild