Blog Tour – Page 21 – Sydney Aaliyah Michelle

Sydney Reviews Shattered Veil by Tracy E. Banghart

Published on March 11, 2014March 10, 2014 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle2 Comments

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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Synopsis: When everything that defines you is stripped away, who do you become?For Aris, a talented wingjet pilot, war means sacrificing everything: her home, her name, her face–and the one promise she swore she’d never break.In the small village of Lux, everyone flies wingjets, but nobody flies them like Aris Haan. When she’s not dancing through the skies, she’s spending every minute with Calix, whom she’s loved since childhood. They plan to Promise, but instead he is sent to defend their dominion against a bloody invasion. Determined not to lose him, Aris follows, joining an underground network of women inside the male-only military. Using secret technology that allows her to pass as a man, she becomes “Aristos”, a Flyer in a search-and-rescue unit.As Aris grows stronger on the battlefield and more comfortable in her guise as Aristos, her personal mission becomes less and less clear. When she and her enigmatic commander, Major Vidar, uncover an astonishing conspiracy that could destroy everything, she must make a choice that will determine not only the fate of her heart, but the future of her dominion.

Mulan meets Battlestar Galactica in Shattered Veil, the story of how one young woman’s quest to save her beloved leads her to save the world.

Review: It’s been a recent occurrence in my long reading life that I have grown quite fond of science fiction books. I am envious of the skill of world building. Creating a world from scratch and being able to describe the site, sounds, smells, air, ground, and space for the reader is nothing short of a miracle to me.

Tracy E. Banghart doesn’t this like a master and Shattered Veil is a well done book. The world she builds, the technology she invents, the characters she creates makes me want to pack up and move to this world and see it up close and personal.

On top of the amazing new world, there is a great New Adult story about a girl who though her world was heading in one direction, but finds herself in a situations that turns her world upside and changes the way she thinks about everything. Typical New Adult theme taken in a completely different direction and I enjoyed the journey it took me on as I read the book.

I also want to take the opportunity to thank Banghart for making this book the start of a true series. I’ve read so many 1st books in series where I had no desire to see what else happens to the main character. Writing a series seems to be the popular thing at this time.

Shattered Veil is book 1 because Aris’ story isn’t done and I am so looking forward to seeing how she continues to grow.

I am ready to declare Aris the new Katniss. Shattered Veil is all that is good about New Adult Science Fiction books and more.

A few of my favorite things

Tattoo References: “blood-red tattoo that encircled the women’s shaved head. ” “a tattoo of a sleek blue and black fish dove down his cheek, another curling under his ear and along his throat.” “large and black with leaf-green accents, impossible to miss. She’d asked for an olive tree to remind her of Lux.” It was a tattoo rich environment.

Movie References: The book had a great movie-like pace and I loved the characters. It would make an amazing movie.

Favorite Line: “Travelers often suffered vertigo when visit Lux; the milky walkways that connected the buildings, built high on carbonated stilts, were translucent, and the impenetrable chest-high path walls transparent.” – An amazing example of Banghart’s world building.

*Just a few of my favorite things.

Author Bio:

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

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Playing Pretend by Juliana Haygert – Release Day!!!

Published on March 3, 2014March 3, 2014 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle4 Comments

Welcome to the Playing Pretend release event, organized by Grapevine Book Tours! Read an excerpt from this NA Contemporary Romance, and enter to win a gift card or eBook copy. Don’t forget to visit the event page for a list of participating blogs with more excerpts and an author interview!

Playing Pretend

by Juliana Haygert

Publication: March 3rd, 2014

New Adult Contemporary Romance

As the Governor’s daughter, Charlotte McClain is an expert in playing pretend. High society, the men her mother shoves in her direction and a Pre-Law major are all a part of her perfect pretense. But when she pretends to be a nobody during Spring Break, she meets someone who rocks her world.Mason Rowell knows heartbreak and Spring Break don’t mesh well, so he allows the mysterious Charlotte to seduce him. What should have been a fling, results in something deeper. After Spring Break has long since passed, he moves to Washington to pursue his graduate degree, but what he never expected to find living among the rich and pompous, was the girl who gave him the strength to change and the desire to start anew.

When the guy Charlotte can’t forget goes from a sensual memory to temptation in the flesh, her facade is put to the test. If she surrenders to his charms, she risks ruining her mother’s perfect career and master plan. Playing pretend is what Charlotte does best, but how long can she pretend she doesn’t love the man who made her proud of her true self?

**A light, sexy NA Contemporary Romance (17+)**

Available on:

Grab your copy today! From now until March 9th, Playing Pretend is only 99 cents!

A sneak peek inside Playing Pretend

I held her arm and pulled her back into the dark hallway. “Wait.”

“Why are you doing this?”

I didn’t let go of her arm. “Honestly, I don’t know. I just … I guess I miss you.”

A small smile appeared on her lips. “Do you miss all the girls you hook up with during spring breaks? Oh, there’s summer too, right? Busy town during summers, right?”

Annoyance was making its way into me. “For your information, I am not that kind of guy.” Wasn’t I? That was what I said I would do. “I had the same girlfriend for three years before you.”

Her smile faded. “Please, Mason …”

“What?” I slid my hands up her arms, pulling her closer. “Tell me about it.” But she didn’t. She averted her eyes. “Why are you acting so stiff and reserved?”

She jerked away from me. “That’s who I am. I call it refined and educated. Or even elegant.”

She was certainly refined, educated, and elegant, but that wasn’t it. “No, no. You’re not like that. Come on. I saw you.”

“Who you saw is someone I cannot be.”

So, that was it. She couldn’t be like that here.

“But that’s who you are, isn’t it?” I walked up to her, towering over her, pushing her against the wall. “That’s who you have to be.”

Her eyes grew wide and she looked side to side, trying to find a way out of my trap.

“What are you going to do? Tell the world what a slut I am?” Her beautiful eyes filled with tears. “What do you want? Will you ask for money to stay quiet?”

I gave one step in her direction, bumping my legs onto hers—only a few inches separated my body from hers now—and reached around her, brushing my fingertips along the bare skin of her back.

“I want you,” I whispered in her ear. Her breath hitched, and I took pleasure in feeling her back arching with my touch, her body shivering with my breath.

Her hands grasped my arms. “Please,” she gasped.

I loved when she begged. “I want the real you. The one that spent six wonderful days with me.” I slid my tongue along her jaw and her nails dug into the skin of my arms. Damn, her scent was like drugs. I was addicted. “The one I know is in there. Let her out. For me.”

“I can’t,” she whispered. Then she pushed me back and, in tears, she dashed away.

While Juliana Haygert dreams of being Wonder Woman, Buffy, or a blood elf shadow priest, she settles for the less exciting—but equally gratifying—life of a wife, mother, and author. Thousands of miles away from her former home in Brazil, she now resides in Connecticut and spends her days writing about kick-ass heroines and the heroes who drive them crazy.

• One (1) $10 Amazon or B&N gift card {INT}

• Two (2) eBook copies of Playing Pretend by Juliana Haygert {INT}

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Cover Reveal – Hold Me Tight by Faith Sullivan

Published on February 14, 2014February 14, 2014 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle2 Comments

Release Date: April 30, 2014

HOLD ME TIGHT synopsis:

He loves me. He loves me not.

Ivy’s heart shatters upon hearing Eric’s crushing ultimatum. Despite how much she cares for him, she won’t give in to his demands. She has no choice but to leave, even if it’s the hardest thing she’s ever had to do.

She loves me. She loves me not.

When Ivy walks out, Eric can’t help feeling betrayed. Unwilling to put her at risk, he values her safety above all else. By refusing to compromise, he’s blindsided when she moves in with a man who’s already stolen so much from him.

I love you. You love me not.

Lauren sees Eric and Ivy’s split as an opportunity to end their relationship once and for all. When Ivy places herself at the mercy of Eric’s rival, Lauren plots to destroy the fragile tie binding them together, even if she endangers Ivy’s life in the process.

What readers are saying about HOLD ME TIGHT:

“Seriously – I’m considering sending Faith Sullivan an email every week until the next book is released. I need to know what happens!”
– Elnora Romness

“I’m really hoping Eric and Ivy can find a way to work things out, and that fate will give them a bit of a break—but if there’s one thing this series has proved to me, it’s that Faith Sullivan’s books will take us to places unexpected and impossible to predict.”
– Stephanie Parent

“Faith Sullivan is so good at keeping me guessing and making me eagerly anticipate this book. Looking forward to see what’s in store for Ivy and Eric.”
– Kelly Hashway

“I so totally love Faith’s books. Honestly, it’s such a treat to nab them up and enjoy them.”
– Meradeth Houston

“I really can’t wait to read the conclusion to this series…I think it’s going to be even better than the first two books!”
– Kelli Nash

Books in this New Adult Contemporary Romance trilogy:

About the Author:

Faith Sullivan is an author of New Adult contemporary romances including the HEARTBEAT trilogy, the TAKE ME NOW series and the 9/11 novel, UNEXPECTED.

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Cover Reveal – Rush Into You by Brianna Lee

Published on February 13, 2014 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle3 Comments

A New Adult Contemporary Romance

Releasing April/May 2014

I had it all.

I was captain of the cheerleading squad and star of the debate team. I was smart and popular and living the dream.

Until that night.

That one fateful night changed everything.

Now everyone hates me—everyone. They stay far away.

It’s safer.

Drugs numb the pain, and sex pays for the drugs.

Being alive is my punishment.

Then I meet him. Ryker Rosse.

Tattoos, sinful body…and his eyes. His eyes are irresistible. He is captivating. He treats me with respect.

He sees me.

Ryker brings happiness into my life of regret, but I don’t know if I deserve happiness. Some mistakes can never be forgiven.

Or can they?

About the Author

Brianna Lee is an avid reader and flavored ice coffee addict. She is also a book reviewer and blogger for Brianna Lee Book Reviews and lives in Massachusetts with her beautiful daughter.

As a busy, single mom, and aunt, she often has to write her stories in a notepad app on her cell phone, but late at night you will find her typing on her laptop until she passes out on her keyboard…literally.

Brianna encourages readers to contact her as she loves to hear from you! Email her at authorbriannalee@live.com.

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Sydney Reviews Tyler and Stella (Tattoo Thief, #2) by Heidi Joy Tretheway

Published on February 11, 2014February 10, 2014 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle3 Comments

Special Tattoo Tuesday Sydney Reviews Feature

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Tyler & Stella (Tattoo Thief, #2) by Heidi Joy Tretheway

Publication date: February 2014
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

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Synopsis: Stella Ramsey always says bad boys can’t break your heart. They don’t call, don’t cuddle and don’t send flowers—but what do you expect? For Stella, no strings means no regrets.

When the biggest story of her fledgling career as a music journalist nearly ruins her relationship with her best friend, Stella has one chance to redeem herself. Tyler Walsh could be that chance.

Stella promises the bassist for the rock band Tattoo Thief anything in exchange for behind-the-scenes access. But Tyler doesn’t want anything. He wants everything—and that’s more than Stella is prepared to give. When Tyler’s explosive secret thrusts Stella into the media spotlight, she must choose between the selling the story and telling the truth—and exposing the truth about herself as well.

Review: I will forever be impressed/in awe/envious of Heidi Joy Tretheway for her writing skills. Anyone who can take a character who was the villain in book #1 and make them complex, interesting and sympathetic in book #2, earns my praise and respect.

Let me explain.

I read Gavin & Beryl: Tattoo Thief #1 and sent Heidi a message telling her how much I enjoyed it. It is one of those books I didn’t want to end. Just before I reached the end, I saw a message from Heidi asking if I wanted to read Tattoo Thief #2. I was beyond excited, but then I read the synopsis and my heart dropped.

Without giving away to much, at the end of #1, one of the characters in the book named Stella did not come off well. She did something awful, hurtful and beyond forgivable. So, when I found out she was the main character in #2, I thought, what is Heidi doing?

Well, I am so glad this unexpected turn of events didn’t dissuade me from reading the book. Book #2 is just as interesting, exciting, sad, empowering and sexy as book #1. I was hooked from the first page. I didn’t fall in love with Stella, but I hoped for her transformation and throughout the book, you had no idea whether it would happen or not.

But, the star of the book was Tyler; tattoo’ed and talented, with a hero’s heart (sorry for the alliterations). He made me want to be his friend and take care of him. His story had me guessing and I was 100% satisfied with the results.

I recommend you read the books in order, but you don’t have to. Heidi has a special talent for writing about couples who at first don’t seem to fit, but in the end, you can’t imagine them not being together.

Tattoo References: Lots of great tattoo references. How could there not be with a name like Tattoo Thief. One of my favorites: “Why do yo have all the tattoos? Are you just cultivation a bad-boy image or do they mean something?” Tyler grins. This is something he wants to talk about . . . “they’re about my history.” – love that.

Movie References: None

Favorite Line: “Releasing control to let the other person steer your ship for a while. It’s terrifying and intimate and powerful. It’s love.” – so good!!!!

*Just a few of my favorite things.

Author Bio: Heidi Joy lives in Happy Valley off Sunnyside Road. She swears she did not make that up.

Heidi’s obsessed with storytelling. Her career includes marketing, journalism, and a delicious few years as a food columnist. Media passes took her backstage with several rock bands, where she learned that sometimes a wardrobe malfunction is exactly what the rock star intends.

You’ll most often find Heidi Joy with her husband and two small kids cooking, fishing, exploring the Northwest, and building epic forts in their living room.

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