Release Day Launch: Picture Perfect by Alessandra Thomas (Review & Giveaway)

Hello, Therians!

Happy Book Birthday to Alessandra Thomas and Picture Perfect!!

 

Check out my review below, and don't miss out on the chance to win a copy of this amazing book!

 

SYNOPSIS 

Fashion design major Cat Mitchell has a closet full of gorgeous clothes - and not a single thing fits. After two years of runway modeling for easy cash, an accident shattered her lower leg bone and her self-esteem in just one swift fall. Ten months of no exercise, prescription steroids, comfort eating and yoga pants meant returning to campus as a size twelve instead of her former size two. When her gorgeous long-time friend with benefits sees her for the first time after her accident and snubs her in front of all her friends, Cat’s self-image hits rock bottom. Her sorority sisters all insist that she looks gorgeous, but all Cat sees is the roll of her stomach when she sits down, or the dimpling at the back of her thighs that wasn't there last year. Cat’s therapist prescribes something radical to stop the downward spiral - nude modeling for a nearby college's human form drawing classes. When Cat faces her fears and bares it all for the class, she realizes that she's posing naked in front the most gorgeous, buffest guy she's ever seen in her life. He asks her out after the class, and after one steamy night together, Cat's absolutely smitten.

Nate’s pretty close to perfect – he takes Cat rock climbing when he discovers that it makes her feel strong and becomes a great chef after he learns that the perfect pesto sauce makes her swoon. Cat starts to feel like her old self again - confident and beautiful - as long as Nate's around. Even when he discourages her from entering the Real Woman Project, a design competition for plus-sized apparel, she reasons that he's just trying to prevent old body image wounds from splitting wide open again. But when Cat goes home with Nate for Thanksgiving, she discovers something shocking from his recent past that proves that he hasn’t always been so encouraging of women of all shapes and sizes. Cat has no idea what to think, but she does know one thing - this might destroy their relationship before it's even had a chance to get off the ground.

Before Cat can figure out whether the real Nate is the sensitive, adoring guy she fell in love with, or an undercover asshole, she'll have to finally feel comfortable in her own skin - even if it means leaving him forever.

 

 

REVIEW 

I absolutely loved this book!

 

It spoke to me on such a personal level because I recognized myself in Cat. Anyone who has had some kind of insecurity or body issue will connect with this story and its characters.

 

Firstly, Joey is the best friend anyone could ask for. She needs to be cloned and given to every woman on this planet as a Christmas gift!

 

I loved that Cat was a real woman. She was stick thin before, but after a terrible accident, she'd put on weight and her entire world seemed to fall apart. But this was mostly due to Cat's belief that outer beauty held more value than inner beauty.

 

Okay, so it wasn't all Cat's fault. Unfortunately, society has made most people believe that if you don't fit a certain standard you're not good enough, and this was displayed throughout this book.

 

There were a few comedic moments that made me snicker but, had I been in Cat's shoes, I'd definitely be feeling the same way. I think, every woman, whether thin, fat, tall, or short, has had a moment when they didn't feel comfortable in their body. And most everyone has been through that dreaded moment of having to be naked in front of their new partner for the first time. Wondering if he'll notice the dimples on your thighs or that your stomach isn't as toned and flab-free as your flattering clothing had suggested. It is definitely a cringe worthy moment!!

 

Nate was such a fantastic guy. Although I did have an inkling that his past was a little shady, he was just too gorgeous and understanding. I guess every girl wants to believe that their guy loves them, even with the extra baggage they're carrying around, so it was easy to see why Cat was so infatuated. Nate even put up with her mini freak outs.

 

When Cat uncovers Nate's past discrepancies and runs out, I was "Hell, yeah! You go girl!" but I also wanted to slap her and tell her to confront him before running out on him. After all, he seemed so genuine, there had to be a good explanation.

 

Nate's introduction for Project Real Woman was moving and tugged at my heart-strings. But I was also glad that Cat had finally realized that she was a powerful, beautiful woman, who was able to stand on her own two feet. With a strong message delivered in her presentation, she no longer needed the approval of anyone to tell her she was good enough. 

 

Cat and Nate's love story is beautiful, but this book was so much more than just a romance novel. It was a wonderful story about the courage to face the world, even after it knocks you down, and to love and accept yourself no matter what size you are. Because the only person who can hold you back from living a full and happy life is yourself.

 

Only you can deem yourself worthy, strong and deserving.

 

 

It gets a well deserved...

 

 

 

 

 

GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alessandra Thomas is a New Adult writer who swears she was in her twenties yesterday. Since she's not, she spends her time looking back on her college years fondly, and writing sexy stories about guys and
girls falling in love and really living life for the first time. When she's not writing, you can find her with a spoonful of ice cream in one hand and the newest New Adult release in the other.

Links:

Goodreads

Twitter

Facebook

Be sure to check out all the stops on this tour:

March 25^th

I Love Lady Porn-Excerpt & Review
The Book Goddess-Interview & Review

March 26^th

RELEASE LAUNCH DAY

Stuck in YA Books
Bookmarks, Spoilers, and Happily Ever Afters
The Reading Date
My Book Muse
Brittany Blabs Books
For the Love of Film and Novels
Random Girl Book Blog
BookNerds Anonymous
Book Addicted AA
Jessie Harrell
Waves of Fiction
BookNerds Across America
Snuggling on the Sofa
Becca Watson
Kate’s Tales of Books and Bands
Total Bookaholic
The Book Pixie
Roxy Kade

March 27^th

Globug & Hootie-Guest Post
Into the Hall of Books-Review

March 28^th

Bound by Books-Interview
Defiantly Deviant-Review

March 29^th

Chick Loves Lit-Excerpt
The Romance Bookie-Review

March 30^th

Enticed by Books-Review
Magnet 4 Books-Guest Post

March 31^st

#BookNerd-Guest Post
Bookworm’s Multiverse-Interview

April 1^st

ReaderGirls-Excerpt & Review
Anna’s Romantic Reads-Guest Post & Review

April 2^nd

Books Over Boys-Guest Post
Just A BookLover-Character Interview & Reivew

April 3^rd

The Bookish Babe-Guest Post & Review
Always YA at Heart-Interview & Review

April 4^th

In Between Reading and Writing-Review
Once Upon A Twilight-Guest Post

April 5^th

FicTalk-Interview & Review
Dazzled by Books-Guest Post & Review

April 6^th

Book Bitches Blog-Excerpt & Review
My Guilty Obsession-Guest Post & Review

April 7^th

A Book Lover’s Review-Review
Babbling of a Bookaholic-Character Interview & Review

 

Cover Reveal: No Attachments by Tiffany King

Hello, Therians!!

 

I have another fantastic New Adult Contemporary to share with you all today!! No Attachments by Tiffany King, is going to be a scorcher by the looks, and sounds of things :)

 

 

I cannot wait for it's release on April 30, 2013. Mark you calendars!!

 

 

Check out the beautiful cover created by the super talented Sarah Hansen from Okay Creations.

 

 

 

SYNOPSIS

Ashton Garrison walked away from a privileged life in order to hide from the one thing she's not willing to face. She knows she left behind a trail of pain, but in the long run, her betrayal will hurt less than the truth. She now has one goal: Live life to the fullest with no regrets and no attachments. She has high hopes that a move to new surroundings will provide the escape she desires, but what Ashton doesn't count on is how fate always seems to find a way to screw up any good plan. Sometimes, when love comes knocking, the pull is too strong not to answer. Suddenly, what she thought she wanted to escape from is what Ashton now wants more than anything.

Nathan Lockton has one mission: find his target and complete the task he was hired to do—no attachments and no emotion necessary. He's done it over and over again. What he thought was a typical lost-and-found job has turned into a life examining moment as Nathan is forced to deal with something he has always ignored--his feelings. Now faced with a decision, Nathan must choose to either follow his heart or complete the job.

Love can come when you least expect it. The question is: If the odds are stacked against you, how far are you willing to go for the one you love?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Tiffany King is the author of The Saving Angels Series, Wishing for Someday Soon, Forever Changed, Unlikely Allies, Miss Me Not and Jordyn: A Daemon Hunter Novel book one. Writer by day and book fanatic the rest of the time, she is now pursuing her life-long dream of weaving tales for others to enjoy.

She has a loving husband and two wonderful kids. (Five, if you count her three spoiled cats). Her addictions include: Her iphone and ipad, chocolate, Diet Coke, chocolate, Harry Potter, chocolate, and her favorite TV shows. Want to know what they are? Just ask.

Connect with Tiffany:

Twitter @AuthorTiffany

Facebook Tiffany King
Pintrest Tiffany King
Blog authortiffanyjking.blogspot.com
Goodreads Tiffany King

 

 

 

Guest Post & Review: Shooting Stars (A Surah Stormsong Novel #1) by H.D. Gordon

Hello, Therians!!

Welcome to my stop on the Shooting Stars Blog Tour! If you haven't already grabbed a copy of this amazing book, what are you waiting for???

Check out my review below, and don't forget to enter the giveaway to win some amazing prizes!!

I honored to have the super talented H.D.Gordon here as well. She's here to tell us a bit more about her new series. :)

Title: Shooting Stars (A Surah Stormsong Novel #1)

Author: H.D. Gordon

Publisher: ShareAread

Release Date: March 15^th, 2013

Formats: E-book

Goodreads TBR: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17453446-shooting-stars

Cover Artist: Regina Wamba

SYNOPSIS

Once upon a time, a common boy fell in love with a princess. It was a hopeless, forbidden love, grown in a world where sorcery and magic rule over all. Now, dark times are brewing, and destiny will bring them together, while fate works to keep them apart. Extraordinary battles will be fought, and extraordinary choices made. Join the author of The Alexa Montgomery Saga for the beginning of a tale of star-crossed lovers and magic, of hope and love and loss, of desperate wishes made on stars.

GUEST POST

I’m really excited to be here today, and I’m excited to talk about my new book, Shooting Stars, as well as what’s coming up next from me. This series is so different from the Alexa Montgomery Saga, even though it is the spinoff, but I think that the readers will find it enjoyable nonetheless. It offers a much broader look into the world that Alexa and her companions shared.

Surah is the main character in this series, and she is very different from Alexa. She is still dangerous, and capable of taking care of herself- because I just can’t help myself, I love strong female leads- but she is more controlled than Alexa, I think. She thinks before acting, and knows when to accept help from others. Really, I would say that she is a more mature character, and you get to see how this world, as well as Alexa’s, sort of came to be.

Charlie is the main guy in this story. There isn’t really a love triangle, because I wanted this to be a tale of star-crossed lovers and magic, but that doesn’t mean that there are complications in the love department. Surah is a sorceress princess, the next in line to the throne, and Charlie is a common man who has been in love with her since they were children. When a Highborn lady in the kingdom is murdered in Charlie’s bar, Surah is given the task of solving the case. After that, things begin to unravel rather quickly.

I don’t want to give away too much, but there is someone else who already has his eyes on the princess, and he is someone that has to be watched out for. Further complicating matters, the person behind all the mayhem is a direct relation to Charlie. So, yea, recipe for trouble.

This book is only the start, and it’s an easy read. It has a much lighter feel than the Alexa Montgomery Saga, which I liked, because after Redemption, the final book in the AMS, I felt like the readers would like to see a side of my writing that wasn’t all bloodshed and tears. I hope I’ve done that here, maybe regained a little trust. But really, by now my readers probably know that no one is safe, and that I’ll always do my best to keep the writing fresh and new.

So my advice, when considering this book, is not to expect anything, because it won’t be what you expected, but hopefully it will still be very enjoyable. And book two and three are going to be one hell of a ride. I promise you that.

Right now I’m working on a horror novel, as I’ve been so taken with the genre lately that I felt I had to give it a go, but I’m sure that I will complete Surah’s tales this year nonetheless. I hate to keep the readers waiting for too long. J

I’m also going back to school in the fall, so that I may become a better writer, so I’m excited about that. I look forward to hearing everyone’s thoughts on this one, and thank you for having me! It was a pleasure!

Thank you for stopping by, H.D. The pleasure is all mine!!
This series sounds amazing, but then I wouldn't expect anything less from you! And I can't wait for the horror novel.

REVIEW
 

Once again H.D.Gordon has created a fantastic story with amazing characters that grab you from the first page and take you along for the ride.

 

This book is filled with mystery, magic and mayhem. The characters are all so exciting. Surah is a very strong female lead, which I love. She's a princess but also a warrior in so many ways. She takes charge and isn't afraid to get her hands dirty if it means protecting her loved ones. Charlie *sigh*, he has this gorgeous boyish charm that is just so mesmerizing.

 

What good book would be complete without its fair share of unsavoury characters, though? Theo made my skin crawl every time he appeared in the story. There was just something off about him. I just didn't trust him one bit. Micheal was wicked and vengeful. I hated how he tried to drag Charlie into the chaos he caused, but in some way I also felt sorry for him. He believed he was doing the right thing and he held fast to his convictions, but it made him the bad guy.

 

Gordon combines all the elements that make up a great read and it was such a pleasure to be thrown into the magical world she created. I really enjoyed the idea of Samson and his bond with Surah. He's so protective of her.

 

I also loved that there was no obvious love-triangle. Charlie and Surah are star-crossed lovers, born worlds apart, but that doesn't stop their love that blossoms throughout this story. It wasn't easy for them, and I foresee many challenges in their path ahead, but I have hope that nothing can tear them apart.

 

Book two in this series cannot come sooner. I cannot wait to read more of this magical tale.

I give it...

GIVEAWAY

What's up for grabs???

$50 Adopt a Tiger package from WWF

· Baby Samson Plush

· 5 e-copies of Shooting Stars

This is a Tour Wide giveaway!! Enter using the rafflecopter form below :) Good luck!!!

Early praise for the author

“From the very first sentence the author has you hooked and wanting to read more.”

Tt ~Goodreads

“This debut novel from H.D. Gordon has everything what I love in ya. Romance, suspense, action, kick ass heroine and of course smokin hot Kayden. I loved every moment of this book and I found it extremely difficult to put down. “

Patrycja ~ Goodreads

“She keeps the reader's attention throughout the novel with unique twists in the ever unfolding plot.”

Tiffany {A Purrfect Read} ~Goodreads

Blood Warrior has one of the best Chapter One opening and ending I’ve ever read.

Cecilia Robert ~ Goodreads

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

H. D. Gordon is the author of The Alexa Montgomery Saga. Blood Warrior, the first book of the Alexa series was her debut novel and has held a spot in the top 100 fantasy bestsellers for over a month. Half Black Soul is the second book in this series and H. D. plans to complete Alexa's tales by the end of 2012. In June of 2012, Joe, a fantasy novel about a young clairvoyant, was released as well. H. D. is a lifelong reader and writer, a true lover of words. When she is not reading or writing she is raising her two daughters, playing a little guitar, and spending time with her family. She is twenty three years old and lives in the northeastern United States.

You can follow H.D. Gordon at:

Blog

Author Facebook Page

Twitter

Goodreads Author Page

H.D.Gordon Facebook page

Webpage

Goodreads Fan Club

BOOKS BY H.D.GORDON

The Alexa Montgomery Saga

Blood Warrior:

When her home is attacked by murderous vampires, 17-year-old Alexa is forced to leave her mother for dead in order to save her sister. She soon learns that she is the last known member of an elite race of supernatural Warriors, and is thrust into a world full of vampires and werewolves who all seem to regard her as some sort of savior. Meanwhile, Alexa battles a monster within herself that seeks to gain control; a monster that seeks blood.

The hidden city she finds herself in appears perfect, but Alexa's instincts tell her that all is not right within its walls. When she is asked to attend a school of fighters, whose exams consist of gladiator-style competitions, she must decide who she can trust among the smiling faces. And, when she meets Kayden, a vampire she feels undeniably drawn to, she must decide if she can trust herself.

Buying Links

Amazon Kindle

Kobo

Barnes & Noble

The Alexa Montgomery Saga

Half Black Soul:

In the past few weeks Alexa Montgomery has had her entire world flipped upside down. She's gone from living a semi-normal teenage life to a life full of vampires and werewolves who all expect her to deliver them from the control of an evil dictator.

Alexa is the last of her kind; a Sun Warrior, and now she has left the safety of Two Rivers to search for her mother, but she's left her sister behind to do so, and Nelly is the one person that she was told that she must always protect. Kayden, a vampire who is Alexa's other half, has followed her on her journey. But, secrets are about to come out, relationships will break and danger lies just up ahead. Will Alexa be able to get through all of this and make it out alive? And, will she be able to protect Nelly from danger when she is so far away?

Buying Links

Amazon Kindle

Kobo

Barnes & Noble

  The Alexa Montgomery Saga

The Rise:

The supernatural world in which Alexa Montgomery has found herself is on the brink of war. She is charged with the task of raising an army, defeating an evil dictator, and struggling to contain the bloodthirsty monster that lives within her.

These are things Alexa can handle, but when the person she loves most in the world takes a turn for the worst, Alexa's loyalty and determination will be tested in the most horrifying of ways. Will she be able to rise to the challenge, or will her love for her sister kill her once and for all?

Buying Links

Amazon Kindle

Kobo

Barnes & Noble

The Alexa Montgomery Saga

Redemption:

The final test is here. The war is no longer a worry of tomorrow, but a reality of today. Turning back is no longer an option. Maybe it never was. It is time for Alexa Montgomery to look fate in the eyes. Death waits there for certain. The only question is... for who?

Buying Links

Amazon Kindle

Kobo

Barnes & Noble

Other books by H.D. Gordon

Joe:

From the author of the Alexa Montgomery Saga, comes a book that will take you into the mind of a genuine psychopath, the lives of six ordinary people, and the world of a very special girl named Joe.

Joe is seemingly an ordinary college student. She works, studies and reads. But in between these activities Joe has a gift that promises to add a dose of color to her life at any given moment. Joe sees things before they happen. Bad things, and the worst thing she has ever faced is just around the corner. Someone is planning a massacre at the college university that Joe attends, and the only person with a hope of stopping the psychopath is her.

Oh, the beauty of foresight. More like a curse. Joe has four days to figure out the mystery, make plans to take down the psycho, and save the lives of people. People like you and me. Ordinary people.

Buying Links

Amazon Kindle

Kobo

Barnes & Noble