Sporadically Inspired By Blog Tour and Giveaway

This is the last stop on the Sporadically Inspired By Blog Tour. Today I have an ebook giveaway for you guys but first, let's find out a bit more about Ashley.

The story of my life is one that’s still being written, it’s about a girl named Ashley that had to go through a few chapters before she learned how she wanted to live the rest of the story. I could take you through moment after moment that got me to where I am now; in fact I’d have to take you through every single one. So instead I’ll just give you some highlights. Around May 2009 after seeing 17 Again at the movies it inspired me to pick up writing. I couldn’t tell you what it was about that one movie that was different from the tons of others I had fallen in love with over the years that finally shined light on what I had been trying to figure out since I was first asked what I wanted to be when I grew up; but there it was…my dream realized. It’s funny how after you reach that moment, you can’t believe you didn’t think of it sooner…I’ve loved movies since I was a kid and played The Little Mermaid on repeat, and had always been a daydreamer who loved coming up with a good story. I started writing my ideas in script format for movies and then decided to try one of my ideas as a book.

I’m just a girl from a small town with a big dream. Classic story…think you’ve heard it a thousand times…well I’d like to think mine’s unique. Maybe not extreme or extravagant to everyone; but to me…to me it’s a fairy tale. Oh don’t get me wrong it’s also a comedy, a horror film (you know how bad hair days can be lol), one with action, love, tears, and inspiration…but it’s my story, and it’s one of kind.

I use to think dreams were…well just that, dreams; nothing but thoughts and wishes that you kept stored away for a day you didn’t know would come or not. But then I thought why should it be like that? Seemed like a tragedy really, to keep all my dreams in my head instead of experiencing them for real. So instead I decided I wanted to live my dreams and make them my reality…make them my ‘normal’…if there is such a thing a normal lol. It won’t be easy, who knows where it will take me, or how long it will take to get there…but I can promise one thing…it’ll be one amazing ride!

Forever Inspired

Sometimes, in a small community, it can be difficult to find reality in big dreams. Samantha can't wait to get out of town to start her life and move on from sad memories. Morgan isn't learning from the past, and Charlotte may be forced to make a hard choice over following her dreams. It's Cali's story from which the girls find their inspiration. They believe her story is a fictional cult classic that each have read over and over. It encourages them to follow their hearts.

In the end, however, it could be Cali who needs the most help turning her sporadic inspirations into reality. . . again.

Sporadically Inspired By is written in a unique style similar to a screenplay.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: The Elephant of Surprise by Brent Hartinger

The Elephant of Surprise
by Brent Hartinger

Published on: January 10, 2024
Published by: Buddha Kitty Books
Paperback
266 Pages
Rating: 4/5







   Although this is the fourth book in The Russel Middlebrook Series, it would make as a good standalone. It gives enough info to fill you in on what's going on and hold a good storyline throughout to keep your interest at attention. Russel is known as the main character but I found myself having far more interest in the life of his best friend Min. I feel as if she has more drama throughout this novel than Russel.
  Russel does realize that living with a long distance relationship isn't cut out for all that it's worth. Having to deal with those problems are easy. It's helping Min through her crisis at hand that will prove the most difficult. It's obvious that something secretive is going on, but the outcome of it is the biggest mystery of all.




Received for review purposes from the author.

Because You're Awesome 3 Book Giveaway

I wanted to offer something really good for you guys because you have been so great to me and I haven't been around much lately. So, here's what I have in store. Three books, two of which are released, the other will be preordered. The giveaway is international. I am going to leave it up to you on what book you want to preorder but I am going to give some suggestions. You do NOT have to choose my suggestions.

I'M NOT FINISHED

If I can get 1200 entries by Saturday then I'll add a $10 Gift card to Amazon. Happy reading everyone!

The first two books being offered are:

I have this book but haven't read it yet. I chose this one because I have heard so many great things about it. 

I have read this book and need to buy my own personal hard copy for myself. I loved this book and want to spread the word on it. That's why I'm offering this one! I hope the winner loves it as much as I did. 

The last book is winners choice of preorder.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Sylo by D.J. MacHale

Sylo
by D.J. MacHale

Published by: Razorbill
Released on: July 2, 2024
Hardcover
407 Pages
Rating: 5/5


*Please note, this review was based from an ARC*





  From the beginning, all the way to the end, this book leaves you clueless on what's really going on. It keeps you in the dark and guessing at every moment. Not only do you not know what's going on, the characters are left to sort things out as if putting a puzzle together in the dark. I loved this book!

  All is wonderful on Pemberwick Island and Tucker is at his football game, thinking about girls, and wanting to win. Just like all the other guys there. But when one of the star players drops dead with no reason and no clues, people start asking questions.

  Tucker now has to fill that position on the team and is sure that with all the brutal practices, he'll be the next one to drop dead, but when more people are found, he's not the only one suspicious. Sneaking out at night to go on a late run and clear his mind, Tucker and a friend see something far from normal and even further from explainable. And when troops with badges on the sleeve, sporting the words SYLO on them, the town goes into panic mode.

  The government has issued a lock-down and SYLO is there to help. That's what's being said anyway. But when people get locked up for asking questions, it's SYLO that starts becoming feared. Tucker sets out to find out what's really going on with SYLO, the outside world, and this stuff called Ruby that's being passed around behind closed doors. Just when you think he's getting close, more and more questions arise.


Received from Penguin for review purposes.

Review: Double Feature by Brent Hartinger

Double Feature
by Brent Hartinger

Published by: Self
Released on: November 24, 2024
Paperback
267 Pages
Rating: 3/5








  This is the third installment of The Russel Middlebrook series. The beginning events of this book does make it worth the read, I just didn't expect the second half to come out the way it did. An interesting concept, but I just felt like I was rereading much of it over again.

  The time has come that Russel's parents finally hear what their son has been up to and what the club he attends every week is about. He isn't prepared for their questions but is honest and forthcoming with his answers. He definitely stands firm in his beliefs and feelings.

 The other exciting and interesting thing is that there is a movie that is taking place and they are looking for teens to fill the roles of zombies. I found that concept to be neat. It's when the second part of the book starts, which is a different perspective, looking in on Russel's life,that I had troubles getting into. It did offer more to the story, it just didn't grab me like I hoped it would.


Received for review purposes from the author.

Review: Beauty by Nancy Ohlin

Beauty
by Nancy Ohlin

Published by: Simon Pulse
Released on: May 7, 2024
Paperback
175 Pages
Rating: 4/5








  Ana has known her place for many years now. Growing up under the Queen's beautiful shadow, she knows that looks are the most important thing to her mother. Nobody should ever attempt to be at the same level as the Queen. Even if it's her own daughter.

  Never being able to experience life in it's fullest, Ana knows that if her mother is happy, then that is all that should matter. If only the woman would give her some attention every now and then, all would be perfect. She's alright with not bathing or brushing her hair. Setting of a radar within the Queen that her daughter could ever be beautiful would lead to such tragic events.

  It's when Ana starts hearing of other girls getting accepted into a private school only allowed for the elite, that something in Ana stirs. She wants to be accepted. She wants to be loved. This is her chance of finally being open and herself. She can be away from her mother's watchful eye and flourish.

  The school isn't what anyone had expected. Certainly not Ana. And as time goes by, she learns what the school's main purpose is, just as her mother learns hidden truths.




Received from Simon & Schuster for review purposes.

Review: The Book of Broken Hearts by Sarah Ockler

The Book of Broken Hearts
by Sarah Ockler

Published by: Simon Pulse
Released on: May 21, 2024
Hardcover
368 Pages
Rating: 5/5


*Please note, this review was based from an ARC*





  I was pleasantly surprised by this book. The synopsis is great but holds nothing to what is inside. Sarah Ockler has filled it with such a strong and powerful story that is so unlike so many out there. I bonded easily with the characters and fell deeply into the story line. The Book of Broken Hearts is a definite read by all.


  We learn that Jude is the youngest of all her siblings. Living in a household full of sisters has definitely taught her a thing or two but what she's about to embark on throughout this summer, nothing could've prepared her for. I loved how strongly bonded all of the sisters were, but still felt kind of sorry for Jude. She is the last one in the house and never got to bond as much as the others. More importantly, she was never properly inducted into the Book of Broken Hearts.

  Jude had many plans for the summer but when her Papi started showing more frequent signs of his illness, she knows that he is her number one priority. Throughout the summer and her Papi's growing illness she meets Emilio Vargas. He comes to be everything that Jude needs through this difficult time. He's also the one thing that will cause her much trouble.


Received for review purposes from Simon & Schuster.

Review: Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

Siege and Storm
by Leigh Bardugo

Published by: Henry Holt
Released on: June 4, 2024
Hardcover
448 Pages
Rating: 4/5



*Please note, this review was based from an ARC*





 Siege and Storm is the second book in The Grisha Trilogy. I fell deeply in love with Shadow and Bone and couldn't wait for this one. I definitely enjoyed it, but I can say that the first book is my favorite so far.

  Full of action, mystery, and high levels of fantasy, the journey that Alina must take is far beyond your normal imagination. As she embarks on her new life and an identity that must be kept hidden,  she sees things through a different perspective. She also knows that deep inside herself, she has the ability to take charge and do what's necessary to help keep things safe for everyone. With so many tough choices ahead, and consequences that can effect so many, Alina really has her work cut out for her. She must stay strong. She is powerful and she is determined. Let's hope that is enough.


Received from Macmillan for review.

Review: Wide Open by Deborah Coates

Wide Open
by Deborah Coates

Published by: Tor
Released on: March 13, 2024
Hardcover
304 Pages
Rating: 4/5









   Wide Open is definitely different from the normal read. Deborah Coates definitely has a way of holding her readers, leaving them yearning for more. This was a great change for me and I am incredibly eager to begin the second book in the series called Deep Down.

   While being overseas and fighting in a war is hard enough, Sergeant Hallie Micheals is about to discover that her life is going to become that much more difficult. Receiving a phone call informing her of her sisters sudden death, she rushes off to her hometown.

   Upon arrival with absolutely no calls from her father, preparing her for what is to come, she hears the cause of her sisters death. She knows the story can't be right, She knew her sister all to well for something like that to happen. And she makes it her top priority to find out the truth and what's really going on.

   The mysteries that she uncovers leaves her that much more confused and desperate to find out what everyone is hiding. Being on a ten day leave makes it that much more challenging. If she ever reaches the truth of what's going on in this town and the real cause of her sister's death, will she even be able to do anything about it? Or will it be for nothing?


Received from Tor for review purposes.

Review: The Program by Suzanne Young

The Program
by Suzanne Young

Published by: Simon Pulse
Released on: April 30, 2024
Hardcover
416 Pages
Rating: 5/5




*Please note, this review was based from an ARC copy*






   Let me start by saying that The Program has demanded it's way into by top 10 for 2013. I read many books every year but when you get one that screams when opened, I know it will be added to the list of favorites.
   My copy is an ARC so I'm not too sure if the published copy is like this, but there are three parts to the story and every part begins at page one, so it's like three stories inside. This is the first I have seen of this and really found it interesting.

   The story is about a time when a massively high amount of youth suffer from severe depression and thus, commit suicide if given the opportunity. There has been much work into helping save the kids and close observation is made for everyone. If signs are showing, they are whisked off to a place that everyone in their right mind fears. A place that alters your state of mind, making the children lose their memories and allowing them to return back to their lives as someone that they are not. Someone incredibly different than who they were because they have lost that person along the way. The children are said to be recovered, but anyone in their right mind knows better.

  Sloane has had many friends and family that have committed suicide. She has all eyes on her now and can't even get the time she so deserves to grieve for her lost loved ones. She knows that the life she lives will end up getting disrupted and makes quick decision to hide her past so her future won't be left blank. Her journey is far more unpredictable than anyone could imagine.




Received from Simon & Schuster for review purposes.
 

Giveaway: ARC of September Girls

Interested in winning an ARC of September Girls? I have a copy that I would like to pass along.

When Sam's dad whisks him and his brother off to a remote beach town for the summer, he's all for it-- at first. Sam soon realizes, though, that this place is anything but ordinary. Time seems to slow down around here, and everywhere he looks, there are beautiful blond girls. Girls who seem inexplicably drawn to him.
Then Sam meets DeeDee, one of the Girls, and she's different from the others. Just as he starts to fall for her, she pulls away, leaving him more confused than ever. He knows that if he's going to get her back, he'll have to uncover the secret of this beach and the girls who live here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway: Generations by Mia Castile

Up for grabs today is one copy of Generations: Book of Enlightenment by Mia Castile and some swag to go with it.

Ellie Solomon has always been sort of a loner. Between her brother(who is the only family she has left) and a few friends (that are more his friends than hers) she lives a boring life. The one person she confides in is her Guardian Angel who visits her dreams. He is her best friend, too bad he's not real. When strange wolves with red eyes begin chasing her one evening, a mysterious boy and his dog saves her, catapulting her into the secret of Her parents fate and who she really is. Together, with her new friends she embarks on a journey that leads her to the destiny of her Generation.

Rules:

13+

Open to everyone

Winner must respond within 48 hours

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Escaping Darkness Book Blast ($50 giftcard and ebook giveaway)

Escaping Darkness is the second book of The Stone Legacy series. Written by Theresa McClinton.
A long time enthusiast of things that go bump in the night, Theresa began her writing career as a journalism intern—possibly the least creative writing field out there. After her first semester at a local newspaper, she washed her hands of press releases and feature articles to delve into the whimsical world of young adult and new adult paranormal and contemporary romance.

Since then, Theresa has been married, had three terrific kids, moved to central Ohio, and was repeatedly guilt tripped into adopting a menagerie of animals that are now members of the family. But don’t be fooled by her domesticated appearance. Her greatest love is travel. Having traveled to over a dozen countries and explored dozens of U.S. states—including an extended seven-year stay in Kodiak, Alaska—she is anything but settled down. But wherever life brings her, Theresa will continue to weave tales of adventure and love with the hope her stories will bring joy and inspiration to her readers.

She may have spent years in an asylum, but that didn’t make her crazy-just fearless.
Dropped in Moscow with her friends on an impossible mission against underworld forces, Tara is left to her feelings of overwhelming inadequacy. Her boyfriend is a healer, her best friend is “the Guardian,” and everyone else is a powerhouse of awesome strengths. The only thing she has been able to contribute are her memories, which has left her with nightmares of her time spent at the mercy of the evil Sarian-who everyone has gone to fight.
Alone with her emotions, Tara finds herself falling into a city of depravity and corruption. And amidst all this evil is a young man with an agenda of his own, who leads her down a road that will either prove she is a hero at heart, or drag her into a world she’s always feared.
He wants revenge, she wants redemption. And in an underground rings of missing girls and bloody sacrifices, only the fearless can survive…

Find out what the Paranormal Romance Guild had to say here!  

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

The Stone Guardian

Book 1 in the Stone Legacy series 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Dead River by Cyn Balog

Dead River
by Cyn Balog

Published by: Delacorte Press
Released on: April 9, 2024
Hardcover
242 Pages
Rating: 4/5









    The cover of Dead River looks freaking awesome! I am a huge fan of ghostly things and in reading the synopsis, I couldn't wait to read it. What I found wasn't exactly what I expected but nonetheless, it was a good read. This is the first book that I've read by Cyn Balog and I'm looking forward to reading more by her.

    Having to sneak off from her overprotected father to spend time with her boyfriend Justin and BFF Angela, Kiandra can't wait to get away. What she finds on this trip ends up being incredibly close to what her father had always been so scared about. It wasn't some exciting white water rafting trip. It's a trip that ends up explaining things from the past. Things about her mother, who died suddenly and this has always left Ki curious. This isn't the only thing she finds out. There are secrets happening right behind her back, and with it, comes new beginnings and final endings.



Received from the publisher for review purposes.

Review: The Elite by Kiera Cass

The Elite
by Kiera Cass

Published by: HarperTeen
Released on: April 23, 2024
Hardcover
336 Pages
Rating: 5/5


*Please note, this review is based from an ARC*






  Oh, how glad I am that I decided to read this series. The Elite has delivered such an amazing and gripping storyline. I wasn't too sure as to just what was going to happen and was so delighted by the outcome. Yet, the last few chapters totally caught me by such surprise, I couldn't stop reading until finished. Nervous and on edge as to what was to happen, and what was going down. This series is so addicting and compelling. Whether you are into princesses or strong willed people, this series will succumb you!


  America holds onto her beliefs in the second book of this series. We see unexpected events occur that would've never thought possible. America's heart is broken, only to find out the true feelings of others around her. Not to mention, the feelings that others have for her. We see more girls sent away by Prince Maxon and Aspen holding onto America. Both men are there for her. It's her decision on what will happen and the events that go down might have heavy influence on her choices she makes.



Received for review purposes from HarperCollins.

Giveaway: ARC of Zombies Don't Forgive by Rusty Fischer

I have an ARC of Zombies Don't Forgive by Rusty Fischer up for grabs. Find out my thoughts on it here. This is the second book in the series, following Zombies Don't Cry.

Following Barracuda Bay’s homecoming cum zombie Armageddon, fellow zombies Maddy, Dane, and Stamp have fled to Orlando where they work at a theme park, hiding in plain sight at their jobs in the Great Movie Monster Makeover show. The three spend most of their time together in their apartment trying to avoid curious Normals and Sentinels—humans and zombie cops. While Dane and Maddy draw closer, Stamp drifts away, falling for a mysterious blonde. But when the mysterious girl puts their existence in danger, all Maddy cares about is hunting the blonde down to separate her from her head.

Rules:
US Only

13+

Winner must respond in 48 hours

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal: The Butterfly Migration by Mia Castile

I have the cover for the third book in The Butterfly Chronicles for you today. It is The Butterfly Migration and it is phenomenal. Due for release on May 21st by Entwined Publishing. There is also a launch party scheduled for May 18th at Bookmamas in Irvington. If you are in the Indianapolis area, be sure to stop in and join us! If you can't make it, the event will be on U-Stream, red carpet style.

The worst day of Lacey Baxter’s life was the day her parents announced their divorce and her boyfriend Chase Livingston went into a coma. Scratch that. The worst day of her life was two months later, when he woke up and didn’t recognize her. Now, as he pushes her away, she clings to the hope that each day will be the day he remembers how much they love each other. Turning to her new BFF Byron and his circle of friends, she does whatever she can to cope with the changes. She just wants to be numb and forget about everything.

The headaches, the panic attacks, the pressure to be this perfect boyfriend are incredibly hard for Chase to bear. He doesn’t love Lacey, or at least he doesn’t think he does. Still, he doesn’t understand this strong attraction to her, or the jealousy he feels over every guy that talks to her. Losing two years of his memory means strangers think they know him and he’s not sure where he fits in. Will his memories come back over time or all at once? Should he even wish for them?

Finding each other again could be harder than either of them thought, especially when everyone knows their business and has an opinion about it.


**This is a Mature YA Series, containing subjects concerning addictions and sexual content.**

Add to Goodreads

New Cover Reveal: Butterfly Kisses by Mia Castile

The new cover is released today for Butterfly Kisses, book two in The Butterfly Chronicles series. I  do hope you like it as much as I do!

Everything changed for the Baxter sisters last spring. Lacey blew it with Henry her lifelong crush, only to discover a blooming relationship with her best friend, Chase. While he picked her up and put her back together, they grew closer over the summer. Now that school has started, he’s found popularity thanks to his band Cate’s Ashes, and he’s hiding secret phone calls and text messages. Plus, did his ex-girlfriend just appear out of the blue at his show? Forcing Lacey to wonder if he’s over the feelings he pronounced for her at the beginning of summer. Add to the tension, a realization and secret of her own to keep about her worse enemy. Lacey vows to be the bigger person and keep Byron’s revelation, but what will it cost?
Meanwhile, as Lana tries to find herself again after her suicide attempt, she’s befriended by the school’s resident bad girl, Britt, and new chicano boy, Tomas, in the same week. Britt offers unconditional acceptance that Lana didn’t realize she craved, while Tomas brings out the best in her, and makes her feel alive again. Britt is dangerous and daring, while Tomas exudes security and safety. Vices come easily when you are already addicted to something you crave, and Lana muddles through figuring out who she wants to be.
With their parents constantly arguing, and their dad moving into the guest bedroom, the pressure on the girls may explode destroying them all. Is there a place for happiness when their world is crumbling around them?

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble 

Will you be attending the Less Than Three Event this Fall?

   If you haven't yet heard of the Less Than <3 event, I hope to shed some light on it and here.
encourage you to attend. It will be held this Fall on October 19th. It will run from 9am-2pm in St. Peters Missouri and it will be held at the Spencer Hill branch of the St. Charles City-County Library. For even better directions go


  This event is to have authors, librarians, bloggers, book lovers, book sellers, teens, tweens, parents, teachers, and whoever else that would love to attend and join together.

 
  This is a YA Lit event focused on bullying. There are several bestselling authors currently on the list and the list is still having authors added to it. The authors will host their own panels and each will specialize in different strategies and positive approaches. To see the list of authors, visit here.


   The Less Than Three event was created by Heather Brewer in hopes to rally against and help put a stop to bullying. This event does have limited availability and tickets are being sold for a mere $10  each. For more information and to purchase your tickets, check it out here. As of now, only 202 tickets are still available.  Hope to see you there!


   

Review: The Order of the Poison Oak by Brent Hartinger

The Order of the Poison Oak
by Brent Hartinger

Published by: Buddha Kitty Books
Released on:
Paperback
172 Pages
Rating: 3/5










   There are definitely things in this book that I loved. Brent revealed a soft side of Russel that was just amazing. Having being taken advantage of by children at camp, Russel realizes he must quit looking at them like burn victims, but as the ornery children that they are. I just loved how he took (sneaked) them out in the middle of the night and told them stories and had made an impact on them. I'm not so sure I cared much for the love relationship that took place. It could've went a different way and I would've been fine with it, but it happened to go multiple ways, and that left me uninterested and feeling as if it were a bit far fetched. Overall, it was still a good read.


Received for review purposes from the author.