Release: Dante’s Girl by Courtney Cole
I am super excited about today’s post! It’s a feature of Courtney Cole’s new book, Dante’s Girl. I was already eager to read it, but after reading chapter one, I am more so! Check out all of the bookish info and then read chapter one for yourself. 
(Keep an eye out for LIO’s review/tour stop from Kismet Book Tours soon!)
I have spent every summer since I was ten years old with my father in London. Every summer, since I was ten years old, has been uneventful and boring.
Until this year.
And this year, after a freak volcanic eruption strands me far from home, I have learned these things:
1. I can make do with one outfit for three days before I buy new clothes.
2. If I hear the phrase, “You’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto,” even one more time, I might become a homicidal maniac.
3. I am horribly and embarrassingly allergic to jellyfish.
4. I am in love with Dante Giliberti, who just happens to be the beautiful, sophisticated son of the Prime Minister of a Mediterranean paradise.
5. See number four above. Because it brings with it a whole slew of problems and I’ve learned something from every one of them.
Let’s start with the fact that Dante’s world is five light-years away from mine. He goes to black-tie functions and knows the Prime Minister of England on a first name basis. I was born and raised on a farm in Kansas and wear cut-off jeans paired with cowboy boots. See the difference?
But hearts don’t care about differences. Hearts want what they want. And mine just wants to be Dante’s girl.
My heart just might be crazy.
Dante’s Girl by Courtney Cole
Chapter One
It is impossible to look hot in the dingy fluorescent light of an airport bathroom. Or as my best friend Becca would say, hawt.
At this particular moment, I’m not hot or hawt. I make this revelation as I vigorously scrub at my arms and face and then use a wet paper towel under my pits.
And what is it about peeing in an airport toilet ten times in a day that makes you feel so completely scummy? I glance around at the crumpled tissues strewn about on the scuffed floor and the dirty toilets peeking from behind half-closed doors and cringe. That answer is clearly ‘because of the germs’. Ack.
Trying not to think about it, I clean up the best I can. After running a brush through my hair, I stick a piece of gum in my mouth, apply a thin layer of lip gloss and call it good. I glance into the mirror and cringe. It isn’t good enough, but it will have to do. Very soon, I’ll put this dreadful four hour layover in Amsterdam behind me and before I even know it, I’ll be in London. [Continue reading…]
Review: Dreamwalker by Andrea Heltsley
Noel Kennedy lost her boyfriend, her job and he dignity all in one week. Then something happened and she began to dream of this stranger she had never met. She couldn’t resist the man of her dreams named Jared especially when she met him in real life. Entranced, she slowly unraveled a world she was meant to stay out of. Her life was not what she thought it was once a sexy Boone stepped into the mix and shook things up. Can she escape a life of servitude or immortality for a chance at love?
When I first agreed to read Dreamwalker, I have to admit I didn’t know it wasn’t young adult. (Yeah, I apparently don’t know how to read a synopsis..shh! ) I loved the cover and was intrigued by the synopsis. I love adult books, don’t get me wrong…I just wasn’t aware. Although, I would probably put Dreamwalker as New Adult and not “adult”, persay. Regardless, I’m so happy I took the time to read it!
Dreamwalker was a pleasant surprise for me, I didn’t really know what to expect. Noel has started having these dreams of a man who is gorgeous and there is definitely attraction there. As time progresses, Noel is thrown into this world that she never knew existed.
The entire book consists mostly of a build-up and world building. There was action and it was delightful, but Dreamwalker consists of a bunch of interesting concepts that most of it is focused on those. Another huge factor in the title, is the romance. What a steamy romance it was! I was torn between the two men in Noel’s life. Jared and Noel have amazing chemistry, but Boone is just so great!
My complaints are few and mostly had to do with the wording of some of the dialogue. That said, I am so eager to get my hands on the sequel to see what happens next!
Because LIO is a YA blog, I will say Dreamwalker may not be appropriate for all readers. There are some adult scenes, that said I have read “worse”. So, use your best judgement.
I received my copy of Dreamwalker in exchange for my honest opinion as part of the blog tour.
Character Interview: Shackled (Angela Carling)
Today LIO is taking part in the blog for for Angela Carling’s newest book Shackled. I really enjoyed it! When I was asked if I wanted to do an interview with a character I immediately wanted to interview Mason! I’ll be reviewing the book soon, but in the meantime…enjoy. After shy, quiet Lucy and her family […]
Second Life: Meet Amanda’s Geeky Side
Lately, I’ve been attempting to come up with post ideas that aren’t necessarily books. I love reviews and bookish things, but sometimes that gets mundane…plus I’ve not been in a reading mood – GASP! Instead, I’ve been wasting a bit of time with one of my earlier obsessions, Second Life. At the risk of sounding […]
Guest Post + Giveaway: Legend of the Elementals
Today I have Kyle Timmermeyer here with a guest post about the inspiration behind his debut title, Legend of the Elementals: Reintroduction. His book is currently free at most stores! The blog tour, hosted by My Shelf Confessions, kicks off today. Be sure and check out the giveaway at the bottom of the post. Get […]
Once Upon a Readathon 2012
This is my second year participating in the Once Upon a Readathon! I’m really excited. Since I’m busy doing other projects and am stuck in a bit of a reading rut, I decided no set goals! I always push myself harder during Read-a-Thons, so who knows what’ll hapoen. I grabbed 6 that I’m hoping I […]