Featured Author: Karen Akins

About the Author:
Karen Akins lives in the MidSouth where she writes humorous, light YA sci-fi. When not writing or reading, she loves lightsaber dueling with her two sons and forcing her husband to watch BBC shows with her. 
Karen has been many things in her life: an archery instructor, drummer for the shortest-lived garage band in history, and a shockingly bad tic-tac-toe player. (Taken from Goodreads)

Other Information:
Books Written:

• Loop (Loop #1)
• Twist (Loop #2)

Link to Goodreads Account: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6549394.Karen_Akins
Most Popular Book (by the ratings on Goodreads): Loop (Loop #1)
Blog: ----
Link to Author Interview: ----

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Book Promotion: Loop by Karen Akins

Synopsis:

At a school where Quantum Paradox 101 is a required course and history field trips are literal, sixteen year-old time traveler Bree Bennis excels…at screwing up.

After Bree botches a solo midterm to the 21st century by accidentally taking a boy hostage (a teensy snafu), she stands to lose her scholarship. But when Bree sneaks back to talk the kid into keeping his yap shut, she doesn’t go back far enough. The boy, Finn, now three years older and hot as a solar flare, is convinced he’s in love with Bree, or rather, a future version of her that doesn’t think he’s a complete pain in the arse. To make matters worse, she inadvertently transports him back to the 23rd century with her. 

Once home, Bree discovers that a recent rash of accidents at her school are anything but accidental. Someone is attacking time travelers. As Bree and her temporal tagalong uncover seemingly unconnected clues—a broken bracelet, a missing data file, the art heist of the millennium—that lead to the person responsible, she alone has the knowledge to piece the puzzle together. Knowledge only one other person has. Her future self.

But when those closest to her become the next victims, Bree realizes the attacker is willing to do anything to stop her. In the past, present, or future. 

Information About the Book:
Author: Karen Akins

Link to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19286673-loop 
Publisher: St. Martins Griffin
Release Date: October 21, 2014
Links to Buy:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Loop-Karen-Akins/dp/1250030986/ref=la_B00MCM9C4Y_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1411009520&sr=1-1
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/loop-karen-akins/1117685339?ean=9781250030986
Indiebound: http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781250030986
Average Rating (from Goodreads): 3.78

Rating from EBR: ----

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Featured Author: Kira Tregoning

PICTURE UNAVAILABLE

About the Author:
Kira R. Tregoning is a language enthusiast, writer, and book lover. She graduated from the University of Maryland. An avid reader, she owns a large number of books, which somehow all fit under the same roof, and which span genres from historical fiction, science fiction, and fantasy to classic fiction, Shakespeare, and the great novels. Her first book, "Rise of the Aligerai," was released Dec. 13, 2012. She also runs the book review blog Fantastical Reads.

Other Information:
Books Written:

• Rise of the Aligerai (Book 1)
• A Shadowed Soul

Link to Goodreads Account: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6767724.Kira_R_Tregoning
Most Popular Book (by the ratings on Goodreads): Rise of the Aligerai (Book 1)
Blog: http://theworldofcora.wordpress.com
Link to Author Interview: ----

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Featured Book: Bitter Candy by Lily Ableman

Synopsis:

Hilarie Walsh fits in with her high school about as well as a Satan worshipper at a Christian book club. Not only is she the sole middle class girl in a sea of filthy rich kids, but - thanks to her ex's lies - everyone also thinks she's a slut. As a result, she's completely given up on her love life.

Enter senior year - and Eric Lawington, the arrogant but incredibly sexy son of a billionaire.Let the sparks fly... (Taken from Goodreads)











Information:

Title: Bitter Candy

Author(s): Lily Ableman

Link on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22551342-bitter-candy

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NNSYG42/ref=x_gr_w_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=httpwwwgoodco-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00NNSYG42&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2

Smashwords: ----

Average Stars (from Goodreads): 3.77

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Book Promotion: Bitter Candy by Lily Ableman

Synopsis:
Hilarie Walsh fits in with her high school about as well as a Satan worshipper at a Christian book club. Not only is she the sole middle class girl in a sea of filthy rich kids, but - thanks to her ex's lies - everyone also thinks she's a slut. As a result, she's completely given up on her love life.

Enter senior year - and Eric Lawington, the arrogant but incredibly sexy son of a billionaire. 

Let the sparks fly...









Information About the Book:
Author: Lily Ableman
Link to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22551342-bitter-candy
Publisher: ----
Release Date: September 16, 2014
Links to Buy:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NNSYG42/ref=x_gr_w_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=httpwwwgoodco-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00NNSYG42&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2
Average Rating (from Goodreads): 3.77 

Rating from EBR: ----

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Featured Author: Lily Ableman

PICTURE UNAVAILABLE

About the Author:

For the record, my actual name is not Lily Ableman, but please call me that anyway.

I'm a writer with a terrible tendency to procrastinate and an overabundance of pessimism.

I am also a student at the University of Chicago with a considerable lack of ambition and again, a terrible tendency to procrastinate.

I like Meg Cabot, Washed Out, New Girl, Gone with the Wind, and sushi. I do NOT like long walks on the beach.

I like to read and write romances.

Other Information:

Books Written:

• Bitter Candy

Link to Goodreads Account: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8328704.Lily_Ableman
Most Popular Book (by the ratings on Goodreads): Bitter Candy
Blog: http://jovialcynicism.wordpress.com/
Link to Author Interview: http://etherealbookreviews.blogspot.com/2014/11/author-interview-lily-ableman.html

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Featured Book: Love and Other Theories by Alexis Bass

Synopsis:

That’s the secret to dating in high school. By giving as little as they expect to get in return, seventeen-year-old Aubrey Housing and her three best friends have made it to the second semester of their senior year heartbreak-free. And it’s all thanks to a few simple rules: don’t commit, don’t be needy, and don’t give away your heart.

So when smoking-hot Nathan Diggs transfers to Lincoln High, it shouldn’t be a big deal. At least that’s what Aubrey tells herself. But Nathan’s new-boy charm, his kindness, and his disarming honesty throw Aubrey off her game and put her in danger of breaking the most important rule of all: Don’t fall in love. (Taken from Goodreads)







Information:

Title: Love and Other Theories

Author(s): Alexis Bass

Link on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18480081-love-and-other-theories?ac=1

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Love-Other-Theories-Alexis-Bass/dp/0062275321

Smashwords: ----

Average Stars (from Goodreads): 3.88

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Book Promotion: Love and Other Theories by Alexis Bass

Synopsis:
If you want more, you have to give less.

That’s the secret to dating in high school. By giving as little as they expect to get in return, seventeen-year-old Aubrey Housing and her three best friends have made it to the second semester of their senior year heartbreak-free. And it’s all thanks to a few simple rules: don’t commit, don’t be needy, and don’t give away your heart.

So when smoking-hot Nathan Diggs transfers to Lincoln High, it shouldn’t be a big deal. At least that’s what Aubrey tells herself. But Nathan’s new-boy charm, his kindness, and his disarming honesty throw Aubrey off her game and put her in danger of breaking the most important rule of all: Don’t fall in love.





Information About the Book:
Author: Alexis Bass 
Link to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18480081-love-and-other-theories 
Publisher: Harper Teen
Release Date: December 31, 2014
Links to Buy ($2.99):
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Love-Other-Theories-Alexis-Bass/dp/0062275321
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-and-other-theories-alexis-bass/1119128259?ean=9780062275325
HarperCollins: http://www.harpercollins.com/9780062275325/love-and-other-theories
Average Rating (from Goodreads):3.91
Rating from EBR: ----

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Featured Author: Alexis Bass

About the Author:
Alexis Bass grew up in Washington, went to college in Arizona, and spent her early twenties in Seattle. She currently lives in Northern California with Dylan McKay, her gorgeous and rambunctious golden retriever. She loves good fashion and good TV as much as a good book, and is a huge advocate of the three C’s: coffee, chocolate, and cheese. LOVE AND OTHER THEORIES is her first novel. Visit her at www.alexisbassbooks.com or on Twitter: @alexisbasswrite 

Other Information:
Books Written:

• Love and Other Theories

Link to Goodreads Account: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7264073.Alexis_Bass
Most Popular Book (by the ratings on Goodreads): Love and Other Theories
Blog: http://alexisbassbooks.com/blog/
Link to Author Interview: http://etherealbookreviews.blogspot.com/2014/11/author-interview-alexis-bass.html

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Giveaway: My Forever, and Beautifully Broken by Kira Adams

Synopsis:

Grief and loss can make a person act out in all the worst kinds of ways. Madalynne Johnson has always been a bit of a handful, but with the loss of her brother, separation of her parents, and her boyfriends unexpected news of joining the army she has gone into a full on tailspin.

Parker Grant experienced loss firsthand when his brother took his own life. Darkness closed in. Madalynne saved him; showed him the light. And even though he isn’t sure what the future holds--he wants Madalynne and this time he won’t give up without a fight. (Taken from Goodreads)

Information (about book):

Author(s): Kira Adams

Rating (On Goodreads): 3.73
Rating by EBR: ----
Release Date (Estimation): May 18, 2014

Link on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22231395-my-forever

Link to Review on EBR: ----

Synopsis:

Jacqueline Blunt hasn’t had an easy life. In fact, she’s had anything but. From a drug addicted mother to being bounced around in foster care, Jacqueline longed for one thing—normalcy. Lee Bennett had everything he could ever want—girls falling all over him, a dream job, money. The one thing he was missing? Passion.

Sometimes the ones worth fighting for don’t know their worth. Sometimes being broken is beautiful. This is a story of strength, courage, hope, faith, and love. This is Beautifully Broken.

Beautifully Broken is the second book in the Infinite Love series. (Taken from Goodreads)

Information (about book):

Author(s): Kira Adams

Rating (On Goodreads): 4.19
Rating by EBR: ----
Release Date (Estimation): June 5, 2014

Link on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18849994-beautifully-broken

Link to Review on EBR: ----

Information (about giveaway):

Start date: November 9, 2014

End date: November 30, 2014

Format of Prize: Physical copy (USA), or ebook (International)

Information need to participate: 

• mailing address in proper format (if won)
• Read "Terms and Conditions" before entering

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*We are not responsible for the damages, lost prize, etc. We are NOT the ones who mail the prize to you, therefore, Ethereal Book Reviews is solely not responsible for anything.

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Featured Book: Beautifully Broken by Kira Adams

Synopsis:

Jacqueline Blunt hasn’t had an easy life. In fact, she’s had anything but. From a drug addicted mother to being bounced around in foster care, Jacqueline longed for one thing—normalcy. Lee Bennett had everything he could ever want—girls falling all over him, a dream job, money. The one thing he was missing? Passion.

Sometimes the ones worth fighting for don’t know their worth. Sometimes being broken is beautiful. This is a story of strength, courage, hope, faith, and love. This is Beautifully Broken.

Beautifully Broken is the second book in the Infinite Love series. (Taken from Goodreads)







Information:

Title: Beautifully Broken

Author(s): Kira Adams

Link on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18849994-beautifully-broken

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KTDGLTW

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/445529

Average Stars (from Goodreads): 4.19

Excerpt:
Jacqueline

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” I asked, incredulously.

To be honest, it hadn’t angered me in the slightest. It had just taken me off guard. In fact, I was positive Lee noticed me begin to kiss him back. But he had no right to be kissing me like that. We knew hardly anything about one another and I felt like he thought I was easy.

I mean, how many other girls had fallen for his smooth ways?

He rubbed his jaw, his facial expression a mix of shock and amusement; his hazel eyes shining even brighter. “You have one hell of a right hook.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. He looked so innocent, so powerless in the moment. I broke out into a round of chuckles. “Come on Smooth Operator, I’m going to show you where I live.” And with that I turned on my heel—leaving him wide-eyed and open mouthed behind me.

When we were both buckled in and on the road, Lee broke the silence. “You’re like the craziest girl I’ve ever met.” My heart dropped into my stomach.

This was it—he hadn’t even set foot in my state for longer than thirty minutes and I had already scared him off. I was really some kind of freak.

I slammed on my breaks, causing Lee’s body to jerk forward. He put his hands up to stop him from flying into the dashboard. “Just rip it off.” Was all I said as I stared at him, unable to move.

His eyes grew wider when he saw the lights of cars behind us. They were honking, swerving, cussing, and passing us. “Are you really going to sit here—in the middle of the road? You’re going to get us killed!” Real fear was emanating off his voice and it was enough to feel validated.

“If you’re going to break up with me—you should just do it now. Get it over with.” I looked him in the eyes this time.

“What? We’re not even dating...” Was all he could muster up in response. He was still nervously watching the commotion in the rearview mirror.

I had created quite the pile-up. Cars were flashing their brights, honking, and motioning me to get off the road.

I stifled a laugh and floored it out of there.

“You’re insane,” Lee said again, only this time it was in a low whisper.

I tore my eyes off the road to meet his, only to find mischief and mystery dancing across them. I might have been hallucinating, but I think I also saw Lee turned on. He kept biting his lip, and running his hand over his fuzzy shaved head.

“Pull over.”

“What?” I asked, puzzled as to what his motives were.

“Pull over,” he repeated in the exact same tone and I kid you not—I had never been more turned on in my life.

Before I knew it, I had taken his advice and we were parked outside a local park I used to frequent. It was late, around eight at night and it was dark; not pitch dark though. There were no patrons around. I put the car in park and was sure my heartbeat could be heard across the world.

Lee unbuckled his seatbelt when I parked and shifted in his seat to face me. “I’m not going to kiss you again until you ask for it.”

I looked at him, my jaw down to my knees. “What makes you think I would let you kiss me again?” It was all I had been fantasizing about since he had stolen the first kiss from me. It consumed my every thought. But I was not going to tell him that. I was going to remain strong.

“Oh, when I’m done with you—you’re going to be begging for it,” he said in the cockiest tone I had ever heard.

“Cocky much?” I asked, snidely.

“Confident,” Lee responded calmly, grinning back at me.

And then I could feel his warm breath in the crook of my neck, just below my ear, dancing on my skin. My breathing became shallow, and I wondered how he knew where my spot was instantly and the crazy things it would do to me.

If his lips or tongue made their way anywhere towards my neck I was a goner for sure. 

I was holding my own. My poker face had not wavered, but my madly beating heart and breathing were a dead giveaway.

“How ya doing over there?” Lee whispered in my ear.

“I’m fine, absolutely fine,” I gulped out, attempting to sound confident.

That’s when his lips found the bottom of my ear and he kissed it and gently sucked on it, causing me to literally bite my tongue off as I squealed with pleasure.

“What was that?” Lee asked, putting his ear to my mouth. His neck was irresistibly close and all I could smell was his intoxicating scent. A mix of his cologne and pure pheromones.

Lee backed up again and began nibbling my right ear. Is it getting hot in here? Or is it just me...

Thankfully he hadn’t messed with my deadly spot since he began his treacherous reign on my body. I would probably leave horny as hell—but a winner nonetheless.

I wondered if Lee was finding any pleasure at all from his torture raid on me and my body—but I could tell from his smile and chuckles that he was enjoying himself far too much.

“Still don’t want to kiss me?” Lee puckered his lips animatedly.

“Eww! I’d rather kiss a frog!” I made a stink face, pulling away from him, half-heartedly.

“Now you’re asking for it!” Lee squealed, heading straight for my neck. At first he was simply trailing it with his breath, close enough to drive me wild, yet not touching me. My whole body stiffened; my senses heightened. It was like he had found the jackpot. Winner winner, chicken dinner.

He didn’t waste any time trailing it with his fingers lightly in amazement how my body twitched and jerked from the simple touch.

He pressed his lips to my neck and I melted into him, breathing increasing, eyes fluttering shut.

I moaned loudly as his tongue slid up and down the base of my neck—my whole body was shuddering, my heart rate was off the charts, and my breathing almost to hyperventilating. I wanted nothing more than to feel his lips on mine again. To feel the roughness they had—the passion.

Then I felt his warm breath on my ear again. “You’re crazy Jacqueline.”

I looked at him with fire in my eyes.

“Straight up nut job,” he smiled.

I sat up straighter, getting more heated by the moment.

“But that’s what makes you so damn irresistible.” He ran his finger across my lips slowly, delicately, licking his own at the same time. He was staring at my lips—I was transfixed upon his.

Shit.

I guess this means I lost.

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Book Promotion: Pieces of Me by Kira Adams

Synopsis:
For sixteen year old Peyton Lane, life has never been easy. She’s not popular, overweight, and oh yeah, her sister is embarrassed of her. But over the course of a tumultuous year, everything changes for Peyton. Suddenly all eyes are on her and it’s not because she’s fat. From a pair of handsome twins to a couple of dangerously sexy rockers, Peyton will have to find out who she can trust with her heart. From the ups and downs to the twists and turns—this is Peyton’s story of finding one’s voice and growing into your own.

This is a coming of age romance that involves realistic situations and raw emotions. This is Pieces of Me. (Taken from Goodreads)

Information About the Book:
Author: Kira Adams
Link to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22910973-pieces-of-me
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: August 25, 2014
Links to Buy (with price):
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Pieces-Me-Foundation-Novel-Book-ebook/dp/B00MMYT5YE/

Average Rating (from Goodreads): 3.89
Rating from EBR: ----

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Featured Author: Krista Pakseresht

PICTURE UNAVAILABLE

About the Author:
Krista Pakseresht has always been a dreamer from the first time she opened her eyes.  Creating worlds through words is one thing she is truly talented at.  She specializes in Young Adult/New Adult romance, horror, action, fantasy, and non-fiction under the pen name Kira Adams.

She is the author of the Infinite Love series, the Foundation series, the Darkness Falls series, and the Looking Glass series.


Other Information:
Books Written:

• Pieces of Me (A Foundations Novel #1)
• The Fighter (A Foundations Novel #2)
• My Forever (The Infinite Love Series #1)
• Beautifully Broken (The Infinite Love Series #2)
• Against All Odds (The Infinite Love Series #3)
• Into the Darkness
• The Many Faces of Love

Link to Goodreads Account: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7179367.Kira_Adams
Most Popular Book (by the ratings on Goodreads):The Many Faces of Love
Blog: http://kristakakes.blogspot.com/

Link to Author Interview: http://etherealbookreviews.blogspot.com/2014/08/author-interview-krista-pakeresht.html

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Review of Thirty Sunsets by Christine Hurley Desriso

Synopsis:
To Forrest Shephard, getting away to the family's beach house with her parents and her brother, Brian, is the best part of every summer. Until this year, when her mother invites Brian's obnoxious girlfriend, Olivia, to join them. Suddenly, Forrest's relaxing vacation becomes a mission to verify the reality of Olivia's rumored eating disorder. But the truth behind Olivia's finicky eating isn't at all what Forrest expected. And over the next thirty days, Forrest's world is turned upside down as her family's darkest secrets begin to come to light. (Taken from Goodreads)

Forrest Shepherd is convinced she’s right. About what’s best for her brother and his horrible girlfriend, Olivia. About her mother’s need for control. Most of all, she thinks she’s right about Scott, the first cute guy to hit on her. But on the Shepherds’ annual summer vacation, Forrest discovers that her safe world of family and friends is riddled with deception. Her brother, her mother, Olivia, Scott . . . she really doesn’t know them at all, and Forrest is left wondering what it means for the most important relationships in her life to be built on lies. Thirty Sunsets is a story about secrets and personal trauma that shake a family to its core . . . and the healing that arises when hard truths emerge. (Given by the Author)

Stars Given:

★★★★☆

Overall View:
Not only does this book have a pretty cover and a title that relates to the book (bonus!), but it also send a very important message to its readers.  The theme of the book seemed to be "don't judge a book by its cover".  Olivia served as a great example, seeing how she comes from a broken family, and she holds the stereotypes of a lead cheerleader.  Instead of being a bossy, and cocky lead cheerleader, she was portrayed as a girl who not only cared about her boyfriend Scott, but cared for others, such as Forrest as well.  The mother also played a very important part in sending out the message to the readers.  At a glance, she seems like the typical control freak who doesn't allow her children outside of her sight, but once you look into her past, you begin to understand her story and her reasoning for her over protective nature.

Not only did this book teach readers a lesson, but the added humor also balanced out with the heavy subjects that were being discussed in this book.  The writing flowed very well, allowing me to visualize the scene clearly.  I felt as if I were right there at the beach, watching Forrest as she takes off into a different adventure everyday.  Not only did this book flow well, but the plot was consistent, which allowed me to follow up on the story easily.  There were no awkward sentences or grammar mistakes present, and the author uses very mature words that helped me with visualizing each scene.

Although I did enjoy this book, I did give it four stars for a few reasons.  I am more inclined to romantic stories, but certain parts of this book was too predictable or unrealistic. The boy who raped Forrest's mom seemed unrealistic (a flat character) to me.  After finding out that both the mother and daughter were raped by cute (at least that's what it seemed like judging from the description) boys, it just seemed too unrealistic.  Sure, cute boys may rape cute girls, but what are the chances of both Shepherds being raped/close to being raped by cute boys?  Another thing that really bothered me was Olivia.  I want to know more about her past, her family, and maybe even her ex-boyfriends.  To me, she was a very interesting character, a character I wanted to discover about, but in the end, I got nothing.  She was not as developed as the other characters, but I really wanted more on her part.

Overall, I found this book quite enjoyable and would recommend it to others.
 

Character:
Forrest Shepherd -
Description of Character: The 16-year-old narrator of the book, Forrest Shepherd, has perfected masking her insecurities with above-it-all snark. She’s pretty and would love a boyfriend, but she’s too smart and mature for the guys in her school and too naïve to understand that they’ll catch up with her eventually. Her naivete leads to the book’s denouement – a devastating blow that forces her to tap into her deepest reserves of strength as she moves to the next phase of her life.


Review of Character:Forrest appealed to me in the beginning because of her smarts and love for words (described as "word freak").  Throughout the story, she began to get irritating because of her stubborn beliefs about Scott.  Although she was advised against the idea of spending time Scott, her inflexible personality stopped her from taking the advice.  Her character was really developed and it allowed me to learn about her and her family more.

Brian Shepherd -
Description of Character: Brian Shepherd, Forrest’s 18-year-old brother, is cute, popular, smart . . . and in love. His infatuation with cheerleader Olivia has derailed all his plans, particularly studying premed at Vanderbilt. He’s kind and steady, but he makes it clear that if he has to choose between Olivia and his family, he’s choosing Olivia.

Review of Character: Brian was my favourite character out of the whole book.  The fact that he was over protective with Forrest, although they were not blood related shows that he loves her unconditionally.  Brian was a very constricted character who was caged by the belief of his mother, in addition, the way he was conceived also restricted him.  He was the most sincere character out of the rest who wanted nothing more than to live up to everyone's expectations.  He cared about the people he loved, including Olivia.  Brian was a developed character, unlike Olivia, and learning about him was quite enjoyable, yet heart breaking at times.

Olivia -
Description of Character: 18-year-old Olivia is unwelcome in the Shepherd household by everyone but Brian. The family resents the pretty cheerleader for seemingly derailing his college plans. They also worry about Olivia’s dysfunctional upbringing. But although she strikes them as superficial, Olivia soon reveals depths of wisdom and emotion that reveal both her psychic scars and her fierce insistence on creating a better life for herself.

Review of Character: Although Olivia appeared to be the typical popular, disrepectful lead cheerleader, she was actually really considerate, helping Forrest with her problems, allowing them to bond.  She was not as developed as other characters, which bothered me a little.  She felt like the type of character I would love no matter what her past contained.  Although she wasn't as developed, I felt like she played a very important role in this book.  Without her, many of the events or family bonding would not have happened.  In my opinion, she was a supporting character that meant to be one of the leading characters.  If a book came out talking about Olivia's past before meeting Brian and after meeting Brian came out, I would definitely pick it up.

*Supporting characters not listed

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Featured Book: Thirty Sunsets by Christine Deriso

Synopsis:

To Forrest Shephard, getting away to the family's beach house with her parents and her brother, Brian, is the best part of every summer. Until this year, when her mother invites Brian's obnoxious girlfriend, Olivia, to join them. Suddenly, Forrest's relaxing vacation becomes a mission to verify the reality of Olivia's rumored eating disorder. But the truth behind Olivia's finicky eating isn't at all what Forrest expected. And over the next thirty days, Forrest's world is turned upside down as her family's darkest secrets begin to come to light. (Taken from Goodreads)

Forrest Shepherd is convinced she’s right. About what’s best for her brother and his horrible girlfriend, Olivia. About her mother’s need for control. Most of all, she thinks she’s right about Scott, the first cute guy to hit on her. But on the Shepherds’ annual summer vacation, Forrest discovers that her safe world of family and friends is riddled with deception. Her brother, her mother, Olivia, Scott . . . she really doesn’t know them at all, and Forrest is left wondering what it means for the most important relationships in her life to be built on lies. Thirty Sunsets is a story about secrets and personal trauma that shake a family to its core . . . and the healing that arises when hard truths emerge. (Given by the Author)

Information:

Title: Thirty Sunsets

Author(s): Christine Deriso

Link on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18579800-thirty-sunsets

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Thirty-Sunsets-Christine- Hurley-Deriso/dp/073873991X/ref=sr_1_1_bnp_1_pap?ie=UTF8&qid=1407869969&sr=8- 1&keywords=thirty+sunsets

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/thirty-sunsets-christine-hurley-deriso/1117011361?ean=9780738739915
Average Stars (from Goodreads): 3.29

Excerpt:
“So: What’s his name?”

I look up quizzically from the drink I’m sipping. “Whose name?”

Olivia dangles a fry outside her mouth. “The guy who’s gonna eat his heart out when he sees you in your new bikini.”

I blush. “Oh. I dunno. Who cares.”

Olivia nods sharply as kids zoom around the fast-food restaurant in our periphery.

“Exactly. Yes, we want him to eat his heart out, but you have so moved on. That’s what lover boy needs to know. We need you walking on the beach holding hands with some hot new guy by sunset.”

I laugh. “Yeah, hot guys and I go way back. I just snap my fingers and they magically appear.”

“Oh, they’ll appear, alright,” Olivia says. “Stick with me, girlfriend. We’ll have ’em eating out of your hand.”

I swallow a bite of my burger. “Hey, you’ve gone all morning without barfing,” I note.

Olivia smiles. “Yeah. Maybe I’m turning the corner.” She strums her fingers lazily on the plastic tabletop. “I had fun hanging out with you this morning.”

“Yeah. Me, too.” I lean in a bit. “You know how you talked about Brian freaking out about college?”

She tilts her head. “Yeah?”

“I’m a little freaked out, too. I can hardly stand the thought of eleventh grade, much less college.”

Olivia’s eyebrows widen. “Really? I thought you loved school. Aren’t you, like, borderline genius or something?”

I blush. “Yeah, Einstein’s got nothing on me. And that whole ‘genius’ vibe does wonders for my social life, by the way.”

“So weird,” Olivia says, studying my face closer. “You seem so totally confident. I always thought you were, like, the ultimate cool chick.”

I’m tempted to say something glib, but I think better of it. “I think the best way to hide your insecurity is to act like you don’t give a shit.”

Olivia bounces lightly in her seat. “It totally works!” she gushes, and I laugh at her earnestness.

“I mean it,” she continues. “It just blows my mind that you’re so . . . different than I thought.” She leans in for a sensitivity check. “I don’t mean that as an insult at all, I really don’t. . . .”

“No, I get it,” I assure her. “I’m actually having to rethink some impressions of my own.”

She points playfully at herself. “Diva?”

“Like, duh,” I tease, and she laughs.

Olivia wrinkles her nose. “Does everybody think that?” she asks warily.

“No, I think there are some aborigines in Australia who haven’t gotten the memo.”

Her eyes sparkle. “You’re, like, the funniest person I know.”

“And you’re the most diva-licious.” I hoist my Coke toward her and she taps it with hers.

“I think we make a fabulous pair,” she says.

And it’s the damndest thing that I’m starting to think the same thing myself.

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Featured Author: Christine Deriso

PICTURE UNAVAILABLE

About the Author:
Christine Hurley Deriso is an award-winning author of seven books, including three middle-grade novels published by Random House and two young-adult novels. Her latest young-adult novel, Thirty Sunsets, was published by Flux in July. Christine, who lives in North Augusta, S.C., has contributed to national magazines including Ladies’ Home Journal, Family Circle, Parents and Child. Visit her at www.christinehurleyderiso.com.



Other Information:
Books Written:

• Do-Over
• Dreams to Grow On
• Green Tea and Beyond
• The Right-Under Club
• The Right Under Club: Act Two
• Talia Talk
• Then I Met My Sister
• Thirty Sunsets

Link to Goodreads Account: https://www.goodreads.com/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&query=christine+hurley+deriso
Most Popular Book (by the ratings on Goodreads):Do-Over
Blog: www.christinehurleyderiso.com
Link to Author Interview: ----

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Giveaway: Hope in the Rain by Sandy Sinnett

Synopsis:

As a little girl, Laci Kramer always found hope in the rain and believed that good things would follow it. But after losing her husband, she has trouble seeing the good in anything except her four kids and her job...until one rainy day when she boards a plane and something good sits
down beside her.

Mitch is from North Carolina and lost his wife a few years ago. And on that short flight, Laci becomes an unexpected surprise that he can’t resist. An old-fashioned courtship brings their love to life, but is it strong enough to last when threatened by her uncertain future?

Can Laci’s faith help her overcome the fear of what lies ahead and give Mitch her whole heart? Or will she let him go to spare him from repeating a horrible pain from his past.

Laci will lose hope in love, and life...until it rains. (Taken from Goodreads)

Information (about book):

Author(s): Sandy Sinnett

Rating (On Goodreads): 4.67

Rating by EBR:★★★☆☆
Release Date (Estimation): April 22, 2014

Link on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20707603-hope-in-the-rain?ac=1

Link to Review on EBR: http://etherealbookreviews.blogspot.com/2014/10/review-of-hope-in-rain-by-sandy-sinnett.html

Information (about giveaway):

Start date: October 18, 2014

End date: November 8, 2014

Format of Prize: Paperback

Information need to participate: 

• mailing address in proper format (if won)
• Read "Terms and Conditions" before entering
• US and Canada only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*We are not responsible for the damages, lost prize, etc. We are NOT the ones who mail the prize to you, therefore, Ethereal Book Reviews is solely not responsible for anything.

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Featured Book: Hope in the Rain by Sandy Sinnett

Synopsis:

‘But as I stood there, feeling the pain of unfulfilled dreams, all I could do was cry harder and harder, inconsolable as I thought about the uncertain future in front of me. My hot tears mingled with the cold rain and I shouted up into the sky – calling out for him, praying he would hear me somehow. I’m so sorry I let you go – I’m sorry I didn’t tell you! I love you!’

Laci Kramer believes that good things follow the rain – how it washes away the old and brings in the new. Since losing her husband of 24 years, her life revolves around her kids and her job. But on one rainy day in July, aboard a flight back home, something good sits down right next to her and changes her life forever.

Mitch Young is a widower from North Carolina. Hope is a useless commodity since losing his wife to breast cancer three years ago. That's until he meets Laci, and she becomes an unexpected surprise he can't resist. Laci and Mitch both learn to love again and an old-fashioned romance ensues. Romance meets reality however, when their relationship falls under scrutiny from Mitch's family and Laci is faced with the toughest challenge of her life.

Will she allow God to see them through the storms ahead or will she let Mitch go to spare him from repeating the same pain from his past? Laci begins to lose hope in love and life...until it rains. (Taken from Goodreads)

Information:

Title: Hope in the Rain

Author(s): Sandy Sinnett

Link on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20707603-hope-in-the-rain

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Hope-Rain-Sandy-Sinnett-ebook/dp/B00J4P7RWQ/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1409852610

Smashwords: ----

Average Stars (from Goodreads): 4.67

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Book Promotion: Hope in the Rain by Sandy Sinnett

Synopsis:
‘But as I stood there, feeling the pain of unfulfilled dreams, all I could do was cry harder and harder, inconsolable as I thought about the uncertain future in front of me. My hot tears mingled with the cold rain and I shouted up into the sky – calling out for him, praying he would hear me somehow. I’m so sorry I let you go – I’m sorry I didn’t tell you! I love you!’

Laci Kramer believes that good things follow the rain – how it washes away the old and brings in the new. Since losing her husband of 24 years, her life revolves around her kids and her job. But on one rainy day in July, aboard a flight back home, something good sits down right next to her and changes her life forever.

Mitch Young is a widower from North Carolina. Hope is a useless commodity since losing his wife to breast cancer three years ago. That's until he meets Laci, and she becomes an unexpected surprise he can't resist. Laci and Mitch both learn to love again and an old-fashioned romance ensues. Romance meets reality however, when their relationship falls under scrutiny from Mitch's family and Laci is faced with the toughest challenge of her life.

Will she allow God to see them through the storms ahead or will she let Mitch go to spare him from repeating the same pain from his past? Laci begins to lose hope in love and life...until it rains. (Taken from Goodreads)

Information About the Book:
Author: Sandy Sinnett

Link to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20707603-hope-in-the-rain

Publisher: Tate Publishing & Enterprises LLC
Release Date: April 22, 2014
Links to Buy:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Hope-Rain-Sandy-Sinnett-ebook/dp/B00J4P7RWQ/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1409852610
Tate Publishing: https://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=9781630635442
Average Rating (from Goodreads): 4.67

Rating from EBR: 3.00

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