Pride Month Round-Up: Best of LGBT from BooksByMigs and One Guy's Guide to Good Reads

**Post written by Ashley from BooksByMigs through our collaboration**

 

Ethan messaged me last night with this wonderful idea. Because June is Pride month he was telling me how I should have done something special on the blog highlighting some of my favorite LGBT novels. I loved the idea so much we decided to collaborate and feature some of our favorites!

Ethan's Round-Up

As anyone who’s hung out over on my blog will tell you, it’s my goal in the book world to make an impact as a male reader. I review from a male’s POV, offering new insight to both authors and readers. Being a straight male blogger has really taught me multiple things about not only the book world, but about life itself. There is so much knowledge to be learned through the power of literature. I’ve had my eyes opened and my beliefs confirmed, all through the movement of the written word.

While not a member of the LGBT community myself, some of my closest friends are. Through them I have seen firsthand the struggles that those in their community have faced. The monumental movements and strides made this week will forever impact their lives for the better. It is with great honor that we support them here today. That being said, I was, understandably hesitant to read my first LGBT read. Especially an m/m read. It’s not something I have any experience with personally, so I wasn’t sure how I would feel about reading one. I’m so glad I took a chance and read my first LGBT novel, as it definitely changed my life. Each and every one of the incredible novels I am featuring in my list has made a positive impact on my life in a variety of reasons. This is really a special thing for me to say, as romance is among my very least favorite genre. These novels have really changed the way I read. While I have only read a handful of novels that fit into this category, I know that there are many more that will touch me the way these stories have. In no particular order, here are my top four LGBT reads:

• Stolen by Becca Vincenza
The very first LGBT book that I read. I remember I only took the plunge because it was a paranormal novel primarily. From page one I was hooked and couldn’t let go. The relationship between Drake and Xavier is also probably among the most unique I have ever read. While they don't "fall in love" in the traditional sense, the fall in love, nonetheless. They are 'life mates', each others' one true love. While they are both extremely resistant at first, their budding friendship and relationship is seriously a thing of beauty. Completely take the sexual element out of the equation and at its' base, their relationship is rock solid. It was really interesting to read about that. Becca opened my eyes to this sub genre and I am honored that her novel was my first read.

     
• The Understatement of the Year by Sarina Bowen
If you guys follow my blog, you know that I am a huge Sarina Bowen fan. Her Ivy Years series is among my all-time favorite NA Contemporary series. Each novel in this series hit me in a different way, but none hit me in the particular way that this one did. The relationship between Rikker and Graham was so incredibly hard for me to read. Their love story wasn’t an easy one. It was cringe-worthy at times and left me such an emotional wreck that few have topped since. Talking out the LGBT element out of the equation, you see two friends whose complicated relationship nearly cost them their happiness. To say it was emotional is a huge understatement. That being said, through this novel, I learned so much about what it means to be a New Adult member of the LGBT community. Sarina Bowen really helped to open my eyes to the issues faced by members in 2015.

      
• Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire-Saenz
This one was strictly a recommendation from my good friend Christina over at LuLo FanGirl. This is one of Christina’s all time favorite reads, with great reason. Oh man, get ready to catch the feels, I know I did. While the LGBT portion of this novel doesn’t present itself until the last part of the novel, the budding relationship between the characters of Dante and Aristotle was nothing short of literary perfection. Their character development was among the best I have ever read. Their love story was truly one for the ages. Full of emotion and triumph, watching them come into their own was such a rewarding experience.

    
• Trust the Focus by Megan Erickson
I only came across this novel thanks to the recommendation of our Ashley here from Books by Migs. She’s such a big Megan Erickson fan that I had been wanting to read one of her novels for months when I came across this one. I really didn’t know what to expect from the novel, but I can tell you that in the end I came out of it a better person. Justin and Landry’s relationship was one emotional roller coaster ride. And one that I really could relate to. They were both coming out of a very important part of their lives with some immense baggage on their shoulders. It was only through finding their relationship with one another that they were able to overcome their issues and make it through to the end. It was truly a beautifully crafter and incredible story of love, hope, and compassion. It was an honor to devour it.

Love is love and I am so proud to share with you guys these four LGBT novels that have changed my perspective on the genre. It isn’t one that I read often, but each novel I have read has changed me in some way, shape, or form. While romance will never be one of my favorite genres, novels such as these keep me coming back for more. It was truly an honor to experience each and every one of these reads. I highly recommend them to any and all readers, regardless of your beliefs or reading mindset. You won’t be disappointed! Huge congratulations to the LGBT community this week on their huge victory! Let’s all continue to work together to achieve equality for all and make the world a little brighter with each passing day! Happy Reading!

Ashley's Round-Up

June is a wonderful month for me. Not only does my daughter’s birthday fall in June, it’s also Pride Month. Everyone in the LGBTQ+ community gets together and celebrates us. We let the world know we are here and proud of who we are. We let them know that it’s okay to be us and we love just as much as they do. If you’ve never been to a Pride parade or festival I suggest you get to one next year. They are so much fun and can open your eyes to so much. Now that June has come to an end it’s such a blessing to be able to look back on this wonderful month and see all the good that has happened for our community. The biggest thing? The Supreme Court granted marriage to same sex couples in all 50 states! I didn’t think I’d see this or that it would even happen as quickly as it did. I love that my friends and family can marry, legally, and have it recognized all over the country. My heart is so full. Like I’ve said before, I adore reading LGBT novels. I get to see some of my favorite groups of people find love, be accepted and just live their lives. We are people too. We deserve recognition. Equality. Love. So, without further ado, here are some of my favorite novels. No particular order.

• Focus on Me by Megan Erickson
I love this book so much. Megan is so skilled in not just writing romance, but actually digging deeper into how people actually work. Focus on Me is no different. She created these two characters, Colin and Riley, and everything about them felt true and real. I lived their story with them and it wasn’t an easy one. Without getting into the story because it’s not out just yet (soon though! July 21st!) it’s not spoilery to say that mental illness plays a huge role in the plot of Focus on Me. That’s the big plot device on this story, not their being gay. I loved that. Both Colin and Riley were already out and proud and didn’t have any problems with being their true self. We need more of that in this world.

    
• Captive Prince & Prince’s Gambit by C.S. Pacat
There’s so much that can be said about these novels, and probably the third when it finally comes out. Damen and Laurent are everything. The series is a little bit fantasy, a little bit romance and a whole lot of awesome. Damen and Laurent’s being gay or bisexual have no bearing on the story at all. The story is about so much more than that. It’s about friendship and trust. It’s about fighting for what you believe in and making sure those you care for are taking care of. Thanks to my lovely friend, Lia Riley, I was introduced to this series and I love her immensely for it.

    
• Under the Lights by Dahlia Adler
Lesbians! Do you know how hard it is to find good lesbian fiction? Especially in Young Adult? Very. But Dahlia did it and she did it so well. Vanessa and Brianna are amazing. I fell for them as they fell for each other. 

 During the story Vanessa realizes she’s gay and needs to come to terms with that. And she tells her family and friends who she really is as well. This is so important to see in a book because there are so many kids out there who my feel like her and need to know that it’s okay to be true to themselves. And then there’s Bri. She’s bisexual and is not afraid to be herself. She’s not afraid to love who she falls for and that’s wonderful.

     
• Rush by Nyrae Dawn
This book, you guys. This. Book. I cannot say enough about this book. It’s one of my favorites ever. I mean outside of it being about two guys. Brandon’s coming out and dealing with the fallout because he’s this big college football player and Alec’s standing by his friend and the man he loves. It’s beautiful. It’s not an easy story to read but one that many people live. And Brandon’s parents? I love them so much. They exemplify how parents should act. They love their child unconditionally and sadly that just seems to be rare these days.

*****

Ashley really blew this post out of the water and I am so pumped to share it with you guys. Ashley is another amazing bookish friend of mine and this is our first official collaboration. We're so glad you stopped by to heard our take on LGBT reads! What are some of your favorites? Have you read ours? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Until next time, Happy Reading!

-Ethan

Hexed Hearts by Becca Vincenza Review

Hey readers! Ethan here on this beautiful Thursday night to share with you another review. Tonight I'll be offering up my thoughts on one of my most anticipated reads of 2015. Spoiler alert: it's also one of my favorite reads of 2015 so far! What am I raving about? Hexed Hearts by Becca Vincenza! Before we get to my thoughts, here's a bit about the novel and our author:

Title: Hexed Hearts

Author: Becca Vincenza
Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance
Release Date: June 8, 2015
Cover Designer: Airicka’s Mystical Creations

Colette had known all her life that she was half human and half werewolf. She had no expectations of a life filled with love and adventure.

Everything changed on her 21st birthday. A curse cast by witches centuries ago set things in motion, things she could have never imagined. A past that Colette has no clue about has come back to steal her away.

When Hunter, her destined but very unexpected mate, arrives, she is at a complete loss. She must learn to forget an old love and how to make room for a new love.

The curse is being recast and Colette must stop it in order to save the wolves, all the while finding who she really is.

This is a New Adult, there is some subject matter not suitable for those under the age of 18  

Becca Vincenza

Becca Vincenza lives in wonderful Michigan. She has a love for Skittles, rainbows, Star Wars, and reading about hot men. When she’s not wearing her author hat, she’s working to pay off her student loans for her recently acquired English degree. She recently released the two books in her Rebirth Series and is set to release the third at the end of the year.

FIND BECCA VINCENZA

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS

*****

My Thoughts

As many of you know, paranormal is my favorite genre. As you can imagine, when it comes to my favorite genre, it takes a whole lot to impress me. In a genre where absolutely anything is possible, it takes a lot for me to get that wow factor when it comes to a paranormal read. Tie that in with my passion for the New Adult genre and you've got to have one fantastic read to impress this kid. I have to say that every time I think of New Adult Paranormal, one author comes to mind, Miss Becca Vincenza. And why's that? Well because she's the best, of course. Over the course of four novels now, Becca has continues to wow me to no end. Why should her newest novel, Hexed Hearts be any exception? It shouldn't. In fact, it's my new favorite Becca Vincenza read!

Folks this tome is massive. Over 300 pages of Becca Vincenza paranormal awesomeness. I couldn't hardly put it down. When it comes to the plot of this one, you've better hold on to your hats. Twists, turns, surprise after surprise, and enough mystery, suspense, and emotion to satisfy even the most difficult-to-please readers. Hunted by two faces for her hidden gifts, Colette is more than a little misunderstood. Having been raised by wolves her entire life, she never imagine she was actually half-witch, a paranormal anomaly. With a monumental birthday on the horizon, Colette must gather her courage for what, or who, is to come! Action packed sequences mixed with heartwarming romance, Hexed Hearts is sure to please!

I'd be lying if I said I didn't fall hard for the characters in this novel. From Colette to Hunter and Griffin, each character is written with such depth and understanding that you can't help but empathize with each of their complex issues. With each passing page we get deeper into the psyche of each character and find that we can not only feel for them, but relate to them as well. Being a New Adult isn't easy, especially when you're afflicted with a paranormal stamp on your forehead. Becca wrote her characters to be perfect representations of New Adults, but they reflect so much more than that. they're all mature beyond their years, their intelligent beyond compare, they're loyal, compassionate, and more human than we can ever hope to be. It's perfectly written characters like this that keep me begging for more. This novel had a huge cast so I can't begin to mention them all, but the secondary characters in this one were among the best I have ever seen. Each was well written with a purpose that helped to shape the incredible world Becca created.

Form the forests of Michigan to the American South to the wild Montana west, Hexed Hearts takes the readers on quite the journey. The geographic location of the novel isn't really, but after finishing the novel it was intriguing to me to notice how each setting reflected something new in Becca's story. Safety, family, isolation. I found so many metaphorical correlations between the settings of the novel and the plot line that makes me 100% sure that Vincenza knew what she was doing when she wrote this masterpiece. My inner literary nerd was beyond pleased!

So as the synopsis mentions, this is a romance. I have to say that even though I'm not one for romance, I loved the romance aspect of this book. It does have a type of love-triangle in it, but nothing like you're thinking. It's deep seeded and emotional to a fault. I really cared deeply for all of the characters involved and sincerely wished for a happy ending for all three. I very seldom find my opinions on which couple I do/don't like changing, but this novel did a completely 180 on me. By the end, I had completely changed my mind on who I wanted to be together and I loved Becca for changing my mind. It's phenomenal. There are only a few sex-sceneish moments and they were written to perfection. Nothing too much, nothing 'trashy', just love. Plain and simple. I really appreciated that.

When if comes to the paranormal element of the novel, Becca seriously killed it. I will be honest, of all the paranormal tropes, werewolves are my least favorite. I just don't really get into them as much, but after this read, they're making their way to the top of my list. It was incredible how Becca was able to tell their story to completion without having to tell me ten thousand years of lore and backstory. That gets old, quick. Becca took her own spin on the legends and ran with it, giving the genre a side I really enjoyed. As per the witch side, I enjoyed that as well. I wish there had been a bit more on the witch end, but at the same time, I loved the werewolf parts so much that the witch stuff could just disappear and I'd be just fine! In true Becca Vincenza fashion, she'd definitely reminded me how awesome paranormal can be.

Becca Vincenza has worked hard on every novel she's written and it's very obvious in the passion we see in her published novels. Over the course of four novels, Becca has secured herself a spot on my auto-buy bookshelf. I will forever hold a special place for Becca Vincenza in my bookish heart. Every time I think something can't be done, she proves me otherwise. From dragons, to sirens, to wraiths, and now werewolves, Becca Vincenza has quickly become one of my favorite names in paranormal fiction!

As you guys can see, Hexed Hearts was definitely a read that was right up my alley. I cannot say enough great things about it. With that being said, it should come as no surprise that I am granting Hexed Hearts by Becca Vincenza a near-perfect 5-star review. My favorite book of hers so far! I cannot wait to see what she does with these characters and this world in the future! A perfect read for all new adult, paranormal, and romance fans. Add this to your TBR today!

*****

Alright readers, that's all I have for you on the topic of Hexed Hearts by Becca Vincenza. As you guys can clearly see, this was definitely the read for me. I can't say enough great things! If you guys are fans of NA or the paranormal genre, I can't recommend this one highly enough. Check it out for yourself. Have you checked out Becca's other works? They're all amazing! Thanks so much for stopping by. Until next time, Happy Reading!

-Ethan

Countdown to UtopYA Author Spotlight Series Day Two: Meet Becca Vincenza

Hello friends and welcome to an exciting week here at One Guy's Guide to Good Reads. For the next week, my beautiful bookish soul-mate, Christina Marie from LuLo Fangirl and I will be hosting an incredible new feature series to get everyone PUMPED for UtopYAcon in Nashville, TN next week!

After WEEKS of deliberation, Christina and I have hand-picked FIFTEEN of our favorite authors attending UtopYA and will be spotlighting one each day for the next 7 days. These posts will include an interview with 15 special guests, ranging from seasoned literary vets to first-time debut authors. Each post will also feature a quick spotlight of the authors latest or upcoming works. You are not going to want to miss out on this awesome series!

Each day Christina and I will feature a different author on one of our blogs and will be cross promoting between the two. We really want to get the word out to all of our readers. As a special incentive, we are offering an exclusive UtopYA giveaway for a signed book from ANY participating UtopYA author! How exciting! We can't wait to share this awesome series with you all and look forward to an awesome time in Nashville!

Happy Reading!

7 DAYS UNTIL UTOPYA

Day One: Meet Becca Vincenza

Becca Vincenza

Becca Vincenza lives in wonderful Michigan. She has a love for Skittles, rainbows, Star Wars, and reading about hot men. When she’s not wearing her author hat, she’s working to pay off her student loans for her recently acquired English degree. She recently released the two books in her Rebirth Series and is set to release the third at the end of the year.

FIND BECCA VINCENZA

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS

Intro to Becca Vincenza:

Oh Becca. Becca, Becca, Becca. Late last summer I saw a blog post from my friend Liz long promoting Becca's upcoming novel at the time. Being on a huge paranormal kick at the time, I rushed over and got myself a copy that very day. After absolutely devouring Stolen, I contacted Becca and a beautiful friendship was born. Four full lengths novel later, Becca is at the top of my list of New Adult romance. She really has it going on. Plus, she totally rocks the indie author life! A former blogger herself, Becca and I often rant/rave about the bookish world together. She's one amazing lady and I'm telling ya, if you pick up one of her novels, you will not be disappointed!

Let's learn a bit more about Becca and her work:

Recent Release by Becca Vincenza

Colette had known all her life that she was half human and half werewolf. She had no expectations of a life filled with love and adventure.

Everything changed on her 21st birthday. A curse cast by witches centuries ago set things in motion, things she could have never imagined. A past that Colette has no clue about has come back to steal her away.

When Hunter, her destined but very unexpected mate, arrives, she is at a complete loss. She must learn to forget an old love and how to make room for a new love.

The curse is being recast and Colette must stop it in order to save the wolves, all the while finding who she really is.

This is a New Adult, there is some subject matter not suitable for those under the age of 18  

**$0.99 FOR A LIMITED TIME**

          

I just finished this one and IT IS INCREDIBLE!

Excerpt from Hexed Hearts

Regardless, I wasn’t the only one with a hard childhood. Taken I didn’t know why Hunter’s eyes were his wolves always there might be more to his story. I wasn’t the only person in the world that had trust issues.

“Okay,” I whispered, looking up at him.

Then the completely unexpected happened.

He smiled. Full, all his teeth dazzling, clean and white, it lit up his face like it lit up his eyes. He was positively gorgeous when he smiled. Something in me sighed with contentment. If he smiled at me like that every day, I knew I would never need anything else. He kissed me one more time before heading off.

“I’ll know your secrets, Hunter,” I whispered quieter than a werewolf could hear, feeling thrilled about how the night went and excited to see where we were headed. I leaned back against my door where Hunter had dropped me off.

Hunter stopped and looked back at me with a questioning look on his blissful face. I couldn’t get over how wonderfully different he looked with that smile.

“What?” he asked, pausing. I widened my eyes. Had I spoken my last thought out loud?

“Nothing. I’ll talk to you, um…later.”

I turned to my door and almost smashed my face into it thinking I had managed to open it. I struggled for a second more before I slipped in and breathed a heavy sigh of relief.

Exclusive UtopYA Interview with Becca Vincenza

1. Tell us about your experience with UtopYA. What's your history with UtopYA and why do you attend?

My experience with UtopYA? Well I went last year, hahaha. I was planning on going checking it out, and deciding once I got a couple books under my belt I would actually go as an author. I was afforded an amazing opportunity because of Carlyle Labuschagne, had been offering up an amazing giveaway to have a spotlighted …spot at her table at UtopYA. Against all my terrible luck somehow I won! *Trust me I was just as shocked* I had followed the Con the year before as just a blogger, wishing I could go to something so amazing. So imagine how excited I was that I was going to be part of it, even if it was a small part. My first and foremost reason for going that year and this year, is I get to meet up with all these amazing people who I see online, who I talk to, who I love and adore. And of course, books. Omgiod….books. 

2.What is your favorite Nashville attraction and why? If this is your first time attending UtopYA/visiting Nashville, what are you most excited to see?

Umm, does the tattoo parlor I visited considered an attraction? Hahaha, other than that pretty much I go for the Con. I know that people just love this city, and it’s a huge thing but for me the most exciting thing for me while I am in Nashville between June 17th – 22nd is the people inside the hotel. I am excited to see that tattoo parlor again, though.

3.What makes UtopYA different from any other book convention/signing?

Pfft that is a loaded question. UtopYA for me is on a whole different scale then the signings I do here in MI. I love going to the library ones, and others here in MI but sometimes I feel so out of my element, we are all story-tellers through and through, but at UtopYA, it’s like coming home. I get to see my family from across the country, I get to visit with people I know who love the same genre of books as me, and yeah…its coming home for a weekend.

4. When not attending the conference, where will you be spending your week in Nashville?

Hahaha in my hotel room? I really don’t have any other plans than the conference to be honest. Once you’re there it’s like why would you ever want to leave? Unfortunately for me personally, I have to get back to reality once Monday hits, I could only get so much time off of work.

 
5. What are you reading right now?

Oh a wonderful book that is the third in an even more awesome series, the book is called Scion by Kelly Oram, the series is Supernaturals. So amazing! I can’t wait to read it non-stop…just need to find time, I seem to have lost it again.

6. What are some of your favorite summertime reads? What recs do you have for your readers to check out this summer?

That’s a mean question! I don’t want to leave anyone out, but the ones that usually come to mind are well really anything by Janelle Stalder – she is one of my go-to authors, she has a wonderful YA Fantasy Saga out, and she has a NA Dystopia series, and Contemporary Series as well, she has it all. If you are a huge paranormal fan such as myself: Kelly Oram’s Supernatural series (first book is called Chameleon *wink wink*), ooh!!! Melissa Haag has a wonderful Beauty and the Beast retelling coming out this summer (trust me that needs to be on everyone’s must have list). I think I need to stop otherwise I will never stop going and then I am going to end up having to re-read all these books.

 
7. What can we expect next from you?

Well while I type this out I am finishing up my last edits with my editor for my book called Hexed Hearts. I have been working on this baby-monster for the last couple months, I am thrilled that it will be out very, very soon! *I hope out now depending on when this is posted XD* After that I am sort of debating between two. Hunter’s Heart which is the companion piece to Hexed Hearts or Burned the next in my Rebirth Series.

 
Quick, don't think!

-Favorite summertime beverage? Coke *cries because I have recently gave it up* OHH OR APPIE JUICE!! ß yes Appie Juice

-Favorite Ice Cream flavor? Cinnamon *yes it’s a thing, and YES ITS AMAZING*  

-Favorite part about summer? Well I normally would say time off, but I recently graduated to official adult status so…no more of that haha. So the freedom that summer seems to give people.

-Lounging on the beach or summer road trip? Lounging on beach means I could read….but I am not the biggest *at all* fan of sand, so summer road trip with someone else driving while I read in the passenger seat.

-Favorite 'song of the summer’? Um…currently I am obsessively listening to Uma Thurman by Fall Out Boy so I am going with that. Hehehehe <3

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Alright readers, that's all I have for you today during our UtopYAcon Author Spotlight Series! I hope you've learned a lot about our featured author, Miss Becca Vincenza! She's one amazing lady and I cannot wait to meet her in real life next week!

Don't forget that Christina is also hosting an amazing spotlight over on her blog today, her first guest was Mrs. Heather Lyons (you guys all know how much I love Heather)! Click the LuLo FanGirl banner below to check out Christina's post!

Be sure to enter the giveaway before you leave! You won't want to miss another surprise guest tomorrow! Until next time, Happy Reading!

-Ethan

Hexed Hearts by Becca Vincenza Book Blitz (Excerpt + Giveaway)

Title: Hexed Hearts

Author: Becca Vincenza
Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance
Release Date: June 8, 2015
Cover Designer: Airicka’s Mystical Creations

Colette had known all her life that she was half human and half werewolf. She had no expectations of a life filled with love and adventure.

Everything changed on her 21st birthday. A curse cast by witches centuries ago set things in motion, things she could have never imagined. A past that Colette has no clue about has come back to steal her away.

When Hunter, her destined but very unexpected mate, arrives, she is at a complete loss. She must learn to forget an old love and how to make room for a new love.

The curse is being recast and Colette must stop it in order to save the wolves, all the while finding who she really is.

This is a New Adult, there is some subject matter not suitable for those under the age of 18  

Excerpt

 “That is what you are going to wear?” I asked eyeing Griffin’s light blue t-shirt and dark washed jeans. He looked down at himself then looked at me.

“Why? What’s wrong with it?” he asked.

I narrowed my eyes. I crossed my arms and pressed my lips together. My nose scrunched a little. I looked down. I thought I was the epitome of a stealth mission we were going on. There was a lot of digging in my drawers and closet, but I finally found my black yoga pants and long sleeve shirt. Sure, the shirt was just a pinch too small. It rode up sometimes and the sleeves stopped just before my wrist. Unfortunately, it also stretched over my chest snugly. I saw Griffin take a couple peeks. Sometimes even he was a pig. I was seconds from slapping him. I grabbed the combat boots that I had owned for years and slipped them on.

“You don’t understand covert mission do you?” I muttered as I pulled on my last boot. I looked over at Griffin and he held in his laughter.

“Ass.”

“I heard that.”

“You were meant to,” I said with a smug smile.

Griffin clapped his hands together and I looked over at him. He had a huge smile on his face, the smile I had seen many times in our youth. I was glad for Griff, Liam and Nick. They knew how my childhood wasn’t a happy one so they made sure our childhood was full of adventures. Many of those adventures were not sanctioned by Keith, Isaac, or Rose. Most of the time, they were our secret, though as I got older I began to doubt Isaac hadn’t noticed our antics.

Griffin had the same look on his face as he used to when we would sneak out as children. I held in my own laugh now. It was nice to see the Griffin that I had grown up with, the one that kept me sane for years.

“Alright sir, let’s do this.”

Most of the bedrooms were on the second story of the house. Griffin could make the jump easily enough. I had more strength than a human but I didn’t trust myself not to break or at the very least strain something. I waited for him to go first and Griffin stood outside my window.

“Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair!” Griffin yell-whispered up to me. I rolled my eyes as I climbed out my window. I was going backwards and I could feel his eyes on my backside. I turned and stuck my tongue out at him.

“Why my prince I didn’t realize you were such a gracious ass.”

“Well when I see one, I see one.”

*****

Becca Vincenza

Becca Vincenza lives in wonderful Michigan. She has a love for Skittles, rainbows, Star Wars, and reading about hot men. When she’s not wearing her author hat, she’s working to pay off her student loans for her recently acquired English degree. She recently released the two books in her Rebirth Series and is set to release the third at the end of the year.

FIND BECCA VINCENZA

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Alright readers, that's all I have for you on the topic of Hexed Hearts by Becca Vincenza. I have to say that this has been one of my most anticipated reads of 2015 so I cannot wait to devour it! Be sure to add it to your TBR! Special shout out to the author, and my good friend, Becca Vincenza and the incredible team at XPresso Book Tours for allowing me to participate. Until next time, Happy Reading!

-Ethan

Waiting on Wednesday {22}

Hey everyone and welcome to my weekly Waiting on Wednesday meme post! This is just a once a week deal where each Wednesday I post about one book I am looking forward to reading and then link it up to the host blog, Breaking the Spine, where I can be connected to over 200 other readers and bloggers who are looking for a new read! My friend Kim from kimberlyfayereads participates in this meme each week and it has always looked like a great time. Below you will find the book cover, synopsis, Goodreads link and my reasons for waiting on this read! Enjoy!

This week's WOW is... Hexed Hearts by Becca Vincenza!

Title: Hexed Hearts

Author: Becca Vincenza
Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance
Release Date: Late March/Early April
Cover Designer: Airicka’s Mystical Creations

Colette had known all her life that she was half human and half werewolf. She had no expectations of a life filled with love and adventure.

Everything changed on her 21st birthday. A curse cast by witches centuries ago set things in motion, things she could have never imagined. A past that Colette has no clue about has come back to steal her away.

When Hunter, her destined but very unexpected mate, arrives, she is at a complete loss. She must learn to forget an old love and how to make room for a new love.

The curse is being recast and Colette must stop it in order to save the wolves, all the while finding who she really is.

This is a New Adult, there is some subject matter not suitable for those under the age of 18  

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Why am I waiting?

Becca Vincenza may not be a familiar author to some of you, so allow me to make introductions. Becca, meet world. World, meet Becca Vincenza: the biggest up-and-coming name in New Adult Paranormal. Trust me people, if you aren't a fan of this incredible lady, you're about to become one. I came across Becca and her works several months ago at the recommendation of another author. At the time I was looking for someone to show me that NA could be more than cheesy romance. I wanted someone to prove to me that NA had a future outside of romance. And then I met Becca. Good Lord. Becca's Rebirth series has quickly become not only one of my favorite NA reads, but one of my favorite paranormal series to date! It's unique, it's full of more awesome than I could ever possible name, and above all: chock full of paranormal. So. Much. Paranormal. In fact, there is so much, Becca has to include a glossary at the end of her novels. Seriously. You love paranormal? You haven't seen anything yet! Also, did you guys read that synopsis? I don't know about you guys, but I can already tell this one may be Becca's best work yet! AND DID YOU SEE THAT COVER?! Yes. So. Much. Yes.

I'd also like to add that Becca is one of the nicest authors I have had the incredible pleasure of working with. She's great to her fans and never misses an opportunity to chat about the book world!

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What are YOU waiting on this week?

Check out this week's host post at Breaking the Spine by clicking here!

Thanks for stopping by, Happy Reading! 

-Ethan

Hexed Hearts by Becca Vincenza Cover Reveal

Title: Hexed Hearts

Author: Becca Vincenza
Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance
Release Date: Late March/Early April
Cover Designer: Airicka’s Mystical Creations

Colette had known all her life that she was half human and half werewolf. She had no expectations of a life filled with love and adventure.

Everything changed on her 21st birthday. A curse cast by witches centuries ago set things in motion, things she could have never imagined. A past that Colette has no clue about has come back to steal her away.

When Hunter, her destined but very unexpected mate, arrives, she is at a complete loss. She must learn to forget an old love and how to make room for a new love.

The curse is being recast and Colette must stop it in order to save the wolves, all the while finding who she really is.

This is a New Adult, there is some subject matter not suitable for those under the age of 18  

Excerpt

 I took in a huge breath and stuck out my hand.

“Colette Doe, and you are?” I waited. Yellow eyes didn’t move his arms from their resting place in front of his chest.

“Your mate.”

Well this was going to be more fun than I thought.

“I am trying here. Can you please?” I asked. I jutted my arm out again as if emphasizing the fact that I was standing there like an idiot.

“Hunter Felan,” he said. Hunter took a step closer finally letting his arms drop but he didn’t take my hand in his.

“Awesome, you have a name yellow eyes.” I said with a smile.

Hunter narrowed his eyes.

“Don’t call me that,” he said. He moved a little closer.

“What? Don’t like that pet name? How about growly voice? It is the only name I had for you since I met you.”

At that remark he snarled and moved into my space.

“You would have known my name before if you had asked.” He said through clenched teeth. His eyes flashed.

“I was partially unconscious since I’ve known you, thanks to you.” I said. My eye twitched, my body started to hum with anger.

“How the fuck was I supposed to know you pack-bonded with another wolf?”

I narrowed my eyes this time. A comeback was coming I could feel it. He waited, he looked like he was ready to let his firm line of a mouth relax, and a triumphant look in his eyes started to shine. When it hit me and I leaned back on my heels a satisfied smile spread across my lips.

“When I started to scream in pain because I was being ripped away from him. Unless you think so lowly of yourself, that I would cry just being pulled to you.” As satisfied as I was that I thought I won this, he looked more pleased by the second.

“So indirectly you just told me you find me attractive.” His mouth was now in a relaxed smile.

“I didn’t imply that, at all.” I sputtered.

“You did.” He was moving closer and closer.

Somehow my back found the wall, and my chest was about to be pressed against his. I looked up from the middle of his chest to his eyes. I swallowed hard. My heart took on a new beat, and butterflies flocked my stomach. My eyes collided with his and my wolf came to the surface. I had never felt her so strongly before. It was like she was looking out of my eyes for me, and seeing his wolf who also seemed to be right on the edge of his skin.

“She finds me attractive.” He whispered brushing his knuckles against my cheek.

Where his knuckles touched, I felt a trail of heat following. My knees never felt so weak. My eyelids had a mind of their own and started to shut from his delicate touches. My body seemed to bow at its own will. My lips suddenly felt too dry. I thought about licking them but I quickly stopped that thought from forming.

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Becca Vincenza

Becca Vincenza lives in wonderful Michigan. She has a love for Skittles, rainbows, Star Wars, and reading about hot men. When she’s not wearing her author hat, she’s working to pay off her student loans for her recently acquired English degree. She recently released the two books in her Rebirth Series and is set to release the third at the end of the year.

FIND BECCA VINCENZA

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS

*****

Well guys, what do you think?! Is that cover incredible or what? Becca has quickly become a good friend of mine in the book world, her Rebirth series is one of my favorite NA Paranormal series. She's a great lady and an incredible author! Also, she's great to her fans! Be sure to hit her up and say hello! Make sure you tell her that Ethan sent ya! Until next time, Happy Reading!

-Ethan