Thursday 26 February 2015

Lighter by Gia Riley ~ Book Blitz

I'm thrilled to be a part of the Lighter by Gia Riley Book Blitz hosted by Xpresso Book Tours!


About the book

Title: Lighter 
Author: Gia Riley  
Publication date: February 16th 2015 
Genres: New Adult, Romance  

Synopsis: What do you do when you can't save the one you love?   

Sophie can’t survive without control. Growing up with an alcoholic father, she craves the discipline of gymnastics. Feeling lost on a brand new college campus, she lets loose for the first time in her life. But with freedom comes consequences. Is one night everything she hopes? Or will she become her own worst nightmare?  

Kipton's one year away from graduation. He's never thought beyond a one night stand until meeting his sister’s new roommate. Finally setting his sights on the girl he can't resist, he's more determined than ever when she won't give in to his persuasions. He's always gotten the girl, and he's not about to give up without a fight.   

Will Sophie be able to salvage her dreams and wage a war against her own vices? Can she finally let love in? Or will history repeat itself causing her to self-destruct?  

Lighter isn't your typical college romance. Darkness suffocates, dreams are dashed, and battles are lost. Love takes on a whole new meaning.


Grab your copy today!
Amazon | B&N | Kobo |  


Monday 23 February 2015

The Apollo Academy by Kimberly P. Chase ~ Book Blitz

I'm thrilled to be a part of the The Apollo Academy by Kimberly P. Chases Book Blitz hosted by Xpresso Book Tours!


About the book

Title: The Apollo Academy (The Apollo Academy #1)
Author: Kimberly P. Chase
Published by: Harlequin
Publication date: February 22nd 2015  
Genres: New Adult, Science Fiction

Synopsis: Take off with this dynamic, thrill-seeking, sexy New Adult Science Fiction series debut. Welcome to the exclusive Apollo Academy, where Aurora is about to discover that achieving her dream is only the first step towards her future.  

As the heiress to Titon Technologies, eighteen-year-old Aurora Titon can have whatever she wants—clothes, expensive gadgets, anything money can buy. But all she really wants is to escape her pampered, paparazzi-infested life for the stars. Becoming the first female pilot to train as an astronaut for the exclusive Apollo Academy is exactly the chance for which she has been waiting. 

Flying is everything she ever dreamed, her best friend also got into the Academy, and the paparazzi is banned from campus. Everything would be perfect, but for her unreciprocated crush on a fellow student, the sexy astronaut bent on making her life hell, and the fact that someone keeps trying to kill her.  

The most important education doesn’t happen in the classroom…


Early praise

"I am obsessed with this book! Suspenseful, sexy, and just a great read!" - Cora Carmack, New York Times Bestselling author of Losing It.  

“Exquisite worldbuilding, thrilling suspense, and a sexy flight instructor! Chase’s exciting debut novel is one you don’t want to miss.” - K.A.Tucker, Author of Ten Tiny Breaths and One Tiny Lie.


Check out the book trailer!



Grab your copy today!
Amazon | B&N | ITunes | Kobo |  

Sunday 22 February 2015

She Is Sondaleur ~ Breaker by Emma Raveling Review

Breaker (Ondine Quartet #4)
By Emma Raveling

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

My thoughts on the book:

Reading Breaker was a simply mind-blowing experience.

Every word felt like it had been placed on the page with care, with purpose...and with a dash of magic. Each sentence was another perfectly crafted puzzle piece that slid into its proper place to create the full picture. 

This whole series, since its stunning beginning in Whirl, has been building towards that full picture, that final image. Bit by bit Emma Raveling has revealed Kendra's destiny to us readers throughout the series, & Breaker is where everything falls beautifully into place. 

'She gave her choice to speak for all, so others would have the choice for themselves. She is sondaleur.'

There was no 'ifs', 'buts', or 'whys' about it in Breaker - if anyone had ever doubted that Raveling's heroine Kendra was indeed the sondaleur, they received all the proof they needed in this book. 

Kendra's character blossoms. There is so much character growth, as Raveling reveals Kendra layer by layer. All her insecurities, doubts, & flaws are laid bare and Kendra is forced to come to terms with who she is, who she is meant to be, and who she wishes to be.

'Turn around, my love.'

Tristan becomes the man of my dreams...of every girl's dreams!...in Breaker. Not that he wasn't already the epitome of hotness & charisma, but he really shines in this book. Breaker provides Tristan with new opportunities to prove his love for Kendra, as it's tested time and time again. 

I love how the Ondine Quartet portrays love. It's not the wishy-washy stereotype so often seen in YA fiction. It's complex, twisted and untameable. It's a choice. And for Kendra it is a daily battle to make the choice to love and allow herself to be loved in return. 

Tristan and Kendra compliment each other so well, and it's been such a joy to watch their relationship mature throughout the series.

As powerful & beautiful as the ocean itself, Breaker brings YA to another level.

Although it saddens me that this amazing series has reached its close, I can honestly say that Breaker was a fitting end to what has been a magical journey.

Add it to your bookshelf today!



Have you read Breaker, or do you plan to? Let me know below!

Thursday 19 February 2015

Spark Rising by Kate Corcino ~ Blog Tour + Review

As a part of the Spark Rising by Kate Corcino Blog Tour run by Xpresso Book Tours I reviewed Spark Rising, a NA sci-fi novel.


To check out the rest of this blog tour go here for the official schedule.

I was provided with a review copy of the book via Xpresso Book Tours - however, all opinions expressed in this review are purely my own. To find out more, please visit my disclaimer page.


Book Details 

Title: Spark Rising 
Author: Kate Corcino  
Publication date: December 15th 2014 
Genres: New Adult, Post-Apocalyptic, Science Fiction 

Book Synopsis: All that’s required to ignite a revolution is a single spark rising.  


Two hundred years after the cataclysm that annihilated fossil fuels, Sparks keep electricity flowing through their control of energy-giving Dust. The Council of Nine rebuilt civilization on the backs of Sparks, offering citizens a comfortable life in a relo-city in exchange for power, particularly over the children able to fuel the future. 


The strongest of the boys are taken as Wards and raised to become elite agents, the Council’s enforcers and spies. Strong girls—those who could advance the rapidly-evolving matrilineal power—don’t exist. Not according to the Council.  


Lena Gracey died as a child, mourned publicly by parents desperate to keep her from the Council. She was raised in hiding until she fled the relo-city for solitary freedom in the desert. Lena lives off the grid, selling her power on the black market.  


Agent Alex Reyes was honed into a calculating weapon at the Ward School to do the Council’s dirty work. But Alex lives a double life. He’s leading the next generation of agents in a secret revolution to destroy those in power from within.  


The life Lena built to escape her past ends the day Alex arrives looking for a renegade Spark.

Grab your copy today!




And now for my review of...


Tuesday 17 February 2015

Teaser Tuesday ~ Daughter of Deep Silence by Carrie Ryan

Hosted by: MizB at Should Be Reading

It's Teaser Tuesday! Teaser Tuesday is when I pick up one of my latest reads, choose a random page, and share two terrific teasers from it with all of you. So strap on your seat-belts & prepare yourself for teasers that are sure to blow you away!

This week's teasers come from Daughter of Deep Silence by Carrie RyanDaughter of Deep Silence is a YA romance thriller and will be released on June 2nd 2015 by Dutton Books. 

I got the chance to read an excerpt of Daughter of Deep Silence when I received a review copy of Buzz Books 2015: Young Adult Spring via Netgalley. And what I read was certainly most impressive & has made me even more excited for the book's release!

Monday 16 February 2015

The Return by Jennifer L. Armentrout ~ Release Week Blitz

The Return Release Week Blitz banner


We have been dying to bring you the Release Blitz for Jennifer L. Armentrout's THE RETURN! 


THE RETURN is a New Adult Paranormal Romance and is a part of Jennifer L. Armentrout’s Titan Series. Seth is looking to be just as dangerously delicious as we all hoped!!

Excited for THE RETURN? Read on for an exclusive excerpt!

I was a half-blood, but I was also the Apollyon, a child of a pure and a half, a union that had been forbidden for thousands of years because an Apollyon was more powerful than any pure or half could ever hope to be. 

And I always got to the traitors’ hideouts before they did, so the Sentinels were usually left with the cleanup, which I was sure absolutely thrilled them. 

The first to enter was a female half-blood dressed just as I was. Her black hair was pulled back in a neat little knot at the top of her head. She was older, probably in her mid-thirties. It was pretty rare for a Sentinel to live that long. Her dark skin paled as she stopped just inside the entrance. She clenched titanium daggers in her hands like she expected something vicious to pop out from under the bloody mess. 

The female Sentinel tipped her chin up, and the overhead light sliced across her broad cheekbones. She bore a jagged scar under her right eye, the skin lighter in tone. She saw me and froze. 

My smile widened. 

Behind her, another Sentinel rushed in, almost mowing her over. He saw me and whispered, “Seth.” 

He’d said my name like I was the monster under his bed, and I sort of liked that. Then another Sentinel and another rolled in. The fifth took one look at my interior design work and keeled over. Slamming his hands on his knees, he hurled up his dinner. 

Nice. Our society existed completely unknown to the average mortal and had operated under what was known as the Breed Order for thousands of years. The Order had been dismantled, which meant halfs were no longer forced to choose between becoming Sentinels—hunting down violent creatures, protecting pures, enforcing laws, and otherwise usually dying pretty damn quickly on the job—or servants, which was a job that really wasn’t a job, but more like slavery. Since then, many pampered pures had signed on to be Sentinels, making up for the loss of the halfs who’d pretty much said “screw this shit, I’m out.” 

This wasn’t necessarily a good thing. For example, the dumbass puking all over my blood-covered floor was a pure. When he straightened, his face a greenish hue, he backed away, shaking his head. “I can’t,” he gasped out. “I can’t do this.” 

Then he turned and hauled ass out the doors.
I sighed. This was why we couldn’t have nice things.


Saturday 14 February 2015

Valentine's Day Special ~ Book Boyfriend Battle

Welcome, fangirls and fanboys, to my Valentine's Day special post...

There are so many truly amazing YA books with h-h-hot fictional guys - how is a bookworm supposed to choose just one as their book boyfriend?! 

So in the spirit of Valentine's Day, I'm going to help you guys pick your book boyfriends by placing a few of my faves in the 'Arena Of Love' and having them fight it out. 

About the 'Arena Of Love'

There are six rounds.
Each round includes two fictional guys who are of similar character/hotness/awesomeness.
Each guy will be given a swoon-worthy quote as his weapon.

Then after you've watched them battle it out, you decide who won by letting me know in the comment's section who you thought emerged victorious from each round.


So without further ado...let's get started!

Exaltation by Jamie Magee ~ Book Blitz

The week leading up to Valentine's Day has been full of amazing book blitzes, tours and giveaways. One of these is most definitely the Exaltation by Jamie Magee Book Blitz hosted by Xpresso Book Tours!


About the book


Title: Exaltation 
Author: Jamie Magee  
Publication date: February 10th 2015  
Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Young Adult  

Synopsis: Fate is a twisted b*$#@, at least his was.  

Was one soul worth the lives of millions? The quandary was one that Rydell King had no choice but to face. No matter the answer, the truth remained—innocence was created to destroy him. She was beautiful…extinguishing her to save his people seemed impossible, and maybe it was. 

As an immortal, his focus was to destroy the curse upon his people, as he devoured the emotion that bore him—exaltation, no matter the cost. She made him question everything.  

Mercy had never been crueler.   


Grab your copy today!

| Amazon | IBooks | Nook | Kobo |


Friday 13 February 2015

Revelations by Jennifer Carole Lewis ~ Book Blitz

I'm thrilled to be a part of the Revelations by Jennifer Carole Lewis Book Blitz hosted by Xpresso Book Tours!


About the book


Title: Revelations 
Author: Jennifer Carole Lewis  
Publication date: January 30th 2015  
Genres: New Adult, Paranormal Romance  

Synopsis: For millennia, the lalassu have existed at the fringes of society, hiding in the shadows. But someone is determined to drag them into the light.  

Dani has spent years fighting against her family’s urges to take on the mantle of High Priestess for the lalassu. Stronger and faster than any ordinary human, she has no interest in being a guide for her people. She likes being independent and enjoys her night-job as a burlesque dancer. But a darker secret lurks inside of her, one which threatens everyone around her.  


Isolated and idealistic, Michael works as a developmental therapist for children, using his psychometric gifts to discover the secrets they can’t share with anyone else. When one of his clients is kidnapped, he will do almost anything to rescue her. The investigation leads him to a seedy little performance club where he is shocked and thrilled to discover a genuine live superhero.  


Michael and Dani must join forces to save those they care about from becoming the latest victims of a decades-long hunt. But the fiery chemistry between them threatens to unlock a millennia-old secret which could devour them both.  


The clock is ticking and they will be faced with the ultimate hero’s choice: save the world or save each other?



Grab your copy today!
Amazon |

Thursday 12 February 2015

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas ~ ARC Review

Today, I'm super excited to be reviewing...


I was provided with an ARC copy of the book via Netgalley - however, all opinions expressed in this review are purely my own. To find out more, please visit my disclaimer page.


About the book

Title: A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #1
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Publication Date: May 5th 2015 (TBR)
Genre(s): Young Adult, New Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Fairy Tales


Synopsis

A thrilling, seductive new series from New York Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas, blending Beauty and the Beast with faerie lore.  

When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin—one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.  

As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow grows over the faerie lands, and Feyre must find a way to stop it . . . or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.  

Perfect for fans of Kristin Cashore and George R. R. Martin, this first book in a sexy and action-packed new series is impossible to put down! (x)


My thoughts on the book
'"We need hope as much as we need bread and meat," he interrupted, his eyes clear for a rare moment. "We need hope, or else we cannot endure. So let her keep this hope, Feyre. Let her imagine a better life. A better world." 
(...) I looked at the discoloured foxglove painting at the edge of the table. The outer trumpets were already chopped and faded, the lower bit of the stem rubbed off entirely. Within a few years, it would be gone - leaving no mark that it had ever been there. That I'd ever been there. 
When I looked at my father, my gaze was hard. "There is no such thing."'

A Court of Thorns and Roses is a thrilling tale, filled to the brim with wild magic & perfectly flawed characters.

For those of you who are familiar with Sarah J. Maas' work - and have read her Throne of Glass series - I'm sure that finding out that this brilliant author would be releasing yet another series was a dream come true. I know it was for me! 

I'd adored Maas' ability to bring her fantasy world and her characters to life on the page, and knew that A Court of Thorns and Roses would be just as good as - if not better than - Maas' previous books.

And I was not disappointed. 

From the very first page, when we are introduced to Feyre, I could tell this was the start of something amazing. The sheer detail, the way the descriptions were artfully constructed so as to immerse the reader fully in Feyre's world...it was breathtaking. I knew that I was not going to be able to put this book down!
'Less than thirty paces away stood a small doe, not yet too scrawny from winter, but desperate enough to wrench bark from a tree in the clearing. A deer like that could feed my family for a week or more. 
(...) My fingers trembled. So much food - such salvation. I took a steadying breath, double-checking my aim.  
But there was a pair of golden eyes shining from the brush adjacent to mine. 
The forest went silent. The wind died. Even the snow paused.'

Every tale needs a kickass heroine...

Feyre, the book's heroine, is basically Celaena's long lost twin. However, although her fierce courage, self-sacrificing nature, and natural wit may contain echoes of the heroine from Throne of Glass, Feyre differs in some key areas. The main one being that - unlike Celaena - Feyre is a lot less self-assured. She doesn't have Celaena's 'royal airs' or her vanity. She's led a hard, loveless life up until a chance meeting in the woods changes everything.

Instead of a love of books, or music, Feyre has a deep and abiding love of painting. Her appreciation for beauty in the world around her is brought to life by Sarah J. Maas throughout the book: 
'I couldn't come up with any words when we arrived - and knew that even if I had been able to paint it, nothing would have done it justice. It wasn't simply that it was the most beautiful place I'd ever been to, or that it filled me with both longing and mirth, but it just seemed...right. As if colours and lights and patterns of the world had come together to form one perfect place - one true kind of beauty.'

A Court of Thorns and Roses is by far the best fairytale re-telling ever.

Sarah J. Maas has only kept the smallest parts of the original Beauty And The Beast's 'story skeleton' - a few basic links that bring the tale to mind, such as: a curse, the girl having to leave her family to live with the guy, the girl tending the guy's wounds, etc. 

In doing so, she's made the tale her own. A Court of Thorns and Roses is more than just a fairytale re-telling - it's a fairytale revamping! The story comes to life with fae legends and mythology, a background of war and conflict, a collection of fascinating and terrifying creatures, and a romance that will make even the hardest heart swoon. 

Of course...no Sarah J. Maas story would be complete without some witty and/or funny banter! Here are a few of my faves:

#1: Tamlin's Disastrous Attempt At Flattery 
'Tamlin straightened a bit and said, "You look...better than before." 
Was that a compliment? I could have sworn Lucien gave Tamlin an encouraging nod. 
"And your hair is...clean." 
Perhaps it was my raging hunger making me hallucinate the piss-poor attempt at flattery.'

#2: Wedding trip or tasty snack?
'The young woman took a breath, her face becoming serene, and said, "(...)Not one month ago, a friend of my cousin went to the border as our offering to Prythian - and she has not been sent back. Now she dwells in riches and comfort as a High Fae's bride, and so might you, if you were to take a moment to-" 
"She was likely eaten," Nesta said. "That's why she hasn't returned."

Prepare your fangirl and fanboy hearts...new Maas hotties have arrived!

Maas is known for her ability to create swoon-worthy males. And she's done it again in A Court of Thorns and Roses, bringing us not one...not two...but three new fictional crushes to daydream about! 

amen photo: amen amen.gif

I'm going to focus on the leader of this Trinity Of Hot Guys, which is Tamlin. For a guy whose every movement screams "I'm a badass", he's surprisingly (and adorably!) awkward. And yet, whether awkward or heartfelt, every word that came out of his mouth was a guaranteed swoon-causer:
Tamlin Hot Moment #1:
'Tamlin blinked. "You like - art? You like to paint?" 
His stumbling words weren't unkind. It was enough for me to say, "Yes. I'm not - not any good, but if it's not too much trouble...I'll paint outside, so I don't make a mess, but-" 
"Outside, inside, on the roof - paint wherever you want."
aww photo:  tumblr_lev34dstQ31qar2jh_zpsb924928a.gif

Tamlin Hot Moment #2:
'When I continued gaping at the pool, he laughed, drawing away my attention - only for me to find him unbuttoning his tunic. "Jump in," he said, the invitation dancing in his eyes. 
(...) I shook my head, falling back a step. His fingers paused at the second button from his collar. "Don't you want to know what it's like?" 
I didn't know what he meant: swimming in starlight, or swimming with him. "I - no." 
"All right."'

There are many, many more hot moments but I don't want to spoil them all for you. Let's just say that I have new ship to ship, people - Team Feylin for the win! 

If you don't tear up at least once during this book...you're made of stone.

Don't be shy, guys - have a tearfest! Grab the wine/chocolate/ice-cream/tissues/all of the above and settle down to have a good sob. A Court of Thorns and Roses will have you believing in true love as strongly as The Princess Bride - and it'll give you more feels than The Notebook!

And there's more badass, bloody, and gory action-packed scenes than a Game Of Thrones episode. So you've got that to look forward to! 

Prepare yourself for what is sure to be one of the best books of 2015 and be sure to grab yourself a copy this May!


Are you excited for A Court of Thorns and Roses? Which teaser quote did you enjoy the most? Let me know below!

Tuesday 10 February 2015

Henge by Realm Lovejoy ~ Blog Tour + Review

As a part of the Henge by Realm Lovejoy run by Xpresso Book Tours I reviewed Henge, a YA fantasy novel.

 

To check out the rest of this blog tour go here for the official schedule.

I was provided with a review copy of the book via Xpresso Book Tours - however, all opinions expressed in this review are purely my own. To find out more, please visit my disclaimer page.


Book Details

Title: Henge (Le Fay, #1)  
Author: Realm Lovejoy  
Publication date: November 11th 2014  
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult  

Book Synopsis: Modern-day Camelot. Where knights no longer carry swords. Magic is dangerous. And those who seek control are not to be trusted.  

Sixteen-year-old Morgan le Fay is a fire user. An ordinary girl with an extraordinary skill, she has the ability to create and command fire at will. Her dream is to become the Maven—the right hand of the future King Arthur. In the chance of a lifetime, Morgan is selected to join Arthur’s Round, an elite group of young magic users from which the new Maven will be chosen.  

Along with the other fire, water, and wind users in Arthur’s Round, Morgan is rigorously trained and tested. The handsome Merlin, a brilliant water user, takes a particular interest in her. Is his friendship to be trusted, or is Merlin simply trying to win the position of Maven for himself? Among the many rivals Morgan faces is the current Maven, Mordred, who seems determined to see her fail.  

But Morgan has a secret—years ago, her mother was executed for using fire magic, and Morgan’s desire for justice makes her more than ready to take on the challenge before her. Can she prevail in Camelot’s tests of survival and magic? 

Only time—and Morgan’s powerful fire—will tell.


Praise for the series

 “Camelot meets Hogwarts meets Panem in this intriguing, well-written beginning to a planned YA series.” - Kirkus Reviews  


Check out the book trailer



Grab your copy today!

Amazon
 

Wednesday 4 February 2015

Invaded by Melissa Landers ~ Release Week Blitz


I am so thrilled to help Melissa Landers with her release week launch party for Invaded.

See a note from Melissa below and make sure to enter the giveaway! 

"Hey, fiction lovers. I’m Melissa Landers, author of the Alienated series (YA sci-fi from Disney-Hyperion), and today I’m bouncing with excitement because THE SEQUEL IS FINALLY HERE!

It’s been a year since we left Aelyx and Cara onboard the intergalactic transport, and INVADED begins with an emotional goodbye as they part ways—Aelyx returning to Earth to salvage the alliance, and Cara continuing to L’eihr to serve out her part of the student exchange.
While they’re apart, our star-crossed lovers will face assassination attempts, betrayal, crippling self-doubt, and a sadistic alien Phys Ed class. (Because there’s no escaping PE, even in another galaxy.)
When Aelyx and Cara finally reunite…well, let’s just say it’s combustive. ;-)"

What do reviewers think? I’m glad you asked!

Readers will love the seamless blend of suspense, humor, and romance set against an interstellar landscape. Dual narratives and a tightly plotted mystery keep the suspense running high, and the chemistry between Aelyx and Cara smolders.” –Booklist

Excellent character development and integration between modern reality and science fiction. Teens will be rooting for the galactic couple while enjoying the action and suspense that runs through the two volumes.” –School Library Journal

The protagonists' forced separation gives greater depth to their romance. Each learns to turn a critical eye upon the flaws of their native societies while confronting genuine obstacles to a future together. These complications only underscore the growing sense of menace that propels the narrative to an action-packed climax.” –Kirkus


I hope you’ll make tracks to the nearest bookstore and pick up a copy of Invaded! If you’re snowed in, here are some easy links to bring the sequel right to you:

Book Depository (free worldwide shipping)


Author Bio: Melissa Landers

Melissa Landers is a former teacher who left the classroom to pursue other worlds. A proud sci-fi geek, she isn’t afraid to wear her Princess Leia costume in public—just ask her husband and three kids. She lives outside Cincinnati in the small town of Loveland, “Sweetheart of Ohio.” 

For more information, or just to say hello, visit www.melissa-landers.com.

Connect with Melissa via her:


Giveaway

To celebrate this book birthday, Melissa Lander's is offering one lucky winner a $25 gift card to Barnes & Noble and an autographed swag pack, complete with mini posters of BOTH books! 

This giveaway is open internationally, and due to sweepstakes laws, entrants must be 18 years or older to participate.


Best of luck, and happy reading!


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