Oak & Mistletoe by J.Z.N. McCauley ~ Review + Interview

Stories transport readers to new places.

A story that can spirit you away from your home or reading nook, and into another place or time, is certainly worth giving a spot on your bookshelf to.

And from the first chapter Oak & Mistletoe by J.Z.N. McCauley lifted me right out of my seat and whirled me away to Ireland for an tale filled with adventure, Druids, and a romance entangled in magic.

Read on for my thoughts on the book!

As well as my review, I also have an author interview with J.Z.N. McCauley for you guys to take a peek at! She was so lovely to chat to and gave me some great insights into Oak & Mistletoe and her writing process.

Quick Picks ~ This Week's Top 3 Reads

This past week I've indulged in some great reads. 

Today I'm bringing three of these to your attention: The Amateurs by Sara Shepard, Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy by Cassandra Clare, Sara Rees Brennan, Maureen Johnson, and Robin Wasserman, and Fire in You by J. Lynn.

I hope they will intrigue you, entertain you, and above all have you falling in love with their worlds and characters.

Let's get listing!

The Alchemists of Loom by Elise Kova ~ Blog Tour + Interview

A brilliant book is always a treat.

As I've mentioned recently, author Elise Kova's The Alchemists of Loom is a fantastic read which provides its readers with beautifully constructed characters and a brilliant steampunk world to explore.

I didn't think I could possibly fall further in love with this book and The Loom Saga but after I sat down to chat with Elise Kova (thanks to the people over at Xpresso Book Tours) I gained a whole new appreciation for The Alchemists of Loom and Elise's writing.

As well as the interview, I also have a wonderful giveaway to share with you guys...so read on for more!

And if you like what you see here be sure to check out the rest of the stops on the tour (see here for the complete tour schedule).

#FriendFavourites ~ Day 2: Jess

Everybody has a list of favourite things.



We tend to use the word favourite a lot - at least, I know I do! Whether I'm fangirling over my 'favourite' characters, books, tv shows, or foods...there is a special VIP status that goes along with the term that's hard to resist.

But what truly makes a favourite special?

For me, it's the unique nature of favourites. They're different for everyone - they reflect diversity and differing opinions. They're an insight into a person's mind, their likes and dislikes, and what makes them them.

The #FriendFavourites tag is about showcasing this unique nature.

These aren't just book recs. These are book portraits - painting a picture of the readers who have grown to love these stories and relate to these characters. Each #FriendFavourites post will look at the why and the who behind each of these incredible books that my fellow bookworms and friends wish to share with you all.



I'm so excited to not only bring some great books into your lives and onto your shelves but to introduce some wonderful personalities to you. Each of these people holds a special place in my heart and my life :)

So without further ado, let's get started!

November 2016 ~ Wrap Up

It's November wrap up day!



Today is about wrapping up the past month in a virtual bow and showcasing some of my fave reads and upcoming ones that November brought to my doorstep. Plus you can catch up on the latest blog news, upcoming events, and take a peek at my top three book merch recommendations for the month.

So without further ado, let's get wrapping!

The Crown's Dog by Elise Kova ~ ARC Review (Spoiler Free)

Certain characters have unique voices that strike a chord with readers.

Voices that tend to help readers engage further with the story. These characters can have any part in the book's magic - from main protagonists to brief roles as secondary characters. But no matter how big the part, their voice shines through and makes you want to read more.

Elise Kova has granted Air Awakens fans their wish.

Who didn't fall for Jax Wendyll the moment they met him?! And now with the launching of Elise Kova's Air Awakens prequel trilogy the Golden Guard series and the first novel The Crown's Dog, we get to experience more of Jax, along with Erion and Baldair (not to mention Aldrik makes an appearance!!!).

In The Crown's Dog more pieces of the Air Awakens puzzle slip into place. So prepare to fall in love with these characters all over again!

Read on for my thoughts (spoiler free) on The Crown's Dog...

Guardian of Secrets by Brenda Drake ~ Cover Reveal

The cover for Guardian of Secrets is here and it's seriously epic!

Prepare to discover yet another Library Jumpers series novel whose cover is as magical as its plot. Guardian of Secrets (Library Jumpers, #2) by Brenda Drake releases February 7, 2017 so mark your book calendars!

This cover reveal is brought to you by Entangled TEEN & YA Interrobang.

The Animal Under The Fur by E.J. Mellow ~ Cover Reveal

Prepare for a very mellow 2017...

One of my favourite authors in the world E.J. Mellow is welcoming in a brand new novel in 2017 called The Animal Under The Fur! And today is all about introducing you guys not only to the book itself, but to its gorgeous cover.

Read on for more info and a closer look!

Good Characters Make For Good Reading ~ The Alchemists of Loom ARC Review

Say hello to Elise Kova's brand new fantasy steampunk series.

Yes, you're reading that correctly! Elise Kova, author of the amazing Air Awakens series, has written a new series for us to read and adore...the Loom Saga. When I discovered that I'd been approved for an ARC of the first novel, The Alchemists of Loom, you can bet that my fangirl dance mode was activated!

^^ This is a pretty accurate representation lol ^^

A big thank you to Keymaster Press and Elise Kova for my beautiful review copy (look how freaking adorable it is! That cover art is everything).

Good characters can turn a 'great' book into an unforgettable one.

There's no denying that Elise Kova writes great books - that was a fact even before I began reading The Alchemists of Loom. But as I began reading I realised that although the book's plot was wonderful (with its world building, twists and turns, and brilliant base concepts) the plot wasn't what elevated The Alchemists of Loom to the next level.

That was a job for the story's diverse cast of characters. There was an instant connection. 'Connection' is actually the perfect word to describe the way that you, the reader, find yourself invested in Elise's characters' and their gritty pasts and uncertain futures.

So prepare yourself for tonnes of fangirling, a sneak peek into the book, some Loom reading playlist suggestions, and my honest thoughts on the book...

Retold Tales ~ Stealing Snow + Den Of Wolves Reviews

Fairytales have a way of transporting the mind and warming the heart.

Unless they're Grimm's fairytales...in that case they're more likely to scar you for life than give you a happily ever after! Regardless of their endings however, fairytales have a magic to them that is hard to resist. Many modern authors have become masters at taking this magic and harnessing it - weaving it into the fabric of their retellings and causing us to fall in love with these stories all over again.

Retold tales should excite readers.

A good retelling won't stick too closely to the original so as to be predictable. Instead, it'll take small plot pieces and character traits, giving them a new, fresh twist.

Today I'll be reviewing two retellings: Stealing Snow by Danielle Paige and Den Of Wolves by Juliet Marillier.

Thanks to Allen & Unwin, Bloomsbury, and Pan Macmillan Australia I was able to experience the creative ways in which Ms Paige and Ms Marillier attempted to make classic tales their own. I can't wait to share these two tales with you guys - hopefully they'll intrigue you, entertain you, and above all have you falling in love with their worlds and characters.

So without further ado, let's get started!

One Snowy Night by Jill Shalvis ~ Review & Excerpt Tour

Christmas has come early this year for Jill Shalvis and romance fans!

Prepare yourself for a Heartbreaker Bay series holiday novella that will warm you up quicker than any fireplace! Max and Rory are Jill Shalvis' latest couple-to-root-for in One Snowy Night and you'll just love their witty banter and sizzle-worthy moments.



As a part of InkSlinger PR's Review and Excerpt Tour not only do I have my thoughts on the book for you all, but I also have an excerpt + an awesome giveaway for you to enter.

Be sure to drop by the rest of the tour stops for more extras!

4 Reasons To Read 'The Promise of Rayne' by Nicole Deese ~ ARC Review

The best books are the ones written with love.



You can just tell when an author is wholly invested in their book. It's in the development of the characters, in their words, their hopes and dreams. There is a special kind of layer that is created, a layer of raw and lingering emotion that makes it possible for readers to really truly connect with the story.

Nicole Deese's characters have real problems. They deal with them in real ways.

I've said this in previous reviews of her books (more like fangirled about it at length haha) and it's still the truth when it comes to her latest novel The Promise of Rayne.

Despite her novels having HEAs and romance, they aren't cliché. Ms Deese takes these romance elements and makes them her own. Her unique writing style is refreshing to read and there are so many reasons to indulge in her stories.

So prepare yourself for an unforgettable tale and characters you can connect with.



I know that I for one was not able to put it down - definitely a 5 star read! So today I'll be outlining my top four reasons to pick up this amazing book.

Without further ado, let's get started!

#FriendFavourites ~ Day 1: Maria

Everybody has a list of favourite things.



We tend to use the word favourite a lot - at least, I know I do! Whether I'm fangirling over my 'favourite' characters, books, tv shows, or foods...there is a special VIP status that goes along with the term that's hard to resist.

But what truly makes a favourite special?

For me, it's the unique nature of favourites. They're different for everyone - they reflect diversity and differing opinions. They're an insight into a person's mind, their likes and dislikes, and what makes them them.

The #FriendFavourites tag is about showcasing this unique nature.

These aren't just book recs. These are book portraits - painting a picture of the readers who have grown to love these stories and relate to these characters. Each #FriendFavourites post will look at the why and the who behind each of these incredible books that my fellow bookworms and friends wish to share with you all.



I'm so excited to not only bring some great books into your lives and onto your shelves but to introduce some wonderful personalities to you. Each of these people holds a special place in my heart and my life :)

So without further ado, let's get started!

The Destined by E.J. Mellow ~ Blitz

It's time to celebrate the end of a beloved series.



After recently reviewing the incredible finale The Destined, my emotions are still very raw! I can't believe we've reached the end, the final stretch. But what an incredible finale it was - one worthy of a place in the Book Finale Hall of Fame!

And thanks to E.J. and the lovely people over at Xpresso Book Tours you guys have the chance to not only learn more about The Destined and the Dreamland series, but there's also an awesome giveaway to celebrate this wonderful milestone.

So without further ado, let's get blitzing!