A Review for The Selection (The Selection #1) by Kiera Cass

Posted by Donna

Release Date: June 7th, 2012

Finished Date: May 27th, 2012

Publishers: HarperCollins UK

Source: For Review

Format: Paperback

Pages: 327
Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks. Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

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The Review: The Selection is an intriguing, beautiful and charming novel – one that honestly, really surprised me. Kiera Cass captivated me from start to finish with her exciting and lovable story and I loved every single minute of it.
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America Singer lives in a world where everything is ranked by numbers. With her and her family being a five, they struggle sometimes when it comes to providing food and have to work for a living. So when the opportunity to become the next future Queen arises, America’s family are quick to suggest she try out. America is luckily picked and is now amongst thirty-five girls who have been selected to try and win Prince Maxon’s heart. But how can America try to win the Prince’s heart when her heart belongs to Aspen; a six, who she can never have a future with, because of his low ranking? And when America meets Prince Maxon, he isn’t what she expected and soon starts to fall for him.
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The Selection – wow, where do I even start with this review, yeah – I loved it! It’s full of magical and lovable scenes that really make you want to keep reading. I was expecting a complicated world because generally, with dystopian books they tend to have a lot of details, but the author did a great job giving you the right amount of information at the right time and not once, did I feel overwhelmed.
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I loved the whole story in general. I have never watched the Bachelor – which I know this book is being compared too, so for me, it was a whole new world and it really worked well within the story. But not only that but I feel that this book has so much more to offer than just any old book. It’s full of hope, love and drama and it’s even pretty heart-breaking at times too, because of what the characters go through. America, is a really likeable girl, she’s stubborn, fiery and honest. You really feel for her when things don’t work out with Aspen but then of course, Prince Maxon comes into the picture – who by the way, I’m totally rooting for. He opens her up to a world she never thought she could ever experience and I just absolutely adore him. He’s everything you want from a guy and he’s sweet and loyal. So yes I am Team Maxon! And that ending – wow, I still can’t decide if I loved or hated it…but I’m thinking I’m leaning towards loved! I do wish the book was longer because I would have loved to see the outcome of the Selection but I think the author did the right thing ending it were it did. I can see big things happening for book two because of the selection, the love triangle and the attacks on the palace and I’m very eager to find out where the story goes next.
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Now as I said before, this book really surprised me and the reason for that is because of the drama surrounding the author, her publicist and a reviewer. Now I don’t like to get involved with things like this but I couldn’t help notice the drama and honestly, it really did put me off reading this book. The only reason I picked it up was because of the ever so wonderful HarperCollins UK offered me a review copy and as you can see, I’m so, so glad I read it. So, I urge reader’s who – like me have been put of from reading this book, to read it and I promise you won’t be disappointed.
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Overall, The Selection was a fantastic novel and one I’d highly recommend. Kiera Cass has convinced me she deserves a place in the YA community and I cannot wait to see more work from her.
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A huge thank you HarperCollins UK for giving me the opportunity to review this book. 

Blog Tour: A Review for Stolen (A Stained Novel) by Ella James + eBook Giveaway

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Posted by Guest Reviewer Melanie

Release Date: April 24th, 2012

Finished Date: May 20th, 2012

Publishers: Self-Published

Source: For Review

Format: Kindle

Pages: Unknown
Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon US 

In Stained: After a fire destroys seventeen-year-old Julia’s home and kills her foster parents, she chases the half-demon responsible across the country and back, determined to avenge her family and discover why a host of celestial baddies want her dead. With Julia is enigmatic hottie - Cayne, who has his own score to settle with the half-demon, and who might be just as dangerous as the creature he and Julia hunt.
Now in Stolen: With Cayne's fate in the hands of his enemies and Julia spirited away to the covert Stained compound, the two are separated by impenetrable walls and a gulf of unanswered questions. Soon Julia learns the truth about the Stained and the plans they have for her, the compound is attacked, and a new group is running from an unwanted destiny, searching the globe in pursuit of the knowledge that just might save them all.

The Review: We pick up exactly where we left book one which is that Cayne has been captured by the Stained and will stand trial for crimes against the Stained with a probable death sentence and with no other option Julia allows herself to be taken along too in the hopes she can rescue Cayne. Things don’t go to plan though because when Julia finds out exactly what Cayne’s crimes are, she begins to consider the fact that he might not be the person she believes him to be. Whilst at the Stained/Chosen compound she begins to find out more about herself and others like her, what she might be capable of and discovers that there is a big prophecy of a chosen one and she may just be it! With Cayne constantly on her mind and feeling like she doesn’t truly belong with the Chosen and still struggling with her trust issues Julia decides she would rather leave. . . but will they let her? How far will they go to keep her?
Again, this is a great read and I was as intrigued with this as the first. Julia’s character progressed well and it was nice to see her interact with more people so we can really get a feel for her character, she makes quite a few discoveries in this book which I was glad of because that was one of the things I wanted to see after reading book one and I was really satisfied with what we found out but I still think there is more to her. Cayne was missing for quite a bit – I missed him – but we still got more facts about him and more info that added more questions to who he is and again I still feel there is more to him and maybe the combination of him and Julia which fills me with excitement. Unfortunately I wasn’t feeling the love between them as much but I understand why. I liked the introduction of the new characters particularly Meredith, she was a one to watch from book one and I’m glad we are getting to know her more – she has a great sassy attitude and I love that in a character. I’m curious about Nathan too and hope we get more from him.
The storyline progression was good, as I said it picked up exactly where book one left off so there was no missing time or information and that was good the way the books flowed into each other. In book one, we got Samyaza and his M.O and how it affected Cayne, Julia & the Stained but in book two, we get the other side of the scales with the Stained/Chosen as Julia finds out what sort of impact the Nephillim have on them and what sort of operation they’re running but as with most stories there are good and bad sides to each and not everything is black & white. I loved the discoveries that were made in this, I loved that all of the chosen have different powers and everything about the plot, it really held my interest and I wished I could see more of where it’s going but I can’t and that is such a rare thing in a book. There is another cliff-hanger ending *arghhh* but that has left me desperate for book three in the same way I was for this.

 About the Author

Ella James is the author of Stained and Stolen, books one and two in the Stained Series; HERE, book one in an unusual sci-fi romance trilogy; and Before You Go, a one-shot YA romance beach read that tells the first meeting of Logan and Margo, who will be featured in her upcoming adult release, Over The Moon. She has a YA paranormal romance release scheduled for almost every month of 2012, including Chosen (Stained Book Three) in June and the second HERE book in July. Ella is inviting readers to help her write an adult romance shapeshifter novel, which is plotted via polls and questions on her blog and her Facebook page. Ella lives in Birmingham, Alabama, with her wonderful husband, opinionated baby, and mopey dog. You can visit her blog at www.ellajamesbooks.blogspot.com, or friend her on Facebook at Ella James Facebook. For a list of her award-winning YA romances, visit her Amazon page at Amazon. 

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Waiting on Wednesday (#18)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. 

Jess's WoW

My Life Next Door
by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Release date:June 14th, 2012

“One thing my mother never knew, and would disapprove of most of all, was that I watched the Garretts. All the time.”

The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, numerous, messy, affectionate. And every day from her balcony perch, seventeen-year-old Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs her terrace and changes everything. As the two fall fiercely in love, Jase's family makes Samantha one of their own. Then in an instant, the bottom drops out of her world and she is suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?

A dreamy summer read, full of characters who stay with you long after the story is over.

Donna's WoW

Spark (Sky Chasers #2)
by Amy Kathleen Ryan
Release date: July 12th, 2012
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Waverly and Kieran are finally reunited on the Empyrean. Kieran has led the boys safely up to this point, and now that the girls are back, their mission seems slightly less impossible: to chase down the New Horizon, and save their parents from the enemy ship. But nothing is truly as it seems…Kieran’s leadership methods have raised Seth’s hackles— and Waverly’s suspicions. Is this really her fiancé? The handsome, loving boy she was torn from just a short time before? More and more, she finds her thoughts aligned with Seth’s. But if Seth is Kieran’s Enemy No. 1, what does that make her? 


In one night, a strange explosion rocks the Empyrean—shooting them off course and delaying their pursuit of the New Horizon—and Seth is mysteriously released from the brig. Seth is the most obvious suspect for the explosion, and Waverly the most obvious suspect for releasing him. As the tension reaches a boiling point, will Seth be able to find the true culprit before Kieran locks them both away—or worse? Will Waverly follow her heart, even if it puts lives at risk? With the balance of power precarious and the clock ticking, every decision counts… every step brings them closer to a new beginning, or a sudden end...

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What's your "waiting on" pick this week?

Want to participate? 
Grab the logo, post your own WoW entry on your blog, and leave your link at Breaking the Spine. 

Happy Reading!

A Review for Bared To You (Crossfire #1) by Sylvia Day

Posted by Jess

Release Date: April 3rd, 2012

Finished Date: May 3rd, 2012

Publishers: Self-published

Source: Bought

Format: Ebook

Pages: 360
Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon US

Our journey began in fire...

Gideon Cross came into my life like lightning in the darkness—beautiful and brilliant, jagged and white-hot. I was drawn to him as I'd never been to anything or anyone in my life. I craved his touch like a drug, even knowing it would weaken me. I was flawed and damaged, and he opened those cracks in me so easily...

Gideon knew. He had demons of his own. And we would become the mirrors that reflected each other's most private wounds... and desires.

The bonds of his love transformed me, even as I prayed that the torment of our pasts didn't tear us apart..

The Review: "I've always seen you, angel. From the moment you found me, I've seen nothing by you." -Gideon
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I finished reading this a while ago and I totally forgot I hadn't written a review for it yet. Bared to You was fantastic. It was my 'post Fifty Shades' read. And it really didn't disappoint at all.
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What can I say?  I was completely captivated with the story from the moment I started reading this book. I'd heard so many great things about this book before picking it up and I couldn't wait to get started, and once I did, I couldn't put it down! This book will just sink it's claws into you from the get go. Eva is pretty awesome, there were times I wanted to just shake her and she annoyed me when she kept running away from Gideon anytime something got a little weird. Gideon is powerful. He's a rich, sexy, dominant alpha, who will leave you reeling after every chapter. 
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Bared to You is quite the emotional rollercoaster. Both characters have nasty pasts, which include bad childhoods this leads them on a road to discovering the strengths within themselves and the strength they find in each other to help them cope. Their sexual relationship is extremely passionate and very, very hot. Quite possibly, hotter than that of Ana and Christian. That's right, I said it! There's a lot of sex in this book (hell it's erotica!) and you will be left feeling a little hot under the collar ;)
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The story itself was gritty, but enthralling. Sylvia Day has created a world that is incredibly thought out and deeply emotional that will leave you sleep deprived and wanting more. The only gripe I had with this, and I can't put an exact finger on what it was, but there was something lacking. After having finished this book a while ago I still can't put a finger on what it was, but there was something and that something is the reason for only 4 stars and not 5. None the less, it didn't take away any essence of the book for me and I still really enjoyed it. 
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I'm annoyed the Deeper into You isn't out until October, but rest assured when it's released I will be nabbing that baby up! I need some more Gideon. Like soon.
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I'm going to leave you with a few of my favourite quotes and a quick image of the perfect Gideon (thanks to Lindsey and Wendy on Goodreads):

“I want there to be happily-ever-afters for the f**ked-up crowd. Show me the way, Eva honey. Make me believe.” -Gideon

“He was the kind of guy that made a woman want to rip his shirt open and watch the buttons scatter along with her inhibitions.” -Eva

“Are you sleeping with anyone?”

The question was asked so casually it took a second to process what he’d said.

I inhaled sharply. “Why is that any business of yours?”

He looked at me and I saw what I’d seen the first time we’d met—tremendous power and steely control. Both of which had me taking an involuntary step back. Again. At least I didn’t fall this time; I was making progress.

“Because I want to f**k you, Eva. I need to know what’s standing in my way, if anything.” - Eva & Gideon

Now for your viewing pleasure: Gideon Cross

Note: This book is for 18+ due to coarse language, and explicit sexual content. 

Dusty Reads (#18)

Dusty Reads is a weekly meme, hosted by Xpresso Reads featuring a book that has been sitting unread on our shelves for some time. To participate and more information, click here.

Jess's Dusty Read

Article 5 (Article 5, #1)

by Kristen Simmons

New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., have been abandoned.

The Bill of Rights has been revoked, and replaced with the Moral Statutes.

There are no more police—instead, there are soldiers. There are no more fines for bad behavior—instead, there are arrests, trials, and maybe worse. People who get arrested usually don't come back.

Seventeen-year-old Ember Miller is old enough to remember that things weren't always this way. Living with her rebellious single mother, it's hard for her to forget that people weren't always arrested for reading the wrong books or staying out after dark. It's hard to forget that life in the United States used to be different.

Ember has perfected the art of keeping a low profile. She knows how to get the things she needs, like food stamps and hand-me-down clothes, and how to pass the random home inspections by the military. Her life is as close to peaceful as circumstances allow.

That is, until her mother is arrested for noncompliance with Article 5 of the Moral Statutes. And one of the arresting officers is none other than Chase Jennings—the only boy Ember has ever loved.

Jess's thoughts: I bought this one a couple of months ago. I've picked it up ready to read but then changed my mind. It is Dystopian and I love Dystopian, but you do need to be in the mood for it. Donna has read it, and she absolutely loved it! I hope to pick it up very soon.

 Donna's Dusty Read

Firespell (Dark Elite #1) 

by Chloe Neill 

New Girl.
New School.
Old Evil.
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Lily’s parents have sent her to a fancy boarding school in Chicago filled with the ultra-rich. If that wasn’t bad enough, she’s hearing and seeing bizarre things on St. Sophie’s creepy campus. Her roommate, Scout, keeps her sane, but keeps disappearing at night. When one day Lily finds Scout running from real-life monsters, she learns the hard way that Scout is involved in a splinter group of rebel teens.
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They protect Chicago from demons, vamps, and dark magic users. It’s too bad Lily doesn’t have powers of her own to help. At least, none that she’s discovered yet...
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Donna's thoughts:  I've had this on my shelf for about 2 years now and still haven't read it. I've heard good things about it, so hopefully soon! 

So that's our Dusty Read's for this week! Don't forget to leave us your thoughts below. 

Happy Reading!

US vs UK (#47)

Welcome to Book Passion for Life's 47th US vs UK book cover battle. 

The idea of this battle is once a week we'll post 2 sets of books of our choice, one US cover and one UK cover, and we'll just give our opinion on which one we love the most. Which cover captures the story, which one would catch our eye if we saw it on the shelf in a shop. The US cover will be on the left, and the UK cover will be on the right.

US vs UK Round 47

Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock

VS  

Jess says: Oooh. I've heard of this one, and I remember Donna reading it. I'm not sure which one fits the story as I haven't read it, what I do know is that I definitely love the US cover a lot more than the UK. It's just so beautiful.

Donna says:  I loved this book and while I think that both covers fit the book so well, I actually prefer the US cover. It's so dark and inviting and I love the purple dress the girl is wearing. 

Add it to your Goodreads TBR list:

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

 VS  

Jess says: Hmm...I'm not sure I like either, but if I had to choose, I would definitely pick the UK cover. It's a lot more eye catching. 

Donna says:  I've got this book coming up soon for review and I have to say, the US cover is horrid. The UK cover is so colourful compared to it and it makes me want to pick it up and read it. 

Add it to your Goodreads TBR list:

Which do you prefer? Leave us your comments below!! =) 

__________________

Okay guys, this weeks US vs UK goes to.......It's a draw!

Come back next week for more US vs UK! :)

Sunday Showcase (#5)

Showcase Sunday is a new weekly meme hosted by Vicky @ Books Biscuits and Tea. We will now be taking part in Showcase Sunday instead of In My Mailbox. If you'd like to join see HERE for more details.

Hi all.  Donna here.

I hope you've had a fantastic week. The weather here has been gorgeous this week, it's a shame I've been at work all week but luckily I've had the weekend off and now I can enjoy the sun. So no Jess again this week - hopefully she will be back soon once she gets her hands on some new books. 

Donna's Showcase Sunday

For Review: 

Throne of Glass by Sarah J.Mass

Royal Street by Suzanne Johnson

Blackwood by Gwenda Bond

Shift by Kim Curran

Bought:

The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

* I had to buy this to complete my set =)

eBooks for review: 

(Click on the bookcovers to be taken to Goodreads)

 

Thank you to Bloomsbury, Strange Chemistry, Michelle Pennington & Entangled.

That's it for me this week. Leave your links and comments below =) 

Blog Tour: A Review for Elements: The Beginning by Kate Fuentes

Posted by Guest Reviewer Melanie

Release Date: December 13th, 2011

Finished Date: May 5th, 2012

Publishers: Dreampath Books 

Source: For Review

Format: Kindle

Pages: 240
Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon US 

Destiny brought them into this world to save mankind and malevolent forces will stop at nothing in order to annihilate them. Born with extraordinary powers, fraternal twins Gage and Talon Thorn learn how to control their mystical abilities. Tragedy strikes the family and their ordinary father Gable is forced to raise them on his own. Pain and loss encompass the Thorns as they persevere to live a normal life in a place determined to destroy their happiness. Soon their incredible gifts need proper nurturing and Gable recruits a special group of people to help in their upbringing. A sassy, tenacious nanny named Leia and an eccentric unorthodox warrior named Maui complete the dream team of mentors to aid in the complexity of their lives. Evil, wicked forces lurk in the shadows and the boys are in danger if they don't learn how to control their unique talents and harness their elemental powers. Humanity rests in the hands of the young brothers as they embark on an epic adventure to save mankind from the dark emperor.

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The Review: I really enjoyed this book, I’m not going to recap the blurb because it says it all and I don’t feel I can add anything to it so straight on with the review. . .

I loved the characters in this book, good, decent, honest people and for the most part ‘what you see is what you get’ especially the twins, Gage and Talon – they are non-identical twins, each with different personalities and different powers who are brought up knowing they were destined for something bigger than themselves. Their father Gable brings them up with the help of a nanny – Leia, her uncle – Maui – a mystic man and later a Maori elder – Reek. Following the death of their mother after the twins’ birth, Gable had relocated them to New Zealand following a holiday there which had shown them all the boys’ true purpose and weaved together the fates of the twins’ Irish heritage, the Maori and ultimately the earth. So Gable, Leia, Maui and Reek dedicate their lives to training and educating the boys in their powers because something huge would be coming for them in the future and they needed to be ready.
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I loved the storyline and the way it blended the two sets of folklore – Irish and Maori – both very intriguing on their own but by bringing them together we get the best of both and learn about both. I like a book that is filled with prophecy, I like hearing the stories surrounding it and reading about how it unfolds. Nothing grabs my attention like a good prophecy and most of my favourite books have them, this is no different because this one is huge, like the fate of the world huge and it is just beginning to unfold. The pacing wasn’t very fast but being a first book it’s a ‘getting to know you’ book so that’s to be expected and to be fair it spans over 10 years so there is a lot of information to get over in this. We get the twins’ birth, what type of people they are/turn into, their individual personalities and traits, their beliefs, their teachings, what dangers await them and their heritage. Not to mention the folklore that comes into it, the glimpse of another world connected to ours by portholes and even a few surprises thrown in for good measure. So yeah, I don’t thing pacing was really an issue when it is jam packed full of information that sets up a series that is so full of potential that I’m itching to know more and a feeling that I’m going to love the journey the twins will take. I only wish I had book two now!

A Review for Lies Beneath by Anne Greenwood Brown

Posted by Donna

Expected Release Date: June 12th, 2012

Finished Date: May 19th, 2012

Publishers: Random House

Source: ARC For Review

Format: eGalley - Kindle

Pages: 288
Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Calder White lives in the cold, clear waters of Lake Superior, the only brother in a family of murderous mermaids. To survive, Calder and his sisters prey on humans, killing them to absorb their energy. But this summer the underwater clan targets Jason Hancock out of pure revenge. They blame Hancock for their mother's death and have been waiting a long time for him to return to his family's homestead on the lake. Hancock has a fear of water, so to lure him in, Calder sets out to seduce Hancock's daughter, Lily. Easy enough—especially as Calder has lots of practice using his irresistable good looks and charm on ususpecting girls. Only this time Calder screws everything up: he falls for Lily—just as Lily starts to suspect that there's more to the monsters-in-the-lake legends than she ever imagined. And just as his sisters are losing patience with him.

The Review: 3.5 flowers. Lies Beneath is the second Mermaid novel that I have read within the last two weeks, so I was super excited to start this because I definitely believe there should be more Mermaid books around, and this book just proves there should be.
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Calder White is a Mermaid but not the good kind. His true nature is to kill humans and absorb their life energy but while Calder has done this in the past, he believes he can go without it and therefore, goes on strike. It’s been 5 months since he’s last killed someone, but not a day goes by without the temptation, especially when his sisters seek him out to help to plan the revenge for a guy called Hancock, who killed their mother. Calder’s mission is to get close to a Hancock’s daughter Lily, and use her as bait, but what Calder doesn’t expect is to start falling for his enemy’s daughter. How can Calder continue with his mission when he loves Lily – but to fails means, it will cost him his freedom.
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I really enjoyed this book and I have to say it was definitely something unique to read about. I’ve read a few mermaids before and hardly ever are they evil, and although I can’t agree with the characters true natures; it was still something exciting and new to read. Calder’s three sisters really show different personalities and each one enjoys killing humans. It’s a bit weird to read about to be honest, but thankfully the story is told from Calder’s point of view, and because he wants to be nothing like his sisters, his story makes this book worth while. He’s a down to earth character and wants the simple things from life but he can’t while his sisters have control over him. The depths he goes for Lily are truly stand out qualities; he’s loyal, protective and really loves her. I was worried to start with that I wouldn’t connect with him, because it’s told from his point of view, and I generally prefer it told from the female or both, but the author did a good job with Calder. Lily was another enjoyable character and I think her personally shone in this book. The relationship she has with Calder is very sweet and touching.
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The story itself was exciting and interesting and there were many twists and turns through-out that were very unpredictable. My 3.5 flower rating reflects my own thoughts because while I didn’t think there was anything wrong with this book – it was a good story, but not amazing. So please don’t be put of by my rating and read this book now! It’s worth it and I can’t wait to see what comes next in the series.

Blog Tour: Guest Post by Misty Provencher

Cornerstone 

by Misty Provencher 

Release Date: November 7th, 2011

Follow Misty: Goodreads / Twitter/ Blog

Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Nalena Maxwell has been branded ‘The Waste’ at her new school, due to her mom's obsessive paper hoarding. Nalena desperately wants something to change in her life, but when she receives a sign (and it's the wrong dang one) inviting her into a mysterious, ancient community, too much changes. What she knew of her family, what she thought of her life and what she believed about her future, is no longer applicable. Seventeen years worth of family skeletons come crashing into Nalena's life and it is the boy...the one that smiles at her like he wants to hear everything she'll ever say...that already knows her powerful secrets. 
But it is only Nalena that can choose between protecting the life that is already crumbling beneath her feet and the one that might sacrifice everything she could ever have.

Thank you for having me over to the blog, Donna & Jessica!  I was coming to talk about the Cornerstone playlist, but I was thinking it might be more fun to talk about how to play with your playlist.  And make that bugger write your novel.    

It’s an easy concept: Writer has writer’s block.  Needs inspiration to come up with a new story.  Can’t.

Usually, we snatch a shiny idea out of the air, stuff it in our shoe where no one can see it, and then hunker down behind our Itunes screen to sample the spread of the land until we sync our playlist perfectly with our plot.  But there’s another way.  

If you find yourself plotless, why not try grabbing the dog by the tail and working your way up to the ears instead?  Build your story by piecing together songs you love.   

For example, I randomly chose 5 older songs from my Itunes library:

Harder to Breathe ~ Maroon 5

Real Word ~ Matchbox 20

Hair of the Dog ~ Nazareth

Carnival ~ Natalie Merchant

An Innocent Man ~ Billy Joel

Just playing with titles, I came up with an innocent man who is a raging alcoholic.  The alcohol begins to alter him physically every time he drinks it, like a Jeckyll & Hyde potion, and the dude ends up forming a traveling circus, with himself as the main act.  Some people think he is a god.  Some think he’s the devil.  The problem is, every deformity is gone in the morning and in order to keep his circus moving, he has to drink more and more each time to get the illusion to remain, until he drinks himself to death.

Look, I didn’t say every idea would be brilliant.  

But every idea is an idea and those can be cooked up into a bigger, better ideas.  

 If you'd like to follow the blog tour, click this link HERE for more details.