Waiting on Wednesday (#47)

 

"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

Simple Perfection (Perfection #2) 
by Abbi Glines

Release date: September 23rd, 2013

Woods had his perfect life mapped out for him. Rise up the ranks of the family business. Marry the rich girl of his parents’ dreams. Pretend that wealth and privilege was all he’d ever wanted. Then a girl named Della breezed into town, a beautifully imperfect stranger who captured his heart and opened his eyes to a new kind of future. Woods is ready and willing to sacrifice everything for her when the sudden death of his father leaves him with his mother to care for and a business to manage.

Della is determined to be strong for Woods, even as she’s quietly falling to pieces. No matter how far from home she’s run, the ghosts of her past have never stopped haunting her. Struggling to hide her true feelings from Woods, Della fears she can’t be his rock without dragging him down into the darkness with her. But is she strong enough to let go of the last thing holding her together?

Jess's thoughts: This was Donna's last week because she STOLE it from me. So I'm using it this week. As you all know, HUGE Abbi fan, and a HUGE Team Woods girl, so very excited to read more on Woods and Della and how they deal with their troubles. Very much can't wait for it! Squeeee :)

Donna's WoW

Taste of Darkness (Healer #3)
by Maria V. Snyder 
Release date: December 31st, 2013

She's fought death and won. But how can she fight her fears?

Avry knows hardship and trouble. She fought the plague and survived. She took on King Tohon and defeated him. But now her heart-mate, Kerrick, is missing, and Avry fears he's gone forever.

But there's a more immediate threat. The Skeleton King plots to claim the Fifteen Realms for his own. With armies in disarray and the dead not staying down, Avry's healing powers are needed now more than ever.Torn between love and loyalty, Avry must choose her path carefully. For the future of her world depends on her decision.

Donna's thoughts: I need more Kerrick! I miss him and I'm dying to see what Maria has in store for us after the ending in the sequel.

<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!

Devoured and Tidal by Emily Snow Giveaway (US/CAN only)

Author Emily Snow has recently been picked up by Touchstone Publicity to release  her New Adult novel's Devoured and Tidal. Lucky for you, Touchstone are giving one lucky follower the chance to win both of Emily's books. Yay!! 

If you haven't heard of Emily's books before check out the details below.

Devoured by Emily Snow

Sienna Jensen had no plans to return home when she graduated college last spring—after all, her dreams lie in California. But when she discovers her grandmother’s Nashville home has been foreclosed, and the new owner has started the eviction process, Sienna has no other choice but go back to Music City. And she comes face to face with the flawed, gorgeous man she never thought she’d see again. The man who now holds the deed to her grandma’s estate.

When millionaire rock star Lucas Wolfe finds the outspoken redhead glaring at him from across a courtroom, he’s both infuriated and intrigued. He still can't get the night Sienna almost spent with him out of his mind, and the chemistry between them is as undeniable as it was two years ago. He craves Sienna more than ever. And just like everything Lucas hungers for, he’s determined to have her.

Now, Lucas will do whatever it takes to lure Sienna into his bed, even if that means making a deal with her: ten days with him, playing by his rules, and he’ll hand over the deed to her grandmother’s home. Though she agrees to the arrangement, Sienna is conflicted. Because of her duty to her family. Because of promises she’s made to herself and a past that still haunts her. And as Lucas’s game of seduction continues, and Sienna is introduced to his dark, erotic world and even darker background, she realizes that at any moment, she could be devoured.

Tidal by Emily Snow

Now that Willow Avery is out of rehab, she's got one chance left to prove herself before she’s officially on every producer’s shit list. At least, that's what her parents and agent are claiming. She doesn't really give a damn if she never makes another movie or not—she just wants to get on with her life, get back to her friends, and find her next escape. But Willow is broke. And whether she likes it or not, acting is the only job she knows how to do.

When she accepts the lead in a beach drama, Willow finds herself in Hawaii. And in Hawaii, she finds Cooper, the gorgeous surfer hired to train her for her new role. With the bluest eyes she’s ever seen and the sexiest Australian accent she’s ever heard, Cooper’s different from the men she’s used to. He doesn’t want to use her. And he refuses to let her fail. But when an old friend re-enters Willow’s life—a friend whose toxicity she’s been drawn to time and time before and whose presence brings about the painful memories she's tried so hard to suppress—Willow will have to choose between the girl she was and the person she’s becoming. The lifestyle that helps her forget the pain and the guy she’s falling hard for.

So does it sound like something you would be interested in reading?

If so, here's your chance to win a copy of each book! 

Giveaway!

- One lucky winner will receive a copy of Devoured and Tidal by Emily Snow

- As the giveaway is hosted by Touchstone Publishing they can only send to a US/CAN mailing address.

- Ends 31st July

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A Review for Lover at Last (Black Dagger Brotherhood #11) by J.R Ward

Posted by Donna
Release Date: March 28th 2013
Finished Date: July 9th, 2013

Publishers:  Piatkus
Source: For Review

Format: Hardback 
Pages: 591

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Qhuinn, son of no one, is used to being on his own. Disavowed from his bloodline, shunned by the aristocracy, he has finally found an identity as one of the most brutal fighters in the war against the Lessening Society. But his life is not complete. Even as the prospect of having a family of his own seems to be within reach, he is empty on the inside, his heart given to another.... 

Blay, after years of unrequited love, has moved on from his feelings for Qhuinn. And it’s about time: The male has found his perfect match in a Chosen female, and they are going to have a young—just as Qhuinn has always wanted for himself. It’s hard to see the new couple together, but building your life around a pipe dream is just a heartbreak waiting to happen. As he’s learned firsthand. 

Fate seems to have taken these vampire soldiers in different directions... but as the battle over the race’s throne intensifies, and new players on the scene in Caldwell create mortal danger for the Brotherhood, Qhuinn finally learns the true definition of courage, and two hearts who are meant to be together... finally become one.

The Review: 4.5 Flowers! 

“You've always had me ... and my heart. My soul. Everything. I wish it hadn't taken this long for me to man up.” 

It's only been recently that I finally discovered the addictive world of the Brotherhood and each and every time I finish a book, I want more. Qhuinn and Blay have always been favourites of mine from the beginning, so I was more than excited for them to finally get their story. 

Admittedly, I was a bit hesitant to read their story too, mainly because this is my first adventure into a male/male relationship, but JR really blew me away with it. Everything was done tastefully and so very real and raw. It was beautiful and emotional and there was no holding back. Qhuinn and Blay's personalities really shone through-out all their moments and I loved every minute of it, even with all the angst. They really were given a fantastic story and I'm excited to see what comes next for them. At times I did want them to get their act together but, I think it's just added to the insensitivity of their story - every minute was so nail-biting. 

What I loved most was how Qhiunn, Blay and Layla's story were woven together. It's a strange relationship but it's works so well for them. I really am a fan of Layla's - I love how strong she is and she's really learning to stand on her own two feat. Watching Qhiunn and Layla's relationship play out is really a touching one - they've come together for one purpose, to have a young and I'm super excited to see what happens next.

With each book JR seems to introduce more and more side stories. This time we see the Layla, the Band of Brothers, Trez, Vassil and so many more, and while at times I do enjoy seeing what the others are up to, I just wish it wasn't so damn much. For nearly a 600 page story, Qhiunn and Blay's story is only half of that, so they don't get as much time in the spotlight as I would have liked. The problem is, the other characters stories tend to put a downer on the overall story, at times it's boring and very hard to concentrate on. Mainly because just as something happens with Qhiunn and Blay, JR will pull you away from them and start focusing on other people. I constantly have to force myself to read all the pages and not flick through. I know I'm not the only person who had this problem too and while I still loved the book, but only for Qhiunn, Blay, Layla, Xcor and Trez's stories, I wish JR wouldn't focus so much on the other characters so much. 

And of course, I wonder what will come for all of my lovable characters in the next book, The King. I'm worried! I can see big things happening and I'm pretty scared!! Eek! 

Even though I had problems with this book, my 4.5 star rating is based purely Qhuinn and Blay's story! If you were to ask me about the other part, I'd say a 2 star rating but it's 'just okay'. 

Showcase Sunday (#39)

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.

For Review: 

Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas / Love Is a Number by Lee Monroe / Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen / Antigoddess by Kendare Blake / Cruel Summer by James Dawson 

Winter Damage by Natasha Carthew 

a lovely parcel from Bloomsbury came with a copy of the book, a pair of gloves, hot chocolate, tissues and chocolate. I love it!

Won: 

I won an Angel pack from Usborne Publishing! I love this series by LA Weatherly. I got a tote bag, bookmarks, badges and a signed copy of Angel. 

Gifted:

Slammed by Colleen Hoover

Thank you Nat! <3

Freebies/ For Review / Bought Kindle Books

   

A Beautiful Struggle by Lilliana Anderson  / Beautiful Demons by Sarra Cannon / Facade by Nyrae Dawn / Following Me by K.A. Linde 

Thank you to Bloomsbury, Puffin, Orion & Hachette! 

A Review for The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend by Kody Keplinger

Posted by Donna
Release Date: September 7th, 2010
Finished Date: July 2nd, 2013

Publishers: Poppy
Source: Bought

Format: Paperback
Pages: 280

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn't think she's the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She's also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her "the Duff," she throws her Coke in his face.

But things aren't so great at home right now, and Bianca is desperate for a distraction. She ends up kissing Wesley. Worse, she likes it. Eager for escape, Bianca throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with him.

Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out Wesley isn't such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she's falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone. And eventually, through this realization, Bianca begins to see how harmful her unhealthy way of dealing with her problems has been, and finds a way to confront them head on.

The Review: “No matter where you go or what you do to distract yourself, reality catches up with you eventually.”

Plain and simple I loved The DUFF! I can't believe I put off reading this book for so long. It is just pure amazing!

The story follows Bianca, a seventeen-year-old girl who gets labelled The DUFF; Designated Ugly Fat Friend by one of the most popular and hottest boys at school - Wesley. Bianca is very opinionated around Wesley and doesn't hold back on telling him what she really thinks, however when her family life starts to get a little crazy, Bianca finds a kind of peace around Wesley when she finds that he's really easy to talk too. Can Bianca find something more in Wesley or are they forever fated to be enemies?

This was just the type of book I needed last week - something easy to read but completely addictive. It's brutally honest and very realistic about teenage life - you don't find many books that many readers will be able to relate to but that's what The DUFF is. I believe many readers will know exactly what Bianca is going through and how they will do anything to just find some peace in all the craziness. 

I loved Bianca and Wesley together - I mean who wouldn't? Wesley does come across as a jerk to start with, and it's so much fun watching Bianca put that boy in his place. They banter back and forth, which makes the story very humorous but, underneath all that humour there's the beauty of a strong relationship being formed. I loved every single minute these too spent together, it's was honest, real and beautiful. 

In all, The DUFF was one surprisingly beautiful read and one I absolutely adored! Well done Kody Keplinger! 

Favourite Quotes: 
“Your sense of humor needs some work, then," Wesley suggested. "Most girls find my jokes charming." 
"Those girls must have IQs low enough to trip over.” Bianca & Wesley 

“I don't like him," I explained. "He annoys the hell out of me ninety-six percent of the time, and sometimes I'd like nothing better than to strangle him to death. But at the same time I... I want him to be happy. I think about him way more than I should, and I -"
"You love him.” - Bianca 

UK Cover Reveal for Wait for You by J.Lynn

Wait for You by J. Lynn

Release Date: August 15th 2013

Buy: Amazon UK / Waterstones / The Book Depo

Some things are worth waiting for …

This is the book you’ve been waiting to read since you put down One Day and Fifty Shades of Grey.

Some things are worth experiencing …

‘Cam stole my heart’

‘One of the most endearing, touching and fun friends-to-lovers I’ve read’

‘Gripping … the sweetest yet hottest romance’

And some things are worth fighting for …

Avery knows she should stay away from Cam Hamilton: he might be the hottest guy on campus but she really doesn’t need that sort of drama right now. Love is best left in the past – along with her troubles. But sometimes, the last thing you want, is just the thing you need …

So what do you think? 

Donna's thoughts: Finally!! We have something different for a New Adult book. Don't get me wrong, I love most of the NA books but they covers all seem to look the same. Thankfully the UK publishers did us proud and created something that I believe with appeal to many readers. Hopefully it will intrigue people who wouldn't think to pick up a NA book before. 

INFINITYGLASS by Myra McEntire Giveaway (US only)

Infinityglass (Hourglass #3) by MyraMcEntire
Release Date: August 6th, 2013

Publishers: Egmont USA

The stakes have risen even higher in this third book in the Hourglass series.

The Hourglass is a secret organization focused on the study of manipulating time, and its members — many of them teenagers -­have uncanny abilities to make time work for them in mysterious ways. Inherent in these powers is a responsibility to take great care, because altering one small moment can have devastating consequences for the past, present, and future. But some time trav­elers are not exactly honorable, and sometimes unsavory deals must be struck to maintain order.

With the Infinityglass (central to understanding and harnessing the time gene) at large, the hunt is on to find it before someone else does.

But the Hourglass has an advantage. Lily, who has the ability to locate anything lost, has determined that the Infinityglass isn't an object. It's a person. And the Hourglass must find him or her first. But where do you start searching for the very key to time when every second could be the last?

Hello lovely followers!! 

So, the countdown to the August 6th release of INFINITYGLASS has begun and each Tuesday Myra will be posting a new quote from the book on her newly launched Hourglass tumblr page. If you want to check it out here's the link;  
http://hourglassseries.tumblr.com/

And here's the first INFINITYGLASS Notable Quotable of the Week:

INFINITYGLASS Notable Quotable of the Week Fun Fact:  

While researching INFINITYGLASS, Myra took 1000's of photographs on her trip to New Orleans, including a photo of the wallpaper in the legendary Bourbon Orleans Ballroom.  Not only did this wallpaper wind up on the cover of INFINITYGLASS, it's also the background of this week's Notable Quotable!

You can now see this week's notable quotable to be released on Myra's tumblr page!

Giveaway details! 

* One lucky follower will win a one copy of INFINITYGLASS and an INFINITYGLASS poster

* US only - Sorry everyone else! 

* Ends August 1st, 2013

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author Bio: 
Myra McEntire knows the words to every R&B hit of the last decade, but since she lives in Nashville, the country music capital of America, her lyrical talents go sadly unappreciated. She’s chosen, instead, to channel her “mad word skills” into creating stories.

She’s an avid Doctor Who fan and will argue passionately about which incarnation is the best. 

http://www.myramcentire.com

Waiting on Wednesday (#45)

 

"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

Origin (Lux #4) 
by Jennifer Armentrout

Release date: August 27th, 2013

Daemon will do anything to get Katy back.

After the successful but disastrous raid on Mount Weather, he’s facing the impossible. Katy is gone. Taken. Everything becomes about finding her. Taking out anyone who stands in his way? Done. Burning down the whole world to save her? Gladly. Exposing his alien race to the world? With pleasure.

All Katy can do is survive.

Surrounded by enemies, the only way she can come out of this is to adapt. After all, there are sides of Daedalus that don’t seem entirely crazy, but the group’s goals are frightening and the truths they speak even more disturbing. Who are the real bad guys? Daedalus? Mankind? Or the Luxen?

Together, they can face anything.

But the most dangerous foe has been there all along, and when the truths are exposed and the lies come crumbling down, which side will Daemon and Katy be standing on?

And will they even be together?

Jess's thoughts: Excited for this. I love this series by JLA so I can't wait to read more from Daemon and Katy!! The cover is sexy, AND it's in dual POV's which means we get inside Daemons head. Woo! 

Donna's WoW

Simple Perfection (Perfection #2)
by Abbi Glines
Release date: September 23rd, 2013

Woods had his perfect life mapped out for him. Rise up the ranks of the family business. Marry the rich girl of his parents’ dreams. Pretend that wealth and privilege was all he’d ever wanted. Then a girl named Della breezed into town, a beautifully imperfect stranger who captured his heart and opened his eyes to a new kind of future. Woods is ready and willing to sacrifice everything for her when the sudden death of his father leaves him with his mother to care for and a business to manage.

Della is determined to be strong for Woods, even as she’s quietly falling to pieces. No matter how far from home she’s run, the ghosts of her past have never stopped haunting her. Struggling to hide her true feelings from Woods, Della fears she can’t be his rock without dragging him down into the darkness with her. But is she strong enough to let go of the last thing holding her together?

Donna's thoughts: I can't wait for more work by Mrs Glines! I adore her work and I'm excited to see where the sequel to Woods and Della's story goes.

<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 Fallen too Far (Too Far #1) by Abbi Glines

Posted by Donna
Release Date:July 4th, 2013
Finished Date: June 21st, 2013

Publishers: Simon & Schuster UK 
Source: For Review

Format: Paperback
Pages: 247

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

When Blaire Wynn's mother passed away, Blaire's life changed in an instant. Having cared for her sick mother for the last three years, suddenly Blaire has to leave the small farmhouse in Alabama they shared, to move in with her father and his new wife in their sprawling beach house along the Florida gulf coast. But what she isn't prepared for is the lifestyle change that comes with the move, and she knows she'll never fit into the new world of luxury and extravagance that suddenly surrounds her. 
Even worse, her father has run off to Paris for the summer with his wife, leaving her stranded with Rush, her new stepbrother, who's irritating, arrogant and… seriously sexy. Rush is as spoiled as he is gorgeous; his famous father's guilt money, his mother's desperation to win his love, and his charm are the three reasons he has never been told no. Blaire knows he is anything but good for her, but somehow she can't fight the attraction she's feeling, especially when she starts to think the attraction might be mutual… Rush is jaded and has secrets Blaire knows she may never uncover but even knowing all of that Blaire just may have fallen too far.

The Review: “The love she left behind will be the reason dreams are reached. She was the rock in a world that was crumbling. Her strength will remain. It’s in our hearts.” 

Abbi Glines never fails to impress me! First she rocked my socks off with The Vincent Boys, and then it was her Sea Breeze series and, now it's her Fallen too Far series. Wow! Abbi is such a talented writer! 

In Fallen too Far we meet Blaire and Rush. Blaire's mother has just died and she's having to turn to her only family - her father. Problem is, he left her and her mother when they needed him most. When Blaire turns up to live with him, she's in for a shock when she finds out he's run off to Paris with his new wife, and the house Blaire is supposed to be staying at, is actually owned by her new hot step-brother - who is kind of a jerk. However, Rush is kind enough to let Blaire stay at his house until she has enough money to move out, but when sparks soon start flying - can Rush let Blaire go? And more importantly, does Blaire want to go?

I really loved Blaire and Rush's story - it's such a hot and steamy read and one that is completely addictive. So addictive that I had to rush out and buy the other two books in the series, just to see what happens. (It's awesome by the way). I loved Rush and Blaire together - despite their problems they have something really beautiful and all-consuming. They really were enjoyable characters to get to know. 

What I love about Abbi's story is how she creates such believable worlds. You're sucked in from page one and I often find myself wishing I lived in a little world like that - even with all the drama. And every time I finish one of her books, I'm left wanting more. I guess it's a good job I put off reading some of her series because I have so many I have to catch up on. ;) 

In all, Fallen too Far is a fantastic start to another fantastic series by the amazing Abbi Glines! And I can't wait to see what this lady comes up with next. 

A Review for The Sound by Sarah Alderson

Posted by Donna
Release Date: 1st August 2013
Finished Date: June 11th, 2013

Publishers: Simon & Schuster UK
Source: For Review 

Format: Paperback 
Pages: 320

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

When aspiring music journalist Ren Kingston takes a job nannying for a wealthy family on the exclusive island of Nantucket, playground for Boston's elite, she's hoping for a low-key summer reading books and blogging about bands.

Boys are firmly off the agenda.

What she doesn't count on is falling in with a bunch of party-loving private school kids who are hiding some dark secrets, falling (possibly) in love with the local bad boy, and falling out with a dangerous serial killer...

The gripping new stand-alone novel from the author of Hunting Lila. Out August 2013.

The Review: The Sound is fantastic! I'm in such awe by Sarah Alderson's work that I've come to this conclusion; anything she writes I'm going to love and The Sound just proves my point.

Following a 17-year-old British girl, Ren moves to Nantucket for the summer nannying for a wealthy family. While there, she tries to mend her broken heart and move on with her life, so when the rich and popular kids take interest in her, Ren's happy to have some friends in a country where she knows no-one. However, while renting a bike, she bumps into Jesse - the local town's bad boy, but is he really as bad as everyone says? Ren tries her best to keep out of trouble but in a town full of hidden secrets, a serial killer on the loose and trying to deny her growing attraction to Jesse, staying out of trouble is harder than it seems. 

If you've read any of Sarah's previous work, then you'll notice that The Sound is not paranormal story, it's a YA Contemporary. I love both genre's so I was super excited to see where Sarah would take her first contemporary story, and looking back on the books I've read this year, The Sound is easily my favourite contemporary story for 2013! 

As a British girl myself, I loved that Ren was British (there just isn't enough British protagonists in my opinion) and what I loved even more was how much Nantucket appealed to me as a reader. It is written beautifully, the sunsets and the views are to die for, and it made me really want to hop on a plane, and go a visit - minus the serial killer though. The story is jam-packed full of heat and swoon-worthy moments, it's exciting and so mysterious. Not only that but it's a fun story, but also one that deals with some serious issues too. There's nothing better when a story ticks all the right boxes, and The Sound did just that.

In all good stories you need good characters that are true to themselves, that have faults and stand up for what they believe in, and this is what you get with the characters from The Sound. Ren is a great girl, she's taken a huge step moving from England to Nantucket (even if it's only for the summer) she's taking on a job she knows nothing about, and anyone who has children knows how hard they can be at times, and most importantly, she's just trying to enjoy her summer. Her relationship with Braiden and Brodie is very cute at times and you can see how much she's taken to them. And making friends with the 'rich and popular' kids helps her to fit in but, she's determined to find out their hidden secrets and then, of course, we have Jesse. Jesse really does give Alex (from the Lila series) a run for his money and I'm honestly torn between the two. Sarah writes Jesse so freaking hot, it's impossible to not fall for him. All the way through the story, I was sticking my little page markers in, so I can re-visit my favourite Jesse moments/quotes (see my picture to the right). He's strong, broody and so misunderstood. He's full of good intentions and so very, very protective of Ren, that he just made me swoon pretty much all of the time. 

Here are some of my favourite Jesse quotes; 
"Did someone eat a thesaurus for breakfast? One adjective there would have sufficed. I like cocky. The way you say it has a nice ring to it." 

"You know", he says in the softest, lowest voice imaginable......"you have the most incredible eyes. They're beautiful. As blue as the Sound and just as deadly."

“I can’t think about anything but kissing you… about being with you…’ He shrugs. ‘There, I said it. Need me to say it one more time?’

See, you need to read this book, if not just for the awesome story but for the Jesse moments you get!

In all, The Sound is a story that oozes with teenage romance, deadly situations and hot and steamy moments. It's a fantastic summer read and another cracking novel by a fabulous writer!

A Review for In Too Deep (Others of Edenton #1) by Brandy L. Rivers

Posted by Guest Reviewer Melanie 
Release Date: April 5th, 2013
Finished Date: June 20th, 2013

Publishers: Self-published
Source: For Review

Format: Kindle
Pages: Unknown

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US 

Brody is a talented motorcycle mechanic and werewolf stuck in his painful past. On yet another depressing night, he is viciously attacked by vampires.

Fallon is a brilliant tattoo artist with inherent magic. Tired of men and their games, she climbs onto her Harley and leaves her old life behind.

Running for his life, Brody crashes into Fallon and sparks fly. She ends up stranded in the Northwest with her ride out of commission.

Stranded with no ride and nowhere to go, Fallon allows her best friend to convince her to stay in Brody’s apartment. He’s determined to claim her heart and keep her safe from the shadows in her past. Fallon prides herself on her independence and would rather keep him safe, even from herself.

With the impending danger from the group of vampires and dark mages, they will have to work together. The closer they get, the harder it is for her to fight her attraction.

Be prepared for monsters, magic and lots of ink.

The Review: 4.5 Stars! 

I just loved this book, it is a genre that I love and always go back to no matter what. The synopsis is spot on with its description and that alone should pull you into this awesome read. Fallon is the kind of character I love, a free spirited biker chick, with a great sense of humour, capable of kicking a few butts and to top it all off she’s a tattooist. She also holds an air of mystery around her because of her abilities which seem to make her virtually unstoppable so it comes natural to help the werewolf that she hits with her bike because not only has he been injured but there are vampires chasing him and Fallon knows first-hand that no good can come from that confrontation, so she lends a hand. Brody again is another type of character that I love, a smoking hot werewolf with a dominating/possessive alpha male thing going on, very capable of handling himself and a mechanic (think of overalls wrapped around an oil slicked, solid, rippled torso – yum!) so it’s really handy that he just so happens to be able to fix his saviours bike and has a spare apartment for her to crash in. When these two come together though, be prepared for some steamy windows, their chemistry is HOT! I know I was routing for them to hook up because they seemed perfect for each other but of course there is always baggage…..Which leads us to the plot because hey, it’s not all about the smexy times. The storyline was really good, first books usually go through the whole getting to know you and my world arc which can usually bring down the pacing but that was not a problem at all for this. The way all of the supernaturals are introduced is easy, no lengthy descriptions - you find out who they are, what they do, what they’re capable of without all of the hoopla and it was refreshing that a first book does this and focuses on the story and I certainly didn’t feel like I knew the world any less for it. Which brings me to the world the author has created… which was awesome, I don’t think I can fault it to be honest because this is my favourite genre UF/PNR and it did what I expected, bringing us varied supernaturals living in a community with a werewolf pack at the heart of it. With the arrival of Fallon the world opens wider and we are introduced to vampires, various types of shifters, mages, druids, elves/fae….. and that’s just for starters. The actual plot was exciting and filled with danger at every turn, when Fallon wasn’t being pursued by Brody for her body she was being chased by enemies galore including crazed exes & one particular foe who just didn’t know when to stay down and through this, we saw how awesome she is as a character. We are also introduced to a sort of supernatural governing body which sounds promising and there are hints at a series wide plot which has also piqued my curiosity. It definitely sets up what has the potential to be an amazing series, I’m excited about this one book so I can only see things getting better from here on out so if you are a UF/PNR fan you really need to read this, it’s such an easy read, lots of fun, with great characters, lots of sexy time & perfect pacing, that ticks all of my boxes and I cannot wait for the next instalment. 

Blog tour for Dead Jealous by Sharon Jones: Review + Giveaway

Posted by Jess
Release Date: July 4th, 2013
Finished Date: May 5th, 2013

Publishers: Orchard Books
Source: For review

Format: Paperback
Pages: 320

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

People think of Mother Nature as a gentle lady. They forget that she's also Death...Sixteen-year-old Poppy Sinclair believes in quantum particles, not tarot cards, in Dawkins, not druids. Last summer, in a boating accident in the Lake District, Poppy had a brush with death. But the girl she finds face down in Scariswater hasn't been so lucky. 

As she fights to discover the truth behind what she believes is murder, Poppy is forced to concede that people and things are not always what they seem and, slipping ever deeper into a web of lies, jealousy and heart-stopping danger, she comes to realise - too late - that the one thing that can save her has been right there, all the time.

The Review: Wow. Actually astounded with how much I enjoyed this book. I don't normally seek out YA thrillers/crime books, but when the publishers where offering this little baby up for grabs to review, I couldn't say no. I'm glad I didn't. It was a great book, one that I actually couldn't put down! 

I really very much liked everything about this book, especially Poppy, it was great being in her head, she's a great protagonist, one that you instantly like. You really just get swept up into the story and everything that Poppy goes through you feel and experience that as well.

It was really nice to read a book set in England, it's such a nice change and the way Sharon Jones manages to captivate the reader with her descriptions and development of the story made it an even better reading experience for me as whole.

As far as romance goes, it's more sub-plot and it seems unrequited, although it is a mutual feeling it isn't discovered by the two until things get tense and come to blows. Overall the there was enough underlining romance to keep you wanting more and rooting for the two loves. But mostly Dead Jealous is very much centred around the plot and the mystery unravelling around Poppy and her friends. It took me a while to figure out who the killer was, in the end I wasn't overly surprised because when said killer was found out I sort of had a bad feeling about that person anyway. 

As a first book Sharon Jones has done incredibly well with Dead Jealous. It's one of dark mystery, betrayal, danger and suspense, with a little romance and some comedy just thrown in to turn it up a notch.

Overall, really enjoyable read, very fresh and addicting from the get go. One that I would recommend to anyone who's a fan of YA mystery/thriller books. If you enjoyed New Girl by Paige Harbison, you'll most definitely love this one too I most definitely am looking forward to another Poppy Sinclair mystery. Very much a solid 5 stars from me.

This book was given to me by the publishers in exchange for an honest review.

Extract (Prologue):

It was a good place, a peaceful place. The kind of place where the past could lie, forever.

At the foot of the hill the lake was frozen in a dead calm, a dark mirror reaching the clouds that rolled in above. Not that those weirdos down at the festival would be turning in any time soon. No, they’d be partying into the early hours, but still, best to do it now, rather than wait.

Do it now and get it over with. The earth was waterlogged after two days’ rain. It would be heavy going, but that was OK. Good, honest hard work: burying the dead. Took an hour to dig a hole deep enough and dark enough that not even the full moon could penetrate. But still, her stiff pale hands were visible against the lacy black dress. And her eyes...her eyes were open, shining like silver coins. Staring.Watching.

Sods of clay rained down until she was properly hidden, until there was nothing but trampled-down earth to remember that either of them was ever there. Shit. What if someone noticed she was missing?

No. It would be OK.

8 People got lost all the time. Especially people like her. It was a good place for her. A peaceful place. A place to be forgotten.

GIVEAWAY!

I bet you're intrigued now! Well you can be in with a chance of winning a copy of Dead Jelous. Just fill out the rafflecopt form below. There are 3 mandatory entires and 2 optional entries. The winner will be announced at the end of the month by email, they will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be picked.

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