Sunday 30 December 2018

Review: All the Bright Places

All the Bright Places All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jennifer Niven’s All the Bright Places is one of those books that sat on my to-read list for quite some time. Despite purchasing the book, I was a wee bit worried about diving into it. You see, I find young adult books dealing with heavy issues can be rather hit or miss. Some pack the emotional punch that ensures the book will stay with you long after you finish reading, others completely miss the mark. Thus, despite my interest, I was worried.

It turns out, such feels were unnecessary with this one.

From the very start, All the Bright Places sucked me in. In no time at all, I was addicted to the story. I fell in love with the characters and the events, I found myself unable to take a step away from the book. To show how bad my addiction was, let me explain the moment of the power cut. I was deep in the story – about sixty pages in and hooked – when the power cut out. I needed more, I needed to continue, so the torch on my phone became the method of light. We were without power for over four hours, and I was happy to use the battery left on my phone to light up the book for as long as it was able to last. To say I was addicted is to put it mildly.

It wasn’t just a case of the characters and the story being addictive, it’s the fact this book dealt with the heavy topics well. It’s not the best one out there, but it’s certainly better than a lot I have read. I know there will be people who will have things they will not be happy with, but I feel as though many of those aspects are intentional things. People like books to be wrapped up nicely, for everything to have a tidy bow. Life is not like that, and All the Bright Places shows how true that is.

It may not have had me crying like many people, but it certainly caused a lump in my throat.

There is no doubt in my mind that I’ll be reading more Jennifer Niven in the future.

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Saturday 29 December 2018

Review: Anchored

Anchored Anchored by Deirdre Riordan Hall
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

After enjoying Deirdre Riordan Hall’s Tide, I was interested in seeing what Anchored did for the series. With such a unique take on mermaids, with something that left me so addicted to the story, I was eager for more.

Although I enjoyed Anchored, I did not enjoy it quite as much as I enjoyed Tide. In truth, this is more of a three-point-five-star read. It was fun, I enjoyed the way things came together, and I was happy to devour the book; however, it didn’t wow me to quite the same degree as the first book.

With Anchored, we get more of the wonderful world we were introduced to in the first book. We’re sucked in ever deeper, with plenty of new elements being introduced. Things we were curious about were explained and taken further, new elements were introduced, and things come together so well. It was so great to see all the different aspects and the way they interacted, even if I did think things came a together a bit too easily in the end.

Without a doubt, this one builds well on the prior book. There were plenty of unexpected elements to ensure we were happy to keep turning the pages, giving us a wonderful conclusion to the storyline.

After enjoying this duology, I’m certainly willing to read more Deirdre Riordan Hall.

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Review: Looking for Alaska

Looking for Alaska Looking for Alaska by John Green
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

I’ve previously read two John Green books – The Fault in Our Stars and An Abundance of Katherines – and had two vastly different experiences with them. I enjoyed The Fault in Our Stars yet found An Abundance of Katherines painful to get through. My sister had read two different John Green books – Paper Towns and Looking for Alaska – and adored them both. There are times when I question my sister’s reading taste, yet with the popularity surrounding John Green I decided to borrow her books.

Of the three John Greene books I have now read, Looking for Alaska is my least favourite. In fact, I found this one almost painful to get through. It’s an unpopular opinion, and I accept that, but I cannot understand the hype. I spent the entire book disinterested, hoping for something to happen.

There was one single moment where the book was semi-enjoyable, where my rating flicked to a two-star rating, yet it was not enough to win me over. This book had the potential to be emotional, to hit hard as it dealt with a heavy issue, but I never felt anything. I did not like the characters, I did not care about events, and the quotable lines felt like the only reason people throw themselves at John Green books.

This book could have been so much more, I expected it to be so much more, yet it did nothing for me.

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Friday 28 December 2018

Release Blitz: Right Where I Want You.




Title: Right Where I Want You
Author: Jessica Hawkins
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: December 28, 2018



Blurb

There’s a thin line between love and hate . . . and it cuts right through the middle of their office.

Bad boys? They run right over good girls like Georgina Keller.

But after a confidence-shattering breakup, she’s determined not to let anyone at her new workplace push her around—least of all the brooding creative director, a “bad boy of publishing” who’s made it clear she’s enemy #1.

Sebastian Quinn's taste for fast cars, late nights, and beautiful women may have gotten him to the top of a leading New York magazine, but the reputation that made him is suddenly threatening to end his career.

Georgina can help Modern Man shed its bad reputation, but in order to do that, she’ll have to start at the top—and no amount of rakish charm or inconvenient attraction will distract her.

Because if Sebastian gets her right where he wants her, it means she’s going down.






Purchase Links

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU






Playlist



Excerpt

At the stadium’s concession stand, I took a tall stool, putting Georgina and I at eye level since she stood. “So, why didn’t you kiss François?” I asked. “Bad breath?”
She gasped into her hand. “My breath is fine.”
“I meant his. I’m sure yours is pure relish on a hotdog.”
She made a face. “Gross.”
“I happen to love relish,” I said. “But does François?”
Each time I said François with flourish, she flinched. I didn’t care. Something about him bugged me—I just couldn’t put my finger on it.
“We didn’t kiss because you interrupted us,” she pointed out.
“So? If I were in his position, and we both wanted that kiss, I wouldn’t let anyone stop me.”
Frank and I are clicking,” she said, scowling. “There was even mention of spending time at his summerhouse.”
“Hamptons?”
She coughed into her fist. “Boca Raton.”
The idea of Georgina spending a summer with him in Boca Raton was tragic enough that I almost smiled. I got the sense she was playing up the date. If it was so great, why wasn’t she sitting here with him? And why was I more relieved than smug about that? “Meanwhile, Justin and I will be clamming in Montauk.”
“You two should really just make it official and announce your love to the world.”
“But then I wouldn’t get to flirt with pretty girls.”
“For someone who pretends to have as much game as you,” she said, “I still haven’t seen you successfully flirt with any girls since I’ve known you.”
I smirked. “How do you know I’m not flirting with you right now?”






Author Bio

Jessica Hawkins is a USA Today bestselling author known for her "emotionally gripping" and "off-the-charts hot" romance. Dubbed "queen of angst" by both peers and readers for her smart and provocative work, she's garnered a cult-like following of fans who love to be torn apart...and put back together.

She writes romance both at home in New York and around the world, a coffee shop traveler who bounces from café to café with just a laptop, headphones, and coffee cup. She loves to keep in close touch with her readers, mostly via Facebook, Instagram, and her mailing list.



Author Links

Blog Tour: Surviving Amber Springs.

Surviving Amber Springs Available now banner

Siobhan Davis latest release Surviving Amber Springs is here! This is a standalone contemporary romance reverse harem book. Read on for more information about this book or download your copy exclusively from Amazon for only 0.99 (limited new release pricing.) Also, FREE to read in Kindle Unlimited.

Surviving Amber Springs
Surviving Amber Springs
by Siobhan Davis


Series: Standalone
Genre: Contemporary Romance/ Reverse Harem
Age Category: Upper Young Adult/ New Adult
Release Date: 26 December, 2018

Book Description:
Let him who is without sin cast the first stone…

I’m the second-most hated person in Amber Springs.

First place honors go to my twin, Ethan; however, hate isn’t a strong enough word to convey how people feel about him.

Not that I blame anyone—some days, I hate him too. Mostly, I’m just lost and afraid, drowning in a sea of betrayal and guilt, wondering how this happened right under my nose.

There’s no choice but to leave. To move clear across the country in a last-ditch attempt to start over.

Transferring to a new school midway through senior year is hellish for most people. For me, it’s a welcome relief—until someone discovers our secret and now everyone knows.

The pointing, whispering, and scathing looks follow me around again, and I’m back to square one. Except, this time, I’m not alone.

Axel, Skeet, and Heath took me under their wing from the minute I arrived here. I’ve no idea why three of the hottest guys in town took any interest in me or why they continue to have my back, but I’m so grateful to have them in my corner.

Because, right now, they’re the only reason I’m not following my brother into an early grave.

Due to sensitive content, and possible triggers, this book is recommended to readers aged 18+. Full length novel.


Add Surviving Amber Springs to your to-read list on Goodreads

Buy your copy of Surviving Amber Springs on Amazon for only 0.99.

Surviving Amber Springs teaser


About Siobhan Davis:
USA Today bestselling author Siobhan Davis writes emotionally intense young adult and new adult romantic fiction with swoon-worthy romance, complex characters, and tons of unexpected plot twists and turns that will have you flipping the pages beyond bedtime! She is the author of the international bestselling Kennedy Boys, Saven, and True Calling series’.

Siobhan’s family will tell you she’s a little bit obsessive when it comes to reading and writing, and they aren’t wrong. She can rarely be found without her trusty Kindle, a paperback book, or her laptop somewhere close at hand.

Prior to becoming a full-time writer, Siobhan forged a successful corporate career in human resource management.

She resides in the Garden County of Ireland with her husband and two sons.

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Review: Forgiving Keven

Forgiving Keven Forgiving Keven by Siobhan Davis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I adore The Kennedy Boys series and have been holding out for this story. You see, Keven has always been my favourite of the boys, and I could not wait to see how his story played out. Sure, I was interested in all the stories, but I was truly desperate for Keven. I needed it, more than I needed any of the other books in the series – which is really something when you consider how desperate I’ve been for each of the books.

There was another thing that made me super excited for this one – Siobhan Davis said this is the first book she would truly label as romantic suspense. Books that fall into the categories of thriller, suspense, mystery, along with related genres such as police procedural, are some of my favourites. In fact, there was a time where they were the only type of book I would read. Thus, I was excited for a Siobhan Davis book that was a romantic suspense.

At the same time, a part of me was concerned. The reason I stopped reading so many books that fall into the aforementioned categories is because they no longer felt like they were what the genre is supposed to be. Instead of being thrills and suspense, the books were all about drama. I enjoy a good bit of drama, but when books are labelled thriller or suspense, I’m in it for the thrills and suspense not the drama – if that was the case, there are plenty of options out there where the books are dramatic and labelled as such. Although I would say Forgiving Keven falls into the same trap – just because there are FBI agents and a big case that results in some action, it does not mean it is a suspense book – I did enjoy the story. It was very much in line with the rest of The Kennedy Boys series, meaning it was drama filled and entertaining.

Was it my favourite book in the series? Honestly, no. Despite Keven being the Kennedy brother I’ve been most intrigued about, this is not my favourite story. It was fun, yes, but it was not my favourite. I’ve enjoyed some of the other books more. It’s a four-star rating, sure, but compared to some of the other books it is a weaker four-star rating. It’s a four-star rating sitting next to four-point-five-star ratings. Fun and worth the read, certainly a great addition to the series, but not my favourite.

Although this one works perfectly fine as a standalone novel, I would recommend reading the other books in the series first. At the very least, Seducing Kaden. With Forgiving Keven, we build quite a bit upon the prior book. There are many references to events and situations that were introduced in the prior book, and the best effect is had if you know what took place. It’s not a necessity, but it certainly makes for a better reading experience.

With plenty of drama throughout, you’ll be hooked to the story and more than happy to read it in a single sitting. You’re left desperate to see how everything comes together, eager to see how things play out, and in love with all that occurs. It has everything this series has become known for – the drama and romance, the great characters and gripping storyline, and so many other goodies that ensure you’re hooked throughout – guaranteeing you’ll be plenty pleased with the seventh book in the series.

As ever, we also get a look at what is to come next. We only have the triplets left, and this one leaves us with plenty of questions about how their stories will play out. Without a doubt, I’m once again eager to see what the next book in The Kennedy Boys series brings.

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Review: Strip Jack

Strip Jack Strip Jack by Ian Rankin
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

I always feel as though I should adore Ian Rankin’s Rebus books, as they tick so many boxes when it comes to things I love. Add in the fact they’re immensely popular, and I’m always surprised when I finish the book wanting more. With the first three books in the series, I was able to give three-star ratings. With this fourth book, however, I found I didn’t enjoy the book at all.

I’ll be honest and say, at first, I thought I could give this a two-star rating. Unfortunately, the more I read, the less interested I was in the story. I simply could not get into this one – I didn’t care for the characters or the events, and things seemed to drag far too much. I kept waiting, expecting something big to happen, yet I feel as though it never occurred. Sure, the last chapter brought about an interesting conclusion, but it did not make up for how difficult I found the rest of the book to be.

I’ve said it before – Rebus is never going to be one of my favourite detectives. However, the first three books had me believing I could be won over with the series. This fourth book has me wanting to put the series on hold for a while. I’ll continue – at least with the next couple of books, as I own them – but I’m no longer so eager.

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Tuesday 25 December 2018

Review: A Darker Shade of Magic

A Darker Shade of Magic A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Schwab has been on my to-read list for an extremely long time. I’ve been intrigued about so many of her books, have been curious about the hype, yet it has taken me a while to work my way around to reading A Darker Shade of Magic. After reading it, I can understand the hype and will certainly be back for more. In fact, I’m eager to dive into book two to see what comes next for the Shades of Magic series.

At first, I was a wee bit uncertain about A Darker Shade of Magic. It was filled with wonderful world building, and I was intrigued. I loved the way the worlds were developing, the way the details were unfolding, and I was desperate for more of the worlds. At the same time, I felt as though there wasn’t really much happening with the characters. I adore great world building, but I also require things to be happening with the characters. At first, I feared we were only going to have one of the things I enjoy.

After a while, once the worlds are truly developed, the story starts. Once things start to move, they do not stop. I fell even deeper in love with the worlds, I came to adore the characters, and I was hooked to the way the story was unfolding. A Darker Shade of Magic is not as complex as some of the fantasy books out there, but it does not lessen the enjoyment of the story. In fact, it’s sometimes nice to have a story that does not require a lot of complexity, something that is nice and simple to follow.

With A Darker Shade of Magic, I found once things started to move I was unable to put the book down. I was hooked on so many levels, in dire need of the details of how everything came together. Some things were a bit on the obvious side – the way things played out in this one, along with certain elements that are sure to come into play in the future books – yet everything was so addictive that I did not care.

I loved the worlds, I loved the characters, and I loved the story. There is no doubt in my mind that I’ll be jumping into book two and other Schwab books, as I need more.

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Review: Kingdom of Ash

Kingdom of Ash Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I’m going to be honest and say I went into Kingdom of Ash with the fear I would not be crazy about the book. Since my first Maas book, my feelings towards her work have changed a lot. However, I wanted to finish the series and went in with an open mind and hopes of being surprised.

Unfortunately, my initial view was correct. I wasn’t crazy about Kingdom of Ash.

Kingdom of Ash is a big book, and yet I feel as though nothing happened. I’m no stranger to books of nearly one thousand pages – have read plenty that are longer – yet when a book is this long I want a lot to happen. With Kingdom of Ash, I feel as though we spent a lot of time with nothing happening. The book could have easily been cut in half. A part of me fears Maas has reached the point where she is going for quantity over quality – with each new book she releases, the books are getting longer and my enjoyment has been lessening. There is a lot of repetition, a lot of reiterating things known from the prior books and prior scenes, and not enough focus on what is actually happening.

In fact, I feel as though when things did happen, things were over much quicker and much more easily than they could have been. I could rant and rave for a while, but my feelings towards this one are just a heavier version of my feelings towards A Court of Wings and Ruin. Things were too easy, things ended too nicely, and it did not reflect what you would expect of something so big.

Many label this epic fantasy, which to me means big fighting scenes. There should be a lot of action, there should be death and destruction, and there should be shocking moments. These things did not happen. The action was weak, the death and destruction was replaced by rainbows and butterflies as everyone gets their happily ever after, and there was nothing shocking.

I’d hoped all the five-star ratings were a sign this one would be a great ending, but it was not an ending I enjoyed. There were too many words for too little happening, and everything was too neat with a bow on top. I’d said with my last couple of Maas books that I wouldn’t be reading any more of her books, and Kingdom of Ash has confirmed that.

Of course, I’m in the minority. Most of the world seems to be obsessed with Sarah J. Maas and will rave over every word she writes, but what once interested me with her work seems to have vanished.

If we want brutal honesty, I spent more of this book cringing at missing question marks than I did enjoying what was happening. Seriously, I feel as though Sarah J. Maas is allergic to question marks – to the point where questions would end with a full stop followed by words such as ‘asked’ or ‘questioned’. How was this not picked up?

So yeah, I think it is safe for me to say I’m glad I’m finally finished with this series. It was fun to start with, but I’m so glad I’m done.

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Saturday 22 December 2018

Review: Saga, Vol. 5

Saga, Vol. 5 Saga, Vol. 5 by Brian K. Vaughan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Saga volume five gives us chapters twenty-five to thirty, and I desperately need volume six. That ending, gosh does it have me desperate to see what comes next. The issue? The library does not have volume six, meaning it may take me a while to get my hands on it. It’s typical really, the moment I find myself completely hooked, happy to read the volumes back-to-back, I reach the point where I have no more to read.

Fear not, however, as I will be continuing. I’m addicted now, and I’m desperate for more of the goodness I’ve fallen in love with.

In fact, I’m willing to label volume five my favourite of the series thus far. Everything I’ve enjoyed so much about the prior volumes was amplified, yet again, ensuring I powered through this one in no time at all. I continued to fall ever deep in love with the characters, the storyline continued to develop in wonderful ways, things are insanely weird, the humour was on point, and the emotional abuse has me invested to an unexpected degree.

Honestly, this is a series that is more than worth reading.

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Review: Dear Neighbor

Dear Neighbor Dear Neighbor by River Laurent
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Numerous River Laurent books have grabbed my attention, yet Dear Neighbor is the one I always came back to, it’s the one I most wanted to read. At long last, I’ve finally given it a read.

In truth, this one is more of a three-point-five-star rating rather than the three-star rating I gave it. It was fun, but I had hoped for a bit more from it. It had me addicted, sure, but I feel as though the story was never taken quite as far as it could have been. I think a part of me is comparing my enjoyment of this one to my enjoyment of Cinderella.com, and as this one wasn’t quite as enjoyable I ended up feeling a wee bit let down.

Without a doubt, Dear Neighbor is a fun little read. It’s addictive and fun in all the best ways, keeping you entertained and desperate to see what happens. You’re sucked into the drama, and more than willing to lose yourself to the story. However, I feel as though we only touched the surface layer of what could have been. The information at the end, in particular, felt as though it appeared and then was done with. The resolution was too easy, and I’d just wanted a bit more.

Overall, I enjoyed this one, but not to the degree I had hoped to.

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Review: Captain Lewis' Broken Dreams

Captain Lewis' Broken Dreams Captain Lewis' Broken Dreams by Jacqueline Patricks
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I had a lot of fun with The Brajj series and really enjoyed Captain Lewis as a character, so I was more than willing to see what Jacqueline Patricks gave us with this little extra.

If I’m being completely honest, this was more of a two-point-five-star rating rather than the rounded down two-star rating I gave it. Part of me wanted to round up, but I’ve been in a weird reading mood recently and am only rounding up when a book really wows me. Sure, this was enjoyable; however, I had hoped for a wee bit more.

If you’re a fan of The Brajj series and Captain Lewis, though, it’s worth it to get that little bit extra.

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Release Blitz: Bella.




Title: Bella: The Beginning
A Mafia Romance
Series: Sagatori Family Saga #1
Author: Kimberly Soto
Genre: Mafia Romance
Release Date: December 19, 2018



Blurb

I wanted to know Bella in every way, but she didn’t want to know me, not the man I really am—not with the secret I swore with a blood oath to protect. I swore this secret would die with me. The truth is hidden within the darkness of her past and it’s fuelin’ a war with the Bratva. Their comin’ and it won’t be long before they threaten everything I love.

I hated him for the things he’d taken from me. I hated him for the love he’d refused me.
I know now that being forced to marry him wasn’t the worst that could’ve happened to me. I'm a woman born into a man's world. I've stood tall and held my own, but now the people that want my family dead, aren't far behind.







Purchase Links

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Audiobook coming soon




Title: Bella: The Ending
A Mafia Romance
Series: Sagatori Family Saga #2
Author: Kimberly Soto
Genre: Mafia Romance
Release Date: December 19, 2018



Blurb

Protecting Bella had always been the plan and the only thing I ever wanted. Accepting her father’s offer to love and protect her was an honor. And I would honor that until the day I died, but I could no longer be what she needed or wanted. After her rescue in Russia I wasn’t the same…I was dangerous to her and to myself.

Since the day I’d become Mrs. Jax Moretti I’d seen my share of bloodshed. I’d been taken and threatened, but I was strong and I’d survive. What I hadn’t considered was Jax’s survival, because that… I had never questioned before. I had never doubted that he would handle the threats and action the Bratva were taking against our family.  I never doubted his love for me or that he would do what needed to be done to protect us.
I should have…







Purchase Links

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Will be available at other retailers
& in audiobook soon






Author Bio

Kimberly is an International Bestselling author and has been writing since she was a young girl growing up in Kansas City, Mo. Reading and writing has always been a big part of her life. She enjoys a world she can get lost in while reading a good book. A wife to a wonderful husband and mother of their six beautiful children. She spent some time chasing down fugitives as a bounty hunter then laid down her hand cuffs and finished her college degree in nursing degree and now she is a full time Author.


Author Links


Friday 21 December 2018

Review: Saga, Vol. 4

Saga, Vol. 4 Saga, Vol. 4 by Brian K. Vaughan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Saga volume four gives us chapters nineteen to twenty-four, and it’s pulled the solid four-star rating from me that I knew the series was capable of. In fact, volume four has pushed me into the realm of back-to-back reading. The moment I finished volume four, volume five appeared in my hand.

I’m at the stage where I’m hooked, addicted, and in desperate need of more.

By this point in Saga, I’m in love with all the strange and wonderful things being offered. I’m lost to the universe we’ve been introduced to, I’m desperate for more of the wonderful storylines developing, and I’m overly invested in the characters.

Despite how strange this one is – and I know it will not be for everyone due to this – it’s a story that leaves you desperate for more. Once you start, you cannot stop.

Without a doubt, this is an addiction I’m happy to have.

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Review: Saga, Vol. 3

Saga, Vol. 3 Saga, Vol. 3 by Brian K. Vaughan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’m not the biggest fan of graphic novels and comics, yet something about Saga had me coming back for more. Both volumes one and two were strong three-point-five-star ratings, and I was convinced it would not be long before I handed out a four-star rating. Although volume three wasn’t quite a full four-star rating, it was so close I had to round my rating up.

With volume three of Saga, we are given chapters thirteen to eighteen and they are incredibly addictive. Everything I’d enjoyed about the prior books was amplified with this one, sucking me in ever deep. The story develops wonderfully, the characters continue to be amazing, and the emotions throughout are brilliant.

Bizarre in the best of ways, Saga is a series I will be following until the end – the first of the kind I will follow to the end.

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Review: A Court of Frost and Starlight

A Court of Frost and Starlight A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Time for an unpopular opinion: A Court of Frost and Starlight was extremely difficult to work through.

If I’m being completely honest, my enjoyment of Sarah J. Maas books has been on a downward slope since Empire of Storms. With Empire of Storms I felt as though things were far too much like A Court of Mist and Fury. I brushed it off, though, and thought it was a one off. Then A Court of Wings and Ruin failed to wow me, and I realised the things I had once enjoyed about Sarah J. Maas books were outweighed by the things I disliked. Nevertheless, I needed to finish the Throne of Glass series, so I gave Tower of Dawn a read. Tower of Dawn was the hardest one to get through to date, and I decided I would read Kingdom of Ash them wipe my hands of Sarah J. Maas. I know many will be fans for life, but I would not be one.

Then the library got a new phone app, and I was curious to try it. There were no books on there that really interested me, yet A Court of Frost and Starlight was appearing repeatedly. As a way to try the app, I decided I would give it a try. It was a short story, after all, it couldn’t hurt too much.

At least, that’s what I told myself.

A part of me wanted to give this one a two-star rating. There were a couple of points where I felt a small degree of something towards the story. However, it was not enough to outweigh the rest of the book. A book in which nothing happened. I’d known from the outset that I should have avoided this one, but I kept telling myself it couldn’t be that bad. There had to be something happen throughout – hence why I continued to turn the pages – but I was wrong.

Nothing happened. At all.

There were attempts to get us interested in the future books in the series, but it wasn’t enough. In fact, this one made me less interested in reading them. A part of me had thought I would give them a try, had considered reading them, yet A Court of Frost and Starlight was so painful to get through I now have no wish to read any more. In fact, I’m now questioning whether I really do want to dive into Kingdom of Ash.

You see, the fact I wasn’t able to enjoy this story meant the annoying little things were more obvious than usual. In truth, I spent more of this book asking why an editor didn’t do a better job than I did enjoying the story. Not only was it repetitious, it seemed there was a serious aversion to question marks. Every time there was a question ending with a full stop, something else in me died.

So yeah, I’m part of the group that could not deal with this story. I know many enjoyed it, but I found it extremely hard to finish.

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Thursday 20 December 2018

Review: Christmas Kiss

Christmas Kiss Christmas Kiss by Tammy Andresen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tammy Andresen’s Accidental Kisses series is an insanely sweet young adult series that has me hooked. From the very first book, I’ve been addicted, happy to dive into each new release. With Christmas Kiss, we’re given a festive read – a great addition to the series, perfect for the festive season.

As with all the books in this series, Christmas Kiss is an incredibly sweet young adult romance. With more from the characters we’ve come to really enjoy, we’re sucked into another young romance. This one wasn’t quite as sweet as the other stories – it has a bit more of a message to it – but it was adorable in many ways, keeping me hooked throughout.

If I am being completely honest, this was not my favourite book in the series. Despite this, it was still a fabulous read. I was sucked in deep from the very first page, turning the pages at a rapid pace to find out how everything came together. I fell in love with the characters and their drama, and could not get enough of it.

I’m now seriously excited to get a story for a certain band mate, after seeing how things played out in this one.

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Review: My Wicked Earl

My Wicked Earl My Wicked Earl by Tammy Andresen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tammy Andresen is my go-to author for historical romance, as I know I’ll always be addicted to the words she writes. Whilst I’ve enjoyed all her work, my favourite series is the Wicked Lords of London series. This series has hooked me more than any other, and most of my favourite Tammy Andresen books are part of this series.

With My Wicked Earl we have another winner. I was excited about this one, super eager to find out more about the characters and events that had intrigued me so much in My Duke’s Desire. Sometimes when you go in with high hopes it is only to be disappointed. Such was not the case here.

My Wicked Earl was all I had hoped it would be. It felt a bit shorter than the other books in the series, but it managed to pack the same punch. It had the standard wonderful characters you find in any Tammy Andresen novel, it had the great storyline, it had the entertaining drama, it had the wonderful chemistry, and it had some moments that had me laughing out loud.

In fact, I would go so far as to say My Wicked Earl is one of my favourite Tammy Andresen novels. Without a doubt, this was a brilliant addition to the series.

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Review: Sugar Plum'd

Sugar Plum'd Sugar Plum'd by Leon Mauvais
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Sugar Plum’d is one of those books where I was intrigued because I was uncertain as to what I was going to receive. Leon Mauvais offered something original, and I was curious as to how it would play out.

In truth, my feelings towards this are rather mixed. I was curious enough to keep reading, but I was never sucked completely into the story. It was original and filled with a unique type of festive cheer, but it did not wow me in the way I had expected it to.

With Sugar Plum’d we have a very interesting idea, one that had a lot of potential. However, I feel as though it was never as fleshed out as it could have been. I feel as though we were on the edge of finding something really fun, yet the back and forth in the story meant it was never explained in as much detail as it could have been.

Overall, this was okay for a quick read, but it didn’t quite hit the spot.

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Sales Post: Christmas Quickie.




Title: Christmas Quickie
Author: Lark Avery
Genre: Romantic Comedy/Erotic Romance
Release Date: November 23, 2018



Blurb

Last year’s only New Year’s resolution: Lose my virginity

Yet, here it is two weeks before Christmas and I’m as pure as snow.

Things look Tiny Tim grim until I find out my billionaire boss—the same billionaire boss I’ve been crushing on all year—signed up for a dating app with the username Scrooge. Perfect! I’m in desperate need of a thorough scrooging.

Unfortunately, he has a strict rule: no dating employees. Ever.

But there’s no way I’d ever have a chance with New York’s most successful hotelier without bending a few rules. So I come up with a plan. And it’s not like I’m really lying. I’m exactly the girl he asked for in his profile.

Besides, I’ve been a very good girl all year. I deserve the chance to be a little naughty. Time to throw away the rulebook and make a few Christmas wishes come true!


Author’s Warning: There’s no way you’ll make it through this scorching hot tale of secret identities and workplace insta-love without getting tickled by the holiday spirit…and maybe feeling a few tingles in some other places, too!







Purchase Links

FREE for a limited time!!

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Always free in Kindle Unlimited






Author Bio

Lark Avery prides herself on her abilities to procrastinate, find excuses to drink wine before noon, and go days without wearing real pants. She entertains herself by writing outrageous, filthy romances full of cocky heroes, wild women and over-the-top escapades. When she’s not writing, she enjoys binge watching angsty teen dramas and finding new places to hide the good snack cakes from her family.


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Sale Blitz: I Dare You.




Title: I Dare You
Author: Shantel Tessier
Genre: Sports Romance/Suspense
Release Date: April 27, 2018



Blurb

What do you do when the devil has you in his sights?

You show him that you can play his game.

Austin Lowes is new to town. She's running from a mom who hates her to her dad who cares nothing about her. Only a few months and she will be free, or at least, that's what she hopes ... until she meets him.

Cole Reynolds is the devil disguised as a man. He wants her fear, he wants her blood, and he wants her soul.

Just a little game, he says, I dare you.

Will Austin survive him, or will she lose herself and the game?

Secrets are revealed and justice will be served, but at what cost?

Who survives and who doesn't?







Purchase Links

99c for a limited time!!

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited





Excerpt

PROLOGUE

COLE

Have you ever been to a funeral where the preacher stands before the friends and loved ones of the deceased and talks about how shitty the person was? How he fucked around on his wife? Or spent his family’s life savings to feed his gambling addiction? How about during his bachelor party when he snorted coke off a hooker’s ass?
Me neither.
Why is it that we’re fucking saints the moment we die?
You hear the preacher say things like, “Oh, John Smith was a lovely man who loved his wife and kids,” when he should really be saying, “John Smith was a worthless piece of shit who fucked the underage babysitter every chance he fucking got while his wife was busy working two jobs and raising his ungrateful children.”
And let’s not forget that the deceased in that casket before you never even went to church. Let alone knew the preacher who speaks so highly of him. All he knows are the stories the blinded loved ones wrote down on a little card for him to share.
He’s a fucking puppet.
I haven’t read the Bible word for word, but I know the Lord says if we confess our sins and ask for forgiveness, he will cleanse our souls, and we will be forgiven.
Poof. It’s like magic.
Now that begs the question–what if you’re not sorry? What if you don’t care to be forgiven?
No amount of holy water could cleanse my soul, and I’m okay with that because when I sinned, I understood that I would one day have to pay. We’re all going to die eventually. You can be one of those people who bury your head in the sand to avoid talking about it all you want, but it’s life!
Live or die.
Heaven or hell.
Angel or devil.
It’s black and white. There are no gray areas.
So tell me ... when you’re lying in that casket in front of your friends and family, what are they going to think of you? Are they gonna believe that preacher who talks bullshit, or are they gonna know you didn’t care if you were going to burn for eternity?
I’m not a religious person. Obviously. But I do know this. When I am damned to hell, it’ll be because I fucking earned it.






Author Bio


Shantel is a Texas born girl who now lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma with her high school sweetheart, who is a wonderful, supportive husband and their two daughters. She loves to spend time cuddled up on the couch with a good book.

She considers herself extremely lucky to get to be a stay at home wife and mother. Going to concerts and the movies are just a few of her favorite things to do. She hates coffee, but loves wine. She and her husband are both huge football fans, college and NFL. And she has to feed her high heel addiction by shopping for shoes weekly.
Although she has a passion to write, her family is most important to her. She loves spending evenings at home with her husband and daughters, along with their cat and dog.

Make sure to follow her on all social media sites!


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