Owl Post #36

Inspired by The Story Siren's In My Mailbox, Owl Post allows us bloggers to showcase the books we've bought, won or received throughout the week and is hosted by Brodie over at Eleusinian Mysteries. We all know that the Owl Post is the fastest way to send and receive mail and they certainly make me happy every time they drop a book off.

Hello my lovelies,

 

Welcome to this weeks Owl Post! Check out the below books I've received this week past!

 

 For Review:   From Simon & Schuster....   - Five Ways to Fall by K.A. Tucker Although I'd a bit behind posting my reviews for the Ten Tiny Breaths series, I simply adore this series. I've already read Five Ways To Fall (Go Ben!) and loved it--review to come!   - Deceptive Innocence by Kyra Davis Haven't heard of this series, nor have I read the first book; will have to read one before I even consider reading this.   .....Thank you Jennifer! ___________________________________   From Scholastic.......   - Broken Strings by Maria Farrer The description for this book doesn't give a lot away but I may try and read it one day :)   ....Thank you Sarah!     And that's all for me this week! What did the owls drop off for you this week?     

Book Shelf: Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow by Jessica Day George

When a great white bear promises untold riches to her family, the Lass (as she's known) agrees to go away with him. But the bear is not what he seems, nor is his castle. To unravel the mystery, the Lass sets out on a windswept journey beyond the edge of the world. Based on the Nordic legend East of the Sun, West of the Moon, with romantic echoes of Beauty and the Beast, this re-imagined story will leave fans of fantasy and fairytale enchanted.

More info on Goodreads....


Review:

Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow by Jessica Day George is a lush and lyrical re-telling of the classic fairytale Beauty and the Beast that is uniquely it’s own tale mixing Nordic mythology with romance and magic in this romantic read.

Sun and Moon, Ice and Show is the first book written by Jessica Day George that I have read, although a couple of her novels have been floating around on my to-be-read list for a while now. And in saying that, I have to say I was quite impressed with this story. Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow was very beautifully written and was an unparalleled retelling of a classic fairytale. I found myself caught by the romance and feeling of adventure within it’s pages.

Rejected by her mother at birth, Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow follows a young girl known only as "the lass" and the bizarre journey she finds herself on when a bear whisks her away to an ice palace. The lass is told she is to reside at this ice palace for one year and a day in exchange for wealth and riches for her family. Having the ability to speak to and understand animals, the lass is a kind hearted and daring young woman who is accompanied on her journey by her pet wolf Rollo. As the lass explores to palace and begins to understand the bears situation, what ensues is a magical adventure of friendship and love that sees the lass brave harsh dangers and evil foes.

It’s obvious when reading this story that Jessica Day George has put a lot of effort into this magical tale and I think she should be very happy with the results. I’m a big fan of fairytale retellings and love their overall tone, but I especially liked that Day George has put extra effort into twisting this already excellent tale and adding in different elements and different creatures to make it one of a kind.

Personally I found Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow to be exactly what I needed at the point in time that I read it; magical and fun, light and easy. I enjoyed reading about our main character and I loved the dynamic she had with her brother Hans Peter. I thought the characters were typical of this kind of book but still lovely to read about.

Rich in adventure with an undertone of mystery and romance, Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow is a lovely fairytale retelling that will sweep you away to another place and time.

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Bloomsbury Australia (Thanks Sonia!)
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Bookworld | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: A great fairytale retelling.
Cover: It's beautiful--very ethereal.
Will I read sequel/continue with series: This is a stand alone novel but I do plan on reading more by this author.

Book Blitz: The V Girl by Mya Robarts- Excerpt & Giveaway

Welcome to the Book Blitz for The V Girl by Mya Robarts thanks to Xpresso Book Tours! I'm really excited to be participating in this blitz as I'm looking forward to reading The V Girl--I have a copy for review that I'm hoping to get around to reading very soon.

Anyway, today I have a fab excerpt to share as well as a tour wide giveaway to share. Enjoy!

_____________________________________

In post-apocalyptic North America, rape and sexual slavery are legal. Lila Velez, desperately wants to lose her virginity before the troops visit her town and can take it away by force. She makes plans to seduce her only friend, Rey, the most attractive man in her town. Lila does not love him but he is the only man who has shown her true affection, an affection she is willing to take as a substitute of love.

Lila’s coping mechanism to her mother’s rape and kidnapping is her secret. A secret that will bring her closer to Aleksey, a foreign, broody man. Lila does not trust him because his links to the troops and his rough, yet irresistible appearance. Aleksey offers Lila an alternative to her plans, a possibility that terrifies her…and tempts her in spite of herself.

All the while Lila will have to find a way to live in the constant company of death, slavery, starvation, sexual abuse and the danger of losing the people she loves the most.

**This book is recommended for readers over the age of 18 due to strong language and sexual content.**

Add on Goodreads!

Purchase:

Amazon | Kobo

 

....From The V Girl.....

Prologue:

In the barely lit room, there are only some gym mattresses and a couple of mirrors. I’ve set the mirrors so I can watch myself losing the V of my nick name.

 My “one-hour stand” climbs up the mattresses and touches my naked trembling body. His breathing becomes ragged, his eyes are dark. 
I never imagined my first time like this. In my imagination, having my first time meant I would be in love. 

I always thought I would only allow myself to be with someone in that way if I really, really, loved that person. He would also be unconditionally in love with me. He would be someone who would look at me as though I was his sun. 

I wanted to lose my virginity to someone who adores me. Preferably someone who had said the five magic words: “Lila, will you marry me?” I wanted to have sex for the first time with someone I’d consider worthy enough to spend the rest of my life with. If I only had more time. Eighteen is too young in my book to have met the person to whom I want to commit my life. 

I wish this occasion could have been a romantic spur of the moment situation. One thing leading to other in a natural manner and then...I wouldn’t be a V girl anymore. 

That would have been an ideal situation. But I don’t live in an ideal world; I live in a world defined by a civil war. 

My deflowering can’t be romantic or spontaneous. I’ve been preparing my first sexual encounter since I heard the troops were on their way to Starville.

I don’t love my sexual partner. He doesn’t love me either. But it has to be him or it is going to be a random guy from the troops…through force. 

My “lover” hesitates for a moment. I feel his weight pressing me to the mattress. His body tenses. I wait for him to make the next move.  But I’m afraid he has changed his mind.

 

 

I am a bookaholic and regret nothing.

I spent years trying to become a contemporary dance choreographer. Eventually I realized that I enjoyed writing my stories rather than creating dances for them.

I am obsessed with books that present damaged characters, swoon worthy guys, controversial topics and happy endings.

Visit Mya:

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

 

Open INTL - Ends July 14th

3 x eBook copy of The V Girl + 20$ Amazon Gift Card

3 x T-Shirt + 20$ Amazon Gift Card a Rafflecopter giveaway

Free Ebooks!

Hey everyone :)

It's that time again! Check out the below free ebooks on Amazon.com I've found recently.

Hope you managed to grab something new!

Book Shelf: Being Jamie Baker (Jamie Baker #1) by Kelly Oram

 

An accident that should end in tragedy instead gives seventeen-year-old Jamie Baker a slew of uncontrollable superhuman abilities. To keep her secret safe Jamie socially exiles herself, earning the title of Rocklin High's resident ice queen. But during a supercharged encounter with star quarterback Ryan Miller she literally kisses anonymity goodbye. Now the annoyingly irresistible Ryan will stop at nothing to melt the heart of the ice queen and find out what makes her so special. Unfortunately, Ryan is not the only person on to her secret. Will Jamie learn to contain her unstable powers before being discovered by the media or turned into a government lab rat? More importantly, can she throw Ryan Miller off her trail before falling in love with him?

More info on Goodreads......


Review:

Being Jamie Baker by Kelly Oram is an extremely entertaining and kick-ass superhero read. Oram blends plenty of humor and wit with an electric storyline and tangible characters to create a fun, cute and romantic tale that will leave you begging for more!

Can I just say how much I adore Kelly Oram’s work! Whether she’s writing contemporary stories or those with a supernatural/paranormal twist, Oram knows how to write likable personable characters who have a really engaging presence and fantastic dynamic with each other. And Being Jamie Baker is a fantastic example of this!

Told through the eyes of Jamie Baker, a seventeen year old loner who obtained superpowers when she was involved in a tragic accident that saw her lose someone she loved, Being Jamie Baker follows Jamie more than a year later as she attempts to go on with her life. Now known as an "ice queen" by the student population at her school, Jamie knows the only way to protect her secret is to keep everyone at a distance. Something she wholeheartedly succeeds at…..until one pesky, but albeit determined, teenage boy by the name of Ryan Millers sets out to do the one thing no one at their school has ever attempted—get to know Jamie Baker! What ensues is a lot of fun and laughter as the two dance around their attraction to each other and Ryan attempts to win over the reluctant Jamie!

As our heroine and protagonist, I seriously liked Jamie Baker. Those around her may view her as someone with a heart of ice but personally I think she had a heart of gold. And boy did the girl know how to get into my heart! Jamie is a guarded individual. As someone possessing super powers, Jamie still hasn’t mastered them. They rule her to a degree and because of this Jamie shies away from unnecessary interactions with those around her, leaving her friendless and on her own. This may be by choice and she may like it that way, but when Ryan enters her life, Jamie slowly begins to feel all the loneliness and sadness she’d managed to hide from herself.

I thought Jamie was a really sweet girl. She was normal and likable, and I thought her voice was fabulous to follow. I liked the vulnerability Oram explores within her during Being Jamie Baker as Jamie slowly allows people in again, but I also adored the fact that Jamie was saucy and quick thinking. And that this didn’t change. She had a quick temper and still struggles at times with her moral compass over her abilities, but I think it was natural for Jamie to be protective and defensively of those she loved; it made sense for her to react that way.

The catalyst for all the changes Jamie undergoes is without a doubt the introduction of Ryan Miller to her life. With his vast array of charm and smiles, Ryan reminds Jamie of what it’s like to have friends and someone who cares about her….and I just love him for that! Ryan is popular, enigmatic and everyone adores him. He manages to make all the girls swoon with his golden boy status and his cheeky nature, but he’s also just a really nice guy; something that becomes endlessly evident as Being Jamie Baker progresses. After their initial meeting, Ryan really comes to care for Jamie as he sets out to uncover the mystery that is Jamie Baker. Ryan makes it impossible not to smile with his constant cheerful attitude and dedication to Jamie—the guy's just awesome!

Throughout the novel as Jamie struggles to let Ryan in and he refuses to let her push him away, they come to develop a really sweet relationship. Jamie’s reluctance to admit to her feelings, and Ryan’s reluctance to accept that make for some really hilarious dialogue and great chemistry between the two. I love the back and forth banter between them and the fact they always have a witty comeback for the other. Ryan keeps Jamie on her toes and is relentless in trying to win her over; he knows she wants him, even if she’s not ready to admit it. These two are great together and I’m looking forward to more of them.

The storyline within Being Jamie Baker is simple but extremely enjoyable. Oram’s writing is spot on and as we learn how Jamie received her abilities and watch her learn to control them whilst she falls for Ryan, the story becomes really addictive. Luckily Being Jamie Baker does not end on a massive cliffhanger, but I’m still desperately looking forward to reading the sequel!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by the author (Thank you Kelly!)
Format: Kindle ebook
Buy it: Amazon (Kindle) | Amazon (Paperback) |  Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository
My Recommendation: Love a good superhero tale? Being Jamie Baker is PERFECT for you
Cover: Simple but nice.
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Yes!

 

Waiting on Wednesday #63

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking The Spine where you can spotlight an upcoming release that you're eagerly anticipating.

This week I'm waiting on.....

 

The Fire Wish by Amber Lough
Releases on: July 22nd 2014
Add on Goodreads!

A jinni. A princess. And the wish that changes everything. . . .

Najwa is a jinni, training to be a spy in the war against the humans. Zayele is a human on her way to marry a prince of Baghdad—which she’ll do anything to avoid. So she captures Najwa and makes a wish. With a rush of smoke and fire, they fall apart and re-form—as each other. A jinni and a human, trading lives. Both girls must play their parts among enemies who would kill them if the deception were ever discovered—enemies including the young men Najwa and Zayele are just discovering they might love.

Thoughts:
This book sounds really interesting, and unlike anything I've read before! I love the idea of two very different girls living each other's lives....and falling in love along the way.

What do you think of The Fire Wish? Do YOU want to read it?

And what are you waiting on this week?

 

Book Shelf: Rush Too Far (Too Far #4) by Abbi Glines

Get ready to fall hard for Rush…

Fallen Too Far introduced us to Rush Finlay, the gorgeous charming son of a famous rock star, and Blaire Wynn, the girl from Alabama who rode into Rosemary Beach, Florida, in a pick-up truck with a gun under the seat looking for her estranged father. United under one roof by the surprising marriage of their parents, Rush and Blaire couldn't hate each other more. But it only took a summer to for everything to change…

Fallen Too Far was Blaire's story. Now it's time for Rush to share his side, and for readers to fall all over again!

More info on Goodreads......


Review:

Rush Too Far is the highly anticipated re-telling of the first book in the Too Far Series, Fallen Too Far; this time told entirely by Rush Finley! As addictive and as deeply satisfying as all the other books in the series, Rush Too Far is exactly what fans have been waiting for!

As a not-so-closet Abbi Glines fan, Rush Too Far was a novel I had been dying to get my greedy little paws on for a long time. With books two and three, Never Too Far and Forever Too Far told through both Blaire and Rush’s eyes, the prospect of revisiting the events of Fallen Too Far which was told only through Blaire’s eyes again but with Rush at the helm was something I was never going to pass up.

Catapulting us straight into the scene where Rush and Blaire first meet and their journey begins, Rush Too Far was another brilliantly written and sensual Glines tale from the beginning. Personally I always love Abbi Glines books, and as always Glines doesn’t disappoint; exploring her characters in that expert way she does with chemistry and flair!

Fans already love Rush, but Rush Too Far offers us the chance to understand him in a way we never have before, but even I will admit I was surprised over some of the things that were going through his mind during certain situations that I otherwise believed he was indifferent to. These books always open your eyes to the true intentions of characters and what they really think and feel and I loved that we had this chance with Rush.

The beginning of Rush’s story with Blaire was really the biggest experience in his life, seeing as it changed so much about how he saw the world and how he felt. The relationship he develops with Blaire and the way he comes to love her changed how he acted and who he prioritized in his life. As fans we know how difficult Rush and Blaire journey was and all they would go through, so personally I think there’s something very satisfying going back to the beginning and seeing it all unfold again, but through Rush’s eyes this time. Obviously I was familiar with the storyline and the actual chain line of events, but that didn’t make it any less pleasing to witness once more.

Deeply sensual and electric, Rush Too Far is as sexy and as addictive as all other Abbi Glines novels. Rush and Blaire are as hot as they beautiful to read about and I have to give Abbi Glines props for delivering another brilliant story!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Simon & Schuster (Thank you Jennifer!)
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Bookworld | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: A NA must read.
Cover: Simple, but lovely
Will I read sequel/continue with series: This should be the final Too Far novel featuring Blaire and Rush, but I'm invested in the spin-off books and anything else Abbi Glines writes!