Book Shelf: Jump (Twinmaker #1) by Sean Williams

Clair lives in a world revolutionised by d-mat, a global teleport system that allows people to transport themselves instantaneously around the world. When a coded note promises improvement – the chance to change your body any way you want, making it stronger, taller, more beautiful – Clair thinks it’s too good to be true, but her best friend, Libby, is determined to give it a try.

What starts as Libby’s dream turns into Clair’s nightmare when Libby falls foul of a deadly trap. With the help of Jesse, the school freak, and a mysterious online friend called Q, Clair’s attempt to protect Libby leads her to an unimagined world of conspiracies and cover-ups. Soon her own life is at risk, and Clair is chased across the world in a desperate race against time.
 
More info on Goodreads....


Review:

Sean Williams’s debut novel Jump is a thrilling sci-fi read that will take readers on a unexpected journey from beginning to end!

Jump: Twinmaker was a really unexpected read for me. Despite featuring a promising sci-fi based storyline I still wasn’t completely sure what I would discover within its pages. Admittedly at times the intricate storyline and complexity of the science behind the d-mats and exactly what they do became too much for me, especially in the beginning. It took me a long time to find my place within this story but in the end I admittedly did get caught up in the high-stakes thrill of the plotline and characters for the majority of the book.

Jump starts off slowly; introducing us to our main character and a society where every thing is literally up in the "Air". In a world where everyone is online and connected; everyone knows where everyone is and the ability to ‘jump" via d-mat from one place to another in a matter of seconds allows opportunities like never before.

Debut novelist Sean Williams’s world is evidently well thought out and well rounded. He’s obviously thought long and hard about its workings and throughout Jump explores its ramifications; the pros and cons though two different base groups….those that use d-mat and function with it and the "Stainers", those who abstain from using d-mat and instead live a very normal life.

I really liked the individuals we met throughout Jump. Our protagonist Clair is quite easy to follow and despite a few choice decisions she makes in the beginning of the story, I couldn’t help but really vye for her. She’s faced with some real startling discoveries about her would and must quickly adapt if she wants to survive. Williams writes her well, as well as the other characters that feature throughout the story.

Jump showcases plenty of action and adventure as well as the perfect blend of romance and friendship. As the reader, you’ll be following along, trying to determine who is friend or foe as betrayals and unexpected plot developments force the heroine to make some brave, and tough, choices.

Sporting a shocking and crazy thrilling ending, Jump: Twinmaker is a perfect story for fans of Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan and Across the Universe by Beth Revis, and will have you very excited for the next instalment in what looks to be a very promising trilogy.

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Allen & Unwin (Thank you Lara!)
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Bookworld | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: Perfect for fans of Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan and Across the Universe by Beth Revis
Cover: I think it's STUNNING and very cool
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Yes, I would like to read more :)

 

Waiting on Wednesday #68

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.....  

Ghost House by Alexandra Adornetto
Releases on: August 26th 2014
Add on Goodreads!
 

From the New York Times bestselling author of Halo comes the start of a beautiful and powerful new series.

After the loss of her mother, Chloe Kennedy starts seeing the ghosts that haunted her as a young girl again. Spending time at her grandmother's country estate in the south of England is her chance to get away from her grief and the spirits that haunt her. Until she meets a mysterious stranger…

Alexander Reade is 157 years dead, with secrets darker than the lake surrounding Grange Hall and a lifelike presence that draws Chloe more strongly than any ghost before. But the bond between them awakens the vengeful spirit of Alexander's past love, Isobel. And she will stop at nothing to destroy anyone who threatens to take him from her.

To stop Isobel, Chloe must push her developing abilities to their most dangerous limits, even if it means losing Alex forever… and giving the hungry dead a chance to claim her for their own.

Thoughts:
Even though she's an Aussie I'm yet to read any of Alexandra Adornetto's books but I LOVE the sound of this one. I adore Meg Cabot's Mediator series where the heroine sees spirits and the love interest is a ghost from a complete other era, so I'm really digging the sound of this one. Plus, I love the cover :)

What do you think of Ghost House? Will you be reading it?
And what are you waiting on this week?

 

Book Shelf: One Tiny Lie (Ten Tiny Breaths #2) by K.A. Tucker

Livie has always been the stable one of the two Cleary sisters, handling her parents' tragic death and Kacey's self-destructive phase with strength and maturity. But underneath that exterior is a little girl hanging onto the last words her father ever spoke to her. “Make me proud,” he had said. She promised she would...and she’s done her best over the past seven years with every choice, with every word, with every action.

Livie walks into Princeton with a solid plan, and she’s dead set on delivering on it: Rock her classes, set herself up for medical school, and meet a good, respectable guy that she’s going to someday marry. What isn’t part of her plan are Jell-O shots, a lovable, party animal roommate she can’t say ‘no’ to, and Ashton, the gorgeous captain of the men’s rowing team. Definitely him. He’s an arrogant ass who makes Livie’s usually non-existent temper flare and everything she doesn’t want in a guy. Worse, he’s best friends and roommates with Connor, who happens to fits Livie’s criteria perfectly. So why does she keep thinking about Ashton?

As Livie finds herself facing mediocre grades, career aspirations she no longer thinks she can handle, and feelings for Ashton that she shouldn’t have, she’s forced to let go of her last promise to her father and, with it, the only identity that she knows.

More info on Goodreads....


Review: (Warning, contains some spoilers!)

One Tiny Lie is the emotional and riveting sequel to K.A Tucker’s sensational Ten Tiny Breaths and is a sleek and sensual romance that is almost as good as its predecessor! This book with hook you from page one!

I have to say….I am thoroughly enjoying this series. I may have been late to start, but boy am I breezing through these fantastic reads! Ten Tiny Breaths set the bar high, but with its sequel One Tiny Lie, K.A. Tucker is proving to me she is definitely not a one trick pony—this woman can write! And write she does!

One Tiny Lie was a superbly written story of romance and a young woman’s journey to find herself. Featuring perfectly flowing writing, One Tiny Lie follows Livie Cleary, the sweet, kind and shy sister of Ten Tiny Breaths protagonist Kacey we met in the first book, only now at eighteen Livie is attending Princeton and getting her first taste of collage life. There’s an aura of emotion to Tuckers writing and she creates a great story for her characters. There’s romance, friendship and love all woven together, and Tucker compliments the characters and story well by not dwelling too much on the physical aspect of Livie and her love interests relationship.

Personally, I really liked Livie. I was so excited to follow her story having loved her in Ten Tiny Breaths. With her sweet, shy and naïve nature, in a way she reminds me of myself and I found her easy to relate to. Livie has always been the "good" girl; straight edged and focused, and she’s been happy that way, but there are so many aspects of life Livie has been missing. She’s smart and level headed and very focused on what she wants to be. It’s not until she finds herself at university that her eyes are opened and she begins to experience things like boys, drinking and partying. Livie has been very sheltered and never experienced what most girls have by her age and seeing her finally experience them is a great experience.

Livie finds trouble in the form of Ashton Healy; captain of the boys rowing team, player and sarcastic ass, and though he is the last one she expects to be attracted to, try as she might Livie can’t get Ashton off her mind. I do think Livie and Ashton were really great together. They had great chemistry and I loved seeing Ashton make Livie come alive. I always enjoy seeing characters connect, especially when they come from difficult pasts and help to heal the other and this was definitely the case with Livie and Ashton.

My only issue with this book, and the thing that kept me from rating it a perfect score, was the cheating. The cheating aspect didn’t sit well with me. Perhaps I’m being naïve to think that when you’re dating someone, even if you are supposedly taking things slow, you don’t cheat. There is no sneaking around with another person and getting lost to the passion and all that. Even if you’re insanely attracted to someone and actually feel something real and deep for them, end your current relationship first and then explore what you can’t deny.

The fact that Livie found herself in a relationship with Connor and yet still found herself acting on her feelings for his best friend at the same time didn’t sit a hundred percent well for me. Admittedly, I was able to get over this and did find it disappearing from my mind when I saw how deep the connection Livie had with Ashton, but I still keep coming back to the fact that had Livie should ended things first with Connor first before moving forward with Ashton.

Boldly written and choc-full of brilliant characters that will steal your heart with their temperaments and stories, One Tiny Lie has me ready to dive into book number three!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Simon & Schuster (Thanks guys!)
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Bookworld | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: This is a New Adult MUST READ series!
Cover: Lovely
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Yes!

Monday Madness- July 2014 **CLOSED**

Welcome to Monday Madness for July! I may have been a bit of an airhead and managed to miss Monday Madness for June so to make it up to you all I'll be giving away TWO books--- a copy of Ten Tiny Breaths by K.A. Tucker and Fire & Flood by Victoria Scott!

Here's what I thought about them.....

"Ten Tiny Breaths by K.A. Tucker is a beautifully written and gorgeous story of life, love and loss. With magnetic characters and a strong storyline, this is a stunning debut about the power of forgiveness and the healing possibilities that moving on can bring."

"Fire & Flood is an absolutely sensational story by Victoria Scott that will entrance you from the get go and sweep you away with it's face-paced storyline, riveting stakes and dashing originality. Danger, excitement and even romance blend in this gripping story that will leave you begging for more!"

Kacey Cleary’s whole life imploded four years ago in a drunk-driving accident. Now she’s working hard to bury the pieces left behind—all but one. Her little sister, Livie. Kacey can swallow the constant disapproval from her born-again aunt Darla over her self-destructive lifestyle; she can stop herself from going kick-boxer crazy on Uncle Raymond when he loses the girls’ college funds at a blackjack table. She just needs to keep it together until Livie is no longer a minor, and then they can get the hell out of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

But when Uncle Raymond slides into bed next to Livie one night, Kacey decides it’s time to run. Armed with two bus tickets and dreams of living near the coast, Kacey and Livie start their new lives in a Miami apartment complex, complete with a grumpy landlord, a pervert upstairs, and a neighbor with a stage name perfectly matched to her chosen “profession.” But Kacey’s not worried. She can handle all of them. What she can’t handle is Trent Emerson in apartment 1D.

Kacey doesn’t want to feel. She doesn’t. It’s safer that way. For everyone. But sexy Trent finds a way into her numb heart, reigniting her ability to love again. She starts to believe that maybe she can leave the past where it belongs and start over. Maybe she’s not beyond repair.

But Kacey isn’t the only one who’s broken. Seemingly perfect Trent has an unforgiveable past of his own; one that, when discovered, will shatter Kacey’s newly constructed life and send her back into suffocating darkness.

Add on Goodreads or check out my 5 star review!

A modern day thrill ride, where a teen girl and her animal companion must participate in a breathtaking race to save her brother's life—and her own.

Tella's brother is dying. He's got cancer, and Tella is helpless to save him. Or so she thought. When an invitation arrives for Tella to compete in the Brimstone Bleed, a deadly competition that will lead her through treacherous jungle and scorching desert, she doesn't think twice. Because the prize is a cure to any illness. But Tella will be facing more than just the elements.

Add on Goodreads or check out my 5 star review!

To Enter:
· You MUST be a follower to enter!
· Giveaway is INTERNATIONAL or wherever The Book Depository ships to.
· Giveaway will run from today (July 28th) until the August 11th (2 weeks time!)
· Simply comment below with a way to contact you to enter and let me know if you wanted to be entered for both or just a certain one of the two books.
· Extra entries are available but are in no way necessary by:
+1 Letting me know what you think of Ten Tiny Breaths and Fire & Flood! Have you read either of them? Do you want to?
+1 For Tweeting, Facebooking or Sharing!

**CONGRATS TO THE WINNERS _SANDRA_ AND JULIA IVASHKOV!!**

Book Shelf: Just A Kiss (It's In His Kiss #0.5) by Ally Broadfield

Charlotte Lightwood has one season to find a husband or she'll be forced to marry her guardian's loathsome cousin. With no title or dowry, she doesn't have much hope of making a good match. Sebastian Wilkinson, the Earl of Marley, has been the most eligible bachelor on the marriage mart for more years than he cares to count and is very aware of his duty to marry a woman who will add to the wealth and stature of his title. Sebastian makes Charlotte an offer she can't refuse: he will pretend to court her to help her attract more suitors in exchange for her advice about which ladies he should pursue. As they work together, their mutual attraction grows. When they realize they just might be perfect for one another, they must decide whether to bow to the dictates of society or follow their hearts.

More info on Goodreads......


Review:

Just a Kiss by Ally Broadfield is a spectacular historical romance novella that is perfectly written and features two beguiling characters whose chemistry sky-rockets off the pages. This story was breathtaking!

Can I just say how much I loved this novella? Seriously. I don't think I've ever rated a novella five stars before, but I'd be kidding myself if I didn't give Just a Kiss that perfect rating--it thoroughly deserves it! The amount of wit, humor and sass Ally Broadfield manages to pack into this 80 pages of romance is incredible.

Though I'd be honest and admit I wished this story was longer--simply because I was in love the the characters and their story and wasn't ready for it to end--I feel like Broadfield did a tremendous job making this story feel real, authentic and yet not rushed. The setting of this story is lush, vivid and perfectly depicts life of those in high society during 19th Century London. Glorious balls and debutantes mingle and help whisk you into a addictive story.

Told in dual POV, Just a Kiss follows Sebastian Wilkinson, the Earl of Marley and a charismatic young man born into high society and Charlotte Lightwood, a simple but stubborn and striking young woman whose lives are about to intertwine. With his grandmothers health deteriorating, Sebastian needs to find a bride and he's hoping to find one this season. Ideally she'll be someone of sophistication and high class who will compliment his status. Charlotte, who has one season to find a husband or who must otherwise marry her sister-in-law's horrid brother in law unexpectedly catches Sebastian's eye and with her small stature but sharp tongue and opinions, he knows that though she appeals to him, he can't have her. And yet he can't get her off his mind, so proposes a bargain to her....he'll help find someone to court her if she helps him find a suitable bride.

The story moves in an obviously expected direction with the two slowly realizing over time that the person they truly want is the other, but I was in no was daunted by how Ally Broadfield wrote their story. The two main characters in Just a Kiss took my breath away! Both as individuals and together. Charlotte is smart, witty and quick thinking. She stands up for herself and has her own opinions and though she is a 19th century lady she is in no way unable to handle herself! Sebastian on the other hand is a real charmer and is charismatic, but he wasn't overly cocky and I appreciated that.

As soon as Charlotte and Sebastian meet these two ooze chemistry, and the witty banter shared between them was exciting to read. They were perfectly matched in their personalities and complimented each other very well. Due to the fact this is a novella, Ally Broadfield builds their relationship fast, but given the time and setting, this didn't seem like it was forced. Charlotte and Sebastian were tantalizing to read about together and the sensuality to their relationship was enjoyable in this historical romance.

A sharp and witty historical romance, Just a Kiss is a perfectly paced and sensual historic read! Short, but oh so sweet, Just a Kiss is perfect for YA/NA readers looking for a historical romance that isn't over the top. I'm very much looking to see what Ally Broadfield does next!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Entangled Publishing (Thanks guys!)
Format: Ebook
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
My Recommendation: Historical and NA fans will love this!
Cover: The cover is STUNNING!
Will I read sequel/continue with series: I look forward to reading more from Ally Broadfield and potentially this series.

Book Blast: Once In A Blue Moon by Delilah Devlin- Excerpt & Giveaway

Welcome to the Book Blast for Once In A Blue Moon by Delilah Devlin thanks to Book Monster Promotions! I have a very sexy excerpt to share and a tour wide giveaway to share with you :)

_____________________________________

When testing an enemy for weaknesses, prepare for things to get hard.

Bryn Cavanaugh and her coven like that the community they live in is isolated thanks to a storm that destroyed the bridge between them and the outside world. Now the state wants the bridge rebuilt. When the construction crew checks into the inn, Bryn begins to suspect something about the crew’s boss isn’t quite…human.

Bridges are Ethan Thorne’s thing—after all, he’s a troll—so building a simple span over a remote canal in backwater Louisiana shouldn’t be this much of a problem. When he follows the pretty little innkeeper to a midnight rendezvous, he discovers why his crew keeps running in to trouble. Bryn and her coven are casting spells in the moonlight.

As a troll, Ethan feels the sting of his low place in demon hierarchy. But finding an unprotected coven of witches in the middle of the bayou could lead to all sorts of adventure. And it’s better to keep your enemies close…

Warning: Contains a handsome troll (Hey, it can happen!) who’s skilled at building sexual tension with his hands—and several other body parts, as well—and a witch who’s determined to protect her home, but forgets to shield her heart.

Add on Goodreads!

Purchase:

Amazon | Barnes & Nobles | Samhain | Kobo

 

.....From Once In A Blue Moon.........

He nuzzled his nose through her hair, skimmed his lips over her neck, and she couldn’t resist tilting her head to allow him a little more access to her bare skin.

“Come with me.”

Not a request. Not that she minded at all. She was eager to be alone with him. She let him take her hand and pull her toward the kitchen door. They slipped out onto the porch, and he let her lead him with their fingers intertwined past the raised-bed herb garden, past tall beanstalks and sweet corn. She led him to the trellised gate, overhung with hyacinth. “It’s not much farther,” she said, glancing back.

His expression was closed, his dark eyes shadowed. But she wasn’t afraid. He tightened his hand around her fingers. He was growing tense. Just like she was—from anticipation.

Excitement quivered through her. Every sense was alert. Just the air brushing her bare arms and legs felt erotic. The scent of honeysuckle and roses teased her nose. The sound of his heavy tread thudded like her heartbeat. Just ahead, the latticed sides of the gazebo were like silver interwoven bones in the moonlight.

Beautiful. Frightening as well, because there in the darkness they cloaked awaited the possibility of intimacies shared—with this man who had managed to consume her thoughts from the first moment his glance had landed on her. Just yesterday. How could that be?

Already, when they weren’t together, she was obsessed with thoughts of him. When he was near, her body awoke. Her breasts ached for his touch. Her sex throbbed with building heat. She was constantly wet. Constantly ready. If he wanted her this night, she wasn’t going to refuse. Her body was too painfully aroused to ignore.

They entered the structure and he tugged her to a halt. She stood facing away, trying to catch her breath. But her breathing was so shallow she was nearly panting.

He let go of her hand and settled both of his at her waist. His grip was light but insistent, and he pressed against her back. His chest was a brick wall. And below, she felt the nudge of a long, hard column against her buttocks.

Silently, he was warning her. This was what he wanted. She could refuse, ease away from the pressure, and he would accede, perhaps giving her kisses and caresses through her clothing. Nothing more than she was willing to accept at this moment.

But she was greedy. She wanted everything he had to give, and she wanted it now. Lifting her hand, she shifted her hair from her neck. “The zipper’s right there.”

....Want more? Grab your copy today!

Until recently, award-winning romance author Delilah Devlin lived in South Texas at the intersection of two dry creeks, surrounded by sexy cowboys in Wranglers. These days, she’s missing the wide-open skies and starry nights but loving her dark forest in Central Arkansas, with its eccentric characters and isolation—the better to feed her hungry muse!

For Delilah, the greatest sin is driving between the lines, because it’s comfortable and safe. Her personal journey has taken her through one war and many countries, cultures, jobs, and relationships to bring her to the place where she is now—writing sexy adventures that hold more than a kernel of autobiography and often share a common thread of self-discovery and transformation.

Delilah Devlin is a prolific and award-winning author of erotica and erotic romance with a rapidly expanding reputation for writing deliciously edgy stories with complex characters. Whether creating dark, erotically-charged paranormal worlds or richly descriptive historical stories that ring with authenticity, Delilah Devlin “pens in uncharted territory that will leave the readers breathless and hungering for more…” (Paranormal Reviews) Ms. Devlin has published over 100 erotic stories in multiple genres and lengths.

She is published by  Atria/Strebor, Avon, Berkley, Black Lace, Cleis Press, Ellora’s Cave, Harlequin Spice, Kensington, Running Press, and Samhain Publishing.

Visit Delilah:

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

GRAND PRIZE: Blue Moon bracelet and earring set made by Delilah and a $25 Amazon gift card

RUNNER-UP: signed copies of Shattered Souls and Lost Souls. a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Book Shelf: The Dark World (Dark World #1) by Cara Lynn Shultz

Paige Kelly is used to weird--in fact, she probably corners the market on weird, considering that her best friend, Dottie, has been dead since the 1950s. But when a fire demon attacks Paige in detention, she has to admit that things have gotten out of her league. Luckily, the cute new boy in school, Logan Bradley, is a practiced demon slayer-and he isn't fazed by Paige's propensity to chat with the dead. Suddenly, Paige is smack in the middle of a centuries-old battle between warlocks and demons, learning to fight with a magic sword so that she can defend herself. And if she makes one wrong move, she'll be pulled into the Dark World, an alternate version of our world that's overrun by demons-and she might never make it home.

More info on Goodreads......


Review:

The Dark World is the first novel in the demonic new series by Cara Lynn Shultz that sees a strapping teenage girl discover a dark but seductive alternate world that lies parallel to our own in this smart and sassy start to a promising new series!

Heading into this novel, The Dark World held such promise for me. And while I certainly enjoyed this novel and found it a very enjoyable read, I don’t think it exactly met my expectations either. It got close, although there was just that something extra that was missing in my eyes during certain parts of the book.

Set in New York City and following Paige Kelly, a smart mouthed and sassy teenager who happens to see the dead and has a tenancy to talk to them, thus earning herself a bit of a reputation for having a few screws loose, The Dark World was richly written and depicted. Personally, I think it was a nice introduction to a new series and find myself eager for more after this installment.

The Dark World sees Paige discover a dark and alluring alternate world that exists on another dimension to ours. This world tends to mirror ours, but is also home to a vast array of horrendous creatures and powerful demons who want nothing more than to take control over our world and will stop at nothing to find a portal into our world, even if it means using Paige.

Blending the evils of men with otherworldly politics, Shultz introduces us to many different characters including ghosts, warlocks and demons that mingle with humans in The Dark World. Leading lady Paige is sharp and daring but isolated due to her social pariah status and finds an unexpected ally in new boy Logan who is as mysterious as he is shy and alluring. Shultz includes some bubbly and personable characters in the form of Dottie, Paige’s best friend who died in the 1950’s and Ajax, a arrogant and sarcastic demon who I’m dying to know more about!

The plotline of The Dark World seemed a bit odd to me, although not necessarily in a bad way. Don’t get me wrong, there was plenty of action and excitement and the story has a wonderful overall pace, but I didn’t feel like a lot was happening in terms of story movement at times. There was plenty going on, and the story certainly kept me entertained as our heroine began to learn of this world behind hers, but it wasn’t until almost the end of the book that Shultz began to heavily evolve the storyline.

The Dark World explores an interesting concept and I was really pleased with some of the twists Shultz included that I wasn’t expectibng, but find extremely interesting. I have a lot of hope for the next book and feel this was a satisfying start to a promising new series by Cara Lynn Shultz. The Dark World races to a climactic ending that has me ready to read the next book pronto!

Rating:
Source: Sent for by HarelquinTEEN Australia (Thank you Polina!)
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Bookworld | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: Fans of the supernatural will enjoy this.
Cover: It's pretty; reminds me of the covers in her other series too.
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Yes, I look forward to more.

Waiting on Wednesday #67

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.....

 

Salt & Storm by Kendall Kulper
Releases on: September 23rd 2014
Add on Goodreads!

A sweeping historical romance about a witch who foresees her own murder--and the one boy who can help change her future.

Sixteen-year-old Avery Roe wants only to take her rightful place as the witch of Prince Island, making the charms that keep the island's whalers safe at sea, but her mother has forced her into a magic-free world of proper manners and respectability. When Avery dreams she's to be murdered, she knows time is running out to unlock her magic and save herself.

Avery finds an unexpected ally in a tattooed harpoon boy named Tane--a sailor with magic of his own, who moves Avery in ways she never expected. Becoming a witch might stop her murder and save her island from ruin, but Avery discovers her magic requires a sacrifice she never prepared for.

Thoughts:
I'm a historical reader only in a few cases, but I really love the sound of this book. The cover is simple but stunning and the description has me raring to dive into this!

 

What do you think of Salt & Storm? Do YOU want to read it?
And what are you waiting on this week?

 

Book Shelf: Cured (Stung #2) by Bethany Wiggins

Now that Fiona Tarsis and her twin brother, Jonah, are no longer beasts, they set out to find their mother, with the help of Bowen and a former neighbor, Jacqui. Heading for a safe settlement rumored to be in Wyoming, they plan to spread the cure along the way--until they are attacked by raiders. Luckily, they find a new ally in Kevin, who saves them and leads them to safety in his underground shelter.

But the more they get to know Kevin, the more they suspect he has ties to the raiders. He also seems to know too many details about Jacqui and her family—details that could endanger them all. For the raiders will do anything they can to destroy the cure that would bring an end to their way of life. Bethany Wiggins’s reimagining of our world after an environmental catastrophe won’t fail to stun readers.

More info from Goodreads......


Review:

Cured is the stunning sequel to Bethany Wiggins sensational dystopian Stung and is as exciting, riveting and completely addictive as the first book. Stellar romance, shocks, secrets and danger all weave together to create a story that will have you highly entertained from beginning to end!

I have to start by saying, Stung became an unexpected favorite of mine last year. Though I knew nothing heading into it, it quickly became one of the best books I read last year, and I now consider it one of my favorite dystopian reads, right up there with the likes of Divergent and The Hunger Games! So in saying that, it goes without saying I was ecstatic for it's sequel....but I was also very nervous. Fo and Bowen won me over in the first book, but going into Cured I knew we had a new main character and a new storyline and I worried it wouldn't live up to the first....luckily this was in no way the case!

Cured picks up introducing, or re-introducing us I should say, to Jacqui "Jack" Bloom, a seventeen year old girl whom we met previously, albeit briefly, in Stung. Continuing on from the previous book, Cured depicts a society that has been devastated by the loss of bees and the result this has had on the ecosystem and as such society in general. In a world where Beasts roam and survival isn't guaranteed, it is especially unsafe for women. This shortage of women means Jacqui must live in secret as a boy; cutting her hair and now living as Jack in order to stay out of the sights and minds of raiders, who would otherwise do her harm.

I truly, truly liked Jacqui. Or Jack, I should say. Having come to love Fo so much in the previous book, I worried about the prospect of a new heroine, but found that Jack more than made for an adequate main character. Jack was a strong character; likable, capable and easy to follow. Having lived with so many [overprotective] brothers, Jack is capable of taking care of herself. She is a good shot, quick thinking and can outrun anyone, any day, but she's also a teenage girl. She has fears and insecurities; something living as a boy hasn't helped, but throughout Cured, as Jack searches for one of her brothers, she does grow and learn more about who she is.

Bethany Wiggins introduces us to new characters in Cured, with the character of Kevin a great introduction. Kevin is a mystery; plain and simple. Who is his and what his motives are is something that are constantly on your mind, but the sweet and endearing relationship he forms with Jack make for some addictive reading as Jack experiences her first taste of attraction and passion.

Cured explores another side to this world as Jack joins Kevin and some old favorite throughout the story. Wiggins thrilled me by including Fo and Bowen to the story and continuing to develop on their already amazing relationship, though they are no longer the central characters. Fo's brother Jonah also managed to worm in way into my heart in Cured and has me wondering if Bethany Wiggins might consider giving him his own happy ending one day.

Though very different personally I think Cured is as easily as good as Stung, and stood on it's own merit with endearing characters, a lovable heroine and a brilliant storyline. Bethany Wiggins continues to please with the second book in this series and has me crossing my fingers we'll get a third book as I'm just not ready to leave this beguiling world behind!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Bloomsbury Australia (Thank you Sonia!)
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Bookworld | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: If you enjoy dystopian then you'll LOVE this!
Cover: I think it's very pretty--love the colour!
Will I read sequel/continue with series: I can't wait for more from Bethany Wiggins

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Book Shelf: Love Letters to the Dead by Ava Dellaira

It begins as an assignment for English class: Write a letter to a dead person. Laurel chooses Kurt Cobain because her sister, May, loved him. And he died young, just like May did. Soon, Laurel has a notebook full of letters to people like Janis Joplin, Amy Winehouse, Amelia Earhart, Heath Ledger, and more; though she never gives a single one of them to her teacher. She writes about starting high school, navigating new friendships, falling in love for the first time, learning to live with her splintering family. And, finally, about the abuse she suffered while May was supposed to be looking out for her. Only then, once Laurel has written down the truth about what happened to herself, can she truly begin to accept what happened to May. And only when Laurel has begun to see her sister as the person she was; lovely and amazing and deeply flawed; can she begin to discover her own path.

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Review:

Love Letters to the Dead by Ava Dellaira is an emotional and moving debut novel that explores the devastating effects of grief and the impact it can have on a young person who is just trying to determine who they are and where they fit in life.

In all honesty, I’m not sure if I can completely wrap my head around this book. I certainly enjoyed it—it was an interesting read and kept me entranced, but at the same time now that it’s finished I’m not exactly sure what to think. Ava Dellaira made me think and really feel at times with her unique and unusual story.

Love Letters to the Dead was actually a very awkward book to read. And I don’t necessary mean that in a bad way. Love Letters to the Dead is written as a series of letters written by our protagonist Laurel to late stars that shone bright and died too soon. What starts out as an assignment for a class at school soon becomes an ongoing obsession for Laurel as she writes to the famous names we all know and love like Kurt Coban, Jim Morrison, Amelia Earhart, Judy Garland, Janis Joplan, River Phoenix, and Heath Ledger amongst others.

Having just begun high school, Love Letters to the Dead depicts a time in Laurel’s life where she’s just trying to figure out who she is, as an individual and a person. She’s in a position I think we can all sympathize with and understand, as peer pressure, pain and uncertainty mingle. Laurel’s voice comes across as naïve, lost and alone, although I don’t necessary think she is innocent. Even prior to the loss of her older sister May, Laurel experienced harsh truths and betrayals at the hands of those around her and she’s really quite frayed at the seams.

Throughout the novel it becomes clear that Laurel harbors a lot of anger, guilt and betrayal where her sister is concerned. Laurel held May to such high esteems and the hero-worship attitude she had towards her was something that was shattered over time by the realization that May wasn’t as perfect as Laurel always believed her to be.

Laurel’s voice comes across very young and through her writing she almost seems younger than she is, although as she tells her story through the various letters it becomes abundantly clear that Laurel is moving fast towards a future she doesn’t have complete control of.

With those around her facing their own demons, Love Letters to the Dead is a mix of Saving June by Hannah Harrington and The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky. Laurel’s friends Hannah and Natalie are conflicted and messy, and coming from a broken home means Laurel doesn’t have anyone to turn to with her dad doing the best he can and her mother half-way across the country.

As Laurel deals with her inner demons, falling in love for the first time and slowly making mistakes as she bends to peer pressure and expectations, she manages to put herself in some dangerous situations, something that was really hard at times to understand as the reader. I kind of just wanted Laurel to grow up and get over simple things, but the journey she is on won’t allow that until she faces some harsh truths.

Ava Dellaira explores the self-destruction that can be brought on by grief and anger as her heroine continues to struggle in Love Letters to the Dead. Deep, meaningful and infinitely painful Love Letters to the Dead is as well written as it is difficult to read, but so, so worth it.

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Hot Key Books (Thank you Jennifer!)
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Bookworld | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: If you enjoyed Saving June by Hannah Harrington you'll be sure to enjoy this.
Cover: It's very ethereal
Will I read sequel/continue with series: This is a stand alone novel

Blog Tour: Shattering Halos by Sunniva Dee- Guest Post & Giveaway

 

Today the Blog Tour for Shattering Halos by Sunniva Dee stops by the blog thanks to Xpresso Book Tours! Sunniva Dee is guest posting on the blog today and shares her Top 10 Favorite Quotes from Shattering Halos.

_______________________________________________

I traded my death for love. I wasn’t given a choice. His decision has caught up with us, so now I am a living, breathing catalyst to war between Heaven and Hell.

The violations he committed saved my life. Since the collision, he’s appeared everywhere. In my hospital room, my school, even my house. He shows up in my paintings, my drawings, in all of my art projects. I can’t stop thinking about him.

He says his name is Gabriel, and he doesn’t understand what’s happening to him. He doesn’t know how I can see him or why he wants me in ways that should be impossible for a Celestial.

My obsession grows. I need him to hold me, kiss me—give all of himself. For every day he protects me, the consequences loom darker and taller. Soon, they’ll crash down on us.

The war is about to begin.

 

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Top 10 Quotes

 1) I would not hurt you, I would… delight you? But the sensation is an unintentional side effect. The first Fallen angel to take a daughter of Eve created it, and nobody was ever supposed to feel this way—this much. With the pleasure being too intense for an Earthly One, you can’t let go of the source on your own. It has to let go of you.”

2) I crossed my arms and glared at my brother. At the moment, he was lounging peacefully in the ditch with a girl who should’ve been toast.
    “Why’s she still alive? Take her out, man! You know you can’t get away with this.” Seriously. Way to go altering destinies.

 

3) And why was I assuming the role of my brother’s conscience again? I didn’t have one myself!

 

4) “It’s remarkable! You know how grateful I am, but this makes no sense. Our Gaia was the sole person who escaped, and she did it by getting launched through a side window—in a head-on collision!”

 

5) “We’re not having sex?” His breath danced warm down my throat.

          “Will you stop saying that already?”
    “What, sex? Us having sex?” He chuckled, enjoying the responses he drew from my stupid body.
           “Shut up—we’re faking this, Cassiel.” Why was I shivering?

 

6) This dream. The flutter of feather-light kisses all over my face, the warmth of a lap. Strong arms held me and didn’t let go. Amid the kisses, the same strangled words repeated over and over again.

          “You’re so stupid. You’re so stupid. You’re so stupid.”

 

7) “What you’re asking is too much, Gaia. I couldn’t possibly make this any less than it is. My self-control wouldn’t be the problem. It’s yours that would be lost. Completely. Do you understand?”

 

8) Don’t panic. Don’t panic. Don’t panic.

 The last thing he needed was me falling apart. I tucked away my anxiety and stroked a stray lock of hair from his burning forehead. Then, I hummed to him in low, reassuring whispers.
         “Everything is going to be okay.”

 

9) Slick and smooth as hot glass, she coiled herself around me. When she growled, I seized her by an arm and twisted it onto her back as I conquered a mouthful of a breast. Time for another stab at her pride.

10) For a nanosecond, he pulled away, eyes widening as he concluded the reading of my mind. He frowned, confused at some murky remnant I hadn’t managed to hide.
     “Did Cassiel behave?”
     “Oh yes, uh-huh.”
       Eventually…

I write New Adult fiction with a paranormal twist and don’t shy away from romance and heart-wrenching passion when necessary.

I moved from Norway to the United States in 2001, and the first awesome five years I spent in the San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles. Then I read “The Book,” aka Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, which spurred my husband and me to move cross country to beautiful Savannah, Georgia.

I’m currently on my seventh year in the Deep South, where I enjoy the heat and the humidity. Besides writing, I spend my time with our “petting zoo” as in an opinionated parrot, a herd of cats that are experts on keyboard shortcuts, and puppies that…uh, bark.

I hold a Master’s degree in languages, with concentrations within literature and linguistics. I taught at college level for a decade before settling in as a graduate adviser at the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Writing is my passion, my joy, and my addiction. When I’m not writing, I read.
Shattering Halos is my debut novel, and its standalone sequel, Stargazer, is due out later this year.

Visit Sunniva:

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--Kindle Wifi (US) or 50$ Amazon Gift Card (INT)

--4x eBook copy of Shattering Halos a Rafflecopter giveaway