Thursday, April 30, 2015

Book Shelf: Dragons Are People, Too by Sarah Nicolas

Never judge a dragon
by her human cover...

Sixteen-year-old Kitty Lung has everyone convinced she’s a normal teen—not a secret government operative, not the one charged with protecting the president’s son, and certainly not a were-dragon. The only one she trusts with the truth is her best friend—and secret crush—the über-hot Bulisani Mathe.

Then a junior operative breaks Rule Number One by changing into his dragon form in public—on Kitty’s watch—and suddenly, the world knows. About dragons. About the Draconic Intelligence Command (DIC) Kitty works for. About Kitty herself.

Now the government is hunting down and incarcerating dragons to stop a public panic, and a new shape-shifting enemy has kidnapped the president’s son. Kitty and Bulisani are the last free dragons, wanted by both their allies and their enemies. If they can’t rescue the president’s son and liberate their fellow dragons before getting caught themselves, dragons might never live free again.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Dragons Are People, Too by Sarah Nicolas is a really well written and sassy debut novel that really is pure fun to read and is sure to easily entertain. 

Sixteen year old Kitty Lung has never been a normal teenager. Not only does she come from a long line of renowned were-dragons, but she’s a secret government operative tasked with protecting the President of the United States’ teenage son. Capable and confidant, Kitty is good at her job, but when her latest mission turns bad and an agent under her instruction changes form on camera, the were-dragons are revealed to the world. To stop panic from spreading, the American government steps in and in begin imprisoning dragons with only Kitty and her best friend, and secret crush, Sani free. And in the midst of all this, is a successful kidnapping of the president’s son that leaves Kitty out for blood and prepared to rescue her friend and charge, even if it means disobeying orders…..

There’s nothing bad I can say about this urban-fantasy novel. Sarah Nicolas has obviously thought long and hard about the backstory behind her world in Dragons Are People, Too and implements it wonderfully. Nicolas won me over by choosing to introduce different types of dragons to the story, from those within Chinese folklore and the more popular English dragons of medieval lore. I thought this was really cleaver and appreciated the multicultural feel it brought to the story, especially when combined with Kitty’s Chinese heritage and Sani’s African background.  

Kitty was likable and easy to follow as the main character. Her voice was sassy with plenty of attitude. Her inner monologue was funny and entertaining to read and I liked her attitude towards the world. At the end of the day Kitty is still a sixteen year old girl, so I’m going to forgive her constant reference to Sani, her crush, and the endless appreciation of his physique, abilities and calm approach to everything she seemed to have. 

The storyline within Dragons Are People, Too was entertaining to read. The story was easy to follow and the characters Kitty meets and knows are colourful and bring a little something each to the story. There’s enough humour, romance and action to keep you on your toes and the abilities of the dragons and Kitty’s dragon form make for an easy reading experience.    

My only issue with this novel was the ending; the ending was too erupt and seemed to come out of nowhere. Not a cliffhanger per say, the final chapter of Dragons Are People, Too leaves the story open to a sequel as there wasn’t really any resolution to one of the obstacles Kitty faced during the story. Sarah Nicolas left me wanting more from Kitty, Sani and their associates and I hope for another story!

Light, entertaining and just downright fun, Dragons Are People, Too is a great young adult urban fantasy which explores were-dragons in a delightful manner that is sure to entertain from beginning to end.

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by YA Bound Book Tours and the author (Thanks ladies!)
Format: Kindle ebook
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
My Recommendation: This is a great YA urban-fantasy!
Cover: This cover is wonderful and represents Kitty perfectly.
Will I read sequel/continue with series: I'd like to read more if Sarah Nicolas writes more......

 

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Waiting on Wednesday #91

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.....
 
Soundless by Richelle Mead
Releases on: November 15th 2015
 
From Richelle Mead, the #1 internationally bestselling author of Vampire Academy and Bloodlines, comes a breathtaking new fantasy steeped in Chinese folklore.

For as long as Fei can remember, there has been no sound in her village, where rocky terrain and frequent avalanches prevent residents from self-sustaining. Fei and her people are at the mercy of a zipline that carries food up the treacherous cliffs from Beiguo, a mysterious faraway kingdom.

When villagers begin to lose their sight, deliveries from the zipline shrink and many go hungry. Fei’s home, the people she loves, and her entire existence is plunged into crisis, under threat of darkness and starvation.

But soon Fei is awoken in the night by a searing noise, and sound becomes her weapon.

Richelle Mead takes readers on a triumphant journey from the peak of Fei’s jagged mountain village to the valley of Beiugo, where a startling truth and an unlikely romance will change her life forever...
 
Thoughts:
Eeeeep! Richelle Mead has a new book coming out! And. It. Sounds. FABULOUS! Not only does this cover knock my socks off but the description has me eargly anticipating this book. I've read a couple of books featuring different, and not quite so popular mythology and I always enjoy them---can't wait to see Mead's take on Chinese folklore!
 
What do you think of Soundless?
Do you think it looks as brilliant as I do?
 
 

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Book Shelf: Black Atonement (Vulcan Legacies #3) by Sasha Hibbs

The burden of Dave’s girlfriend’s death pushes Brandi, the Seraph of Love, to abduct David Howels in hopes of protecting Dave from his murderous father. Will Brandi be able to show Dave that all in life is not lost in death? Twists and turns abound as Brandi discovers her own shocking revelation—that Dave has been her soul mate all along.

Separating Dave and herself from their allies on the threshold of the apocalypse, Brandi turns to an old friend for help—a witch—to aid her in her quest to prepare Dave to face his worst fears and her own. Filled with curses, and secrets that threaten to destroy everything, Brandi must find forgiveness from within before she can find love. In the past, healing a broken heart would’ve been easy, but now faced with the task of healing Dave’s broken heart while not exposing her own, Brandi learns why love is truly the greatest gift of all.


More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Black Atonement by Sasha Hibbs is the third book in the Vulcan Legacies and is a story of redemption and forgiveness, told through the eyes of Brandi, the Seraph of Love and allowing readers an insight into her mind and heart for the first time.

After the shocking events of Black Abaddon, Brandi is left reeling to discover that Dave is her predestined soul-mate and someone she shared a childhood with, never knowing the boy she scorned was the person she had been waiting centuries for. Only now Dave is shattered, having lost his own soul-mate Lucy at the hands of his father, leaving him in a world of pain. Brandi believes herself undeserving of Dave but is willing to delve into the very depths of the Void if it means helping him get justice for his lost love and rescuing his twin sister Jessica who is trapped in the clutches of their father. As Brandi and Dave set out to rescue Jessica, they’ll find themselves on a path to forgiveness and learn to love again.

I was really excited when I learnt this book would be told through Brandi’s eyes and that the object of her affection would be Dave. Dave experienced a tremendous loss in the last book when Lucy was killed, but as adorable as they were together, there’s something extremely special about the idea of him ending up with Brandi. Something Hibbs explores in this novel beautifully.

Black Atonement is shorter than the previous two novels in the series, and is told through Brandi’s POV, a first in this series with the others told through Ally’s eyes. Sasha Hibbs allows readers to explore Brandi like never before and paints the Seraph of Love as we’ve never seen her before. It was wonderful to see past Brandi’s cold, harsh exterior and see she really isn’t as mean as she comes across. The reasons behind many of her actions were explored and explained and Sasha Hibbs allowed us to see into the heart of Brandi.

I really appreciated how Hibbs explored the relationship between Brandi and Dave in Black Atonement. Hibbs doesn’t diminish what Dave felt for Lucy and doesn’t shy around his pain. He doesn’t immediately fall in love with Brandi and instead Hibbs showcases their childhoods together to show how turbulent their relationship has been throughout their lives and plants the seed for a new beginning between them.

Black Atonement is quite exciting despite being a short read and opens many possibilities for the next novel. Brandi and Dave still have a long way to go, but I look forward to seeing them continue to grow as a couple as I have no doubt they will in the rest of the series and look forward joining Ally on her journey again in the next novel!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by the author (Thank you Sasha!)
Format: Kindle ebook
Buy it:  The Book Depository | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
My Recommendation: If you enjoy this series you will NOT want to miss Brandi's tale.
Cover: I love the all the covers in this series and this one is no exception!
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Yes!

Monday, April 27, 2015

Owl Post #60


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.
 
Hey guys and welcome to this week's edition of Owl Post! The owls brought me a couple of goodies this week :)
 
For Review:
 
From Bloomsbury Australia:
- Bright Before Sunrise by Tiffany Schmidt
I wasn't expecting to get a copy of this book and seeing as I hadn't heard of it before I received a copy, I'm actually quite excited to read it---it sounds really good!
 
......Thanks Sonia!
_____________________________
 
From Simon & Schuster:
- When I'm Gone by Abbi Glines
Eeeep! Mason's story! *super excited* I'm beyond looking forward to reading this. Think it might have to be my next read!
 
.....Thanks Jen and Anabel!
 
 
And that's me! Only two, but two awesome looking reads!
 
 

Sunday, April 26, 2015

Spotlight: Angels of Moirai by Nicole Salmond- Excerpt & Giveaway

Let me introduce you all to Angels of Moirai by Nicole Salmond! Soon to be released on May 3rd, I'm excited to share an excerpt and some awesome teaser pictures with you all today from this novel. I also have an ecopy of Angels of Moirai to give away to one lucky winner!
__________________________________

Since man first walked the earth, the Angels of Moirai have watched over them. Born human, they are taught never to feel, never to become attached, and never to become emotionally compromised.

Eighteen-year-old, Lila Kingston, is haunted by dreams of a mysterious angel. Suddenly, the dramas of her broken family and the snobby, rich kids at her school, fail in comparison to the challenges she must face.

Hailing from the Angels of Moirai, James Taylor has been intrusted with the fate of lives from around the world for over a thousand years. His soul purpose is to ensure every mortal follows their designed path, but when Lila puts that very purpose at risk, he must make a choice, a choice that ultimately leads to devastating consequences of a love never meant to exist.

The choice was never easy, those kind of choices never are…



Purchase:

 
 
From Angels of Moirai.....
 
He let out a breath, and in two strides, he was standing in front of me, his alluring wings stretching out from his back with each step.
 
“I have lived, I am life, and I am death. I have seen the suffering, the sickness, the torment in life’s pain, but I have also seen the selflessness, enjoyment, and devotion in love. I have experienced pain, and I have loved before. I thought I knew what pain and love was. I thought I had experienced the very depth of that emotion, that was, until I met you.”
 
He held his hands in my face, his eyes swallowing me whole.
 
“I am angel, Lila. An angel who has spent over a thousand years watching from a distance what love can do to a man and a woman, a true form of life itself. I was at peace with what I did, my role that I play in this world. I was never to experience the emotions of a human again after my death; we are not designed that way. The moment I saw you in the forest that day… it was like everything I had ever known to be true, suddenly changed, and I began to question everything. I tried endlessly to stay away, to keep my distance, but the more I stayed away, the more I wanted… I needed to be near you. I don’t know what will happen next, but I won’t deny my feelings for you any longer.”
 
There wasn’t any doubt in my mind what I felt for James. Even after he revealed his true identity to me, my feelings for him had not changed. If anything, in that moment, they had grown even more. I yearned to be with him, to see him in every waking moment. I was calmed by his presence, and lost by his absence.
 
Was it even possible to feel that for someone I’d just met? Was it even possible to love an angel?
 
My brain urged me to see sense; to see reason, but I couldn’t. So I kissed him, defying all sense of logic and common sense.  A life with James couldn’t be possible, it couldn’t be real.  Yet, my heart and soul ignored it. I wanted to be with James. 


I grew up on a farm in NSW, Australia.
I have a twin sister who is completely different to me, younger twin sisters who are very similar, and one older brother who has to deal with it all.

I'm married to my childhood sweetheart and have two beautiful girls with him (oh, and a cute little staffy called Rusty!)

I've published three novels- Forever Yours, One Good Reason, and Blackbird.
I'm not perfect. I'm learning with every sentence typed, and every correction made. It's my passion, so as long as I have a story to tell, I will write!

I love Nutella, beach, sun, kids in the bed in the morning, slobbery kisses at night, The Vampire Diaries, The Originals, books that consume me, movies, and generally anything romance related!

I live life... You gotta risk it to get the biscuit ;)


Visit Nicole:


 


As I previously mentioned, I have an ecopy of Angels of Moirai to giveaway thanks to the lovely Nicole Salmond herself. To enter, simply comment with a way to contact you and let me know what format you would like (PDF, mobi or epub). Giveaway will run from today until May 17th :)


I'd like to say congrats to Nicole on her upcoming release and urge you all to add Angels of Moirai  to your TBR list--it looks pretty darn awesome :)
 
 
WINNER:
Kylee Doman--congrats!

Saturday, April 25, 2015

Book Shelf: Lothaire (Immortals After Dark #12) by Kresley Cole

In this thrilling tale of the Immortals After Dark, #1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole reveals secrets of the Lore, fierce realm of the immortals.

All Fear The Enemy Of Old

Driven by his insatiable need for revenge, Lothaire, the Lore’s most ruthless vampire, plots to seize the Horde’s crown. But bloodlust and torture have left him on the brink of madness—until he finds Elizabeth Peirce, the key to his victory. He captures the unique young mortal, intending to offer up her very soul in exchange for power, yet Elizabeth soothes his tormented mind and awakens within him emotions Lothaire believed he could no longer experience.

A Deadly Force Dwells Within Her

Growing up in desperate poverty, Ellie Peirce yearned for a better life, never imagining she’d be convicted of murder—or that an evil immortal would abduct her from death row. But Lothaire is no savior, as he himself plans to sacrifice Ellie in one month’s time. And yet the vampire seems to ache for her touch, showering her with wealth and sexual pleasure. In a bid to save her soul, Ellie surrenders her body to the wicked vampire, while vowing to protect her heart.

Centuries Of Cold Indifference Shattered

Elizabeth tempts Lothaire beyond reason, as only his fated mate could. As the month draws to a close, he must choose between a millennia-old blood vendetta and his irresistible prisoner. Will Lothaire succumb to the miseries of his past . . . or risk everything for a future with her?


More info on Goodreads......


Review:

Lothaire is the eagerly awaited addition to the Immortals After Dark series that finally tells the Enemy of Old's tale, in true Kresley Cole fashion!

You know what? I was quite impressed with this book. Lothaire has always been a real enigma in this series. A seemingly evil vampire with a mysterious past and unknown motives, Lothaire has often been painted as the "bad guy", so to say I had high expectations for his story was an understatement. I wondered what Kresley Cole would do with his tale and how she would write Lothaire's story.

I have to say, Cole really has done a good job with this book. Pairing Lothaire with a human is a stroke of genius on Kresley Cole's past as this arrogant, self serving vampire has to face the fact that he's been fated to a being he considers beneath him. Lothaire does so much growing in this book, but Cole stay's so very true to Lothaire's character at the same time. He's not evil per say, but he's arrogant and selfish and only cares about himself in the beginning. His nature is to hurt first and care never. Everything has to be for his benefit and he expects people to bend to his every whim.

Lothaire was a real contradiction for me. There's a part of him that screams evil, and there were plenty of times his actions irked me, but he was also very beguiling. This maddened vampire, with his haunted past and his distrust managed to worm his way into my heart with his mixed up notions of loyalty and tenderness. Cole forces Lothaire to face some harsh truths and accept a lot of things; managing to make him a better person in the end. His story often seemed like a train wreck--you know, you want to look away, but you really can't, and yet for some reason it was incredible addictive.

I must say, Elizabeth, or Ellie as she is known, was a strange female for Lothaire in my mind. This simple mountain girl with her hillbilly twang and gentle nature seemed like the last female that would ever win her way into the Enemy of Old's heart. And yet as he fought to bring Saroya to the front, believing her to be his Bride and thus destroying Ellie's soul forever, Ellie managed to find herself. She was likeable and brave where it counted, though my biggest issue with her was her easy forgiveness of Lothaire's cruel actions. Which when I really think about it is hypocritical, seeing as I did like Lothaire myself.

As I've previously mentioned Lothaire and Ellie seemed like the oddest of matches, but they really work. I think someone like Lothaire needed someone like Ellie. It may have been a long, long journey, filled with a lot of bumps and hiccups, especially on his part, but these two managed to slip so well into each other. Ellie wormed her way into Lothaire's heart and as he began to understand how he had hurt her and as he started to want to be a different person for her, everything just fell into place.

The introduction of the Dacians and the revelation of Lothaire's heritage and history opens up a whole new door to this world. I know Kresley Cole has a spin off series planned, featuring many of these characters introduced in Lothaire and I for one am glad, because just this tiny snippet into Lothaire's long lost family has me eager to see their stories told!

Written perfectly and detailing Lothaire's tale as only Kresley Cole could, Lothaire finally see's Lothaire find his Bride, find his self and finally discover what happiness really is.

 
Rating:
Source: Purchased by me from The Book Depository
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Bookworld | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: A must read installment in the series.....
Cover: It's quite striking.
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Definitely.

Friday, April 24, 2015

Free Ebooks

Hi guys and happy Friday!

Hope you enjoy the freebies I've found this time round.......



Hope you managed to snag something new :)

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Book Shelf: Apple and Rain by Sarah Crossan


When Apple's mother returns after eleven years away, Apple feels whole again. But just like the stormy Christmas Eve when she left, her mother's homecoming is bittersweet. It's only when Apple meets someone more lost than she is that she begins to see things as they really are.

A story about sad endings.
A story about happy beginnings.
A story to make you realise who is special.



More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Apple and Rain by Sarah Crossan is a beautifully written tale of discovery, growth and the power of love in unexpected ways. A coming of age story, Apple and Rain is wonderfully expressed and sure to make you feel a whole spectrum of emotions!

Having read and been a fan of Sarah Crossan’s Breathe duology, Apple and Raid was a very different book of hers to read, although it is my understanding that this isn’t the first novel of its kind that Crossan has written. I have to say I was quite impressed by the direction Crossan took this novel. The writing was simple but to the point; her character’s voice very powerful within the story.

Apple and Rain follows thirteen year old Apple, a young girl experiencing all the emotions and drama girls her age experience; her first crush, her desire to be seen as an adult and of course friendship issues that often arise at this age. Raised by her maternal grandmother after her mother walked out on her as a baby, Apple yearns for a relationship with the woman she hasn’t known for years, something that becomes a possibility when Apple’s mother re-enters her life; bringing with her plenty of baggage and a secret or two Apple wasn’t anticipating.

Obviously I don’t want to give away spoilers, and this is the kind of novel best not to give too much away with, but Apple and Rain really was an entertaining read. Personally I don’t read a lot of these kinds of novels, although I normally appreciate them when I do, with Apple and Rain a perfect example of this.

Although she is mature and rational for her age most of the time, Apple is still only thirteen years old, something quite evident in the story; the essence of which Sarah Crossan manages to capture perfectly. She wants what all girls her age want; to be cool and independent and be noticed by the cute boy who she lies, but Apple also has another burning desireto have a relationship with her mother and have her in her life.

To be blunt here, Apple’s mother is an absolute disgrace. She’s selfish and self-absorbed and chooses to place her wants, wishes and desires over what’s best for her daughter. There’s a fine line between flaky and downright irresponsible, something Crossan explores with Apple’s mum. And yet, Apple so strongly desires a relationship with the mother who abandoned her that she chooses to make excuses for her mother’s actions. Her mother needed to grow up and stop encouraging certain behaviors and making certain decisions, something Crossan again depicts in a very authentic way. I think the brilliance of this is that it’s very believable and easy to relate to this day and age. I don’t doubt there are families out there where this is their realityCrossan gives her readers characters and circumstances that are completely real.

Apple undertakes some strong growth throughout the story and must face some harsh truths. The picture she has painted of the woman who gave birth to her and then left is dashed when she must come to accept the very human mistakes and choices her mother makes. There’s a beautiful undertone of love evident within the story with Apple and her Grandmother and Apple and Rain experiencing very different, however no less powerful, forms of love.

An exceptionally well written novel with a basic storyline that wonderfully explores character growth and human flaws, Apple and Rain is an at times surprising novel by Sarah Crossan that will appeal to fans of John Green and Jodi Picoult.

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Bloomsbury Australia (Thank you Sonia!)
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Bookworld | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: John Green and Jodi Picoult fans might enjoy this.
Cover: It's simple, but quite cute......
Will I read sequel/continue with series: This is a standalone novel, but I like Sarah Crossan's work.

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Waiting on Wednesday #90

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.....
 
Spelledby Betsy Schow 
Releases on: June 2nd 2015
 
Fairy Tale Survival Rule #32: If you find yourself at the mercy of a wicked witch, sing a romantic ballad and wait for your Prince Charming to save the day.

Yeah, no thanks. Dorthea is completely princed out. Sure being the crown princess of Emerald has its perks—like Glenda Original ball gowns and Hans Christian Louboutin heels. But a forced marriage to the brooding prince Kato is so not what Dorthea had in mind for her enchanted future.

Talk about unhappily ever after.

Trying to fix her prince problem by wishing on a (cursed) star royally backfires, leaving the kingdom in chaos and her parents stuck in some place called "Kansas." Now it's up to Dorthea and her pixed off prince to find the mysterious Wizard of Oz and undo the curse...before it releases the wickedest witch of all and spells The End for the world of Story.
 
 
Thoughts:
When I think of being a child....I actually think of The Wizard of Oz. I don't know how many times I watched the movie as a little girl at my grandparents house, so the story has a special meaning to me. So in saying that I'm SUPER excited to read Spelled! Not only is the cover SENSATIONAL, but the story description already has me wishing I had this in my hands ASAP!
 
How does Spelled sound? Will YOU be wanting to read it?
 
 

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Book Shelf: The V Girl by Mya Robarts

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.

Due to mature content, this book is intended for +18 readers.


More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

The V Girl by Mya Robarts is a riveting debut that explores a unique and at times difficult concept in an entertaining and fast paced read that will tug a your emotions and leave you wanting the next chapter as soon as possible.

Set in post apocalyptic America, The V Girl depicts a society where rape and sexual assault are not only legal, but excepted. Following eighteen year old Lila, and detailing a world with the two sides of the country at war with each other, the soldiers are expected to participate in the rape of those younger and weaker than them at something known as the Recruitment Ceremony. Those who live in the small villages that dot the state are at the mercy of those stronger and more powerful than them and who are quite happy to take what they want by force despite consent not always being present.

To be honest, The V Girl is quite a difficult book to read, and not necessarily because it’s graphic. Physical scenes of rape isn’t something that we ever see and it isn’t overly described, but rather the knowledge of what the people go through and what they have done to them at the hands of people who should be protecting them is what I found it hard to wrap my head around in the story. Laws passed years ago comparing soldiers to animals have given soldiers the right to force themselves upon both men and women. They are legally allowed to act upon their basic instincts in non-consensual situations without any consequences to them.

The V Girl is actually a quick read; I easily read it in one afternoon, and despite its dark concept and complex background, is quite entertaining. The V Girl follows Lila, a sweet and simple village girl who is on a race against the clock to loose her virginity before the nations troops come through her village and she is forced to give it up without her consent in what is sure to be a violent and humiliating experience. Hoping that no longer being a virgin will make her not quite as desirable as remaining untouched would leave her, Lila is hoping to give herself to her best friend, but instead finds losing her V is harder than she ever expected.

Lila is a very interesting character. I liked being inside her head and thought she was awesome to follow during this story. I don’t think I’ve ever read about someone like Lila. She is actually very complex and is not exactly as innocent as I expected, although her untouched state may indicate otherwise. Though she’s never been sexually active, nor has she come close prior to her attempts at loosing her virginity, Lila likes watching people, and is actually a voyeur, something I found at odds with the sexual inexperience she has. Then again, curiosity is something people often give in to.

Throughout The V Girl, as Lila makes a number of attempts to loose her virginity, something I found funny and awkward at times, there are also a lot of other things going on within the story. The never ending threat of the approaching soldiers looms, as does the dangers of war that see some characters loose their homes.

Lila’s world is also altered drastically by an ex-solider who both temps and teases her, and yet, for obvious reasons should be the last person she wants. And yet, as he continues to treat her with nothing but kindness and care, even when those around her don’t, Lila struggles to deny the growing attraction she feels for a man who should be her enemy and yet….isn’t.


Personally, I loved Alekseyhe was sexy and adorable and a lovely surprise. I loved that in a world where no many men are cruel and nasty, especially soldiers, Robarts has penned a love interest that goes against all this. And.I happen to think he and Lila have a great chemistry!

While The V Girl doesn’t end on a cliffhanger per say, it certainly ends much too soon for my liking; just when things were starting to get juicy and I least wanted it to come to an end, Maya Robart’s concludes this chapter in Lila’s story. Unique, dark and deliciously addictive, The V Girl will have you raring for more!


Rating:
Source: Sent for review by the author (Thank you Mya!)
Format: Kindle ebook

Buy it: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU
My Recommendation: I doubt this book will be for everyone, but if you're looking for a different kind of dystopian, this may be it!
Cover: I think the cover is very pretty. It's girly and sensual
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Yes. The ending....such a tease!


 

Monday, April 20, 2015

Owl Post #59


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.
 
Hi guys! It's that time again.
 
Check out the fab books I received last week :)
 
For Review:
From Scholastic Australia:
- I'll Be There by Holly Goldberg Sloane
This book looks like it could be really emotional, guess I'll have to be ready when I read it.
 
- Hacked by Tracy Alexander
 I really like the sound of this book and look forward to reading it!
 
......Thank you guys!

I Bought:
 
- Hounded by Kevin Hearne
I've had The Iron Druid Chronicles on my to-read list for years now and with Kevin Hearne attending the Sydney in June it's the perfect incentive for me to grab a copy and start the first book. Looking forward to reading Hounded.
 
And that's me this week!
Don't forget to let me know what YOU got!
 
 
 

Sunday, April 19, 2015

Free Ebooks!

Hi guys :)

I was supposed to be participating in a blitz today but it's been pushed back....so I though, why don't I share some freebies!



Hope you got something new. Enjoy!

Free Ebooks!

Hi guys :)

I was supposed to be participating in a blitz today but it's been pushed back....so I though, why don't I share some freebies!



Hope you got something new. Enjoy!

Saturday, April 18, 2015

Book Shelf: Bad for You (Sea Breeze #7) by Abbi Glines

Innocence isn’t meant for the addictive…The next sultry affair in the New York Times bestselling Sea Breeze Collection by Abbi Glines is unstoppably steamy.

Addiction is part of Krit Corbin’s nature—and women have always been his favorite obsession. But that’s the life of a lead singer in a band. He can have any woman he wants—anywhere, anytime. Well, except for one.

Blythe Denton is used to being alone. The minister’s family who raised her never accepted her as their own, and the cruel minister’s wife made sure Blythe understood just how unworthy she was of love. So when she finally gets the chance to live by herself, Blythe takes it and moves into an apartment building with a loud upstairs neighbor who keeps throwing parties all night long.

It’s during one such party when Krit opens the door to find his new neighbor standing there. Blythe wants him to turn down the music, but he convinces her to stay. She’s nothing like the women who parade in and out of his apartment, but Krit can’t resist her—her brown hair, cute glasses, and sexy innocence is too much for him to ignore.

Determined to win Blythe over, Krit Corbin may have just found his biggest addiction yet.


More info on Goodreads......


Review:

The seventh novel in Abbi Glines sensational Sea Breeze series Bad For You is another deliciously addictive story that features two heart-warming main characters and a stellar new romance from one of the queens of the NA genrethis is Glines at her best; wickedly sensual, romantic and humorous!

Gah! I am so seriously in love with Abbi Glines and her books. I know some people may not appreciate what Glines does with her stories, but I sure do! Every novel of hers that I read is extremely entertaining, fast paced and forward movingthere’s never a boring moment to be found with Abbi Glines at the helm and Bad For You is no exception!

Following rocker and self-professed ladies man Krit Corbin and innocent stunner Blythe Denton the woman who worms herself into the bad-boy’s heart and soul, Bad For You is extremely addictive and an all-round great read. Be prepared to find nothing but romance, chemistry and delicious addictions in Bad For You as Abbi Glines tells a story that sees a man everyone sees the bad in find love with a woman who truly sees the good. Fan favourite Krit finally gets his own story and Glines does not disappoint with this fantastic instalment.

Man, after reading this I am so in love with Krit and Blythe. Admittedly, they’re both so different, but bring out the best in each other. I always love seeing two people who are so different fall in love, but there’s something extra special about seeing Krit become absolutely dedicated to Blythe.

Krit is your typical misunderstood rocker who goes through more women than should be allowed, but from the moment they meet, Blythe is something different to him. He wants to protect her and take care of her, and she appeals to that caring side of himself that just wants someone to take care ofa side he never knew he had. He doesn’t feel good enough for her, but he wants to be, even as he fights what he feels in the hope of doing the right thing.

Blythe on the other hands is a really sweet, innocent leading lady and I really feel for her in this novel. She’s essentially been alone her whole life and those who have raised her have destroyed her self-worth by belittling her and telling her constantly she is evil and ugly and unworthyto the point where this is what she believes, even though she’s as far from as possible. I think the sad thing in this novel is that Blythe truly believes what she’s been told and what she says. She apologies too easily and takes blame where she shouldn’t.

It’s not until she moves to Sea Breeze does she meet Krit and his friends and family who treat her like a human being with feelings. The characters in this series that we all know and love instantly accept Blythe and treat her with respect and carethe way anyone would deserve to be treated. It’s this coupled with Krit’s love and devotion that help Blythe gain her own independence and security in herself; something I found very sweet to watch as she truly is such a great character.

As a couple, Krit and Blythe I think are one of my favourites in this series. As individuals they’re just so likable and even though Krit has made mistakes and has his faults he genuinely adores Blythe and treats her with nothing but kindness the moment they meet. Krit is drawn to Blythe for her light and her kindness and quickly forms a beautiful friendship, which while it surprises those in Krit’s life manages to develop a great foundation to blossom into a wonderful romance. Glines writes their romance sensual and sexy with plenty of chemistry that sees the two of them care about the other and see the best in the other than others may not see. Personally, I found them to be too cute for words and thrilled with how Glines wrote their romance.

As another brilliant instalment in a fantastic series, Bad For You is Abbi Glines at her best and has me eager for the next book already. Sexy, fun and extremely sweet, Bad For You is oh so good and oh so addictivemake sure you don’t miss out this great instalment!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Simon & Schuster Australia (Thank you Jen!)
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Bookworld | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: Do NOT miss this book or this series!
Cover: I like it, but it's not how I picture Krit though......
Will I read sequel/continue with series: YES!