Monday, November 30, 2015

Owl Post #77


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 another Owl Post! It's been a little quiet on the review book front lately, but that didn't stop me from buying a couple of books ;)
 
I Bought:
- Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
This book seems to be one of the standout books of the year if a lot of fellow bloggers and readers are to be believed. Had to finally get a copy so I could find out for myself! 
 
- Hello, I Love You by Katie M. Stout
Hello, I Love You was a WOW of mine a few months ago and I have seriously high hopes for this book. It sounds super cute and I'm hoping to read it sooner rather than later because I really want to get lost in it :) 
 
And that's my goodies this week!
What did the owls bring you?
 
 

Saturday, November 28, 2015

Book Shelf: In Dawn and Darkness (Secrets of Itlantis #5) by Kate Avery Ellison



The final installment in the Secrets of Itlantis series!

Alliances have been formed. Stakes have been set. Time is running out.

Aemi and her team of unlikely allies must find the mythic and long-lost final city before war with Nautilus destroys the rest of Itlantis. As enemies close in, who can she trust?

 

More info on Goodreads......



Review:

In Dawn and Darkness is the fifth and final book in Kate Avery Ellison’s impressive Secrets of Ilantis series and sees a fantastic series go out in spectacular manner; mixing politics, romance and danger together one final time in a conclusion that is full of emotion!

Secrets of Itlantis has been a really enjoyable series to witness unfold. Kate Avery Ellison has released instalment after instalment that has been action packed, forward moving and exciting. There’s romance, friendship and plenty of twists and turns to keep you entertained; something that translates all the way to the final book, In Dawn and Darkness.

Aemi Greywater has been through so much since discovering a whole new world beneath the sea. She’s learnt the truth about her heritage, discovered a family she never knew existed and found herself in the middle of a battle between the Ilantean people and the Dron before finding herself in the midst of a war closer to home where the lines between friends and enemies have never been more blurred. Aemi has found love, found friends and lost so much, but in this last instalment of an amazing series, everything is on the line and nothing will ever be the same…..

I’m really sad to see this series come to an end, but I’m so pleased to have read it. The different worlds, different races and different people Kate Avery Ellison has created have gone together really well and made for a really interesting read. I’ve loved seeing Aemi grow and discover who she is and what she wants from life. She’s become such a strong person and I’ve adored seeing her fall in love with Nol. They’re a great pair and I’m glad they’ve made it together.

The characters within In Dawn and Darkness, and really the whole series, have been excellent. This final book is not without its losses, but Ellison manages to give us a lot of happiness too. The supporting characters have always complimented the series wonderfully and I’d never pass up the chance to visit them again. A spin off featuring Valus or even the Dron is something I’d be interested in…..

If I’m being honest, I was the tiniest bit underwhelmed by the very final few chapters of this book. In Dawn and Darkness managed to be exciting and riveting with plenty of things happening, but the final few chapters I felt concluded too easily. There has been such a build up to the battle Aemi and her allies have against Nautilus throughout the series that I felt the resolution seemed too easy; I wanted to see a bit more fight between those fighting for their home, freedom and very lives. Yet in saying that, I am pleased with how the series ends and I’m very sad to say goodbye to the characters.

Fast paced, exciting and filled with romance, Secrets of Itlantis ends well with In Dawn and Darkness and if you haven’t already read the series, I would definitely recommend checking it out!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by the author (Thank you Kate!)
Format: Kindle ebook
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
My Recommendation: For fans of fantasy
Cover: Fits in perfectly with the others in the series!
Will I read sequel/continue with series: This is the last book in this series, but I'll definitely read more by Kate Avery Ellison in the future......

Friday, November 27, 2015

Book Blitz: The Truth Spell by Anita Oh- Excerpt & Giveaway


The Book Blitz for The Truth Spell by Anita Oh is on the blog today thanks to YA Bound Book Tours! Personally, I think the book sounds really good and hope to read it myself. Hope you enjoy the excerpt and giveaway I have to share today!
___________________________

As soon as I stepped onto the grounds of Amaris High, I knew I'd made a big mistake. I could never fit in at such a snobbish school – I was more IT girl than "it girl". But then I saw him.

Sam Spencer. My childhood best friend. But it couldn't be. Sam Spencer had died three years ago, on the night that changed everything. I need to know what happened, why he's suddenly not dead and is hanging out with a bunch of rich kids.

When the school is hit by a truth spell, it seems like the perfect chance to find out what Sam and his creepy new friends are hiding, but the weirder things get, the less I'm sure I want to know. Even for Sam, even for the free food, Amaris High might be more trouble than it's worth.

Add on Goodreads or purchase on Amazon!

 
From The Truth Spell.....

The water danced in the fountain, and between beams of refracted light, they appeared.

There were four of them.  Even in silhouette they were impressive – the girl with long, straight hair and just the right amount of curves; the boys tall and broad-shouldered.  They emitted charisma like a beacon, confident and untouchable.  One of the boys turned to another and his eyes flashed in the sunlight.

He had an ethereal type of beauty, but there was an edge to it, a wildness.  Rather than moonlight, he seemed formed from a supernova, from the chaos of total destruction, and I could well believe that if you got too close to him, you’d be pulled in, you’d collapse on yourself.

As he turned, I caught a glimpse of the boy standing behind him.

But it couldn’t be.

It looked like him, with his floppy brown hair and puppy dog eyes, and smile so bright it could melt icecaps.  But it couldn’t be.  It couldn’t be Sam Spencer, because he had died three years ago, on the night that had changed everything.

But then, why was he standing right in front of me?

Want more? (I do!) Be sure to grab your copy today!
 
After several years in the warm, comforting cocoon of fandom, Anita has decided to see what's up with this real world she's heard about. Judgment is reserved until more information can be gathered.

Anita likes dogs, naps, food, and Japanese idol group Arashi. Everything else can be improved when combined with these four things.

Anita lives with a grumpy beagle who bosses her around terribly, and won't even snuggle.

Visit Anita:

 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, November 26, 2015

Book Shelf: Last Call (Cocktail #4.5) by Alice Clayton

Simon and Caroline are back for another round of baking, banging, and big life changes. Settling in, but never settling down, Caroline has finally struck a balance between the professional and the personal. As one of the top interior designers in San Francisco, she travels all over Northern California between nook time with Simon.

Perpetual globetrotter Simon has cut his frequent flyer miles in half over the last year, preferring to balance his professional and personal life, as well.

The next step in their lives seems preordained—toasts, veils, and the aisle of rose petals. But when an accident on a photo shoot in Southeast Asia brings Caroline the most terrifying phone call she could ever imagine, she has to ask whether “till death do us part” is a more realistic prospect than faces most couples.

It’s been a grand adventure, and Caroline and Simon wouldn’t go out without the best surprise ending ever. One part sexy, one part laughter, a dash of exotic locales, and one pink nightie, mixed with passion, and you’ve got Last Call. Served with a side of Clive.
 


More info on Goodreads.....



Review:

Last Call is the perfect ending to the Cocktail series by Alice Clayton and concludes Caroline and Simon's story as only Clayton can; with plenty of fun, sass and sensational entertainment as fans see their favorite couple take the plunge into the next stage of their lives together!

I've become such a fan of this series and admit I'm so sorry to see it come to an end, although Alice Clayton did not disappoint, with Last Call encompassing everything that makes this series so great! Each and every book managed to win me over just a little bit more; Simon & Caroline won me over in their first book and their second, and even Vivian and Clark managed to given them a run for their money as my favorite couple in the series. Last Call made me all giddy again over the perfection of their relationship.

Taking place after Mai Tai'd Up, Last Call kicks off with Mimi and Ryan tying the knot in an adorable wedding that is so very Mimi and Ryan. Sophia and Neil are engaged and expecting, a baby born half way through the novel in one of the cutest and funniest moments I've seen for a while and Caroline and Simon stronger than ever but debating the next step in their relationship. An accident during a photography shoot sees Simon injured and Caroline re-evaluating her stance on wedded bliss.....seeing Caroline and Simon diving into the inevitable sweet ceremony.

Perfectly written to reflect all the sass, humor and intelligence that encompasses the modern woman, Last Call is a swoon inducing, smile producing read filled with sensuality, playfulness and witty dialogue. Alice Clayton is a genius and I'll definitely read whatever she releases next!


Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Simon & Schuster (Thanks Jen!)
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Bookworld | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: This is a brilliant NA/Adult series and soooo worth a read.
Cover: Another sexy-as cover
Will I read sequel/continue with series: This is the final book, but I'd never pass up the opportunity to visit with Caroline, Simon and their friends again if the chance ever arose!

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Waiting on Wednesday #114

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.....
 
Ruined by Amy Tintera
Releases on: May 3rd 2016
 
A revenge that will consume her.

A love that will ruin her.

Emelina Flores has nothing. Her home in Ruina has been ravaged by war. She lacks the powers of her fellow Ruined. Worst of all, she witnessed her parents’ brutal murders and watched helplessly as her sister, Olivia, was kidnapped.

But because Em has nothing, she has nothing to lose. Driven by a blind desire for revenge, Em sets off on a dangerous journey to the enemy kingdom of Lera. Somewhere within Lera’s borders, Em hopes to find Olivia. But in order to find her, Em must infiltrate the royal family.

In a brilliant, elaborate plan of deception and murder, Em marries Prince Casimir, next in line to take Lera’s throne. If anyone in Lera discovers Em is not Casimir’s true betrothed, Em will be executed on the spot. But it’s the only way to salvage Em’s kingdom and what is left of her family.

Em is determined to succeed, but the closer she gets to the prince, the more she questions her mission. Em’s rage-filled heart begins to soften. But with her life—and her family—on the line, love could be Em’s deadliest mistake.
 
Thoughts:
Eeeep! Amy Tintera has a new novel coming out. I LOVE her! Ruined reminds me a lot of my favorite fantasy series' and only goes to make me even more excited to get my hands on it. I love tales of intrigue, deception and betrayal where the heroine eventually finds herself questioning her motives or learning not everything is as it seems and Ruined looks to be this kind of novel. Looking forward to seeing Em and Casimir together :)
 
What do you think of Ruined? Is it something YOU might read?
Plus what are you waiting on this week?
 
 

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Book Shelf: Trial by Fire (The Worldwalker Trilogy #1) by Josephine Angelini

The exhilaratingly seductive new series from the author of the bestselling Starcrossed series

Love burns. Worlds collide. Magic reigns.

This world is trying to kill Lily Proctor. Her life-threatening allergies keep her from enjoying many of the experiences that other teenagers take for granted...which is why she is determined to enjoy her first (and perhaps only) high-school party. But Lily's life never goes according to plan, and after a humiliating incident in front of half her graduating class Lily wishes she could just disappear.

Suddenly Lily is in a different Salem - one overrun with horrifying creatures and ruled by powerful women called Crucibles. Strongest and cruellest of all the Crucibles is Lillian . . . Lily's identical other self in this alternate universe. This new version of her world is terrifyingly sensual, and Lily is soon overwhelmed by new experiences.

Lily realizes that what makes her weak at home is exactly what makes her extraordinary in New Salem. It also puts her life in danger. Thrown into a world she doesn't understand, Lily is torn between responsibilities she can't hope to shoulder alone, and a love she never expected.

But how can Lily be the saviour of this world when she is literally her own worst enemy?

 
More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Trial by Fire kicks off Josephine Angelini’s new series and introduces readers to a new intriguing world that mixes magic and danger together with romance and adventure in a tale that really takes being your own worst enemy to a new level!

Lily Proctor is allergic to the world. Having spent her whole life in and out of hospitals, experiencing seizures and illnesses none of the best doctors can identify, Lily is tired of being an outcast. Yet, when an attempt at being a normal teenager sees Lily heartbroken and seeking any kind of escape, the last think she expects is to be transported to a whole new world; a world featuring different versions of almost everyone Lily knows, a world very different than Lily’s own. Discovering quickly that magic exists and there’s a reason she is the way she is, Lily soon finds herself face to face with her own alter-ego, a very powerful and cruel woman who has her own agendas and isn’t above using Lily for her own gain…..

I’m not quite sure what I expected heading into Trial by Fire, but whatever it was it certainly wasn’t what I ultimately found….and yet I really enjoyed the story Josephine Angelini has created. I admit in the first couple of chapters I found the novel slow, but once I found my footing I discovered I very much enjoyed reading Lily’s tale. 

Told in the third person, Trial by Fire primarily follows Lily, but that doesn’t stop Angelini from throwing in a chapter here and there not told through the eyes of our main character. This allows for a more rounded story as there are certain moments that Lily isn’t present for that are detrimental to the evolving storyline. I felt like Angelini’s world building was very well expressed and I like the way she has built this alternate world Lily finds herself in. As we quickly learn, it’s a blend of old and new with simple ways of living mixing with modern technology and magic. 

Josephine Angelini’s writing is solid and details a vivid world, inhabited with many interesting individuals. At first I questioned whether I could some to adore Lily, but as the novel progressed she really wore on me. I think she’s one of those characters with real potential and I can see Angelini developing her a lot as the series progresses. At her heart, I think Lily is a kind, strong character and I look forward to seeing her grow.

Trial of Fire wouldn’t be complete if there wasn’t a love interest and a hint of romance to support its action, magic and adventure, something Angelini includes in the form of Rowan Fall. Now, I have no intentions of giving too much away, but there’s a complexity to Rowan and Lily’s relationship that makes for some unique conflict. The attraction is there, and Angelini builds on this with some sweet, tender moments as the two get to know each other during some complicated situations. Personally I loved the relationship between Lily and Roman and found myself hanging out for their next tension filled interaction. What can I say—I love those love-hate relationships, even if this one was more one sided and love seeing them change into something really powerful and fiery. 

Overall I was very impressed with Trial by Fire. Perfect for fans of Maria V. Snyder and Sarah J. Mass, the vividly described world within the story has won me over, as have the cast of characters and all the possibilities for this series. I very much look forward to reading more!

Rating:
Source: Purchased by me from The Book Depository
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Bookworld | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: Perfect for fans of Maria V. Snyder and Sarah J. Mass and lovers of fantasy.
Cover: I think this cover is really pretty.
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Yes.

Sunday, November 22, 2015

Free Ebooks

Hi everyone and happy Sunday! I've got some great books to share with you today. Enjoy!



Hope you got something new!

Friday, November 20, 2015

Book Shelf: The Queen of Zombie Hearts (White Rabbit Chronicles #3) by Gena Showalter

I thought I had nothing left to give. I thought wrong. They started the war. Now I will end it.

In the stunning conclusion to the wildly popular White Rabbit Chronicles, Alice "Ali" Bell thinks the worst is behind her... until Anima Industries, the agency controlling the zombies, launches a zneak attack, killing four of her friends. It's then she realises only the worst has only begun.

As the surviving slayers prepare for war, Ali discovers she, too, can control the zombies... and she isn't the girl she thought she was. She's connected to the woman responsible for killing — and turning — her boyfriend's mother. How can their relationship endure? As secrets come to light, and more slayers are taken or killed, Ali will fight harder than ever to bring down Anima — even sacrificing her own life for those she loves.


More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

The Queen of Zombie Hearts is the third novel in Gena Showalter’s sensational White Rabbit Chronicles and is the final book in the series told strictly in Ali POV, seeing our strong and daring heroine take on Anima’s forces in one final battle.

Alice “Ali” Bell has been to hell and back in recent times. Now a seasoned slayer, she’s been kidnapped, tortured by Anima Industries and possessed by her zombie alter-ego. So when Anima launch an unexpected attack on the slayers, taking the lives of some of the people Ali cares about, Ali’s decides it’s time to stop Anima once and for all. Even if it means trusting someone Cole is sure she shouldn’t trust, and putting her faith in a new rag-tag group of slayers who have just as much to lose as Ali’s gang…..

So…..Gena Showalter is a legend. A pure writing legend. And I’m oh so much of a fangirl where she’s concerned. I’ve read more books of hers than I can name and I’ve loved every one of them, with The Queen of Zombie Hearts absolutely no exception!

Gena Showalter has created a riveting world within the White Rabbit Chronicles. Her clever twist on zombies and her ability to base the series loosely around Alice in Wonderland has been wonderful from the get go! Her writing is flawless; managing to be sharp, witty and entertaining and her ability to create characters with fantastic dynamics and chemistry is something I really love. The dialogue in this series is perfect and Showalter writes some wonderfully detailed fight sequences throughout the novel also. 

I’ve really enjoyed following Ali throughout this series and have always found her to be a strong, resilient young woman. She has fire inside and out and I love that she isn’t afraid to take risks, make hard choices and yet still manages to be a normal teenage girl at the end of the day who loves her friends, family and her boyfriend. 

All the characters have had such life in this series and I’ve fallen in love with all the slayers in Ali’s life. Obviously Ali and Cole are stand outs, but I love Kat and Frosty, Reeve and Bronx, Gavin, Mackenzie, Jaclyn, Mr Ankh and even Ali’s Nanna. Oh, and Gena Showalter’s decision to branch out and introduce us to a new faction to zombie slayers has only added to my list as River, Chance and Camilla have left me intrigued and eager to get to know them more!

The Queen of Zombie Hearts is a great conclusion to Ali’s journey in this series, but is not without its loss and sadness. Showalter doesn’t shy away from taking the lives of certain characters, although there is rhyme and reason behind these decisions; some of which open even more doors of possibilities for the characters effected. 

Fast paced, exciting and endlessly addictive The Queen of Zombie Hearts is without a doubt a must read and leaves me ready to dive into the fourth book, A Mad Zombie Party, told through the eyes of slayers Frosty and Camilla as they unexpectedly find that their path to redemption lies in the other……

Rating:
Source: I purchased from Big W
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Bookworld | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: This series is BRILLIANT and perfect for those who love zombies, hunting and romance
Cover: Very pretty and perfect with the others in the series.
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Yes! I'm going to jump straight into the next one!

Thursday, November 19, 2015

Cover Reveal: Downfall by S.D. Wasley

I'm honored to be helping Amazon bestselling author S.D. Wasley reveal the cover for her first NA novel, set for release on January 7th 2016! Perfect for lovers of Lauren Kate's Fallen and the Richelle Mead's Bloodlines series, Downfall will kick of The Incorruptibles series!

Frankie’s cousin wants her to do three things this year:
1. Lose her inhibitions
2. Do something spectacularly stupid
3. Fall madly in love

Travelling was Frankie’s life. As the daughter of a big-name evangelist, she’s been able to feed her hunger for new sights throughout most of her teenage years. Then a hushed-up scandal gets her thrown off the tour circuit and stuck at her uncle’s house in the town of Augur’s Well.

Forced to repeat her failed senior year, it looks like a dismal existence for Frankie—until she’s invited to the bizarre meeting place of four mismatched people ... and falls hard for the fascinating, secretive Cain Aleister.

Furtive meetings in an underground chamber ... Latin words carved into a stone wall ... intense desire ... and a secret so elusive she’ll do almost anything to bust it open. Until now, Frankie never believed in grand passions—but that’s not the only one of her beliefs about to implode right before her eyes.

Looks like Frankie’s going to score three for three.


S.D. Wasley was born and raised in Perth, Western Australia.

She has been composing literary works since before she could write – at five years of age she announced her first poem in the kitchen, improv-style. Today, she lives in the Swan Valley wine region with her two daughters, surrounded by dogs, cats and chickens.

S.D. Wasley writes crossover and young adult fiction in the genres of mystery, paranormal and urban fantasy, as well as literary fiction. Recent published work has appeared in Vine Leaves Literary Journal, and her flash fiction piece titled “The Search” will appear in the forthcoming Visible Ink anthology as the introductory piece.

SD Wasley’s debut novel, The Seventh, was published with Evernight Teen in January 2015 and the sequel, The Rift, is expected to be released in November 2015.

 
Visit S.D:
Having previously read S.D. Wasley's debut novel The Seventh, I for one am looking forward to checking out Downfall--it seems like a really intriguing story and I know S.D. Wasley has something awesome in store for us!

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Blog Tour: Abby and the Cute One by Erin Butler- Dream Cast & Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Abby and the Cute One by Erin Butler, the fifth and final book in the Backstage Pass series! Yesterday I posted my review for Abby and the Cute One and today I have a super fun Dream Cast from author by Erin Butler as well as a tourwide giveaway!
____________________________

He's cute. He's famous. And he could ruin everything...

Every member of Seconds to Juliet has a girlfriend-except for Nathan Strong. Now the band's manager is leaning hard on "The Cute One" to play the role of the band's heartthrob. With the band's sales in decline, it's up to Nathan to keep the fans' fantasy alive.

The plan is to stage a fake relationship and a fake breakup, and then let the fans fight to be the one to mend Nathan's broken heart. Just one problem. There's another girl in the picture-one Nathan can't stay away from. In private, Nathan's stealing kisses with the band's new opening act, Abby Curtis.

If they're caught, no one wins. Abby will be fired, and the band might not recover the success they need to survive. But even with the pressure mounting, Nathan and Abby can't stop themselves from stealing one more touch, one more kiss. And it's only a matter of time before it all falls apart.


Add on Goodreads or check out my review!

Purchase:

Abby and the Cute One Dream Cast!

I started thinking about who to cast as Nathan and Abby before I even started writing the book and I KNOW I have the perfect Nathan. The best part? He can already sing.

Does anyone recognize him? It's Nathan Sykes from a boy band called The Wanted. You might know their songs, I Found You, Chasing the Sun, Glad You Came, and Walks Like Rihanna. They even had a reality show called The Wanted Life. Before you ask, of course I watched the show! I freaking loved it! Nathan is sooooo adorable, has a British accent, and some pipes, too! Check out this live performance from YouTube: https://youtu.be/iRhUoTj6YTg You can watch the whole thing OR skip to 3:00 in and watch the boy sing. A little background info (Because I will never miss an opportunity to gush about boy bands!), the reason why this performance from The Wanted was so special is because Nathan had throat surgery (Scary!), and this was his first show back.

Since The Wanted broke up, Nathan Sykes has gone solo and has a few singles out. Don't worry, my Nathan will never go solo! :) But, you should check out Nathan Sykes’ new music because he's a tremendous singer!

Okay, wow, I just fell down a Nathan Sykes YouTube black hole! Let's get to Abby before I waste the entire day!

It's Caroline from The Vampire Diaries! AKA Candice Accola. This pic of her completely embodies how I pictured Abby in my head. She's even got her hat on!! And seriously, don't they make the cutest couple??

Aren't Nathan and Abby cute together?

Erin Butler is lucky enough to have two jobs she truly loves. As a librarian, she gets to work with books all day long, and as an author, Erin uses her activ e imagination to write the kinds of books she loves to read. Young Adult and New Adult books are her favorites, but she especially fangirls over a sigh-worthy romance. She lives in Central New York with her very understanding husband, a stepson, and doggie BFF, Maxie. Preferring to spend her time indoors reading or writing, she'll only willingly go outside for chocolate and sunshine — in that order.

Visit Erin:
Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

Go back to the beginning and check out the whole series here!
 

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Book Shelf: Abby and the Cute One (Backstage Pass #5) by Erin Butler

He's cute. He's famous. And he could ruin everything...

Every member of Seconds to Juliet has a girlfriend-except for Nathan Strong. Now the band's manager is leaning hard on "The Cute One" to play the role of the band's heartthrob. With the band's sales in decline, it's up to Nathan to keep the fans' fantasy alive.

The plan is to stage a fake relationship and a fake breakup, and then let the fans fight to be the one to mend Nathan's broken heart. Just one problem. There's another girl in the picture-one Nathan can't stay away from. In private, Nathan's stealing kisses with the band's new opening act, Abby Curtis.

If they're caught, no one wins. Abby will be fired, and the band might not recover the success they need to survive. But even with the pressure mounting, Nathan and Abby can't stop themselves from stealing one more touch, one more kiss. And it's only a matter of time before it all falls apart.


More info on Goodreads......


Review:

Abby and the Cute One by Erin Butler is the fifth and final instalment in the Backstage Pass series and tells the tale of the last single Seconds to Juliet member remaining Nathan, and the singer/songwriter who steals his heart.

I must admit, I really am sad to see this series come to an end. All the novels in Backstage Pass series have been fresh, fun contemporary reads that are littered with romance, friendship and entertainment. Just downright enjoyable stories; this series is one that has been easy to get lost in, and Abby and the Cute One is no exception.

Nathan Strong is the last single man standing, having watched all his bandmates fall in love and pair off, and with that status comes great responsibility. Nathan’s manager expects him to be the eligible bachelor he is and go on a series of PR related dates to boost Seconds to Juliet’s media interest. This isn’t a problem…..until Nathan meets Abby Curtis, the hot new talent who will be opening for them on their recent tour. Sweet, genuine and honest, Abby is someone Nathan actually wants to be with, but with stolen kisses and secrets rendezvous getting harder and harder, both Abby and Nathan must decide what is most important and what they are willing to fight for; their careers or each other?

If I’m honest, Abby and the Cute One isn’t my favourite book in this series by far, but it really was a sweet, enjoyable read. I’ve loved following these boys and seeing them fall for their respective girls. Nathan just rounded out a great bunch in lovely, sweet fashion.

Nathan and Abby were really down to earth characters, even though he is technically an internationally renowned music sensation. They had an endearing chemistry and the fact they shared a passion and love of music saw them bond and connect really quickly.

Obviously there is some drama and a lot of teen angst in this novel, but it’s hard to do anything but follow Nathan and Abby along for the ride and enjoy everything that Erin Butler has written.

Cute, fun and very sweet, Abby and the Cute One is an enjoyable conclusion to what has been a very enjoyable series. I’m sorry to see my time with the Seconds to Juliet boys come to an end, but I highly recommend anyone who hasn’t read the series yet to do soyou won’t be sorry!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Entangled Publishing (Thanks!)
Format: Kindle ebook via Netgalley
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
My Recommendation: A very fun contemporary read!
Cover: It's very fresh and fun
Will I read sequel/continue with series: This is the last book in this series, but boy has it been good. I wouldn't hesitate to read more from any of the authors in this series!

Monday, November 16, 2015

Owl Post #76


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!
 
Hope you've all had a great week in books. I actually didn't get any myself, but I did remember a few I forgot to share last week :)
 
 For Review
From Bloomsbury:
- Madame Tussaud's Apprentice by Kathleen Benner Duble
This book isn't something I would normally think to read but it does seem to be popular and perhaps I'll try to read it in the future.
 
.....Thank you guys!
____________________________
 
From Scholastic:
- The Marvels by Brian Selznick
This book was a real surprise for me, but boy is it stunning. It's a very heavy hardback, with gold at the pages edges and is filled with really beautiful black and white pictures. It really is a beautiful book to just look at!
 
....Thank you guys!
 
 I Received:
 The lovely author Chloe Jacobs very generously sent me some beautiful bookmarks for the second book in her Mylena Chronicles, Greta and the Glass Kingdom. Aren't they beautiful! Thanks so much to Chloe!
 
And that's me. What have you received recently!
 
 

Sunday, November 15, 2015

Free Ebooks

Hello everyone and happy Sunday. Please enjoy these freebies I've recently found :)



Some fab books this week! Hope you all snagged some new ones!

Saturday, November 14, 2015

Book Shelf: Finding It (Losing It #3) by Cora Carmack

Spending a few months travelling around Europe – with no parents, no responsibilities and a no limit credit card – Kelsey’s having the time of her life.

But when she completely embarrasses herself in front of the hottest guy she’s ever seen, she soon realises there’s more to life than the next party.

What she doesn’t realise is that although she’s on a journey to find herself, she will end up finding The One...

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Finding It is the third instalment in Cora Carmack’s brilliant Losing It series and follow Kelsey Summers, best friend of Losing It protagonist, Bliss, as she jets around the globe; finally discovering her own version of happiness in this sensual and exciting story!

Personally, I’ve always found something thrilling about the idea of backpacking across Europe; meeting new people, seeing incredible sights, sleeping wherever you find somewhere to sleep and just basically living. Admittedly, I’ve never had the chance to do so myself, though I hope to in the future, but for the time being Finding It gives me the opportunity to live vicariously through Kelsey as Cora Carmack details her trip across Europe.

I have to say I enjoyed the overall adventure of this story. Though I missed the dual POV’s we had in Faking It, I found it easy to witness things unfold through Kelsey’s eyes. I would have loved to have been in Hunt’s head as well, but I was satisfied all the same. In all honesty, Finding It isn’t my favorite book in the series--that honor still belongs to Losing It, with Faking It in the number two spot, but Finding It was still a great read in its own rights.

This book can in my opinion, easily be read as a standalone, or as part of the series. You don’t need to have read the previous books to read this one, though having done so myself, I think it gave me a greater appreciation for the discoveries we made about Kelsey in this book. Finding It really allowed me to see her in a different light and realize there’s a lot more to her than the fun-loving, party girl we’ve previously known.

I like Kelsey; I do. She feisty, witty and full of life, but she’s also very damaged. Something that really only becomes evident in Finding It as Kelsey fights to loose herself in drinking, partying and men. She’s travelling the globe on the journey of a lifetime, but it’s also very clear from the beginning of this book that Kelsey is running. Running from her painful past and even her present.

I enjoyed the way Cora Carmack wrote Kelsey. It’s very easy to see her as real—I’ve known people who experienced life the way she did and who chose to get lost in the meaningless experiences as she did, but that being said, seeing Kelsey be swept off her feet so intimately and begin to trust and let someone in as she did Hunt was very sweet. With her vulnerabilities on display, and the truth about her childhood revealed, Carmack details Kelsey’s journey to trust and love perfectly amidst the adventure she is on.

And the source of Kelsey’s salvation lies in her form of Jackson Hunt; a tough ex-military man who proves to be unexpectedly adventurous and incredibly sweet as he joins Kelsey on her trip across Europe. This handsome and protective new companion of Kelsey’s is quite the mysterious, but alluring stranger, who quickly becomes a friend and then more to Kelsey. I seriously adored Jackson! He was appealing from the very beginning, but every time he would do another sweet or kind thing for Kelsey, I fell for him a little bit harder. I will be honest; Jackson’s secrets were something I had a feeling about from the beginning. It wasn’t something I hadn’t seen before, or been not expecting, but I still enjoyed the repercussions it had on his and Kelsey’s sweet, sexy and sensual relationship.

Sensual, addictive and intense, Finding It is another great story by Cora Carmack. With sexy characters, passionate romance and an endearing storyline, this will be sure to entertain!

Rating:
Source: Purchased by me from The Book Depository
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Bookworld | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: This is a MUST READ NA series!
Cover: Love the red, although the guy is not how I picture Hunt at all!
Will I read sequel/continue with series: This is the last full length novel in this series, but I'll read ANYTHING Cora Carmack writes!