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Hello lovelies and happy Sunday!

It's the beginning of another week and what better way to kick it off than with some free reads? Enjoy!

Did you manage to get something new?

Book Shelf: The Outliers (The Outliers #1) by Kimberly McCreight

Imagine if you could see inside the minds of everyone around you – your best friend, your boyfriend, your enemies…?
Imagine how valuable you'd be…
Imagine how much danger you'd be in…
Imagine being an Outlier.

Wylie hasn't heard from her best friend, Cassie, since their fight. That doesn't matter when she gets a text from her, asking for help. But as Cassie's messages become increasingly strange, Wylie has a growing sense that something is REALLY wrong. What isn't Cassie telling her? And could finding her be just the beginning?
 
More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

The Outliers by Kimberly McCreight is a deeply mysterious and unexpected read that will keep you guessing until the final page.

The Outliers introduces readers to Wylie Lang whose estranged best friend Cassie contacts her via text message out of the blue, mysteriously telling Wylie she is in trouble and asking Wylie to come pick her up. Alongside Cassie’s boyfriend Jasper, Wylie travels across the state in a desperate attempt to reach her friend, but when weird things begin to happen, Wylie and Jasper discover that not everything is as it seems.

I’m going to be honest, The Outliers is a really hard book for me to review; mainly because I’ve finished the story and still can’t completely wrap my head around what I’ve read. While I must say kudos to Kimberly McCreight for keeping the mystery up and keeping me guessing until the final page, The Outliers starts out slow and unfortunately keeps this pace. I feel like McCreight wanted to write something really different and really unique, but The Outliers ultimately fell flat. And yet I find myself oddly eager to read the second book.

One of the reasons I think I struggled with this book so much at times is the characters. Wylie had potential, but I felt like she made too many bad choices. Perhaps Kimberly McCreight can redeem her in future novels, but during The Outliers Wylie failed to blow me away. And don’t even get me started on Cassie—Wylie’s supposedly best friend who was a spoilt and selfish individual who didn’t care who she hurt. Jasper I did like; he wasn’t who Wylie thought him to be, although he got the raw end of the stick where his girlfriend is concerned.

I felt like The Outliers only showed us the tip of the iceberg where this plotline is concerned. So much of the story is spent with Wylie and Jasper racing to reach Cassie—we never really get to see exactly what Outliers are and what they can do. Considering I am genuinely interested in reading the sequel when Kimberly McCreight releases it, I’d like to see more focus around the basic part of the storyline.

With The Outliers heating up in the final few chapters and then ending on a bit of a cliff-hanger, I’m intrigued to see what happens next. Ultimately I don’t think this book will be for everyone, but I plan to persevere and recommend this novel for those looking for something a little different.

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher (Thank you Holly!)
Publisher: HarperCollins Australia
Format: Paperback
Australian RRP: $19.99
Release Date: May 3rd 2016
Purchase: Bookworld | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: Despite my issues with this novel, I am genuinely interested in reading the sequel to see if Kimberly McCright can redeem the series and to see what she has in store next!

Waiting on Wednesday #142

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.....  

Letters to the Lost by Brigid Kemmerer

Releases on: April 4th 2017
Add on Goodreads!

 

Juliet Young has always written letters to her mother, a world-traveling photojournalist. Even after her mother’s death, she leaves letters at her grave. It’s the only way Juliet can cope.

Declan Murphy isn’t the sort of guy you want to cross. In the midst of his court-ordered community service at the local cemetery, he’s trying to escape the demons of his past.

When Declan reads a haunting letter left beside a grave, he can't resist writing back. Soon, he’s opening up to a perfect stranger, and their connection is immediate. But neither of them knows that they're not actually strangers. When real life at school interferes with their secret life of letters, Juliet and Declan discover truths that might tear them apart. This emotional, compulsively-readable romance will sweep everyone off their feet.

 

Thoughts:
I absolutely adore Brigid Kemmerer's work and would without a doubt read anything she writes! That being said, Letters to the Lost sounds fantastic in it's own right and I'm really looking forward to reading it when it releases next year.

 

What do you think of Letters to the Lost?

And what are you waiting on this week?

 

 

Book Shelf: Pieces (Patchworks #1) by T. Aleo

In New York City, an underground society of supernatural beings exists, hidden among everyday humans. They don’t know of our activities or any of our secrets.

The districts of the Works are made up of vampires, wolves, shifters, witches, and I’m in the fifth and arguably most important district, the Patchwork. My father is the leader of our group, and he oversees all of the other factions.

As his only daughter, that makes me the princess of it all. Cool, right? Actually…no.
Sure, I live in a mansion and money isn’t an object, but that doesn’t matter because I can’t leave. I have a guard who follows me around 24/7. My father and three older brothers treat me like I’m a fragile piece of glass, never allowed to take an independent step or make any decisions on my own.
It’s beyond frustrating—especially since my father essentially runs my life.
He says what I do, when I do it, how I do it, and all that jazz. He tests his formulas and new techniques on me. I’m a walking science experiment.
I hate it.
I hate my life here.

But then he comes along: Killian.
He’s just some vampire…or so I thought.

But you’ll have to read my story to find out what I mean. To know my secrets.
Until then, though, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Rebecca von Stein.
And I’m a descendant of Dr. Frankenstein.

Welcome to the Works.

More info on Goodreads.......


Review:

Pieces by T. Aleo’s is the first book in the Patchworks series and is rich in mythology and full of different paranormal creatures. Fast paced and with plenty of twists, Pieces has left me highly eager to discover more of Aleo’s world!

Pieces introduces readers to nineteen year old Rebekah von Stein, whose father heads an underground society of supernatural creatures known as the Works. Made up of five different factions of supernatural creatures including vampires, werewolves, shifters, witches and the Patchwork who are the descendants of Dr Frankenstein, the Works are led and governed by Rebekah’s father in a very mobster-esque manner. As a member of the Patchwork clan, Rebekah is used to her father controlling her life as he attempts to make his youngest child immortal, but when a mysterious vampire named Killian makes an appearance and makes Rebekah’s heart flutter, nothing prepares her for the manner in which her father and her brothers react. Quickly realising there’s more to Killian than meets the eye, Rebekah soon finds herself having to face ugly truths and making a decision that may change her future forever. 

The moment I read the description about Pieces, I knew I had to read it. Lucky I was able to obtain an eARC from Netgalley and quickly lost myself in Rebekah’s tale. This book was really fast paced and very addictive to read. Something I loved so much about the novel was how T. Aleo focused around the mythology and descendants of Dr Frankenstein and Frankenstein’s Monster—I haven’t seen this enough in fiction and have loved seeing it explored in Pieces. 

T. Aleo weaves together a very intriguing world of supernatural creatures overseen by Rebekah’s father William. I loved the mobster-like feeling surrounding the Patchwork family. There’s still so much I’d love to learn about the witches, werewolves, shifters and vampires and can only hope that Aleo explores other aspects of the world further in future books. 

Told through the eyes of Rebekah, Pieces features a protagonist who has a very strong voice. Rebekah was capable and funny and quite eager to prove herself. T. Aleo backs Rebekah up with a great cast of characters who gave the novel some real substance, while setting up a lot of future possibilities. The whole thing felt well thought out with a lot going on in the lives of the other characters, not just Rebekah. 

Personally I was really won over by Rebekah’s brothers Oceanus and Cyrus and would love to explore them if the chance ever arose. Oceanus has been struggling with his own forbidden romance and with Pieces ending so abruptly, T. Aleo has a lot of options as to what she may focus on next. Whether the next novel follows Rebekah once more or allows another character to shine, I’m intrigued to see what happens next. 

Forward moving and well written, Pieces is a very detailed novel that ends abruptly, but leaves me never-the-less interested to see what author T. Aleo has planned for the series next!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher via Netgalley (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Toni Aleo Books LLC
Format: Kindle copy via Netgalley
Release Date: June 27th 2016
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks
Final Thoughts: A very interesting read--I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

Owl Post #96

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.  

It's that time again! Check out the fab books I receieved lately :)

  For Review:

From Harper Collins: - The Crown's Game by Evelyn Skye I've heard so many great things about this book and boy does it sound fabulous. Can't wait to find out for myself!   - The Witch's Kiss by Katharine Corr & Elizabeth Corr This book has a really great concept and I'm excited to read it. For some reason the picture has come out really strange, but the cover of this book looks fabulous in reality too.   - Queen of Hearts by Colleen Oakes Any novel Alice in Wonderland inspired has my attention straight away, but one that twists the Queen of Hearts? Gimme! Can't wait to read this one!!   ...Thank you so much Holly for your generosity!     I Bought:

- Beautiful Player by Christina Lauren - The House by Christina Lauren The Sydeny Author Event is only a few weeks away and in preparation, my last few books should be arriving. Can't wait for the event--and of course to read these beauties!   And that's me! What did the owls bring you this week?  

   

Book Shelf: Crimson Earth (Modi #2) by Anna Soliveres

Aeva Storm finally has the answers she’s been looking for since the night she was struck by lightning. She knows who she is—and more importantly, what she is. But her secret isn’t hers alone to keep, and some of those who know the truth will do anything to control her.

In the sequel to the acclaimed Violet Storm, Aeva must decide how far she’ll go to protect her identity and to find her missing sister in a world she hardly recognizes. She must embrace her new life—and her strange new body—if she hopes to save the only place she and her family have left to call home.

Filled with action, mystery, and heartbreak, Crimson Earth finds Aeva, Ruven, and Karth on opposing sides as the war between The False Alliance and the Monarchy draws near.

Can they band together to fight against the evil threatening the City? Or will they destroy each other before the war has even begun?

More info on Goodreads......


Review:

Crimson Earth is the second novel in Anna Soliveres Modi series and is a deliciously fast paced and exciting sequel that wonderfully supports its predecessor and continues to shape an intriguing, exhilarating and well developed series.

Having finally discovered the truth about what happened to her and why she was modified, Aeva Storm is back, and continuing to masquerade as Queen Violet in an attempt to protect and lead her people until the real Violet is found and can resume the throne. As unease and unrest continues to grow in the City of Light, Aeva and her confidants continue their fight against the False Alliance, headed by a man willing to do anything and everything in his quest for power, including modifying and killing innocent children. Supported by a select group of people who know the truth, including Ruven and Karth, Aeva continues to search for her sister, even as more danger looms for the Monarchy and the only way to defend their land may be to lead the people to war……

I have to say, I very much enjoy this series. Anna Soliveres shapes her world really well and details a very fast paced and exciting storyline that appears well developed and structured. The world within this series is harsh and brutal and delightfully intriguing. I never know what’s going to happen next and Soliveres well and truly keeps me on my toes with her steady revelations and developments.

Aeva continues to be a great heroine to follow and I love her strength, tenacity and capability. Aeva has a lot of insecurities and has so many responsibilities resting on her shoulders, but she really is a great individual to follow. Flaws, insecurities and all, Aeva has been written as a character who is easy to like and who fights for those she loves.

Set alongside a sci-fi/dystopian backdrop Crimson Earth continues to explore an interesting dystopian world where individuals can have their faces, bodies and abilities modified. No one is as they seem with Soliveres introducing and cementing a number of fantastic characters into the series; most notably Karth and Ruven. Personally the romantic in me hopes Aeva and Ruven work out the trials of their friendship/relationship, and I wouldn't be against Karth finding his own romance…..perhaps with a young woman who we finally find in this novel (*wink* *wink*).

Crimson Earth is as fast paced, and possibly even more exciting than the first novel. Anna Soliveres does a fantastic job following up on her debut novel and expands even further on the world, characters and storyline within this series. Weaving together plenty of action, friendship and romance into the story, I highly recommended this series for those who love dystopian reads.

Crimson Earth ends wonderfully—finishing one chapter and beginning the next thrilling one, and leaves me eager to get my hands upon the third novel Indigo Sky as soon as it’s released!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by the author (Thank you Anna!)
Publisher: Independently published
Format: Kindle copy
Release Date: December 10th 2015
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Final Thoughts: An excellent sequel--I can't wait for the next book!

Australian Blog Tour: When Michael Met Mina by Randa Abdel-Fattah- Excerpt

I'm extremely excited to welcome the Australian Blog Tour for When Michael Met Mina by Randa Abdel-Fattah to The Rest Is Still Unwritten! Thanks to Pan Macmillan Australia I had the pleasure of reading and reviewing When Michael Met Mina and loved it.

Today I have an excerpt from the start of the book to share, but be sure to check out my 5 star review from yesterday if you missed it!

______________________________

Before Mina, my life was like a completed jigsaw puzzle but Mina has pushed the puzzle onto the floor. I have to start all over again, figuring out where the pieces go.When Michael meets Mina, they are at a rally for refugees - standing on opposite sides.

Mina fled Afghanistan with her mother via a refugee camp, a leaky boat and a detention centre.

Michael's parents have founded a new political party called Aussie Values.

They want to stop the boats.
Mina wants to stop the hate.

When Mina wins a scholarship to Michael's private school, their lives crash together blindingly.

A novel for anyone who wants to fight for love, and against injustice.

Add on Goodreads or check out my 5 star review!

Purchase:

Bookworld | The Nile | Amazon

 

Michael

I know two things for a fact.
My parents are good people.
And ever since I can remember, they’ve  been angry about almost everything.

I scan the area and see my dad, draped in the Australian flag, talking to Li Chee, who’s wearing a flag top hat and holding up a Turn Back the Boats banner. I negotiate my way through the crowd of people and flags on our side, ignoring the boos and taunts coming from the counter protest.

‘Hey, Michael!’ Dad pats me on the back. His forehead is glistening with sweat. ‘Really happy you made it.’

‘It could be your big moment. I don’t want to miss it.’

‘Appreciate  it, mate.’  He takes a deep breath,  wipes his forehead with the back of his hand and looks around nervously. ‘Geez, it’s hot under this. What do you think? Reckon the media will come?’

It’s hard to tell. The numbers on our side of the protest are growing but they’re still small compared to the other mob. It’s also hot. Really hot. One of those days where the heat is so oppressive you feel like meat being chargrilled on a hotplate. But then Kahn and Andrew arrive, and Dad’s mood lifts.

Kahn’s  carrying a spade in one hand  and a sign in the other: Start Calling a Spade–a Spade: Islam = Terror. Andrew’s  dressed as a Spartan guard, carrying a shield and sign that says: Democracy Started In Greece: Protect Our Democracy.

Dad’s thrilled. Personally, he’s not one for stunts, but he has an instinct for what will grab the media’s attention. If somebody else is willing to wear spandex for the cause, he’s not going to say no.

Andrew asks me to take photos so he can tweet them to news outlets. Kahn, Andrew and some of the others pose for the shots, and then Andrew works his social media magic.

Dad and  I are taking a selfie to send to Mum  and Nathan, who are in Melbourne for an air show, when a guy with a grotesquely muscled body bulldozes his way through our crowd and steps up close to us. He’s carrying a couple of signs in one hand,  snapping photos  of the crowd with his smartphone with the other. I haven’t seen him before. He’s not so much steroid-pumped  nightclub bouncer as ex-commando-who-visits-war-zones-in-his- spare-time kind of guy.

‘Hey, Alan,’ he says sternly, nodding at Dad.

The testosterone force field around this guy is so strong I feel like I might grow a full-length beard just taking in his vibes.

‘G’day, John,’ Dad says. ‘Thanks for coming, mate.’

‘Wouldn’t  miss it,’  he barks, then  snaps a photo  of
Dad for his Facebook page. John looks me up and down.

‘Where’s your sign?’ He doesn’t give me a chance to reply but instead hands me one of his (No to Sharia Law), raises his eyebrow (there’s  only one) and looks grimly at the opposing crowd.

‘Fucking bleeding-heart terrorist-loving freedom- hating traitors.’

‘Does that come in a bumper sticker?’ Dad asks with a laugh. He discreetly nudges my foot with his shoe and I struggle not to laugh.

‘It’s  not a joke,’  John says gruffly. ‘You  should know that, Alan.’

‘I know, mate,’ Dad says good-naturedly, patting him on the back. ‘I’m just pulling your leg.’

‘They should shut the hell up and respect the fact they have free speech in this country.’

‘No  one’s  saying they  shouldn’t  protest,’  Dad  says. ‘That’s  the beauty of this great country  of ours, John. That they can be here, same as we can. The irony is that they don’t appreciate that we’re fighting to make sure this democracy of ours doesn’t change.’

John flashes a look of contempt at the mob of counter protesters. They’ve  escalated the shouts of abuse. John walks off to join some of the more vocal ones on our side and starts chanting at the top of his lungs.

I give Dad a look. ‘He’s a bit . . . deranged?’

‘Nah. He just looks tougher than he is. He’s Andrew’s good mate.’
Suddenly Dad’s face breaks out into a grin. ‘Michael! Look!’

I glance in the direction he’s motioning and, noticing a reporter and cameraman, smile.

‘Your mum’s press release must have worked.’ He runs his fingers through  his thinning  hair and readjusts the flag. ‘How do I look?’

‘Like the leader of a new political organisation,’ I say proudly. ‘Who’s sweltering under that thing. Don’t forget it’s all about the sound bites. Aussie Values aims to represent the silent majority blah blah. The kind of thing you and Mum were practising last night.’

‘We have about fifty members,’ Dad says with a grin.

‘In a population  of twenty-three million, I wouldn’t say that really constitutes a majority.’ He leans in close to me and winks conspiratorially. ‘But  nobody needs to know that, hey, mate?’

The chants of the other protestors are getting louder. Rick, from our side, starts up a chant in reply. Game on. The atmosphere is electric, and people are fired up on both sides. I can see Dad across the crowd, a camera in his face as he talks to a journalist. He glances at me and I grin.

And then I see her.

Her eyes. I’ve never seen eyes like hers before. What colour are they? Hazel and green and flecks of autumn and bits of emerald and I’m standing holding my sign and  there  she is, standing  steps away, near  the  cop, holding hers (It’s Not Illegal to Seek Asylum), and all I can think about is how the hell I’m  going to take my eyes off her.

Her hair is jet black, hanging loose down her back, and I think hair that gorgeous has no business being on someone like her. She’s wearing jeans and a plain white T-shirt. She’s the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen and it stupidly, inexplicably, throws me.

There’s a girl standing next to her, shouting at the top of her lungs, waving her sign in the air with all the energy of a kid flying her first kite. She elbows the beauty, prompting her to laugh and raise her sign higher.

On my side I can hear people’s chants rising: ‘Stop the Boats!’ ‘No to Queue Jumpers!’ ‘Islam is Fascism!’ But my voice isn’t working.

Suddenly John’s beside me. He nudges me in the side and scoffs, ‘Those soft cocks are a disgrace, aren’t they?’

I manage a grunt. John grimaces and motions to my sign, which I’ve inadvertently lowered. I quickly hold it up, smile meekly at him and wonder what the girl’s name is.

****
‘So it was a success?’ I ask Dad on our way home.

Dad smacks the steering wheel with both hands and lets out a cheer. ‘Michael, it was brilliant! I’ll be on the news tonight – well maybe, they said they couldn’t  guarantee, and only for half a minute, but it’s still something . . .’

‘It would help your organisation out if it runs. Did you tell Mum?’

‘She couldn’t talk. She texted though.’

‘They having fun?’

Dad chuckles. ‘You kidding? They’ve sent about fifty photos already. Nathan’s in heaven.’

He turns to face me as we stop at a traffic light. ‘Hungry?’

‘Ravenous.’

‘Joe’s shop at the Village closes tomorrow. You up for some fish and chips? A Chiko Roll?’

‘Sounds good.’

He changes lanes, makes the amber light and turns left.

‘Could be the last Chiko Roll this area ever sees, Michael. The way the place is going, some trendy café will open serving free-range organic duck on a bed of foraged mushrooms.’

I chuckle. ‘Dad. Wow. That was kind of meme-worthy. I’m impressed.’

‘Your  mum  and I were over at Joe’s  the other night. Twenty years he’s been there, Michael. Poor guy’s taking it badly.’

‘Where’s he going to go?’

‘Go? That’s it, Michael. He has to retire now. People like Joe don’t start over. He’s priced out of the area now. He’ll take his fibre glass shark that’s been up on that wall since the seventies, hang it in his lounge room at home and get a subscription to Netflix.’

We turn into the car park behind the local shops and Dad parks the car. He turns off the ignition, faces me and looks me in the eye. ‘That’s why we’re fighting, Michael. For people like Joe.’

‘Let’s go get our last Chiko Roll then.’

‘For Joe,’ Dad says.

 

Randa Abdel-Fattah was born in Sydney in 1979. She is a Muslim of Palestinian and Egyptian heritage. She grew up in Melbourne and attended a Catholic primary school and Islamic secondary college. Randa has worked as a lawyer, human rights advocate and community volunteer with different human rights and migrant and refugee resource organisations. Randa has used her opinion editorials in newspapers and TV and radio media appearances as a medium for expressing her views about racism, multiculturalism, human rights, the occupation of Palestine and asylum seekers.

She is a regular guest at schools around Australia addressing students about her books and the social justice issues they raise. Randa has also been a guest at international writer's festivals. She recently completed her PhD in the Department of Sociology at Macquarie University, researching Islamophobia, racism and everyday multiculturalism in Australia. Randa lives in Sydney with her husband and three children. She has just released her latest novel, When Michael Met Mina, which was inspired by her PhD fieldwork examining issues of race in Australia.

Visit Randa:

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

 

Be sure to check out the rest of the tour!

 

A fabulous thought provoking and relevant novel, I highly recommend When Michael Met Mina!

Book Shelf: When Michael Met Mina by Randa Abdel-Fattah

Before Mina, my life was like a completed jigsaw puzzle but Mina has pushed the puzzle onto the floor. I have to start all over again, figuring out where the pieces go.

When Michael meets Mina, they are at a rally for refugees - standing on opposite sides.

Mina fled Afghanistan with her mother via a refugee camp, a leaky boat and a detention centre.

Michael's parents have founded a new political party called Aussie Values.

They want to stop the boats.
Mina wants to stop the hate.

When Mina wins a scholarship to Michael's private school, their lives crash together blindingly.

A novel for anyone who wants to fight for love, and against injustice.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

When Michael Met Mina by Randa Abdel-Fattah is a wonderfully written and deeply thought provoking tale. Featuring a strong social and political message prominent in today’s Australian culture, When Michael Met Mina is an entrancing tale that is guaranteed to make you think…..

Michael's dad is the leader of a small but rising political group called Aussie Values who are vocal with their stance against asylum seekers. Mina and her mother are refugees who fled war torn Afghanistan by boat for a safer life in Australia and who have built a new life for themselves during their ten years in Australia. When a move for Mina’s schooling sees Michael and Mina meet, both quickly learn that they’re on opposite sides of the divide. Yet neither can deny there’s something about the other that makes their heart flutter and soon these two teens being to discover something stronger than hate…..love.

Told through the alternating POV’s of our two teenage protagonists, one on each side of the social and cultural divide, When Michel Met Mina explores the controversial topic of refugees and asylum seekers within Australian in a fun and fictional way that is brimming with honesty and hard truth. 

I was really impressed with When Michael Met Mina. At the end of the day it is a work of fiction and Randa Abdel-Fattah does a fantastic job of making When Michael Met Mina highly entertaining, but still manages to focus on an important topic. I enjoyed seeing the typical drama that come with being a teenager (boys, friends, school) mixed amongst a story that explored such a heard hitting issue—hormones and issues of hate mingled to create a vivid, diverse and engaging read.
 
When Michael Met Mina is a really hard book to review without delving too much into the political aspect of the issue. My own personal beliefs are a mix of both Michael and Mina’s thoughts so in that respect Abdel-Fattah hit the nail on the head for me. Both Michael and Mina were wonderful characters to follows and wonderfully complimented each other. 

Abdel-Fattah writes the perfect amount of culture and diversity into When Michael Met Mina and highlights the plight of the refugees whilst managing to convey the other side of the story. When Mina Met Michael is a really enjoyable YA contemporary read but it’s also a book that makes you think. A great combination. 

My only issue with this book was the ending; I felt like it came too soon, and I still have so many questions. Perhaps it was because I had become so invested in Michael and Mina’s lives and their fight that I wasn’t ready to leave them. I still find myself wondering how Michael and Mina will handle the next step in their relationship and how his parents react to him dating a Muslim. How is Baba doing with the restaurant? Has Jane moved on from Terrence? How is Mina’s mum and Baba handling their little bundle of joy, Nabil?

Excellently written with tangible characters and an important message, When Michael Met Mina is wonderful work of Australian fiction and something I highly recommend! 

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia
Format: Paperback
Australian RRP: $18.99
Release Date: June 28th 2016
Purchase: Bookworld | The Nile | Amazon
Final Thoughts: A wonderful contemporary read with a powerful and thoughtful message. I highly recommend.

Waiting on Wednesday #141

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.....

 

Hunted by Meagan Spooner

Releases on: March 14th 2017

Add on Goodreads!

 

Beauty knows the Beast’s forest in her bones—and in her blood. Though she grew up with the city’s highest aristocrats, far from her father’s old lodge, she knows that the forest holds secrets and that her father is the only hunter who’s ever come close to discovering them.

So when her father loses his fortune and moves Yeva and her sisters back to the outskirts of town, Yeva is secretly relieved. Out in the wilderness, there’s no pressure to make idle chatter with vapid baronessas…or to submit to marrying a wealthy gentleman. But Yeva’s father’s misfortune may have cost him his mind, and when he goes missing in the woods, Yeva sets her sights on one prey: the creature he’d been obsessively tracking just before his disappearance.

Deaf to her sisters’ protests, Yeva hunts this strange Beast back into his own territory—a cursed valley, a ruined castle, and a world of creatures that Yeva’s only heard about in fairy tales. A world that can bring her ruin or salvation. Who will survive: the Beauty, or the Beast?

 

Thoughts:

I'm a real fan of Meagan Spooner's work, be it her Skylark or Starbound trilogies, so the moment I heard she had a new book coming out I was stoked. And that was before I learnt it was a fairytale retelling, something I simply adore. AND it's focused around Beauty and the Beast *dies* I'm super excited about Hunted. It looks fabulous and I'm counting down the days until March!

 

What do you think of Hunted? Is it something you'd like to read?

And what are YOU waiting on this week?

 

 

Book Shelf: One Last Kiss (It's in His Kiss) by Ally Broadfield

London, 1812

Captain Mikhail Abromovich would rather single-handedly face the entire French army than follow orders to deceive Anna, the woman of his heart, by feigning a courtship to hide his covert activities.

Ever since a gossip sheet revealed the details of her extensive dowry, Princess Anna Tarasova has been overrun by fortune-hunting lords. When her childhood sweetheart mysteriously appears in London and asks to court her, it seems too good to be true.

For Mikhail, who is both soldier and spy, being chosen to represent Russia in secret negotiations with Britain should be the assignment of a lifetime. But once his deception is revealed, he’s certain Anna won’t believe his love is real.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

One Last Kiss is the second novel in Ally Broadfield’s It’s In His Kiss series and is a deeply enjoyable historical romance featuring a wonderful love story, plenty of chemistry and delectable characters. 

Set in London in 1812, One Last Kiss introduces readers to Princess Anna Tarasova and Captain Mikhail Abromovich and detailing their vivid romance. The cousin of the Russian Tsar, Princess Anna Tarasova has been living in England with some relatives as the possibility of France invading Russia escalates every day. Thanks to her heritage and her family’s wealth, Anna is a highly eligible marriage prospect, something that brings suitor after suitor to try and win her heart. Yet, Anna has only ever loved one man; the childhood friend she still yeans for; the childhood friend who has just reappeared in her life…. 

Captain Mikhail Abromovich has been sent to England to secure an alliance between Britain and Russia on a mission that must remain the securest of secrets. In order to keep up appearances, Misha must court Anna. Considering he has been in love with her for years, spending time with Anna is no hardship but when his deceptions are revealed will Misha loose the woman who owns his heart?

I’ve never been the biggest historical romance fan, but when Ally Broadfield is involved all bets are off! There hasn’t been a novel of hers that I haven’t whole heartedly adored and One Last Kiss is no exception! Well written and paced, One Last Kiss unfolds through the eyes of both main characters and details a really lovely romance. Broadfield depicts a vivid and richly historical 1800’s England that feels authentic and easily draws you back in time to opulent parties and lush balls. 

I enjoyed following Anna and Misha as characters. Anna was poised and sweet and very kind but also had spunk. She was the type of girl you couldn’t help but like and Mischa was definitely a swoon worthy Russian solider. I loved that he had built himself up for her and that he never stopped caring about her. 

Anna and Misha’s romance was very endearing and so very sweet. Set in the 1812 as the novel is, I appreciated the sexual tension and fire Ally Broadfield wrote into their relationship and love that they were childhood friends. It added an extra layer and added depth to their romance. 

One Last Kiss is filled with fantastic characters and I loved being able to see Charlotte and Sebastian again. They’re as fabulous as ever and still so perfect together. I’m really excited to see who Ally Broadfield focuses on next; personally I really liked Anna’s sister Natalya and Charlotte’s cousin Amelia—they’d make fantastic leading ladies. I’m also intrigued by Lord Ashton; he was charming and kind and I wonder if maybe he might get a HEA down the track too!

Charming and endearing, One Last Kiss is a delectable historical read and I’m thoroughly looking forward to reading whatever Ally Broadfield releases next!

Rating:
Source: Received from publisher via Netgalley (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Format: Kinde ebook via Netgalley
Release Date: May 30th 2016
Purchase: The Book Depository | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Final Thoughts: A brilliant historical romance!

Owl Post #95

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 lovelies and welcome to another Owl Post! I only have one book to share this week, but I'm really looking forward to reading this one!

  I Bought:

 - Hooker by J.L. Perry Having read and enjoyed J.L Perry's Bastard, I'm looking forward to reading Hooker. I've heard it's a really emotional read so I'll have to be prepared before I dive into it!   And that's me this week! What did the owls bring you?  

 

Book Shelf: The Best Goodbye (Rosemary Beach #12) by Abbi Glines

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Abbi Glines comes the next sizzling novel in the Rosemary Beach series, featuring well-known playboy and Blaire’s half brother, Captain.

The look on Rose’s face had screamed that she was hiding something. Hell, she’d practically run away from me. There was something to that. I knew there was...

After ten years in the employ of a mysterious crime boss, River “Captain” Kipling is ready to leave his sordid past—and his cover occupation as an upscale restaurateur—behind him. The only thing standing in the way of his “retirement” is his commitment to launch a new restaurant in the resort town of Rosemary Beach. With his sister, Blaire, nearby, Captain can delay his dream of running a humble bar on the waterfront, but the unwanted attentions of his head server, Elle, have him itching to get out.

Until he notices Rose Henderson, the new server at the restaurant. All he knows about the pretty redhead with the cute glasses is that she’s a hardworking single mom from Oklahoma. But there’s something overly familiar about her laugh...something strange about the way she looks at Captain...

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

The Best Goodbye is the twelfth novel in Abbi Glines Rosemeary Beach series and is another delicious and sexy NA read that follows Blaire’s half-brother Captain and the woman who has always owned his heart!

Having been employed by a major crime boss for the majority of his adult life, River “Captain” Kipling is preparing to leave the past behind him and start fresh. Until a woman comes into his life who reminds him of the lost love that haunts him; the person he has grieved and mourned for a decade and who he’s never stopped loving. Rose Henderson isn’t who she appears, and the new server at Captain’s restaurant is someone who unbeknownst to Captain has searched for years to find the boy—now man—she was forced to leave as a teenager. Determined to discover if Captain is even remotely like the boy she once knew, Rose disguises herself and sets out to discover if she can allow Captain into the life of the most important thing in her world. But as Captain discovers just who Rose really is, dangers from his past rear their ugly head and soon he must make a dangerous play if he ever hopes to protect the most important part of his world…..

Ever since we met Captain in Mase and Reese’s story, I’ve been really excited to read his tale and I really don’t think Abbi Glines disappoints. The Best Goodbye is a solid and entertaining novel that is sweet and endearing and features a lovely romance. Weaving past with present, Glines allows readers into the heart and mind of Captain and allows us to get to know the woman he has always adored.

Captain and Rose were wonderful characters and I deeply enjoyed their relationship. I loved Captain’s dedication to the girl he had always loved and loved seeing Abbi Glines delve into the past. Their childhood romance was extremely sweet. In The Best Goodbye, the present romance wasn’t a romance the way many of the other couples was—it was more a tale of Rose allowing Captain back into her life and into the life of her daughter. I personally thought it was very sweet and nicely done.

I don’t want to give away too many spoilers but I liked that Rose had ties to Captain’s past and thought Abbi Glines wrote their story well. If I’m completely honest, I would have liked The Best Goodbye to have been a bit longer or maybe even split into two novels. Unlike some of the past double books that I didn’t think were necessary, Captain and Rose really would have benefited by having a lengthier story. There was so much to be explored; Captain’s past with Rose, his life as a professional killer and Rose’s daughter. Glines could have written so much more. I loved what I read, but I would have loved even more too. 

The Best Goodbye is another rich Rosemary Beach novel that is sure to please fans. With the next novel set to be the last, I can’t even begin to describe how excited I am to read Nan’s long awaited story. I have no doubt it’ll be brilliant!    

Rating:
Source: I purchased from The Book Depository
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Format: Paperback
Release Date: December 2015
Purchase: Bookworld | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: Another brilliant Rosemary Beach novel--can't wait to read the next and final novel!

Blog Tour: The V Girl: Second Edition by Mya Robarts- Excerpt & Giveaway

 

I'm proud to be taking part in the Blog Tour for The V Girl: Second Edition by Mya Robarts thanks to Xpresso Book Tours today. I had the pleasure and privilege of reading and reviewing The V Girl back in its original format and I'm so proud of how far Mya Robarts has come. She's done a brilliant job with The V Girl!

_____________________________________

 

In post-apocalyptic North America, sexual slavery is legal. Lila Velez desperately wants to lose her virginity before the troops visit her town and take it away by force. She makes plans to seduce her only friend. 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 for love.

Lila’s coping mechanism to cope with her mother’s loss is her secret. A secret that will bring her closer to Aleksey Fürst, a foreign, broody man who she distrusts because of his links to the troops and his rough, yet irresistible appearance. He offers Lila an alternative to her plans, a possibility that terrifies her…and tempts her in spite of herself.

With threats looming at every turn and no way to escape, Lila fears that falling in love will only lead to more heartache. The consequences of laying down her arms for Aleksey and welcoming hope might destroy more than her heart. They might force her to face the worst of her nightmares becoming a reality. Is love possible in a world that has forgotten what the human touch is?

 

Add on Goodreads or check out my 5 star review!

 

Purchase:

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Kobo

 

From The V Girl.....

He lays me on the bed softly, checks my blood pressure and temperature, and returns to his seat. He plays a fast and furious melody, his eyes closed, completely engrossed in his music.

Disappointment curls through me. That’s it? The way he’s just treated me makes me feel as if, to him, I’m just a little girl.

I sit up and look at him. The way he skillfully works the strings makes me aware of the contrast between us. He’s older than I am in more than one sense. The man is not only the leader of his unit, but also well-traveled and skilled at music, medicine, and the art of seduction. I’m just a regular girl and hardly a leader. I have yet to seduce anyone, or even leave my hometown. For me, attending medical or music school is only a dream. In short, he has lived his life. Whether he has led a good life or a bad life, at least he has lived. My life is based on survival, which means I have yet to live at all.

But I want to.

Aleksey has offered to teach me the basics of sexuality, but at the moment, he’s ignoring me completely. I am stirred by a yearning to make him pay attention.

I rush toward the door. I don’t take two strides before my back slams against a hard surface. His palms are pressed against the wall, and my head is enclosed between them. Aleksey kneels on one knee. We’re face to face now.

“Lila.”

The hoarse sound of Aleksey’s voice makes me shudder. Nobody has ever said my name like that, with that breathy, lustful quality. I don’t want to admit that I love the way my name sounds on his lips.

I close my eyes. Please say my name again. All I want is to hear him say my name.

My mind reels, and for a moment, a black haze overcomes me. I feel that I’m about to faint. The sedatives are keeping me from thinking clearly.

I try to escape, but I find myself caged in the prison of his strong arms. Eager anticipation courses through me. Something is about to happen. I want it to happen, but insecurities riddle my mind. Am I safe with him? Will he be gentle?

“Let’s start your training.” The way his breath caresses my face sends sparks all over my body.

I’m trembling. “I … uh … parkour training?”

A half-smile appears on his face.

I realize what kind of training he’s referring to, and I shiver.

“Don’t be nervous,” he says.

Want more? Trust me you do. Grab your copy today!

Mya Robarts is a bookaholic who regrets nothing.

She spent years trying to become a contemporary dance choreographer. Eventually she realized that she enjoyed writing her stories rather than dancing to them.

Robarts is obsessed with books that present damaged characters, swoon-worthy guys, controversial topics and happy endings.

 

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