Book Shelf: Mister Romance (Masters of Love #1) by Leisa Rayven

Max Riley is the man of your dreams. Or at least he will be, for a price. 

As his alter-ego Mister Romance, Max is a drop-dead gorgeous escort who makes romantic fantasies come to life. No sex, just swoon-worthy dates to die for, and the cream of New York's socialites can't get enough. Whether they want a dominating billionaire, bad boy with a heart of gold, hot geek, sexy biker, or best friend who loves them from afar, Max can make it all happen, but he's careful to keep his real identity a secret. 

Enter investigative journalist Eden Tate. Having caught wind of the urban legend of Mister Romance from a lovestruck client, Eden is determined to publish a scathing expose on Max and his ability to swindle lonely society women out of their fortunes. 

Desperate to protect his anonymity and his clients, Max challenges Eden to give him three dates. If she doesn't fall in love with him, she can run her story with his blessing. If she succumbs to his charms, the story dies. 

Cynical Eden has no doubt she can resist his fake romance personas, but when the real Max admits he’s falling for her, she has to decide if the professional liar is telling the truth, or if the passionate man with the mysterious past is just one more character designed to con her out of her career-making story. 

More info on Goodreads...... 


Review: 

Mister Romance is Australian author Leisa Rayven's latest sensational release and is quite possibly her best book yet. Electric, passionate and endlessly addictive, Mister Romance is a perfectly written and charismatic tale that features sizzling chemistry, witty banter and luscious romance.

 Independent and resilient Eden Tate is an investigative journalist who wants to write more than puff pieces and stories about internet memes. When Eden catches wind of an escort who deals in everything but sex and is popular with New Yorks's most prominent socialites she's determined to write a tell-all article on him. Max Riley is known for his swoon-worthy, to-die for dates that bring a woman's deepest fantasy's to life. He makes a living bringing different characters to life as his alter ego Mister Romance but prides himself on keeping his true identity a secret. Until Eden begins snooping around and what starts out as a way to convince her he's not the conman she thinks he is becomes all too real. Eden doesn't want romance or a relationship but as she gets know Max in a way neither were expecting, the once cynical reporter is about to discover that finding the man of your dreams comes sometimes when you're least expecting it....

Ohmygoodness, did I love this book! I meaning I LOVED it. It was so incredibly good; catching my attention from the opening page and holding it in an iron grip until the very end. I even ended up devouring it in only one day. Leisa Rayven has written what is easily her best book yet with this fun, fresh romance that features two brilliant personalities and a romance that is just delectable.

Perfectly written with plenty of witty banter and wonderful dialogue, Mister Romance is truly a fabulous read. There's nothing about this novel I can fault; from the dynamic between the two main characters, to the plot development and even the beautiful underlying lesson within the story. Mister Romance is just a standout read.

Leisa Rayven tells the story through Eden's eyes and it quickly becomes clear that while Eden is a strong, capable woman she doesn't have much faith in love, something her love interest and the object of both her professional and personal desires Max has in spades. It was lovely seeing Eden develop as Max wormed his way under her skin and past her defenses.

As the male lead Max oozed sophistication and sex appeal. He's delightfully well spoken and intelligent; engaging Eden in some brilliant conversations and one liners throughout the story. Leisa Rayven writes him pleasantly understanding of woman and the intimacies of sex and relationships. His comprehension of romance and what it means brought so much to the story. It also helps that he's charming, funny and knows how to have fun too making him the perfect package.

The chemistry in this novel is just out of this world. There's a slow build up to Eden and Max's physical relationship by Leisa Rayven but boy if the electricity isn't off the charts. The banter and tension between Eden and Max sizzles from the moment they first speak and doesn't change throughout the whole story making for a lot of delectable dialogue and exchanges.

Mister Romance encompasses everything I love about a well written and sexy romance novel. Leisa Rayven is spot on with the chemistry, attraction and connection between her characters and has once again managed to capture me with such a captivating tale. Simply spectacular!

Rating:

Source: I bought during Fictionally Yours Melbourne 
Publisher: Ovation
Format: Paperback
Release Date: April 30th 2017
Purchase:  Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Final Thoughts: I'm totally in love with this novel and really keen to see what Leisa Rayven has planned next. If it's going to be part of a series and/or have a companion novel, I hope we get to see Eden's sister Asha find a HEA and will keep an eye out for the next novel stat!

Blog Tour: The Year of Four and The Blood of Kings by Nya Jade- Excerpt

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Year of Four and The Blood of Kings by Nya Jade today thanks to Dog Eared Publicity. The Year of Four and The Blood of Kings are the first two novels in Nya Jade's thrilling Phoebe Pope series and are absolutely excellent stories

_________________________________

The students of Green Lane Academy roam their halls unaware that below their manicured campus exists a prestigious school of an entirely different kind . . .

Sixteen-year-old Phoebe Pope has enrolled at the Campus Below: a spy academy for shape-shifters hidden deep beneath the grounds of a boarding school whose humans unknowingly protect it. There, thanks to a carefully planned schedule, she leads a double life: spy trainee Below and normal teenager Above.

As if two course loads, concealing a secret power she alone wields, and coping with her father’s recent death weren’t enough, Phoebe finds herself developing major feelings for actor and teen heartthrob Colten Chase, who attends the Campus Above and appears to be majoring in winning Phoebe’s heart. But when officials learn that Phoebe may be at the center of a startling prophecy, she becomes the target of shape-shifting assassins who will stop at nothing to suppress the truth.

Now Phoebe’s lessons about Shaper’s enemies and spycraft take on great importance as a menace stalks the campus, with Phoebe as its target. Meanwhile, what began as an unlikely relationship with Colten, quickly morphs into heartache when she suspects that something sinister lurks beneath this movie star’s glitter and fame. Suddenly, Phoebe’s caught in a mesh of lies, betrayals, and danger where she doesn’t know who to trust, and needs to rely on herself—and her secret power—to get to the truth and to stay alive.

Add on Goodreads or check out my 5 star review!

Purchase:

The Book Depository | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
 

The thrilling, un-put-downable sequel to The Year of Four.

According to the press, Phoebe Pope and teen movie star Colten Chase are no longer an item—which is just how the happy new couple like it. And yet there’s trouble in paradise . . .

Phoebe is haunted by dreams that show her things she can’t possibly know about—including a pact between Colten and a wanted assassin. In the daylight, she struggles to keep a newly emerging power hidden, even as her hands itch to wield it.

Meanwhile, in the wake of their escape from a Vigo crèche, Phoebe and her fellow Hyphas study under lock and key at the Campus Below. As the foursome wait to see who among them will fulfill the prophecy, someone dear to Phoebe is kidnapped by a powerful Vigo determined to use her to spy on the Shaper royalty. When the Hyphas are called to the Royal Court, Phoebe refuses to heed warnings of imminent danger for she will do whatever it takes to rescue her loved one.

But once at court, nothing is as it first appears. A sinister force controls some royals, while others whisper behind closed doors about forbidden alliances. And as Phoebe draws on her courage to complete the task set by her enemy, she makes a startling discovery—one that upends her father’s memory.

With dangerous conspiracies surfacing, Phoebe must uncover what the Royal Shapers really want from her, and decide whether there’s room for Colten in her unraveling life.

Add on Goodreads or check out my 5 star review!

Purchase: 

The Book Depository | Amazon | Barnes & Noble  

Excerpt from: 

THE YEAR OF FOUR

A PHOEBE POPE NOVEL (Book 1)

by NYA JADE 

The instant Phoebe stepped into the Great Hall, the scent of sweet spices wafted into her nostrils. She stood still, trying to absorb the scene before her. A large, two-story dome glistened at the center of the cavernous room—a glass structure embellished with several golden images of a lion’s head. Countless ornamental glass bottles ablaze with firelight formed a circle around the base of the dome, washing the room in warm light. Inside, long tables, garnished with white moon flowers, had been arranged in three rows in front of a wide stage. The festive tables were packed with hundreds of students whose backs faced Phoebe and Hayley.

Phoebe elbowed Hayley. “Amazing, huh?”

“Unreal,” Hayley gushed. “Now what?”

“Over there.” Phoebe nodded toward the only two empty seats at the last row of tables near the dome’s entrance.

Hayley charged forward, pulling Phoebe along with her.

“Don’t look,” Hayley whispered, “but we’re getting the evil eye.”

“Crap.” Phoebe cringed at the disapproving glare she got from some faculty members. Great first impression, she thought.

“Next,” a commanding male baritone bellowed, as Phoebe and Hayley settled into their seats. “I call before you Xavier Reno.”

Phoebe’s eyes followed an elaborate marble staircase, one of a pair that spiraled upward to a balcony that was situated under the dome’s ceiling and to the right side of the stage. There, a middle-aged man with a prominent aquiline nose and deep sunken eyes stood peering down at the crowd. He wore a purple toga that swathed him in silken waves. From her father’s description, Phoebe knew at once that this man must be Professor Yori, Headmaster of the Campus Below.
Phoebe turned her attention to the stage where a male student draped in an ivory toga rose from a bench. After a nervous glance at a blond, heavyset girl next to him, also in a toga, who gave an encouraging smile, the boy moved forward, tugging up fistfuls of cloth to prevent tripping as he walked. He arrived at center stage, and cautiously picked up a luminous object from a round, gilded table.

Hayley gasped, shifting in her seat for a better view. “Utaviium,” she
said, faster than Phoebe could think it. And it was. Thin and cylindrical, Utaviium was a pale blue crystal enchanted to capture and hold a single bolt of lightning. It was beautiful to look at; both of the girls sat transfixed, focused on the frenetic light within the crystal.

“Xavier, show yourself!” Professor Yori declared.

In the moment of those words’ utterance, several things happened at once. The boy’s toga slipped to the floor. He smashed the Utaviium at his feet. A massive wave of energy rippled through the dome, and for an instant, Phoebe was blinded by the intensity of its accompanying light. When her vision recovered, a giant, red falcon stood where the boy had been.

Spreading his bejeweled fingers across the balcony’s railing, Professor Yori spoke down to the majestic bird, “Son of Osiah, rise!” Phoebe watched a pair of iridescent wings unfold sleekly, wings that from tip to tip spanned the width of the stage. The falcon lifted and lowered them slowly. The students erupted with applause as he took silent flight, faltered for a moment, then shot upward to a long perch suspended from the dome’s ceiling by gold chains. All heads peered up as, beating his wings inward to steady himself, the falcon took his place on the perch next to a silver eagle and a black hawk.

Phoebe glanced to her side. She saw Hayley’s eyes ablaze with her own excitement. Never before had she seen the mind-thrilling spectacle of a first time Conversion

 

Nya Jade has enjoyed a fun career as a singer-songwriter. Her music videos have aired on the Vh1, BET and MTV networks and she’s opened for some of the biggest names in music. Nya’s music has also received recognition in major publications, including USA Today and the LA Times. She took a break from writing and performing music to write The Year of Four, her first YA novel. When she isn’t writing, Nya can be found hanging out with family and friends, reading or bargain hunting for her next pair of funky shoes. Nya lives with her family in California.

Visit Nya:

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

This series has been brilliant so far and I'm enjoying it very much. Highly recommend you check it out if you haven't already.

 

Book Shelf: The Blood of Kings (Phoebe Pope #2) by Nya Jade

The thrilling, un-put-downable sequel to The Year of Four.

According to the press, Phoebe Pope and teen movie star Colten Chase are no longer an item—which is just how the happy new couple like it. And yet there’s trouble in paradise . . .

Phoebe is haunted by dreams that show her things she can’t possibly know about—including a pact between Colten and a wanted assassin. In the daylight, she struggles to keep a newly emerging power hidden, even as her hands itch to wield it.

Meanwhile, in the wake of their escape from a Vigo crèche, Phoebe and her fellow Hyphas study under lock and key at the Campus Below. As the foursome wait to see who among them will fulfill the prophecy, someone dear to Phoebe is kidnapped by a powerful Vigo determined to use her to spy on the Shaper royalty. When the Hyphas are called to the Royal Court, Phoebe refuses to heed warnings of imminent danger for she will do whatever it takes to rescue her loved one.

But once at court, nothing is as it first appears. A sinister force controls some royals, while others whisper behind closed doors about forbidden alliances. And as Phoebe draws on her courage to complete the task set by her enemy, she makes a startling discovery—one that upends her father’s memory.
With dangerous conspiracies surfacing, Phoebe must uncover what the Royal Shapers really want from her, and decide whether there’s room for Colten in her unraveling life. 

More info on Goodreads.......


Review: 

The Blood of Kings is the second novel in Nya Jade’s Phoebe Pope series and is a thrilling sequel that once again draws readers into an exhilarating tale of paranormal, danger and excitement.

After the events of the first novel, Phoebe Pope continues to study and train at the Campus Below while trying to keep a normal profile at the Campus Above. Phoebe and her boyfriend Hollywood heartthrob Colten Chase are now believed to be broken up by the paparazzi and press, allowing the loved up couple to keep their relationship to themselves as well as continue to keep their secrets hidden between them and no one else. Then Phoebe finds herself once more then victim of a Vigos attack and soon she and her fellow Hyphas are invited to the Royal Court to mix amongst Shaper royalty and meet the reigning Monarch. Yet no one is who they seem, and there are sinister forces lurking at court with political alliances changing and the Hypha’s abilities only becoming stronger every day.

As this second novel comes to an ending with a startling development, I have to say how much I’m coming to love this series! I literally read the first two books one after another and think things are only getting better with the turn of every page. Author Nya Jade has created an alluring world and sets the series with a fantastic tone that is addictive and excitement. There’s a lot going on and I’m loving following Phoebe and the other characters as they discover who they are and what they can do.

I will be honest; I do see some similarities between Richelle Mead’s Vampire Academy and this series—the four elements with a special and almost unheard of fifth element, the royal aspect of the Shaper race as well as that of the Royal Court—but I find that Nya Jade also adds a lot of unique and different elements to the series that give it its own personality and flair. I love the idea of Ghosting and using bees as a means of communication and of course all the twists and turns I don’t think I ever see coming.

I’ve come to learn after two books that motivations aren’t always what they seem and friends aren’t always friends. People are manipulated and secrets kept with lives in danger and not everyone guaranteed to survive. I love Phoebe and Colten and their friends and am shocked by some of the intense developments and moments within The Blood of Kings. They were spectacular!

This series has been shaping up incredibly and just gets better with every instalment so far. I’m very invested in Phoebe’s journey and cannot wait to see what Nya Jade has in store for her next. The ending of The Blood of Kings was thrilling and opens up so many more possibilities I’m dying to discover!

Rating:

Source: Sent for review by Dog Eared Publicity and the author (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Dreamwell Publishing
Format: Kindle ebook
Release Date: April 14th 2017
Purchase: The Book Depository | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Final Thoughts: This sequel was as easily as good as, if not better than it's predecessor and I can't wait until Nya Jade releases the next novel in the series!

Waiting on Wednesday #195

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.....  

Dark of the West by Joanna Hathaway 

Releases on: May 8th 2018

Add on Goodreads!

 
He was raised in revolution. She was raised in a palace. Can their love stop a war? Code Name Verity meets The Winner's Curse in Joanna Hathaway's Dark of the West, a breathtaking YA fantasy debut.

Aurelia Isendare is a princess of a small kingdom in the North, raised in privilege but shielded from politics as her brother prepares to step up to the throne. Halfway around the world, Athan Dakar, the youngest son of a ruthless general, is a fighter pilot longing for a life away from the front lines. When Athan’s mother is shot and killed, his father is convinced it’s the work of his old rival, the Queen of Etania—Aurelia’s mother. Determined to avenge his wife’s murder, he devises a plot to overthrow the Queen, a plot which sends Athan undercover to Etania to gain intel from her children.

Athan’s mission becomes complicated when he finds himself falling for the girl he’s been tasked with spying upon. Aurelia feels the same attraction, all the while desperately seeking to stop the war threatening to break between the Southern territory and the old Northern kingdoms that control it—a war in which Athan’s father is determined to play a role. As diplomatic ties manage to just barely hold, the two teens struggle to remain loyal to their families and each other as they learn that war is not as black and white as they’ve been raised to believe.

Thoughts:
I. Am. In. Love.....seriously, all I had to hear was The Winner's Curse and I'm already sold on this novel. Everything from the cover to the description has me entranced to read this novel. It sounds like just the kind of fantasy novels I adore and I can't wait to read it as soon as it comes out.

What do you think of Dark of the West? Is it something you wish to read?

And what are you waiting on this week?

Book Shelf: The Year of Four (Phoebe Pope #1) by Nya Jade

The students of Green Lane Academy roam their halls unaware that below their manicured campus exists a prestigious school of an entirely different kind . . .

Sixteen-year-old Phoebe Pope has enrolled at the Campus Below: a spy academy for shape-shifters hidden deep beneath the grounds of a boarding school whose humans unknowingly protect it. There, thanks to a carefully planned schedule, she leads a double life: spy trainee Below and normal teenager Above.

As if two course loads, concealing a secret power she alone wields, and coping with her father’s recent death weren’t enough, Phoebe finds herself developing major feelings for actor and teen heartthrob Colten Chase, who attends the Campus Above and appears to be majoring in winning Phoebe’s heart. But when officials learn that Phoebe may be at the center of a startling prophecy, she becomes the target of shape-shifting assassins who will stop at nothing to suppress the truth.

Now Phoebe’s lessons about Shaper’s enemies and spycraft take on great importance as a menace stalks the campus, with Phoebe as its target. Meanwhile, what began as an unlikely relationship with Colten, quickly morphs into heartache when she suspects that something sinister lurks beneath this movie star’s glitter and fame. Suddenly, Phoebe’s caught in a mesh of lies, betrayals, and danger where she doesn’t know who to trust, and needs to rely on herself—and her secret power—to get to the truth and to stay alive.

More info on Goodreads......


Review: 

The Year of Four is Nya Jade’s debut novel and the first novel in her Phoebe Pope series and is a fun and engaging shifter tale that is a mix of Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead and Mythos Academy by Jennifer Estep---perfect for those who love their supernatural action charged, dangerous and romantic.

Sixteen year old Phoebe Pope has just enrolled in an elite underground school for shapeshifters. Located under a prestigious boarding school called Green Lane Academy, Campus Below offers their supernatural students classes that will help them become the ultimate Shaper agents, while the human’s presences in the Campus Above unknowingly helps keep them hidden. Keeping a dual schedule as both a student in the human Campus Above and Shaper Campus Below, Phoebe must deal with her intense course load as well as a secret ability she alone wields. Add in the grief from her father’s recent death and the interest she’s been receiving from Colten Chase, Hollywood’s most up and coming young actor who is attending Green Lane Academy and Phoebe’s balancing a lot. Then students from Campus Below start disappearing and suddenly it becomes clear that there are a lot more dangers out there than first thought and surprisingly they may be closer to home than anyone imagined…..

I was really impressed with The Year of Four. Kicking off the story from the opening chapter spectacularly, author Nya Jade has created a vivid and appealing shifter world and draws her readers into an enticing and exciting storyline. Jade depicts a very detailed and complex society of shifters with intriguing hierarchy in The Year of Four. It’s very clear that a lot of thought and effort has gone into the imagining of this world. I think we’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg and I’m looking forward to exploring more of it in future books.

The world of teen schooling will appeal to those who love campus/boarding school tales as Campus Above and Campus Below are both very interesting with their own purposes. I liked how Nya Jade mixed the two together with human and supernatural worlds colliding often throughout the story. There’s a great cast of characters littering both campuses including both students and professors. Not everyone is as they seem and I enjoyed some of the surprises that came my way—some I weren’t expecting at all.

Phoebe is a strong and personable heroine to follow. She has a lot of potential to be a stellar main character and I anticipate a lot from her in the future; both in her growth and her abilities. Her best friend Hayley was someone I also loved, as well as Colten Chase who was very much the swoon-worthy male lead—he and Phoebe have a great dynamic and I liked how Jade developed their romance; it seemed endearing and passionate at the same time.

The Year of Four offers readers a great reading experience and introduces them to an addictive new paranormal series. Nya Jade details something a bit different and throws a great bunch of developments into the story to keep readers on their toes. I’m super excited to jump into the next novel straight away and join Phoebe Pope once again in what is I’m sure another thrilling tale!

Rating:

Source: Sent for review by Dog Eared Publicity and the author (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Dreamwell
Format: Kindle ebook
Release Date: February 2017
Purchase: The Book Depository | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Final Thoughts: I was delightfully impressed with this novel and can't wait to begin the second one!

Owl Post #193

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 and welcome to this weeks Owl Post!

I had a super enjoyable week last week--I travelled to Melbourne for Fictionally Yours Melbourne and spent a week in the glorious city. Had an absolute ball!

For Review:

 From HarlequinTEEN Australia: - Zenith by Sasha Alsberg Lindsay Cummings  I'm really looking forward to reading this book. It sounds fabulous and is something I've been keeping my eye on. Hope you read it soon! ......Thank you guys! ___________________________________   From Bloomsbury: - Moonrise by Sarah Crossan I LOVE Sarah Crossan's book and I'm super excited about reading Moonrise. I've just began it and am sure Sarah is going to blow me away as she always does!   .....Thank you Sonia! _______________________________   From Pan Macmillan: - Sun Warrior by P.C. Cast SQUEE! I unexpectedly adored the first book in this series, Moon Chosen and am soooooo excited to have recieved an ARC of Sun Warrior. Will defintely try to read this next!!   - Tarnished City by Vic James  Even though we got off to a rough start, I did end up enjoying the first novel in this series Gilded Cage and I'm eager to see what James does next.   ....Thank you team!  I Bought:

 - The Loneliness of Distant Beings by Kate Ling - Run by Kody Keplinger    - Rogue Wave by Jennifer Donnelly   - Dark Tide by Jennifer Donnelly I couldn't help but do some book shopping while I was in Melbourne---my favourite kind of shopping. The Loneliness of Distant Beings does pretty good and I do love Kody Keplinger. And I own the first book in the Waterfire Saga by Jennifer Donnelly so I was happy to pick up books 2 & 3. And yes, they were all $6 each brand new :)

Here's all the books I collected at Fictionally Yours Melbourne 2017. I also took a bunch of books and got soooooo much swag. I actually think I was pretty restrained this year if I'm being honest with myself. 

And that's me. SO many great books this week. 

What did the owls bring YOU?

 

Free Ebooks

Hello book lovers and happy Sunday!

Hope you're all ready for another week :) Here's hoping it will be another good one.

 

Hope you managed to snag something new!

Book Shelf: Providence Unveiled (Memory's Wake Trilogy #3) by Selina Fenech

A wicked plot dating back to the very beginning of Avall is coming to its end, and Memory is a vital part. In order to save her friends, Memory will break all the rules. With all worlds put at risk by her actions, she will have to step up and make the greatest sacrifice to repair Avall and make the world something better than before.


More info on Goodreads......



Review:

Providence Unveiled is the thrilling conclusion to the Memory’s Wake Trilogy by Selina Fenech and is an addictive, romantic, action packed and at times heart-warming end to what has been a beautiful series to read!

Since waking up in Avall with no recollection of who she was, a lot has changed for Memory. She’s found her sister, discovered who she is and is now the Queen of Avall. But that doesn’t mean the danger Memory and her friends have faced is over; far from it…..There’s a darkness brewing in Avall and with the human, fae and Avall worlds all at risk, Memory and her friends must find a way to protect the ones they love from a enemy that’s been planning it’s attack for decades. With Eloryn, Roen and Will standing by her side, Memory knows she can do everything, but when they themselves are threated, will Memory be able to save them? Or will she need to make the biggest sacrifice a person can make to save them?

Having devoured the Memory Wake’s Trilogy one book after the other, I’m a little sad to see the series come to an end, but I was really satisfied with how Selina Fenech ended it. Providence Unveiled is another beautifully told story, this time taking us into the heart of the lands the fae call home as Memory attempts to rescue someone she loves from the clutches of an enemy---allowing Fenech to truly explore the home of the fae for the first time in this series with wonderful effect. Harsh and barren, this dying land was really intriguing—and I really liked discovering and getting to know the Seelie and Unseelie courts a bit more.

There’s a lot going on in this third and final book; a lot of entertaining moments, sweet moments and of course sad ones as not every character we’ve met along the way is guaranteed to survive the growing discord and war between Avall and the fae. I’ve really enjoyed following Memory, Eloryn, Roen and Will throughout the trilogy and have loved seeing them all develop and grow, especially Memory who has come the furthest over the course of the three books.

It’s been a wonderful reading experience getting lost in this light and magical fantasy world. Selina Fenech delightfully explored the bonds of friendship, family and love and mixed so much magic and adventure into the series. Highly entertaining and luscious, Providence Unveiled brilliantly concludes this trilogy that I highly recommend.

Rating:
Source: I purchased from Amazon
Publisher: Fairies and Fantasy Pty Ltd 
Format: Kindle ecopy
Release Date: January 19th 2015
Purchase: Bookworld | The Book Depository | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Final Thoughts: I truly did adore this series. I thought the storyline was entertaining and the pictures such a beautiful addition to a brilliant story. 

Waiting on Wednesday #194

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.....  

Ink, Iron, and Glass by Gwendolyn Clare

Releases on: February 20th 2018
Add on Goodreads!

 

Can she write a world gone wrong?

A certain pen, a certain book, and a certain person can craft entirely new worlds through a branch of science called scriptology. Elsa comes from one such world that was written into creation by her mother—a noted scriptologist.

But when her home is attacked and her mother abducted, Elsa must cross into the real world and use her own scriptology gifts to find her. In an alternative 19th-century Italy, Elsa finds a secret society of pazzerellones—young people with a gift for mechanics, alchemy or scriptology—and meets Leo, a gorgeous mechanist with a smart mouth and a tragic past. She recruits the help of these fellow geniuses just as an assassin arrives on their doorstep.

In this thrilling debut, worlds collide as Elsa unveils a deep political conspiracy seeking to unlock the most dangerous weapon ever created—and only she can stop it.

Thoughts:

Ooooooh. This sounds good. Crafting worlds, alchemy, scriptology, assassins---sounds like it could be epic....and the possibility of romance? I'm in; keen to see if this is as good as it sounds. Always keeping my eye out for new and exciting fantasy. Oh, and I do very much like the title; Ink, Iron and Glass--love it!

What do you think of Ink, Iron and Glass? Does it sound like something you would read?

And what are you waiting on this week?

Book Shelf: The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

Nemesis (n.)
1) An opponent or rival whom a person cannot best or overcome;
2) A person’s undoing;
3) Joshua Templeman.
 
Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman hate each other. Not dislike. Not begrudgingly tolerate. Hate. And they have no problem displaying their feelings through a series of ritualistic passive aggressive maneuvers as they sit across from each other, executive assistants to co-CEOs of a publishing company. Lucy can’t understand Joshua’s joyless, uptight, meticulous approach to his job. Joshua is clearly baffled by Lucy’s overly bright clothes, quirkiness, and Pollyanna attitude.

Now up for the same promotion, their battle of wills has come to a head and Lucy refuses to back down when their latest game could cost her her dream job…But the tension between Lucy and Joshua has also reached its boiling point, and Lucy is discovering that maybe she doesn’t hate Joshua. And maybe, he doesn’t hate her either. Or maybe this is just another game.

More info on Goodreads......


Review: 

The Hating Game is Sally Thorne’s debut novel and is a sensational tale perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Alice Clayton. Sharp, fun and deliciously written, The Hating Game will have you absolutely falling in love with its two main characters and addicted to the thrilling chemistry they share!

Lucy Hutton hates Joshua Templeman; hates him with a passion. And the feeling’s mutual. Lucy and Josh can’t be in the same room with each other without snapping and snarling and practically biting each other’s head off….and considering they work at the same company, desks directly across from each other as the assistants to two different publishing CEO’s it makes for a lot of fiery days at the office. Passive aggressive doesn’t come close to describing Lucy and Josh’s relationship, and when they’re both nominated for the same promotion, the game is on. Lucy can’t understand Josh’s surly, uptight approach to everything and Josh is clearly confused by Lucy’s bright clothes, overly nice attitude and ability meet every one of his quips with an even better one of her own. There’s a fine line between love and hate and Lucy is determined to beat Josh for her dream job, but as she gets to know him in a way she wasn’t expecting, Lucy is about to realise that just maybe she doesn’t hate Josh as much as she thinks she does…..

Having just completely devoured, The Hating Game, I have no qualms in saying it’s definitely become one of my all-time favourite books. Bewitching and charming from beginning to end, The Hating Game is a beyond brilliant debut that is wonderfully well written, features likable characters and chemistry that is to die for with banter that will have you grinning from ear to ear.

Author Sally Thorne fills The Hating Game with some seriously sassy and sharp dialogue, most of which comes from Lucy’s mouth or from that of her “nemesis” Josh, making for some highly entertaining and smile inducing reading. The Hating Game introduces readers to main character Lucinda “Lucy” Hutton who is a genuine gem to follow. Lucy is a sharp, independent and capable woman who is woefully likable and down to earth. Lucy’s just a riot if I’m honest. I completely love this girl.

And Josh! What a surprise of a man! From his surly attitude and stickler for order in the beginning of the novel, Josh shows his true self as the story progresses and I only found myself adoring him more with the turn of each page. The depth of his feelings for Lucy were heart-warming, and it was fabulous to see him act determined yet so at ease as he sets out to win Lucy’s affections.

I’m so very in love with Lucy and Josh and the romance they share. Thorne writes them so beautifully, and I felt every electrically charged moment between them; from the witty banter they frequently engage in to the sizzling kisses and smouldering touches, to the whole heartedly endearing moments within the story where they look after or stand up for one another---it’s so perfect. I truly did believe I was watching two people fall in love; two individuals who had been focal points in each other’s lives for some time but who were only just (especially in Lucy’s case) beginning to realise how they really felt about the other. There was no one who could give as good as they get but these two and they truly were perfect for each other.

Simply charming, The Hating Game has a fabulous tone and pace. The story is so fun and flirty and features a romance that is just to die for. A solid debut, The Hating Game guarantees Sally Thorne is one to watch!

Rating:

Source: Purchased by me from The Book Depository
Publisher: William Morrow
Format: Paperback
Release Date: August 9th 2016
Purchase: Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: I absolutely ADORED this book and I cannot wait for more from Sally Thorne!

 
 

Release Blitz: Breaching the Contract by Chantal Fernando

I'm super excited to be taking part in the Release Blitz for Breaching the Contract by Chantal Fernando thanks to Give Me Books Promotions! I LOVE Chantal Fernando and was super excited to read Breaching the Contract--it's the start of what I'm sure will be a brilliant series!!

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New York Times bestselling author Chantal Fernando returns with BREACHING THE CONTRACT, book one in a brand new series—The Conflict of Interest Series—about a brigade of lawyers who, despite being bad boys at heart, always end up just on the right side of the law.

Katerina Dawson knows exactly what she wants from life. And as the new associate at the top law firm in the city, she’s ready to live out her dreams of becoming a criminal lawyer. But going on coffee runs and babysitting kids during the day was definitely not what she had in mind. She knows that anyone else would kill to be in her shoes, but she has to draw the line somewhere. That’s easier said than done, though, when Kat has to confront her handsome boss…

Tristan Channing and Jaxon Bentley run a successful law firm together and the two partners couldn’t be busier right now. When Jaxon suddenly takes a leave of absence, Tristan begrudgingly assumes responsibility of the new associate, the hot new associate, who has curves for days. Needing to keep his distance from her, Tristan sends Kat on needless errands and has her doing work even an intern wouldn’t touch, like picking up his kids. But his plan backfires when he sees his children grow attached to Kat and sees her getting comfortable in his home. It triggers something deep within him, and it feels right to have her there. Will Tristan be able to keep his work and personal lives separate, or will he find that his heart holds the final verdict?

Add on Goodreads or check out my 4 star review!

Purchase:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

The whole series!

New York Times, Amazon & USA Today Bestselling Author Chantal Fernando is twenty seven years old and lives in Western Australia.

Lover of all things romance, Chantal is the author of the best selling books Dragon's Lair, Maybe This Time and many more.

When not reading, writing or daydreaming she can be found enjoying life with her three sons and family.

Visit Chantal:

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook
 

Book Shelf: Breaching the Contract (Conflict of Interest #1) by Chantal Fernando

New York Times bestselling author Chantal Fernando returns with BREACHING THE CONTRACT, book one in a brand new series—The Conflict of Interest Series—about a brigade of lawyers who, despite being bad boys at heart, always end up just on the right side of the law.

Katerina Dawson knows exactly what she wants from life. And as the new associate at the top law firm in the city, she’s ready to live out her dreams of becoming a criminal lawyer. But going on coffee runs and babysitting kids during the day was definitely not what she had in mind. She knows that anyone else would kill to be in her shoes, but she has to draw the line somewhere. That’s easier said than done, though, when Kat has to confront her handsome boss…

Tristan Channing and Jaxon Bentley run a successful law firm together and the two partners couldn’t be busier right now. When Jaxon suddenly takes a leave of absence, Tristan begrudgingly assumes responsibility of the new associate, the hot new associate, who has curves for days. Needing to keep his distance from her, Tristan sends Kat on needless errands and has her doing work even an intern wouldn’t touch, like picking up his kids. But his plan backfires when he sees his children grow attached to Kat and sees her getting comfortable in his home. It triggers something deep within him, and it feels right to have her there. Will Tristan be able to keep his work and personal lives separate, or will he find that his heart holds the final verdict?

More info on Goodreads.....


Review: 

Breaching the Contract is the latest release by bestselling Australian author Chantal Fernando and is a heart-warming and passionate start to her new series, Conflict of Interest that features a romance readers are sure to love.

Katerina Dawson knows exactly what she wants out of life. And her recent employment at a top law firm is just start of achieving her dream of becoming a criminal lawyer. The only thing standing in Kat’s way seems to be one of her new bosses, who sends her out on coffee runs and to pick his kids up for school. Tristan Bentley is one of the partners and everything in a lawyer Kat wants to be. Too bad he’s also rude, bossy and managing to slowly worm his way under Kat’s defenses with his unexpected moments of vulnerability and kindness. Falling for Tristan could mean the end of her career if word gets out, but sometimes fate has other ideas that what we had planned for ourselves….

Launching Chantal Fernando’s new series, Breaching the Contract was a delightfully addictive and highly entertaining romantic read. I absolutely devoured this novel, easily finishing it in one day despite having to work eight hours of that day—I’m sure any reader could finish it in just a couple of hours. It was just a quick, solid read that manages to pack plenty of attraction, chemistry and entertainment into its pages.

I don’t know why but heading into Breaching the Contract, I was expecting a story that would unfold through the POV’s of both the main characters and this wasn’t actually the case. I think it comes from the impression the description made. That being said, I did very much like Kat so following her throughout the story was in no way unpleasant.

I loved this law firm that Fernando has introduced us to. Kat and Tristian are front and centre as our main characters, but I’m also already very keen to see more of cheeky secretary Yvonne, sexy tattooed and bearded lawyer Hunter, suave and strong partner Jaxon and even the quieter law student Callum. I know Jaxon will feature in the next novel, but I hope we see more of the rest of the gang too.

Kat and Tristian had a really endearing relationship and I loved seeing Chantal Fernando focus on more than just their sexual relationship. The build-up was fabulous, and it was so sweet seeing Kat get to know Tristian’s family as well as the man himself. Logan was beyond adorable and that little man certainly won me over throughout the story. He really was just the cutest!

A truly enjoyable read, Breaching the Contract was thoroughly entertaining and I can’t wait to see whatever Chantal Fernando has in store for these characters next!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Give Me Books Promotions and the author (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Pocket Star 
Format: Kindle ebook
Release Date: September 18th 2017 
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Final Thoughts: I very much enjoyed this book and CANNOT WAIT for more of the series!