Waiting on Wednesday #220

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.....  

A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer 

Releases: January 29th 2019

Add on Goodreads!

In a lush, contemporary fantasy retelling of Beauty and the Beast, Brigid Kemmerer gives readers another compulsively readable romance perfect for fans of Marissa Meyer.

Fall in love, break the curse.

It once seemed so easy to Prince Rhen, the heir to Emberfall. Cursed by a powerful enchantress to repeat the autumn of his eighteenth year over and over, he knew he could be saved if a girl fell for him. But that was before he learned that at the end of each autumn, he would turn into a vicious beast hell-bent on destruction. That was before he destroyed his castle, his family, and every last shred of hope.

Nothing has ever been easy for Harper Lacy. With her father long gone, her mother dying, and her brother barely holding their family together while constantly underestimating her because of her cerebral palsy, she learned to be tough enough to survive. But when she tries to save someone else on the streets of Washington, DC, she's instead somehow sucked into Rhen's cursed world.

Break the curse, save the kingdom.

A prince? A monster? A curse? Harper doesn't know where she is or what to believe. But as she spends time with Rhen in this enchanted land, she begins to understand what's at stake. And as Rhen realizes Harper is not just another girl to charm, his hope comes flooding back. But powerful forces are standing against Emberfall . . . and it will take more than a broken curse to save Harper, Rhen, and his people from utter ruin.

Thoughts:
Sing it with me guys.....Brigid. Has. A. New. Book. Brigid. Has. A. New. Book. Brigid. Has. A. New. Book.....YAY! Oh, and did you see that it's a Beauty and the Beast retelling? Double YAY! Oh, and that cover.....*dies* A Curse So Dark and Lonely just officially become one of my most anticipated releases....if only we didn't have to wait until JANUARY. *sigh*

Do you like the sound of A Curse So Dark and Lonely?

And what are you waiting on this week?

Release Blitz: Leading the Witness by Chantal Fernando

Welcome to the release blitz for Leading the Witness by Chantal Fernando! I love those this series and this novel and highly recommend it!

New York Times bestselling author Chantal Fernando “turns up the heat” (RT Book Reviews) in this steamy standalone novel when a divorce lawyer finds himself stuck between his client and the woman he desires—and soon he’ll be forced to choose sides.

Hunter Brayze doesn’t always like his clients but as the divorce attorney for Bentley & Channing Law, he doesn’t have to. So when he meets his latest client, even though he can’t stand the guy, let alone understand how any woman would ever marry him, he is still determined to win his case. But he never expects taking this client would turn his entire world upside down.

When he comes face to face with his client’s soon-to-be ex, he’s shocked to see Riley McMahon, owner of his local pub and the woman he’s wanted ever since he first laid eyes on her. He didn’t even know she was getting a divorce, and now he’s stuck defending the man who wants to screw Riley out of everything. Feeling like he’s betraying her, Hunter vows to settle this case as quickly as he can by any means possible. Because after months of flirting with Riley at the pub, and now knowing that she’ll soon be free, Hunter is determined to make her his.

But as the proceedings get messier and secrets are revealed, Hunter’s running out of tricks to keep both parties happy. And when someone sets Riley’s pub on fire, he can’t help but suspect his own client. Torn between his professional code of ethics and his intense connection with Riley, Hunter finds himself at a crossroads wondering whose interests he’ll ultimately protect.

Add on Goodreads or check out my 4 star review!

Purchase:

Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon 

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: Leading the Witness (Conflict of Interest #4) by Chantal Fernando

New York Times bestselling author Chantal Fernando “turns up the heat” (RT Book Reviews) in this steamy standalone novel when a divorce lawyer finds himself stuck between his client and the woman he desires—and soon he’ll be forced to choose sides.

Hunter Brayze doesn’t always like his clients but as the divorce attorney for Bentley & Channing Law, he doesn’t have to. So when he meets his latest client, even though he can’t stand the guy, let alone understand how any woman would ever marry him, he is still determined to win his case. But he never expects taking this client would turn his entire world upside down.

When he comes face to face with his client’s soon-to-be ex, he’s shocked to see Riley McMahon, owner of his local pub and the woman he’s wanted ever since he first laid eyes on her. He didn’t even know she was getting a divorce, and now he’s stuck defending the man who wants to screw Riley out of everything. Feeling like he’s betraying her, Hunter vows to settle this case as quickly as he can by any means possible. Because after months of flirting with Riley at the pub, and now knowing that she’ll soon be free, Hunter is determined to make her his.

But as the proceedings get messier and secrets are revealed, Hunter’s running out of tricks to keep both parties happy. And when someone sets Riley’s pub on fire, he can’t help but suspect his own client. Torn between his professional code of ethics and his intense connection with Riley, Hunter finds himself at a crossroads wondering whose interests he’ll ultimately protect.

More info on Goodreads........


Review: 

Leading the Witness is the fourth instalment in Chantal Fernando’s delectable Conflict of Interest series and is another deeply sexy and enjoyable romance full of chemistry, attraction and budding love.

Hunter Brayze is a family divorce lawyer, used to wanting the best for his clients. So when a friend calls in a favour and asks him to represent someone that’s Hunter’s plan, until he comes face to face with his client’s soon-to-be-ex and discovers it’s the owner of his local pub and the woman Hunter has desired for more than a year. Riley McMahon has finally realised her dream of opening her own pub and knows if she can just get her divorce finalised with her greedy ex, everything will be perfect, especially with the sinfully sexy and bearded Hunter providing her eye candy every day at work. With Hunter forced to put his feelings for Riley aside for the sake of a fair case, Hunter is determined to do his job to the best of his abilities, while not screwing Riley over in the process. Torn between his professional code of ethics and the woman he wants more than anything, will Hunter be able to convince Riley to give him a chance now that she’s single or will her ex continue to ruin her life?

As with every other Chantal Fernando novel I’ve read, I really enjoyed Leading the Witness. We first met Riley when Hunter and Jaxon stopped at her newly opened pub for lunch during a previous novel and of course we’ve known Hunter throughout the series. Sparks flew between the sexy bearded lawyer and the bar owner straight away and Leading the Witness finally allows readers to see this spark blossom into a fully realised romance as Hunter and Riley take centre stage in this novel.

Chantal Fernando details Hunter and Riley’s romance through their varying POV’s, allowing for a well told and detailed story. Leading the Witness is sexy without an overload of sex scenes, instead developing the relationship over time and building on the tension and attraction that simmers between them.

Hunter and Riley were great characters to follow and I genuinely liked them. Hunter truly cared about Riley, enough to wait for her for a year when he believed she was unavailable and then as he slowly began to court her, not wanting her to rush into anything she wasn’t ready for. Riley on the other hand was a sweetie; an honest, hardworking woman who had been in a loveless marriage and was finally finding happiness for herself.

Chantal Fernando includes a lot of great interactions with the employees at Riley’s pub who were true friends to Riley; Callie, Preston, Isaac and even Cheffy. They were real characters, especially Callie and Preston who I thought were so much fun to follow. 

Sexy but fun, Leading the Witness is another great read from Chantal Fernando who never fails to satisfy! I highly recommend this series as the romance and characters are brilliant and you won’t be sorry if you give it a go!

Rating: 
Source: Sent for review by Give Me Books and the publisher (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Gallery Books
Format: Kinde ebook via Netgalley
Release Date: April 17th 2018
Purchase: Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: Another great Chantal Fernando novel--I can't wait to read whatever she releases next!

I'm Moving...House

Hello lovelies!

As you're reading this I'm in the middle of every book lovers worst nightmare; moving house. That means boxes and boxes of precious books going from one location to another. And as someone who is a self proclaimed book hoarder that means a LOT of books.

Plus considering that means no Wifi, you will most likely not be hearing from me for the next week or so while I great myself reorganised!

Hope you all have a wonder week :)

Blog Tour: Bound to You by Alyssa Brandon- Excerpt & Giveaway

The Blog Tour for Bound to You by Alyssa Brandon stops by the blog today thanks to Xpresso Book Tours. Yesterday my review of Bound to You went live and today I have an excerpt from the novel as well as the tour wide giveaway to share.

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A teen werewolf finally meets her destined soulmate only to discover that he's not quite what she expected in this steamy debut romance.

She's met her mate . . . and he's met his match.

Megan Ross has been waiting her whole life for her mate to come and sweep her off her feet. But the wolf she meets on the beach is NOT the sweet gentle boy she's been dreaming of. Instead, he's a warrior, one whose suffering has led him to lock his heart away in a prison as cold and hard as a diamond, who fights to resist the bond and their deep sexual attraction.

Far from home, with a soulmate who is still a stranger, Megan learns that the path to true love isn't quite as straight and easy as she thought . . .

Add on Goodreads or check out my review!

Purchase:

Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon 
 Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks

From Bound to You.....

“Oh God,” I whispered as I sank to my knees next to him.
James’s head lolled to the side when I touched his scruffy neck. I could see that his fur was coated in something blackish red and I could smell the metallic tang of blood in the air. His front whole side was covered in it. I wanted to reach over to find the wound and attempt to press it close but instead I pulled out my cell phone instead. I had ten missed calls from Tommy. Yikes, I should probably have answered.
I pressed the ‘call back’ icon and it rang for what felt like forever but was probably just a few seconds.
“Megan?” said Tommy’s familiar voice.
“Oh God Tommy,” I said by way of greeting. “You have to come. He’s all bloody and bleeding and—”
“Megan are you okay?” Tommy said through the phone, sounding shocked. “What’s going on?”
“I’m fine,” I sobbed. It was so good to hear a friendly voice, someone I figured could help me. “But James is, oh God, James is—”
“Where are you?” he asked, clearly recovering his cool.
“I’m not sure,” I said, looking around but that wasn’t much help. “I parked a few blocks off the highway by a coffee shop and then I don’t know—”
“Robin should be close. Try to call him,” Tommy said.
“I don’t have his number,” I said in a panic. Why hadn’t I gotten Robin’s number when I had the chance? I was so stupid.
“No I mean with the pack bonds. You’re Alpha. He will have already sensed something is wrong but use your—”
I took a quick breath, dropping the phone, as James moved, his ears flicking. I’d thought he was too-unconscious or too-almost-dead to do anything more than lie there.
“James? James? Can you hear me?” I wasn’t sure if him waking up was bad or good. On TV being awake usually meant good, but I thought that might be wrong since being conscious also meant some of his energy was being used for well, staying conscious.

Then I realized he wasn’t waking up, he was transforming back to his human form.

Alyssa Brandon is a recent college graduate from Sweden who enjoys reading, doing yoga, puzzles, and, of course, writing. Bound to You is her debut novel.

Visit Alyssa:

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Shelf: Bound to You by Alyssa Brandon

A teen werewolf finally meets her destined soulmate only to discover that he's not quite what she expected in this steamy debut romance.

She's met her mate . . . and he's met his match.

Megan Ross has been waiting her whole life for her mate to come and sweep her off her feet. But the wolf she meets on the beach is NOT the sweet gentle boy she's been dreaming of. Instead, he's a warrior, one whose suffering has led him to lock his heart away in a prison as cold and hard as a diamond, who fights to resist the bond and their deep sexual attraction.

Far from home, with a soulmate who is still a stranger, Megan learns that the path to true love isn't quite as straight and easy as she thought . . .

More info on Goodreads..... 


Review:

Bound to You by Alyssa Brandon is a NA paranormal romance and introduces readers to an urban fantasy world of supernatural creatures, undeniable attraction and swoon worthy romance.

Eighteen year old Megan Ross has waited her whole life to find her mate. The daughter of an alpha, Megan knows exactly what she wants and the werewolf she meets on the beach at a party is definitely not what she always envisioned. Brooding and cold, James is the leader of a legendary tier of warrior werewolves tasked with protecting the werewolves from their natural enemies; creatures known as wraiths. Moving from her family’s home to her new pack’s compound in Canada, Megan wants nothing more than to connect with James, yet he continually tries to push her away. Haunted by his past and determined to keep Megan at arm’s length, James’s actions may be the thing that keeps Megan and him finding true happiness. The attraction and bond between them is undeniable, but will Megan be able to convince James to give their relationship a shot? Or was there never a chance to begin with?

I’m going to be honest; in a lot of ways Bound to You reads like fanfiction. Well written, deeply enjoyable fanfiction, but fanfiction none-the-less. And yet, gosh, there was something about Bound to You I really found myself enjoying. Unfolding primarily through Megan’s POV as well as the occasional chapter from James, Bound to You introduces readers to a world of werewolf packs and a century’s old war between them and their enemies, wraiths as well as a romance with a reluctant male lead and a determined heroine.

Bound to You centres around Megan who has finally found her mate in the form of surly and reluctant James, who, even though he can’t help but desire her, isn’t too happy about finding his other half. I must admit, I find myself intrigued by the world introduced by Alyssa Brandon; more than I thought I would when the story first began. The concept surrounding James and his fellow pack members is interesting and I genuinely liked them all. Living in a barren and empty manor, I enjoyed seeing these warrior wolves loosen up and connect as Megan made attempts to bring them together.

The relationship between Megan and James plays a large part in the story and I thought they had a decent connection. The attraction and chemistry was there and considering the idea of mates and what finding a mate entails, I appreciated seeing Megan and James get to know each other throughout the story. I think this made it all that more satisfying when they eventually began to find a rhythm together.

As I previously mentioned, I was intrigued by many of James’s pack and am keen to see if Brandon will writes novels featuring the other characters. Lucy especially has been set up to feature some kind of painful history that I’m sure could transfer over into further storyline arcs. Either way I’ll be keeping an eye out to see what Alyssa Brandon does with this series next.

Rating:  
Source: Sent for review by Xpresso Book Tours and the author (Thank you ladies!)
Publisher: Swoon Reads
Format: Kindle ebook
Release Date: April 10th 2018
Purchase: Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks
Final Thoughts: I do feel that this series has potential and the author has set the stage for future books. I'm keen to see what happens.

Blog Tour: Dreamer by L.E. DeLano- Guest Post & Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Dreamer by L.E. DeLano thanks to Xpresso Book Tours! Hopefully you had a chance to check out my review yesterday and will join me in welcoming L.E. DeLano to the blog as she guest posts today. 

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This thrilling sequel to Traveler doles out adventure and heartbreak in equal measure as it takes readers through a kaleidoscope of intricately crafted worlds of wonder, discovery, and danger.

You’re still you no matter where you go.

Jessa has learned the hard way that traveling to alternate dimensions isn’t all delicious, glittering desserts and fancy parties: it also means accidentally running into people she thought she’d never see again. Still mourning a devastating loss, Jessa isn’t really prepared for the arrival of a reckless version of someone she once loved who is now bent on revenge. Add an increasingly complicated relationship with her best friend Ben, the reappearance of an old enemy, and the threat of the multiverse collapsing, and Jessa’s got a lot on her plate. She may be destined to help save an infinite multitude of worlds… but in the end, all Jessa really wants to do is save her friends.

In Dreamer, the young adult fantasy follow up to Traveler, author L. E. DeLano delivers a gripping, emotional story that will leave readers on the edge of their seat.

Add on Goodreads or check out my review!

Purchase:

Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon 

 Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks

“What did you like or dislike the most about writing this book?"

DREAMER was such a labor of love. You would think that a second book would be a piece of cake, right? A simple matter of continuing the saga. The thing is, TRAVELER ended up a far different book after the editing process, we completely axed a subplot that was integral to the original arc of the story, and that completely altered the ending of the series as I had planned it.

All of this left me in the position of taking my beloved characters and writing a completely new adventure from scratch. It was daunting. It was also maddening. All my carefully laid plans! I knew it was for the best, but that didn’t make it any easier. I got frustrated a lot. I wrote and cut and reworked so many scenes, I swear to you I wrote seven different stories. I was so intent on tying up all the loose ends to a thrilling conclusion that I forgot one very important thing: I forgot to have fun.

My editor (the amazing Holly West at MacMillan) reminded me in very gentle terms that one of the best parts of TRAVELER was the excitement and adventure of each new reality, and each new life that Jessa leads there. We needed to find that for DREAMER.

So once again, I revisited my manuscript and started asking myself “What if this happened?” and “How fantastical would that be?” I put in a flourish here, dabbed a bit of amazement there, and also ended up writing one of the best chapters I’ve ever written – a solid piece of magic on a page (you’ll know it when you read it) and the satisfaction that came from that whole, torturous process is beyond measure.

I think that’s the nature of a book – you lose your way a bit and end up sliding down a mountainside and having to claw your way up an alternate route that ends up giving you a view you would have never found otherwise. A little glimpse of wonder that stays with you, and even more importantly, with your readers. That was DREAMER for me.

L.E. DeLano is a YA novelist rep’d by Barry Goldblatt Literary agency, author of the upcoming “Traveler” (Swoon Reads/MacMillan 2017) and lifelong writer. Her work has been featured on various online outlets and she lives in Pennsylvania with two very adventurous kids and two very ridiculous cats. In her spare time, she writes (of course) and binge-watches way too much Netflix.

Visit L.E:

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Shelf: Dreamer (Traveler #2) by L.E. DeLano

This thrilling sequel to Traveler doles out adventure and heartbreak in equal measure as it takes readers through a kaleidoscope of intricately crafted worlds of wonder, discovery, and danger. 

You’re still you no matter where you go. 

Jessa has learned the hard way that traveling to alternate dimensions isn’t all delicious, glittering desserts and fancy parties: it also means accidentally running into people she thought she’d never see again. Still mourning a devastating loss, Jessa isn’t really prepared for the arrival of a reckless version of someone she once loved who is now bent on revenge. Add an increasingly complicated relationship with her best friend Ben, the reappearance of an old enemy, and the threat of the multiverse collapsing, and Jessa’s got a lot on her plate. She may be destined to help save an infinite multitude of worlds… but in the end, all Jessa really wants to do is save her friends. 

In Dreamer, the young adult fantasy follow up to Traveler, author L. E. DeLano delivers a gripping, emotional story that will leave readers on the edge of their seat.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Dreamer is the second and final novel in L.E. DeLano's Traveler duology and is a fun and enjoyable follow up to it's predecessor that take readers into various dimensions and on dangerous missions.

After the heartbreaking events of the previous novel, Jessa St Clair is trying to adjust to life without her soul mate Finn. Moving on is difficult when the one responsible for his loss is still out there and determined to make Jessa suffer even more. Add in her relationship with her best friend Ben that is getting even more complicated and the appearance of a Finn from another dimension who is beginning to set her heart racing and Jessa is dealing with a lot. Then an old enemy resurfaces and suddenly choosing between who she loves isn't the biggest thing Jessa has to deal with; she'll need to use her Traveler abilities to save the world....if it isn't already too late.

Author L.E. DeLano is back with the sequel to her debut novel Traveler in the form of Dreamer, once again following teenager Jessa who has the ability to travel to various dimensions and realities. I think Dreamer was a very good sequel. Traveler was a mixed novel for me--I enjoyed it, but it failed to blow me away. I think Dreamer was just a little bit more enjoyable in my eyes.

After everything she went through in the first novel, protagonist Jessa finds herself in a tough spot. She's lost her boyfriend Finn, but finds herself getting a piece of him back with the appearance of Pirate Finn; a Finn from another dimension who she has previously met and felt a connection with.

Aside from the overshadowing threat of Jessa's former teacher Ms. Eversor and her Dreamer Rudy who plan to change the world forever, L.E. DeLano focuses Dreamer around the complex relationship between Jessa and Finn. I have to say, I am very much loving "Pirate Finn". I think he just has so much chemistry and charm and he and Jessa are very sweet. I think L.E. DeLano explored this new romance in a way that still respected the relationship Jessa had with the Finn from the first novel.

Taking into consideration that one person can't really replace another even though they are technically the same person; albeit a little different, I think L.E. DeLano approached this perfectly given the circumstances--she left me satisfied with the eventual outcome and not feeling like I had been duped.

Overall, Dreamer was a decent follow up to the first novel. L.E. DeLano has created an interesting world of fantasy and different realities and I feel that this sequel concluded the original storyline well, leaving the characters with nothing but endless possibilities.

Rating:  
Source: Sent for review by Xpresso Book Tours and the author (Thank you ladies!)
Publisher: Swoon Reads
Format: PDF ebook
Release Date: April 10th 2018
Purchase: Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Kobo | iBooks
Final Thoughts: Definitely worth a read if you enjoy inter-dimensional travel mixed with romance.

Free Ebooks

Hello book lovers and happy Sunday!

I had the pleasure of attending the Sydney Author Event yesterday and had an absolutely brilliant time. Be sure to stop by next week as I'll be featuring a giveaway with some SIGNED book goodies! 

 

Hope you managed to snag something new!

Book Shelf: Approaching the Bench (Conflict of Interest #3) by Chantal Fernando

A tenacious, resilient female judge must find a way to work with her carefree clerk as they find themselves in danger when a fugitive sets his sights on revenge in the third book in New York Times bestselling author Chantal Fernando’s sexy and thrilling Conflict of Interest Series.

Trinity Williams, known as “Medusa” for her stony expressions and unyielding reputation, constantly has her guard up—how else is the youngest female judge in the country supposed to survive in such a male-dominated profession? She made the decision long ago that laughter and a carefree attitude have no business in a courtroom and achieving her professional goals is the only thing she has left. It’s just her luck that her new law clerk, Callum Hopkins, believes the exact opposite.

Callum Hopkins thinks that nothing should ever be too serious in life—why can’t he mix business with pleasure? When he first starts working for his hot new boss, they clash at every turn. He makes it his mission to get Judge Williams to see things his way for once.

But when Callum finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time as an escaped convict comes after Trinity, he realizes it’s not all fun and games anymore. Now in witness protection together until the authorities can catch the fugitive, this unlikely pair must learn to trust one another and work together to stay alive. Far away from the courtroom, Trinity and Callum are suddenly free to stop butting heads, and stop fighting the growing attraction between them.

With suspense and plenty of chemistry, Approaching the Bench proves once again that “Chantal Fernando knows how to draw you in and keep you hooked” (Booklist).

More info on Goodreads.....


Review: 


Approaching the Bench is the third instalment in Chantal Fernando’s delectable Conflict of Interest series and is another sensual, sexy and thrilling contemporary romance!

Trinity Williams is the youngest female judge in the country, known for her stony nature and unyielding attitude. Dubbed “Medusa” by those who know her, Trinity believes laughter and carefree attitudes have no place in the courtroom, instead choosing to let her severe sentences and take-no-prisoner philosophy speak for itself. Of course her new law clerk would think just the opposite….Callum Hopkins has worked hard to get where he is, raising his younger brother while putting himself through law school which is one of the reasons he always looks on the brighter side of life. When he starts his new job working under Judge Williams, Callum finds himself automatically wanting to shake up his hot new boss and is determined to discover what’s under her perfectly composed shell. When a kidnapping attempt is made on Trinity and Callum steps in and saves her, both Trinity and Callum find themselves being carted away by the authorities in hiding until the culprit can be apprehended. Alone together under abnormal circumstances, Trinity and Callum can’t help but give into the attraction that simmers between them, but when all is said and done…will they be able to continue their relationship with so many differences of opinion and position?

Chantal Fernando releases another brilliant story out into the world with Approaching the Bench. Introducing readers to two likable main characters whose dual POV’s we get to follow throughout the story, Approaching the Bench was a quick, addictive story that had chemistry, flair and wonderful dialogue. My only concern with the story was it was too short—more a novella than a full length novel although Fernando manages to pack a lot into the tale. I think I would have just loved the chance to explore Trinity and Callum more—they were that great to follow.

This novel really sped by for me. I enjoyed seeing things progress through both Trinity and Callum’s POV’s as they have such different ways of thinking and I was always keen to see what the other party was thinking and experiencing while in the mind of the other. I really loved them both and liked the dynamic they shared. Chantal Fernando throws an age gap into the story and I have to say I appreciated the idea of an older woman and younger man even though it wasn’t that much of a gap. Made for something different.

Overall Approaching the Bench was a great read and I very much loved being a part of this series again. Chantal Fernando has never failed me yet and I can’t wait until the next novel releases in this series and I have the opportunity to follow Hunter’s story!

Rating:
Source: I purchased from Amazon
Publisher: Pocket Star
Format: Kindle ebook
Release Date: February 19th 2018
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Final Thoughts: Another solid Chantal Fernando novel--I loved it and can't wait to read more!

Waiting on Wednesday #219

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.....  

The Wicked King by Holly Black 

Releases on: January 8th 2019

Add on Goodreads!

The enchanting and bloodthirsty sequel to the New York Times bestselling novel The Cruel Prince.

You must be strong enough to strike and strike and strike again without tiring.

The first lesson is to make yourself strong.

After the jaw-dropping revelation that Oak is the heir to Faerie, Jude must keep her younger brother safe. To do so, she has bound the wicked king, Cardan, to her, and made herself the power behind the throne. Navigating the constantly shifting political alliances of Faerie would be difficult enough if Cardan were easy to control. But he does everything in his power to humiliate and undermine her even as his fascination with her remains undiminished.

When it becomes all too clear that someone close to Jude means to betray her, threatening her own life and the lives of everyone she loves, Jude must uncover the traitor and fight her own complicated feelings for Cardan to maintain control as a mortal in a Faerie world.

Thoughts:

SQUEEEEEE! *happy dances* Look at that cover!!!! It's so purdy and perfect and I. Must. Have. It!

Like many people, The Cruel Prince has been my favourite novel of 2018 so far (unexpectedly I might ad as strangely I've never been blown away by Holly Black's novels in the past) so it goes without saying I'm DYING for this novel to come out. I only wish we didn't have to wait until 2019 to get it!

  Are you excited about The Wicked King too? And what are YOU waiting on this week?

Book Shelf: White Night by Ellie Marney

In Bo Mitchell's country town, a 'White Night' light-show event has the potential to raise vital funds to save the skate park. And out of town, a girl from a secretive off-the-grid community called Garden of Eden has the potential to change the way Bo sees the world. But are there too many secrets in Eden?

As Bo is drawn away from his friends and towards Rory, he gradually comes to believe that Eden may not be utopia after all, and that their group leader's goal to go off the grid may be more permanent - and more dangerous - than anyone could have predicted.

A wonderfully compelling novel from the acclaimed author of the Every series.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review: 

White Night is Australian author Ellie Marney’s latest release and is a poignant and relatable novel set amongst an Australian backdrop and featuring powerful themes.

Sixteen year old Bo Mitchell is a normal teenager; he hangs out with his friends, plays footy and is trying to determine what he wants for his future. And in the small country town Bo calls home, nothing really happens….until a new girl starts at his school. Rory Wild is a member of the Garden of Eden, an off the grid community that live completely self-sufficient lives and is attending school for the first time in her life. Bo is drawn to Rory and as the two grow closer, spending time with her in Eden begins making him question the greater picture. Yet something sinister is brewing in Eden, and as the group’s leaders look to take drastic action in their quest to be heard, will Bo be a casualty of the circumstances….or will he and Rory escape the future that’s on the horizon for Eden?

Ellie Marney is back with another gem in Australian fiction. Beautifully written, White Night introduces readers to a rugged and authentic Australian landscape and is a compelling and empowering YA novel that explores important themes and allows readers the opportunity to experience so many powerful emotions throughout the story.

Set within a small town, White Night introduces readers to protagonist Bo who is a very ordinary teen with ordinary problems. He has a mum, he has a dad, he had a brother….he’s just your everyday young man beginning to come into his own and start to determine who he wants to be. What I loved about Bo is that he encompasses everything about today’s Aussie teen. He’s down to earth and very natural. Telling the story through a male’s POV isn’t always an easy feat, but Ellie Marney makes it easy to like Bo and to genuinely care about what he’s going through. Following him is a flawless experience.

Alongside Bo throughout White Night is a cast of complex and diverse characters varying in age, race and stage in life. Marney explores cultural differences, bullying, domestic violence, homosexuality, terminal illness, suicide and other tough topics during the story with class and poise. Bringing the community of Eden and Bo’s home town to life beautifully, you will feel as though you are in the thick of things right alongside the characters.

Wonderfully written and delightfully original, White Night is a fabulous novel from Ellie Marney that I highly recommend for those looking for something different but full of Australian heart and soul.

Rating: 
Source: Sent for review by publisher (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Format: Paperback
Australian RRP: $19.99
Release Date: March 1st 2018
Purchase: Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: A fantastic, thought provoking novel; I can't wait for whatever Ellie Marney releases next!

Happy Easter!

 

I want to wish each and everyone of you a safe and Happy Easter!

 

I hope it's filled with fun, family and of course lots of chocolate ;)