Book Shelf: 99 Percent Mine by Sally Thorne

Crush: a strong and often short-lived infatuation, particularly for someone beyond your reach…

Darcy Barrett has undertaken a global survey of men. She’s travelled the world, and can categorically say that no one measures up to Tom Valeska, whose only flaw is that Darcy’s twin brother Jamie saw him first and claimed him forever as his best friend. Despite Darcy’s best efforts, Tom’s off limits and loyal to her brother, 99%. That’s the problem with finding her dream man at age eight and peaking in her photography career at age twenty—ever since, she’s had to learn to settle for good enough.

When Darcy and Jamie inherit a tumble-down cottage from their grandmother, they’re left with strict instructions to bring it back to its former glory and sell the property. Darcy plans to be in an aisle seat halfway across the ocean as soon as the renovations start, but before she can cut and run, she finds a familiar face on her porch: house-flipper extraordinaire Tom’s arrived, he’s bearing power tools, and he’s single for the first time in almost a decade.

Suddenly Darcy’s considering sticking around to make sure her twin doesn’t ruin the cottage’s inherent magic with his penchant for grey and chrome. She’s definitely not staying because of her new business partner’s tight t-shirts, or that perfect face that's inspiring her to pick up her camera again. Soon sparks are flying—and it’s not the faulty wiring. It turns out one percent of Tom’s heart might not be enough for Darcy anymore. This time around, she’s switching things up. She’s going to make Tom Valeska 99 percent hers.

More info on Goodreads......


Review:

99 Percent Mine is Sally Thorne’s latest release and is a vibrant, hilarious romantic comedy perfect for fans of Alice Clayton and Penny Reid with an electric chemistry and sharp, witty interactions that will have you smiling from start to finish.

A talented photographer, Darcy Barret has travelled the world and can easily say that no man is as perfect as Tom Valeska. He’s kind, funny and so good-looking he puts others to shame. His only flaw? Darcy’s twin brother saw him first and claimed him as his best friend when they were eight years old. Which means Tom is off limits to Darcy…..even if he has always been the one she wanted. Determined to restore her late grandmothers beloved cottage to its former glory Darcy hire’s Tom new construction business to complete the renovations. Despite planning to be hundreds of miles away during construction, Darcy’s plans are derailed when her passport cannot be located and she finds herself working alongside a sweaty, determined Tom who is single for the first time in nearly a decade. Sparks are soon flying and as Darcy begins to realise that a future with Tom may be what she wants, she is more determined than ever to make Tom hers….

Sally Thorne’s debut novel The Hating Game is one of my all-time favourite romantic comedies, so I was beyond excited to get my hands on her follow up novel 99 Percent Mine as soon as it hit Netgalley. Diving into the story it was clear that 99 Percent Mine featured the same wit, humour and chemistry between the main character and her love interest that I adored about Thorne’s first novel.

99 Percent Mine is told through the crazy and often hilarious eyes of protagonist Darcy Bennett. Though she suffers from a weakened heart, and has since birth, Darce refuses to let it stop her. I quite liked Darcy. She was funny and determined even if she was also over the top and kooky at times too.

As Darcy’s love interest and the object of her affection, Tom Valeska was pretty darn perfect. He was the whole package and seemed to truly get Darcy. A result of having known someone since you were children, Tom and Darcy seemed effortless together. They bantered non stop while Darcy constantly made sassy innuendos that Tom took in stride good naturedly and with the ease of someone knowing the other person deeply.

Romantic and fun with a great cast of supporting characters and an endearing storyline, 99 Percent Mine will capture your attention 100 percent and leave you smiling all the way to the very end.

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher via Netgalley (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: William Morrow Books
Format: Kindle ebook via Netgalley
Release Date: January 29th 2019
Buy: Angus & Robertson | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: Very enjoyable--Sally Thorne has done it again!

Waiting on Wednesday #256

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 Bone Houses by Emily Lloyd-Jones 

Releases on: September 24th 2019

Add on Goodreads!

Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Sky in the Deep in this bewitching, historical horror novel, perfect for fans of Holly Black and V.E. Schwab.

Seventeen-year-old Aderyn ("Ryn") only cares about two things: her family, and her family's graveyard. And right now, both are in dire straits. Since the death of their parents, Ryn and her siblings have been scraping together a meager existence as gravediggers in the remote village of Colbren, which sits at the foot of a harsh and deadly mountain range that was once home to the fae. The problem with being a gravedigger in Colbren, though, is that the dead don't always stay dead.

The risen corpses are known as "bone houses," and legend says that they're the result of a decades-old curse. When Ellis, an apprentice mapmaker with a mysterious past, arrives in town, the bone houses attack with new ferocity. What is it about Ellis that draws them near? And more importantly, how can they be stopped for good?

Together, Ellis and Ryn embark on a journey that will take them deep into the heart of the mountains, where they will have to face both the curse and the long-hidden truths about themselves. Equal parts classic horror novel and original fairy-tale, The Bone Houses will have you spellbound from the very first page.

Thoughts:
I'm always on the look out for something unique and different and The Bone Houses definitely seems to be both of these. It sounds super good and I'm very much hoping to read it upon its release.

What are you waiting on this Wednesday?

Book Shelf: The Wicked King (The Folk of the Air #2) by Holly Black

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. 

More info on Goodreads....


Review:

The Wicked King is the explosive sequel to Holly Black’s stunning novel The Cruel Prince and is a exhilarating follow up that gives its predecessor a run for its money with its twists, turns and shocking developments.

Jude Duarte has bound herself to former faerie prince Carden in the hopes of protecting her brother Oak. Having been placed on the throne thanks to Jude’s slight of hand, King Carden is an unwilling puppet; bent to Jude’s will and the face of her control over the crown. Navigating the ever changing political alliances of Faerie is difficult for Jude as Carden does everything in his limited power to defy and humiliate her even as he struggles with the fascination and desire he has for her. Desire that Jude shares despite her best intentions not to. As it becomes clear that someone close to her plans to betray her, Jude must discover who the traitor is before everyone she loves is lost.

Last year The Cruel Prince became an unexpected favourite read of mine and as quite possibly my most anticipated read of 2019, The Wicked King had a lot of expectations to live up to. Something it certainly does and then some! Brilliantly written The Wicked King is a deftly woven story of political intrigue, court deception and ulterior motives. Holly Black details a vivid and darkly luscious world of Faerie that comes alive through the eyes of human protagonist Jude who has spent the majority of her life carefully navigating the treacherous land she calls home.

As far as main characters go, there is a lot to like about Jude Duarte. Despite being mortal, Jude has spent her life learning to survive in the cruel, manipulative world of Faerie. Jude is intelligent, quick on her toes and perceptive. She’s kind and caring towards those she loves, but it’s the calculating and capable sides of her that have kept her alive…and now in control of arguably the most powerful person in Faerie.

I genuinely do love Jude. I feel like after only two books she’s grown substantially as she has taken on more power and responsibility. In The Wicked King, Jude is a far cry from the weak human she was in the first book and as she continues to weave together her plan to protect her brother Oak, I definitely enjoyed seeing this new determined and dedicated side to her.

Then there’s the wonderful chemistry between Jude and Cardan that is continually explored in The Wicked King. Theirs truly is a love-hate relationship—heavy on the hate—but I absolutely adore the way Holly Black has created their romance. It’s so fiery and passionate and deceptive. You never know if they want to kiss or kill one another which only makes the rare moments where they give into their desires all that more potent. I know their motivations (mainly Cardan’s) are very much still shrouded in mystery, but I honestly think that what they have between them has the power to be truly life changing. And I for one certainly think Cardan isn’t the cruel, devious person he occasionally comes across as.

Shocking and unexpected, The Wicked King introduces readers to new branches of this delectable faerie world so expertly crafted by Holly Black including the devious and murderous Undersea and builds to a jaw dropping conclusion. Leaving readers at quite possibly one of the most opportune moments, The Wicked King thoroughly entrances and will have you hanging out for the next novel, The Queen of Nothing to be released as soon as humanly possible!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Format: Paperback
Australian RRP: $19.99
Release Date: January 8th 2019
Buy: Angus & Robertson | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: Simply superb; this series is one that will take your breath away. Can't wait for the next novel!

Owl Post #227

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.  

Happy Monday book lovers and welcome to this weeks Owl Post :)

     For Review

From Simon & Schuster:

- Slayer by Kiersten White 

The idea of this novel is so darn fabulous. Buffy was such an iconic character and the concept of diving back into the same world she existed in is simply too good to pass up. Can't wait to read this one! Vampires will forever rock in my eyes!

....Thank you Jamie!

I Bought:

- Illusion by Sherrilyn Kenyon

- Instinct by Sherrilyn Kenyon

I'm BEYOND EXCITED that Sherrilyn Kenyon will be attending the Australian Romance Readers Association A Romantic Rendezvous signing in March and am in the process of getting myself copies of the books of hers I don't have. Can't wait to meet her. She's without a doubt one of my favorite authors EVER!

What did the owls bring you this week?

Book Shelf: Magical Compass (Supernatural Prison Story #2) by Jaymin Eve

Tyson Compass, as one of the famed Compass quads, is not a wizard used to living with regrets. Except for one: Grace Carter.

Grace is a healer witch he rejected many years ago. After completely disappearing from his life, she has returned, and turned his world upside down. The attraction between them flares strongly, but she has not forgotten or forgiven his callous rebuff when they were teens.

Tyson does everything he can to prove he will never hurt her again, and just when he thinks there might be a chance for them, she has to leave again. She makes him promise not to follow her - a promise he honors for as long as he can. But after almost two months with no word, he’s done waiting. He’s going to find his girl.

With a little help from his brothers, he tracks her down, only to find Grace betrayed by her family ... tortured ... hurt. His rage knows no bounds. He will do everything he can to bring her family to justice, to find out why they turned on her.

By unlocking these secrets, though, he will discover that Grace is so much more than just a healer witch. She holds a secret that could save the world of Faerie. Or destroy it. 

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Jaymin Eve is back with another engrossing instalment in her Supernatural Prison Story series with Magical Compass. Magical Compass is a romantic, action and adventure driven tale full of humour, danger and exciting bonds of family.

Tyson Compass isn’t a wizard used to living with regrets. As one of the infamous Compass Quads, Tyson has spent most of his life making tough decisions and there’s nothing he wishes he could do different….except where Grace Carter is concerned. As a teenager, Tyson rejected the healer witch and now years later, she has come back into his life and turned his world upside down. The attraction and desire Tyson feels for Grace is nothing he has experienced before and everything inside him tells him to claim her. But Grace was hurt by Tyson once before, so when she asks him for space, he reluctantly agrees. Time apart is hard and when Grace’s absence stretches, Tyson goes in search of his witch. Grace spent years trying to let go of the feelings she had for Tyson, but one moment in his presence was enough to drag up those feelings once again. Space seemed like the best plan but having been taking hostage by her own family, Grace yearns for Tyson to find her. With the help of his brothers, Tyson is excited to be closing in on Grace but the fury he experiences when he finds her, hurt and tortured, at the hands of people who should love her, knows no bounds. He vows to protect her but as he begins to unlock the truth about what Grace really is, Tyson and his witch will soon learn Grace holds the power to save the world of Faerie. Or destroy it……

Magical Compass is the latest novel in the Supernatural Prison world deftly created by Jaymin Eve and this time brings to life the romance between Compass brother Tyson and the witch Grace who has been the object of his interest for a number of novels. Personally I found Magical Compass to be another solid read. Eve once more packs a lot of adventure and excitement into the story while weaving Tyson and Grace’s romance together. Much of Magical Compass is spent seeing Tyson try to find Grace and then to help her find her missing mother while also trying to unravel the mystery of who—and what—she really is.

As always I loved seeing the previous characters all return with the growing pack as focal as ever. Jessa and Braxton and Mischa and Maximus once again return alongside their adorable babies who are so darn sweet. On the whole, I’ve really come to enjoy the closeness of these characters. I wasn’t won over in the beginning but as time as progressed I’ve come to enjoy seeing them stand alongside each other more and more with each novel.

Given that Tyson and Grace’s relationship has been a bit push and pull for a number of novels, I was pleased to see they were very much “all in” in Magical Compass. Jaymin Eve makes it clear very early on that Tyson has decided that Grace is the one for him, while Grace has always known Tyson was meant for her. I liked it. It meant there was no back and forth between them and we could instead focus on more pressing storyline arcs without all that unnecessary angst.

I was surprised by the inclusion of the four Faerie princesses to the series although I’d be lying if I didn’t admit it opens up a lot of storyline possibilities. I’m most excited for Louis’s story next, but I’m already pairing he and Jacob off. I really want to see Louis with Lizzie and Jacob with Justice---and their names go together so surely they’re meant to be!

Fun and enjoyable, Magical Compass is a well told and enjoyable supernatural read. I can’t wait to see what Jaymin Eve does next with this series and will be looking to get my hands on the next novel featuring Louis as soon as it becomes available!

Rating:
Source: Purchased by me via Kindle Unlimited
Publisher: Published by author
Format: Kindle ebook
Release Date: November 17th 2017
Buy: Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Final Thoughts: Another enjoyable read--I can't wait until Louis's story next!

Waiting on Wednesday #255

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 Evil Queen by Gena Showalter 

Releases on: June 25th 2019

Add on Goodreads!

Welcome to the Forest of Good and Evil. A dream come true, and a living nightmare.

Evil isn’t born, it’s made. One thought and action at a time. Take a good look at what you’ve made.

Far, far away, in the realm of Enchantia, creatures of legend still exist, magic is the norm and fairy tales are real. Except, fairy tales aren’t based on myths and legends of the past—they are prophecies of the future.

Raised in the mortal realm, Everly Morrow has no idea she’s a real life fairy tale princess—until she manifests an ability to commune with mirrors.

Look. See… What will one peek hurt?

Soon, a horrifying truth is revealed. She is fated to be Snow White’s greatest enemy, the Evil Queen.

With powers beyond her imagination or control—and determined to change Fate itself—Everly returns to the land of her birth. There, she meets Roth Charmaine, the supposed Prince Charming. Their attraction is undeniable, but their relationship is doomed.

As bits and pieces of the prophecy unfold, Everly faces one betrayal after another, and giving in to her dark side proves more tempting every day. Can she resist, or will she become the queen—and villain—she was born to be?

Thoughts:
Gena Showalter is one of my favourite authors and I'm sooooooo excited about this new release from her. I'd pretty much read anything she releases but this sounds pretty darn awesome. I love me some fairytale retellings and Gena always does romantic chemistry brilliantly--can't wait to meet Everly and Roth!

What do you think of The Evil Queen?

And what are you waiting on this week?

Book Shelf: We Three Heroes (The Medoran Chronicles #4.5) by Lynette Noni

"We all have to do our part if we're to survive the coming storm."

Alexandra Jennings might be the hero of The Medoran Chronicles, but she would be lost without her three closest friends. They are her heroes, and like all heroes, they each have their own story.

Meet the real D.C. in Crowns and Curses and discover how she becomes the princess Alex once despised but now adores.

Follow Jordan on his healing journey in Scars and Silence as he struggles in the wake of being rescued from his living nightmare.

Walk beside Bear in Hearts and Headstones as he faces an unspeakable trauma while helping his world prepare for the coming war.

D.C., Jordan and Bear are the heroes of their own stories.

It is time for their stories to be told.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review: 

We Three Heroes by Lynette Noni finally allows readers to get to know Medorian Chronicles protagonist Alex’s three best friends D.C, Jordan and Bear in this collection of stories that will thrill until the final page.

After four books, we know Alex pretty well but what about D.C, Jordan and Bear? They’ve been steady supporters and great assistance to Alex throughout the series and now is finally the chance to get to know them as they each feature in their own tale through their own perspective for the first time.

I absolutely adore this series and loved the opportunity to follow D.C, Jordan and Bear in We Three Heroes. D.C’s tale takes place the majority before we ever know the fiery redheaded princess while Jordan’s takes place after he has been released from Aven’s Claim and Bears in the lead up to his fathers passing. All three stories were highly entertaining and truly just perfect.

Each story featured the essence of each character so beautifully and authentically and only made me fall in love with them all over again. It reminded me why they’re such great friends to Alex and how much they themselves have brought to the story. The Medorian Chronicles has always had such a colourful cast of vivid and unique supporting characters but these three are without a doubt the most prominent and important ones where Alex’s support system and confidants are concerned.

So much fun but still emotional and heartfelt, We Three Heroes was another brilliant novel from Lynette Noni and leaves me ready to read the fifth and final novel in the series Vardaesia as soon as it is released!

Rating:
Source: Given as a birthday present by my brother
Publisher: Pantera Press
Format: Paperback
Release Date: August 27th 2018
Buy: Angus & Robertson | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: A fabulous glimpse into the hearts and minds of D.C, Bear and Jordan--well worth a read!

Owl Post #226

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 book lovers and happy Monday. 

 

No review copies for me this week but my brother bought me a QBD voucher for Christmas and the books I ordered online finally arrived so pretty happy.

  I Bought:

- The Raging Ones by Krista Ritchie & Becca Ritchie 

This was probably my absolutely favourite book of 2018 and I'm stoked to finally have a physical copy to keep.

  -  Seventh Born by Monica Sanz   This is another book I loved last year. Just had to have a copy for myself :)    -  The Lantern's Ember by Colleen Houck  I really like the sound of this book and am super keen to read it in the near future as soon as I'm able to work it into my reading schedule. 
And that's me! What did the owls bring you recently?

Book Shelf: A Curse So Dark and Lonely (A Curse So Dark and Lonely #1) by Brigid Kemmerer

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.

More info on Goodreads......


Review: 

A Curse So Dark and Lonely is Brigid Kemmerer’s latest release and is a unique and delightfully told take on the classic Beauty and the Beast tale, drawing readers into a bewitching world where danger, magic and romance mingle and two very different individuals find themselves drawn together to prevent a war and cure a curse.

Prince Rhen is the heir to the throne of Emberfall. Cursed by a powerful enchantress, Rhen is doomed to repeat the autumn of his eighteenth year until over and over again until he can find a woman to fall in love with him. Once a charming and charismatic young man, Rhen believed that the curse would be easy to break, but with each failed year where he turns into a brutal monster at the end, Rhen has all but lost hope. With his family long killed by the monster he can’t control, Rhen has watched helplessly as the kingdom fell into disrepair and his monster ravaged his people. Life has never been easy for Harper Lacy. Her father left long ago, her mother is dying from cancer and her brother works for a mobster in order to keep their family afloat. Despite her cerebral palsy, Harper has always been tough which is why when she sees a woman being attacked in the streets, she steps in to help. Before she knows it, Harper is waking up in a land so very far away from her native Washington DC. Dragged into Rehn’s cursed world, Harper doesn’t know what to think of everything she sees, but as she and Rhen attempt to find common ground, will Harper be just the thing to break Rhen’s curse. Or will forces outside their control see the kingdom doomed forever?

Brigid Kemmerer is one of those authors whose novels I always enjoy. Whether she’s writing contemporary or supernatural YA or now fairy-tale retellings, Kemmerer manages to create vivid and compelling stories. A Curse So Dark and Lonely is a prime example of this; darkly vibrant and alluring with likable characters, magic and authentic storyline development. Unfolding through the back and forth perspectives of both main characters, A Curse So Dark and Lonely was a forward moving story that captured my attention from the beginning and didn’t let go until the final page.

A Curse So Dark and Lonely introduces readers to two strong and likable voices in Rhen and Harper. I appreciated the growth both characters undertook throughout the story and felt they were genuine developments that fit the story well without seeming forced. Easy to follow and care about, Rhen and Harper had a compelling relationship that developed steadily over time. Brigid Kemmerer won me over with the lack of insta-love, instead choosing to build on Rhen and Harper’s initial distrust of one another and create a friendship with perfect hints of romantic tension and possibilities.

Rhen himself is a far cry from your ordinary prince; tormented and hopeless who had already come a long way from the spoilt, conceited prince be was pre-curse when the novel kicks off. Rhen is controlling of situations and determined, a by-product of his upbringing and princehood. This is something that sees him clash with female protagonist Harper, but his desire to do the right thing for his people shines throughout the novel as Rhen has his eyes opened to the suffering of his kingdom as the novel progressed.

Harper on the other hand is a naturally tough in effortless way. Harper is a modern teenage girl thrust into a fairytale and I felt that her reactions were authentic and genuine. Brigid Kemmerer gives Harper some substance as a sufferer of cerebral palsy and showcases that disabilities in no way mitigate what a person can do. Harper grows in her time in Emberfall and truly begins to come into her own as she faces different circumstances.

The other important character within A Curse So Dark and Lonely is Commander Grey with Kemmerer writing Grey in a manner that you can’t help but like him straight away. I won’t give away spoilers but Grey plays an ongoing role in the novel and is someone I can’t wait to see more of!

With A Curse So Dark and Lonely ending this chapter of Rhen and Harper’s story beautifully, I for one can’t wait to see a sequel and/or companion novel released to expand on the revelations Brigid Kemmerer made at the end of A Curse So Dark and Lonely as I definitely wouldn’t mind getting lost in this entrancing world once more.

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher via Netgalley (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Format: Kindle copy via Netgalley
Release Date: January 29th 2019
Buy: Angus & Robertson | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: An effortless retelling, I can't wait to see what happens next.

Waiting on Wednesday #254

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.....  

Aurora Rising by Jay Kristoff & Amie Kaufman 

Releases on: May 9th 2019

Add on Goodreads! 

 

From the internationally bestselling authors of THE ILLUMINAE FILES comes an epic new science fiction adventure.
The year is 2380, and the graduating cadets of Aurora Academy are being assigned their first missions. Star pupil Tyler Jones is ready to recruit the squad of his dreams, but his own boneheaded heroism sees him stuck with the dregs nobody else in the Academy would touch…

A cocky diplomat with a black belt in sarcasm
A sociopath scientist with a fondness for shooting her bunkmates
A smart-ass techwiz with the galaxy’s biggest chip on his shoulder
An alien warrior with anger management issues
A tomboy pilot who’s totally not into him, in case you were wondering

And Ty’s squad isn’t even his biggest problem—that’d be Aurora Jie-Lin O’Malley, the girl he’s just rescued from interdimensional space. Trapped in cryo-sleep for two centuries, Auri is a girl out of time and out of her depth. But she could be the catalyst that starts a war millions of years in the making, and Tyler’s squad of losers, discipline-cases and misfits might just be the last hope for the entire galaxy.

They're not the heroes we deserve. They're just the ones we could find. Nobody panic.

Thoughts:

Though I'm yet to read to anything by Jay Kristoff (don't hate me!) I love Amie Kaufman and would probably read her shopping list. So in saying that I super duper excited for Aurora Rising. It sounds like a brilliant sci-fi, the kind dreams are made of!

 

What do you think of Aurora Rising?

And what are you waiting on this week?

 

 

Release Blitz: You've Got Male by Lila Monroe

Happy Release Day to You've Got Male by Lila Monroe! The second novel in the Chick Flick Club featuring three different movie loving best friends, You've Got Male was a great read and I'm thrilled to be helping Lila Monroe and Give Me Books Promotions celebrate it's release today!

_________________________________

All's fair in love, war, and breakfast waffles...

Zoey Rafferty dreams of becoming the food truck queen of San Francisco. She's building an empire whipping up delicious brunch treats - until the (annoyingly handsome) Breakfast Bandit starts stealing all her customers with his devious tactics and smoldering charm.

Cam Newsom never backs down from a fight. As far as he's concerned, let the best chef win. And so what if Zoey looks sexy as hell when she's all riled up? He wants a woman he can connect with - not have whipped cream spray fights in the middle of the street. A woman like his mysterious online pen-pal, who shares his culinary ambition, and burns up his screen with her flirty quips.

Soon, their competition is heating up the kitchen - and the bedroom. But when the famous foodie TV show Truck Stop rolls into town looking for a new reality star, all bets are off, as Zoey and Cam compete for the prize. But will their rivalry blow both their chances?

And what happens when they find it's not just their food on the line - but their hearts, too?

Find out in this sexy new twist on 'You've Got Mail', from USA Today bestselling author, Lila Monroe!

Add on Goodreads or check out my review!

Purchase:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

Combining her love of writing, sex and well-fitted suits, Lila Monroe wrote her first serial, The Billionaire Bargain, in 2015. She weaves sex, humor and romance into tales about hard-headed men and the strong and sassy women who try to tame... love... tame them.

Visit Lila:

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook | Newsletter

Check out the rest of the series here:

Book Shelf: You've Got Male (Chick Flick Club Book 2) by Lila Monroe

All's fair in love, war, and breakfast waffles...

Zoey Rafferty dreams of becoming the food truck queen of San Francisco. She's building an empire whipping up delicious brunch treats - until the (annoyingly handsome) Breakfast Bandit starts stealing all her customers with his devious tactics and smoldering charm.

Cam Newsom never backs down from a fight. As far as he's concerned, let the best chef win. And so what if Zoey looks sexy as hell when she's all riled up? He wants a woman he can connect with - not have whipped cream spray fights in the middle of the street. A woman like his mysterious online pen-pal, who shares his culinary ambition, and burns up his screen with her flirty quips.

Soon, their competition is heating up the kitchen - and the bedroom. But when the famous foodie TV show Truck Stop rolls into town looking for a new reality star, all bets are off, as Zoey and Cam compete for the prize. But will their rivalry blow both their chances?

And what happens when they find it's not just their food on the line - but their hearts, too?

Find out in this sexy new twist on 'You've Got Mail', from USA Today bestselling author, Lila Monroe!

More info on Goodreads......


Review:

You've Got Male is the second novel in Lila Monroe's Chick Flick Club and is anthor funny, romantic and highly enjoyable rom-com perfect for those who like their romance light, entertaining and endlessly sweet. 

Zoey Rafferty has big plans for her food truck, The Little Red Wagon. Classicly trained, Zoey hopes to one day become the breakfast queen of San Francisco with her delicious twists on everyones favourite breakfast treats. And everything is going to plan until a new food truck arrives on the scene and begins to steal all her customers. The Breakfast Bandit is the devilishly handsome thorn in Zoey's side and is determined to give her a run for her money. Cam Newsom has poured blood, sweat and tears into his food truck and he'll be damned if he's going to back down without a fight. So what if riling Zoey up has become his new favourite hobby? Or seeing her angry seems to get his blood pumping? The last thing he needs is to get sidetracked by a woman like Zoey, especially when he finds himself competing against her to be featured on the famous foodie TV show Truck Stop. Better to stick to his mysterious online pen pal who manages to steam up his screen with her quips. Yet as Zoey and Cam find themselves competing against each other, will their rivalery destroy the heat that simmers between them? Or will they find that not only is the food cooking, but love too?

I have to say I really did enjoy You've Got Male. I felt it was a fantastic follow up to the first novel How to Choose a Guy in 10 Days and once more captured me with its effortless writing and entertaining storyline. You've Got Male was a very easy story to get lost in; it was light, funny and sweetly romantic. Lila Monroe wrote the perfect balance of comedy, sexual tension and chemistry without going too overboard on the sex scenes or physicality of the main characters relationship. 

You've Got Male was told through the dual perspective of both Zoey and Cam with hilarious results as the two characters stumbled through their endearing and adorable romance. Zoey was a solid rom-com female lead while Cam was charming and smart. I thought they were both easy to follow and easy to read about.

The two of them were highly entertaining to witness throughout the story with their banter and chemistry sizzling up the pages as they fought, and ultimately gave in, to the connection between them. Even though they were technically rivals, the food connection between them was a sweet touch and I enjoyed seeing two people who had something in common connect.

Perfect for fans of Penny Reid, You've Got Male was a quick but effective story and leaves me ready to round out the series with Eve's story Frisky Business as soon as it comes out.  

Rating: 
Source: Sent for review by Give Me Books Promotions (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Lila Monroe Books 
Format: Kindle ebook
Release Date: January 14th 2019
Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Final Thoughts: Just plain fun, You've Got Male was effortless to read--definitely worth a go!

 

Owl Post #225

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 another Owl Post for 2019 :)

  For Review:

 From Pan Macmillan Australia: - Lady Smoke by Laura Sebastian I quite enjoyed the first novel in this trilogy, Ash Princess and am looking forward to reading Lady Smoke as well. Keen to see what happens to the characters next.   ....Thanks you team!   And that's me :) What did the owls bring you?  

 

Book Shelf: Undying (Unearthed #2) by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner

Trapped aboard the Undying's ancient spaceship and reeling from what they've learned there, scavenger Mia and academic Jules are plunged into a desperate race to warn their home planet of the danger humanity's greed has unleashed. From the mountains of Spain to the streets of Prague, the sequel to Unearthed is a white-knuckle ride that will send readers hurtling back to earth, and leave them breathless until the last page.

The earth's fate rests in Mia and Jules's hands in the epic conclusion to New York Times best-selling authors Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner's tomb-raiding sci-fi duology. 

More info on Goodreads.....

Review: 

Undying is the second novel and conclusion to the Unearthed duology by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner and brings the story to earth as protagonists Mia and Jules race against time to find a way to save their planet and those they love from an alien invasion.

Amelia Raddcliffe and Jules Addison discovered a whole new world during their time on Gaia….and lots of problems. As the Undying people prepare to invade Earth, Mia and Jules desperately attempt to get planetside in an effort to raise awareness of the impending invasion. Yet their arrival in Earth does not go well, with government and IA officials refusing to believe the supposed invasion based on the word of a couple of teenagers. Soon on the run, Mia and Jules will have to do the impossible if they want to save their planet. Can they find a way to prevent the Undying from destroying all they hold dear? Or has humanity’s greed already doomed them all?

Having loved Unearthed, I was super excited to read Undying and dived straight into it as soon as I could. While I definitely enjoyed the novel, I did however feel somewhat underwhelmed by it, especially towards the end. In my mind, Kaufman and Spooner were building towards this big Undying invasion and origin revelation, but I feel like it ended up being too easy. The supposed invasion was over too quickly and the origins of this alien race and their connection to Gaia seemed almost cheesy. I don’t necessarily think I ever would have anticipated the truth, so Kaufman and Spooner get props for surprise factor, but other than that I was a tad disappointed.

I still thought Mia and Jules were fabulous characters to follow and enjoyed seeing their relationship face different trials and hurdles now that they were back on earth. They’re still partners in all aspects of the word and complement each other wonderfully. Their vulnerabilities and insecurities (especially Mia’s) were most evident in this novel and I felt that the authors did a great job taking the time to acknowledge that their time on Gaia created a strong bond quickly and swiftly whilst still showing that it had enough strength to survive once the overwhelming danger ended.

There are new personalities within Undying with Jules previously mentioned cousin Neal playing a big role in helping our heroes keep their head above water while on the run. Two Undying named Dex and Atlanta also feature throughout the story and offer a glimpse into the world of this seemingly transcended alien race. Bringing to a close this intergalactic and puzzling duology, Undying was both hit and miss for me, although there was plenty about it to enjoy.

While I don’t think I quite loved this sequel like its predecessor, I will ready anything Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner release and cannot wait to read whatever comes from them next!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Format: Paperback
Australian RRP: $19.99
Release Date: December 1st 2018
Buy: Angus & Robertson | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: Not as good as the first novel, I was a little let down by Undying, but I'll read whatever this writing duo release.

Blog Tour: Analiese Rising by Brenda Drake- Excerpt & Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Analiese Rising by Brenda Drake thanks to YA Bound Blog Tours.

______________________________

Half-Blood meets Antigoddess in a thrilling, romantic new series from New York Times bestselling author Brenda Drake.

When a stranger gives Analiese Jordan a list of names before he dies, the last thing she expects to see is her own on it. Not. Cool. Her search for answers leads to the man’s grandson, Marek, who has dangerous secrets of his own. Both are determined to unlock the mystery of the list.

But the truth is deadly. Analiese is a descendant of the God of Death, known as a Riser, with the power to raise the dead and control them. Finding out she has hidden powers? Cool. Finding out she turns corpses into killers? No, thank you.

Now the trail plants her and Marek in the middle of a war between gods who apparently want to raise an army of the Risen, and Analiese must figure out how to save the world—from herself.

Add on Goodreads!

Purchase: 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks
 

Analiese Rising.....

I take off in the other direction. My Vans pound hard against the cobblestones. Marek is panting behind me.

“Ana, slow down!” he yells.

Only when I go around a corner do I cease running. I grab my side and catch my breath.

Marek eases to a stop beside me, breathing heavily. “I thought you were ditching me.”

“I couldn’t stay there,” I say. “Not with those things around.”

Marek checks the time on the GPS screen. “We need to keep moving. It’s a little after one. The Louvre doesn’t open until nine.”

“What are we going to do?”

“We’re going to keep walking. See Paris. Maybe get coffee when a café opens. Try to get our minds off what just happened.”

“Sounds like a plan.” I shiver. “It’s so cold.”

We walk. Sometimes there’s a bench, and we sit. My face and hands are like ice. My head is throbbing, so are my feet. I need coffee. Or better, a bed.

The quaint backstreets of Montmartre are quiet at almost three in the morning. We reach the square, and I stand on one of the corners. Streetlamps line the block, giving little light, but I recognize the buildings.

“Right here,” I say. “This square is filled with artists displaying their work during the day. My parents took a photograph in this exact spot.”

Marek ambles over and pretends he’s holding up a camera. “Say cheese.”

It takes a second for what he’s doing to register, but when it does, I’m suddenly warm inside, and I flash him a smile.

He clicks the pretend camera.

We make our way up the hill toward Sacré-Coeur Basilica. Its spotlighted facade calls to us. The white stone chapel with its three considerable arches in front, dome roofs, and bell tower overlooks Paris. The city is a black sea at night with beacons of light spreading across its surface. The Eiffel Tower is hidden behind buildings and trees.

I sit on a step. “In one photo, my mother sits here alone. I bet my father took it.”

Marek raises his hands and takes another fake picture. His nose is red from the cold. “How are you holding up?” he asks.

The wind brushes my hair away from my face, and a chill slips down my back. “I’m numb. Can’t feel my toes.”

“We could ride the Metro. Get warm.” He pulls the collar of his coat up and tucks his scarf inside.

“No. We need to eat.”

“You’re tough,” he says.

“We have to budget.” I skip down a few steps. “Tomorrow, after we’re done at the Louvre, we’ll go to the embassy, then I’ll call my grandparents. Have them wire money.”

“Come on.” He grasps my hand and leads me to the side of the chapel.

The wind bites at my skin. I stuff my free hand into my pocket and stare through some trees, and I can barely make out the Eiffel Tower in the dark. Only a few lights and its silhouette can be seen at this time of the morning.

Want more? Analiese Rising is available now online....

Brenda Drake, the youngest of three children, grew up an Air Force brat and the continual new kid at school. Her fondest memories growing up is of her eccentric, Irish grandmother’s animated tales, which gave her a strong love for storytelling. So it was only fitting that she would choose to write stories with a bend toward the fantastical. When Brenda’s not writing or doing the social media thing, she’s haunting libraries, bookstores, and coffee shops or reading someplace quiet and not at all exotic (much to her disappointment).

Visit Brenda:

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