Book Shelf: Shadow of The Fox (Shadow of the Fox #1) by Julie Kagawa

One thousand years ago, the great Kami Dragon was summoned to grant a single terrible wish—and the land of Iwagoto was plunged into an age of darkness and chaos.

Now, for whoever holds the Scroll of a Thousand Prayers, a new wish will be granted. A new age is about to dawn.

Raised by monks in the isolated Silent Winds temple, Yumeko has trained all her life to hide her yokai nature. Half kitsune, half human, her skill with illusion is matched only by her penchant for mischief. Until the day her home is burned to the ground, her adoptive family is brutally slain and she is forced to flee for her life with the temple’s greatest treasure—one part of the ancient scroll.

There are many who would claim the dragon’s wish for their own. Kage Tatsumi, a mysterious samurai of the Shadow Clan, is one such hunter, under orders to retrieve the scroll…at any cost. Fate brings Kage and Yumeko together. With a promise to lead him to the scroll, an uneasy alliance is formed, offering Yumeko her best hope for survival. But he seeks what she has hidden away, and her deception could ultimately tear them both apart.

With an army of demons at her heels and the unlikeliest of allies at her side, Yumeko’s secrets are more than a matter of life or death. They are the key to the fate of the world itself.

More info on Goodreads....


Review:

Shadow of the Fox is Julie Kagawa’s latest release and is a lush and vivid world of Japanese folklore, magic and adventure!

Raised by the monks of the Silent Winds temple, Yumeko has spent her life trying to hide her yokai nature. Being half kitsune her penchant for mischief it matched only by her human spirit but Yumeko knows the day will come when she will need to choose between her two worlds. Then the family who raised her are murdered and the temple burned down. Forced to flee while in the possession of the temple’s greatest secret, a piece of an ancient and powerful scroll, Yumeko will need to journey to an allying temple in order to find safety. Kage Tatsumi is the infamous Demonslayer, a renowned samurai of the Shadow Clan. Tatusmi has been tasked with finding the scroll on behalf of his clan and when his path’s cross with Yumeko’s, the two will need to put aside their differences in order to reach their shared destination. Yet secrets simmer between them and if discovered they have the power to destroy what little camaraderie Yumeko and Tatsumi have created. As the fate of the world rests on their shoulders, will they be able to get where they need to go or will demonic forces conspiring against them destroy them before they ever have the chance….

Julie Kagawa continues to provide why she is one of the reigning queens of YA with Shadow of the Fox. Be it faerie’s, vampires, dragons and now Asian folklore, there’s nothing Kagawa can’t do as she draws her readers into vivid and compelling worlds of magic and adventure. Kicking off her latest series, Shadow of the Fox is an adventurous and thrilling story interwoven with elements of Japanese mythology and magic and brimming with danger and action.

Shadow of the Fox introduces readers to two different, but as equally compelling characters in the form of Yumeko and Tatsumi. Despite being half kitsune, Yumeko is an innocent and sweet young woman. She has lived a sheltered life and throughout Shadow of the Fox embraces the world with almost child-like wonder and inexperience as she discovers new things. I did like Yumeko—it’s hard not to; she was kind but willing and doesn’t back down when facing tough choices.

Tatsumi on the other hand is the picture of stoic and trained samurai who hasn’t been showed kindness much throughout his life. Taught not to feel emotion or concern, traveling with Yumeko is an eye opening experiencing and you can’t help but be entranced by the gradual changes and feelings he experiences throughout the story. It’s somewhat obvious where things are building but that doesn’t make it an less enjoyable to witness unfold.

There are also other personable and unique characters we meet throughout the story as well who readers are bound to love. Yumeko and Tatsumi slowly collect a rag-tag group of individuals along their travels including a former samurai known as a ronin, a shrine maiden, an aristocrat and a dog. These characters bring life and personality to the story that compliments the adventure with humourful dialogue and exchanges.

Brimming with folklore and mythology, Shadow of the Fox is a highly enjoyable novel and leaves me keen to see what Julie Kagawa has in store next. Especially seeing as the ending definitely leaves readers wondering what will happen and how Yumeko will manage to save a friend lost to his inner demons!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher via Netgalley (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Format: Kindle ebook via Netgalley
Release Date: October 2nd 2018
Buy: Angus & Robertson | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: A thrilling fantasy with Japanese folklore--I can't wait to read the next novel!

Waiting on Wednesday #259

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.....  

Soul of the Sword by Julie Kagawa

Releases on: June 25th 2019

Add on Goodreads!

 

One thousand years ago, a wish was made to the Harbinger of Change and a sword of rage and lightning was forged. Kamigoroshi. The Godslayer. It had one task: to seal away the powerful demon Hakaimono.

Now he has broken free.

Kitsune shapeshifter Yumeko has one task: to take her piece of the ancient and powerful scroll to the Steel Feather temple in order to prevent the summoning of the Harbinger of Change, the great Kami Dragon who will grant one wish to whomever holds the Scroll of a Thousand Prayers. But she has a new enemy now. The demon Hakaimono, who for centuries was trapped in a cursed sword, has escaped and possessed the boy she thought would protect her, Kage Tatsumi of the Shadow Clan.

Hakaimono has done the unthinkable and joined forces with the Master of Demons in order to break the curse of the sword and set himself free. To overthrow the empire and cover the land in darkness, they need one thing: the Scroll of a Thousand Prayers. As the paths of Yumeko and the possessed Tatsumi cross once again, the entire empire will be thrown into chaos. 

Thoughts:

As with all Julie Kagawa novels, I quite enjoyed Shadow of the Fox and am looking forward to reading it's sequel. The ending was totally a cliffhanger and I can't wait to see what happens now that Hakaimono has possession of Tatusmi's body!

What are you waiting on this week?

Book Shelf: Vardaesia (The Medoran Chronicles #5) by Lynette Noni

“When Day and Night combine and fight against one Enemy,
then Dark and Light shall meet mid-strike and set the Captives free.”

In the wake of loss and devastation, Alex must cast aside her grief to seek aid from those who banished the Meyarins long ago. But the proud Tia Aurans care little for the woes of mortals and demand that Alex—and her friends—undergo the Gates of Testing to prove their world is worth saving.

With an ancient prophecy looming, Alex must confront the secrets of her past if she is to survive long enough to see the future. For if she returns to Medora without the Tia Aurans by her side, all hope will be lost.

In this explosive conclusion to The Medoran Chronicles, the fate of Medora hangs in the balance as Alex readies herself to face Aven one final time.

Who will survive, and who will fall?

“If, however, darkness wins, there is no strategy
to keep from all that will be lost, and so will always be.”

More info on Goodreads..... 


Review: 

Vardaesia is the exciting finale in Lynette Noni’s Medorian Chronicles and brings to a close what has been a thrilling and engaging series with a powerfully packed, eventful and highly satisfying conclusion!

Alexandra Jennings has already faced unimaginable loss in her fight to stop Aven from destroying Medora but the devastation is set to rise if Alex can’t find a way convince a long lost race to join the war. Travelling to the golden city of Tia Aura, Alex and her friends hope to convince the proud immortals to fight beside them as they prepare to engage Aven one last time. With an ancient prophecy in place and time running out, Alex and her friends will have to pass a series of tests set out by the Tia Aurans to prove their world is worth saving. Passing is far from certain but failing won’t just spell the end of the teens, it will mean the end of any hope Alex has of potentially defeating Aven for without the Tia Aurans help, her fight against Aven is sure to fail….

Since the beginning, Lynette Noni has continued to captivate with this series, time and time again. From the first novel Akarnae to this final instalment Vardaesia, the Medorian Chronicles has been a lush, imaginative experience that has drawn me as the reader into an excitement filled adventure full of danger, romance and moments of triumph.

Beautifully written, Vardaesia is a testament to the series and features all of my favourite elements of fantasy; bring the story to life with wonder and grace. The world building within the series has always been spot on. Even as the last novel in the series, Vardaesia still allows readers a glimpse into a new branch of Noni’s world with protagonist Alex exploring the world of Tia Aura.

As our main character, Alexandra Jennings has developed and grown an immense amount throughout the series. Vardaesia sees Alex make her final stand against Aven; highlighting just how much she has changed from the seemingly normal, mortal schoolgirl she was when she stepped through the doorway to Medora to become the battle ready fighter she now is. Alex has honed and developed her skills whilst studying at Akarnae under the watchful eyes of unique, passionate professors. I honestly adore Alex and feel she has always been a solid, well written voice to follow. I’ve loved following her on her journey and am happy with all she has accomplished. She’s just the perfect balance of capable kick-ass female and down to earth friend.

Throughout each instalment, Alex has always been supported by a strong, personable and larger-than-life cast of characters. Lynette Noni has created individuals who jump off the page and whose personalities are all unique and vividly different. From the enthusiastic and occasionally eccentric professors to Alex’s fellow Akarnae students and her best friends D.C, Jordan and Bear to the Meyan council and royal family including but not limited to Niyx, Roka, Zain and Kyia, all the minor characters have been instrumental in bringing to the series an abundance of passion, purpose and personality. And I’ve loved every one!

Full of twists and turns and endlessly magical, Vardaesia was a superb ending to what has been spectacular series. Through the highs and lows, losses and gains, The Medorian Chronicles has been a pleasure to read and will always retain a special place as one of my all-time favourites, deserving to be right up there with the greats!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Pantera Press
Format: Paperback
Australian RRP: $19.99
Release Date: February 18th 2019
Buy: Angus & Robertson | Booktopia | Amazon
Final Thoughts: A simply stellar conclusion--I'll read whatever Lynette Noni releases next!

Owl Post #229

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 welcome to this weeks owl post :) I only have one book to share but it's a good one!

 For Review:

From Allen & Unwin: - Four Dead Queens by Astrid Scholte I'm really excited about this novel. I think it sounds super awesome--definitely one I've been  waiting for in 2019 and I can't wait to read it. May have to bump this up to my next read.    ....Thank you so much team!     Do you like the found of Four Dead Queens? What did the owls bring you this week?   

 

Book Shelf: Lady Smoke (Ash Princess Trilogy #2) by Laura Sebastian

The Kaiser murdered Theodosia's mother, the Fire Queen, when Theo was only six. He took Theo's country and kept her prisoner, crowning her Ash Princess--a pet to toy with and humiliate for ten long years. That era has ended. The Kaiser thought his prisoner weak and defenseless. He didn't realize that a sharp mind is the deadliest weapon.

Theo no longer wears a crown of ashes. She has taken back her rightful title, and a hostage--Prinz Soren. But her people remain enslaved under the Kaiser's rule, and now she is thousands of miles away from them and her throne.

To get them back, she will need an army. Only, securing an army means she must trust her aunt, the dreaded pirate Dragonsbane. And according to Dragonsbane, an army can only be produced if Theo takes a husband. Something an Astrean Queen has never done.

Theo knows that freedom comes at a price, but she is determined to find a way to save her country without losing herself.

More on Goodreads.....


Review:

Lady Smoke is Laura Sebastian’s second novel and the follow up to her YA fantasy debut, Ash Princess, whisking readers once more into a world of danger where one young woman will do anything to save her people, even if it means risking her heart and life in the process.

As the rightful Queen of the land of Astrea, Theodosia Houzzara sparked a flame of change when she escaped the clutches of the cruel Kaiser and ended her decade long imprisonment as his glorified pet and symbol of humiliation. As the Kaiser continues to hold her people enslaved, Theo and her closes companions travel across the seas, with the Kalovaxian prince Soren as hostage in order to form an alliance and obtain an army capable of helping take back her kingdom. Yet gaining her freedom does not mean she is safe, and with a bounty hanging over her head, Theo will need to form a political alliance as soon as possible, even if it means offering her hand in marriage to suitors who want nothing more than a piece of the fabled ash princess and the magic her land holds….

After finding myself drawn into the lush and vivid fantasy world Laura Sebastian wove with her debut novel, I was excited to return to it with its sequel, Lady Smoke. Seeming to implement elements of various fantasy series, the Ash Princess Trilogy may not seem overly unique or different, but is still highly entertaining and enjoyable. Sebastian weaves different elements of danger, romance, magic, action and mystery into the story which follows a strong and personable main character.

Lady Smoke continues to unfold through the eyes of heroine Theo, a young woman who is tasked with finding a way to liberate her people from the enslavement they have suffered since the Kalovaxian’s invaded and conquered the land of Astrea. Theo is quite a likable protagonist. She’s intelligent but natural and willing to sacrifice if it means saving her people. Having seen her mother murdered at the hands of the Kaiser, Theo has been an unwilling captive who has recently tasted freedom for the first time. In a lot of ways Lady Smoke marks the start of Theo finally beginning to discover who she is—both as a person with her own hopes and desires and a Queen who must put her people first.

Theo is supported by a strong cast of characters. As the Queen of Astrea, Theo has a small group of close confidants she trusts including Blaise, Artimesia and Heron who readers will recall from the first novel as well as love interest Soren and friend Erik. Laura Sebastian introduces a few new faces to the series including elusive pirate Dragonsbane whose connection to Theo runs blood deep but whose motivations remain a mystery. Personally I think all of Theo’s friends are solid characters, especially Art who is a strong and capable female with hidden vulnrabilties.

As the Kalovaxian Prince who appears to have stolen Theo’s heart despite her complicated feelings for childhood friend Blaise, Soren is the picture of a steadfast friend and love interest to our beloved heroine. After betraying his father, Soren has become a close advisor and source of comfort to Theo and its impossible not to tell they are falling for one other. Though he should be “the enemy” Soren is proving himself day by day and continues to come to terms with all the brutality his father was responsible for.

Though Lady Smoke focuses more on Theo’s desperation to secure an ally through a political marriage, Laura Sebastian does manage to pack the story with plenty of developments. It was intriguing to see some more aspects of the world Theo and her comrades exist in including neighbouring kingdoms and their leaders.

The Truthwitch meets The Winner's Curse, Lady Smoke builds to a climactic ending which will turn the tides of the series. Theo has an even bigger fight on her hands as an old acquaintance rises to power with deadly results. I for one can’t wait to see what Laura Sebastian plans for the third and final instalment in the trilogy, Ember Queen and will be looking to read it as soon as it releases.

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia
Format: Paperback
Australian RRP: $16.99
Release Date: February 12th 2019
Buy: Angus & Robertson | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: Very entertaining; I'm ready for the next one!

Owl Post #228

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 another Owl Post :)

  I Bought:

- King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo

Leigh Bardugo's latest release is soooo pretty. You can't tell from the picture but it's all gold foiled and shiny. Oh and I got myself a signed copy from Booktopia which is extra sweet :)

- Invision by Sherrilyn Kenyon 

More Sherrilyn Kenyon  in preparation for her visit to Australia next month--can't wait!!

What did the owls bring you recently?

 

Free Ebooks

Hello book lovers! Hope you've all had a fantastic week! I have a bunch of Amazon freebies to share with you today. Enjoy :)

Gateway by Christina Garner

Truthwitch by Susan Dennard

Infected by Tara Ellis

High School Magical by Deirdre Riordan Hall

Duty Bound by Christina Bauer

Frost Legacy by Jennifer Ann Reed

Ignite by Kaitlyn Davis

Blood of Stone by Jayne Faith

Wolf's Bane by Aimee Easterling

Relics and Runes: A Limited Edition Urban Fantasy and Fantasy Anthology

A House of Cards by Savannah Skye

Chosen by Denise Grover Swank

Never Save a Demon by J.D. Brown

Dragon's Oath by Eve Laird

Fangs & Fairy Dust by Joynell Schultz

Renegade Valkyrie by Stacy Claflin 

Did you manage to snag something new?

I know I did!

Book Shelf: Imposter (The Royal Trials #1) by Tate James

Three trials. Three weeks. Three Royal Princes.

It should have been an easy task, for a skilled mercenary like Rybet Waise. Simply break into the royal palace, and rescue her friend from the executioner's block. But when Rybet accidentally qualifies for the Trials, she finds herself with little choice but to see them through.

A thin veil of etiquette, elegance and glamour hides the true nature of the Trials. Behind closed doors, they are brutal and bloody, and to fail means to forfeit her life.

Thrust into the limelight and forced to compete with the Kingdom's elite sweethearts, unlikely allies emerge and bonds are formed. But someone will stop at nothing to see her fail.

After all, she's nothing but a dirty pond-dweller.

Rybet will do whatever it takes to survive until the Golden Ball, Princes be damned.

More info on Goodreads......


Review:

Imposter is the first novel in the Royal Trials series by Tate James and is an entrancing reverse harem fantasy with a kick-ass heroine, plenty of excitement and sizzling romantic chemistry.

Rybet Waise is a pond-dweller, surviving in the water infested slums of the Kingdom of Teich. A mercenary working for a crime lord, everything goes to hell when Rybet’s friend is caught by palace guards during a heist and scheduled to face the executioners block. Determined to save her friend, Rybet breaks into the palace but the rescue attempt goes wrong, with Rybet accidentally qualifying for the Trials. A series of tests, the Trials sees a small group of select young women compete to potentially win the hand of one of the three royal princes. Rybet wants nothing to do with the young men whose hearts she should want to win, but when it becomes clear the Trials are far from the tests of etiquette and elegance they are promoted to be, Rybet will need to find a way to outlast the bloody and brutal testing if she hopes to survive.

Here’s the thing about me; I like fidelity. I like mahogany. I don’t like romantic confliction and I HATE love triangles. So reverse harems are not normally my thing. I don’t like seeing my heroines involved with multiple men at the same time nor do I enjoy seeing the struggle being involved with multiple men has one her feelings and desires. I like things straightforward; one guy, one girl committed to each other. BUT boy did I ever love Imposter!

Tate James has been given the honour of writing the first reverse harem that I not only finished but absolutely adored. Introducing readers to a mysterious world that has a lot of potential and possibility, Tate James creates a storyline of court politics and deception where not everything is as it seems and one capable and tenacious heroine must manage to survive when the only options are death and becoming a prince’s bride; all while she attempts to navigate her developing and equally as strong as each other desires for three enigmatic and delectable men.

Imposter is told through the eyes of eighteen year old Rybet, someone who I really did like. Despite being in an imaginable position, Rybet adjusts really well, all things considered. Not having lived a life of luxury like the other competitors, Rybet has an edge that coupled with her intelligence and determination made her a force to be reckoned with. There was obviously areas where she struggled, but she still tried, in her own way, even if her mouth tended to get the better of her where authorities were concerned.

I think the reason I enjoyed this novel so much despite the reverse harem aspect not normally being up my alley was that Tate James really paces the relationships between Rybet and her three strapping men. The physicality of each relationships builds slowly and isn’t too sexually charged; just the perfect amount of attraction and desires sizzling between them all. All three men in question are so different but oh, so appealing. I was eager to devour each of the interactions they had with Rybet as they were sharp, biting exchanges with fantastic dialogue and sexual tension. I personally don’t think I could choose between them myself and am actually glad in this instance that Rybet doesn’t plan, or have, to.

In the heart of The Selection with a slightly sexier twist, Imposter was a great kick-start to the Royal Trials series. Tate James had me hooked from beginning to end and as she concludes Imposter on a cliffhanger, I for one am absolutely dying for the second novel, Seeker to come out so that I can read the next chapter of Rybet’s journey straight away!

Rating:
Source: Read via Kindle Unlimited
Publisher: After Glows Publishing
Format: Kindle ebook
Release Date: September 24th 2018
Buy: Amazon
Final Thoughts: A reverse harem that is defintely worth a read--I can't wait for more!

Waiting on Wednesday #258

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 Lady Rogue by Jenn Bennett 

Releases on: September 10th 2019

Add on Goodreads!

 

The Last Magician meets A Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue in this thrilling tale filled with magic and set in the mysterious Carpathian Mountains where a girl must hunt down Vlad the Impaler’s cursed ring in order to save her father.

Some legends never die…

Traveling with her treasure-hunting father has always been a dream for Theodora. She’s read every book in his library, has an impressive knowledge of the world’s most sought-after relics, and has all the ambition in the world. What she doesn’t have is her father’s permission. That honor goes to her father’s nineteen-year-old protégé—and once-upon-a-time love of Theodora’s life—Huck Gallagher, while Theodora is left to sit alone in her hotel in Istanbul.

Until Huck arrives from an expedition without her father and enlists Theodora’s help in rescuing him. Armed with her father’s travel journal, the reluctant duo learns that her father had been digging up information on a legendary and magical ring that once belonged to Vlad the Impaler—more widely known as Dracula—and that it just might be the key to finding him.

Journeying into Romania, Theodora and Huck embark on a captivating adventure through Gothic villages and dark castles in the misty Carpathian Mountains to recover the notorious ring. But they aren’t the only ones who are searching for it. A secretive and dangerous occult society with a powerful link to Vlad the Impaler himself is hunting for it, too. And they will go to any lengths—including murder—to possess it.

Thoughts:

I have to say.......This. Sounds. Awesome! Not only to I love anything Dracula/Vlad the Impaler but this looks like it has magic, mystery and romance--right up my alley! Definitely going to be keeping my eye out for this one!

What do you think of The Lady Rogue? Do you want to read it?

And what are YOU waiting on this week?

Release Blitz: Sing It, Sam by Jennifer Ryder

Happy Release Day to Sing It, Sam by Jennifer Ryder! Emotional and heart wrenching, Sing It, Sam is a powerful standalone tale that will definitely make you feel all range of emotions!

_________________________________

Jane Rhynehart has a cosy shack in the pumpkin-obsessed town of Willow Creek, and a new job—if only she was able to write like the other women in the local writers’ group. But how can Jane write the perfect romance when she’s never experienced love?
After a lengthy stay in hospital, budding singer and songwriter Sam Marshall ends up as a resident in Willow Creek Nursing Home. Jane soon becomes his guiding light. But how can he be a man for her when he relies on so many others day-to-day?

Will Sam turn out to be the perfect muse to help Jane write her epic romance? Will Jane be the one to teach Sam how to truly live? Does love truly know no barriers? 

Add on Goodreads or check out my 4 star review! 

Purchase:

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

Jennifer Ryder is a bestselling author of the Spark Series and Surfers Way Series. She loves to write about boys on dirt bikes, detectives and strong females who aren’t afraid to fight for what they want.

Living on a rural property in New South Wales, Australia, she enjoys the best of city and country. Her loving husband is ever willing to provide inspiration, and her two young cherubs, and sheep that don't see fences as barriers, keep life more than interesting.  

Visit:

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

 

Book Shelf: Sing It, Sam by Jennifer Ryder

Jane Rhynehart has a cosy shack in the pumpkin-obsessed town of Willow Creek, and a new job—if only she was able to write like the other women in the local writers’ group. But how can Jane write the perfect romance when she’s never experienced love? 

After a lengthy stay in hospital, budding singer and songwriter Sam Marshall ends up as a resident in Willow Creek Nursing Home. Jane soon becomes his guiding light. But how can he be a man for her when he relies on so many others day-to-day?

Will Sam turn out to be the perfect muse to help Jane write her epic romance? Will Jane be the one to teach Sam how to truly live? Does love truly know no barriers? 

More info on Goodreads.....


Review: 

Sing It, Sam is the latest release by Jennifer Ryder and is a romantic and emotional story of love and loss and the power of being ready to take chances and move forward.

Wannabe author Jane Rhynehart lives in the pumpkin-obsessed town of Willow Creek. Beginning a new job at a nursing home, Jane is hoping her new position as well as a writers support group will help her pen the perfect romance. Too bad she doesn't have any experience with romance herself. Enter Sam Marshall. After a lengthy hospital stay, budding singer and songwriter Sam has become a resident at the Willow Creek Nursing Home. Suffering debilitating pain and lost to the effects of his illness, Sam has shut himself away from people and spends all his time alone in his room. Until he meets Jane. Determined to draw Sam out of his shell, Jane soon becomes Sam's guiding light, but when he's reliant on people everyday, can he be the man Jane needs? Will Jane be able to teach Sam to live? And will love be the saving grace both young people desperately need?

Now while I’m going to do my very best to avoid giving away spoilers as much as possible, I do have to say that Sing It, Sam absolutely broke my heart. Beginning and developing with all the elements of contemporary romance that I enjoy, Sing It, Sam eventually built to a heartbreaking and unexpected ending. Emotional and harrowing, the final few chapters in Sing It, Sam gripped my heart and squeezed it for all the emotions it held, making me feel every painful and agonising emotion.

Set in a small Australian town, I really enjoyed that Jennifer Ryder explored and highlighted real issues in Sing It, Sam. She created likable characters in both main characters Jane and Sam as well as the nursing home residents who are unique and vivacious personalities. I appreciated her inclusion of a neurological disorder that isn't as well known as some--this made me go away and think about it's implications and ramifications.

Well written with moments of hilarity, friendship and beautiful romance, Sing It, Sam is an emotional ride that will leave you heartbroken but hopeful that the characters will one day find happiness they deserve within their lives.

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Give Me Books Promotions and the author (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Published by author
Format: Kindle ebook
Release Date: February 11th 2019
Buy: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Final Thoughts: Heartwarming and heartbreaking--Sing It, Sam defintely brings the feels.

Blog Tour: Car Crash by T. Gephart

I'm thrilled to be helping T. Gephart celebrate the release of her latest novel Car Crash today, the companion novel to Train Wreck. Yesterday I shared my four star review and and today I have some teasers from this fantastic novel to share!

___________________________

Kitty was not only beautiful but also incredibly intelligent—except when it came to relationships. It seemed if a guy was a loser, corrupt, deadbeat or unavailable, she was completely and utterly attracted to him. She definitely had a “type,” and all of them had been one bad decision after another.

Dallas had trouble of his own. Finding women wasn’t a problem—he could charm the pants off almost anyone—but most of those “pantless” women ended up being a few bananas short of a fruit basket. Not always the best candidates for his sex-without-strings philosophy. He was one date away from ending up a 60 Minutes special.

While both of them were at the top of their game professionally—she a high-powered executive assistant, and he one of the best tattooists in the city—their personal lives had become a dumpster fire.

No one in their right mind would have suggested they join forces to help each other wade through the crazy. Surely that was a recipe for disaster? But without reason, logic or even sanity on their side, they decided to do it anyway.

It was a hot mess primed for a head-on collision.

Add on Goodreads or check out my review! 

Purchase:
Amazon US | Amazon AU | Amazon UK | Kobo 

 The first book is currently FREE! Go back to the beginning!

 

Amazon US | Amazon AU | Amazon UK | Kobo 

 

T Gephart is an indie author from Melbourne, Australia. 

T’s approach to life has been somewhat unconventional. Rather than going to University, she jumped on a plane to Los Angeles, USA in search of adventure. While this first trip left her somewhat underwhelmed and largely depleted of funds it fueled her appetite for travel and life experience.

With a rather eclectic resume, which reads more like the fiction she writes than an actual employment history, T struggled to find her niche in the world. 

While on a subsequent trip the United States in 1999, T met and married her husband. Their whirlwind courtship and interesting impromptu convenience store wedding set the tone for their life together, which is anything but ordinary. They have lived in Louisiana, Guam and Australia and have travelled extensively throughout the US. T has two beautiful young children and one four legged child, Woodley the wonder dog. 

An avid reader, T became increasingly frustrated by the lack of strong female characters in the books she was reading. She wanted to read about a woman she could identify with, someone strong, independent and confident who didn’t lack femininity. Out of this need, she decided to pen her first book, A Twist of Fate. She enjoyed the process so much that when it was over she couldn’t let it go.

T loves to travel, laugh and surround herself with colourful characters. This inevitably spills into her writing and makes for an interesting journey – she is well and truly enjoying the ride! 

Based on her life experiences, T has plenty of material for her books and has a wealth of ideas to keep you all enthralled.

Visit T:

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Be sure to check out this fabulous series--you won't be sorry!