Saturday, April 27, 2019

Book Blitz: Deadworld by Debbie Cassidy- Excerpt & Giveaway

Welcome to the book blitz for Deadworld by Debbie Cassidy presented by Xpresso Book Tours! I think this book sounds pretty darn good and I'm happy to be sharing it with you today.
___________________

Humans weren’t meant to live underground, but then artificial intelligences weren’t meant to feed off souls. Shit happens.

Being a Potential is an honor.
It qualifies me for the mandatory Run, the chance to become a Guardian and wield one of the only weapons that can disable a Genesis scout. It also means I’ll have to leave the safety of my underground home and go topside, where the possibility of death goes up by eighty percent.

Badges of honor mean nothing if you’re dead.

I’d rather steer clear of any place where soul sucking AI roam. 
I’d rather stay safe in the Hive and hangout with my wolf-shifter co-worker. I’d rather work on the mechanical heart that keeps the Hive running and spend time with my enigmatic nephilim mentor. Heck, I’d rather be doing anything else. But I’ve made a promise to my best friend, a promise to get her to the finish line in time to win a spot as Guardian. How hard can it be, right? We have a plan. So why do I feel as if something is about to go seriously wrong?

It’s a game. Just a game.

Or is it?

First came Chronicles of Midnight, then came Chronicles of Arcana, and now we have Chronicles of Deadworld. Set a hundred years after the events of its predecessors Deadworld takes you into a Post-Apocalyptic Urban fantasy world with a slow burn Whychoose Romance.

You don’t have to read the previous series, but man, if you do the thrill ride will be unlike any other.


Add on Goodreads or purchase on Amazon

 
From Deadworld.....

“You have a slight concussion. And it’s perfectly natural to be confused after a blow to the head.”

I reached up to touch the back of my head and probed gingerly, wincing when I hit the tender spot.

I hated this fuzzy feeling. This strange, helpless flutter inside me. “I can’t remember what happened. God, I hate this.”

“It may come back to you, it may not.” Emory smiled kindly. “Don’t worry too much about it. All that matters is that you’re all right.”

A lock of his silver-blond hair had fallen across his forehead, and before I could stop myself, I’d reached up and brushed it back. He froze. His pupils dilated and fixed on me, and then he let out a sharp exhalation and quickly stood and put distance between us. His gloved hands hovered at his pockets, but in the end, he settled for clenching them at his sides.

Oh, shit, Emory was a stickler for his personal space, and I’d just violated it. “Sorry, I … I have no idea why I did that.”

“It’s fine.” His tone was easy and smooth, but the clenched fists gave him away. I’d rattled him. “Just get some rest. Danika will give you some pills for the headache. Take the rest of the day off.”

What? “No.”

He canted his head. “No? Echo, you just fell twenty feet into a chasm.”

“I don’t want the others to think I’m getting special treatment.”

His frown was incredulous. “Special treatment? Of course you’re getting special treatment.” He leaned in slightly and enunciated his next words. “You just fell into the chasm.”

Incredulity had morphed into irritation, and although I’d seen him annoyed before, it was usually a flick of the brows, or a twitch of the lips; he never exploded, never raised his voice.

But Finn’s revelation as to why the other guys hadn’t accepted me was prominent in my mind, and maybe it was the fall, maybe it was the damn concussion, but my mouth decided to speak the thoughts running through my mind.

“The heart keepers think you’re favoring me because we’re lovers.” The sentence tumbled out and then sat between us like a bomb waiting to be defused.

Emory went very still. Was he holding his breath? Was I?

I pressed my fingers to my temple, wishing I could take the words back just to wipe the look of horror from his face. A look that was not good for my ego.

Want more? Get your copy today!


Debbie Cassidy lives in England, Bedfordshire, with her three kids and very supportive husband. Coffee and chocolate biscuits are her writing fuels of choice, and she is still working on getting that perfect tower of solitude built in her back garden. Obsessed with building new worlds and reading about them, she spends her spare time daydreaming and conversing with the characters in her head - in a totally non psychotic way of course. She writes Urban Fantasy, Fantasy and Reverse Harem Fantasy. All her books contain plenty of action, romance and twisty plots.

Visit Debbie:

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Thursday, April 25, 2019

Book Shelf: Slayer (Slayer #1) by Kiersten White

Into every generation a Slayer is born…

Nina and her twin sister, Artemis, are far from normal. It’s hard to be when you grow up at the Watcher’s Academy, which is a bit different from your average boarding school. Here teens are trained as guides for Slayers—girls gifted with supernatural strength to fight the forces of darkness. But while Nina’s mother is a prominent member of the Watcher’s Council, Nina has never embraced the violent Watcher lifestyle. Instead she follows her instincts to heal, carving out a place for herself as the school medic.

Until the day Nina’s life changes forever.

Thanks to Buffy, the famous (and infamous) Slayer that Nina’s father died protecting, Nina is not only the newest Chosen One—she’s the last Slayer, ever. Period.

As Nina hones her skills with her Watcher-in-training, Leo, there’s plenty to keep her occupied: a monster fighting ring, a demon who eats happiness, a shadowy figure that keeps popping up in Nina’s dreams…

But it’s not until bodies start turning up that Nina’s new powers will truly be tested—because someone she loves might be next.

One thing is clear: Being Chosen is easy. Making choices is hard.


More info on Goodreads.....


Review: 

Slayer is the latest novel from New York Times bestselling author Kiersten White and draws readers into the world of Buffy the Vampire Slayer with this first novel in a new series that is set to tell the tale of the next Slayer.

Nina and her twin sister Artemis are far from normal. Born to two Watcher's, they have grown up at the Watcher's Academy where teens are trained as guides for Slayers--girls with supernatural abilities that fight the forces of darkness. While her sister has always been a natural, Nina has struggled with the violent Watcher lifestyle, instead wanting to follow her instincts to heal. Until the day Nina's life changes forever and she becomes the last Slayer....forever. Thanks to Buffy's actions, there will be no more new Slayers and Nina's the last. Yet as Nina trains with her Watcher Leo she also finds herself caught up in a monster fighting ring where not everything is as it seems. Then bodies start turning up within the Academy and soon Nina must use her new abilities to find who's responsible before more people die.....


Buffy the Vampire Slayer bewitched an entire generation in the 90's, and although I've only watched bits and pieces myself over the years ---I was just a tad too young to watch the show at the time --there's no denying how influential it was in shaping pop culture and the paranormal genre in general. Slayer is a wonderful opportunity for original fans to revisit the distinct Buffy-verse or for new readers to sink their teeth into all the fun, sass and quirk it has to offer.


Slayer follows sixteen year old Watcher-recently-turned-Slayer Nina as she navigates the new aspects of her world. Nina is an easy to follow character. She has the distinct voice of a teenage girl who is still trying to discover who she is and what she stands for. Though not perfect, Nina is willing and grows a lot in this first novel alone. 


It's evident throughout the novel that Kiersten White clearly knows her Buffy the Vampire Slayer as she recounts Nina's tale. Aspects of the Slayer world are touched upon as she explains and explores the Watcher world. Slayer is filled with many vivid and hilarious characters and personalities. There's familial bonds, friendship and even romance brought into the story with quirky dialogue and situations. 


Whether you're an esteemed Buffy lover or someone like myself new to the world, Slayer is an exciting novel to sink your teeth into. Perfect for new and old fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Slayer is a great start to a promising new series and leaves me dying to see what Kiersten White plans next!


Rating: 
Source: Sent for review by publisher (Thank you Jamie!)
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Australia
Format: Paperback
Australian RRP: $17.99
Release Date: 1st February 2019
Buy: Angus & Robertson | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: I really enjoyed this novel and can't wait to read the next one when it comes out!



 

Wednesday, April 24, 2019

Waiting on Wednesday #267

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.....
 
Oath Taker by Audrey Grey 
Releases on: May 23rd 2019

Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Emily R. King, this first book in a dark and action-packed new series is impossible to put down!

Light magic is forbidden. 
Dark magic spells death. 
Haven has both.


After the Prince of Penryth saved her from captivity, seventeen-year-old Haven Ashwood spends her days protecting the kind prince and her nights secretly fighting the monsters outside the castle walls. 

When one of those monsters kidnaps Prince Bell, Haven must ally with Archeron Halfbane and his band of immortals to rescue her friend. 

Her quest takes her deep into the domain of a warped and vicious queen where the rules are simple: break her curse or die.

Lost in a land of twisted magic and fabled creatures, Haven finds herself unprepared, not just for the feelings she develops for Archeron, but for the warring powers raging inside her. 

Her rare and forbidden type of magic may be their only hope . . . but mixing light and dark comes with a steep price. 

Haven’s soul.

Faced with impossible love, heartbreaking betrayals, and a queen intent on destroying the realm, only one thing remains certain. 

Haven must shatter the curse or it will devour everything she loves. 

Welcome to the Kingdom of Runes where immortals and humans clash, light and dark magic reign, and mythical creatures lurk in the shadows. If you like fierce heroines, enemies-to-lovers romance, wild plot twists, and endearing characters that stay with you long after you reach the end, you need to discover the book readers are calling dark fantasy at its best. Just make sure to clear out some space on your calendar first! 


Thoughts:
I've read a few of Audrey Grey's books and have loved them all so it goes without saying that I put this on my TBR list as soon as I saw she had a new book something out. That was before I even read the description....but now I want it even more! This sounds fantastic and I'll be keeping an eye out for this as soon as it comes out!

What are you waiting on this week?

 

Tuesday, April 23, 2019

Book Shelf: Pain (Curse of the Gods #5) by Jane Washington & Jaymin Eve

Willa Knight: The saviour of both worlds, or the destruction of everything?

Sometimes history lies, and the tales of Minatsol and Topia are no different. Since the birth of Topia, Staviti has woven a web of deceit around the truth of Creation, striving only to maintain his power while destroying anything that gets in his way. Now, Willa and the Abcurses are determined to strip back the layers, to uncover the truth, and to understand the true nature of the two worlds before it's too late. 


The only problem? 


Any wrong step in their quest to restore balance might have terrible repercussions. Every single being—living or dead—might have to pay the price. 


More info on Goodreads......


Review: 

Pain is the fifth and final novel in the Curse of the Gods series by Jaymin Eve and Jane Washington and brings the series to a close in spectacular fashion with action, romance and the answers to questions readers have been eagerly awaiting to discover.

Willa Knight is a god and after so long feeling out of place amongst dwellers and sol’s she is finally beginning to realise who she is. And for the lands of Topia and Minastol, Willa will either be their salvation or their destruction. As Creator, Staviti has always had complete control over the worlds he has been responsible for, but now Minastol is dying and is won’t be long before Topia follows as Staviti’s greed begins to destroy the lands he lords over. As Willa and her friends begin to discover the truth behind his lies, they’ll need to understand the true nature of both worlds in order to save them, but restoring balance could come at a terrible cost….

After five full length novels and a novella, the Curse of the Gods series finally comes to a close. Drawing their readers back into the hearts of Topia and Minastol, Aussie authors Jaymin Eve and Jane Washington finally offer answers to the questions we have long wondered and weaves romance, action and family into this final instalment.

Pain is as always filled with the character bonds, humour and action I’ve come to expect with this series as well as sizzling sex scenes and surprises. I’ve enjoyed following Willa and the Abcurses (Rome forever!) as well as the characters we have met along the way including Emmy and Cyrus. This series isn’t perfect—sometimes I feel like the storyline gets away and doesn’t have a lot of purpose, but I do enjoy the characters and the world they exist in.

Pain focuses a lot more around the gods than any of the previous novels. We learn more about who they are as well as Staviti’s true heritage which brings everything together with a bit more clarity. I put Willa’s own heritage together quite quickly once certain details are revealed, but it was still enjoyable seeing her discover the truth for herself.

Curse of the Gods has been an enjoyable series to read and I have definitely appreciated seeing Jane Washington and Jaymin Eve develop and unfold this saga. I’m sorry to say goodbye to Willa and the Abcurses, but was very happy with the hopeful and promising end to their story and will keep my eyes out to see what these talented authors release next!

Rating:
Source: Purchased by me via Kindle Unlimited (I also own a signed paperback copy)
Publisher: Amazon Digital Services
Format: Kindle copy
Release Date: November 14th 2018
Buy: The Book Depository | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Final Thoughts: A solid ending I was happy with.


Sunday, April 21, 2019

HAPPY EASTER

 
Wishing each and everyone of you a safe and happy Easter!
 
Filled with lots of chocolate ;)
 

 

Friday, April 19, 2019

Book Shelf: Eyes on Me by Rachel Harris

Look up the word “nerd” and you’ll find Lily Bailey’s picture. She’s got one goal: first stop valedictorian, next stop Harvard. Until a stint in the hospital from too much stress lands her in the last place a klutz like her ever expected to be: salsa dance lessons.

Look up the word “popular” and you’ll find Stone Torres’s picture. His life seems perfect—star of the football team, small-town hero, lots of friends. But his family is struggling to make ends meet, so if pitching in at his mom's dance studio helps, he’ll do it.

When Lily’s dad offers Stone extra cash to volunteer as Lily’s permanent dance partner, he can’t refuse. But with each dip and turn, each moment her hand is in his, his side job starts to feel all too real. Lily shows Stone he's more than his impressive football stats, and he introduces her to a world outside of studying. But with the lines blurred, can their relationship survive the secret he's been hiding?


More info on Goodreads......


Review:

Eyes on Me is Rachel Harris’s latest release and is a sweet and endearing contemporary read with a passionate and adorable love story that sees two teens more alike than they think dance their way into love.

High school senior Lily Bailey has a plan; first valedictorian, then Harvard, but when too much stress takes a toll and she’s emitted to hospital her father is puts his foot down. She’s to take one night a week off studying and signs her up for dance lessons, hoping she’ll find a way to relive the stress that is eating away at her. Lily knows she’s a klutz and wouldn’t describe herself as graceful so she doesn’t expect to enjoy dancing, even if her dance partner is her schools golden boy. As quarterback, Ágoston “Stone” Torres is the star of his small town football team, but behind his perfectly practiced smiles, he’s worried. His family’s dance studio isn’t doing so well and more than anything Stone wants to help. So when Lily’s father offers him extra money to be her fulltime dance partner during lessons, Stone agrees, but what started out as an easy way to make some money to help his family soon spirals into a crushing secret as Stone and Lily find themselves falling for one another. Will Stone find a want to tell Lily the truth and save his family’s studio? Or will he loose the girl he loves AND his family’s livelihood?

Eyes on Me was a really effortless and fun story to read. Unfolding through the back and forth perspectives of main characters Lily and Stone, Eyes on Me was a sweet but saucy YA in the tradition of all the best dance movies/books. It’s a case of opposites attracting as our two protagonists connect and come to realise they’re not as different as they think.

The story Rachel Harris tells may not be all together unique—nerd girl and sports star falling for one another as they dance together—but it’s still very well told with Eyes on Me a fun and lively tale. Both Lily and Stone are highly likable and have a fabulous chemistry together. They grow sweetly as friends and then ultimately become a couple and manage to bring out the best in each other. They’re supported by some great side characters including Stone’s twin sister Angela who becomes a good friend to Lily and Stone’s vivacious family including his mother Viktoria.

I liked the honesty of Lily’s foray into dancing. She didn’t begin dancing and find herself a natural talent, but by hard work and a lot of effort she slowly improved as she learnt to let go and not overthink the steps and moves. I saw myself in Lily—I can’t dance for my life—and enjoyed seeing her take a chance and find happiness in something that gave her a different perspective. It didn’t hurt that Stone was sexy-as-sin and very much the swoon worthy love interest as well.

Sizzling kisses on love seats lit up the pages and endearing moments of tenderness between the two teens won me over as the story progresses more and more. Coupled with your typical teen concerns—studying, dances, football games—the problems Stone and Lily faced were well explored and resolved alongside their romance.

Adorable YA contemporary, Eyes on Me builds to an ending right out of your favourite dancing movie (literally and with inspiration in this case) and leaves me satisfied with Lily and Stone’s tale. I’m hopeful that Rachel Harris might one day write a sequel/companion novel as I would love to explore Angela and Chase if given the chance and think that would make for a great story!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher via Netgalley (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Entangled: Teen
Format: Kindle ebook via Netgalley
Release Date: March 26th 2019
Buy: Angus & Robertson | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: A fun and enjoyable YA contemporary, Eyes on Me is definitely worth a read.


Wednesday, April 17, 2019

Waiting on Wednesday #266

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.....

Scavenge the Stars by Tara Sim 
Releases on: January 7th 2020 

When Amaya rescues a mysterious stranger from drowning, she fears her rash actions have earned her a longer sentence on the debtor ship where she’s been held captive for years. Instead, the man she saved offers her unimaginable riches and a new identity, setting Amaya on a perilous course through the coastal city-state of Moray, where old-world opulence and desperate gamblers collide. Amaya wants one thing: revenge against the man who ruined her family and stole the life she once had. But the more entangled she becomes in this game of deception—and as her path intertwines with the son of the man she’s plotting to bring down—the more she uncovers about the truth of her past. And the more she realizes she must trust no one…

Packed with high-stakes adventure, romance, and dueling identities, this gender-swapped retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo is the first novel in an epic YA fantasy duology, perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Sabaa Tahir, and Leigh Bardugo.


Thoughts:
I really love the sound of this The Count of Monte Cristo retelling! Romance, adventure and dueling identities in this fantasy twist? Yes, please. Oh, and the cover=STUNNING!

Do you like the sound of Scavenge the Stars?
And what are you waiting on this week?

 

Tuesday, April 16, 2019

Book Shelf: Neutral (Curse of the Gods #4.5) by Jane Washington & Jaymin Eve

Sometimes, the end is only the beginning.

Emmy was born a dweller and she expected to die as a dweller ... until Willa changed everything. Now she has no idea of her path, and she certainly wasn't prepared for what would happen after her death. Caught in the middle of a war that threatened to prove much more significant than anyone had ever expected, there is only one person who can help her ... but his terms are steep.

Cyrus was born out of necessity: a being of light, brought to life with a singular purpose. Time has changed him and the recent events have unsettled him … but a certain transformed dweller is about to do much worse than that. She is about to turn his existence upside down.

Topia is giving them no choice: they survive together, or the war is lost. 


More info on Goodreads.....


Review: 

Neutral is the highly anticipated novella in Jaymin Eve and Jane Washington’s Curse of the Gods series that features characters Emmy and Cyrus in their own story with sizzling and highly enjoyable results.

Born a Dweller, Emmy was expecting to live and die as a Dweller, but when her best friend brought her back from the dead, everything changes. Waking up in Topia, Emmy is now a god and only time will tell what her new abilities and nature will be. Until then, she will need the help of the last person she wants help from in order to survive; an infuriating and egotistical god who riles her up like no one other. Born centuries before, Cyrus’s purpose is to be the balance between nature and the gods, but ever since Emmy came into his life he has been struggling to stay neutral---the very purpose of his being. The stubborn but beautiful dweller knows how to push all his buttons but with her now in a vulnerable and unknown position, Cyrus finds he’ll do anything to protect her. Different but the same, Emmy and Cyrus can’t deny the fire that simmers between them but with Staviti still an unknown factor, they’ll need to work alongside their friends if they want to stay alive long enough to discover if the desire between them could potentially be love.

Neutral is the book I have been waiting for. With every Curse of the Gods novel, Jaymin Eve and Jane Washington have been building and teasing Emmy and Cyrus’s relationship and in this novella we finally have the opportunity to see them come together with spectacular results! Told through their dual back and forth perspective, Neutral was a really good read—quite possibly my favourite of the series!

Emmy and Cyrus have a vivid, electric chemistry between them and the sexual tension is through the roof. I like them both individually, but put them together and it’s something else entirely. The back and forth banter, the push and pull as they fought what was undeniable between them—I just ate it up. These two have a fantastic dynamic that I have very much enjoyed having the opportunity to experience firsthand in this novella.

It was nice seeing Willa and the Abcurse brothers briefly through Emmy’s eyes. Seeing her and Cyrus give into the pull between them was wonderful and I for one could not have asked for anything more. Can’t wait to see what Jane Washington and Jaymin Eve have in store for the last novel; I’m sure it’s going to be brilliant!

Rating:
Source: Purchased by me via Kindle Unlimited (I also own a signed paperback copy)
Publisher: Amazon Digital Services
Format: Kindle copy
Release Date: September 30th 2018
Buy: The Book Depository | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Final Thoughts: My favourite installment in the series without a doubt, I'm keen to see how the series comes to an end.


Monday, April 15, 2019

Owl Post #233


Inspired by The Story Siren's In My Mailbox, Owl Post allows us bloggers to showcase the books we've bought, won or received throughout the week and is hosted by Brodie over at Eleusinian Mysteries. We all know that the Owl Post is the fastest way to send and receive mail and they certainly make me happy every time they drop a book off.
 
Hello lovelies and happy Monday. Hope you all had a great weekend full of bookish goodness. 
 
For Review:
From Scholastic Australia:
- The Darkest Bloom by P.M. Freestone 
I really love the sound of this book and I can't wait to read it.

....Thanks so much guys!
________________________________
 
From Simon & Schuster:
- The Red Scrolls of Magic by Cassandra Clare & Wesley Chu
Gosh I'm so behind in my Cassandra Clare books but boy do I love Alec and Magnus--can't wait to read about my boys.

....Thank you team!

I Bought:
- The Iron Flower by Laurie Forest 
The Black Witch Chronicles is fast becoming one of my favourite fantasy series lately--I love it--and after reading The Iron Flower via Netgalley I had to get myself a paperback copy for my collection. 

- Shards and Ashes by Melissa Marr & Kelley Armstrong 
With BABE only next year (SQUEE!) there is a few books I want to get in preperation. Can't wait. It's sure to be a brilliant event!

I Won:
- The Rebel Mages by Laurie Forest
In a twist of fate, after buying a copy of The Iron Flower, I was STOKED to win a copy of The Rebel Mages thanks to HarlequinTEEN Australia after I entered one of their competitions. I'm super excited to be able to add this to my collection and can't wait to read it!

Thank you SOOOO much!

And that's me this week!
What did the owls bring you?


Saturday, April 13, 2019

Free Ebooks

Hello book lovers and welcome to my latest batch of Amazon freebie finds. Enjoy!

Truly Wicked by Anita Anderson 
Lost Angels by Tatenda Creed 
The Order by Jaimi Wilson 
A Tale of Two Houses by Susan Harris 

Magic Academy by Megan Linski
Scars of the Earth by C.S. Moore  
Scythe by Christina Bauer 
Run Little Wolf by G. Bailey 

Eden by G. C. Julien & Ash S-J 
Vampire Girl by Karpov Kinrade 
Elusive Heir by Rin Grey 
Alice by J.M. Sullivan 

The Lord of the Plains by Sarah Chapman
The Avant Champion by C.B. Samet  
Before These Wings by Wendy Knight 
The Waking World by Jordan A Moore

Hope you managed to snag something new!


Thursday, April 11, 2019

Book Shelf: The Big Bad Wolf by Jus Accardo

Kensey Deaton comes from an elite werewolf lineage, but just because her family is royalty, doesn't mean she'll fall in line like some perfect little princess. She has plans and they don't include an arranged marriage!

Slade McAlister has his own family drama. His Alpha father happens to be the most reviled wolf on the eastern seaboard, and it's a stigma he can't escape. So when his neighbor Kensey--the girl of his dreams and his nightmares--proposes a solution to solve *both* of their problems, he sees an opportunity he can’t ignore.

Kensey and Slade aren't only from opposite sides of the tracks, they're from opposite sides of the war. But if they can sell their 'relationship', they might just make it out of this with their freedom.

You know, as long as all that fake PDA doesn't turn into more..


More info on Goodreads.....


Review: 

The Big Bad Wolf by Jus Accardo is a highly entertaining and enjoyable paranormal YA romance featuring two tangible characters, sizzling chemistry and delectable romance.

Kensey Deaton comes from an elite linage of werewolves, but just because she’s royalty doesn’t mean she’s going to roll over for her alpha father. Especially since he’s just given her an ultimatum; find a mate or he’ll choose someone for her. Kensey can only imagine the wolf her father will choose and she refuses to be sold off like property for the good of the pack, which is why she comes up with a plan, if only she can convince her surly neighbour to help…..Slade McAlister has lived next to Kensey since they were teenagers. A fellow werewolf from a pack renowned for its thieving no-good ways, Slade has a reputation within the packs and his brutal father will stop at nothing to drag Slade down with him. When Kensey approaches Slade with a plan to solve both their problems, Slade agrees in the hopes it will get him the one thing he’s always wanted; freedom. Yet pretending they’re a couple is harder than either teen thought and as real feelings begin to develop, suddenly staying together takes on a whole new meaning….

Having read a few Jus Accardo novels in the past, I was unsure what to expect heading into The Big Bad Wolf as her novels have been hit and miss for me; some I enjoy very much and others fall flat. So in saying that, I was thrilled to discover The Big Bad Wolf soared for me.

While the storyline within The Big Bad Wolf is never going to win awards for originality---werewolf romance after all—boy was it well told and deliciously fun! This is the kind of YA paranormal you can sink your teeth into and just relax with because it really is just downright good. The Big Bad Wolf has everything I enjoy; romance, tension, conflict, forbidden, humour and friendship. Accardo gave me just what I needed to fall in love with Kensey and Slade.

Told in their varying POV’s, The Big Bad Wolf follows neighbours and former friends Kensey and Slade as they attempt to get out of arranged marriages. Themes of neighbours-to-lovers often make for great romances as there’s normally a history between the two characters, something that is the case with The Big Bad Wolf. Kensey and Slade were once close and as the novel unfolds, you can see remnants of this previous friendship shining through.

I really liked both Kensey and Slade, even if Slade did have his own demons plaguing him. They were both personable individually and really had chemistry as a couple. I highly enjoyed their interactions and watching their relationship develop. I think Jus Accardo wrote things well between them and got Kensey and Slade just right—they were highly entertaining and sizzling together.

Fast and enjoyable reading, The Big Bad Wolf by Jus Accardo is a solidly written YA paranormal romance that I highly recommend if you’re looking for something fun, flirty and romantic.

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher via Netgalley (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Entangled: Teen
Format: Kindle ebook via Netgalley
Release Date: March 5th 2018
Buy: The Book Depository | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Final Thoughts: Quick and fun YA paranormal romance, The Big Bad Wolf is an enjoyable read.


Wednesday, April 10, 2019

Waiting on Wednesday #265

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.....
 
Five ​Dark Fates by Kendare Blake 
Releases on: September 3rd 2019
After the battle with Katharine, the rebellion lies in tatters. Jules’s legion curse has been unbound, leaving her out of her mind and unfit to rule. Arsinoe must find a cure, even as the responsibility of stopping the ravaging mist rests heavy on her shoulders, and her shoulders alone. Mirabella has disappeared.

Queen Katharine’s rule over Fennbirn remains intact—for now. But her attack on the rebellion exacted a high price: her beloved Pietyr. Without him, who can she rely upon when Mirabella arrives, seemingly under a banner of truce? As oldest and youngest circle each other, and Katharine begins to yearn for the closeness that Mirabella and Arsinoe share, the dead queens hiss caution—Mirabella is not to be trusted.

In this conclusion to the Three Dark Crowns series, three dark sisters will rise to fight as the secrets of Fennbirn’s history are laid bare. Allegiances will shift. Bonds will be tested, and some broken forever.

The fate of the island lies in the hands of its queens.

Thoughts:
Five ​Dark Fates is the last novel in the Three Dark Crowns series and a book I can't wait for! I know this series is a bit hit and miss for some people but I really enjoy it and am looking forward to seeing how the series comes to a close!

Have you read this series? Are you a fan?
And what are you waiting on this Wednesday?


Tuesday, April 9, 2019

Book Shelf: The Black Tide (Outcast #3) by Keri Arthur

New York Times bestselling author Keri Arthur brings her Outcast series to a breathtaking conclusion as Déchet supersoldier Tiger races against time to save humanity from darkness and total annihilation….

Though Winter Halo–the pharmaceutical company behind the evil experimentation on both children and adults–has been destroyed, the danger is far from over. Not only do seven children remain unaccounted for, but some of the vampires are now able to walk in light.

The key to stopping the unthinkable lies in finding Ciara Dream, the last member of the trio behind the plot to give full light immunity to both the vampires and the Others. But Ciara, like Tiger herself, is a shapeshifter, able to take on any human form she desires.

To find her, Tiger will need to use every skill in her formidable arsenal, and even that might not be enough to save the city and the people she has started to care about.

Because the vampires are coming, and this time, the lights won’t stop them.


More info on Goodreads.....


Review: (Warning: Contains spoilers)

The Black Tide is the third and final novel in Keri Arthur’s Outcast trilogy and is a deftly told and action packed conclusion to the series with our heroine Tiger making a last ditch effort to stop those responsible for not only kidnapping kids but whose plans will destroy life on Earth as we know it.  

Déchet and former seductress Tiger is racing against time to prevent Ciara Dream from giving full light immunity to the vampires and the Others, which if not stopped will spell the total annihilation of humanity. Though the pharmaceutical company behind the kidnapping and experimentation on children, Winter Halo, has been destroyed, the research they achieved has allowed Dream to put in motion the first steps of plan to allow vampires and Others the ability to walk in the sun. In order to stop her, Tiger will need to locate Dream but with Dream’s ability to be anyone, finding her has become somewhat of a difficulty. Tiger will need to use all her skills, abilities and tenacity if she hopes to find her, but getting close to Ciara Dream comes with its own threats and these threats may just get Tiger killed.

As my first foray into Keri Arthur’s writing, I feel like the Outcast trilogy has been a good, solid reading experience. Weaving all the elements of sci-fi I enjoy—action, romance, friendship, family, humour and more—this series has been enjoyable and engrossing. The Black Tide marks the end of the series, but Arthur makes sure to include plenty of excitement and danger as she ties up loose ends and finally answers certain questions.

Heroine and protagonist Tiger continues to be a strong and formable female lead all the way until the final page. Though she was created for seduction and to be a weapon, Tiger is innately likable and very genuine. Maternal towards children and the young, Tiger has proven a person can be than what they were made to be—they can be their own person and forge their own path. Kick-ass and capable but also down to earth and effortless, Tiger is someone I have truly liked reading about.

I was a little bit disappointed by the resolution of Tiger and Jonas’s relationship. Don’t get me wrong, I’m stoked by the fact Arthur has them ending up together, but feel a bit cheated because I wanted to see them together. Tiger has now had physical relationships with two men (Sal and Charles) over the course of the trilogy but I wanted to see her and Jonas get intimate; witness them explore the attraction between them. Knowing they’ll be together is great, but I still would have liked if Keri Arthur had of managed to include this in The Black Tide. It would have just been the icing on the cake.

Overall, Outcast has been an enjoyable series to read and I do recommend it. Tiger’s ghostly friends Bear and Cat brought innocence and sweetness to the trilogy while Tiger and Jonas’s growing comradery remained intriguing throughout each instalment. The Black Tide is not without its losses but the characters are left with a hopeful future and I as the reader as guaranteed to pick up more of Keri Arthur’s novels in the future!

Rating:
Source: Purchased by me
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group
Format: Paperback
Release Date: December 7th 2017
Buy: Angus & Robertson | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: A solid ending to the trilogy, I was satisfied with The Black Tide and will definitely read more of Keri Arthur's books.


Monday, April 8, 2019

Release Blitz: Fallen Princess by Chantal Fernando

I'm super excited to be helping Give Me Books Promotions celebrate the release of Chantal Fernando's latest story, Fallen Princess, the 7th installment in the Wind Dragons MC. I absolutely love this series and adored reading Clover's tale!
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From the New York Times bestselling author who “knows how to draw you in and keep you hooked” (Angela Graham, New York Times bestselling author) comes a compelling tale of family loyalty and budding romance starring the badass Clover Black as she is forced to choose between following her heart or keeping her family safe.

Growing up as the Princess of the Wind Dragons Motorcycle Club, Clover Black knows she’s had a thoroughly unique upbringing. As the daughter of the former President of the club, she’s expected to live a certain kind of life but she does the unthinkable…she goes to the police academy and becomes a cop. Without her family knowing.

After being assigned a new partner, the handsome Felix Banks, a friendship blossoms, but as Felix teaches her how to be a better cop, she finds herself falling for him, all while, struggling to keep her two lives separate. Tensions rise when the truth comes out and it becomes clear that Clover is being used for her motorcycle club ties.

As things heat up within the MC and at Clover’s job, she faces a difficult choice—her love for Felix and the law, or her family and the Wind Dragons. A steamy and unputdownable romance, Fallen Princess is perfect “for fans of Kristin Ashley, Julie Ann Walker, and Joanna Wylde, and those who are heartbroken that television’s Sons of Anarchy has ended” (Booklist).

Add on Goodreads or check out my review!

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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 
 
 
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