Oh no! I've been MIA!

Hello my lovelies!

You may have noticed recently that I've been a bit MIA--well there's a reason for that. I haven't forgotten about you and I haven't disappeared (though sometimes I wish I could, lol). I'm currently dealing with a bit of a family emergency and life had been turned upside down. It means no blogging *wails*, hardly any reading *sobs* and a whole bunch of problems. Right now, I'm trying to hold my head above water and only just succeeding.

If anyone has emailed me and I haven't replied, I hope to get to my emails sometime soon. Here's the thing.... I'm gonna continue to be MIA for a while longer. Could be weeks could be months, but I WILL BE BACK! I just don't know when, but I know I will. I'm sure you all understand, but right now my family has to come first and I have to put their priorities above my own, while I see what I can do to help them.

Right now, I'm unable to participate in ANY blog tours, giveaways, reviews or interviews and this won't change in the foreseeable future. If you still wish to arrange something in the next few months, you're welcome to email me in case things change, but I cannot promise anything.

I'm still receiving books from fabulous publishers and am attempting to read some of them in my (very occasional) downtime. Expect a WHOLE LOT of reviews when I'm back to business is usually, LOL!

I just wanted to let all my amazing followers and friends know that I haven't just off and left ya's! I'm still out there, but just unable to blog right now.

I wish you all the best until I'm back and hope you're all doing well!

HUGS and KISSES!
xoxo

Rachel x

Waiting on Wedesday #26

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....


Velveteen by Daniel Marks.....
Releases on: October 9th 2012
Add it: On Goodreads.

Velveteen Monroe is dead. At 16, she was kidnapped and murdered by a madman named Bonesaw. But that's not the problem.

The problem is she landed in purgatory. And while it's not a fiery inferno, it's certainly no heaven. It's gray, ashen, and crumbling more and more by the day, and everyone has a job to do. Which doesn't leave Velveteen much time to do anything about what's really on her mind.

Bonesaw.

Velveteen aches to deliver the bloody punishment her killer deserves. And she's figured out just how to do it. She'll haunt him for the rest of his days.
It'll be brutal . . . and awesome.

But crossing the divide between the living and the dead has devastating consequences. Velveteen's obsessive haunting cracks the foundations of purgatory and jeopardizes her very soul. A risk she's willing to take—except fate has just given her reason to stick around: an unreasonably hot and completely off-limits coworker.

Velveteen can't help herself when it comes to breaking rules . . . or getting revenge. And she just might be angry enough to take everyone down with her.


Thoughts:
This book sounds so spooky. And oh, so awesome! I think it looks like an incredibly dark and haunting tale, if the cover and premise is anything to go by. I'm so eager to meet Velveteen--a girl willing to risk so much for revenge.

What do you think of this one? Is it on YOUR to-read list? And what are you waiting on this week?

Waiting on Wedesday #25

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 Dead Girls Detective Agency by Suzy Cox.....
Releases on: September 8th 2012.
Add it: On Goodreads.

When Charlotte comes to after being pushed onto the subway tracks, she is informed by a group of teenage girls that she is dead…they all are. Meet the Dead Girls Detective Agency. With the support of these dynamic girls—including fashionable Lorna, who can’t wait to find out if the devil actually wears Prada, and nerdy Nancy, who insists on staying in limbo to help out other girls—Charlotte follows leads and tracks down clues to solve her own murder. With plenty of juicy mysteries and some pretty cute guys, readers are sure to fall in love with this fun and suspenseful page-turner!

Fans of Meg Cabot, Sara Shepard, and Ally Carter will delight in this exciting new paperback original.

Thoughts:
YEEE! I love these kinds of books! Mysterious, fun, fresh--this sounds right up my alley. The Dead Girls Detective Agency looks like a fantastic read and I'm so excited to meet Charlotte and her new friends--they look like a hoot! Totally looking forward to this book's release!

What do you think? Will you be adding The Dead Girls Detective Agency to your to-read list? And what are you waiting on this week?

Book Shelf: Stolen Away by Alyxandra Harvey

For seventeen years, Eloise Hart had no idea the world of Faery even existed. Now she has been abducted and trapped in the Rath of Lord Strahan, King of Faery. Strahan was only meant to rule for seven years, as Faery tradition dictates, and then give up his crown to another. But he won't comply, and now chaos threatens both worlds.

The only one who can break his stranglehold on the Faery court is his wife. . . Eloise's aunt Antonia. Using Eloise to lure Antonia, Strahan captures his wife, desperate to end the only threat to his reign. Now Eloise must become the rescuer. Together with her best friends Jo and Devin, she must forge alliances with other Fae, including a gorgeous protector named Lucas, and Strahan's mysterious son, Eldric—who may or may not betray them.

(Blurb from Goodreads....)


Review:

Stolen Away is yet another brilliant tale by author Alyxandra Harvey that explores the world of Faerie in a quick, fun and modern setting!

I love Alyxandra Harvey’s books and this one is no exception. Harvey is a talented storyteller who always manages to entertain me with her captivating world and her precise and easy to read writing. In Stolen Away, Harvey delves into the world of the Fae in a story that is entertaining and romantic. Personally, I would have liked a bit more world building and at times I did feel as though parts of the story were rushed, but I’m taking into consideration that this is a stand alone novel when I look at that. The mythology was lovely and I loved the overall plotline!

Told in dual perspective, the book continues back and forth between best friends and protagonists Eloise and Jo. This isn’t new for Harvey, with some of her other books set out in a similar manner, and it gives us an insight into the different goings on during the story from both girls. I found both Eloise and Jo to be likable characters and it was easy to follow them throughout the story. Both had their individual personality traits and were strong young women. As always with Harvey’s books, the feeling of friendship is undeniable with both characters dedicated to helping each other no matter what.

Filled with a fantastic range of characters both from the mortal and human world, Stolen Away never lacks for flair and magic. It was so incredibly easy to get lost in the Faerie world that was so beautiful throughout the story. The Fae creatures and characters both Eloise and Jo met added a new layer of fun to the story, from a tiny warrior faerie Jo quickly befriends to Eloise’s colourful mother and aunt, they were all wonderful editions to the story.

In the amidst of the danger and adventure both girls manage to find romance, Eloise with her protector Lucas and Jo with Eldric, a mysterious boy who isn’t who he appears. I enjoyed both relationships; they were sweet and romantic, although they came on a bit fast for my liking. The passion was undeniable between Jo and Eldric, while Eloise and Lucas was more a subtle underlining to the tale.

Overall Stolen Away was an easily enjoyable story. Beautifully written and created, the tale draws you in easily and holds you the entire time!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Bloomsbury Australia (Thank-you so much!)
Format: Paperback
AU Release Date: Available now.
Expected AU Price: $15.99
Recommend: Yes.
Recommend borrow or buy: Buy if you're a Harvey fan like me, or borrow if not.
Cover: Love it--simple, but stunning.
Read sequel/continue with series: This is a stand alone novel, but I'll definitely be reading more books by

In My Mailbox #32

Hello my lovelies!

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren where we can share the books we bought, borrowed or received throughout the week. For more info on just what it is and how to participate, head here.

I wasn't able to post an IMM last week due to my crazy study schedule, which has gotten a bit better, but is still nuts. Really, why must we have so many assignments due at the same time?!? It's madness.

Anywhoo, here are the books I've gotten in the last 2 weeks....


I Bought:
~Supernaturally by Kiersten White
~Hereafter by Tara Hudson
~Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
~Forever by Maggie Stiefvater
~Crazy Beautiful by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

I loved Paranormalcy and I'm a massive Maggie Stiefvater fan, so I've been meaning to get Supernaturally and Forever for, well, forever, lol, and I finally got copies. Eager to read both these books! Hereafter, I have actually read and loved, but I read it off Netgalley, so I wanted to get myself a copy before the next book comes out. YEE! So excited to read Under The Never Sky! Heard such great things about it! As for Crazy Beautiful, it caught my interest a while back and when I went to the Claudia Gray signing last week, Dymocks had a hardback copy of it for $5. Score! Had to get it. I'm so pleased I left the store only buying one book, haha.



For Review:
~Ondine: The Summer of Shambles by Ebony McKenna

The lovely Ebony McKenna sent me a copy of her book Ondine to read and review. This book looks so very cute and fun and I cannout wait to dive into it! Thank-you so much to Ebony for sending me this!

I Won:
~ The Hunger Pains: A Parody by The Harvard Lampoon

I was excited to win a copy of The Hunger Pains thanks to the Summer of Supernatural Facebook Page and HarperCollins Australia! This looks so funny and I'm eager to see what they do with the series--hope it's hilarious, but not bad, lol.


And that's my mailbox! Really thrilled with my haul this week and am looking forward to reading these awesome books! What did you get? I'd love to know!

Book Shelf: Balthazar by Claudia Gray

Haunted by memories from his first days as a vampire, Balthazar has spent hundreds of years alone—without allies, without love. When he emerges from his isolation to help Skye Tierney, a human girl who once attended Evernight Academy, Balthazar has no idea how dangerous it will be. Skye’s psychic powers have caught the attention of Redgrave, the cruel master vampire responsible for murdering Balthazar and his family four centuries ago. Having learned of Skye’s powers and the remarkable effect her blood has on vampires, he plans to use her for his own evil purposes. As they stand together to fight the evil vampire, Balthazar realizes his lonely world could finally be changed by Skye...just as Redgrave realizes that he can destroy Balthazar once and for all by taking her for his own.

In a story filled with forbidden love and dark suspense, one of the most beloved characters in Claudia Gray’s New York Times bestselling Evernight series will captivate readers with his battle to overcome his past and follow his heart.

(Blurb from Goodreads....)


Review:

Balthazar is the book all Evernight fans have been waiting for, and with its enthralling storyline it does not disappoint!

I’m a big fan of Claudia Gray. I’ve read all her books and while some may say vampires are done, I disagree when it comes to this series. The Evernight series never ceases to entertain me and while the storyline in Balthazar is nothing I haven’t seen before, Gray’s darkly gothic writing and beautiful storytelling had me captivated from the very first page.

Finally, finally we have Balthazar’s story. After all the wishing and the waiting, one of the most beloved if not saddest and loneliest characters finally get’s his story. We’ve all wanted this story and I’m pleased to say I’m thrilled with what Claudia Gray did! I’ve always loved Balthazar, but in this book I feel like we see a very different side to him. With the kindness and charm that he showed throughout the Evernight series hiding his true sadness, it’s in his story that we see the real pain he houses and we get to see the real Balthazar. There’s no denying that he’s sexy, with his dark good looks and appeal, but as he’s front and centre in this book, Gray’s ability to sweep us back into the various stages of Balthazar’s past allow us to see him as we’ve never seen him before. It’s almost like he’s a different character, but looking back I can see the hints of his true nature we saw throughout Evernight. And I liked what I saw—it was raw and it was horrible; sadder than I expected but I liked it none the less. He wasn’t so much just the 400 hundred vampire that he was, although there’s no doubt that he accomplished everything a vampire is, but rather a man conflicted and vulnerable at times.

We were first introduced to Skye Tierney in the final Evernight book, Afterlife, and I must say she made an impression on me even back then as a human girl who managed to handle her discovery of vampires with surprising grace and bravery. I liked Skye in this book; she was easy to read about and follower---a worthy love interest for Balthazar. She was brave and had plenty of courage. She was rational, but very normal; reacting as I expected her to. I liked the little bit of fire Skye had at times too; tempting and baiting Balty no matter how hard he tried to resist—it was funny seeing a centuries old vampire so flustered by a mere mortal.

I was both thrilled and a tad disappointed with the relationship between Skye and Balthazar. Thrilled because I loved how Claudia Gray wrote it; Skye and Balthazar were both so comfortable with one another. Their relationship was without a doubt one of attraction yet it was built on the friendship that developed throughout the novel. It was sweet and endearing and passionate and fiery at the same time. From their heated stares and hilariously exchanged texts to their soft conversations and the laughs they shared, Balthazar and Skye had chemistry.....and this is also why I’m a tad disappointed. Balthazar and Skye have attended the same school for two years, why couldn’t they have found each other before now? I understand that writers don’t always plan certain things when they begin a series, but I would have loved to have seen their relationship throughout the entire Evernight series! Still, I’m thrilled to see them find each other now.

With an exciting plot full of danger and excitement that see’s Balthazar face people from his past Balthazar is a fantastic read! A few characters from the Evernight series make cameos and we finally get to see Balthazar get his long deserved happily ever after. I’m feeling satisfied with how this story ended, but there are still a few loose ends left untied if you ask me. I feel like Balthazar finally found the happiness he deserved by the end of this book and am thrilled Claudia Gray allowed us to see it!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by HarperCollins Australia (Thank-you so much Lara!)
Format: Paperback.
AU Release Date: Available now.
Expected AU Price: $19.99
Recommend: Yes!
Recommend borrow or buy: Buy.
Cover: It's pretty--fits in well with the Evernight books.
Read sequel/continue with series: This is a stand-alone companion to the Evernight series, but I'll definitely read more by Gray!

Blog Tour: Initiation by Imogen Rose EXCERPT + GIVEAWAY

Welcome to the Initiation by Imogen Rose Blog Tour! Today, I'm going to share with you my review of excerpt from the novel! I love excerpts! They show me a hint of the novel and always make me want more.

I was supposed to be sharing my review with you guys also, but as I'm sure you all know, I've been a bit stressed for time due to TAFE work and assignments and I'm falling behind with some of my review books. Hopefully I'll be able to get to Initiation soon. So sorry!

First lets take a look at Initiation:

Welcome to Bonfire Academy. Set in the foothills of the alpine mountains in St.Moritz, this exclusive private school caters to a special kind of student. Enter at your own risk... but if you are human, you may not want to enter at all.

Warning: This YA story is set in a school for paranormals who are very different from normal human teens. This, the language and some scenes might not be appropriate from younger YA readers.
Recommended for those sixteen and above.

This is part one of the prequel series (Bonfire Academy) in the Bonfire Chronicles. Book two, INTEGRATION, will be released summer 2012.

Find Initiation on Goodreads!


And without further ado....

Excerpt:


“Want me to remove the gag? Maybe I will for a moment. I probably need to re-salt it.”

He yanked out the gag, shocking my mouth into mind-numbing pain. I couldn’t move my lips; they seemed to be stuck in an open position. The inside of my mouth was completely dry, my tongue immobilized. How the hell was I supposed to talk? I needed something to drink. And eat.

“Gross. You look like a blow-up doll. Close your mouth.”

I couldn’t even muster a sound in response.

“Too dry? Well, I have to keep you salted, but here’s some water.” He dripped some into my mouth.

I felt my tongue getting moist enough to move a little, so I tried swirling it around. I needed more. I made a rasping sound from the very back of my throat.

“Last bit.” He dripped some more water. That was enough to moisten the walls of my mouth and my lips. I tried putting them together. It was flipping agony, but I managed.

“Good. I couldn’t stand looking at that ugly tongue anymore.”

“What’re you gonna do with me?” I whispered hoarsely.

“Don’t know yet. I’ll wait and decide after I spring Tad, Jeremy, Andrew, and Hank tonight, with help from your friends.”

“My friends?”

“Yeah. Quinn, Sienna, and Jewel were very cooperative once I told them I had you. They’re going to help me bust out Tad and the others.”

“Who are you?”


Ooooh. Interesting! Definitely has me interested to know what's going on. How about you? Eager for more?


And there's an excellent giveaway running throguhout the tour, so feel free to enter with the Rafflecopter below!

4 signed paperback copies of INITIATION

1 of each:
~Inititation Sack Pack
~Initiation Bear
~Initiation Toiletry bag
~Initiation Gym Bag






Open to US Shipping



a Rafflecopter giveaway


Meet author Imogen Rose:


Imogen Rose is the author of the bestselling YA series, the Portal Chronicles. She was born in a small town in Sweden and moved to London in her twenties. After obtaining a PhD in immunology from Imperial College, she moved with her family to New Jersey, where she’s been based for the past ten years.

For as long as she can remember, Imogen has dreamt stories. Stories that continued from night to night, from dream to dream. So, even as a child, going to bed was never an issue, just an anticipation of the story to come.

PORTAL, Imogen’s first novel, would have remained in her imagination, to be shared only with her daughter, Lauren, had her eight-year-old not insisted that she write it down. In the course of a month, Imogen typed while Lauren waited eagerly by the printer for the pages to appear, and a novel took shape.

The warm reception PORTAL received encouraged her to continue with the story and the Portal Chronicles. The Bonfire Chronicles is Imogen’s new YA paranormal series.

Imogen is a self-confessed Hermès addict who enjoys shopping, traveling, watching movies and playing with her dog, Tallulah.

Visit Imogen:
Website // Goodreads // Facebook // Twitter // Blog


I'd like to say a big thank-you to Bewitching Book Tours for putting this tour together and thank you all for stopping by!