Sunday, January 26, 2014

Book Shelf: Mine to Tarnish (Mine 0.5) by Janeal Falor

Katherine’s place is the same as any woman’s—on the shelf next to the dresses and bolts of cloth. When she’s sold to a warlock, life grows even bleaker. Her new owner is as old and rancid as he is cruel, driving her to do the unthinkable: run.

Nothing prepared her for being on her own. And she’s definitely unprepared for the warlocks hunting her down. But she must stay one step ahead because if caught, the best she can hope for is death.


More info on
Goodreads....


Review:

Mine To Tarnish is a rich, well written prequel to Janeal Falor’s stunning debut You Are Mine, that details the harrowing and exciting tale of Katherine prior to her being tarnished and before to her involvement in You Are Mine.

After the brilliance that was You Are Mine, the chance to experience Katherine’s story was one I couldn’t pass up. Even with her minor role in You Are Mine, Katherine was beguiling. As she swiftly became a true friend to You Are Mine heroine, Serena, it became clear that Katherine had her own story to tell and while as a novella, Mine To Tarnish isn’t the longest of tales, Janeal Falor manages to satisfy her readers desire to discover Katherine’s beginning in this fantastic short read.

In terms of prequels, Mine To Tarnish is quite satisfying. The story is fast paced and driven, and Falor manages to put a lot of action, angst, sadness and love into its pages. Admittedly, I feel as though you need to have read the first full length story in the series, You Are Mine, to really appreciate this glimpse into Katherine’s world. This is simply because Falor doesn’t go too heavily into her explanation of the traits and customs of this intriguing society, something that was detailed and explained in greater length in You Are Mine, rather preferring to focus on Katherine’s story.

I have to say, after reading Mine To Tarnish I have an even higher opinion of Katherine. Her ability to look on the brighter side of her situation in You Are Mine was always something I admired about her, but seeing her journey to get to that place and seeing some of the hard choices she made only made me appreciate Katherine’s quiet strength all the more. Here is a girl who chose things that no one else would have willingly chosen—that’s a very powerful thing given her standing in this harsh society that is a man’s world and I love that!

Fast paced and exciting until the very end, Mine To Tarnish features a lovely unexpected romance and hints of friendship. My only issue? I’m not ready to leave Katherine behind, ha! Rich, riveting and very, very enjoyable, Mine To Tarnish is a great addition to the Mine series that fans will not want to miss!


Rating:
Source: Sent for review by author (Thank you Janeal!)
Format: Kindle ebook
Buy it: The Book DepositoryAmazon(Kindle) | Barnes & Noble
My Recommendation: This is a brilliant self-published series that I'm sure fantasy/paranormal fans will love!
Cover: Stunning. Simply stunning!
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Absolutely.

 

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Book Shelf: These Broken Stars (Starbound #1) by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner

It's a night like any other on board the Icarus. Then, catastrophe strikes: the massive luxury spaceliner is yanked out of hyperspace and plummets into the nearest planet. Lilac LaRoux and Tarver Merendsen survive. And they seem to be alone.

Lilac is the daughter of the richest man in the universe. Tarver comes from nothing, a young war hero who learned long ago that girls like Lilac are more trouble than they’re worth. But with only each other to rely on, Lilac and Tarver must work together, making a tortuous journey across the eerie, deserted terrain to seek help.

Then, against all odds, Lilac and Tarver find a strange blessing in the tragedy that has thrown them into each other’s arms. Without the hope of a future together in their own world, they begin to wonder—would they be better off staying here forever?

Everything changes when they uncover the truth behind the chilling whispers that haunt their every step. Lilac and Tarver may find a way off this planet. But they won’t be the same people who landed on it.


More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Intense and lyrical, These Broken Stars by authors Amie Kaufman and Megan Spooner is a thrilling and at times haunting sci-fi read that will take readers on an uncertain adventure that weaves together mystery, romance and unexpected discoveries!

I have to say, personally, I was quite blown away by These Broken Stars. Maybe it’s because it’s been a while since I’ve read a good YA science fiction novel but These Broken Stars actually surpassed all my expectations! Heading into this novel, I hadn’t read anything by either Amie Kaufman or Megan Spooner before. I’d heard mixed reviews about the book but I was still optimistic. That being said, in my eyes, I feel like these ladies did a terrific job with the story.

Told in the dual POV’s of Lilac LaRoux, a rich, social flower who happens to be the daughter of the richest man in the galaxy and Tarver Medenson, a poor farm boy who discovered unexpected fame for his heroic actions at war, These Broken Stars is beautifully well written and deliciously told. With the benefit of seeing events unfold through the eyes of both characters, Kaufman and Spooner recount a dangerous journey of survival and loss in the middle of nowhere when our main characters are the only survivors of a spaceship crash on a deserted plant that shockingly that holds more secrets then either of them could expect.

I have to say, I’m a big fan of novels where characters are pitted against the elements and must rely on themselves, each other and the world around them to survive. There’s something so alluring about seeing individual’s stripped back and bare, and I think it’s times like that when you really see how much strength people have or not.

In These Broken Stars, Lilac and Tarver must learn to rely on one another and trust each other after they’re thrust together due to horrible circumstances. Though they couldn’t be more different, and are practically from different worlds socially, Lilac and Tarver’s only hope really are each other and as the story progresses, we see the two of them go from reluctant allies to friends and then eventually something more.

As Lilac and Tarver are not only our main characters but are basically stranded on a planet by themselves, as a reader, we spend a lot of time in their company. After the initial introduction to their society that we get in the beginning of the book, the majority of the story is spent simply in the minds of Tarver and Lilac.

Personally, I quite liked Lilac and Tarver! Lilac, starts out stubborn but somewhat spoiled and guarded, however as the story progresses we come to understand the reason behind this. As Lilac struggles to survive in this foreign place with Tarver, her fierce determination to learn is admirable. She changes quite a lot and grows as a person—and who doesnt love that! Tarver on the other hand is capable, brave and collected; hes come from nothing and knows how to survive in hard, harsh conditions. Theres no doubt he and Lilac would have perished long ago, if not for his survival skills.

In These Broken Stars, Lilac and Tarver don’t get off to the best start and as they journey across lands unknown to them, skimping and skimming to survive, they fight, bicker and push each other. And yet there’s a quiet sliver of chemistry that burns between these two. As they slowly begin to get to know each other; learning the others strengths, weaknesses and what they bring to the table together, Lilac and Tarver form an unlikely friendship in the face of all hopelessness that slowly blossoms into something more. I enjoyed the relationship between Lilac and Tarver and never felt as though the authors were pushing their romance down my throat. Rather it was a nice undercurrent and tone to a story that focused a lot on survival and the mysterious unknown.

A beautiful love story, mysterious entities and unexpected plot developments, These Broken Stars may not be the most fast paced novel out there but instead tells a well told tale of survival, love and one’s inner strength in the first book in the new Starbound Trilogy by authors Amie Kaufman and Megan Spooner. With loveable characters, a haunting setting and an ending sure to leave you wanting more, These Broken Stars will thrill fans of Under the Never Sky and Across the Universe!


Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Allen & Unwin (Thank you Lara!)
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Bookworld | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: Under the Never Sky and Across the Universe fans will love this!
Cover: I honestly thing this is one of the most beautiful covers of 2013--it's just breathtaking
Will I read sequel/continue with series: No doubt whatsoever that I will!

 

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Waiting on Wednesday #55

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.....
 
 Sinner by Maggie Stiefvater  
Releases on: July 1st 2014
Add on Goodreads!

A standalone companion book to the internationally bestselling Shiver Trilogy.

Sinner follows Cole St. Clair, a pivotal character from the #1 New York Times bestselling Shiver Trilogy. Everybody thinks they know Cole's story. Stardom. Addiction. Downfall. Disappearance. But only a few people know Cole's darkest secret -- his ability to shift into a wolf. One of these people is Isabel. At one point, they may have even loved each other. But that feels like a lifetime ago. Now Cole is back. Back in the spotlight. Back in the danger zone. Back in Isabel's life. Can this sinner be saved?


Thoughts:
To begin with I haven't actually read Forever yet, the final Wolves of Mercy Falls book. I do own a copy--I'm just yet to crack it open. However that doesn't mean I'm not DYING for Cole and Isabel's story, because I totally am! The two of them proved to be a surprise in Linger for me and became my favorite characters! Obviously I plan to read Forever before this releases in July, but I still can't wait for Sinner's release!

What do you think of Sinner? Are you a Maggie Stiefvater fan?
Plus, what are YOU waiting on this week?



Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Book Shelf: Twisted Perfection (Perfection #1) by Abbi Glines

My future was about to be completely thrown off track because Della Sloane was under my skin, and I had to have her. I couldn’t ignore it anymore . . . I’d gotten close enough to her to see deeper.

Della Sloane is not your average girl. Yearning to break free of her dark and sheltered past and the memories of the illness that claimed her mother, Della plans a solo road trip to experience real life on her own terms. But the trip is nearly cut short in the little beach town of Rosemary when she realizes she can’t even pump her own gas—until Woods Kerrington shows up, more than willing to help out a pretty girl in need.

Woods’s family wants him to settle down with a wealthy woman in pearls, but he can’t resist this carefree girl in cutoffs passing through town. A one-night stand should have been enough, but months later, Woods can’t get the irresistible Della out of his head.

When a twist of fate brings Della back to Woods, all signs point to trouble if they don’t keep their distance. Neither is truly free, and a relationship could destroy both of them. With their hearts on the line, Della thinks the safest bet is to walk away. But Woods isn’t about to let that happen.....


More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Twisted Perfection is the sizzling Too Far spin off by Abbi Glines that finally tells the story of one of the series best loved side characters; Woods Kerrington. Fans will finally have the chance to dive into Woods head, and heart, as Glines details his sexy and steamy romance with a free spirited girl whose demons threaten to tear them apart!

Like so many others, I’ve been a Wood’s fan ever since the first Too Far novel, Fallen Too Far. As one of the minor, but no less intriguing characters, Woods won me over with his strength and honor and his determination to stand by Blaire. He may have lost her to Rush, but the opportunity to see him discover his own happiness in his story was one I was not going to pass up!

In Twisted Perfection, Abbi Glines introduces us to Della Sloane, a beautiful and kind-hearted young woman who suffers from a painful past and who is as fragile and traumatized as she is carefree and fun-loving. I have to say, Della Sloane is a very fractured individual. Showcasing a bunch of flashbacks to Della’s earlier life, Twisted Perfection details Della’s journey of meeting Woods and ultimately falling for him; twisting together their steamy romance with Della’s hidden past and issues. Abbi Glines weaves together a sizzling romance, with hard-hitting and deep issues as Wood's stands by Della as she struggles at times.

Let me just say this….I..….love….Woods…..Kerrington! Abbi Glines has penned my new favorite leading man of hers in the form of Woods. If I thought I loved him before, Twisted Perfection just made me fall all that more harder as Woods demonstrates the amazing guy he is in this book. It’s always been obvious that despite his lavish lifestyle, Woods in an honest, good guy but it isn’t until Twisted Perfection, told in dual POV, that we have the chance to see inside Woods head. I adore the fact that despite everything Woods is a fair, honest guy who doesn’t look down on anyone and does right by his friends and staff.

In Twisted Perfection as Woods falls for Della he becomes a bit possessive and protective, but in honesty I found this to be quite sexy. You can't over think things in this kinds of novels. Seeing Woods brought to his knees by Della and seeing how deeply he came to care for her was a beautiful thing. He accepted her despite her flaws, weaknesses and issues and loved her anyway. Della was someone who deserved love. She’s had some a traumatic life for someone still so young and as Glines shares their intimate moments, the sexual tension and sexual escapades of these two off the charts.

It’s impossible not to support Woods and Della. Sexual relationship aside, seeing Woods put someone before his family and his money and seeing Della let someone into her heart as fantastic to watch. The smoldering sex scenes gave way to kinder, sweeter moments to leave a perfect balance to their relationship.

Becoming immersed in this world is something unavoidable with Abbi Glines at the helm of the story. Twisted Perfection marks a fantastic beginning to Wood’s spin-off series and with the ending a bit of a cliffhanger that threatens to change Wood’s and Della’s circumstances, I’m very much looking forward to the next book!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Simon & Schuster (Thank you Anabel!)
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Bookworld | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: If you love Abbi Glines make sure you don't miss this!
Cover: I think it's beautiful. Simple, steamy but beautiful
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Absolutely!

Monday, January 20, 2014

Owl Post #26


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.

Welcome to yet another Owl Post :) Let's have a look what I received in the last two weeks!

For Review:

From Allen & Unwin.....
 
- Secret by Brigid Kemmerer
I'm a real fan of this series and can't get enough of this. I've actually already read Secret (review to come soon) and totally adored it. My new favorite in the series!
 
- Death of a Saint by Lily Herne
I actually didn't know this series was published by Allen & Unwin. I bought myself a copy of the first book last year, though I'm yet to read it. Guess I'll have to start it sometime in the near future so that I can read this second book.
 
......Thank you Lara!
 
_______________________________

From Bloomsbury Australia.....

- Doomed by Tracy Deebs
I hadn't heard of this book before I unexpectedly received a copy, but I'm reading it right now and it's not bad. Only about 60 or so pages in, but liking it so far!

.....Thanks you guys!

I Bought:
 
- Frostbite: The Graphic Novel by Richelle Mead
- Shadow Kiss: The Graphic Novel by Richelle Mead
I had the first book of the VA comics, but not Frostbite and Shadow Kiss, so I decided to get them. They're so purdy
 
- After Dark by Gena Showalter and Kait Ballenger
I'm a big Gena Showalter fan and even though I have her story in the book in a separate anthology I wanted to get the mass market paperback copy. Plus I want to read Kait's books so figured I better start with the prequel!
 
And that's me :)
What did you get this week? Were the owls generous?
 
 

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Book Blitz: POD's by Michelle Pickett- Excerpt & Giveaway

 
Welcome to the book blitz for PODs by Michelle Pickett, presented by YA Bound Book Tours! Published by Spencer Hill Press, POD's is a dystopian/sci-fi read and I'm happy to have a really cute excerpt and the tour wide giveaway to share with you guys. Hope you enjoy....
_____________________________________

 

He flinched at the sound of my voice, snapping his laptop shut. Looking over his shoulder, he smiled. “You look beautiful in the morning, Eva. Your blonde hair messy and falling around your face, your eyes— not quite blue, but not quite green— sparkling in the morning sun… or the simulation of the sun,” he said with a crooked grin. 

“Stop joking around. What were you just looking at?” I’d seen the picture on his laptop before he’d shut it. People running around their POD, a look of terror in their eyes. I reached out and opened the lid of his computer. My arm brushed against his, sending goosebumps racing across my skin. I had to concentrate to remember what I was asking about. The screen was nothing but static. “They cut off another one? Who?” I let go of his computer and started to pull my hand away. He grabbed it, folding it into his own, threading our fingers together. He grazed his lips over my knuckles. 

Oh. Wow. Do that again. 

My insides swirled out of place and did things I’d only read about in my mother’s racy romance novels. 

“Yes. Someone I know from class. You don’t know him. And who says I’m joking?” 

“What?” He was difficult to understand on a good day, but that early in the morning, seeing him in nothing more than blue pajama bottoms, his lips moving against my fingers as he talked, it was nearly impossible. 

“You told me to stop joking around. I wasn’t joking.” 

My heart was beating so hard and fast in my chest, I was sure he could hear it. I pinched the bridge of my nose between my fingers. My fingernails bit into my flesh.

Say something, Eva! Do Something— anything. Just… something. “So…” I started, only to be interrupted by my yawn. Except yawn, idiot! Kiss him… wait… what? 

“What’s your theory on the PODs being cut off? Do you think there’s that many people testing positive for the—” 

He stood, turned toward me, cupped his hand around the back of my neck and pulled my lips to his. That shut me up. Shock slammed into me, quickly giving way to pleasure, and pleasure to urgency.

 I wrapped my arms around his neck, threading my fingers through his silky hair. David’s hand moved from the back of my neck to cup my cheek, his thumb caressing my skin. The other one
moved to the small of my back, pulling me tighter against him. He kissed me long, deep. It was sinfully erotic feeling his bare skin under my fingers. 

When he tore his lips away, he looked in my eyes. My first instinct was to turn away, but both his hands cupped my cheeks. He bent his head and grazed his lips over mine before looking at me again. 

“I’ve wanted to do that since the first day I saw you. And each day I’ve known you it’s been harder and harder not to.” 

“Well, what took you so long?”


Seventeen-year-old Eva is a chosen one. Chosen to live, while others meet a swift and painful death from an incurable virus so lethal, a person is dead within days of symptoms emerging. In the POD system, a series of underground habitats built by the government, she waits with the other chosen for the deadly virus to claim those above. Separated from family and friends, it's in the PODs she meets David. And while true love might not conquer all, it's a balm for the broken soul.

After a year, scientists believe the population has died, and without living hosts, so has the virus. That's the theory, anyway. But when the PODs are opened, survivors find the surface holds a vicious secret. The virus mutated, infecting those left top-side and creating... monsters.

Eva and David hide from the infected in the abandoned PODs. Together they try to build a life--a new beginning. But the infected follow and are relentless in their attacks. Leaving Eva and David to fight for survival, and pray for a cure.


Purchase:

 
In Her Own Words: I'm a wife, mother, author, reader, although not always in that order.  I write young adult urban fantasies, science/fiction and paranormal romances and have recently started dabbling in young adult and new adult contemporary romance. Reading was one of my earliest passions, writing soon followed. I began writing seriously during college where I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in accounting. Why I chose a career that frowns on creativity remains a mystery. 

I’m addicted to Reese’s peanut butter cups and eat way too many while I write (I’m currently trying to kick this habit—so far no luck), have an abnormal obsession with hoodies and can’t write without one, and I hate to cook, but love to watch cooking shows on television. An unabashed romantic, I love a swoon-worthy ending that will give me butterflies for days.
I wrote my debut young adult novel, PODs, in 2011. My second young adult title, Milayna, a paranormal romance, will release through Spencer Hill Press June 3, 2014. Milayna’s Angel (Milayna #2) is scheduled for release September 2014. The Infected, a PODs novel, will release November 2014. It is the second, and final, book in the PODs series. The Innocent (Milayna #3), the third and final book in the Milayna series, will release in April 2015.

I was born and raised in Flint, Michigan. I now reside in a small community outside Houston, Texas with my incredibly supportive, not to mention gorgeous, husband, three amazing school-aged children, a 125-pound lap dog, and an extremely snooty cat.

Keep up-to-date with my current, future projects, appearances, and fun giveaways by visiting my website or blog!

Visit Michelle:

 
First place: Signed copy of PODs, tote bag, and swag (US only see note for international)
Second place: Signed copy of PODs and swag (US only see note for international)
NOTE: International winners will receive a print copy of PODs only if www.Bookdepository.com delivers to their country. Otherwise they will receive an e-book. Swag will not be included.

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Book Blitz Hosted by:

Friday, January 17, 2014

Free Ebooks

Happy Friday everyone!

Yet another week over and to kick-start the weekend I've got some freebies for you. Personally I hope you enjoy these are much as I do getting them! Enjoy!



Question: Obviously I love finding these freebies as much for myself as you guys, but I'm kinda wondering how many of you actually download them from my posts? Comment and let me know if you do. I'd just like to know how many of you guys I actually reach. Thanks!

Have a fantastic weekend!