Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Blog Tour: Dreamer by L.E. DeLano- Guest Post & Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Dreamer by L.E. DeLano thanks to Xpresso Book Tours! Hopefully you had a chance to check out my review yesterday and will join me in welcoming L.E. DeLano to the blog as she guest posts today. 
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This thrilling sequel to Traveler doles out adventure and heartbreak in equal measure as it takes readers through a kaleidoscope of intricately crafted worlds of wonder, discovery, and danger.

You’re still you no matter where you go.

Jessa has learned the hard way that traveling to alternate dimensions isn’t all delicious, glittering desserts and fancy parties: it also means accidentally running into people she thought she’d never see again. Still mourning a devastating loss, Jessa isn’t really prepared for the arrival of a reckless version of someone she once loved who is now bent on revenge. Add an increasingly complicated relationship with her best friend Ben, the reappearance of an old enemy, and the threat of the multiverse collapsing, and Jessa’s got a lot on her plate. She may be destined to help save an infinite multitude of worlds… but in the end, all Jessa really wants to do is save her friends.

In Dreamer, the young adult fantasy follow up to Traveler, author L. E. DeLano delivers a gripping, emotional story that will leave readers on the edge of their seat.

Add on Goodreads or check out my review!

Purchase:

“What did you like or dislike the most about writing this book?"

DREAMER was such a labor of love. You would think that a second book would be a piece of cake, right? A simple matter of continuing the saga. The thing is, TRAVELER ended up a far different book after the editing process, we completely axed a subplot that was integral to the original arc of the story, and that completely altered the ending of the series as I had planned it.

All of this left me in the position of taking my beloved characters and writing a completely new adventure from scratch. It was daunting. It was also maddening. All my carefully laid plans! I knew it was for the best, but that didn’t make it any easier. I got frustrated a lot. I wrote and cut and reworked so many scenes, I swear to you I wrote seven different stories. I was so intent on tying up all the loose ends to a thrilling conclusion that I forgot one very important thing: I forgot to have fun.

My editor (the amazing Holly West at MacMillan) reminded me in very gentle terms that one of the best parts of TRAVELER was the excitement and adventure of each new reality, and each new life that Jessa leads there. We needed to find that for DREAMER.

So once again, I revisited my manuscript and started asking myself “What if this happened?” and “How fantastical would that be?” I put in a flourish here, dabbed a bit of amazement there, and also ended up writing one of the best chapters I’ve ever written – a solid piece of magic on a page (you’ll know it when you read it) and the satisfaction that came from that whole, torturous process is beyond measure.

I think that’s the nature of a book – you lose your way a bit and end up sliding down a mountainside and having to claw your way up an alternate route that ends up giving you a view you would have never found otherwise. A little glimpse of wonder that stays with you, and even more importantly, with your readers. That was DREAMER for me.

L.E. DeLano is a YA novelist rep’d by Barry Goldblatt Literary agency, author of the upcoming “Traveler” (Swoon Reads/MacMillan 2017) and lifelong writer. Her work has been featured on various online outlets and she lives in Pennsylvania with two very adventurous kids and two very ridiculous cats. In her spare time, she writes (of course) and binge-watches way too much Netflix.

Visit L.E:
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Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Book Shelf: Dreamer (Traveler #2) by L.E. DeLano

This thrilling sequel to Traveler doles out adventure and heartbreak in equal measure as it takes readers through a kaleidoscope of intricately crafted worlds of wonder, discovery, and danger. 

You’re still you no matter where you go. 

Jessa has learned the hard way that traveling to alternate dimensions isn’t all delicious, glittering desserts and fancy parties: it also means accidentally running into people she thought she’d never see again. Still mourning a devastating loss, Jessa isn’t really prepared for the arrival of a reckless version of someone she once loved who is now bent on revenge. Add an increasingly complicated relationship with her best friend Ben, the reappearance of an old enemy, and the threat of the multiverse collapsing, and Jessa’s got a lot on her plate. She may be destined to help save an infinite multitude of worlds… but in the end, all Jessa really wants to do is save her friends. 

In Dreamer, the young adult fantasy follow up to Traveler, author L. E. DeLano delivers a gripping, emotional story that will leave readers on the edge of their seat.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Dreamer is the second and final novel in L.E. DeLano's Traveler duology and is a fun and enjoyable follow up to it's predecessor that take readers into various dimensions and on dangerous missions.

After the heartbreaking events of the previous novel, Jessa St Clair is trying to adjust to life without her soul mate Finn. Moving on is difficult when the one responsible for his loss is still out there and determined to make Jessa suffer even more. Add in her relationship with her best friend Ben that is getting even more complicated and the appearance of a Finn from another dimension who is beginning to set her heart racing and Jessa is dealing with a lot. Then an old enemy resurfaces and suddenly choosing between who she loves isn't the biggest thing Jessa has to deal with; she'll need to use her Traveler abilities to save the world....if it isn't already too late.

Author L.E. DeLano is back with the sequel to her debut novel Traveler in the form of Dreamer, once again following teenager Jessa who has the ability to travel to various dimensions and realities. I think Dreamer was a very good sequel. Traveler was a mixed novel for me--I enjoyed it, but it failed to blow me away. I think Dreamer was just a little bit more enjoyable in my eyes.

After everything she went through in the first novel, protagonist Jessa finds herself in a tough spot. She's lost her boyfriend Finn, but finds herself getting a piece of him back with the appearance of Pirate Finn; a Finn from another dimension who she has previously met and felt a connection with.

Aside from the overshadowing threat of Jessa's former teacher Ms. Eversor and her Dreamer Rudy who plan to change the world forever, L.E. DeLano focuses Dreamer around the complex relationship between Jessa and Finn. I have to say, I am very much loving "Pirate Finn". I think he just has so much chemistry and charm and he and Jessa are very sweet. I think L.E. DeLano explored this new romance in a way that still respected the relationship Jessa had with the Finn from the first novel.

Taking into consideration that one person can't really replace another even though they are technically the same person; albeit a little different, I think L.E. DeLano approached this perfectly given the circumstances--she left me satisfied with the eventual outcome and not feeling like I had been duped.

Overall, Dreamer was a decent follow up to the first novel. L.E. DeLano has created an interesting world of fantasy and different realities and I feel that this sequel concluded the original storyline well, leaving the characters with nothing but endless possibilities.

Rating:  
Source: Sent for review by Xpresso Book Tours and the author (Thank you ladies!)
Publisher: Swoon Reads
Format: PDF ebook
Release Date: April 10th 2018
Purchase: Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Kobo | iBooks
Final Thoughts: Definitely worth a read if you enjoy inter-dimensional travel mixed with romance.


Sunday, April 8, 2018

Free Ebooks

Hello book lovers and happy Sunday!

I had the pleasure of attending the Sydney Author Event yesterday and had an absolutely brilliant time. Be sure to stop by next week as I'll be featuring a giveaway with some SIGNED book goodies! 

 

Hope you managed to snag something new!

Thursday, April 5, 2018

Book Shelf: Approaching the Bench (Conflict of Interest #3) by Chantal Fernando

A tenacious, resilient female judge must find a way to work with her carefree clerk as they find themselves in danger when a fugitive sets his sights on revenge in the third book in New York Times bestselling author Chantal Fernando’s sexy and thrilling Conflict of Interest Series.

Trinity Williams, known as “Medusa” for her stony expressions and unyielding reputation, constantly has her guard up—how else is the youngest female judge in the country supposed to survive in such a male-dominated profession? She made the decision long ago that laughter and a carefree attitude have no business in a courtroom and achieving her professional goals is the only thing she has left. It’s just her luck that her new law clerk, Callum Hopkins, believes the exact opposite.

Callum Hopkins thinks that nothing should ever be too serious in life—why can’t he mix business with pleasure? When he first starts working for his hot new boss, they clash at every turn. He makes it his mission to get Judge Williams to see things his way for once.

But when Callum finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time as an escaped convict comes after Trinity, he realizes it’s not all fun and games anymore. Now in witness protection together until the authorities can catch the fugitive, this unlikely pair must learn to trust one another and work together to stay alive. Far away from the courtroom, Trinity and Callum are suddenly free to stop butting heads, and stop fighting the growing attraction between them.

With suspense and plenty of chemistry, Approaching the Bench proves once again that “Chantal Fernando knows how to draw you in and keep you hooked” (Booklist).


More info on Goodreads.....


Review: 


Approaching the Bench is the third instalment in Chantal Fernando’s delectable Conflict of Interest series and is another sensual, sexy and thrilling contemporary romance!

Trinity Williams is the youngest female judge in the country, known for her stony nature and unyielding attitude. Dubbed “Medusa” by those who know her, Trinity believes laughter and carefree attitudes have no place in the courtroom, instead choosing to let her severe sentences and take-no-prisoner philosophy speak for itself. Of course her new law clerk would think just the opposite….Callum Hopkins has worked hard to get where he is, raising his younger brother while putting himself through law school which is one of the reasons he always looks on the brighter side of life. When he starts his new job working under Judge Williams, Callum finds himself automatically wanting to shake up his hot new boss and is determined to discover what’s under her perfectly composed shell. When a kidnapping attempt is made on Trinity and Callum steps in and saves her, both Trinity and Callum find themselves being carted away by the authorities in hiding until the culprit can be apprehended. Alone together under abnormal circumstances, Trinity and Callum can’t help but give into the attraction that simmers between them, but when all is said and done…will they be able to continue their relationship with so many differences of opinion and position?

Chantal Fernando releases another brilliant story out into the world with Approaching the Bench. Introducing readers to two likable main characters whose dual POV’s we get to follow throughout the story, Approaching the Bench was a quick, addictive story that had chemistry, flair and wonderful dialogue. My only concern with the story was it was too short—more a novella than a full length novel although Fernando manages to pack a lot into the tale. I think I would have just loved the chance to explore Trinity and Callum more—they were that great to follow.

This novel really sped by for me. I enjoyed seeing things progress through both Trinity and Callum’s POV’s as they have such different ways of thinking and I was always keen to see what the other party was thinking and experiencing while in the mind of the other. I really loved them both and liked the dynamic they shared. Chantal Fernando throws an age gap into the story and I have to say I appreciated the idea of an older woman and younger man even though it wasn’t that much of a gap. Made for something different.

Overall Approaching the Bench was a great read and I very much loved being a part of this series again. Chantal Fernando has never failed me yet and I can’t wait until the next novel releases in this series and I have the opportunity to follow Hunter’s story!

Rating:
Source: I purchased from Amazon
Publisher: Pocket Star
Format: Kindle ebook
Release Date: February 19th 2018
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Final Thoughts: Another solid Chantal Fernando novel--I loved it and can't wait to read more!


Wednesday, April 4, 2018

Waiting on Wednesday #219

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 Wicked King by Holly Black 
Releases on: January 8th 2019

The enchanting and bloodthirsty sequel to the New York Times bestselling novel The Cruel Prince.

You must be strong enough to strike and strike and strike again without tiring.

The first lesson is to make yourself strong.

After the jaw-dropping revelation that Oak is the heir to Faerie, Jude must keep her younger brother safe. To do so, she has bound the wicked king, Cardan, to her, and made herself the power behind the throne. Navigating the constantly shifting political alliances of Faerie would be difficult enough if Cardan were easy to control. But he does everything in his power to humiliate and undermine her even as his fascination with her remains undiminished.

When it becomes all too clear that someone close to Jude means to betray her, threatening her own life and the lives of everyone she loves, Jude must uncover the traitor and fight her own complicated feelings for Cardan to maintain control as a mortal in a Faerie world.

Thoughts:
SQUEEEEEE! *happy dances* Look at that cover!!!! It's so purdy and perfect and I. Must. Have. It!
Like many people, The Cruel Prince has been my favourite novel of 2018 so far (unexpectedly I might ad as strangely I've never been blown away by Holly Black's novels in the past) so it goes without saying I'm DYING for this novel to come out. I only wish we didn't have to wait until 2019 to get it!
  Are you excited about The Wicked King too?
And what are YOU waiting on this week?


Tuesday, April 3, 2018

Book Shelf: White Night by Ellie Marney

In Bo Mitchell's country town, a 'White Night' light-show event has the potential to raise vital funds to save the skate park. And out of town, a girl from a secretive off-the-grid community called Garden of Eden has the potential to change the way Bo sees the world. But are there too many secrets in Eden?

As Bo is drawn away from his friends and towards Rory, he gradually comes to believe that Eden may not be utopia after all, and that their group leader's goal to go off the grid may be more permanent - and more dangerous - than anyone could have predicted.

A wonderfully compelling novel from the acclaimed author of the Every series.


More info on Goodreads.....


Review: 

White Night is Australian author Ellie Marney’s latest release and is a poignant and relatable novel set amongst an Australian backdrop and featuring powerful themes.

Sixteen year old Bo Mitchell is a normal teenager; he hangs out with his friends, plays footy and is trying to determine what he wants for his future. And in the small country town Bo calls home, nothing really happens….until a new girl starts at his school. Rory Wild is a member of the Garden of Eden, an off the grid community that live completely self-sufficient lives and is attending school for the first time in her life. Bo is drawn to Rory and as the two grow closer, spending time with her in Eden begins making him question the greater picture. Yet something sinister is brewing in Eden, and as the group’s leaders look to take drastic action in their quest to be heard, will Bo be a casualty of the circumstances….or will he and Rory escape the future that’s on the horizon for Eden?

Ellie Marney is back with another gem in Australian fiction. Beautifully written, White Night introduces readers to a rugged and authentic Australian landscape and is a compelling and empowering YA novel that explores important themes and allows readers the opportunity to experience so many powerful emotions throughout the story.

Set within a small town, White Night introduces readers to protagonist Bo who is a very ordinary teen with ordinary problems. He has a mum, he has a dad, he had a brother….he’s just your everyday young man beginning to come into his own and start to determine who he wants to be. What I loved about Bo is that he encompasses everything about today’s Aussie teen. He’s down to earth and very natural. Telling the story through a male’s POV isn’t always an easy feat, but Ellie Marney makes it easy to like Bo and to genuinely care about what he’s going through. Following him is a flawless experience.

Alongside Bo throughout White Night is a cast of complex and diverse characters varying in age, race and stage in life. Marney explores cultural differences, bullying, domestic violence, homosexuality, terminal illness, suicide and other tough topics during the story with class and poise. Bringing the community of Eden and Bo’s home town to life beautifully, you will feel as though you are in the thick of things right alongside the characters.

Wonderfully written and delightfully original, White Night is a fabulous novel from Ellie Marney that I highly recommend for those looking for something different but full of Australian heart and soul.

Rating: 
Source: Sent for review by publisher (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Format: Paperback
Australian RRP: $19.99
Release Date: March 1st 2018
Purchase: Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: A fantastic, thought provoking novel; I can't wait for whatever Ellie Marney releases next!


Sunday, April 1, 2018

Happy Easter!

 
I want to wish each and everyone of you a safe and Happy Easter!
 
I hope it's filled with fun, family and of course lots of chocolate ;)