Book Shelf: The Finale (Vampire Royals #3) by Leigh Walker

A ROYAL WEDDING IS COMING…BUT WHICH CONTESTANT WILL BE THE BRIDE? 

Gwyneth West’s a finalist in The Pageant, the dating competition that’s gripping the settlements. Down to the final week, the dashing Prince Dallas Black will choose one young woman as his fiancé. 

One small issue: Gwyneth’s a human and the prince is a vampire. What’s worse? Gwyneth’s family are sworn rebels, out to take back the settlements and overthrow the crown. What’s worse than that? Gwyn’s own rebel brother is a prisoner in the castle dungeons, but the king and queen don’t know his true identity. 

Gwyneth and Dallas want to show the settlements that vampires and humans can live together in peace. But as their differences threaten to tear them apart, Gwyneth discovers her love puts the prince at risk. 

How do you choose between love and duty?  

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

The Finale is the third novel in Leigh Walker's Vampire Royals series and is another deeply romantic and electric novel continuing to tell Gwyneth's story as she competes in the pageant and continues to fall in love with the vampire prince, Dallas.

As the weeks have flown by and with the pageant nearing its end, Gwyneth West cannot deny that she has fallen hopelessly in love with Dallas Black. Yet, as the heir to the ruling throne and future king, Dallas's choice in bride cannot rest solely on love. He must choose the person to best help him lead and bring unity to the settlements and there are many who do not believe that Gwyn is the right person to do this. With her rebel connections and her familial ties to those who would want to overthrown the Black's rule, Gwyn poses a threat to the vampiric way of life and as the King refuses to accept his son's choice in bride will Gwyn's love for Dallas prove to be his biggest weakness? Will Gwyn choose to let the prince go to save him from himself? Or will their love manage to conquer those who would see them kept apart?

Man, do I ever love this series! I have honestly devoured each book, one after the other and have hardly wanted to put them down. Though the storyline itself may not be something that hasn't been explored before, Leigh Walker has utterly captivated me with the characters and the romance within the Vampire Royals. Each novel has been endlessly entertaining and enjoyable and I have very much fallen in love with Gwyn and Dallas. It's been impossible not to root for them as they faced the obstacles that may keep them apart.

Romantic all the way through, The Finale is another fast paced and easily read novel. Much of the story focuses around how Gwyn and Dallas are going to manage to be together once the pageant ends, but Walker also offers readers a glimpse into the world that exists in the North where the vampires originally came from with the introduction of Austin Black, Dalla's younger brother and someone I really liked. Seeing as the fourth novel is titled The North, I'm very much hoping for the chance to visit if not explore this land in the next novel. I also want much more of Austin and maybe Blake in the next novel as well.

Gwyn is still a main character I highly enjoy following. She's kind but natural and I find her easy to get behind. Obviously we always knew she would win Dallas's heart, but that hasn't made it any less enjoyable to watch unfold and I've thoroughly enjoyed the burn of their romance and the chemistry they have throughout the series. All the stolen kisses and touches have been electric and the sweetness that envelops them as well is also perfectly done on Leigh Walker's part.

Now that the important question has been answered with The Finale as to who will win the Pageant (no guesses there who the winner was!) and I'm much hoping we'll get to join Gwyn for a wedding next. Together we have seen Gwyn and Dallas bridge the gap between vampire and human and as they continue to overcome the hate and distrust that has surrounded their two races, I for one can't wait to see how their story ends.

Leigh Walker can't release The North fast enough where I'm concerned and if you haven't read this series yet I highly recommend you do as I doubt you'll be disappointed!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by author (Thank you Leigh!)
Publisher: CMG Publishing
Format: Kindle ebook
Release Date: May 24th 2018
Purchase: Amazon 
Final Thoughts: Another perfect read, I cannot get enough of this series and can't wait until I can get my hands on the next one!

Book Blitz: The Girl Who Sees by Dima Zales- Giveaway

Welcome to the Book Blitz for The Girl Who Sees by Dima Zales thanks to Xpresso Book Tours!

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I’m an illusionist, not a psychic.

Going on TV is supposed to advance my career, but things go wrong.

Like vampires and zombies kind of wrong.

My name is Sasha Urban, and this is how I learned what I am.

Add on Goodreads!

Purchase:

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 Kobo | iBooks

Dima Zales is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of science fiction and fantasy. Prior to becoming a writer, he worked in the software development industry in New York as both a programmer and an executive. From high-frequency trading software for big banks to mobile apps for popular magazines, Dima has done it all. In 2013, he left the software industry in order to concentrate on his writing career and moved to Palm Coast, Florida, where he currently resides.

Dima holds a Master's degree in Computer Science from NYU and a dual undergraduate degree in Computer Science / Psychology from Brooklyn College. He also has a number of hobbies and interests, the most unusual of which might be professional-level mentalism. He simulates mind reading on stage and close-up, and has done shows for corporations, wealthy individuals, and friends.

He is also into healthy eating and fitness, so he should live long enough to finish all the book projects he starts. In fact, he very much hopes to catch the technological advancements that might let him live forever (biologically or otherwise). Aside from that, he also enjoys learning about current and future technologies that might enhance our lives, including artificial intelligence, biofeedback, brain-to-computer interfaces, and brain-enhancing implants.

In addition to writing The Sorcery Code series and Mind Dimensions series, Dima has collaborated on a number of romance novels with his wife, Anna Zaires. The Krinar Chronicles, an erotic science fiction series, is an international bestseller and has been recognized by the likes of Marie Claire and Woman's Day. If you like erotic romance with a unique plot, please feel free to check it out, especially since the first book in the series (Close Liaisons) is available for free everywhere.

Anna Zaires is the love of his life and a huge inspiration in every aspect of his writing. She definitely adds her magic touch to anything Dima creates, and the books would not be the same without her. Dima's fans are strongly encouraged to learn more about Anna and her work at http://www.annazaires.com.

 Visit Dima:

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

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Book Shelf: Moonlight And Midtown (Fairy Tales of the Magicorum #1.5) by Christina Bauer

“Mixes cherished fantasy classics with modern magic and moxie” – Foreword

After battling werewolves and evil aunties, Bryar Rose is ready to enjoy her new life. No more crazy aunties. Her curse is toast. And Bry’s new man, Knox, is literally a dream come true. Best of all, Bry will soon attend a regular high school. Forget those sketchy tutors! To get ready, Bry is dedicating the rest of her summer to some serious back-to-school shopping with her best friend, Elle. It’s a blast, except for one thing:

Mysterious strangers are following Bry across Manhattan.

All these stalkers have oddly familiar scents and an uncanny ability to slip into the shadows whenever Bry tries to confront them. Even worse, their presence is making Knox act crazy with a capital C.

“Bauer’s unique voice blends magical fantasy, swooning romance, and a bucketful of teenage sass.” – Booklist

But Bry’s having none of it. Enough of her life has already been ruined by secrets. With Elle’s help, Bry plans to confront these strangers, find out what they want, and send them packing. Trouble is, the truth about their identity won’t be so easy to manage, especially when Bry finds out how these stalkers could change her future with Knox…and not for the better.

Perfect for readers who love young adult books,gamma guys, contemporary fantasy, fairy tales, satire/comedy, paranormal romance, fairies, magic users, shapeshifters, and coming of age stories.

More info on Goodreads....


Review:

Moonlight and Midtown by Christina Bauer is a fun but quick novella in the Fairy Tales of the Magicorum series that draws readers back into this magical world of mischief and adventure.

Having battled zombies, werewolves and evil aunties, Bryar Rose is ready for the next stage in her life which includes learning the ins and outs of her new werewolf side and spending time with her man Knox. Oh, and best of all, she’ll also be starting at a regular school soon. If only she could find clothing that doesn’t shred the moment she transforms into her wolf? Enter a fae shopping spree to find indestructible clothes and soon Bryar and Elle find themselves caught in the middle of a fight against some fairies and in way over their head. How will Bryar get out of her latest mess?

Taking place between books 1 and 2, Moonlight and Midtown is an enjoyable look into Bryar Rose’s life that allows readers to discover how our heroine is adjusting to life now that her werewolf nature has been released. Short and easy, Moonlight and Midtown sees Bryar, Elle, Knox and Alec back along with two new characters; hilariously adorable and hopeless werewolves Abe and Hollywood, who just want to be helpful.

Definitely a must read for fans of the series, Moonlight and Midtown is a quaint read and is a great way to tide yourself over until the next full length novel in the series releases.

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher via Netgalley (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Monster House Books, LLC
Format: Kindle ebook via Netgalley
Release Date: May 27th 2018
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Final Thoughts: A fun bridge between books 1 and 2--worth a read.

Waiting on Wednesday #235

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.....   

Stolen Time by Danielle Rollins Releases on: February 5th 2019 Add on Goodreads!
Seattle, 1913 // Dorothy is trapped. Forced into an engagement to a wealthy man just so she and her mother can live comfortably for the rest of their days, she’ll do anything to escape. Including sneaking away from her wedding and bolting into the woods to disappear.

New Seattle, 2077 // Ash is on a mission. Rescue the professor—his mentor who figured out the secret to time travel—so together they can put things right in their devastated city. But searching for one man means endless jumps through time with no guarantee of success.

When Dorothy collides with Ash, she sees it as her chance to start fresh—she’ll stow away in his plane and begin a new life wherever they land. Then she wakes up in a future that’s been ripped apart by earthquakes and floods; where vicious gangs rule the submerged city streets and a small group of intrepid travelers from across time are fighting against the odds to return things to normal. What Dorothy doesn’t know is that she could hold the key to unraveling the past—and her arrival may spell Ash’s ultimate destruction.

Thoughts:
Time travel novels either get it right or they fall flat....so I have really high hopes for Stolen Time. It sounds sooooo good, adventurous and romantic with a futuristic setting thrown in. Hope it lives up to my expectations!

Are you a fan of time travel novels?
And what are YOU waiting on this week?

Book Shelf: The Traitor's Game (The Traitor's Game #1) by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Nothing is as it seems in the kingdom of Antora. Kestra Dallisor has spent three years in exile in the Lava Fields, but that won't stop her from being drawn back into her father's palace politics. He's the right hand man of the cruel king, Lord Endrick, which makes Kestra a valuable bargaining chip. A group of rebels knows this all too well - and they snatch Kestra from her carriage as she reluctantly travels home.The kidnappers want her to retrieve the lost Olden Blade, the only object that can destroy the immortal king, but Kestra is not the obedient captive they expected. Simon, one of her kidnappers, will have his hands full as Kestra tries to foil their plot, by force, cunning, or any means necessary. As motives shift and secrets emerge, both will have to decide what - and who - it is they're fighting for.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

The Traitor’s Game is Jennifer A. Nielson’s latest release and is a wonderfully written and stunning fantasy novel, set in an enchanting world of adventure and rich in danger, deception and sizzling romance.

Kestra Dallisor has spent three years in exile in a place called the Lava Fields but is finally returning home to be drawn into her father’s political position. As second in command to the countries tyrant leader, Lord Endrick, Kestra’s father is withdrawn and demanding and has never shown Kestra an ounce of affection. Kestra dreads returning home, especially when her convoy is attacked on route and the rebels responsible for the attack blackmail Kestra into helping them. Kestra’s task is simple; she is to return home as planned, but use her position to search for and find a long lost weapon known as the Olden Blade, believed to be the only thing capable of killing Lord Endrick. Yet the rebels are in for a shock; Kestra is not the innocent maiden they believe and she’ll use all the cunning and abilities she has to outsmart them, even if it means betraying the young man she knew as a child who is currently a rebel and who should be her enemy but who is slowly stealing her heart…..

As a reader, I can easily say that YA Fantasy is one of my favourite genre’s and in saying that I’m always a little excited and apprehensive when I begin a new novel of its kind. This mainly because I’m either completely won over or very much let down; there doesn’t seem to be much middle ground. And I was a little worried where The Traitor’s Game was concerned--its description read a little like many other novels I’ve read in the past so I almost expected it to be somewhat bland in comparison, but boy was I wrong. I loved this novel, absolutely LOVED it.

From the very opening chapter, author Jennifer A. Nielsen had me impressed. The writing is eloquent and beautiful, detailing a vivid and beguiling fantasy world lorded over by a cruel and dispassionate King. The world within The Traitor’s Game is very interesting and I’m keen to learn more than what Nielsen has already introduced. With its current leader evil, there’s effectively three different sides to this war; the Dominion, the Halderians and the Coracks who are the rebels. Seeing how the story ended I’m looking forward to exploring new levels of this world in the next novel.

The Traitor’s Game unfolds through the varying perspectives of main characters Kestra and Simon and is very well told and written. All the characters have such personality and life with Kresta quickly becoming one of my new favourite fantasy protagonists. Smart and capable, Kestra exhibits all the strengths and characteristics I love in a strong female lead and author Jennifer A. Nielsen makes it clear early on that Kestra isn’t a weak willed woman; she is someone with morals and scruples. Even as Kestra finds herself backed into a hole by the rebels, she still fights tooth and nail. Kestra dares to be different from how she was raised and though her upbringing may have some impact on who she is, ultimately Kestra is choosing her own path…and I love that!

Alongside Kestra is a vivid cast of characters whose motives and intentions are not always as they appear. Male lead and love interest Simon was very easy to follow as well and I highly enjoyed the developing relationship between he and Kestra. Kestra has a witty and sarcastic sense of humor, something clear throughout the story both with her inner monologue and biting comments to other characters including Simon and the other Coracks. Nielsen has woven a very interesting world of magic and deception and I’m highly enjoying discovering its hidden depths.

The perfect blend of romance and discovering, The Traitor’s Game is perfect for fans of Truthwitch by Susan Dennard and Ruined by Amy Tintera. Richly written and splendidly paced, The Traitor’s Game races to a fantastic ending that leaves me dying to see what Jennifer A. Nielsen has in store for her characters next!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Scholastic Australia
Format: Paperback
Australian RRP: $19.99
Release Date: 1st July 2018
Purchase: Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: I absolutely adored this novel and I CANNOT WAIT until the second one is released!

Release Blitz: Going Rogue by Chantal Fernando- Teasers

Happy Release Day to Going Rogue by Chantal Fernando! I'm thrilled to be helping Give Me Books Promotions celebrate Going Rogue's release today! Yesterday I posted my 4 star review of Going Rogue---be sure to check it out here!

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Love blossoms in the most unexpected of places in this sweet and steamy Cursed Ravens Motorcyle Club title featuring a hunky bad boy and a charming nurse.

The men might tease Rogue and call him pretty behind his back, but no one is going to say that to his face. As the vice president of the Cursed Ravens—and with an unpredictable and unruly temper—respect is given to him at any cost.

But Rogue reins himself in when he visits his mother in a local nursing home. Overwhelmed with guilt that he can’t take care of her himself, he can barely handle watching her fade away with dementia. And he knows the staff is exceptional—especially the sweet and beautiful caregiver who pays extra attention to his mom.

It isn’t easy working at a nursing home, but Zoe enjoys spending time with her favorite patient Anne. She knows Anne has a son who dutifully visits her, but when Zoe sees the tall, muscled, handsome stranger, she can tell he’s trouble—beautiful trouble. She knows he’s a Cursed Raven and she knows better than to admit she’s attracted to him. There’s no way she'll date an MC member. Been there done that. But as Zoe and Rogue start to get closer, they realize one way or another, they’ll have to fight to stay in each other’s lives. 

Add on Goodreads or check out my review!

Purchase:

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Check out the rest of series on Goodreads here:

 My Reviews:

Book 1 | Book 2

 

 
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 | Facebook  

 

Book Shelf: Going Rogue (The Cursed Ravens MC #3) by Chantal Fernando

Love blossoms in the most unexpected of places in this sweet and steamy Cursed Ravens Motorcyle Club title featuring a hunky bad boy and a charming nurse.

The men might tease Rogue and call him pretty behind his back, but no one is going to say that to his face. As the vice president of the Cursed Ravens—and with an unpredictable and unruly temper—respect is given to him at any cost.

But Rogue reins himself in when he visits his mother in a local nursing home. Overwhelmed with guilt that he can’t take care of her himself, he can barely handle watching her fade away with dementia. And he knows the staff is exceptional—especially the sweet and beautiful caregiver who pays extra attention to his mom.

It isn’t easy working at a nursing home, but Zoe enjoys spending time with her favorite patient Anne. She knows Anne has a son who dutifully visits her, but when Zoe sees the tall, muscled, handsome stranger, she can tell he’s trouble—beautiful trouble. She knows he’s a Cursed Raven and she knows better than to admit she’s attracted to him. There’s no way she'll date an MC member. Been there done that. But as Zoe and Rogue start to get closer, they realize one way or another, they’ll have to fight to stay in each other’s lives. 

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Going Rogue is the third novel in Chantal Fernando’s delectable Cursed Raven’s MC series and is another thrilling romance this time featuring Cursed Ravens Vice President Rogue and the woman who wins his heart.

Aged care worker Zoe wants nothing but the best for her patients. At the care facility where she works, Zoe makes sure to give everyone a little extra TLC, but she especially enjoys spending time with her favourite patient Anne. Zoe knows dementia suffer Anne’s son visits her often in the nursing home, but Zoe never expected him to be a tall, sexy as sin biker. Even though he takes his fair share of teasing over his looks, Rouge is more than a pretty face. Vice president of the Cursed Ravens MC, Rogue always makes sure to visit is ailing mother, even if she often doesn’t know who he is. Saddened by his visits, Rogue soon finds his eye drawn to the kind and beautiful woman who looks after his mum. Having been burnt in the past, Zoe is hesitant to begin a relationship with Rogue but as he wears down his walls Zoe begins to realise that sometimes to really live you need to take a chance……

Back with another easily addictive MC novel, Chantal Fernando this time features Cursed Ravens member Rogue who I’ve very much enjoyed seeing in the first two novels. Fast paced but also sporting sadness within its storyline Going Rogue is an emotional read that weaves humour, romance, angst and drama into its pages. Introducing readers to aged care worker Zoe, Going Rogue unfolds through her POV and see’s the kind but still assertive young woman fall under Rogue’s spell.

I liked both Rogue and Zoe. I had no doubt I would love Rogue—I’ve loved all the Cursed Ravens, but Zoe won me over with her caring nature, reserved personality and kindness. As Rogue romances Zoe and urges her to take a chance on him, Chantal Ferando incorporates lots of sharp dialogue, sweet moments and endearing developments. Of course the sex scenes are scorching and the chemistry undeniable, but I really liked Rogue force Zoe to come out of her shell and dare to put her trust in Rogue. Having been hurt before by someone not all too different from him, this was a big thing for Zoe and Rogue’s position with the MC didn’t always make things run smoothly.

Going Rogue was filled with all the passion and angst I expect from a Chantal Ferando novel and hit all the right notes. I’m not sure if Going Rogue will be the end of the series, but I do feel there are most stories to be had with some of the Cursed Raven members. Shack and Prez in particular hold a lot of promise and I would love to see Fernando feature them in future novels.

Addictive and fast reading, Going Rogue is another wonderful MC novel from my favourite MC writer. I urge readers to check out this fabulous series and can’t wait to see what Chantal Fernando releases next!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Give Me Books and the author (Thank you ladies!)
Publisher: Pocket Star
Format: Kindle ebook
Release Date: August 6th 2018
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Final Thoughts: Another great story. I do hope we can see more stories from some of the other characters down the track.