Wednesday 31 December 2014

Here's to an Awesome 2015!















I want to wish all our followers a very Happy New Year! Your continued support of the blog means the world to us. Here's to a great 2015, filled with more bookish awesomeness.
See you all next year! ;)



Waiting on Wednesday (#90)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine,
which spotlights upcoming books we can't wait to read.


My WoW for this week is:

The Summer of Chasing Mermaids
by Sarah Ockler

Summary:
Sometimes, there are no words… 

The youngest of six talented sisters, Elyse d’Abreau was destined for stardom—until a boating accident took everything from her. Now, the most beautiful singer in Tobago can’t sing. She can’t even speak.

Seeking quiet solitude, Elyse accepts a friend’s invitation to Atargatis Cove. Named for the mythical first mermaid, the Oregon seaside town is everything Elyse’s home in the Caribbean isn’t: An ocean too cold for swimming, parties too tame for singing, and people too polite to pry—except for one.

Christian Kane is a notorious playboy—insolent, arrogant, and completely charming. He’s also the only person in Atargatis Cove who doesn’t treat Elyse like a glass statue. He challenges her to express herself, and he admires the way she treats his younger brother Sebastian, who believes Elyse is the legendary mermaid come to life. 

When Christian needs a first mate for the Cove’s high-stakes Pirate Regatta, Elyse reluctantly stows her fear of the sea and climbs aboard. The ocean isn’t the only thing making waves, though—swept up in Christian’s seductive tide and entranced by the Cove’s charms, Elyse begins to wonder if a life of solitude isn’t what she needs. But changing course again means facing her past. It means finding her inner voice. And scariest of all, it means opening her heart to a boy who’s best known for breaking them . . .

My thoughts:
A Little Mermaid retelling? Yes please!  

Expected Release Date: June 2nd 2015


What book are you waiting for?



Tuesday 30 December 2014

REVIEW - How to Hook a Bookworm (How To #3) by Cassie Mae

Title: How to Hook a Bookworm 
Author: Cassie Mae
Series: How To #3
Genre: YA Contemporary
Expected publication: Jan 2nd 2015
Links: Goodreads Amazon 
Source: ARC from Author

Summary:
Getting kissed for a birthday present should not be a big deal. Especially for Brea Mason, who doesn’t think of her best friend, Adam Silver, in any way other than… well, a friend. But after the liplock she can’t seem to get him off her mind. And she has to, because Adam is a senior while she’s stuck in high school for another two years. 

Then BAM, the perfect distraction comes along in the form of a new, hot sophomore who actually seems interested in Brea, despite her anti-social personality. And with the stress at home, stress at school, and ignoring the reality of all her friends leaving come June, Brea welcomes the distraction.

But when she sees four fat Fs on her report card, Brea needs a study buddy, and the best candidate is Adam, book nerd and math whiz. So she enlists his help, hoping the birthday kiss was just a fluke. After all, she has a boyfriend now. It should be easy to ignore the butterflies and fizzy feelings that arise with the bookworm… right?


5/5

Oh Cassie Mae. You never cease to amaze me with your ability to turn me into a sap. This book was just too fickin CUTE! I had a grin plastered to my face like 90% of the time. I couldn't help myself. I loved every second of this book.
The characters of Brea and Adam are defo my favourites of the series. I adored those two. Brea was a fantastic protagonist. She was written with such realness, it was hard not to connect with her. And Adam was the ultimate best friend. He was such a sweetheart, I just wanted to squeeze his cheeks! Too cute!

In true Cassie Mae fashion, there is no shortage of laughs to be had. The chapter titles alone had me laughing out loud more than once. There was so many hilarious moments, I'm glad I didn't read this in front of people because I think I was laughing like every 5 minutes. 
As well as humor though, Cassie really knows how to turn me into an emotional wreck. There were a couple scenes that had me shedding a few tears and that just made me love the book more, because it was able to affect me so much.

I'm sad to say goodbye to these characters, but the best was definitely left for last. Bookworm has become my favourite of this series. I just can't fault it. Absolute perfection.

*I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*




RELEASE DAY BLITZ - Forever Found by Nazarea Andrews (Excerpt & Giveaway)













It's release day for Nazarea Andrews' Forever Found!! I am so excited for this novella, a sequel to Girl Lost. For the first time, Nazarea is telling Peter Pan's story from Peter's eyes. Be sure to read all the way down for the excerpt she's sharing, as well as her fantastic giveaway!

Neverland series banner

Forever Found Synopsis: 
Losing Gwen was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to survive. I’ve never loved anyone the way I love her. 

But finding her was never about that. And now that I have found her–now that she knows the truth about me and the Island, I have to trust her to believe. Because her leaving me didn’t just destroy me–its killing Neverland. 

I need her to love me. But we all need her to believe again. 

Peter Pan has grown up and found the girl who left–but the stakes are higher than ever in this romantic conclusion to the story begun in Girl Lost.   

Forever Found Amazon 
Forever Found Barnes and Nobles: pending



EXCERPT:
“You ran away.”
She gives an unladylike snort. “You decided you were a delusion of my past, and then you expected me to sit there and listen to your insane ramblings. Thanks, but no. I can’t do that. I’ve had enough crazy for one life.” She bites her lip, and then blurts, “You stole my file, didn’t you? That’s how you know about the Boy.”
“Do you remember the firefly meadow?”
She goes still, and I smile, gently. “You do.”
“That wasn’t real,” she whispers, and I feel the shudder.
“We’d hide there, from the lost boys. And you’d fall asleep telling me your happy thoughts, and wake up to a galaxy of fireflies, and we’d chase them until you made yourself sick, laughing. And then I’d hold you and we’d stare at the stars, and you always said they were different. It smelled like jasmine and honey-“
“And wild woods and freedom,” she whispers, her blue eyes impossibly wide in her pretty face. I take a tentative step toward her, and touch her fingers.
Why are your stars different?
“It wasn’t a delusion, Gwendy. You know it wasn’t. Trust yourself.”
She shudders. “Can’t. My mind lies. It wasn’t—“
“Gwendy,” I say, desperately. Her eyes are filling with tears and I can feel the disbelief, the way it will tear apart the world I’ve known, and the girl I’ve loved, and I can’t. I move without thinking, catch her head and bring her lips to mine.

~~~~~~~~

Girl Lost Synopsis: 
Northern was supposed to be a fresh start—a place where people didn’t know who I was or how I had spent years in and out of mental institutes. People didn't know about my parents death or the island no one heard of. But when Peter sits next to me in lit class, I can’t stop the memories, and I don’t want to. He looks too much like the boy from the island, and despite my best intentions, coaxes my secrets from me.

He’s gorgeous, irresistible, a little mad, and completely lost—we are a pair of broken cogs in a world neither of us truly fits into. He is somehow gentle and fierce, heartbreaking in his devotion and savage in his defense. 

When Belle, his best friend, shows up, pale and lovely and sick, Peter pulls away from me, a startling withdrawal. It’s a relationship that scares and confuses me. She is at times warm and friendly, and other times is violent and unpredictable.

Peter says that he wants me, but refuses to let himself get close. And there are secrets, surrounding both of us, that border on nightmares. As the memories close in, as Belle gets sicker and more violent, I’m torn between what is true and what I believe, and what this magical boy knows about my mysterious past.

Girl Lost Amazon 
Girl Lost Barnes and Noble   


1525096_10151826862048342_1551981715_nNazarea Andrews Bio: 
Nazarea Andrews is an avid reader and tends to write the stories she wants to read. She loves chocolate and coffee almost as much as she loves books, but not quite as much as she loves her kids. She is the author of the University of Branton series, Neverland Found series, and Edge of the Falls. She lives in south Georgia with her husband, daughters, and overgrown dog. You can follow her on Facebook and Twitter.


GIVEAWAY

RELEASE DAY BLITZ - After Us by Amber Hart

afterus-release












Amber Hart's AFTER US is available today, and we couldn't be more thrilled! Be sure to grab it today - and get ready to be hooked!

afterus
About AFTER US: 
"Beautiful, lyrical writing and a dangerously suspenseful plot. . .an unforgettable novel that readers will love." --Lucy Connors, author of The Lonesome Young

Sometimes secrets kill. Maybe slowly, maybe painfully. Maybe all at once.

Melissa smiles. She flirts. She jokes. But she never shows her scars. Eight months after tragedy ripped her from her closest friend, Melissa is broken. Inside her grows a tumor, fed by grief, rage, and the painful memory of a single forbidden kiss.

Javier has scars of his own: a bullet wound, and the memory of a cousin shot in the heart. Life in the States was supposed to be a new beginning, but a boy obsessed by vengeance has no time for the American dream. To honor his familia, Javier joins the gang who set up his cousin's murder. The entrance price is blood. Death is the only escape.

These two broken souls could make each other whole again--or be shattered forever.
Our time will come. And we'll be ready.

Add it to Goodreads here!

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iTunes | Kobo

About Amber Hart
Amber Hart grew up in Orlando, Florida and Atlanta, Georgia. She now resides on the Florida coastline with family. When unable to find a book, she can be found writing, daydreaming, or with her toes in the sand. She's the author of BEFORE YOU, AFTER US, UNTIL YOU FIND ME, and sequel to UNTIL YOU FIND ME (untitled as of yet). Represented by Beth Miller of Writers House.


GIVEAWAY


Saturday 27 December 2014

Top 10 Reads of 2014!

I have read so many great books this year. It's so hard to narrow it down but I think I've managed to pick my top 10. These aren't in any particular order though because it's impossible to say which would be my ultimate read of the year. 

#1) I read a lot of JLA books this year so it was hard to narrow it down to just one. I loved them all but I just adored Wicked. I have been wanting to find more NA paranormal books and this one was just what I was looking for. 

#2) I finally got around to reading The Fault in our Stars this year and wow how I cried! This book broke my heart! It was so good!

#3) I have read a lot of Airicka Phoenix books this year too so it was tough to narrow it down to one but I think When Night Falls was my favourite. It was a fantastic horror/sci-fi book. One I would think would make a brilliant film! I cannot wait for book 2! 

#4) I started this series this year and after reading the first two books I am hooked! It's a really exciting read and I love the characters in it. I can't wait for book 3 next year!

#5) I seriously love this woman's books. They are amazing reads. I would include all her books on this list if I could. If you haven't read anything by her then you are missing out! I love her Drenaline Surf series. Loads of hot surfers. Sure what more could ya want? ;)

#6) Becca Ann (aka Cassie Mae) writes the cutest books ever! Again it was hard to pick just one of her books but I really loved this one. This is the second book in the Beds series and it was just all kinds of awesome. Highly recommend it!

#7) I am so glad I signed up for the blog tour for this because I ended up loving this book! It is such an intelligently written book. I was completely hooked. And the ending has left me dying for the next one!

#8) I think this is my favourite Cora Carmack book I have read so far. I loved the characters in this one. The were so easy to like. Especially Carson. An awesome book boyfriend! Can't wait to get my hands on book 2.

#9) This book was such a thrill ride! It was really fast-paced and action packed. I loved it! Alderson has another book, Conspiracy Girl, coming out in the new year that sounds like it will be just as exciting as this one. I can't wait to read it. Alderson never seems to disappoint.

#10) This book may not be out until February next year but I got an early copy for review. I absolutely adore this series. One of my all time favourites. I want everyone to check out these books because they are just mesmerizing.


So that's my Top 10 :) Have you read any of these books? If you've done your own Top 10 then feel free to leave a link to it in the comments so I can check it out I'm always looking for new books to read :)




Friday 26 December 2014

REVIEW - Darkness (Florence Waverley #3) by Ciye Cho

Title: Darkness 
Author: Ciye Cho
Series: Florence Waverly #3
Genre: YA Fantasy
Expected publication: Feb 9th 2015
Links: Website Goodreads Amazon
Source: eARC from Author

Summary:
A dire prophecy has emerged, and the mer believe that humans and merfolk are in grave danger. Terror is closing in, but only one person holds the key to stopping it: Florence Waverley. However, her mission to save two worlds will lead her far, far out into the Darkness--a shadow-realm full of monsters, magic, and wicked tides that could tear apart bodies. 

With the help of her friends, Florry must uncover a secret about humans and mer. A long-lost secret that could change her life. And above all else, she must fight hard to light the darkness. Everything depends on her mission: her friends, her world, and the one she loves. 

The past, present, and future are about to collide--but can she stay afloat? One way or another, nothing will be the same when she enters the Darkness...

Darkness is the third book in the Florence Waverley series


5/5

What can I say about Darkness? This book was everything I was hoping for and more. I didn't think I could fall any more in love with this series but I was wrong. My love grew tenfold with this book. Cho continues to amaze and dazzle with his spellbinding storytelling. I am seriously in awe of the world this author has created. 
So much happens in this book and I was sucked in right from page 1. When Florence learns of a terrible prophecy, she will risk everything to undercover the truth. Venturing in to the Darkness, Florry and friends encounter terrifying monsters and more, dodging death at every turn.
Like the first two books, the story is told in 1st person from Florence's POV. However we do get chapters here and there that focus on other characters. I really liked this as it helped to move the plot along and gave more insight in to what was happening in the background. As always I loved Florry. She is a brilliant character, so strong and determined. Now that Niemela is her home, she does whatever she can to save it from the Darkness. She is truly a character to admire.

I just seriously adored this book. The story-line is fantastic; full of mystery, heart-stopping action, and a sweet romance. I love the direction the author has taken with mer. It's such a unique take. I really hope I won't have to wait another 2 years for the 4th book because I NEED it!! I know there is so much more still to happen and I cannot wait to find out what will come next. I really cannot recommend this series enough. Without a doubt one of my all time favourites.


*I received an eARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*





Wednesday 24 December 2014

RELEASE DAY BLITZ - Forever His Baby by Morgana Phoenix









Title: Forever His Baby
Author: Morgana Phoenix 
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Cover Designer: Airicka’s Mystical Creations 
Expected Release Date: Dec. 24, 2014 
Hosted by: Lady Amber's Tours

Blurb: 
Two brothers. One impossible choice.

From the moment her suspicions are confirmed, Lily knows she’s screwed. What the hell is a nineteen year old with no future going to do with a baby? She can barely take care of herself. She needs help.

In walks Sloan McClain, the only man Lily has ever truly wanted — and the brother of the boy whose baby she’s carrying. While Lily expects a great number of outcomes when she tells Sloan her news, him proposing marriage and asking her to keep the baby is not one of them, especially not when she has every intention of giving the baby a better future by giving it the home she can’t.

Having spent the majority of his life protecting his brother from the bone-breaking fists of their father, Sloan is no stranger to hardship, loss and abandonment. He has learned long ago never to rely on anyone to take care of what was his, and that baby is his. He isn’t about to let Lily give away his family, nor can he allow that child to destroy the future he has built for Cole. His only option: marry the mother and claim the baby as his. But no secret ever stays hidden forever.



International Bestselling author Airicka Phoenix lives in a world where unicorns, fairies and mermaids run amok through her home on a daily basis. When she’s not chasing after pixies and rounding up imps, also known as her four children, she can be found conjuring up evil villains, bad-ass heroines and swoon-worthy heroes to play with.  Airicka is singlehandedly responsible for her greatly anticipated collections, the Touch SagaThe Lost Girl DuologyThe Regeneration SeriesGames of Fire & Betraying Innocence. She also writes mature paranormal & contemporary romance under the dark guise of Morgana Phoenix. To date, she is responsible for the Sons of Judgment SagaMy Soul For You, & Kissing Trouble.


Author Links:


Sunday 21 December 2014

Blog Tour: Inspire by Cora Carmack



Inspire
Cora Carmack
15th December 2014
NA, Mythology, Romance


Summary

Kalliope lives with one purpose.

To inspire.

As an immortal muse, she doesn’t have any other choice. It’s part of how she was made. Musicians, artists, actors—they use her to advance their art, and she uses them to survive. She moves from one artist to the next, never staying long enough to get attached. But all she wants is a different life— a normal one. She’s spent thousands of years living lie after lie, and now she’s ready for something real.

Sweet, sexy, and steady, Wilder Bell feels more real than anything else in her long existence. And most importantly… he’s not an artist. He doesn’t want her for her ability. But she can’t turn off the way she influences people, not even to save a man she might love. Because in small doses, she can help make something beautiful, but her ability has just as much capacity to destroy as it does to create. The longer she stays, the more obsessed Wilder will become. It’s happened before, and it never turns out well for the mortal.

Her presence may inspire genius.

But it breeds madness, too.



Buy Links: (Amazon and B&N coming soon!)



About Cora Carmack: 

Cora Carmack is a twenty-something writer who likes to write about twenty-something characters. She's done a multitude of things in her life-- boring jobs (like working retail), Fun jobs (like working in a theatre), stressful jobs (like teaching), and dream jobs (like writing). She enjoys placing her characters in the most awkward situations possible, and then trying to help them get a boyfriend out of it. Awkward people need love, too. Her first book, LOSING IT, was a New York Times and USA Today bestseller.


Links:
Website
Twitter
Facebook
Author Goodreads
INSPIRE Goodreads



Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway


My Review
4.5/5

Cora Carmack is awesome! :) I liked the Losing It series, I loved All Lined Up and now, going in a different direction, I have no words to describe how much I enjoyed Inspire. Moving from contemporary into Paranormal is a difficult task for some but Cora has done so with perfection with an amazing story that will leave you desperate for more. 

The first time I heard about this book I could not wait to read it! I am a big fan of modernised Greek Mythology so this immediately grasped my attention. Cora has gone in a slightly different direction to most by writing about one of the muses. (I can't stop singing songs from Hercules when I hear that word). Kalliope is one of the nine muses who are gifted/cursed with the ability to Inspire those with artistic abilities. She has been wandering for centuries wandering from one person to the next, unable to stay too long for fear of permanently harming those she inspires. She can't stop though or her abilities will harm her instead so she must toe the line between spending too long with her hook-ups and trying to protect everyone from herself by not using it at all.

Kalli knew she could never fall in love for fear of what she could make people turn into but also, her immortality status meant she could never change or grow with her lover. She had never been tempted enough to want to try. . .until Wilder.

Kalli and Wilder's story was heartbreakingly amazing with funny bits thrown in. I love Cora's writing and she hasn't changed that for this book. (If anything it's getting better ;) ). I'm going to be waiting with absolute anticipation for more from this series and I am so excited. . .and a little scared, but in a good way.


-Tia