Friday, August 29, 2014
Stacking the Shelves - August 30, 2014
Stacking the Shelves is an awesome meme hosted by Tynga's Review.
Bloggers share the books they've received, bought, borrowed - and I collect more and more books for my 'must acquire' list.
This week the focus is on books I've purchased or otherwise received not specifically for review in the last two weeks:
Memory Zero by Keri Arthur
The Basics:
Memory Zero by Keri Arthur
Dell
Book One in the Spook Squad series
Urban Fantasy
Originally Published April 2, 2009
Source: Received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon.ca Kobo.com
Why I picked up this book:
I love urban fantasy. I need more of it in my life, particularly with good romantic subplots (or even romance with good urban fantasy subplots).
Memory Zero by Keri Arthur
Dell
Book One in the Spook Squad series
Urban Fantasy
Originally Published April 2, 2009
Source: Received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon.ca Kobo.com
Why I picked up this book:
I love urban fantasy. I need more of it in my life, particularly with good romantic subplots (or even romance with good urban fantasy subplots).
Thursday, August 28, 2014
This is Falling by Ginger Scott
The Basics:
This is Falling by Ginger Scott
Self-Pubbed
Book One in Falling series
New Adult, contemporary romance
Published August 29, 2014
Source: Received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon.ca Kobo.com
Why I picked up this book:
I'm often tempted by New Adult right now, and I really liked the blurb.
This is Falling by Ginger Scott
Self-Pubbed
Book One in Falling series
New Adult, contemporary romance
Published August 29, 2014
Source: Received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon.ca Kobo.com
Why I picked up this book:
I'm often tempted by New Adult right now, and I really liked the blurb.
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Talk Sweetly to Me by Courtney Milan
Zombified by Maggie LaCroix
The Basics:
Zombified by Maggie LaCroix
The Writer's Coffee Shop
Paranormal Romance
Published August 28th, 2014
Source: Received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon.ca Kobo.com
Why I picked up this book:
I love zombies, I usually find zombie stories very entertaining. I've read a couple of zombie love stories that kind of worked, so I guess I'm looking for one that really wows me! Plus that bronzed looking guy on the cover is already the hottest looking zombie I've ever seen....
Zombified by Maggie LaCroix
The Writer's Coffee Shop
Paranormal Romance
Published August 28th, 2014
Source: Received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon.ca Kobo.com
Why I picked up this book:
I love zombies, I usually find zombie stories very entertaining. I've read a couple of zombie love stories that kind of worked, so I guess I'm looking for one that really wows me! Plus that bronzed looking guy on the cover is already the hottest looking zombie I've ever seen....
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Betting on Julia by Nina Croft
The Basics:
Betting on Julia by Nina Croft
Entangled: Covet
Book Two in the Melville Sisters series
Paranormal Romance
Published August 25, 2014
Source: Received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon.ca Kobo.com
Why I picked up this book:
Werewolf/warlock love story, where they're keeping their supernatural status a secret from each other, trying to feel normal by dating someone normal? I'm in!
Betting on Julia by Nina Croft
Entangled: Covet
Book Two in the Melville Sisters series
Paranormal Romance
Published August 25, 2014
Source: Received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon.ca Kobo.com
Why I picked up this book:
Werewolf/warlock love story, where they're keeping their supernatural status a secret from each other, trying to feel normal by dating someone normal? I'm in!
Monday, August 25, 2014
Slow Satisfaction by Cecilia Tan
The Basics:
Slow Satisfaction by Cecilia Tan
Forever
Book Three in the Struck by Lightning trilogy
Erotica, Romance
Published August 26, 2014
Source: Received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon.ca Kobo.com
Why I picked up this book:
I was looking for erotica to read, and was curious about how this trilogy ended.
Slow Satisfaction by Cecilia Tan
Forever
Book Three in the Struck by Lightning trilogy
Erotica, Romance
Published August 26, 2014
Source: Received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon.ca Kobo.com
Why I picked up this book:
I was looking for erotica to read, and was curious about how this trilogy ended.
Sunday, August 24, 2014
COVER REVEAL: Wicked Path by Eliza Tilton
I love participating in cover reveals - probably because I'm so easily lured in by a really great cover.
Today we're looking at the cover for Wicked Path by Eliza Tilton. This one is due out on October 6th, 2014 from Curiosity Quills Press. I love the title, and I especially love that this one is Young Adult Fantasy.
Now, a little tease:
I'm thrilled to say that I'm participating in a blog tour for book one - The Broken Forest in a couple of weeks - the tour starts September 1st and I'm scheduled for a review on the 10th!
And I think I've talked around it enough. You're here for the main event, the big cover reveal:
Today we're looking at the cover for Wicked Path by Eliza Tilton. This one is due out on October 6th, 2014 from Curiosity Quills Press. I love the title, and I especially love that this one is Young Adult Fantasy.
Now, a little tease:
In Wicked
Path: Book Two of the Daath Chronicles brother and sister are forced to
opposite sides of Tarrtainya on a fast-paced adventure where the wildlife isn’t
the only thing trying to kill them.
Three
months have passed since Avikar defeated the Reptilian Prince, and he still
can’t remember his battle with Lucino. On the hunt for answers, he returns to
the scene of the fight and discovers a strange connection between his family’s
dagger and the mysterious kingdom of Daath, and it seems only his distant
father can reveal the truth behind it all.
Before
Avikar can travel back home, Lucy assaults him in the market and forces him to
flee to Nod Mountains—a place few dare to enter, and even less return from.
With Raven and her childhood friend by his side, they must survive the
treacherous journey through the pass with a vengeful Lucy hunting them. If they
don’t, they’ll never see home again.
Jeslyn’s
new life in Luna Harbor is the perfect remedy for her confused and broken
heart. But when a group of mercenaries kidnap her beloved Grandfather,
interrupting her daily routine as his jewelry apprentice, she's forced to join
forces with the one person from her past she tried to forget.
And his
assistance comes with a price.
I'm thrilled to say that I'm participating in a blog tour for book one - The Broken Forest in a couple of weeks - the tour starts September 1st and I'm scheduled for a review on the 10th!
And I think I've talked around it enough. You're here for the main event, the big cover reveal:
Friday, August 22, 2014
The Real Thing by Cassie Mae
The Basics:
The Real Thing by Cassie Mae
Flirt
New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Published August 19, 2014
Source: Received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon.ca Kobo.com
Why I picked up this book:
I enjoyed Switched by Cassie Mae, which I reviewed here in December of last year, so I was keen to read more from this promising author!
The Real Thing by Cassie Mae
Flirt
New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Published August 19, 2014
Source: Received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon.ca Kobo.com
Why I picked up this book:
I enjoyed Switched by Cassie Mae, which I reviewed here in December of last year, so I was keen to read more from this promising author!
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Exchange of Fire by P A DePaul
The Basics:
Exchange of Fire by P A DePaul
Intermix
Book One in the SBG series
Romance, Suspense
Published August 19, 2014
Source: Received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon.ca Kobo.com
Why I picked up this book:
I haven't read much romantic suspense lately, and I really liked that cover.
Exchange of Fire by P A DePaul
Intermix
Book One in the SBG series
Romance, Suspense
Published August 19, 2014
Source: Received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon.ca Kobo.com
Why I picked up this book:
I haven't read much romantic suspense lately, and I really liked that cover.
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
COVER REVEAL: Up All Night by Various Authors
Ooooh, another shiny cover reveal today! Today it's for Up All Night by Various Authors.
As you may have picked up on, I tend to love New Adult books. This bundle of ten first-in-series books from an amazing collection of authors looks like a great fit for me - and for you too, if you're a fan of the genre as well!
No reveal would be complete without teasing you with the blurb first:
UP ALL
NIGHT will keep you up ‘til dawn with romantic
stories featuring whip-smart college guys, bad boy rock stars, heroic marines,
a sexy teacher, and a smokin' hot snowboarder.
As you may have picked up on, I tend to love New Adult books. This bundle of ten first-in-series books from an amazing collection of authors looks like a great fit for me - and for you too, if you're a fan of the genre as well!
No reveal would be complete without teasing you with the blurb first:
Grab this limited-time bundle of ten hot New
Adult books, each #1 in their series.
Together,
these books have earned more than 1,600 five-star ratings and
usually sell for over $30. Each book is a standalone, first in its series, and
the set includes two NYT and USA Today bestselling authors.
You
Make Me, Blurred Lines #1
New York Times bestselling author Erin McCarthy
Caitlyn's perfect world with fiancé Ethan is shattered when her first love Heath returns to Maine after a mysterious four-year absence. Heath wants her back, but Ethan doesn't want to let her go. And when one love allows her to breathe, but the other feels as essential to her life as air, how does she choose between them?
New York Times bestselling author Erin McCarthy
Caitlyn's perfect world with fiancé Ethan is shattered when her first love Heath returns to Maine after a mysterious four-year absence. Heath wants her back, but Ethan doesn't want to let her go. And when one love allows her to breathe, but the other feels as essential to her life as air, how does she choose between them?
One
and Only, Canton #1
Viv Daniels
Tess lives her life according to the secrets she’s sworn to keep: the father who won’t acknowledge her, the sister who doesn’t know she exists, and the mother who’s content playing mistress to a prominent businessman. But when she transfers to her dream college and reunites with her first love, she begins to break the rules.
Viv Daniels
Tess lives her life according to the secrets she’s sworn to keep: the father who won’t acknowledge her, the sister who doesn’t know she exists, and the mother who’s content playing mistress to a prominent businessman. But when she transfers to her dream college and reunites with her first love, she begins to break the rules.
Tattoo
Thief, Tattoo Thief #1
Heidi Joy Tretheway
Beryl doesn't know why Gavin Slater trashed his apartment, abandoned his dog and fled the country. But as his house sitter, she must pick up the pieces for the white-hot rock star to find out why he's running--and what can bring him back.
Heidi Joy Tretheway
Beryl doesn't know why Gavin Slater trashed his apartment, abandoned his dog and fled the country. But as his house sitter, she must pick up the pieces for the white-hot rock star to find out why he's running--and what can bring him back.
One
Broke Girl, Edgewood Falls #1
Rhonda Helms
When Anna's mother disappears with the family fortune, Anna and her father must return to their small Ohio hometown--a temporary situation, she vows. But finding work, caring for her depressed father and locating her mom are harder than Anna anticipated. Not to mention a sexy male kindergarten teacher who makes Anna question everything she thought she wanted...
Rhonda Helms
When Anna's mother disappears with the family fortune, Anna and her father must return to their small Ohio hometown--a temporary situation, she vows. But finding work, caring for her depressed father and locating her mom are harder than Anna anticipated. Not to mention a sexy male kindergarten teacher who makes Anna question everything she thought she wanted...
Random, Going the Distance #1
Lark O'Neal
Jess Donovan wants a better life than the one she was born to, but how do you figure how what you want when life has never been anything but a series of hurdles? When mysterious, sexy snowboarder Tyler Smith shows up in her life, Jess doesn't know if he's an opportunity for love--or her downfall.
Lark O'Neal
Jess Donovan wants a better life than the one she was born to, but how do you figure how what you want when life has never been anything but a series of hurdles? When mysterious, sexy snowboarder Tyler Smith shows up in her life, Jess doesn't know if he's an opportunity for love--or her downfall.
Butterman
(Time) Travel, Inc., Butterman Travel, Inc. #1
PK Hrezo
A futuristic romance along the winding path of time. It's the year 2069 and even though eighteen-year-old Bianca Butterman is heir to the family time travel biz, she never expected to be earning her official time-craft license with golden boy pop superstar, Tristan Helms, in tote. Her life is about to get a lot more complicated ... and exciting.
Come Back To Texas, Twelve Beats in a Bar #1
KK Hendin
Hayley and Nate had the perfect love story before life crashed through it. Now, three years, one deployment, and a few YouTube videos later, everything's about to change.
The Opposite of Nothing, Copeland College #1
Shari Slade
When socially-awkward campus DJ Callie Evans falls for her bad boy BFF, she doesn't tell him. Instead, she creates a fake online profile and "catfishes" him. The closer they get, online and off, the more she realizes she has to confess. And risk losing him forever.
The Long Game, American Gypsy #1
J.L. Fynn
When gypsy con artist Shay Reilly meets co-ed Spencer, sparks fly. Problem: Shay's plans of revenge against Spencer's father stands between them and their budding romance.
Undeclared, Woodlands #1
USA Today bestselling author Jen Frederick
Grace Sullivan exchanged letters with a deployed Marine most of her teen years. She fell in love with him but was devastated to learn her feelings weren't reciprocated. Two years later when he shows up at her posh Midwest college claiming they belong together, she is wary and worried ... and falling in love again?
A futuristic romance along the winding path of time. It's the year 2069 and even though eighteen-year-old Bianca Butterman is heir to the family time travel biz, she never expected to be earning her official time-craft license with golden boy pop superstar, Tristan Helms, in tote. Her life is about to get a lot more complicated ... and exciting.
Come Back To Texas, Twelve Beats in a Bar #1
KK Hendin
Hayley and Nate had the perfect love story before life crashed through it. Now, three years, one deployment, and a few YouTube videos later, everything's about to change.
The Opposite of Nothing, Copeland College #1
Shari Slade
When socially-awkward campus DJ Callie Evans falls for her bad boy BFF, she doesn't tell him. Instead, she creates a fake online profile and "catfishes" him. The closer they get, online and off, the more she realizes she has to confess. And risk losing him forever.
The Long Game, American Gypsy #1
J.L. Fynn
When gypsy con artist Shay Reilly meets co-ed Spencer, sparks fly. Problem: Shay's plans of revenge against Spencer's father stands between them and their budding romance.
Undeclared, Woodlands #1
USA Today bestselling author Jen Frederick
Grace Sullivan exchanged letters with a deployed Marine most of her teen years. She fell in love with him but was devastated to learn her feelings weren't reciprocated. Two years later when he shows up at her posh Midwest college claiming they belong together, she is wary and worried ... and falling in love again?
And now, for the main event (drum roll please!):
How the Scoundrel Seduces by Sabrina Jeffries
The Basics:
How the Scoundrel Seduces by Sabrina Jeffries
Pocket Books
Book Three in the Duke's Men series
Historical Romance
Published August 19, 2014
Source: Received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon.ca Kobo.com
Why I picked up this book:
I enjoyed the previous book in the series, When the Rogue Returns, and was happy to return to Jeffries' universe.
How the Scoundrel Seduces by Sabrina Jeffries
Pocket Books
Book Three in the Duke's Men series
Historical Romance
Published August 19, 2014
Source: Received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon.ca Kobo.com
Why I picked up this book:
I enjoyed the previous book in the series, When the Rogue Returns, and was happy to return to Jeffries' universe.
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Love Bites by Ophelia London
The Basics:
Love Bites by Ophelia London
Entangled: Bliss
Romance
Published August 18, 2014
Source: Received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Why I picked up this book:
I wanted a novella or two to lighten my reading load (which backfired because I ended up buying a stack of books) and I liked the marine twist on this contemporary romance
Love Bites by Ophelia London
Entangled: Bliss
Romance
Published August 18, 2014
Source: Received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Why I picked up this book:
I wanted a novella or two to lighten my reading load (which backfired because I ended up buying a stack of books) and I liked the marine twist on this contemporary romance
Monday, August 18, 2014
The Irresistible Miss Peppiwell by Stacy Reid
The Basics:
The Irresistible Miss Peppiwell by Stacy Reid
Entangled: Scandalous
Book Two in the Scandalous House of Calydon series
Historical Romance
Published August 11, 2014
Source: Received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon.ca Kobo.com
Why I picked up this book:
I was drawn in by the blurb, and I've had good luck with the publisher.
The Irresistible Miss Peppiwell by Stacy Reid
Entangled: Scandalous
Book Two in the Scandalous House of Calydon series
Historical Romance
Published August 11, 2014
Source: Received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon.ca Kobo.com
Why I picked up this book:
I was drawn in by the blurb, and I've had good luck with the publisher.
Saturday, August 16, 2014
Stacking the Shelves - August 16, 2014
Stacking the Shelves is an awesome meme hosted by Tynga's Review.
Bloggers share the books they've received, bought, borrowed - and I collect more and more books for my 'must acquire' list.
This week the focus is on books I've received in the last two weeks for review:
Friday, August 15, 2014
The Wager by Lily Maxton
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Upside Down by Lia Riley
The Basics:
Upside Down by Lia Riley
Forever
Book One in the Off The Map series
New Adult
Published August 5, 2014
Source: Received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon.ca Kobo.com
Why I picked up this book:
Blurb made it sound like a solid New Adult title, and I was on an Australia-set mini-binge.
Upside Down by Lia Riley
Forever
Book One in the Off The Map series
New Adult
Published August 5, 2014
Source: Received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon.ca Kobo.com
Why I picked up this book:
Blurb made it sound like a solid New Adult title, and I was on an Australia-set mini-binge.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Summer at Castle Stone by Lynn Marie Hulsman
The Basics:
Summer at Castle Stone by Lynn Marie Hulsman
HarperImpulse
Romance, Chick lit
Published July 24, 2014
Source: Received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon.ca Kobo.com
Why I picked up this book:
It sounded lighthearted and fun.
Blurb:
This summer, lose your heart in Ireland…
Shayla Sheridan’s a New York native born into big city luxury, but she’s never really fitted in with the “it” crowd. Desperate to make it as a writer and to finally step out from her famous father’s shadow, Shayla decides to take on a tricky assignment across the pond…
Swapping skyscrapers and heels for wellies and the heart of the Irish countryside, Shayla must go about ghost-writing a book of recipes by the notoriously reclusive and attractive head chef of Castle Stone, Tom O’Grady.
The only problem? He has no idea that she’s writing it.
My thoughts:
Summer at Castle Stone is a lighthearted romp from New York City to the pastoral wilds of Ireland and back.
The story follows Shayla as she hits a new personal low in New York and finds herself grabbing onto the only opportunity that presents itself: traveling to Ireland to ghost-write a cookbook for Tom O'Grady.
As a romance, I think this book was a very slow build. The only contact we had with Tom in the first several chapters was by phone, and the focus was clearly on motivating Shayla's impulsive trip. Once Shayla and Tom meet in person... well, I had mixed feelings. Shayla's got so much going on, fitting into this new world that her attraction and relationship with Tom is sort of another box on the list rather than the starring element.
I don't know how I felt about Shayla. In New York, she's such a mess, completely at the whims of her best friend, her father, her boss, her co-workers, her agent and kind of flailing around at best. I liked her much more once she arrived in Ireland and was more thoughtful. Tom was a little distant for me - as a reader, I wasn't quite as clueless as Shayla about what was going on, but I still felt like he played his cards pretty close to the vest for the majority of the story. I wanted everything to work out for Shayla, but I don't think I was really invested in her relationship with Tom (perhaps any hot Irish man would have done, in my mind?).
The beginning of the book was a real whirlwind of disaster. Shayla could *not* catch a break, and I tried to read it in the spirit of comedy or as a series of zany antics, but it was hard not to be depressed by it all. Truly, if this is what life is like in New York, why does *anyone* live there? I think it also set the tone for me and because I assumed that her deception regarding her identity was going to end poorly, I was waiting for the other shoe to fall until that was cleared up.
This was not a traditional romance, I thought. It was entertaining at times, certainly, but I think approaching it as chick lit is a better idea. Because the romance is only one component of Shayla discovering herself and getting her life back on track, I think reading this as a humorous chick lit novel is the way to go.
Bottom line:
Summer at Castle Stone is a lovely journey from New York to Ireland, and I think that it was quite satisfying on many fronts. I'd recommend it as a lazy day at the pool read or while kicking back in a lounge chair while the kids are playing in the yard. Read it for Shayla's story rather than her love life.
3.5 stars
For fans of chick lit, Ireland, fish-out-of-water tales, journeys of self-discovery
Summer at Castle Stone by Lynn Marie Hulsman
HarperImpulse
Romance, Chick lit
Published July 24, 2014
Source: Received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon.ca Kobo.com
Why I picked up this book:
It sounded lighthearted and fun.
Blurb:
This summer, lose your heart in Ireland…
Shayla Sheridan’s a New York native born into big city luxury, but she’s never really fitted in with the “it” crowd. Desperate to make it as a writer and to finally step out from her famous father’s shadow, Shayla decides to take on a tricky assignment across the pond…
Swapping skyscrapers and heels for wellies and the heart of the Irish countryside, Shayla must go about ghost-writing a book of recipes by the notoriously reclusive and attractive head chef of Castle Stone, Tom O’Grady.
The only problem? He has no idea that she’s writing it.
My thoughts:
Summer at Castle Stone is a lighthearted romp from New York City to the pastoral wilds of Ireland and back.
The story follows Shayla as she hits a new personal low in New York and finds herself grabbing onto the only opportunity that presents itself: traveling to Ireland to ghost-write a cookbook for Tom O'Grady.
As a romance, I think this book was a very slow build. The only contact we had with Tom in the first several chapters was by phone, and the focus was clearly on motivating Shayla's impulsive trip. Once Shayla and Tom meet in person... well, I had mixed feelings. Shayla's got so much going on, fitting into this new world that her attraction and relationship with Tom is sort of another box on the list rather than the starring element.
I don't know how I felt about Shayla. In New York, she's such a mess, completely at the whims of her best friend, her father, her boss, her co-workers, her agent and kind of flailing around at best. I liked her much more once she arrived in Ireland and was more thoughtful. Tom was a little distant for me - as a reader, I wasn't quite as clueless as Shayla about what was going on, but I still felt like he played his cards pretty close to the vest for the majority of the story. I wanted everything to work out for Shayla, but I don't think I was really invested in her relationship with Tom (perhaps any hot Irish man would have done, in my mind?).
The beginning of the book was a real whirlwind of disaster. Shayla could *not* catch a break, and I tried to read it in the spirit of comedy or as a series of zany antics, but it was hard not to be depressed by it all. Truly, if this is what life is like in New York, why does *anyone* live there? I think it also set the tone for me and because I assumed that her deception regarding her identity was going to end poorly, I was waiting for the other shoe to fall until that was cleared up.
This was not a traditional romance, I thought. It was entertaining at times, certainly, but I think approaching it as chick lit is a better idea. Because the romance is only one component of Shayla discovering herself and getting her life back on track, I think reading this as a humorous chick lit novel is the way to go.
Bottom line:
Summer at Castle Stone is a lovely journey from New York to Ireland, and I think that it was quite satisfying on many fronts. I'd recommend it as a lazy day at the pool read or while kicking back in a lounge chair while the kids are playing in the yard. Read it for Shayla's story rather than her love life.
3.5 stars
For fans of chick lit, Ireland, fish-out-of-water tales, journeys of self-discovery
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Skin by Michele Renae
The Basics:
Skin by Michele Renae
Swell Cat Press
Book Three in the Paris Secrets trilogy
Erotica
Published August 12, 2014
Source: Received from author in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon.ca Kobo.com
Why I picked up this book:
I had to know how it all ended!! I loved and reviewed the first two in the series: Window and Screen.
Monday, August 11, 2014
Virgin by Radhika Sanghani
The Basics:
Virgin by Radhika Sanghani
Berkley Trade
Mainstream
Published August 5, 2014
Source: Received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon.ca Kobo.com
Why I picked up this book:
This seemed, from the blurb and cover, like it could be an 'it book,' so I thought I'd try to get on board before the masses.
Virgin by Radhika Sanghani
Berkley Trade
Mainstream
Published August 5, 2014
Source: Received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon.ca Kobo.com
Why I picked up this book:
This seemed, from the blurb and cover, like it could be an 'it book,' so I thought I'd try to get on board before the masses.
Saturday, August 9, 2014
Sunday Update - August 10, 2014
Every other Sunday I try to post a general news post. These might preview things I'm planning for the two weeks following, they might reflect on books I'm looking forward to, or that I've recently heard of and want to discuss.
I'm hooking into:
Today's post is going to have a few sections:
1. General Update
2. Currently...
3. Last Week
4. The Week Ahead
I'm hooking into:
This is a meme hosted by the Caffeinated Book Reviewer wherein everyone gets to share their news for the week. It's a great opportunity to see what's happening out there in the blogosphere, so go check out some other Sunday Posters!
Today's post is going to have a few sections:
1. General Update
2. Currently...
3. Last Week
4. The Week Ahead
Stacking the Shelves - August 9, 2014
Stacking the Shelves is an awesome meme hosted by Tynga's Review.
Bloggers share the books they've received, bought, borrowed - and I collect more and more books for my 'must acquire' list.
Today is my birthday!!! So you'd expect a huge haul, right? Well, when I first started writing this post, I wasn't all that impressed with my haul. And then an unsupervised Chapters visit happened.
**All blurbs and covers were nabbed from Goodreads.com
Friday, August 8, 2014
Love and Let Spy by Shana Galen
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Jane's Harmony by Ryan Winfield
The Basics:
Jane's Harmony by Ryan Winfield
Atria Books
Book 2 in Jane and Caleb's Story
Mainstream, Romance
Published August 5, 2014
Source: Received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon.ca Kobo.com
Why I picked up this book:
Jane's Melody, the first book in the series, made me cry, and I couldn't resist coming back for a second dose.
Jane's Harmony by Ryan Winfield
Atria Books
Book 2 in Jane and Caleb's Story
Mainstream, Romance
Published August 5, 2014
Source: Received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon.ca Kobo.com
Why I picked up this book:
Jane's Melody, the first book in the series, made me cry, and I couldn't resist coming back for a second dose.
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
The House of the Four Winds by Mercedes Lackey and James Mallory
The Basics:
The House of the Four Winds by Mercedes Lackey and James Mallory
Tor Books
Book One in the One Dozen Daughters series
Fantasy, Young/New Adult
Published August 5, 2014
Source: Received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon.ca Kobo.com
Why I picked up this book:
I tend to like books published by Tor, I've got respect for Mercedes Lackey and I couldn't resist the Princess-in-disguise trope.
Blurb:
The rulers of tiny, impoverished Swansgaard have twelve daughters and one son. While the prince’s future is assured, his twelve sisters must find their own fortunes.
Disguising herself as Clarence, a sailor, Princess Clarice intends to work her way to the New World. When the crew rebels, Clarice/Clarence, an expert with rapier and dagger, sides with the handsome navigator, Dominick, and kills the cruel captain.
Dominick leads the now-outlawed crew in search of treasure in the secret pirate haven known as The House of Four Winds. They encounter the sorceress Shamal, who claims Dominick for her own—but Clarice has fallen hard for Dominick and won’t give him up without a fight.
Full of swashbuckling adventure, buoyant magic, and irrepressible charm, The House of the Four Winds is a lighthearted fantasy romp by a pair of bestselling writers.
My thoughts:
Wow! The House of the Four Winds delivered and then some! From cover to cover, I was engrossed in this tale of derring-do. The pedigree of these two authors pays off full force as we journey across the high seas with Princess Clarice, a young woman seeking adventure and finding far more than she desired.
I think this book straddles the line between young and new adult. The style of writing is very accessible, and I'd say the majority of the book is rather PG except for the treatment of a few sailors at the hands of the despicable captain referenced in the book blurb. I normally go in for slightly more adult styled stories but this one was very compelling. All of this leaned towards young adult, but I think the content of the story itself - the idea of Clarice entering adulthood and heading out into the world to seek her fortune and build her reputation as a swordmaster is very new adult fantasy. So... somewhere on the line between, probably slightly more YA than NA, for what it's worth.
I think the pirate/sailing theme must be a hot spot for me these days - something about it seems to captivate me right now. I loved all the nauticals details, particularly things like needing to lash Clarice's trunk to the wall as this is a detail that it made sense for Clarice to note.
There was one part where I shed a few tears - I don't know if it was necessary to go as far as the book did to make out Captain Sprunt as a 'very bad guy.' There are very few things that trip me up like this on the violence scale - I'm, perhaps quite sadly, rather inured to book violence, but this really caught me. And of course, now I've spent lots of time really thinking about sensations. For some reason, I'm fixated on the feeling of denim... (okay, yes, complete digression, but the next romance book I read that features a hot guy in denim is going to benefit!)
Anyways, the important thing here is that this book did get to me emotionally. I was rooting for Clarice the whole time, I didn't feel like there was anything in the book that was wasted. Everything came together, and I was satisfied by the conclusion (though really, slightly *more* on the romance front wouldn't have been, ah, disappointing).
The only thing that threw me off a little is that the book fairly clearly adapted our world with twists on the names of various locations, and a strong dash of magic. I wanted a clear "this = that" list somewhere so I could stop being distracted by it. And really, the magic was all pretty awesome. Very awesome. I'm definitely curious to know more about how it works (and it seems likely there'll be a good explanation in a future book as one of the sisters is particularly interested in it).
Bottom line:
I loved this book! The House of the Four Winds was so much fun to read that I feel positively greedy for more of Clarice and her adventures, as well as to read more about her sisters and their adventures. More more more! I will have to impatiently wait, I suppose. If I must.
5 stars
For fans of pirate adventures, sea-faring romances, women-disguised-as-men tales.
The House of the Four Winds by Mercedes Lackey and James Mallory
Tor Books
Book One in the One Dozen Daughters series
Fantasy, Young/New Adult
Published August 5, 2014
Source: Received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon.ca Kobo.com
Why I picked up this book:
I tend to like books published by Tor, I've got respect for Mercedes Lackey and I couldn't resist the Princess-in-disguise trope.
Blurb:
The rulers of tiny, impoverished Swansgaard have twelve daughters and one son. While the prince’s future is assured, his twelve sisters must find their own fortunes.
Disguising herself as Clarence, a sailor, Princess Clarice intends to work her way to the New World. When the crew rebels, Clarice/Clarence, an expert with rapier and dagger, sides with the handsome navigator, Dominick, and kills the cruel captain.
Dominick leads the now-outlawed crew in search of treasure in the secret pirate haven known as The House of Four Winds. They encounter the sorceress Shamal, who claims Dominick for her own—but Clarice has fallen hard for Dominick and won’t give him up without a fight.
Full of swashbuckling adventure, buoyant magic, and irrepressible charm, The House of the Four Winds is a lighthearted fantasy romp by a pair of bestselling writers.
My thoughts:
Wow! The House of the Four Winds delivered and then some! From cover to cover, I was engrossed in this tale of derring-do. The pedigree of these two authors pays off full force as we journey across the high seas with Princess Clarice, a young woman seeking adventure and finding far more than she desired.
I think this book straddles the line between young and new adult. The style of writing is very accessible, and I'd say the majority of the book is rather PG except for the treatment of a few sailors at the hands of the despicable captain referenced in the book blurb. I normally go in for slightly more adult styled stories but this one was very compelling. All of this leaned towards young adult, but I think the content of the story itself - the idea of Clarice entering adulthood and heading out into the world to seek her fortune and build her reputation as a swordmaster is very new adult fantasy. So... somewhere on the line between, probably slightly more YA than NA, for what it's worth.
I think the pirate/sailing theme must be a hot spot for me these days - something about it seems to captivate me right now. I loved all the nauticals details, particularly things like needing to lash Clarice's trunk to the wall as this is a detail that it made sense for Clarice to note.
There was one part where I shed a few tears - I don't know if it was necessary to go as far as the book did to make out Captain Sprunt as a 'very bad guy.' There are very few things that trip me up like this on the violence scale - I'm, perhaps quite sadly, rather inured to book violence, but this really caught me. And of course, now I've spent lots of time really thinking about sensations. For some reason, I'm fixated on the feeling of denim... (okay, yes, complete digression, but the next romance book I read that features a hot guy in denim is going to benefit!)
Anyways, the important thing here is that this book did get to me emotionally. I was rooting for Clarice the whole time, I didn't feel like there was anything in the book that was wasted. Everything came together, and I was satisfied by the conclusion (though really, slightly *more* on the romance front wouldn't have been, ah, disappointing).
The only thing that threw me off a little is that the book fairly clearly adapted our world with twists on the names of various locations, and a strong dash of magic. I wanted a clear "this = that" list somewhere so I could stop being distracted by it. And really, the magic was all pretty awesome. Very awesome. I'm definitely curious to know more about how it works (and it seems likely there'll be a good explanation in a future book as one of the sisters is particularly interested in it).
Bottom line:
I loved this book! The House of the Four Winds was so much fun to read that I feel positively greedy for more of Clarice and her adventures, as well as to read more about her sisters and their adventures. More more more! I will have to impatiently wait, I suppose. If I must.
5 stars
For fans of pirate adventures, sea-faring romances, women-disguised-as-men tales.
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga
The Basics:
I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Book One in the Jasper Dent series
YA, Mystery
Published April 3, 2012
Source: Received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon.ca Kobo.com
Why I picked up this book:
There was something about it - maybe the Dexter-esque feel? - that called to me despite this being slightly outside my normal reading (which I'd characterize at this point as anything with a love story of any kind in it).
Blurb:
What if the world's worst serial killer...was your dad?
My thoughts:
Completely outside of my normal genres, I Hunt Killers was all kinds of awesome for me.
The son of a serial killer, Jasper 'Jazz' Dent has more baggage than your average seventeen year-old. His father was locked up for murdering more than a hundred people when Jazz was thirteen, and four years later, Jazz still wrestles constantly with whether or not he'll grow up to be the ultimate serial killer that his dad dreamed of or if he can lead something resembling a normal life.
I loved the way that Jazz thought - okay, maybe not the thoughts themselves, because not only is he seriously tormented by his vast, often first-hand knowledge of serial killing, but rather I love how it was all written. Jazz' awareness is uncanny. It's fascinating to read how he processes the world - filtering it through the lens that his dad taught him to have, wherein he's aware of how to kill, how to manipulate, how to manage situations to his own benefit, all the while conscious of *not* wanting to be like his dad, of wanting to believe that people are important. I was completely draw into Jazz' inner struggle, let alone the external dangers that he faces.
The murder mystery plot was more complex than I anticipated - I hugely underestimated this title, thinking it would be easy to figure out and more about the thrills and chills of the murders than anything, well, complex. Whoa! I was so, so wrong. It was completely engaging, and even when I figured I had it all solved, I was glued to the page (and also so, so wrong).
Jazz' best friend Howie is a hoot - a hemophiliac, he copes by having an incredible sense of humour and unswerving loyalty to Jazz. Connie, Jazz' girlfriend, is crazy tough, an excellent touchstone for Jazz.
When I finished the book, I wanted *more,* because this was so darn good, and because I have to know what happens next.
Bottom line:
I Hunt Killers is an excellent book. It's poignant, it's creepy. I loved the mystery, but more than that, I loved seeing how Jazz thought. I want to spent more time with him, immediately, and if I had the next book on hand, I would have sunk into it right away. Strongly recommend this title.
5 stars
For fans of murder mysteries, psychological thrillers (but at a YA-ish level), really good books.
I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Book One in the Jasper Dent series
YA, Mystery
Published April 3, 2012
Source: Received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon.ca Kobo.com
Why I picked up this book:
There was something about it - maybe the Dexter-esque feel? - that called to me despite this being slightly outside my normal reading (which I'd characterize at this point as anything with a love story of any kind in it).
Blurb:
What if the world's worst serial killer...was your dad?
Jasper (Jazz) Dent is a likable teenager. A charmer, one might say.
But he's also the son of the world's most infamous serial killer, and for Dear Old Dad, Take Your Son to Work Day was year-round. Jazz has witnessed crime scenes the way cops wish they could--from the criminal's point of view.
And now bodies are piling up in Lobo's Nod.
In an effort to clear his name, Jazz joins the police in a hunt for a new serial killer. But Jazz has a secret--could he be more like his father than anyone knows?
My thoughts:
Completely outside of my normal genres, I Hunt Killers was all kinds of awesome for me.
The son of a serial killer, Jasper 'Jazz' Dent has more baggage than your average seventeen year-old. His father was locked up for murdering more than a hundred people when Jazz was thirteen, and four years later, Jazz still wrestles constantly with whether or not he'll grow up to be the ultimate serial killer that his dad dreamed of or if he can lead something resembling a normal life.
I loved the way that Jazz thought - okay, maybe not the thoughts themselves, because not only is he seriously tormented by his vast, often first-hand knowledge of serial killing, but rather I love how it was all written. Jazz' awareness is uncanny. It's fascinating to read how he processes the world - filtering it through the lens that his dad taught him to have, wherein he's aware of how to kill, how to manipulate, how to manage situations to his own benefit, all the while conscious of *not* wanting to be like his dad, of wanting to believe that people are important. I was completely draw into Jazz' inner struggle, let alone the external dangers that he faces.
The murder mystery plot was more complex than I anticipated - I hugely underestimated this title, thinking it would be easy to figure out and more about the thrills and chills of the murders than anything, well, complex. Whoa! I was so, so wrong. It was completely engaging, and even when I figured I had it all solved, I was glued to the page (and also so, so wrong).
Jazz' best friend Howie is a hoot - a hemophiliac, he copes by having an incredible sense of humour and unswerving loyalty to Jazz. Connie, Jazz' girlfriend, is crazy tough, an excellent touchstone for Jazz.
When I finished the book, I wanted *more,* because this was so darn good, and because I have to know what happens next.
Bottom line:
I Hunt Killers is an excellent book. It's poignant, it's creepy. I loved the mystery, but more than that, I loved seeing how Jazz thought. I want to spent more time with him, immediately, and if I had the next book on hand, I would have sunk into it right away. Strongly recommend this title.
5 stars
For fans of murder mysteries, psychological thrillers (but at a YA-ish level), really good books.
Monday, August 4, 2014
COVER REVEAL: The Curse Merchant by J.P. Sloan
A big cover reveal this morning! The book is called The Curse Merchant, and that was really all it took to get me on board. I love the possibilities in the title alone! Written by J.P. Sloan and published by Curiosity Quills Press, this urban fantasy is scheduled for release on September 15th, 2014.
Before the big reveal, let me entice you with this blurb:
Dorian Lake
spent years cornering the Baltimore hex-crafting market, using his skills at
the hermetic arts to exact karmic justice for those whom the system has failed.
He keeps his magic clean and free of soul-corrupting Netherwork, thus avoiding
both the karmic blow-back of his practice and the notice of the Presidium, a
powerful cabal of practitioners that polices the esoteric arts in America.
However, when an unscrupulous Netherworker interferes with both his business
and his personal life, Dorian's disarming charisma and hermetic savvy may not
be enough to keep his soul out of jeopardy.
His rival, a
soul monger named Neil Osterhaus, wouldn't be such a problem were it not for
Carmen, Dorian's captivating ex-lover. After two years' absence Carmen arrives
at Dorian’s doorstep with a problem: she sold her soul to Osterhaus, and has
only two weeks to buy it back. Hoping to win back Carmen's affections, Dorian
must find a replacement soul without tainting his own. As Dorian descends into
the shadows of Baltimore’s underworld, he must decide how low he is willing to
stoop in order to save Carmen from eternal damnation... with the Presidium
watching, waiting for him to cross the line.
And now, for the main event:
His Every Need by Terri Austin
The Basics:
His Every Need by Terri Austin
Sourcebooks Casablanca
Book One in the Beauty and the Brit series
Erotica
Published August 5, 2014
Source: Received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon.ca Kobo.com
Why I picked up this book:
I like it when heroines surprise heroes, so I hoped this would break out of the innocent-contracted-by-billionaire type mold this seemed to be positioned in....
His Every Need by Terri Austin
Sourcebooks Casablanca
Book One in the Beauty and the Brit series
Erotica
Published August 5, 2014
Source: Received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon.ca Kobo.com
Why I picked up this book:
I like it when heroines surprise heroes, so I hoped this would break out of the innocent-contracted-by-billionaire type mold this seemed to be positioned in....
Friday, August 1, 2014
Stacking the Shelves - August 2, 2014
Stacking the Shelves is an awesome meme hosted by Tynga's Review.
Bloggers share the books they've received, bought, borrowed - and I collect more and more books for my 'must acquire' list.
This week I'm focusing on books that I've received for review over the last two weeks:
Only With You by Lauren Layne
The Basics:
Only With You by Lauren Layne
Forever
Book One in the Best Mistake series
Contemporary Romance
Published July 29, 2014
Source: Received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon.ca Kobo.com
Why I picked up this book:
I like Lauren Layne books.
Only With You by Lauren Layne
Forever
Book One in the Best Mistake series
Contemporary Romance
Published July 29, 2014
Source: Received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon.ca Kobo.com
Why I picked up this book:
I like Lauren Layne books.
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