Feeling Fictional

Review: A Demon Does it Better - Linda Wisdom

2012-01-28T09:00:00.081Z

Bestselling author Linda Wisdom, with 13 million category romances sold, is working to build her single title audience with the hottest new area of the romance category– sexy demon heroes.

Lovely witch Lili Carter takes a job at a paranormal hospital where patients have been disappearing. There she encounters Jared, a dangerously sexy demon on a mission that gets Lili into a world of trouble. Lili can't avoid Jared for long and soon they find themselves creating a whole new kind of magick...

Demons Series:
Demons are a Girl's Best Friend
A Demon Does it Better

Visit Linda Wisdom's website for more information

Review:
Lili is a witch who uses her healing magic to be the best doctor she can be. She has returned to Crying Souls Hospital to investigate the disappearance of her close friend Sera who was last seen working there. Lili quickly realises that Sera isn't the only nurse to have vanished and she is determined to discover what became of them and try to locate her friend. When she is asked to work with the mentally ill patients in the dungeon asylum underneath the hospital she is horrified to discover how badly they are treated and the conditions they are forced to live in. The biggest mystery of all is Jared, a patient in the asylum but someone she also keeps bumping into outside the hospital. How is he getting out and why was he locked up in the first place?

Although I liked A Demon Does it Better I have to admit that it didn't wow me. I think that is at least partly because I picked it up without realising it was the second book in a series so was therefore unfamiliar with the world. I hate to read a series out of order and the fault is completely mine for not checking properly before I started reading. Although I believe each book in the series focuses on different main characters I still felt like I was missing something.

The main focus of the story is the romance between Lili and Jared and I felt things developed a little too quickly between them. It meant I found it hard to believe in their relationship, especially at the beginning when I wasn't sure if Jared could be trusted. Lili is a sweet character but there was nothing about her that made her stand out as a memorable heroine and I kind of felt the same about Jared. We were told how hot and sexy he was but I didn't really feel it and I didn't find myself routing for them as a couple.

There are several side stories that could have been really interesting but most of them weren't explored as fully as they could have been. For example there is a young ghost girl in the asylum that Lili wants to help move on, a big question is raised about how she could have ended up at the hospital in the first place but that seems to be forgotten about and we are never given an answer. Even the mystery of the disappearing staff doesn't have much focus until nearly the end of the book when everything wrapped up a bit too quickly and easily. I could give more examples but I don't want to give spoilers.

The story was quite humorous though and I liked most of the side characters even though they could have been fleshed out more than they were. The author has created an interesting world populated with all kinds of shifters, witches, wizards and demons and I'm interested to find out more. I will probably go back and pick up the first book in the series (Demon's are a Girl's Best Friend) at some point and I will keep an eye out for future releases. I think if you're looking for a more light hearted and fun paranormal romance then it would be well worth giving this series a try, if you're looking for something more action packed and with a deeper mystery then this probably won't be enough to satisfy you.

Source: Received from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Review: My Soul to Steal - Rachel Vincent

2012-01-27T18:00:00.084Z

Sometimes dreams do come true...
and that's the last thing Kaylee needs

Working things out with Nash - her maybe boyfriend - is hard for Kaylee. She's already coping with being a teenage banshee. Worse, Nash's gorgeous ex-girlfriend just transferred to their school.

Sabine's no ordinary girl. She's a mara, a real-life walking nightmare. Draining people's energy through their darkest dreams sustains Sabine...and makes her Kaylee's top suspect in a cluster of super-creepy deaths.

To win back Nash, Kaylee's determined to unearth the truth. But Sabine knows the deathly secrets of Kaylee's subconscious - and she's not afraid to use them to get whatever and whoever she wants...

Soul Screamers Series:
My Soul to Lose (prequel novella)
My Soul to Take
My Soul to Save
My Soul to Keep
Reaper (novella)
My Soul to Steal
If I Die (Feb 2012)
Never to Sleep (novella)
Before I Wake (2012)

For more information visit Rachel Vincent's website

Review:
Warning, although this review won't contain spoilers for My Soul to Steal it is impossible to review without including spoilers for previous books. If you're new to the series then I'd highly recommend starting with the first book My Soul to Take and not reading any more of this review. This is one of my favourite YA urban fantasy series though so it is one I would highly recommend!

Wow things certainly get complicated for poor Kaylee in this latest installment to the Soul Screamers series. She still feels incredibly betrayed by Nash after his actions in the last book and I can't say that I blame her. I was pleased that Rachel Vincent doesn't try to sweep the results of Nash's addiction under the carpet and each of the characters show very real emotions as they deal with the aftermath. Kaylee still loves Nash but she can't trust him, she doesn't want to lose him but she is scared to take him back and I could really feel for her. Nash is trying really hard to give up his addiction and move forwards but he doesn't really have anyone to turn to for support which makes everything so much harder for him. I really felt for Nash too and although I didn't want Kaylee to forgive him too easily I did wish that Tod could have helped him more. Nash needed someone to be on his side and I really thought that his brother should have been there for him.

Add in the complication of Sabine who is literally Kaylee's worst nightmare and things go from bad to worse. Sabine is a mara, a creature that feeds from nightmares, she knows your deepest darkest fears and plays on them so she can feed from you. She also happens to be Nash's ex girlfriend. Sabine wants him back and is willing to do whatever it takes, no matter how underhand, to get him. I have to admit that I can't stand Sabine, she was a complete bitch and I just wanted to slap her but I did find myself feeling quite sorry for her too. She has had a difficult life and I could understand why she is so jealous of Kaylee and so determined to get Nash back, that doesn't mean I want her to succeed though. Despite the fact I hate her I think she makes a very interesting addition to the series, not only is she a new supernatural creature that I'd not heard of before (Rachel Vincent is great at coming up with unique ideas in both her adult and YA series!) but she changes the dynamics between the other characters in a way that was really fun to watch.

You might think that Kaylee has enough drama to deal with considering the arrival of Sabine but frankly that is the least of her worries when people at her school start being murdered. Alongside the very realistic teenage dramas you have the added element of the paranormal mystery and we get to find out more about the Netherworld. That really is a creepy place to be and Kaylee gets to see a bit more of it than she would have liked. The action is edge of your seat stuff and had me hooked from beginning to end. My Soul to Steal is a fantastic installment to the series and one that left me desperate to get my hands on If I Die, I can't wait to find out what happens next!

Source: I was given this book by the lovely Sammee from I Want To Read That, thanks Sammee!

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Quick Review: Reaper - Rachel Vincent

2012-01-27T09:00:00.043Z

Tod Hudson was a typical teenager. He liked girls, sports, food and tolerated his younger brother, Nash. In fact, he had his whole life in front of him--and due to his bean sidhe heritage, it was going to be a very long life indeed. And then the car accident occurred.

Suddenly Tod's future wasn't so sure, and he had to make a choice. Life... Death... or something Between....

An ebook exclusive Soul Screamers series novella.

Soul Screamers Series:
My Soul to Lose (prequel novella)
My Soul to Take
My Soul to Save
My Soul to Keep
Reaper (novella)
My Soul to Steal
If I Die (Feb 2012)
Never to Sleep (novella)
Before I Wake (2012)

For more information visit Rachel Vincent's website

Review:
Reaper is a novella in Rachel Vincent's Soul Screamers series that gives us the story of how Tod died and became a reaper. I'm not saying anymore than that because it would be too easy to spoil things for you so if you want to know more you'll have to read the story for yourself.

If you're a fan of Tod then this is a must read novella, if you ever wondered how he was recruited as a reaper then you'll love this story. The more I see of Tod the more I like him and for reasons I can't go into I have even more respect for him now than I did before after finding out exactly what happened to him. I love Tod's sense of humour and it was great to see how his relationship with Nash was before he died compared to how they act together now.

I actually think you could read this novella before you've read any of the books in the Soul Screamers series without picking up spoilers but it is suggested in the Goodreads series list that you pick it up after My Soul to Keep. I think the main reason for that is that it mentions a character that we don't hear anything about until My Soul to Steal but like I said I think you're safe to read it before then. Either way this is a welcome addition to the series and one I would definitely recommend.

Source: I downloaded this novella when it was available for free on Rachel Vincent's website

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Review: Magic Graves - Anthology

2012-01-26T18:00:00.074Z

New York Times bestselling authors Jeaniene Frost and Ilona Andrews bring you two short stories of paranormal.

Jeaniene Frost's story, One for the Money, features vampires Cat and Bones trying to protect a spoiled heiress with a price on her head and an undead hitman on her trail. Previously published in Death's Excellent Vacation. Also includes the first three chapters from Jeaniene's story in The Bite Before Christmas anthology, as well as a sneak peek at ONCE BURNED, the first novel in the new Night Prince series.

Ilona Andrews' story, A Questionable Client, is a prequel to her award-winning Kate Daniels series. In a world beset by magic waves, Kate Daniels works as a mercenary. She is tired, hungry, and there is foul-smelling blood on her boots. All she wants to do is to go home, but when Mercenary Guild offers her a job she can't refuse, she finds herself protecting a man against Russian wizards. Previously published in Dark and Stormy Knights. Also includes first two chapters of FATE'S EDGE, book 3 in the Edge series, and first two chapters of Magic Grieves, a Kate Daniels novella.

Visit Ilona Andrew's website or Jeaniene Frost's website for more information.

One for the Money by Jeaniene Frost - 3.5 Stars

Night Huntress Series:
Halfway to the Grave
One Foot in the Grave
At Grave's End
Destined for an Early Grave
One for the Money (Short Story in the Magic Graves anthology)
This Side of the Grave
One Grave at a Time

Night Huntress World Series:
(This is a spin off from the Night Huntress Series)
First Drop Of Crimson
Eternal Kiss of Darkness

Review:
One for the Money is set between Destined for an Early Grave (book 4) and This Side of the Grave (book 5). Our favourite couple Cat and Bones have had to cut their holiday short to babysit a heiress who has had a contract taken out on her. I always love spending time with Cat and Bones but would have liked to have seen more of them alone and less of the spoilt brat they were looking after. This was still an enjoyable short story though and has helped tide me over until the next book in the series is released.

A Questionable Client by Ilona Andrews - 4 Stars

The Kate Daniels Series:
A Questionable Client (Short Story in the Magic Graves anthology)
Magic Bites
Magic Burns
Magic Strikes
Magic Mourns (Novella)
Magic Bleeds
Magic Hexed (Novella)
Magic Slays
Magic Gifts (Novella)
Gunmetal Magic (Novella)

Review:
A Questionable Client is a prequel short story for the Kate Daniels series and shows a bit of Kate's history with the Mercenary Guild and we see her first meeting with shape shifter Saiman. This is a great introduction to the series and I loved finding out more about Saiman who is a character that intrigued me in the first book Magic Bites. Although short this story is full of humour and was a quick, enjoyable read that has reminded me how much I liked the first book in this series and has made me keen to continue reading Kate's story.

Source: Purchased

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Book Trailer: Hollow Pike - James Dawson

2012-01-26T09:00:00.020Z

I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to getting my hands on James Dawson's debut novel Hollow Pike, I've been waiting very impatiently for this one since the Orion Indigo launch event last year so am very pleased that I'll finally be able to pick up a copy when it goes on sale next week (on the 2nd of February yay). In the meantime I thought I'd share the awesome trailer with you all to help build up the excitement! I know some of you have already got your hands on this one so if you've read it then please let me know what you thought of it (leave me a link to your reviews if you've already posted them!)

A killer is out there, and the birds see everything...

Lis London is hoping for a fresh start when she arrives in the sleepy village of Hollow Pike.

But nothing here is as it seems... and a killer stalks the night.

Something wicked this way comes...

She thought she'd be safe in the country, but you can't escape your own nightmares, and Lis London dreams repeatedly that someone is trying to kill her.

Lis thinks she's being paranoid - after all who would want to murder her? She doesn't believe in the local legends of witchcraft. She doesn't believe that anything bad will really happen to her. You never do, do you?

Not until you're alone in the woods, after dark - and a twig snaps...

Visit James Dawson's website for more information

Poppy's Review: Sanctus - Simon Toyne

2012-01-25T18:00:00.023Z

REVELATION OR DEVASTATION?

The certainties of the modern world are about to be blown apart by a three thousand year-old conspiracy nurtured by blood and lies …

A man throws himself to his death from the oldest inhabited place on the face of the earth, a mountainous citadel in the historic Turkish city of Ruin. This is no ordinary suicide but a symbolic act. And thanks to the media, it is witnessed by the entire world.

But few understand it. For charity worker Kathryn Mann and a handful of others in the know, it is what they have been waiting for. The cowled and secretive fanatics that live in the Citadel suspect it could mean the end of everything they have built – and they will kill, torture and break every law to stop that. For Liv Adamsen, New York crime reporter, it begins the next stage of a journey into the heart of her own identity.

And at that journey's end lies a discovery that will change EVERYTHING …

Sancti Trilogy:
Sanctus
The Key (April 2012)
Title & release date for the third book TBC

Visit Simon Toyne's website for more information

Poppy's Review:
Sanctus is a story about an ancient order of monks and a secret that they are prepared to keep at any cost. I was totally hooked by intrigue within the first couple of pages and read the book at every opportunity until I reached the final word. The story opens at the Citadel in the Turkish City of Ruin where the monks live and following a curious death, the race is on for the monks to ensure that their secret is protected, while others outside the Citadel see it as the time to finally uncover it. Liv Adamsen is a reporter who lives many miles away in New York and her day to day life changes forever, as she embarks on a journey into the biggest story sending ripples around the world.

I really enjoyed the way the story unfolded through the first three quarters of the book. Segments of information are shared with the reader bit by bit, and they slowly start to knit together and a picture starts to form from the past and you can see how they led to current events. Having grasped what is going on and getting to know the characters and how and why they are involved in the story, the final quarter of the book increases to a fast pace and the short chapters finally bring you to [what I found to be] a satisfying end. I found that I had to read this final quarter of the book in one sitting as it was so compelling.

What I loved was not just the story itself and how it unfolded, but also the characters. As each character was revealed and became involved in events, I got the measure of each of them and although they were not created in great depth, I still cared about some and despised others, which made the concluding chapters of the book all the more breath taking and page turning.

For me Sanctus is a brilliant mystery thriller debut novel by Simon Toyne, which I enjoyed even more than The DaVinci Code.

Source: Poppy's own copy

Other reviews of this book:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Review: Betrayal - Lee Nichols

2012-01-25T09:00:00.080Z

Emma Vaile is the most powerful ghostkeeper in centuries - which is great for battling the wraith master, Neos, but awful for her social life. Emma knows fellow ghostkeeper Bennett Stern is her soul mate, but when ghostkeepers fall in love, the weaker one loses all power. And until Neos is defeated, Bennett and Emma can't risk it.

When the temptation of being with Emma gets to be too much, Bennett disappears. Heartbroken and alone, Emma tries to lose herself in school. But when the Knell, a secret ghostkeeping society, sends two new ghostkeepers to Echo Point, Emma throws herself back into training to battle Neos. As the team grows stronger, so do the ghosts. And worse, one of their own will betray them. One Emma never suspected . . .

Haunting Emma Series:
Deception
Betrayal
Surrender (2012)

Visit Lee Nichols' website or the Haunting Emma website for more information

Review:
With Emma trying to cope with the devastating events at the end of the first book and on a sharp learning curve when it comes to her ghostkeeping abilities she is going to need her friends more than ever. Unfortunately Sara and Harry blame her for what happened to Coby and Bennett has done one of his vanishing acts so she finds herself more alone than ever. Luckily she still has Natalie to rely on and she is kept busy training so that she can fight against Neos.

I loved Deception so had been really looking forward to reading Betrayal. Unfortunately it didn't quite manage to live up to my expectations but it was still a good read and has left me looking forward to the final installment, Surrender, later this year. I loved the fact that there was more action in Betrayal, the story has a much faster pace and kept me on the edge of my seat with some surprising twists and turns.

Now that Emma is aware that she's a ghostkeeper she is working hard to learn how to use her abilities against Neos. She is determined to do whatever it takes to bring him down but she isn't going to be able to do it alone. She has some surprising allies but she is also going to face some shocking betrayals, one in particular that really upset me. I enjoyed finding out more about the Knell although I have to say that as a supposedly powerful organisation they seem rather weak when it comes to protecting themselves. I did like getting to know Lukas and Simon though and it was interesting to see the dynamic between them, Emma and Natalie as they all learnt to trust each other and work together.

I think what I missed most were the interactions with Emma and Bennett, I really loved the two of them in Deception and wanted more of that. Things started off really well but then Bennett disappears for most of the book which was disappointing. When we do finally see him again I found myself annoyed with some of the decisions he has made and I'm concerned about how things will play out in the future. I had also hoped to find out more about Emma's family in this book, I want to know more about why they have abandoned her and exactly what they are up to but it seems like I'll have to wait for the next book to get answers to all of my questions.

Although I didn't think this installment was quite as strong as the first I'm still really enjoying the Haunting Emma series and am looking forward to finding out what happens next. The mythology Lee Nichols has created is unique and I'm enjoying finding out more about the ghostkeepers. If you haven't picked up this series yet then it's one I would definitely recommend but you do really need to start with the first book Deception before you pick up Betrayal.

Source: I was given this book by the lovely Carly from Writing from the Tub, thanks Carly!

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Reread: Glass Houses - Rachel Caine

2012-01-24T18:00:00.019Z

Welcome to Morganville.
Just don't stay out after dark.

Morganville is a small town filled with unusual characters - when the sun goes down, the bad come out. In Morganville, there is an evil that lurks in the darkest shadows - one that will spill out into the bright light of day.

For Claire Danvers, high school was hell, but college may be murder. It was bad enough that she got on the wrong side of Monica, the meanest of the school's mean girls, but now she's got three new roommates, who all have secrets of their own. And the biggest secret of all isn't really a secret, except from Claire: Morganville is run by vampires, and they are hungry for fresh blood...

The Morganville Vampires Series:
Glass Houses
The Dead Girl's Dance
The First Day of the Rest of your Life (Novella in the Many Bloody Returns anthology)
Midnight Alley
Feast of Fools
Dead Man Stalking (novella in the Immortal: Love Stories with Bite anthology)
Lord of Misrule
Carpe Corpus
All Hallows (novella in The Eternal Kiss anthology)
Fade Out
Worth Living For (Short story in UK version of Ghost Town)
Kiss of Death
Ghost Town
Bite Club
Anger Management (Short story in UK version of Last Breath)
Automatic (novella in the Enthralled: Paranormal Diversions anthology)
Last Breath
Black Dawn (2012)

Visit Rachel Caine's website for more information

My Second Opinion:
Before I started blogging I was always rereading my favourite books but now I find I have so many new books on my to read pile or wish list that I very rarely have time to pick up something I've already read. Since I'm taking part in the Morganville Vampires reading challenge hosted by Jo at Ink and Paper I thought I should probably start off by rereading Glass Houses though. To be honest it was probably a bit too soon to reread the story and I didn't enjoy it quite as much as I did the first time around. As I only read it for the first time last November I still remembered what happened too well so there were no surprises and I found myself getting a bit bored as I was reading.

Please don't take that as a negative against the book though, I really enjoyed Glass Houses the first time around & think I'd have loved it just as much if I'd waited until I had forgotten more of the story before my reread! I'm having trouble thinking of anything else to say about the story that I didn't include in my original review which you can read here and shows just how much I enjoyed it. Now I'm looking forward to continuing the series and spending more time in Morganville with Claire and her friends.

Source: Purchased

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Winner: Cinder by Marissa Meyer

2012-01-24T09:00:00.004Z

With the help of Rafflecopter I am happy to announce the winner of a paperback copy of Cinder by Marissa Meyer is:

Bobby B (email address starting lasynner@...)

Congratulations Bobby! You should have already received an email from me asking for your addresses so please make sure you look out for it. If I don't hear back from you within 48 hours then a new winner will be chosen. Your prize will be sent out by my contact at Puffin so you'll need to give permission for me to forward your address to them. I'd like to say a massive thank you to Puffin for allowing me to host this giveaway for them.

Review: Magic in the Blood - Devon Monk

2012-01-23T18:00:00.111Z

'Magic stirred in me, offering whatever I wanted. With little more than a thought and a gesture or two, I could make magic do anything. So long as I was willing to pay the price . . .'

Allie Beckstrom knows better than most that there's a price to pay for using magic; she's suffered her fair share of migraines and gaps in her memory during her time working as a Hound, tracing spells back to their casters. But now Allie's been visibly marked by magic with a mysterious iridescent tattoo. She's not only lost all memory of how she got it, but also of the man that she's supposedly fallen in love with. Oh, and as usual, she's completely broke.

So when the criminal magic enforcement division of the police ask her to consult on a missing persons cases, things start to look up. At first, it seems to b a fairly straightforward way of earning some money, but like most things in Allie's life it soon turns into a dangerous mix of underworld criminals, ghosts and blood magic.

Allie Beckstrom Series:
Magic to the Bone
Magic in the Blood
Magic in the Shadows (available in the US, UK release date TBC)
Magic on the Storm (available in the US, UK release date TBC)
Magic at the Gate (available in the US, UK release date TBC)
Magic on the Hunt (available in the US, UK release date TBC)
Magic on the Line (available in the US, UK release date TBC)
Magic Without Mercy (releases in the US in 2012, UK release date TBC)

Visit Devon Monk's website for more information

Review:
Magic in the Blood picks up Allie's story not long after the ending of Magic to the Bone. After events at the end of the first book forced her to use a great deal of magic Allie is still recovering both physically and mentally from the after effects. She has very few memories from the past few weeks and is trying to piece together everything from the death of her father to her strange new magical abilities, not to mention her possible relationship with Zayvion. It's not long before she has more important things to worry about though, the Magical Enforcement Response Corps (MERC) need her help Hounding a case and she is being followed by gang members working for the criminal magic user Lon Trager. Trager was put behind bars thanks to Allie's testimony but has been released early due to a technicality. It's no surprise to Allie that he wants revenge but he isn't the only one and Allie isn't quite sure who is going to attack first.

Although I enjoyed the first book in the series I liked Magic in the Blood even more, we are getting to know Allie a bit better now and she's becoming quite a strong character. She isn't some kind of superhero who never gets hurt - she ends up in pain every time she uses her magic - but she is tough enough to put the pain to one side and carry on with the task at hand. You have to admire her determination to get things done. The memory loss she suffers as another side effect of using magic is an interesting idea and allows for some unusual plot devices because we know so much more than she does. I do hope she retains at least some memory of the events in this book though or it could start to get a bit tedious. It isn't surprising that she has trust issues because for most of the book she doesn't seem to get a straight answer from anyone, people always seem to give her part answers or avoid her questions altogether so the poor girl never really has a chance to find out what is really going on.

I mentioned in my review of Magic to the Bone that I was curious about Zayvion but hadn't really fallen for him and I felt that his relationship with Allie was rather rushed. I was glad to see them take a step back in this installment and I've found that Zay is starting to grow on me, there are a few really sweet moments when he is trying to woo Allie and I'm looking forward to seeing more of that in future books. There were more than few occasions when I was just about ready to strangle him though - that man is a master at avoiding giving a straight answer and I think if I was Allie I would have completely given up on him. I'm all for a man of mystery but at least give her something to go on!

I enjoyed meeting more of the Hounds and finding out about the kind of jobs they do and how they deal with the effects of the magic that they use. It will be interesting to see how things progress with the Pack as the series continues and I think there is a lot of potential for interesting story lines involving MERC too. The plot is a little slow moving in the first half but I'm interested enough in the world Devon Monk has created that it didn't really bother me and the pace really picks up towards the end of the book. I'm looking forward to seeing Allie deal with her new magical abilities, I want to see more of Zay (although he'd better start giving away a bit more information about himself!) and I'm curious to find out more about the mysterious group who have been following Allie. This series has a lot of potential and is one I would recommend to urban fantasy fans.

Source: Received from Berkley UK in exchange for an honest review

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Paperback / Kindle

Review: Magic to the Bone - Devon Monk

2012-01-23T09:00:00.090Z

"Using magic, meant it used you back. Forget the fairytale hocus pocus, sparkles and pixie dust crap. Magic, like booze, sex, and drugs, gave as good as it got"

Everything has a cost. And every act of magic exacts a price from its user, maybe a two-day migraine, or losing the memory of your first kiss. But some people want to use magic without paying and they Offload the cost onto innocents. When that happens, it falls to a Hound to identify the spell's caster - and Allie Beckstrom is the best there is.

Daughter of a prominent Portland businessman, Allie would rather moonlight as a Hound than accept the family fortune - and the strings that come with it. But when she discovers a little boy dying from a magic Offload that has her father's signature all over it, Allie is thrown into the high stakes world of corporate espionage and black magic . . .

Allie Beckstrom Series:
Magic to the Bone
Magic in the Blood
Magic in the Shadows (available in the US, UK release date TBC)
Magic on the Storm (available in the US, UK release date TBC)
Magic at the Gate (available in the US, UK release date TBC)
Magic on the Hunt (available in the US, UK release date TBC)
Magic on the Line (available in the US, UK release date TBC)
Magic Without Mercy (releases in the US in 2012, UK release date TBC)

Visit Devon Monk's website for more information

Review:
In a world where anyone can use magic but it always has a price the more unscrupulous people out there try to find a way to force that price onto unsuspecting victims. When the price for even the smallest magic use can be a migraine that lasts for days, serious bruising or even memory loss it's no surprise that people who are messing with nasty spells don't want to take their own backlash. Although there are legal ways to disperse the effects using proxies people often want to take the free, more illegal, option. Allie Beckstrom is the daughter of one of the most famous and powerful magic users but rather than be forced into joining the family business she would rather go it alone. Working as a Hound it is her job to investigate the illegal dispersal of magical effects and track down the source of magic so that the user can be punished. When she is asked to investigate the illegal use of a spell against a young child she tracks the source straight back to the father she hasn't seen for seven years. But things aren't always what they first appear and the more she investigates the deeper the hole she digs for herself.

Magic to the Bone is an interesting start to a new urban fantasy series, this is a series I've heard a lot about from US bloggers but it is fairly new to the UK with only the first two titles in the series currently available from a UK publisher (hopefully the rest of the series will be following soon). I really like the world that Devon Monk has created, the idea that using magic has a price was really interesting and I loved the fact that the magic can be tapped into thanks to underground magical cabling. This was made even better by the fact that the poorest parts of town didn't have the required cabling so become kind of like magical dead zones.

I liked Allie and it was interesting that her use of magic nearly always caused physical pain as well as memory loss, she had to carry around a notebook with her to write down important events in case she couldn't remember them after her next attempt at using magic. I have to say that apart from the curiosity of her memory loss she doesn't really stand out as a kick ass urban fantasy heroine yet but hopefully that means she has plenty of room to grow as the series continues. I'm looking forward to seeing how her character shapes up in the next few books.

While I'm very curious about love interest Zayvion I haven't fallen for him yet. I felt the relationship with him and Allie kind of came out of nowhere and was a bit too rushed. I would have really liked it if the sexual tension from the beginning of the story could have continued a bit longer as it would have made things more believable. Zayvion is still quite a mystery, in fact I think he's more of a mystery at the end of the book than he was at the beginning! I am looking forward to finding out more about him but I'm still not sure if he is 100% trustworthy. I did really like Allie's friend Nola though and I really hope we see more of both her and Cody as the series continues.

I think Magic to the Bone was a solid start to a series that has a lot of potential if the characters really start to develop in the next installment. I already have a copy of Magic in the Blood and am looking forward to getting stuck into it.

Source: Purchased

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Paperback / Kindle

Publisher Spotlight: Usborne - January - February 2012

2012-01-22T18:00:00.052Z

I thought it would be fun to start spotlighting new releases that different publishers have coming up over the next few months for us to look forward to. I'm constantly looking for new books to add to my wish list and thought it would be a nice way of spreading the bookish love with other bloggers. I'm not sure how regular the posts will be yet but I have quite a few lined up already and we'll see how things go over the next few months. So in the spotlight today we have . . .

Today I'm going to talk about a couple of very exciting YA titles that Usborne are publishing soon, these both look like fab reads and I'm looking forward to picking them up. Check out the Usborne website for more information.

Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine was actually released on the 1st of January so if you'd like to read it you can go out and grab your copy today. I really like the sound of this one, the blurb makes me think of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon not because the stories are the same but because the main characters have a similar way of looking at things. I loved Curious Incident so Mockingbird has definitely been added to my wish list & I'll be picking up a copy soon. Visit Kathryn Erskine's website for more information.

11-year-old Caitlin has Asperger’s syndrome, and has always had her older brother, Devon, to explain the confusing things around her. But when Devon is killed in a tragic school shooting, Caitlin has to try and make sense of the world without him. With her dad spending most of his time crying in the shower, and her life at school becoming increasingly difficult, it doesn’t seem like things will ever get better again.

A heart-warming story of loss and recovery that won the American National Book Award 2010 – one of the most moving books you’ll ever read.

On the 1st of February you can look forward to the release of Susanne Winnacker's debut novel The Other Life. I love dystopian stories so am really looking forward to this one! Visit Susanne Winnacker's website for more information.

3 years, 1 month, 1 week and 6 days since I’d seen daylight. One-fifth of my life. 98,409,602 seconds since the heavy, steel door had fallen shut and sealed us off from the world.

Sherry has lived with her family in a sealed bunker since things went wrong up above. But when they run out of food, Sherry and her dad must venture outside. There they find a world of devastation, desolation...and the Weepers: savage, mutant killers.

When Sherry's dad is snatched, she joins forces with gorgeous but troubled Joshua - an Avenger, determined to destroy the Weepers.

But can Sherry keep her family and Joshua safe, when his desire for vengeance threatens them all?

So what do you think? Are either of these on your wish list? If you've already read one / both of them I'd love to know what you thought so leave me a comment with a link to your review/s.

Review: The Duke is Mine - Eloisa James

2012-01-22T09:00:00.092Z

Tarquin, the powerful Duke of Sconce, knows perfectly well that the decorous and fashionably slender Georgiana Lytton will make him a proper duchess. So why can't he stop thinking about her twin sister, the curvy, headstrong and altogether unconventional Olivia? Not only is Olivia betrothed to another man, but their improper - albeit intoxicating - flirtation makes her unsuitability even clearer.

Determined to make a perfect match, Tarquin methodically cuts Olivia from his thoughts, allowing logic and duty to triumph over passion . . . until, in his darkest hour, he begins to question whether perfection has anything to do with love. To win Olivia's hand he would have to give up all the beliefs he holds most dear, and surrender heart, body and soul - but it may already be too late

Happily Ever Afters Series:
A Kiss at Midnight
Storming the Castle (Novella)
When Beauty Tamed the Beast
The Duke is Mine
Winning the Wallflower (Novella)
Ugly Duchess (2012)

Visit Eloisa James' website for more information

Review:
From the minute she was born it has been Olivia's destiny to become a duchess - she has been promised by her parents to marry Rupert, the future Duke of Canterwick. Alongside her twin sister Georgiana she has been trained to be the perfect duchess but it was always Georgiana who excelled in their classes. Olivia is too loud, too crass and too curvy to be a "proper" lady. She isn't thrilled about being promised to Rupert, he is 5 years younger than her and due to a lack of oxygen at his birth he acts even younger than his age, but he is a nice boy and she does care for him.

Quin is looking for a wife who will be the perfect duchess, after marrying once for love only to have it end in disaster he is now determined to marry for more practical reasons. In fact he is happy to let his mother chose his new wife to make sure he doesn't make the same mistake again. When Georgiana is selected as one of his potential brides and Olivia accompanies her to stay with Quin and his mother things get rather complicated. After all Georgiana is most suited to become his duchess but for some reason Quin can't take his eyes off of Olivia and the attraction definitely isn't one sided.

I never normally read reviews for books that I have on my to read pile but I made a mistake and stumbled across a couple of pretty negative reviews for The Duke is Mine. So Despite the fact that I really loved the first two books in the Happily Ever After series I was wary about even picking this one up. I'm glad I put my reservations to one side though because I did really enjoy the story, I loved the relationship between Olivia and Quin and would have missed out on a treat if I hadn't given it a try. Olivia and Quin are perfect for each other, she brings out his more playful side and teaches him to laugh and have fun again while he helps to tone down her most outlandish behaviour (in public anyway!).

I've seen complaints that Olivia makes fun of Rupert because of the issues with his mental health and I can kind of see where they are coming from. There was a section where she was talking to Georgiana and they were saying some pretty mean things but I think Olivia was just sounding off her disappointment to the person she was closest to. Whenever anyone else spoke of Rupert in front of her she always defended him fiercely so I can forgive her for her private conversations with her twin sister. There was another part that made me slightly uncomfortable but that was down to the actions of Olivia and Rupert's parents who I felt behaved despicably.

Overall I was enjoying the banter between Olivia and Quin far too much to not love the story. The Duke is Mine is a retelling of The Princess and the Pea, it didn't seem to follow the story line of the original tale quite as closely as the first two books did but the main elements were all there and it was enough to make it recognisable. I think Olivia and Quin are actually my favourite couple from the series and I can't wait to get hold of The Ugly Duchess when it is released later this year. If you are a fan of historical romances and you enjoy a good fairytale retelling then you can't go wrong with this series. I'm definitely a fan of Eloisa James and am planning on checking out some of her other series as well as this one.

Source: Received from Piatkus in exchange for an honest review

Other reviews of this book:

If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Review: Touch of Power - Maria V. Snyder

2012-01-21T18:00:00.080Z

They destroyed her world.
But she's their only hope...

Avry's power to heal the sick should earn her respect in the plague-torn land of Kazan. Instead she is feared. Her kind are blamed for the horrifying disease that has taken hold of the nation.

When Avry uses her forbidden magic to save a dying child, she faces the guillotine. Until a dark, mysterious man rescues her from her prison cell. His people need Avry's magic to save their dying prince. The very prince who first unleashed the plague on Kazan.

Saving the prince is certain to kill Avry - yet she already faces a violent death. Now she must choose - use her healing touch to show the ultimate mercy or die a martyr to a lost cause?

Healer Series:
Touch of Power
Scent of Magic (Release date TBC)
Taste of Death (Release date TBC)

Visit Maria V. Snyder's website or the Touch of Power website for more information

Review:
As a Healer Avry should be a respected member of the community, someone that people turn to for help and who spends her life tending to the sick. Unfortunately the plague that killed millions of people was wrongly blamed on the Healers and Avry has to hide her gift or risk execution. She lives in the shadows, moving from village to village searching for others like her and for somewhere she can be safe. When her neighbour's child is on the verge of death Avry can't resist the call to heal her even knowing what will happen if she is discovered. When the worst happens and she is captured Avry accepts her fate but before she can be put to the guillotine she is rescued by Kerrick and his gang. Kerrick needs Avry's help to cure his friend Prince Ryne of the plague but Avry has very good reasons not to help him, the least of which is the fact that curing him will mean her certain death. Can Kerrick convince her that Ryne's life is worth more than her own?

Despite the fact that I have several books by Maria V. Snyder sitting on my shelves Touch of Power is the first one I've actually read. I really have no idea why I haven't picked up her work sooner and having loved this one I'm looking forward to reading her back list as soon as possible. Touch of Power is a fantastic start to a new fantasy trilogy and my only disappointment is that I have to wait a year for the next installment!

I loved the world that the author has created and Avry is a fantastic heroine. I was fascinated with her healing abilities right from the start, it takes a special kind of person to willingly suffer someone else's pain to heal them. As a Healer Avry doesn't magic someones injuries / illness away, she actually draws them into herself so someones knife wound will appear on her body and she will be the one left with the scar to show for it. Her only advantage is that she heals faster than a normal human would but she can still die if the injury or illness is too severe.

Despite the fact that this book has nearly 400 pages I finished it within a day, I was hooked from the beginning and didn't want to put it down. I loved Avry but there is also a great supporting cast of characters. Kerrick comes across as grumpy and uncaring but deep down is a really nice guy but I think my favourite characters were Belan, a warrior who becomes very protective of Avry and Flea who was like a sweet younger brother to her. I loved the banter between Kerrick's gang and the way they accepted Avry and took care of her.

The story moves along at a fast pace, has a hint of romance and some good twists that I didn't see coming. Although we are left with questions and I'm desperate to get my hands on the next installment this isn't because we are left with a major cliffhanger which is something I really appreciate. If you're a fan of fantasy stories then I would definitely recommend giving Touch of Power a try and I'm looking forward to reading more of Maria V. Snyder's work in the future.

Source: Received from Mira Ink in exchange for an honest review

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Touch of Power Blog Tour: Q&A With Maria V. Snyder

2012-01-21T09:00:00.077Z

To celebrate the release of Touch of Power, the first book in her new Healer series I'm thrilled to have Maria V. Snyder here today to answer a few of my questions. I absolutely loved Touch of Power (my review will be posted later today) so I'm excited to find out more about the rest of the series.

Maria V. Snyder

1. How long did it take you to write A Touch of Power? Have you finished writing Scent of Magic?

It took me about six months to write Touch of Power. I'm currently working on Scent of Magic – I'm about half way through right now.

2. What gave you the idea for the Healer series? How many books will there be?

In my first fantasy series, the main protagonist, Yelena was able to heal, but it was only one of her many abilities. I wanted to explore this magical power more in depth. So I had this vague idea about a healer or an apprentice healer during an epidemic. She was either going to be sought after for her powers – like everyone wanting her, or be hunted. I wasn’t sure. Then one night my daughter couldn’t sleep and she wanted me to tell her a story. She knew all my other books, so I started telling her about this healer. And every night, she’d ask, “What’s next?” That’s why Touch of Power is dedicated to my daughter. Right now, I plan to write three books. Taste of Death is the title of the third.

3. Do you already know how the series ends? Have you plotted the whole series in advance or do you just have a vague idea where you'd like the story to go?

I've just a vague idea. I'm definitely a seat of the pants writer and discover the story as I write. At this point, I don't even know how the second book is going to end!

4. Who is your favourite character? Are they also the easiest one to write?

Janco from my Study and Glass books is my favourite – no doubt! He’s just a fun, quirky character that goes off on unusual tangents and I love writing about him. And, yes he is the easiest to write.

5. Do your characters always do what you want them to or do they sometimes surprise you and change the direction of the story?

It depends on the character. Some decide they're not going to follow any of my preconceived notions and do their own thing, changing the direction of the story. While others are happy to play along. And some are down right difficult. Devlen in the Glass books would not cooperate at all. He caused me the most trouble and I had a terrible bout of writer's block because of him!

Thanks so much Maria, I can't wait to read the rest of the series! I can't believe I've not read any of your other books yet (even though I have most of them already sitting on my bookshelves!) but at least that gives me something to get started on while I wait for Scent of Magic to be released.

Have you read Touch of Power yet? If you have I'd love to know what you think of it. Don't forget to check back later to read my review. I'd also love to know if you've read any of Maria's other books, I have the 2 Insider books, the first 2 Glass books and the first book in the Study series all on my to read pile - which series should I start first?

Review: One for the Money - Janet Evanovich

2012-01-20T18:00:00.080Z

Stephanie Plum is down on her luck. She's lost her job at New Jersey's most down-market lingerie store, her car's on the brink of repossession, and her apartment is fast becoming furniture-free. Enter Cousin Vinnie, a low-life who runs a bail-bond company. If Stephanie can bring in vice cop turned outlaw Joe Morelli, she stands to pick up $10,000.

But tracking down a cop wanted for murder isn't easy. And suddenly Stephanie has another problem on her hands. Benito Ramirez, a prize-fighter with more menace than mentality, wants to be her friend - and he won't take no for an answer. Soon Stephanie begins to know exactly what it feels like to be pursued - and the best person to protect her just happens to be on the run . . .

Stephanie Plum Series:
One for the Money
Two for the Dough
Three to get Deadly
Four to Score
High Five
Hot Six
Seven Up
Hard Eight
Visions of Sugar Plums
To the Nines
Ten Big Ones
Eleven on Top
Twelve Sharp
Plum Lovin'
Lean Mean Thirteen
Plum Lucky
Fearless Fourteen
Plum Spooky
Finger Lickin' Fifteen
Sizzling Sixteen
Smokin' Seventeen
Explosive Eighteen

Visit Janet Evanovich's website for more information

Review:
Stephanie has lost her job, she's completely broke and is about to lose both her car and her apartment so she needs money and she needs it quickly. Desperate she turns to her cousin Vinnie for a job at his bail bond company and finds herself thrown in at the deep end when she is asked to bring in Joe Morelli. Stephanie and Morelli may have history but it isn't going to be easy to capture a cop who is up on a murder charge. Then when Stephanie finds herself getting unwanted attention from boxer Benito it looks like Morelli may be the only person who can keep her safe.

I first discovered the Stephanie Plum series years ago and I must be on at least my third re-read of the series by now (well for the earlier books anyway). I'm a massive fan of Janet Evanovich and with the film version of One for the Money coming out in the UK in February I thought it was about time I picked up the series again. This is one of my favourite series, especially when I'm looking for something light hearted and pure fun that never fails to have me in tears of laughter.

Stephanie is like the Bridget Jones of the bounty hunting world and she skips from one disaster to the next in hilarious fashion. Along with her sidekicks Lula (an ex hooker with a love of all things Lycra, a heart of gold and a big attitude) and Grandma Mazur (a completely kooky old lady who loves guns and dreams of becoming a hot shot bounty hunter like her granddaughter) she manages to get herself into all sorts of trouble. Luckily she has two hot men to call on for back up - the sexy cop Morelli and the deliciously mysterious bounty hunter extraordinaire Ranger. 10 years and more than 15 books since I started reading this series and I still can't make up my mind which of these guys I love the most!

One for the Money is a fabulous introduction to Stephanie's world - you meet one of my favourite casts of characters, the plot is fast paced, the mystery keeps you guessing right to the end and the story will have you snorting with laughter. I can't recommend this series highly enough!

Source: Purchased

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Review: My Soul to Keep - Rachel Vincent

2012-01-20T09:00:00.000Z

Kaylee has one addiction: her boyfriend Nash

Like Kaylee, Nash is a banshee. So he understands her like no one else. Nothing - supernatural or otherwise - can come between them. That is, until something does.

Demon's breath - a potent paranormal drug with the power to kill. Somehow the super-addictive substance has made its way to the human world. Kaylee and Nash need to cut off the source and protect their human friends - one whom is already hooked.

But Kaylee's plans are soon derailed when she uncovers another secret demon's breath addict in their midst. Nash.

Now she's ready to kick some serious Netherworld butt - but is it too late to save the boy who's stolen her heart?

Soul Screamers Series:
My Soul to Lose (prequel novella)
My Soul to Take
My Soul to Save
My Soul to Keep
Reaper (novella)
My Soul to Steal
If I Die (Feb 2012)
Never to Sleep (novella)
Before I Wake (2012)

For more information visit Rachel Vincent's website

Review:
I have been really loving the Soul Screamers series but I have to say this was my favourite book so far. My only major complaint would be the blurb on the UK cover which gives a major spoiler and takes away the surprise of one of the major twists that isn't actually revealed until nearly the end of the book. I think I'd have enjoyed the story even more if I hadn't read the blurb so I'm not going to read the back of any other books in the series just in case it happens again! Despite the spoiler I still really loved My Soul to Keep and would highly recommend this entire series to fans of YA urban fantasy.

The story picks up about a month after My Soul to Save finishes and Kaylee has finally been given her freedom back after a month of house arrest (her punishment for her actions in the last book). She attends a party with Nash and is horrified when she catches the scent of demon's breath on one of their friends. The dangerous Netherworld drug shouldn't even be in the human realm and is highly addictive and dangerous to humans. It is up to Kaylee and Nash to find out how their friends got hold of it and try and find a way to stop them from continuing to take it.

Things have never been particularly easy for Kaylee but they take a turn for the worse in My Soul to Keep. Her relationship with Nash is going downhill fast and she feels pressured to take things further than she feels ready to. I was impressed that although she loves Nash she refuses to give into his demands and think it gives a really positive message to teenagers not to give into peer pressure. There is also a strong message about the dangers of drugs, obviously demon's breath isn't really available but a lot of the symptoms and problems it cause are the same as those caused by illegal drugs that we've all heard of. Hopefully it will make teens think before they are talked into trying something they'll probably regret. Although there are positive messages within the story it doesn't come across as preachy though which is a good thing.

I have always been a massive fan of Nash but I have to admit there were several times that I wanted to shake him while I was reading this book. It is going to take quite a bit for him to redeem himself in my eyes and I'll be interested to see if he does it or not. On the other hand I found myself liking Tod more than ever this time around which was surprising after his actions in the last book. I do love it when an author can have me completely changing my mind about characters in each book she writes! I'm really curious to find out more about the new character we meet towards the end of the story, I'm not going to mention names for fear of spoilers but it will be really interesting to see what role he has to play in the next book. My Soul to Keep really was a fantastic installment to one of my favourite YA series and I can't wait to find out what happens next!

Source: Received for review via Netgalley but I also purchased a UK paperback

Other Reviews:
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Review: A Witch In Winter - Ruth Warburton

2012-01-19T18:00:00.083Z

When love is tangled up in magic, how can you be sure what's real?

Anna Winterson doesn't know she's a witch and would probably mock you for believing in magic, but after moving to the small town of Winter with her father, she learns more than she ever wanted to about power.

Anna meets Seth, and is smitten, but when she enchants him to love her, she unwittingly amplifies a deadly conflict between two witch clans and splits her own heart in two. She wants to love Seth, to let him love her - but if it is her magic that's controlling his passion, then she is as monstrous as the witch clan who are trying to use her amazing powers for their own gain.

Winter Trilogy:
A Witch in Winter
A Witch in Love (July 2012)
A Witch Alone (January 2012)

Visit Ruth Warburton's website for more information

Review:
Anna and her father have just moved from London to the coastal village of Winter for a fresh start after her father lost his job. Although Anna wasn't happy about the move she actually settles in quite quickly and begins to make friends. After a few drinks at a sleepover one night Anna's new friends think it would be a great idea to try out a love spell. Anna is sceptical - she doesn't believe in magic - but she gets caught up in the fun and names Seth in a spell. None of them are expecting anything to happen so Anna is shocked and horrified when Seth suddenly starts declaring his love for her. No matter what she does she can't seem to reverse the spell though, in fact everything she tries just seems to make things worse and she is only drawing more attention to herself. Just who are the group that are taking such an interest in her though and what do they really want with her?

I have to start by saying how much I loved the British feel to the story, anyone who has been to a coastal village will be able to picture the scenery perfectly and I loved the use of Brit slang throughout the novel. I read a lot of books by American authors and as much as I enjoy them it is always nice to discover a story that is a set a little closer to home. It was also nice to read a story about witches rather than the usual vampires and shape shifters, I'm not sure why but witches tend to be a lesser used supernatural character (well, in the books I've been reading anyway) so I'm always drawn to books I spot about them.

Anna is a great character and the thing I liked most about her was the fact that she is so normal, she is just your average teen who has moved to a new area and is trying to fit in and make friends. We don't have to suffer too much teen angst though and she starts to make friends quite quickly. Anna and her father are living in Wicker House, a creepy, run down, Gothic, old house in the middle of the woods and this makes a fab setting for the story. The house is a character in it's own rights and it was very easy to visualise it, I'm not sure I'd want to live there though - well, not until it had been refurbished anyway! Anna had no idea that she was a witch until the love spell goes wrong and I enjoyed watching her come to terms with her powers. What I liked most was that she knew it was wrong to have Seth's interest purely because of a spell and she was determined to release him from it.

As far as Seth goes I really couldn't see her attraction for him at first, they had barely spoken and he didn't seem like a particularly nice guy at first. I changed my mind towards the middle of the story though when Anna gets to know him better and they spend time talking, they obviously have things in common and found it easy to confide in each other. I really liked Anna's new friend Emmaline and her mother Maya but the character I'm most interested in finding out more about has got to be Abe. I hope we get to see a lot more of him as the series continues!

A Witch in Winter is a great debut from Ruth Warburton with a wonderful setting, interesting characters and an action packed finale that will have you on the edge of your seat. This is a trilogy I'm excited to continue and luckily we only have to wait until July for the second installment. I highly recommend this magical read.

Source: Received from Hodder in exchange for an honest review

Other Reviews:
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Book Trailer: A Witch in Winter - Ruth Warburton

2012-01-19T09:00:00.013Z

I really enjoyed Ruth Warburton's debut novel A Witch in Winter, it's the first book in an exciting new YA urban fantasy trilogy and I can't wait to find out what happens next! I'll be posting my review later today but in the meantime I thought I'd share the book trailer with you here:

Poppy's Review: Never Mind the Botox: Rachel - Penny Avis & Joanna Berry

2012-01-18T18:00:00.036Z

Never Mind the Botox is a series about four professional women all working on the sale of high profile cosmetic surgery business the Beau Street Group. Each book reveals how the women cope with one of the most glamorous but challenging deals of their careers, and the dramatic impact it has on their personal lives. With a briefcase in one hand and a glass of wine in the other, can they navigate their way through a surreal world if boob jobs by day and intrigue by night – and still keep their own love lives on track?

Rachel Altman is a corporate financier with a prestigious accounting firm who’s desperately trying to keep on the straight and narrow. Hopelessly led astray by her bar diving boyfriend, she gets the chance to turn things round when her boss gives her the break she’s been waiting for. But when the deal doesn’t go as planned Rachel panics, sparking off a chain of betrayal and lies that threatens to ruin both her love life and her career.

Never Mind the Botox Series:
Never Mind the Botox: Alex
Never Mind the Botox: Rachel
Never Mind the Botox: Stella (Spring 2012)
Never Mind the Botox: Meredith (Summer 2012)

Visit Penny Avis and Joanna Berry's website for more information

Poppy's Review:
After I had decided to read Never Mind the Botox: Rachel, I discovered that it was one of four books in a series, but was reassured when it stated inside that you can read them in any order. I thought it was a clever idea to have four books about the same business deal, with each one following a different character - Rachel, Alex, Stella or Meredith.

This is Rachel’s book and she works for the accounting firm who has to assess and report the value of the Beau Street Group cosmetic surgery business to the owners and prospective buyers. Rachel is put in charge of two employees whom she is based with at the Beau Street Group offices while they carry out the assessment and compile a report and presentation. Rachel feels under particular pressure as she is hoping for promotion to director and this is not helped by her boyfriend Harry who loves a good drink and long nights out, often leading her astray. As events unfold through the book, Rachel has to deal with issues in her love, family and work life, which she finds challenging and test what she is really made of and makes her question if she is following the right direction for her future.

Rachel does have a Bridget Jones-esque feel to her character and the book has some laugh out loud moments. Boyfriend Harry is quite a character and Rachel’s friends and brother Rowan add to her hectic life and make for a richer story. I knew that the office party would be far from straight laced and event free! I also quite enjoyed the way that Stella, Meredith and Alex [from the other Never Mind the Botox books] are mentioned in passing, as meeting attendees for example, making me even more curious to read the other three to see what their stories are.

Towards the beginning of the book it took me a while to suss out Rachel’s character, until more layers were revealed and I did at times get annoyed with her for some of her decisions, thinking she should be smarter in how she dealt with a situation or would she really not realise the meaning of certain behaviour or events. As the book unfolded however, I understood Rachel more and empathised with her behaviour and decisions and they made more sense. We all have to make decisions based on the bigger picture of the world around us and emotions linked with personal relationships do often cloud our judgement at the time.

Rachel comes across as a professional woman but also, reassuringly, a flawed human being who does her best in life with work, family and friends, making the best of each situation. I was surprised by the way that the book ended, but I really liked it and as I said earlier, I am keen to read the rest of the series. It was lovely to read a book with characters that are easy to relate to and a story which raises a few giggles and guffaws along the way.

Source: Received from Midas in exchange for an honest review

Other reviews of this book:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Never Mind the Botox Tour - Q&A with Penny Avis & Joanna Berry

2012-01-18T09:00:00.019Z

To celebrate the release of their new book Never Mind the Botox: Rachel I'm excited to welcome authors Penny Avis and Joanna Berry to the blog today to answer a few of Poppy's questions. Poppy really enjoyed the book so make sure you check back later today to read her review. First here is a little information about the book & then I'll hand you over to Poppy for the interview.

Joanna Berry & Penny Avis

1. What gave you the idea to write a series of four books in this way – from four women’s point of view?

We started with the idea that we wanted to write about young professional women using our own experiences, which automatically lead us to more than one view point. We also saw that four women had been successfully used in other series, such as Sex and the City, Mistresses and Desperate Housewives. So four seemed to be the natural answer.

2. Are any of the events based on real life experiences?

Yes, we’ve drawn heavily on our own experiences, but have changed the events and circumstances to protect ourselves and others!

3. Are any of the characters, or parts of them based on either of you?

We can definitely see parts of ourselves in the characters, although we worked on our character profiles together for so long that they inevitably become a blend of our ideas, personality traits, and aspects of other personalities we have come across over the years. Our characters became very real to us and we feel almost possessive about them now!

4. Was it fun researching the world of cosmetic surgery?

Yes! It was also fascinating, horrifying and inspiring all at the same time. There are some great stories about people whose lives have been greatly improved, but also plenty of the more familiar disaster stories. The lengths some people will go to, to improve their appearance is really quite mind boggling.

5. Would you consider having anything done?

Neither of us has so far, but never say never! What we’ve learned is that it’s not something to be taken lightly and it really is all about getting the right advice from the right professional.

Thanks to Penny & Joanna for visiting today & thanks to Poppy for coming up with such fab questions. Don't forget to pop back later to read Poppy's review of Never Mind the Botox: Rachel!

Review: Moon Sworn - Keri Arthur

2012-01-17T18:00:00.001Z

She ventures where no one else dares - into realms of peril and pleasure. But will this next journey be her last?

Shape-shifting werewolf and vampire Riley Jenson is through with death - causing it, solving it, surviving it. Her soul mate Kye Murphy is dead - and at Riley's own hands. Not even the seductive embrace of her vampire lover Quinn can fully ease her mind, for she has begun questioning everything that makes her Riley - including her job at the Directorate.

But then ritualistically slain bodies of ex-cons start turning up. Reluctantly, Riley takes the case, but something even worse is waiting in the wings. For a vicious enemy from her past is determined to strip Riley of everything that gives her life any meaning: her lover, her twin brother - and even her own identity. Can Riley survive this ultimate assault? All she knows is, she must fight one last time to find answers, before everything goes dark for ever . . .

Riley Jenson Guardian Series:
Full Moon Rising
Kissing Sin
Tempting Evil
Dangerous Games
Embraced by Darkness
The Darkest Kiss
Deadly Desire
Bound to Shadows
Moon Sworn

For more information visit Keri Arthur's website

Review:
It's always a bittersweet moment when you reach the final book in a series you love. There's that sense of sadness that the journey is over but if the author has done it well there is also gratitude that the series is ending on a high note rather than dragging on for too long and ruining things. I think Keri Arthur has ended the Riley Jenson series at just the right time, I'd much rather be left wanting more than be dreading yet another installment. Although this review won't contain spoilers for Moon Sworn please bear in mind that this is the ninth and final book in the series and I will be mentioning things that could spoil earlier books if you've not already read them. If you haven't started the Riley Jenson series yet then it is one I'd highly recommend.

Moon Sworn picks up not long after the ending of Bound to Shadows, Riley is just returning to work after the death of her soul mate. She may have hated Kye but she didn't want to be forced into killing him and her wolf side is devastated by his loss. Luckily she has Quinn, Rhoan and Liander to help her pick up the pieces. Nothing is ever simple for Riley though and a blast from her past has an elaborate plan to destroy everything she loves. Riley will be forced to face her toughest challenge yet if she wants to be able to keep her family close.

The Riley that we say goodbye to at the end of the series is very different to the Riley we met in Full Moon Rising. She has gone through physical changes thanks to the drugs that were slipped into her system by Talon and she has grown stronger mentally thanks to her Guardian training. She has never been comfortable with what the Directorate want her to become though so although she will do what she has to to protect herself and those she loves she doesn't want to become a stone cold killing machine. I have to admire her for knowing her limits and sticking to them.

I don't want to give any spoilers so I'm just going to say that I loved Moon Sworn and think it was my favourite book in the series. I loved the way Keri Arthur has left things with Riley, Quinn, Rhoan and Liander and I couldn't have picked a better ending. This was a fabulous end to a great series and although I'm sad to have reached the end of the journey I'm excited to start the spin off Dark Angels series starring Risa which I believe will have occasional appearances from Riley and the gang.

Source: Purchased

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Sookie Stackhouse Read-A-Long with Book Chick City

2012-01-17T12:00:00.004Z

When I spotted Carolyn at Book Chick City post about a Sookie Stackhouse Read-A-Long I knew I had to take part. I was given a set of the first 8 books in the series for Christmas in 2009 but for some reason I still haven't got around to reading any of them yet. This is a series I've been wanting to start for a long time now so it's great to have an excuse to get reading! I love the True Blood TV show so have probably given myself spoilers for at least the first few books but I've heard so many good things about this series that hopefully I'll still really enjoy them.

If you want to find out more about the Read-A-Long check out Carolyn's blog post about it here (it also includes a fabulous international giveaway to win the entire Sookie series!). Carolyn will be posting reviews for the series at Book Chick City along with discussion questions working to the following schedule:

30th January - Dead Until Dark

27th February - Living Dead in Dallas

26th March - Club Dead

30th April - Dead to the World

28th May - Dead as a Doornail

25th June - Definitely Dead

30th July - All Together Dead

27th August - From Dead to Worse

24th September - Dead and Gone

29th October - Dead in the Family

26th November - Dead Reckoning

31st December - Deadlocked

I'm planning on posting my reviews on the same dates (I'll add links to them here when they've been posted) and I'll join in the discussions at Book Chick City. Let me know if you're planning on taking part too as I'd love to read your reviews!

Winner: 2nd Blogoversary Giveaway

2012-01-17T09:00:00.004Z

With the help of Rafflecopter I am happy to announce the winner of my 2nd blogoversary giveaway is:

Kara DiDomizio (email address starting supersonic182@...)

Congratulations Kara! You should have already received an email from me asking which prize you would like out of the following options:

1. A £10 Amazon UK Voucher (I will need to know which email address you would like this sent to)

OR

2. Your choice of books from The Book Depository up to the value of £10 (this is only available if you live somewhere that they offer free delivery - see list here. If you chose this option I need to know which book/s you would like and your postal address so that I can order them for you).

If I don't hear back from you within 48 hours then a new winner will be chosen..

Book Trailer - Tempest - Julie Cross (US Version)

2012-01-16T23:14:00.000Z

I already posted the interactive UK book trailer for Tempest by Julie Cross (you can watch it here) but I thought I'd share the US trailer too. I really enjoyed Tempest (read my review here) and can't wait for the next book in the series!

News Roundup: Cover Reveals, New Book Deals & a Movie Trailer

2012-01-16T18:00:00.081Z

It's been a while since I did a news post but I've had quite a few exciting emails over the last couple of weeks so I thought I'd do a roundup post and share it all with you. You've probably already seen at least some of this on other blogs but hopefully there will be something new here for you to discover.

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First I want to share the cover for Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver. Pandemonium is the second book in Lauren's Delirium series and will be released in the UK on the 1st of March by Hodder & Stoughton. I absolutely loved Delirium (read my review here) so I can't wait to read this one and I love the cover.

Pandemonium - Lauren Oliver

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HARPERCOLLINS PUBLISHERS SIGNS DIRECTOR CHRIS COLUMBUS FOR NEW BOOK SERIES

DIRECTOR AND PRODUCER TO PEN MIDDLE-GRADE SERIES WITH BESTSELLING TEEN AUTHOR NED VIZZINI

New York, NY/ London (January 5, 2012)—HarperCollins Publishers announced today that it has preempted rights to a three-book middle-grade series, House of Secrets by iconic Hollywood director and producer Chris Columbus, co-authored by acclaimed young adult novelist Ned Vizzini. This is Columbus’s debut series for young readers with the first book slated for global publication in Spring 2013.

The three-book North American deal was negotiated by Alessandra Balzer, Co-Publisher of the Balzer + Bray imprint at HarperCollins Children’s Books, with Dorian Karchmar at William Morris Endeavor. UK & Commonwealth rights were acquired by Rachel Denwood, Publishing Director from Cathryn Summerhayes at William Morris Endeavour. Rights have been sold in twelve foreign territories so far.

“Master storytellers Chris Columbus and Ned Vizzini have created a high-stakes fantasy,” said Balzer. “From the very first page I knew we had to publish this series. It’s an incredibly imaginative adventure with clever plot twists and nonstop action—not to mention a family that readers will immediately fall in love with. House of Secrets has all the hallmarks of a new classic."

Denwood added, “Combining classic adventure with sublime offbeat humor, and with three brilliant siblings at its heart, this has the potential to be the next big series. It's going to be epic.”

“The opportunity to write this novel is a dream come true," said Columbus. "I have lived with the characters of this novel and their world for many years, and was saving them for something very special. Working on House of Secrets with Ned has been a thrill.”

The Pagett kids had it all: loving parents, a big house in San Francisco, all the latest video games . . . But everything changed when their father lost his job as a result of an inexplicable transgression. Now the family is moving into Kristoff House, a mysterious place built nearly a century earlier by a troubled fantasy writer with a penchant for the occult. Suddenly the siblings find themselves launched on an epic journey into a mash-up world born of Kristoff's dangerous imagination, to retrieve a dark book of untold power, uncover the Pagett family's secret history and save their parents . . . and maybe even the world.

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On the 1st of May HarperCollins will be publishing the much anticipated sequel to Divergent by Veronica Roth. Divergent was one of my favourite reads of 2011 (read my review here) so I can't wait to get my hands on Insurgent! I absolutely love the Insurgent cover and I have to say I much prefer the new paperback cover for Divergent than the hardback one.

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Divergent by Veronica Roth

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DFB Storyblog

by David Fickling Books

Do you know who Candy Gourley’s favourite monsters are? Which famous author John Dickinson failed to recognise at a book launch? SF Said’s favourite hobby?

The DFB Storyblog is just that – a blog full of STORIES, written by David Fickling Books’ authors and illustrators! Every week, a range of DFB creators take it in turns to share their experiences and discuss a topic which coincides with the publication of a new DFB title. For example, the recent topic ‘Retelling Classic Stories’ celebrated Kenneth Oppel’s This Dark Endeavour, which tells the story of young Victor Frankenstein. The current topic unveils influence and research behind the authors' work - Linda Newbery, author of Set in Stone, talks about trying her hand at stone-carving, and Neill Cameron explains how he recreated (and then destroyed!) his old school, in order to write and draw the graphic novel Mo-Bot High. The Storyblog includes posts from debut authors and emerging illustrators alongside more familiar names, so watch out for some author legends such as Margo Lanagan and Philip Pullman!

David Fickling, Publisher, comments: “I am the last person who should be recommending a blog. I hate blogs. I hate tweets. I hate bleats. And I particularly hate TWOGS. But then I took a look at our own blog and... WOW! I was blown away by it. This is something different. It is written by our very own DFB AUTHORS AND ILLUSTRATORS. And they know how to write. I feel very proud of it and hugely grateful to all our great authors and thank them so much for contributing. They have made something new. I still hate blogs. But I love STORYBLOGS”

http://www.davidficklingbooks.co.uk/blog/

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Last but not least I thought I'd share the movie trailer for One For the Money. I absolutely love Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series, the books are just so funny and are great when you're looking for a light hearted but hilarious read. I realised a couple of weeks ago that I've not read any of the books since before I stared blogging so I re-read One For the Money last week and will be posting my review soon.

Are you a Stephanie Plum fan? What do you think of the trailer? I have to say it looks like the film is going to stick fairly closely to the plot of the book. I'm not too sure about Morelli - he isn't at all how I pictured him but I'll reserve my judgement until I've seen the film. I think I'm going to like Stephanie though and I already love Grandma, Lula and Ranger (from what we've seen of them anyway!). I can't wait to go and see the film when it comes out over here in February!

Review: The Weight of Water - Sarah Crossan

2012-01-16T09:00:00.003Z

I tell Mama about the swim team
But not about William

Armed with a suitcase and an old laundry bag filled with clothes, Kasienka and her mother head for England. Life is lonely for Kasienka. At home her mother’s heart is breaking and at school friends are scarce. But when someone special swims into her life, Kasienka learns that there might be more than one way for her to stay afloat.

A beautiful, unique story, which will make you sad, happy and amazed.

Jump in.

Visit Sarah Crossan's website for more information

Review:
Kasienka and her mother arrive in England with little more than a bag of clothes and a plan to track down the father that abandoned them both. Forced into a new school with unfamiliar customs and a language that she doesn't fully understand it isn't easy for Kasienka to make friends. Suffering from bullying at school, living in a dismal flat and forced to walk the streets in search of her father all add up to a pretty miserable life for her. But can she find a place where she belongs?

I have to admit that I've not read many verse novels, in fact this is only the second one I've ever picked up as I've always been a bit wary of them in the past. In spite of that I found myself really enjoying Kasienka's story and I'm definitely thinking I should look into reading more of this kind of story. It isn't difficult to feel for Kasienka, she goes through so many hardships and my heart broke for her. I've never been an immigrant or struggled to go to a school where everyone speaks a different language to the one I was born speaking but I did suffer with bullying so could relate to what she suffered at the hands of school bully Clair.

The hardest thing to watch was the way her mother struggled to cope with the disappearance of her father though. Her mother has to work long hours just to afford a horrible bedsit and enough food for them to survive but then she spends all her spare time walking the streets knocking on doors showing her father's picture. It was heartbreaking to picture Kasienka trailing around after her mother when she should have been playing with friends like any normal 12-year-old girl. The story isn't all dark though, it also shows the strong friendships Kasienka makes both at home and at school and we get to see her confidence grow as she joins the school swimming team.

The Weight of Water is beautifully written and touches on so many important themes that I think it would make it a great book for using in schools. Among other things it will make you think about prejudice, racism, immigration, bullying, poverty and the importance of family and friends. This is a touching read and I would definitely recommend it if you are interested in any of these issues. I'm looking forward to seeing what Sarah Crossan comes up with next.

Source: Received from Bloomsbury in exchange for an honest review

Other reviews of this book:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Publisher Spotlight: Egmont Electric Monkey - February - June 2012

2012-01-15T18:00:00.189Z

For 2012 Egmont are launching their new YA imprint Electric Monkey, they have some very exciting titles that I can't wait to get my hands on so I thought it would be nice to share some of them with you here. Check out Egmont's Electric Monkey website for more information.

6th of February:

First up we have Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein. I really like historical fiction but I've not read much set around the second world war recently so I'm really looking forward to this one. Visit Elizabeth Wein's website for more information.

A heartbreaking tale of a friendship between two young women set against the odds of the second world war.

Only in wartime could a stalwart lass from Manchester rub shoulders with a Scottish aristocrat, one a pilot, the other a special operations executive. Yet whenever their paths cross, they complement each other perfectly and before long become devoted to each other. But then a vital mission goes wrong, and one of the friends has to bail out of a faulty plane over France. She is captured by the Gestapo and becomes a prisoner of war. The story begins in “Verity’s” own words, as she writes her account for her captors. Truth or lies? Honour or betrayal? Everything they’ve ever believed in is put to the test…

Next we have Oliver Twisted a debut novel by British author JD Sharpe. Oliver Twist with vampires, zombies and werewolves? Yup, I'm sold! This is definitely at the top of my wish list & I can't wait to get hold of a copy. Visit JD Sharpe's page on Goodreads for more information.

The world according to Oliver Twisted is simple. Vampyres feed on the defenceless, orphans are sacrificed to hungry gods and if a woe-begotten catches your scent it will hunt you forever. On the advice of a corpse, Oliver flees his ghastly orphan life to seek his destiny in the dark streets of old London Town, despite the perils of the woe-begotten zombie-infested journey. There he meets the shadowy Dodger, the evil old soul-stealer Fagin, and the menacing Bill Sikes, who is more werewolf than man. But will Oliver Twisted be the world’s salvation, or its downfall? An authentically Dickensian and genuinely inventive reimagining of Dickens’ eternal classic, this is Victorian England but not as we know it!

5th of March:

I have heard fantastic things about Michael Grant's Gone series but although I have the books sitting on my shelves I haven't got around to reading them yet. I really must do something about that! In the meantime I'm definitely looking forward to the first book in his new series - BZRK. Visit Michael Grant's website for more information.

The most breathtaking and exhilarating ride you will take this year, this is the first in an incredible new action thriller series from Michael Grant, author of Gone.

These are no ordinary soldiers. This is no ordinary war. Welcome to the nano, where the only battle is for sanity. Losing is not an option when a world of madness is at stake.
Time is running out for the good guys. But what happens when you don’t know who the good guys really are?

Noah and Sadie: newly initiated to an underground cell so covert that they don’t even know each other’s names. Here they will learn what it means to fight on a nano level. Soon they will become the deadliest warriors the world has ever seen.

Vincent: feels nothing, cares for no one; fighting his own personal battle with Bug Man, the greatest nano warrior alive.

The Armstrong Twins: wealthy, privileged, fanatical. Are they the saviours of mankind or authors of the darkest conspiracy the world has ever seen?

The nano is uncharted territory. A terrifying world of discovery. And everything is to play for . . .

Also released in March is Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick by Joe Schreiber. This one sounds completely different from anything I've read before. I have to admit I'm not a Kill Bill fan but I do love Ferris Bueller's Day Off so I'm curious about this one. Visit Joe Schreiber's blog for more information.

Kill Bill meets Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.

Fasten your seatbelts for a quirky, rapid-fire joyride through the streets of New York.

‘You shot him. You totally just shot that guy back there. I think I’m gonna throw up.’

One ordinary guy.

One female assassin.

When Gobi lands in Perry’s like, she rips is apart like a bombshell . . .

A fast-paced action thriller like nothing you’ve ever read before.

Skin Deep is another 2012 debut and was written by British author Laura Jarrett. This one seems to have romance and mystery and it's definitely been added to my wish list! Visit Laura Jarrett's page on Goodreads for more information.

After the car crash that leaves her best friend dead, Jenna is permanently scarred. She struggles to rebuild her life, but every stare in the street, every time she looks in the mirror, makes her want to retreat further from the world. Until she meets Ryan.

Ryan's a traveller. When he and his mother moor their narrow boat on the outskirts
of a village, she tells him this time it will be different. He doesn't believe her; he can't imagine why this place shouldn't be as unwelcoming as the rest. Until he meets Jenna.

But as Jenna and Ryan grow closer, repercussions from the crash continue to reverberate through the community. And then a body is found…

2nd of April:

I had the chance to read Dear Dylan by Siobhan Curham back in 2012 when it was self published by the author. I really enjoyed the story so was very excited to hear that it has been picked up by Egmont. You can read my review of Dear Dylan here and visit Siobhan Curham's website for more information.

A first crush. An unexpected friendship. A dream come true. A perfect read for fans of Cathy Cassidy, Sarah Dessen and Karen McCombie

Fourteen year old Georgie Harris feels as if the summer holidays are over before they have even begun. Banned from going to the local drama workshop by her bully of a step-dad and her increasingly fragile mum, she is consigned to six long weeks of looking after her tooth-fairy obsessed kid sister. Sick of feeling like the outsider at home and at school, she starts emailing the one person she thinks might understand; Dylan Curtland, star of the popular soap opera Jessop Close. And when Dylan starts emailing back, Georgie finally feels a tiny spark of hope. At last she has someone who really gets her, someone who really wants to help. But in the faceless world of email all is not as it seems...

7th of May:

Shift by EM Bailey is another 2012 debut that sounds awesome. Another one that has been added to my wish list! Visit EM Bailey's website for more information.

A taut and seriously compelling psychological thriller from a major new YA talent.

“There were two things everyone knew about Miranda Vaile before she’d even arrived at our school. The first was that she had no parents – they were dead. And they were dead because Miranda had killed them.”

Since her breakdown last year, Olive has become the school loner, so she can only watch as new girl Miranda latches on to her old best friend, class queen bee Katie. Soon Miranda is talking like Katie, dressing like Katie – even going out with Katie’s boyfriend. And then Katie dies. Olive is convinced Miranda is somehow responsible, but the only person who believes her is Lachlan, the hot boy who won’t take the hint that she wants to be left alone.

And then Miranda turns her attention on Olive. She makes life so much fun that soon they are best friends. But what price will Olive have to pay for this new friendship?

With shock twists, a moving romance and a heart-racing climax, Shift will keep you turning the pages furiously.

How to Keep a Boy as a Pet by Diane Messidoro sounds like it's going to be a really fun light hearted read. To find out more about this debut author visit her page on goodreads.

Can taming a gorgeous boy really be as easy as walking a dog?

Circe Shaw is on a mission. She must transform into a fabulously sophisticated journalist and discover the amazing scientific truth about boys. Urgently.

But life is beyond complicated. Circe has to deal with a poisonous rival, her mum’s annoying ‘just friends’ men and her own Dark Past.

Can Circe’s daring investigation really teach her the facts of love?

Will it help her finally get a boyfriend?
Or will it break her heart…?

4th of June:

Dads, Geeks and Blue Haired Freaks by Ellie Phillips sounds like another fun read if you like contemporary fiction.

One girl’s search to find her father, using the internet, some boys and quite a lot of hairspray.

Sadie Nathanson spends her life trying to survive the excruciating embarrassment of simply existing. It’s hard enough being a bit of a shrinking violet within a loud and outspoken extended family, but the unexpected card from ‘Dad’ on her 15th birthday is the last straw.

As ‘Dad’ was an Internet sperm-donor, it doesn’t take a genius to work out that this is a bad joke, probably set up by her ex-best-friend Shonna. But it starts Sadie wondering – just who was her father? Is he the cause of her worry crinkle and wonky bum? What would happen if she tracked him down?

So she decides to do just that. With help from her nerd cousin Billy, his friend Nodding Tony and a regular dose of ‘Haironomics’ (Sadie’s own hairstyle-related philosophy system), they uncover a lot more than they bargain for…

Last but definitely not least is Alchemy by K.J. Wignall. This is the second book in the Mercian trilogy, I read the first book Blood last year (read my review here) so I'm looking forward to finding out what happens next! Visit K.J. Wignall's website for more information.

'Run!' Will said to Eloise. She hesitated and he pushed behind her, grabbing the bird out of the air. But the sound of beating wings didn’t stop. Eloise let out a cry and when he turned she’d been scratched on the head and was hitting another crow away.

The vampire William of Mercia continues to search for answers about his long, undead life, together with Eloise, the girl with whom his fate is entwined. But the darkness doesn’t yield its secrets easily.

As they edge closer to the truth, it becomes clear that something evil knows their every move, and this time it’s targeting the person Will needs most of all.

Lost in a frozen landscape, powerful adversaries are locked in a battle that not everyone can survive, as destiny collides with a sorcerer’s dark arts…

So what do you think of the new Electric Monkey titles? They have a great selection so I'm sure there must be something there that catches your fancy! Which ones are you most excited about?

Review: Second Grave on the Left - Darynda Jones

2012-01-15T09:00:00.089Z

If you hang around with dead people, life can get pretty complicated. Take it from Charley Davidson, part-time PI and full-time grim reaper. The deceased find her very sparkly, and demons find her irresistible. However, Charley doesn't have time to dwell on this: she's got a missing woman to track down.

Meanwhile, Reyes Alexander Farrow (otherwise known as the Son of Satan) is haunting Charley. He's left his corporeal body because he's being tortured by demons who want to lure Charley closer. But if the demons get to her they'll have a portal to heaven. Can Charley handle hot nights with Reyes and even hotter days tracking down a missing woman? And can she keep those she loves out of harm's way?

Charley Davidson Series:
First Grave on the Right
For I Have Sinned (Free Online Novella)
Second Grave on the Left
Third Grave Dead Ahead (February 2012)
Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet (Release date TBC)

Visit Darynda Jones' website for more information

Review:
I really enjoyed First Grave on the Right so I was looking forward to catching up with Charley and her friends in Second Grave on the Left. This really is such a fun series and one that never fails to make me laugh while I'm reading it, from the T-Shirt slogan chapter headings, to Charley's snarky commentary and to the witty banter between the characters I giggle my way through the stories. I'd been a little nervous that the humour wouldn't be as good in the second book but I wasn't at all disappointed and I can't wait to get my hands on the next installment.

Cookie's friend Mimi is missing and she has asked Charley to help find her but the deeper they dig the more they come to realise that something big is going down. Not only is Mimi missing but more and more of her old school friends are turning up dead, someone has a secret to hide but can Charley figure it out in time? At the same time she is desperately trying to track down Reyes' body before the demons who are torturing him can destroy his body. Reyes is visiting her in spirit and is determined to let his body die but when he admits that he may end up back in hell if that happens Charley knows she will do anything to prevent it. But the demons want nothing more than to get their hands on Charley and use her as a portal to heaven and Reyes isn't prepared to let her risk it.

Charley is a great main character but I love this series as much for the crazy side characters and of course the sexy son of Satan Reyes. Charley's best friend Cookie is a hilarious sidekick and watching the pair of them working together reminds me of Stephanie & Lulu from Janet Evanovich's series. Charley really needs a friend like Cookie who always has her back because it seems like most of the people in her life are keeping secrets from her. I think I was most annoyed at the actions of her dad though, it wasn't so much what he did (that was understandably in a twisted kind of way) but the fact that he didn't warn her what he'd done. I can't say more than that without giving spoilers but I think anyone who has read the book will understand what I'm talking about. I felt that Charley seemed to forgive him for what he'd done a little too quickly but since it happened right at the end of the book I'm hoping she'll make him suffer in the next installment.

I wasn't sure what to make of Reyes in the first book, he started to grow on me towards the end but it wasn't until Second Grave on the Left that he really had me hooked. I still have some questions about him and really want to get to know him better but he definitely has the whole sexy, dark and dangerous vibe going on which is a plus point! I still really like Garrett though and enjoy his banter with Charley and the fact that he is also protective of her. Second Grave on the Left was a great installment to the series and has earned Darynda Jones a spot on my list of must buy authors. I can't wait to see what happens next and thankfully there is less than a month until the release of Third Grave Dead Ahead, it's already at the top of my wish list!

Source: Received from Piatkus in exchange for an honest review

Other reviews of this book:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Review: Fracture - Megan Miranda

2012-01-14T18:00:00.090Z

If you had one day left to live, what would you do?

Eleven minutes might as well be eternity underwater. It only takes three minutes without air for loss of consciousness. Permanent brain damage begins at four minutes. And then, when the oxygen runs out, full cardiac arrest occurs. Death is possible at five minutes. Probable at seven. Definite at ten. Delaney Maxwell was underwater for eleven minutes. And she’s alive.

By the time seventeen-year-old Delaney is pulled out of the icy waters of a frozen lake, her heart has stopped beating. She is in a coma and officially dead. But Delaney pulls through. How? Doctors are mystified. Outwardly she has completely recovered. But Delaney knows something is very wrong. Pulled by sensations she can’t control, she finds herself drawn to the dying. Is her brain predicting death or causing it?

Then Delaney meets Troy Varga, who lost his whole family in a car accident and emerged from a coma with the same powers as Delaney. At last she’s found someone who’ll understand what she’s going through. But Delaney soon discovers that Troy’s motives aren’t quite what she thought. Is their gift a miracle, a freak of nature – or something much more frightening?

Fracture is a stand alone story but there is a free short story prequel called Eleven Minutes that can be downloaded from the Fracture Facebook page (read my review of Eleven Minutes here).

Visit Megan Miranda's website for more information

Review:
When seventeen year old Delaney falls through the ice she is underwater for eleven minutes before her best friend Decker rescues her. After that long without oxygen she should be dead, at the very least she should have permanent brain damage so when she wakes from a coma showing no signs of injury she shocks the doctors. Results of her brain scans are far from normal but nobody can work out why. When Delaney finds herself drawn to people who are about to die she questions her sanity, until she meets the mysterious Troy who appears to have the same ability. But why are they able to sense the dying and can they do anything to prevent these deaths?

I know we're not far into 2012 but this is easily the best YA book I've read so far this year and I'd be surprised if anything knocks it out of the top spot any time soon. Fracture is an impressive debut that had me gripped from the first page and up until gone 4am so I could finish reading it in one sitting. I loved Delaney, she isn't a perfect character and is confused and scared by what happened to her and her new "ability". She isn't sure how to react around her friends who think of her as their miracle as they all played a part in saving her and she is struggling to cope with her mother's overprotectiveness. She was such a real character and you go through everything she does right alongside her.

I loved Decker from the minute we were introduced to him. He is Delaney's neighbour and has been her best friend since they were young children. The two of them are incredibly close and both of them obviously have feelings for each other that go way beyond friendship. Neither of them has been able to fully express that to the other though, it's a typical case of not wanting to risk their friendship by trying for something more. I loved the way they slowly admit their feelings to themselves before they are brave enough to talk to each other. If there was ever a couple I wanted to see having a happy ending it was these two, in spite of the misunderstandings they have along the way! I have to admit I wasn't a fan of Troy, from the minute he stepped onto the page he creeped me out. I didn't know what he was hiding but there was definitely something suspicious about him and I wanted to tell Delaney to run very fast in the opposite direction.

It's hard to know how to classify the story, Delaney's ability to sense the dying makes me want to call it a supernatural thriller but the way it is written makes it feel so realistic that it comes across more contemporary than paranormal. After all we really know so little about the human brain and what it is capable of. Whatever genre you want to call it Fracture is a gripping read full of heart in mouth moments, mystery, action and romance. Fracture is a story that will make you think about what is important in life and it really does make you question what you would do if this was your last day on earth. It's hard to believe that this is Megan Miranda's debut and I can't wait to see what she writes next - if it's half as good as Fracture then it's sure to be impressive!

Source: Received from Bloomsbury in exchange for an honest review

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Quick Review: Eleven Minutes - Megan Miranda

2012-01-14T09:00:00.035Z

Fracture is told from Delaney's perspective, and if you've read the first two chapters, you know that she falls through the ice in chapter one, and she wakes up 6 days later. And what happens in between—well, that's Decker's story.

This is the story of those eleven minutes, and the six days that follow, from his perspective. Because while it must be terrifying to be trapped under the ice, it's a different kind of terror seeing your best friend trapped...

Especially if it's your fault.

Eleven Minutes is a short story prequel to Fracture (read my review of Fracture here) that can be downloaded for free from the Fracture Facebook page.

Visit Megan Miranda's website for more information

Review:
I absolutely loved Fracture and I have to confess to having a bit of a crush on Decker so I was excited when I found out about Eleven Minutes, a free short story told from his perspective. Decker tells his version of what happened during the eleven minutes that Delaney spent underwater and the six days that she spent in a coma after being rescued. Although this is a short story it is an emotional read and one that had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end.

This makes a great introduction to Fracture so if you're not sure whether to try the book or not I'm sure this will help you make up your mind. I love Megan Miranda's writing style, I loved her debut novel and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!

Source: Downloaded for free from the Fracture Facebook page.

Other reviews of this book:
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ARC Review: Darker After Midnight - Lara Adrian

2012-01-13T18:00:00.128Z

In the dark of night, a blood war escalates within the hidden world of the Breed. After existing in secret for many long centuries, maintaining a fragile peace with the humans who walk beside them unaware, a single act of retaliation has put the entire vampire nation at risk of discovery. It falls to the Order—a cadre of Breed warriors pledged to protect their own and humankind alike—to stop Dragos, the power-mad vampire at the centre of the conflict, before his push for domination can explode into catastrophe.

At the centre of the Order’s quest is Sterling Chase, once a morally rigid enforcer of Breed law, now a warrior fallen from grace, whose biggest battle is the one he wages against his own savage nature. With addiction beckoning him toward eternal darkness, Chase’s path to redemption has never seemed more out of reach. But when his eyes meet those of Tavia Fairchild, a beautiful witness who identifies him at the scene of a mission gone terribly wrong, Chase finds himself drawn to the woman—and convinced she is something much more than she seems.

Pulled into a vortex of intrigue and danger she can neither resist nor understand, Tavia is uncertain whom to trust. And while everything sane and logical warns her against getting close to Chase, she cannot deny that the handsome, deeply haunted male stirs something primal and ravenous within her. But even as she surrenders to her cravings, nothing can prepare her for the shattering truth of who—and what—she truly is.

As the Order’s enemy mobilises for the battle of the ages, Dragos and his Minions unleashing a hell on Earth like nothing ever seen before, Chase and Tavia are thrust into the heart of the violence. With time running out and the streets running red with the blood of innocent lives, both Breed and human, together Chase and Tavia must find a way to defeat Dragos once and for all—or die trying.

The Midnight Breed Series:
Kiss of Midnight
Kiss of Crimson
Midnight Awakening
Midnight Rising
Veil of Midnight
Ashes of Midnight
Shades of Midnight
Taken by Midnight
Deeper than Midnight
A Taste of Midnight (Novella)
Darker After Midnight (26th Jan 2012)

Visit Lara Adrian's website for more information about the Midnight Breed series you will find excerpts from each of the books. Lara can also be found on Facebook & Twitter where she posts regular updates or you can join other fans to chat about the books over at the LAMB (Lara Adrian Midnight Breed) Forum

Review:
It's no secret that I'm a massive fan of the Midnight Breed series, in fact I'm happy to say it's my favourite adult paranormal romance series! I'm always desperate to get my hands on the next installment and because I'm such a big fan I always have high expectations. Lara Adrian hasn't let me down yet and she always manages to make each book better than the last. Darker After Midnight is no exception and I can't begin to tell you how awesome this book actually is, in fact I'm still struggling to put into words just how much I loved it. Although this review won't contain spoilers for Darker After Midnight please note that this is book 10 in the series and it is impossible to write a review without mentioning events from previous books so you may not want to read further if you're not up to date with the series. If you're new to the series then I can't recommend it highly enough, although each book can probably be read as a stand alone I would highly recommend reading them in order starting with Kiss of Midnight.

The story picks up immediately after the ending of Deeper than Midnight, Chase has given himself up to the human police to allow the rest of the Warriors to escape from the compound with their mates. He is on the verge of blood lust but is trying to redeem himself after the trouble he has caused for his friends recently. Tavia is working for a senator who has just become Dragos' latest minion, she was a witness to Chase's attempt at assassinating Dragos and their paths cross again when she comes to the police station to identify him. It doesn't take long for Chase to discover that Tavia is not all that she seems and he quickly realises just how important she is for the future of the breed. Dragos is after Tavia but that is the least of their problems as he has much bigger plans, plans that will cause complete chaos for all of the breed. Can Chase and the Warriors stop him in time?

I think I'm in the minority when I say I wasn't a massive fan of Chase, it wasn't that I didn't like him - he just wasn't my favourite Breed male. It wasn't until towards the end of Deeper than Midnight that I really started to get excited about reading his story but I really loved him by the end of his book. For someone who was such a stickler for the rules Chase fell a long way as he came closer and closer to giving into his blood lust. He knows he has let down his friends at the compound and is scared to act on his feelings for Tavia in case he ends up hurting her. He is embarrassed by his actions in the past and wants to be able to earn back the trust of Lucan and the others but doesn't really know where to start. Tavia really surprised me, I had suspicions about her before the big reveal but really didn't have a clue what was to come. It shocked the heck out of me but I mean that in a good way! She was a great heroine and although she was wary of Chase and the other warriors she stood up for herself and didn't sit back and wait to be looked after.

There are so many things going on in Darker After Midnight that I really couldn't put it down. Alongside the romance between Chase and Tavia we get to see a lot more of the other Warriors and their mates. There were some scenes between Lucan and Gabrielle that melted my heart and reminded me just why I love him so much, there was also a conversation with Lucan and Tegan that brought tears to my eyes and I really want to just start reading the whole series again from the beginning. Dragos has some shocking plans that cause complete chaos for all of the warriors and things will never be the same again after this installment. The action was breathtaking and it was impossible to guess what would happen next and the ending actually left me in tears of happiness.

I panicked for a few minutes because this book wraps everything up so well that it could easily be the end of the series and I'm really not ready for the series to end! I was happy to confirm that the series will continue but I believe that the focus will now move onto the younger generation of the breed with the next book being Mira's story. Darker After Midnight is an unmissable installment to the series and one I can't recommend highly enough - this book will blow you away! I for one can't wait to see where Lara Adrian takes us next and am already excited about Mira's book.

Source: I received an ebook ARC from Lara Adrian in exchange for an honest review but I've already pre-ordered my copy to take pride of place on my shelves with the rest of the series.

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Review: Lord of the Vampires - Gena Showalter

2012-01-13T09:00:00.083Z

Once upon a time…the Blood Sorcerer vanquished the kingdom of Elden. To save their children, the queen scattered them to safety and the king filled them with a need for vengeance. Only a magical timepiece connects the four royal heirs…and time is running out.

Nicolai the Vampire is renowned for his virility, but in a cruel twist of fate “The Dark Seducer” has become a sex slave in the kingdom of Delfina—stripped of his precious timepiece and his memory. All that remains is a primal need for freedom, revenge—and the only woman who can help him.

When the wanton vampire summons Jane Parker, she is helpless to obey. She's drawn to his dark sexuality and into his magical realm. But for this human, all is not a fairy tale. For saving Nicolai could mean losing the only man she's ever craved...

Royal House of Shadows Series:
Lord of the Vampires - Gena Showalter
Lord of Rage - Jill Monroe
Lord of the Wolfyn - Jessica Anderson
Lord of the Abyss - Nalini Singh

Visit Gena Showalter's website for more information

Review:
I was really curious about the Royal House of Shadows series, 4 books written by 4 different authors and all based on a different fairytale - whats not to like about that? Especially when one of the authors is Nalini Singh and another is Gena Showalter - both authors who have written books I have enjoyed in the past. I've not read anything by Jill Monroe or Jessica Anderson before so I thought this would be a great way to try their work too. Lord of the Vampires is the first book and Gena Showalter's contribution to the series.

A retelling of Alice in Wonderland, Lord of the Vampires tells the story of vampire Nicolai who has spent years imprisoned as a sex slave to two very nasty witch princesses. His memory has been wiped so he has no idea who he really is but he knows he wants to escape. Jane is a human who wakes up one day to find herself in a magical kingdom with the handsome stranger she has been dreaming about for weeks. How did she get there and can she find a way to free Nicolai?

I have to admit I didn't love this story as much as I thought I would, I liked it and I'm looking forward to continuing the series but it didn't wow me. Nicolai was a bit too growly alpha male for me (and that isn't something I often complain about!) and I got fed up with him talking in one word sentences. I can deal with the word "MINE" being thrown about a bit but it got way too repetitive in this one and there just wasn't enough proper conversation to compensate for it. Jane wasn't a stand out heroine either, she was OK but I can't remember much about her and I only read the book 6 days ago. I also felt their relationship developed far too quickly, Nicolai jumped into things with Jane very easily considering he's been abused as a sex slave for years which just didn't sit right with me.

Having said that the scenes between the couple were hot with a capital H. I am also looking forward to finding out more about Nicolai's brothers and sister. I want to find out more about how they ended up separated from each other and what has been happening to them while Nicolai was held prisoner, I'm also interested to see if they manage to claim their kingdom back and how they do it.

Source: Received from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

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Review: My Soul to Save - Rachel Vincent

2012-01-12T18:00:00.073Z

When Kaylee Cavanaugh screams, someone dies.

So when teen pop sensation Eden croaks onstage and Kaylee doesn't wail, she knows something is dead wrong. Kaylee can't cry for someone who has no soul.

Soon Kaylee finds that Eden's not the only starry-eyed girl who traded her life for a flickering moment of fame - a deal that has dark consequences no mortal could understand.

Banshee Kaylee swears to help those lost souls. But school football star Nash - Kaylee's newly acquired, not to mention super-hot, boyfriend - refuses to let her in harm's way. Still Kaylee knows it's her duty to save the innocent from the Netherworld - even if it means putting her own soul - and love life - at risk . . .

Soul Screamers Series:
My Soul to Lose (prequel novella)
My Soul to Take
My Soul to Save
My Soul to Keep
Reaper (novella)
My Soul to Steal
If I Die (Feb 2012)
Never to Sleep (novella)
Before I Wake (2012)

For more information visit Rachel Vincent's website

Review:
Kaylee is at a concert with Nash and Tod when singer Eden collapses on stage. Since Kaylee has no urge to scream they assume that Eden will be fine so it comes as quite a surprise when they realise that she is dead. There is only one reason that Kaylee wouldn't need to scream at Eden's death - she didn't have a soul. It turns out that Eden wasn't the only person to sell her soul for fame and fortune though and Kaylee may be too late to save Eden from eternal torture but she is determined to find a way to save the others.

I'm a massive fan of Rachel Vincent and am really enjoying her Soul Screamers series, it's so nice to read about something other than vampires for a change and I'm really enjoying learning more about bean sidhes (banshees) alongside Kaylee. We get to find out a lot more about the Netherworld in this installment along with some of the frightening plants and creatures that reside there. Kaylee is still only beginning to discover her abilities though and I'm looking forward to seeing what else she is capable of. Kaylee is a great main character and I love her developing relationship with Nash. They make such a cute couple and there is some fantastic chemistry between them. I'm still on the fence when it comes to Tod though, in some ways I really like him - he's really funny and I love the way he just pops up out of nowhere and does his best to irritate the heck out of Nash - but in other ways I was really annoyed with his behaviour towards the end of the book. I understand why he did what he did but that didn't make it acceptable.

I have to admit that when we first discovered that Addy had sold her soul and that Kaylee and the others would have to risk their lives if they wanted to help her get it back I was all for Nash talking Kaylee out of helping. After all it's Addy's own stupid fault for getting into such a mess in the first place (I don't seem to have a lot of sympathy for idiots!) but my opinion changed when I learnt more about how she ended up in that situation and I was impressed with Kaylee's selflessness and the way she was determined to help her. I like the fact that Nash is so protective of Kaylee, he tries to stop her putting herself in harms way but when he realises that she has made up her mind to help he does whatever he can to help her.

I hope we get to see more of Kaylee and her father in the next book. Having not been around for so much of her life he is now struggling to work out how to be a parent. It isn't easy for either of them to decide where the boundaries are and I think Rachel Vincent portrayed that really well and I'd like to see them bond more as the series continues. I'm also hoping we get to find out more about Libby and the reapers, I feel like we've only touched the surface of their abilities and am looking forward to finding out more. This is a great series and one I would highly recommend but I would suggest reading the books in order starting with My Soul to Take if you haven't already.

Source: Purchased

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Review: Smoulder - Brenna Yovanoff

2012-01-11T18:00:00.018Z

Daphne is the half-demon, half-fallen angel daughter of Lucifer and Lilith. Life for her is an endless expanse of time - until her brother Obie is kidnapped, and Daphne realises she may be partly responsible. Determined to find him, Daphne travels from her home in Pandemonium to the vast streets of Earth, where everything is colder and more terrifying.

With the help of the human boy she believes was the last person to see her brother alive, Daphne glimpses into his dreams, discovering clues to Obie's whereabouts. As she delves deeper into her demonic powers, she must navigate the jealousies and alliances of the violent archangels who stand in her way. But she also discovers, unexpectedly, what it means to love and be human in a world where human is the hardest thing to be . . .

Smoulder was released in the US with the title The Space Between

Visit Brenna Yovanoff's website for more information

Review:
As the daughter of Lucifer and Lilith Daphne has spent an eternity living in Pandemonium (Hell). Although her sisters all spend time on Earth luring unsuspecting men into their traps Daphne has never been tempted to leave her home. Until her brother Obie is kidnapped. Determined to find her brother and ensure his safety Daphne goes in search of the last person who saw him before he disappeared. Truman is a messed up human that Obie helped a long time ago but can he help Daphne find him?

Smoulder (released in the US with the title The Space Between) is a dark urban fantasy story that has some fantastically creepy moments in it. Even though I finished reading it days ago I'm still having trouble summing up my feelings for the book but I think the word that probably describes it best is bizarre. Brenna Yovnoff has put her own unique twists on demon and angel mythology that most of us are already familiar with and she has created some really interesting characters. I really liked the fact that nothing was black and white, some of the "evil" demons do good things and equally the angels don't always seem to have everyone's best interests at heart. The world is full of shades of grey so I appreciate it when authors include that in their fictional characters too. I found it quite ironic that demon Daphne always told the truth but you had to take anything Trueman had to say with a pinch of salt because he often lied.

I did find it a little confusing switching from Daphne's first person account of events to the third person point of view that focused on Trueman's side of the tale. I can see why the author did that because Trueman is a seriously messed up character and I don't think anyone would want to spend time inside his head but the switch between styles confused me every time. Every time I started a new chapter I had to read the first few paragraphs several times to get used to the change. Daphne's voice definitely captured her "otherness" and showed that she wasn't a normal human girl which I think takes skill and wouldn't have worked if her side of the story had been told in third person.

I think my favourite character had to be Raymie but she was also the character that freaked me out the most. On one hand I wanted to pick her up and give her a hug but on the other I wanted to run away screaming! You'll have to read the story to find out why but trust me she is one seriously creepy girl! I really would have liked to have seen more of Lucifer, Lilith and Beelzebub because I thought they could have been fascinating characters if they were fleshed out more. The thing that disappointed me the most was the ending, I can't say much without giving spoilers so I'll just tell you that I thought Daphne's actions were extremely selfish and I didn't really see how it could have worked like it did. I think you'll see what I mean if you read the story for yourself.

Although I wasn't keen on the ending I did still enjoy the story and think it will go down well with anyone looking for a darker read. Unusually for an urban fantasy story it touches on real issues like grief and how it can lead you on a very destructive path into alcoholism and self harm. I have Brenna's debut novel The Replacement sitting on my to read pile so I can't compare the two stories but I'm definitely looking forward to picking that one up soon.

Source: Received from Simon & Schuster in exchange for an honest review

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Books Read in 2011

2012-01-11T09:00:00.035Z

~A~
A Beautiful Evil (Gods & Monsters book 2) - Kelly Keaton (review coming soon)
A Clockwork Christmas - Anthology
A Glimpse of Darkness - Lara Adrian, Harry Connolly, Stacia Kane, Kelly Meding and Lucy A. Snyder (Novella, review only posted on Goodreads and not on my blog)
A Kiss at Midnight (Happily Ever After book 1) - Eloisa James
A Long, Long Sleep - Anna Sheehan
A Vampire For Christmas - Anthology
A Wild Light (Hunters Kiss book 3) - Marjorie M. Liu
Across the Universe (Across the Universe book 1) - Beth Revis
Adrian's Lost Chapter (Bloodlines book 0.5) - Richelle Mead (Short Story)
Alien in the Family (Katherine "Kitty" Katt book 3) - Gini Koch
Alien Proliferation (Katherine "Kitty" Katt book 4) - Gini Koch
Alien Tango (Katherine "Kitty" Katt book 2) - Gini Koch
Angelic (Women of the Otherworld Novella) - Kelley Armstrong (Novella, review only posted on Goodreads and not on my blog)
Angel's Blood (Guild Hunter book 1) - Nalini Singh
Angel's Fury - Bryony Pearce
Another One Bites the Dust (Jaz Parks book 2) - Jennifer Rardin
Archangel's Kiss (Guild Hunter book 2) - Nalini Singh
Avenger's Angel (Lost Angels book 1) - Heather Killough-Walden

~B~
Beauty Dates the Beast (Midnight Liaisons book 1) - Jessica Sims
Before I Die - Jenny Downham
Between - Jessica Warman (Guest Reivew from Poppy)
Between Shades of Gray - Ruta Sepetys
Biting the Bullet (Jaz Parks book 3) - Jennifer Rardin
Bitten to Death (Jaz Parks book 4) - Jennifer Rardin
Black Gold (Takhini Wolves book 1) - Vivian Arend
Black Heart (Vampirates book 4) - Justin Somper
Blackwatch (Wintercraft book 2) - Jenna Burtenshaw
Blood (Mercian book 1) - K.J. Wignall
Blood Bound (Unbound book 1) - Rachel Vincent
Blood Captain (Vampirates book 3) - Justin Somper
Blood Feud (Drake Chronicles book 2) - Alyxandra Harvey
Blood Rights (House of Comarre book 1) - Kristen Painter
Bloodline (Bloodline book 1) - Kate Cary
Bloodlines (Bloodlines book 1) - Richelle Mead
Blue Bloods (Blue Bloods book 1) - Melissa de la Cruz
Boom! - Mark Haddon
Bound to Shadows (Riley Jenson Guardian book 8) - Keri Arthur
Burning Secrets - Clare Chambers (Guest Review from 12 year old Kain)

~C~
Carrier of the Mark (Carrier book 1) - Leigh Fallon
Cipher (Southern Arcana book 4) - Moira Rogers
City of Ashes (Mortal Instruments book 2) - Cassandra Clare
City of Bones (Mortal Instruments book 1) - Cassandra Clare
Crescendo (Hush, Hush book 2) - Becca Fitzpatrick (Guest Review from Kirsty at The Overflowing Library)
Crushed Seraphim - Debra Anastasia
Crushed Sugar (Ophelia Dawson book 1) - Kimber An (Novella)

~D~
Dark Ride - Caroline Green
Darker Still (Magic Most Foul book 1) - Leanna Renee Hieber
Darkfever (Fever book 1) - Karen Marie Moning
Darkness Becomes Her (Gods & Monsters book 1) - Kelly Keaton
Dark Desires After Dusk (Immortals After Dark book 6) - Kresley Cole
Dark Inside - Jeyn Roberts
Dark Need's at Night's Edge (Immortals After Dark book 5) - Kresley Cole
Daughter of Smoke and Bone (DoSaB book 1) - Laini Taylor
Dead Beautiful (Dead Beautiful book 1) - Yvonne Woon
Dead Deep (Vampirates book 1.5) - Justin Somper (Novella)
Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between (Rhiannon's Law book 1) - J.A. Saare
Deadlock (Southern Arcana book 3) - Moira Rogers
Deadly Desires (Riley Jenson Guardian book 7) - Keri Arthur
Dearly Departed (Nora Dearly book 1) - Lia Habel
Death's Daughter (Calliope Reaper Jones book 1) - Amber Benson
Deception (Haunting Emma book 1) - Lee Nichols
Deeper Than Midnight (Midnight Breed book 9) - Lara Adrian
Delirium (Delirium book 1) - Lauren Oliver
Department 19 (Department 19 book 1) - Will Hill
Desires of the Dead (Body Finder book 2) - Kimberly Derting
Die For Me (Revenants book 1) - Amy Plum
Divergent (Divergent book 1) - Veronica Roth
Doc Mortis (Invisible Friends book 4) - Barry Hutchison (Guest Review from 12 year old Kain)
Dolphin Way (Rise of the Guardians book 1) - Mark Caney (Guest Review from Poppy)
Dragon Blues - Edie Ramer
Dragon Bound (Elder Races book 1) - Thea Harrison
Drink Deep (Chicagoland Vampires book 5) - Chloe Neill
Duty Calls: Dunkirk - James Holland (Guest Review from Kirsty at The Overflowing Library)

~E~
Eighth Grade Bites (Chronicles of Vladimir Tod book 1) - Heather Brewer
Empire of Night (Vampirates book 5) - Justin Somper
Entangled - Cat Clarke
Eternal Rider (Lords of Deliverance book 1) - Larissa Ione
Eternity Embraced (Demonica book 3.5) - Larissa Ione (Novella)
Evermore (Immortals book 1) - Alyson Noel

~F~
Fallen Grace - Mary Hooper
Falling, Freestyle (Xtreme Adventures book 1) - Vivian Arend
Fantasy Lover (Dark Hunters prequel) - Sherrilyn Kenyon
Fated - Sarah Alderson
Finding Sky (Finding Sky book 1) - Joss Stirling
Fire and Thorns (Fire and Thorns book 1) - Rae Carson
Firelight (Firelight book 1) - Sophie Jordan
First Grave on the Right (Charley Davidson book 1) - Darynda Jones
Flip - Martyn Bedford
For I Have Sinned (Charley Davidson book 1.5) - Darynda Jones (Novella)
Forgive my Fins (Fins book 1) - Tera Lynn Childs
Forsaken (Demon Trappers book 1) - Jana Oliver
Friday Night Bites (Chicagoland Vampires book 2) - Chloe Neill
Fury (Fury book 1) - Elizabeth Miles

~G~
Gallows at Twilight (Witchfinder book 2) - William Hussey
Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires book 1) - Rachel Caine
Glow (Sky Chasers book 1) - Amy Kathleen Ryan
Grace - Morris Gleitzman
Guilty Pleasures (Anita Blake book 1) - Laurell K. Hamilton

~H~
Hana (Delirium book 1.5) - Lauren Oliver (Short Story)
Hard Bitten (Chicagoland Vampires book 4) - Chloe Neill
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - J.K. Rowling
Haunted - Anthology
Haunting Violet - Alyxandra Harvey
Hell's Belles (Hell on Earth book 1) - Jackie Kessler
He's So Not Worth It (He's So / She's So book 2) - Kieran Scott (Guest Review from Poppy)
His Darkest Embrace (Jaguar Warriors book 2) - Juliana Stone
Hunting Lila (Lila book 1) - Sarah Alderson
Hunters - Michelle Marquis & Lindsey Bayer
Hunter's Moon (Vampire's Realm book 9) - Felicity Heaton

~I~
If I Stay - Gayle Forman
Immortal Beloved (Immortal Beloved book 1) - Cate Tiernan
Immortal Rider (Lords of Deliverance book 2) - Larissa Ione
Immortal War (Vampirates book 6) - Justin Somper
In the Sea there are Crocodiles - Fabio Geda
Infinity (Chronicles of Nick book 1) - Sherrilyn Kenyon
Iron Crowned (Dark Swan book 3) - Richelle Mead

~J~
Just Like Heaven (Smythe-Smith Quartet book 1) - Julia Quinn

~K~
Kindling the Moon (Arcadia Bell book 1) - Jenn Bennett

~L~
Lament (Books of Faerie 1) - Maggie Stiefvater
Lex Trent Fighting with Fire (Lex Trent book 2) - Alex Bell
Life: An Exploded Diagram - Mal Peet (Guest Review from Kirsty at The Overflowing Library)
Long Lankin - Lindsey Barraclough
Long Reach (Eddie Savage book 1) - Peter Cocks
Love Immortal - Felicity Heaton
Lover Enshrined (Black Dagger Brotherhood book 6) - J.R. Ward
Lover Revealed (Black Dagger Brotherhood book 4) - J.R. Ward
Lover Unbound (Black Dagger Brotherhood book 5) - J.R. Ward

~M~
Magic Bites (Kate Daniels book 1) - Ilona Andrews
Magic Under Glass (Magic Under book 1) - Jaclyn Dolamore
Midwinterblood - Marcus Sedgwick
Mistress by Marriage (Courtesan Court book 3) - Maggie Robinson
Murder Game (GhostWalkers book 7) - Christine Feehan
My Love Lies Bleeding (Drake Chronicles book 1) - Alyxandra Harvey
My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece - Annabel Pitcher
My Soul to Lose (Soul Screamers book 0.5) - Rachel Vincent (Novella)
My Soul to Take (Soul Screamers book 1) - Rachel Vincent

~N~
Night Myst (Indigo Court book 1) - Yasmine Galenorn
Night Road - Kristin Hannah (Guest Review from Poppy)
Night Veil (Indigo Court book 2) - Yasmine Galenorn
Nightlife (Cal Leandros book 1) - Rob Thurman
Nightshade (Poison Diaries book 2) - Maryrose Wood

~O~
One Grave at a Time (Night Huntress book 6) - Jeaniene Frost
One More Bite (Jaz Parks book 5) - Jennifer Rardin
One Seriously Messed-Up Week in the Otherwise Mundane & Uneventful Life of Jack Samsonite - Tom Clempson

~P~
Paranormalcy (Paranormalcy book 1) - Kiersten White
Personal Demons (Personal Demons book 1) - Lisa Desrochers
Predatory Game (GhostWalkers book 6) - Christine Feehan
Prisoner of the Inquisition - Theresa Breslin

~Q~

~R~
Reveal Me - Cari Quinn (Novella)
Rip Tide (Dark Life book 2) - Kat Falls
Rosebush - Michele Jaffe

~S~
Santa's Twin (Santa's Twin book 1) - Dean Koontz (Picture Book)
Scarlett Dedd - Cathy Brett
Send No Flowers - Sandra Brown (Review only posted on Goodreads and not on my blog)
Shadowmagic (Shadowmagic book 1) - John Lenahan
Shadows on the Moon - Zoe Marriott
Silent Storm (Pacific Passion book 3) - Vivian Arend (Novella)
Siren (Siren book 1) - Tricia Rayburn
Sister - Rosamund Lupton
Six Days - Philip Webb
Small Blue Thing (Small Blue Thing book 1) - S.C. Ransom
Socks Are Not Enough - Mark Lowery
Soul Beach (Soul Beach book 1) - Kate Harrison
Soulless (Parasol Protectorate book 1) - Gail Carriger
Spellbound (Spellbound book 1) - Cara Lynn Shultz
Stealing Phoenix (Finding Sky book 2) - Joss Stirling
Stormchild (Pacific Passion book 1) - Vivian Arend (Novella)
Storming the Castle (Happily Ever After book 1.5) - Eloisa James (Novella)
Stormy Seduction (Pacific Passion book 2) - Vivian Arend (Novella)
Street Game (GhostWalkers book 8) - Christine Feehan
Succubus Revealed (Georgina Kincaid book 6) - Richelle Mead
Summer (Beautiful Dead book 3) - Eden Maguire
Supernaturally (Paranormalcy book 2) - Kiersten White

~T~
Tell Me A Secret - Holly Cupala
Tempest Rising (Jane True book 1) - Nicole Peeler
Tempest Rising (Tempest book 1) - Tracy Deebs
Texas Gothic - Rosemary Clement-Moore
The Adventures of the New Cut Gang - Philip Pullman
The Case of the Deadly Desperados (Western Mysteries book 1) - Caroline Lawrence
The Clan of the Cave Bear (Earth's Children book 1) - Jean M. Auel
The Colour of Magic (Discworld book 1) - Terry Pratchett
The Demon's Surrender (Demon's Lexicon book 3) - Sarah Rees Brennan
The Darkest Night (Lords of the Underworld book 1) - Gena Showalter
The Darkest Room - Johan Theorin (Guest Review from my Dad)
The Deeping Secrets (Paradise Barn book 2) - Victor Watson (Guest Review from Kirsty at The Overflowing Library)
The Gallows Curse (Crypt book 1) - Andrew Hammond
The Girl in the Steel Corset (Steampunk Chronicles book 1) - Kady Cross
The Guardian Angel's Journal - Carolyn Jess-Cooke
The Hitchhiker Part 1: On The Run - Kathleen Dienne (Novella)
The Iron Duke (Iron Seas book 1) - Meljean Brook
The Iron King (Iron Fey book 1) - Julie Kagawa
The Iron Witch (The Iron Witch book 1) - Karen Mahoney
The Kissing Game - Aidan Chambers
The Land of Painted Caves (Earth's Children book 6) - Jean M. Auel
The Mammoth Hunters (Earth's Children book 3) - Jean M. Auel
The Memory Cage - Ruth Eastham (Guest Review from Kirsty at The Overflowing Library)
The Mockingbirds (Mockingbirds book 1) - Daisy Whitney
The Name of the Star (Shades of London book 1) - Maureen Johnson
The Night Circus - Erin Morgenstern
The Other Countess (Lacey Chronicles book 1) - Eve Edwards
The Plains of Passage (Earth's Children book 4) - Jean M. Auel
The Poison Diaries (Poison Diaries book 1) - Maryrose Wood
The Thirteen Treasures (Thirteen Treasures book 1) - Michelle Harrison
The Scorpio Races - Maggie Stiefvater
The Search for WondLa (WondLa book 1) - Tony DiTerlizzi
The Shadowing: Hunted (Shadowing book 1) - Adam Slater (Guest Review from 12 year old Kain)
The Shelters of Stone (Earth's Children book 5) - Jean M. Auel
The Silent Girl - Tess Gerritsen (Guest Review from Andy at The Pewter Wolf)
The Soft Edge of Midnight (Keepers of Twilight book 1) - Stella & Audra Price
The Strange Case of Finley Jayne (Steampunk Chronicles book 0.5) - Kady Cross (Novella)
The Swan Kingdom - Zoe Marriott
The Truth About Celia Frost - Paula Rawsthorne
The Valley of Horses (Earth's Children book 2) - Jean M. Auel
The Viking's Touch - Joanna Fulford (Review only posted on Goodreads and not on my blog)
They Call Me Death - Missy Jane
This Side of the Grave (Night Huntress book 5) - Jeaniene Frost
Tiger's Curse (Tiger Saga book 1) - Colleen Houck
Tiger's Quest (Tiger Saga book 2) - Colleen Houck
Tiger's Voyage (Tiger Saga book 3) - Colleen Houck
Too Small to Fail - Morris Gleitzman
Touch of Frost (Mythos Academy book 1) - Jennifer Estep
Touched by an Alien (Katherine "Kitty" Katt book 1) - Gini Koch
Trapped - Michael Northrop
Twice Bitten (Chicagoland Vampires book 3) - Chloe Neill
Two Weddings (and One Near Funeral) (Southern Arcana book 3.5) - Moira Rogers (Short Story)

~U~
Undead - Kirsty McKay
Unearthly (Unearthly book 1) - Cynthia Hand
Unknown (Outcast Season book 2) - Rachel Caine
Unleashed (Wolf Springs Chronicles book 1) - Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguie
Unseen (Outcast Season book 3) - Rachel Caine

~V~
Vampire Academy Graphic Novel (VA GN book 1) - Richelle Mead (Graphic Novel)
Velvet - Mary Hooper
Viral (Virals book 1) - Kathy Reichs

~W~
Warm Bodies - Isaac Marion
We Can Be Heroes - Catherine Bruton
We Need To Talk About Kevin - Lionel Shriver (Guest Review from Poppy)
Wereworld: Rise of the Wolf - Curtis Jobling
When Beauty Tamed the Beast (Happily Ever After book 2) - Eloisa James
Wildefire (Wildefire book 1) - Karsten Knight
Winter Wishes - Anthology
Wintercraft (Wintercraft book 1) - Jenna Burtenshaw
Winter's Passage (Iron Fey book 1.5) - Julie Kagawa (Novella)
Wolf Tracks (Granite Lake Wolves book 4) - Vivian Arend (Novella)

~X~

~Y~

~Z~
Zola's Pride (Southern Arcana book 2.5) - Moira Rogers (Short Story)

2011 Totals:
Novels read = 207
Novellas read = 16
Short Stories read = 4
Graphic Novels read = 1
Picture Books read = 1
Guest Reviews posted = 15

Review: Tempest - Julie Cross

2012-01-10T18:00:00.073Z

The year is 2009. Nineteen-year-old Jackson Meyer is a normal guy… he’s in college, has a girlfriend… and he can travel back through time. But it’s not like the movies – nothing changes in the present after his jumps, there’s no space-time continuum issues or broken flux capacitors – it’s just harmless fun.

That is… until the day strangers burst in on Jackson and his girlfriend, Holly, and during a struggle with Jackson, Holly is fatally shot. In his panic, Jackson jumps back two years to 2007, but this is not like his previous time jumps. Now he’s stuck in 2007 and can’t get back to the future.

Desperate to somehow return to 2009 to save Holly but unable to return to his rightful year, Jackson settles into 2007 and learns what he can about his abilities.

But it’s not long before the people who shot Holly in 2009 come looking for Jackson in the past, and these “Enemies of Time” will stop at nothing to recruit this powerful young time-traveller. Recruit… or kill him.

Piecing together the clues about his father, the Enemies of Time, and himself, Jackson must decide how far he’s willing to go to save Holly… and possibly the entire world

Tempest Series:
Tomorrow is Today (free prequel short story can be read online here)
Tempest
Titles and release dates for further books in the series TBC

Visit Julie Cross' website for more information

Review:
19 year old Jackson has recently discovered he has the ability to jump through time. He has been experimenting with the help of his best friend Adam trying to learn his limits and so far he only seems to be able to go a couple of days back in time. Everything changes the day gunmen burst in on him and his girlfriend Holly and she gets shot. In his panic Jackson somehow manages to jump two years into the past and now he's there he can't seem to find a way back to the present. Will he be able to find a way back home and can he do anything in the past to save Holly in the future?

I found the beginning of the story fascinating as we watch Jackson and Adam experiment to try and find out the limitations of Jackson's abilities. The rules of time travel were really interesting, particularly how nothing he does in the past actually makes any changes in the present. That did confuse me for a while but a lot of things are explained by the end of the book. I also really liked having a male narrator, there don't seem to be that many novels written from the boy's point of view so that is something that always makes me want to pick up a book. I really liked Jackson and thought he was a great main character, I enjoyed watching him try to figure out what was going on and I particularly loved seeing him spend time with his sister Courtney. In fact I would have loved to have seen more of Courtney because she was one of my favourite characters, I hope she has a bigger role in the rest of the series.

I did find the story slowed down in the middle and I felt it spent way too much time focusing on the romance between Jackson and Holly. That wouldn't usually be a problem because I love romance in my stories but for some reason I just didn't connect with them as a couple. Holly was likable enough but there wasn't anything about her that made her stand out for me and I couldn't see why Jackson was so crazy about her. I really found the story dragged for a while and I was getting to the point where I wasn't sure if I would finish reading it but I'm glad I stuck with it because the action towards the end of the book had me hooked back in. The pace really picked up and I couldn't put it down, there were so many twists and I needed to know what would happen next.

Tempest is an impressive debut from Julie Cross and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series - I'm just disappointed we have to wait a year for the next installment!

Source: Received from Macmillan in exchange for an honest review

Other Reviews:
Review Diaries
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Julie Cross Blog Tour - Tempest Photo Challenge: TIME

2012-01-10T09:00:00.044Z

To celebrate the release of Julie Cross' debut novel Tempest, a story that is all about a character who has the ability to travel through time, Macmillan are holding a photo challenge with the theme of time. See details from Macmillan below:

Tempest photo challenge: TIME

With Julie Cross’ epic new novel Tempest coming out soon we wanted to get you in the time-travelling frame of mind – so we’re asking you to send us your pictures inspired by the theme of TIME.

You can add your photos on the wall at www.facebook.com/tempestseries or get creative with Instagram on your iPhone/ iPad and upload your photos to Twitter (tweet @MyKindaBook) with the hash tag #thistimelastyear

It could be a photo that reminds you of the past, or makes you think about the future. It could be an old photo of you or your friends and family, or a place that you love. . . It could be a photo of something that reminds you how much time has passed, or how much things have not changed with time. It is completely up to you! (Just remember to get permission from whoever’s in the pic)

In January we'll be awarding bundles of books to those with the most creative flair.

You can see some example pictures at the My Kinda Book blog here

Photography is all about capturing that perfect moment in time, be it a holiday snap or a special family event or even just a completely random picture, photos are all snapshots of a moment that can never be repeated. I think that's probably one of the reasons I love my camera so much - a picture really is worth a thousand words and looking at old photos is a great way of bringing back special memories that were buried deep at the back of your mind.

I'm excited to share a couple of pictures around the theme of time here today. This first one was taken by Julie Cross:

Julie's Photo Caption: This photo is one I took in New York last summer from the Flat Iron building. Time moved slow where I was standing and much faster down below. New York is like that.

and this second picture is one of mine:

I love sunsets, there is something magical about them but what I love most is knowing that in millions of years the sky never has and never will look exactly the same as it does at that particular moment.

So what kind of photo would you pick to represent time? Make sure you post them to the Tempest facebook wall or tweet the pictures to join the contest. I'd love to see your pictures so leave me a link in the comments if you can. I don't think there is any limit to the number of entries you can make so feel free to share more than one picture!

I wanted to include a bit of information about Tempest for you so here is the cover and blurb. I really enjoyed the story and will be posting my review later today so make sure you check back later to read it.

Review: Lords of Passion - Anthology

2012-01-09T18:00:00.018Z

This dazzling new historical collection delivers a trio of heroes who are bold, dashing, and unforgettable in every way...

"Beauty and the Brute" by Virginia Henley

It's been three years since Lady Sarah Caversham set eyes on arrogant Charles Lennox-the husband her father chose for her to settle a gambling debt. Now Charles has returned, unaware that the innocent ingénue he wed is determined to turn their marriage of convenience into a blissfully passionate affair...

"How to Seduce a Wife" by Kate Pearce

Louisa March's new husband, Nicholas, is a perfect gentleman in bed-much to her disappointment. She longs for the kind of fevered passion found in her beloved romance novels. But when she dares him to seduce her properly, she discovers that Nicholas is more than ready to meet her challenge, over and over again...

"Not Quite a Courtesan" by Maggie Robinson

Sensible bluestocking Prudence Thorn has been too busy keeping her cousin Sophy out of trouble to experience any adventures of her own. But when Sophy begs Prudence's help in saving her marriage, Pru encounters handsome, worldly Darius Shaw. And under Darius's skilled tutelage, Pru learns just how delightful a little scandal can be...

The stories included in the anthology are:
Beauty and the Brute - Virginia Henley
How to Seduce a Wife - Kate Pearce
Not Quite a Courtesan - Maggie Robinson
(For more information about any of these authors click on their names in the above list to go to their websites)

Beauty and the Brute - Virginia Henley

I know that in 1719 it probably wasn't unusual for 13 year old girls to be married off to 18 year old boys by their parents but I'm not a big fan of reading about such young heroines in adult romance novels. Our main characters see each other for the first time at their wedding and don't exactly hit it off, Charles is horrified to be marrying such a plain young girl and Sarah is upset by his mean attitude and the nasty comments he makes to her. Immediately after the wedding Sarah is sent off to a finishing school while her husband Charles goes off on a grand tour of the continent so thankfully the marriage doesn't have to be consummated straight away. By the time Charles returns from his travels 3 years later Sarah has completely transformed into a beautiful young woman who is popular amongst the ton. Charles has changed his ways and it is love at first sight when he sees his wife but Sarah hasn't forgotten the way he treated her and she is determined to get her revenge.

I actually enjoyed the majority of the story when I put aside my doubts about the age of the characters but this was my least favourite story in the anthology. I was pleased that Charles came back like a completely different person though because I didn't like him at all when we first met him. Things were fairly predictable but it was an entertaining read until you came to the part about Sarah seeking her revenge. I guess I should forgive her because in reality she was still only 16 at the time but I thought she was very childish and it irritated me, especially when she acted so much older most of the time.

How to Seduce a Wife - Kate Pearce

In How to Seduce a Wife Louisa and Nicholas have been married for nearly a year but things haven't been quite what Louisa expected in the bedroom department. Nicholas was a notorious rake and his passion filled kisses before their wedding gave her high expectations for a satisfying love life. However, Nicholas is determined to change his rakish ways and be a respectable husband, he doesn't think a real lady would be interested in a normal sexual relationship and he makes appointments to visit her once a week for a rather boring and very unsatisfying encounter. When he arrives one night to find Louisa more interested in reading her naughty novel than receiving him in her bed he decides it is time to spice things up a bit.

I have to say I didn't think it was very realistic that a rake with as much experience as Nicholas had wouldn't even attempt to arouse his wife before climbing on board and doing his thing. I mean come on he knows it is painful for her and he is the one with the skills to make it a pleasurable experience for her so why has he spent a year letting her suffer? Stupid, stupid man! Anyway, once he actually decides she won't be horrified if he shows her a good time things get a lot better and I really enjoyed the story from there onwards. It was just the beginning of the story that put me off a bit.

Not Quite a Courtesan - Maggie Robinson

Courtesan Court Series:

Not Quite A Courtesan (novella in the Lords of Passion anthology)
Mistress by Mistake
Mistress by Midnight
Mistress by Marriage
Master of Sin (April 2012)

Widow Pru doesn't have the best track record with men. Her husband was a fortune hunter who died within weeks of their wedding after being caught in bed with his mistress so when her young cousin Sophy elopes and marries a fortune hunter of her own Pru expects the worst. When Sophy begs Pru to help her save her marriage to Cyrus she unwittingly captures the attention of his brother Darius. A treasure hunter who has recently returned to London with an array of valuable but naughty treasures to sell Darius can't resist the urge to teach buttoned up spinster Pru the art of pleasure.

Not Quite a Courtesan was my favourite story in the anthology and is set in the same time frame as Maggie Robinson's Courtesan Court series. There is no cross over with characters from the series so it can be read completely separately to the other books but it is set on Jane Street where the other courtesans live and is a good way of testing out the series if you haven't started it yet (it is a series I can highly recommend if you like erotic historical romance stories). This was the funniest story in the anthology by far, I loved the banter between Pru and Darius and the treasures he had were hilarious - particularly the ring that he gives Pru at the beginning of the story. Their relationship was sexy and fun and I would love to see more of this couple in the future.

Source: Thanks to Maggie Robinson for sending me this book

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Quick Reviews: Glitches - Marissa Meyer & Tomorrow is Today - Julie Cross

2012-01-09T09:00:00.044Z

Today I have a couple of quick reviews for you, both of these are short story prequels to 2012 debut novels and can be read online for free on the publisher's websites. I have included links so you can read them yourself.

Glitches by Marissa Meyer:

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. In “Glitches,” a short prequel story to Cinder, we see the results of that illness play out, and the emotional toll that takes on Cinder. Something that may, or may not, be a glitch....

Lunar Chronicles Series:
Glitches (free prequel short story can be read online here)
Cinder
Scarlet (2013)
Cress (2014)
Winter (2015)

Visit Marissa Meyer's blog for more information

Quick Review:
Glitches is a great prequel to Marissa Meyer's debut novel Cinder. This is set 5 years before the beginning of the book and tells the story of Cinder's adoption by Garan and Adri. I actually read this story after I'd read Cinder but I think it would be a good way to get a feel for the authors writing style if you're not sure whether you want to try the series or not. I loved Cinder though so would definitely recommend giving it a try! You can read Glitches online for free here: http://www.tor.com/stories/2011/12/glitches

Tomorrow is Today by Julie Cross:

The year is 2009. Nineteen-year-old Jackson Meyer is a normal guy… he’s in college, throws lots of parties, is interested in a girl he can’t have, and oh yeah, he can travel back through time.But it’s not like the movies – nothing changes in the present after his jumps, there’s no space-time continuum issues or broken flux capacitors – it’s just harmless fun.

Tempest Series:
Tomorrow is Today (free prequel short story can be read online here)
Tempest
Titles and release dates for further books in the series TBC

Visit Julie Cross' website for more information

Quick Review:
Tomorrow is Today is a free prequel short story to Julie Cross' debut novel Tempest. I have to admit I found it a little confusing because I haven't read Tempest yet so I didn't know who the characters were. I would also have liked more information on how Jackson was able to travel through time but I'm sure I'll get that when I start the main book. I did like what I saw of Jackson though, especially his friendship with Adam (I'm not so keen on the fact that he seems to be chasing a girl who is in a steady relationship but I'll see how that plays out before I make a judgement against them both). This story did get me really excited about starting Tempest, I'm looking forward to reading a story about time travel since that isn't something I've seen much of. It'll be nice to read something completely different! You can read Tomorrow is Today online for free here: http://www.mykindabook.com/blogs/2011/12/EXCLUSIVE-short-story-by-Julie-Cross

Publisher Spotlight: Macmillan - January - June 2012

2012-01-08T18:00:00.231Z

Macmillan have some fabulous YA books coming out in 2012 that I'm really excited about! This year really does look like it's going to be an amazing one. Check out the Macmillan website for more information.

January:

Tempest by Julie Cross

Rich-kid Jackson Meyer has a secret: he can travel through time. But when a shocking event leaves him trapped in his own past, Jackson discovers that his comfortable life has a dark secret. Now he must find a way save the girl he loves, before they have even met.

I have already read Tempest and really enjoyed it (my review will be posted on Tuesday) so this is one I can definitely recommend. This is Julie's first novel so counts towards the debut author challenge if you're taking part. Visit Julie Cross' blog for more information.

February:

After the Snow by S.D. Crockett

Separated from his family, ‘straggler’ kid Willo is lost and alone in the barren landscape of the new ice age. Now, with only the dog-spirit inside his head to guide him, Willo must embark on an icy journey of survival, adventure and friendship.

After the Snow is another debut novel, this time from British author Sophie Crockett. I love dystopian stories so I'm really looking forward to this one. Visit S.D. Crockett's page on Goodreads for more information.

Mice by Gordon Reece

Shelley and her mother are ‘mice:’ timid, nervous and obliging. The fragile peace of their remote countryside existence is shattered when someone breaks into their cottage. In the shocking event that follows, Shelley begins to wonder if she and her mother are mice after all. And if not mice, then what are they?

Mice is a psychological thriller so not a genre that I usually read but I'm really curious about the idea of a mother and daughter who are pushed so far that they are finally forced to stand up for themselves. I wonder how far they will actually go to protect each other. Visit Gordon Reece's website for more information.

Demon Trappers: Forgiven by Jana Oliver

Wanted by both the forces of Heaven and Hell,17-year-old demon trapper Riley Blackthorne is on the run. Armageddon might be closer than anyone thinks, but with an angelic bargain on one side and a deal with the devil on the other, it’s all Riley can do to stay alive, let alone save the world…

I loved the first book in the Demon Trappers series: Forsaken (read my review here) and I have the second book Forbidden sitting on my to read pile so I really must catch up before Forgiven comes out. This is definitely a series I would recommend if you haven't tried it yet it has interesting mythology, scary demons, a kick ass heroine and a hot love interest - what more could you ask for? Visit Jana Oliver's website for more information.

Jane Austen Stole My Boyfriend by Cora Harrison

A little mystery is so becoming in a hero, don't you think?

Jane wants to meet a hero worthy of her extraordinary imagination: a gentleman who is dashing and daring and handsome and brave; who can dance like a viscount and duel like a king. Jane and Jenny are whiling away the season in Bath and there are plenty of dances, rumours and scandals to entertain them. But a good reputation, once lost, is gone forever; and Jane is in danger of becoming the talk of the town for all the wrong reasons

Jane Austen Stole My Boyfriend sounds like a really cute historical romance. It's actually the sequel to I Was Jane Austen's Best Friend which I hadn't heard of before but I think I'll have to check out this series. Visit Cora Harrison's website for more information.

March:

The Prince Who Walked With Lions by Elizabeth Laird

Orphaned by war, Prince Alamayu of Abyssinia is brought to England by the British Army, befriended by Queen Victoria and enrolled in Rugby School.

This is his fascinating, poignant, meticulously researched story told by one of the UK’s most endearing novelists.

I'm really curious about The Prince Who Walked With Lions, I love historical fiction and it looks like this is based on a true story so I'm looking forward to finding out more. Visit Elizabeth Laird's website for more information.

April:

All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin

Anya is a member of a notorious New York crime family, so when her violent ex-boyfriend is poisoned, suspicion naturally falls on her. Only the District Attorney believes she is innocent, but her freedom has a price: stay away from his son Win. Anya is finding Win hard to resist, but by getting involved with him she risks the wrath of the law on one side, and the mafia on the other…

A crime thriller set in a dystopian world All These Things I've Done is a book I'm really excited about! Luckily I already have a copy of this one but I'm trying to hold off until nearer the release date before I read it. Visit Gabrielle Zevin's website for more information.

Jasmine Skies by Sita Brahmachari

The second breathtaking novel from the winner of the Waterstone's Children's Book Prize.

Fourteen year-old Mira Levenson travels to India to meet her family and is quickly swept into a sweltering, chaotic world – full of new sights, smells and deeply buried secrets. Nothing is as she imagined it. Mira faithfully writes to her boyfriend, Jidé, but there’s one person she doesn’t mention. From the moment Mira meets Janu she feels a potent connection and he becomes her guide through the vibrant and often dangerous streets of Kolkata. As her time in India draws to an end, Mira is determined to uncover the truth about her family and she must also make a decision that will break someone's heart . . .

I've heard really good things about Sita Brahmachari's debut novel Artichoke Hearts, in fact I bought a copy months ago but just haven't had time to read it yet. Her next novel Jasmine Skies is the sequel so it looks like I really need to bump Artichoke Hearts up the to read pile so I can read this one too. I just have to mention how much I love the Jasmine Skies cover it's so pretty & orange is my favourite colour! Visit Sita Brahmachari's website for more information.

May:

Abandon by Meg Cabot

Pierce Oliviera knows what it’s like to die: in fact she already has, if only for a moment. In the space between Heaven and Hell she met John Hayden – mysterious, attractive, dangerous – who ushers souls from one world to the next. But when Pierce returns to the land of the living, she finds that John has followed her back…

Underworld by Meg Cabot (no cover image currently available)

To escape the clutches of the vengeful Furies, Pierce Oliveria has gone to live with John Hayden in the dark Underworld between Heaven and Hell. But when she discovers that her family is in danger, she knows she must get out. Pierce has escaped from John once before. This time, she may not be so lucky…

Abandon was published last year and is the first book in Meg Cabot's Abandon trilogy. This is another book that I've heard great things about and that I really need to read soon. The second book in the trilogy Underworld will be published in the UK in May so it's definitely one to look out for if you loved Abandon. Visit Meg Cabot's website for more information.

Young Sherlock: Fire Storm by Andrew Lane

Think you know him? Think again. Fourteen-year-old Sherlock has come up against some challenges in his time, but what confronts him now is completely baffling. His tutor, Crowe, and Crowe's daughter, Ginny, have vanished. Their house looks as if nobody has ever lived there. Neighbours claim never to have heard of them.

Sherlock begins to doubt his sanity, until a chance clue points him to Scotland . Following that clue leads him into the throes of a mystery that involves kidnapping, bodysnatchers and a man who claims he can raise the dead. Before he knows it, Sherlock is fighting for his life as he battles to discover what has happened to his his friends.

Fire Storm is the fourth book in the Young Sherlock series by Andrew Lane. I have to admit I've not read any of the books in this series but I'm curious about the idea of a younger Sherlock so I might have to pick up a copy of the first book (Death Cloud). Visit the Young Sherlock website for more information.

What's Up With Jody Barton? by Hayley Long

Jody and Jolene may be the world’s least identical twins, but they’ve both fallen for the same hot guy. And if that wasn’t complicated enough… there’s something nobody knows about Jody Barton. Something big.

I've heard a lot of great things about Hayley Long's Lottie Biggs series but I don't tend to read a lot of contemporary stories so I've not read them myself. I'm sure her next novel What's Up With Jody Barton? will be popular with contemp fans though. Visit Hayley Long's website for more information.

Soul Seekers: Fated by Alyson Noel

Strange things have been happening to Daire Santos. Animals follow her, crows mock her, glowing people appear from nowhere. Worried that Daire's having a breakdown, her mother sends her to stay with the grandmother she's never met, who lives on the dusty plains of Enchantment, New Mexico.There Daire crosses paths with Dace, a gorgeous guy with unearthly blue eyes.

Her grandmother recognizes Daire's episodes for what they are - a call to her true destiny as a Soul Seeker, a person who can navigate between the living and the dead. Guided by her grandmother, Daire must be quick to learn how to harness her powers, because Dace's brother is an evil shape-shifter, out to steal them.

Daire must embrace her fate as a Soul Seeker and discover whether Dace is the guy she's meant to be with . . . or if he's allied with the enemy she's destined to destroy.

I can't tell you how excited I am about Fated, the first book in Alyson Noel's new Soul Seekers series. I have been waiting for this one ever since Alyson told us about it at a Macmillan event last year and think it's going to be a fantastic read. This is definitely at the top of my wish list! Visit Alyson Noel's website for more information.

So what do you think of the books Macmillan are publishing in the next few months? Which ones are you most looking forward to? Have you added any new ones to your wish list?

Review: Supernaturally - Kiersten White

2012-01-08T09:00:00.082Z

It's been six months since Evie fled the International Paranormal Containment Agency with her shapeshifter boyfriend, Lend, and she finally has the normal life she's always dreamed of.

But when her faerie ex-boyfriend shows up hinting of a battle brewing between faerie courts over Evie herself, she realises that she hasn't left her not-so-normal past far enough behind . . .

Paranormalcy Series:
Paranormalcy
Supernaturally
Endlessly (2012)

Check out Kiersten White's website for more information

Review:
It's been six months since Evie left the IPCA (International Paranormal Containment Agency) to live a normal life. She had always dreamt of going to school and doing all those other things that 16 year old girls do but she is finding it a lot less interesting than she thought it would be. In fact, she's kind of missing the life she had with the IPCA so when Raquel asks her to work with them again Evie jumps at the chance. Can she find a balance between the normal and the paranormal or will she be sucked completely back into the world of the IPCA?

I loved Paranormalcy so have been looking forward to Supernaturally for a year now and couldn't wait to start reading it. Unfortunately I don't think it quite lived up to my expectations and a lot of the things I loved about the first book seemed to be missing in this installment. In a lot of ways Evie was like a completely different character to the one I remembered. Instead of being the witty and confident young girl who was never far from her beloved Tasey and was prepared to use it this Evie comes across as selfish, weak and self centred. Her whole life seems to revolve around Lend and when she isn't complaining that she isn't good enough for him or that he doesn't spend enough time with her she is organising her whole life around fitting in with his plans. She won't even consider applying to any colleges apart from the one that Lend already goes to. It isn't even like Lend is asking her to do this, he seems to bend over backwards to show her how much he cares while all she does is lie to him and go behind his back.

That was another thing that really irritated me - Evie is constantly lying to everyone she knows and most of the time she doesn't even have a reason for it. OK occasionally I could see her logic (even if I didn't agree with it) but when Lend finds out she is working for the IPCA again why does she have to keep lying to Ari about it? There was also no excuse for not telling Lend what she knows about him.

I do still like Evie's sarcasm but I wanted to see more of the fun banter that was so prevalent in the first installment. I also would have loved to see her pull out tasey and whip some butt like we all know she is capable of doing. I enjoyed getting to see more of the faerie realms and am curious to see more of Reth and the results of Evie's actions when she was in faerie so I will be picking up the next book in the series. I loved getting to see more of Ari and finding out about her past but I have to admit I wasn't a fan of new character Jack though. I think because I loved Paranormalcy so much I went into Supernaturally with my expectations too high. Although I didn't love the story I did like it so I would still recommend it to fans of the series, I just hope that Endlessly is even better.

Source: Received from Harper Collins in exchange for an honest review

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Review: Cipher - Moira Rogers

2012-01-07T18:00:00.072Z

Fourteen months ago, Kat Gabriel's life changed forever when she used her empathy as a weapon. Now she can't escape the weight of those deaths--or the loss of the easy friendship she and Andrew once shared. Obsessed with her mother's violent past, Kat is determined to learn the truth of her inner-darkness by understanding her legacy.

Since the attack that turned him into a wolf, Andrew Callaghan has done everything possible to make himself stronger. More capable of protecting Kat--both from the supernatural world that forced her to kill, and from their own volatile connection. Pushing her away hurt them both, but he's finally made himself into the protector she needs.

As Kat's quest leads her into the darkest underbelly of the psychic world, Andrew is determined to be at her side. But every step forward reopens old emotional wounds and shakes their control. For a dangerous alpha and a deadly psychic, distraction could be fatal--especially when the greatest threat they pose is to each other.

Southern Arcana Series:
Crux
Crossroads
A Peyton Family Christmas (free short story on Moira Rogers' website)
Zola's Pride (free short story on Moira Rogers' website)
Deadlock
Two Weddings (and One Near Funeral) (free short story on Moira Rogers' website)
Cipher
Impulse (September 2012)
Enigma (May 2013)

Visit Moira Rogers' website for more information

Review:
Fourteen months ago Kat and Andrew were on the verge of taking the first step towards starting a relationship but that all changed one night after a horrific attack. The attack saw Andrew turned into a werewolf and Kat devastated by the consequences of using her psychic abilities to kill their attackers. Since that moment Andrew has pushed Kat away, terrified of hurting her because he doesn't have full control over his wolf. Kat was heartbroken by Andrew's rejection and blames herself for the fact he was tuned. Can they work through their guilt and anger to find a way to be together?

I absolutely love the Southern Arcana series and it feels like I've been waiting forever to read Kat and Andrew's story. We have seen this couple throughout the series right from the attack to the way they have skirted around each other ever since so I was really excited that they were finally getting their chance at a happy ending. There has been a lot of guilt and rejection between them so I knew they wouldn't have an easy journey but we've know all along how much they both care for each other. Andrew may have been the one to push Kat away but he did it because he cares so much and his actions hurt him just as much as they hurt her.

Andrew may not have been born a shapeshifter but his instincts are all alpha and he is very protective of those he cares about. I really appreciated the fact that he tried not to be a bossy, controlling alpha because he knows Kat has had enough enough of that last her a lifetime. It wasn't always easy for him to go against his instincts but just the fact that he was willing to try showed how much he cares for her. Kat was also changed after the attack, she still has nightmares over killing their attackers and she feels that it was her fault that Andrew was changed into a wolf. She is still that geeky girl we first met but she has also grown stronger and more sure of herself since that night. I loved the chemistry between the two of them and Kat's empathic abilities certainly added an interesting dimension to their foreplay - their story is smoking!

I have to admit I wasn't expecting the direction this story took, I thought there would be more about the werewolf politics (especially after the ending of Deadlock!) so was surprised to find it was more about Kat's investigation into the psychic cult her mother was a member of. However, I really enjoyed the change in direction and it worked well as a backdrop for the development of Kat and Andrew's relationship. We did still find out a little more about what is going on in the werewolf hierarchy and I'm sure we'll see even more in the next installment.

Cipher was a great installment to the series and I'm really looking forward to reading Impulse when it comes out later this year. Although this story could be read as a stand alone I would highly recommend reading the series in order. This really is a great series and one I have been really enjoying!

Source: Won in a Twitter giveaway hosted by the author

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here

Quick Review: Two Weddings (and One Near Funeral) - Moira Rogers

2012-01-07T09:00:00.046Z

A free Southern Arcana story set between Deadlock and Cipher.

In this short story set between books three & four of the Southern Arcana series, you get two weddings for the price of one. Find out how Mackenzie and Jackson ended up enjoying a honeymoon in Vegas--and how bad Alec and Carmen's wedding had to be to drive them there.

This story is provided as a free read for fans of the series, and may contain spoilers for books 1-3 of the Southern Arcana series, and confusion for anyone not familiar with the characters involved. Read with caution!

This story can be downloaded for free on Moira Rogers' website click here for more details

Southern Arcana Series:
Crux
Crossroads
A Peyton Family Christmas (free short story on Moira Rogers' website)
Zola's Pride (free short story on Moira Rogers' website)
Deadlock
Two Weddings (and One Near Funeral) (free short story on Moira Rogers' website)
Cipher
Impulse (September 2012)
Enigma (May 2013)

Visit Moira Rogers' website for more information

Review:
Two Weddings (and One Near Funeral) is a free short story that is set between the 3rd and 4th books in the Southern Arcana series (Deadlock & Cipher). The story does contain spoilers for previous books in the series so I would recommend reading as far as Deadlock before picking it up.

We get to see the madness that are the preparations for Carmen and Alec's wedding and just how much the idea of a big society wedding scares the life out of Mackenzie. I love getting to revisit couples after their books so we can see how they are doing now they've got their happy ending and this was no exception. Two Weddings (and One Near Funeral) is a cute, fun read that is perfect for when you only have a few minutes spare and it made me immediately want to get started on Cipher.

The Southern Arcana series is one of my favourites and I really think that the little extras Moira Rogers offer their fans just add to the reading experience. If you're a fan of the series you'll definitely enjoy this quick read and if you haven't started it yet I'd highly recommend picking up a copy of Crux.

Source: Downloaded for free from Moira Rogers' website

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here

Review: Cinder - Marissa Meyer

2012-01-06T18:00:00.099Z

A forbidden romance. A deadly plague. Earth's fate hinges on one girl . . .

Cinder, a gifted mechanic in New Beijing, is also a cyborg. She's reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister's sudden illness. But when her life becomes entwined with the handsome Prince Kai's, she finds herself at the centre of a violent struggle between the desires of an evil queen - and a dangerous temptation.

Cinder is caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal. Now she must uncover secrets about her mysterious past in order to protect Earth's future.

Lunar Chronicles Series:
Glitches (free prequel short story can be read online here)
Cinder
Scarlet (2013)
Cress (2014)
Winter (2015)

Visit Marissa Meyer's blog for more information

Review:
Cinder is an orphan who was adopted by Garan when he was travelling in Europe and he brought her home to live with his family in New Beijing. Her stepmother Adri never wanted a new addition to the family and since Garan's death shortly after he returned with Cinder she has made her stepdaughter's life a misery. Cinder is a gifted mechanic - thanks to her cyborg abilities - and she is forced to work at the market to earn the money that the family need to survive.

I love fairytale retellings so as soon as I heard that Cinder gives Cinderella a futuristic sci-fi twist I knew I wanted to read it. I was caught up in the story from the moment I picked it up, Marissa Meyer has created a detailed and interesting world and one that I would have been happy to spend much more time exploring (yay for the fact there are going to be 3 more books in the series, although it's going to be a long wait to get my hands on them!). Set sometime after the fourth world war Cinder lives in a world of cyborgs, androids and hover cars. There is a worldwide deadly plague that is causing terror amongst the population, one with no survivors and that the scientists seem no closer to curing. I did find myself thrown out of the story a couple of times by the use of unfamiliar terminology but that was something I got used to and it didn't stop my enjoyment of the book.

What I loved most was Cinder's character, she is much stronger and less of a push over than poor Cinderella ever was. She may be treated terribly by her stepmother and her stepsister Pearl but she has a plan and she is determined to escape from their clutches. She is prepared to work hard, she doesn't sit around feeling sorry for herself and although she is a social outcast she still has confidence in her own abilities. I loved her relationship with her younger stepsister Peony who also happens to be her only human friend. Peony was the only member of Cinder's family that I didn't find myself wanting to slap or push off the top of a very tall building. She was a sweetheart and it was so nice that she didn't conform to everyone elses prejudices against cyborgs. I also loved Iko, their friendly household android with a faulty personality chip. Cinder, Peony and Iko together never failed to make me laugh with their crazy conversations. I liked Kai and I enjoyed the slowly developing romance with him and Cinder. I loved how flirtatious they were with each other and I really enjoyed the few chapters that we had from Kai's perspective. It would have been nice to have seen more from his point of view though because we didn't get to know him as well as I wanted to.

I haven't even mentioned the evil Queen Levana who is the ruler of the Lunars (the population on the moon). She was a ghastly character with some scary abilities and she has her sights set on taking over earth too! The plot is complex, there really are a lot of different things going on and I felt the pacing was great. I was never bored while reading, I enjoyed the world building (even though I am left with questions) and although I'd guessed one of the main twists there were still plenty of things that surprised me. I was a bit disappointed that we are left with such a huge cliffhanger ending though. I don't mind a bit of a tease for the next book but considering we have a year to wait for the next installment I really would have liked a few more things to have been resolved. Cinder is a strong debut and one that I would highly recommend to anyone who likes fairytale retellings and futuristic science fiction. I will be first in the queue to get a copy of the second book Scarlet (which is a retelling of Little Red Riding Hood) when it comes out next year!

Source: Received from Puffin in exchange for an honest review

Other reviews of this book:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Guest post from Marissa Meyer + UK Giveaway of Cinder

2012-01-06T09:00:00.073Z

Marissa Meyer's debut novel Cinder was released in the UK yesterday and I'm delighted to welcome her to the blog today to talk about Cinder and the future books in the Lunar Chronicles. I have to say I loved Cinder (although there is a killer cliffhanger!) so I'm really excited to find out more about the rest of the series. I'll be posting my review of Cinder later today but if you like fairytale retellings and if you enjoy futuristic dystopian books then trust me you should order your copy now!

******************************

Marissa Meyer

Looking Ahead in The Lunar Chronicles

My debut novel, Cinder, is a futuristic retelling of “Cinderella,” and ever since the advance reading copies starting going out into the world, I’ve received a deluge of questions along the lines of:

1) How could you end it like that, you horrible person, you?!

and

2) Will Cinder be in the rest of the books?

As for number one… well, I’m sorry about that, but I really do hope the ending will make sense when Book 2: Scarlet comes out. I’m going to make it up to you, I swear.

And for number two, let me put everyone’s minds at rest right now. Yes, of course Cinder is going to be in the rest of the books! She has many, many adventures still ahead of her.

I understand the confusion, though. Each book in my series is based on a different fairy tale: Little Red Riding Hood (Scarlet), Rapunzel (Cress), and Snow White (Winter). When I’d first started brainstorming the series, my plan actually been to keep them separate—to give each heroine an enclosed, independent story only loosely connected to the others. But as I was brainstorming and plotting and outlining, the books started to develop a mind of their own. Characters began to show up in the wrong books. The villain turned out to be cruel enough to reign terror over each girl’s storyline. And their paths gradually intersected, their stories slowly overlapping, until my four fairy-tale heroines (and applicable love interests) were joining forces in preparation for one heroic finale.

So that’s what readers have to look forward to in the four books that make up The Lunar Chronicles. We’ll continue Cinder’s story as she seeks to unravel the secrets of her past, all the while defying the evil queen who wants to kill her. And we’ll also meet three new, awesome heroines, each with their own problems to sort out and happily ever afters to claim.

Even now, more than three years after this story started to unfold in my brain, I still get that writer’s itch when I think about it, that yearning to share this story with the world. I have big plans. I hope—oh, do I hope—that it’s going to be epic.

And I hope you’ll all enjoy the ride, despite that blasted cliffhanger ending.

Marissa Meyer is the author of Cinder: Book One of the Lunar Chronicles. Follow her on Twitter (@marissa_meyer) or become a fan at facebook.com/lunarchronicles and facebook.com/marissameyerauthor.

******************************

Thanks so much for a fabulous guest post Marissa, I'm so excited about the rest of the Lunar Chronicles series but it's going to seem like a very long wait until I can get my hands on the next installment!

Giveaway Details:

Now how would you like the chance to win a copy of Cinder?

Courtesy of Puffin I have a paperback of Cinder to giveaway to 1 lucky UK winner.
The winner's prize will be sent out directly by my contact at Puffin so the winner must give me permission to pass their address on.
The winner will be chosen at random from all entries received.
To enter please use the rafflecopter below to confirm that you are a UK resident, there are optional extra entries for following or tweeting about the giveaway but these are not required to enter.
The giveaway will close at 12:01am EST on the 22nd of January 2012 and the winner will be contacted soon afterwards. You will have 48 hours to reply to me with your address or a new winner will be chosen.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Fated - Sarah Alderson

2012-01-05T18:00:00.101Z

If you can't choose who you love, how do you know who to trust?

Lucas Gray is half Shadow Warrior, half human, and a member of the Brotherhood - a group of assassins tasked with killing the last purebred Hunter on Earth before she can fulfil a dangerous prophecy. That Hunter's name is Evie Tremain.

Evie is seventeen-years-old, a waitress, and has just discovered she is the last in a long line of demon slayers - and an unwilling participant in a war between Hunters and Unhumans that has raged for the last thousand years.

When your fate is already determined, can you fight it?

Visit Sarah Alderson's website for more information

Review:
Evie is just a normal waitress, desperately saving money so she can leave her small town behind and move to New York. That is until she comes under attack from a group of demons (or Unhumans as they prefer to be known). Now she is thrown into the supernatural world, discovering she is the last born Hunter (or demon slayer) and it is her job to protect humanity. Lucas is half human and half Shadow Warrior and he works as an assassin for the Brotherhood (the Unhuman assassins who are set on destroying the Hunters). His latest job is to kill Evie but can he actually go through with it?

Sarah Alderson's debut Hunting Lila was one of my favourite books of the 2011 so although I'm desperate to get my hands on the sequel Losing Lila I was just as excited to read her stand alone novel Fated. I'm going to say it right now - I wasn't disappointed! In fact I think I liked Fated even more which really is saying something! As with Hunting Lila the action in Fated starts on the first page and is pretty much non-stop until the end making it a gripping read.

I loved the world building, Sarah has created a great selection of different types of Unhumans (or demons) that I enjoyed learning about. I'm also curious to learn more about the Hunters and their history. What I liked most is that you get to see things from both Evie and Lucas' points of view so you get to know the characters on each side of the war. It soon becomes clear that neither side is purely good or evil, there is definitely a mixture of good and bad on both human and unhuman sides so it's hard to know which team you should be routing for. You get the feeling that the two sides have spent so many years at war that neither of them really knows why they started fighting in the first place.

Evie is a great main character, she is thrust into the whole supernatural world with a sharp shock when she is attacked and although she takes time to adjust to this new world she doesn't just sit around complaining. She also doesn't just blindly trust what other people tell her, she is determined to do some investigating of her own and make sure she finds out the real truth. If you loved Alex from Hunting Lila you'll love Lucas just as much but in a different way. Lucas is just as protective as Alex was but has more of a bad boy vibe going for him (don't you just love a bad boy?!), the only thing that was missing was a motorbike lol. I loved the way things build up slowly between Evie and Lucas, there is instant lust but not instant love so their connection is much more believable. The tension between the two of them is very well written and although you're made to wait a long time for the kissing scene it is well worth the wait! Yes, I do have a new book crush in Lucas!

Although the story doesn't end on a major cliffhanger there is definitely room for this to be the first installment of a series. When I asked the author she confirmed that she has actually already written a further two stories about these characters but they haven't been contracted yet. I for one am praying that they get picked up by a publisher because I desperately want to know what happens next with Lucas and Evie! My only complaint with Fated is that I wanted more, Sarah Alderson could have doubled the page count and I'd have been happy. If you're looking for a fast paced, action packed paranormal story with a fantastic romance then you need this book. Now I can't wait to get my hands on the author's next book, Losing Lila, it's definitely at the top of my wish list.

Source: Received from Simon & Schuster in exchange for an honest review

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Extract: Fated - Sarah Alderson

2012-01-05T09:00:00.034Z

Today is the release day for Fated by Sarah Alderson and to celebrate Simon & Schuster are letting me share this extract with you. I read Fated in December (my review will be posted later today) and absolutely loved it so if you haven't already got your copy I suggest you go out and grab one as soon as possible. Just in case you need a bit more persuading here is the cover, blurb & an extract:

Extract from Chapter 2 of Fated by Sarah Alderson:

The back lot was empty except for the giant metal dumpster just to her right and her dusty old Ford parked a few metres to her left. There was a single light blazing above her head, illuminating the door and the concrete step she was standing on. She headed straight towards the dumpster with the bags in one hand and a tin of coffee grounds in the other – and that’s when she saw him, on the periphery of the shadow line, his coat splayed out behind him.

The hairs on the back of her neck bristled. She drew in a breath and did a quick calculation of the distance between her, the boy and the door.

But before she could figure out where to run to, the boy in the sunglasses stepped forward into the zone of light. She saw that he was a little bit older than her, maybe twenty or twenty-one. He was wearing black jeans and leather biker boots, and a black wrinkled T-shirt with some kind of slogan on it. A part of her brain registered that he looked ridiculous, like an extra from The Matrix, but the other part warned her not to tell him so.

At least not yet.

He stopped just in front of her.

‘Evie Tremain?’ he asked.

She froze, her mouth falling open. How did he know her name? Who the hell was this guy? As she studied him, she suddenly heard a voice in her head start screaming at her to run. She could hear her own heartbeat – it sounded like a horse smashing its hooves against a stable door. Her eyes darted instantly over the lot, looking for her exits.

‘Evie Tremain?’ the boy asked again, impatient now.

‘Who wants to know?’ Evie asked, buying time. The back door was about ten metres behind her or she could try to get around him and head down the side alley and out onto Main Street. She took a small step backwards. The diner was closer.

The Brotherhood,’ the boy replied tonelessly, closing the distance between them in a single stride.

Evie couldn’t rein in the laughter that erupted out of her. ‘The Brotherhood? Seriously? What is that? The name of your deathmetal band?’

The boy – whose face had been expressionless until then – suddenly frowned in confusion, as though he didn’t know how to answer her. The sound of crunching gravel broke the silence. Evie’s eyes flew to the far end of the lot, which was sunk in darkness. Was someone else there? The boy followed her gaze, looking over his shoulder.

Adrenaline pumped through Evie’s body in one giant surge. She dropped the trash bags and took a step back, twisting her body as she moved. She brought her arm up like her dad had taught her, fingers curled into a fist, and in the second that the boy turned back to face her, she smashed it into the side of his head.

The boy’s head spun with the force of the punch, his sunglasses flying across the lot.

‘Hit first, ask questions later,’ she murmured to herself. Her dad had always said it was better to be safe than sorry.

She turned to run back towards the door but the boy lunged for her, shrieking. She raised her arm instinctively, ready to smash it into his face again, but then stumbled backwards letting out a cry. The boy’s eyes were inches from her own, his pupils fixed and dilated. And the thing that had stopped her, and made her stomach scrape the floor, was the colour of them. They were bright, carnation-red and totally unseeing. The boy flailed his head from left to right, as though someone had thrown acid in his face, his outstretched hand groping blindly in her direction.

He’s blind, Evie realised, her thoughts assuming some sense. He can’t see me.

Out of the corner of her eye she saw a dark shape wavering behind the boy. It seemed to extend and stretch out, like a timelapse sequence of a shadow lengthening. And then it coiled like a whip and lashed towards her.

Evie dived. She threw herself hard to the left, out of the boy’s grip and out of the way of whatever was coming towards her. She heard a crack as it smashed into the tarmac and another frustrated shriek from the boy.

She staggered backwards, her eyes on the space that had opened up between her and the guy in the coat. The whip or rope or whatever it was was lashing back and forth between them. Evie’s brain refused to process the possibility that what her eyes were actually looking at was neither a rope nor a whip but a tail. There were scales on it and it moved like a rattlesnake. Ropes didn’t look like that.

The boy dropped to the floor now, and started scrabbling around on the ground for something. His glasses, Evie thought, spying them lying cracked in half on the asphalt by her car.

‘Need some help, Caleb?’ A girl’s voice called out from the edge of the darkness.

The boy with blood-red eyes swore at her in reply.

‘If you want help you need to put your tail away and ask nicely,’ the girl added.

The word punctured Evie’s brain like a poison dart. Tail. She tripped backwards, trying to feel for the door behind her. She stumbled on the step, and felt herself bump up against something solid. It wasn’t the door.

She spun around and found herself stepping on the toes of a white-faced boy. A girl in a neon pink minidress stood next to him, smiling surrrrprise.

Evie skittered backwards, letting out a yelp. How many of these freaks were there?

These two weren’t wearing sunglasses and their eyes weren’t red. The boy was dressed in scruffy jeans, bashed-up Converse and a Nix cap. The girl was tall with long black hair, and the bright pink of her dress clashed with the green tinge of her skin.

‘We’ve got this, Caleb,’ the girl in the pink dress called out to the one with the tail, not taking her eyes oF Evie.

‘Well, hurry up, would you, I don’t want to be here all night,’ another boy’s voice answered from the darkness.

So there were more of them over there, Evie thought, panic starting to weave its tentacles around her limbs. How many did that make? Four or five at least.

‘What do you want?’ Evie asked desperately, spinning around to face the girl and boy blocking the back door.

‘We want you, Evie Tremain,’ the girl in pink said, striding forward. She put her hand on Evie’s arm and Evie looked down, as her skin began to burn intensely.

She screamed and, with a final injection of adrenaline and anger, swung the tin of coF ee grounds she was still holding at the girl’s head. The girl let go of her instantly and started yelling.

Evie skittered back out of her way, skidding towards her car, dodging around the boy on the ground with the tail.

With the tail! Her brain screamed at her as though it wanted her to pause awhile and figure it out. But her arm was still burning, as though the bone itself had caught alight, and the skin was blistering and it was all she could do not to faint right there and then. She started fumbling with her one good hand for her car key, buried in the pocket of her jeans, and felt the sob start to burst in her chest.

The boy in the Nix cap was bent double, pointing and laughing at the girl Evie had hit. And the sound of it, the childish hysteria of it, was like a shucking knife opening Evie up. She glanced upwards even as she scrabbled for her keys. The girl was holding the side of her head, screaming and trying to scrape the wet coffee grounds off her face. She spat a gloop of saliva and glared furiously at Evie.

Evie’s fingers closed on her keys. She yanked them from her pocket, watching as the girl and boy moved in on her. She was just prey, she realised. She was completely cornered. There was no way out.

And then the sun came up. Or it felt like it. The whole lot lit up as if someone had flipped on some floodlights. The shadows wiped out and Evie was blinded. She threw an arm up to cover her eyes, trying at the same time to squint for the source of it. She could hear screaming and a hissing noise – the sound of wet meat hitting a flaming grill.

When her eyes adjusted she saw the boy in the Nix cap collapsed on the ground in front of her. He was sizzling and smoking and screaming like a stuck pig. The girl in the pink dress had him by the arm and was dragging him towards the trash container and the thin shadow it made on the ground.

‘Evie?’ a man’s voice yelled, snapping her out of her frozen state.

She looked up. She recognised the voice – the accent. ‘Yes,’ she answered, scrambling to her feet.

‘Get over here!’ he yelled.

She ran towards the source of the light and saw who it was. Victor Lassonde. He was standing there in his suit holding what looked like a torch in his right hand. In his other hand was something that looked remarkably like a gun.

Probably because it was a gun.

Evie jumped behind Victor, clutching at his arm, her heart rattling at a hundred beats a minute. A million questions ran through her head, the first of which was What the hell are you doing here?

She heard herself voice it.

He didn’t answer her.

‘Half-and-half, get the Hunter!’ someone screamed.

Evie looked over Victor’s shoulder. The girl in the pink dress was the one screaming. But who was Half-and-half? And who was the Hunter?

The girl dumped the boy in the Nix cap by the dumpster. He curled up in a tight ball, whimpering and steaming in the shadows.

The girl looked up at Evie, her eyes glinting. ‘The girl’s mine,’ she hissed.

Evie cowered backwards. She felt Victor edging sideways towards the door of the diner and followed his lead. But the girl in the pink dress with the greenish skin was blocking their way to the back door.

Victor had his back to Evie, his gun raking the parking lot in front. Why wasn’t he firing at these crazy people who were trying to kill them? thought Evie. Why wasn’t he aiming at the girl in the pink dress for starters?

Just then the girl lunged towards her. Evie let out a scream, and stumbled as though someone invisible had shoved her. Evie flinched backwards as she heard a gunshot. She watched the girl reel backwards, clutching her arm.

Evie reached for the handle just as a shadow sprang across it. She teetered as though on the brink of a waterfall, sound rushing her ears, goosebumps raking her body. Then whatever it was was gone, leaving only a reverberation in the air that echoed through her body. Evie’s knees smacked the concrete step and she let out a cry, but Victor hauled her upright and flung her towards the door.

Her fingers closed around the handle and she yanked it open.

***************************************

So what do you think? Is Fated on your wish list or have you already got your copy?

Review: 15 Days Without A Head - Dave Cousins

2012-01-04T18:00:00.102Z

Fifteen-year-old Laurence Roach wants a normal life. But that's not easy when is Dad is dead, his Mum is a depressed alcoholic, and his six-year-old brother - Jay - thinks he's a dog. (Scooby-Doo, to be exact.) When Mum fails to come home one night, Laurence and Jay are left alone - with no head of the family.

Terrified that he and his little brother will be taken into care, Laurence tells nobody. Instead he single-handedly attempts to keep his family together, spinning an increasingly complicated web of lies, and even dressing up as his Mum in an elaborate act of deception . . .

To top it off, each evening Laurence calls his local radio station from a telephone box, impersonating his dead father in an attempt to win an all-expenses-paid luxury holiday in the sun. Surely that would be enough to cheer Mum up, stop her drinking so much, and make her come back home?

After two weeks on their own, running out of food and money, and with suspicious adults closing in, Laurence finally discovers where his Mum has been. And that's when the trouble really starts . . .

Disillusioned with her ability to cope, will the boys be able to convince their Mum to come back home?

Visit Dave Cousins' website for more information

Review:
I've been looking forward to reading 15 Days Without A Head ever since I heard Dave Cousins give a reading at an event last year so my expectations for the story were high. The trouble with expecting so much from a book is that it is easy to end up disappointed so I'll admit I was nervous when I started reading. Luckily Dave not only lived up to my expectations - he completely surpassed them and the story blew me away. It's hard to believe that this is a debut novel and that just makes me even more excited to see where Dave's writing career takes him in the future.

With themes of alcoholism, poverty and neglect this story could have made for a depressing read but although your heart will break for Laurence and the thousands of children around the world who are currently living in similar circumstances you will find yourself laughing out loud regularly as you are reading. The story will bring tears to your eyes one minute and have you snorting with laughter the next which is something I really appreciate when reading about such difficult subject matters.

Our narrator for the story is 15 year old Laurence who lives with his alcoholic mother and his younger brother Jay. Well, he did until the day his mother doesn't bother to come home. Laurence is sure that she will be back soon, after all she's never left them for more than a couple of days before, but as the days go by and the money and the food run out Laurence is finding it harder and harder to cope. It isn't easy to deal with a demanding 6 year old and try to keep up appearances so that the neighbours don't get suspicious and call social services. What Laurence wants more than anything is to keep what's left of his family together and to find a way to get his mother to come home. He is under more pressure than a child of his age should ever have to face but he copes exceptionally well in the circumstances. I have to admit that I was praying for social services or a responsible adult to step in and help him though, all I wanted to do was cuddle the two boys and make everything better for them. There were times I wanted to shake the adults in their lives and just make them DO something.

The characters are both so real that they practically walk out of the pages and I loved the relationship between Laurence and Jay. The age difference between me and my younger brother is the same so I could completely relate to Laurence's frustration at some of Jay's antics but you can also feel the strong bond between them. Jay was a typical 6 year old boy and reminded me so much of my brother at his age. The story is ultimately about love - the love the brothers have for each other and for their mum and even in her own strange way the love that she has for them. That love gives them all hope for the future and leaves you with the feeling that good things are possible after even the darkest times.

I really can't recommend 15 Days Without A Head highly enough, I think it's a book that everyone should read so if you're only going to take my advice once this year make it this book. I can't wait to see what Dave Cousins comes up with next - it will automatically be at the top of my wish list.

Source: Received from OUP in exchange for an honest review

Other Reviews:
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