Review: Red Rising - Pierce Brown

Break the chains.
Live for more.

Darrow is a Helldiver, one of thousands of men and women living in the vast caves beneath the surface of Mars, a people who spend their entire lives toiling to mine the precious elements that will make the planet habitable.

Until the day Darrow learns that it is all a lie. That Mars has been inhabited by generations by a decadent ruling class of people known as the Golds, who view the workers beneath them as nothing more than slave labour, to be exploited without a second thought.

With the help of a mysterious group of rebels, Darrow disguises himself as a Gold and infiltrates their command school, intent on taking down his oppressors from the inside.

But the command school is a battlefield - and Darrow isn't the only student with an agenda . . .

Red Rising Series:
Red Rising: Sons of Ares (Graphic Novel, originally published as 6 comics)
Red Rising
Golden Son
Morning Star
Iron Gold
Dark Age (September 2018)

Visit Pierce Brown's website for more information

Review:
Sometimes you stumble across a book that is so good it just blows your mind. Red Rising is one of those books and I want to grab a stack of copies and walk around the streets handing them to everyone I come across telling people that they NEED to read this book! I know it's only January but I would be incredibly surprised if this book isn't at the top of my list for best books in 2014. I've been putting off writing this review for days because there is no way I can do it justice but I'm going to try, I can't put it any more simply than "BUY THIS BOOK NOW" but we'll see if I can come up with something a bit more meaningful.

Darrow is from a family of pioneers and for generations his people, known as the reds, have worked in the mines on Mars digging for the Helium 3 needed to terraform the planet and make it hospitable for humans to live on the surface. They live hard and die young but they do it for the greater good of humanity knowing that their sacrifices will create a home that is desperately needed for future generations. Things may be tough but Darrow is generally happy with his lot, he loves his wife and lives for her and his family, they don't have much but they find joy in the small things and that's what makes life bearable. That is until he discovers the extent of the betrayal against his people and discovers that the higher echelons of society have been living on the surface in luxury for centuries. The Golds look down on the reds seeing them as nothing more than slave labour and everything that Darrow has ever been told about his role is a lie. With the help of a group of rebels Darrow is given the chance to fight back against the oppression of his people but in order to do that he will have to give up all that he cares about, he will have to turn himself into the one of the people he hates most and if he fails it will cost him everything.

I can't even begin to tell you what an emotional roller coaster Red Rising is, this book completely tore my heart out and ripped it into tiny little pieces - I don't think I've ever cried so hard less than 50 pages into a book before! It's incredible that Pierce Brown had me invested in his characters so quickly but that's a strong testament to how powerful his writing is. I was hooked into this story from the very first page and with an opening like "I would have lived in peace. But my enemies brought me war." who can blame me? Darrow has to be one of the most memorable characters I've come across in a long time. He isn't a natural leader, he was happy with his life as he knew it and didn't go looking to change things but when his hand is forced his need for vengeance takes him to places he never could have imagined. I loved the fact that Darrow isn't perfect, he is fallible and he makes a lot of mistakes along the way but he is constantly learning from them and doing his best to improve. He is the kind of guy who is prepared to fight for what he believes in even if the battle was brought to him rather than one that he went searching for. He is forced into a world that his upbringing could never have prepared him for but his will to live, his strength and his need for revenge pull him through.

Along with Darrow we are treated to a whole host of memorable side characters, I don't want to tell you too much about what happens during the rest of the book because I really think you'll get more enjoyment out of it if you go in blind but trust me it will be a memorable journey. This is a dark story, Darrow finds himself in a violent world where things are cut-throat and kill or be killed. He is forced into situations where there is no safe or easy outcome and that means he has to do terrible things to survive, he takes no pleasure in it but he will gorydamn do whatever it takes to make it. He can't survive alone though and that means putting his trust into people who are his natural enemies. He has to battle with himself as he starts to see some of the people he should hate as his friends but nothing is ever quite what it seems and it is impossible to know who he can really trust or who will stab him in the back at the first opportunity.

Red Rising is an impressive debut and the start of what is sure to be an incredibly popular trilogy. I don't say that lightly and I honestly believe that we will see big things from Pierce Brown in the future. If you are only going to take my recommendation for one book this year then please let it be for this one - this really is a book that I definitely want everyone to read. Whether you are a fan of dystopian stories or if it's a genre you're sick to death of you will love this book. It has none of the typical YA clichés and will surprise you at every turn. My only complaint is that I've got to wait to get my hands on the sequels but I guarantee that I'll be rereading this story to tide me over until they're published.

Source: Received from 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.

Hardback / Kindle:

Everything You Need For A Perfect Night Of Reading

For those who like to curl up with a good book, atmosphere can be enormously important. It's easy enough to read through a few chapters just about anywhere, particularly with the convenience and portability offered by e-reading devices like the Amazon Kindle. However, to truly get the most out of a few hours of reading, it's still nice to have a cozy corner set up or the perfect evening planned.

In the interest of providing you with just such an evening, here are our picks for the five things you need for the perfect night of reading.


1. An Actual Hardcover Book

As mentioned already, e-readers certainly have their benefits. But if you're interested in the experience of a true atmosphere during a night at home reading, a tangible hardcover book can be wonderful. It costs a bit more, and it's a bit less convenient, but aesthetically it's simply more pleasing. Also, looking at a screen all night can be a bit tiresome. For your next night in, head to the nearest Barnes and Noble or local book shop to pick up a bestseller in person.


2. Bath Products

It's a bit cliché, but nothing beats reading in a warm tub. And for that reason, bath products— salts, bubbles, and even candles to place alongside the tub—are perfect for your next night in. You don't want to put yourself to sleep, but physical relaxation can really help you to simply lose your mind in your book.


3. Some Nice Wine

If you're setting up the perfect reading night at home, don't settle for whatever bottle you have on hand already. Find a bottle or two that you're excited to try! It can be fun to pick out a bottle at random, but if you want to make sure you have something you like, the M&S, experts’ blog and tasting tips can help you to narrow down your options and figure out which sort of wine you’re really aiming for. Ultimately, you're never sure about a bottle until you try it, but this way you can take advantage of some professional tips and combine them with your own preferences to find a bottle or two you can enjoy on your night of reading.


4. Something Warm & Cozy

The bath gets a lot of attention for relaxing nights in. But if you're planning on reading for hours, you'll have to get out at some point! At this stage, something new, warm and comfortable is ideal. It might be anything from a Snuggie, to a fluffy new blanket to curl up with, to even a few new soft foam pillows to prop up on. The point is, it's as good a time as any to try out a few new home comforts.


5. Refreshments Beyond Wine

Wine is wonderful for nights at home, but you should consider snacks and other refreshments as well. In some cases it might be a decadent dessert picked up in advance to have on hand. And for some, it might be coffee or espresso for the evening. Whatever the case, a few favourite treats can keep you relaxed and comfortable while you read your latest book.


This is a guest post by Michelle Rode. Michelle is an avid fan of romance and erotica literature. When not blogging about her latest reads at the local coffee shop, she enjoys catching up on the latest films and relaxing with her husband, Mark.

Brazen Release Day Celebration with International Giveaway

New York Times bestselling author Katee Robert kicks off her new Out of Uniform series with IN BED WITH MR. WRONG, a hilarious enemies-to-lovers story you don’t want to miss. Air Force Pararescuer Ryan Flannery avoids his hometown at all costs, so he’s not thrilled when he’s set up on a blind date—until he meets mousy librarian Brianne Nave. Her sweet curves and kissable lips are a siren’s call, but her smart mouth? Not so much. How can two people have so little chemistry outside the bedroom when they fit together so perfectly in it? When Ryan and Bri are stranded in a cabin by their friends, they’ll be forced to find out…if they don’t kill each other first.
AMZ B&N Kobo iTunes

Gina L. Maxwell comes out swinging with the latest installment of her New York Times bestselling Fighting for Love series, FIGHTING FOR IRISH. When he learns a friend’s sister has forty-eight hours to make good on an ex’s debt to a crime boss, former MMA fighter Aiden "Irish" O'Brien heads to Louisiana to offer himself up as collateral. But to satisfy the debt, he has to do the one thing he swore he’d never do again: fight. With more than just money on the line, can Irish reclaim the man he once was for the woman he can't live without?
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The dynamic duo took the NYT and USA TODAY lists by storm the last time they released together, so we can't wait to see what shenanigans they have in store for 2014!

Excerpt: In Bed with Mr. Wrong by Katee Robert

“Don’t think for a second you’re getting a good-night kiss.”

“A kiss from you?” He stepped forward into her finger, forcing her to open her hand against his chest or take a step back. She refused to budge. He leaned down, crowding her. “I’d rather kiss a snake.”

“Then it’s too bad it’s winter, because they’re in short supply.” She pushed at his chest again, nearly snarling when he didn’t move. “You should just burn something else down. That might draw a few to the heat.”

“Or maybe I’ll just set fire to your goddamn granny panties. That’s sure to create a big enough blaze.”

Her jaw dropped open and she swallowed hard. “As if you could.”

“Watch me.”

He grabbed her hips and yanked her against him. Bri gasped. There was so much heat in his blue eyes, it was a wonder every single article of clothing she wore didn’t go up in smoke. “You—”

But then she saw it. The challenge hidden behind the heat. He didn’t think she could handle this. Handle him.

His mouth curled into a smirk, and his hands tightened on her hips. The feel of his fingers digging into her flesh through the thin fabric of her skirt made her want to throw all caution to the wind. He thought he’d won, did he?

“Screw it.” She grabbed the lapels of his shirt and went up on her tiptoes to smash her lips against his. He froze, then stumbled backward and slammed into the wall of her screened porch, taking her with him. A wave of victory went through her. For all his talk, he hadn’t expected her to make a move. She moved one hand to the back of his neck and tipped his head down so she could set her teeth into his bottom lip.

Just like that, he came alive in her arms and pulled her tighter against him. His tongue delved into her mouth, stroking hers with no hesitation, igniting her passion until she couldn’t fight back a moan. How could one giant brute taste so decadent? She slid her tongue along his, not sure if she was searching for an answer or simply enjoying the way her very nerves seemed to spark and dance at every place they touched.

Would her whole body do that if they were naked?

Whoa. Where had that thought come from? She was proving him wrong, not jumping into bed with the man. She tried to pull away. “I think—”

“Stop talking.”

Keep Reading: AMZ B&N Kobo iTunes

Excerpt: Fighting For Irish by Gina Maxwell

Aiden dropped his hands to her hips and stepped closer. “Will you stay tonight?” he asked softly.

“I’ll stay.”

One night. He could do that, couldn’t he? Then he could get this need for her out of his system and focus on winning the tournament to free her from any danger. His job would be done, his debt paid to Jax, and he could move back home to continue his daily penance and meaningless existence.

But right now he wanted to feel alive again, if only for a night in the arms of the woman who’d had his balls on lockdown for months. She was the reason no one else even appealed to him anymore. He needed her, just this once. But he wouldn’t do it without an understanding between them.

“Kat, can I be honest with you?” Aiden was aware of the fine line he was walking. Now he just had to do it without sounding crude or disrespectful, which would be a challenge. He was no smooth-talking Romeo.

Meeting her expectant gaze, he took a deep breath and prepared himself for the possibility of getting slapped. “I wanna be with you tonight.”

“As in, with me with me?”

“Yeah,” he said, amusement lifting a corner of his mouth. “With you with you. It’s been a really long time since I wanted someone as much I want you.”

“Really?” she asked breathlessly.

“You sound surprised.”

She offered a weak shrug and suddenly found interest in the floorboards. “You seem like you’d be more into exciting, exotic looking women. Like one of those sexy, new-age pin-up girls with the flawless skin and beautiful tattoos.”

He almost laughed until he realized she was serious. She had no idea what she did to him. Grabbing one of her hands still resting on his shoulder, he slowly dragged it over his chest and down his stomach until they finally reached his stiff erection straining against the restrictive boxer briefs under his shorts.

Aiden groaned as he molded her hand over his cock. The feel of her gripping him nearly redefined the word “premature.” She drew in a quick breath and raised her eyes to his. Her cheeks filling with a pretty shade of pink did crazy things to his insides. The more her innocence showed through the more he wanted her.

He couldn’t make sense of it. She was right. Typically he went for the larger-than-life women who treated every day like it was their own personal thrill ride. Kat was something else entirely. Worldly beyond her years, yet somehow more innocent than she should be.

“This is how into you I am, sweetheart. Believe me when I tell you I couldn’t fake this kind of interest,” he assured her. “I want you, Kat. Wicked bad. But I don’t have anything more to offer you than one night. That’s me being honest. So if you wanna give me the red light now I’ll understand, but you gotta let me know while I still have use of some of my brain.”

“Green.”

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Giveaway details:

As part of the release day celebration Brazen are holding an international giveaway signed copies of Seducing Cinderella by Gina L. Maxwell and Wrong Bed, Right Guy by Katee Robert. Fill in the rafflecopter form below to enter the giveaway. Winners will be selected via rafflecopter and Brazen will contact the winners directly to arrange to send out the prizes.

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Review: Rogue Rider - Larissa Ione

UK Cover

The prophecies were there but no one listened. Until now. They are the Lords of Deliverance and they have the power to ward off Doomsday . . . or let it ride.

Jillian Cardiff came to this remote mountain town to forget the demon attack that almost killed her. Instead, she rescues - and falls for - a gorgeous stranger who has no memory of anything other than his name. Handsome, charming and protective, Reseph seems like the kind of man that Jillian can trust. But with hints of a troubling history of his own, he's also the kind of man that can be very dangerous . . .

Reseph may not know his background, or why he mysteriously appeared in Jillian's life, but he knows he wants to stay. Yet when Jillian's neighbours are killed and demon hunters arrive on the scene, Reseph fears he's putting her in danger. And once it's revealed that Reseph is also Pestilence, the Horseman responsible for ravaging the world with death and destruction, he and Jillian must face the greatest challenge of all: can they forget the horrors of a chilling past to save the future they both desire?

The Demonica Series:
Pleasure Unbound
Desire Unchained
Passion Unleashed
Eternity Embraced (Novella)
Ecstasy Unveiled
Sin Undone
Eternal Rider (Lords of Deliverance book 1)
Vampire Fight Club (Novella in the Supernatural anthology or as a separate ebook)
Immortal Rider (Lords of Deliverance book 2)
Lethal Rider (Lords of Deliverance book 3)
Rogue Rider (Lords of Deliverance book 4)
Reaver
Azagoth (Novella) (Demonica Underworld book 1)
Revenant
Hades (Novella) (Demonica Underworld book 2)
Base Instincts (Novella)
Z (Novella) (Demonica Underworld book 3)
Razr (Novella) (Demonica Underworld book 4)
Hawkyn (Novella) (Demonica Underworld book 5)
Her Guardian Angel (Novella) (Demonica Underworld book 6, also part of the Masters and Mercenaries Crossover Collection)
Dining with Angels: Bits & Bites from the Demonica Universe (Short Story Collection & Recipe Book, Demonica Underworld book 7)
Cipher (Demonica Underworld book 8)
Reaper (Demonica Underworld book 9)

For more information visit Larissa Ione's website

Review:
When Jillian finds Reseph naked and freezing in the middle of a blizzard she does what anybody would do and rescues him. When he finally regains consciousness she realises he has no memory of who he is or where he came from - he only knows his name. As Jillian helps Reseph try to regain his memory they form a connection and start to fall in love but can their relationship survive when Reseph remembers the things that he did as Pestilence? Can Reseph's family forgive him for the pain he caused them? Most importantly can Reseph forgive himself?

As a huge fan of Larissa Ione and both her Demonica and Lords of Deliverance series I'm really not sure why I put off reading Rogue Rider for such a long time. I think I was a bit nervous that I wouldn't be able to forgive Reseph for the horrific things he did when he was Pestilence and I guess I just didn't want to be disappointed. Thankfully I finally got over my nerves and picked it up because I have to admit it was one of my favourite books in the series. I should have known that Larissa Ione could pull off Reseph's redemption and I promise I'll never doubt her again!

I have to tell you I was surprised at how quickly I grew to like Reseph, I wasn't sure I'd ever forgive him for his previous actions so didn't really expect to fall for him at all. I think that the way Larrisa Ione handled his memory loss made it much easier for us to accept him again. He doesn't remember what happened to him but deep down he suspects that he wasn't a nice guy and has done things he should be ashamed of. He never feels that he is quite worthy of Jillian but that doesn't mean he isn't going to try and win her heart anyway. I'd forgotten how much fun Reseph was at the beginning of the series before his seal broke and he became Pestilence. He was the life and soul of any party and loved to fill his house with music and laughter. Yes, he definitely liked to spend time with beautiful women but more than anything he loved his brothers and sister. The Reseph that we meet now is very different to the one we used to know though, he is much more serious and thoughtful, he genuinely cares about Jillian and wants the best for her even if that means he has to walk away from her so she can have the future she deserves. I actually really enjoyed getting to know the new Reseph, he still has a fun side to him and the way he chases after Jillian was hilarious but he is a lot less shallow than he used to be and his feelings run much deeper too. I would have found it impossible to resist his charms so I'm not surprised Jillian gave in to her attraction even though she was wary of getting hurt again.

Jillian was a brilliant character and perfect for Reseph. She went though a terrible ordeal when she was attacked by demons but she is a survivor. She has cut herself off from the world somewhat but Reseph reminds her what it is like to live and once she starts to come out of her shell again she is a fierce warrior who will protect the people she cares about. I loved the fact that she could and did stand up for herself, she was even willing to face down the other horsemen on Reseph's behalf which took some guts. It is hard for her when Reseph remembers his past and she finds out about all the horrific things he has done but she is able to look past that and see him as the man he is now which is something I don't think many people would be strong enough to do. My heart absolutely broke for Reseph when his memory returned, it was so hard to see him suffering for Pestilence's actions and to see how the family he loved more than anything were pushing him away. I could understand their reluctance to trust him but that didn't make it any less painful to watch. Seeing him claw his way back from utter despair and slowly start to rebuild his relationships was fantastic though. Sure, there is still a long way to go before anyone forgets his past but he's come a long way and I respect him a lot for that.

As much as I loved the romance in Rogue Rider I was also engrossed by the developments in the rest of the world. There are some mind blowing revelations in this book, ones that will have huge consequences as the series continues and that made me incredibly excited to read Reaver. This book just reminded me why Larissa Ione is one of my favourite authors and why this is one of my favourite series. I can't get enough of the Demonica world so I'm just relieved that we have more books to come!

Source: Initially received from publisher via NetGalley but I also received a print copy from Piatkus 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.

US Cover

Paperback / Kindle:

Books Read in 2013

~0-9~

~A~
A Breath of Frost (Lovegrove Legacy book 1) - Alyxandra Harvey
A Conspiracy of Alchemists (The Chronicles of Light & Shadow book 1) - Liesel Schwarz
A Cursed Embrace (Weird Girls book 1) - Cecy Robson
A Cursed Moon (Weird Girls book 2.5) - Cecy Robson (Novella)
A Stroke of Dumb Luck (Colbana Files book 0.5) - J.C. Daniels (Short Story)
A Study in Silks (Baskerville Affair book 1) - Emma Jane Holloway
A Touch of Midnight (Midnight Breed book0.5) - Lara Adrian (Novella)
A Vampire's Christmas Carol - Cynthia Eden (Novella)
Acting Friends (Flynn book 0.5) - Sophie McKenzie (Short Story)
Again the Magic (Wallflowers prequel) - Lisa Kleypas
Against the Wall (Maverick Montana book 1) - Rebecca Zanetti
Alien in the House (Katherine "Kitty" Katt book 7) - Gini Koch
All I Want for Christmas is a Cowboy - Anthology
All Our Yesterdays (Cassandra Chronicles book 1) - Cristin Terrill
All Over You (Devoured book 0.5) - Emily Snow (Novella)
All These Things I've Done (Birthright book 1) - Gabrielle Zevin
Along Came Trouble (Camelot book 2) - Ruthie Knox
Amy & Roger's Epic Detour - Morgan Matson
An Apple for the Creature - Anthology
Angelfall (Penryn and the End of Days book 1) - Susan Ee
Angel's Blood (Guild Hunter book 1) - Nalini Singh (I re-read this book but the link takes you to my original review)
Angels' Flight (Guild Hunter anthology) - Nalini Singh
Another Life (WIWJ book 3) - Keren David
Anything for You (Coming Home book 1.5) - Jessica Scott (Short Story)
Archangel's Blade (Guild Hunter book 4) - Nalini Singh
Archangel's Consort (Guild Hunter book 3) - Nalini Singh
Archangel's Kiss (Guild Hunter book 2) - Nalini Singh (I re-read this book but the link takes you to my original review)
Archangel's Legion (Guild Hunter book 6) - Nalini Singh
Archangel's Storm (Guild Hunter book 5) - Nalini Singh
Assassin Study (Chronicles of Ixia book 1.5) - Maria V. Snyder (Short Story)

~B~
Back on Track (Strangers on a Train) - Donna Cummings (Short Story)
Bared to You (Crossfire book 1) - Sylvia Day (I re-read this book but the link takes you to my original review)
Barely Breathing (Breathing book 2) - Rebecca Donovan
Because of Low (Sea Breeze book 2) - Abbi Glines
Behind Closed Doors (Daniels Brothers book 1) - Sherri Hayes
Between Friends (Friends with Benefits book 1) - Vristen Pierce (Novella)
Bewitch (Vampire Erotic Theatre book 5) - Felicity Heaton
Beyond Control (Beyond book 2) - Kit Rocha
Beyond Denial (Beyond book 2.5) - Kit Rocha (Short Story)
Beyond Pain (Beyond book 3) - Kit Rocha
Beyond Shame (Beyond book 1) - Kit Rocha
Big Boy (Strangers on a Train) - Ruthie Knox (Short Story)
Biting Cold (Chicagoland Vampires book 6) - Chloe Neill
Blindsided (Roman Holiday book 3) - Ruthie Knox (Short Story / Serialised Novel)
Blood Prophecy (Drake Chronicles book 6) - Alyxandra Harvey
Bold Tricks (Artists trilogy book 3) - Karina Halle
Bonds of Desire (Wicked Play book 3) - Lynda Aicher
Bonds of Hope (Wicked Play book 4) - Lynda Aicher
Bonds of Need (Wicked Play book 2) - Lynda Aicher
Bonds of Trust (Wicked Play book 1) - Lynda Aicher
Born Wicked (Cahill Witch Chronicles book 1) - Jessica Spotswood
Bound (Dining Club book 2) - Marina Anderson (Short Story / Serialised Novel)
Boundless (Unearthly book 3) - Cynthia Hand
Breathless (Elemental book 2.5) - Brigid Kemmerer (Short Story)
Briar Rose - Jana Oliver
Broken Blade (Colbana Files book 3) - J.C. Daniels
Burning Up (Smoke Jumpers book 1) - Anne Marsh

~C~
Cake - Lauren Dane (Novella)
Caressed by Ice (Psy-Changeling book 3) - Nalini Singh
Castle Hill (On Dublin Street book 2.5) - Samantha Young (Novella)
Catching Fire (Hunger Games book 2) - Suzanne Collins
Catching Suki (Lila book 0.5) - Sarah Alderson (Short Story)
Chained (Roman Holiday book 1) - Ruthie Knox (Short Story / Serialised Novel)
Chasing Mrs. Right (Come Undone book 2) - Katee Robert
Choose Your Shot (Long Shots book 5) - Christine d'Abo (Choose Your Own Adventure)
Club Mephisto (Club Mephisto book 1) - Annabel Joseph
Crash into Me (Shaken Dirty book 1) - Tracy Wolff
Crossing the Line (Pushing the Limits book 1.5) - Katie McGarry (Novella)
Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass book 2) - Sarah J. Maas
Cruel Summer - James Dawson
Cursed (Fallen Siren book 1) - S.J. Harper
Cursed by Destiny (Weird Girls book 3) - Cecy Robson

~D~
Dance with the Devil (Dark-Hunters book 4) - Sherrilyn Kenyon
Darcy Burdock - Laura Dockrill
Darkhouse (Experiment in Terror book 1) - Karina Halle
Dead Sexy Dragon (Dragon Heat book 1) - Lolita Lopez (Novella)
Deja Voodoo (Cajun Magic book 3) - Elle James
Demon at my Door - Michelle A. Valentine
Desire (Dining Club book 1) - Marina Anderson (Short Story / Serialised Novel)
Dirty Trick (Perfectly Matched book 1) - Christine Bell
Down London Road (On Dublin Street book 2) - Samantha Young
Dream Nights with the CEO (Secret Desires book 1) - Kathy Lyons

~E~
Edge of Dawn (Midnight Breed book 11) - Lara Adrian
Elysian Fields (Sentinels of New Orleans book 3) - Suzanne Johnson
Endless Knight (Arcana Chronicles book 2) - Kresley Cole
Entwined with You (Crossfire book 3) - Sylvia Day
Etiquette & Espionage (Finishing School book 1) - Gail Carriger
Every Breath She Takes - Norah Wilson
Everything is Fine (and Other Lies I Tell Myself) - Cathy Brett (Guest Review)
Extreme Love - Abby Niles

~F~
Faking It - Diane Alberts
Faking It (Losing It book 2) - Cora Carmack
Falling Fast (Flynn book 1) - Sophie McKenzie
Falling for the Marine (McCade Brothers book 2) - Samanthe Beck
Fancy Free (Fancy Free book 1) - Shelley Munro
Fearsome Dreamer (Fearsome Dreamer book 1) - Laure Eve
Ferryman - Claire McFall
Finding Cherokee Brown - Siobhan Curham
Fire Study (Chronicles of Ixia book 3) - Maria V. Snyder
Firefly Hollow (Firefly Hollow book 1) - T.L. Haddix
First Bite (Dark Wolf book 1) - Dani Harper
Flirting with Disaster (Camelot book 3) - Ruthie Knox
Follow Me Down - Tanya Byrne (Guest Review)
Forgotten Sins (Sin Brothers book 1) - Rebecca Zanetti
From What I Remember - Stacy Kramer & Valerie Thomas
Fury of Seduction (Dragonfury book 3) - Coreene Callahan

~G~
Game for Marriage (Game for It book 1) - Karen Erickson
Game for Trouble (Game for it book 2) - Karen Erickson
Gilded Hearts (Shadow Guild book 1) - Christine d'Abo
Grave Intentions - Lori Sjoberg
Gunmetal Magic (Kate Daniels book 5.5) - Ilona Andrews

~H~
Hard as it Gets (Hard Ink book 1) - Laura Kaye
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (HP book 2) - J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (HP book 1) - J.K. Rowling (I re-read this book but the link takes you to my original review)
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (HP book 3) - J.K. Rowling
Heart of Iron (London Steampunk book 2) - Bec McMaster
Heat of the Moment (Out of Uniform book 1) - Elle Kennedy (Novella)
Heating up the Holidays - Anthology
Her Accidental Boyfriend (Secret Wishes book 2) - Robin Bielman
Her Wicked Angel (Her Angel book 6) - Felicity Heaton
Hidden (Avena book 1) - Marianne Curley
His Risk to Take (Line of Duty book 2) - Tessa Bailey
His Southern Temptation (Boys are Back in Town book 2) - Robin Covington
Hitched (Roman Holiday book 2) - Ruthie Knox (Short Story / Serialised Novel)
Hopeless (Hopeless book 1) - Colleen Hoover
How Beauty Met the Beast (Tales of the Underlight book 1) - Jax Garren
How to Misbehave (Camelot book 1) - Ruthie Knox
Hysteria - Megan Miranda

~I~
I Am Pusheen the Cat - Claire Belton (Graphic Novel)
If I Were You (Inside Out book 1) - Lisa Renee Jones
Ignited (Roman Holiday book 5) - Ruthie Knox (Short Story / Serialised Novel)
I'll Be Home for Christmas (Coming Home book 2.5) - Jessica Scott (Novella)
Immortally Embraced (Monster M*A*S*H book 2) - Angie Fox
In Flight (Up in the Air book 1) - R.K. Lilley
Inferno (Chronicles of Nick book 4) - Sherrilyn Kenyon
Infinite Sky - C.J. Flood
Invisible - Jeff Erno (Short Story)

~J~

~K~
Kiss Me At Midnight - Diane Alberts (Novella)
Kiss of Steel (London Steampunk book 1) - Bec McMaster
Kiss of the Night (Dark-Hunters book 5) - Sherrilyn Kenyon
Kissed by a Dark Prince (Eternal Mates book 1) - Felicity Heaton
Kissing the Maid of Honor (Secret Wishes book 1) - Robin Bielman

~L~
Keeping Her (Losing It book 1.5) - Cora Carmack
Legacy (Night School book 2) - C.J. Daugherty
Losing Hope (Hopeless book 2) - Colleen Hoover
Losing It (Losing It book 1) - Cora Carmack
Love Me (Take a Chance book 2) - Diane Alberts
Lover Undercover (McCade Brothers book 1) - Samanthe Beck
Lovers Unmasked - Anthology

~M~
Magic Bites (Kate Daniels book 1) - Ilona Andrews (I re-read this book but the link takes you to my original review)
Magic Bleeds (Kate Daniels book 4) - Ilona Andrews
Magic Burns (Kate Daniels book 2) - Ilona Andrews
Magic Dreams (Kate Daniels book 4.5) - Ilona Andrews (Novella)
Magic Gifts (Kate Daniels book 5.4) - Ilona Andrews (Novella)
Magic Mourns (Kate Daniels book 3.5) - Ilona Andrews (Novella)
Magic Rises (Kate Daniels book 6) - Ilona Andrews
Magic Slays (Kate Daniels book 5) - Ilona Andrews
Magic Strikes (Kate Daniels book 3) - Ilona Andrews
Magic Study (Chronicles of Ixia book 2) - Maria V. Snyder
Making Him Sweat (Wilinski's book 1) - Meg Maguire
Making It Last (Camelot book 4) - Ruthie Knox (Novella)
Mine to Possess (Psy-Changeling book 4) - Nalini Singh
Molly's Lips (Club Mephisto book 1.5) - Annabel Joseph
Mortality (Hitchhiker Strain book 1) - Kellie Sheridan
My Favourite Mistake - Chelsea M. Cameron
My Lady Quicksilver (London Steampunk book 3) - Bec McMaster

~N~
Nail Art Sourcebook - Pansy Alexander-Potter & Mineko Sugita (Photography Book)
Naked (Blackstone Affair book 1) - Raine Miller
Naturals (Lost Souls book 2) - Tiffany Truitt
Never Deal with Dragons (DRACIM book 1) - Lorenda Christensen
Night Blade (Colbana Files book 2) - J.C. Daniels
Night Embrace (Dark-Hunters book 3) - Sherrilyn Kenyon
Night Play (Dark-Hunters book 6) - Sherrilyn Kenyon
Nobody's Angel (Earth Angels book 1) - Stacy Gail (Novella)

~O~
Officer Off Limits (Line of Duty book 3) - Tessa Bailey
On Dublin Street (On Dublin Street book 1) - Samantha Young
On Every Street (Artists trilogy book 0.5) - Karina Halle
Once Burned (Night Prince book 1) - Jeaniene Frost
One Seriously Messed-Up Weekend in the Otherwise Un-Messed-Up Life of Jack Samsonite (Jack Samsonite book 2) - Tom Clempson
Origins: The Fire (Mila 2.0 prequel) - Debra Driza (Short Story)
Out of Line (Out of Line book 1) - Jen McLaughlin
Own the Wind (Chaos book 1) - Kristen Ashley

~P~
Pantomime (Micha Grey book 1) - Laura Lam
Play Me (Take A Chance book 3) - Diane Alberts
Playing the Part - Robin Covington
Poison Study (Chronicles of Ixia book 1) - Maria V. Snyder
Private Practice - Samanthe Beck
Protecting What's His (Line of Duty book 1) - Tessa Bailey

~Q~

~R~
Rapture's Edge (Night Prowler book 3) - J.T. Geissinger
Ravaged (Roman Holiday book 4) - Ruthie Knox (Short Story / Serialised Novel)
Reaper's Property (Reapers MC book 1) - Joanna Wylde
Reason to Breathe (Breathing book 1) - Rebecca Donovan
Red Hill - Jamie McGuire
Red Rock - Kate Kelly
Red Zone (Daniels Brothers book 2) - Sherri Hayes
Reflected in You (Crossfire book 2) - Sylvia Day (I re-read this book but the link takes you to my original review)
Release Me (Stark Trilogy book 1) - J. Kenner
Requiem (Delirium book 3) - Lauren Oliver
Retro Demonology (Demon Trappers book 0.5) - Jana Oliver (Short Story)
Ride with Me - Ruthie Knox
Romancing the Holiday - Anthology

~S~
Savage Angel (Earths Angel book 2) - Stacy Gail
Scarlet (Lunar Chonicles book 2) - Marissa Meyer
Scorched (Scorched book 1) - Mari Mancusi
SEAL of Honor (Hornet book 1) - Tonya Burrows
Sealed with a curse (Weird Girls book 1) - Cecy Robson
Searching for Someday (Searching For book 1) - Jennifer Probst
Season of Seduction - Anthology
S.E.C.R.E.T (Secret book 1) - L. Marie Adeline
Secrets of a Summer Night (Wallflowers book 1) - Lisa Kleypas
Seducing Her Rival - Seleste deLaney
Seven Sexy Sins (Love in Reverse book 1) - Serenity Woods
Sexcapades (Friends and Benefits book 1) - Christine d'Abo
Shadow and Bone (Grisha book 1) - Leigh Bardugo
Shadowed (Fated book 3) - Sarah Alderson
Shadows (The Rephaim book 1) - Paula Weston
Shooting Scars (Artists trilogy book 2) - Karina Halle
Siege & Storm (Grisha book 2) - Leigh Bardugo
Sins & Needles (Artists trilogy book 1) - Karina Halle
Six Naughty Nights (Love in Reverse book 2) - Serenity Woods
Slated (Slated book 1) - Teri Terry
South of Surrender (Hearts of Anemoi book 3) - Laura Kaye
Spirit (Elementals book 3) - Brigid Kemmerer
Splintered - A.G. Howard
Stone Guardian (Entwined Realms book 1) - Danielle Monsch
Stormbringers (Order of Darkness book 2) - Philippa Gregory
Suddenly Royal (Suddenly book 1) - Nichole Chase
Summer in Napa (St Helena Vineyard book 2) - Marina Adair

~T~
Take Me (Take a Chance book 4) - Diane Alberts
Tarnished Knight (London Steampunk book 1.5) - Bec McMaster (Novella)
Temptation's Heat (Shadowguard book 1) - Michelle Zink (Novella)
Temptation's Kiss (Shadowguard book 2) - Michelle Zink (Novella)
Thank You for Riding (Strangers on a Train) - Meg Maguire (Short Story)
The 5th Wave (5th Wave book 1) - Rick Yancey
The Adventure of the Wollaston Ritual (Baskerville Affair book 0.5) - Emma Jane Holloway (Short Story)
The Angel (Original Sinners book 2) - Tiffany Reisz
The Auction - Lyn Austin
The Beautiful and the Cursed (The Dispossessed book 1) - Page Morgan
The Bone Season (Bone Season book 1) - Samantha Shannon
The Bunker Diary - Kevin Brooks
The Case of the Good-Looking Corpse (P.K. Pinkerton Mysteries book 2) - Caroline Lawrence
The Chief (Highland Guard book 1) - Monica McCarty
The Choice (Returned book 0.7) - Jason Mott (Short Story)
The Christmas He Loved Her (Bad Boys of Crystal Lake book 2) - Juliana Stone
The City's Son (Skyscraper Throne book 1) - Tom Pollock
The Coldest Girl in Cold Town - Holly Black
The Disgrace of Kitty Grey - Mary Hooper
The Edge of Never (Edge of Never book 1) - J.A. Redmerski
The Essence (Pledge book 2) - Kimberly Derting
The Falconer (Falconer book 1) - Elizabeth May
The First (Returned book 0.5) - Jason Mott (Short Story)
The Girl in the Clockwork Collar (Steampunk Chronicles book 2) - Kady Cross
The Golden Lily (Bloodlines book 2) - Richelle Mead
The Knife of Never Letting Go (Chaos Walking book 1) - Patrick Ness
The Last Minute - Eleanor Updale
The Lost Girl - Sangu Mandanna
The Memory Coder (Unremembered prequel) - Jessica Brody (Short Story)
The Midnight Breed Series Companion (Midnight Breed book 10.5) - Lara Adrian
The Name on Your Wrist - Helen Hiorns
The Night Itself (Name of the Blade book 1) - Zoe Marriott
The Originals - Cat Patrick
The Party (Proposition book 0.5) - Katie Ashley (Short Story)
The Proposal (Proposition book 2) - Katie Ashley
The Proposition (Proposition book 1) - Katie Ashley
The Queen is Dead (Immortal Empire book 2) - Kate Locke
The Queen's Army (Lunar Chronicles book 1.5) - Marissa Meyer (Short Story)
The Secret of Ella and Micha (Secret book 1) - Jessica Sorensen
The Seduction (Inside Out book 1.1) - Lisa Renee Jones (Short Story) (My review has been posted on Goodreads but is not on my blog)
The Sound - Sarah Alderson
The Sparrow (Returned book 0.6) - Jason Mott (Short Story)
The Stillness of You (Beautifully Damaged book 1) - Julie Bale
The Summer He Came Home (Bad Boys of Crystal Lake book 1) - Juliana Stone
The Tailor (Grisha book 1.5) - Leigh Bardugo (Short Story)
The Too-Clever Fox (Grisha book 2.5) - Leigh Bardugo (Short Story)
The Trouble with Fate (Mystwalker book 1) - Leigh Evans
The Unexpected Wedding Guest (Wedding Season book 1) - Aimee Carson
The Unidentified Redhead (Readhead book 1) - Alice Clayton
The Wedding Dress Diaries (Wedding Season book 0.5) - Aimee Carson (Short Story)
The Weird Girls (Weird Girls book 0.5) - Cecy Robson (Novella)
The Vincent Brothers (Vincent Boys book 2) - Abbi Glines
Ticket Home (Strangers on a Train) - Serena Bell (Short Story)
Tight Quarters (Strangers on a Train) - Samantha Hunter (Short Story)
Tormenting Lila (Lila book 2.5) - Sarah Alderson (Novella)
Triangles - Kimberly Ann Miller
Trouble - Non Pratt
Trust in Me (Wait for You book 1.5) - J. Lynn
Truth (Finding Anna book 3) - Sherri Hayes
Turning Amber (Lila book 0.7) - Sarah Alderson (Short Story)

~U~
Unbeautifully Loved (Breathe Again book 1) - Emma Grayson
Unbound - Cara McKenna
Under the Covers (Maverick Montana book 2) - Rebecca Zanetti
Unleash (Vampire Erotic Theatre book 6) - Felicity Heaton
Unremembered (Unremembered book 1) - Jessica Brody
Unteachable - Leah Raeder
Until Fountain Bridge (On Dublin Street book 1.5) - Samantha Young (Novella)

~V~
Vanilla on Top (Walk on the Wild Side book 1) - C.J. Ellisson
Visions of Heat (Psy-Changeling book 2) - Nalini Singh
Voodoo for Two (Cajun Magic book 2) - Elle James
Voodoo on the Bayou (Cajun Magic book 1) - Elle James

~W~
Wait for You (Wait for You book 1) - J. Lynn
Waiting for Gonzo - Dave Cousins
Walking Disaster (Beautiful book 2) - Jamie McGuire
West of Want (Hearts of the Anemoi book 2) - Laura Kaye
While it Lasts (Sea Breeze book 3) - Abbi Glines
Wicked Heat (Feel the Heat book 1) - Nicola Marsh
Wild Hearts (Justiss Alliance book 0.5) - Tina Wainscott (Novella)
Wilde for Her (Wilde Security book 2) - Tonya Burrows
Wilde Nights in Paradise (Wilde Security book 1) - Tonya Burrows
With All My Soul (Soul Screamers book 7) - Rachel Vincent
Wolf Line (Granite Lake Wolves book 5) - Vivian Arend (Novella)
Wolf Nip (Granite Lake Wolves book 6) - Vivian Arend (Novella)
World After (Penryn & the End of Days book 2) - Susan Ee
Wrecked - Shiloh Walker

~X~

~Y~

~Z~

2013 Totals:
Novels read = 248
(Of which 6 were re-reads)
Novellas read = 26
Short Stories read = 34
Graphic Novels read = 1
Photography Books read = 1
Guest Reviews posted = 2

Review: Wrecked - Shiloh Walker

In the nineties, Abigale Applegate and Zach Barnes were the most beloved sitcom child stars in the world. Then they grew up and left Hollywood behind…

Whatever happened to Abigale Applegate?

She’s been wondering the same thing.

With her Hollywood dreams long gone, Abigale now has a nice, neat, uncomplicated life—until the day her perfect fiancé needs to talk. Dumped, a little more than shattered, and totally confused, Abigale turns to Zach, her best friend since forever, to help her pick up the pieces. He does it with a gift—a copy of Wreck This Journal. She can vent her frustrations, and sketch out a new plan. Zach just hopes he’s part of it. Because he’s been in love with Abigale his entire life.

When the journal falls into Zach’s hands, he discovers Abigale wants a new man. And fast. Nothing more than a hot distraction. Zach has a strategy, too. He’s going to be that man. It’s his last chance. Abigale might be out to shake up her life, but Zach’s out to reinvent it. Now, all he has to do is convince Abigale that life can go as planned.

Barnes Brothers Series:
Wrecked
Razed (December 2014)

Visit Shiloh Walker's website for more information

Review:
Wrecked was my last read of 2013 and what a way to end the year on a reading high because I absolutely loved this book! I love a good friends to lovers story and this was a brilliant one with some of the most likeable characters I've come across in a long time.

Abby and Zach have been best friends since they were child stars on a TV show together but Abby never had the slightest clue that Zach was head over heels in love with her. Abby's childhood was a bit of a nightmare with a pushy mother who wanted her daughter to be a star and didn't care what it cost her to achieve those goals as long as Abby was making lots of money. After leaving home when she was just 17 Abby became very independent and has worked hard at building up her catering company, she lives her life by set routines and likes to plan everything well in advance after a childhood of chaos. Zach is the only person who has never let her down, no matter what else has happened in her life he is always there for her and they have an incredibly strong friendship. He knows her inside out and when she starts to question things in her life he is the one who knows exactly how to push her out of her comfort zone by buying her the Wreck This Journal and helping her set about shaking up her world.

I loved Abby, she is so down to earth and just a genuinely nice girl who deserved to find happiness. The friendship she has with Zach was just fabulous, they have such a strong bond and obviously care deeply for each other. Zach moved across the country to set up his home near to Abby, he is a successful tattoo artist (have I mentioned before how much I love guys with tattoos?) who loves his job and is happy with his life in general. The only thing missing is Abby's love but he has always felt it was better to have her in his life as a friend rather than not at all. When Abby starts showing signs that she might be interested in taking things further between them he jumps at the chance to show her how good things could be between them. If there was ever a fictional character that I want to bring to life and have step out of the page and into my life it is Zach, he is pretty much perfect and totally swoon worthy. Scenes with him and Abby were scorching hot - especially when he paints a temporary tattoo on her body, that one made me melt!

There is just so much to enjoy about Wrecked, the creative use of the diary, the fun banter and humour, the great bond of friendship that turns into red hot chemistry and everything in between. There was one moment when I worried that a certain event had been included just to create extra drama but Shiloh Walker turned that trope on it's head and the way Abby reacted was utterly perfect. I honestly don't think I could have enjoyed this story more and I can't tell you how excited I was when I read on the author's website that she will be writing at least 2 stories about Zach's brothers & possibly more if those do well. I know I'll be putting those books to the top of my wish list as soon as they're written and I can't wait to revisit Zach's family!

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:

Review: Retro Demonology - Jana Oliver

A Demon Trapper’s bonus story.

Before Riley Blackthorne can take on Grade Five demons, she has to trap her very first. Her debut solo trapping experience should be a breeze, just a harmless Grade One after all. But throw in some dippy hippies (whose peace signs and Patchouli really aren’t driving any demons away), one mischievous demon, and a run-in with the police, and Riley might not be able to pull it off...

The Demon Trappers Series:
Retro Demonology (Free Short Story)
Forsaken (Released in the US as The Demon Trapper's Daughter)
Forbidden (Released in the US as Soul Thief)
Forgiven
Foretold
Grave Matters (Novella)
Mind Games
Valiant Light

Visit Jana Oliver's website for more information

Review:
Retro Demonology is a free short story that can be read online HERE. It is a prequel to Jana Oliver's Demon Trapper's series but it is only a few pages long so don't expect too much detail. I absolutely love this series so it's one I'd highly recommend but if you're not sure about whether to start it or not then this should give you enough of a taster to decide whether you want to try Forsaken (that's the UK name, it was released as The Demon Trapper's Daughter in the US) or not.

This short introduces us to Riley Blackthorn, she is the daughter of a master demon trapper and also his apprentice. This is the first time she has been send out to trap a demon on her own without her father there as back up so she is nervous but determined to do a good job. I'm not going to go into any more detail than that so you'll have to read the story for yourself but there are plenty of giggles along the way and watch out for the clever use of a child's sippy cup.

Obviously Jana Oliver goes into a lot more detail with her world building in the full length novels, Riley is one of my favourite YA heroines and if you read the series you'll meet the absolutely delicious Denver Beck who I may have more than a little crush on! Retro Demonology is a fab little freebie from one of my favourite series and reading it has made me want to pick up Forsaken and start a re-read!

Source: This free short story can be read online HERE

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.

Kindle: