Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Favourite Books In 2013

Hello everyone!

With 2013 coming to an end, I thought it would be fun to share my favourite books of 2013 :) Below you'll find my top 10 picks of books I read in 2013. These weren't necessarily released in 2013 but I did read them this year.


It's taken me a long time to actually read this book and now I wonder why! The Host was an absolutely brilliant book and I HIGHLY recommend!

Add on Goodreads or read my review!

Another unexpected love for me. Stung is one of the best ever dystopian's I've ever read and I loved it!
 
Add on Goodreads or read my review!
 
I have never read a book like this before! It's so far out of my normal read it's not funny, but I'm never felt so emotionally broken and then healed as I have whilst reading this. It's brilliant!
 
Add on Goodreads or read my review!
 
I reckon this is my favourite NA of all time! Losing It is sooooo fun and sassy and sexy. Bliss and Garrick are perfect together and I just love this book!
 
Add on Goodreads or read my review!
 
I adore this series and personally I think it was the best installment yet!
 
Add on Goodreads or read my review!
 
I'm a bit of a Mead junkie when it comes to her VA/Bloodlines books and as far as I'm concerned. This series is always brilliant and this book was no exception!
 
Add on Goodreads!
 
The beautiful writing, awesome characters and chemistry between them won me over with this one. This gothic stunning is more than it's cover shows. Can't wait until the next book!
 
Add on Goodreads or read my review!
 
Beautiful Disaster was brilliant, but seeing the events of it unfold through the eyes of Travis was something special. Adored this book :)
 
Add on Goodreads or read my review!
 
For Black Dagger Brotherhood fans this was the book a long time in the making-Qhuinn and Blay FINALLY together! This was also my first every M/M book and I was happy with how Ward wrote it.
 
Add on Goodreads or read my review!
 
I'm a self confessed Gena Showalter addict and her second book in the White Rabbit Chronicles was even better than the first if you ask me. Incredible--me want the next book pronto!
 
Add on Goodreads or read my review!
 
 
Memorable Mentions:
 
 
Best Self-Published Books of 2013!
 
 
So, those are my favorite books of 2013!
What are some of yours? I'd love to know!
 
 
 

Monday, December 30, 2013

Happy Birthday Escape Publishing: Interview with Juliet Madison & Giveaway


Today marks the last post in my Happy Birthday Escape Publishing celebrations! Last, but not least, I have author Juliet Madison on the blog to chat about her most recent release, I Dream of Johnny!
_____________________________________

 

Hi Juliet and thanks for agreeing to chat with me today. It's always a pleasure to talk to an Australian author, so I'm glad you could help me in celebrating Escape Publishing's 1 Year Anniversary!
Thanks for having me!

Before we begin, I have to say congratulations for I Dream of Johnny's release. I know it's always an exciting time for most author when a new story of theirs graces the world. Do you feel that way?
Thanks. Definitely! I Dream of Johnny is my second published story (my 3rd was released in October), and it sure is an exciting moment when your book goes ‘live’ online. It’s a surreal feeling knowing that people are reading something that once only existed in your imagination.

Describe I Dream of Johnny in one sentence.
A wacky romcom that proves getting three wishes isn’t all it’s cracked up to be when an unfortunate spelling error in Mandy’s high-tech magic lamp changes her wish for a Greek God into a Geek God.

Honestly, the premise of I Dream of Johnny is so catching. I have to know, where did such a cute, fun idea come from?
I thought up this idea a couple of years ago when I wondered what could happen if a wish didn’t quite ‘process’ correctly for some reason. I tried to think up something a woman might wish for that could easily be mistaken for something else, and a Greek God popped into my head. Then of course, I removed one letter, and that made geek! It was quite random ;)

I Dream of Johnny is a novella; only a short 42 pages if I'm not mistaken. Why did you decide to write it as a novella, rather than a traditional, full length novel?
I originally thought of doing it as a novel, but when I started plotting it out, I realised the story and characters could get a bit monotonous if it went for too long. I thought it would be best as something short and sweet, a quick, fun read. Plus I had other full length books I needed to write and knew it wouldn’t get written at all if I waited for the time to write it as a full length.

I know most authors tend to think of their books as their babies, but is there a story of yours that holds a special place in your heart over others? And if yes, why?
They are all my babies, but there are two that stand out for me as holding a special place in my heart (can I pick two?!). One is The January Wish which releases in January 2014, because I put a lot of myself into it. It’s an emotional, romantic story about unexpected motherhood, and I drew on my experience working in the health field to create the medical setting and health professional characters. I also set it in the small coastal town I had just moved into when I started writing the book, so the book reminds me of home. The other is The Life Makeover Club, a women’s fiction book (currently unpublished but my agent will be submitting it shortly!). It is the first book I ever wrote. I based it on my own experience and wrote it while I was undergoing my own ‘life makeover’.

Have you always wanted to write and be an author? Or was this something that just happened one day?
I’ve been writing stories since I was a little girl, but I never seriously considered being an author until a few years ago when my life went through some big changes. So in a way, it did kind of just happen one day...the decision to write seriously, not the actual finished book!

Are you an avid reader yourself? And if yes, what would we find if we had a look at your bookshelf?
I loved escaping into a fictional world as a child, and although I don’t get through as many books as I would like to these days, there is always something I’m reading. Not having a current book to read just feels weird. On my bookshelf you would find way too many books, but I still love getting new ones! I have a mixture of non-fiction, women’s fiction, and thrillers, mostly. And my Kindle shelf has a lot of fellow author’s romance ebooks, ranging from romantic comedy, contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and paranormal. I’m currently reading The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty, and looking forward to reading The Returned by Jason Mott, Outback Dreams by Rachael Johns, Blood Secret by Jaye Ford, and Nobody But Him by Victoria Purman, among others.

If you would meet anyone, living or dead, real or fiction, who would you want to meet and why?
Tough question! Umm... the child in me would want to meet Moonface from The Faraway Tree so I could slide down the slippery slide in his treehouse, but the adult in me would probably love to meet the fictional Johnny Castle from Dirty Dancing so he could teach me the famous dance routine he performed with Baby. Failing that, I’d love to have a good chat with J.K. Rowling. I just love the world she created in Harry Potter.

Oh, yes! Give me Johnny Castle too please! Guess I'm seeing where I Dream of Johnny's title came from ;) What's been your most memorable experience working with and being a part of Escape Publishing?
The overall experience has been pretty fantastic. They are a dedicated, professional bunch of people who care about their authors. A highlight for me was seeing my very first cover for the first time (for Fast Forward). I was a giggling, bumbling mess, because I loved it so much and it was such an amazing feeling seeing the story I created as something visual in front of me. It was also a great moment to attend the official Escape Publishing launch in November 2012 on Sydney Harbour. That was when I felt like a real author for the first time. :)

What's in store for you next? Is there anything you're working on right now that you want to share with us?
I have two novels releasing back to back in the new year; The January Wish in January, and February or Forever in February 2014! They are the first two books in my new small coastal town series, and I’ll be working on the third next year. Currently I’m revising my women’s fiction, The Life Makeover Club, and once that’s finished in a week or two I’ll get to work on something new, though I’m not 100% sure yet whether it will be my next women’s fiction or the second book in my YA series. Luckily I’m a fast writer so I write multiple stories each year!

6 Quick Questions:
1. Lucky Number? 4
2. Favourite Movie? Dirty Dancing Love that movie too!
3. Love or Lust? Love
4. Ebook or Physical Book? I’m an ebook convert but I still love the look and feel of a physical book.
5. Favourite Ice-Cream Flavour? Vanilla
6. Night or Day? Night (says she, writing this interview at midnight! Hmm, maybe I should say morning then. Early morning ;))

Thanks again for chatting with me Juliet. Good-luck with whatever you write in the future!
Thanks!


Juliet Madison is a naturopath-turned-author with a background in dance, art, internet marketing and perfume sales (yes, she was one of those annoying people in department stores who spray you with perfume). Nowadays she prefers to indulge her propensity for multiple careers by living vicariously through her characters. She likes to put these characters into extraordinary situations and take them on a challenging journey to discover their true passion and inner strength, weaving in some laughs, tears, romance and sometimes a touch of magic along the way.

Living near the beach on the beautiful south coast of New South Wales, Australia, Juliet spends her time running her internet business, raising her son, writing as often as she can, and doing her best to avoid housework.

Visit Juliet:
Website | Blog | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook



From the author of Fast Forward comes a story about three wishes, a high-tech genie in a lamp, and one very unfortunate typo...

Getting three wishes isn't all it's cracked up to be when an unfortunate spelling error in Mandy's high-tech magic lamp changes her wish for a Greek God to a Geek God. His fashion IQ is in the negatives, he’s clingier than cling wrap, and he has a penchant for breaking into song at inappropriate moments. Before Mandy can request a replacement wish, she has to put up with him for twenty four hours, and the timing couldn’t be worse — it's her friend’s wedding day, her ex will be there, and the God of Geeks insists on coming along for the ride!


 
 
Fantasy Bundle:
 
Details:
For your chance to win a Fantasy bundle featuring  Juliet's I Dream of Johnny well as four other fabulous stories, be sure to comment with a way to contact you!
 
Sharing isn't necessary, but always appreciated :)
 
Open internationally!
 
************
As my Happy Birthday Escape Publishing celebrations come to a close, I want to say a big THANK YOU to Polina from Harlequin for helping me get all these posts ready and to all the authors who agreed to be interviewed, wrote guest posts and who released stories with Escape Publishing during their first year! Congrats on your accomplishments and here's to many, many more great stories with Escape Publishing!
 
*Note: The giveaway's for the YA, NA and Fantasy bundles will run for one more week, with winners picked and contacted on Monday the 6th of January.
 
Thanks for joining me--I hope you've had as much fun as I have!
 

Monday Madness Giveaway- December 2013

 
Hello lovelies!

Welcome to the December edition of Monday Madness! And it's the final one for the year, though don't worry-I'll be keeping them going next year too. This month the book I was most "mad" about was The Host Stephenie Meyer! After finally reading it, I was shocked to discover how much I loved it. Here's a little bit of what I had to say......

~The Host by Stephenie Meyer is a sensationally written and beguiling book. It's complicated and intricate storyline will captivate and it's tangible characters will beckon as readers become lost in it's emotional depth and romantic beauty. This is one story that is sure to stay with you long after you've turned the final page!~

Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. The earth has been invaded by a species that take over the minds of human hosts while leaving their bodies intact. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, didn't expect to find its former tenant refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.

As Melanie fills Wanderer's thoughts with visions of Jared, a human who still lives in hiding, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she's never met. Reluctant allies, Wanderer and Melanie set off to search for the man they both love.

Featuring one of the most unusual love triangles in literature, THE HOST is a riveting and unforgettable novel about the persistence of love and the essence of what it means to be human.
 
Add on Goodreads or check out my review!
 
 
· You MUST be a follower to enter!
· Giveaway is INTERNATIONAL or wherever The Book Depository ships to.
· Giveaway will run from today (30th December) until the 13th of January (2 weeks time!)
· Simply comment below with a way to contact you to enter
· Extra entries are available but are in no way necessary by:
+1 Letting me know what you think of The Host! (Have you read it? Do you want to read it? What's your thoughts?) and....
+1 For Tweeting, Facebooking or Sharing!

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Book Shelf: The Host (The Host #1) by Stephenie Meyer

Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. The earth has been invaded by a species that take over the minds of human hosts while leaving their bodies intact. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, didn't expect to find its former tenant refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.

As Melanie fills Wanderer's thoughts with visions of Jared, a human who still lives in hiding, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she's never met. Reluctant allies, Wanderer and Melanie set off to search for the man they both love.

Featuring one of the most unusual love triangles in literature, THE HOST is a riveting and unforgettable novel about the persistence of love and the essence of what it means to be human.


More info on Goodreads.....



Review:

The Host by Stephenie Meyer is a sensationally written and beguiling book. It's complicated and intricate storyline will captivate and it's tangible characters will beckon as readers become lost in it's emotional depth and romantic beauty. This is one story that is sure to stay with you long after you've turned the final page!

Having literally just finished this book I'm in all honesty not sure I have the words to encompass how I really feel about The Host. Nothing I can say will do justice to how much I love this book--I'm just a mass of jumbled emotions right now and still find myself very much lost within the story. Have you ever waited a long time after a book is released to actually read it, only to find yourself wondering why in the world it took you so long to pick it up in the first place? That's how I feel about The Host.

Despite the fact that Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series kick started my love of reading after my tween years, it's taken me more than 5 years after The Host's release to actually read this book. And now for the life of me I can't figure out why! This book is phenomenal! Honestly. Say what you what about Stephenie Meyer--you either love her or hate her--but as far as I'm concerned The Host proves in my mind once and for all that Stephenie Meyer can write. That she is without a doubt a talented author---what she's created with The Host is nothing short of amazing!

Launching into a thrilling story from almost the opening page, Meyer introduces us to a world where human society we have always known it is non-existent. Earth has been taken over by an alien life form that takes possession of their hosts bodies and who now inhabit the bodies of almost everyone on earth. Normal humans are almost extinct, with these alien "souls" now controlling the worlds population.

Brimming with danger, angst and romance, Meyer explores the complexity of the human spirit and what it means to be human in The Host. One of the things I think I was so surprised about this book was it's unexpected depth. Stehpenie Meyer really does delve into what it means to be human and what it means to love in this well written and detailed story. Spanning more than 600 pages, I found so much unexpected beauty and emotion within it's pages. The concept in this book is thrilling; I really like how Meyer explored so much human emotion and managed to have me completely besotted with an alien life form--a life form that really should be the enemy!

The Host follows Wanderer, an invading soul whose life is forever changed when her host Melanie refuses to relinquish possession of her mind and body without a fight. Though Wanderer thinks she is happy as she is, she cannot ignore the yearning she feels as Melanie bombards her constantly with thoughts and memories of the people she left behind; people who are still hiding. As Melanie's feelings slowly become her own, and the danger to these people both she and Melanie love, Wanderer has no choice but to follow her heart as she begins her journey to find them.

Personally, I think Wanda is quite possibly one of the best characters I've ever seen written. I ADORE this girl, I really do. Wanda is, simply put, a beautiful soul. As our main character and heroine, Wanda is beyond amazing to follow. Meyer writes her so well that you can't help but come to adore this self-sacrificing and loving individual. I think the biggest difference between The Host and other sci-fi books where aliens have invaded and have taken possession of the human face, for me, is that we witness The Host unfolding though the eyes of one of these life forms. Wanda is just a good person, and as she struggles to reconcile what she is and what her species has done, and will continue to do, with the love and friendships she builds whist living in Melanie's body, Wanda's ability to care, and care deeply, is something that will continue to steal your heart as the book unfolds.


All the characters in this book were brilliant--especially all the humans Wanda comes to see as her family. Each was tangible and real; full of life, each with different personalities, flaws and insecurities. Ian, Jamie, Jared, Jeb, Melanie.....I adored them all so much! Sometimes when reading this book I found myself almost as in love with Ian as what Wanda was. Ian was such a fantastic character; honorable, kind and true....able to see Wanda for who she was not whose body she was wearing. Every little kindness he did for her and the fierce way he came to love her just won me over; his patience and understanding were such balms to the harsher aspects of the novel.

I loved the intense way Wanda experienced emotions and the way in which Meyer explored this through her very different relationships with other characters. The complexity regarding Wanda's feelings for Jared having experienced Mel's memories and her love for Jamie was intriguing things to witness; beautiful even. Admittedly, it was odd at times seeing her unable to distinguish her feelings for Jared from Mel's, but I thought it was different to see explored in a book. I LOVED the strong and endearing relationship and love Wanda experienced with Ian--that's a given--but I thought it was a stunning touch to the story for Stephenie Meyer to have both Wanda and Mel bond as they did. They went from being enemy's to allies, then to friends and sisters. Theirs was a beautiful relationship.

The Host is undoubtedly action and science fiction based, but the elements of love and friendship that I found bursting from it's pages were spectacular. The Host is superbly written and perfectly explored. Romantic, riveting and addictive, The Host is simply unforgettable!


Rating:
Source: I bought.
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Bookworld | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: This is a MUST READ!
Cover: Simple, but fitting although personally, I don't think it does the book justice
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Without a doubt! This ends really well; it could easily be a standalone, but it Stephenie Meyer publishes more, I'll read them!

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Happy Birthday Escape Publishing: Guest Post by Donna Maree Hanson & Giveaway


Today, I have Rayessa and the Space Pirates author Donna Maree Hanson on the blog to guest post as part of my (almost over) Happy Birthday Escape Publishing celebrations! I'd like you all to welcome Donna!
_________________________________

 
Writing What You Love

Thank you to Rachel for allowing me to be a guest blogger. I was published with Escape Publishing in January 2013 and it’s their first birthday this month (YAY!). Getting published with Escape Publishing changed me in a number of ways, sending me in new directions and inspiring me to write more science fiction and paranormal romance. It’s best fun I’ve ever had.

There are a number of things that inspire me to write, as a writer and as a reader too. Writing what you love is a key element, I believe. I have ideas that come naturally to me. I spent a lot of my life in fantasy worlds in my head, either on a star ship or in a land full with magic. It’s what I read. It was my escape. I realized that writing what I was imagining legitimized this totally wasteful past time (cough) and anchored me, by providing an outlet for all my bottled up creativity. Now, I escape when I write and write what I love to imagine. 

When I read, I find things that give me that ‘wow’ feeling, you know the one that starts in your toes and goes to your brain, a kind of inspirational short circuit. A few things that I love are Regency romance, Scottish historical romances, science fiction, fantasy (urban fantasy and paranormal romance too) and even horror. I adore steampunk and a bit of Victorian gothic horror. When I read something that has elements of things I like, I get excited. For example, steampunk fantasy romance for young adult readers. It’s hitting all my buttons for different reasons. I like this as a reader and I certainly like it as a writer. I always thought that a Regency period fantasy would be awesome, but then Susanna Clarke did that with Johnathan Strange and Mr Norrell. But I’m sure I’ll come up with something new and exciting eventually.

After a good thirteen years learning the craft of writing, I like to experiment and play around with elements of genre, mash it all together. I mean the characters are the important things, but the bells and whistles of setting and tropes dress them up and let you have fun. Rayessa and the Space Pirates is supposedly a  young adult, science-fiction romance, adventure with a crime plot driver. Of course, I don’t think I intentionally did that when I wrote it. The story came out that way. I fell in love with the characters and they told the story. I know writers say that and people roll their eyes, but it can happen, particularly to pantsers (people who just write and let it flow, rather than plan and write an outline). Originally, I was trying to write a short story about this girl on an asteroid and I wanted to play around a little with a character who was an auditor (I audit for a living) and it was all going really well and getting longer and I thought yes I can resolve this story, when the pirates showed up. When they did, I realised it wasn’t a short story any more. I just went with it. I wrote what entertained me, what I love and really I had no idea of what the market for it could or would be.

The first real moment that inspired me to become a writer is when I had this idea for a character (actually the character appeared in a dream and I started asking who she was, how she got where she was) and there was enough story there for my first novel (still unpublished). Back in 2001, a novel where the character is in love with an alien warrior in a story with feminist undertones, didn’t really have a market (also first novels need lots of work to make them into books!). I had so much fun writing it. So write what you love, read what you love, inspire yourself.

 
Donna Maree Hanson is a Canberra-based writer (actually she now lives across the border in Queanbeyan) of fantasy, science fiction, horror, paranormal romance and soon to be romance. She has been writing creatively since November 2000.

While she aspires to publish novels, she has had about 20 short stories published in various small press and ezines. In January 2013, her first longer work is due to be published with Harlequin Escape digital publishers (link here.) This novella length work is a young-adult, science-fiction adventure/romance (space opera). Title as yet unofficial!

In 2006, she won a Varuna Long Lines Fellowship for her novel in progress, Dragon Wine. Donna has also had two of her short stories receive honourable mentions in Datlow’s years best horror.
 
Visit Donna:


Sixteen-year-old Rae Stroder lives in a hollow asteroid, a defunct refuelling station, with a brain-damaged adult, Gris, to keep her company. Low on supplies, they've been eking out an existence for years. Everything changes when Alwin Anton, ultra-clean, smart and handsome AllEarth Corp company auditor, arrives to find disarray. Full of suspicion, he interrogates Rae, threatening her with prosecution for theft. He uncovers the fact that she is not Rae Stroder at all, when space pirates attack.

During the attack, Rae is taken prisoner and Alwin Anton escapes in his space ship. The pirate women prepare Rae for sale on the infamous Centauri slave markets. It's all going badly, when she is purchased by a mysterious Ridallian.

Meanwhile, the space pirates are out to kill Alwin Anton because he holds the secret to Rae's true identity. It's a race against time to unravel the intrigue of Rae's past to secure her future.

 

Purchase:
 
 
YA Bundle:
 
Details:
For your chance to win a YA bundle featuring  Rayessa and the Space Pirates well as four other fabulous stories, be sure to comment with a way to contact you!
 
Sharing isn't necessary, but always appreciated :)
 
Open internationally!
 
**Stop by on Monday for my FINAL Happy Birthday Escape Publishing post--I'll be hosting I Dream of Johnny author Juliet Madison on the blog for a chat!**
 
 

Friday, December 27, 2013

Book Shelf: Never Too Far (Too Far #2) by Abbi Glines

He had held a secret that destroyed her world.

Everything she had known was no longer true.

Blaire couldn’t stop loving him but she knew she could never forgive him.
Now, she was back home and learning to live again. Moving on with life… until something happened to send her world spinning once again.
What do you do when the one person you can never trust again is the one that you need to trust so desperately?

You lie, hide, avoid, and pray that your sins never find you out.


More info on Goodreads......



Review:

Never Too Far is the second installment in Abbi Glines Too Far series and continues Blaire and Rush's riveting, and often emotionally traumatic journey in this fantastic sequel in the series.

Picking up not far after Fallen Too Far left off, I genuinely found Never Too Far to be a worthy sequel to the first book. Detailing the next phase in Blaire and Rush's difficult, and often turbulent relationship, this book takes their relationship to the next level and allows Abbi Glines to continue to explore their relationship and their relationships with the characters around them.

Unlike the first book in this series, Never Too Far is actually told in dual POV, with both Blaire and Rush having a voice in this installment in the series. Whilst I enjoyed the way Glines wrote the first book, the ability to read through the eyes of both main characters always enhances the reading experience; something quite evident in Never Too Far. If ever people doubted Rush's sincerity and depth of his love for Blaire, this book allowed him to share his voice as never before and put those doubts to rest.

All the characters I loved, and loathed, in the first book are back, both to help and hinder. I was thrilled to see Blaire experience strong and ongoing friendships with both Bethy and Woods throughout Never Too Far. Bethy, despite her saucy nature, or perhaps even because of it, continues to be a true friend to Blaire, supporting her and standing by her in her current situation. Woods, even after his failed attempt to woo Blaire proved to be a sense of strength for Blaire and continues to win me over with the good and honorable guy he truly is.

Never Too Far is a very emotionally driven rollar-coaster ride for Blaire and Rush. An unexpected development in their situation forces them to face their issues and there's never a lack of uncertainty, pain and strife as the two must decide whether they're going to be together or not. Even though at times admittedly I've had my issues with these characters, there's something so undeniably addictive about their story. No matter what some people may think, Glines writes it well.

Blaire and Rush are in no way perfect. Blaire suffers from a mountain load of insecurities and her inability to believe she's good enough continues to hinder her relationship with Rush. She's young, insecure and sometimes (I believe) too forgiving, but she's also incredibly strong. Her ability to pick herself up time and time again after everything she's been through and keep going is admirable. So is her desire to do it herself. Here is a girl not afraid of hard work if it means surviving and throughout each book Blaire has displayed how far she's willing to go to take care of herself if she has to.

Rush on the other hand, struggles to balance his relationship and feelings for Blaire with his relationship with his family and makes more mistakes at times than it seems a person should be allowed to. He's rash and possessive and at times unthinking, but as he stumbles through his relationship with Blaire it's so very evident that he wants to be better. He isn't intentionally cruel or unthinking, he's just never known how to be any other way. He's learning. Throughout this series Rush is learning to be a better man; to become the supportive and attentive person Blaire needs and it's hard to fault him when you see him. try so hard

Both Blaire and Rush are human. And Glines doesn't shy away from this. Rush and Blaire have a lot of issues to face. The trust they had was shattered at the end of the last book and during the sizzling story in Never Too Far, they need to rebuild their relationship. As always the sex scenes were hot and with Blaire hormones in over drive, the connection between Blaire and Rush was never lacking, even as they stumbled over rebuilding their relationship.

Never Too Far was fun, sexy and very, very emotional. There's pain, laughter and love to be found within it's pages and with more revelations coming to light towards the end, Glines has set up the storyline for the final book very nicely. Never Too Far ends on an incredibly sweet moment and has me ready to pick up the third, and final, book pronto!


Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Simon & Schuster Australia (Thank you Anabel!)
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Bookworld | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: NA fans you'll want to read!
Cover: I love the stunning simplicity of our Aussie covers!
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Absolutely!

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Happy Birthday Escape Publishing: It's Love, Dude by Jenny Schwartz- Excerpt & Giveaway

 

Today as part of my Happy Birthday Escape Publishing celebrations I have an excerpt from It's Love, Dude by Jenny Schwartz as well as another chance for you to win a fantastic NA bundle!
___________________________________

 

Zane Carlton grinned as he rested his butt on the railing that separated the cycle path from the top of the dunes. He was back home in Jardin Bay to bring glamour to the opening of a new skate park. No‐one cared that he was a surfer and not a skateboarder. What mattered was that he was a World Champion surfer and a hometown boy. But for all that he was meant to be the main media drawcard; the journalists weren’t clustered around him.

A few metres away, standing in the shade of a Norfolk pine tree, a bombshell brunette had the media pack salivating — and by the way she twisted one pretty foot around her other ankle, she didn’t know how to handle the attention.

‘Flip me,’ he muttered. ‘She’s shy.’

It was cute. It was hot. The woman was a babe. Long, curly, black hair was pulled back in a ponytail revealing an oval face that would have looked like a medieval painting of the Madonna, all serene and beautiful, except that this woman’s mouth was quite simply lush.

He took his time studying her figure.

She wore an orange sweater. The early spring morning was still cool, so she’d probably thought the sweater was sensible. But the way she filled it out was an invitation to X‐rated fantasies. Add in the narrow waist that flared out to a curvy bum, plus the knee length skirt that ended to reveal spectacular legs, and you had the reason the media had forgotten him.

Only one journalist proved immune, and she was a middle‐aged woman who’d buttonholed the local Member of Parliament, Greg Cooper.

The brunette twisted the strap of her handbag around her fingers and appeared ready to bolt.

Zane hadn’t caught her name, but he’d noticed her arrive with Greg Cooper. Evidently, the woman worked for him. Smart move. The local MP would have no trouble getting media attention despite his rumpled, grey appearance if he sent this woman to set up the gig.

Although just now she was probably rethinking her career choice. 

Welcome to the big leagues, sweetheart.

The additional media — the national sports journalists who’d driven down from Perth to Jardin Bay for the chance to interview him — were too much for her. They were brash, demanding and relentless. He knew. He’d been dealing with them for years.

A good guy would haul ass and go rescue her.

Zane frowned down at his brand‐name sneakers.

Everything he wore was brand‐name. His sponsorship deals had set him up for life since winning the World Championship three years ago. In a bit over a year, he’d retire. Sure, 30 wasn’t old, but he wanted a life. Travelling the world sounded glamorous, but one competition blurred into the other. There were hangers‐on and users everywhere. People started thinking stuff was important that he knew wasn’t. It was a life in a travelling bubble and he was sick of it. Crazy tired.

He looked back at the woman.

One more year, then he’d come back to Jardin Bay permanently.

Once he was home he could think about chatting up a shy small‐town girl who probably dreamed of forever. Probably had a boyfriend. Hell, for all he knew, she was dating some guy he went to high school with. Lucky bastard.

She smiled suddenly.

He saw the impact it had on the media: a moment of awe and then a surge forward. He looked for the man who’d won that smile.

‘Granddad?’ 

From our favourite short story writer comes a debut full-length novel about sand, sun, small towns, and surfing...

Zane Carlton is a World Champion surfer. Molly Georgiou is a shy, small-town girl. They have nothing in common except an instantaneous attraction and an impossible quest for a rare, endangered Australian marsupial. But Zane is determined to make it work, and invites Molly to take a step into his world. But Molly isn’t ready for the spotlights and attention — she loves her town, its quirks, its characters. Opposites attract, but can two such different people find both a woylie and forever?


Purchase:


 
I’m an Australian author of Coastal Romance. I have a degree in Sociology and History (people watching and digging into the past), a passion for books, a tendency to invent my own recipes in the kitchen and to take really bad photos that nonetheless make me happy.

I’ve always dreamed of living by the sea, and one day I’ll achieve it! Till then, welcome to my world of coastal dreaming.

Visit Jenny:
 
 
NA Bundle:
 
Details:
For your chance to win a NA bundle featuring It's Love, Dude as well as four other fabulous stories, be sure to comment with a way to contact you!
 
Sharing isn't necessary, but always appreciated :)
 
Open internationally!
 
**Pop by on Saturday when I have Rayessa and the Space Pirates author Donna Maree Hanson on the blog to guest post!**
 
 

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Merry Christmas!


Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a safe, happy and present filled day!

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Happy Birthday Escape Publishing: Interview with Rebekah Turner & Giveaway


Today I have Chaos Born author Rebekah Turner on the blog to talk about her debut novel!
_________________________________________

 

Hi Rebekah! Thanks so much for agreeing to be interviewed today as part of Escape Publishing's 1 Year celebrations. I'm excited about the prospect of talking to you :) Let's begin, shall we?

Chaos Born is your debut novel, with it's sequel due out soon. Released in November 2012 by Escape Publishing, Chaos Born has been out in the world for almost a year now. How does that make you feel? Is it still a surreal experience?
It was very surreal at first and a bit of a whirlwind when it happened. Now it just feels great that I can get my stories out there for anyone who likes gritty urban fantasy.

For those such as myself who are yet to read Chaos Born, can you give us a little taste? Perhaps a favourite quote of yours?
"Killing Roper wasn't the worst thing I'd done and I didn't feel too sorry about it. I'd grown up fast and mean on the streets of Applecross. My white hair and lame leg had made me a target for every bully on the block, so I learnt early on to fight dirty and that regret was for pansies."

Describe your heroine Lora in 5 words.
Can't keep the bitch down

I have to say....the cover for Chaos Born is really kick-ass! Seriously, I'm totally loving it. Did you have any say in the design?
No, I wish I could take credit, but it was all thanks to the awesome design team at Escape Publishing.

If Chaos Born was ever made into a movie, who would you want to play Lora, Roman and Seth?
Lora: Kat Dennings
Roman: Tom Hardy
Seth: Timothy Olyphant
 
Kat Dennings, Tom Hardy and Timothy Olyphant
Let's talk a little about you. What's something we'd be surprised to learn about you?
I used to have a black belt in Tae Kwon Do.

Talk us through your writing process? What goes into a typical writing session for you?
After the kids go down, I get a cup of tea and put some pick me up tunes on. Then I read over the last two paragraphs or so, then write or edit until my eyes start closing.

Who or what has been the biggest inspiration throughout your life?
My mum.

What's been your most memorable experience working with and being a part of Escape Publishing?
The launch of Escape Publishing will forever stick out in my memory. I was flown to Sydney and met the other launch authors. Everything was exceptionally posh. We had our hair and make-up done, then we were whisked to the launch location by a limousine. The venue had a great view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and there were awesome cocktails named after all the launch books. While I did not go back to the hotel with my pants on my head, it was still one of the most incredible nights out I’ve experienced.

The sequel to Chaos Born, Chaos Bound comes out next month, what's different this time around? And what's in store for you afterwards? In Chaos Bound, Lora Blackgoat is hired to find a missing person, but her investigation put her in the crosshairs of not only a violent gang, but a merchant with a taste for blood sport. Her attraction to Roman grows, but it is Seth, ex-lover and reborn hellspawn, who Lora ultimately must ask to help protect those she loves.

Next for me is finishing up a New Adult book, then getting a cracking on the third Chaos book.

6 Quick Questions:
1. Light or Dark? Light
2. Rain or Shine? Rain
3. Lucky Number? 10
4. Favourite Movie? Aliens
5. Favourite Colour? Blue
6. Ebook or Physical Book? Can I have both?

Thanks once more for joining me today Rebekah. I wish you all the best for Chaos Bound's release and then whatever comes afterwards for you!

 
Rebekah lives in sunny Queensland and has worked in the past as a graphic designer. She now does freelance work when her kids are looking the other way. An avid writer since she could scrawl in her dad’s expensive encyclopedias, she has progressed from horsey stories to tales of dark fantasy with lashings of romance and a sprinkling of horror.

Her vices include eating overpriced ice cream, watching trashy 80s action movies and buying stationery she doesn’t need.
 
Visit Rebekah:

A fresh and exciting debut novel introducing the Chronicles from the Applecross.

Lora Blackgoat, smuggler and mercenary, has been lying low after a job gone bad made her a laughing stock in the industry. When a childhood friend turns to her for help, Lora leaps to restore her reputation and starts hunting a killer who is stalking the gas-lit streets.

She never expects that her path will lead her to the Order of Guides, a sadistic militant religious organisation - or to Roman, a deadly and dangerously attractive half-angel warrior who also hunts the killer.

When Lora discovers that the killer has broken fundamental laws of magic to enter the city, she also uncovers a conspiracy that leads back into her own dark past.


Purchase:

 
Fantasy Bundle:
 
Details:
For your chance to win a Fantasy bundle featuring Rebekah Turner's Chaos Born as well as four other fabulous stories, be sure to comment with a way to contact you!
 
Sharing isn't necessary, but always appreciated :)
 
Open internationally!
 
 
**Stop back on Boxing Day because I have an excerpt from It’s Love, Dude by Jenny Schwartz!**