Friday, March 31, 2017

Blog Tour: Myths of Mish by Katie Hamstead- Promo & Giveaway


Today on The Rest Is Still Unwritten I'm thrilled to be taking part in the Blog Tour for Myths of Mish by Katie Hamstead, the second novel in the Fairytale Galaxy Chronicles thanks to YA Bound Book Tours.
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Having now read both books in the series, I was happy to share my review of Myths of Mish yesterday and an excerpt with you today.

Hansel and Gretel Herrscher survived the witch in the woods, but the experience has made Hansel paranoid for the past ten years. He sees dark magic at every turn. When Gretel has a marriage arranged to a much older man, and Hansel discovers he's about to be sent halfway across the galaxy, he knows something sinister is afoot.

Wilhelmine Nordon has plenty of experience with Hansel's quirkier side. So when she catches him and Gretel running away in the middle of the night, she follows to keep them from getting killed. The siblings have never left the capital of Mish on their own, so they need a babysitter. Except when she's discovered, Hansel gives her his usual cold shoulder, and Gretel secretly begs her to take them back.

The problem is, Hansel's paranoia turns out to be well founded, and they're all being hunted.


Add on Goodreads or check out my 4 star review!
 
Purchase:
Amazon

 
Born and raised in Australia, Katie's early years of day dreaming in the "bush", and having her father tell her wild bedtime stories, inspired her passion for writing. After graduating High School, she became a foreign exchange student where she met a young man who several years later she married. Now she lives in Arizona with her husband, daughter and their dog. She has a diploma in travel and tourism which helps inspire her writing.

When her debut novel, Kiya: Hope of the Pharaoh, climbed into bestselling status, she believed she was onto something, and now has a slew of novels now available, and is published through Curiosity Quills Press, Soul Mate Publishing, and REUTS Publishing. Katie loves to out sing her friends and family, play sports, and be a good wife and mother. She now works as an Acquisitions Editor to help support her family. She loves to write, and takes the few spare moments in her day to work on her novels.

Visit Katie:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, March 30, 2017

Book Shelf: Myths of Mish (Fairytale Galaxy Chronicles #2) by Katie Hamstead

Hansel and Gretel Herrscher survived the witch in the woods, but the experience has made Hansel paranoid for the past ten years. He sees dark magic at every turn. When Gretel has a marriage arranged to a much older man, and Hansel discovers he's about to be sent halfway across the galaxy, he knows something sinister is afoot.

Wilhelmine Nordon has plenty of experience with Hansel's quirkier side. So when she catches him and Gretel running away in the middle of the night, she follows to keep them from getting killed. The siblings have never left the capital of Mish on their own, so they need a babysitter. Except when she's discovered, Hansel gives her his usual cold shoulder, and Gretel secretly begs her to take them back.

The problem is, Hansel's paranoia turns out to be well founded, and they're all being hunted.


More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Myths of Mish is the second novel in Katie Hamstead’s delicious Fairytale Galaxy Chronicles and is another great read perfect for those who love their fairytales with a sci-fi flair or who are fans of Marissa Meyer. 

Everyone knows the story of Hansel and Gretel; how they were lost in the woods and tricked by a wicked witch before ultimately killing the witch and saving themselves. Well, after years and years Hansel would like nothing more than to be rid of that stigma. It doesn’t help that he’s convinced that the experience in the woods was more sinister than it appeared and his step mother Berta is up to no good. Deemed paranoid and untrusting, all Hansel wants to do is protect his sister, even if it means helping her run away from an arranged marriage. Wilhelmine “Minna” Nordon has known the siblings since she was a child and if anyone knows about Hansel’s issues it’s her. So when Minna catches Hansel and Gretel running away she decides to stow away on their ship to protect her friend and the boy she has loved for years….if only Hansel would stop being so stubborn and give her a chance. Yet with Hansel’s fears turning out to be well founded, will Hansel finally see the wonderful person Minna really is? Or will it be too late for their happily ever after?  

Following up the first novel in this adventurous series, Myths of Mish is a lovely twist on the Hansel and Gretel classic with sci-fi mixing with magic and romance. Featuring strong characters and unfolding through the varying POV’s of Hansel, Minna and Gretel, Myths of Mish was a well-rounded tale and kept me eagerly reading along. 

I liked the characters in the story, although Hansel’s stubbornness was occasionally a bit grating and his cruel treatment of Minna in the beginning disheartening. That being said, I enjoyed seeing the growth in him and that Hamstead forced him to re-evaluate the way saw and treated Minna. It made me smile that his natural male pride made him want to always control his ship, although he wasn’t the best driver. It made him such a guy in this regard. 

Personally I thought Myths of Mish was just a really well told entertaining read. It was just fun; exciting, romantic, action, adventure filled and very enjoyable. There was chemistry between the characters, plenty of fight sequences and dashing moments and of course romance and love that pleased the romantic in me. 

A solid read and great addition to the Fairytale Galaxy Chronicles, I’m looking forward to whatever tale Katie Hamstead has in store for us next!
 

Rating:
Source:
Sent for review by YA Bound Book Tours and the author (Thank you ladies!)
Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press      
Format: Kindle ebook

Release Date: March 28th 2017
Purchase:
Amazon
Final Thoughts:
Another great sci-fi fairytale retelling with plenty of romance; I can't wait for the next book!



Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Waiting on Wednesday #173

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking The Spine where you can spotlight an upcoming release that you're eagerly anticipating.

This week I'm waiting on.....
 
Daughter of the Burning City by Amanda Foody
Releases on: July 25th 2017
Add on Goodreads!
 
A darkly irresistible new fantasy set in the infamous Gomorrah Festival, a traveling carnival of debauchery that caters to the strangest of dreams and desires.

Sixteen-year-old Sorina has spent most of her life within the smoldering borders of the Gomorrah Festival. Yet even among the many unusual members of the traveling circus-city, Sorina stands apart as the only illusion-worker born in hundreds of years. This rare talent allows her to create illusions that others can see, feel and touch, with personalities all their own. Her creations are her family, and together they make up the cast of the Festival’s Freak Show.

But no matter how lifelike they may seem, her illusions are still just that—illusions, and not truly real. Or so she always believed…until one of them is murdered.

Desperate to protect her family, Sorina must track down the culprit and determine how they killed a person who doesn’t actually exist. Her search for answers leads her to the self-proclaimed gossip-worker Luca, and their investigation sends them through a haze of political turmoil and forbidden romance, and into the most sinister corners of the Festival. But as the killer continues murdering Sorina’s illusions one by one, she must unravel the horrifying truth before all of her loved ones disappear.


Thoughts:
There's been some really wonderful circus/travelling carnival tales recently that I've very much enjoyed, and Daughter of the Burning City looks like it'll be the latest one to steal my heart and capture my imagination. Everything about this description has me perking up in interest; amazing abilities, danger, murder, forbidden romance....it all screams brilliant read!

Does Daughter of the Burning City sound like something YOU would want to read?
And what are you waiting on this week?

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Book Shelf: The Kill Order (The Maze Runner #0.5) by James Dashner

Before WICKED was formed, before the Glade was built, before Thomas entered the Maze, sun flares hit the earth and mankind fell to disease.

Mark and Trina were there when it happened, and they survived. But surviving the sun flares was easy compared to what came next.

Now a disease of rage and lunacy races across the eastern United States, and there’s something suspicious about its origin. Worse yet, it’s mutating, and all evidence suggests that it will bring humanity to its knees.

Mark and Trina are convinced there’s a way to save those left living from descending into madness. And they’re determined to find it—if they can stay alive. Because in this new, devastated world, every life has a price. And to some, you’re worth more dead than alive.


More info on Goodreads......


Review:

The Kill Order is the fourth book released in James Dashner’s Maze Runner series, but is prequel novel to the main trilogy, set before there was any need for the Maze and detailing the events after the sun flare first hit Earth.

Long before Thomas and the Gladers found themselves in the Maze, sun flares hit the Earth and soon disease starting infecting the survivors. Mark and his best friend Trina were lucky enough to survive the horror that accompanied the sun flares, but now a year later they’re facing a new challenge as an unknown group begin attacking survivors and unleashing a virus upon them that sees those infected descend into madness. As Mark and his close group of allies fight to protect each other from this new threat, will Mark and Trina be able to stay alive, or has their luck finally run out?

Though not my favourite book in the series by a long shot, I really did appreciate The Kill Order for what it was. So much that made The Maze Runner series great was the mystery and unknown that surrounded the storyline, but it was also great to go back to the beginning and get a glimpse of how things came to be.

James Dashner keeps The Kill Order forward moving with a fast paced plot and lot of action. There’s an aspect of bitter-sweet tinging the story as those who’ve read the rest of the series will be aware of the horrors the world would soon face as the effects of the Flare would spread throughout humanity.

Mark was an easy enough character to follow and I appreciated the closeness of his group as they fought to live and survive together. Dashner’s writing is as solid as ever, as is his ability to tell an action packed story, full of survival and the power of human nature.

Perfect for those who ever wondered how they Flare first began, The Kill Order is an eye opening and informative read worth reading if you’re a fan of this series!

Rating:
Source:
Sent for review by publisher (Thank you Sarah!)
Publisher: Chicken House, Scholastic imprint
Format: Paperback

Release Date: January 1st 2013
Purchase:
Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts:
Worth reading, but not up to the same scratch as the rest of the Maze Runner books.


Monday, March 27, 2017

Free Ebooks

Hello book lovers and happy Monday!

Normally I'd share an Owl Post today, but shockingly I didn't obtain ANY books last week. So this week instead of showing you what I received I'm going to share some books that YOU can get your hands on yourself :)



Did you manage to snag something new?
I certainly did!

Saturday, March 25, 2017

Book Shelf: Death's Queen by Janeal Falor

An assassin without a name, born to kill. Owned by a vicious man who refuses to call her anything but girl, she is forced to commit atrocious acts of violence. Vowing to take her future into her own hands, the seventeen-year-old decides to risk everything on one act of defiance—drinking from The Death Drink. The beverage kills most whose lips touch it—only allowing those who are destined to be royalty survive the first sip.

To the astonishment of the nation of Valcora, she imbibes it and lives, which crowns her queen. Thrown into a life of royal intrigue, she now has a purpose—to rule with the fairness she was never shown. Despite her altruistic plans, it becomes apparent that someone wants her dead. The new queen must use her training from the former life she only wants to forget in order to stay alive long enough to turn her kingdom into something she can be proud of. She’ll hold onto the crown… or die trying.

 
More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Death’s Queen is the thrilling latest release by Janeal Falor and is a sensational fantasy tale filled with danger, excitement and forbidden romance, perfect for fans of Maria V. Snyder and Sarah J. Maas!

She is known as death; a faceless assassin trained to kill, owned by a ruthless man whose cruelty knows no bounds and who pushes her to kill. Desperate and haunted, the broken seventeen year old runs away, recklessly choosing to ingest a centuries old liquid known for killing all but a select few who drink it. Dismayed to discover she is one of the few who live and crowned Queen, this nameless assassin must decide who to trust in a brand new world of politics and court life, all the while trying to stay ahead of unknown individuals who will stop at nothing to see her dead…..

As someone who considers herself a Janeal Falor fan, I have to say I went into Death’s Queen with big expectations….and I’m happy to say she delivered on them! There’s nothing about Death’s Queen I didn’t love. Honestly. Well written, paced and depicted, Falor introduces readers to a beguiling fantasy world and a main character who is easy to follow and genuinely likable.  

I was easily captivated by the nameless heroine in Death’s Queen. This was a young woman who had experienced a hard life and who had been responsible for taking the lives of so many. A hasty decision to ingest a liquid that should have killed her in the hopes of death, our heroine now finds herself Queen of a nation she barely knows anything about. It was really entertaining to follow this lass. She’s brass and awkward and doesn’t mince her words, but underneath her calm and stoic exterior she’s really kind and caring. Intelligent and quick thinking, she actually cares about the people of Valcora and wants to better things for them. She’s also able to kick butt, so there’s that too—nothing wrong with a capable woman. 

Exciting and often filled with great fight scenes, Death’s Queen sees a number of assassins try to take the life of our main character, and Janeal Falor keeps the mystery encompassing this all the way to the end. In a land where motives are often questionable, who can our main character trust? Aside from a truthful and honourable guard who makes her stomach flutter, our Queen will need to decide who she can rely on as well as find out who’s trying to kill her before it’s too late. 

Fused with magic and featuring a storyline that makes me wonder what will happen next, Death’s Queen races to an exhilarating ending and has me eager to see what Janeal Falor has in store for the series with the second book!

Rating:
Source:
Sent for review by author (Thank you Janeal!)
Publisher: Chardonian Press      
Format:
Kindle ebook
Release Date: March 6th 2017
Purchase:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Final Thoughts:
Death's Queen is soooooo good and I can't wait for more!

Friday, March 24, 2017

Book Blitz: Birthright by Jessica Ruddick- Promo & Giveaway


Welcome to the book blitz for Birthright by Jessica Ruddick thanks to YA Bound Book Tours! Personally I think Birthright sounds quite interesting with a beautiful cover, so I'm happy to share an excerpt and giveaway with you today.
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How do you live with yourself when you decide who dies?

Ava Parks would have killed for an iPod for her sixteenth birthday. Anything would have been better than coming into her birthright of being a seeker for the Grim Reaper, an arrangement made by her fallen angel ancestor in exchange for his re-admittance to heaven. And she isn’t just any seeker—she finds souls that have the potential for becoming angels and sentences them to death. A year and two souls into her role as a seeker with her conscience overflowing with guilt, Ava comes up with a plan to thwart the system. When it goes awry, she is forced to submit the name of a classmate, Cole Fowler, an ornery, rough around the edges guy who always seems to come to her rescue, whether she likes it or not. Her feelings for Cole prompt her to intervene, and she saves him from death, upsetting the Grim Reaper’s agenda.

While Ava schemes to find a way to save Cole, she learns he has some secrets of his own. She lets him believe he is protecting her, and not the other way around, until a final showdown with the Grim Reaper forces Ava to make choices Cole may never forgive.


Purchase:
Jessica Ruddick is a 2014 Golden Heart finalist for her new adult novel, Letting Go, which was inspired by her own college experiences. She lives in Virginia and is married to her college sweetheart—their first date was a fraternity toga party (and nothing inspires love like a toga, right?). When she doesn’t have her nose in a book or her hands on a keyboard, she can be found wrangling her two rambunctious sons, taming two rowdy but lovable rescue dogs, and battling the herd of dust bunnies that has taken up residence in her home. To learn more about Jessica, please visit her website at www.jessicaruddick.com.

Visit Jessica:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Book Shelf: Arrow's Hell (Wind Dragons MC #2) by Chantal Fernando

Being the younger sister of a Wind Dragons MC member isn’t as great as you’d think it would be.

I can’t escape the details of my brother’s exploits.
No one tells me anything.
Men who know who I am tend to stay away from me.

And worst of all:
The members of the MC are off-limits.

When Arrow catches my eye, I make it my mission to make him happy again.

When I fall head over heels in love with him, I just hope he will be there to catch me.
And that my brother doesn’t kill him.


More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Arrow’s Hell is the second book in the Wind Dragon MC series by Chantal Fernando and is another sexy, dangerous and alluring read that sees Wind Dragon member Arrow find a second shot at love.

After a lengthy time away from her brother Rake, budding scientist Anna finds herself drawn into the dangerous world of the Wind Dragons motorcycle club as she begins to get to know her brother again. Trying to find a balance and not lose her freedom, Anna is unable to deny that it’s the scarred and rugged Arrow that makes her burn, even as he tries to keep his distance. Anna knows Arrow has loved and lost before, and doesn’t deny he has a past, but as Anna decides to pursue Arrow, will Arrow’s fears and uncertainties keep them apart? Or will Arrow take a risk on a second chance at a happily ever after?

After reading the first book in this series Dragon’s Lair, I was really excited to read Arrow’s tale and it certainly doesn’t disappoint. Admittedly, Chantal Fernando surprised me by setting this book five years after the first, but after I got over this initial discovery I quickly became enthralled by Arrow’s story.

Told through Anna’s POV Arrow’s Hell was an enjoyable book. We head into the novel aware that Arrow lost Mary and of his recent stint in jail, but we don’t know how deep he struggles until Anna makes it her mission to win him over. Anna in a lot of ways reminds me of Faye; she didn’t let any of the men stand over her and doesn’t take any of their crap. As hard as heroines go and potential "old ladies" Anna definitely fits the bill.

Arrow’s Hell is a sexy readthere is plenty of connection and simmering sex scenes between Anna and Arrow and Chantal Fernando writes their romance well. They have a lot to overcome including Annas brother Rake, Arrows late love Mary and a secret that may tear them apart if they let it.

Quickly paced and featuring an enjoyable storyline and characters who have a great dynamic together, Arrow’s Hell is a worthy sequel and leaves me raring to start the next novel as soon as I’m able!
 

Rating:
Source: Purchased by mePurchased by me

Publisher: Gallery Books      
Format: Paperback

Release Date: June 16th 2015
Purchase:
Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts:
Another great book. I'll be jumping straight into Tracker's story soon.

 

Book Shelf: The Obsidian Star by L.M. Fry

Nessie dreams of soaring through the skies as captain of her own Aerial Vessel.  Unfortunately, her parents believe that a girl’s place is at home - and nowhere near airships.  But when an estranged uncle arrives in Aetherland Isle, Nessie’s life changes forever. Mysterious accidents plague the family, and, in a moment of rebellion, Nessie stows away on her father’s ship.

She learns very quickly that when adventure finds her, it isn't nearly as marvelous as she'd always hoped, for she learns that her family is in mortal danger, and Nessie herself will soon be in the hands of nefarious sky pirates aboard their airship, the Obsidian Star...


More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

The Obsidian Star is the delightful prequel novella to L.M. Fry’s Trinity Key Trilogy and features fan favourite Nessie like never before, finally allowing readers to follow the fiery airship captain in her own adventurous tale!

Seventeen year old Vanessa “Nessie” Stein would prefer to be elbow deep in grease or behind the controls of an airship than where her parents deem an acceptable place for a young lady. Passionate and daring, Nessie has big dreams, and none of them include running a home like her sister Victoria or as the wife of a controlling man. Nessie wants to explore the world and see Aetherland, but never expected her chance would come as a kidnapping victim. Plotting her escape, Nessie soon realises that not everyone is who they seem and the enemy may turn out to be her real friends…..

Having been intrigued by Nessie during the Trinity Key Trilogy, I was stoked to follow Nessie in this prequel novella that is action packed, adventurous and so much fun! Allowing readers to get to know Nessie as a seventeen year old girl on the edge of becoming a woman, The Obsidian Star was a delightful tale that made me fall in love with Nessie all over again. 

Her unique personality in the Aetherland world shone through during the Trinity Key Trilogy and it was so sweet seeing her as a teenager. Fry made me fall in love with the Obsidian Star crew, especially the Obsidian Brothers who I’m racking my brain trying to recall if they were mentioned in the Trinity Key Trilogy about as I really liked them. 

The Obsidian Star was such a grand adventure, I’m really not ready see Nessie’s story come to an end. It would be brilliant to see a whole series from Nessie’s POV down the track as I think this fiery redhead would have plenty of stories to tell. A great read from L.M. Fry! 

Rating:
Source:
Sent for review by author (Thank you L.M.!)
Publisher: ELEAH Enterprises      
Format: Kindle ebook

Release Date: February 14th 2017
Purchase: 
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Final Thoughts:
Such an exciting and well told novella, The Obsidian Star leaves me yearning for more Nessie adventure!

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Waiting on Wednesday #172

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking The Spine where you can spotlight an upcoming release that you're eagerly anticipating.

This week I'm waiting on.....
 
Even the Darkest Stars by Heather Fawcett
Releases on: September 5th 2017
Add on Goodreads!
 
Set in a fictional Himalayan kingdom, this is the story of a girl enlisted by a legendary explorer to help him climb the kingdom’s deadliest mountain – only to discover that his true mission may threaten her whole world.

Kamzin has always dreamed of becoming one of the emperor’s royal explorers, the elite climbers tasked with mapping the wintry, mountainous Empire and spying on its enemies. She knows she could be the best in the world, if only someone would give her a chance.

But everything changes when the mysterious and eccentric River Shara, the greatest explorer every known, arrives in her village and demands to hire Kamzin—not her older sister, Lusha, as everyone had expected—for his next expedition. This is Kamzin’s chance to prove herself—even though River’s mission to retrieve a rare talisman for the emperor means cimbing Raksha, the tallest and deadliest mountain in the Aryas. Then, Lusha sets off on her own mission to Raksha with a rival explorer, and Kamzin must decide what’s most important to her: protecting her sister from the countless perils of the climb or beating her to the summit.

The challenges of climbing Raksha are unlike anything Kamzin expected—or prepared for—with avalanches, ice chasms, ghosts, and other dangers at every turn. And as dark secrets are revealed, Kamzin must unravel the truth about their mission and her companions—while surviving the deadliest climb she has ever faced.
 
Thoughts:
With so many exciting fantasy tales about to be released, Even the Darkest Stars sounds like it could be really different, so I have to say I'm intrigued. Plus, I highly enjoy tales of survival admits the elements, so Even the Darkest Stars has my attention with it's storyline already. Keen to see exactly what danger the main heroine faces!
 
What are YOU waiting on this week?
 
 

Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Book Shelf: A Girl Called Owl by Amy Wilson

It's bad enough having a mum dippy enough to name you Owl, but when you've got a dad you've never met, a best friend who needs you more than ever, and a new boy at school giving you weird looks, there's not a lot of room for much else.

So when Owl starts seeing strange frost patterns on her skin, she's tempted to just burrow down under the duvet and forget all about it. Could her strange new powers be linked to her mysterious father?And what will happen when she enters the magical world of winter for the first time?

A glittering story of frost and friendship, with writing full of magic and heart, A Girl Called Owl is a stunning debut about family, responsibility and the beauty of the natural world.


More info on Goodreads....


Review:

A Girl Called Owl is a unique debut novel from Amy Wilson that details a luscious, icy tale featuring some of mythology’s most interesting characters. 

Thirteen year old Owl has grown up with her quirky mother’s tales of magical lands and powerful beings. Owl knows most of her mother’s stories off by heart but never expects that the truth about her father could be as incredible as it really is. Yet when icy tendrils begin to bloom across Owl’s hands and she suddenly beings to notice strange creatures watching her every move, Owl will have to delve into worlds straight out of fairy tales if she wants to learn the truth about her new abilities and who she really is….. 

A Girl Called Owl is a hard book for me to review. I think Amy Wilson had a genius thought when she decided to write a novel featuring Jack Frost and a lot of the other forces of nature we hear about upon occasion, but I don’t think the execution was as good as it could have been. A Girl Called Owl was admittedly well written, but I failed to connect emotionally with the characters and felt the novel was a slow one to read. It wasn’t bad, it just was missing something and because of this I struggled.

Perhaps it’s an age thing, but to me Owl read too young and her attitude at times grated, making it difficult for me to really care about her and what was going on in her life. I loved seeing characters such as Jack Frost, the North Wind, Mother Nature, the Lady of the Lake, the Earl of October, etc come to life, but unfortunately these magical individuals weren’t able to save the story in my eyes. 

Promising, but ultimately falling flat for me, A Girl Called Owl featured a unique premise that failed to win me over but may suit the younger demographic who enjoy their tales whimsical and filled with magic. 


Rating:
Source:
Sent for review by publisher (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Pan Macmillan
Format: Paperback ARC
Australian RRP:
$14.99
Release Date: January 26th 2017
Purchase:
Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts:
I great premise that failed to really capture me; I'd recommend it you a younger audience however.

Monday, March 20, 2017

Owl Post #117


Inspired by The Story Siren's In My Mailbox, Owl Post allows us bloggers to showcase the books we've bought, won or received throughout the week and is hosted by Brodie over at Eleusinian Mysteries. We all know that the Owl Post is the fastest way to send and receive mail and they certainly make me happy every time they drop a book off.
 
 
 For Review:
From Bloomsbury Australia:
- Letters to the Lost by Brigid Kemmerer
I absolutely love Brigid Kemmerer and have read all of her other books. Letters to the Lost sounds so good and I can't wait to dive into this as soon as I have the time.
 
....Thanks so much guys!
 
And that's me :) Only one book but a great one book!
What did the owls bring you this week?
 
 
 

Sunday, March 19, 2017

Book Shelf: Dragon's Lair (Wind Dragons MC #1) by Chantal Fernando

The first in a new sexy romance series from bestselling author Chantal Fernando about the bad boys of the Wind Dragons Motorcycle Club and the women who fall in love with them.

When I found my boyfriend cheating on me, I did something stupid.

Or should I say, someone?

Because of that mistake, I’m now stuck in a world I don’t belong in.

I’m a law student. They’re criminals. He’s the vice president of a motorcycle club. I’m a good girl with a strict upbringing. He’s my ex-boyfriend’s brother.

And I’m screwed.


More info on Goodreads......


Review:

Dragon’s Lair is the first novel in Chantal Fernando’s Wind Dragon’s MC series and is a stellar way to kick off a series I’m very much looking forward to devouring.

Law student Faye Marshall’s whole world changes the day she comes home and finds her long-time boyfriend with another woman. Heartbroken and angry, Faye goes out to let loose and finds herself in the arms of Dexter Black, a long time crush and someone Faye has always wanted. One night of passion has big consequences for Faye and as Dex brings her into his world of bikers and danger, Faye is about to find unexpected friends and a new family she never planned on having…..

I want to be honest; I haven’t really read any motorcycle club books because every time I start one I tend to find them too brutal and too sexual for my liking, but Dragon’s Lair pleasantly surprised me. Heading into the novel without too many expectations, I found that Chantal Fernando managed to weave together a really balanced story that made me genuinely care about the characters and become invested in their lives. I can definitely see why so many people seem to be entranced by this series!

There was the occasional moment where a character or twomostly Faye and Dexwould annoy me with their actions, but for the most part I really loved the characters. Faye had real personality and I loved she didnt filter her words. She and Dex had great banter and she went toe to toe with him. She made for a strong female lead to follow.

Dragon’s Lair features some really sharp dialogue, including a lot of witty jokes and comments from Faye and the Wind Dragon members. I really liked the brotherhood we met and am especially won over by Arrow, Tracker, Rake and Vinnie. The way they interact and joke is really fun and makes for a lot of light hearted moments throughout the story.

Romantic and sexy, Dragon’s Lair is a great way to kick off a promising series and leaves this reader ready to delve back into this dark, but enticing world of bikers and motorcycle clubs.

Rating:
Source: 
Purchased by me
Publisher: Gallery Books
Format:
Paperback
Release Date: September 2015
Purchase:
Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: A great start to what looking like a promising MC series, I'm looking forward to reading more.




Friday, March 17, 2017

Blog Tour: These Ruthless Deeds by Tarun Shanker & Kelly Zekas


I'm thrilled to be taking part today in the Blog Tour for These Ruthless Deeds by Tarun Shanker & Kelly Zekas thanks to Xpresso Book Tours! Having absolutely adored the first book in this series, These Vicious Marks, I was thrilled to discover These Ruthless Deeds to be a great sequel.

Hope you all enjoy the excerpt and giveaway I have to share with you today! Be sure to check out this great series if you haven't already!
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England, 1883. Still recovering from a devastating loss, Evelyn is determined to use her powers to save other gifted people from those who would harm them. But when her rescue of a young telekinetic girl goes terribly wrong, Evelyn finds herself indebted to a secret society devoted to recruiting and protecting people like Evelyn and her friends.

As she follows the Society’s orders, healing the sick and embarking on perilous recruitment missions, Evelyn sees her problems disappear. Her reputation is repaired, her friends are provided for, and her parents are newly wealthy. She reunites with the dashing Mr. Kent and recovers the reclusive Mr. Braddock (who has much less to brood over now that the Society can help him to control his dangerous power). But Evelyn can’t help fearing the Society is more sinister than it appears...


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From These Ruthless Deeds....

As I thought about how to begin, I finally understood why Sebastian had been so awkward when he tried to explain everything about these powers to me. It was a ridiculous thing to tell someone. With her pragmatic nature, there was only one way to convince Catherine. The same way I had been convinced.

 “Catherine, I am going to show you something very strange. You must promise not to scream.”

 Her round eyes narrowed. “I never scream.”

 I padded over to my writing desk and took up a letter opener, shiny and new and quite sharp. I sliced it across my index fingers. I thought it a small slit but there seemed to be enough blood to alarm Catherine, as she gasped and came over.

 “Evelyn! Why would you do that?” She pulled out her handkerchief and hurriedly grabbed for my finger, but I pulled away.

 “Just watch,” I said, taking a moment before wiping the blood off and showing her the healed finger.

 She stared at it, frowning, at a loss for words, then searched my eyes. “Are you playing a trick on me?”

 I shook my head and put the letter opener down. “No trick. No joke. I know this sounds utterly mad, but while I was trying to—to find Rose, these few months past, I discovered something else. I can heal any wound, any illness in me or others.”

 Catherine stared hard at me, looking for a laugh that wasn’t there. “Evelyn, I’m sorry, but you must be mistaken; this is impossible.”

 “You try doing it to me,” I said, handing her the letter opener, which she reluctantly took while protesting.

 “This is silly—”

 I grasped her hand with the letter opener, pressed down hard, and dragged it across my palm. Blood dribbled out onto the rug and I winced more at the mess than the light stinging. I was getting better with pain. I’d tested my healing quite enough these last months.

 With a gasp, Catherine dropped the letter opener and fumbled again for her handkerchief.

 I stepped out of her reach and simply wiped away the blood so she could better see the miraculous healing.

 “This sort of cut usually takes a few seconds,” I said. “Just watch.”

 She did. She watched as the blood flow ebbed and my torn skin gradually closed and stitched itself back together. Besides the faint bloodstain, there was no sign my hand had even been cut.

 “Good morning, miss.” A knock came from the door—my maid. I shoved my hand behind me and positioned my feet over the bloodstains.

 “Come in,” I called, eyeing Catherine warily as she stared into nothing with a rather dazed expression.

 Lucy opened the door and set down a tray. A long moment of silence reigned as she turned, curtsied, and shut the door. I decided to let Catherine continue her contemplation as I wiped the rest of the blood onto my handkerchief and poured the steaming chocolate into the two cups the maid had left.

 I almost moaned after the first sip. If my parents were going to use their new wealth, I had to be glad for their cook.

 Catherine didn’t move for a long while. Then she pinched herself. “I . . . am having a lot of thoughts and questions right now.”

 “I imagine you must be.” I poured myself another cup and led her to the chairs in front of the fire. “I will tell you everything. First, have you ever heard of something called ‘saltation’?”

 And so I explained. The theory that these powers were a jump in evolution. Dr. Beck, his associates. The people—good and bad—who had helped me. Mr. Braddock and Miss Lodge.

 Catherine began to pace the room as I haltingly finished explaining Rose’s death. She poured me another cup of chocolate and sat next to my chair, on the floor, as I told her about Belgium, Emily Kane, and the Society of Aberrations.

 As if on cue, a slight crackling sounded and a piece of paper appeared in my hand. I opened my palm and Catherine gasped. 

 “This must be from them—our rescuers from the asylum,” I murmured to her. I unfolded the note to read the short line. We would be so grateful for your assistance, Miss Wyndham. There is a sick little girl who does not deserve to die. Please meet Mr. Redburn in your back garden as soon as you can. It was signed by Captain Goode. 

 “Was that—did someone just . . . ?” Catherine was peering around the room suspiciously. We both jumped as a knock rattled at the door.

 “Come in,” I said, crumpling the piece of paper and shoving it behind me.

 Lucy entered. “Um, miss, there is a Mr. Kent downstairs and he—well, he said to tell you that if it is at all inconvenient he is happy to come up here.”

 I rolled my eyes. “I apologize. He thinks himself very amusing. Please tell him Miss Harding and I will be downstairs shortly.”

 She bobbed a curtsy and left. I moved the gaudy fire screen and threw the missive into the flames. The sick girl was surely some play on my sympathies since their other approaches hadn’t worked. I had told them I did not wish to be involved, and uninvolved I would stay.

 “Catherine, will you help me dress?” I asked, taking off my wrapper. “Oh, and I should probably tell you, for all the time we’ve known Mr. Kent, he’s had the power to reveal anyone’s secrets.”

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Tarun and Kelly met in a freshman year writing class at NYU and started writing These Vicious Masks a few years later.

Tarun is a writer living in Los Angeles whose idea of paradise consists of kung-fu movies, David Bowie and chai tea. Since completing his first horrible screenplay in high school, he’s written everything from one-act plays and film criticism to humor pieces and strongly-worded emails. He’s also magnetized, crushed and burned the hard drive where that first screenplay can be found.

Kelly is a writer and actor living in NYC. YA is her absolute favorite thing on earth other than cupcakes and she has spent many hours crying over fictional deaths. She also started reading Harlequin romances at a possibly too early age (12?), and still loves a good paperback romance.
 
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