Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Cover Reveal: The Rules of Rebellion by Amity Hope


The Rules of Rebellion
Amity Hope
Published by: Entangled Crush
Publication date: April 2nd 2018
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult
The Rules of Rebellion
1. Skinny dip (her idea)
2. Stargaze (his idea)
3. Prank someone (her idea)
4. Go on a date (his idea)

Leo Zimmerman has had a crush on his curvy friend Kylie Jenkins since forever, so when he discovers the girl with a flair for candy making has a newfound plan to rebel against her overbearing parents, he’s determined to be the one to help her carry it out. Who better than himself to show her the ropes of letting loose?
Sure, taking her to her first high school party, helping her sneak out of the house, or watching a sunset together isn’t exactly a hardship, but much harder is masking his feelings the more time they spend together. And when he suggests adding “a first date” to Kylie’s plan and she accepts…suddenly all his dreams seem to be coming true.
But Leo’s got a secret that could change everything between them, and it’s only a matter of time before it comes to the surface.


Author Bio:
Amity lives in beautiful northern Minnesota with her two sons, two cats and their Rottweiler.
She has a degree in elementary education and worked in that field for ten years before deciding to self-publish.
Her first self-published novel, Twisted, was listed by Amazon as a Top 100 Kids & Teens Kindle Book of 2012. It hit Amazon's Teen & Young Adult Contemporary Romance Best Sellers List in several countries. Truths and Dares held the #1 position on Amazon's Best Sellers in Teen & Young Adult Contemporary Romance eBooks in the UK.
If she's not writing, or spending time with her boys, she's most likely reading.

XBTBanner1

Waiting on Wednesday: Brightly Burning by Alexa Donne


Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.
Publication Date: May 1st 2018
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Genre: YA, Science Fiction 
Amazon ~ Goodreads ~ TBD

Synopsis: Seventeen-year-old Stella Ainsley wants just one thing: to go somewhere—anywhere—else. Her home is a floundering spaceship that offers few prospects, having been orbiting an ice-encased Earth for two hundred years. When a private ship hires her as a governess, Stella jumps at the chance. The captain of the Rochester, nineteen-year-old Hugo Fairfax, is notorious throughout the fleet for being a moody recluse and a drunk. But with Stella he’s kind.

But the Rochester harbors secrets: Stella is certain someone is trying to kill Hugo, and the more she discovers, the more questions she has about his role in a conspiracy threatening the fleet.
 

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Book Blitz & Giveaway: Duty Bound by Christina Bauer


Duty Bound
Christina Bauer
Series: Angelbound Origins 0.5
Published by: Monster House Books
Publication date: February 27th 2018
Genres: Young Adult, Paranormal Romance

Synopsis: An Angelbound Prequel Novella by Christina Bauer
As the High Prince of the demon-fighting thrax, Lincoln knows he must marry for political gain. Not that he minds. For all of his eighteen years, Lincoln’s been bound to his duty. Fighting demons is his life, and he’s never given romance a second thought. Instead, the High Prince lives for the days when he leaves his hidden realm to fight demons on Earth.
Then, everything changes.
Lincoln and his nobles become forced to visit Purgatory, the home of quasi-demons (who are mostly human with a bit of demonic DNA). Here Lincoln spies Myla Lewis, a lady warrior who enflames his heart, ignites his interest, and inspires his respect. Trouble is, Myla’s also a quasi. By thrax law, Lincoln must kill anything demonic—not date them. For the first time in his life, Lincoln wonders if he’ll follow his duty…or heed the demands of his heart.
Grab Angelbound – Book 1 – for FREE:
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Google Play
READ CHAPTER 1:
I am Lincoln Vidar Osric Aquilus, High Prince of the Thrax. My people are renowned as the greatest demon hunters across Heaven, Hell, Earth, Purgatory, and the Dark Lands. At eighteen years old, I’ve killed precisely one thousand four hundred and thirty-seven demons in hand-to-hand combat, more than any other thrax in history. All of which leads to a single inescapable conclusion.
I can make it through this breakfast with my mother.
At least, I think I can.
“You haven’t touched your eggs, my son.” Mother spears a strawberry off her plate. After many years of maternal encounters, I’ve learned to keep my mouth closed in situations like this one. Mother will bring up her true concerns when she’s good and ready.
In reply, I merely maintain her stare. We’ve an odd relationship, but a close one. We’re both natural schemers, so neither wants to pass up a test of intelligence and charm.
“Perhaps you dislike formal breakfasts,” says Mother as she gestures to my tunic.
“I’m fine with wearing royal garb to meals. Rest assured, all my Batman costumes are safely packed away.” As a child, I fought hard to dress as a human superhero. Unlike demon killing, that was one battle I ultimately lost.
“So you say.” A small smile rounds Mother’s mouth. “Those tunics hide quite a lot.”
“True. I’ve a Bohemian Rhapsody T-shirt on under this thing.”
“I have no idea what that is, but I’m pleased to see you turned out so well.”
This morning, I’m dressed in a velvet tunic, leather pants, and tall boots. Meanwhile, Mother looks regal and lethal in her black velvet gown. She has porcelain skin, delicate features, and an all-knowing glare that reduces hardened warriors to mush.
Needless to say, I’m pleased that her glare has softened. I must remember to work Batman into our conversations more often.
For a few minutes, Mother and I continue our breakfast in silence. It would be pleasant, except for the setting. Our new feasting hall is located in Purgatory.
Yes, Purgatory.
This place combines the worst of a rundown human suburb with the best of a rotting Dumpster. The sky is constantly cloudy with two types of weather: rainy and about to rain. It’s part of the magic of this realm that the weather is always dreary. Plus, the sky never reveals the sun or moon, and even if it did, those celestial bodies follow different patterns than they do in other realms.
Closing my eyes, I let my thoughts return to the glittering caverns of my homeland. As a rule, thrax live underground on Earth in the realm of Antrum. For some reason, the oracle angel, Verus, has demanded the royal family—and our noble entourage—move to Purgatory for a short period of time. This wasn’t a popular idea, but the oracle’s word is law, so we arrived here three months ago. Until Verus sets us loose, our days will be spent in tents and wooden halls like this one.
I scan the empty benches around me and sigh. It’s hard being separated from the bulk of my people. Quiet breakfasts like this only make things worse. Usually our feasting hall is packed with thrax sharing breakfast at communal tables. However, today Mother insisted on having a family-only morning meal, which in this case translates into me, Mother, and a half-dozen terrified workers. Father should get here any minute now. I can only hope he arrives before Mother’s temper returns.
As if in reply to my thoughts, Mother spears another wilted strawberry with a vengeance. Looks like her temper will resurface before Father does. Bugger.
“You never answered my question,” says Mother. “You haven’t touched your food.” She spears a grape with such force the entire table wobbles.
“Careful there,” I say. “You’ll bring down the roof down.”
“One perk of being queen. I can bring down roofs and no one says a thing.”
At those words, the half-dozen servants in the room visibly shiver.
There’s no question about the general topic of Mother’s angst, either. It’s always the same issue: the House of Acca. That tribe is the largest and most troublesome of all thrax.
At this point, problems with Acca could fall into one of two categories.
One, Mother might be worried about my impending marriage contract with Acca’s most eligible noblewoman, Lady Adair. If Mother thinks there are problems on that front, she would be sorely mistaken. It’s a business arrangement, nothing more. I’d regret that, but I’m a prince. I always knew I’d never marry for love.
Two—and far more worrisome—would be if Mother discovered my ongoing scheme against Aldred, the dreaded Earl of Acca himself. I’ve many issues with the Earl, but my largest is how Aldred keeps leading his warriors into ill-planned demon attacks on the Earth’s surface. Thanks to the Earl of Acca, hundreds of good thrax meet bad ends every week. I meet with the families of the fallen, trying to provide comfort as their worlds fall apart. So many tears and ruined lives…and all so the Earl can prove his so-called prowess in battle.
It’s outrageous.
Even worse, my parents have forbidden me from doing anything to stop Aldred’s bloodshed. Per some ancient treaty, if I interfere with Aldred’s rights to lead his troops, then the Earl has the unmitigated right to execute me on the spot.
And as every royal knows, execution threats and breakfast do not mix well.


Author Bio:
Christina Bauer knows how to tell stories about kick-ass women. In her best selling Angelbound series, the heroine is a part-demon girl who loves to fight in Purgatory’s Arena and falls in love with a part-angel prince. This young adult best seller has driven more than 500,000 ebook downloads and 9,000 reviews on Goodreads and retailers.
Bauer has also told the story of the Women’s March on Washington by leading PR efforts for the Massachusetts Chapter. Her pre-event press release—the only one sent out on a major wire service—resulted in more than 19,000 global impressions and redistribution by over 350 different media entities including the Associated Press.
Christina graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School with BA’s in English along with Television, Radio, and Film Production. She lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and semi-insane golden retriever, Ruby.

XBTBanner1

Monday, February 26, 2018

Review: Dark Breaks the Dawn by Sara B. Larson

Series: Untitled Duology #1
Publication Date: May 30th 2017
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Amazon ~ Goodreads ~ TBD

Synopsis: On her eighteenth birthday, Princess Evelayn of Eadrolan, the Light Kingdom, can finally access the full range of her magical powers. The light looks brighter, the air is sharper, and the energy she can draw when fighting feels almost limitless.

But while her mother, the queen, remains busy at the war front, in the Dark Kingdom of Dorjhalon, the corrupt king is plotting. King Bain wants control of both kingdoms, and his plan will fling Evelayn onto the throne much sooner than she expected.

In order to defeat Bain and his sons, Evelayn will quickly have to come into her ability to shapeshift, and rely on the alluring Lord Tanvir. But not everyone is what they seem, and the balance between the Light and Dark comes at a steep price.
 

My Rating
3.5/5

My Review
I had very high expectations for this book, mostly because I've read Sara's other series. While I loved the book, there was nothing about it that really stood out to me and made the book amazing. I was going to rate it three stars but I've decided to go with 3.5 because I really enjoyed the ending of this book.

King Bain wants to take over Eadrolan, in order to do so he must first kill the Queen, and her daughter Evelayn. When King Bain succeeds in killing the Queen, but fails to kill Evelayn, it is up to her to become the new queen and face the villain who has killed both of her parents. Killing King Bain wont be so easy, especially since Evelayn is only 18 years old and has only just come in to her full power, while she is the only one who can deal the winning blow to kill the king, she must find a way to stop him for long enough for her to gather her powers.

I really liked Evelayn, she was a really well written character and I found myself falling in love with her right from the beginning. We get to see the childish side to her in the beginning, and then how she deals with her mother's death and her process of becoming queen. Her character development is fantastic, she has really impressed me in this book.
The other character that I absolutely loved was Evelayn's best friend Sarin (I hope thats how you spell her name). She was absolutely adorable, and just the most loyal and kindest best friend ever. I would love to have a best friend like Sarin any day!

I wasn't a huge fan of the romance. First of all, its insta love. The characters fall in love right after meeting one another, this is just so over done that I wasn't impressed with the romance right from the start. While I ended up liking the romance a bit, I still couldn't get myself to fully ship them though, there were moments where I was like "Ugh, why are these characters making me cringe so badly, maybe lets just skip over some of the boring romance sections."

I found to storyline to be a bit boring in the beginning, it definitely takes a bit to actually get into the story. Once I was about half way though the book actually ended up picking up a bit more. And like I mentioned before, the ending was a pleasant surprise, although I will warn you that its a bit of a cliffhanger. 
The book itself is very predictable, basically everything you think will happen in the book eventually does. There were a few minor things that surprised me, but not enough to shock me.. if that makes sense. 

Overall, I still enjoyed this book and I do plan on continuing the series. The main character is great, but the insta-romance isn't the best. I'd recommend this one if you don't mind a slow beginning, insta love and predictable plot.

Happy Reading,
Aneta

Saturday, February 24, 2018

Stacking the Shelves

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews. With this amazing meme, you can check out which books I've gotten.

From Edelweiss
Ace of Shades by Amanda Foody
Welcome to the City of Sin, where casino families reign, gangs infest the streets…
and secrets hide in every shadow.


Enne Salta was raised as a proper young lady, and no lady would willingly visit New Reynes, the so-called City of Sin. But when her mother goes missing, Enne must leave her finishing school—and her reputation—behind to follow her mother’s trail to the city where no one survives uncorrupted.

Frightened and alone, her only lead is a name: Levi Glaisyer. Unfortunately, Levi is not the gentleman she expected—he’s a street lord and a con man. Levi is also only one payment away from cleaning up a rapidly unraveling investment scam, so he doesn't have time to investigate a woman leading a dangerous double life. Enne's offer of compensation, however, could be the solution to all his problems.

Their search for clues leads them through glamorous casinos, illicit cabarets and into the clutches of a ruthless mafia donna. As Enne unearths an impossible secret about her past, Levi's enemies catch up to them, ensnaring him in a vicious execution game where the players always lose. To save him, Enne will need to surrender herself to the city…

And she’ll need to play.
 



My Plain Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton and Jodi Meadows
You may think you know the story. After a miserable childhood, penniless orphan Jane Eyre embarks on a new life as a governess at Thornfield Hall. There, she meets one dark, brooding Mr. Rochester. Despite their significant age gap (!) and his uneven temper (!!), they fall in love—and, Reader, she marries him. (!!!)

Or does she?

Prepare for an adventure of Gothic proportions, in which all is not as it seems, a certain gentleman is hiding more than skeletons in his closets, and one orphan Jane Eyre, aspiring author Charlotte Brontë, and supernatural investigator Alexander Blackwood are about to be drawn together on the most epic ghost hunt this side of Wuthering Heights.
 


That's all for this week. What did you guys get?

Thursday, February 22, 2018

Review: To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo

Publication Date: March 6th 2018
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Genre: YA, Fantasy 
Amazon ~ Goodreads ~ TBD

Synopsis: Princess Lira is siren royalty and the most lethal of them all. With the hearts of seventeen princes in her collection, she is revered across the sea. Until a twist of fate forces her to kill one of her own. To punish her daughter, the Sea Queen transforms Lira into the one thing they loathe most—a human. Robbed of her song, Lira has until the winter solstice to deliver Prince Elian’s heart to the Sea Queen or remain a human forever.

The ocean is the only place Prince Elian calls home, even though he is heir to the most powerful kingdom in the world. Hunting sirens is more than an unsavory hobby—it’s his calling. When he rescues a drowning woman in the ocean, she’s more than what she appears. She promises to help him find the key to destroying all of sirenkind for good—But can he trust her? And just how many deals will Elian have to barter to eliminate mankind’s greatest enemy?

My Rating
4/5 stars

My Review
To Kill a Kingdom was absolutely fantastic! This book is supposed to be a story-retelling of The Little Mermaid, but it honestly didn't feel like that at all. There was so much creativity and action in this book, I couldn't help but love it from beginning to end.

Princess Lira has a reputation to uphold. Known as the Prince's Bane, Lira must hunt and rip the heart out of a prince every year on her birthday. When Lira makes the mistake of killing a prince before her birthday, she is punished and given the task to kill the prince that hunts their kind, but she must make the kill as a human. If Lira can't succeed, it will be her heart that will be ripped out.

To be completely honest with you guys, I hate The Little Mermaid. Now I'm talking about the Disney version, I actually really like the original written by Hans Christian Andersen, because it was a lot more dark, but so much more beautiful. Needless to say, I started reading this book with my fingers crossed that it didn't resemble the Disney version too much, and thankfully it didn't. With the amount of amazing twists Alexandra Christo made to the story, I honestly thought it was a completely different story that barely had a Little Mermaid feel to it at all, and if anything it resembled the original story much more than the Disney version.

Lira is a fantastic main character. I honestly can't tell you guys how much I loved her. She is tough and sassy, but she also has a good heart, and even though her whole life she was basically abused by her mother, she always chooses the right thing to do and is a good and kind person on the inside. I admire how strong she is, and just how much she was able to change and become the person she was meant to be. You guys, she is literally goals.

I surprisingly also really enjoyed the romance. Immediately after starting the book you just know that Lira and Elian will fall in love, and you can just guess what is going to happen. But the way it was written was really well done. While it wasn't an instalove connection, the two definitely had a spark between them right from the beginning, but they chose to be really careful and take time to get to know each other before even admitting to their feelings. It made the romance so much more realistic and definitely more enjoyable to the reader.

The plot of the story was fantastic as well. There was lots of action, especially since the main character is a siren who hunts humans, and the other main character is a prince/pirate that hunts sirens. There really wasn't a single moment where I was bored. The story was written really well.

The only thing I didn't like about this novel, was that there was a lot of descriptions in this book that I found to be a little bit unnecessary, which eventually I ended up skipping over a little bit just to get to more dialogue or there more interesting parts. But other than that, there really isn't anything I can find to complain about.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to all YA and fantasy fans. If you're like me and you don't like The Little Mermaid, I'd still give it a try because this story is so unique you will probably forget that this is supposedly a retelling. I can't wait to read more books from this author in the future.

Happy Reading,
Aneta

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Waiting on Wednesday: Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young


Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.
Publication Date: April 24th 2018
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Genre: YA, Fantasy 
Amazon ~ Goodreads ~ TBD

Synopsis: Seventeen-year-old Eelyn’s world is war. Raised to fight alongside her Aska clansmen in a generations-old blood feud against the Riki, her life is brutal but simple: fight and survive. Until the day she sees the impossible on the battlefield—her brother, fighting with the enemy—the brother she watched die five years ago. 

Faced with her brother's betrayal, she must survive the winter in the mountains with the Riki if she wants to make it back to the fjord after the thaw. But when she begins to see herself in the people she's been taught to hate, the world Eelyn once knew begins to crumble. And after the village is raided by a ruthless clan many believe to be a myth, Eelyn is given no choice but to trust Fiske, her brother’s friend who has tried more than once to kill her. Together, they must end the blood feud between their clans or watch their people be slaughtered.

A lush, Viking-age inspired fantasy about loyalty, forgiveness, and the definition of family.
 

Tuesday, February 20, 2018

Review: The Broken Ones by Danielle L. Jensen

Series: The Malediction Trilogy #0.6
Publication Date: June 6th 2017
Publisher: Angry Robot
Genre: YA, Fantasy 
Amazon ~ Goodreads ~ TBD

Synopsis: A prequel to the USA Today bestseller and Goodreads Choice finalist Stolen Songbird (The Malediction Trilogy).

Below Forsaken Mountain, a plot is being hatched to overthrow the tyrant king of Trollus, and Marc is the right-hand man of its leader. His involvement is information more than one troll would kill to possess, which is why he must keep it a secret from everyone, even the girl he loves.

After accidentally ruining her sister’s chance to become queen, Pénélope is given one last opportunity by her father, the Duke d’Angoulême, to make herself useful: she must find proof that the boy she’s in love with is conspiring against the crown. If she fails, her life will be forfeit.

Marc and Pénélope must navigate the complex politics of Trollus, where powers on all sides are intent on using them as pawns, forcing them to risk everything for a chance at a life together.

Except being together may turn out to be the greatest risk of all.

My Rating
4/5 stars

My Review
The Broken Ones was a beautiful and captivating prequel. I completely forgot how good this series is until now. I can't wait to finish reading the whole trilogy.

This prequel takes place two years before the first book, Stolen Songbird. It is the story of Marc and Penelope, their love, and how their actions truly affected the world that we see in the trilogy. I never realized how important of a role they had in the world before Cecile came, it really made me appreciate the characters a lot more.

So I didn't do my research before I started this book, it was only after that I saw the author recommends you read the first two books of the trilogy before starting this one (I've only read the first, so far). It wasn't too confusing for me, since I've read book one and knew the world. There were a few things I was a tad confused about, but I figured it out in the end. The other mistake I made was not reviewing what happened in Stolen Songbird, since I've read it 3 years ago (I think), I've forgotten some of the things that happen and just who some of the characters were, it took me a while to remember who everyone was.

I absolutely loved Penelope and reading from her point of view. She was such a kind soul. I never realized how much I needed this story until I read it. Her story is beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time.

The world building in this book was fantastic as always. Danielle does a great job creating a setting and explains the world she created, she definitely doesn't let you down in the prequel. I was mesmerized at some of the settings, it was as if I could step into them myself. But I think the best part of the world, was seeing what it was like before Cecile arrived and being able to kind of compare and contrast.

Overall, I would definitely recommend reading the prequel if you loved the trilogy. If you're like me and still haven't read book two, or if you haven't started the series all together, make sure you read book 1 and 2 before you read this prequel. 

Happy Reading,
Aneta 

Friday, February 16, 2018

Review: Daughter of the Siren Queen by Tricia Levenseller

Series: Daughter of the Pirate King #2
Publication Date: February 27th 2018
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Amazon ~ Goodreads ~ TBD

Synopsis: Alosa's mission is finally complete. Not only has she recovered all three pieces of the map to a legendary hidden treasure, but the pirates who originally took her captive are now prisoners on her ship. Still unfairly attractive and unexpectedly loyal, first mate Riden is a constant distraction, but now he's under her orders. And she takes great comfort in knowing that the villainous Vordan will soon be facing her father's justice.

When Vordan exposes a secret her father has kept for years, Alosa and her crew find themselves in a deadly race with the feared Pirate King. Despite the danger, Alosa knows they will recover the treasure first . . . after all, she is the daughter of the Siren Queen.

My Rating
5/5 stars

My Review
It is very rare that I like a sequel more than the first book, but this is one of those rare cases because Daughter of the Siren Queen was absolutely fantastic. I enjoyed it more than I did the first book, and I desperately don't want this story to be over yet.

Alosa finally has all three pieces of the map, now its time to embark on the adventure alongside her father to retrieve the treasures kept hidden by the sirens. But when her prisoner reveals a secret, that her father has a secret weapon to control not only Alosa but all the other sirens, Alosa does the only thing she knows how to do, she snoops in her father's study. What she finds there, changes her whole perspective of her father and Alosa decides to beat her father and take the treasure for herself, but no one escapes the Pirate King that easily.

I fell in love with Alosa in the first book, but now we get to see a whole new side of her and I honestly fell in love with her even more. She is still the same sassy girl that you've gotten to know, but now that she is on her own ship and among her crew, you get to see the side of her that really cares for her friends and just how much she would do for them to protect their lives. Alosa honestly makes the perfect captain, and had me wishing that I could be a part of her crew.

The side characters in this book were all fantastic as well, although Alosa's crew is only 34 people, I still found myself confusing a few of the less important characters, and it would take me a second before I figured out who we were talking about. The characters that I could recognize right away, I absolutely loved reading about! Obviously some of my favourites were Riden (and his romance with Alosa) as well as Madsy. There was definitely a lot of tear jerking moments between a few characters, but it honestly made me love the book even more.

I absolutely loved getting to know more about the siren in this book, especially more about Alosa's powers and just how she manages to develop her siren skills and learn to control herself. The plot was fantastic and there was tons of action at every step of the story. There were a few twists in the book, but they weren't anything extra crazy. It was very well written.

Overall, I highly recommend this series to all fans of pirates and fantasy adventure books. If you loved the first book in the series, then you will definitely love this one as well. I can't wait to see what Tricia Levenseller writes next.

Happy Reading,
Aneta
 

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Waiting on Wednesday: Ace of Shades by Amanda Foody


Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.
Series: The Shadow Game #1
Publication Date: April 10th 2018
Publisher: HarperTeen
Genre: YA, Fantasy
AmazonGoodreads ~ TBD

Synopsis: Welcome to the City of Sin, where casino families reign, gangs infest the streets…
and secrets hide in every shadow.

Enne Salta was raised as a proper young lady, and no lady would willingly visit New Reynes, the so-called City of Sin. But when her mother goes missing, Enne must leave her finishing school—and her reputation—behind to follow her mother’s trail to the city where no one survives uncorrupted.

Frightened and alone, her only lead is a name: Levi Glaisyer. Unfortunately, Levi is not the gentleman she expected—he’s a street lord and a con man. Levi is also only one payment away from cleaning up a rapidly unraveling investment scam, so he doesn't have time to investigate a woman leading a dangerous double life. Enne's offer of compensation, however, could be the solution to all his problems. 

Their search for clues leads them through glamorous casinos, illicit cabarets and into the clutches of a ruthless mafia donna. As Enne unearths an impossible secret about her past, Levi's enemies catch up to them, ensnaring him in a vicious execution game where the players always lose. To save him, Enne will need to surrender herself to the city…

And she’ll need to play.

Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Review: Immortal Fire by Annette Marie

Series: Red Winter Trilogy #3
Publication Date: April 11th 2017
Publisher: Dark Owl Fantasy Inc.
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Romance 
Amazon ~ Goodreads ~ TBD 

Synopsis: Once, Emi believed the heavenly gods were righteous and wise, while the earthly yokai spirits were bloodthirsty and evil. But with a traitorous deity poised to destroy her world, and the yokaistanding as humanity's only defense, the lies of her upbringing have toppled to reveal a far more terrifying reality.

Despite the looming threat, Emi can't escape her greatest distraction: Shiro, the fox yokai who has so deftly claimed her heart for his own. Soon—too soon—she will have to break the curse that binds his magic and memories. And once the ancient power inside him awakens, the yokai she loves will be changed forever.

As the earthly gods gather to wage war against the heavens, Emi and Shiro must gamble everything to turn the tide against their immortal, all-powerful foes. Together, they will find a way to save her world—even if it means losing each other.

My Rating
5/5 stars

My Review
This has to be one of my favourite series ever. I wish more people knew about it becauase it truly is breathtaking.

Isanami is about to descend, and its up to Emi to stop her from destroying the Earth. As the day of Emi’s death comes closer, her love for Shiro only grows, will she be able to take the final beads of the Onenju off and release Shiro’s true form? It could mean winning the war, but losing Shiro for good.

I have grown to love Emi with all my heart. I have read countless books, and to this day she has gone through the best character development in my opinion. Going from the girl who was afraid of everything and constantly whined, to a powerful warrior, who even though is technically human, was still fighting among people with crazy magical power and decades of training. Her strength and determination throughout this book was so beautiful, not only was I cheering her on the whole time, but her loyalty to her new friends and her willingness to sacrifice herself to save their lives was just amazing to read about. She had me crying in one moment and cheering her on in the next.

The romance! You guys already know how much I love Shiro, but in this books I was definitely wanting their relationship to work out (even though I want Shiro for myself). It’s truly wonderful to see how much they love one another, and how much they help each other become better people. 

The action in this book was on point! There were slow moments and there were fast moments, but they all played such important parts in the story that there was no part of the book where I was bored. I just sat there and kept reading, it was just too good to put down.

What I loved in this story was the ending. Everyone has an idea of how the ending will go down, but Annette created a wonderful twist that will leave the reader surprised, but also happy. I loved the way the story ended, it definitely hit all the important points and answered all the questions the reader has.

Overall, I’m extremely sad that this series is over. Highly recommend it to all fantasy and forbidden romance types. I am definitely looking forward to reading more from this author.

Happy Reading,
Aneta 

Monday, February 12, 2018

Book Blitz & Giveaway: The Viking's Chosen by Quinn Loftis


The Viking’s Chosen
Quinn Loftis
Published by: Clean Teen Publishing
Publication date: February 12th 2018
Genres: Historical, Romance, Young Adult

Synopsis: His orders are clear: launch a raid against England and bring home the spoils of war. But the prophecy is also clear: General Torben will take a foreign bride—one who is a seer and healer just like his mother. The eldest princess of England is said to be just that…a beautiful, charming, and headstrong woman. But he’s a Viking army general and she’s an English princess—and one who is already promised to the king of Tara.
Two worlds collide in this epic historical fiction centered on an undeniable chemistry that smolders against the odds. Richly written and injected with moments of humor, this action-packed romantic tale will leave you breathless.
Quinn Loftis is the author of twenty novels, including the USA Today Bestseller Fate and Fury.
Are you a book reviewer?
Request a review copy here!
EXCERPT:
“At least he does not resemble the back end of a boar,” Dayna whispered.
I shot my sister a quick nod of agreement and then covertly turned back to peer at my future husband who was currently conversing with my father. After our morning ride, my sister and I had found a hiding spot behind some large drapes just to the left of the room occupied by our guests. It afforded us the surreptitious ability to listen and watch with the two kings interact. Thomas had taken his leave, but not before he informed me of what he thought about our childish behavior. I did not care if I was being childish. I was not ready to meet King Cathal just yet, at least not without a little advance warning of what I would be dealing with.
“You are correct,” I murmured back. “He is not ugly, but his handsomeness is marred by that tight lipped frown. He looks cruel.”
I had been surprised to find that my future husband was not nearly as old as I had thought he would be. If I had to guess, I would put him at eight and thirty, or, at the very oldest, two and forty. His hair was dark, cut close to his head. He had deep green eyes, a hawkish nose, and thin lips that seemed to hold a perpetual scowl. Standing at a little over six feet, King Cathal was lean but obviously muscular. Yes, he was handsome, but the cold, detached look in his eyes ruined any favor I might have found in him.
“Do you think it hurts to hold his face like that?” Dayna asked.
I bit my bottom lip to keep from laughing. “Perhaps he was just born that way.”
“Tis a shame to be so handsome and yet such a pompous ass.”
“Shh,” I chastised. “That pompous ass could have your head if he felt your offense warranted it.”
“Father would not allow me to be beheaded, Allete” Dayna assured me. “I am his favorite.”
I made a motion with my hand to quiet her so we could hear what it was our father was saying to the king of Tara.
“She has to know by now that I have arrived,” King Cathal was saying. His words came out clipped and low.
“Allete tends to have her own mind about things. I am sure she will join us when she is ready,” King Albric said, attempting to placate his irritated guest.
“And who allows such independent thinking?” Cathal challenged. “A woman should know her place.” His pointed look was aimed at the queen who stood quietly next to King Albric.
Allete was sure her mother was going to smack the rude man, but a subtle hand placed on her mother’s wrist held her in place.
“I understand your frustration, Cathal, but please be considerate of Allete’s situation. She is being courted by a man she has never met. She will be expected to leave with that man in a month’s time and travel to a place that is not her home, where she has no friends, no family. She deserves time to adjust.” King Albric, ever the diplomat, attempted to ease his counterpart’s temper. Based on Cathal’s pinched lips, however, his efforts were wasted.
“Could you at least send for her?” The other king asked in a more civil tone. And then added, “Please,” all be it a bit begrudgingly.
I snatched Dayna’s sleeve and gave it a gentle tug, indicating it was time for us to go. Like mice being hunted by a cat, we scurried from our hiding place and snuck to my bedchamber. We had barely made it inside when there was a knock at the door.
“Enter,” I said, attempting to keep my voice from sounding breathless.
Lidia entered. The look on her face was one of trepidation.
“The king requests your presence,” my handmaiden said in a soft voice.
I smiled at the girl. “Chin up, Lidia. All will be well.”
Lidia let out a huff, her manners momentarily forgotten. “You have not met the man. He is positively awful.” Her hand flew to her mouth and her eyes widened. “Forgive my frankness.”
Dayna laughed. “Allete would never punish you, especially not for telling the truth.” She lowered her voice conspiratorially. “We already saw him. We spied on them.” Dayna winked, looking completely unrepentant.
Lidia lowered her hand and made an ‘O’ shape with her mouth.
I straightened my dress and pulled my shoulders back. “Might as well face the music. I doubt he is going to turn around and sail back home without me.”


Author Bio:
Quinn is an award winning author who lives in beautiful Western Arkansas with her husband, two sons, Nora the Doberman, and Chewy the Cat who thinks he's a dog. She is the author of 17 novels, and 2 novellas, including the USA Today bestseller, Fate and Fury. Quinn is beyond thankful that she has been blessed to be able to write full time and hopes the readers know how much all of their support means to her. Some of her hobbies include reading, exercising, crochet, and spending time with family and friends. She gives all credit of her success to God because he gave her the creative spirit and vivid imagination it takes to write.

XBTBanner1

Saturday, February 10, 2018

Review: American Panda by Gloria Chao

Publication Date: February 6th 2018
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Amazon ~ Goodreads ~ TBD

Synopsis: An incisive, laugh-out-loud contemporary debut about a Taiwanese-American teen whose parents want her to be a doctor and marry a Taiwanese Ivy Leaguer despite her squeamishness with germs and crush on a Japanese classmate.

At seventeen, Mei should be in high school, but skipping fourth grade was part of her parents' master plan. Now a freshman at MIT, she is on track to fulfill the rest of this predetermined future: become a doctor, marry a preapproved Taiwanese Ivy Leaguer, produce a litter of babies.

With everything her parents have sacrificed to make her cushy life a reality, Mei can't bring herself to tell them the truth--that she (1) hates germs, (2) falls asleep in biology lectures, and (3) has a crush on her classmate Darren Takahashi, who is decidedly not Taiwanese.

But when Mei reconnects with her brother, Xing, who is estranged from the family for dating the wrong woman, Mei starts to wonder if all the secrets are truly worth it. Can she find a way to be herself, whoever that is, before her web of lies unravels?
 

My Rating
5/5 stars

My Review
American Panda is a hilarious and beautiful novel. I laughed, cried and learned so much!

After her brother's disownment from the family, Mei has become the perfect child. She graduated a year early, is attending MIT to study biology and eventually go into medicine, and now her mother is starting to set her up with an approved Taiwanese boy. The only problem is that Mei doesn't want to be a doctor, she likes a Japanese boy and would rather spend her time teaching dancing to other students. The more pressure Mei's parents put on her, the more she wants to do things her way. As the secrets keep building up about Mei's true passions, they become much harder to keep from her parents.

This story was truly wonderful! At the end of the book in the author's note, Mrs. Chao mentions that she wrote this book so that other Taiwanese and Chinese young women can have a book where they can relate to the main character, and while I support this 100%, I also wish that we had more YA books out there that talk about dealing with the pressures that parents can put on you. I really wish I could have read a book like this when I was in high school, because I could definitely relate to Mei's character and what she was going through, even though I'm from another culture. 

Mei was a fantastic main character. She's hilarious, witty and has such a kind soul. If I ever met her in person, I just know that she would be the type of person I would love to be roommates/best friends with. Her character development throughout this book was phenomenal. It honestly filled my heart to read in Mei's point of view.

The plot of this story was very well written as well. While there wasn't tons of "action" per se, there was definitely a lot going on, and it was interesting enough where I didn't want to put the book down. 
This book definitely taught me a lot of new things about the Taiwanese that I didn't know before. I found the history, the lifestyle and the language very interesting. I am so glad the author chose to incorporate so much of her culture into this book, I really appreciated it.

Overall, this book was fantastic. I have nothing bad to say about it. If you're looking for a hilarious contemporary, want to learn more about Taiwanese-Chinese culture, or want to read a book that has a huge focus on family, then this is the book for you.

Happy Reading,
Aneta

Stacking the Shelves

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews. With this amazing meme, you can check out which books I've gotten.

From Hachette
84K by Claire North
What if your life were defined by a number?

What if any crime could be committed without punishment, so long as you could afford to pay the fee assigned to that crime?

Theo works in the Criminal Audit Office. He assesses each crime that crosses his desk and makes sure the correct debt to society is paid in full.

But when Theo's ex-lover Dani is killed, it's different. This is one death he can't let become merely an entry on a balance sheet.

Because when the richest in the world are getting away with murder, sometimes the numbers just don't add up.




Tyler Johnson Was Here by Jay Coles
When Marvin Johnson's twin, Tyler, goes to a party, Marvin decides to tag along to keep an eye on his brother. But what starts as harmless fun turns into a shooting, followed by a police raid.

The next day, Tyler has gone missing, and it's up to Marvin to find him. But when Tyler is found dead, a video leaked online tells an even more chilling story: Tyler has been shot and killed by a police officer. Terrified as his mother unravels and mourning a brother who is now a hashtag, Marvin must learn what justice and freedom really mean.

That's all for this week. What did you guys get?
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...