Waiting on Wednesday: Flashfall by Jenny Moyer

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

Publication Date: November 15th 2016
Publisher: Henry Holt & Co
Genre: YA, Dystopia 
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Synopsis: Orion is a Subpar, expected to mine the tunnels of Outpost Five, near the deadly flash curtain. For generations, her people have chased cirium—the only element that can shield humanity from the curtain’s radioactive particles. She and her caving partner, Dram work the most treacherous tunnel, fighting past flash bats and tunnel gulls, in hopes of mining enough cirium to earn their way into the protected city.

But when newcomers arrive at Outpost Five, Orion uncovers disturbing revelations that make her question everything she thought she knew about life on both sides of the cirium shield. As conditions at the outpost grow increasingly dangerous, it’s up to Orion to forge a way past the flashfall, beyond all boundaries, beyond the world as she knows it.

Book Blitz & Giveaway: The Trouble with Ghosts by A.L. Kessler

The Trouble With Ghosts
A.L. Kessler
Publication date: November 7th 2016
Genres: New Adult, Urban Fantasy

Synopsis: Poltergeists, severed thumbs, and lies…
PIB agents Abigail Collins and Nick Averin are rattled when a handful of severed thumbs are found at an abandoned house, but neither of them expected it to link to a decades old murder with strange ties to the paranormal world. When Abby’s greatest enemy seems to be helping her from afar, it’s clear that there’s more to this case than the duo first believed.
Past cases come back to life…
Levi is avoiding questions and being even more vague than normal when a new vampire comes to town claiming to be on the case involving blood starved vampires. It’s a fight against time and lies for the two agents.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

“I’ll give you a lift.” Mason glanced at me. “And you can fill me in on everything I’ve missed.”

I nodded. “Deal. I want to walk around the house first and see if I can find anything else that indicates where the basements or the entrances were.” I looked at the crumpled papers in my hand. “There’s something about this house that isn’t right.”
“You mean other than the multiple ghosts?” Mason shook his head. “Have you heard anything back on the thumbs?”
“Nope, I think our lab and system are still back logged.” I looked over at the group getting back to work searching for bones. “I think this case takes the cake for strangest one in a while.”
“We have multiple crimes, and PIB has nothing to go off of. Should you call back up in?” He glanced at me.
I knew what he meant, I didn’t meet his gaze. “Maybe. It’s possible my contact could shed some light on one of the biggest mysteries so far in this house.” I pressed my lips together. “Assuming all my contacts synced to my new phone, I can call him today. I don’t know if he’s in town, but the number he gave me is a U.S. number, not an international one.”
“Meaning?”
“Meaning, he’s not in Egypt where the Cult’s base is.” I started walking towards my car.
Mason walked with me. “And just where do you think you’re going?”
“To get my bag out of the wreckage. It currently has everything I own in it. I’d like to keep it.”
Mason walked with me in silence until we finally reached the car. We both slid down into the small crater towards the crunched up mess. My gaze went over the twisted metal and the shattered glass. Gray showed through where the paint had been scrapped off by debris and being banged into things. The wheels stuck up in the air reminding me of a helpless turtle that’d been flipped over. Mason was the one who finally reached in the car and pulled out my bag.
I shook off the glass that I could and wondered how much more I was going to be able to take. The meltdown last night had helped, but I hadn’t expected it to be followed up by my car being destroyed. “I’m going to need a new bag, nothing clings to fabric like auto glass.”
“Throw it in my truck for now and let’s walk the perimeter of the house.” He motioned back to the house and I stopped for a moment to take in the full picture of the house. It looked like any other farmhouse, with bits and pieces on the outside that didn’t match up due to add-ons as time went by. From this distance it didn’t look like it had a basement anywhere, but the codes were different then. Massive windows wouldn’t have been required, just small ones. Ones that could easily be boarded up and sealed.
“Come on, Abby.” Mason called over his shoulder, pulling me out of my zone. I trudged back to the house and threw my bag in the back of his truck. Mason met me by one of the corners by the house. “Ready?”
I nodded and started walking slowly along the edge of the house. Cracks marred part of the foundation, moving in a spider web pattern up to the siding. I took another step and the world rushed by me. Air flew over me as I fell and my body hit the ground.
“Aw fuck!” I sat up and flexed my fingers and wrists to make sure nothing broke. Stretched my arms and then slowly stood and looked up. I was going to feel the bruises tomorrow, but right now I was happy that nothing was broken from the eight foot fall.
“Abby?” Mason’s voice called down the small hole I’d made. “You okay?”
“Nothing’s broken, but toss me a flash light and watch your step.” I called back up. The stream of sunlight that came through the hole barely touched anything where I was. I batted dirt off my body, hoping no creepy crawler had decided to stick to me. I heard him calling out to people above me.
“Help’s on the way. Flash light coming down.” Mason dropped a flashlight in the hole. It landed with a thunk by my foot and I bent down to pick it up. I clicked it on and swallowed a scream.

Author Bio:
A.L. Kessler is a paranormal romance author residing in beautiful Colorado Springs, Co. Since she was a teenager she has loved spinning tales. She can easily be won over with gifts of coffee or chocolate.

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Review: A Cold Legacy by Megan Shepherd

Series: The Madman's Daughter #3
Publication Date: January 27th 2015
Publisher: Blazer + Bray
Genre: YA, Fantasy
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Synopsis: With inspiration from Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, this breathless conclusion to the Madman's Daughter trilogy explores the things we'll sacrifice to save those we love ...even our own humanity. Juliet has killed the men who tried to steal her father's research and escaped to a remote estate on the Scottish moors. Owned by the enigmatic Elizabeth von Stein, the mansion is full of unexplained oddities: dead bodies in the basement, secret passages, and fortune-tellers who seem to know Juliet's secrets. This is not the safe haven Juliet was searching for. As she uncovers the truth about the manor's long history of scientific experimentation - and her own intended role in it - Juliet is forced to determine where the line falls between right and wrong, life and death, magic and science. She must decide if she'll follow her father's dark footsteps or her mother's tragic ones - or make her own. 

My Rating

5/5 stars

My Review

“Sometimes you remind me so much of your father it's frightening.” 

I was so excited to find out what happened to the rest of the story, that I didn't realize how much I'll miss these characters once the series is over.

After the conclusion from Her Dark Curiosity, Juliet, Montgomery, Edward, Balthazar and Lucy are travelling to Elizabeth's estate to escape the police chasing them for the murder that Juliet committed. Just when Juliet thought that she could outrun her father's past, Elizabeth names her heir to the estate, along with the journals of Victor Frankenstein, and the science that goes with bringing one back from the dead. 

I am so sad this series is over, but I am very happy with the ending. There were no loose ends, the storyline was always exciting, and (almost) everyone got their happy ending.

I will always have a soft spot for Juliet, I love her passion and curiosity for science, and I admire that she chooses to do it in a safe and humane way. Throughout the book, Juliet is still facing her internal struggles of trying not to be like her father, and remaining a good person, with new internal struggles of finding right from wrong, and when its sometimes right to do the wrong thing.

I've never been a huge fan of Lucy, she was just kind of there in the back during the first two books, I kind of ignored her most of the time. She was definitely more present in this book and I'm not sure if I liked it or not. I love her support for Edward, its wonderful how much she cares about him but she is also very emotional and doesn't think rationally, which sometimes comes back to bite her in the ass.

I've always loved Balthazar, but my love for him in this book has grown so much! He's so cute and loyal, I wish I had him as a friend.

If you loved the other two books in the series, you will love the conclusion to the series. It still has that dark and twisted feeling to the book, but with new plot and an even more exciting storyline.

Happy Reading,

Aneta

Cover Reveal: Revelations by T. Marie Alexander

Revelations
T. Marie Alexander
Publication date: January 27th 2017
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult

Synopsis: Have you ever craved something so badly that all reason was just an excuse getting in your way?
Have you needed something so desperately that you didn’t care how you got it or who you hurt in the process?
I have—and not that long ago.
Acceptance.
Acceptance… from family and friends…
Acceptance of the person I am inside and not outright rejection.
It didn’t come easily for me, and now I believe the world needs to know just how ruthless life can be. How that overwhelming yearning for acceptance can mold you into someone you don’t recognize when you look in the mirror. I’m through hiding behind one façade after another—it’s time for the world to meet the real me.
~Antoinette Justice

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Author Bio:
T. Marie Alexander lives in Arkansas. She can be found sitting at a computer on any given day, usually writing or looking up something to do with fashion. When she is not doing either of those things, she’s reading on her Kindle or binge watching Roswell on Netflix time and time again. She shares her apartment with her husband and some annoying ghost that like to take her belongings. Her dream of becoming an author started around the age of seven when she would glue small pages together and write about her favorite thing at the time, boy band crushes. T. Marie writes Young Adult Science Fiction and Paranormal Fiction.

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Book Blitz + Giveaway: Liberation by Kate L. Mary

Liberation
Kate L. Mary
Series: Moonchild, #2
Publication date: November 1st 2016
Genres: Post-Apocalyptic, Young Adult

Synopsis: From two-time award-winning author, Kate L. Mary, comes the sequel to MOONCHILD, “a much needed breath of fresh air in the world of YA fantasy.” After surviving the auction and a near death experience at the hands of Asher’s father, Scarlett Moon is more than ready for life to settle down, and with each passing day she starts to feel more at home in Columbus. Even with Asher ready for more than Scarlett can give, she manages to fall into a routine that almost feels like a normal life.
But one distress call is all it takes to destroy the serenity the group has managed to build.
As far as anyone knew, Paget had moved on with her life after storming out months ago, but the fear in her voice when she calls the warehouse tells a different story. Even though Scarlett never liked Asher’s ex to begin with, she can’t help feeling a little bit responsible for Paget’s situation.
Searching in the seediest part of the city, the group picks up clues as they try to piece together what might have happened. The more Scarlett learns about what the other woman has been through over the last few months, the more concerned she becomes. Even worse: there’s no sign of Paget anywhere in Columbus.
With all the clues pointing in one direction, the group leaves the city and heads for Hocking Hills. Only it seems the danger may have followed them, leaving nothing but death and destruction in its wake and putting Paget in more danger than ever before. As Scarlett learns more about the woman who used to hold Asher’s heart, she suddenly finds herself unable to deny how she really feels about him. Only, with Paget in trouble, Scarlett can’t help wondering if Asher might still have feelings for his ex.

Goodreads / Amazon

Sequel to:

—

EXCERPT:

He runs his hand down the side of my head, trailing my dark hair through his fingers. It’s gotten longer since we arrived in Columbus, down to the middle of my back, and when his hand reaches the end of my hair, his fingers brush against my arm. My skin tingles, and I take a deep, calming breath. How does he always do this?
“Moonchild,” he whispers, leaning even closer. “What’s with that name, anyway? I’ve been asking you for months, and you never answer me.”
His eyes burn into mine, and I swallow. I don’t like to share. I hate being vulnerable. Especially with Asher. But my head is spinning and he’s so close, and before I have a chance to even think about it, I blurt out the words, “It’s a nickname my mom gave me.”
He freezes and his eyes hold mine, but his expression is unreadable. “Your mom?”
A tiny voice buried deep in my brain tells me to stop talking. This is what I’ve been trying to avoid for the past five months. Opening myself up to Asher. Making our relationship more real. Sharing. He’s given so much of himself to me. Shared his entire past. His mom’s murder, his time in the pits, the murder he committed that got him sent to the mines. His father. All the details and painful memories and how they’ve affected him. But I’ve told him nothing other than general facts. My parents were killed, I was sent to an orphan home, I ran away and spent time picking pockets before being caught and sent to the mines. I’ve intentionally kept out all the emotional details.
But for some reason, right now, I don’t want to listen to that voice. Not while Asher’s eyes are burning into mine, making everything hazy. I feel drunk. Drunk on Asher.
“I’ve never been a good sleeper, even as a baby. I got my mom up at least three times a night until I was four. My dad called me a night owl.” I smile despite the stinging that has started at the back of my throat. “But my mom corrected him. She said I was just a child of the moon. Her own little Moonchild. It stuck.”
Asher’s expression is still blank, and he seems to be holding his breath, almost like he’s afraid the littlest sound will break the spell and I’ll curl into myself. He doesn’t want me to pull away from him, and even though I know I should, I don’t want to either. No one has ever been as welcoming and warm as Asher is.
“How did it end up on the wanted posters?” he whispers. “How did they find out about something like that?”
I wince and want to look away from him. His expression is unguarded, and it’s like he’s looking at me through a microscope.
“I don’t know,” I say softly. “Probably a neighbor or friend. Someone who knew my parents. I never told anyone at the orphan home or in the mines… I don’t know how they found out. But it hurts when I see it on the posters. It twists the memories I have of my mom into something ugly and—” I slam my mouth shut.
No. I’ve gone too far. I need to keep some of myself tucked away, hidden from Asher and his disarming smile.
The expression in his eyes is different now. There’s hope swimming in them now when he brushes my hair back, away from my face, the tips of his fingers barely grazing my cheek. A tremble moves through me, and I suck in a deep breath. I should leave while I still can. Being this close to Asher is never a good idea.

Author Bio:
Kate L. Mary is an award-winning author of New Adult and Young Adult fiction, ranging from Post-apocalyptic tales of the undead, to Speculative Fiction and Contemporary Romance. Her YA book, When We Were Human, was the 2015 Children's Moonbeam Book Awards Silver Medal Winner for Young Adult Fantasy/Sci-Fi Fiction, and the 2016 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Winner for Young Adult Science Fiction. Fans of The Walking Dead won't want to miss out on her Amazon Bestselling Broken World series, and the soon to come Twisted follow-up series.

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Book Blitz & Giveaway: Blood for Blood by Ryan Graudin

Publication Date: November 1, 2016
Series: Wolf by Wolf #2
Publisher: Little, Brown Book for Young Readers
Genre: YA, Historical Fiction
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Synopsis: The action-packed, thrilling sequel to Ryan Graudin's Wolf by Wolf.

There would be blood.
Blood for blood.
Blood to pay.
An entire world of it.

For the resistance in 1950s Germany, the war may be over, but the fight has just begun.

Death camp survivor Yael, who has the power to skinshift, is on the run: the world has just seen her shoot and kill Hitler. But the truth of what happened is far more complicated, and its consequences are deadly. Yael and her unlikely comrades dive into enemy territory to try to turn the tide against the New Order, and there is no alternative but to see their mission through to the end, whatever the cost.

But dark secrets reveal dark truths, and one question hangs over them all: how far can you go for the ones you love?

This gripping, thought-provoking sequel to Wolf by Wolf will grab readers by the throat with its cinematic writing, fast-paced action, and relentless twists.

Giveaway

5 Winner will receive a finished copy of Wolf by Wolf (book one) US ONLY

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Waiting on Wednesday: Heartless by Marissa Meyer

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

Publication Date: November 8th 2016
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends 
Genre: YA, Fantasy 
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Synopsis: Long before she was the terror of Wonderland — the infamous Queen of Hearts — she was just a girl who wanted to fall in love.

Catherine may be one of the most desired girls in Wonderland, and a favorite of the yet-unmarried King of Hearts, but her interests lie elsewhere. A talented baker, all she wants is to open a shop with her best friend and supply the Kingdom of Hearts with delectable pastries and confections. But according to her mother, such a goal is unthinkable for the young woman who could be the next Queen.

At a royal ball where Cath is expected to receive the king's marriage proposal, she meets Jest, the handsome and mysterious court joker. For the first time, she feels the pull of true attraction. At the risk of offending the King and infuriating her parents, she and Jest enter into an intense, secret courtship.

Cath is determined to define her own destiny and fall in love on her terms. But in a land thriving with magic, madness, and monsters, fate has other plans. 

Review: Jackaby by William Ritter

Series: Jackaby #1
Publication Date: September 16th 2014
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers
Genre: YA, Mystery, Fantasy
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Synopsis: “Miss Rook, I am not an occultist,” Jackaby said. “I have a gift that allows me to see truth where others see the illusion--and there are many illusions. All the world’s a stage, as they say, and I seem to have the only seat in the house with a view behind the curtain.”

Newly arrived in New Fiddleham, New England, 1892, and in need of a job, Abigail Rook meets R. F. Jackaby, an investigator of the unexplained with a keen eye for the extraordinary--including the ability to see supernatural beings. Abigail has a gift for noticing ordinary but important details, which makes her perfect for the position of Jackaby’s assistant. On her first day, Abigail finds herself in the midst of a thrilling case: A serial killer is on the loose. The police are convinced it’s an ordinary villain, but Jackaby is certain it’s a nonhuman creature, whose existence the police--with the exception of a handsome young detective named Charlie Cane--deny.

Doctor Who meets Sherlock in William Ritter’s debut novel, which features a detective of the paranormal as seen through the eyes of his adventurous and intelligent assistant in a tale brimming with cheeky humor and a dose of the macabre.

My Rating

4/5 stars

My Review

“I wondered which was sadder, leaving someone to cry after you were gone, or not having anyone who would miss you in the first place” 

Jackaby is an adorable read about a quirky detective and his adventurous assistant. 

After running away from home, Abigail Rook is finally out of money. With no one hiring, Abigail turns to Mr. Jackaby for employment. Being an assistant to a detective of the paranormal isn't as easy job as Abigail thought it would be. As Abigail gets a new perspective on her world, a murderer is killing innocent people, and its up to Jackaby and Abigail to solve the mystery before more innocent people are left for the dead.

I found this book to be absolutely adorable. It has cute, yet interesting characters that are very loveable. The dialogue in this story is absolutely hilarious, some of the things Mr. Jackaby said had me tearing up laughing.

If you're looking for a serious mystery book, this isn't it. While the plot of this book was definitely a mystery, it does involve the paranormal, which all fantasy lovers will adore. While the plot does keep you engaged and guessing who the murderer could be, it wasn't too hard to guess who the real villain could be, or at least narrow it down to a few people, so there weren't too many surprises. 

Also a small heads up, this book does not contain a romance. So if those are the types of books you're interested in, I would also give this book a pass.

I would have loved to give this book 5 stars, but unfortunately I thought it could have used a little bit more mystery, and I'm not sure how I feel about a lack of romance in this book. 

Overall, it was still a wonderful book, and I definitely recommend it to all fantasy lovers. I will definitely continue on with the series.

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 this past week.

I've been busy with exams this past month, so please forgive me but this haul is from the past month, and I just haven't had the time to make a post and thank the publishers.

From Netgalley

Things I Should Have Known by Claire LaZebnik
From the author of Epic Fail comes the story of Chloe Mitchell, a Los Angeles girl on a quest to find love for her autistic sister, Ivy. Ethan, from Ivy’s class, seems like the perfect match. It’s unfortunate that his older brother, David, is one of Chloe’s least favorite people, but Chloe can deal, especially when she realizes that David is just as devoted to Ethan as she is to Ivy. Uncommonly honest and refreshingly funny, this is a story about sisterhood, autism, and first love. Chloe, Ivy, David, and Ethan, who form a quirky and lovable circle, will steal readers’ hearts and remind us all that it’s okay to be a different kind of normal. 

Red Winter #1 by Annette Marie
Emi is the kamigakari. In a few short months, her life as a mortal will end and her new existence as the human host of a goddess will begin. Carefully hidden from those who would destroy her, she has prepared her mind, body, and soul to unite with the goddess—and not once has she doubted her chosen fate. 

Shiro is a yokai, a spirit of the earth, an enemy of the goddess Emi will soon host. Mystery shrouds his every move and his ruby eyes shine with cunning she can’t match and dares not trust. But she saved his life, and until his debt is paid, he is hers to command—whether she wants him or not. 

On the day they meet, everything Emi believes comes undone, swept away like snow upon the winter wind. For the first time, she wants to change her fate—but how can she erase a destiny already wrought in stone? Against the power of the gods, Shiro is her only hope … and hope is all she has left. 

Concealed  (Beholder #2) by Christina Bauer
As a Grand Mistress Necromancer, Elea’s a witch who commands the ultimate power over spirit and bone. It’s magic that she’ll need in order to stop the Vicomte Gaspard from killing her Sisters by draining their magic along with their life force. To find and free her fellow witches, Elea must venture into some of the most dangerous places in the realm. What starts off as a rescue quest could easily turn into a suicide mission. And with the handsome warlock Rowan along to help, Elea may be risking more than her life. Her growing feelings for Rowan might put her heart on the line, too. 








Bought

Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco
Seventeen-year-old Audrey Rose Wadsworth was born a lord's daughter, with a life of wealth and privilege stretched out before her. But between the social teas and silk dress fittings, she leads a forbidden secret life.

Against her stern father's wishes and society's expectations, Audrey often slips away to her uncle's laboratory to study the gruesome practice of forensic medicine. When her work on a string of savagely killed corpses drags Audrey into the investigation of a serial murderer, her search for answers brings her close to her own sheltered world.

Arcana Rising (Arcana Chronicles #4) by Kresley Cole
Losses mount and deadly new threats converge in this next action-packed tale of the Arcana Chronicles by #1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole.

When the battle is done . . . 
The Emperor unleashes hell and annihilates an army, jeopardizing the future of mankind--but Circe strikes back. The epic clash between them devastates the Arcana world and nearly kills Evie, separating her from her allies.

And all hope is lost . . . 
With Aric missing and no sign that Jack and Selena escaped Richter's reach, Evie turns more and more to the darkness lurking inside her. Two Arcana emerge as game changers: one who could be her salvation, the other her worst nightmare.

Vengeance becomes everything.
To take on Richter, Evie must reunite with Death and mend their broken bond. But as she learns more about her role in the future--and her chilling past--will she become a monster like the Emperor? Or can Evie and her allies rise up from Richter's ashes, stronger than ever before? 

Three Dark Crowns by Kendra Blake 
Every generation on the island of Fennbirn, a set of triplets is born: three queens, all equal heirs to the crown and each possessor of a coveted magic. Mirabella is a fierce elemental, able to spark hungry flames or vicious storms at the snap of her fingers. Katharine is a poisoner, one who can ingest the deadliest poisons without so much as a stomachache. Arsinoe, a naturalist, is said to have the ability to bloom the reddest rose and control the fiercest of lions.

But becoming the Queen Crowned isn’t solely a matter of royal birth. Each sister has to fight for it. And it’s not just a game of win or lose…it’s life or death. The night the sisters turn sixteen, the battle begins. The last queen standing gets the crown.

If only it was that simple. Katharine is unable to tolerate the weakest poison, and Arsinoe, no matter how hard she tries, can’t make even a weed grow. The two queens have been shamefully faking their powers, taking care to keep each other, the island, and their powerful sister Mirabella none the wiser. But with alliances being formed, betrayals taking shape, and ruthless revenge haunting the queens’ every move, one thing is certain: the last queen standing might not be the strongest…but she may be the darkest.

Won

A Shadow Bright and Burning by Jessica Cluess
I am Henrietta Howel. The first female sorcerer. The prophesied one. Or am I?

Henrietta Howel can burst into flames. When she is brought to London to train with Her Majesty's sorcerers, she meets her fellow sorcerer trainees, young men eager to test her powers and her heart. One will challenge her. One will fight for her. One will betray her. As Henrietta discovers the secrets hiding behind the glamour of sorcerer life, she begins to doubt that she's the true prophesied one. With battle looming, how much will she risk to save the city--and the one she loves?
Huge thanks to the girls at Best Books Ever blog for hosting the September New Release Giveaway Hop, I am so thankful to have won. Please go check out their blog and give them some love.

What did you guys get this week? Let me know in the comments.

Book Blitz & Giveaway: The Broken One by Christine H. Bailey

The Broken One
Christine H. Bailey
Publication date: April 5th 2016
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult

Synopsis: What becomes of the girl left behind after the tragic death of her best friend?
Sixteen-year-old Farris Sloan is picking up the pieces after the untimely death of her best friend Kelsey. But even one year later, Farris can’t seem to find “normal” again—not until Lane Evans pops back into her life and pushes her to face reality. When he offers her the chance to find out the truth about Kelsey’s death, Farris fears what will surface. Is it too much too soon or just what she needs to move forward? The Broken One explores a teen’s struggle to overcome loss and her hope to rediscover what it truly means to live and love.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

—

Sneak peek:

Flashes of the silver car I’d been in a million times flew by in my mind, spliced in with another image—of the body I’d just seen at the bottom of the ravine. I kept seeing it over and over like a trailer for the latest horror movie. But it wasn’t some actress in a film. It was my best friend’s lifeless body at the bottom of that rocky cliff. The stark image taunted me: large, jagged boulders breaking out from a coating of pure white snow forever marked with her blood—her body, splayed across them, crooked and broken.

Author Bio:
Christine H. Bailey teaches creative writing and written composition at a private university in west Tennessee. Before teaching English, Christine worked as a journalist, a marketing/public relations writer, and a freelance editor. To learn more about the author and her work, visit her website at www.cibailey.com.

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Review: Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare

Series: The Dark Artifices #1
Publication Date: March 28th 2016
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Romance
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Synopsis: In a kingdom by the sea…

In a secret world where half-angel warriors are sworn to fight demons, parabatai is a sacred word.

A parabatai is your partner in battle. A parabatai is your best friend. Parabatai can be everything to each other—but they can never fall in love.

Emma Carstairs is a warrior, a Shadowhunter, and the best in her generation. She lives for battle. Shoulder to shoulder with her parabatai, Julian Blackthorn, she patrols the streets of Los Angeles, where vampires party on the Sunset Strip, and faeries—the most powerful of supernatural creatures—teeter on the edge of open war with Shadowhunters. When the bodies of humans and faeries turn up murdered in the same way Emma’s parents were when she was a child, an uneasy alliance is formed. This is Emma’s chance for revenge—and Julian’s chance to get back his brother Mark, who is being held prisoner by the faerie Courts. All Emma, Mark, and Julian have to do is solve the murders within two weeks…and before the murderer targets them.

Their search takes Emma from sea caves full of sorcery to a dark lottery where death is dispensed. And each clue she unravels uncovers more secrets. What has Julian been hiding from her all these years? Why does Shadowhunter Law forbid parabatai to fall in love? Who really killed her parents—and can she bear to know the truth?

The darkly magical world of Shadowhunters has captured the imaginations of millions of readers across the globe. Join the adventure in Lady Midnight, the long-awaited first volume of a new trilogy from Cassandra Clare.

My Rating

5/5 stars

My Review

“There was beauty in the idea of freedom, but it was an illusion. Every human heart was chained by love.” 

I don't think I'll ever outgrow the shadow hunter world.

After the events of City of Heavenly Fire, Emma Carstairs has grown up in the Los Angeles Institue, alongside her parabatai Julian Blackthorn and his family. While out patrolling the streets with fellow shadow hunter Christina, the two girls find a body. Bodies of humans and fairies are being found similar markings that Emma found on her parent's bodies after the war. Emma was certain it wasn't Sebastian who murdered her parents, and the new trail of dead bodies could lead to her finding the real killer. But the mysteries of Los Angeles are more dangerous and twisted than Emma and Julian could have ever known.

I walked into this book with low expectations. Cassandra Clare has written some amazing books, but in all honesty, I didn't think she could write another fantastic book in the shadow hunter series. But I was slightly wrong.

While I do think this book was absolutely amazing, and still deserves 5 stars for the writing, it just wasn't as good as City of Bones or Clockwork Angel. With those two series, we had brand new characters and exciting settings. Yet with this release, we already knew Emma and Julian from City of Heavenly fire, and Los Angeles isn't the most creative setting to pick from.

It was wonderful to see the characters from both series again. We do get to find out what has happened to Jace and Clary as well as Tessa and Jem, as they are featured in the book multiple times. But I personally found it a tad annoying, I wanted to read about the characters from this book. It just felt like Cassy was trying to drag on the original stories way longer than they should have been. I will always stand by the quote "A good author knows when to finish a book," and I just don't think Cassy knows how.

The action and storyline of this book were absolutely amazing. Cassy threw in twists and I didn't see coming, and had me loving characters I never thought I would like. 

Even though this book had such a good storyline and romance, it just felt a little bit too long. There definitely could have been parts of the book that could have been skimmed and shortened. While I don't want to think badly of the author, I'm worried she just made the book a little longer to try and make more money out of it.

Either way, it was am amazing book compared to other series. As for Cassie's books, this series isn't one of her best. 

I still highly recommend giving this one a read, especially if you wanna find out what has happened to Clary, Jace, Tessa and Jem since the last book.

Happy Reading,

Aneta

Book Blitz & Giveaway: Concealed by Christina Bauer

Concealed
Christina Bauer
Series: Beholder #2
Publication date: October 25th 2016
Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult

Synopsis: As a Grand Mistress Necromancer, Elea’s a witch who commands the ultimate power over spirit and bone. It’s magic that she’ll need in order to stop the Vicomte Gaspard from killing her Sisters by draining their magic along with their life force.
To find and free her fellow witches, Elea must venture into some of the most dangerous places in the realm. What starts off as a rescue quest could easily turn into a suicide mission. And with the handsome warlock Rowan along to help, Elea may be risking more than her life. Her growing feelings for Rowan might put her heart on the line, too.

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EXCERPT:

Rowan stepped into my path, forcing me to stop. “We can’t worry about the Tsar just now.”

“How can I not? This is the Tsar we’re talking about. The man killed off thousands of my people. If he comes back, I’m his top target.”
“No one is getting anywhere near you, Elea.” Rowan’s voice was a rough rasp. “You have my word. I know what you care about, and it’s your Sisters. That’s all you need to think about. At least, for the next two days. Promise me?”
Rowan’s words helped to center my thoughts. “You’re right. Little time remains to save Ada and the others. I need to stay the course. Thank you, Rowan.”
“I’ll always be here for you.” Rowan stared at me for a long moment. I thought he might have more to say. Instead, he shook his head, stepped across the cave floor, and picked up the loops of rope. “Any ideas on where your Sisters are imprisoned?”
“Amelia wants to check the Havilland mansion first.”
“I can send in someone from my team. They’re experts at subterfuge.”
“No. These are my people. I have to go.”
Once again, Rowan moved to stand so close our bodies were only inches apart. “Trust me on this. My people can handle the Royals.” He brushed the backs of his fingertips up my cheek and I melted into the touch. “I want you safe, Elea.” He leaned in until his mouth was only a breath away from mine.
This wasn’t the time for emotion. I couldn’t seem to stop my zuchtlos feelings, though. My heart thumped with such force I thought it might burst from my chest. Rowan’s voice became low and gentle. “Return to Braddock Farm. Stay safe. I will end this. Once it’s done, I’ll find you there. I swear it.”
My legs felt wobbly beneath me. In my mind’s eye, it all appeared so easy and clear. Rowan could handle this. I’d return to my farm and help the faithful servants who’d kept it thriving. Then one day, Rowan would arrive and we’d be together. How wonderful would that be?
I closed my eyes and stepped away from his touch. This was impossible. My people were my responsibility. No one else’s. And the idea that Rowan and I could be together? That was an illusion.
“It’s a sweet dream. We both know it isn’t the truth. You’re part of the Caster Imperial family. Your uncle is none other than Genesis Rex. You can’t have a life with me as a farmer, can you?”
Rowan’s gaze intensified. “No.” He stepped closer once again. “I’ll still find you, though.”
“And when you do, what will I be?” I wanted to touch him and to be with him. I knew that now. But not at any cost. “Your mistress? Your absentee wife?”
“You’ll be mine.” He pulled me into his arms. Every ridge of his hard body pressed against my soft curves. I’d never craved anything more in my life than I wanted to kiss Rowan right now. He leaned in closer than ever before. His warm breath cascaded over my lips. “Don’t fight this. Please.”
My control snapped, and I pressed my mouth to his. Yes. Our first few tastes were tentative. Gentle. Rowan was as delicious as I’d imagined, a flavor that was somewhere between musk and desire. Every touch of his lips sent spasms of want through my core.
Our kiss quickly turned rough. Rowan nipped my bottom lip, and I let out a rough groan. This kiss could go on forever. Still, some small part of my brain shouted for me to stop.
I didn’t know how I found the strength, but I pushed Rowan away. “I want you too. That’s not enough for me. We’re from different worlds. Your place is with your people. I need to save mine. Once this is over, we’ll never see each other again. I can’t afford to feel more for you than I already do.”
Rowan’s eyes took on that intense look I knew so well. A muscle worked in his jaw for a long moment. “I understand. We both have work to do.”
I exhaled. “I’m glad you can accept the truth.”
“I didn’t say that.” He scooped up the ropes and offered them to me. “This isn’t over.”
I stared at the green cords coiled around his palm. I wanted real ties between us as well. Yet wanting a thing wasn’t the same as having it. I pulled the rope from his hand and looped it around my shoulders. “We better get back.”

Author Bio:
Christina graduated from Syracuse University's Newhouse School with BA's in English as well as Television, Radio, and Film Production. Her day job is in marketing for companies like Microsoft, Cisco, and Zerto. Back in the go-go 90′s, she founded her own software start-up, Mindful Technologies. Christina believes that, upon close examination of Tolkien's text, it's entirely possible that the Balrog was wearing fuzzy bunny slippers.

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