Review: The Iron Traitor - Julie Kagawa

Title: The Iron Traitor (The Call of The Forgotten #2)
Author: Julie Kagawa
Release Date: October 29th 2013

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Genres: YA, Paranormal,

Pages: 304

Source: For review (MiraInk UK)

In the real world, when you vanish into thin air for a week, people tend to notice.

After his unexpected journey into the lands of the fey, Ethan Chase just wants to get back to normal. Well, as "normal" as you can be when you see faeries every day of your life. Suddenly the former loner with the bad reputation has someone to try for-his girlfriend, Kenzie. Never mind that he's forbidden to see her again.

But when your name is Ethan Chase and your sister is one of the most powerful faeries in the Nevernever, "normal" simply isn't to be. For Ethan's nephew, Keirran, is missing, and may be on the verge of doing something unthinkable in the name of saving his own love. Something that will fracture the human and faery worlds forever, and give rise to the dangerous fey known as the Forgotten. As Ethan's and Keirran's fates entwine and Keirran slips further into darkness, Ethan's next choice may decide the fate of them all.

:~ MY THOUGHTS ~:
 
If you've read my review of The Lost Prince (bk 1), you'd know I was a bit disappointed with it and only gave it three tiny stars. So when I got this review copy, I honestly didn't know what to expect and I didn't have any high hopes or anything, which probably what made my reading experience a lot better this time around. Whereas I thought book one was just ok, this was seriously EPIC. It blew my mind and just made me a fan of this series for life and left me eagerly awaiting the next book as the last page was a killer. (That is how you do a cliffhanger, people!)

Ethan I really fell in love with in this book. For some reason, he just didn't appeal to me that much in book one (too much angst!), but in this worthy sequel, oh boy. He's a really interesting narrator and one of the few YA male voices that are realistic and true to his character. I loved Ethan in this book. His bravery and loyalty to the people he loves was so admiring. Not to mention he's that bad boy. ;)

Kenzie annoyed the hell out of me with the whole calling Ethan "tough guy" thing but luckily in this book, it wasn't too much. And what do you know? I really began to actually like her in this book! Hurrah! Kierran is by far the most interesting character. I really don't know whether to hug or kill him. This kid (well, not really but) makes me want to kill him sometimes but other times you see why he did what he did. He sure took after his parents. :P

There's really nothing bad to say about Julie Kagawa's writing. Damn, that woman can write! She just manages to transport you to this awesome world and doesn't let you go. The writing is definitely another strong point of this book. Also, the plot has more substance and suspenceful enough to keep you awake at night. I honestly couldn't put this book down. One of the best sequels out there and I can't wait to read more about the gang. Especially that last page, which made me scream and want to throw my copy (I didn't!) into a wall.

Cover Reveal: Trust In Me - J. Lynn

:~ TRUST IN ME ~:

J. Lynn

 

 

It’s Wait for You as you’ve never seen it. Trust in Melets you in on Cam’s side of the #1 New York Times Bestselling story.

Cameron Hamilton is used to getting what he wants, especially when it comes to women. But when Avery Morgansten comes crashing into his life – literally – he finally meets the one person who can resist his soulful baby blues. But Cam’s not ready to give up. He can’t get the feisty and intriguing girl out of his head.

Avery has secrets, secrets that keep her from admitting the feelings Cam knows she has for him. Will persistence (and some delicious homemade cookies) help him break down her barriers and gain her trust? Or will he be shut out of Avery's life, losing his first real shot at the kind of love that lasts forever?

 

:~ GIVEAWAY ~:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

Waiting On Wednesday (48)

 

:~ MY UNEXPECTED FOREVER ~:

Heidi McLaughlin

 

September 2nd, 2013

I expected a life of music.
I expected to raise my son.
It took one look to make everything change.
I never expected happiness.

I never expected to find her.
I never expected to feel desire.
I never expected I’d be a family man.
I never expected to be loved.
I never expected to fall in love.

They say you should expect the unexpected, I didn’t realize my unexpected would be the forever kind.

ADD TO GOODREADS

 

 

I loved loved loved Forever My Girl (book one) and it was one of my top reads last year, but I have a feeling this will be even better as it's about Harrison and Katelyn (who are two of the main side characters in book one). I've heard amazing things about this one too so I'm super duper excited!! :D

 

So what are you waiting for this Wednesday? And what do you think of my choice this week?

 

 

 

 

 

A to Z Survey

 

This was started by Perpetual Page Turner and ever since I've read Katie Book Blog's survey, I thought this was so fun and wanted to try it myself! :)

Author you’ve read the most books from:

Jennifer L. Armentrout! I've read 12 of her books and loved every single one of them. Also, I found this while going to 'My Books' in goodreads, then clicked 'most read author'. So JLA is first (12), followed by Richelle Mead (10) and Cassandra Clare (9).

Best Sequel Ever:

Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas. I really enjoyed Throne of Glass (#1) but Crown of Midnight was even better! I loved it so much and still one of my top reads this year.

Currently Reading:

Scorched by Mari Mancusi. I just got it from Netgalley and for the blog tour, so super excited to read it. DRAGONS!

Drink of Choice While Reading:

Hmmm. I don't really drink while I'm reading. At most, probably water or lemonade.

E-reader or Physical Book?

I do prefer physical books but lately I've been reading from my Kindle a lot as most of review books are in there. Also, I love my Kindle for travelling and if I'm way to embarassed about a cover and treat it like a baby.

Fictional Character You Probably Would Have Actually Dated In High School:

To be honest, for all that "I prefer/love bad boys" talk from me, I'm still in high school and I KNOW that I would never date someone like Daemon Black or Noah Shaw. In real life, I definitely prefer nice guys and so Tucker Avery would probably it. :)

Glad You Gave This Book A Chance:

Vampire Academy. Oh my gosh. From the covers and the hype, I would have ran the other way but since my friend from school (who's not a blogger, just a reader) kept on going on about it, I thought I'd give it a try. Bought all the books in the series the next day.

Hidden Gem Book:

The Distance Between Us by Kasie West. Everyone please go buy and read this fabulous book!

Important Moment in your Reading Life:

Starting this book blog. My life has changed so much since creating this book blog! Though there are times when I definitely want to quit, I'm still so glad I didn't and that I still enjoy it. :)

Just Finished:

Two Wrongs, One Right by Katee Robert.

Kinds of Books You Won’t Read:

Poetry, short stories, and Middle Grade. Just NO.

Longest Book You’ve Read:

Apparently (since I trust Goodreads) it's BREAKING DAWN by Stephenie Meyer at 756 pages.

Major book hangover because of:

Reckless by S.C Stephens

Number of Bookcases You Own:

Three. One really tall, one really wide but small and the other one is just tiny.

One Book You Have Read Multiple Times:

So many that I've re-read but one that really stood out as I've read it lots of times is Hush, Hush. That book also started my love for YA (and first YA book I've read actually!)

Preferred Place To Read:

In my bed. Or while sunbathing in the garden.

Quote that inspires you/gives you all the feels from a book you’ve read:

I haven't read the book but I've read this quote from Just Listen by Sarah Dessen.

"Don't judge, just listen." (or something like that) I've heard that quote years ago but still sticks with me. Probably because I can be pretty judgemental so that quote reminds me not to be.

Reading Regret:

I have no idea! Hmm...I probably wish I hadn't read the Twilight series. :P

Series You Started And Need To Finish(all books are out in series):

The Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa. I know, I've read the new series The Lost Prince and The Traitor Son, and I know what happens at the end of Iron Fey series but still kinda need to read all the books in that series. Maybe someday.

Three of your All-Time Favorite Books:

So hard. I have no idea and my answer changes every time but right now it's Lux series by Jennifer L. Armentrout, Shatter Me series by Tahereh Mafi and VA series by Richelle Mead. If you'd let me answer this again, the answers would be different.

Unapologetic Fangirl For:

Jennifer L. Armentrout. I've been a fan of her since the beginning and I still continue to love and read all her books!

Very Excited For This Release More Than All The Others:

Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi and White Hot Kiss by Jennifer L. Armentrout!

Worst Bookish Habit:

 

X Marks The Spot: Start at the top left of your shelf and pick the 27th book:

These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufan and Maegan Spooner

Your latest book purchase:

Yesterday I just pre-ordered my paperback copy of ORIGIN by Jennifer L. Armentrout. I. CAN. NOT. WAIT.

ZZZ-snatcher book (last book that kept you up WAY late):

In To The Deep by Samantha Young! I recently just finished that and couldn't stop reading it. A worthy NA and different to others I've read before.

 

----

 

Wow! I had so much fun answering this! :)

Review: Cipher - Cindi Madsen

Title: Cipher (Cipher #1)
Author: Cindi Madsen

Release Date: July 22nd, 2013

Publisher: self-pubbed

Genres: YA

Pages: 325

Source: For review

Summer Davis sees deaths before they happen. She attempts to live a normal life by focusing on the dance team and her quarterback boyfriend. But then the way-too-cheery Angel of Death shows up and tells her she’s a Cipher—a person chosen to help people who are going to die resolve problems with their loved ones. Ashlyn Moore, one of Summer’s classmates, is going to die, and she needs Summer’s help before that happens.

It’s nearly impossible to get through to Ashlyn, who surrounds herself with chess nerds and geeks and makes it clear she doesn’t want to be friends. Desperate to complete her Cipher task before it’s too late, Summer turns to Troy, the guy who’s always been there for her and one of the few people she can trust. With his help, she makes progress. In fact, the closer she gets to Ashlyn and her friends, the more she feels like she’s finally found where she belongs.

As the clock starts running down on Ashlyn’s life, Summer decides to change her objective. She’s going to save her new friend before it’s too late—even if it means messing with fate.

:~ MY THOUGHTS ~:
 
Wow. I really, really didn't expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. And I never expected that I would be on a rollercoaster ride full of feelings - I even cried during this book, people! And you know how rarely that happens. The plot may seem cliche and over-used "teenage girl sees deaths before they happen" but I'm so glad to say that it's not just about that. There's so many factors in this story that I adored and once I finished the book, I still couldn't stop thinking about it.

Even though it does have some paranormal elements within the story, in my opinion it reads more like a YA contemporary. Which I liked. The main focus of the story wasn't about hot guys (though they are there - hey Troy!!) or about being a Cipher mostly, it's about friendship. Like some of you guys, I've been wanting to read a YA that's more about female friendships than anything else. And this one is that. The friendship between Summer and Ashlyn was so realistic and fun and loyal.

Summer wasn't a character I thought I would like very much. She starts out that popular, spoiled rich girl who's on the dance team and going out with a quarterback. It wasn't until she was friends with Ashlyn that I really began to like her. Troy on the other hand, was one I fell in love with quickly! How could you not? And even though I love bad boys, Troy is a nice guy (though he does have some moments) and exactly just what Summer needs. I need my own Troy too, come to think of it.

I really don't want to spoil anything for you, but just be prepared for this book. I really like the direction the author took in this book - she didn't shy away from anything, and even though you may hate what happens, you kinda get why it happened. Cindi Madsen is a hell of a writer, and I can promise you that I'll read anything she writes. This start of a brand new exciting series is one I'd highly recommend.

Cover Reveal: I Stand Before You - S.R Grey

 

Title: I Stand Before You (Judge Me Not #1)

Author: S.R. Grey

Expected release date: September 12-19, 2013

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Age Group: New Adult /Adult

Cover designed by: Damonza ; http://damonza.com/sample-covers/

Cover reveal organized by: AToMR Tours; http://atomrbookblogtours.com

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17900510-i-stand-before-you

When it comes to tattooed bad boys, Chase Gartner is the real deal. Partying, engaging in meaningless sex, getting into fights---Chase indulges in it all during his late teen years, thus firmly solidifying his status as a heartbreakingly gorgeous but way-too-dangerous-to-trust guy in his hometown of Harmony Creek, Ohio. Then, following one fateful night of reckless decisions, Chase's actions finally catch up to him and land him in prison. 

Now, four years have passed and Chase finds himself a free man. He returns to Harmony Creek, ready to pick up the pieces and start rebuilding his shattered life. 

Things are off to a promising start when he meets Kay Stanton, a young woman with a tragic past of her own. Despite a powerful attraction, Chase and Kay are naturally hesitant to become involved. That's why friendship feels like the safest option. But when passions ignite and love blossoms, a relationship that is destined and meant to be can only be resisted for so long. When Chase and Kay finally succumb to their feelings they realize being together feels more right and true than anything they have ever experienced. 

But their love is soon tested. Chase's wild past still haunts and tempts him, and Kay is keeping a secret that could tear them apart. 

I Stand Before You is a journey of hope and forgiveness, coming to terms with the past and moving forward. But mostly it's a story of two damaged people who take a chance, open their hearts, and find true love. 

New Adult/Contemporary Romance genres. First in a series. 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

 

S.R. Grey is the author of Harbour Falls and Willow Point, first and second novels in A Harbour Falls Mystery series. She is also the author of I Stand Before You, first novel in the Judge Me Not series (New Adult/Contemporary Romance), to be released September 2013.

Ms. Grey resides in western Pennsylvania. She has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Robert Morris College, as well as an MBA from Duquesne University. 

She is currently working on Wickingham Way, the third installment in A Harbour Falls Mystery series, to be released in January 2014. 

Other interests include reading, traveling, running, and cheering for her hometown sports teams. 

Author social media links:

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/pages/SR-Grey/361159217278943

Twitter- https://twitter.com/AuthorSRGrey

Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6433082.S_R_Grey

Website: http://srgrey.webs.com/

 

July 2013 Wrap Up and Books of the Month!

BOOKS READ IN JULY 2013 ~ 25 books

 Hey guys! I know this is like super late (hell, we're in the mid of August already) but I wanted to still do this post and tell you what my book faves of the month are. : )

 

80. Blurred - Tara Fuller
81. Cipher - Cindi Madsen
82. The Distance Between Us - Kasie West
83. Frigid - J. Lynn
84. A Tale of Two Centuries - Rachel Harris
85. Snowed In - Anna Daye
86. Always - Ellery Rhodes
87. Three Hearts, One Soul - Bec Botefuhr
88. Elite - Rachel Van Dyken
89. Death of a Waterfall - Kara Leigh Miller
90. Chasing Mrs. Right - Katee Robert
91. Fuck Buddies - Shirin Klaus
92. Bishop's Angel - Tory Richards
93. Danika's Gift - Jayne Wilde
94. The Liberator - Victoria Scott
95. The Virginity Mission - Cate Ellink
96. Lifeless - J.M. LaRocca
97. Darker Days - Jus Accardo
98. Thoughtless - S.C Stephens
99. Camp Boyfriend - J.K Rock
100. Effortless - S.C Stephens
101. Reckless - S.C Stephens
102. Lover Undercover - Samanthe Becks
103. The Midnight Heir - Cassandra Clare
104. Femme Fatale - Cindy Dees

 

Some of you were asking how did I manage to read that many books in a month, well, when you have no exams finally and when you had no internet for three weeks, THIS is what happens. :P

 

REVIEWS POSTED ON THE BLOG THIS MONTH

 

~ 5 Goddess Ratings ~

Frigid by J. Lynn

Star Cursed by Jessica Spotswood

 

~ 4 Goddess Ratings ~

The Apollo Academy by Kimberly P. Chase

 

~ 2 Goddess Ratings ~

One Tiny Lie by K.A Tucker

 

 

 

BOOKS OF THE MONTH

My top three books of the month!

In no particular order (just in order of reading)

 

 

Blog Tour: Darker Days - Jus Accardo (Review)

:~ DARKER DAYS - BLOG TOUR ~:

Title: Darker Days (The Darker Agency #1)
Author: Jus Accardo

Release Date: August 19th 2013

Publisher: Entangled Publishing

Genres: YA, Paranormal

Pages: 332

Source:  For blog tour/review

Jessie Darker goes to high school during the day, but at night she helps with the family investigation business. Cheating husbands and stolen inheritances? They’re your girls—but their specialty is a bit darker. Zombie in your garage? Pesky Poltergeist living in your pool? They’ll have the problem solved in a magical minute. For a nominal fee, of course...

 When gorgeous new client, Lukas Scott, saunters into the office requesting their help to find a stolen box, it sounds like a simple case—until the truth comes out. The box is full of Sin.

Seven deadly ones, in fact.

They’ve got five days to recapture the Sins before they're recalled by the box, taking seven hijacked human bodies with them. Easy peasy—except for one thing...

There’s a spell that will allow the Sins to remain free, causing chaos forever. When the key ingredient threatens the life of someone she knows, Jessie must make the ultimate choice between love and family—or lose everything.

:~ MY REVIEW ~:
 
Ever since I've seen the cover and read the blurb to this one I knew I had to read it. Jus Accardo's first series DENAZEN was so addicting and  different to other YA paranormals, so I was just so excited to read the start of this new DARKER AGENCY series and you know, it really didn't disappoint. This hilarious and fun series has got something for everyone.

Jessie is one of the funniest characters ever! She's so witty and sarcastic that you'll wish she was real! She'd make an awesome best friend. She's also loyal and cares deeply about her friends and family that she's willing to do anything for them. She's smart and doesn't make me want to punch her like other heroines do. And her parents! Yes, her parents are not absent and they actually play a big role. Jessie Darker's parents win the best parents award. They are the best!! I loved all the scenes they were in and I hope Jus writes a story about them!

Lukas was so not what I expected (in such a good way). When we first met him, I didn't really like him, he was just so mysterious (though he has a reason to be) and annoying but as the story progresses, how he acts towards Jessie and her family changed. He opens up a lot more and while he's about a million years older than Jessie (he looks like a seventeen year old though), it doesn't make me want to puke. Which is obviously a good thing. He became very sweet and a little bit cocky (which I liked!)

I really can't say a bad thing about the plot. You think you had it all figured out and stuff, but then you find out you're WRONG. There's lots of twists and turns, secrets and revelations that you would never have guessed. What I really liked about Jus' books is that she creates a story that is so fun and unique in a way. So if you haven't read her books yet, please do so now! And then get this one when it comes out next week! All I know is that I'm waiting impatiently for the next book and can't wait for how things developed! :)

 

Amazon/Barnes & Noble/ Kobo/iBooks/Goodreads

:~ ABOUT THE AUTHOR ~:

JUS ACCARDO spent her childhood reading and learning to cook. Determined to follow in her grandfather’s footsteps as a chef, she applied and was accepted to the Culinary Institute of America. At the last minute, she realized her path lay with fiction, not food, and passed on the spot to pursue writing. Jus is the bestselling author the popular Denazen series from Entangled publishing and is currently working on the first book in a new adult series due out summer 2013. A native New Yorker, she lives in the middle of nowhere with her husband, three dogs, and sometimes guard bear, Oswald.

Find Her: Website/Twitter/Facebook/Goodreads

:~ TOUR SCHEDULE ~:

8/12/2013- The Book Goddess- Review

8/13/2013- Supernatural Snark- Guest Post

8/14/2013- Paranormal Reads- Review

8/15/2013- K-Books- Interview

8/16/2013- Doctors Notes- Review

8/19/2013- Step Into Fiction- Guest Post

8/20/2013- Young Readers- Review

8/21/2013- Curling Up With A Good Book- Interview

8/22/2013- Chapter by Chapter - Review

8/23/2013- Oops! I Read A Book Again- Guest Post

 

:~GIVEAWAY ~:

1 DARKER DAYS 7 Deadly Sins Gift Basket Giveaway US Only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I'm Back!!

Hey guys!

So how is everyone?

Anyway, this is kinda random post and just to let you know that I have internet again (yay! After four weeks of nightmare) and the blog will now be running as normal. So expect lots of reviews and stuff soon :)

I'll also be posting the July wrap up and books of the month post tomorrow (I know, we're like in the middle of August already) but hey!

Cover Reveal: Out Of Line - Jen Mclaughlin

Out of Line by Jen McLaughlin

September 2013

BOOK SUMMARY:

Desperate to break free…

I've spent my entire life under my father’s thumb, but now I'm finally free to make my own choices. When my roommate dragged me to my first college party, I met Finn Coram and my life turned inside out. He knows how to break the rules and is everything I never knew I wanted. A Marine by day and surfer by night, he pushes me away even as our attraction brings us closer. Now I am finally free to do whatever I want. I know what I want. I choose Finn. 

Trying to play by the rules...

I always follow orders. My job, my life, depends on it. I thought this job would be easy, all the rules were made crystal clear, but when I met Carrie Wallington, everything got muddy. She's a rule I know I shouldn't break, but damn if I don’t inch closer to the breaking point each time I see her. I’m ready to step out of line. And even worse? I’m living a lie. They say the truth will set you free, but in my case…

The truth will cost me everything.

 Jen McLaughlin (aka Diane Alberts) is also offering up a special contest. For every 100 adds she gets on Goodreads for Out of Line before the release (September 10th), she will reveal 5 pages of the book early!

If the book hits 600 adds before the release, she will release a bonus scene from Finn's POV! She will also choose random people who use the tag #OUTOFLINE on Twitter and Facebook, or adds the book to their TBR list, to receive swag!

In order to get these excerpts released, add Out of Line to Goodreads!

Author Information

Jen McLaughlin writes steamy New Adult books for the young and young at heart. Her first release, Out of Line, is due out September 2013. She also writes Contemporary Romance under the pen name Diane Alberts. She is a multi-published, bestselling author and is represented by Louise Fury from the L. Perkins Agency. Since receiving her first contract offer under the pen name Diane Alberts, she has yet to stop writing.

Though she lives in the mountains, she really wishes she was surrounded by a hot, sunny beach with crystal clear water. She lives in Northeast Pennsylvania with her four kids, a husband, a schnauzer mutt, a cat, and a Senegal parrot. In the rare moments when she’s not writing, she can usually be found hunched over one knitting project or another. Her goal is too write so many well-crafted romance books that even a non-romance reader will know her name.

Website: http://dianealberts.com/

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/DianeAlberts6

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DianeAlberts

Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6921962.Jen_McLaughlin