Review: Ever the Hunted by Erin Summerill (A Clash of Kingdoms Novel #1)

Seventeen year-old Britta Flannery is at ease only in the woods with her dagger and bow. She spends her days tracking criminals alongside her father, the legendary bounty hunter for the King of Malam—that is, until her father is murdered. Now outcast and alone and having no rights to her father’s land or inheritance, she seeks refuge where she feels most safe: the Ever Woods. When Britta is caught poaching by the royal guard, instead of facing the noose she is offered a deal: her freedom in exchange for her father’s killer.

However, it’s not so simple.

The alleged killer is none other than Cohen McKay, her father’s former apprentice. The only friend she’s ever known. The boy she once loved who broke her heart. She must go on a dangerous quest in a world of warring kingdoms, mad kings, and dark magic to find the real killer. But Britta wields more power than she knows. And soon she will learn what has always made her different will make her a daunting and dangerous force. 

Now this was fun! I love it when a book is so much fun and this one really did impress me. This book has so many twists and turns that I cant really tell you more about it without spoiling it. So in this case the blurb will have to be enough.

What I can tell you though is that this book will surprise you over and over again. While I thought I had it all figured out from the start it has proven me wrong over and over again. You cant knock a book that has you gobsmacked several times.

My favourite part about this book is the characters tho. Britta being the main one and also the most interesting. She has grown up with only her father around and Cohen who her father was teaching to track. Alongside Cohen she has learned her fathers skills. When Britta is left to fend for herself she proves how strong and capable she really is. I also love Britta with Cohen, I love the history they have together. It makes for such a interesting reading. A nice change from reading about people meeting for the first time. They have a special kind of bond that will get tested by some very strong accusations.

However this book is a little slow in parts, not quite boring but not really super exciting either. Its really the twists and surprises that make this book a special one. But sometimes that's also ok, between some heavy reads it is nice to have a book that hasn't got so much stuff going on. Which you can just pick up and enjoy without  clearing your schedule.

All in all this has been a fun read that surprised me and left me wanting more. I recommend this to anyone who wants to just put their feet up and enjoy a little escape.

But while the story isn't at its full potential yet I think it has the power to become something great still. I am going ahead and setting my expectations quite high for the next book.

Ever the Hunted will be released on 27th December.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book in advance.

Review: The Dreamer by E.L. Mellow (Dreamland #1)

 

It’s night. Always night. Dreams guard against the evil forged by nightmares. Infinite shooting stars illuminate a moonless sky. A city stands alone, surrounded by a darkened field. On its fringes, a man watches one star separate from the masses and fall. What survives the crash will unveil a secret centuries long hidden.Molly hasn’t slept well since the night of her twenty-fourth birthday. Being struck by lightning might have something to do with it, but then again, her chicken did look a little undercooked at dinner. Whatever the culprit, her life quickly catapults from mundane to insane as, night after night, Molly is transported through her once dreamless sleep to a mysterious land illuminated by shooting stars.

There she meets the captivating but frustrating Dev, and together they discover Molly possesses a power coveted by his people—the ability to conjure almost anything she desires into existence. Seduced by the possibilities of this gift, Molly shifts her attention from waking life toward the man, the magic, and the world found in her dreams.

But Molly must ask herself—does something truly exist if you only see it when you close your eyes?

Faced with the threat of losing everything—her job, best friend, boyfriend, and most importantly, that little thing called her sanity—Molly will learn just how far she’ll go to uncover what is real and what is merely a figment of her imagination.

I wanted to love this one so so much. And I kinda did for most part. But then we got to the end...

This is the first book in a 3 book series and it has been recommended to me. Its the story of Molly who on her birthday, while walking home after a date with her boyfriend, gets hit by lightning. She is lucky, very lucky, other then a burn she is all fine. But Molly who never remembered any of her dreams, suddenly has very vivid ones. Not only that but they continue every time she falls asleep. The dreams feel incredibly real. In her dream world Molly is captivated by Dev who is very much feeling the same about Molly. Soon they discover that Molly has the power to conjure anything she wants and maybe even more. Caught between two worlds and two men, Molly has to face the fact that it may all be more then just a dream.

Sounds amazing? Yes. And in a way a lot of it was. The idea to bring together dream and reality is my favourite part. Its a genre that hasn't really been explored enough, at least not by me. And I very much loved the world that has been created, it makes for a beautiful setting. The zip lines in Molly's dream world make me want to visit it. I want to travel this way, everywhere.

While I really liked Molly, hard working and reliable, with an incredible relationship with her friend. I liked the mysterious dreamy Dev even more. Yum, who doesn't like a book hottie. But I also liked her reality boyfriend. And here is where one of my issues starts, I am not a fan of a book that makes cheating look so good. I just don't approve, no matter how hot the new guy is. I cant help it, it makes me cringe. There is Molly with an amazing boyfriend and someone is about to get hurt. Booo! This is me now moving on and not making a big deal out of this...

Its not my only issue... my main one is the end. I get it, this is a series and there is two more books to come, the story will continue. BUT, why didn't anything happen? Its like this one was just the introduction, I want a finale and maybe a cliff hanger. I felt unsatisfied at the end.

I wanted this book to be so much more. And it really had the potential, I enjoyed the first 2/3 of the book. I will however still read the next one. I have come to like the characters and I want to know what is next in store for Molly and Dev. And most of all for the 'dream world'.

Weekly Wrap Up and Stacking the Shelves #49

WeeklyWrap Up...

I have finished 2 books again this week which is my average. Both have been incredible books in very different ways. The first one was Blood for Blood which is the second book after Wolf by Wolf and also the last book. Loved both so much, they are so different and really touch on a complicated topic. But wow!! The second one is Hold Back the Stars, which has broken me over and over and over again.

 

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

For the resistance in the Third Reich, 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 Hitler’s army, and there is no alternative but to see their mission through to the end, whatever the cost.

But in the midst of the chaos, Yael’s past and future collide when she comes face to face with a ghost from her past, and a spark with a fellow rider begins to grow into something more. Dark secrets reveal dark truths and one question hangs over them all—how far can you go for the ones you love?

 

‘We’re going to be fine.’
He looks around, but there’s nothing out here: nothing but the bottomless black universe on their left, the Earth suspended in glorious technicolour to their right.

Carys and Max have ninety minutes of air left.
None of this was supposed to happen.
But perhaps this doesn’t need to be the end…

Adrift in space with nothing to hold on to but each other, Carys and Max can’t help but look back at the well-ordered world they have left behind – at the rules they couldn’t reconcile themselves to, and a life to which they might now never return.
For in a world where love is banned, what happens when you find it?

Hold Back the Stars is a love story like no other.

Stacking the Shelves... 

There has been some amazing book post this week starting with 100 Hours on Monday thanks to Harper Collins! Excited!! I love this author and this sounds great and very different.

 

On Thursday I honestly squeeeeeeled when I opened my post, Traiter to the Throne!! OMG!! And it's signed. Thank you Maximumpop for another aaaaaamazing giveaway. Rebel of the Sands was one of my favourite books last year so this one is very very highly anticipated! 

 

 

On Friday another book arrived and OMG look how super cute it is. Everything is pink and I love it. Thank you so much Hachette Children for this stunning book.

 

There has been even more post on Saturday, Relativity arrived which I am on a blog tour for in January. I don't know why but I haven't been on one for a while so I am very excited :) thank you Little Brown for my post.

 

Review: The Fate of the Tearling by Erika Johansen

 

In less than a year, Kelsea Glynn has transformed from a gawky teenager into a powerful monarch.

As she has come into her own as the Queen of the Tearling, the headstrong, visionary leader has also transformed her realm. In her quest to end corruption and restore justice, she has made many enemies - including the evil Red Queen, her fiercest rival, who has set her armies against the Tear.

To protect her people from a devastating invasion, Kelsea did the unthinkable - she surrendered herself and her magical sapphires to her enemy, and named the Mace, the trusted head of her personal guards, Regent in her place. But the Mace will not rest until he and his men rescue their sovereign from her prison in Mortmesne.

Now the endgame begins and the fate of Queen Kelsea - and the Tearling itself - will finally be revealed . . . 

What an absolutely amazing finale and what an incredible adventure this series has been. In the last instalment of this three book series Kelsea is a prisoner in the hands of the Red Queen,by her own choice I might add. The Mace is currently Regent in her place. But while the Mace has been entrusted with a task in her absence he is also planning to get the Queen back. While being held captive Kelsea has once again visions of the past, this time a generation later then her previous ones. But what can she learn from her visions and how can it help her and her realm?

With every book this story just got better and better. I had very mixed feelings about the first one, I really liked the second one, but this one, I bloody loved. Kelsea has grown into this incredible monarch, a fair and likable leader. While it was a bit of a bumpy ride and I didn't always like her choices I finally fully respect and like her. Kelsea's ties to the past have been very curious and it was amazing to finally see where it was leading all along.

The build up to the end of this story has been incredible and I must say what a incredible ending it has been. I did not see that coming at all, but damn if I didn't enjoy it! Not only did it have a satisfying ending for Kelsea but for many other characters in the book too.

I should mention that this is not your standard fantasy involving romance. Far from it, which is one of the reasons why I like it, but a very well thought out and often visual story. Its dark in some parts and it really gives you something to think about.

This is a very intense read with outstanding world building and some perfectly thought out characters. It's writing at its best. In a way Johansen created a world build on the mistakes of our today.

I am sad it is all over now but also very grateful for the emotional rollercoaster and the adventure.

The Fate Of The Tearling is out TODAY!

Thank you to Bantam Press for the pleasure of reading this book in advance.

WWW Wednesday (30th November)

 WWW Wednesday is a meme hosted by Sam at Taking on a World of Words. It’s open for anyone to join in and is a great way to share what you’ve been reading! All you have to do is answer three questions and share a link to your blog in the comments section of Sam’s blog.

The three Ws are:

What are you currently reading?

What did you recently finish reading?

What do you think you’ll read next?

I am currently reading...

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

For the resistance in the Third Reich, 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 Hitler’s army, and there is no alternative but to see their mission through to the end, whatever the cost.

But in the midst of the chaos, Yael’s past and future collide when she comes face to face with a ghost from her past, and a spark with a fellow rider begins to grow into something more. Dark secrets reveal dark truths and one question hangs over them all—how far can you go for the ones you love?

I have recently finished...

In less than a year, Kelsea Glynn has transformed from a gawky teenager into a powerful monarch.

As she has come into her own as the Queen of the Tearling, the headstrong, visionary leader has also transformed her realm. In her quest to end corruption and restore justice, she has made many enemies - including the evil Red Queen, her fiercest rival, who has set her armies against the Tear.

To protect her people from a devastating invasion, Kelsea did the unthinkable - she surrendered herself and her magical sapphires to her enemy, and named the Mace, the trusted head of her personal guards, Regent in her place. But the Mace will not rest until he and his men rescue their sovereign from her prison in Mortmesne.

Now the endgame begins and the fate of Queen Kelsea - and the Tearling itself - will finally be revealed . . .

I plan on reading next...

‘We’re going to be fine.’
He looks around, but there’s nothing out here: nothing but the bottomless black universe on their left, the Earth suspended in glorious technicolour to their right.

Carys and Max have ninety minutes of air left.
None of this was supposed to happen.
But perhaps this doesn’t need to be the end…

Adrift in space with nothing to hold on to but each other, Carys and Max can’t help but look back at the well-ordered world they have left behind – at the rules they couldn’t reconcile themselves to, and a life to which they might now never return.
For in a world where love is banned, what happens when you find it?

Hold Back the Stars is a love story like no other.

Weekly Wrap Up and Stacking the Shelves #48

Weekly Wrap Up...

Finally back to my 2 book week. How I have done it I do not know it's been such a busy week. The two books couldn't be more different either. The first one I finished was The Dreamer which is the first book from the Dreamland series. And the second one was The Fate Of The Tearling which is the last one in the series. Quite a heavy read and it took me some time, but I loved it!! 

 

Stacking the Shelves...

 First of all thank you so much to Corvus Publishing for my copy of Everything You Told Me. What an exciting way to start book promotion too. They had me all freaked out for a bit.

 

My cheeky little Bookdepository order arrived too. I loved the first book so much and I can't wait to read this one too find out what happens next.

 

I couldn't resist some books on kindle this week that have been either free or on for 99p, here is what I got...

 

 

 

Review: Never Tear Us Apart by Monica Murphy

Perfect for readers of Colleen Hoover, Jay Crownover, and K. A. Tucker, the first novel in this darkly sexy contemporary series from bestselling author Monica Murphy kicks off an emotionally powerful two-part tale of forbidden love.
 
A long time ago, when I was fifteen and a completely different person, I saved a girl’s life. I spent only a handful of hours with her, but somehow, we connected—and I’ve never been the same. No one understands what we went through. No one knows what it’s like to be us. We survived, yet I don’t feel like I’m really living—until now. Eight years later, I find her. I want to make her mine. I need to make her mine.  But she’ll hate me forever when she finds out who I really am.

Every now and then I need a book like this. And this one was so much more then i expected. Katie went through hell when she was only a young girl, all by the hands of one man. A man who happens to be the father of her saviour. A boy almost her age who happens to find her and save her from his own father. Many years later her past still follows her and both of them can not forget the other. The boy who saved Katie is now a man who has changed his name, Nathan sees Katie on the TV, speaking about what she went through. He cant help himself, he wants to see how she is. When by chance he saves her again, she has no idea who he is...

Oh my heart!!! I loved this book. My emotions have been all over the place with this one. So much heart ache and so much heart warming. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I wanted to know how their story ends so badly. I couldn't believe it when I found out there is another book. I literally went straight to the computer to order the next one, which has now arrived and is waiting to be read.

I fully agree that this is perfect for readers of Colleen Hoover, both authors give me all the feels and break me in two. This book alone has made me more curious about this genre. And I found it hard to get back into my fantasy genre. Which clearly means I am lumbered with a book hangover.

Incredibly emotional this book is bound to break your heart and make you cry. The main characters have been so amazing and I can not wait to get back to their story.

Thank you to Bookbridgr and the publisher for my copy.

WWW Wednesday (23rd Novemvber)

 WWW Wednesday is a meme hosted by Sam at Taking on a World of Words. It’s open for anyone to join in and is a great way to share what you’ve been reading! All you have to do is answer three questions and share a link to your blog in the comments section of Sam’s blog.

The three Ws are:

What are you currently reading?

What did you recently finish reading?

What do you think you’ll read next?

I am currently reading...

The first in a spellbinding contemporary fantasy trilogy, The Dreamer has been awarded a Silver for Best Fantasy/Sci-Fi from the eLit Book Awards, a Finalist Medal for Best Cover Design from The Next Generation Indie Book Awards and has appeared in globally distributed book subscription boxes such as the Sci-fi & Fantasy Book Box.

It’s night. Always night. Dreams guard against the evil forged by nightmares. Infinite shooting stars illuminate a moonless sky. A city stands alone, surrounded by a darkened field. On its fringes, a man watches one star separate from the masses and fall. What survives the crash will unveil a secret centuries long hidden.

Molly hasn’t slept well since the night of her twenty-fourth birthday. Being struck by lightning might have something to do with it, but then again, her chicken did look a little undercooked at dinner. Whatever the culprit, her life quickly catapults from mundane to insane as, night after night, Molly is transported through her once dreamless sleep to a mysterious land illuminated by shooting stars.

There she meets the captivating but frustrating Dev, and together they discover Molly possesses a power coveted by his people—the ability to conjure almost anything she desires into existence. Seduced by the possibilities of this gift, Molly shifts her attention from waking life toward the man, the magic, and the world found in her dreams.

But Molly must ask herself—does something truly exist if you only see it when you close your eyes?

Faced with the threat of losing everything—her job, best friend, boyfriend, and most importantly, that little thing called her sanity—Molly will learn just how far she’ll go to uncover what is real and what is merely a figment of her imagination.

In less than a year, Kelsea Glynn has transformed from a gawky teenager into a powerful monarch.

As she has come into her own as the Queen of the Tearling, the headstrong, visionary leader has also transformed her realm. In her quest to end corruption and restore justice, she has made many enemies - including the evil Red Queen, her fiercest rival, who has set her armies against the Tear.

To protect her people from a devastating invasion, Kelsea did the unthinkable - she surrendered herself and her magical sapphires to her enemy, and named the Mace, the trusted head of her personal guards, Regent in her place. But the Mace will not rest until he and his men rescue their sovereign from her prison in Mortmesne.

Now the endgame begins and the fate of Queen Kelsea - and the Tearling itself - will finally be revealed . . . 

I have just finished...

Perfect for readers of Colleen Hoover, Jay Crownover, and K. A. Tucker, the first novel in this darkly sexy contemporary series from bestselling author Monica Murphy kicks off an emotionally powerful two-part tale of forbidden love.
 
A long time ago, when I was fifteen and a completely different person, I saved a girl’s life. I spent only a handful of hours with her, but somehow, we connected—and I’ve never been the same. No one understands what we went through. No one knows what it’s like to be us. We survived, yet I don’t feel like I’m really living—until now. Eight years later, I find her. I want to make her mine. I need to make her mine.  But she’ll hate me forever when she finds out who I really am. 

I plan on reading next...

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.

Review: The Invasion of the Tearling by Erica Johansen

With each passing day, Kelsea Glynn is growing into her new responsibilities as Queen of the Tearling. By stopping the shipments of slaves to the neighboring kingdom of Mortmesne, she crossed the Red Queen, a brutal ruler whose power derives from dark magic, who is sending her fearsome army into the Tearling to take what is hers. And nothing can stop the invasion.

But as the Mort army draws ever closer, Kelsea develops a mysterious connection to a time before the Crossing, and she finds herself relying on a strange and possibly dangerous ally: a woman named Lily, fighting for her life in a world where being female can feel like a crime. The fate of the Tearling —and that of Kelsea’s own soul—may rest with Lily and her story, but Kelsea may not have enough time to find out.

So I have had a funny old relationship with the first book, this probably being the reason why it took me so long to pick this up. But when I have been lucky enough to receive the third book, I knew it was time to get this one done. And I am really glad that I did. This was so much better for me then the first one.

Kelsea is now the queen of the Tearling, but to get there she has crossed the Red Queen. Resulting in the Red Queen sending her Army into the Tear. While the Army is unstoppable and moves closer by the day Kelsea starts to experience visions. Not ones of the future but of the past, in her visions she becomes Lily, a woman in the past who lived in a world in which it was dangerous to be a women. And with a husband like Lily's her life is a sad and dangerous one. But what is the connection between Kelsea and Lily. And how can her visions help her with the imminent invasion?

This book was so much faster paced then the first one and while I didn't always like Kelsea and some of her choices I have come to really respect and understand her. Lily's story had me gripped from the start, I was always looking forward to finding out what happens next.

So I have finally fallen in love with this story!! Finally!! This isn't the kind of stuff I normally read. Not your standard light fantasy, this is a heavy read and very clever. I understand the comparison to Game of Thrones, which I have been unable to get into, no matter how much I wanted to. This book needs your undivided attention and time. But when you get your head around it and start to really get into the story it flows nicely and you wont be able to turn the pages fast enough.

Johansen has delivered a very unique and clever book. One with many stories within. You will discover something new on every page. The world building is incredible and it is filled with many amazing and interesting characters.

I am currently reading the third book and I am still a big fan. I can not wait to find out how this story will end and what else is going to happen to the Tear and its Queen.

Weekly Wrap Up and Stacking The Shelves #47

Weekly Wrap Up...

Oh it's been another busy week. And I am kinda in a total blogging slump and I hate it. But I have managed to read a book, once again it's something very different but just what's I needed. Never Tear us Apart was a great New Adult and it's left me wanting the next one so much so it's ordered and on its way. 

 

Perfect for readers of Colleen Hoover, Jay Crownover, and K. A. Tucker, the first novel in this darkly sexy contemporary series from bestselling author Monica Murphy kicks off an emotionally powerful two-part tale of forbidden love.
 
A long time ago, when I was fifteen and a completely different person, I saved a girl’s life. I spent only a handful of hours with her, but somehow, we connected—and I’ve never been the same. No one understands what we went through. No one knows what it’s like to be us. We survived, yet I don’t feel like I’m really living—until now. Eight years later, I find her. I want to make her mine. I need to make her mine.  But she’ll hate me forever when she finds out who I really am.

Stacking the Shelves...

This week it's been a little quiet. But my TBR is long enough so I don't mind so much. Firstly there was the book in the Fairy Loot Box which, OMG, has been the best one yet. The book looks really interesting and I can't wait to find out more about Nemesis. 

 

I saw the amazing Patricia on Instagram devouring this next book, which has been on amazon for £1, so of course I had to get myself a copy of Finnikin the Rock too. 

 

No bookmail in any other form but this really interesting book promo arrived Saturday. Let me tell you I was rather spooked ha ha 

 

Weekly Wrap Up and Stacking the Shelves #46

Weekly Wrap Up...

I have been off poorly most of the week, with an ear infection and a serious struggle with my balance. Thought I'd finish 3 books at least bit with my balance going it wasn't easy to concentrate on reading. However I have still managed to read my usual 2 books. Some seriously strong Fantasy books. I really enjoyed both. The first one was Ever The Hunted and the second one The Invasion Of The Tearling. After that I was very much in need of a contemporary, which I am about half way in now and am loving it. I think I nee to read some more contemporary and I really fancy some more new adult. 

With each passing day, Kelsea Glynn is growing into her new responsibilities as Queen of the Tearling. By stopping the shipments of slaves to the neighbouring kingdom of Mortmesne, she crossed the Red Queen, a brutal ruler whose power derives from dark magic, who is sending her fearsome army into the Tearling to take what is hers. And nothing can stop the invasion.
But as the Mort army draws ever closer, Kelsea develops a mysterious connection to a time before the Crossing, and she finds herself relying on a strange and possibly dangerous ally: a woman named Lily, fighting for her life in a world where being female can feel like a crime. The fate of the Tearling – and that of Kelsea’s own soul – may rest with Lily and her story, but Kelsea may not have enough time to find out.
In this dazzling sequel to her bestselling debut The Queen of the Tearling, Erika Johansen brings back favourite characters, including the Mace and the Red Queen, and introduces unforgettable new players, adding exciting layers to her multidimensional tale of magic, mystery and a fierce young heroine.

Seventeen year-old Britta Flannery is at ease only in the woods with her dagger and bow. She spends her days tracking criminals alongside her father, the legendary bounty hunter for the King of Malam—that is, until her father is murdered. Now outcast and alone and having no rights to her father’s land or inheritance, she seeks refuge where she feels most safe: the Ever Woods. When Britta is caught poaching by the royal guard, instead of facing the noose she is offered a deal: her freedom in exchange for her father’s killer.

However, it’s not so simple.

The alleged killer is none other than Cohen McKay, her father’s former apprentice. The only friend she’s ever known. The boy she once loved who broke her heart. She must go on a dangerous quest in a world of warring kingdoms, mad kings, and dark magic to find the real killer. But Britta wields more power than she knows. And soon she will learn what has always made her different will make her a daunting and dangerous force. 

Stacking the Shelves...

Most of this week has been rather quiet by my post box. All the way till Sunday nothing then I get a little surprise from Maximumpopboooks!! I didn't even realise I won this, The Diabolical is a book I had my eyes on for some time and I almost picked it up the night before while shopping. I just love a surprise and a good competition! 

On my kindle this week I have added Blurring The Lines, which is just what I need in between all the fantasy that I read :) 

 

 

Review: The Last Dance by Kierney Scott

American-born prima ballerina Georgina Fairley made a mistake that could destroy her. Now, saving her career means selling her soul to the Russian government. A spy who uses her body to lure men and secure their secrets, Georgina is tasked with seducing Roman Zakharov, the most dangerous oligarch in Russia.

Roman Zakharov a man with a past as ugly as his disfigured face. An assassination attempt left him horribly burned, but the scars go deeper than the frightening exterior. Jaded and cruel, he lets Georgina into his world but only to punish her and teach the pretty dancer that no one crosses Roman Zakharov. He will show her what it means to be used. And he will teach her to beg.

And in the end, they may teach each other to love... 

I will keep short and sweet, you may have noticed that this isn't my usual genre and you wont see many reviews of this kind on my blog. But damn I was in the mood for a sexy read, we all need them once in a while. So this book came along and I flew through it in no time. It was just what I needed.

Georgina is an American ballerina who is being really successful in Russia. But she has two secrets, for one she is in a lot of pain with her knee and she has a secret job for the Russian government. To find out secrets she will lure men into bed along other things. Her next target is the heavily scared and dangerous Roman. Expecting an ugly man, Georgina is very surprised to find herself drawn to him instantly. What she also doesn't expect is for Roman to figure her out. Now Roman starts to play his own games...

This was a fun and sexy read. It had the right amount of everything. While I enjoy a sexy book I don't quite enjoy it if its filled with lots and lots of mindless sex. This one got it right.

I will tell you the reason why I don't read these books more often... I can tell you the ending as soon as I start it. This one managed to keep me guessing, maybe not about the very end but about everything in between.

All in all this has filled a hole and entertained me through out.

WWW Wednesday (9th November)

 WWW Wednesday is a meme hosted by Sam at Taking on a World of Words. It’s open for anyone to join in and is a great way to share what you’ve been reading! All you have to do is answer three questions and share a link to your blog in the comments section of Sam’s blog.

The three Ws are:

What are you currently reading?

What did you recently finish reading?

What do you think you’ll read next?

I am currently reading...

With each passing day, Kelsea Glynn is growing into her new responsibilities as Queen of the Tearling. By stopping the shipments of slaves to the neighbouring kingdom of Mortmesne, she crossed the Red Queen, a brutal ruler whose power derives from dark magic, who is sending her fearsome army into the Tearling to take what is hers. And nothing can stop the invasion.
But as the Mort army draws ever closer, Kelsea develops a mysterious connection to a time before the Crossing, and she finds herself relying on a strange and possibly dangerous ally: a woman named Lily, fighting for her life in a world where being female can feel like a crime. The fate of the Tearling – and that of Kelsea’s own soul – may rest with Lily and her story, but Kelsea may not have enough time to find out.
In this dazzling sequel to her bestselling debut The Queen of the Tearling, Erika Johansen brings back favourite characters, including the Mace and the Red Queen, and introduces unforgettable new players, adding exciting layers to her multidimensional tale of magic, mystery and a fierce young heroine.

I have recently finished...

Seventeen year-old Britta Flannery is at ease only in the woods with her dagger and bow. She spends her days tracking criminals alongside her father, the legendary bounty hunter for the King of Malam—that is, until her father is murdered. Now outcast and alone and having no rights to her father’s land or inheritance, she seeks refuge where she feels most safe: the Ever Woods. When Britta is caught poaching by the royal guard, instead of facing the noose she is offered a deal: her freedom in exchange for her father’s killer.

However, it’s not so simple.

The alleged killer is none other than Cohen McKay, her father’s former apprentice. The only friend she’s ever known. The boy she once loved who broke her heart. She must go on a dangerous quest in a world of warring kingdoms, mad kings, and dark magic to find the real killer. But Britta wields more power than she knows. And soon she will learn what has always made her different will make her a daunting and dangerous force. 

I plan on reading next...

In less than a year, Kelsea Glynn has transformed from a gawky teenager into a powerful monarch.

As she has come into her own as the Queen of the Tearling, the headstrong, visionary leader has also transformed her realm. In her quest to end corruption and restore justice, she has made many enemies - including the evil Red Queen, her fiercest rival, who has set her armies against the Tear.

To protect her people from a devastating invasion, Kelsea did the unthinkable - she surrendered herself and her magical sapphires to her enemy, and named the Mace, the trusted head of her personal guards, Regent in her place. But the Mace will not rest until he and his men rescue their sovereign from her prison in Mortmesne.

Now the endgame begins and the fate of Queen Kelsea - and the Tearling itself - will finally be revealed . . .

Review: Paper Butterfies by Lisa Heatherfield

June's life at home with her stepmother and stepsister is a dark one – and a secret one. She is trapped like a butterfly in a net.

But then June meets Blister, a boy in the woods. In him she recognises the tiniest glimmer of hope that perhaps she can find a way to fly far, far away from her home and be free. Because every creature in this world deserves their freedom . . . But at what price?

OMG!! What did I just read? This book has broken me over and over and over again. I don't even think I can put any of this into words. This book is the biggest emotional rollercoaster I have ever read.

The things June has to endure, not only at school but in her own home with her stepmother and stepsister have been so heart breaking to read. I wasn't sure I could make it through this book. It was tearing me apart. June is amazing, what a strong and incredible young lady. But its when she meets Blister that her life changes for the better. But only while she is with Blister, because things just get worse everywhere else.

I could have never imagined where this story goes. Never in my wildest dreams did I see any of it coming. There was even a point at which I thought I am better off not finishing it, because I wasn't sure I could take it. And it did totally break me in pieces. What have you done to me??

I can't finish this without once again mentioning Blister. He is perfect! I love him.

Emotional, heart breaking and unmissable. One of the most incredible books I have read this year.

Weekly Wrap Up and Stacking the Shelves #45

Weekly Wrap Up...

So for the first time ever I have been reading 2 books at the same time. Wasn't such a good idea because I almost didn't finish any this week. I have been reading Six Of Crows but really fancied something sexy and easy going for the evenings when I was to tired to use my brain for reading ha ha. So I stared The Last Dance and that is he only book I have managed to finish. 

 

Stacking the Shelves...

Well my Shelves are having a really good time lately. Some amazing books once again ;) 

First of all massive thank you to Abrams and Chronicle for my amazing books. Been waiting for these for some time. Very much looking forward to reading Iron Cast and The Movie Version.

Next up thank you so much to Stephenie at Ebury Publishing for the best sprayed pages ever!!! Final Girls sound super exciting. 

This week I also had a huge surprise from Georgia at Curious Fox, who has kindly send me Waking in Time. I didn't want to unwrap it!! It looked so beautiful, but the book sounds even better. Thank you.

I've also had two beautiful competition prizes arrive. First one from Ela at Ela's Bookcorner and another one from Jamie-Lee at Quiekbooks. Feeling very lucky! Thank you. 

 

 

 

 

 

Review: Six Of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

 

Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price—and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can't pull it off alone...A convict with a thirst for revenge
A sharpshooter who can't walk away from a wager
A runaway with a privileged past
A spy known as the Wraith
A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums
A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes

Kaz's crew are the only ones who might stand between the world and destruction—if they don't kill each other first.

Oh wow where do I begin. I am a little late to the party, I have had this book on my shelf for some time and lately I have been binge reading her Grisha Trilogi. And I must admit I am really glad that I have held back and waited until I finished the other books. Amazing authors always raise their bar with every book and this is what happens here once again, I like to grow with the author and their world. But enough of that, because this has been one of my absolute favourite books ever. I really liked the Grisha trilogy but I freaking loved this.

When I first started to read this book I struggled a little to keep up as their was so many different names, but this didn't last long and as soon as I got into the story I couldn't put the book down. It was physically painful to leave this book behind. 

I love the characters, not just one of them, ALL of them. All for very different reasons, but I love them equally. Well, I might have a little bit of a crush on Kaz... why can't we stay away from the troubled boys?? I like my book boyfriends to be just like him! Everyone is so interesting and intriguing and I love how we get to know them all slowly as the story progresses. 

The world building is world class! There is so much detail to everything I feel like I have been there and seen it all with my own eye. I am already saddened that this is a two book series only. I don't think I will ever get enough of it. 

Can we talk about how clever Bardugo is?? These heists, wow! How does she come up with this sceaming? What a brilliant mind. I will literally read everything this lady will write in the future. 

I am totally and utterly in love with this book! 

Incredible, captivating and impossible to put down. 

WWW Wednesday (2nd November)

 WWW Wednesday is a meme hosted by Sam at Taking on a World of Words. It’s open for anyone to join in and is a great way to share what you’ve been reading! All you have to do is answer three questions and share a link to your blog in the comments section of Sam’s blog.

The three Ws are:

What are you currently reading?

What did you recently finish reading?

What do you think you’ll read next?

I am currently reading...

Kaz Brekker and his crew have just pulled off a heist so daring even they didn't think they'd survive. But instead of divvying up a fat reward, they're right back to fighting for their lives. Double-crossed and left crippled by the kidnapping of a valuable team member, the crew is low on resources, allies, and hope. As powerful forces from around the world descend on Ketterdam to root out the secrets of the dangerous drug known as jurda parem, old rivals and new enemies emerge to challenge Kaz's cunning and test the team's fragile loyalties. A war will be waged on the city's dark and twisting streets―a battle for revenge and redemption that will decide the fate of magic in the Grisha world.

American-born prima ballerina Georgina Fairley made a mistake that could destroy her. Now, saving her career means selling her soul to the Russian government. A spy who uses her body to lure men and secure their secrets, Georgina is tasked with seducing Roman Zakharov, the most dangerous oligarch in Russia.

Roman Zakharov a man with a past as ugly as his disfigured face. An assassination attempt left him horribly burned, but the scars go deeper than the frightening exterior. Jaded and cruel, he lets Georgina into his world but only to punish her and teach the pretty dancer that no one crosses Roman Zakharov. He will show her what it means to be used. And he will teach her to beg.

And in the end, they may teach each other to love... 

I have recently finished...

June's life at home with her stepmother and stepsister is a dark one – and a secret one. She is trapped like a butterfly in a net.

But then June meets Blister, a boy in the woods. In him she recognises the tiniest glimmer of hope that perhaps she can find a way to fly far, far away from her home and be free. Because every creature in this world deserves their freedom . . . But at what price?

Paper Butterflies is an unforgettable read, perfect for fans of Jennifer Niven, Jandy Nelson, Sarah Crossan and Louise O'Neill.

I plan on reading next...

Seventeen year-old Britta Flannery is at ease only in the woods with her dagger and bow. She spends her days tracking criminals alongside her father, the legendary bounty hunter for the King of Malam—that is, until her father is murdered. Now outcast and alone and having no rights to her father’s land or inheritance, she seeks refuge where she feels most safe: the Ever Woods. When Britta is caught poaching by the royal guard, instead of facing the noose she is offered a deal: her freedom in exchange for her father’s killer.

However, it’s not so simple.

The alleged killer is none other than Cohen McKay, her father’s former apprentice. The only friend she’s ever known. The boy she once loved who broke her heart. She must go on a dangerous quest in a world of warring kingdoms, mad kings, and dark magic to find the real killer. But Britta wields more power than she knows. And soon she will learn what has always made her different will make her a daunting and dangerous force.