Waiting on Wednesday (88)

Hey,

This week I'm waiting for...

Of Breakable Things by A. Lynden Rolland

Release Date: April, 2014

Alex Ash was born broken. Living with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is like living on death row, but she is willing to fight for her fragile life as long as it includes the boy next door. Chase has always held the pieces of her together, but when he dies tragically, Alex’s unfavorable fate becomes a blessing in disguise. 

In a peculiar world where rooms can absorb emotions and secrets are buried six feet under, Alex discovers she is anything but frail. Even among limitless minds, envious spirits, and soulless banshees, the most difficult aspect of Alex’s afterlife is juggling between Chase and his reckless brother, neither of whom are willing to give up the girl they both love.

So much for resting in peace.

This book certainly intrigues me and the cover looks so damn creepy! I can't wait to see what the story is about.

Leave a link to your WoW post in the comments below so I can check it out!

Have a good week,
Sam :D

My review of The Fiery Heart

The Fiery Heart (Bloodlines #4) by Richelle Mead
Release Date: November 19, 2013
Goodreads | Amazon UK | Amazon | The Book Depository

Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets - and human lives.

In The Indigo Spell, Sydney was torn between the Alchemist way of life and what her heart and gut were telling her to do. And in one breathtaking moment that Richelle Mead fans will never forget, she made a decision that shocked even her. . . .


But the struggle isn't over for Sydney. As she navigates the aftermath of her life-changing decision, she still finds herself pulled in too many directions at once. Her sister Zoe has arrived, and while Sydney longs to grow closer to her, there's still so much she must keep secret. Working with Marcus has changed the way she views the Alchemists, and Sydney must tread a careful path as she harnesses her profound magical ability to undermine the way of life she was raised to defend. Consumed by passion and vengeance, Sydney struggles to keep her secret life under wraps as the threat of exposure — and re-education — looms larger than ever.

The Fiery Heart is the fourth installment in the Bloodlines series; and trust me, is the most romantic one yet. Six million Strigoi could of attacked and I don't think it would have been as interesting as the moments that Sydney and Adrian shared throughout this book. Well, it would have been pretty cool... but that's not the point!

Mead does not fail to reach the high bar that we have set for her novels. In this installment, Sydney and Adrian are together but there relationship is cut down to a few stolen moments when Sydney can escape the careful watching eye of her younger sister Zoe. On top of that, Zoe is becoming suspicious of what Sydney really gets up to with Mrs Terwilliger, because it certainly doesn't seem like any normal history project. It is a struggle to keep everything a secret and follow the Alchemist ways when she no longer believes in them.

First off, can I just say how much I physically loathed Zoe. She was a character who really needed a good slap and some sense knocked into her. I really wanted Sydney to scream at her and chuck her out, but she always said something like "She's my sister and I love her". The thing with Zoe is that she's irritating and close-minded. I know Sydney was like that with Moroi at the beginning, but Zoe was just over the top. 

What made up for Zoe were the moments that Sydney and Adrian were able to share. My heart melts every time. Adrian is a changed man! From the flirtatious and self-absorbed into a caring, kind and overall perfect boyfriend. I just love him to bits. And since this is told from both points of views, we get to invade Adrian's mind to see what he's thinking and WAAAAA HAYYYY I extremely enjoyed it! He has an entertaining voice and intriguing trail of thought.

This is an unmissable installment in the series if you have been anxiously waiting for more Sydney and Adrian time, but also some more magical elements! Mead knows how to handle her cliffhangers, that's for sure... Keep Silver Shadows on pre-order guys. 

Rating

Book Haul (#75)

Hey,

Hope you're having a kickass month and that you've all enjoyed the start to 2014. I can't believe how fast time is passing. It's all too much sometimes, isn't it? *Sigh* Life is passing us by!! WE'VE GOT TO PUT DOWN OUR BOOKS AND TRY TO GO OUTSIDE AND LIVE OUR LIVES!!! 

Joking. We have awesome lives inside of books anyway.

This week I borrowed and bought:

Just One Year (Just One Day #2) by Gayle Forman - Borrowed -
I really enjoyed Just One Day and the ending broke my heart. I'm reading this book now but I'm just desperate to find out how it all ends.
Perfect Ruin (The Internment Chronicles #1) by Lauren DeStefano - Borrowed -
I thought that DeStefano's Wither was pretty cool and it had an interesting concept, but this just sounds so awesome. A FLOATING CITY???? Yes. Yes, please.

Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles #1) by Marissa Meyer - Bought -
Scarlet (The Lunar Chronicles #2) by Marissa Meyer - Bought -
I adore this series so far and I'm waiting impatiently for the next installment: Cress.

Things I Can't Forget (Hundred Oaks #3) by Miranda Kenneally - Bought -
I've read both Catching Jordan and Stealing Parker and thought they're both pretty good. So why not read the whole series, aye?

Leave a link to your Book Haul/Stacking the Shelves/In My Mailbox/Letterbox Love/Showcase Sunday in the comments so I can check it out!

Thank you for visiting and enjoy all your books,
Sam :)

Waiting on Wednesday (87)

Hey,

This week I'm waiting for...

Three (Article 5 #3) by Kristen Simmons

Release Date: February 11, 2014

Ember Miller and Chase Jennings are ready to stop running. After weeks spent in hiding as two of the Bureau of Reformation’s most wanted criminals, they have finally arrived at the safe house, where they hope to live a peaceful and quiet existence—but all that’s left is smoking ruins.

Devastated by the demolition of their last hope, Ember and Chase follow the one thing left to them—tracks leading away from the wreckage. The only sign that there may have been survivors.

Because of their high profiles, they know they can’t stay out in the open for long. They take shelter in the wilderness and amid the ruins of abandoned cities as they follow the tracks down the coast, eventually finding refugees from the destroyed safe house. Among them is someone from Chase’s past—someone he thought he’d never see again.

Banding together, they search for a place to hide, aiming for a settlement a few of them have heard about… a settlement that is rumored to house the nebulous organization known as Three. The very group that has provided Ember with a tiny ray of hope ever since she was first forced on the run.

Three is responsible for the huge network of underground safe houses and resistance groups across the country. And they may offer Ember her only chance to tell the world her story—and to fight back.

I'm hoping that this will be a conclusion because I've loved the books so much I can't imagine Simmons giving us anything else but a good ending. Ember and Chase are great characters, and I absolutely love the dystopian setting. And I love the rebellion and I love everything.

Leave a link to your WoW post in the comments below so I can check it out!

Have a good week,
Sam :D

My review of Tidal

Tidal (Watersong #3) by Amanda Hocking 
Release Date: June 6, 2013
Goodreads | Amazon UK | Amazon | The Book Depository

Her only hope lies with her greatest enemies.

Gemma is facing the fight of her life. Cursed by beautiful but deadly sirens, her extraordinary powers have a terrifyingly dark side, and becoming human once more is proving her greatest challenge yet. As she struggles to break the curse, the sirens, Penn Lexi and Thea are determined to kill her before she can set herself free.


Gemma's only allies are her sister, Harper, and Harper’s boyfriend, Daniel. Together they must delve into their enemies’ mythical pasts – to discover their darkest secrets. But Penn has also set her sights on Daniel. Soon, the sirens threaten everything Gemma holds dear: her family, her friends, her life, and her relationship with Alex – the only guy she's ever loved. Can she save herself and those she cares about before it is too late?

**Spoilers for the previous book**
Tidal is the third exciting installment in the Watersong series, and undeniably the best one yet! Unlike Wake, there was more romance, and unlike Lullaby, there was much more action and a page-turning plot! I did not want to put this down at all.

Gemma and her friends are doing everything they can to find an end to the curse that haunts Gemma mercilessly. With her friendship with Thea going strong, she knows that Lexi and Penn are set out to stop Gemma from breaking the curse, even if this means killing her off completely and replacing her with another potential siren. While that is going on, Harper and Daniel are going strong. Their relationship couldn't get better, apart from the fact that Penn is showing a considerable interest in him; an interest he really does not want. But nothing he does or says will make her go away because what Penn wants, Penn will get.

I found Tidal a lot better than the previous books! I was hooked all the way through and could not get enough. Especially when I reached the end. Grr, cliffhanger, I need Elegy! 

In Lullaby, Gemma put Alex under her song and forced him to forget about her. In this book, he is left in tatters and a mess like never before. But Gemma knows she can't be with him because she would put him in immediate danger. However, Daniel and Harper are making it through these tough times. Even with Daniel living on Bertie's island. The two make the effort to see each other, and in the midst of trying to find a way to break the curse, the two share many adorable moments that will have you Awr-ing non-stop.

Instead of the story following just Gemma and Harper, it also follows Daniel and we get a good glimpse inside his head. Since Penn is now taking an interest in him, it's nice to see that he is completely loyal to Harper and would do anything to keep her safe. Not only that, but every few chapters we learn more about Penn and Thea's past, and it really interested me to see what the girls were like before the modern day.

Tidal leaves us with the impression that Elegy is going to end with a BANG! I'm sure Amanda Hocking has got something amazing and mind-blowing to end the much-loved series and I honestly cannot wait to get my hands on it. 

Rating

Book Haul (#74)

Hey,

I'm so sorry. I feel like I'm extremely drawn from my blog at the moment and that I don't really have time to reply to comments and write exciting posts. I apologise, but I am grateful for all your patience.

This week I received and won:

Into the Still Blue (Under the Never Sky #3) by Veronica Rossi - Received -
Thank you, HarperCollins and Edelweiss! I am fangirling. I cannot wait to see how the trilogy ends. This is one of the best out there.
Dust (Of Dust and Darkness #1) by Devon Ashley - Won -
Thank you, Devon! I won this from Andrea at The Bookish Babes. This has been on my TBR list since forever.

Leave a link to your Book Haul/Showcase Sunday/Stacking the Shelves/Letterbox Love/In My Mailbox in the comments so I can check it out!

Enjoy your books,
Sam :)

Waiting on Wednesday (86)

Hey,

This week I'm waiting for...

On the Fence by Kasie West
Release Date: July 1, 2014

She's a tomboy. He's the boy next door…

Charlie Reynolds can outrun, outscore, and outwit every boy she knows. But when it comes to being a girl, Charlie doesn't know the first thing about anything. So when she starts working at a chichi boutique to pay off a speeding ticket, she finds herself in a strange new world. To cope with the stress of her new reality, Charlie takes to spending nights chatting with her neighbor Braden through the fence between their yards. As she grows to depend on their nightly Fence Chats, she realizes she's got a bigger problem than speeding tickets-she's falling for Braden. She knows what it means to go for the win, but if spilling her secret means losing him for good, the stakes just got too high.

Gah, I ADORED Kasie's The Distance Between Us. It was super cute with plenty of laugh out loud moments. This novel sounds just as good! I love contemporaries so I'm obviously not going to avoid this one!

Open Road Summer by Emery Lord

Release Date: April 15, 2014

After breaking up with her bad-news boyfriend, Reagan O’Neill is ready to leave her rebellious ways behind. . . and her best friend, country superstar Lilah Montgomery, is nursing a broken heart of her own. Fortunately, Lilah’s 24-city tour is about to kick off, offering a perfect opportunity for a girls-only summer of break-up ballads and healing hearts. But when Matt Finch joins the tour as its opening act, his boy-next-door charm proves difficult for Reagan to resist, despite her vow to live a drama-free existence. This summer, Reagan and Lilah will navigate the ups and downs of fame and friendship as they come to see that giving your heart to the right person is always a risk worth taking. A fresh new voice in contemporary romance, Emery Lord’s gorgeous writing hits all the right notes.

It's about time that I read another road-trip romance! It's been so long since "In Honor" and "Amy and Roger's Epic Detour". I need this. I NEED! It sounds super light and fluffy... well apart from all the breakups, but apart from that... CUTE! 

No joke guys, I am in love with the contemporary genre. I just love the romance element in books, it's so... addictive and absolutely thrilling!! 

Leave a link to your WoW post in the comments below so I can check it out!

Have a good week,
Sam :D

My review of Impostor

Impostor (Slide #2) by Jill Hathaway
Release Date: April 26, 2013
Goodreads | Amazon UK | Amazon | The Book Depository

Be afraid of your shadow...Vee Bell has witnessed murder. She nearly died trying to track down the killer, all because of her secret condition. She'd tell her best friend Rollins but lately he seems more interested in his colleague Anna than her. Maybe she should confide in her long-lost aunt who's turned up out of the blue? All of a sudden life is happening in reverse: Vee is waking up in weird places not knowing what she's done. The only thing she's sure of is that someone is messing with her. And when a prank goes horribly wrong, this time the hands with blood on them might be hers.

Impostor is the chilling and absolutely irresistible sequel to Slide. Every corner and bend carries a surprise and unexpected twists. If there were to be another book I would pick it up in a heartbeat.

After losing her boyfriend, Zane, not long ago, Vee is trying to cope with the events in her life.  She's waking up in strange places during night with no memory of how she got there. She has no one to confide in; her best friend, Rollins, is paying more  to the new radio girl Anna, and her 10-year-absent aunt isn't really ideal. Vee needs to figure out what is going on aswell as finding the person who's messing about with her before someone gets hurt.

I wasn't really sure how the story would go since I thought Slide was a standalone, but Hathaway did an amazing job at thinking up an interesting story for a sequel! I enjoyed the overall mysterious plot, but I also loved the blossoming romance between Vee and Rollins. In Slide Vee rejected Rollins for Zane, but, in this installment, realises that what she had with Zane was not entirely real, and that Rollins may be the one after all. Sadly, there is Anna, Rollin's co-star, who just keeps appearing at annoying times. Grrr. 

We are introduced to a few new characters like Vee's aunty, Lydia, who ranaway ten years ago over a fight with her sister, Vee's mother. Mattie, Vee's sister, is quick to warm to her, but Vee? Not so much. There is simply something too suspicious about her turning up after ten years just when Vee is starting to "sleepwalk". Not only that, but there is Diane. An old woman who helps Vee one night and seems to be following her everywhere she goes. 

I could not put this book down until I finished it. The writing was addictive and the story was so easy to get into, even if you dive into it not remembering half of the things that happened in the previous book. The story keeps you guessing all the way until the very last chapters when all is revealed; which I absolutely loved. I also adored Rollins. Loveloveloved his sexay face. Na, he was just a really great guy who was willing to sit down and listen to Vee's difficult problems when he also has problems of his own. 

Impostor is a freaking awesome sequel that cannot be missed if you've read Slide... So go read it if you haven't! 

Rating

A review copy was provided by HarperCollins Children's Books

Book Haul (#73)

Hey,

This week I've received and bought:

A Breath of Frost (The Lovegrove Legacy #1) by Alyxandra Harvey - Received -
Thank you, Bloomsbury! I ADORE Alyxandra Harvey and cannot wait to dive straight into this.
Origin (Lux #4) by Jennifer L. Armentrout - Bought -
It's been out since August and I thought it was about time that I got it. Especially after hearing that the book will not be going in for a re-print as the covers are changing. Daemon and Katy <3

Leave a link to your Book Haul/Stacking the Shelves/Letterbox Love/In My Mailbox/Showcase Sunday in the comments so I can check it out!

Thanks for visiting and enjoy your books,
Sam :)

Waiting on Wednesday (85)

Hey,

This week I'm waiting for...

Chasing Stars (After Eden #2) by Helen Douglas 

Release Date: June 5, 2014

The boy Eden loves just saved her life. Now she must save his. To do so she must make a huge sacrifice. Eden can never see her friends or family again, as she travels a hundred years into the future. But the dangerous risk Ryan took to rescue Eden has been uncovered, and now Ryan faces an exile ...which will leave Eden separated from him - the one person she can't live without - and stuck in the future. She must fight to save both of them.

I read After Eden last year and really adored the sci-fi and romance elements in the book, which is why I shall be picking this up as soon as possible! The ending was so annoying, but I'm prepared for this sequel.

Leave a link to your WoW post in the comments below so I can check it out!

Have a good week,
Sam :D

My review of Champion

Champion (Legend #3) by Marie Lu
Release Date: November 5, 2013
Goodreads | Amazon UK | Amazon | The Book Depository

June and Day have sacrificed so much for the people of the Republic—and each other—and now their country is on the brink of a new existence. June is back in the good graces of the Republic, working within the government’s elite circles as Princeps-Elect, while Day has been assigned a high-level military position. 


But neither could have predicted the circumstances that will reunite them: just when a peace treaty is imminent, a plague outbreak causes panic in the Colonies, and war threatens the Republic’s border cities. This new strain of plague is deadlier than ever, and June is the only one who knows the key to her country’s defense. But saving the lives of thousands will mean asking the one she loves to give up everything. 

Champion is a fanatical roller coaster of emotions that I enjoyed immensely, leaving me lightheaded and beyond satisfied. 

With some of the major flops we've had in terms of conclusions I didn't send my expectations too high when I started reading this. However, a few chapters in and I was convinced Lu wouldn't leave us in any horse crap at the end. The installment has an incredibly strong plot with so many roads it could go down and I just KNEWWWW it wouldn't go down the dodgy road.

Champion is set eight months after the heartbreaking cliffhanger at the end of Prodigy. June and Day are reunited, but it's not under the most romantic and perfect circumstances that we have been waiting for. Nope. There has been a plague outbreak in the Colonies, and they are blaming the Republic and threatening to go to war if a cure is not found. And SOOON!

June and Day... I can't even explain how my emotions ranged throughout the novel. There were extreme highs, and extreme lows. June has come so far. From the young, naive and inexperienced to a strong, confident and even deadly young woman! And when she's with Day... Asdfghjkl FEEELS. They are a truly beautiful couple and their relationship couldn't have ended on any other note after the incredible journey that they have both had to endure. Let's just say, the last chapter will save your soul from an eternity of wondering and heartbreak.

I enjoyed the scenes with Day and his brother Eden. Their bond as brothers are extremely strong and I loved everything that passed between them; especially the humor.

We even get to go outside of the Republic. YESSS! I know. Pretty amazing stuff. We get to visit Ross City in Antarctica. And can I just say that they have the coolest system of ranking people. It's like a video game where you can earn points and improve your rank... IT'S SOOO COOOOL. But yes, I appreciated the change in setting as I got to know the world of Legend a bit better.

Thank you, Marie Lu, for an incredible and action-packed journey with so many twists and heart-breaking moments that I almost felt like I would drop dead. This trilogy is one of the best examples of how good dystopian stories can get. Champion is a soul-achingly beautiful conclusion and I cannot, CANNOT wait for whatever next Lu decides to write about. 

Rating

Book Haul (#72)

Hey,

It feels like such a long time since I've done a Book Haul post! I haven't received, bought or borrowed anything recently so I'm sorry that I couldn't post anything... I know! Surprising since it's Christmas and I haven't bought any books... This is just crazy.

I have got some cool books to show you this week so HOOORAYY! They are awesome, too.

Before we carry on, I would just like to recommend an angel series that I have just discovered called The Rephaim by Paula Weston. It's really kickass. Shadows is the first book, and I finished the second book Haze yesterday and can I just say OHHH MYYYY!! It was incredible. I can't wait for the next book. A lot more amazing that the previous book.

This week I received:

The Reflections of Queen Snow White by David Meredith - Received -
Thank you David for the review copy. This is an intriguing and fun story of when happens after Snow White gets her prince. Read my review here!
A Million Little Snowflakes by Logan Byrne - Received -
Thank you, Netgalley and Logan! I'm just getting into this and I've already been shocked off my seat. This is about a boy who's become depressed and his parents, rather than helping him, turn him to church to rid him of his demons. I've not reached the romance... but I know it's there.;)

Leave a link to your Book Haul/Stacking the Shelves/In My Mailbox/Letterbox Love/Showcase Sunday in the comments so I can check it out!

Have a great week and enjoy your books,
Sam :)

My review of The Reflections of Queen Snow White

The Reflections of Queen Snow White by David Meredith 
Release Date: October 2, 2013
Goodreads | Amazon UK | Amazon | The Book Depository

We all wonder what happens after a fairy tale ends, don't we? We wonder what happens after their "Happily Ever After", after the prince finds the princess, after evil has been eradicated. We all wonder. 

The Reflections of Queen Snow White is an intriguing and insightful look on what happens after Prince Charming has rescued his princess. Many, many, many years after. I was pleasantly surprised at what this novel had to offer. Meredith's writing style is enthralling and very easily to get lost in. 

Prince Charming is dead and Snow White is left to grieve all that she has lost. She takes a trip to the tower that has been neglected ever since the evil Queen was rid of. There, she finds the magical mirror, who promises to help her find peace inside herself and takes her on a journey through her memories, forcing her to come to terms with the things that she may not want to admit.

I didn't know what to expect when I started reading but as pages went by I found myself unable to put the story down. I loved the complete idea of finding out what happened after the ending of a fairytale. And what Snow White has to experience... it's simply nothing like you've probably imagined.

The Reflections of Queen Snow White is an exquisite fantasy that you can immerse yourself in for a few hours. The romantic and thrilling twisted tale will leave you breathless and satisfied. I highly recommend that you give this book a go.

Rating

A review copy was provided by the author

Fairytale Retellings

Hey,

Today I thought it'd be interesting to explore and share YA fairytale retellings that are available out there. Also, I felt like 2014 needs to start off with some more interesting posts... I'm too boring sometimes!

 I know that plenty of you guys enjoy retellings and so I set myself the task of searching high and low for plenty to show you. I think you will recognise many of these and possibly find a few that you haven't yet heard of... so enjoy!

Cinder | Scarlet | Cress

If you haven't heard, or at least seen, Cinder then I don't know where you have been! From the covers it's pretty easy to figure out what fairytale it's based on. Cinderella, Red Riding Hood and Rapunzel  Though Marissa Meyer puts unique and exciting twists on the classics that makes it stand out from the others.

This is a scifi-romance fairytale retelling that I'm sure many, many people will enjoy, and plenty already have! (My review of CINDER, my review of SCARLET)

Sisters Red | Sweetly | Fathomless | Cold Spell

Jackson Pearce is a pretty good author. I've read Sisters Red and it was awesome! A little predictable at times, but an overall good reading experience. There's plenty of action, mysteries and romance to keep you entertained.

 Sisters Red is based on Red Riding Hood, Sweetly is based on Hansel and Gretel, Fathomless is based on The Little Mermaid and Cold Spell is based on Snow White. So you have plenty to read! Though Cold Spell is not available until November, which may be bad for others but great for me because I really need to catch up on the books!

Beastly | Cloaked | Towering

Beastly is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. There is a movie for this book starring Alex Pettyfer and Vanessa Hudgens. Check it out once you've read the book!

I'm not sure what Cloaked is a retelling of, but it's the companion novel to Beastly. As for Towering, it's a retelling of Rapunzel, and the cover is beautiful, don't cha think?

Enchanted | Kill Me Softly

Enchanted is a mixture of many fairytales, I think. Such as: The Princess and the Pea, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, The Princess and the Frog. I think it sounds pretty cool and there is also meant to be a really cute romance... Perfect for me.

Kill Me Softly has been desribed as a wonderful modern twist to the classic fairytale. Someone want to fill me in on what it's based on? :S The cover looks awesome.

Tiger Lily | Splintered

Tiger Lily is about Peter Pan's girl before Wendy, Tiger Lily. But the story is told from Tinker Bell's point of view. Splintered is a retelling of Alice in Wonderland. I actually posted my review a while ago, check it out HERE!

My Name Is Rapunzel | Strands of Bronze and Gold

Now, I know it is extremely difficult to tell what fairytale "My Name Is Rapunzel" is based on... So extremely difficult. 

Anyways, this sounds super cool as it retells the story as if the fairytale that we have grown up with is just a load of rubbish and that this Rapunzel will be telling us the truth of what really happened. OooOOoo. Intriguing.

On the other hand, I am kinda lost with what it's based on. It's based on the "Bluebeard" tale, which I have never heard of. Am I the only one? Please educate me, my fellow knowledgeable friends. However, the book sounds like it's got some serious awesome shizz like a great setting, mystery and romance.

Alice in Zombieland | Entwined

Alice in Zombieland is obviously a retelling of Frankenstein. Just joking, it's obviously another Alice in Wonderland retelling. I thought that this was super cool! You can read my review HERE! Entwined is a retelling of "The Twelve Dancing Princesses", all I know is that that fairytale was made into a Barbie movie, which I watched when I was younger.

If you've read the book(s) then please give your opinion on them in the comments to help other readers to choose a good book! And maybe I've forgotten some vital ones? Let me know.

Thanks for reading,

Sam :)