Waiting on Wednesday (133)

Hey,

This week I'm waiting for...

Inspire by Cora Cormack

Release Date: December 15, 2014

Kalliope lives with one purpose.

To inspire.

As an immortal muse, she doesn’t have any other choice. It’s part of how she was made. Musicians, artists, actors—they use her to advance their art, and she uses them to survive. She moves from one artist to the next, never staying long enough to get attached. But all she wants is a different life— a normal one. She’s spent thousands of years living lie after lie, and now she’s ready for something real.

Sweet, sexy, and steady, Wilder Bell feels more real than anything else in her long existence. And most importantly… he’s not an artist. He doesn’t want her for her ability. But she can’t turn off the way she influences people, not even to save a man she might love. Because in small doses, she can help make something beautiful, but her ability has just as much capacity to destroy as it does to create. The longer she stays, the more obsessed Wilder will become. It’s happened before, and it never turns out well for the mortal.

Her presence may inspire genius.

But it breeds madness, too.

I have not read anything by Cora Cormack despite the massive buzz around her novels Losing It" and "Faking It", I will get on to one of them some day! BUT THIS. THISSSS! This sounds so awesome. I know I say this about most of my WoW picks, but THIS! An immortal muse? I love the sound of this and obviously with some gorgeous romantic interest who will most definitely be charming and steal our hearts.

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

Have a good week,
Sam :D

Authors Who Just Won't Let You Down: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Hey,

Welcome back to another "Authors Who Just Won't Let You Down" post and also a bonus post for this month's December special! This is my second post in the series and it shall be on the one and only Jennifer L. Armentrout, bestselling author of the Lux series and the Covenant series. You can check out my last post about the stunning Julie Kagawa here!

If you have been in the YA or NA community and not have come across Armentrout, or J Lynn, which is her NA pen name, then I don't know where you have been! Her stories never fail to impress her fans, and also draw in an even larger audience. She has also written a billion books in the past few years. I am NOT exaggerating. I completely admire all of her work and how much she puts into it. It is simply astonishing. 

First we have her Covenant series, which consists of Half-Blood, Pure, Deity, Apollyon, and Sentinel, as well as her two novellas: Daimon and Elixir.

This is a paranormal romance series told from the POV of Alex, a feisty girl who just wants to do her best in life and become a Sentinel, which is the most you can wish for when you're a Half-Blood, someone with blood from a "Pure" and a human, so you're the more dilute version of a Pure blood. We follow her as she copes with the struggles of being who she is, and witness as she slowly falls for a Pure blood. I adored this story, and the action is simply impeccable. This isn't just a romance, this story kicks ass!

And her Lux series, which consists of: Obsidian, Onyx, Opal, Origin, and Obsession. And having Shadows as a prequel (#0.5).

I have so much love for this series. Everything about it just makes my heart sing. I remember how in love I was when I was reading Obsidian and the obsession on getting my hands on a copy of Onyx... It was crazy. Obsidian was my first JLA book and it rocked my world, I would highly recommend you start with Obsidian if you're thinking of getting into Armentrout's books.

Unlike the Covenant series, this is based more in the human world, and actually follows a human rather than some strange paranormal Greek descendant line. No, Kat is 100% human, but things get weird when she moves in next to Daemon and his sister Dee. All you need to know is that this is a major sci-fi that you must not miss out on. 

There is an adult spin-off novel to the Lux series called Obsession that you do not have to have read the Lux series to understand, or vice versa because they are about different characters.

And her The Dark Elements series, which has: White Hot Kiss, Stone Cold Touch and Every Last Breath, which is not yet available and will be out on July 28, 2015 so mark your calenders guys! Oops, and mot forgetting the prequel (#0.5) Bitter Sweet Love. 

Jennifer just keeps pulling out something new! This is a story about GARGOYLES! My heart started singing when I heard about this, and once I read White Hot Kiss... LORDDDDDD! I do not regret that book. I also finished Stone Cold Touch recently and oh my god how much I adore this series! Don't worry guys, despite the sexy covers, this is in fact a young adult trilogy and not new adult.

Her paranormal standalone: Cursed. And her contemporary romance with mental illness: Don't Look Back.

JLA also has a spin-off series to the Covenant series from Seth's point of view that will be a new adult series, starting with: The Return.

Her all new A Wicked Saga, which consists of: Wicked, and two other unnamed sequels, with 2015 release dates.

I think this one is about fae, and hunting fae... slap me if I've got it wrong! But yes, this is a new adult, but I think is also straddles the line of young adult, so it probably has some more sexy times. I cannot wait because I have read an excerpt, and it sounds like I'm about to have a new book crush! I've made it easier for you and included it below:

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Clasping my cheeks with his large, calloused hand, he swooped in and tilted his head. He kissed me, right there on the side of the street, in front of Brighton and Merle’s house. And it was no chaste or quick kiss. I didn’t even think Ren knew how to do chaste kisses.

His warm mouth moved over mine, insistent and seductive. With my hands clutching the helmet between us, all I could do was let myself be swept away by the feel of his mouth on mine.

And it did feel damn good.

The bike still hummed under us, and as his tongue glided over mine, I gasped into his mouth. I felt his lips curve into a smile against mine, and I wanted to pitch the helmet into the street and climb all over him.

Ren’s mouth brushed mine as he murmured, “Mmm.”

“What… what was that for?” I asked, blinking.

He laughed as he turned, turning the engine off. “It was a ‘just because kiss.’ Get used to it. You’re going to get a lot of them.”

I stared at his back. “What if I don’t want them?”

He looked over his shoulder, arching a brow. “You want them.”

I sighed. I did want them.

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Under her New Adult/Adult pen name, J. Lynn has...

The Wait For You Series, which consists of: Wait For You, Be With Me, Stay With Me, Fall With Me, Forever With Me (2015), Fire in You (2016).  As well as her novellas: Trust in Me (#1.5), Believe in Me (#2.25), and The Proposal (#2.5).

I've read Wait For Me and The Proposal, but none of the others despite my immense cravings! I love JLA writing contemporary books because she's so good at it and if you want to jump into new adult books definitely give this series a go.

Her Gamble Brothers trilogy: Tempting the Best Man, Tempting the Player, and Tempting the Bodyguard.

And her NA duo Frigid with: Frigid and Scorched (No release date yet).

Apparently this book is extremely steamy and the characters are super entertaining, so definitely check this one out if you're into books about two people being locked in because of a snow blizzard then wa heyhey, this is for you!

And an NA standalone: Unchained: Nephilim Rising.

Wow, that is a hella lot of books! And I think this is just all that have been published since 2008, so 6 years? Goddamn. Jennifer L. Armentrout is a very impressive lady and she never fails to impress with each new story that's written. I'm always left wanting more and I would highly recommend you check out her books... at least one! Just pick the most appealing for you. She has contemporary, paranormal, sci-fi, romance, and ALL THESE OTHERS THAT I'VE INCLUDED HERE FOR YOU!!

I hope you've enjoyed this week's post and watch out for another installment of Authors Who Just Won't Let You Down because I'm planning a lot more for this series of posts. Let me know what you think of this one down in the comments!

Have a good week,
Sam :)

Waiting on Wednesday (132)

Hey,

This week I'm waiting for...

The Ruby Circle (Bloodlines #6) by Richelle Mead

Release Date: February 10, 2015

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.

After their secret romance is exposed, Sydney and Adrian find themselves facing the wrath of both the Alchemists and the Moroi in this electrifying conclusion to Richelle Mead’s New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series. When the life of someone they both love is put on the line, Sydney risks everything to hunt down a deadly former nemesis. Meanwhile, Adrian becomes enmeshed in a puzzle that could hold the key to a shocking secret about spirit magic, a secret that could shake the entire Moroi world.

GAH! I still haven't read Silver Shadows but I promise I will soon!! I can't believe this will be the last book. I remember when it was only Bloodlines and I practically died a little until The Golden Lily came out. I'm looking forward to an explosive ending.

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 Misty Falls

Misty Falls (Benedicts #4) by Joss Stirling 
Release Date: October 2, 2014
Goodreads | Amazon UK | Amazon | The Book Depository

Misty is a one-girl disaster zone. Born with a Savant 'gift' that means she can never tell a lie, her compulsive truth-telling gets her into trouble wherever she goes.

So when she meets Alex: gorgeous, confident, and impossibly charming, Misty instantly resolves to keep her distance . . . Someone so perfect could never be hers, surely?


But a dark shadow has fallen across the Savant community. A serial killer is stalking young people who have these special mental powers. Soon one of them will be taken to the edge of death . . . and beyond. 

Misty Falls is an exhilarating addition to the Benedict series. If you love a good supernatural romance then you need to look into these stories because they are simply some of my favourites of all time. This book follows Misty as she struggles with her powers as a Savant. Her unique gift is that she can't tell a lie, and neither can the people around her. Being one of the youngest in the Savant family, she does not expect to find her Soulfinder any time soon, but what if she has? And not forgetting the threat of a psycho killer murdering Savants left, right and centre. Yes, Misty's life is not the easiest.

I can't really think of anything that I dislike about the idea of Savants and having a "Soulfinder" who is basically your other half. And to a Savant, once you have been reunited with your Soulfinder, your powers as a pair are limitless. However, your Soulfinder could be anywhere in the whole entire world so there are extreme odds stacked up against you finding them. And this is what the Benedict series is all about!

Misty is a humorous character who can't control her powers and this makes her completely and utterly endearing. She is not taking no crap from no one and she will stand her ground. I couldn't have imagined a better protagonist for the story. Alex was also unsurprisingly lovely to read about and the perfect guy for the role of the main love interest. The chemistry between the two is brilliant and I love it EVERY TIME soulfinders unite. It is pure magic and you need to read the story to understand my feels.

Misty Falls was a pleasure to read and I loved getting to know new characters and reuniting with previous ones. I cannot recommend this series enough for those who are just getting into YA because they are brilliantly engaging and a roller coaster from start to finish. Bring on the next book, Joss Stirling!

Rating

Welcome December!

Hello there!

It's the season to be jolly, lalalalalalalalala!

It is December and we are fast approaching Christmas day, but also saying good bye to 2014 and greeting 2015. It has been an exciting year and I want to get you all in the mood of the festive season. But if you don't celebrate Christmas then no worries because everything on the blog will still be book related and we can all get excited for books no matter what the season.

So as it's the season of giving, I've put together lots of random posts that will just magically appear on the blog during this month. They will range from giveaways to book giving ideas for Christmas... and lots more! I hope you will enjoy what's in store because I'm really excited to show you guys everything I've prepared and just get you in the mood for those mince pies and Christmas songs. 

Have a good week,
Sam :)

Book Haul (#96)

Hey,

I hope you've all been having a fabulous few weeks. There's not really anything interesting to tell you all about as an intro but.... it is my birthday!!!!!! WOO. ^_^ *Proceeds with book haul*

I received and bought: 

A Little Something Different by Sandy Hall - Bought -
I don't know... I don't know. I couldn't NOT get it! I've started reading it and it's weird but I'm interested in seeing how it goes. It's a contemporary YA told from lots of different POVs.
The Spark and the Drive by Wayne Harrison - Received -
I received this from St Martins for review at the request of the author and it sounds very intriguing. 

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

Have a good weekend,
Sam :)

Waiting on Wednesday (131)

Hey,

This week I'm waiting for...

Wicked (A Wicked Saga #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Release Date: December 8, 2014

Things are about to get Wicked in New Orleans.

Twenty-two year old Ivy Morgan isn’t your average college student. She, and others like her, know humans aren’t the only thing trolling the French Quarter for fun… and for food. Her duty to the Order is her life. After all, four years ago, she lost everything at the hands of the creatures she’d sworn to hunt, tearing her world and her heart apart.

Ren Owens is the last person Ivy expected to enter her rigidly controlled life. He’s six feet and three inches of temptation and swoon-inducing charm. With forest-green eyes and a smile that’s surely left a stream of broken hearts in its wake, he has an uncanny, almost unnatural ability to make her yearn for everything he has to offer. But letting him in is as dangerous as hunting the cold-blooded killers stalking the streets. Losing the boy she loved once before had nearly destroyed her, but the sparking tension that grows between them becomes impossible for Ivy to deny. Deep down, she wants… she needs more than what her duty demands of her, what her past has shaped for her.

But as Ivy grows closer to Ren, she realizes she’s not the only one carrying secrets that could shatter the frail bond between them. There’s something he’s not telling her, and one thing is for certain. She’s no longer sure what is more dangerous to her—the ancient beings threatening to take over the town or the man demanding to lay claim to her heart and her soul.

Jennifer L. Armentrout. Gosh, this lady amazes me! ANOTHER book out this year that I can't wait to get my hands on. And she always gets the most amazing cover models... and covers in general. Ah, looking forward to meeting my next book crush.

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 No Place to Fall

No Place to Fall by Jaye Robin Brown
Release Date: December 9, 2014
Goodreads | Amazon UK | Amazon | The Book Depository

Amber Vaughn is a good girl. She sings solos at church, babysits her nephew after school, and spends every Friday night hanging out at her best friend Devon’s house. It’s only when Amber goes exploring in the woods near her home, singing camp songs with the hikers she meets on the Appalachian Trail, that she feels free—and when the bigger world feels just a little bit more in reach.

When Amber learns about an audition at the North Carolina School of the Arts, she decides that her dream—to sing on bigger stages—could also be her ticket to a new life. Devon’s older (and unavailable) brother, Will, helps Amber prepare for her one chance to try out for the hypercompetitive arts school. But the more time Will and Amber spend together, the more complicated their relationship becomes . . . and Amber starts to wonder if she’s such a good girl, after all.


Then, in an afternoon, the bottom drops out of her family’s world—and Amber is faced with an impossible choice between her promise as an artist and the people she loves. Amber always thought she knew what a good girl would do. But between “right” and “wrong,” there’s a whole world of possibilities.

No Place to Fall is a contemporary book that doesn't follow a storyline that you'll be expecting. This is a book that isn't afraid to delve deep into different themes and issues that is told through the eyes of a selfless girl called Amber and just tries to do her best to keep everyone happy. Her family has many issues regarding money and trust, amongst many others. 

I wasn't too keen on Amber as a narrator as her actions are not justified. I found myself sitting back and thinking, "why on this holy earth would you do THAT?" I simply couldn't relate to her. However I liked how a lot of this novel is the author showing Amber's willingness to help her family and others around her, and I really admired that, but there are always people trying to take advantage of such qualities which spices up the story a bit more.

Also, there is an element of romance in the book, which plays an important role in driving the story, but it didn't really hit home for me. It felt off and not completely right. There was no build up and I couldn't understand why Amber liked the guy that she did, and none of her decisions with him made much sense either.

No Place to Fall is an enjoyable story of self discovery and making the most of the life that you have. I don't think I will revisit the book again any time soon but at the same time I didn't hate it. I didn't like the main character, but the book is still unique and the story worth your time.

Rating

A review copy was provided by the publisher

Book Blitz and Giveaway: Don't Let Me Fall by Briana Pacheco

Hey,

Welcome to the Book Blitz of Don't Let Me Fall by Briana Pacheco, it is a new adult standalone romance novel that will be perfect for anyone who is a NA contemporary junkie like me. Stay tuned for giveaways for an ebook copy and a signed copy of the book. You can find the book cover and blurb below.

Don't Let Me Fall by Briana Pacheco

Release Date: December 4, 2014
AMAZON

I don’t want to be here.

When you lose the one person that was your whole life, you’ll understand. For me, it was my best friend, Alice. We spent every second of every day together. We planned a life. I was actually living. I was happy.

Now, it’s just gone.

And I’m still here. Lonely. A tatted up body with an empty soul.

Getting inside of my head won’t be pretty. I’m warning you now that you won’t like me. I hate people besides my family. I hate everything around me. I just want to be alone. And I HATE how Logan Mercer doesn’t understand that. He’s everywhere; getting inside of my head, kissing me when he shouldn’t be, messing everything up, and trying to get me to open up. He’s making me crazier than I already am. Why do I need to talk about my life? Why does he even care?

Why doesn’t anyone understand that I don’t want to get attached to people? I don’t want to get fixed.

I want to be alone.

I want to be free.

I want to fly.

My name is Rebeckah Lennox and this is my story…of how I fell.

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Here is a teaser for all of you out there wanting a bit more.

Don't forget to add the book to your TBR list on Goodreads if it interests you! You can enter the giveaway to win an e-book copy of Don't Let Me Fall which is open internationally!

**Giveaway Closed**

Winner: Kristi V.

Thank you all for entering!

There is also an international giveaway for a signed copy! Enter using the Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck to everyone who entered!

Have a good week,

Sam :)