2017 Bookish Review: My Favourite Reverse Harem

This year I begun to explore more reverse harem books, this is when there is one girl, multiple guys. I loved the My Pack series last year but  here are some of my RH recommendations from the ones I have read this last year.

 

Reverse Harem Standalone

 

 

Their Vampire Princess by Harlow Thomas and Anastasia James is one of the only standalone RH'S I have found, it seems to be a genre that is built of series.

 

Synopsis from Goodreads

As the vampire princess of the Night Court it's my duty to choose my prince from four human men, willing to be mine.
All I have to do is choose one to crown.
I never expected to fall in love.
Not with one.
Certainly not with all of them.
Do I abandon my destiny in order to keep my men, or do I risk it all and rewrite the rules?

 

Reverse Harem Serial 

 

 

The Ravana Clan Serial is such a good series/serial. I am not a great fan of serials but this is a well established series, and are available on Kindle Unlimited, so I could read them all back to back.

 

Synopsis from Goodreads

All my life I've never fit in. Since the accident, I went from foster home to foster home until I just ran away. I thought life would always be like that. Scraping by, barely living. That is, until I was chosen.

The Ravanas saved me. They brought me to The Fort so I could become a part of their world. Wanted. Secure. Training to be their human guardian is the only way they could let me in. Now, I just have to prove myself.

 

Reverse Harem Young Adult (Becoming more New Adult) Series

 

 

I have been impressed by the Kit Davenport series so far, I loved her deeper back story and how it mixed into her thieving, and her current investigations. I also enjoyed the mystery behind her special abilities. This book is kind of on the boarder between young adult and new adult as there is increasingly more sexy times but there is more to the storyline than just the romance and relationships.

 

Synopsis from Goodreads

I want vengeance so badly that I can almost taste it. It's all I've ever wanted. So, I did what any privileged, adopted boarding school girl would do. I slapped on a secret identity and became an internationally renowned thief, known as The Fox. Nobody knows me. Nobody can catch me.

Or so I thought...

It turns out; I have what they want. Special abilities. And trust me, these abilities are coveted--and dangerous. Now, I don't know who to trust or where to go. Peril lurks on every corner as I try to uncover my past and origin. Teaming up with unlikely allies may be my only chance at survival or my biggest mistake. Only time will tell.

I'm Kit Davenport and this is only the beginning.

 

Reverse Harem New Adult / Adult Series

 

 

Their Vampire Queen is a series which is much darker, and bloodier than the other RH's. This book begins a bit like the well known vampire romance, where a girl learns more about her supernatural heritage. But this book doesn't vampire as a fluffy and nice but more primal and bloody vampires. While the reverse harem romance is full of suspense and sexiness.

 

Synopsis from Goodreads

Ever since her mother was murdered by monsters five years ago, Shara Isador has been on the run. Alone, scared, and exhausted, she’s finally cornered in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Out of hope with nowhere else to turn, she’s ready to end it all when two men come to her rescue.

They say she’s a lost queen descended from Isis, and they’re her Blood, vampire knights sworn to protect her. It all seems like a crazy nightmare, until the alpha offers his blood. Then she realizes she’s never wanted anything more. Except maybe his body… and his friend’s, too.

But they’re not the only ones searching for a lost queen. Shara must learn how to wield her new powers quickly and conquer her fears if she intends to keep them all alive.

 

***

 

I feel as though this a growing genre with a lot of independent authors getting involved. I couldn't write a post on RH without mentioning C.M. Stunich, and although none of her book made it onto my list this year, she has a lot of series which I have read the first book of and I am waiting for that email to say the next one is released (The Seven Mates of Zara Wolf coming in just a few days!!).

 

I would love to know if there is anyone else who has read any RH this year, and what is was you would recommend?

 

October Book Haul

Guys! I am so sorry I have disappeared and haven't posted anything in ages! Between studying and work and I have no time to sit down and write anything other than Uni assignments. This weekend has turned into a snow weekend, so have a few minutes to get some bookstagram pic's done and some of my  'Beat the Backlist' books. So here is my October book haul

 

I was doing really well in October for not buying any more books. I slipped into Waterstones on one of my Christmas present scouting trips and got tempted! I think the November Fairyloot is going to have The Last Namsara in it (re-read the synopsis when I got home and I think it has to be the book being described in the box details), but I will find out soon enough as I got my tracking code the other day. Will have to wait and see.

So how is everyone's Christmas preparation going? Everyone started there Christmas shopping by now? 

BOOK REVIEW: There's Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins

Synopsis From Goodreads

Love hurts...

Makani Young thought she'd left her dark past behind her in Hawaii, settling in with her grandmother in landlocked Nebraska. She's found new friends and has even started to fall for mysterious outsider Ollie Larsson. But her past isn't far behind.

Then, one by one, the students of Osborne Hugh begin to die in a series f gruesome murders, each with increasingly grotesque flair. As the terror grows closer and her feelings for Ollie intensify, Makani is forced to confront her own dark secrets.  

 

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Source: Bought from Waterstones

 

 

My Review
4.5 Stars

It's the end of Halloween week and Bonfire's Night today so I hope everyone has been enjoying their fortnight of parties. I don't really celebrate Halloween -had a night in front of  back to back Adam's Family films instead- but I decided that this year to would read a scary book (at least compared to ones I normally read), and I saw this YA horror everywhere on Friday the 13th so decided I would make it my Halloween read this year, after all it is written by a contemporary romance author and it is YA so I figured it wouldn't be overly petrifying or gory. Anyway, I started late on the 31st and finished it the next day and here is what I thought about it:

 

I have to admit the first chapter confused me, the main character Makani wasn't mentioned at all, it was the kind of confusing I normally get from a prologue not a first chapter. However, this first chapter does an amazing job of introducing the kind of book you are getting into, spooky and mysterious, full of anticipation and - of course - murder.

 

We get introduced to Makani in the second chapter, and at times in about the first half you could almost forget that you were reading a horror. You can see the authors contemporary romance roots as it focuses on the buddy romance and the day to day life of a student in a small town. However, there was this undercurrent of fear, and I loved the way that the development and spreading of rumours was portrayed, as the student body theorised and speculated on who the murderer could be. As the reader I was analysing everyone, suspecting every comment and thought, and dreaming up what 'dark secrets' Makani might have tried to leave behind.

"There we rumors about everyone. Makani knew better than to believe any of them outright. Rumours, even the true ones, never told the complete story" -  Page 10

There is a 'natural' acceleration of the murders, which left me turning the pages to see who from the Osborn student population would actually survive. I think it was this anticipation which make this book so great in my eyes, firstly because we get to see the murders from the victim POV you begin to see a 'trade mark' and you know when a murder is coming. Also there is the anticipation to know who the next victim is, and then of course who, the murderer is! I liked that at the end we got a bit of hint as the motives behind the killings but no definitive explanations.  

 

  

This book was the perfect YA horror story and was exactly what I was looking for. Stephanie Perkins, has created a book which somehow mixed  a story of teen romance with a hunt for a serial killer. It has the great measure of a creepy, mysterious, murderer on the loose, while also, allowing the readier to put the book down and sleep at night. But also making them want to reach for it the moment they wake to find out what going to happen next. Can't rave about this book enough, highly recommended. I would love a sequel or even a epilogue novella, as I would to see how Osborn picks itself up after the loss of so many of it's residents, and to see how the survivors cope with the direct aftermath, and the last it effect it has on their lives.

 

 

  

BOOK REVIEW: Royal Outlaw (#1) by Kayla Hudson

Synopsis from Goodreads

Mariel was born royal, but has spent most of her life as an outlaw, working for the Resistance—an underground organization attempting to overthrow Natric’s corrupt monarchs. When the royal grandparents who left her for dead long ago offer her the future crown, she declines, but when they threaten the life of her commoner father she is left with an impossible choice: become something she hates or watch her father die.

As Mariel fights against the new responsibilities and expectations that confine her, forgotten memories of her mother’s murder threaten her sanity and a creature who hunted her as a child returns to finish off his prey. Mariel quickly discovers that she may be a master sword-fighter, but not all enemies can be defeated with a mere blade . . .

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Buy from Amazon

Source: kindle unlimited

 

My Review

(4 Stars)

 

So I have to admit that I pick up (or more accurately downloaded) Royal Outlaw because from the title and the cover it looked a bit like a Robin Hood like re-telling with a female heroine. Although there are similarities with Mariel being born into royalty but now lives as part of the resistance as a outlaw and thief, I would recommend going into this book from more a fantasy expectation. Otherwise your (like myself) will be surprised my the magicians, the snake-shifters, unicorns and other non-human creatures.

Despite my self-made confusion, I still really enjoyed this book. Mariel was a great character a kick-ass heroine, with sword swinging skills and lock-picking ability as well as being well educated and intelligent. It has interesting and sometimes funny as she is thrown into the life of an upper-class lady, my, my the trouble she can get herself into! However, my favourite character by far has to be James, the air of mystery as well as caring and protect nature - just love him. I would have liked to see more of Mariel's father, from the few scenes we get with him it seems like they have a good relationship but it would have been good to see more interactions between them. I would have also liked to see more of zreshlans, but I am guessing we will get to see more of them in the sequels.

Apart from the characters, the main plot drive and what keep me turning the pages has to be Mariel's memory loss and the mysterious assassin which she can't remember. I don't want to go into this part of the plot as it is the mystery of the unmemorable horror which kept me reading.

Royal Outlaw was a bit different from what I was expecting but a great read. I enjoyed watching our kickass outlaw heroine as she is thrown into the royal life, her attempts to be dismissed as heir and discovering her forgotten past, all while under the threat from a childhood assassin.

 

 

BOOK REVIEW: The Young Elites (#1) by Marie Lu

Synopsis from Goodreads

I am tired of being used, hurt, and cast aside.

Adelina Amouteru is a survivor of the blood fever. A decade ago, the deadly illness swept through her nation. Most of the infected perished, while many of the children who survived were left with strange markings. Adelina’s black hair turned silver, her lashes went pale, and now she has only a jagged scar where her left eye once was. Her cruel father believes she is a malfetto, an abomination, ruining their family’s good name and standing in the way of their fortune. But some of the fever’s survivors are rumored to possess more than just scars—they are believed to have mysterious and powerful gifts, and though their identities remain secret, they have come to be called the Young Elites.

Teren Santoro works for the king. As Leader of the Inquisition Axis, it is his job to seek out the Young Elites, to destroy them before they destroy the nation. He believes the Young Elites to be dangerous and vengeful, but it’s Teren who may possess the darkest secret of all.

Enzo Valenciano is a member of the Dagger Society. This secret sect of Young Elites seeks out others like them before the Inquisition Axis can. But when the Daggers find Adelina, they discover someone with powers like they’ve never seen.

Adelina wants to believe Enzo is on her side, and that Teren is the true enemy. But the lives of these three will collide in unexpected ways, as each fights a very different and personal battle. But of one thing they are all certain: Adelina has abilities that shouldn’t belong in this world. A vengeful blackness in her heart. And a desire to destroy all who dare to cross her.

It is my turn to use. My turn to hurt.

 

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Buy from Amazon (UK)

Source: Bought

Series: Book One of The Young Elites Trilogy

 

MY REVIEW

4 Stars

 

The Young Elites is one of those book which everyone was raving about a few years ago, at the time I didn't get involved but was still interested as I had read the Legend series and enjoyed it. So this week I decided it was time to finally start blasting through some of the book which I bought last year but hadn't read yet, so I picked Young Elites up without reading the back (and it has been quite a few years since I read any Marie Lu books) so I went in completely blind.

From my vague recollections I thought this book was gonna be more dystopian/ post apocalyptic setting. So was surprised with the dramatic opening chapters introducing us to this fantasy world, in which we meet Adelina who is in the equivalent of death row, awaiting her death for murdering her father.Although we get thrown into the middle of this situation we are quickly given a bit of a back story - something I was really glad about, the books i have read recently have withheld backstories to 'add to the mystery', so this made a nice change.

Adelina appears to quickly make a few friends within the society, I personally particularly like Raffaele as a character he is very perceptive and isn't scared to say it as it is. He is also world wise but he still has such a calm and caring personality. I felt as though the romance was a bit predictable but Adelina, oh Adelina ... she does manage to dig herself a hole by keeping such big secrets and you could tell it was all going to blow up in some way. I just didn't see it all going down quite like that! That ending was a complete shock and I really don't know how Marie Lu is going to take this series forward, but it will be interesting to see how these experiences impact our characters in the next book.

The Young Elites, was everything I was expecting, a few much loved tropes, some shocks and surprises, and some interesting grey characters which will leave you wondering who acted in the wrong.

 

         

RE-READ REVIEW: Rites of Passage by Joy N. Hensley

Synopsis From Goodreads

Sam McKenna’s never turned down a dare. And she's not going to start with the last one her brother gave her before he died.

So Sam joins the first-ever class of girls at the prestigious Denmark Military Academy. She’s expecting push-ups and long runs, rope climbing and mud-crawling. As a military brat, she can handle an obstacle course just as well as the boys. She's even expecting the hostility she gets from some of the cadets who don’t think girls belong there. What she’s not expecting is her fiery attraction to her drill sergeant. But dating is strictly forbidden and Sam won't risk her future, or the dare, on something so petty... no matter how much she wants him.

As Sam struggles to prove herself, she discovers that some of the boys don’t just want her gone—they will stop at nothing to drive her out. When their petty threats turn to brutal hazing, bleeding into every corner of her life, she realizes they are not acting alone. A decades-old secret society is alive and active… and determined to force her out.
At any cost.

Now time's running short. Sam must decide who she can trust... and choosing the wrong person could have deadly consequences.

 

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Buy from Amazon (UK)

Source: Bought Second Hand

Series: Sadly Still a Standalone

 

 

This is my second review of Rites of Passage, my original review from my first reading of this book back in April can be found here. I don't know how many of my follows have heard of the BBC TV series Our Girl (?) but we are due to start the third series next week. I mention Our Girl because as I re-read this book I began to draw parallels between this book and the first series of Our Girl (which I have just finished re-watching in preparation for the new series). 

 

So Our Girl follows Molly Dawes on her first tour as a army medic in Afghanistan, while Sam is trying to survive Military School, but there are some similarities in their situation. Both are in a male dominated world trying to prove their worth as soldier's as well as making a point that woman are as strong as men - they are both got a bit of a determined streak. They both have to battle with those in there rank (and above) who would rather see the back of them, although this is less of a feature in  Our Girl than it is in Rites of Passage where this is the major plot. There relationship with there fellow recruits/soldier's go though similar flows, in that swing from them wanting her gone (with a few sticking up for her) to becoming a group of over protective brothers. There is also a bit of an alikeness in regard to the romance apart from one difference which I won't share in case of spoilers.

 

Anyway moving away from my Our Girl comparisons, I still I love this book. I was as hooked almost as much as the first time, it keep me up reading and it was the first thing I reached for in the morning. There were a few wee details that I had forgotten so it was fun to rediscover them. I had completely forgotten the last few pages, which just made me want a sequel all over again. Just looking back at my original review and this time I had remembered the harshness of the academy so this wasn't as gripping for me, as the first time I just didn't know how much 'worse' it could get for girls but this time I had more of an idea. Also the romance didn't feel as though it took me as long to get to this time and I enjoyed watching there interactions before they showed any romantic interest.  

 

Still highly recommend Rites of Passage, and for all those who enjoyed Our Girl I particularly recommend you check this book out, and let me know if you see the same similarities as me.

 

 

WEE REVIEW: Un.Requited (Slayter #1) by Reese Morgan

Synopsis from Goodreads

 

Across Hayden’s neck sat an ugly scar, a vivid reminder of what she’d become. She looked horribly wild, untamed, her eyes too bright and focused, like an animal. In order to keep her family safe from both herself and the enemies she attracts, Hayden must trade a life of normalcy for one of constant uncertainty and threat.

Expecting to find her place among others like her, she soon realizes that even among werewolves, she’s an exception. Burdened with constant discrimination and falling into a dangerous attraction, Hayden must struggle to find her footing after being made a pawn in a game between two powerful Alphas

 

 

Add on Goodreads

Buy from Amazon (UK)

 

Wee Review

(3.75 Stars)

 

Teenage werewolf books... well there are a hundred and one to choose from, and I am glad I stumbled across this one. Quite a few teen werewolf novels aren't worth a second glance but I enjoyed this one. We join Hayden after she has received her life changing scars (the result of a vicious werewolf attack) a confused 'newborn' she tries to continue life as normal but soon she get noticed by the werewolf community and she joins a pack.

I think the thing which made this book for me was Morgan's ability to create deep characters full of personality. Although some of the minor character don't get much 'screen time' I felt as though I got a insight into their personalities. The only thing on this point is I would have liked a bit more interaction between Hayden and her mother, she has this one moment of homesickness but then she is just forgotten again.

There are some typical werewolf tropes, with a potential love triangle, a domineering, distant, young Alpha with secrets, a secret werewolf community with it's own political games and old fashioned views.

Un.Requited is full of mystery and a few murders making it a quick paced story full of well developed characters and budding relationships. The big question is which relationships will remain platonic and which will flower into something more?

 

***

Book Haul September 2017

This month I decided to finally try Kindle Unlimited (I have a few wee reviews to share with you soon-ish), so I don't have that many physical books to share with you today.

 

The first one is Hemlock by N.J Layouni which was a book which made into my  Top 10 Books of 2015, it is a great underrated book. I actually won this book from the author, I originally read this book as a e-book but now I am so excited to have a physical copy to add to my bookshelves.

 

 

My second book need no introduction, I haven't read this latest addition to the Throne of Glass series yet but I saw it in the shop and just couldn't resist.

 

 

Has anyone hear Hemlock or got around to reading ToD yet?

Waiting on Wednesday #31 - September Releases (11th - 30th Sept 2017)

After that manic flurry of releases in the first week of September the number of releases has begun to slow. Meaning that I only have three books to share with you today, but I am just as excited for them:

 

Synopsis from Goodreads

 

Before

Mira Minkoba is the Hopebearer. Since the day she was born, she’s been told she’s special. Important. Perfect. She’s known across the Fallen Isles not just for her beauty, but for the Mira Treaty named after her, a peace agreement which united the seven islands against their enemies on the mainland.

But Mira has never felt as perfect as everyone says. She counts compulsively. She struggles with crippling anxiety. And she’s far too interested in dragons for a girl of her station.

After

Then Mira discovers an explosive secret that challenges everything she and the Treaty stand for. Betrayed by the very people she spent her life serving, Mira is sentenced to the Pit–the deadliest prison in the Fallen Isles. There, a cruel guard would do anything to discover the secret she would die to protect.

No longer beholden to those who betrayed her, Mira must learn to survive on her own and unearth the dark truths about the Fallen Isles–and herself–before her very world begins to collapse.

 

Release Date: 12th September 2017

Add on Goodreads

 

Why Am I Waiting?

 

Jodie Meadows is a fairly well known author (one I still have my TBR for far too long) and this sounds like a unique fantasy. Dragons, I mean who can say no to a good dragon book? A main character who isn't all kick-butt (don't get me wrong I love kick-ass heroines, but sometimes it good to remember that other people have their own battles and strengths that aren't always physical). A twist on the 'chosen one' trope? can't wait to see how this one pans out.   

 

 

Synopsis from Goodreads

 

Scream meets YA in this hotly-anticipated new novel from the bestselling author of Anna and the French Kiss.

One-by-one, the students of Osborne High are dying in a series of gruesome murders, each with increasing and grotesque flair. As the terror grows closer and the hunt intensifies for the killer, the dark secrets among them must finally be confronted.

International bestselling author Stephanie Perkins returns with a fresh take on the classic teen slasher story that’s fun, quick-witted, and completely impossible to put down.

 

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Release Date: 12 Sept 2017 (Kindle Edition)

 

Why Am I Waiting?

 

This is my latest addition to my 'to-buy' list and to be honest the bright pink cover and the title is what drew me to this book. I am never been ( and can't see myself ever being) a big horror fan, but occasionally I fancy a high stake mystery, and with it being described as a 'fun, quick-witted' story I am willing to give this intriguing books a try. Plus it is Halloween relatively soon so thinking this might be a good October read? 

 

 

Shortened Synopsis from Goodreads

 

The magicians want her to lead.The sorcerers want her to lie.
The demons want her blood.
Henrietta wants to save the one she loves.
But will his dark magic be her undoing?

In this seductive and explosive second book in the Kingdom on Fire series, Jessica Cluess delivers her signature mix of magic, passion, and teen warriors fighting for survival. Hand to fans of Victoria Aveyard, Sarah J. Maas, and Kiersten White.

 

Add on Goodreads

Release Date: 19th September 2017

 

Why Am I Waiting? 

 

I read the first book in this series just the other month (find my review here), it took me a wee while to get into it but once I got into this alternative Victorian styled London I really enjoyed it. I hope to get read this sequel soon, so I can get the answers to my questions while the story is still fresh in my mind. I also can wait to see how the relationships which started in the first book develop as the time passes and new challenges present themselves.

 

***

 

 

ARC BOOK REVIEW: Fireblood (Frostblood Saga #2) by Elly Blake

Synopsis from Goodreads 

In this action-packed sequel to Frostblood, the future of Ruby's world and a court ruled by the love of her life depends on the uncovered secrets of her past.

Against all odds, Ruby has defeated the villainous Frost King and melted his throne of ice. But the bloodthirsty Minax that was trapped inside is now haunting her kingdom and everyone she loves. The answers to its demise may lie to the south in Sudesia, the land of the Firebloods, and a country that holds the secrets to Ruby's powers and past....

Despite warnings from her beloved Arcus, Ruby accompanies a roguish Fireblood named Kai to Sudesia, where she must master her control of fire in a series of trials to gain the trust of the suspicious Fireblood queen. Only then can she hope to access the knowledge that could defeat the rampaging Minax - which grows closer every moment. But as sparks fly in her moments alone with Kai, how can Ruby decide whom to trust? The fate of both kingdoms is now in her hands.

Add on Goodreads 

Source: e-ARC via netgalley 

Release Date: 7th -12th September 2017 

REVIEW

(3.75 STARS)

 

I has been quite a while since I read the first book but I found it quite easy to slip back into the story. We are given just enough information to know what happened in the last book - as so to understand what is happening in this one - but it doesn't go into long details that you feel as though you were re-reading the first book.

I was worried when I read the synopsis 'But as sparks fly in her moments alone with Kai, how can Ruby decide whom to trust?' i was worried about a love triangle. As I rediscovered Ruby and Arcus's love, I loved the sweet moments between them in the first few chapters. I still can't decide if their parting was sweet or just cheesy/ sickly / needy. Yet as Ruby and Kai spend more time together -despite his lies- I began to change the direction of my ship. But when the full emotional effect of the love triangle comes into play later in the book I am not sure which couple I ship.

Although Kai - as I have mentioned- does lie I do like him as a character, he is uncannily cleaver, quick to change moods, tuned into others emotions and seemly well liked by those around him. The queen remains a bit of a mystery, when Ruby first meets her she seems so harsh but during their second meeting you can see her love for her people.

Once Ruby gets to Sudesia I felt as though Fireblood became a quite paced novel with one obstacle after another presenting itself. We get some surprise revelations and some edge of the seat encounters, although Fireblood did begin at a slow plod it soon drew me back into this world of fire and ice and soon swept me away.   

WEE REVIEW: Blind Reader Wanted

Shortened Synopsis from Goodreads

 

Lara.

I was born into darkness. Just like a puppy, only my darkness is eternal. Everyone else sees a world I can only imagine, but hey, don't pity me. I don't. I've got a lot of imagination, and I’ve made my world beautiful more beautiful that you can know.

When I grew older I understood that the world is not built for blind people. I needed a white cane and I needed to trust my bestie, Elaine, and jump when she yelled, “Puddle”. 

Now, I’m all grown up and she tells me that the most mysterious man in Durango Falls has stuck a job vacancy on her noticeboard and that I should apply for it.

Apparently Kit Carson needs a blind reader.
To be honest it sounds a bit like those times she yelled puddle and there was no puddle. But what the hell? I’ll give her a laugh and jump once again.
This is the story of what happened when I jumped.

Kit.

I came to Durango Falls because it was the perfect place to hide. The townsfolk here don't like strangers and I don't like people. So I don’t talk to no one and no one talks to me. Suits me just fine.
For five years now I’ve been livin’ alone at the edge of this forest. Just me and the wolves I’ve adopted, but this winter my soul has started hankering for something more.

Maybe I’m just hankering for a woman’s sweet voice reading to me the way my mother used to when I was five. Just before she died. Think I’ll advertise for a blind reader. A female blind reader.
That’s what I thought I wanted.

Well all that shit went out the window when I laid eyes on her.
Now this woman’s body is all I can think about …

 

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Buy from Amazon

Source: Kindle Unlimited

Genre: New Adult/ Adult Contemporary Romance

 

Wee Review

(4 Stars)

 

I was a bit hesitant about this book to start with. I wasn't a great fan of how Lara was persuaded by her friend to apply for this blind reader job, and now that I look back at it I feel as though the situation doesn't really fit her personality. Lara - although blind- is strong minded, confidant and sassy, I just couldn't see her doing something she didn't want to. Anyway that aside, I loved this book, once I got past the first two chapters and Lara meets Kit I adored this small town romance. I loved the way that their love for each other grows, despite the few cheese moments (sometimes cheese makes it all the better). The wolves where a unique aspect to this novel which I quite enjoyed and the way in which the small town life style and gossiping is portrayed made me smile, sadly realistic! Throughout the book you know there is some kind of secret laying in wait to smash the seemingly easy HEA, but when it happened it was still heart breaking.

Blind Reader Wanted, was a emotionally intense romance between Kit a isolated military man with a haunting past, and Lara a blind artist who has issues of her own waiting to come out of the shadows. Set in a small town, full of gossipers this is a novel I flew through watching Kit and Lara fall in love and waiting for their pasts to catch up with them. I thoroughly enjoyed the romance and the suspense all wrapped into one.

 

***

Waiting on Wednesday #30 - September Releases (1st - 10th Sept 2017)

Yesterday was a major release day in the YA fantasy publishing industry. Three highly anticipated sequels in the same week!! So firstly I wanted to talk about those as well as some of other releases from both well known authors and some lesser known ones. Looks like a bankruptcy month (if I can justify buy them all to myself?)

 

 

 Tower of Dawn (Throne of Glass #6) by Sarah J. Maas

 

In the next installment of the New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series, follow Chaol on his sweeping journey to a distant empire.

 

Release Date: 5th September 2017

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Why Am I Waiting?

 

Okay so like a lot of YA fantasy readers I fell in love with the Throne of Glass series and have enjoyed  watching the world expand, the secrets come out and the relationships develop. However, it is  Celaena Sardothien who I have become attached to as a character and the prospect of 700 pages in this world without her just doesn't have the same appeal, the two previous books I have trudged through the other POV's to get back to her story, so I am not as excited about this book as the others in this series. Yet, saying that, I am looking forward to seeing how/if this book will link in with The Assassin's Blade novella's. I am also happy that Sarah J. Maas did what she wanted with this book, if that's the way she felt she should go with her series, then I salute her for putting aside her planned direction and following what she felt Chaol needed to share.

 

 

Girls Made of Snow and Glass by Mellissa Bashardoust

 

Synopsis from Goodreads

 

Frozen meets The Bloody Chamber in this feminist fantasy reimagining of the Snow White fairytale

At sixteen, Mina's mother is dead, her magician father is vicious, and her silent heart has never beat with love for anyone—has never beat at all, in fact, but she’d always thought that fact normal. She never guessed that her father cut out her heart and replaced it with one of glass. When she moves to Whitespring Castle and sees its king for the first time, Mina forms a plan: win the king’s heart with her beauty, become queen, and finally know love. The only catch is that she’ll have to become a stepmother.

Fifteen-year-old Lynet looks just like her late mother, and one day she discovers why: a magician created her out of snow in the dead queen’s image, at her father’s order. But despite being the dead queen made flesh, Lynet would rather be like her fierce and regal stepmother, Mina. She gets her wish when her father makes Lynet queen of the southern territories, displacing Mina. Now Mina is starting to look at Lynet with something like hatred, and Lynet must decide what to do—and who to be—to win back the only mother she’s ever known…or else defeat her once and for all.

Entwining the stories of both Lynet and Mina in the past and present, Girls Made of Snow and Glass traces the relationship of two young women doomed to be rivals from the start. Only one can win all, while the other must lose everything—unless both can find a way to reshape themselves and their story.

 

Release Date: 5th September 2017

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Why Am I Waiting?

 

I think it is probably this whole I deal of reinventing a fairy tale which has me interested in this one. It also suggests a complex relationship between step-mother and step-daughter. Some of my fellow book blogs loved it and praised it's uniqueness, so I've gotta give it a go!

 

 

 

Godsgrave (Nevernight #2) by Jay Kristoff   

 

A ruthless young assassin continues her journey for revenge in this new epic fantasy from New York Times bestselling author Jay Kristoff.

 

Release Date: 7th September 2017

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Why Am I Waiting? 

 

So, it's not that I am waiting for this one (was blessed enough to get a ARC of this book), but more that I need to get into a fantasy reading mood. I don't know about you, but for me my genre of reading goes through fazes and at the moment I am in a contemporary and urban fantasy mood. And Nevernight (see my review here) was quite a heavy fantasy book but I hope to get it read soon all the same, so keep an eye out for a review later this month (hopefully!)

 

 

 

 

Fireblood (Frostblood Saga #2) by Elly Blake  

 

In this action-packed sequel to Frostblood, the future of Ruby's world and a court ruled by the love of her life depends on the uncovered secrets of her past. Perfect for fans of Red Queen and Throne of Glass.

 

Release Date: 7th September 2017

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Why Am I Waiting? 

 

This is another sequel I have been waiting for, but to be honest I haven't been waiting for it with bated breath. I read the first book beginning of this year (see my review here) and although I gave it 5 stars and I really enjoyed this book, it overly unique. I do hope to read this book this month though, to see if Blake can direct this story off somewhere new and exciting .

 

 

 

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Any new releases coming out that you are waiting this Wednesday for?

August Book Haul

Four books added to my bookshelf this month, The Mafia and his Angel is a new release this month with I have been waiting for (adored the Wattpad edition before it was published). The other three are some sequels to books I have read these last couple of months (I hope to get around to a reading wrap-up soon I promise!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What books did you add to your bookshelf in August?

August's Featured Book Review - MOON BURNED by H. D. Gordon

So it's the last weekend of August, (already!!)  and I have just finished a very under loved book. It is a new-ish release as it was only released at the end of July, but since then it has only collected 6 reviews on Goodreads. So to share the unloved amazingness of this book I am making it my featured book for this month. I also shared a teaser from this book on Tuesday in this week Teaser Tuesday post.

 

 

 

Synopsis from Goodreads

 

Shift, Fight, Survive.

Those are the rules of The Ring. Two wolves enter, one wolf leaves.

Rukiya Moonborn is a slave, a werewolf whose master forces her and many others to fight to the death for the entertainment of the wealthy. Named 'Dogs' after the lesser beasts, wolves like Rook live short, violent lives. The masters dangle the illusion of hope in front of the Dogs by insisting any wolf who survives 100 fights in The Ring can win his or her freedom.

Rook is on her eighteenth fight against the West Coast Champion—the biggest she-wolf anyone has ever seen. As if this weren't enough, Rook finds a wolf pup who is destined for slavery as a Dog, and helps the child escape the master's clutches—a crime easily punishable by death.

When Ryker—the master's handsome right-hand—catches her in the act, Rook embarks on a journey that will be the ultimate test of her courage and strength.

 

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Buy from Amazon (UK)

 

Review (4 Stars)

 

I took a risk on this book, it wasn't a author I had ever heard of, I hadn't seen it anywhere and it didn't have that many reviews. However, the synopsis caught me enough to read the first few chapters and then I couldn't put it down.

 

There are several things which drew me and created such a great book. Firstly, the brutal setting, the only way I can think of describing the world created in this book is, a supernatural Roman world, complete with slaves, gladiator tournaments and political plays - so vividly sculpted. Secondly, Rook is such a badass. She has grown up a slave in this brutally  society made to kill for entertainment  yet she compassionate, kind and courageous. Thirdly, has to be suddenness of changes in Rook's life, each time it happens it changes the Rooks goals and priories and  although she fights tooth and nail to ensure this persons safe or that person is shown their place, it demonstrates how little control - as a slave - she has over the bigger thing in her life. Another aspect I like in this book was the love/hate, I shouldn't/ I want to, budding romance, which I enjoyed watching develop and change.

 

Over all, this book was a bit of a surprise to me, I am fascinated by female gladiator characters and this mixed that with the supernatural theme which I have been hooked into at the moment. Not your typical werewolf book and worth the time and money. There is still lots of questions that need to be answered at the end of this book so I look forward to the second book, where I hope there will be some reunions, revolutions and romance!

 

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Teaser Tuesday #16 - Moon Burned

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of 

Books And A Beat.

 

 

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

Grab your current read

Open to a random page

Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

 Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teaser. 

 

Title: Book Burned (The Wolf Wars #1)

Author: H.D. Gordon

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It has been ages since I last joined in with this meme, but I am currently read this book which made me think; 'if Roman's were werewolf then I imagine it would be a bit like this', so thought I share it with you.

 

Today's Teaser

 

"Inside The Ring, I stood face-to-face with the Bear. She was even bigger than I remember, as if she had somehow grown wider and taller and darker in the last handful of hours.

The last handful of hours, when I'd been running myself ragged helping a slave child escape Dogs head. "

BOOK REVIEW: Wolf by Wolf by Ryan Graudin

Synopsis from Goodreads

Over ten years since the Nazis won the war, 18 yr old Yael has one mission: to kill Hitler - a captivating second novel from Walled City author, Ryan Graudin.

Once upon a different time, there was a girl who lived in a kingdom of death. Wolves howled up her arm. A whole pack of them-made of tattoo ink and pain, memory and loss. It was the only thing about her that ever stayed the same.Her story begins on a train.

Germania, 1956. Over ten years since the Nazis won the war. 18-year-old Yael is part of the resistance, and she has just one mission: to kill Hitler.

But first she's got to get close enough to him to do it.

Experimented on during her time at Auschwitz, Yael has the unique ability to change her appearance at will. The only part of her which always remains are the five tattooed wolves on her arm; one for each of the people she's lost. Using her abilities, she must transform into Adele Wolfe, Germany's most famous female rider and winner of the legendary Axis Tour; an epic long distance motorcycle race from Berlin to Tokyo, where only the strongest (and wiliest) riders survive. If she can win this, she will be able to get close enough to kill the Fuhrer and change history forever.

But with other riders sabotaging her chances at every turn, Yael's mission won't be easy. . .  

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Buy from Amazon (UK) || Book Depository

First published October 20th 2015

Series: Wolf by Wolf Duology Book 1

Source: Bought

 

My Review

(4 Stars)

 

This book was one of those book which I wasn't entirely sure if it was going to be my cup of tea, but I gave it a shot. I haven't found that many YA history book which have intrigued me, and I can't remember the last alternative history novel I read - if I have ever read one at all - so this was a bit of a new venture for me.

There were three main thing which drew me to buy this book: firstly back when the sequel came out last year this duology was everywhere in the book community and all the booktubers I follow were talking about it; secondly, I was fascinated to see how Ryan created this alternative world created by the victorious Hitler; and lastly Yael intrigued me, not only her unique ability but also as a person who would enter a deadly motorcycle race in the hope of becoming the person to assassinate Hitler. Anyway this book has sat on my bookcase for quite a few months now but I was in the mood for something a bit different, so I finally opened this book.

 

I was immediately drawn into this alternative world. The book follows two different time periods, we started with the 'Then' where we glimpse Yael in a Jewish concentration camp, followed by a 'Now' where Yael is a resistance fighter with a mission. I was hooked wanting to know who the 6 year old experiment became the 'free' citizen fighting for the resistance.

 

      I loved watching Yael take on Adele's identity and try to present herself as Adele, despite the histories that Adele had with other riders and the relationships which Yael struggles to fake. It was interesting to see how accepting of the changes in 'Adele's' character the other riders where as Yael try's her best to stay true to Adele's personally. I think one of the thing I loved about Yael, was that although she was hell bend set on killing Hitler she still has a humanity about her. She never damaged or took a life without thinking it through or regretting it. I loved the situations Yael gets herself into with the relationships she continues as she impersonates Adele both the family and romantic relationships.

I also liked the multiple references to the book title, I  loved the meaning of it. The book had a surprise ending and I can't wait to see where Ryan is going to take this story in Blood for Blood.

 

Waiting on Wednesday #29 - August Releases 2017 (16th -31st )

We are half way thought August already! Although I can't quite believe how fast it has gone I am also excited as there are so awesome sounding books coming out in the next couple of weeks. Here are the book I am excited for:

 

The Arsonist by Stephanie Oakes

 

Synopsis from Goodreads

 

Molly Mavity is not a normal teenage girl. For one thing, her father is a convicted murderer, and his execution date is fast approaching. For another, Molly refuses to believe that her mother is dead, and she waits for the day when they’ll be reunited . . . despite all evidence that this will never happen.

Pepper Yusef is not your average teenage boy. A Kuwaiti immigrant with epilepsy, serious girl problems, and the most useless seizure dog in existence, he has to write a series of essays over the summer . . . or fail out of school.

And Ava Dreyman—the brave and beautiful East German resistance fighter whose murder at seventeen led to the destruction of the Berlin Wall—is unlike anyone you’ve met before.

When Molly gets a package leading her to Pepper, they’re tasked with solving a decades-old mystery: find out who killed Ava, back in 1989. Using Ava’s diary for clues, Molly and Pepper realize there’s more to her life—and death—than meets the eye. Someone is lying to them. And someone out there is guiding them along, desperate for answers.

 

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Pre-order from Amazon (UK)

Release Date: 22nd August 2017

 

Why Am I Waiting?

 

To be totally honest, it is the cover of this book which has made me fall in love with it. The synopsis is slightly intriguing, but I adore this cover; the use of overlaying pictures the colours and the contrast of it against the pure white background! So not sure I will ever get around to reading this one, but I am excited for it be release even if all I ever do is search it out at the bookstore so I can look at the cover 'in-the-flesh'.

 

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Fallen Heir (The  Royals #4) by Erin Watt

 

Synopsis from Goodreads

 

These Royals will ruin you.

Easton Royal has it all: looks, money, intelligence. His goal in life is to have as much fun as possible. He never thinks about the consequences because he doesn’t have to.

Until Hartley Wright appears, shaking up his easy life. She’s the one girl who’s said no, despite being attracted to him. Easton can’t figure her out and that makes her all the more irresistible.

Hartley doesn’t want him. She says he needs to grow up.

She might be right.

Rivals. Rules. Regrets. For the first time in Easton’s life, wearing a Royal crown isn’t enough. He’s about to learn that the higher you start, the harder you fall.

 

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Pre-order from Amazon (UK)

Release Date: 28th August

 

Why Am I Waiting?

 

The Royal series was one of those contemporary romance which took me by surprise. As someone who rarely reads a book which is purely contemporary and a firm fantasy reader, finding a contemporary series that I fall in love with is rare, but these Royals managed it (see review here). Although I am sad that the main character will change for this fourth one I am still looking forward to diving back into this families lives, and I hope we get to see lots of Ella.

 

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Wonder Woman by Leigh Bardugo

 

 

Synopsis from Goodreads

 

She will become one of the world’s greatest heroes: WONDER WOMAN. But first she is Diana, Princess of the Amazons. And her fight is just beginning. . . .

Diana longs to prove herself to her legendary warrior sisters. But when the opportunity finally comes, she throws away her chance at glory and breaks Amazon law—risking exile—to save a mere mortal. Even worse, Alia Keralis is no ordinary girl and with this single brave act, Diana may have doomed the world.

Alia just wanted to escape her overprotective brother with a semester at sea. She doesn’t know she is being hunted. When a bomb detonates aboard her ship, Alia is rescued by a mysterious girl of extraordinary strength and forced to confront a horrible truth: Alia is a Warbringer—a direct descendant of the infamous Helen of Troy, fated to bring about an age of bloodshed and misery.

Together, Diana and Alia will face an army of enemies—mortal and divine—determined to either destroy or possess the Warbringer. If they have any hope of saving both their worlds, they will have to stand side by side against the tide of war.

 

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Pre-order from Amazon (UK)

Release Date: 29th August 2017

 

Why Am I Waiting?

So I have to admit this one isn't high on my to-buy list, not because it doesn't sound amazing (because it sounds great - all kick ass girl power) but mainly because I need to read my other Bardugo books first. I wasn't a great fan of her first Grisha trilogy, but I decided to buy Six of Crows to give her another chance, and I have yet to read them but (assuming that I enjoy them) then I will be giving this hyped book a try.

 

 

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Heart of Mist (The Oremere Chronicles #1) by Helen Scheuerer

 

 

Synopsis from Goodreads

 

In a realm where toxic mist sweeps the lands and magic is forbidden, all Bleak wants is a cure for her power.

Still grieving the death of her guardian and dangerously self-medicating with alcohol, Bleak is snatched from her home by the Commander of the King’s Army, and summoned to the capital.

But the king isn’t the only one interested in Bleak’s powers.

The leader of an infamous society of warriors, the Valia Kindred, lays claim to her as well, and Bleak finds herself in the middle of a much bigger battle than she anticipated.

 

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Release Date: 31st August 2017 

 

Why Am I Waiting?

I have to admit it was the cover of this book which tempted me to look at this book. I adore the royal blue and the simple and delicate gold pattern. I have read a fellow bloggers positive thoughts on this book, and I am always up to trying a YA fantasy with forbidden magic, kings and a society of warriors.