Thursday, March 27, 2014

Cover Reveal: My Not So Super Sweet Life (My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century #3) by Rachel Harris

I love this author. I love this series. I want this book. There's nothing more to add to it. #FLIRTSQUAD <3

OH BUT COVER REVEAL!
MY NOT SO SUPER SWEET LIFE


Synopsis:
"Cat Crawford just wants to be normal—or at least as normal as a daughter of Hollywood royalty can be. And it looks like fate is granting her wish: she’s got an amazing boyfriend, Lucas; her fabulous cousin, Alessandra, living with her; and her dad planning his second marriage to a great future stepmom. That is, until her prodigal mother reveals on national television that she has something important to tell her daughter…causing a media frenzy.

Lucas Capelli knows his fate is to be with Cat, and he’s worked hard to win her over once and for all. Unfortunately, Lucas has his own issues to deal with, including a scandal that could take him away from the first place he’s truly belonged.

As secrets are revealed, rumors explode, and the world watches, Cat and Lucas discover it’s not fate they have to fight if they want to stay together…this time, it’s their own insecurities.
Well, and the stalkerazzi."

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MY NOT SO SUPER SWEET LIFE will be published April 21st 2014 by Entangled Teen

Add MY NOT SO SUPER SWEET LIFE to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17930616-my-not-so-super-sweet-life

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Super-Sweet-Life-Entangled-Teen-ebook/dp/B00HTJH9J0

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-not-so-super-sweet-life-rachel-harris/1118048798

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About Rachel Harris

Rachel Harris writes humorous love stories about sassy girls-next-door and the hot guys that make them swoon. Emotion, vibrant settings, and strong families are a staple in each of her books...and kissing. Lots of kissing.

A Cajun cowgirl now living in Houston, she firmly believes life's problems can be solved with a hot, sugar-coated beignet or a thick slice of king cake, and that screaming at strangers for cheap, plastic beads is acceptable behavior in certain situations. She homeschools her two beautiful girls and watches way too much Food Network with her amazing husband.

An admitted Diet Mountain Dew addict, she gets through each day by laughing at herself, hugging her kids, and losing herself in story. She writes young adult, new adult, and adult romances, and LOVES talking with readers!

Find her at the following places

Friday, March 21, 2014

Review: The Iron Traitor (The Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten #2) by Julie Kagawa

Firstly, thanks to Harlequin Teen Australia for this review copy <3



Date Read: October 16 - 27 2013
Release Date: October 29th 2013
Publisher: Harlequin Teen Australia
Source: Review copy via publisher
Genre: Fantasy
My rating: 

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

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

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

---

“The prophecy cannot come to pass without him…”

The Iron Fey series is one of my favourite series of all time. Ash and Meghan are one of my favourite couples ever and Ash is one of my top five book boyfriends. The Call of the Forgotten spin-off had me extremely excited as I’d not only get to see my favourite characters again, grown-up and living their lives, but introduced to new and fresh characters. Whilst The Lost Prince was enjoyable I didn’t find it amazing as I had hoped. Still, I kept my hopes up that The Iron Traitor would bring this spin-off series back up to scratch. Sadly, I felt that it was just like The Lost Prince – at times better, other times worse.

After returning to the human world, Ethan is once again drawn into the Nevernever in search of missing nephew Prince Keirran who is on a quest to save Annwyl. I have absolutely no problems with Ethan’s character. I really like his sarcasm and broodiness. He’s smart, witty and thinks before he acts. Despite his loathing of Ash I actually see quite a few parallels in their personalities – especially in the words department, or well... Lack thereof. Reading from his POV is quite different as he’s the one that thinks; that observes those that are rash and jump into things. Of the trio, he is the most levelheaded and I love that about his character. I must say it’s hard to reconcile him with the adorable little boy with the beautiful big blue eyes from The Iron Fey. Poor guy didn’t choose to get dragged into his nephew’s mess but out of friendship and love he does it anyway. Respect.

I’m not sure who annoyed me more, Kenzie or Keirran. Maybe Kenzie because she really seems to have a death wish but still needs saving. She’s still a damsel in distress even though she doesn’t seem it with her fiery personality. I found her unbearably frustrating with the way she kept insisting on going with Ethan everywhere, rushing into things and thinking she’s all-that because she’s saved “Tough Guy” once. I understand she doesn’t want to hold back because of what she has but half the time she doesn’t consider the consequences and how it reflects on those around her, especially Ethan. I didn’t like Kenzie much in the previous book but I hoped her character would improve in this – that she’d for once think of her actions and that not everybody has to let her way her way because she’s sick. Her YOLO attitude just didn’t cut it for me. It wasn’t independence and strength, it was stupidity.

Keirran. GRRRRR. I want to strangle this kid. Irresponsible, selfish, ungrateful little shit. Let’s be honest. His parents may have something to do with the Forgotten, but he’s in this mess because he couldn’t mind his own business and decided to do some shit stirring. I have no sympathy for his character anymore. There were so many more responsible ways he could have gone about the things he did. The repercussions and gravity of those actions affect everyone and he didn’t think it through at all, just went “I have to do this for Annwyl”. Funnily enough, thinking back, Ash and Meghan did a lot of things with seriously heavy repercussions and yet the way they went about it didn’t aggravate me at all. It could be due to Meghan’s duty as a queen or Ash’s wisdom but I LOVED the way they went about things. I don’t get it.

For me I felt no chemistry with the romances. Felt none between Ethan and Kenzie and none between Keirran and Annwyl. Actually I did feel Annwyl’s devotion but chemistry wise my heart didn’t stutter or pound in any way. Sadlyfe when Ash’s cameo in like the space of a page made me going “OMG OMG ASH ASH ASH <3” and for the rest of the book I was like “meh get on with it” with everybody else. There is no denying the characters all care for each other, and they love one another but I didn’t feel it.

The ending is definitely something to comment on. Sadly for me, I’d just finished a book with an extremely riveting and moving ending prior to The Iron Traitor and I didn’t feel this one. That being said, Kagawa writes the most gripping cliffhangers and despite the various drawbacks of this sequel I AM excited for book three!

The redeeming quality of the book lies in Kagawa’s style. Her pacing is always perfect, thrilling and action-packed. Her writing is flawless, descriptive and imaginative. Her world building is unique and like no other. The Nevernever is one of the most fascinating places I’ve ever read and I love how, each time we enter it, we’re at a new place. I’m amazed at how she comes up with all these weird and wonderful niches in random pockets of the ever changing fey realm. And I love visiting the old places too (and seeing Grimalkin) and bring back memories of another time, when another trio were on their quest.

This wasn’t entirely for me, but I can say many did love this and it’s a must for any Kagawa fan.

“Exiles, Forgotten, even the Nevernever… we will all live on because of you.”

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Waiting on Wednesday #7


Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly blog occurrence hosted by Breaking the Spine and showcases anticipated releases.

I haven't done one of these in FOREVER so it's about time I liven up the blog and do WoW more often.

This week's WoW is from an author whose 2012 debut basically took the YA reading/blogging sphere by storm and added Jase Garrett to every girl's list of amazing book boyfriends. You guessed it (well I hope you did)...




Release Date: April 15th 2014
Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers

Synopsis: "From the author of My Life Next Door comes a swoony summertime romance full of expectation and regret, humor and hard questions.

Gwen Castle's Biggest Mistake Ever, Cassidy Somers, is slumming it as a yard boy on her Nantucket-esque island this summer. He's a rich kid from across the bridge in Stony Bay, and she hails from a family of fishermen and housecleaners who keep the island's summer people happy. Gwen worries a life of cleaning houses will be her fate too, but just when it looks like she'll never escape her past—or the island—Gwen's dad gives her some shocking advice. Sparks fly and secret histories unspool as Gwen spends a gorgeous, restless summer struggling to resolve what she thought was true—about the place she lives, the people she loves, and even herself—with what really is.

A magnetic, push-me-pull-me romance with depth, this is for fans of Sarah Dessen, Jenny Han, and Deb Caletti."

I am so excited for WITWW because Huntley's writing is lovely and her contemporary style and plots are so well thought out - also, this sounds like another perfect summer read!

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Top Ten Tuesday #3



Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created and hosted by The Broke and the Bookish where, each week, a Top Ten list is posted based on a particular topic.

This week's: Top Ten All Time Favorite Books in Fantasy Genre

Fantasy is probably my favourite genre but I don't manage to read as much of it as I do contemporary or paranormal I know it's weird; how can this be my favourite genre when I don't read a lot of it? Since I only read YA, I've found that there are very few pure fantasy YAs - as in set completely in a fantasy world rather than someone in reality who steps into a fantasy world, so I'm going to include some that have paranormal crossovers.

I'm most likely going to name the series because it's the whole series that makes it fantastic and my favourite - although the ability of book 1 to draw me in is really important.

1. Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas

But more specifically CROWN OF MIDNIGHT OMG <3 I cannot wait for Heir of Fire I need more Celaena and Chaol!!!
Maas has created an amazing world that glitters and shines but is also full of darkness and bloodshed. From a castle made of glass with a tyrannical king to the 18-yo assassin that is reputed to be the deadliest assassin in Adarlan comes a beautifully woven tale full of intrigue, mystery and heartache.

2. The Grisha trilogy by Leigh Bardugo

Oho the DARKLING <3 Shadow & Bone, the first book in the series definitely stands as my favourite of the series yet. I can't believe this series finishes this year!
Set in a world that is similar to Russia, those born with a magical affinity are taken in to be trained under the Darkling's Second Army - a privilege that puts them above commoners. Our protagonist possesses the ability to open the Fold, a place of darkness filled with horror that is constantly growing. Under the direction of the seductive Darkling she ventures into the world of the Grisha and ohhhhh the story that unfolds is just glorious.

3. Covenant series by Jennifer L. Armentrout

I know this one is more paranormal/mythology but I think the combination of the two makes this fantasy too!
I adore, adore, adore this series. Aiden St Delphi and Chaol Westfall (from Throne of Glass) are tied as my #1 book boyfriends and Covenant stands as one of my favourite series of all time. I can re-read this forever and not get sick of it.

4. The Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa

Best. Faery. Series. EVER. Ash <33333333333
The series just kept getting better and better!
Half-mortal, half royal Summer fey, Meghan Chase starts of as a bit of a flaky character but I love her change and growth after she ventures into the Nevernever to save her brother.

5. Fire and Thorns series by Rae Carson

Can't believe I waited this long to read this series. I was really hesitant as book 1 got really mixed/negative reviews but everybody said the series really picked up. I finished book 1 in 1 day and book 2 in 1 day as well! I should have bought them all in one go. Waiting on my book 3 to arrive now! Hectorrrr.

6. The Lumatere Chronicles by Melina Marchetta


I've actually only read the first book in this series but I do own them all. I LOVED book 1, I don't think it's possible for Marchetta to write a book that I don't like.

7. The Lotus War by Jay Kristoff

GIVE. ME. ENDSINGER.

8. The Fever series by Karen Marie Moning

This series is more UF/paranormal but it IS abour faeries and the protagonist does at times venture into other-worldy realms. This is my favourite adult paranormal series and Barrons is my ultimate alpha!

9. Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

I'm not sure why so many people don't like this because this has been one of my favourite books of all time. I'll admit however that I wasn't able to read the rest of the series - I really didn't like those and couldn't get into them. But yes book 1 is lovely and Marr's writing is so eloquent.

10. Deltora Quest by Emily Rodda

Ahhhh my first ever foray into the world of fantasy. As a child I hated the covers (actually, I still do) but adored the stories - don't judge a book by its cover really applies here lol. One of the best fantasy series of all time.

Saturday, March 8, 2014

Review: Kinslayer (The Lotus War #2) by Jay Kristoff

Firstly, thanks to Pan Macmillan Australia for this review copy <3



This review contains mild spoilers for Stormdancer but not for Kinslayer

Date Read: August 20 - 27 2013
Release Date: September 1st 2013
Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia
Source: ARC via publisher
Genre: Fantasy
My rating: 

Synopsis:
"A SHATTERED EMPIRE
The mad Shōgun Yoritomo has been assassinated by the Stormdancer Yukiko, and the threat of
civil war looms over the Shima Imperium. The Lotus Guild conspires to renew the nation’s broken
dynasty and crush the growing rebellion simultaneously – by endorsing a new Shōgun who desires
nothing more than to see Yukiko dead.

A DARK LEGACY
Yukiko and the mighty thunder tiger Buruu have been cast in the role of heroes by the Kagé
rebellion. But Yukiko herself is blinded by rage over her father’s death, and her ability to hear the
thoughts of beasts is swelling beyond her power to control. Along with Buruu, Yukiko’s anchor is Kin,
the rebel Guildsman who helped her escape from Yoritomo’s clutches. But Kin has his own secrets,
and is haunted by visions of a future he’d rather die than see realized.

A GATHERING STORM
Kagé assassins lurk within the Shōgun’s palace, plotting to end the new dynasty before it begins.
A waif from Kigen’s gutters begins a friendship that could undo the entire empire. A new enemy
gathers its strength, readying to push the fracturing Shima imperium into a war it cannot hope to
survive. And across raging oceans, amongst islands of black glass, Yukiko and Buruu will face foes no
katana or talon can defeat.

The ghosts of a blood-stained past."

---

“We will all turn the waters red when we bathe once this is finished.”

Why is this book called Kinslayer? Seriously Kristoff named it wrong. Heartslayer would be more accurate. Because he did just that. Took my heart and slayed it. Slashed it to pieces. Slowly and torturously. And I loved every moment of it. I’ve mentioned I’m a book masochist right?

As the sequel to his stunning 2012 fantasy debut, Kristoff had a lot to live up to. I absolutely adored Stormdancer and I’d never read a fantasy quite like it! So you can imagine my absolute fear when I received Kinslayer in the mail. I mean I was debating whether I should even request a review copy because I was so SCARED. But you know what? Kristoff blew me away. IZANAGI’S BALLS Kinslayer was even better than Stormdancer, how is that possible? My feels were an infinite amount more heightened, my swearing increased exponentially, my laughing progressed to cackling and I 100% mastered my “WTF” face.

Let’s start with our protagonist. Yukiko. Damn this girl is kick-ass! She is so strong, resilient, selfless, brave and at the core just a 16-year-old girl who had her heart broken so WHYYYYY would you put her through so much Kristoff? She took on a LOT in Stormdancer. But Kinslayer? Yukiko goes above and beyond what any heroine needs to face. In the bleakest of times, she doesn’t stop fighting, she keeps persevering and pushing forward despite fates worse than death just a hair breadth away. I loved her growth from Stormdancer, and her continuous growth in Kinslayer.

When Buruu was first introduced in Stormdancer, he was limited to nouns and growls. His growth throughout and into Kinslayer has been amazing. He is now an arashitora that speaks in eloquent sentences, but the most amazing thing is his humanity. There is no denying his care and devotion to Yukiko and their cause. What I adore most about Buruu is his humour. Kristoff has interwoven Kinslayer with Buruu’s humour and sarcasm, giving the book the balance it needs to its sometimes depressing content.

“TELL THEM IT IS RUDE TO STARE. EVEN AT MAGNIFICENCE.”

Kristoff introduces some new characters to the story line and also puts more emphasis on the secondary characters as a mechanism to show the events around Shima. There’s Michi, the girl from the Kage who continues the work of the rebellion; there’s Kin who plays a very integral part in this story as he struggles with his Guildsman teachings and wanting to be part of the Kage but always an outcast; and new additions Hana, her brother Yuri and his boyfriend Jurou are three people who completely moved me with their plot lines from the slums of Shima.

“Be it made of scales or brass, a snake who sheds his skin is still a snake.”

One of the things I didn’t like about Stormdancer was the over-flowery language style that I felt went right over my head. Either Kristoff downplayed it in Kinslayer or I’ve grown accustomed to it because I adored the writing in Kinslayer – sophisticated, powerful and so much imagery that accentuated the stunning world-building.

So a rebellion is rising, there’s apparently a new Shogun and rumour has it it’s someone familiar – oh dear – and while all this is happening in a crumbling Shima, Yukiko and Buruu are flying across oceans trying to understand a mystery of their own. Phew, that’s a lot happening in one book; it certainly kept me on the edge of my seat. Wait til you get to the bombshell *cackles* I fell off my seat. I will say no more about the complex and delectable plot!

If you haven’t read Kinslayer yet, READ IT. If you haven’t even heard of Stormdancer… Well, I don’t know you.

“The lotus must burn.”