Tuesday 30 June 2015

Author Spotlight - Cassia Brightmore + Flash Giveaway!!

Malevolent (Darkness, #1) by Cassia Brightmore
Release Date: February 28th, 2015
Genre: Dark, Thriller, Romance
Darkness has a seductive power, a delicious energy that sinks its claws in deep. Once the devil has a hold of you, true malevolence is born.

Sheriff Brady James has sworn to protect the small town of Durham Heights, his current priority to ruthlessly hunt a sadistic killer on the loose. With lives at stake, his focus is split between two beautiful women - one dark, one light. The clock is ticking, the threat palpable; crawling closer at every turn. Once death has you in its sights, there is no escape.

Pain. Suffering. Lives shattered and broken. In the fight of good against evil, who will survive?

This is the first book in the Darkness series, a wishing evil upon others novel that can be read as a standalone.

Due to mature content and violent situations, this book is recommended for readers 18 years and up.



And that^ is the cover for the second book in the Darkness series! I'll post buy links below if you've already read Malevolent.
Amazon // iBooks // B&N

The lovely Cassia Brightmore has offered up two copies of EVANESCE for me to give away here so go ahead and enter below! :)



Top Ten Tuesday: Books I've Read in 2015


Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Every week they post a new topic that the participants come up with a top ten list for.
This week topic is:
 Top Ten Books I've Read So Far In 2015
 
 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18453118-house-of-the-rising-sunhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20924711-city-of-eternal-night

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18506004-forest-of-whispershttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22718738-becoming-jinn

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17904985-gates-of-thread-and-stonehttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20553857-the-infinite

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22608277-the-witch-of-painted-sorrowshttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18105451-frostfire

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17134589-the-conspiracy-of-ushttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6234910-the-iron-thorn


Monday 29 June 2015

Book Review: 5 to 1 by Holly Bodger

5 to 1 by Holly Bodger
Publication Date: May 12th, 2015
Format: eARC from Netgalley

In the year 2054, after decades of gender selection, India now has a ratio of five boys for every girl, making women an incredibly valuable commodity. Tired of marrying off their daughters to the highest bidder and determined to finally make marriage fair, the women who form the country of Koyanagar have instituted a series of tests so that every boy has the chance to win a wife.

Sudasa doesn’t want to be a wife, and Kiran, a boy forced to compete in the test to become her husband, has other plans as well. Sudasa’s family wants nothing more than for their daughter to do the right thing and pick a husband who will keep her comfortable—and caged. Kiran’s family wants him to escape by failing the tests. As the tests advance, Sudasa and Kiran thwart each other at every turn until they slowly realize that they just might want the same thing.

This beautiful, unique novel is told from alternating points of view—Sudasa’s in verse and Kiran’s in prose—allowing readers to experience both characters’ pain and their brave struggle for hope.


https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18588998-5-to-1?from_search=true&search_version=service_impr


 I feel like it's sort of becoming a trend for a story to be written in different point of views. I remember thinking, when I was younger, how much of a taboo that was. I can't recall if that was from a 'how to write' book but I wouldn't be surprised if that was the case due to the fact that I read many of them in my youth in hopes that I could learn how to be a better writer... but I digress. It seems like a lot of people seen multiple point of views distracting and confusing to some. I guess, in a way, they were right. If it's not written properly I can see how it can be complex really quick. Even so it might not be something that everyone can adjust to. In a way, it's a good example on how things can change.

This book focused on two people: Sudasa and Kiran. Sudasa is of age and and is due to find a husband to call her own. This goal is the opposite of what she would like to achieve in her life but she knows how difficult it would be not doing so. After all, in her world, females are a rare commodity. Her parents only want the best for her so she'll live in comfort and will never have to worry about starving. Kiran is one of the boys that are lined up to earn her hand in marriage. Many boys do their best to do just that... except for him. In fact, he loves to do anything but. His goal is to fail so that he could finally escape this restrictive city. But things go south when Sudasa find herself interested in Kiran for his kindness (not 'falling in love' sort of interest) and they both realize that, maybe, they're reaching towards the same goal.

There's not much I can say about this book although not because I didn't like it. This book is one that you must experience yourself. I fell in love with how it's written. The author wrote in two different styles: the usual paragraph style and poetry. It's charming and unique in its own way. In fact I thought of it on how the character naturally thinks. I found myself thinking of Sudasa as a sort of charming and sweet girl who is very intelligent. With Kiran, I saw him as a tough kid who, despite knowing his planned destiny since he was young, was determined to get what he wanted but not in an arrogant sort of way.

In essence, though, I felt like the way each chapter was written in Sudasa's and Kiran's point of view was a clever way to see what sort of personality they have. I hope that makes sense.

I love reading on both of these characters. I think it adds in a bit more depth to the story rather than just sticking to one POV. I love it and I feel like more people should read this story ASAP. I think one of the downsides is that the story felt sort of short for me. I wanted to learn more about these two characters. I still do. I want to know what will become of those two.

Some people might not like the poetry side of this book. I know that I don't read books by Ellen Hopkins' stories just because I just can't focus long enough because it's mostly, if not all, all written fully in poetry. But I didn't feel pushed away from the book because of the poetry. In fact, that was one of my favorite parts of this book. So, even if you are wary about poetry based books, I'd recommend trying this out.




Fearless Blog Tour! Guest Post + Giveaway


Fearless by Annie Jocoby
(Fearless #1)
Publication date: July 15th 2014
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance
*Warning* Strong language and sexual situations. Ends in MAJOR cliffhanger. Not for the faint of heart. :)

Beautiful heiress Dalilah Gallagher, a former child art prodigy, has lost her way. Harsh criticism in her formative years has left her floundering and without the artistic voice that once centered her life. Now, at the age of 20, she has spent the last nine years trying to reclaim what she lost.

Her struggles lead her to the nude-modeling world in New York City, where she hopes she will find her passion for art again. What she finds is surprising: Her artistic voice isn’t gone, merely misplaced.

Luke Roberts has a different problem. Raised by a solid, working-class fisherman in Maine, Luke is a gifted artist struggling to get a foothold in the busy New York City art scene. His gifts attract the attention of a wealthy benefactor, Blake Nottingham, who finds himself fascinated with Dalilah. Nottingham commissions Luke to provide him with a piece of art: A painting of Dalilah.

As the two young artists fall in love, Dalilah finds her artistic voice once more, so she’ll do anything to help Luke find the prominence he deserves. This leads to a dangerous game of deceit that puts Dalilah in Nottingham’s clutches when she tries to manipulate him into helping Luke.

Nottingham isn’t easily manipulated, though, and things go seriously awry for Dalilah. What happens when the manipulated becomes the manipulator?

This is a New Adult Contemporary Romance. Age groups are 18+. It has some sexually explicit scenes.

Amazon // B&N


Author Guest Post: Top 5 Inspirational Book Characters

1) Hazel Grace Lancaster from Fault in Our Stars. Loved her smart mouth and her resilience in the face of unrelenting tragedy.

2) Hope from Colleen Hoover’s Hopeless. She’s smart, ethical and a bit of a badass. I loved her backstory, too.

3) Meggie Cleary from The Thornbirds. Nobody should have to deal with what she did, but she survived anyhow.

4) The narrator (nameless) in Fight Club. Loved the way that he handled the boredom of his life and how he brought his life meaning. Sure, he brought his life meaning by fighting underground and blowing up buildings, but that’s what makes him interesting!

5) Ana Steele. She was strong enough to tame the beast. 

Annie Jocoby is the author of 8 contemporary romance novels and 3 New Adult contemporary romance novels. Her motivation to begin writing these novels is that she was interested in writing about rich men who actually love and respect their women. Her heroes are alpha and damaged, yet also genuinely good guys.

Ryan, Nick, Luke and Asher are all complicated characters who have experienced plenty of darkness, yet always seek the light. They would all go to the ends of the earth to protect the women they love. And they’re all sexy, enigmatic, magnetic and great in bed.

All of Annie’s books have things in common: they all combine a touch of mystery and intrigue with drama, love, and lots of hot sex. Some of the books have action and even some criminal elements in them. Her current book, in fact, is her first book that would be classified as straight romantic suspense, although it also combines definite elements of the thriller genre! If you’re in the market for a book that is fast-paced, where the heroes are beautiful and wealthy, and the heroines are strong, vulnerable and flawed, then try these books out!


Website // Goodreads // Facebook

J.L. Berg's Ready Series Summer Sale!

readysale

Stock up your e-reader this summer with J.L. Berg's Ready series - all four novels are on sale now for a limited time only! All four books standalone - you can to go back to the beginning with Logan and Clare's story in When You're Ready, or even get to know Mia and Garrett in Ready for You first. But make sure to grab them now for these summer sale prices!

whenyoureready

*SUMMER SALE! Limited Time Only!*
Years after suffering the tragic loss of her husband, Ethan, which left her alone to raise their young daughter, Clare Murray still holds the last letter he wrote with the words "When You're Ready" written in his familiar messy handwriting, unable to break its weathered seal. Ready for what? He was her entire world, and Clare had accepted a life without him, without love. Until years later, fate brings her to an emergency room, and face to face with a stormy-eyed doctor intent on changing her mind.


Son of a billionaire, Logan Matthews has spent his life trying to make his absentee father proud. Without a family to depend on, all he's ever wanted is a place to call home. After a failed marriage, Logan believes he's unworthy of love...until he meets a woman who awakens his spirit and transforms his entire life in an instant.


But how far are Clare and Logan willing to go for love? Can his love mend the pieces of her grieving heart?


When their love is tested, is Clare ready to put her whole heart on the line again? Can Logan learn the true meaning of love, even if it means sacrificing his own happiness? When a second chance at love is given, Clare and Logan learn you are never truly ready until you're ready to risk it all.

The first novel in the Ready series. Each novel can be read as a standalone.


neverbeenready
*SUMMER SALE! Limited Time Only!*
Leah Morgan was done with men. After barely surviving a horrendous childhood, and a boyfriend who bailed when things got rough, Leah had given up on love. Then she met him, Hollywood’s new golden boy who suddenly had eyes only for her. She tried to convince herself that one night couldn’t hurt, but after six months, the memories of his mesmerizing gaze and searing touch still invaded her every thought.


Declan James had just one rule when it came to women. Keep it simple, and never linger. That all changed the moment he met Leah. Even across a crowded bar, he could tell she was different. Sweet, with just the right amount of sass, she made him break his golden rule and now he couldn’t walk away.


When casual becomes anything but, and emotions run deep, will Leah and Declan fight their fears, or let old insecurities tear them apart? When Declan’s past comes roaring back in a way neither of them could have expected, will they stand united or be torn apart by the challenges that lie ahead?


It was only supposed to be one night, but only forever will do.

The second novel in the Ready series. Each novel can be read as a standalone.

readyforyou

*SUMMER SALE! Limited Time Only!*
A second chance at first love.

Eight years ago, Garrett Finnegan’s world shattered the day Mia vanished from his life. He’s been struggling to pick up the pieces ever since. Haunted by memories and ghosts of the past, he chooses a solitary existence rather than risk his heart again.

Mia Emerson has made one wrong decision after another but none worse than walking away from the boy who stole her heart so long ago. When her new life is turned upside down, she finds herself returning to her roots and the hometown she left behind. Maybe now she can find a way to heal from the devastating mistakes of her past.

When a chance encounter brings these former lovers together, passion reignites in a way neither is prepared for. Can Garrett move beyond his anger and find a way to forgive? Will Mia’s insecurities and fears cause her to once again flee the life she’s destined to live?

Garrett and Mia will soon discover that they must journey into the past to find their way home.

The third novel in the Ready series. Each novel can be read as a standalone. 




readyornot*SUMMER SALE! Limited Time Only!*
When love comes knocking, will they be ready, or not?

Born into wealth and privilege, free-spirited Liv Prescott left it all behind when she realized there was more to life than living off of trust funds and barely skating by. Since then, she's worked and fought for everything she's earned and never looked back at the world or the family she left behind.

Jackson Reid is starting over with a new job in a brand new city. A single father to his son Noah, he hopes the change will help strengthen the bond that has seemed to suffer since puberty reared its ugly head. What he hadn't planned on was Liv--his exotic next-door neighbor who drives him insane with her wild, new age lifestyle, but still manages to leave him aching for more.

As challenges arise and feelings intensify, will these neighbors be able to look past their differences and find a middle ground?

The fourth book in the Ready Series. Each novel can be read as a standalone.


 J.L. Berg is the USA Today bestselling author of the Ready Series. She is a California native living in the beautiful state of historic Virginia. Married to her high school sweetheart, they have two beautiful girls that drive them batty on a daily basis. When she's not writing, you will find her with her nose stuck in a romance novel, in a yoga studio or devouring anything chocolate. J.L. Berg is represented by Jill Marsal of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency, LLC.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Newsletter

Friday 26 June 2015

Book Review: Material Girls by Elaine Dimopoulos

Material Girls by Elaine Dimopoulos
Publication Date: May 5th, 2015
Format: eARC from NetGalley

In Marla Klein and Ivy Wilde’s world, teens are the gatekeepers of culture. A top fashion label employs sixteen-year-old Marla to dictate hot new clothing trends, while Ivy, a teen pop star, popularizes the garments that Marla approves. Both girls are pawns in a calculated but seductive system of corporate control, and both begin to question their world’s aggressive levels of consumption. Will their new “eco-chic” trend subversively resist and overturn the industry that controls every part of their lives?

Smart, provocative, and entertaining, this thrilling page-turner for teens questions the cult like mentality of fame and fashion. Are you in or are you out?


https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22749847-material-girls

I really really loved this book. I wish there was a better way to show just how much I loved this book with text because I feel like just saying I loved it just doesn't do it justice.

I first requested for this book because it involved fashion and I have yet to notice a teen fiction novel (as far as I know, at least) that focuses primarily on fashion and how it affects the world around the main character's world. Or, well, maybe I should say 'main characters'. Of course, we do read a little bit about what most main characters are wearing in their respective book but I feel like because the writing has to focus on the actual storyline at hand it doesn't get touched on too much. With this book, it becomes incredibly important to clarify on what the focused characters are wearing to reflect their status in this world.

We get to see this world from two point of views: Marla, a teenager who manages to be part of a group in a huge corporation that allows her to determine what sort of fashions get to be the next trend to the public. At least, for a short while...; Ivy, a teenager who managed to shoot herself up to stardom- something that almost everyone wishes to achieve one day for both the fashion, the money, and the fame. But things are not as what they seem on the outside and Ivy is struggling to keep to her persona while also remaining true to herself before becoming popular.

Needless to say, having the focus be on fashion in this world is fairly unique to say the least. Some of it may even ring familiar to what we go through in real life. In fact, even though there is so much focus on fashion, there are still people who work in other jobs not clothing related. I believe, if I recall, there were some who were secretaries and teachers. It helps keep the world balanced. Sadly, there's little focus on them as most of the characters find them dreadful in comparison to being a part of choosing new fashion creations.

This is certainly a book that not everyone will like though. It is definitely one of those hit or miss reads. There are some couple warnings that I feel like that should bring up related to this book. Many of the characters seem to be fairly addicted to drugs. When I read the book, I kind of interpreted the pills as a sort of... calming drug? Most of the time when it's used, it's meant to help someone relax a bit so they won't mess up. I guess it didn't affect me as much because I use calming pills as well. I'm still jealous that these pills work so fast though (but I'm pretty sure it's unrealistic anyhow). I didn't like how some characters resist taking them because of the connotations behind it. There's nothing wrong with wanting a bit of a boost when it comes to anxiety or being tense.

And, of course, when it comes to fashion... you're more than likely going to hear a bit of slut-shaming. Sadly. that definitely happened in this book, and you're probably going to hear it a bit... especially from Marla, I believe. It's far and few in between, though, but I know that there are some people who will still feel like it's too much. After all, it is 2015... we really shouldn't be shaming someone for what they're wearing. At least when it comes to how much skin they're showing, that is. I hope this makes sense. Although this could be used as a lesson in collaboration on how people shouldn't be judged for what they're wearing even though the clothing isn't mainstream. It's silly.

Overall, though, I enjoyed this book but I know it's not something for everyone. Hopefully this review will help you think on whether this will be the book for you. If you can get past the negative, though, and focus mostly on the positive, I'd go for it. Maybe if you just wanted to read a book that focuses on fashion... this is for you.