Cover Reveal - Playing for Keeps

Today I am revealing the cover for Playing For Keeps by Emma Hart which is the sequel to the New York Times and US Today bestselling novel The Love Game. I love all Emma's books and they always have beautiful covers and it appears that this is no exception.

 

Playing For Keeps by Emma Hart

Synopsis

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Emma Hart, comes the second book in The Game series, and the story everyone wanted after The Love Game…

She's in love with him. 
He's trying not to love her. 
One night changes everything.

Aston Banks never meant to get close to Megan Harper – not even for that one night. Haunted by a childhood he refuses to face, he knew she could break through every wall he’d ever built and tear them down without even realising she was doing it.

Betraying Braden by starting a relationship with Aston wasn’t on Megan’s to-do list, but the second she sees a glimpse of someone other than the arrogant ass she’s come to know, she can’t walk away.

Aston’s childhood is worse than Megan ever guessed, but as he tries and fails to push her away, it’s clear her love is stronger than the demons that cling to him every day. And now, because of it, he finally has to deal with what he’s buried deep down.

What he doesn’t want to face. What he’s fought against for so long.

And they have to do it all without Braden finding out.

Keeping a relationship secret has never been harder.

**This book can be read as a standalone novel, but reading The Love Game (The Game, #1) beforehand is advised.)

Excerpt

“If you’re trying to hide, babe, then you’re failing. I can see you.” Aston’s words crawl over me in a smooth caress, making my throat dry up and my blood boil simultaneously.

“Why would I be hiding?” I sit up and look forward, determined not to meet his eyes.

He shrugs a shoulder carelessly, twirling a pen between his fingers. I catch his every movement from the corner of my eye. His eyes are burning into the side of my head - they’re begging me to turn, begging me to look.

“Because you want me so badly you can’t bear to see me,” he says in a dramatic tone with a touch of arrogance.

My back straightens. “Clearly someone has been feeding your ego again,” I reply dryly. “Because I don’t remember ever telling you I want you.”

His bicep brushes mine as he leans forward. “Is that so?” he asks, his voice low and barely perceptible.

I fight the urge to drop my eyes to the desk. “Damn right it is.”

A fingertip trails down the back of my arm, the tingling feeling making me fight against a shiver.

“I think you’re wrong,” he whispers. “Because I’m pretty sure you said you wanted me on Saturday night – right before you dug those nails of yours into my back and wrapped your pretty little legs around my waist.”

My head snaps round to him, and our faces are inches apart. His lips are curled in a slightly smug smile, and I hate the fact that’s where my eyes fell first. I drag them away from his mouth and across the sharp planes of his face until they meet his smoky eyes.

I remember why I didn’t want to look at him. His eyes have the power to entrance me and to break me. Right now it’s the former – the silvery hint at the edge of his iris pulling me in and holding me captive. I remember why, from the first touch of his lips against mine on Saturday night, nothing could have stopped us happening.

 

About the Author

 

By day, New York Times and USA Today bestselling New Adult author Emma Hart dons a cape and calls herself Super Mum to a terrible two year old and growing bump, due September 2013. By night, she drops the cape, pours a glass of juice and writes books.
She likes to write about magic, kisses and whatever else she can fit into the story. Sarcastic, witty characters are a must. As are hot guys.

Emma is currently working too many books to even count - including Playing for Keeps, the companion book to New York Times and USA Today bestselling novel, The Love Game. She likes to be busy - unless busy involves doing the dishes, but that seems to when all the ideas come to life.

Find Emma online at:

Blog: http://www.emmahart93.blogspot.com/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/YAAuthorEmmaHart

Twitter: @EmmaHartAuthor

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6451162.Emma_Hart

Review of Delirium (Debt Collector #1)

Delirium

Synopsis

What’s your life worth on the open market?
A debt collector can tell you precisely.

Lirium plays the part of the grim reaper well, with his dark trenchcoat, jackboots, and the black marks on his soul that every debt collector carries. He’s just in it for his cut, the ten percent of the life energy he collects before he transfers it on to the high potentials, the people who will make the world a better place with their brains, their work, and their lives. That hit of life energy, a bottle of vodka, and a visit from one of Madam Anastazja’s sex workers keep him alive, stable, and mostly sane… until he collects again. But when his recovery ritual is disrupted by a sex worker who isn’t what she seems, he has to choose between doing an illegal hit for a girl whose story has more holes than his soul or facing the bottle alone—a dark pit he’s not sure he’ll be able to climb out of again.

Contains mature content and themes. For YA-appropriate thrills, see Susan’s Mindjack series.

Delirium is approximately 12,000 words or 48 pages, and is one of nine episodes in the first season of The Debt Collector serial. This dark and gritty future-noir is about a world where your life-worth is tabulated on the open market and going into debt risks a lot more than your credit rating. For more about the Debt Collector serial, see www.DebtCollectorSeries.com

Delirium (Debt Collector 1) on Amazon

Review

This book is very short as it is the first novella in a “serial”. This means it feels like the first few chapters of a book and that is how it is supposed to be. It was definitely a good start to the story and introduced the world and characters well.

Due to the length this book was mainly just an introduction to the story. There was a hint of action and a hint of possible future romance but it was pretty much just introducing the characters. I hope that the next segment of this story fulfils the promises that this book has made. It does seem like all the Debt Collector books together will make an incredible story.

I loved the feel of the world in which this story is set. The author calls this genre future- noir which seems to basically be sci-fi with an old fashioned twist. For me this set Delirium apart and made it very unique. I am looking forward to reading more about Lirium and the Debt Collector world.

*I received a copy of the book via netgalley in exchange for an honest review, this has not affected my opinions or rating in any day*

Waiting on Wednesday - Siege and Storm

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine and it allows readers to share the books that they are most looking forwards to reading.

This week the book I have chosen to feature is Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo.

Title: Siege and Storm

Author: Leigh Bardugo

Series: The Grisha #2

Publication date: 6th June (UK), 4th June (US)

Publisher: Indigo (UK), Henry Holt and Co. (US)

Links: Goodreads | Amazon UK | Amazon





Synopsis

Darkness never dies.

Hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land, all while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. But she can’t outrun her past or her destiny for long.

The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abandoned, determined to fight the forces gathering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling’s game of forbidden magic, and farther away from Mal. Somehow, she will have to choose between her country, her power, and the love she always thought would guide her–or risk losing everything to the oncoming storm.

My Thoughts

I very recently read the first book of this series Shadow and Bone that was first released in the UK last year under the title The Gathering Dark. I really loved it and I can't wait to read more about Alina, Mal and of course The Darkling. It was so unique with the Russian style fantasy world and I need more.

Guest post by Jeff Norton: YA SciFi - Unleashing Imagination

Today I am very happy to have on my blog Jeff Norton, the author of the action-packed dystopian/thriller series MetaWars. I currently have the first book in the series Fight For The Future at the top of my to be read pile and it sounds AMAZING. Look out for a review coming in the near future.

MetaWars series by Jeff Norton

 

Synopsis

 

In an unforgiving future, two warring factions – the MILLENNIALS and the GUARDIANS – are locked in a brutal battle over control of an online virtual world called the Metasphere.

 

Jonah Delacroix has always known which side he’s on – the same side as his dead father. But when he assumes his father’s avatar, he learns that things aren’t as black and white as he once believed. He’s catapulted into a full-throttle race through both worlds – but can he find the truth?

 

Book 1 - Fight For The Future - Amazon| Amazon UK
Book 2 - The Dead are Rising - Amazon| Amazon UK
Book 3 - Battle of the Immortal - Amazon| Amazon UK

 

YA SciFi - Unleashing Imagination by Jeff Norton

 

At the London Book Fair last month, a snooty publisher (who shall remain nameless) asked me why I write books for “teenagers.”  I was struck by the judgmental tone contained in his question.  He said ‘teenagers’ the way one might say ‘earwig’ - small, icky, and insignificant.

I write for young people for a number of reasons, but primarily because I was such a reluctant reader as an adolescent; and the forever-nameless publisher in question should be happy that I do.  Children’s and young adult authors like me groom the next generation of his readers.

It’s my hope that my young readers graduate out of my books and become lifelong readers; effectively his customers. I’m actually surprised he didn’t thank me.  But it’s also my hope that my readers grow up to change the world for the better.

I’m currently writing the fourth book in the MetaWars saga, a high-tech thriller series for readers aged nine to ninety. Depending on the bookshop, the books are shelved in the 9-12, teen, or science fiction sections.  The books explore a speculative, dystopian future where whoever controls the internet controls the world.

I like to think that my high-tech tales are a kind of brain-training for innovative young minds.   

The great thing about science fiction (including dystopian fiction) is that it requires the reader to imagine a world different from our own.  It asks “what if?”  That thought process, the ability to imagine the world to be different from its current state, is the underlying premise behind all innovation and scientific achievement. Imagining the world to be different is the first step on the long journey to changing the world.

Young readers today are inheriting a world beset with challenges they did not create, but will be required to address.  Innovating thinking requires imagination, and by immersing themselves in an alternate version of reality, conjuring up a fictional world in the theatre of the mind, my readers are strengthening the synapses in their brains.  The solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges will spring from these nascent neurological connections so that we can avoid any of the dystopian futures spelled out in today’s fiction.

The question I should have asked that snooty publisher was, “why don’t you publish for children and teens?”  

Jeff Norton is the author of the MetaWars saga. The third book publishes May, 2013 from Orchard Books.  He can be found at www.jeffnorton.com and tweeting at @thejeffnorton.

 

Review by Hannah - Ink

Synopsis

On the heels of a family tragedy, the last thing Katie Greene wants to do is move halfway across the world. Stuck with her aunt in Shizuoka, Japan, Katie feels lost. Alone. She doesn’t know the language, she can barely hold a pair of chopsticks, and she can’t seem to get the hang of taking her shoes off whenever she enters a building.

Then there’s gorgeous but aloof Tomohiro, star of the school’s kendo team. How did he really get the scar on his arm? Katie isn’t prepared for the answer. But when she sees the things he draws start moving, there’s no denying the truth: Tomo has a connection to the ancient gods of Japan, and being near Katie is causing his abilities to spiral out of control. If the wrong people notice, they'll both be targets.

 

Review

Katie never wanted to move to Japan—now she may not make it out of the country alive. (Goodreads)

What really drew me to this book was the Japanese setting. I love Japan (although I haven't ever been I would love to go) and hoped the book would give me an insight into what it's like to live in the country. Happily the setting was everything I had hoped it would be - filled with blossom trees in the park, bentou boxes and kendo. It was fascinating to see the cultural conventions and formal customs that the Japanese live by and Katie struggled to get used to. The fact that Katie was forced to live in Shizuoka after the death of her mum, meant she was not only grieving but thrown into a strange  world where even the simplest of tasks or conversations were extremely difficult to get used to.

This new life in Japan was a real struggle for her. As the only blond and non-Japanese speaker, Katie not only stood out, but the strange customs and language also caused her to suffer a few embarrassing moments. Despite this she tried really hard to learn the language and symbols (kanji) and make friends at school. In this respect she was brave, determined and bold. On the downside, her obsession with Tomohiro started off rather stalker-ish. She didn't really know him except that he was dangerous, and yet she still followed him on a number of occasions. I did forgive the fact that she bumped into him accidentally at other times and these incidents made her suspicious of him, but her attraction to him overrode her common sense and own safety. Saying that, I think as a 16 year old, Katie is far more realistic in my eyes than female characters that are all sass and confidence. At her age I would have been lovestruck with Tomohiro (and Jun), and I can accept her feelings and behaviours as a teenager's first experience of love, lust and relationships.

Despite all the mystery surrounding Tomohiro, the plot was slow to start with all the action and excitement happening in the second half of the book. As I really enjoyed reading about Katie's exploration of school, food, the strange moving drawings and general life in Shizuoka, I wasn't too fussed about the lack of action in the beginning.

The fantasy/paranormal element in the story came from Tomohiro's mysterious connection to the mythical Japanese gods or Kami. This was something completely new for me, and mixed in with the gangster underworld of Japan, it was exciting and dangerous at the same time. We only got to see a glimpse of the magical things Kami can do and how Katie ties in with this, and I can't wait to see how this area develops in subsequent books in the Paper Gods series.

If you're interested in all things Japanese, then this is a great read. It's different, filled with the charm and ethereal beauty of Japanese culture, and has plenty of potential to develop with the series.

Stacking the Shelves / Showcase Sunday #15

Showcase Sunday is hosted by Vicky @Books, Biscuits, and Tea and Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews and they both give bloggers the opportunity to share the books they have received in the past week.

I am loving all these books and I can't wait to start reading them all. Click on the pictures to be taken to the goodreads pages so you can learn more. I definitely recommend buying some of these!

Netgalley



The Bone Season

This is an amazing sounding dystopian novel with some paranormal elements. I love the sound of it and it also appears like it may be New Adult. I always like reading NA books of different genres as most are contemporary. I have high nopes for this book.








Bought



Zoey Rogue

I love this author so much. She writes great science fiction & paranormal romance novels. This is her first proper NA book and I am excited to see if I like it as much as I have her adult books.










Safe Word

I stumbled across this the other day when I felt like reading something different and this seemed perfect. I have read this already and it is brilliant. It is amazingly steamy and also has a great storyline.










The Space Between

*Signed paperback*

I have loved other books by this author so when I had the chance to buy a signed copy of her latest paranormal New Adult novel I couldn't pass up the opportunity. I am going to start this very soon as it is one of our group reads for May at the New Adult book club.






Freebies



Offside



Reason to Breathe



Eternal Starling

Won

A while ago I entered a contest run by an author I love to come up with ideas of things using "powers" that could happen in the final book of her series. My idea was chosen and my prize was to see it included in the series finale Earth as well as to receive print copies of all 4 books in the series.

I love this series so much and it is such an honor to see an idea I came up with in the final fight scene of Earth. The author also turned it into such an epic moment, I don't want to give anything away but I will say it is HUGE. I'm really happy to have the books in paperback and Terra also threw in an extra book as a surprise.

What do you think of these books? Is there any you have read or plan to read? Feel free to link to your own posts like this in the comments.

Review of Always Remember

 

Always Remember by Emma Hart

Synopsis

How long does it take for a long-distance relationship to break down? Sixteen months.
When Jen and Carl put their relationship to rest after Christmas, Jen’s biggest problem is going back to London ten days earlier than planned – and her ever-present attraction to Samuel ‘Bing’ Edwards.
Bing has no idea why Jen left Devon so fast. All he knows is that he wants her as much as he did the first day he laid eyes on her – so spending time with her while Lexy is still in Devon isn’t exactly a hardship for him. When he finds out she’s single, the only thing on his mind is finishing what they started at his dad’s fiftieth birthday party.
Feelings that have been a long time building between the two explode, and they both find themselves sucked into an easy yet passionate relationship, with Bing determined to prove to Jen that she’s it for him. That she is The One.
But in a city like London, the odds are stacked against them, and there’s always that one person ready to stir things up… And Jen doesn’t know how much of that she can take – even for the guy she loves more deeply than she ever imagined, and eventually she breaks.
Bing isn’t down with that. He wants Jen, and he wants her by his side for good.

Jennifer Mason must learn that Samuel Edwards doesn’t do giving up. Especially not when his forever girl is involved.

Review

I have loved all the previous books in this series and Always Remember was no exception. Emma always manages to write truly believable romances between two truly believable characters.

Since we first met them in Never Forget I have been wanting to see Jen and Bing's obvious chemistry blossom into something more. They are so great together. Both characters are well written with amazing personalities and their romance is both sweet and passionate.

At times Jen really suprised me. She seemed like such a strong and snarky character in the first two books but at times she seems a bit more vulnerable in this book. Though don't worry, she is still pretty damn feisty!

I love that this book is in dual POV. Most romances like this usually only show us the girls pov but I like to also know what the man is thinking. I feel that when they are written like this you get a truer insight into the romance and it feels deeper.

This book seemed like it might be the last in this (pretty short) series which makes me sad but I trust in the authors ability to create new characters that are equally amazing. I am looking forwards to reading more of Emma Hart's future books and I recommend this series to all NA contamporary fans.

About the Author

By day, bestselling New Adult author Emma Hart dons a cape and calls herself Super Mum to a terrible two year old and growing bump, due September 2013. By night, she drops the cape, pours a glass of juice and writes books.

She likes to write about magic, kisses and whatever else she can fit into the story. Sarcastic, witty characters are a must. As are hot guys. Emma is currently working too many books to even count - including Playing for Keeps, the companion novel to the bestselling The Love Game. She likes to be busy - unless busy involves doing the dishes, but that seems to when all the ideas come to life.

Where to stalk
 

Smashwords Profile Page | Amazon Author Page | Goodreads | Facebook Fan Page | Blog | Twitter : @EmmaHartAuthor

 

Giveaway

Enter to win signed copies of the Memories series. Open internationally!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Angelfall re-release day

Today Hodder & Stoughton officially re-release in paperback one of my favourite self-published books. I first read Angelfall well over a year ago and I am still amazed at how great it was. It has been optioned for a film so hopefully will be brought to the big screen in the near future and the second book is slated for release in October.

Synopsis

The official print edition of the internet phenomenon. Already over 8,000 five star reader reviews. (And counting.)

It's been six weeks since the angels of the apocalypse destroyed the world as we know it. Only pockets of humanity remain.

Savage street gangs rule the day while fear and superstition rule the night.

When angels fly away with a helpless girl, her seventeen-year-old sister Penryn will do anything to get her back...


Goodreads | Amazon UK | Waterstones | Amazon

Mini Review

This book is incredibly unique. It is about angels but it is unlike an other angel book out there. It is dark, gritty and full of action but also has some slight romance to keep everything balanced out. Penryn is kick-ass and possibly one of my favourite characters ever and all the other characters are just fantastic. This paranormal/apocalyptic novel is impossible to dislike. Ee has created a masterpiece that must be read by everyone and you will find few books that can equal its greatness.

Waiting on Wednesday - Gameboard of the Gods

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine and it allows readers to share the books that they are most looking forwards to reading.

This week the book I have chosen to feature is Gameboard of the Gods by Richelle Mead.

Title: Gameboard of the Gods

Author: Richelle Mead

Series: Age of X #1

Publisher: Penguin (UK), Dutton Adult (US)

Publication date: June 6th (UK), June 4th (US)

Links: Goodreads | Amazon UK | Amazon





Synopsis

In a futuristic world nearly destroyed by religious extremists, Justin March lives in exile after failing in his job as an investigator of religious groups and supernatural claims. But Justin is given a second chance when Mae Koskinen comes to bring him back to the Republic of United North America (RUNA). Raised in an aristocratic caste, Mae is now a member of the military’s most elite and terrifying tier, a soldier with enhanced reflexes and skills.

When Justin and Mae are assigned to work together to solve a string of ritualistic murders, they soon realize that their discoveries have exposed them to terrible danger. As their investigation races forward, unknown enemies and powers greater than they can imagine are gathering in the shadows, ready to reclaim the world in which humans are merely game pieces on their board.

Gameboard of the Gods, the first installment of Richelle Mead’s Age of X series, will have all the elements that have made her YA Vampire Academy and Bloodlines series such megasuccesses: sexy, irresistible characters; romantic and mythological intrigue; and relentless action and suspense.

My Thoughts

I love the VA and Bloodlines books by this author and I can't wait to read something new. I sounds interesting and I love the cover. It is apparently a mix of mythology and dystopian and I love books that blend together different genres. I am looking forwards to reading this the second I can get my hands on a copy.

Trophy Husband book blitz with giveaway

Trophy Husband by Lauren Blakely

Synopsis

Sometimes you can't help falling in love, even when you try to do the opposite...Successful fashion blogger McKenna Bell has spent far too long protecting herself after the way her ex-fiancé left her at the altar for a college chick he met the night of his bachelor party. Loving again, trusting again, well, that's just not in the cards. Especially now that her ex is back in town with his new woman, demanding custody of McKenna's favorite creature in the whole world--her dog. No effing way. McKenna's had enough of him, and she decides to even the score by finding her own hot young thing -- a Trophy Husband. Sure, she's only twenty-seven, but doesn't that make it even more fun -- and infuriating to her ex -- to pursue a younger man? When she declares her intentions on her daily blog, her quest quickly skyrockets in popularity, and that's when Chris enters the picture, and he’s got all the assets. He's handsome, successful, and turns her inside out with a kiss to end all kisses, the kind that makes you feel like a shooting star. But loving again could mean losing again, and it's so much easier to focus on getting even, isn't it? Unless, you just can't help falling in love. Which means McKenna will have to come face to face with what she really wants in life -- protecting her heart from hurt, or letting go of her fears of a new beginning.

BN | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon Canada | Smashwords

About the Author

Lauren Blakely is an unabashed fan of clever jokes, toast, and good guys in novels. Like the heroine in Caught Up In Us, she thinks life should be filled with movie kisses and coffee drinks. Lauren lives in California with her husband and children, and spends her days writing both true stories and make-believe ones.

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Lauren Blakely Goodreads

 

Excerpt

 

I could so fall in love with him. I could fall in love with him in a heartbeat. He brings his other hand to my waist, and pulls me in close. He’s seated on the bar stool, and I’m standing as I slide into the V between his legs, his firm thighs now on either side of me. The distance between us narrows, and the temperature rises. Like this, with him so close, I can tell how much he wants me. As much as I want him. I am turned on beyond belief, my skin is so hot, and my body is aching all over with the need to be touched, and he knows it. And just like that, the mood between us here at Circa Rose shifts. It’s no longer flirty, or chatty, or get to know you. We’re no longer a guy and girl confessing to crushes and likes. As he plays with the waistband of my skirt, his hand dipping inside, stroking the bare skin of my hips just above my panties, we are a man and a woman who want to get the hell out of here. The air between us electric, like the moments before a summer storm.

“We don’t need to shoot that promo anymore, do we?” he asks, and his voice is different now too. It’s smoky and low, and as he brings me in closer, I can tell he’s gone to the same place I’ve gone to. Desire. And then the hope that we can take this contact to another level.

“I was really hoping to see your fancy studio though,” I tease.

“It has a nice couch.”

“We could do a lot on a couch.”

“It’s ten blocks away.”

“That’s far,” I say, and I’m keenly aware of how my voice has become a ragged whisper. He has to know what I want right now. Him. His green eyes are dark, shadowed with lust and staring intensely into mine. He’s waiting for me to say more. “But I think I really want to see that couch.”

“Good, because I would really fucking love to make out with you properly right now.”

 

Giveaway

 

Win a charm bracelet and a signed copy of Trophy Husband. I'm sorry but this is US/CAN only but i have other international giveaways if you go on my giveaway page. Good luck.

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Review of Stealing Harper

Synopsis

Chase Grayson has never been interested in having a relationship that lasts longer than it takes for him and his date to get dressed again. But then he stumbles into a gray-eyed girl whose innocence pours off her, and everything changes. From the minute Harper opens her mouth to let him know just how much he disgusts her, he's hooked.

But a princess deserves a Prince Charming who can make her dreams come true. Not a guy who can turn her life into a nightmare.

All good intentions go out the window when Harper starts to fall for the guy Chase has come to view as a brother. He wanted to protect her by keeping her away, but he can’t stand to see her with anyone else, and he’ll do anything to make her his. But when it comes down to Harper choosing between the two, will Chase have the strength to step back from the girl who has become his whole world if it means she’ll be happy?

Lines will be crossed. Friendships will be put to the test. And hearts will be shattered.

Review

Most of you probably know of my love of Taking Chances, the single most beautiful and heartbreaking book I have ever read. Until now. Stealing Harper is part of the story of Taking Chances told from Chase's point of view. Chase whose love for his best friends girl had thousands of readers across the world fall in love with him.

If you haven't yet read the first book I recommend reading my review and then immediately buying the book. However, I have done something a little special with this review so it is good for those who don't want spoilers for the first book and also good for those who have read Taking Chances already and want a more detailed review. The first part is visible and is suitable for all readers. Later sections of the review contain Taking Chances spoilers but are hidden. To see the later paragraphs you must highlight the review.

This book is beautifully written and oh so sad.  Molly McAdams is an incredible writer and has managed to successfully pull off a book that I don't think many people could. The writing is so expressive that you are dragged into the story and feel each characters every emotion.

One of the amazing aspects of this book is that it shows the transformation of someone who starts as just a womaniser into someone who is loyal and loving and crazy for one girl. It seemed very realistic and it was great to see this transformation explained.

Chase is definitely up there with the most lovable male characters ever. He is possibly my number one favourite. I am not normally the type of person to proclaim a book boyfriend but he makes me want to walk around in a t-shirt that says "Mrs Chase Grayson". He is kind, sweet, romantic and even though he messes up a little at times you can see that he truly cares for Harper.

If you are going to read this book then prepare to fall madly in love with the characters and even a little with the author for writing such an incredible book. Also be prepared to be heart broken. I recommend getting a big box of tissues and a feel good movie to watch when you have finished.

*Spoilers ahead!* To view the part of the review that contains huge spoilers for Taking Chances highlight the space below.

I thought Taking Chances was sad. This is by far sadder. For the entire book you know what is going to happen, you know Chase is going to die and that is 1000 times more heartbreaking than his sudden death in Taking Chances. Every single time he did something romantic or thought about how much he loved Harper I nearly burst into tears. As it neared his death I just wanted to throw myself into the story and somehow prevent it all from happening.

This book will make you love Chase so much more than the first book did. Seeing his thoughts and feelings makes it obvious that he is such a wonderful person which makes his death so much harder. There were several moments were I wasn't sure I could read any more as it was just becoming too much for my heart to handle.

I am glad I read it all. It may have been so heart breaking that I may never recover but the story now seems complete. Chase's death scene was the single hardest thing I have ever read and i cried so much into my cats fur it looked like I had given her a bath but it was worth it. It was also worth it just to read more of Molly's amazing writing.

You must read this amazing book. You must read ALL of Molly's books. The next to be released is Forgiving Lies and I have already read the start as it was at the end of this book and I need the rest now. I will just re-read this to feed my Molly McAdams addiction until I can get a copy of her next book.

*I received an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. This has not affected my opinions or my rating in any way*

Review of Requiem For Blood

Requiem For Blood by Alexandra Hope



Requiem for Blood

Synopsis

Seventeen year old Olivia Cohen has always had an appetite for blood and an aversion to the sun as a human and when she is killed by a mysterious young woman, she finds her appetite has heightened and her skin is now burned by the sun. Living her life in a colony with other people who live a "vampire-like" lifestyle, she has grown up hunting humans and believing there is a blood so powerful it will turn them from vampire-like into true vampires.

On one of Olivia's final nights as a human she meets eighteen year old Troy Evans and is immediately drawn to the unique scent of his blood. Now as an actual vampire, she must learn how to suppress her need to hunt and kill for his sake and decide if his unique blood is worth saving from those who seek it.



Review

Requiem for Blood was different to what I was expecting. It is very dark, gory at times and also has several rather sad moments. The book is about Olivia, a teenage girl who has spent her entire life in a colony of humans who want to be vampires. They hide away from the sun and slaughter other humans to then drink their blood in the hope that one day the will become true vampires. Olivia deals with a moral struggle about the life she lives that is only made worse when she is turned into a full vampire.

Despite it being much darker that I expected, I really enjoyed Requiem for Blood. The blurb also made it seem like there would be a stronger element. I thought it was more of a tale of self-discovery and dealing with turning into a monster. The lore about vampires used is this tale was really unique and original. It was very different from what is generally used in books.

All the characters were strong and well developed from Olivia and Troy who I both felt for to all the secondary characters. I recommend this book to everyone who can handle darker elements and wants a unique paranormal tale.

I really hope that this is the start of a series. I want to see more of Olivia and Troy and the world they live in and I hope that they both finally get a happy ever after.

*I received an ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This has not affected my opinions or rating in any way*

 

About the Author

Alexandra Hope was born in New York, raised in Atlanta and has lived in Germany for the past three years. She writes pretty much whatever she feels like and for her debut novel she chose ninja-like vampires. She's a (Linguistic) Anthropology major, language lover, vocalist in a Japanese band and part-time bad fanfic writer.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

Giveaway

Enter to win a signed copy of Requiem For Blood and a $35 amazon gift card. I am not in charge of prize distribution or picking the winners. Good luck!

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Stacking the Shelves / Showcase Sunday #14

Showcase Sunday is hosted by Vicky @Books, Biscuits, and Tea and Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews and they both give bloggers the opportunity to share the books they have received in the past week.

Most of my books this week were won or are freebies but there are i also a few i bought or recieved to review and every book looks amazing.

For Review



Fight For The Future

*Paperback*

An action packed YA sci-fi/dystopian novel. Sometimes i like to mix things up a little and read a fast paced action filled novel that will have my heart racing. This sounds incredible.

 

Thank you to Jeff Norton for the review copy.

 

 

 

 



Drummer Girl

*Paperback*

This is a great sounding contemporary YA about the reality of fame. I can't wait to read this.

Thank you to Jeff Norton for the review copy.









Taking Back Forever

The First book in this series - Grasping At Eternity - was one of my favourite reads last year. It is a YA paranormal romance series about reincartation that i highly recommend. You can check out my review of the first book here.








Bought



Destiny Gift

This is a New Adult paranormal novel set 30 years in the future. I have read it already and it is great and i am very excited for the next book in the series.

This is a contemporary romance that has some darker elements. It is about to be made unavailable by the author so this was my last to chance to get it. It is possibly still available to purchase if you hurry!








Freebies

Links go to Amazon. Thanks to amazon now having a New Adult catagory it is really easy to find freebies.

Vampires by Eva Sloan
Heir Untamed by Danielle Bourdon
Fighting Desting by K.D. Carillo
Voices of the Soul by Rene Folsom
Blackbird by Cheryl McIntyre
Reckless Rescue by Rinelle Grey
In The Air by Crystal Serowka

Won

I won quite a few books this week in a huge giveaway run by Elle Casey

Firebird by L.K. Rigel
2:20 by Holly Hook
Dreamwalker by Marie Rachel Hooley
New Life Incorporated by Marie Rachel Hooley
Bound by Prophecy by Melissa Wright

What do you think of these books? Is there any you have read or plan to read? Feel free to link to your own posts like this in the comments