Anyone who has followed me for any significant period of time probably knows that I am an avid supporter of the New Adult category and have been from the get go. When it was struggling to get a foothold in the world of publishing and constantly being slammed on blogs and websites I was there fighting its corner.
The term New Adult was coined by St. Martin's Press is 2009 when they ran a contest seeking new material to publish in what they deemed an untapped marketing area. “Since twenty-somethings are devouring YA, St. Martin’s Press is seeking fiction similar to YA that can be marketed as adult—sort of an ‘older YA’ or ‘new adult.’” This initial definition sets NA to be an age category just above that of YA and therefore encompassing a variety of genres.
When New Adult books exploded into popularity in mid to late 2012 they were led by college set contemporary romance such as Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire and Easy by Tammara Webber. At this time there was a large amount of confusion about what exactly New Adult books were and what they weren't.
Here is a post I wrote well over a year ago about what New Adult was and responding to some of the confusion and questions about the category - http://bookishtreasures.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/new-adult-books-what-they-are-why-i.html
I have always personally defined New Adult as a broad reaching age category that can include a wide variety of genres etc. and the main requirement for a book to be NA is character age (basically how most people would define YA but just for characters a few years older.) I would be very rich if I had been given a pound for each time I told someone that NA didn't have to be contemporary, didn't have to be romance led etc.
The problem is that New Adult is changing, well actually it isn't changing and that is what is making it change (a confusing comment I know but I will explain). Though I have always argued that NA doesn't just have to be contemporary romance, the popularity of other NA genres hasn't increased over time as I thought would happen and in fact many non-contemporary NA authors have now started to write only NA contemporary romance as it sells significantly better.
Now when people comment that New Adult books are all contemporary romance, lack variety have very similar plotlines etc. I don't argue anymore. I cant really argue as that is what New Adult is defining itself to be, it is turning into a genre, a subset of romance. If you have a book that doesn't fit into this somewhat narrow mould of New Adult you are better off marketing it to other people (eg. have what you reckon is an NA paranormal romance? Just stick to marketing to the adult paranormal romance fans) as there isn't much success to be found for it in New Adult.
On to why this is a problem for me. I am an incredibly fast reader and therefore get through A LOT of books. Last year about 80% of the books I read were New Adult novels and most of these fit the small mould that the NA category is narrowing itself down into. I now can hardly read a New Adult novel without feeling like I have read exactly the same story many times before. There seems to be about 4 or 5 plot lines that most New Adult novels follow and though I hate to say it I am getting bored. Jamie McGuire, Abbi Glines, J.Lynn, Cora Carmack, Tammara Webber, Katy Evans and a few of the other big names in NA wrote incredible unique books and most new releases (though not all, there are a few gems) seem like weak imitations.
I'm still not giving up hope that the New Adult category will grow and expand but I am no longer under any illusion that will definitely happen.
If like me you are also growing disillusioned with New Adult and want more variety then please please please go and buy a non-contemp or more unique New Adult novel as we, the consumers and readers are what have the power to make the market grow. (You can see some of my recommendations here, here, and here. I also highly recommend my current featured debut novel of the month The Wicked We Have Done by Sarah Harian).
I still plan to support non-contemporary NA novels as there really are some fantastic ones out there. I will still be reading NA contemporary romance also as I DO still like them, I'm just going to be a hell of a lot pickier about which ones I read from now on.
Bookish Treasures Recommends - New Adult Fantasy and Paranormal Romance
22 Mar 2014 Labels: fantasy, favourite books, NA, paranormal, recommendations, romance, Urban fantasy
*2017 Update - please note that this post is now a few years old and several of the books have had cover, price, and potentially even title changes. Particularly covers on this post may not match what you will see on Amazon if you follow through a link to find out more. But don't worry they are still the same books*
Welcome to another new feature here on Bookish Treasures! The aim of Bookish Treasures Recommends is to help YOU find the books you want to read. Each time it will focus on a different genre, or book feature or even books to read after..... I really want to make this so that I am responding to requests people send in so if you are looking for something comment/tweet/email me what you are after and you might get an answer in the next Bookish Treasures Recommends post :)
You probably already know that I am a HUGE New Adult fan and that I am also a huge supporter of non-contemporary NA books. It can often be hard to find New Adult books in the non-contemporary genres as they have a habit of hiding on Amazon. So here are a few of my favourites that I highly recommend if you want to try NA that is a little different. There are quite a few recommendations here so I'm sure everyone will be able to find something that they will love :)
Synopsis
The Mythology department at prestigious Harvard University is tiny—and Mackenzie Duncan has just been selected as one of the lucky few. Her love for myths and legends is deep, but she never thought any of it could be real.
After being attacked by a large wolf while walking home alone, Mackenzie realizes something is not right. She heals quickly, has suddenly become super strong, and is experiencing mood swings that can't possibly be normal. The myths she's studying aren't myths at all. Werewolves are real, and she's one of them. Fear of what she is, and who she might hurt sends Mackenzie running from the life she’s worked hard to build–and straight into the arms of a handsome Were named Geoff and into the home of his pack. Living with her new pack takes the edge off her confusion and self-loathing, but the arrival of new pack members changes the dynamic, and tests Geoff and Mackenzie’s growing relationship.
The hardest part of being a werewolf is to have no control and no memory of her time as a bloodthirsty beast. When a moon cycle passes, and she is actually able to remember bits and pieces of the night, she starts to ask questions, and the more questions she asks, the more she realizes she doesn’t like the answers. Can she set aside her own sense of morals to belong to a pack that is like a family or will she leave everything behind yet again in search of a life she can be proud of?
Amazon | Amazon UK
My Thoughts
My review
A fantastic New Adult twist on werewolf paranormal romance. The best thing about this book (in my opinion) is that there is a large focus on character growth and the paranormal aspects rather than it revolving entirely around the romance.
Synopsis
Around the world, murderers and rapists pick off the innocent. Killing loved ones, separating families, and ruining lives.
As an eight-year-old girl, Ocean witnessed her family’s massacre and something altered inside her. Twisting her genetic code… unlocking an ability to teleport.
Ocean Breeze was never destined to be normal, especially having been named after air-freshener. She’s a shadow, a ghost—a dark saviour of the innocent. Armed with a switchblade in her bra, and a box-cutter in her pocket, she hunts the filth of the world.
Callan Bliss is a Sydney police officer whose skill-set is far above that of a normal cop. All his fellow officers see is a hard worker who loves to catch perpetrators and surf, but that’s because they don’t know about his past. When Callan arrests a suspicious-looking prostitute, he comes face-to-face with a self-confessed vigilante, and suddenly, his secrets aren’t so easy to keep silent.
Ocean hates the police with a passion, and has no intention of being held captive by a cop, even if he is sexy as hell. Teleporting from under his nose, Ocean hunts her next target—a man responsible for the largest sex ring in South Africa—and now he’s about to die. But she doesn’t count on Callan giving chase, nor the body-quaking lust that consumes them. However, Ocean's dark hobbies take precedence over what her heart wants—her thirst for murdering is killing her too, and not even Callan can save her.
Amazon | Amazon UK
My thoughts
The author of this book is an amazingly talented writer and this book is really quite amazing. Ocean is a kick ass character with a dark past and a thirst for ridding the world of evil by whatever means necessary. This book has a fantastic storyline, great characters and is really powerful.
Synopsis
Struggling with her father's death, Nina meets Jared Ryel, presumably by chance. However it soon becomes clear that he knows more about her than even close friends. When her father's former associates begin following her in the dark, Nina learns that her father was not the man she thought he was, but a thief who stole from demons. In searching for the truth behind her father's death, she stumbles upon something she never expected, and something Hell wants, that only she holds the key for. Jared risks everything to keep the women he was born to save, by sharing the secret he was sworn to protect.
My thoughts
Most people have heard of Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire but not as many people realise that she also has a fantastic paranormal romance trilogy. This is probably one of the first NA paranormal novels that I read (a few years ago now!) and it is still one of my favourites.
Amazon | Amazon UK
Synopsis
When destiny fails...
Singer-songwriter Lucy Moore thought her life was perfect. At just twenty-one, she's already met her soul mate and together they've landed a recording contract. But when her father dies and the love of her life betrays her in more ways than one, she returns home to pick up the pieces. On the shores of Mendocino, California, Lucy has some decisions to make. Should she start a solo career? Or should she leave it all behind for some semblance of normalcy in the quiet town she grew up in? And what about Seth, the tortured artist who always seems to be there when she needs him?
Seth Keenan has demons of his own. Eighteen months ago, he was involved in a horrific accident that he never talks about. His career as an accomplished oil-paint artist has been abandoned, replaced by the buzz of his tattoo gun. And women--well, he never sticks around for longer than a few hours of pleasure... until he meets Lucy. After one evening of listening to her seductive voice, he's pulled under. But what about the vow he made to never get close to anyone again?
In a world where everyone has one true soul mate, can these two find love in the arms of each other?
Amazon | Amazon UK
My thoughts
My review
This book I read very recently and this is a great book for those who don't usually read paranormal books as the paranormal elements in Defining Destiny are very light. This is the perfect read for fans of more traditional NA romance who are looking for something a little different.
Synopsis
(In the US Parasite Positive is known as Peeps)
One year ago, Cal Thompson was a college freshman more interested in meeting girls and partying in New York City than in attending class. Then he met a girl called Morgan, they had a fun night together and she passed on a parasite that turns people into ravenous vampires. You know how it goes.
Cal himself is only a carrier, but he's infected the girlfriends he's had since Morgan, and it's now his job to hunt them down before they can create even more of their kind.
Amazon | Amazon UK
Thoughts
Parasite Positive is one of the examples of what we would now call an NA novel being published and doing well several years before the term was invented. This is a favourite book of mine as it has action, romance and an interesting method of story telling. Parasite Positive is a great twist on vampire tales and Cal is an amazing lead character.
Synopsis
Molded by a tragic childhood, nineteen-year-old Rogan finds it extremely difficult to trust people. Now Haydyn, her best friend and the one person she does trust, is dying and only Rogan can save her.
Setting off on a journey to retrieve the plant that will cure Haydyn and subsequently the ills that will befall them all if she dies, Rogan is stuck in close quarters with a protector she distrusts above all others.
Wolfe Stovia.
The son of the man who destroyed Rogan’s family.
At a constant battle of wills with the handsome Captain of the Guard, Rogan just knows this adventure together will be fraught with tension. She never imagined, however, that the quest would be so dangerous… not least of all when she finds herself falling for a man she could have sworn was her no.1 enemy…
(New Adult, Fantasy Romance: recommended for ages 17+ contains mature situations and some strong language.)
Amazon | Amazon UK
My thoughts
Rather than paranormal romance Slumber is more of a traditional fantasy novel and is loosely based on the tale of Sleeping Beauty. Though this is one of Samantha Young's least known books it is my personal favourite. Check out to see why I love it so much.
Synopsis
A sub-species of human beings...
Twenty-year old Julia Wade, a young woman tragically widowed, is in the middle of a bizarre bid between two mythical species who are vying for the unique properties she offers; her blood. The vampires need her to balance the food load of the human species and give them their coveted “Lightwalkers.” The Were wish to be moonless changers; a Rare One can make that a reality.
Julia wants to belong to herself.
Can she free herself and begin a new life?
Amazon | Amazon UK
My thoughts
This book is FREE and simply wonderful. Tamara Rose Blodgett writes wicked paranormal novels with an undercurrent of darkness that gives them something special.
Synopsis
When college student Rena Collins finds herself nose-to-chest with the campus outcast, her rumor-laced notions are shattered. Handsome, considerate, and seemingly sane, Wallace Blake doesn’t look like he spends his nights alone, screaming and banging on the walls of his dorm room. Hell, he doesn’t look like he spends his nights alone, period.
Too curious for her own good, Rena vows to uncover the truth behind Wallace’s madman reputation--and how two seconds of contact had left her with bruises. Of course, there are a few setbacks along the way: guilt, admiration, feelings of the warm and fuzzy variety…
Not to mention the unwanted attention of Wallace's powerful, supernaturally-gifted family.
They’re a bloodline divided by opposing ideals, two soon-to-be warring factions that live in secret among us. When Rena ends up caught in their crossfire, Wallace has no choice but to save her by using his powers. Now they’re really in trouble. With war on the horizon and Rena’s life in the balance, he needs to put some distance between them. But Rena won’t let go. If fighting is what it takes to prove her own strength and keep Wallace in her life, then that’s what she’ll do--even if it means risking a whole lot more than her heart.
Amazon | Amazon UK
My thoughts
My review
This book follows more traditional YA paranormal romance plot tropes but with a New Adult twist. This is a book I would definitely recommend to YA readers looking to try something with a slightly older feel. Rena is a pretty awesome character also.
Synopsis
King Hall — where the Mysticals go to learn their craft, get their degrees, and transition into adulthood. And where four new Rulers will rise and meet their destinies.
Lily Ruckler is adept at one thing: survival. Born a Mystical hybrid, her mere existence is forbidden, but her nightmare is only about to start. Fluke, happenstance, and a deep personal loss finds Lily deeply entrenched with those who would destroy her simply for existing — The Mystical Kings. Being named future Queen of the Shifters shoves Lily into the spotlight, making her one of the most visible Mysticals in the world. But with risk comes a certain solace — her burgeoning friendships with the other three Prodigies: a wicked Vampire, a wild-child Mage, and a playboy Elemental. Backed by their faith and trust, Lily begins to relax into her new life.
Then chaos erupts as the fragile peace between Commoners and Mysticals is broken, and suddenly Lily realises the greatest threat was never from within, and her fear takes on a new name: the revolution.
Amazon | Amazon UK
My thoughts
My review
This fantasy/paranormal romance novel is so amazing. This writer has come across something special with this storyline and the characters are all so loveable. King Hall is pretty light on the romance aspect - it fits in with what would be true to the characters - but if you like your reads to have romance it does blossom quite fully for book 2.
~~~
Feel free to both share what type of book you would like to see next on Bookish Treasures Recommends and also some of your own NA fantasy and paranormal romance recommendations.
Welcome to another new feature here on Bookish Treasures! The aim of Bookish Treasures Recommends is to help YOU find the books you want to read. Each time it will focus on a different genre, or book feature or even books to read after..... I really want to make this so that I am responding to requests people send in so if you are looking for something comment/tweet/email me what you are after and you might get an answer in the next Bookish Treasures Recommends post :)
You probably already know that I am a HUGE New Adult fan and that I am also a huge supporter of non-contemporary NA books. It can often be hard to find New Adult books in the non-contemporary genres as they have a habit of hiding on Amazon. So here are a few of my favourites that I highly recommend if you want to try NA that is a little different. There are quite a few recommendations here so I'm sure everyone will be able to find something that they will love :)
The Tempering by Adrianne James
Synopsis
The Mythology department at prestigious Harvard University is tiny—and Mackenzie Duncan has just been selected as one of the lucky few. Her love for myths and legends is deep, but she never thought any of it could be real.
After being attacked by a large wolf while walking home alone, Mackenzie realizes something is not right. She heals quickly, has suddenly become super strong, and is experiencing mood swings that can't possibly be normal. The myths she's studying aren't myths at all. Werewolves are real, and she's one of them. Fear of what she is, and who she might hurt sends Mackenzie running from the life she’s worked hard to build–and straight into the arms of a handsome Were named Geoff and into the home of his pack. Living with her new pack takes the edge off her confusion and self-loathing, but the arrival of new pack members changes the dynamic, and tests Geoff and Mackenzie’s growing relationship.
The hardest part of being a werewolf is to have no control and no memory of her time as a bloodthirsty beast. When a moon cycle passes, and she is actually able to remember bits and pieces of the night, she starts to ask questions, and the more questions she asks, the more she realizes she doesn’t like the answers. Can she set aside her own sense of morals to belong to a pack that is like a family or will she leave everything behind yet again in search of a life she can be proud of?
Amazon | Amazon UK
My Thoughts
My review
A fantastic New Adult twist on werewolf paranormal romance. The best thing about this book (in my opinion) is that there is a large focus on character growth and the paranormal aspects rather than it revolving entirely around the romance.
Ocean Kills by Jade Heart
Synopsis
Around the world, murderers and rapists pick off the innocent. Killing loved ones, separating families, and ruining lives.
As an eight-year-old girl, Ocean witnessed her family’s massacre and something altered inside her. Twisting her genetic code… unlocking an ability to teleport.
Ocean Breeze was never destined to be normal, especially having been named after air-freshener. She’s a shadow, a ghost—a dark saviour of the innocent. Armed with a switchblade in her bra, and a box-cutter in her pocket, she hunts the filth of the world.
Callan Bliss is a Sydney police officer whose skill-set is far above that of a normal cop. All his fellow officers see is a hard worker who loves to catch perpetrators and surf, but that’s because they don’t know about his past. When Callan arrests a suspicious-looking prostitute, he comes face-to-face with a self-confessed vigilante, and suddenly, his secrets aren’t so easy to keep silent.
Ocean hates the police with a passion, and has no intention of being held captive by a cop, even if he is sexy as hell. Teleporting from under his nose, Ocean hunts her next target—a man responsible for the largest sex ring in South Africa—and now he’s about to die. But she doesn’t count on Callan giving chase, nor the body-quaking lust that consumes them. However, Ocean's dark hobbies take precedence over what her heart wants—her thirst for murdering is killing her too, and not even Callan can save her.
Amazon | Amazon UK
My thoughts
The author of this book is an amazingly talented writer and this book is really quite amazing. Ocean is a kick ass character with a dark past and a thirst for ridding the world of evil by whatever means necessary. This book has a fantastic storyline, great characters and is really powerful.
Providence by Jamie McGuire
Synopsis
Struggling with her father's death, Nina meets Jared Ryel, presumably by chance. However it soon becomes clear that he knows more about her than even close friends. When her father's former associates begin following her in the dark, Nina learns that her father was not the man she thought he was, but a thief who stole from demons. In searching for the truth behind her father's death, she stumbles upon something she never expected, and something Hell wants, that only she holds the key for. Jared risks everything to keep the women he was born to save, by sharing the secret he was sworn to protect.
My thoughts
Most people have heard of Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire but not as many people realise that she also has a fantastic paranormal romance trilogy. This is probably one of the first NA paranormal novels that I read (a few years ago now!) and it is still one of my favourites.
Amazon | Amazon UK
Defining Destiny by Deanna Chase
Synopsis
When destiny fails...
Singer-songwriter Lucy Moore thought her life was perfect. At just twenty-one, she's already met her soul mate and together they've landed a recording contract. But when her father dies and the love of her life betrays her in more ways than one, she returns home to pick up the pieces. On the shores of Mendocino, California, Lucy has some decisions to make. Should she start a solo career? Or should she leave it all behind for some semblance of normalcy in the quiet town she grew up in? And what about Seth, the tortured artist who always seems to be there when she needs him?
Seth Keenan has demons of his own. Eighteen months ago, he was involved in a horrific accident that he never talks about. His career as an accomplished oil-paint artist has been abandoned, replaced by the buzz of his tattoo gun. And women--well, he never sticks around for longer than a few hours of pleasure... until he meets Lucy. After one evening of listening to her seductive voice, he's pulled under. But what about the vow he made to never get close to anyone again?
In a world where everyone has one true soul mate, can these two find love in the arms of each other?
Amazon | Amazon UK
My thoughts
My review
This book I read very recently and this is a great book for those who don't usually read paranormal books as the paranormal elements in Defining Destiny are very light. This is the perfect read for fans of more traditional NA romance who are looking for something a little different.
Parasite Positive by Scott Westerfeld
Synopsis
(In the US Parasite Positive is known as Peeps)
One year ago, Cal Thompson was a college freshman more interested in meeting girls and partying in New York City than in attending class. Then he met a girl called Morgan, they had a fun night together and she passed on a parasite that turns people into ravenous vampires. You know how it goes.
Cal himself is only a carrier, but he's infected the girlfriends he's had since Morgan, and it's now his job to hunt them down before they can create even more of their kind.
Amazon | Amazon UK
Thoughts
Parasite Positive is one of the examples of what we would now call an NA novel being published and doing well several years before the term was invented. This is a favourite book of mine as it has action, romance and an interesting method of story telling. Parasite Positive is a great twist on vampire tales and Cal is an amazing lead character.
Slumber by Samantha Young
Synopsis
Molded by a tragic childhood, nineteen-year-old Rogan finds it extremely difficult to trust people. Now Haydyn, her best friend and the one person she does trust, is dying and only Rogan can save her.
Setting off on a journey to retrieve the plant that will cure Haydyn and subsequently the ills that will befall them all if she dies, Rogan is stuck in close quarters with a protector she distrusts above all others.
Wolfe Stovia.
The son of the man who destroyed Rogan’s family.
At a constant battle of wills with the handsome Captain of the Guard, Rogan just knows this adventure together will be fraught with tension. She never imagined, however, that the quest would be so dangerous… not least of all when she finds herself falling for a man she could have sworn was her no.1 enemy…
(New Adult, Fantasy Romance: recommended for ages 17+ contains mature situations and some strong language.)
Amazon | Amazon UK
My thoughts
Rather than paranormal romance Slumber is more of a traditional fantasy novel and is loosely based on the tale of Sleeping Beauty. Though this is one of Samantha Young's least known books it is my personal favourite. Check out to see why I love it so much.
Blood Singers by Tamara Rose Blodgett
Synopsis
A sub-species of human beings...
Twenty-year old Julia Wade, a young woman tragically widowed, is in the middle of a bizarre bid between two mythical species who are vying for the unique properties she offers; her blood. The vampires need her to balance the food load of the human species and give them their coveted “Lightwalkers.” The Were wish to be moonless changers; a Rare One can make that a reality.
Julia wants to belong to herself.
Can she free herself and begin a new life?
Amazon | Amazon UK
My thoughts
This book is FREE and simply wonderful. Tamara Rose Blodgett writes wicked paranormal novels with an undercurrent of darkness that gives them something special.
Strength by Carrie Butler
Synopsis
When college student Rena Collins finds herself nose-to-chest with the campus outcast, her rumor-laced notions are shattered. Handsome, considerate, and seemingly sane, Wallace Blake doesn’t look like he spends his nights alone, screaming and banging on the walls of his dorm room. Hell, he doesn’t look like he spends his nights alone, period.
Too curious for her own good, Rena vows to uncover the truth behind Wallace’s madman reputation--and how two seconds of contact had left her with bruises. Of course, there are a few setbacks along the way: guilt, admiration, feelings of the warm and fuzzy variety…
Not to mention the unwanted attention of Wallace's powerful, supernaturally-gifted family.
They’re a bloodline divided by opposing ideals, two soon-to-be warring factions that live in secret among us. When Rena ends up caught in their crossfire, Wallace has no choice but to save her by using his powers. Now they’re really in trouble. With war on the horizon and Rena’s life in the balance, he needs to put some distance between them. But Rena won’t let go. If fighting is what it takes to prove her own strength and keep Wallace in her life, then that’s what she’ll do--even if it means risking a whole lot more than her heart.
Amazon | Amazon UK
My thoughts
My review
This book follows more traditional YA paranormal romance plot tropes but with a New Adult twist. This is a book I would definitely recommend to YA readers looking to try something with a slightly older feel. Rena is a pretty awesome character also.
King Hall by Scarlett Dawn
Synopsis
King Hall — where the Mysticals go to learn their craft, get their degrees, and transition into adulthood. And where four new Rulers will rise and meet their destinies.
Lily Ruckler is adept at one thing: survival. Born a Mystical hybrid, her mere existence is forbidden, but her nightmare is only about to start. Fluke, happenstance, and a deep personal loss finds Lily deeply entrenched with those who would destroy her simply for existing — The Mystical Kings. Being named future Queen of the Shifters shoves Lily into the spotlight, making her one of the most visible Mysticals in the world. But with risk comes a certain solace — her burgeoning friendships with the other three Prodigies: a wicked Vampire, a wild-child Mage, and a playboy Elemental. Backed by their faith and trust, Lily begins to relax into her new life.
Then chaos erupts as the fragile peace between Commoners and Mysticals is broken, and suddenly Lily realises the greatest threat was never from within, and her fear takes on a new name: the revolution.
Amazon | Amazon UK
My thoughts
My review
This fantasy/paranormal romance novel is so amazing. This writer has come across something special with this storyline and the characters are all so loveable. King Hall is pretty light on the romance aspect - it fits in with what would be true to the characters - but if you like your reads to have romance it does blossom quite fully for book 2.
~~~
Feel free to both share what type of book you would like to see next on Bookish Treasures Recommends and also some of your own NA fantasy and paranormal romance recommendations.
The Wicked We Have Done blog tour - Guest Post by Sarah Harian
18 Mar 2014 Labels: Dystopian, favourite authors, favourite books, guest post, NA, new release
Today is a day I have been excited for since last summer, the release of The Wicked We Have Done by Sarah Harian! I was lucky enough to read this book earlier this year and it is one of the best books I have read in probably over a year (and if you know the amount of books I get through then you know that really is saying something). In celebration of the books release I have a guest post from the incredibly talented author, Sarah Harian.
Synopsis
With elements of horror, thriller and romance THE WICKED WE HAVE DONE is perfect for readers who enjoyed Suzanne Collins and are looking for the next big thing...
Once a sinner, always a sinner...
Twenty-two-year-old Evalyn Ibarra had taken the normality of her life for granted, until the moment everything changed. Now, convicted of a horrifying crime, she will be one of the first to experience a new kind of punishment.
In the darkness of the Compass Room - an experimental prison - the morality of convicts will be tested, and they will be punished according to their performance. In order to stay alive, Evalyn must relive the events of the fateful day that has brought her here.
Consumed by her own struggle, she never expects to make friends amongst her fellow inmates, let alone fall in love. But in this new and terrifying world, such allegiances are dangerous - because no one will escape unharmed.
Try it for yourself! Amazon UK | Amazon
Add it to goodreads
As a New Adult author coming from the New Adult age group (heelllllooooo mid-twenties), I want to talk about why New Adult is a necessary category within the realm of fiction.
Sarah grew up in the foothills of Yosemite, where she learned to fish, hike, and climb trees. She also had a soft spot for video games and fantasy novels, rounding her out to be perfectly equal parts of wilderness princess and super nerd.
Inspired by Carolyn Keene, Tolkien, and J.K.Rowling, she wanted to be a writer since she was eight. Her first attempted book was about twins who found a secret portal to another world in their basement. Between this creation and her first finished novel twelve years later, she dabbled in fanfiction and horror stories.
Sarah worked as a barista at Starbucks while studying at Fresno State, receiving her B.A. in English Education in 2010 and her M.F.A. in Creative Writing in 2013. She was lucky enough to score a TAship during graduate school and teach fiction for a semester.
Now, Sarah is working on the sequel to her new adult speculative thriller, THE WICKED WE HAVE DONE. She’s liberal, queer, Christian, and madly in love with her husband. Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to be all of those things at once.
Her works are represented by Kathleen Rushall of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.
Twitter | Goodreads | Website | Facebook
The Wicked We Have Done by Sarah Harian
Synopsis
With elements of horror, thriller and romance THE WICKED WE HAVE DONE is perfect for readers who enjoyed Suzanne Collins and are looking for the next big thing...
Once a sinner, always a sinner...
Twenty-two-year-old Evalyn Ibarra had taken the normality of her life for granted, until the moment everything changed. Now, convicted of a horrifying crime, she will be one of the first to experience a new kind of punishment.
In the darkness of the Compass Room - an experimental prison - the morality of convicts will be tested, and they will be punished according to their performance. In order to stay alive, Evalyn must relive the events of the fateful day that has brought her here.
Consumed by her own struggle, she never expects to make friends amongst her fellow inmates, let alone fall in love. But in this new and terrifying world, such allegiances are dangerous - because no one will escape unharmed.
Try it for yourself! Amazon UK | Amazon
Add it to goodreads
Why We Need New Adult by Sarah Harian
As a New Adult author coming from the New Adult age group (heelllllooooo mid-twenties), I want to talk about why New Adult is a necessary category within the realm of fiction.
I am 100% a completely different person
from when I began college. When I was eighteen, the person I was on the inside
was completely the opposite of the person I was on the outside. Outside I was
conservative, timid, and sexually stagnant. Inside I was wild, deviant,
adventurous, and clever. Inside Sarah wanted to read about young women who were
like Inside Sarah, but on the outside. Maybe so she could live through them.
Maybe so they could give her the courage to become them.
Unfortunately, when I needed New Adult the
most, it wasn’t around. St. Martin’s Press hadn’t even coined the term yet.
Sure, I found edgy upper-YA books where I could relate to the characters.
Theoretically, I could wade through general fiction or genre fiction in hopes
of coming across titles with twenty-something protagonists. But these books
weren’t the same as a novel that was for me, trying to communicate with me.
Enter the category of New Adult.
The New Adult category sings to people in
their twenties. A New Adult novel carries the voice of a twenty-something
protagonist, delving into their dreams, fears, loves, and screw-ups. A New
Adult protagonist is a unique creature; they are somehow an adult and not at
the same time. They can exist in a fantasy world, a dystopian world, or a world
from the past or present, as long as they resonate with what it’s like to be
newly independent and discovering exactly what it means to be an adult.
But Sarah, aren’t you simply describing
coming-of-age characters that have existed since the dawn of fiction?
Yeah, I totally am, actually.
So why do we need New Adult?
New Adult fiction isn’t necessary because
of what it offers all readers. It’s necessary because of what it offers college
kids and people in their twenties. As a graduate, I now have some time to sift
through the library, bookstore, or internet to find books with characters my
age. You think I had time when I was buried underneath textbooks and midterms?
Hell no! But I still wanted to easily find novels for the weekends, novels that
were fast-paced, romantic, funny, edgy, or escapist. Novels that were kind of like
the YA titles I loved, but spoke to me and my college-aged mindset. Novels that
had the potential to mold me.
New Adult is about accessibility.
I’m sure a lot of people don’t think that
twenty-somethings need that accessibility the way that teenagers do. We’re
adults, so we should be able to take the time to dig through general fiction to
find what we want if we really want to read. But I’m going to argue that
twenty-somethings need to be catered to. As an eighteen, nineteen, and twenty-year-old,
I didn’t even know where to begin to find books with girls who were like Inside
Sarah. Yes, we might be adults, but most
of us still don’t know who the hell we are. Sometimes, reading fiction helps us
explore what we could be. New Adult has the potential to shape our idea of what
it really means to be young and independent and awakened. New Adult has the
potential to be a nourishing supplement that will push us to grow in the
direction that we want to grow in.
That is why we need it.
The
Wicked We Have Done is published today in eBook priced £2.49About the Author
Sarah grew up in the foothills of Yosemite, where she learned to fish, hike, and climb trees. She also had a soft spot for video games and fantasy novels, rounding her out to be perfectly equal parts of wilderness princess and super nerd.
Inspired by Carolyn Keene, Tolkien, and J.K.Rowling, she wanted to be a writer since she was eight. Her first attempted book was about twins who found a secret portal to another world in their basement. Between this creation and her first finished novel twelve years later, she dabbled in fanfiction and horror stories.
Sarah worked as a barista at Starbucks while studying at Fresno State, receiving her B.A. in English Education in 2010 and her M.F.A. in Creative Writing in 2013. She was lucky enough to score a TAship during graduate school and teach fiction for a semester.
Now, Sarah is working on the sequel to her new adult speculative thriller, THE WICKED WE HAVE DONE. She’s liberal, queer, Christian, and madly in love with her husband. Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to be all of those things at once.
Her works are represented by Kathleen Rushall of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.
Twitter | Goodreads | Website | Facebook
Review of Behind His Eyes - Truth
15 Mar 2014 Labels: 4.5 stars, favourite books, Review, romantic suspense, sequel
Behind His Eyes - Truth by Aleatha Romig
Synopsis
BEHIND HIS EYES—TRUTH is the second of the CONSEQUENCES SERIES three reading companions, by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Aleatha Romig. It is recommended to be read after completing all three books of the CONSEQUENCES SERIES: Consequences, Truth, and Convicted. It is not a standalone book and should not be read as such.
This reading companion explores the thoughts and motivations of Anthony Rawlings and his struggle to accept the truth behind the consequences. It is not intended as a total rewrite of TRUTH, but meant to enhance the reader’s understanding. BEHIND HIS EYES—TRUTH contains significant scenes from the novel TRUTH, as experienced from Anthony’s point of view. It also contains never before published, behind-the-scenes information, a glossary of the characters, and a timeline that grows from Consequences to include the array of new characters and revelations found in the pages of Truth.
BEHIND HIS EYES—TRUTH is the continued journey inside the mind of the man who survived the consequences. This companion allows readers the opportunity to witness first hand as Anthony’s world changes forever. His rules and control begin to slip away, threatened by the most unlikely foes—an experience completely unfamiliar to him.
Can something as pure as love and forgiveness wreak havoc on his well-planned existence?
BEHIND HIS EYES—TRUTH, because there is more to learn about a man who:
Once upon a time, signed a napkin that he knew was a contract. As an esteemed businessman, he forgot one very important rule—he forgot to read the fine print. It wasn’t an acquisition to own another person as he’d previously assumed. It was an agreement to acquire a soul.
—Aleatha Romig, CONVICTED
Continue the long and painful acquisition, as the TRUTH becomes evident, from Behind His Eyes!
Review
Almost exactly a year ago I first discovered the CONSEQUENCES series and though the first book was good, it was the nail biting, surprising, passion filled TRUTH that really shone and sent me crazy about the series. Needless to say I was very excited to hear that the author was writing a companion/retelling trilogy called BEHIND HIS EYES and of them all, BHE - TRUTH was the one I was most looking forwards too. Luckily it lived up to my high expectations.
Aleatha writes alternate pov novels very well, mainly because this isn't actually a full alternate pov novel and as the synopsis states cannot be read if you haven't first read TRUTH; you wont have a clue what is going on. Rather than being a straight repeat of TRUTH from Tony's pov this book sticks to the most important scenes from TRUTH as well as a few brand new scenes. As long as you have read the initial trilogy at some point in the past, BHE - TRUTH will make perfect sense as Aleatha includes just enough to remind you of the things that aren't fully covered in this.
There were several scenes in TRUTH were I was desperate to know what Tony was thinking and every single one of was included in this book. I liked seeing some of the same event through a different set of eyes as it gives you a great new perspective, especially as in TRUTH all of Tony's motives were so hard to guess. It was almost a revelation to see his thoughts. You can see just how much he loves Claire and that everything he
BHE - TRUTH adds a great new layer of depth and complexity to the original story and all of the BHE books are highly worth reading if you have read the original series. I really cant wait for BEHIND HIS EYES - CONVICTED as I can just tell that it will be amazing.
If you haven't yet read CONSEQUENCES, TRUTH and CONVICTION then 1) what are you doing reading this review and 2) go and get them now.
*A copy of this book was received in exchange for an honest review, this has not affected my opinions or rating in any way.*
Try it for yourself! Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK
Laura
Giveaway
To win a copy of ANY signed book by Aleatha Romig simply leave a comment on this blog and then go HERE to let me know that you have done so.
Synopsis
What would you do if you were granted millions of pounds and a face that melts the underwear off of any woman? Meet Theodore Ellis, the business man who parties like a rock star, and has more women than he has room on his bed post to put the notches.
Meet Lilly Parker. With a difficult past; Lilly is cold, closed off and emotionally unavailable in every way. Don't go thinking she's the sweet and innocent victim though, she plays the game better than most men, and is the original use and abuse woman.
She's built her walls ten feet high and topped with razor wire, but Theo is relentless in the face of a challenge and Lilly finds herself besieged by him. Can he get in her pants? Or will the unsuspecting man whore go a step further and finally tear down her walls? Unlikely.
This is no hearts and flowers love story, it is a battle of wills as a woman who trusts no-one denies a man who has never been denied.
Cue fireworks as female sass meets alpha male tenacity.
Besieged will make you laugh, fantasize and perhaps even shed a tear.
Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UKReview
This book was fantastic, plain and simple. It starts off from the perspective of the all too familiar manwhore character, Theo. He’s shameless in his pursuits and has no desire for a different way of life. Then he encounters the heroine and she lays down a gauntlet he just can’t resist. This is part of why I love this book so much. He doesn’t go through an instant transformation, he simply finds himself entertained by her tactics and, when presented with an opportunity, desperate to conquer her. This is something I can buy into much more than the typical scenario of the man finding himself desperately attracted to someone at first sight for no apparent reason.
The heroine, Lilly, is badass. She is the unapologetic modern woman most single women aspire to be. She doesn’t confuse sex with emotions, she exerts total control over her sex life, and she never, ever lets herself be played. She is attracted to Theo but refuses to be conquered in bed by a player and has little respect for his slew of conquests. This leads to an entertaining battle of wills where each character demonstrates their impressive skills of seduction.
It is made pretty clear upfront that Lilly’s formidable persona is meant to protect her extremely vulnerable core. The extent of her vulnerability is gradually revealed in a natural progression as is Theo’s transition from a manwhore to a loving boyfriend. There is a lot of steamy sex in this book and after a certain point I have to admit to skimming some of the sex scenes because I was anxious to see the plot develop. That’s not to say that the scenes were stale in any way but I’m not quite sold on the sex to plot ratio. There was plenty of the requisite heartbreak in this story and, unfortunately, it ends on a bitter note. I saw the final conflict a mile away but it didn’t detract from the story because it fit so well and is devastatingly effective.
I really enjoyed this book because while there was the typical fantastically rich, sex-on-a-stick, male character, the female lead was absolutely awesome and completely captivating. The alternating POVs were a perfect fit as well and I can’t seem to resist a shameless man’s perspective these days. I will anxiously await the next book and will just have to bide my time contemplating the following quote from the book…Diamonds are made under pressure.
*A copy of this book was received in exchange for an honest review.*
Katie
Hot New Releases - March 5th - 11th
12 Mar 2014 Labels: contemporary, How New Releases, NA, paranormal, YA
A couple of great new releases this week some of which are totally amazing :)
We can only include books that we are aware of! If you have an upcoming release please let us know over email, facebook or twitter for the chance to see it included in the weekly round up. We are also always happy to hear about any free or discounted books :D
♥️ Three fateful encounters....
♥️ Two heart-breaking tragedies....
♥️ One last chance to get it right.
From New York Times best selling author Cassia Leo, comes an epic love story about rewriting destiny.
Over the course of five years, Mikki and Crush cross paths on three separate occasions. Their first encounter changes Mikki's life forever, but their second meeting leaves them both buried beneath the emotional wreckage of a violent attack. Mikki is left with more questions and grief than she can handle, while Crush is forced to forget the girl who saved his life.
Now nineteen years old, Mikki Gladstone has decided she's tired of the mind-numbing meds. She books a flight to Los Angeles to end her life far away from her loving, though often distant, family.
Twenty-one-year-old Crush has always channeled his blackest thoughts into his music, but he's never had great aspirations. He decides to fly to Los Angeles to record a demo of the only song he's never performed in public; a song he wrote for a girl he doesn't even know: Black Box. He has no expectations of fame and he's never felt like his life had any purpose... until he meets Mikki in Terminal B.
When Mikki and Crush cross paths for the third time in Terminal B, neither has any idea who the other person is; until they slowly piece together their history and realize that fate has more in store for them than just another love story.
Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon
When I met Kiersten, time stood still. It was as if every cell in my body screamed HER. I couldn't look away, I couldn't walk away, I couldn't even move. My other half, my soul mate, was staring right at me. I had to have her. I had to make her mine. But I felt selfish doing that--knowing that I may not have endless amounts of time to give her...and even now that every things' over with and I've been given that time back.
Nothing is ever certain in this life.
Which is why I'm about to do something crazy, impulsive, daring.
After all, what type of person would I be if I didn't take my own advice?
I'm jumping off the cliff, I'm living fearlessly.
This is the continuation of Wes and Kiersten's story.
Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK
I was young enough not to understand that my life was different. Colin became the one person that I could count on to protect me. He suffered for the both of us by carrying the burden of our secret.
We were the lucky few that got a chance to start over. A fake family, a new home and a pretty little life built on lies. But while our lives continued to intertwine, we were put on very different paths. Now it was only a matter of time before they collide and the beast behind the beauty is exposed.
Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK
She has a secret.
I’m complicated. Not broken or ruined or running from a past I can’t face. Just complicated.
I thought my life couldn’t get any more tangled in deceit and confusion. But I hadn’t met him. I hadn't realized how far I could fall or what I'd do to get free.
He has a secret.
I’ve never pretended to be good or deserving. I chase who I want, do what I want, act how I want.
I didn’t have time to lust after a woman I had no right to lust after. I told myself to shut up and stay hidden. But then she tried to run. I’d tasted what she could offer me and damned if I would let her go.
One secret destroys them.
Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK
Sophie Fisher’s life is on fire. If she’s not ducking around corners or slipping out of windows to escape the debt collectors her father's death has left knocking on her door, she’s dealing with her rebellious, fifteen-year-old sister, Lilli. And, as if that’s not enough, Rafael Van Rees crashes into her life—literally—bringing with him a past the public has no idea of. Can she unravel his mysteries before he unravels her, or will his presence finally force her to face the demons she's trying to outrun?
Rafael Van Rees prides himself on being in control of his destiny, music and women. As far as he is concerned, his past is a black cloud in the distance--until he meets Sophie, that is, and his world spins out of control in more ways than one. He knows the darkest sins and secrets eventually reveal themselves, but when it comes to Sophie, he'll stop at nothing to protect her from his past. Even if it kills him.
Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK
She was merely a pawn in their game.
And then something happened.
Once the fragile, naïve human, Evangeline has become altogether … different.
A being who holds formidable power, she may be the key to changing the course of fate.
Or she could be the final nail in the world’s coffin.
But Evangeline doesn’t know exactly what she is, what she can do. She knows only that she has to stop an enemy far worse than the Sentinel and the sorceresses—one driven by revenge.
And he’s hunting the man she loves.
As Evangeline fights to keep Caden alive and the human population from eradication, she can’t help but sense the imminent doom.
Find out if fate will prevail in the harrowing conclusion to the Causal Enchantment series.
Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK
We can only include books that we are aware of! If you have an upcoming release please let us know over email, facebook or twitter for the chance to see it included in the weekly round up. We are also always happy to hear about any free or discounted books :D
♥️ Three fateful encounters....
♥️ Two heart-breaking tragedies....
♥️ One last chance to get it right.
From New York Times best selling author Cassia Leo, comes an epic love story about rewriting destiny.
Over the course of five years, Mikki and Crush cross paths on three separate occasions. Their first encounter changes Mikki's life forever, but their second meeting leaves them both buried beneath the emotional wreckage of a violent attack. Mikki is left with more questions and grief than she can handle, while Crush is forced to forget the girl who saved his life.
Now nineteen years old, Mikki Gladstone has decided she's tired of the mind-numbing meds. She books a flight to Los Angeles to end her life far away from her loving, though often distant, family.
Twenty-one-year-old Crush has always channeled his blackest thoughts into his music, but he's never had great aspirations. He decides to fly to Los Angeles to record a demo of the only song he's never performed in public; a song he wrote for a girl he doesn't even know: Black Box. He has no expectations of fame and he's never felt like his life had any purpose... until he meets Mikki in Terminal B.
When Mikki and Crush cross paths for the third time in Terminal B, neither has any idea who the other person is; until they slowly piece together their history and realize that fate has more in store for them than just another love story.
Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon
***
When I met Kiersten, time stood still. It was as if every cell in my body screamed HER. I couldn't look away, I couldn't walk away, I couldn't even move. My other half, my soul mate, was staring right at me. I had to have her. I had to make her mine. But I felt selfish doing that--knowing that I may not have endless amounts of time to give her...and even now that every things' over with and I've been given that time back.
Nothing is ever certain in this life.
Which is why I'm about to do something crazy, impulsive, daring.
After all, what type of person would I be if I didn't take my own advice?
I'm jumping off the cliff, I'm living fearlessly.
This is the continuation of Wes and Kiersten's story.
Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK
***
I was young enough not to understand that my life was different. Colin became the one person that I could count on to protect me. He suffered for the both of us by carrying the burden of our secret.
We were the lucky few that got a chance to start over. A fake family, a new home and a pretty little life built on lies. But while our lives continued to intertwine, we were put on very different paths. Now it was only a matter of time before they collide and the beast behind the beauty is exposed.
Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK
***
She has a secret.
I’m complicated. Not broken or ruined or running from a past I can’t face. Just complicated.
I thought my life couldn’t get any more tangled in deceit and confusion. But I hadn’t met him. I hadn't realized how far I could fall or what I'd do to get free.
He has a secret.
I’ve never pretended to be good or deserving. I chase who I want, do what I want, act how I want.
I didn’t have time to lust after a woman I had no right to lust after. I told myself to shut up and stay hidden. But then she tried to run. I’d tasted what she could offer me and damned if I would let her go.
One secret destroys them.
Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK
***
Sophie Fisher’s life is on fire. If she’s not ducking around corners or slipping out of windows to escape the debt collectors her father's death has left knocking on her door, she’s dealing with her rebellious, fifteen-year-old sister, Lilli. And, as if that’s not enough, Rafael Van Rees crashes into her life—literally—bringing with him a past the public has no idea of. Can she unravel his mysteries before he unravels her, or will his presence finally force her to face the demons she's trying to outrun?
Rafael Van Rees prides himself on being in control of his destiny, music and women. As far as he is concerned, his past is a black cloud in the distance--until he meets Sophie, that is, and his world spins out of control in more ways than one. He knows the darkest sins and secrets eventually reveal themselves, but when it comes to Sophie, he'll stop at nothing to protect her from his past. Even if it kills him.
Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK
***
She was merely a pawn in their game.
And then something happened.
Once the fragile, naïve human, Evangeline has become altogether … different.
A being who holds formidable power, she may be the key to changing the course of fate.
Or she could be the final nail in the world’s coffin.
But Evangeline doesn’t know exactly what she is, what she can do. She knows only that she has to stop an enemy far worse than the Sentinel and the sorceresses—one driven by revenge.
And he’s hunting the man she loves.
As Evangeline fights to keep Caden alive and the human population from eradication, she can’t help but sense the imminent doom.
Find out if fate will prevail in the harrowing conclusion to the Causal Enchantment series.
Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK
Stacking The Shelves / Showcase Sunday #50
8 Mar 2014 Labels: fantasy, NA, paranormal, romance, stacking the shelves, Urban fantasy, YA
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.
As usual if you click on the book cover you will be taken to the books Amazon page (or goodreads if it isn't yet on amazon).
NetGalley
I have already read Being Hartley and it is such a fun read. Riot sounds so amazing and I cant wait to read it.
I have already read Being Hartley and it is such a fun read. Riot sounds so amazing and I cant wait to read it.
Freebies
Some lovely looking freebies that I just couldn't resist. I think all are still free :)
Some lovely looking freebies that I just couldn't resist. I think all are still free :)
Bought
Ebooks
So last week I said that I wasn't going to buy any more books for a while. Unfortunately this week I read some amazing freebies that had sequels so I just had to buy them. Having read them all I can promise that these books are fantastic (also if it isn't obvious I'm kind of on a fantasy kick at the moment :P).
So what do you think? Have you read or want to read any of these books? Feel free to link to your own Stacking The Shelves or similar post in the comments.
Today I am incredibly happy to be bringing you the cover for Stone Cold Touch by Jennifer L. Armentrout. This is the sequel to White Hot Kiss which released recently.
Layla Shaw is trying to pick up the pieces of her shattered life—no easy task for a seventeen-year-old who’s pretty sure things can’t get worse. Her impossibly gorgeous best friend, Zayne, is forever off-limits thanks to the mysterious powers of her soul-stealing kiss. The Warden clan that has always protected her is suddenly keeping dangerous secrets. And she can barely think about Roth, the wickedly hot demon prince who understood her in ways no one else could.
But sometimes rock bottom is only the beginning. Because suddenly Layla’s powers begin to evolve, and she’s offered a tantalizing taste of what has always been forbidden. Then, when she least expects it, Roth returns, bringing news that could change her world forever. She’s finally getting what she always wanted, but with hell literally breaking loose and the body count adding up, the price may be higher than Layla is willing to pay…
Stone Cold Touch by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Synopsis
Every touch has its price
Layla Shaw is trying to pick up the pieces of her shattered life—no easy task for a seventeen-year-old who’s pretty sure things can’t get worse. Her impossibly gorgeous best friend, Zayne, is forever off-limits thanks to the mysterious powers of her soul-stealing kiss. The Warden clan that has always protected her is suddenly keeping dangerous secrets. And she can barely think about Roth, the wickedly hot demon prince who understood her in ways no one else could.
But sometimes rock bottom is only the beginning. Because suddenly Layla’s powers begin to evolve, and she’s offered a tantalizing taste of what has always been forbidden. Then, when she least expects it, Roth returns, bringing news that could change her world forever. She’s finally getting what she always wanted, but with hell literally breaking loose and the body count adding up, the price may be higher than Layla is willing to pay…
Hot New Releases - February 26th - March 4th
5 Mar 2014 Labels: contemporary, favourite authors, How New Releases, NA, new release, romance, sequel
The past seven days have seen the release of several fantastic books including eagerly awaited sequels such as Deceiving Lies and Toxic as well as brand new standalones by well known authors such as Panic by Lauren Oliver.
We can only include books that we are aware of! If you have an upcoming release please let us know over email, facebook or twitter for the chance to see it included in the weekly round up. We are also always happy to hear about any free or discounted books :D
Kayli Winchester is a dirt-poor girl living out of a hotel, forced to be the parent for a drunken father and teenage brother who she’s desperate to keep in school. The only way she scrapes by is to utilize her one skill: pickpocketing. But even though she’s a thief she has a moral code: no kids or old ladies, only targets who can defend themselves. Not that they see her coming…
Thinking she’s been working under the radar, Kayli has no idea The Academy has been watching and taking notice. Now a team that needs her skill has offered her a way out of her predicament and it’s her last chance: work with them, or face jail time. Kayli resists at first, but slowly the boys reveal they can be trusted. With Marc, the straight man, Raven, the bad-boy Russian, Corey and Brandon the twins as different as night and day, and Axel their stoic leader, there’s a lot Kayli can learn from these Academy guys about living on the edge of the law. If only she can stay on the good side instead of the bad.
Especially when the job they offer her is more than any of them bargained for. After it’s done, the hunters have become the hunted and their target is now after Kayli. The Academy boys do their best to keep her hidden, but a thief like Kayli will never sit still for long.
Warning: This is a new adult series. Readers of the other Academy series may need some caution as this series will contain mature sexual and violent situations and themes.
My Review | Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK
The last thing Holly Harris expected was to wind up nineteen, knocked-up, and all alone. When Coop left to pursue his dreams of becoming a rock god, he left a tiny piece of him behind.
Holly wishes he hadn’t.
Jackson wishes he hadn’t.
Jackson Rowe tried filling the void his family left by drinking, screwing around, and leaving a string of heartbroken women in his wake. Moving back to Sugartown should have been easy, but he hadn’t counted on the fact his sometimes attraction to Holly would still be alive and kicking—and he sure as hell hadn’t counted on her being pregnant with another man’s baby.
They drive one another crazy, and yet they can’t stay away.
When old flames resurface, and even older wounds are torn open, can two people so similar make it work? Or will their stubbornness only drive them further apart?
*Content Warning. Intended for a mature 18+ audience. Contains angst, a crap-tonne of profanity, short-tempered Australian wildlife, and some very pregnant sex.*
This is the sequel to Welcome To Sugartown
Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK
As the Governor’s daughter, Charlotte McClain is an expert in playing pretend. High society, the men her mother shoves in her direction and a Pre-Law major are all a part of her perfect pretense. But when she pretends to be a nobody during Spring Break, she meets someone who rocks her world.
Mason Rowell knows heartbreak and Spring Break don’t mesh well, so he allows the mysterious Charlotte to seduce him. What should have been a fling, results in something deeper. After Spring Break has long since passed, he moves to Washington to pursue his graduate degree, but what he never expected to find living among the rich and pompous, was the girl who gave him the strength to change and the desire to start anew.
When the guy Charlotte can’t forget goes from a sensual memory to temptation in the flesh, her facade is put to the test. If she surrenders to his charms, she risks ruining her mother’s perfect career and master plan. Playing pretend is what Charlotte does best, but how long can she pretend she doesn't love the man who made her proud of her true self?
**A light, sexy NA Contemporary Romance (17+)**
$0.99 release week sale!
Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK
The fourth part in the New York Times bestselling series, The Blackstone Affair: A bright beginning for two damaged souls fighting for their hard-won love, and the promise of a new hope to secure their happily ever after.
Fresh from an idyllic honeymoon along the Italian coast, the Blackstones prepare for the birth of their precious baby and the challenges of settling into a new home. But things get complicated when specters from the past reappear to threaten the very foundation of their relationship. Ethan and Brynne will have to fight harder than ever for each other. Rare and Precious Things is the story of two people who both need the other in order to be complete, but learn just how "rare" their brand of love is when they have to risk everything in order to hold onto it.
(This is the 4th book in the series that started with Naked)
Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK
Two girls. One Leo.
Identical twins, Maggie and Clara Ryder, both grew up with Leo Maddox, billionaire playboy, apparent alcoholic, and heir to his grandfather's world-famous Maddox hotel empire. Their roles were cemented long ago: Maggie, as his best friend and Clara as his childhood nemesis.
But when a simple twist of fate changes everything and both girls start to fall for the lean, mean, ridiculously sexy and seemingly spoiled Leo... which girl will win his heart?
Throw in a little mischief, drama, and one smoking-hot bartender and lines are sure to blur. But one thing's for certain, neither good-girl Maggie nor rebellious Clara will be satisfied until they each figure out where they belong.
Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK
Since he was sentenced to earth eons ago, Lucifer has always lived by three simple rules: Humans are toys that are meant to be played with, love is a useless emotion, and the only creature worth fighting for is himself. To him, nothing matters but his own enjoyment, whether it be manipulating those around him, or indulging in the sins of the flesh with Lilith. Then he found young, sweet, and innocent, Maria, who is everything that Lucifer detests. She has devoted her life to her one true love, God. Unable to resist a challenge, Lucifer sets his sights on tempting Maria away from his enemy. Disguising himself as Lucas Starr, he creates a world that not even Maria can resist. He never planned on having the tables turned on him. Imagine Lucifer’s surprise when Maria brings him to his knees and shows him a glimpse of heaven once more.
Blinded by his arrogance and an unlikely vision, Lucifer falls again, this time forgetting that some lines should never be crossed. When his greatest opponent, Michael, shows up, all Hell breaks loose. Will Maria be able to accept Lucifer for who he truly is, or realize what Michael already knows: some destinies can never be changed?
Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK
After being kidnapped, hogtied, and stuffed in the trunk of a car, seventeen-year-old Abigail Nichols' boy problems seem unimportant.
She couldn't be more wrong.
The boy who saves her holds her heart.
But Derick Crawford also holds secrets.
Magical beings who guide human emotions are fighting an invisible war dating back to the dawn of time, and Abigail's one of them. The more she learns of her heritage, the less she wants to know. Armed with a very old, very massive book to teach them about their history, Abigail and Derick run away to a place where they think they can be safe and happy, only to have their troubles secretly hitch a ride.
Her history book is in a sharing mood, and it tells her to keep a secret of her own.
But has she put her trust in the wrong place?
And will the world survive if she has?
Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK
Panic began as so many things do in Carp, a dead-end town of 12,000 people in the middle of nowhere: because it was summer, and there was nothing else to do.
Heather never thought she would compete in Panic, a legendary game played by graduating seniors, where the stakes are high and the payoff is even higher. She’d never thought of herself as fearless, the kind of person who would fight to stand out. But when she finds something, and someone, to fight for, she will discover that she is braver than she ever thought.
Dodge has never been afraid of Panic. His secret will fuel him, and get him all the way through the game, he’s sure of it. But what he doesn't know is that he’s not the only one with a secret. Everyone has something to play for.
For Heather and Dodge, the game will bring new alliances, unexpected revelations, and the possibility of first love for each of them—and the knowledge that sometimes the very things we fear are those we need the most.
Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK (Releases March 6th)
Everyone has a secret...
Gabe Hyde is on borrowed time. He's been hiding his identity for over four years-hidden from the world that used to adore him--obsess over him--driven to the edge of insanity by one poor choice.
But that one choice, altered the course of his life forever.
Pretending isn't all it's cracked up to be, especially when pretending means hiding your real self from the people that care about you the most. But if anyone ever discovered the truth it wouldn't just be his life at risk--but hers.
Saylor doesn't hate men.
Just Gabe.
Only Gabe.
He's a reckless, happy-go-lucky, silver spoon fed pain in her ass. Everything about him makes her more and more confused. Unfortunately they both donate time at the same Group Home. If she wasn't afraid of flunking, she'd be long gone. She hates that she's attracted to him almost as much as he hates that he's attracted to her--and she can tell, especially since their first encounter ended up making her knees so weak she couldn't form coherent sentences for weeks afterwards. But the closer she gets to him, the more confused she becomes. He isn't who he says he is, and he's hiding something big.
What happen when two worlds collide? Two worlds that never should have met in the first place? Some secrets are too big to be hidden forever--the only question? Will his destroy everyone he loves? Or finally bring about the redemption he's been craving for the past four years?
Everyone has a secret...What's yours?
Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK
An emotional love story that follows the touch-and-go relationship of Hayden and Tenley; two young people who desperately want to love and be loved but are afraid to completely let go of their pasts.
As Hayden and Tenley navigate their newfound but slightly unstable relationship, they want to trust each other, but Hayden is hiding a dark and shameful past that he doesn't ever want Tenley to find out about. And Tenley has secrets of her own that could make Hayden run away forever. When Tenley asks Hayden to put a beautifully elaborate tattoo across her back, the two form what they thought was an unshakeable bond. But when Tenley's past shows up on her doorstep, will Hayden stand by her side...or run?
Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK (Releases March 13th)
Now that Fiona Tarsis and her twin brother, Jonah, are no longer beasts, they set out to find their mother, with the help of Bowen and a former neighbor, Jacqui. Heading for a safe settlement rumored to be in Wyoming, they plan to spread the cure along the way--until they are attacked by raiders. Luckily, they find a new ally in Kevin, who saves them and leads them to safety in his underground shelter. But the more they get to know Kevin, the more they suspect he has ties to the raiders. He also seems to know too many details about Jacqui and her family—details that could endanger them all. For the raiders will do anything they can to destroy the cure that would bring an end to their way of life. Bethany Wiggins’s reimagining of our world after an environmental catastrophe won’t fail to stun readers.
Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK (releases March 13th)
***
The irresistible, blazing-hot sequel to New York Times bestselling author Molly McAdams's Forgiving Lies.
Rachel is supposed to be planning her wedding to Kash, the love of her life. After the crazy year they've had, she's ready to settle down and live a completely normal life. Well, as normal as it can be. But there's something else waiting—something threatening to tear them apart.
Kash is ready for it all with Rach. Especially if all includes having a football team of babies with his future wife. With his line of work, he knows how short life can be, and doesn't want to waste another minute of theirs. But now his past as an undercover narcotics agent has come back to haunt him ... and it's the girl he loves who's caught in the middle.
Trent Cruz's orders are clear: take the girl. But there's something about this girl that has him changing the rules and playing a dangerous game to keep her safe. When his time as Rachel's protector runs out, he will turn his back on the only life he's known, and risk everything, if it means getting her out alive.
Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK
We can only include books that we are aware of! If you have an upcoming release please let us know over email, facebook or twitter for the chance to see it included in the weekly round up. We are also always happy to hear about any free or discounted books :D
Kayli Winchester is a dirt-poor girl living out of a hotel, forced to be the parent for a drunken father and teenage brother who she’s desperate to keep in school. The only way she scrapes by is to utilize her one skill: pickpocketing. But even though she’s a thief she has a moral code: no kids or old ladies, only targets who can defend themselves. Not that they see her coming…
Thinking she’s been working under the radar, Kayli has no idea The Academy has been watching and taking notice. Now a team that needs her skill has offered her a way out of her predicament and it’s her last chance: work with them, or face jail time. Kayli resists at first, but slowly the boys reveal they can be trusted. With Marc, the straight man, Raven, the bad-boy Russian, Corey and Brandon the twins as different as night and day, and Axel their stoic leader, there’s a lot Kayli can learn from these Academy guys about living on the edge of the law. If only she can stay on the good side instead of the bad.
Especially when the job they offer her is more than any of them bargained for. After it’s done, the hunters have become the hunted and their target is now after Kayli. The Academy boys do their best to keep her hidden, but a thief like Kayli will never sit still for long.
Warning: This is a new adult series. Readers of the other Academy series may need some caution as this series will contain mature sexual and violent situations and themes.
***
My Review | Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK
The last thing Holly Harris expected was to wind up nineteen, knocked-up, and all alone. When Coop left to pursue his dreams of becoming a rock god, he left a tiny piece of him behind.
Holly wishes he hadn’t.
Jackson wishes he hadn’t.
Jackson Rowe tried filling the void his family left by drinking, screwing around, and leaving a string of heartbroken women in his wake. Moving back to Sugartown should have been easy, but he hadn’t counted on the fact his sometimes attraction to Holly would still be alive and kicking—and he sure as hell hadn’t counted on her being pregnant with another man’s baby.
They drive one another crazy, and yet they can’t stay away.
When old flames resurface, and even older wounds are torn open, can two people so similar make it work? Or will their stubbornness only drive them further apart?
*Content Warning. Intended for a mature 18+ audience. Contains angst, a crap-tonne of profanity, short-tempered Australian wildlife, and some very pregnant sex.*
This is the sequel to Welcome To Sugartown
Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK
***
As the Governor’s daughter, Charlotte McClain is an expert in playing pretend. High society, the men her mother shoves in her direction and a Pre-Law major are all a part of her perfect pretense. But when she pretends to be a nobody during Spring Break, she meets someone who rocks her world.
Mason Rowell knows heartbreak and Spring Break don’t mesh well, so he allows the mysterious Charlotte to seduce him. What should have been a fling, results in something deeper. After Spring Break has long since passed, he moves to Washington to pursue his graduate degree, but what he never expected to find living among the rich and pompous, was the girl who gave him the strength to change and the desire to start anew.
When the guy Charlotte can’t forget goes from a sensual memory to temptation in the flesh, her facade is put to the test. If she surrenders to his charms, she risks ruining her mother’s perfect career and master plan. Playing pretend is what Charlotte does best, but how long can she pretend she doesn't love the man who made her proud of her true self?
**A light, sexy NA Contemporary Romance (17+)**
$0.99 release week sale!
Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK
***
The fourth part in the New York Times bestselling series, The Blackstone Affair: A bright beginning for two damaged souls fighting for their hard-won love, and the promise of a new hope to secure their happily ever after.
Fresh from an idyllic honeymoon along the Italian coast, the Blackstones prepare for the birth of their precious baby and the challenges of settling into a new home. But things get complicated when specters from the past reappear to threaten the very foundation of their relationship. Ethan and Brynne will have to fight harder than ever for each other. Rare and Precious Things is the story of two people who both need the other in order to be complete, but learn just how "rare" their brand of love is when they have to risk everything in order to hold onto it.
(This is the 4th book in the series that started with Naked)
Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK
***
Two girls. One Leo.
Identical twins, Maggie and Clara Ryder, both grew up with Leo Maddox, billionaire playboy, apparent alcoholic, and heir to his grandfather's world-famous Maddox hotel empire. Their roles were cemented long ago: Maggie, as his best friend and Clara as his childhood nemesis.
But when a simple twist of fate changes everything and both girls start to fall for the lean, mean, ridiculously sexy and seemingly spoiled Leo... which girl will win his heart?
Throw in a little mischief, drama, and one smoking-hot bartender and lines are sure to blur. But one thing's for certain, neither good-girl Maggie nor rebellious Clara will be satisfied until they each figure out where they belong.
Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK
***
Since he was sentenced to earth eons ago, Lucifer has always lived by three simple rules: Humans are toys that are meant to be played with, love is a useless emotion, and the only creature worth fighting for is himself. To him, nothing matters but his own enjoyment, whether it be manipulating those around him, or indulging in the sins of the flesh with Lilith. Then he found young, sweet, and innocent, Maria, who is everything that Lucifer detests. She has devoted her life to her one true love, God. Unable to resist a challenge, Lucifer sets his sights on tempting Maria away from his enemy. Disguising himself as Lucas Starr, he creates a world that not even Maria can resist. He never planned on having the tables turned on him. Imagine Lucifer’s surprise when Maria brings him to his knees and shows him a glimpse of heaven once more.
Blinded by his arrogance and an unlikely vision, Lucifer falls again, this time forgetting that some lines should never be crossed. When his greatest opponent, Michael, shows up, all Hell breaks loose. Will Maria be able to accept Lucifer for who he truly is, or realize what Michael already knows: some destinies can never be changed?
Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK
***
After being kidnapped, hogtied, and stuffed in the trunk of a car, seventeen-year-old Abigail Nichols' boy problems seem unimportant.
She couldn't be more wrong.
The boy who saves her holds her heart.
But Derick Crawford also holds secrets.
Magical beings who guide human emotions are fighting an invisible war dating back to the dawn of time, and Abigail's one of them. The more she learns of her heritage, the less she wants to know. Armed with a very old, very massive book to teach them about their history, Abigail and Derick run away to a place where they think they can be safe and happy, only to have their troubles secretly hitch a ride.
Her history book is in a sharing mood, and it tells her to keep a secret of her own.
But has she put her trust in the wrong place?
And will the world survive if she has?
Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK
***
Panic began as so many things do in Carp, a dead-end town of 12,000 people in the middle of nowhere: because it was summer, and there was nothing else to do.
Heather never thought she would compete in Panic, a legendary game played by graduating seniors, where the stakes are high and the payoff is even higher. She’d never thought of herself as fearless, the kind of person who would fight to stand out. But when she finds something, and someone, to fight for, she will discover that she is braver than she ever thought.
Dodge has never been afraid of Panic. His secret will fuel him, and get him all the way through the game, he’s sure of it. But what he doesn't know is that he’s not the only one with a secret. Everyone has something to play for.
For Heather and Dodge, the game will bring new alliances, unexpected revelations, and the possibility of first love for each of them—and the knowledge that sometimes the very things we fear are those we need the most.
Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK (Releases March 6th)
***
Everyone has a secret...
Gabe Hyde is on borrowed time. He's been hiding his identity for over four years-hidden from the world that used to adore him--obsess over him--driven to the edge of insanity by one poor choice.
But that one choice, altered the course of his life forever.
Pretending isn't all it's cracked up to be, especially when pretending means hiding your real self from the people that care about you the most. But if anyone ever discovered the truth it wouldn't just be his life at risk--but hers.
Saylor doesn't hate men.
Just Gabe.
Only Gabe.
He's a reckless, happy-go-lucky, silver spoon fed pain in her ass. Everything about him makes her more and more confused. Unfortunately they both donate time at the same Group Home. If she wasn't afraid of flunking, she'd be long gone. She hates that she's attracted to him almost as much as he hates that he's attracted to her--and she can tell, especially since their first encounter ended up making her knees so weak she couldn't form coherent sentences for weeks afterwards. But the closer she gets to him, the more confused she becomes. He isn't who he says he is, and he's hiding something big.
What happen when two worlds collide? Two worlds that never should have met in the first place? Some secrets are too big to be hidden forever--the only question? Will his destroy everyone he loves? Or finally bring about the redemption he's been craving for the past four years?
Everyone has a secret...What's yours?
Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK
An emotional love story that follows the touch-and-go relationship of Hayden and Tenley; two young people who desperately want to love and be loved but are afraid to completely let go of their pasts.
As Hayden and Tenley navigate their newfound but slightly unstable relationship, they want to trust each other, but Hayden is hiding a dark and shameful past that he doesn't ever want Tenley to find out about. And Tenley has secrets of her own that could make Hayden run away forever. When Tenley asks Hayden to put a beautifully elaborate tattoo across her back, the two form what they thought was an unshakeable bond. But when Tenley's past shows up on her doorstep, will Hayden stand by her side...or run?
Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK (Releases March 13th)
***
Now that Fiona Tarsis and her twin brother, Jonah, are no longer beasts, they set out to find their mother, with the help of Bowen and a former neighbor, Jacqui. Heading for a safe settlement rumored to be in Wyoming, they plan to spread the cure along the way--until they are attacked by raiders. Luckily, they find a new ally in Kevin, who saves them and leads them to safety in his underground shelter. But the more they get to know Kevin, the more they suspect he has ties to the raiders. He also seems to know too many details about Jacqui and her family—details that could endanger them all. For the raiders will do anything they can to destroy the cure that would bring an end to their way of life. Bethany Wiggins’s reimagining of our world after an environmental catastrophe won’t fail to stun readers.
Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK (releases March 13th)
***
The irresistible, blazing-hot sequel to New York Times bestselling author Molly McAdams's Forgiving Lies.
Rachel is supposed to be planning her wedding to Kash, the love of her life. After the crazy year they've had, she's ready to settle down and live a completely normal life. Well, as normal as it can be. But there's something else waiting—something threatening to tear them apart.
Kash is ready for it all with Rach. Especially if all includes having a football team of babies with his future wife. With his line of work, he knows how short life can be, and doesn't want to waste another minute of theirs. But now his past as an undercover narcotics agent has come back to haunt him ... and it's the girl he loves who's caught in the middle.
Trent Cruz's orders are clear: take the girl. But there's something about this girl that has him changing the rules and playing a dangerous game to keep her safe. When his time as Rachel's protector runs out, he will turn his back on the only life he's known, and risk everything, if it means getting her out alive.
Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK
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