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
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