Saturday, October 12, 2019

Mini reviews: The Beautiful, Grave Maidens, Treason of Thorns, Butterfly in Frost and a Giveaway!

The Beautiful
By: Renee Ahdieh
Now available!
Order your copy: Amazon.ca | Chapters - Or see below for a chance to WIN AN ARC copy!

In 1872, New Orleans is a city ruled by the dead. But to seventeen-year-old Celine Rousseau, New Orleans is a safe haven after she's forced to flee her life as a dressmaker in Paris. Taken in by the sisters of the Ursuline convent in the middle of the carnival season, Celine is quickly enraptured by the vibrant city, from its music to its fancy soirées and even its danger. She becomes embroiled in the city's glitzy underworld, known as La Cour des Lions, after catching the eye of the group's enigmatic leader, Sébastien Saint Germain.

When the body of one of the girls from the convent is found in Sébastien's own lair--the second dead girl to turn up in recent weeks--Celine battles her attraction to Sébastien and suspicions about his guilt along with the shame of her own horrible secret.
After a third murder, New Orleans becomes gripped by the terror of a serial killer on the loose--one who has now set Celine in his sights. As the murderer stalks her, Celine finally takes matters into her own hands, only to find herself caught in the midst of an age-old feud between the darkest creatures of the night, where the price of forbidden love is her life.
At once a sultry romance and a decadent, thrilling mystery, master storyteller Renée Ahdieh embarks on her most potent fantasy series yet.


My Thoughts:
Decent start to a new series...

I was really excited to receive a copy of this title from Penguin Random House Canada, and it had a fast-paced plot with murders piling up and a mystery killer that I did not guess, but the romance was a bit boring for me, I didn't really feel the chemistry between Celine and Sebastien for most of the book, it started to heat up and than we came to the end and I felt a bit ripped off, haha. 

The book is told from multiple points of view (including the Murder's) but the maority is given to Celine which I preferred (I actually wouldn't have minded no chapters from Sebastien's POV) Celine is a great Heroine and strong female protagonist. I'm not completely sold on Sebastien just yet, but I may give him another chance in book 2. I've never been to New Orlean's but Renee did a wonderful job with her vivid imagery of a dark, foggy town full of crime, mystery, parades and music that I could easily picture each scene.

If you enjoy dark fantasy mixed with murder and mystery and a bit of romance, give this title a try.


Grave Maidens

By: Kelly Coon
On sale October 29th, 2019 - Pre-order your copy!
Chapters | Amazon.ca
The start of a fierce fantasy duology about three maidens who are chosen for their land's greatest honor...and one girl determined to save her sister from the grave. 
In the walled city-state of Alu, Kammani wants nothing more than to become the accomplished healer her father used to be before her family was cast out of their privileged life in shame. 

When Alu's ruler falls deathly ill, Kammani’s beautiful little sister, Nanaea, is chosen as one of three sacred maidens to join him in the afterlife. It’s an honor. A tradition. And Nanaea believes it is her chance to live an even grander life than the one that was stolen from her. 

But Kammani sees the selection for what it really is—a death sentence.

Desperate to save her sister, Kammani schemes her way into the palace to heal the ruler. There she discovers more danger lurking in the sand-stone corridors than she could have ever imagined and that her own life—and heart—are at stake. But Kammani will stop at nothing to dig up the palace’s buried secrets even if it means sacrificing everything…including herself. 


My Thoughts:
Top 2 Favourites for 2019- The Evil Queen is tying it!

I'm so sad that this is only a duology, I could read a whole series from Kammani's POV (whole story is told in first person from Kammani solely) she is brave, modest, fierce but humbled quite a bit throughout the book to her limitations, I truly admired her love for her family and the lengths she went to save Nan (even if she didn't appreciate it), she sacrificed a lot and I'm rooting for her all the way!  

Dagan is complete Book Boyfriend material, I absolutely loved him and his devotion to Kammani and can't wait to continue to their story in book 2- Nasu still has some work to do for me to cheer him on. #TEAMDAGAN

The termonology was hard to follow without a glossary, I had to reread some positions and names a few times before I fully grasped them on, but this is a fantastic romantic fantasy that I highly recommend. I look forward to reading the series conclusion but the ending of book 1 is satisfying enough that I can wait.

A Treason of Thorns
By: Laura E. Weymouth
Now available!
Order your copy: Amazon.ca | Chapters
Dark, gripping, and utterly unique, this atmospheric historical fantasy from critically acclaimed author Laura E. Weymouth is perfect for fans of The Hazel Wood and Caraval.

Violet Sterling has spent the last seven years in exile, longing to return to Burleigh House. One of the six great houses of England, Burleigh’s magic kept both the countryside and Violet happy. 
That is, until her father’s treason destroyed everything. 
Now she’s been given a chance to return home. But Burleigh isn’t what she remembered. Wild with grief, Burleigh’s very soul is crying out in pain. As its tormented magic ravages the countryside, Vi must decide how far she’s willing to go to save her house—before her house destroys everything she’s ever known.
A house left unchecked will lead to ruin.
But I will not let it ruin me.

My thoughts:
Great beginning, but ultimately became a DNF...

Weymouth has created a very unique premise in which Houses have emotions and ability to overtake society if not kept in check with the eternal bond of a Keeper which was Violet's Dad and than Violet herself, it's a unique gift few possess.

I was really impressed with the premise and beginning of the story and I really felt for Violet when she was ripped away from all she loved, her childhood friend, father and the house she loved like family as well, but it all just kind of started to get boring from then on, for me. I didn't think there was any chemistry between Wyn and Violet and after a while the plot just stopped grabbing my interest. I may return to this one someday, but I'm in no hurry as there are plenty of other stories to read!

Butterfly in Frost

By: Sylvia Day
Now available!
Order your copy - Chapters | Amazon.ca - Also see below to win a copy!
Once, I would never have imagined myself here. But I’m settled now. In a place I love, in a home I renovated, spending time with new friends I adore, and working a job that fulfills me. I am reconciling the past and laying the groundwork for the future.
Then Garrett Frost moves in next door.
He’s obstinate and too bold, a raging force of nature that disrupts the careful order of my life. I recognize the ghosts that haunt him, the torment driving him. Garrett would be risky in any form, but wounded, he’s far more dangerous. I fear I’m too fragile for the storm raging inside him, too delicate to withstand the pain that buffets him. But he’s too determined…and too tempting.
And sometimes hope soars above even the iciest desolation.

My thoughts:
Quick read to curl up with for a couple hours this fall!

I would recommend ordering the e-text of this novella, romance was a bit slow-burn and than steamy. I was a bit confused with quite a few references in this book until the last 10-15 pages which basically answered all my questions but than left me with a whole bunch of other ones, haha! 

I don't want to spoil this one it was nice to go in not knowing aspects that made the conclusion much more enjoyable. It was a satisfying quick romance, but I doubt I will reread this one.

Happy Reading!!!

Thank you Penguin Random House Canada, Thomas Allen & Sons and HCC Frenzy for the review copies!

Give-away!!! 

Enter for a chance to win a fall ARC Pack (as pictured) that I've put together. This is going to be a very easy giveaway...

to enter, please leave a comment below saying what you're reading this fall, that's it, I will pick a winner at random
  • only one entry per person
  • giveaway not sponsored by any Publishers, these are copies from my own library that I'm giving away
  • please read review/giveaway page for contest rules and regulations
  • open to Canada and U.S. residents (I'm sorry International readers!)
  • contest closes Sunday, October 19th at 11:59pm (EST)
Good Luck!!!


Cover images and book synopsis' taken from Chapters.ca

Monday, September 2, 2019

Mini Reviews - The Evil Queen | Sorcery of Thorns | Serpent and Dove

THE EVIL QUEEN

Gena Showalter
Now available - Order your copy
CHAPTERS | AMAZON.CA 

WELCOME TO THE FOREST OF GOOD AND EVIL.

A DREAM COME TRUE…AND A LIVING NIGHTMARE.

Far, far away, in the realm of Enchantia, creatures of legend still exist, magic is the norm and fairy tales are real. Except, fairy tales aren’t based on myths and legends of the past—they are prophecies of the future.

Raised in the mortal realm, Everly Morrow has no idea she’s a real-life fairy-tale princess—until she manifests an ability to commune with mirrors.

Look. See… What will one peek hurt?

Soon, a horrifying truth is revealed. She is fated to be Snow White’s greatest enemy, the Evil Queen.

With powers beyond her imagination or control, Everly returns to the land of her birth. There, she meets Roth Charmaine, the supposed Prince Charming. Their attraction is undeniable, but their relationship is doomed. As the prophecy unfolds, Everly faces one betrayal after another, and giving in to her dark side proves more tempting every day. Can she resist, or will she become the queen—and villain—she was born to be?

The battle between good and evil is on.


Synopsis and cover image taken from Chapters.ca

MY THOUGHTS:

LOVED THIS BOOK- ONE OF MY FAVOURITES OF 2019!

Everly is a great heroine and narrator, I can't wait for book 2 to continue her story. Gena Showalter knows how to write a romance and is basically an auto buy author for me. Roth is a great love interest (but make no mistake, Everly is the hero of this story). 

This is a unique take on the classic Snow White fable with a dash of mystery (who is the real Snow White? Who's really the Evil Queen?) A must read!

___________


SORCERY OF THORNS
Margaret Rogerson
Now available 
ORDER YOUR COPY CHAPTERS | AMAZON.CA
All sorcerers are evil. Elisabeth has known that as long as she has known anything. Raised as a foundling in one of Austermeer’s Great Libraries, Elisabeth has grown up among the tools of sorcery—magical grimoires that whisper on shelves and rattle beneath iron chains. If provoked, they transform into grotesque monsters of ink and leather. She hopes to become a warden, charged with protecting the kingdom from their power.

Then an act of sabotage releases the library’s most dangerous grimoire. Elisabeth’s desperate intervention implicates her in the crime, and she is torn from her home to face justice in the capital. With no one to turn to but her sworn enemy, the sorcerer Nathaniel Thorn, and his mysterious demonic servant, she finds herself entangled in a centuries-old conspiracy. Not only could the Great Libraries go up in flames, but the world along with them.

As her alliance with Nathaniel grows stronger, Elisabeth starts to question everything she’s been taught—about sorcerers, about the libraries she loves, even about herself. For Elisabeth has a power she has never guessed, and a future she could never have imagined.


Synopsis and cover image taken from Chapters.ca

MY THOUGHTS:

Very unique fantasy- think Harry Potter's Hogwarts but the magical creatures are books!

Overall I enjoyed this story but I did feel it slowed quite a bit about a third of the way through and I really wanted the romance to pick up- a little too much of a slow burn. BUT Rogerson's imagination and the unique world where books are magical creatures that can turned into deadly grimoires made for a great plot, don't piss off your books people!

I'm on the fence on this series, I might continue but I'm in no hurry for book 2.

_______________


SERPENT AND DOVE

Shelby Mahurin
Now available!
ORDER YOUR COPY CHAPTERS | AMAZON.CA |

Bound as one, to love, honor, or burn. Book one of a stunning fantasy duology, this tale of witchcraft and forbidden love is perfect for fans of Kendare Blake and Sara Holland.
Two years ago, Louise le Blanc fled her coven and took shelter in the city of Cesarine, forsaking all magic and living off whatever she could steal. There, witches like Lou are hunted. They are feared. And they are burned.
As a huntsman of the Church, Reid Diggory has lived his life by one principle: Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. But when Lou pulls a wicked stunt, the two are forced into an impossible situation—marriage.
Lou, unable to ignore her growing feelings, yet powerless to change what she is, must make a choice. And love makes fools of us all.
Set in a world of powerful women, dark magic, and off-the-charts romance, book one of this stunning fantasy duology will leave readers burning for more.

Synopsis and cover image taken from Chapters.ca
READ THIS BOOK- GO BUY IT NOW!

Great love story! Confession time, I actually started this book a few months back and stopped a third of the way through (I'm not sure why) but when I attended the HCC Frenzy presents event last weekend I was promised that this book was ABSOLUTELY FILTHY, and basically dug right back in as soon as a I got home haha. I wouldn't say it's filthy but I recommend this to all romance junkies. 

The story is told from duel perspectives between Lou and Reid with majority being from Lou's perspective but it was great seeing things from Reid's perspective. I can't wait for book two, really need it now and so glad I went back and finished this gem!

HAPPY READING!!! 

Saturday, October 13, 2018

Blog Tour: Review Stop - The Fear of Falling by Amanda Cowen


The Fear of Falling by Amanda Cowen
Now available!!!
The Fear of Falling on Goodreads
Purchase The Fear of Falling here

Synopsis:
When Ella Jones’ twenty-first birthday ends with a bang – literally – she never imagined it would be with her best friend since freshman year, Ryan Owen.

A year later, after their so called “mistake”, they’re still best friends and about to rock their Senior year at the University of San Francisco. But when Ryan returns from spending a summer in Australia and brings back a friend, Liam George, who takes an immediate liking to Ella, Ryan starts to question the Aussie’s intentions with his best friend. The trouble is, Ryan has a girlfriend of his own, and Ella and Ryan swore they would never cross that line again – until they do.

They try not to let their second slip up affect their friendship, but when Spring Break forces them to vacation under the same roof; and Ryan’s ex walks back into his life, Ella is shocked by a fierce stab of possessiveness. And when Ella continues to see Liam, Ryan finds himself plagued by unfamiliar jealousy. With their friendship strained for the first time, Ella and Ryan face an alarming truth: Maybe they can’t be just friends. Maybe they are falling faster than expected. And maybe, deep down, they want to

My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed The Fear of Falling!! 

In preparation of this tour I actually read some of Cowen's previous work and really enjoyed the light-hearted friends-to-lovers romance that Cowen's penned in the past, however I always find her books are too short, I always want more! Ella is a likeable heroine and I enjoyed reading from her perspective. Ryan is adorable and I really enjoyed how protective he was of Ella. I'm not sure I really felt like there was much of a spark between Ella and Liam, which was fine with me since I was Team Ryan all the way haha!

The plot moves pretty quickly and the romance was light with a bit of steam. Cowen has to be a fan of Friends, if not than she really needs to be, a few scenes from her books are so reminiscent of Ross and Rachel break-ups!

Ultimately I would recommend this title to those looking for a quick read with a light friends-to-lovers romance and HEA!

Happy Reading!!!

About Amanda:
Amanda Cowen can be found eating cupcakes, singing off-key, or watching a good RomCom when she isn't trapped on her computer writing stories. She is an "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" fanatic, a hater of roller-coasters and a country music junkie. She lives in Thunder Bay, ON where the summers are short and the winters are long.

Amanda would love to hear from her readers. Become a fan on Facebook, follow her on Instagram @authoramandacowen, or follow her on Goodreads.

Connect with Amanda:



Giveaway Time!!!

      Enter the rafflecopter below for a change to win a $25 Amazon gift card! (International!)

Be sure to stop by the other Blogs on this tour!!!
October 8th

October 9th

October 10th

October 11th

October 12th

October 13th


Huge thanks to Amanda Cowen and Xpresso Book Tours for allowing me to participate in this tour!

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Blog tour Golden Hour by Chantel Guertin - Review Stop

Golden Hour 

(Pippa Greene #4)

Out today- Order your copy now! Amazon.ca | Chapters | ECW Press when you purchase two Pippa books your 3rd one's free on this site!Publisher: ECW Press Source: Finished copy received from Publisher, courtesy of AuthorImage and synopsis courtesy of ECW Press website:

It’s senior year, and the college countdown is on. But instead of getting accepted to Tisch’s photography program, Pippa’s been waitlisted. Without a backup plan, and with the pressure from everyone around her to live up to her father’s legacy, Pippa sets out to prove herself worthy of the program by doing the opposite of everything she did to try to get in. But when she runs into her ex, and first love, Dylan McCutter, Pippa has to finally decide if she should follow her head or her heart.

Written with the same humor and heart that made Chantel Guertin’s first three Pippa Greene novels instant favorites, Golden Hour offers a fresh and charming perspective on friendships, family, and first love.

My Thoughts:
Why does it have to be over?!

Well done Chantel, I devoured this final instalment practically all in one sitting. Pippa fans will be completely satisfied with where Chantel has taken in her in her Senior year, it was wonderful to see the tremendous growth of Pippa's voice from Rule of Thirds!

Pippa has painted herself into quite a corner once again, and I loved how we see Pippa let loose and start to enjoy her senior year, goals are important but it's so important to live in the moment and be in the moment, to really appreciate everything that's around you- it really helps put things into perspective- this is the main lesson I took away from Golden Hour.

Of course this last Pippa adventure wouldn't be complete without the return of Dylan and Ben. Truly if you're Team Dylan or Team Ben you'll be happy with Pippa's decision- I'm going to miss these three!

If you've already read this series you're going to want to finish the series anyway, and if you haven't started- GET ON IT! This series is perfect Summer read to take with you to the cottage or beach they don't take up much room in your bag AND you can devour one book each sitting.

Congrats Chantel on a fantastic ending to a wonderful YA series that I will always adore!

Special thanks to Chantel and ECW Press for allowing me to receive and review an advance copy of Golden Hour in exchange for an honest review.

Happy Reading!!!

Be sure to check out other blogger reviews this week for 
Golden Hour:

Wednesday, May 23rd - Amanda @ Brains, Books and Brawn
Thursday, May 24th - Patty @Simply Patty
Friday, May 25th - Jessica @ The Paper Trail Diary


Other books by Chantel Guertin 
(images below courtesy of Author website)



Connect with Chantel- don't be shy, she's awesome! 

CONTEST ALERT! Be sure to follow Chantel on Instagram- she's giving away the ENTIRE PIPPA GREENE SERIES and it starts today!

Good luck!

Friday, September 15, 2017

Blog tour: Fraternize by Rachel Van Dyken - Review, Excerpt & Giveaway



Fraternize (Players Game #1) 
by Rachel Van Dyken
Pub date: September 12, 2017
Publisher: Skyscape
Available in Canada through Thomas Allen & Son
Add to Goodreads
Description:
New York Times bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken kicks off a brand-new series in which romance is a game and love is a touchdown.

Emerson just made her dream come true as a professional cheerleader for her favorite pro football team. But even though the plus-size athlete is breaking down boundaries, she still has to contend with the massive rulebook. Carbs? Nope. Chocolate? Definitely not. Still, Emerson loves her curves, and she’ll rock the hell out of this job even if it kills her. Except for one mandate that is easier read than done…

No fraternizing with the players.

Problem one is Miller Quinton: Emerson’s first love, first sex, and the guy who still ignites her daydreams and R-rated fantasies. Thrown back together, Miller and Emerson feel the undeniable pull of passion again, even if the conflict that tore them apart seems insurmountable. Then there’s way-too-sexy Grant Sanchez. He has a serious reputation with the ladies, and when it comes to winning someone he wants, he doesn’t let anyone stand in his way.

Now Emerson is breaking every rule in the manual. But what she doesn’t know is that she’s part of a wicked little game—one that could steal both her dream and her heart.

My Thoughts:

This was a fun quick read (can be read in one night, but be prepared for a late night!)

I enjoyed the story and found that this was more a story of friends finding their way back to each other rather than a love story. It starts out as a love triangle but you may be surprised how it ends, I gotta say I was guessing who Emerson would pick all the way to the end- that's if she does pick someone...

I don't know much (or anything) about football, but if what they say in this book is true and there really is a rule of no FRATERNIZING between cheerleaders and football players, that's interesting. BUT what really angered me was that only the cheerleaders seemed to be punished when caught- does this really happen?! 

With that said, Fraternize is well paced and broken up into multiple perspectives between Emerson, Miller and Sanchez (a bit), although I must say (as old followers will already know) I prefer to read from one perspective (and usually the heroines), so I think I would have preferred to have just a few chapters giving a sneak peek in the guys minds, I like to be kept guessing along with the heroine haha. 

I would categorize this read as more of a slow burn new adult read. Each character has their own drama but no ones drama overwhelms the plot. Emerson is an incredibly likeable character, even though she still has some physical hang-ups (as many of us do). Miller was an ok character but I really was "cheering" for Sanchez through this whole book- he's adorable and charming!

The ending was satisfying and lets readers know where Rachel plans to take this crew in her sequel. I look forward to seeing all these characters in book 2!

If you're in the mood for a quick, slow burn romance with humour than give Fraternize a read!

Thank you Thomas Allen and Sons for the review copy!

Happy reading!!!
Get Your Copy Today!


About Rachel Van Dyken:
Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she's not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor. 
She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband, adorable son, and two snoring boxers! She loves to hear from readers!

Follow Rachel:





Haven’t read part 1 of the chapter one excerpt yet?
Check out yesterday’s post to find out how this flashback fits in!

CHAPTER ONE EXCERPT – Part 2 of 2




(Then)
The locker room door shut behind the last cheer member, blanketing me in silence. Well, except for the noise coming from the other side of the room.
The walls were thin.
Very thin.
The guys were still shouting and banging hands against lockers.
I grinned and walked over to the door that led into the guys’ locker room. A small hallway with two offices divided the space between the girls’ and the guys’ locker rooms. The athletic director’s office was on one side and the football coaches’ office on the other. If you wanted to sneak across, you had to get on your hands and knees and crawl.
So I wasn’t at all surprised when I opened the door and looked down.
And Miller looked up.

“Fancy meeting you here.” I knelt to his level and crossed my arms. “Escaping so soon?”

“You know how I feel about male shower time.” His grin was back, but it was shaky. Yeah, I knew all too well how he felt about it.
Both of us had our issues.
I had my weight.
He had the color of his skin.
Stupid.
So damn stupid that tears threatened. Tears for him, not for me.
The white guys made fun of him for being too dark. And the black guys made fun of him for being too white.
He couldn’t win.
After a long game, I knew he was exhausted and just wanted to shower and go home.
“Come on.” I held out my hand and drug him into the girls’ locker room. “You can shower in here.”
“With you?”
“You should be so lucky, Casanova.”
“Break my heart, why don’t you,” he grumbled, placing a hand across his chest and then grabbed his bag from the floor.
He knew I’d let him in. He knew I’d say yes.
We were best friends.
Not that I’d ever admit it out loud since he’d probably wanted to test me—but I’d go to prison for the guy. Cheerfully.
I’d already suffered numerous school detentions in the name of friendship after joining in on several of his harmless pranks.
The principal called us Satan’s duo.
I took it as a compliment.
I think Miller did too.

“So” He plopped his bag down on one of the benches and dropped his shorts.

Thank you Thomas Allen and Sons for this great preview and for allowing me to participate in the Blog Tour!

Make sure you follow the rest of the tour and enter for a chance to win a copy of Fraternize!

Fraternize Blog Tour Schedule:
Sept. 11Burning Impossibly Bright | Player Card #1: Miller Quinton
Sept. 12Between the Spine | Excerpt: Prologue
Sept. 13Bookish Wanderlove | Instagram: Pattycakess20 | Teasers
Sept. 14My Slanted Bookish Ramblings | Excerpt: Chapter One, Part 1/2
Sept. 15Booking It With Hayley G | Excerpt: Chapter One, Part 2/2
Sept. 18BookCatPin | Player Card #2: Grant Sanchez
Sept. 19This is the Story of My (Reading) Life | Excerpt: Chapter Nine, Part 1/2
Sept. 20 – Cupcake and a Latte | Excerpt: Chapter Nine, Part 2/2
Sept. 21 – Brains, Books & Brawn | Playlist
Sept. 22 – Padfoots Library | Guest Post


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