Fiction Fascination

Absent by Katie Williams‏

2013-05-16T07:42:00.000+01:00

Summary from Goodreads

Forever is a long time to be stuck in high school.

Seventeen-year-old Paige is dead, the victim of a freak fall from the roof during Physics class. Now she’s a ghost, permanently bound to the grounds of her high school. It isn’t all bad, she can find out everyone’s secrets, which can be amusing—for a while.But then Paige hears something that isn’t amusing at all: the rumor spread by the most popular girl at school that her death wasn’t an accident—that she supposedly jumped on purpose. Paige is desperate to stop the gossip, but what can a ghost do? Then Paige discovers something amazing. She can possess living people when they think of her, and she can make them do almost anything. Maybe, just maybe, she can get inside the girl who’s responsible for the stories. . . and have a little fun turning the tables while she’s at it.

Katie Williams’s second novel is a suspenseful page-turner full of eerie wit and a touch of the otherworldly.

My Review

I adored the whole idea of Absent because it's quite a bit different from anything else I have came across in the genre. To be honest though I was a little disappointed with the first half of the book.

I didn't connect with the characters and I don't think they were developed as well as they could of been. I just wanted to get inside the head of main character Paige and really get to know her. I was left wondering about the secondary characters too. The book is 182 pages long and I can't help thinking if it was a bit longer would I have connected and loved the characters as much as I so desperately wanted to?

Now the second half of the book is fantastic, I was glued to the pages and the suspense was electric. I was completely shocked and I really didn't see certain things coming. The storyline really did step up it's pace and I really couldn't get enough.

Everything clicked into place so perfectly coming up to the end and the writing demanded my full attention. I would rate the 2nd half of the book a big 5 stars, so I'm sure you can understand my frustration at the first half.

The storyline follows Paige, who is a dead 17 year old that died from supposedly falling off the school roof! Paige's ghost is stuck roaming the corridors of her high school with 2 other ghostly pupils. But when Paige hears the rumour that she jumped off the roof - she knows she can't just stand by and watch anymore....

The bit that I love the most was when Paige discovers that she can inhabit someones body if they are thinking of her. So she tries to inhabit people's bodies to tell everyone that she didn't commit suicide! But things won't be plain sailing!

All in all I enjoyed this ghostly tale, it is full of mystery, is a touch eerie and is a lightening quick page turner!

3/5 Stars!

*Special thanks to Chronicle Books for the review copy*

Carly :)

Icons by Margaret Stohl - Blog Tour!

2013-05-15T07:42:00.001+01:00

Icons by Margaret Stohl

Your heart beats only with their permission.

Everything changed on The Day. The day the windows shattered. The day the power stopped. The day Dol′s family dropped dead. The day Earth lost a war it didn′t know it was fighting.

Since then, Dol has lived a simple life in the countryside - safe from the shadow of the Icon and its terrifying power. Hiding from the one truth she can′t avoid.

She′s different. She survived. Why?

When Dol and her best friend, Ro, are captured and taken to the Embassy, off the coast of the sprawling metropolis once known as the City of Angels, they find only more questions. While Ro and fellow hostage Tima rage against their captors, Dol finds herself drawn to Lucas, the Ambassador′s privileged son. But the four teens are more alike than they might think, and the timing of their meeting isn′t a coincidence. It′s a conspiracy.

Within the Icon′s reach, Dol, Ro, Tima, and Lucas discover that their uncontrollable emotions - which they′ve always thought to be their greatest weaknesses - may actually be their greatest strengths.

Bestselling author Margaret Stohl delivers the first book in a heart-pounding series set in a haunting new world where four teens must piece together the mysteries of their pasts - in order to save the future.

Trailer

I'm reading Icons at the moment and I will be posting a review within the next week or two - so watch out for that. Harper Voyager will be running a super giveaway on their website on the 17th May,you could win a goody bag of YA/crossover books - so be sure to check it out!

Just What Kind of Mother Are You? by Paula Daly - Review, Guest Post & Excerpt

2013-05-13T07:51:00.000+01:00

Summary from Goodreads

She's gone and it's your fault. You were supposed to be watching your best friend's 13-year-old daughter, and now she's missing.

But you know she's not just missing - she's been taken. Because Lucinda is the second girl to be abducted within a fortnight. And the first was found on a busy high street, naked and severely traumatised. No one expects the next to be so lucky.

You're going to have to figure this out - who did it. Because if you don't, then Lucinda will be next. And you'll never forgive yourself.

Hardcover, 320 pages

Published April 25th 2013 by Bantam Press

AmazonUK US Book Depository

Excerpt

Kate doesn’t have a proper job. She and her husband get a steady stream of income from renting holiday cottages. So all Kate has to do when she gets home is put her washing machine on, and write thank-you notes to people she doesn’t really like.

I’m jealous of Kate’s life.

There, I’ve said it.

It’s taken me a while to get to this point. Before, and I couldn’t admit it. I used to complain to Joe. Blame him in a round about way for my having to work full-time, blame him for the fact I had to face every day exhausted, and—

My phone is ringing.

I pull it out my pocket and see that it’s Sally. Perhaps the minibus has not turned up. Maybe the driver’s not been able to start the engine in the cold weather.

“Hi, Sal, what’s up?”

Sally is crying. Big, choking sobs. She can’t get her words out.

“Mum?” I can hear noise in the background, more crying … the sounds of traffic. “Mum …. something really bad has happened.”

My Review

Wow - this is a brilliant debut! I opened it and was instantly intrigued, it only took a couple of pages and I was completely sucked in and loving every chilling second.

Paula Daly has woven this tale in such a brutally honest way that it makes for one seriously believable read. I was shocked, horrified, numb but I simply found it impossible to look away.

The characters are so good, I related to Lisa in more ways than one and I found myself comparing certain aspects of out lives. It's fair to say that I really got Lisa and I managed to click with her in a way I have never clicked with characters in the past.

I was annalysing all of the characters a lot and was always wondering and questioning the things going on in their lives. I really like a book that can keep you constantly on the edge and Just What Kind of Mother Are You definitely does that.

The storyline is every mothers worst nightmare and I was truly terrified throughout. A missing girl - the second in the area and if that wasn't bad enough it's your best-friends child that you were supposed to be minding at the time. This story follows the complex search for the girl and the skeletons that fall out of everyone's closets in the process.

The ending is whopping success and I honestly wasn't expecting it at all - I was so excited reading it. Everything wrapped up so wonderfully that I really couldn't believe how easy things worked out.

Paula Daly's physiological thriller is an epic page turner that will blow your mind in so many earth-shattering ways. I actually think it is the perfect book that is a definite must read that I can't recommend enough. Go on pick it up - you'll be hooked!

5/5 Stars!

*Special thanks to Bantam for the review copy*

Carly :)

About the Author

Paula Daly was born in Lancashire. Before beginning her first novel JUST WHAT KIND OF MOTHER ARE YOU? she was a self-employed physiotherapist. She lives in the Lake District with her husband, three children and whippet Skippy, and is currently at work on her second book THE DAY BEFORE YOU CAME.

You can find Paula on Twitter

Paula's Guest Post on Inspiration

This book came about after watching an episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show. One of Oprah’s recurring themes is getting the right balance in life, and after treating countless, exhausted, working-mothers in my physiotherapy practice, it was at the forefront of my mind as well.

The programme showed school administrator, Brenda Slaby. It’s 6 a.m. and Brenda’s driving her two young children to separate childminders, then continuing on to work. It’s the first day back after the long summer break and a particularly busy time lies ahead. Eight hours later and a co-worker rushes into Brenda’s office, to break the news that her baby is still inside the car. Brenda’s had so much on her mind that she has forgotten to drop her youngest child off, and little Cecilia dies of heatstroke in the hot August sun.

I was heartbroken by this woman’s story. At the time Brenda described herself as ‘the most hated mother in America’; she received death threats, and outraged mothers wanted her tried for murder.

As I watched all I could think was: that could have been me.

I, too, had once been so overwhelmed with balancing children and full-time work that I could have missed the one thing no person wants to miss.

This preyed on my mind and I was certain I wanted to write about it - I just didn’t know how. I write thrillers. I knew I couldn’t possibly do Brenda’s story justice. As time went on, though, I couldn’t stop thinking about how women push themselves nowadays. How they push themselves to be perfect mothers, perfect employees, often at the expense of their health, and their relationship with their spouse, frequently putting other women down for not operating at such a high level.

A few weeks later, I was in the supermarket car park and bumped into a woman I’d not seen for a while. As I walked away from her, I was left feeling slightly crappy about my life - she’s one of those women who’ll subtly put you down, put your children down, too, given half the chance. I sat in my car thinking, who is friends with that woman? She must have some friends. But for the life of me I couldn’t fathom why anyone would want to put up with her.

Suddenly it struck me: What if you were to lose her child? What if you were so overwhelmed with work and life that you took your eye off the ball, and it was her child who went missing?

This terrified me.

Possibly the only thing worse than your own child going missing would be to be responsible for the disappearance of a friend’s.

I began writing immediately, fuelled by this fear. Just What Kind of Mother Are You? is the result.

On The Cover #40

2013-05-11T11:35:00.000+01:00

On The Cover is a feature I am going to do every(ish) Saturday, I will pick one book cover that sticks out, is really interesting or just beautiful. I think the cover of a book is very important, it's the first thing a person sees and some of the time it's the reason why a person will pick a book up and read the back. I will just pick a book that catches my eye from throughout the week.

So come on Book Cover Lovers, share with me your favourite book covers.

My Pick This Week:

Starling (Starling #1)

by Lesley Livingston

Summary

Mason Starling is a champion fencer on the Gosforth Academy team, but she's never had to fight for her life. Not until the night a ferocious, otherworldly storm rips through Manhattan, trapping Mason and her teammates inside the school. Mason is besieged by nightmarish creatures more terrifying than the thunder and lightning as the raging tempest also brings a dangerous stranger into her life: a young man who remembers nothing but his name--the Fennrys Wolf. His arrival tears Mason's world apart, even as she feels an undeniable connection to him. Together, they seek to unravel the secrets of Fenn's identity as strange and supernatural forces gather around them. When they discover Mason's family--with its dark allegiance to ancient Norse gods--is at the heart of the mystery, Fennrys and Mason are suddenly faced with a terrifying future.

Set against the gritty, shadowed back-drop of New York City, this first novel in award-winning author Lesley Livingston's epic Starling Saga is an intoxicating blend of sweeping romance and pulse-pounding action.

Hardcover, 352 pages

Published August 28th 2012 by HarperTeen

Have you seen any beautiful covers on your travels this week?

A Shade of Vampire by Bella Forrest

2013-05-09T07:54:00.000+01:00

Summary from Goodreads

On the evening of Sofia Claremont's seventeenth birthday, she is sucked into a nightmare from which she cannot wake.

A quiet evening walk along a beach brings her face to face with a dangerous pale creature that craves much more than her blood.

She is kidnapped to an island where the sun is eternally forbidden to shine.
An island uncharted by any map and ruled by the most powerful vampire coven on the planet. She wakes here as a slave, a captive in chains.

Sofia's life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn when she is the one selected out of hundreds of girls to join the harem of Derek Novak, the dark royal Prince.

Despite his addiction to power and obsessive thirst for her blood, Sofia soon realizes that the safest place on the island is within his quarters, and she must do all within her power to win him over if she is to survive even one more night.

Will she succeed? ...or is she destined to the same fate that all other girls have met at the hands of the Novaks?

Paperback, 147 pages

Published December 14th 2012

My Review

Just when you have officially had enough of all things vampires, along comes this little gem and makes you realise how much you love them all over again - If they are set apart form just you typical vampire tale.

To be completely honest I wasn't expecting too much with a page count of only 144 pages, but I am so pleased to say that size didn't matter on this occasion, this bowled me over and I was more than pleasantly surprised.

Bella Forrest has brought a different sort of vampire book the the table here and I think it outshines quite a few other big players in the genre. Her writing is brilliant and I instantly got wrapped up in this fabulously imagined world with it wonderfully rich descriptors.

The characters are very intriguing and I liked all of them for their differences. My favourite would have to be Derek Norvak who can be very dangerous and quite charming depending on the circumstances. Main character Sofia is really great, I clicked with her quite early on and I found her to be very down-to-earth and intelligent.

I'm not going to try and sum up this one in my own words because the summary (above) does so perfectly with out giving anything away.

I loved the end section and things have been set up so brilliantly for what I expect will be lots of awesome things to come in the next book - which I just can't wait for.

If your after a quick, action packed vampire story, that is packed full of dark characters and a complex storyline - then A Shade of Vampire is definitely the book for you!

4.5/5 Stars!

*Special thanks to Bella Forrest for the review copy*

Carly :)

Waiting on Wednesday #42

2013-05-08T08:05:00.001+01:00

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Confessions of an Almost Girlfriend by Louise Rozett

Summary from Goodreads

Rose Zarelli has big plans for sophomore year—everything is going to be different. This year, she’s going to be the talented singer with the killer voice, the fabulous girl with the fashionista best friend, the brainiac who refuses to let Jamie Forta jerk her around...

...but if she’s not careful, she’s also going to be the sister who misses the signals, the daughter who can only think about her own pain, the “good girl” who finds herself in mid-scandal again (because no good deed goes unpunished) and possibly worst of all...the almost-girlfriend.

When all else fails, stop looking for love and go find yourself

Paperback, 288 pages

Expected publication: June 18th 2013 by Harlequin

What's your "waiting on" pick this week?

Poison by Sarah Pinborough‏

2013-05-06T08:49:00.000+01:00

Summary from Goodreads

A beautiful, sexy, contemporary retelling of the classic Snow White fairy tale, illustrated by Les Edwards.

POISON is a beautifully illustrated retelling of the Snow White story which takes all the elements of the classic fairytale that we love (the handsome prince, the jealous queen, the beautiful girl and, of course, the poisoning) and puts a modern spin on the characters, their motives and their desires. It's fun, contemporary, sexy, and perfect for fans of ONCE UPON A TIME, GRIMM, SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN and more.

Hardcover, 200 pages

Published April 18th 2013 by Gollancz

My Review

Fairy tales are my thing but sometimes a retelling doesn't quite hit the mark, but I am so pleased to announce that Poison is an absolutely stunning story that I couldn't read fast enough. It ended up being one of them 1 day reads that I love so much.

Sarah Pinborough strays true to the classic tale of Snow White but has managed to put her own very sexy stamp all over it. It's dark, dangerous, thrilling, adventurous and devilishly sexy. Snow White has been morphed into my kinda gal and she really isn't so white after all. Everything is twisted so beautifully and the richly imagined world is very easy to fall into.

Sarah has very cleverly incorporated some other fairy tales throughout and I was delighted to stumble upon a candy house in a dark forest within these pages.

The storyline follows the kingdom's beloved Snow White and the dangers she faces when her stepmother decides marrying her off won't do, she has to have her heart!

I actually loved the wicked but very intriguing stepmother, who wasn't all that older than Snow. She is beautiful but deadly and would rather be feared than loved. She is jealous of Snow and sneaks off to her hidden sanctuary, which I found rather human but what she plots in there is anything but sunny.

This is a highly addictive and very moreish book from a fabulous author that I just wish I had discovered sooner. I really cannot contain my excitement for the next book Charmed!

A BIG 5 Stars!

*Special thanks to Gollancz for the review copy*

Carly :)

No Such Thing as Immortality by Sarah Tranter‏

2013-05-02T07:52:00.000+01:00

Summary from Goodreads

I will protect you until the day I die … forever!

A vampire does not have to feel any emotion not of his choosing. And Nathaniel Gray has spent two hundred years choosing not to feel. But when he accidentally runs Rowan Locke off the road, he is inexplicably flooded with everything she’s feeling, and that’s rage, and lots of it.

He is consumed with the need to protect Rowan at all costs, including from himself. To Nate what is happening is unthinkable, and is pretty much as unbelievable as the existence of faeries.

But you see, there is no such thing as … immortality.

This is Nate’s story …

Paperback, 320 pages

Published January 7th 2013 by Choc Lit

My Review

No Such Thing as Immortality is a brilliant debut from Sarah Tranter that I thoroughly enjoyed! I really like Sarah's easy way of writing and I very easily fell into it.

The storyline is full of action, emotion, romance, intrigue and is peppered with mystery to keep you guessing. I was very interested and I think there is definitely more to this than just your typical vampire tale. Otherworldly beings are introduced and a lot of twists and turns will keep you fully engaged right up until the very end.

The best thing about this book has to be the characters, mainly Nathanial Grey *swoon*, he has this strong, dark, silent and moody thing going on which makes him quite moreish indeed! I think he is a bit of a mix between Edward Cullen and Mr Darcey if I'm honest and really that's not a bad thing. I especially like how he's so old fashioned, in his speech and even his way of thinking.

Nathanial Grey is a vampire who hasn't shown any sort of human emotion for more than 200 years. But his life changes dramatically when he crashes into Rowan Locke, and is overwhelmed with all of her feelings - they are anything but calm.

Nate becomes so drawn to Rowan that he can't seem to keep away, but as he gets to know her he realises there is someone or something out to do her harm. He knows he must unravel the mystery surrounding Rowan and her family and protect her at all costs....

I was really pleased with how things left off and I am overjoyed that there is going to be another book. I actually can't wait to see what's going to happen next and also to get to know the mysterious Nate a little bit better!

4.5/5 Stars!

*Special thanks to Choc Lit for the review copy*

Carly :)

Check this book out on Amazon

Indie Author Challenge #2

2013-05-01T07:53:00.000+01:00

Every month I am going to challenge myself to read 2 Indie author books! I think there are some wonderful Indie's out there and I am very keen to showcase their works! I don't think Indie books get enough exposure and more people need to take a chance on them - there are most probably a lot of diamonds in the rough out there just waiting to be discovered!

I have a stack of Indie books already, which need some loving and I can only appologise to the authors for not getting to them sooner. After I get down the review pile I will be on the search for more books to add to this feature. So please do get in touch if you would like me to consider your book!

So, Come on people, take part in an Indie author challenge today because Indie authors need YOU!!

The 2 books I will be reading in May:

Love and Relativity by Rachael Wade

New Adult/Adult Contemporary Romance

Love, life, and happily ever after? It’s all relative.

Marine biology student Emma Pierce lives in paradise—geographically speaking, anyway. Stranded on Sanibel Island, Florida, she works at a nursing home by day and spends her nights dodging the island's infamous bad boy, Jackson Taylor, at her favorite karaoke bar. Trying to heal from the loss of her sister and a failed relationship she rerouted her life for, she's ready to graduate and finally leave Florida behind.

When a run-in with Jackson and his rowdy crew goes sour at the bar one night, sparks fly and irreversible damage is done. It’s no secret that Jackson loves to get underneath her skin, but this time he's gone too far. Now all he wants is to earn her forgiveness before she's gone for good, but their ideas of closure—and the future—are enough to keep them worlds apart.

This is a stand-alone title but coordinates with The Preservation Series

Reservation by Rachael Wade

A sequel to the Amazon bestselling romance, Preservation, told from Ryan’s point of view.

Old Habits Die Hard.

Ryan Campbell is not only leaving his title of Professor behind to move on to bigger and better things at Simon and Warden Publishing, he’s also become Seattle’s rising literary star. Sitting on the overwhelming cusp of newfound fame, he learns soon enough that being popular has its downside.

Attracted to the buzz surrounding his new career, former lovers begin to creep back into his life, and potential ones emerge with enticing advances. While he works to juggle reserved, yet stressful, wedding plans with Kate and his new public image, he has enough to manage without worrying about Carter and Dean—Kate’s loveable albeit eccentric friends—and their latest shenanigans.

Surrounded by a lifestyle that includes temptation at every turn, Ryan finds himself immersed in a world full of scandal and lies, where his oldest weaknesses thrive and his ghosts return to haunt him. Questioning whether his life with Kate is his best path, he must discover if he’s still capable of being the man he aspired to be when she first became his, or if happily ever after is only an illusion.

Lover at Last by J.R Ward

2013-04-29T07:43:00.001+01:00

Summary from Goodreads

Qhuinn, son of no one, is used to being on his own. Disavowed from his bloodline, shunned by the aristocracy, he has finally found an identity as one of the most brutal fighters in the war against the Lessening Society. But his life is not complete. Even as the prospect of having a family of his own seems to be within reach, he is empty on the inside, his heart given to another....

Blay, after years of unrequited love, has moved on from his feelings for Qhuinn. And it’s about time: The male has found his perfect match in a Chosen female, and they are going to have a young—just as Qhuinn has always wanted for himself. It’s hard to see the new couple together, but building your life around a pipe dream is just a heartbreak waiting to happen. As he’s learned firsthand.

Fate seems to have taken these vampire soldiers in different directions... but as the battle over the race’s throne intensifies, and new players on the scene in Caldwell create mortal danger for the Brotherhood, Qhuinn finally learns the true definition of courage, and two hearts who are meant to be together... finally become one.

Hardcover, 591 pages

Published March 28th 2013 by Piatkus

My Review

I have been waiting and wanting this book for such a long time and when I actually held it in my hands I was scared to open it! I shouldn't of been wary though because J.R. Ward never fails to deliver and has never let me down!

This is a tense, kick-ass and a highly emotional instalment from a true master in the genre. I was so frustrated with the characters and the storyline (in a good way) that I was slamming the book closed and having F-bombing moments!

Warden's males are deliciously moreish and I always find myself sighing in longing throughout. Blay and Quhinn, I'm pretty sure have been on readers minds for a couple of books now and I couldn't have been more thrilled with getting to know the pair, shall we say a little more intimately.... lol!

The action was so on in this book and I was riveted to every bloodied page, especially the ones that revealed another key factor in the war. The Band of Bastards made quite an appearance, which pleased me because of Xcor, who I just can't seem to get off my mind.

We are also introduced to some new characters and there is one female in particular I can't wait to read more about.

I'm relieved that the Warden waited so long before writing Blay and Qhuinn's story, because it gave all her readers time to get to know and love the pair for who they were and in the end the readers were begging to hear their love story.

I'm not going to try and sum up this story because I'm likely to give something away in my excitement...

This is a stunningly written book that is full of the most awesome characters, raging battle scenes, fab one liners, great banter, beautiful emotion, lots of HOT scenes and also tons of tender moments! A BIG winner that I really am over the moon about!

If you haven't already jumped on the Brotherhood band waggon then go pick up Dark Lover (BK1) today because you will easily become addicted!

A BIG 5 Stars!

*Special thanks to Piatkus for the review copy*

Carly :)

Splintered by A.G. Howard

2013-04-26T07:59:00.000+01:00

Summary from Goodreads

This stunning debut captures the grotesque madness of a mystical under-land, as well as a girl’s pangs of first love and independence. Alyssa Gardner hears the whispers of bugs and flowers—precisely the affliction that landed her mother in a mental hospital years before. This family curse stretches back to her ancestor Alice Liddell, the real-life inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Alyssa might be crazy, but she manages to keep it together. For now.

When her mother’s mental health takes a turn for the worse, Alyssa learns that what she thought was fiction is based in terrifying reality. The real Wonderland is a place far darker and more twisted than Lewis Carroll ever let on. There, Alyssa must pass a series of tests, including draining an ocean of Alice’s tears, waking the slumbering tea party, and subduing a vicious bandersnatch, to fix Alice’s mistakes and save her family. She must also decide whom to trust: Jeb, her gorgeous best friend and secret crush, or the sexy but suspicious Morpheus, her guide through Wonderland, who may have dark motives of his own.

Hardcover, 371 pages

Published January 1st 2013 by Amulet Books

My Review

Splintered is an absolutely awesome read that I think everyone needs to read themselves to experience how wonderful it is. Alice in Wonderland is one of my favourite childhood stories and I will admit to being a little wary about picking this up, but I am so pleased to say I actually enjoyed it more than the original - which is quite a feat indeed!

A.G. Howard has twisted what we were lead to believe about Wonderland and morphed it into a darker, sinister and more spunkier version - that is so brilliant to get pulled into. The descriptors are fabulous - rich, lush and so awesomely brought to life by Howard's out of this world writing!

The storyline is imaginative, I adored following main character Alyssa on her trip down the rabbit hole, in the hopes of saving herself and her mother from the insanity curse that has been in her family from Alice herself!

Alyssa is a really great character and I loved getting to know her. She takes Jeb (her real world crush) along with her for the Wonderland ride, and while I was very much meh about him, I was completely turned around by the end of the book.

My favourite character would have to be Morpheus *swoon*, he is so intriguingly moreish. He has this dark, dangerous nature and is a bit of a sneaky trickster at heart.

The story is perfectly paced and is full of mystery, adventure, danger and plenty of twists to keep you on the edge. I simply loved watching the madness unfold on every page!

The ending is very good and I think this book would of also worked as a really great standalone novel. I really can't urge everyone enough to go pick up this highly addictive book, because I can promise you that you'll not have read anything like it before!

A BIG 5 Stars!

*Special thanks to Amulet for the review copy*

Carly :)

Guys, please do check out my new little blog - Little Fiction Fascination . It really could do with some love.

Showers of Books Giveaway Hop

2013-04-23T18:03:00.000+01:00

Hello all! This is the first giveaway hop that I have had on the blog this year, so I thought I would give you the choice of some of the books that I have loved so far! Showers of books would be right here in Northern Ireland, where raining is just a part of everyday life! I hope where ever you are it is lovely and perhaps a little more springy than it is here. I will be taking a couple of days off from blogging and I will be back on Friday with my review of Splintered by A.G. Howard!

Anyway, this comp is open internationally, as long as The Book Depo ships to you (click here to check). There will be one winner who can pick 1 paperback book from the 8 listed below. Please note the covers of the books may vary depending on where you live in the world. Winner will be contacted by e-mail and will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be drawn. I will not be held responsible for lost or damaged packages, as I'm not handling the sending of the book.

A big thank you to I'm a Reader Not a Writer & Books a la Mode for hosting! :)

Click to be taken to Goodreads

Easy by Tammara Webber

The Secret of Ella and Micha by Jessica Sorensen

Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi

Speechless by Hannah Harrington

Level 2 by Lenore Appelhans

Confessions of an Angry Girl by Louise Rozett

Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Don't forget to check out all the other blogs taking part for more chances to win! :)

LINKY :

Going Under by S. Walden - Guest Post

2013-04-22T07:41:00.000+01:00

Going Under by S. Walden

Brooke Wright has only two goals her senior year at Charity Run High School: stay out of trouble and learn to forgive herself for the past. Forgiveness proves elusive, and trouble finds her anyway when she discovers a secret club at school connected to the death of her best friend. She learns that swim team members participate in a “Fantasy Slut League,” scoring points for their sexual acts with unsuspecting girls.

Brooke, wracked with guilt over her friend’s death, decides to infiltrate the league by becoming one of the “unsuspecting girls,” and exact revenge on the boys who stole away her best friend. An unexpected romance complicates her plans, and her dogged pursuit of justice turns her reckless as she underestimates just how far the boys will go to keep their sex club a secret.

Amazon, Smashwords, B&N, Createspace (paperback), Kobo

Excerpt

“I’m totally excited!” Gretchen squealed as we walked, arms linked, up the sidewalk to Tanner’s house.

Yes, I felt guilty for lying to my dad. It wasn’t Olivia’s house. There’s no Olivia anyway. But I thought it would sound better if the party were being thrown by a girl and not an immature boy. Tanner was just that. An annoying, loud, overbearing football player from my old high school who insisted on being popular whether people wanted him to or not. I think he was only accepted into the club because he had parents who traveled a lot, thus opening his house to the most over-the-top, alcohol-infused, sex-crazed parties in the city. It amazed me that not one of them had ever been busted by the cops.

“What’s there to be excited about?” I asked. “These parties are obnoxious.”

“Whatever, Brooke. You loved them last year.”

“Yeah, that was last year,” I said. “God, I don’t want to run into anyone I know.”

We pushed through the front door and nearly toppled onto Stephanie.

“Oh my God!” she screamed, throwing her arms around my neck and choking me.

“Steph.” I know I sounded less than enthusiastic, but I just couldn’t pretend anymore.

“I was so hoping you’d come tonight!” she replied, pulling away and looking me up and down. “You look so pretty!”

I did look pretty. I wore dark blue skinny jeans with a gray sequins top and alligator pumps. My very first pair of closed-toe heels. I bought them immediately after Beth’s funeral, and I made sure there was nothing sad about them. Not a hint of black. They were purple instead. I wore my hair in a messy chignon at the nape of my neck to show off my mother’s wedding earrings—the diamond studs. I felt confident and sexy.

“Thanks. I love your dress,” I replied. “It’s really cute.”

Stephanie looked down at her outfit. “I know, right?!” She grabbed my hand and pulled me into the living room. “Look who’s here, everyone!”

“No no,” I said, shaking my head and tearing my hand out of hers. “No one needs to know.”

I smiled nervously and looked around. Thankfully no one heard Stephanie or they didn’t care. The music was turned up to the max, and half the partiers were already wasted. There was an uneasy energy bouncing about the room, like a huge fight would break out at any moment. I didn’t like it, or rather my spirit didn’t like it. I could tell because my heart fluttered and thumped, and not to the beat of the song.

I turned around assuming Gretchen had followed me into the living room. I assumed wrong.

Author Bio

S. Walden used to teach English before making the best decision of her life by becoming a full-time writer. She lives in Georgia with her very supportive husband who prefers physics textbooks over fiction and has a difficult time understanding why her characters must have personality flaws. She is wary of small children, so she has a Westie instead. Her dreams include raising chickens and owning and operating a beachside inn on the Gulf Coast (chickens included). When she's not writing, she's thinking about it.

She loves her fans and loves to hear from them. Email her at swaldenauthor@hotmail.com and follow her blog at http://swaldenauthor.blogspot.com where you can get up-to-date information on her current projects.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/swaldenauthor

Guest Post

I Did Not Get Lucky

Try asking someone how they made it to where they are.
“What’s your secret? How did it happen? What can you share with others in your field?”
The answer usually? “Oh, I just got lucky.”

Hmm. Really? I mean, really? Well, I truly am happy for those people, but my story hasn’t gone that way at all.

Here’s the deal. I’m working my ass off. I’ll be the first one to say it. I am working really, really hard, and very little of this journey has been easy. I understand more about marketing now than I did six months ago, but it’s still a learning process, and I’ve yet to get to a point in my writing career where I can say, “Oh, happy day! I know all there is to know about marketing and promoting!” I don’t think I’ll ever get there. I’m very much on the outside trying to bulldoze my way in, or scale the wall. However you want to look at it. It’s a tough climb. I’m clawing. I’m reaching. My back hurts. My mascara’s running. There’s nothing “lucky” about it. So it’s hard for me to believe when other people talk about overnight success. Hmm. I think there’s a back story there we aren’t allowed to know. J

I am nowhere near awesome, over-the-top success, but Going Under is by far the first novel I’ve written that’s gone anywhere. I squealed when I saw that it was selling well in the UK. Really? Okay. That’s rockin’. And I squealed, too, when I started hearing from bloggers who wanted to promote me. Me? Get out of town! And I squeal every time someone “friends” me on goodreads or “likes” my Facebook page. All good things, but they haven’t come easily. And so I want to take a moment to share the promotional bits I’ve been doing that have allowed me to see success with Going Under. Have I shot to the top of the Kindle lists overnight? Hell no. I’m not even there, but like I said, I’m slowly climbing. Slipping up. Falling back some. Making a gain or two. Falling again. One step forward. It’s work, people. Hard. Work.

So that this isn’t a long, drawn-out post, I’ll just list the things I’ve found to be most successful in promoting Going Under (this list is for my curious fans and fellow indie writers who may need some tips):

1. Cover reveal (Do this several weeks before publication)
2. Release day book blitz (I did it over the course of three days)
3. Giveaways for signed ARCs on goodreads (Holla! Goodreads is your gold mine. These chicks love them some books, and they love to promote them)
4. Discounted price during special events (You’ve gotta if you want to see a climb)
5. Book tours (I did a two-week blitz in April, and I have book tours scheduled for June and August)
6. Replying PROMPTLY to bloggers interested in promoting you (You wanna be featured? Then respond!)
7. Giveaways for e-books, signed paperback copies, and an ultimate grand prize (Who in the world doesn’t like free stuff?)
8. FB, blog, and Twitter posts (Keep everyone informed)

So there you have it. No secrets over here. Those are the things I’ve been doing to promote Going Under. And I don’t mind sharing because I want to see other indie authors succeed. Again, I’m not sharing this post as an author who’s reached any bestsellers lists yet (I totally hope I do, though). I’m sharing as an author who has been receiving messages from FB fans and bloggers telling me my book is creating buzz. So the word is spreading, and I have incredible fans to thank for their devotion to hardcore promoting. THANK. YOU. I feel those two words don’t go far enough, but it’s the best I can do. <3

Mini Interview with Jessica Sorensen

2013-04-20T09:11:00.000+01:00

The Secret of Ella & Micha

The girl he thinks he loves needs to disappear. I don't want tonight to be irreversible, so I pull away, breathing him in one last time.

Ella and Micha have been best friends since childhood, until one tragic night shatters their relationship and Ella decides to leave everything behind to start a new life at college, including Micha.

But now it's summer break and she has nowhere else to go but home. Ella fears everything she worked so hard to bury might resurface, especially with Micha living right next door. Micha is sexy, smart, confident, and can get under Ella's skin like no one else can. He knows everything about her, including her darkest secrets. And he's determined to win back the girl he lost, no matter what it takes.

Goodreads Amazon

To see my 5* review of The Secret of Ella & Micha click here

About Jessica

The New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Jessica Sorensen, lives in the snowy mountains of Wyoming. When she's not writing, she spends her time reading and hanging out with her family.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jessica...

Interview

Where did the inspiration come for to write The Secret of Ella and Micha?

The idea started out with I dream I kept having about a guy and a girl who were best friends and who fell in love, but the girl wouldn’t admit it. Finally it got to the point where I knew I had to turn it into a story.

I'm sure lots of readers will swoon over Micha, but who are some of your book boy crushes?

There’s a lot, but naming one off the top of my head, I’ll go with Kellan Kyle from Thoughtless.

Could you share with us one (or more) of your favourite quotes from the book?

Two are my favorite quotes are from Micha.

“I love you, Ella May and nothing will ever change that. You can push me away -run away – and I will still love you.”

“When it all comes down to it, it’s just me and her against the world. Always has been.”

Tell us about some of your favourite reads?

There are so many I wouldn’t even know where to start, but I love reading pretty much anything that’s new adult contemporary.

Are you working on at the minute that you can share with us? Maybe even a sneaky peek?

I’m actually working on a few different projects at the moment; The Temptation of Lila and Ethan and two other new adult contemporary side projects. But how about a sneak peak from The Forever of Ella and Micha :)

I frown, hating that when we walk off the bridge, he’ll leave me to return to the road with his band. “I’m a little sad you have to go.”

He releases the metal railing and his aqua eyes sparkle as he hugs me. I bury my face into his chest and breathe him in, never wanting to let him go.

“I love you, Ella May.” He kisses the top of my head.

I shut my eyes and suck back the tears. “I love you, too.”

Cry of the Wolf (Eye of the Storm #2) by Dianna Hardy

2013-04-19T07:45:00.000+01:00

Summary from Goodreads

The full moon is a week away, and although Lydia is as excited as it gets to run as a wolf for the first time, she is also fighting to keep her independence while trying to understand her role in the lives of the three males that have come to rule hers: compassionate, tender Taylor; impetuous, fun-loving Ryan and distant, cold Lawrence.

There's also a fourth man in Lydia's life. Brendan, her previous "friend with benefits", is tirelessly searching for her. He's about to uncover things that should be kept hidden.

However, the testosterone surrounding her is the last thing she should be worrying about. Her family bear truths about her heritage she's not ready to face ... she may not have a choice, because the greatest danger to them all comes from within. The past never stays buried for long, and among the shadows of their species it is rising with a vengeance, threatening to tear their pack apart for good.

Notes: Book two of a series - it is highly recommended that book one be read first. This is an adult, paranormal fantasy short novel (over 55,000 words) containing scenes of explicit sexual content and some violence, entwined with romantic elements. (Written in British English.)

Paperback, First, 254 pages

Expected publication: April 25th 2013 by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (first published April 19th 2013)

My Review

This stunning second instalment from Dianna Hardy definitely has the wow factor and has pumped up the heat from the first book! I started reading this and the book was nearly always glued to my palm until the end!

As I have come to love and expect with Dianna's work is hotness and Cry of the Wolf had it in bucket loads. Intimate scenes are never held back and I totally love the wild abandon that goes into each moment! Saying that it's not all about the sexiness (although it could be, lol), there is a great in-depth complexity woven into these lusty pages.

I am a character driven gal and Dianna's males manage to stir something inside me that I haven't felt from reading a J.R. Ward book, and without a doubt Dianna's writing is up there in the awesome Warden category too.

By far my favourite character has to be Lawrence - he oozes the hot stuff and has this beautifully broken thing going on - which I love! The wolves are beautiful and believable, I think they have an earthliness to them that captures the essence of werewolves perfectly and I'm yet to come across wolves with such an edge to them.

The storyline picks up right after the events of book 1 and immediately managed to pull me right back in. Lydia is trying to adjust to everything in her new life, including 3 wolves to call her own. But she won't have long to adjust because shocking secrets come out of the closet and their enemy have stepped things up a notch in the war....

I adored each of Lydia's relationships with her mates and each relationship had it's own unique beauty. Watching Lydia discover and get to know each of them was a joy and I think Dianna has managed to make having 3 mates work perfectly and it's actually quite beautiful.

I think this is a fabulous read that is full of action, danger, shockers, mystery, lusty scenes, touching moments and is all brought together with such wonderful writing. I cannot wait for the next book!

5/5 Stars!

*Special thanks to Dianna for the review copy*

Carly :)

Dave by Sue Hendra & Liz Pichon‏

2013-04-18T07:48:00.000+01:00

My Review

We actually giggled to our sides were sore at the super hilarious Dave!

This book has the most superb illustrations that are so eye catching that you will find it hard to look away! Dave is such a greedy old fellow that we absolutely adored reading about!

This story follows Dave the cat and the problems he faces when he actually gets stuck in his own cat flap! All the other animals try everything and anything to get him out but had no luck. Until someone feeds him full of beans and I'm pretty sure you can imagine the results.....

When eating beans at the table the other day, my daughter started making really loud farting noises and said "just like Dave"! LOl! :)

I have to say this is such an amazing book that will have people of all ages laughing like idiots!! It's definitely one for our favourites shelf!!

A BIG 5 Stars!!

*Special thanks to Hodder Children's books for the review copy*

Carly :)

Amazon
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Hodder Children's Books (7 Feb 2013)

Mist by Kathryn James

2013-04-17T07:37:00.000+01:00

Summary from Goodreads

Midnight: a mist-haunted wood with a bad reputation. A sweet sixteen party, and 13 year old Nell is trying to keep her sister, spoilt birthday-girl Gwen, out of trouble. No chance. Trouble finds Gwen and drags her through the mist. Only Nell guesses who’s behind the kidnap - the boy she hoped was her friend, the cute but mysterious Evan River.

All those fairy stories Nell’s grandmother told her about girls being stolen by fairy folk are true. The Elven are beautiful as starlight, fierce as wolves, and cold as ice. And they want their world back. The fight has been raging for centuries. Nell’s grandmother should know, she’s a Watcher, the ones responsible for imprisoning the Elven in isolated iron-bound camps in Siberia. Only Evan, his fanatical older brother Fen, and a handful of Elven children are still free.

Fen, hellbent on revenge, keeps Gwen in their wolf-guarded stronghold deep in the mist. The price for her safe return? The release of all the Elven – but the Watchers will never agree. Only Nell can save Gwen.

Time is twisted through the mist: if Nell stops longer than a night and day, a hundred years will hit her as soon as she returns and she’ll be old and withered before she’s even lived. The clock is ticking.

Paperback, 336 pages

Published September 1st 2011 by Hodder Childrens Books

My Review

Mist is a stunning first instalment that is beautiful, eerie, mysterious and managed to pull me in from the very first chapter!

This right here is world building at it's best and I simply loved getting lost in this dangerous but highly intriguing world. The writing is superb and is full of really rich descriptors - I had no problem visualising the chilling dark forest.

The characters are wonderful. Main character Nell is a really quirky, down-to-earth girl who I think a lot of young teens will be able to relate to. She even has a older sister who is popular and a bit of a bitch - I really enjoyed watching the 2 opposites interact.

I loved the sweet romance that has been introduced here, the alluring Evan definitely turns heads and I liked watching things start to develop between him and Nell.

The storyline follows Nell, who manages to end up in the woods looking after her drunk older at midnight. Even after the weird warning about the woods from the mysterious Evan. Nell has also heard her Nan's dark tales of the goings on in the woods, but they couldn't possibly be real, could they?

When Nell's older sister goes missing, she doesn't quite know what to believe and she is forced to take matters into her own hands.....

Nell will learn some very shocking truths that she never could of possibly imagined and she will be thrown into the unknown with only Evan by her side! But can he even be trusted?

This is a lightening quick page turner that will keep you intrigued right up until the very end. I really enjoyed the ending and I'm really excited to read the next book FROST!

4/5 Stars

*Special thanks to Hodder for the review copy*

Carly :)

I Heart Bedtime by Clara Vulliamy - Review & Character Interview

2013-04-15T07:39:00.000+01:00

I have something very special to share with you all today and I really hope you love it as much as I do! My daughter Lily had the chance to interview Martha - who is just her favourite character ever! A big thank you to Clara Vulliamy for letting Martha come out for an interview! Without further ado, lets meet the girls!

This is Martha! Martha is a big sister to two of the best Bunny Brothers EVER!! She is always a happy bunny and loves to play with her Bunny Brothers and help her mum out!

This is Lily! Lily is 4 years old and is a big sister to one super cute little brother! She loves to read and have fun doing lots of artsy things!

Interview

Hi Martha *waves*! My names is Lily and I love you! :)

Hi Lily! *madly waving* and I love you too! () ()
    . .
                                                                      O
                                                                      U

Who is your very best friend?

My very best friends are probably my bunny brothers Monty and Pip, because even if they are a bit silly sometimes we play great games together – and they think I’m the BEES KNEES!

What adventures are you going to do next?

Next we are going to pack our buckets and spades and we are going TO THE SEASIDE! I can’t wait! I am mostly looking forward to making sandcastles, swimming in the sea and having LOTS of ice creams.

What is your favourite colour?

My favourite colour is yellow. What’s yours?

Lily: Pink

What is your favourite animal?

I like these sea otters best. They hold hands while they are sleeping in the water so they don’t drift apart from each other, isn’t that sweet?

Do you go to any special clubs? Like Girls Brigade - like me?

That sounds brilliant! Can I come with you one day? I am only in The Happy Bunny Club for now.

What happens if you are a little bit naughty?

If I am a little bit naughty I have a chat with my Mum and we think about how I won’t be naughty next time.

What is your favourite book?

My favourite book is Babar the elephant. I like his green suit!

Which teddy is your favourite?

I have a teddy called Teddy-one-ear because one of his ears fell off. I might make him a new ear one day. It might be a different colour. Then he might be called Teddy-Pink-Ear!

Do you go to bed at 7 o'clock - like me?

Yes, I always go to bed at 7 o’clock, and then I am full of beans the next morning for more FUN.

Is your daddy going to be in any books?

How clever you are to notice that our daddy isn’t in the books yet. But HOORAY he IS coming with us to the seaside!

What is your best toy?

My best toy is Jennifer. She sleeps tucked up in bed next to me.

What is you favourite treat?

My favourite treat is eating white chocolate buttons while I am being read stories.

Which games do you like to play best?

I like playing with Jennifer in our secret den, and sometimes we play schools with the other toys. I also like running about games – jumping and hopping and going on my scooter!

Thank you for your fantastic questions, Lily! XX

My Review

Martha and her brilliant Bunny Brothers are a BIG hit in our house, so when we seen there was going to be another book - we just HAD to have it!

We were not disappointed, I Heart Bedtime is a fabulous next instalment. Clara Vulliamy's illustrations are the best out there and we really can't get enough of them. They are big, bright, bold and randomly placed around the pages! Adults and kids alike will be in for a treat and simply won't know what to look at first!

Martha is such an adorable little Bunny and I think what makes these books so brilliant is the way Clara manages to make them so easy for kids to relate to. My daughter is able to relate to Martha because they face the same dilemmas - like not being able to choose a favourite toy, wanting to be a great older sister and help out while still looking to have a blast! Most importantly having problems choosing a favourite pair of PJ's to wear! I couldn't be the only parent out there that grits their teeth when my child struggles to pick a pair of PJ's and put them on - but we forget that these are quite big decisions for little people!

Here is Martha in her favourite PJ's: --->

This story follows Martha and her Bunny Brothers in another fantastic adventure - getting ready for bed! Grace from next door will be babysitting and Martha is super excited because she really likes Grace! But she won't be able to spend any time with her if she doesn't help get those troublesome Bunny Brothers into bed!

This is a really happy and positive book for little people, I would have absolutely no problem recommending it to everybody.

Inside there is a Bedtime Bunnies song that is supposed to be sung to the tune of It's a Long Way to Tipperary! It is such a wonderful addition to the story and we could go around happily singing it all day long!

Pick up I Heart Bedtime or I Heart School (you can see my review here) today for a super fun treat!

A BIG 5 Stars!

*Special thanks to Harper Collins Childrens books for the review copy*

Carly :)

Check out Clara's website or Twitter page!

Prince Charmless by Jeanne Willis & Tony Ross‏

2013-04-13T10:24:00.002+01:00

My Review

This is such a funny little book with such a great message! I think nearly everybody will know a spoilt child just like Prince Charmless - I know I do!

People say the more you do for some people, the more they will want and nothing will ever be good enough - well that statement sums up little Prince Charmless perfectly. He is such a rude boy who just wants the world and is a bit mean to the people who are just trying to help him.

But when he pushes his servants too far one day, he will see some very shocking results indeed..... He will actually have to do things for himself for a change!

We adored how everything played out in the end and my daughter learnt a very valuable lesson. She is now super nice when asking for help and now tries to do more things for herself beforehand - because she is afraid of being like Prince Charmless - LOL!

The illustrations really stand out from the crowd and are highly attractive and very memorable.

This is a fabulously written and really well thought out book that is full of fun and entertainment to keep children glued throughout.

4/5 Stars!

*Special thanks to Andersen Press for the review copy*

Carly :)

Amazon
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Andersen (4 July 2013)

The Secret of Ella and Micha by Jessica Sorensen

2013-04-11T07:47:00.001+01:00

Summary from Goodreads

The girl he thinks he loves needs to disappear. I don't want tonight to be irreversible, so I pull away, breathing him in one last time.

Ella and Micha have been best friends since childhood, until one tragic night shatters their relationship and Ella decides to leave everything behind to start a new life at college, including Micha.

But now it's summer break and she has nowhere else to go but home. Ella fears everything she worked so hard to bury might resurface, especially with Micha living right next door. Micha is sexy, smart, confident, and can get under Ella's skin like no one else can. He knows everything about her, including her darkest secrets. And he's determined to win back the girl he lost, no matter what it takes.

Paperback, 320 pages

Expected publication: April 11th 2013 by Sphere (first published October 2nd 2012)

My Review

The Secret of Ella and Micha is an absolutely stunning book that is tense, full of emotion, passion and will leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside!

I simply adored everything about this beautiful story. I think what makes it so fantastic is the sizzling chemistry between main characters Ella and Micha. I have never seen compatibility like it before and I really couldn't get enough of the super sexy pair.

The writing is super and I very easily and quickly got wrapped in all things Ella and Micha. Jessica Sorensen conveys emotion beautifully and I really couldn't read her stunning words fast enough.

I love Ella - she is definitely my kinda girl! but holy cow, Micha is something else entirely - I have the biggest book boy crush on the guy, his confidence is so appealing and I could completely understand how Ella melted under his alluring gaze!

The storyline follows Ella and Micha - who are childhood best-friends, but a shocking incident forces Ella to run away from Micha, leaving everything behind!

When Ella returns home after 8 long months, Micha is still there and is determined to get his girl! I adored watching as their beautiful friendship is stretched into something more and the confusion and nerves come into play!

There is a lot more to the storyline than Ella and Micha's romance though - there is a lot of underlying issues in both of their pasts that will need to be addressed if they have any hopes of trying to move on.

There is also really great secondary characters in here that I can't wait to get to know better!

The ending is perfect and I was thrilled with the outcome! This is one fabulous book that I would have no problem recommending to the masses! I'm finding it hard to contain my excitement for the next book as I'm already missing these moreish characters!

5/5 Stars!

*Special thanks to Sphere for the review copy*

Carly :)

Barely Breathing by Rebecca Donovan‏

2013-04-10T07:51:00.000+01:00

Summary from Goodreads

Unanswered questions. Burning desire. Heartbreaking consequences

The scandalous secrets of Emma's abuse are revealed, but she still has so much to learn out about her past. Why did her mother leave her all those years ago? What really happened the night Emma's father died? Were her memories of being happy just a dream?

The repercussions of one horrific night has affected the lives of everyone involved. But with the promise of true love and new relationships, will Emma let it ruin hers for good?

Paperback, 579 pages

Published March 14th 2013 by Razorbill (first published April 30th 2012)

My Review

After the shocking cliffhanger at the end of Reason to Breathe, I just had to pick Barely Breathing up right away- thank goodness I already had it there to pick up!!

Again this is another highly tense and emotional read but for different reasons than the last time. Rebecca Donovan has this super ability to make me feel a million different emotions from page to page. Her raw and brutally honest writing will keep readers enthralled right up until the very end.

I hate love triangles to be completely honest, so when I seen the triangle starting to form here I was extremely nervous. It was a bit of a strange one because I enjoyed this triangle, even though at times it made me feel a little uncomfortable in places. I actually really liked both guys, they were very different and if I'm truthful, I kept changing my mind about how I was rooting for.

Poor Emma, seriously will that girl ever get a break? I was angry with her, pitied, felt sorry and wanted to protect her at different times throughout this book. I still think she is a great, strong character who people will be able to relate to in some way or another.

After the very traumatic events of the last book, Emma decides to give her mum another chance and move in with her. Things are awkward and Emma soon realises she has made a big mistake and her mothers reckless behaviour will never change.

Throw in some violence, shocking revelations, horrific nightmares, a sweet romance, a love triangle and you've got yourself an edge of your seat and highly addictive read.

Admittedly I do think these books are a little slow paced and while the page count isn't enormous, it's still rather on the large side.

I just have to mention Emma's best-friend, Sarah! Who is an awesome character! She is nothing like Emma at all, she is outspoken, bubbly and a real laugh. I think she is a fantastic friend to have.

The end section is very emotional ( I was screaming inside), but the ending itself I'm a bit annoyed about because it's another cliffhanger! I need the next book Out of Breath already! How could you do this to me again Rebecca Donovan? LOL! I will be not so patiently waiting now.....

4/5 Stars!

*Special thanks to Penguin for the review copy*

Carly :)

Date by Mistake by Candace Havens with Shannon Leigh, Gwen Hayes, Jill Monroe and Rosemary Clement-Moore - Blog Tour

2013-04-08T09:12:00.000+01:00

Title: Date by Mistake (Anthology)
Author: Candace Havens, Shannon Leigh, Gwen Hayes, Rosemary Clement-Moore, Jill Monroe
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 277 pages
Release Date: March 2013
Imprint: Indulgence

You never know what you’ll get when …

Mr. Virile and the Girl Next Door by Gwen Hayes

Seduction is the name of the game when two rival dating advice darlings agree to be romantically linked to boost publicity. But all bets are off when they take the battle of the sexes from the web to the bed!

Tycoon Reunion by Candace Havens and Shannon Leigh

Sparks fly when a project brings a heartbreaker back to town and into the path of the woman he left behind. He’s determined to win her over in the boardroom … and the bedroom!

Passionate Persuasion by Rosemary Clement-Moore

A hot playboy who has left a string of hearts in his wake can’t forget the cellist who haunted his fantasies. Now it is his turn to usehis power of persuasion to prove he’s the only man to keep her satisfied.

Date on the Run by Jill Monroe

When a reporter mistakes a hard-bodied military man for a crime source, she soon finds it’s just as much fun undressing her new bodyguard as it is uncovering her latest case…

Four stories, four dates. How can these dates by mistake turn into love ever after?

Purchase from Amazon

Purchase from Barnes & Noble

iBookstore

Kobo

Author Information

Candace Havens Author Website: http://www.candacehavens.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CandaceHavens
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/116617.
Candace_Havens Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/candace.havens.7

Shannon Leigh Author Website: http://shannonleigh.org/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1291230.Shannon_Leigh

Gwen Hayes Author Website: http://www.gwenhayes.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/gwenhayes
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2812835.Gwen_Hayes
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gwen-Hayes/120746291319933

Jill Monroe Author Website: http://www.jillmonroe.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JillMonroe
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/513829.
Jill_Monroe Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/jillmonroe

Rosemary Clement-Moore Author Website: http://readrosemary.wordpress.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rclementmoore
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/224004.
Rosemary_Clement_Moore Facebook Author Page:
https://www.facebook.com/rosemaryclementmoore

Upcoming titles you're looking forward to reading

Candace Havens

Oh my goodness there are soooo many books! Let's see... In no particular order:

1. Sylvia Day's "Entwined with You"
2. Maya Gold's "Spellbinding"
3. J. Kenner's "Claim Me"
4. Maya Banks' Fever
5. Jennifer Archer's "Through Her Eyes"
6. Eric Shapiro's Love & Zombies
7. Jaye Well's Blue-Blooded Vamp
8. Rosemary Clement Moore's Spirit & Dust
9. Jodi Thomas' Chance of a Lifetime
10. Cecily White's "Prophecy Girl"

Giveaway

Okay guys, Entangled is giving away 1 e-book copy of Date by Mistake to 1 lucky winner! You know the drill, fill out the Rafflecopter! Open internationally, will be contacted by e-mail! Good luck! :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Click to check out the other tour stops

Leave Me Alone by Kes Gray & Lee Wildish

2013-04-06T10:40:00.000+01:00

My Review

Well WOW, this is such a powerful little book with a super strong positive message!

Bullying is such a sad but unfortunately very common thing in today's society, but this book handles overcoming a bully wonderfully. It is lightly handled and is told beautifully and with great sensitivity!

My daughter loved this story, although she was a little sad for the poor little boy! I'm pleased to say she was delighted when his friends stood up for him and with one loud voice they overcame the bully. And the little boy didn't have to be lonely and afraid anymore.

I simply adored the rhyming quality, I think it really added to this super story!

The illustrations are brilliant and complement the story perfectly! We especially loved it when the big, dark, scary bully overshadowed the bright sky!

This is an absolute MUST read book for children everywhere - I really can't recommend it enough!

A BIG 5 Stars!

*Special thanks to Hodder for the review copy*

Carly :)

Amazon

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

2013-04-04T08:52:00.000+01:00

Summary from Goodreads

Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.

Insightful, bold, irreverent, and raw, The Fault in Our Stars is award-winning author John Green's most ambitious and heartbreaking work yet, brilliantly exploring the funny, thrilling, and tragic business of being alive and in love.

Paperback, 316 pages

Published January 3rd 2013 by Penguin Books

(first published January 1st 2012)

My Review

The Fault in Our Stars is such a beautiful book - tough, raw, heart breaking, but simply stunning the whole way through! To be honest it's so hard for me to even try and explain how perfect this was!

This book is sooo emotional and I'm pretty sure had readers everywhere reaching for the tissues. But I refused to cry, out of respect for the totally awesome characters, who I just simply wouldn't pity - every time I started getting emotional, I sat the book down, sorted myself out and dug straight back in again - because as hard as I found it, it was impossible to look away!

I adored the quirky characters, who lived their lives to the fullest and managed to find love even in the toughest of times. Believe it or not I laughed a lot at parts of this story, that is the beauty of it - John Green's fantastic ability to have the perfect amount of light & shade!

The storyline follows the brilliant Hazel, who has been suffering for years with cancer. She sort of just trudges along in life, but one day at her cancer kid support group, she meets a devastatingly handsome guy called Augustus Waters - who could easily charm the clouds from the sky. And from that moment on both their lives become brighter!

To be honest I couldn't for the life of me describe a more perfectly matched couple. I adored reading their beautiful journey and watching them fall in love and also fall apart!

I really liked how they tried to track down the author of their favourite book, for the answers to their nagging questions. It was annoying because people are never quite what you expect them to be and you can sometimes be left feeling disappointed.

To be truthful, the ending killed me a little. I was actually going to track down John Green (it wouldn't be hard as he's on Twitter, lol), like Hazel and Augustus did with their unanswered questions and ask him what happened to characters - but I think I will restrain myself and imagine my own outcome!

Anyway, this an absolute MUST read book from John Green that I think will relate on some level to everybody! I'm actually regretting waiting so long to read this beautiful book!

A BIG 5 Stars!

*Special thanks to Penguin for the review copy*

Carly :)

Sometimes I Feel Sunny by Gillian Shields & Georgie Birkett

2013-04-03T10:09:00.001+01:00

My Review

Sometimes I Feel Sunny is an all round wonderful read! My 4 year old and my 20 week old both really enjoy this book - so it appeals to a wide age range!

Best of all, it is a brilliant rhyming book - YAY! I really do think they are the best for reading out loud and holding kids attentions!

This is a really happy story full of fun and lots of different feelings. It goes through all the different moods and the highs and lows a child goes through. But at the end of the day things return back to normal when they snuggle down in their nice, warm, safe beds!

The illustrations are sooo vibrant and attractive that little people will be glued to those super bright pages!

An in all, this is a fab read that shows that having strong emotions are just apart of everyone's everyday lives!

5/5 Stars!

*A big thanks to Harriet & RHCB for sending me this book when baby Eddie was born*

Carly :)

Amazon
Paperback: 24 pages
Publisher: Picture Corgi (29 Mar 2012)