My Bookish Fairy Tale

Coming Back

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen My Bookish Fairy Tale) — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 13:00:00 +0000

Hey guys!
Wow, it's been what two years? Crazy I know! I don't think that most of you have stayed around. and I wouldn't expect you too after all this time. But life got in the way guys. That is really all I can say. It isn't that my love of reading some how vanished. I have four crazy kids and I made a decision to go back to school. At 30 that was not an easy decision and I wanted to make sure that I was dedicating myself to that. I took so much time and attention away from my husband and kids, who have supported me through that decision, so I wanted to make sure I was making the most of it.

My first year of college is done and complete and I think that I have finally figured out a way to give all of my attention to where it needs to be but to also come back to something I love so much and that is reading and reviewing and blogging.

I hope that this can be a place for not only my own escape but for yours as well.

Welcome back to My Bookish Fairy Tale xoxo Kristen

StepBrother Dearest by Penelope Ward 18+

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen My Bookish Fairy Tale) — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 12:16:00 +0000

Stepbrother Dearest by Penelope Ward
Release Date: September 2014
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing
Pages: 202
Format: E-Book
Genre: Adult
Source: Purchased

Goodreads Synopsis:

You’re not supposed to want the one who torments you.

When my stepbrother, Elec, came to live with us my senior year, I wasn’t prepared for how much of a jerk he’d be.

I hated that he took it out on me because he didn’t want to be here.
I hated that he brought girls from our high school back to his room.
But what I hated the most was the unwanted way my body reacted to him.

At first, I thought all he had going for him were his rock-hard tattooed abs and chiseled face. Then, things started changing between us, and it all came to a head one night.

Just as quickly as he’d come into my life, he was gone back to California.

It had been years since I’d seen Elec.

When tragedy struck our family, I’d have to face him again.

And holy hell, the teenager who made me crazy was now a man that drove me insane.

I had a feeling my heart was about to get broken again.

Stepbrother Dearest is a standalone novel.

**Contains graphic sexual content and harsh language. It is only appropriate for adult readers age 18+

My Thoughts:
I wasn't sure what I was going to think of this book when I picked it up. I adore everything I've read by Penelope so far and I was not dissapointed in the slightest. Stepbrother Dearest is an emotional story that goes far beyond the love of Elec and Greta. Of course this is a love story but as the story goes on the layers and depth of why they cannot be together is brought to light and it is just terrible.

When they finally met at the age of 17 these two fall for each other and fall hard. But of course they cannot be together. They are for all intents and purposes siblings. That does not stop the feelings from developing or the love they have for each other lessening, even after 7 years of no contact.

A death in the family have finally brought these two back together and it is anything but perfect. Greta is still madly in love with Elec. But Elec has moved on. He has found someone knew. Greta is determined to be there for Elec in any way she can. Even though she knows that he cannot be hers.
Is she in for more heartbreak? Can she seperate her love for him? Or is she doomed and will she be left to compare every relationship to the one she so briefly had with Elec?

This story was full of fun and heartbreak. The characters are easy to get attached to and I did not want the story to end. I read the entire thing in one day. I could not put it down. I was entranced from beginning to end and I adored every minute of it. Penelope created a world of complex feelings and tangled emotions and how some love, no matter how hard you fight it are just bound to haunt you for the rest of your life.

Fantastic story. I highly recommend Stepbrother Dearest. You might want to get your tissues out. I'm serious. You are going to need them!

Review:Waiting For Wyatt by S.D Hendricks

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen My Bookish Fairy Tale) — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 13:29:00 +0000

Waiting For Wyatt by S.D Hendrickson
Publisher; Self-published
Format: E-copy
Pages:343
Genre; New Adult
Source: Purchased

Goodreads Synopsis:
"The dogs that deserved a chance, the guy who needed a second, and the girl determined to save him."

My name is Emma Sawyer.

I met Charlie and Wyatt on the same sultry, summer day. It was unexpected, leaving a feeling in the pit of my stomach like the time I drove too fast over Beckett Hill. The moment happened out of nowhere, all fast and quick and a little strange. Or maybe that was just Wyatt’s personality.

It was Charlie that brought us together. Little Charlie with those ridiculous ears. I found the dog, waiting in a pool of his own blood. Waiting for someone. Waiting for me.

Now Wyatt, he wasn’t waiting for anyone. At least that’s what he said, except I saw something different in the broken guy all alone out in the woods. I knew he needed me before he knew it himself.

Wyatt with his hidden dimples. Wyatt with his warnings to stay away. He was a hard lump of coal, ready to burn everything around him. The more he burned, the more it pulled me into the pain I saw etched on his troubled face.

I wanted to help Wyatt. I wanted to save him like he had saved all the Charlies in the world. He told me not to fall for him, but I did anyway. I fell hard and fast and deeply in love with Wyatt Caulfield.

But that was before I knew his secret.

My Thoughts:
I will warn you that this book will leave you heartbroken and in need of some tissues. Please read with caution.

I picked up this book on recommendation from Aestas Book Blog and I am so glad that I did. This is a story of love, death. forgiveness and finding oneself. A work of art this book was.
There are so many emotions that you will feel while reading Waiting For Wyatt. An emotional roller coaster and a beautifully written story.

You would think that reading this book it would be about Emma but it's not. It is all about Wyatt. You would think that this book is about stray and abandoned animals but you would be mistaken. This book is about one boys struggle with the past and learning to let go and forgive himself.

I honestly cannot give a full and proper review without spoiling the entire thing but I swear to you that this book is a must read. It has got to be the best book I have read in 2016 by far.

Emma and Wyatt's unlikely friendship over their love of stray animals leads them to both discover themselves and each other. Wyatt's determination to push everyone away from him because he feels that he doesn't deserve anything other than what he currently has leads Emma to show this broken damaged boy that he is worth love and forgiveness.

I laughed and cried and silently screamed while reading this book. It was an overflow of emotions but all the best books are.

Emma's resolve into not allowing Wyatt to push her away brings us an amazing story. S.D wrote a beautiful and haunting book. I believe that everyone should read Waiting for Wyatt.

Review: Dirty by Kylie Scott

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen My Bookish Fairy Tale) — Tue, 03 May 2016 13:00:00 +0000

Dirty by Kylie Scott
Release Date; April 19 2016
Publisher: St Martin's Griffin
Format: E-copy
Pages:288
Source: Purchased

Goodreads Synopsos:
The last thing Vaughan Hewson expects to find when he returns to his childhood home is a broken hearted bride in his shower, let alone the drama and chaos that comes with her.

Lydia Green doesn't know whether to burn down the church or sit and cry in a corner. Discovering the love of your life is having an affair on your wedding day is bad enough. Finding out it's with his best man is another thing all together. She narrowly escapes tying the knot and meets Vaughan only hours later.

Vaughan is the exact opposite of the picture perfect, respected businessman she thought she'd marry. This former musician-turned-bartender is rough around the edges and unsettled. But she already tried Mr. Right and discovered he's all wrong-maybe it's time to give Mr. Right Now a chance.
After all, what's wrong with getting dirty?

My Thoughts:
Ah oh Vaughan!! Hotness overload! Seriously. Dirty was such a funny, heartwarming and overall great book. I read Dirty in one sitting. I love books like this.
I thoroughly enjoyed Dirty. Vaughan and Lydia's story is one of pure lust and love at first site. An unexpected by chance meeting leads to an unexpected whirlwind romance.

Lydia finds out on her wedding day that her soon to be husband has been seeing someone else. After pulling a Runaway Bride moment she ends up breaking into a nearby house and hiding in the shower to get away from the torment of her botched wedding. She definitely doesn't expect anyone to be home , let alone standing naked in front of her. Vaughan's reaction to a soaking wet bride in his shower is absolutely priceless.

This completely random off chance encounter leaves both Vaughan and Lydia in the weirdest predicament. But an unlikely friendship forms between the rocker and botched bride and they soon find that things definitely happen for a reason.

The characters in dive bar are absolutely fantastic. The entire atmosphere that surrounds Dirty makes you want to read more and stay with the character's for as long as you can. I absolutely loved every second of this book. One of the things I loved most was the crossover from Stage Dive, Kylie's first series. I always love spin off series where I get to continue to get sneak peeks of the original character's.

Dirty is a fun, fast paced read that will keep you thoroughly entertained. If you loved Kylie Scott's Stage Dive series than you are going to continue to love her work in Dirty. I cannot wait for Twist, book 2 in the Dive Bar series.

Dirty by Kylie Scott Excerpt Reveal

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen My Bookish Fairy Tale) — Wed, 06 Apr 2016 14:43:00 +0000

Excerpt

Heavy footsteps roused me from my stupor. I don’t know how long exactly I’d been sitting in the bathtub, staring off at nothing, pondering the catastrophe my life had become. Couldn’t have been too long since sunlight still lit the room.

The footsteps came closer and closer. And then they entered the room. Oh, shit. I froze, not even daring to breathe. There was a loud yawn, followed by the cracking of joints. Then a large hand reached in beside the closed shower curtain and turned on the tap. A torrent of ice cold water poured down. It was like a billion itty-bitty knives stabbing at my skin. All of the scratches and raw patches from earlier stung like shit. I gritted my teeth, shoulders hiked up to around my ears as if that would provide any protection.

Yep, I sat there, all huddled up, listening to the man take a leak.

Awesome. Just plain awesome.

Wasn’t like I could jump out and interrupt the man midflow. And say what? I knew this was not a good situation to get caught in.

1. I’d basically broken into this guy’s house.

2. And had then gone on making myself right at home, having a messy emotional breakdown in his bathtub.

Normal, rational people didn’t do this sort of thing. I didn’t even have a criminal record, had never particularly done anything outlandish or interesting until now. This was all Chris’s fault, the bastard. I’d just have to make the best of it and hope this guy had a sense of humor.

Just as the water began to warm, he flushed the john and freezing cold water drenched me anew. I’d been about to open my mouth and announce my presence, but that put an end to that. Needles of icy cold water pelted down on my skin. I fucking froze. Teeth gritted, I suppressed a squeal of pain and rage.

Then the shower curtain flew back.

“Shit!” The man was very tall, very naked, and very surprised. He stumbled back a step, a hand clutching at the bench behind him, eyes furious and wide. “What the hell?”

Good question.

I opened my mouth, closed it. Language skills had apparently abandoned me. In total silence, the man and I stared at each other.

Even with no clothing to take cues from, the dude was clearly the epitome of cool. He looked about my age, or maybe a little older. He had longish red-blond hair, dark blue eyes set in an angular face, a lean but muscular torso covered in tattoos, and a rather large cock. Not that I meant to check him out, it’s just kind of hard to ignore a penis and scrotum when they’re dangling right in front of your face. I tilted my head, trying to get some perspective. Every viewpoint, however, was equally shocking. There was dick as far as the eye could see.

And I should stop ogling him. Right.

“Hi.” With a calm I didn’t even vaguely feel, I reached up and turned off the tap. Much better. His monster penis had momentarily derailed me, but I was back on track now. Time to talk myself out of this mess. “Hey.”

“What the fuck are you doing in my house?” he asked flatly.

“Right. Well . . .” I neatly tucked my dripping-wet shoulder-length blond hair back behind my ears. As if that would help. My winged eyeliner and false lashes were probably halfway down my cheeks. “I, um, I . . .”

“You what?”

“I’m Lydia,” I said, the first thing to come to mind.

No reply. His handsome face, however, took on a distinctly pissy expression. Even his strawberry-blond hair seemed a fiery hue. Fine, so we weren’t swapping names and getting cozy. Fair enough. You wouldn’t believe how hard it was, keeping my eyes on his face. The struggle was real. It might have been due to my not seeing one in so long, but his dick seemed almost hypnotic. The thing had magical powers, I swear. It was so big and mobile, subtly swaying every time he moved. My gaze kept darting down despite my best efforts.

Finally he put me out of my misery, grabbing a towel off a nearby rack and wrapping it around his waist. It made for quite the hot-looking miniskirt. Not just any man could have pulled off such a look.

But back to my explanations.

“Ah, firstly, I’d just like to say sorry about this.” I waved a hand at him and his bathroom and, well everything, really. “For any inconvenience I might have caused here in your bathroom.”

The guy stood tall, looming over me with his hands on hips. Tattoos covered his arms to his wrists. Still, he had a whole lot of sinew on show. Definitely not the kind of man you’d want to mess with. Dude could probably snap me in half in a second. I bet he was a tattoo model, or a biker, or a pirate, or something. Something a lot hot and more than a little scary.

Shit. I really should have chosen another house.

“I don’t normally break into people’s places and hide out in their tub,” I babbled, on the verge of incoherency. “So I’m really sorry. Seriously. So very sorry. But you’ve got a lovely home.”

“That so?”

“Not that, I mean, that’s not why I’m here. I just . . .” Fucking hell, my mind was a disaster. I took a deep breath, letting it out nice and slow, before trying again. “I love the old Arts and Crafts bungalows, don’t you? They have such soul.”

His brows drew tight. “Are you high? What the fuck are you on?”

“Nothing!”

“You haven’t been popping any pills or snorting something?”

“No, I swear.”

“Nothing to drink?”

“I haven’t had anything,” I said, but the suspicion and anger still lined his face. Paired with the stubble on his chin and the shadows beneath his eyes, my unwilling host was one tired, cranky man. Couldn’t really blame him.

“So you’re completely sober,” he said.

“Completely.”

A pause.

“You’re thinking I’m bat-shit crazy now, aren’t you?” I asked, despite the answer sitting plain as day on his pretty face.

“Pretty much, yeah.”

Oh, god. “I’m not. I’m sane.”

“You sure about that?” He looked down the long line of his nose at me, distinctly unimpressed. “Seen a lot of weird shit in my years. Stuff like you wouldn’t believe. But I got to tell you, right now, this . . . you, are taking the cake.”

“Great.” And I was so definitely probably going to jail. Someone ought to give me a cookie. My ability to take a bad situation and make it worse today was amazing.

“You touch any of my stuff?” he asked. “Take anything?”

“Yes, your sofa is cunningly hidden down the front of my dress. You won’t believe where I fit the TV.”

Again, his eyes narrowed dangerously. “Between you and me, probably not the time to be funny, babe.”

Crap. “Sorry. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that. You have every right to be mad.”

“Damn right, I do.”

I nodded, contrite. “I haven’t touched any of your things.”

The dude just stood there, staring. Lots going on behind his eyes. None of which I could read.

A stray tear trickled down my face. It must have saved itself up just for the occasion. Gah. How pathetic. I sniffled, brushing it off hurriedly with the back of my hand.

“Fuck’s sake,” he muttered.

“I really am sorry about this. The truth is, I just needed somewhere to hide for a little while. I didn’t mean to freak you out.”

He sighed. It wasn’t a happy sound. “Lydia?”

“Yes?” Despite my best efforts, my voice trembled slightly.

“Look at me.”

I did so. He still looked cranky and crazy cool while I remained a hot mess.

“I’m Vaughan,” he said.

“Hi.”

He tipped his chin and silence fell between us once more.

With the tip of his tongue rubbing at his upper lip, he looked at the wide open window, and then back at me. Yep, that’s how I’d gotten in. Houdini had nothing on my mad skills.

“What are you doing in my house, Lydia? The truth.”

“It’s kind of a long story, actually.” Along with being excruciatingly embarrassing. But then, what wasn’t about this day?

Vaughan crossed his arms over his wide chest and waited me out while I fussed with my ruined skirts and tried to come up with a way to spin the story to not make me look a complete fool. Christ, the holes in my stockings were huge. On one side, my entire foot stuck out. So screwed.

Vaughan crouched by the side of the tub, resting his arms on the side. Up close the shadows under his eyes seemed even bigger and darker against his pale skin. And there were bags big enough to use as carry-ons. Despite the strong lines of his lean face, the man looked done-in. Ready to sleep for a hundred years.

I knew that feeling.

“Looks like a wedding dress,” he said quietly.

“Yes, it is. I was going to get married today.” I took a deep breath, wiping my face with my hands. Just as expected, my palms came away smeared with black eye makeup. “Ah, boy. I must look a wreck.”

Without comment, Vaughan reached out and grabbed a towel, handing it to me. It was sort of threadbare, old. Dated like the rest of the house. I hadn’t seen more than one room, but real estate agents got a feel for these sort of things. Minimal upkeep for the past five or so years would have been my guess. Perhaps it’d even been left empty. Bushes out front hid the house from view, so I’d never gotten a good look at it before.

“Thank you.” I patted myself dry with the towel as best I could. What remained of my beautiful dress was a sopping wet ruin. “I’m sorry I broke into your house, Vaughan. I swear I don’t normally do this sort of thing.”

“No,” he said, his voice deep. “Figured as much. Where’d you come from?”

“The big house at the back.”

His brow wrinkled. “You climbed over the fence?”

“Yes.”

Tired, red-tinged eyes appraised me anew. “That’s a tall fence. Must have been one hell of an emergency.”

“It was a disaster.”

For a long moment he studied me, deep in thought. Then he sighed yet again, climbing to his feet.

“Are you going to call the cops on me?” I asked, my throat tight with tension. “I know you have every right to, I’m not disputing that. I’d just, I’d like to know. Mental preparation and all that.”

“No. I’m not.”

“Thank you. I appreciate that.” My whole body sagged in relief.

Then he clapped his hands together, startling the crap out of me. “Okay, Lydia. Here’s what we’re going to do.”

“Yes?”

“I arrived late this morning, have only had a few hours sleep. If I don’t get some coffee soon, things are going to get ugly. And you probably need to get dried off.” With no fuss, he held out his hand. “Let’s get shit sorted out. Then we can sit down and you can tell me the long story of how the hell you ended up in my house. Agreed?”

“Agreed,” I said, voice lightening.

He pulled me up. Then, with strong hands on my waist, lifted me out of the tub. Immediately water started dripping off of my saturated dress, pooling on the scuffed wooden flooring at my feet. Chris would have been distinctly unimpressed. Chris didn’t like messes. But as Vaughan didn’t seem to care, neither did I.

“You’re really not going to call the police?” I asked.

“No. Hold still,” he said, carefully plucking a fake eyelash from my cheek.

“Thank you.”

“Your dress is kind of fucked.” He looked me over from top to toe.

“I know,” I said sadly.

“I’ll leave you to get changed.”

“Wait. Please. I can’t get out of it on my own.”

More frowning.

“It’s vintage,” I explained with a grim face. “There’s no zip, just a line of little buttons up the back.”

“’Course there is.” Without another word, he turned me around and got started in on said buttons. As he worked, he hummed beneath his breath, the song vaguely familiar.

“Aren’t you still mad?” I asked, perplexed.

“Nuh.”

“But I broke into your house.”

“Window was open.”

“I still trespassed.”

Busy fingers kept working on undoing the dress. “You sat in the tub and cried because some dickhead fucked you over.”

That shut me up.

“Or that’s what I’m assuming, given the dress and all. I take it he’s the one that gave you that shiner on your cheek?”

“No. No one hit me. And yes, you assumed right about the being fucked over.” I tried to look back at him, but I couldn’t see a thing beyond my wild-ass hair. Impressive how it’d survived the shower. The stylist clearly knew her shit.

“You sure no one hit you?” He did not sound convinced.

“Yes. I lost my grip and hit the floor when I was climbing in the window. My home invasion skills need work.”

“I’d suggest you try a different career.” He finished with the buttons and took a step back, scratching his head. “You okay with the dress now?”

“Yes, thank you,” I told his reflection in the mirror. “For everything, I mean.”

“Sure.” He almost smiled and gave a small shake of the head as if he couldn’t quite believe what was going on. Or maybe it was disbelief that he wasn’t kicking me straight back out the window through whence I’d come.

Lord knows, it’d shocked the shit out of me.

He turned toward the door. “See you out there.”

Are you ready to get Dirty?

Dirty is Book One in Kylie Scott’s Dive Bar Series.

Meet Vaughn & Lydia on April 19th!

Pre-order your copy of DIRTY here:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1Q7LCyb

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1OYc53N

iBooks: http://apple.co/1TOAhIG

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1MetF1F

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1Mez6t6

Blurb

The last thing Vaughan Hewson expects to find when he returns to his childhood home is a broken hearted bride in his shower, let alone the drama and chaos that comes with her.

Lydia Green doesn't know whether to burn down the church or sit and
cry in a corner. Discovering the love of your life is having an affair on your wedding day is bad enough. Finding out it's with his best man is another thing all together. She narrowly escapes tying the knot and meets Vaughan only hours later.

Vaughan is the exact opposite of the picture perfect, respected businessman she thought she'd marry. This former musician-turned-bartender is rough around the edges and unsettled. But she already tried Mr. Right and discovered he's all wrong-maybe it's time to give Mr. Right Now a chance.

After all, what's wrong with getting dirty?

About the Author:

Kylie is a long time fan of erotic love stories and B-grade horror films. She demands a happy ending and if blood and carnage occur along the way then all the better. Based in Queensland, Australia with her two children and one delightful husband, she reads, writes and never dithers around on the internet.

Kylie is represented by Amy Tannenbaum at the Jane Rotrosen Agency, New York.

Stalk Kylie Scott: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

THANK YOU!

Tell The Wind and Fire Blog Tour : Review

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen My Bookish Fairy Tale) — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 13:00:00 +0000

Thank you for stopping by and checking out my review of Tell the Wind and Fire by Sarah Rees Brennan. Tell the Wind and Fire is set to release April 5 2016. You do not want to miss out on this one!

I had the opportunity to ask Sarah a question about her novel


What was your favorite scene to write and why?



I think the scene where we see Carwyn drain our heroine Lucie’s magic. This is not a
huge spoiler, guys, I promise! That’s the main function of Dark magicians for Light
magicians: that they can drain the power out of Light magicians’ blood when the power
build-up gets to be too much.

The magic system was meant to be a nod to something they actually did in Charles
Dickens’ time: blood letting. They would actually drain people’s blood to get the bad
humours out. It 100% did not work: taking sick people’s blood is actually a terrible
idea! But it’s something that was done, and—what if it worked, if you did it a
certain magical way?

Writing about magic is a way of writing about the world, and this was a way to say:
people need each other. Very different people can depend on each other. There’s a
reason that’s the first scene in which one character is emotionally vulnerable

My Thoughts:

I absolutely adored this book. I read the entire thing in one sitting. The character's are dynamic and intriguing and the plot is ever shifting. Sarah kept me hooked from the very first sentence until the very last.

I loved her take on a Tale of Two Cities. It was extremely creative and I had no problem being sucked into her world. I honestly didn't want the book to end. There were parts when I wanted to shake Lucie and ask her what the heck she was thinking but her story is one that will make you feel. If you don't feel anything then I do not think you are human. She doesn't want to be the face of Light magic. She just wants to be a young girl in love with her boyfriend Ethan and live her life. But life doesn't always work out the way we want it to. Lucie has to make some decisions that will change her life and everyone around her forever.

Carwyn, oh boy what do I say about Carwyn. He was that character that you wanted to hate so badly but you just can't. His circumstances make it impossible for you not to feel for him and understand that he is the way he is due to his past and upbringing. But as always our dark horse has his own redeeming qualities and to be honest, Carwyn was my favorite character out of the entire book.

I feel like this is a book that I can't say to much about without giving away major spoilers and you all know how much I dislike spoilers. But needless to say this is a fantastic book. Everyone should read this book. This is one that is good for girls and boys.

Sarah did a fantastic job with this story and I highly, highly recommend Tell the Wind and Fire. Bravo Sarah!!

Giveaway update

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen My Bookish Fairy Tale) — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 21:02:00 +0000

Hi guys! Due to some unforseen circumstancesin my personal life, i have not been able to draw winners for my giveaway. I sincerely apologize for this and i will be drawing winners and contacting them soon.

I apologize for any inconvenience

Thanks for understanding

Kristen

Excerpt Reveal: Legend by Katy Evans

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen My Bookish Fairy Tale) — Fri, 08 Jan 2016 14:00:00 +0000

I am extremely excited to participate in this excerpt reveal. I am a huge fan of Katy's work. This is such a wonderful series and I wish it would never end, but as they say all good things must come to an end

SEATTLE

Maverick

‘Not in a million years, kid.’

‘No.’

‘NOT INTERESTED.’

‘Get the fuck out of my face!’

Four cities in two days, and more doors slammed in my face than I can count. I sling my backpack over my shoulder and scratch another name from my list.

Hopping on to a bus and hopping off thirty minutes later, I scan the mix of both commercial and apartment numbers down the block, then knock on my last door.

“Coach Hennesy?”

He’s a tall man, his hair like pepper, clad in sweats, with a yellow timer hanging from his neck. He gives me a questioning look.

“I’m your next champion.”

He laughs, but then he must see something on my face. In my stance. Thirst, resoluteness, guts. Maybe I’m wearing my balls in my eyes. He falls sober and swings the door wide-open. “Come on in.”

He doesn’t ask for my name.

I guess with one look, he knows he’ll find my name in the dictionary, right next to “determined.”

He leads me to his garage. “Where’d you train before?” he asks.

“Self-taught. I watch videos.”

He scoffs, then shrugs. “Okay, let’s see what you’ve got.”

I eye the equipment across the room. The heavy bag hangs from the ceiling, the leather worn from other fighters before me. There’s a boxing dummy at the corner. Speed bag. Weights. A whole private gym set up here. I drop both my bags, then zip open my backpack and start to put on the gloves without bothering to remove my hoodie.

“Take that off; I need to know what you’ve got. Need to see your form,” Hennesy says.

I clench my jaw. Slowly unzip my hoodie. Take it off and glance past my shoulder, shifting to keep my back from the coach’s view. The guy is clearing the fighting area. Good. We can get down to business. He walks to me when I face him.

“Give it over.” I hand him my hoodie and he tosses it aside, then crosses his arms and looks at me. “Speedball first.”

I inhale, position myself before the speedball, and hit. Wham.

I keep on hitting, lightning fast, my fists making the bag fly.

I would have warmed up first, but I’ve been doing this for days, and I won’t stop until I’ve got myself a coach—and not even then.

I’ve got momentum now, and I pick up speed, my arms moving back and forth, working the speed bag until it’s moving so fast you can’t even see it.

I’m starting to sweat; it’s stuffy in here, but I can’t stop. I need him to take me on. I need one yes to get me in the ring. Just one yes and I’ll do the rest.

“Time.” Hennesy stops me. He signals to the boxing dummy and the heavy bag. “Let’s see you pound the bag.”

I swing out and slam my knuckles on the bag, putting everything into my fists. Thack, thump, thud.

Hennesy’s composure starts to crumble with excitement. “Holy shit, boy!”

I’m getting in to it. I’m in the zone—where it’s just me, the leather brown bag, my fists, and nothing else but slamming the spot I’m looking at.

“I’ve seen enough.” He stops the bag from swinging. His eyes glassy. “Fill this out.”

I pull off my right glove and grab a pen as he slaps a paper onto a desk at the corner. I bend down to fill out my name and contact information and realize, too late, that I exposed the tattoo on my back.

“You’re his boy.”

I freeze midsignature.

A second ticks by. Then two.

I slowly set the pen down and take one last look at the paper. I might not get to fill it out after all. I turn.

His face has paled.

I wait it out for a few beats. Maybe he’s different. Maybe he can deal with it.

He tosses my jacket at me. “Get out. Nobody wants to see you fight.”

I frown fiercely as I catch my jacket in my fist and edge forward, equally mad now. “That’s too damn bad. ’Cause I’m fighting anyway.”

I keep my eyes on him as I pull off my left glove, shove my arms into my hoodie, and zip up.

I walk out and the door slams behind me. I clench my jaw, and I shove my gloves into my bag and spot the old, black gloves inside too. I push them down into the bottom of the duffel bag and zip it up.

The season starts in a week and a half. No coach? No fight. I can’t even get into a gym.

But I won’t let anyone or anything keep me from the ring.

I pick up a penny from the ground.

And I spot a girl in workout clothes across the street, tying her shoelaces. She’s a step away from the gym door. I straighten, pull my hoodie over my head, and cross the street, following after her like I belong.

Meet Maverick “The Avenger” Cage in Legend, the newest stand alone in the REAL series releasing February 9th!

PRE-ORDER NOW

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1TFo2L4

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1JYmeal

Amazon PB: http://amzn.to/1TFpRrb

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Nook: http://bit.ly/1PdMnGl

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Blurb

Maverick “the Avenger” Cage wants to rise to the top and become a legend in the ring. Though he keeps his identity well guarded, he's known on the fighting circuit as the new kid with a chip on his shoulder and a tattoo on his back that marks him as trouble. He's got a personal score to settle with the Underground's one and only Remington "Riptide" Tate.

As Mav trains, he meets a young girl—the only other new person in the town--and sparks fly. When things get heated between them, he finds out she's none other than Reese Dumas, the cousin of Remington Tate’s wife. A girl who's supposed to root against him and a girl he's supposed to stay away from.

But Maverick fights for the woman in his heart, and the monsters in his blood. The world’s eyes are on them and the victor will go down in history as the ultimate fighting champion; the ultimate LEGEND.

* LEGEND is the 6th and final installment of the REAL series, but it can also be read as standalone or after the three Remington and Brooke books (Real/Mine/Remy.)

Real (Book One) The Real Series

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1CHl6sS

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1w35g8N

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1zT7J31

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Mine (Book Two) The Real Series

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1I2nbzy

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1tHrdns

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iBooks: http://bit.ly/1yhymBF

Remy (Book Three) The Real Series

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1vOn8T2

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1w35lcN

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Rogue (Book Four) The Real Series

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1vOnjh8

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1FOFfJy

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Ripped (Book Five) The Real Series

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1Bfzsi

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1yia714

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/11X9CAG

iBooks: http://bit.ly/1ynQ9FV

About the Author:

Hey! I’m Katy Evans and I love family, books, life, and love. I’m married with two children and three dogs and spend my time baking, walking, writing, reading, and taking care of my family. Thank you for spending your time with me and picking up my story. I hope you had an amazing time with it, like I did. If you’d like to know more about books in progress, look me up on the Internet, I’d love to hear from you!

Website: www.katyevans.net

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKatyEvans

Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorkatyevans

Email: authorkatyevans@gmail.com

THANK YOU!

Reader Appreciation Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen My Bookish Fairy Tale) — Tue, 05 Jan 2016 14:00:00 +0000

Hello lovelies!!!

To start of 2016 in a great way, I would like to offer two of my readers a book of choice from the Book Depository.

If you have taken a look at my New Year, New Look, New Drive you are aware that this is the year that I bring My Bookish Fairy Tale back. With regularly scheduled posts, giveaways, author interviews ect. I am determined to breathe life back into my "baby". I know that we all go through times where our blogs have to take a back seat to real life and this is my way of thanking those of you who have stuck with me. I am also opening this up to new reader's as well. I want the My Bookish Fairy Tale family to grow and become something fantastic

So if anyone has any suggestions on what they want as far as content, please feel free to contact me.

Let's make 2016 amazing!! I will leave this open for two weeks

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Him by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen My Bookish Fairy Tale) — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 14:00:00 +0000

Him by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy
Release Date: July 25 2015
Publisher: Rennie Road Books
Pages: 276
Format: E-Book
Genre: New Adult, M/M
Source: Amazon CA

Goodreads Synopsis:

They don’t play for the same team. Or do they?

Jamie Canning has never been able to figure out how he lost his closest friend. Four years ago, his tattooed, wise-cracking, rule-breaking roommate cut him off without an explanation. So what if things got a little weird on the last night of hockey camp the summer they were eighteen? It was just a little drunken foolishness. Nobody died.

Ryan Wesley’s biggest regret is coaxing his very straight friend into a bet that pushed the boundaries of their relationship. Now, with their college teams set to face off at the national championship, he’ll finally get a chance to apologize. But all it takes is one look at his longtime crush, and the ache is stronger than ever.

Jamie has waited a long time for answers, but walks away with only more questions—can one night of sex ruin a friendship? If not, how about six more weeks of it? When Wesley turns up to coach alongside Jamie for one more hot summer at camp, Jamie has a few things to discover about his old friend...and a big one to learn about himself.
Warning: contains sexual situations, skinnydipping, shenanigans in an SUV and proof that coming out to your family on social media is a dicey proposition.

My Thoughts:

Wow. I am in love with both Jamie and Ryan. I don't know what I was expecting from this when I purchased it but what I got was a stellar read. I fell in love with these character's so hard! I could not put this book down. I bought this because I had read Elle Kennedy's Off Campus series and I was intrigued by the M/M factor. I was not disappointed at all with this book. It was so cute and wonderful in so many ways. I loved going through Jamie and Ryan's story, The love they have for each other just pours off the pages. I really loved this book.

Jamie and Ryan were best friends for years during their summer hockey camp. A friendship that both of them thought was going to last a lifetime. Until the last night of camp a dare turned into something so much more. Ryan had always known he was gay. He had been in love with his best friend for years. When he had thought that the friendship was over, Jamie and Ryan both end up playing each other in a championship game. Ryan is determined to rekindle his friendship with Jamie. But what he got was so much more.

Jamie missed his best friend. He wanted nothing more than to go back four years and have Ryan by his side again. When fate turns its head and Jamie and Ryan both end up coaching at their childhood hockey camp, Jamie is in for the ride of his life.

I could not get enough of this book. It was so well written and funny and heartwarming. I felt my insides turn to goo as the story continued and these two amazing males embark on the the scariest, most fulfilling journey of their lives. Neither one of them expected it to end the way it did.

If anyone has read Elle Kennedy's Off Campus series you know how funny she is. The connection that her characters' have is hard to ignore. Jamie and Ryan would do anything for each other but the last thing that Ryan wants is to make Jamie's life hard. Is he willing to walk away or will he be selfish enough to try to keep Jamie The self discovery and general life lesson's in this book also make it wonderful. I honestly cannot praise this book enough. I loved it! These characters' are the type of characters' that I need more of. I want more books written about them or with them in it. I just need more!

It is a full Male on male read, so for those of you who are not into that type of book or are uncomfortable with it, then this would not be the book for you. But for those who don't mind either way, this is a fantastic read.

New Year, New Look, New drive!

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen My Bookish Fairy Tale) — Sun, 03 Jan 2016 15:00:00 +0000

Hello lovelies. I just wanted to take a quick sec and send all my love to all of you who have stuck with me over the last couple of years. I know that 2015 was rough for My Bookish Fairy Tale but I promise that 2016 is going to be anything but. 2015 was a little tough for me in my personal life and unfortunately my blog and my content to all of you suffered because of it. But NO MORE! I promise that this year is going to be amazing for all of us. I have this renewed energy and this drive to make this the best year for My Bookish Fairy Tale that it has ever been. So for all of you who are still around and kicking, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Lot's of love and kisses

Kristen

ARC Review: Dangerous Lies by Becca Fitzpatrick

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen My Bookish Fairy Tale) — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 14:00:00 +0000

Dangerous LIes by Becca Fitzpatrick
Release Date: November 10 2015
Format: ARC Paperback
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Pages: 400
Genre: YA/ Thriller
Source: Publisher

Goodreads Synopsis:A teen is forced to make a fresh start after witnessing a violent crime—but love and danger find her anyway in this novel from Becca Fitzpatrick, theNew York Times bestselling author of the Hush, Hush saga.
Stella Gordon is not her real name. Thunder Basin, Nebraska, is not her real home. This is not her real life.

After witnessing a lethal crime, Stella Gordon is sent to the middle of nowhere for her own safety before she testifies against the man she saw kill her mother’s drug dealer.

But Stella was about to start her senior year with the boyfriend she loves. How can she be pulled away from the only life she knows and expected to start a new one in Nebraska? Stella chafes at her protection and is rude to everyone she meets. She’s not planning on staying long, so why be friendly? Then she meets Chet Falconer and it becomes harder to keep her guard up, even as her guilt about having to lie to him grows.

As Stella starts to feel safer, the real threat to her life increases—because her enemies are actually closer than she thinks…

My Thoughts:
Another wonderful novel by Becca Fitzpatrick. I was not disappointed in the least and I am loving the fact that she is crossing genres. This Thriller was well written and had the right amount of suspense and romance. Stella's journey is not a glamorous one at all. After witnessing a heinous crime and trying to do the right thing her entire world is ripped apart when she is sent into Witness Protection.

The life that Stella once knew is now over and she has to find herself again when she is relocated to Thunder Basin. A town in the middle of nowhere, which could not be further from the life she once lead.

I enjoyed this book so much. It was a real page turner. The danger and and suspense pours off the pages. The romance is great as well. She meets Chet who could not be further from the boy she is in love with but can no longer be with. He takes southern gentlemen to a whole new level and I adored him. But as Stella tries to navigate her new life she knows that there is no room for romance. But the heart doesn't always listen.

But she finds herself facing knew dangers while in Thunder Basin and it seems that she just cannot outrun her past.

The characters are fantastic and the plot is twisty and will keep you on your toes. Just when you think you might have things figured out, Becca throws you for a loop and inserts so many new threats that you will not be bored or disappointed.

At the beginning of the book I couldn't help but think how bratty Stella was. But the growth she had throughout the novel was fantastic. I love books were the characters grow and learn. I also think Chet was the perfect balance for her. Her relationship with him helped her grow and realize that she couldn't go back to her old life, even if she wanted too.

To say I enjoyed this is an understatement. It was a thrill and I am actually upset that I finished it as quickly as I did. I wish I could have stayed in Thunder Basin for just a little while longer.

Waiting on Wednesday! Yum :)

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen My Bookish Fairy Tale) — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 14:47:00 +0000

This week I am waiting on

Ohh Holy Crap! Can you we just stop for a second and wipe the drool off our mouths? Seriously, how great is this cover? Is it just me? Oh I hope not.

Legend comes out in February of 2016 from Gallery Books and I am soooo freaking excited!

Review: Within These Walls by J.L Berg

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen My Bookish Fairy Tale) — Mon, 02 Nov 2015 18:30:00 +0000

Within These Walls by J.L Berg
Release Date: August 18 2014
Publisher: J.L Berg LLC
Format: Kindle
Genre: New Adult Romance
Source: Amazon Canada

Goodreads Synopsis:
Within these walls, he became my solace, my sanctuary and my strength.

I am not strong. I am just a survivor of circumstance.
Isn’t that what we all do? Survive?

Each of us has our own set of circumstances to muddle through. Mine are just more…complicated. Born with a severe heart defect, I’ve seen the inside of a hospital room more than my own bedroom.

I was drowning, a prisoner to the illness that owned me, until he appeared. He thinks he’s blocked out the world with his tattoos and hard exterior, but I see the real Jude, the one he so desperately wants to forget.

But is he the answer to my prayers or will he break my already damaged heart forever?

My name is Lailah Buchanan, and this is our story of hope, redemption and sacrificing it all for the one you love.

My Thoughts:
I really really enjoyed this book. I got this free from amazon and was very excited to read it. The plot is a little depressing at the beginning but once you get into it it is so captivating and enthralling that I had a hard time putting it down.

Lailah's and Jude's story is so entwined and moving that you cannot help but feel for this couple and cheer them on until the end. I absolutely adore the brooding male hero in any novel and Jude has that silent, commanding presence about him that you cannot help but gravitate towards him.

What I really liked about this book is that the character's attraction towards one another did not feel forced. It flowed naturally and seamlessly. Lailah is a strong female character. Even on her death bed she is optimistic and as cheerful as one can be under the circumstances. The secondary character's had just as much of a presence in this book as the main characters and I love when authors do that. I connected just as much with Marcus and Lailah's mother as I did with Lailah and Jude.

Considering that the book took place 90% in a hospital setting it was not as gloomy as one might think. It was uplifting and was the perfect setting for this book, for obvious reasons.

This book had all the feels and was a very enjoyable read. This is a book that I would recommend to any romantic.

Stacking The Shelves

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen My Bookish Fairy Tale) — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 13:36:00 +0000

As everyone already know's Stacking The Shelves is a weekly post to share all the awesome goodies that you've collected. Whether it be purchased, borrowed, or received to review, Stacking the Shelves is a great way for your readers to be introduced to new reads! Stacking the Shelves comes from Tynga over at Tynga's Reviews

Books I've received for review:

Until We Meet Again by Renee Collins Release Date November 3 2015

The Truth by Jeffry W. Johnston Release Date February 2 2016

Life At The Speed Of Us by Heather Sappenfield Release Date January 8 2016

You Were Here by Cori McCarthy Release Date March 1 2016

Well that is what I've received in the last little bit. What have you received? Leave a comment below with a link to your post and I will check it out. Have a great Sunday guys :)

Waiting On Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen My Bookish Fairy Tale) — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 13:00:00 +0000

This week I am waiting on

I am super excited for All We Left Behind by Ingrid Sundberg. This is coming to us from Simon Pulse and the synopsis really makes me want to read it. The cover is absolutely gorgeous as well.

Synopsis: For fans of Simone Elkeles and Courtney Summers, this haunting debut novel is about two teenagers battling their inner demons as they fall in love for the first time.When Marion Taylor, the shy bookworm, meets sexy soccer captain Kurt Medford at a party, what seems like a sure thing quickly turns into a total mess. One moment they’re alone in the middle of a lake, igniting sparks of electricity. The next, they’re on dry land, pretending they’ve never met. But rather than the end, that night is the beginning of something real, terrifying, and completely unforgettable for them both. As Marion and Kurt struggle to build a relationship from the fractured pieces of their pasts, every kiss they share uncovers memories both would rather keep buried. Marion desperately wants to trust Kurt and share the one secret she’s never told anyone—but some truths aren’t meant to be spoken out loud. Kurt is also still haunted by his mother’s death, by the people he hurt, and by the mistakes he can never take back. Explosive together and hollow apart, Marion and Kurt seem totally wrong for each other—but could they turn out to be more right than they ever thought possible? -

Review: Wild Crush by Simone Elkeles

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen My Bookish Fairy Tale) — Mon, 05 Oct 2015 13:00:00 +0000

Wild Crush by Simone Elkeles
Release Date: September 22 2015
Pages: 304
Publisher: NLA Digital LLC
Genre: YA/ Contemporary
Series: Wild Cards #2
Source: Purchased

Goodreads Synopsis:
When the only girl you want is the one you can't have...

Bad boy Vic Salazar breaks all the rules except one: Don't make a move on your best friend's girl. It’s a Guy Code that Vic lives by. It doesn't matter that he's had a crush on her for years. Monika Fox is off limits.

Monika has a secret of her own and when a tragedy throws her and Vic together, the only boy she trusts is the one she shouldn’t confide in. Vic.

As Vic struggles to keep his distance, and Monika struggles with her secrets, will their wild connection violate every rule both vowed never to break—about relationships, about friendship, about love

My Thoughts:
OMG! Honestly is it possible for Simone to write a bad book? Because I have yet to read one. Wild Crush is absolutely amazing. I love the cross over character's from Perfect Chemistry and I adore her new character's as well.

Vic is a stubborn, strong willed character who reminds me a lot of Alex Fuentes from Perfect Chemistry. His need to be saved calls to me and I adored every second of him.

Monika is a great female lead. She doesn't play the damsel in distress which I love. I loved that she is a strong lead who pushes Vic to come out of his shell and express himself.

The one thing I love most about reading anything from Simone is how all of her characters tangle together. The worlds revolve around them all and we keep seeing them pop up. I am a big fan of long running series where I get to continue to read about the characters over time. Simone is great at keeping all of her characters relevant even if the story isn't specifically about them.

Moments of this book made me break down and cry and the emotion comes pouring off the pages just like they always do with Simone's works and I love that about her novels. They suck you in and make you never want to leave. Wild Crush was no exception. I wish her books were longer so I could stay wrapped up in the worlds that she creates.

If you have read my previous reviews on her previous books you know how much I love her. If you are a fan of her work you will love this book as well.

Review: Until Friday Night by Abbi Glines

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen My Bookish Fairy Tale) — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 17:02:00 +0000

Until Friday Night by Abbi GlinesRelease Date: August 12 2015
Pages:336
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Genre: YA/ Contemporary
Series : Field Party #1
Source: Purchased

Goodreads Synopsis:
To everyone who knows him, West Ashby has always been that guy: the cocky, popular, way-too-handsome-for-his-own-good football god who led Lawton High to the state championships. But while West may be Big Man on Campus on the outside, on the inside he’s battling the grief that comes with watching his father slowly die of cancer.

Two years ago, Maggie Carleton’s life fell apart when her father murdered her mother. And after she told the police what happened, she stopped speaking and hasn’t spoken since. Even the move to Lawton, Alabama, couldn’t draw Maggie back out. So she stayed quiet, keeping her sorrow and her fractured heart hidden away.

As West’s pain becomes too much to handle, he knows he needs to talk to someone about his father—so in the dark shadows of a post-game party, he opens up to the one girl who he knows won’t tell anyone else.

West expected that talking about his dad would bring some relief, or at least a flood of emotions he couldn’t control. But he never expected the quiet new girl to reply, to reveal a pain even deeper than his own—or for them to form a connection so strong that he couldn’t ever let her go…

My Thoughst:
I am a HUGE Abbi Glines fan and when I heard about this book I knew that I just had to have it. It was definitely a must read for me. Of course Abbie did not let me down.

This is an unforgettable story. Two strangers who come together under not so great circumstances. Tragedy is what brings them together. An undeniable attraction keeps them from being able to stay away from each other.

West and Maggie couldn't be more perfect for each other. Even though Maggie is mute, her and West communicate just fine. She understands his pain in a way that no one else can. Sometimes words are just not needed. Tragedy and despair bring this couple together but are they just each other's crutch when times are rough? Or can this relationship really last?

If there is one thing that you can bet on when it comes to Abbi's work is that she will not disappoint. She is one of those rare authors that I read that no matter what she puts out I am never disappointed. Its even come to a point where I don't even need to know what the book is about but I will buy it just because she wrote it and I know it will be good. Of course this was no exception. There is just something so raw and honest to her writing, You truly feel like you are there with the character's. You feel like you are apart of these character's lives. She is an author who makes you feel extremely invested in the worlds that she creates and it is so hard to let those go.

Of course Abbie Gaines hits it out of the park with another fantastic set of characters and I cannot wait to continue the journey.

18+ Review: Incandescent by River Savage

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen My Bookish Fairy Tale) — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 13:00:00 +0000

Incandescent by River Savage
Release Date: August 9 2014
Pages: 241
Publisher: Self-published
Genre: Adult
Series: Knights Rebels #1
Source: Amazon CA

Goodreads Synopsis:
Phoenix ‘Nix’ Knight thought pulling his club out of the illegal shit his Pops got them into was difficult.

Until he meets Kadence.

Kadence Turner has no business lusting over a student’s father, especially the president of the Knights Rebels MC. Nix is crass, obnoxious and dangerously sexy and for some reason, Kadence can’t seem to hate him for it. The bossy biker breaks down her defenses, but unlike the old Kadence, the woman she is today won’t give in without a fight.

The tension is undeniable, the attraction fierce. A man that wants what he wants and a woman that will fight him every step of the way

My Thoughts:
Holy Hotness! Seriously, damn. This was all kinds of naughty wrapped up in danger and excitement. I was really excited when I came across this book on Amazon . I absolutely adore MC books and this one was freaking amazing.

Kadence and Nix mesh so well together that it is so hard not to fall in love with them both.
NIx with his crass alpha male tendencies will make any woman drool. But Nix isn't just the Prez of his MC. He is also a devoted father to Z, which only makes him more adorable.

Kadence is a tough firecracker who might finally be a match for Nix. The only problem is she is also Z's teacher. As much as she tries to stay away from Nix, she just can't. There is something about this man who is going to crumble all of the carefully built walls that she has put up over the last couple of years.

This was such a well written book and I am so thrilled to have finally come across a MC book that has all the element's that I have been looking for. With books like this, I find that there is either too much sex and not enough story or the other way around but River was able to find the perfect balance. There was danger, intrigue and sexy as hell character's. I absolutely loved this book and I cannot wait to continue the series!

Review: Unraveling You by Jessica Sorensen

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen My Bookish Fairy Tale) — Thu, 06 Aug 2015 13:00:00 +0000

Unraveling You By Jessica Sorensen
Release Date: November 25 2014
Publisher: Self-published
Pages: 300
Series: Unraveling You #1
Genre: YA
Source: Amazon CA

Goodreads Synopsis:
Lyric Scott has always had a good life. Outgoing, spunky, and musically talented, she’s constantly surrounded by family and friends, yet she still feels there’s something missing.

Then she meets her new next-door neighbor Ayden Gregory. Mysterious, sweet, and sad, Ayden is the exact opposite of Lyric and exactly what she needs to fill the void in her life.

Ayden has been through more than most people and believes his life is always going to be rocky, so when he’s suddenly adopted by the Gregorys, he’s thrown for a turn. But even with a new, loving family, he still finds himself haunted by the memories of his old life. The only true breath of fresh air is when he’s with his best friend, Lyric Scott.

As Lyric and Ayden grow closer, the lines of their friendship start to blur. But when Ayden's past unexpectedly pushes its way into his new life, their friendship and newfound attraction will be tested.

My Thoughts:

	This book was so entertaining and unbelievably enthralling that I was hooked from the first page to the last. The character's are fantastic and it is extremely easy to get sucked into this book and forget about the world around you. This is one of the first self-published books that I have read where it felt like a traditionally published book. Most self-pub books have that air of being self-pub'd but I did not get that feeling with this book. Lyric is a fantastic character who has the ability to make you laugh out loud and crack a smile while reading. She is unique and confident and is one of those character's who I would love to be friends with if they were real. She has captured Ayden's attention and is slowly bringing him out of his shell. But will this friendship lead to something more or will she be forever destined to be stuck in the friend zone? Ayden has had a horrid past, most of which he can't remember. When he move's in with the Gregory's he truly believes this is just a pit stop on the ride through the foster system. He wasn't prepared for the family to genuinely love him or for him to start loving them back. Lyric is a forced to be reckoned with. For a boy who wants nothing more than to stay in his own world and drift through life, Lyric refuses to let that happen. Lyric and Ayden are so different that the combination just works. I really enjoyed this book and I cannot wait to continue the series.

This book was so entertaining and unbelievably enthralling that I was hooked from the first page to the last. The character's are fantastic and it is extremely easy to get sucked into this book and forget about the world around you. This is one of the first self-published books that I have read where it felt like a traditionally published book. Most self-pub books have that air of being self-pub'd but I did not get that feeling with this book.

Lyric is a fantastic character who has the ability to make you laugh out loud and crack a smile while reading. She is unique and confident and is one of those character's who I would love to be friends with if they were real. She has captured Ayden's attention and is slowly bringing him out of his shell. But will this friendship lead to something more or will she be forever destined to be stuck in the friend zone?

Ayden has had a horrid past, most of which he can't remember. When he move's in with the Gregory's he truly believes this is just a pit stop on the ride through the foster system. He wasn't prepared for the family to genuinely love him or for him to start loving them back. Lyric is a forced to be reckoned with. For a boy who wants nothing more than to stay in his own world and drift through life, Lyric refuses to let that happen.

Lyric and Ayden are so different that the combination just works. I really enjoyed this book and I cannot wait to continue the series.

Waiting On Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen My Bookish Fairy Tale) — Wed, 05 Aug 2015 13:00:00 +0000

Waiting On Wednesday is a great way to showcase the books that you are looking foward to releasing.

For This Week's WoW I am highly anticipating Winter by Marissa Meyer. Winter hit's the shelves November 10 2015.

I absolutely adore this series and I am so excited to see what happens next.

What is your WoW for this week?

ARC Review: How To Say I Love You Out Loud by Karole Cozzo

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen My Bookish Fairy Tale) — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 13:00:00 +0000

How To Say I Love You Out Loud by Karole Cozzo
Release Date: August 4 2015
Publisher: Swoon Reads
Pages:215
Genre: YA
Source: Publisher

Goodreads Synopsis:
Words are strong. Love is stronger.

When Jordyn Michaelson’s autistic brother joins her at her elite school, she’s determined not to let anyone know they're related. Even if that means closing herself off to all her closest friends, including charming football stud Alex Colby. But despite her best intentions, she just can't shake the memory of kissing Alex last summer, and the desire to do it again.

Can Jordyn find the courage to tell Alex how she really feels—and the truth about her family—before he slips away forever?

My Thoughts:
This story was absolutely exceptional. I may be a bit biased because the subject matter is one that I am intimately familiar with but this story spoke to me on so many levels. It was an emotional roller coaster from start to end but I am glad because it would not have been the same.

I laughed and cried and did a major happy dance at the end of this book. It was a very well written novel and the character's were believable and entertaining. Jordyn's relationship with Alex was fantastic. Alex is a great character and he helps Jordyn grow into the person that she was meant to be.

All Jordyn wanted was a normal life. A regular high school experience. It was easier when her brother went to a different school but when her world collides with his Jordyn has to come to grips with who she is and what is most important to her.

I cannot write this review properly without including a whole bunch of spoilers but needless to say this was an amazing book that will invoke all of the emotions that you have and leave you wanting more. It is a must read and if you don't take the time to read this you will be missing out on a wonderful book. Bravo Karole, Bravo!

Review: Those Girls by Lauren Saft

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 22 Jun 2015 12:00:00 +0000

Those Girls by Lauren Saft

Genre: YA, Romance, Contemporary, Realistic Fiction

Release Date: June 9, 2015

Publisher: Poppy

Format: paperback Pages: 336

Sources: Publisher

Goodreads Synopsis:

Some girls will always have your back, and some girls can't help but stab you in it.
Junior year, the suburbs of Philadelphia. Alex, Mollie and Veronica are those girls: they're the best of friends and the party girls of the school. But how well does everybody know them--and really, how well do they know one another? Alex is secretly in love with the boy next door and has joined a band--without telling anyone. Mollie suffers from a popular (and possibly sociopathic) boyfriend, as well as a serious mean streak. And Veronica just wants to be loved--literally, figuratively, physically....she's not particular. Will this be the year that bonds them forever....or tears them apart for good?
Lauren Saft masterfully conveys what goes on in the mind of a teenage girl, and her debut novel is raw, honest, hilarious, and thought-provoking, with a healthy dose of heart.

My Thoughts:

I wanted to like this book. I really did. I read the entire thing, but I couldn't connect with the characters the way I was hoping to. I felt like it was all very superficial. Rich girls and rich boys who have too much time and money. There was no substance to their issues. It was a let down for me. I was hoping that one of the girls was going to come to her senses and realize that being a slutty party girl was not okay, but it seemed like they embraced this part of themselves. Personally, it wasn't for me, but I am sure there are readers out there who will thoroughly enjoy it.

Review: Alive by Chandler Baker

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 12:00:00 +0000

Alive by Chandler Baker

Genre: YA, Romance, Contemporary, Horror, Paranormal Fantasy

Release Date: June 9 2015

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Format: paperback Pages: 368

Sources: Publisher

Goodreads Synopsis:

Stella Cross's heart is poisoned.

After years on the transplant waiting list, she's running out of hope that she'll ever see her eighteenth birthday. Then, miraculously, Stella receives the transplant she needs to survive.

Determined to embrace everything she came so close to losing, Stella throws herself into her new life. But her recovery is marred by strange side effects: Nightmares. Hallucinations. A recurring pain that flares every day at the exact same moment. Then Stella meets Levi Zin, the new boy on everyone's radar at her Seattle prep school. Stella has never felt more drawn to anyone in her life, and soon she and Levi are inseparable.

Stella is convinced that Levi is her soul mate. Why else would she literally ache for him when they are apart?

After all, the heart never lies...does it?

My Thoughts:

This book was extremely compelling and it kept me on the edge of my seat for the entire book. I loved it. I loved the haunting quality it had. Alive was suspenseful and riveting.

The characters were likeable and I loved all of them.

I liked how Chandler was able to give realistic details and descriptions when she was describing Stella's condition. The story flowed nicely and I wasn't bored once while reading it. At times I wanted to kick Stella's but, but she was a wonderful main character.

The tricks and illusions that Chandler used just added that much more and it made the story creepy, but it was fantastic. I did not see the end coming and it was amazing.

Great Book!

Review: Every Last Word by Tamara Ireland Stone

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 15 Jun 2015 12:00:00 +0000

Every Last Word by Tamara Ireland Stone

Genre: YA, Romance, Contemporary, Mental Health

Release Date: June 16, 2015

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Format: paperback Pages: 368

Sources: Publisher

Goodreads Synopsis:

If you could read my mind, you wouldn't be smiling.

Samantha McAllister looks just like the rest of the popular girls in her junior class. But hidden beneath the straightened hair and expertly applied makeup is a secret that her friends would never understand: Sam has Purely-Obsessional OCD and is consumed by a stream of dark thoughts and worries that she can't turn off.

Second-guessing every move, thought, and word makes daily life a struggle, and it doesn't help that her lifelong friends will turn toxic at the first sign of a wrong outfit, wrong lunch, or wrong crush. Yet Sam knows she'd be truly crazy to leave the protection of the most popular girls in school. So when Sam meets Caroline, she has to keep her new friend with a refreshing sense of humor and no style a secret, right up there with Sam's weekly visits to her psychiatrist.

Caroline introduces Sam to Poet's Corner, a hidden room and a tight-knit group of misfits who have been ignored by the school at large. Sam is drawn to them immediately, especially a guitar-playing guy with a talent for verse, and starts to discover a whole new side of herself. Slowly, she begins to feel more "normal" than she ever has as part of the popular crowd . . . until she finds a new reason to question her sanity and all she holds dear.

My Thoughts:

Can you say tearjerker? This story blew me away. It had enough realism to make it easy to relate to the characters and enough fiction to make it an extremely entertaining read. Every last word is one of those books that you just connect with on a deeper level. It stays with you and it makes you make connections with reality that you might not have seen before. The subject matter is real and that's what makes this book amazing. Sam deals with so much and struggles daily and you feel for her. This is one of those books that you pray for a happy ending. I wish that my school had a place like Poets Corner. A place where people can feel safe being who they are. I adored everything about this book. This is a book that everyone should read.