"What I'm Reading" Wednesday #51

I finished reading Ever the Hunted, and you'll hear all about my thoughts on that on December 27th, but this "WIR"-Wednesday I'm moving on to...

Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass #5) by Sarah J. Maas

Blurb:

The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those who don't.

With her heart sworn to the warrior-prince by her side, and her fealty pledged to the people she is determined to save, Aelin will delve into the depths of her power to protect those she loves. But as monsters emerge from the horrors of the past, and dark forces become poised to claim her world, the only chance for salvation will lie in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear.

Why I Chose This Book / What I Think So Far:

Okay, so you all know I tried reading Throne of Glass (book 1) a few months ago and it wasn't like I didn't like it... I just had other books for ARCs that I had to read, so I put it down and haven't quite picked it back up. But at the time I thought it was a little slow moving. Maybe I was just on a book overload or maybe I didn't give it enough time, so instead of going back to book one I'm going to read book 5 and move my way backward through the series. Yes, I know that sounds bad, but hey I can do what I want. Everyone has been raving about EOS for months and how the ending "destroyed" them and since the first page has grabbed me I'm eager to get into this one. 

P.S. you'll notice I used the picture of the UK cover and that is because that's the cover of my copy. Yes, I live in Wisconsin which is firmly in the middle of the US - but I love the UK covers of this series even better than the dark cover US versions so I ordered this one from Book Depository. 

"What I'm Reading" Wednesday #50

This "WIR"-Wednesday I've finally completed reading a book in what feels like the first time in weeks (has it been that long since a book didn't hit the DNF pile?) and now I'm starting an ARC of a book I've been really looking forward to...

Ever the Hunted by Erin Summerill

Blurb:

Seventeen year-old Britta Flannery is at ease only in the woods with her dagger and bow. She spends her days tracking criminals alongside her father, a legendary bounty hunter—that is, until her father is murdered. The alleged killer is none other than Cohen Mackay, her father’s former apprentice. The only friend she’s ever known. The boy she once loved who broke her heart.  

     She must go on a dangerous quest in a world of warring kingdoms, mad kings, and dark magic to find the real killer. But Britta wields more power than she knows. And soon she will learn what has always made her different will make her a force to be reckoned with.  

Why I Wanted To Read This Book / What I Think So Far:

This is one of my most anticipated reads of Winter 2016-2017 and I've been dying to read it, but I've heard mixed reviews from people who have already read it. Some people love it and some people have found it to be something they had to "endure," so being the person I am I wanted to be able to judge for myself. This is yet another book I chose to want to read based on the really awesome cover, and I'm just starting it today so beside the fact that it's an ARC and I don't want to give away any opinions until my official review posts on the release date, I honestly can't tell you what I think of it yet. Stay tuned for pre-order links in my winter anticipated releases blog coming in the beginning of December, and my full review on the release date in the end of December! 

Book Review: Nemesis by Anna Banks

Nemesis by Anna Banks

Blurb:

The princess didn't expect to fall in love--with her nemesis.

Princess Sepora of Serubel is the last Forger in all the five kingdoms. The spectorium she creates provides energy for all, but now her father has found a way to weaponize it, and his intentions to incite war force her to flee from his grasp. She escapes across enemy lines into the kingdom of Theoria, but her plans to hide are thwarted when she is captured and placed in the young king's servitude.

Tarik has just taken over rulership of Theoria, and must now face a new plague sweeping through his kingdom and killing his citizens. The last thing he needs is a troublesome servant vying for his attention. But mistress Sepora will not be ignored. When the two finally meet face-to-face, they form an unlikely bond that complicates life in ways neither of them could have imagined.

Sepora's gift could save Tarik's kingdom from the Quiet Plague. But should she trust her growing feelings for her nemesis, or should she hide her gifts at all costs?

My Review:

Princess Sepora has escaped from her abusive father, the king of Serubel and faked her own death. The reason? Her father wants to use her ability to forge the element spectorium to arm his men and start a war against Theoria and the other three kingdoms of the world. Her only hope is to head to the neighboring kingdom, Theoria - Serubel's sworn enemy and the last place Sepora's father would look for her. Her goal is to live in the Baseborn Quarters with the freed Serubelan slaves. and find work as a servant. What she doesn't plan on is being captured by thieves in the tenantless desert between the two countries or to be sold to the king's brother as a present and addition to the king's harem.

Meanwhile, Tarik has been newly crowned the Falcon King of Theoria after the untimely death of his father. At eighteen Tarik is not ready for the responsibility of running a kingdom, especially with the fatal quiet plague that his father died of spreading through the kingdom. His advisor Rashidi insists that they should keep it quiet so not to spread chaos throughout the kingdom, but Tarik knows it is only a matter of time before the disease becomes an epidemic. The last thing he needs is a feisty girl in the palace who has opinions of her own and refuses to become a member of his harem. But could this mysterious girl be the key in stopping the spreading of the disease and prevent a war against Serubel?

As Tarik and Sepora meet, interact, and even fall in love Tarik has no idea that Sepora is the presumed dead princess of Serubel or that she has the ability to create the spectorium needed to cure the sick people of his country. But as hard as they try to keep a respectful distance from each other they can't deny their obvious chemistry or their growing feelings for each other. 

What will happen when their fledgling relationship is put to the test of love vs. duty? Will it bring them closer together or tear them apart? How will Tarik react when Sepora's true identity and all of her secrets are laid out on the table? Can you ever really trust your nemesis?

Let me start off by saying I wanted to read this book because of the awesome cover but remember what they say: never judge a book by its' cover. A blogger I'm acquainted with that read an ARC once commented that this book is less of a fantasy novel and more of an instruction manual on how to run a government. At the time I scoffed and  decided I would read it myself before forming an opinion.

In a way that blogger was right. This book has a lot of sections about how Tarik is going to run Theoria or how Sepora's father or ancestors ran Serubel and throughout the book that got me stuck a few times. A few times I actually contemplated giving up, especially in the beginning since it's mainly bogged down by Sepora's journey and capture in the Tenantless and Tarik's taking over of Theoria. They don't even meet until page 125! But it was that first conversation between Tarik and Sepora that changed everything for me. For the first time in 125 pages, I was interested in the story. I found something humorous in the writing. And so I continued. 

In my opinion, the story gets better from that point onward, with an occasionally boring section about war strategies or running the kingdom popping up from time to time (which I'll admit I did skip over because it was really boring.). The thing is, when I skipped over those sections I don't feel like I missed anything in the story. 

I liked Nemesis, but I wish it could have moved like it did in the last 3/4 to half of the book instead of dragging like it did in the beginning. I thought the main characters - Tarik, Sepora, Cy, and Sethos -  were great and it was even better when they were interacting. I just think that the slow, boring part of the beginning might cause some readers to cast the book aside without seeing the potential of where this story could go. The other thing I didn't really like, even if it is a petty little thing, is that every other fantasy novel out there from the Throne of Glass Series to the ACOTAR series to the Remnant Chronicles or Three Dark Crowns and gosh so many more, they all have maps at the beginning of the book. I would have loved to have seen a map of the five kingdoms and gotten an idea of where they were located or what kind of natural landmarks (mountains, deserts, ect.) they had. Am I the only one who miss having a map in Nemesis?!?!

 By the end, though, I'm dying to see what's going to happen in the next book. Will Tarik come to see that the reason Sepora is drawing away from him is because he's begun acting like her bully of a father? Will Sepora ever forgive Tarik or warm up to him again? What's going to happen to Sethos? These are the things I hope to see answered in the next book of course, but it came so close to me quitting this book before I ever became invested in the characters. 

It all comes down to this: Was this the best fantasy novel I've ever read? No. Did I like it enough to want to read the next book? Yes. 

My Rating:

3.75 of 5 Stars

INTO THE LIGHT Playlist

Into the Light Blog Series - Part II of IV: the Into the Light Playlist
For the Into the Light Playlist I was all over the place musically. Some of these songs helped me write specific scenes while others remind me of the characters. This is the Into the Light Playlist shown through videos...

1) “It’s Not You" by Halestorm

"I'm in love with somebody... and it's not you!" - This line went well with the opening scene and Lizette's big decision. Who will she pick? Luke? Thierry? Find out soon!

2) “Who Wouldn’t Wanna Be Me” by Keith Urban 

I love this song and in Into the Light it inspired a journey for Lizette. 

3) “Free” by Zac Brown Band

I listened to this one a lot toward the beginning of Into the Light.

4) “Iko Iko” by The Dixie Cups

I heard this song in a movie once and fell in love with the beat. It doesn't really inspire any scenes, it just gave me an overall feel that was upbeat. 

5) “Hungry Like The Wolf" by Duran Duran

Luna from the wolf clan pops up in Into the Light and this song comes to mind when I think of her.

6) “Bad Karma” by Ida Maria

"You better believe in voodoo babe

I got a long list of your sins

There's a word you may have heard of called payback

and I'm runnin' out of pins"

Another song I loved in a movie, and it reminds me of Claudette and everyone's perceived idea of Voodoo. 

7) “Johnny Cash” by Jason Aldean

This and the next song popped into my head while I was writing a scene featuring two awesome new characters you'll meet in Into the Light.

8) "Viva Las Vegas" by Elvis

My grandmother is a huge Elvis fan, and when you read the scene I'm referring to the song will completely make sense.

9) "In Your Room" by Halestorm

"I know everyone you've ever trusted has let you down"

This song is all about letting someone in, letting someone get to know you fully and this song helped me write one of two particularly hard sections of Into the Light.

10) "Private Parts" by Halestorm (feat. James Michael)

"Every time I try to get a little closer

You shut down and the conversation's over

I'm right here, but you leave me in the dark

Show me your private parts.

Give it up baby, what are you afraid of

Love sucks when you don't know what it's made of

We get naked but I can't undress your heart

Show me your private parts, show me your private parts"

On a personal note - this is my favorite song ever. It's all about wanting someone to open up to you even if they don't want to. And that's going to pop up for Lizette and the guy she chooses in Into the Light. P.S. when looking for a video on Youtube, I thought this one was seriously awesome! 

11) "I'll Be Seeing You" by Billie Holiday

This song is just so... I can't describe it. Anyway, I listened to this song toward the end of writing Into the Light and in a way it has a double meaning for my characters. 

12) "Hello" by Adele

The first time I heard this song I knew that if any song was going to be playing in the background of the final scene in Into the Light this one was going to be it. It's less about the meaning of the song and more of just the overall emotion. 

***

PREORDER INTO THE LIGHT (Eternals Trilogy #2) Today! 

Amazon | Smashwords | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | iBooks | Add on Goodreads

Into the Light arrives December 13, 2016!

"What I'm Reading" Wednesday #49

This "WIR"-Wednesday I'm starting over fresh and getting into yet another book. I'll admit it, lately finding a book that keeps me hooked from the very beginning is a struggle. Hopefully, this one will keep me interested...

Nemesis by Anna Banks

Blurb:

The princess didn't expect to fall in love--with her nemesis.

Princess Sepora of Serubel is the last Forger in all the five kingdoms. The spectorium she creates provides energy for all, but now her father has found a way to weaponize it, and his intentions to incite war force her to flee from his grasp. She escapes across enemy lines into the kingdom of Theoria, but her plans to hide are thwarted when she is captured and placed in the young king's servitude.

Tarik has just taken over rulership of Theoria, and must now face a new plague sweeping through his kingdom and killing his citizens. The last thing he needs is a troublesome servant vying for his attention. But mistress Sepora will not be ignored. When the two finally meet face-to-face, they form an unlikely bond that complicates life in ways neither of them could have imagined.

Sepora's gift could save Tarik's kingdom from the Quiet Plague. But should she trust her growing feelings for her nemesis, or should she hide her gifts at all costs?

Why I Chose This Book / What I Think So Far:

Admittedly, part of what drew me to this book in the first place is the gorgeous cover. From the first moment I saw it I wanted to get an ARC of it but sadly I didn't. ☹ But thankfully I managed to snag a signed copy from Books of Wonder. After a six week long wait, I finally got my copy of Nemesis. With the book slump I've been in lately I'm almost afraid to let myself read Nemesis. A thousand "what ifs" are running through my head. What if I don't like it? What if I get bored a few chapters in? What if it's not as good as I'm expecting? 

So far I can't tell you too much of my opinion because with NaNoWriMo going on I'm only getting a few minutes of reading in here and there. I'm only about to begin the third chapter but it's okay so far. I'm eager to see where it goes and if I can fall in love with the story and the characters. Wish me luck!  

Cajun Cooking with Maurice

INTO THE LIGHT comes out 32 DAYS from now! It's time to kick off the four-part blog series for Into the Light! Part one brings you a guest post by everyone's favorite ghost chef from OUT OF DARKNESS, Maurice! 

Cajun Cooking With Maurice

Bonjour! To introduce myself I am Maurice, the world famous ghost chef at Maurice's - New Orleans. I arrived in New Orleans in 1865 a young man of twenty-three and took a job at a restaurant in the Quarter. My delicious food and charismatic charm skyrocketed my reputation and in 1871 I opened my restaurant. 

For the next twenty years, Maurice's was the place to be. People came from far and wide to enjoy my blend of french and cajun cooking. Then, in 1892 tragedy struck. I and my entire kitchen crew were brutally murdered by my ambitious sous chef who wanted Maurice's as his own. I won't dwell on that traitor, but I hear that he was executed by public hanging for his crimes. 

Alas, his plan to overthrow me backfired. This is New Orleans after all and my crew and I lived on as ghosts. But nobody knew about us and for decades Maurice's lay empty, until one day a woman bought the building to use as a front for her Voodoo shop. This woman was the grandmother of our current owner, Claudette Barbeau. Being a Voodoo priestess she could easily pick up on us wasting our days away in the kitchen and she decided to monopolize on the idea. A restaurant entirely run by a ghostly kitchen crew? She was sitting on a gold mine! I, myself, was skeptical at first but soon people were once again flocking from all over the world to eat my cooking! We've hosted tourists, locals, paranormal investigators, and skeptics that soon become believers after seeing the "empty" kitchen putting out plate after plate of authentique French and Cajun delights. 

But enough about me, I'm sure you want to hear about her - Miss Lizette Weatherly. Oh, what a delightful girl! The moment I saw her I knew she was a kindred spirit as Maman would say. And when she shared with me her love of the most scrumptious of all New Orleans desserts, the beignet? Bless my biscuits, this ghost felt as if he had died again and gone to heaven! I knew of course, that I had to teach her everything I knew of French and Cajun cooking. For so long I'd been waiting for a worthy pupil to impart my knowledge upon.

The magic of the restaurant has dimmed slightly since her visit, but I am pleased to hear she and her friends have made it through their struggle against the dark one. Miss Claudette says that if we hold out hope perhaps Miss Lizette will return to us. I will wait on baited breath until I see her again. 

Until then I will share with you one of my new concoctions from my tutelage with Lizette...

***

Cajun Pasta Salad

This recipe started out as Lizette's famous Italian Pasta Salad, but after a little tinkering with the recipe together we created this Cajun Pasta Salad. Serve this pasta salad alongside Cajun burgers, po'boys, finger-licking fried chicken, and just about everything else. 

INGREDIENTS: 

1-2 lbs. Tri-Color Rotini Pasta, cooked and rinsed

1 can jumbo black olives, drained

1 red or green bell pepper, diced

1 medium red onion, finely chopped or sliced

1 package mozzarella string cheese, cubed

2 Andouille sausages, sliced into coin size bites

1 bottle zesty Italian dressing

Cajun spice, to taste

Grape tomatoes; left whole

DIRECTIONS:

Boil pasta according to the box’s directions. Meanwhile, chop veggies and sausage, cube the cheese, and drain the olives. 

Once pasta is cooked, drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. 

Next in a large bowl combine the olives, bell pepper, tomatoes, onions, cubed cheese, and andouille sausage. 

Pour in half the bottle of the zesty Italian dressing, then add the pasta and stir. 

Pour in the rest of the bottle of the zesty Italian dressing and season with Cajun spice to taste and stir to combine making sure to scrape the bottom of the bowl to make sure everything is well incorporated. 

Cover the bowl and refrigerate at least two hours. Stir once more before serving.

VARIATION: 

For an added kick substitute pepper jack string cheese in place of mozzarella string cheese. 

PRINT RECIPE

***

PREORDER INTO THE LIGHT (Eternals Trilogy #2) Today! 

Amazon | Smashwords | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | iBooks | Add on Goodreads

Into the Light arrives December 13, 2016!

Book Review: Rebirth by Skye Malone

Rebirth (Awakened Fate Series #6) by Skye Malone

Series: the Awakened Fate Series, Book 6

Genre: YA Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Wildflower Isle

Cover Artist: Karri Klawiter

Blurb:

One summer later…

Ari Moreau knows all about dehaians, but they’ve never heard of people like her. Hidden in plain sight, the wizards of the ancient world still thrive, rich and privileged and far from the ocean magic that could kill them all. 

But when an evening party turns into a bloody dehaian ambush, Ari’s hidden world is shattered. Assassins from the underwater kingdom of Yvaria have come to kill her people and only the last-minute intervention of a gorgeous boy with inexplicable powers saves her life. 

Two worlds are about to collide…

But the guy who rescued her shouldn’t exist. He’s impossible in every sense of the word. And the truth of his identity means that nothing in Ari’s life will ever be the same again.

My Review:

Hidden from the rest of the world live the wizards that the dehaians and landwalkers thought had died long ago. The Ruanir live the lavish life, fancy cars, mansions, and loads of money. Among them is seventeen-year-old Ariabella "Ari" Moreau. Ari hates the social climbing lifestyle her mother has dragged her into as she attempts to climb the Ruanir ladder by finding a powerful husband. Ari and her older brother Jace would much rather still be living with their late father.

   Forced to attend a party with her mother at one of the Judges' (leaders of the Ruanir people) houses and being shoved toward Logan, the slick playboy that tried to assault Ari once before, all she wants is to go back to the hotel and hang out with Jace, their cousin Maia, and Maia's fiancee Dhanya. Then all hell breaks loose. The party is invaded by Dehaians and people are being attacked. Then a mysterious boy comes along and saves her. In the blink of an eye, they're in Massachusetts. But who or what is this mysterious boy?

   It's been a year since Noah Delaney became The Beast. It's been a long journey of isolation and learning how to become "normal" again. When he sees a girl standing outside a party being attacked by dehaians wearing the Yvarian armband he swoops in and saves her. Noah doesn't want to get close to anyone, but there's just something about this girl that has him following her back to her hotel just to make sure she's alright. But why were the Yvarians attacking people? Would Zeke really aim to start a war so soon after what's just gone down with Chloe and the Sylphaen? Noah has to find out.

    Neither Zeke or Chloe know anything about the attack and Chloe insists Noah stay at the palace for a little while. Just as he's settling in he feels a sharp jab of pain. Chloe's alright, Baylie is alright... and then it dawns on him - Ari, the girl from the party. He races for the east coast knowing full well it's most likely a trap but when he gets there he's shocked and enraged to find out the leaders of the Ruanir have performed some kind bonding experiment that connects him to Ari.

   Noah knows of only one person who might be able to help him and Ari sever the connection so they start west with Jace, Maia, and Dhanya. But the Ruanir Judiciary are just as conniving as the Sylphaen ever were and they're not going to let Ari and Noah go that easily. It will be a crazy trip west trying to outrun the Ruanir and learning to trust each other in the process. Will they be able to escape the Ruanir Judiciary? Or will they try to use Ari as a secret weapon to start a war against the Yvarians? What will happen when Ari and Noah begin to feel something for one another?

OMG - is it possible that I can love Rebirth even more than the first five books in the Awakened Fate series? Because I think I might! It was great seeing Noah in this role, because in the triangle with Chloe and Zeke I kind of just wanted him to disappear so Chloe and Zeke could be together but now that that storyline has been tied up it is easier to love Noah. Ari's Ruanir world was an awesome addition to the series. It's kind of like she's lived in a cult since her father died and meeting Noah changes everything for her. I loved watching their relationship grow from mistrust and dislike into something that will hopefully blossom into something romantic.

I also loved the blend of new characters and old favorites popping up throughout the story. Seeing glimpses of where Chloe, Zeke, Baylie, and Ellie were one year later felt like catching up with an old friend.

 I started this book thinking I couldn't love any characters in this series more than Chloe and Zeke and here came Rebirth with Noah and Ari to completely blow me away. I was engrossed in the story from the first chapter and I didn't want to stop reading. And best of all I completely didn't see the ending coming! It was shocking, and I can't wait to see what's going to happen to Ari, Noah, and the others in the next book. This may be my favorite Skye Malone book yet!

I received an ARC of Rebirth in exchange for an honest review.

My Rating:

5 of 5 Stars

Rebirth is available TODAY! Grab your copy:

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"What I'm Reading" Wednesday #48

After finishing The Thousandth Floor (a great book you definitely should read! Check out my review here) and finally receiving my book order from Books of Wonder, this "WIR"-Wednesday I'm reading...

Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake

Blurb:

In every generation on the island of Fennbirn, a set of triplets is born: three queens, all equal heirs to the crown and each possessor of a coveted magic. Mirabella is a fierce elemental, able to spark hungry flames or vicious storms at the snap of her fingers. Katharine is a poisoner, one who can ingest the deadliest poisons without so much as a stomachache. Arsinoe, a naturalist, is said to have the ability to bloom the reddest rose and control the fiercest of lions.

But becoming the Queen Crowned isn’t solely a matter of royal birth. Each sister has to fight for it. And it’s not just a game of win or lose...it’s life or death. The night the sisters turn sixteen, the battle begins.

The last queen standing gets the crown. 

Why I Chose This Book / What I Think So Far:

Three Dark Crowns was part of my fall reads blog, and the blurb really appealed to me. When I saw I could preorder a signed copy from Books of Wonder I jumped at the chance. Since there was such a delay from them waiting for the preorder swag that came with the other book I ordered, Nemesis, the anticipation to read this book has been brewing for about six weeks. That being said, Three Dark Crowns isn't quite what I was expecting it to be. I'm not saying I don't like it, I was just expecting it to be different I guess. I've never read anything by Kendare Blake before so I didn't know what to expect. Three Dark Crowns keeps me interested in seeing what is going to happen next, but I don't have as much enthusiasm for it as I have for other books I've read lately. 

Book Review: The Thousandth Floor by Katharine McGee

The Thousandth Floor by Katharine McGee

Blurb:

New York City as you’ve never seen it before. A thousand-story tower stretching into the sky. A glittering vision of the future, where anything is possible—if you want it enough.

Welcome to Manhattan, 2118.

A hundred years in the future, New York is a city of innovation and dreams. But people never change: everyone here wants something…and everyone has something to lose.

Leda Cole’s flawless exterior belies a secret addiction—to a drug she never should have tried and a boy she never should have touched.

Eris Dodd-Radson’s beautiful, carefree life falls to pieces when a heartbreaking betrayal tears her family apart.

Rylin Myers’s job on one of the highest floors sweeps her into a world—and a romance—she never imagined…but will her new life cost Rylin her old one?

Watt Bakradi is a tech genius with a secret: he knows everything about everyone. But when he’s hired to spy by an upper-floor girl, he finds himself caught up in a complicated web of lies.

And living above everyone else on the thousandth floor is Avery Fuller, the girl genetically designed to be perfect. The girl who seems to have it all—yet is tormented by the one thing she can never have.

Debut author Katharine McGee has created a breathtakingly original series filled with high-tech luxury and futuristic glamour, where the impossible feels just within reach. But in this world, the higher you go, the farther there is to fall….

My Review:

Fast-forward 102 years in the future to the Tower, stretching 1000 stories above New York City, shadowing and dwarfing everything below. 

The Tower is really a city unto itself, holding everything a person could need or want - schools, hospitals, stores, churches, restaurants, clubs, and of course apartments. New York City has essentially become obsolete thanks to the Tower. 

Step into the tower and there are social classes just like everywhere else. People on the lowest floors are poor, and the highest floors reserved for the rich and glamorous. In this 2118 world there are a lot of amazing technological advances, but only for those who can pay the price, yet another way the rich distinguish themselves from the poor. 

But no matter what floor you live on, everyone has something to hide. Insert the teens from the Tower - 

Living on the thousandth floor is Avery, who by all accounts is perfect on the outside, but the taboo secret she holds close to her heart, her feelings for the one person in her life she definitely shouldn't love, make her more twisted than anyone knows. 

Down on the 224th or was it 244th? floor is tech geek Watt with the illegal supercomputer in his brain. What's going to happen when spying for a client places him in the path of the most beautiful out-of-his-league girl he's ever met?

On the 32nd floor, Rylin is doing everything she can to keep her younger sister from entering the foster care system after the death of their mother even if it means stealing pills from her sexy new boss, who might be the guy of her dreams. Will Cinderella get her prince? Or will reality and social classes get in the way?

Eris had it all until a heavily guarded family secret comes to light and ruins her perfect little world. Can she learn that there are more important things than money and status?

And then there is Leda, possibly the most insane, vindictive character in the whole book. Everyone is about to learn that you do not get in between Leda and what she wants. 

The Thousandth Floor is OMG AMAZING! I've been holding off on reading this book for a while because I was afraid I wouldn't like it, but now I wish I had started it the day I got it. I loved this book. The technology was seriously cool, and the new modern world was fantastic. 

This book really does remind me of a futuristic Gossip Girl (although the structure itself reminded me of the doomed tower in the movie The Towering Inferno for some reason. I kept waiting for it to burn to the ground at the end), where the secrets are more scandalous and the stakes are higher. When you start the book you know that one of the characters is going to take a dive off the thousandth floor, but which one? Is it suicide or murder? 

You move backward two months and meet all the characters, moving steadily forward toward the moment when everything clicks into place. At first, I couldn't tell which character I liked the most. Avery was a sweetheart, even though her secret was the most scandalous of all, so I liked her instantly. I loved and disliked Eris throughout the novel, but once she got past the rich snob phase she became one of my favorites. Ultimately the characters I fell the hardest for were Rylin and Cord. Watching them interact was enjoyable and I felt all the feels for them. 

That only leaves Watt and Leda. Watt was your typical computer nerd who only wanted to make other people happy. But someone should tell him, the nice guy never gets the girl. And Leda. *sighs* Leda was truly a masterful villain and watching her descent into madness was truly interesting. The fact that I hated that character so much shows how great the writing is in this novel. 

Overall, I was addicted to this story from the first page and I enjoyed every minute of reading The Thousandth Floor. I found myself picking it up whenever possible and trying so hard not to read ahead to see what would happen next. I can't wait to see what comes next in book two, and what repercussions will come from the epic scene atop the Tower. 

My Rating:

6 of 5 Stars

UPCOMING EVENT: ONLINE HOLIDAY BOOK SALE

Have you been waiting for the chance to get a signed paperback copy of The Haunting Love or Finding Elizabeth? 

From Black Friday through Cyber Monday I'll be holding a MASSIVE Book Inventory Clearance / HOLIDAY BOOK SALE here on my blog. 

Both The Haunting Love and Finding Elizabeth will be marked down to $5.00 each! This is a one-time event, so don't miss out! 

Books can be shipped anywhere in the U.S. or picked up in person if you're local to the Shawano, Wisconsin area! (Sorry, no international shipping)

Here's what you need to know: 

HOLIDAY BOOK SALE EVENT

WHAT: Holiday Book Sale

WHEN: Friday, November 25 through Monday, November 28, 2016

 WHERE: My Blog (You Are Here)

BOOKS THAT WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE: The Haunting Love (Paperback) and Finding Elizabeth (Paperback)

The Haunting Love
List Price: $16.99
Holiday Sale Price: $5.00!
71% off

Finding Elizabeth
List Price: $13.99
Holiday Sale Price: $5.00!
64% off!

FAQ:

Question: Will Out of Darkness be part of the Holiday Book Sale? 

Answer: No. The purpose of this Holiday Book Sale is for me to clear out my inventory of books. At this time I only have The Haunting Love and Finding Elizabeth in stock.

Question: Could I Order A Copy of Out of Darkness or Preorder A Copy of Into the Light?

Answer: Technically, yes. But since neither Out of Darkness nor Into the Light are part of the sale you'll be paying the full list price; $14.99 for Out of Darkness and $18.99 for Into the Light. I also cannot guarantee that you will receive Out of Darkness or Into the Light before the beginning of the new year because of the "printing/shipping to me/shipping to you" timeline.

Question: What Are My Shipping Options?
Answer: You have two options: 

Option A: If you live within a reasonable radius of Shawano, Wisconsin (where I live) and you would like to meet somewhere to pick up your book arrangements can be made for you to pick up your book in person, therefore eliminating shipping altogether.

Option B: If you live anywhere else in Wisconsin or the United States your book will be shipped to you media mail. Shipping cost will be added to your total on your PayPal invoice.

Question: Do I have to have a PayPal account to order a book?  
Answer: Yes, unless you choose to pick up your book in person. Otherwise, a PayPal invoice will be sent to you and your book will be sent out within a few days after I receive payment. 

Question: How will ordering work?
Answer: I'm working out those details right now but most likely it will work through a Google Form and once I receive your order you will either get an email from me (for in-person pickups) or a PayPal invoice (for long distance orders).

Question: Will the Books Be Signed? 
Answer: Absolutely! There will even be a space for you to fill in any personalization you wish for me to sign your book to. (Ex. "sign books personalized to Becca" or "sign The Haunting Love to Becca and Finding Elizabeth to Lauren")

If anyone has any additional questions please let me know!

Book Review & Release Blitz: Just An Illusion - Side A by D. Kelly

Just An Illusion - Side A by D. Kelly

Series: Just An Illusion, Book 1
Genre: NA Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Dee Kelly
Cover Artist: Regina Wamba at
  Mae I Design and Photography 

Blurb

One night changed her life…

Bestselling author Amelia Greyson has grown up in the music industry and isn’t the slightest bit fazed by fame or celebrities. However, when she attends a Bastards and Dangerous concert with her best friend Belle, her world shifts on its axis.

Double trouble…

Sawyer and Noah Weston are the front men of BAD. They’re fraternal twins and sexy as sin. When they hear the author of The O Factor is in their green room, they’re intrigued. She’s just the person they need to write their farewell story. The brothers offer Amelia the opportunity of a lifetime, which she reluctantly accepts.

Three hearts…

Noah is sweet and considerate, working hard to make Amelia feel at home on the road. Unfortunately, the closer they get, the more obnoxious Sawyer becomes. Sawyer is arrogant and distant and he wants Amelia, even though she’s not his for the taking. Only during stolen moments does Sawyer show her who he really is.

Can Amelia maintain a safe distance from Sawyer and keep her heart intact? Or will she shatter Noah’s heart by giving hers to his brother instead?

My Review:

When 28-year-old best-selling author Amelia "Mel" Greyson tags along to the BAD (Bastards and Dangerous) concert with her best friend Belle who is doing an interview with them for her magazine she is not a fan.

When she meets the band and immediately wins over the band by putting the sexy lead singer, Sawyer Weston, in his place Mel and Belle are offered an amazing opportunity - Belle will do once monthly features about BAD's upcoming farewell tour in her magazine and they want Mel to travel with the band on their one year tour and write the official book on the band. In exchange, the publisher of the book will also contract her bestselling self-published novel and coordinate a book tour for her to coincide with the band's tour.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Mel but in agreeing to go along for the ride she'll have to put her troubled childhood as the daughter of two rock legends - whose relationship had as many highs and lows as Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love - behind her once and for all.

Mel has instant chemistry with Sawyer but she pushes him away, chalking it up to his playboy rockstar ways, for the sake of professionalism but as she gets to know the band and spends time on the tour both Sawyer and his brother Noah begin to develop feelings for her. But which one will she choose? Sawyer, the sexy bad boy with demons of his own? Or Noah, the nice, do-gooder type that always says and does the right thing? At the same time Belle and BAD's drummer, Darren grow close but what will happen when a surprise changes everything for both of them?

As Mel makes her choice between the Weston brothers and allows herself to fall in love, a crazy ex of Mel's new guy reenters the picture and turns all of their lives upside down. The ex's instability soon shows that she's not willing to let Mel have him... even if she has to go to deadly means to tear them apart.

Let me start out by saying I LOVE rockstar romances. What woman hasn't fantasized about being with a rockstar at some point in their life?

Just An Illusion - Side A grabbed me right away and I devoured half the book in one sitting eager to see if maybe, just maybe Mel would end up with the brother I think is perfect for her. I was rooting for Sawyer from the moment I first read the blurb for Just An Illusion. What can I say? I've always gone for the damaged ones. Even though Noah really doesn't do it for me I could see that he loved her so much, and he was easy to like so I could see why Mel was drawn to him.

I loved this story and I enjoyed reading about all these amazing characters. Just An Illusion is sexy, addictive, and emotionally satisfying. By the end, you'll be dying to read the next book and see how everything turns out.

I thought the writing was excellent and right up there with Kylie Scott's Stage Dive series, Jamie Shaw's Mayhem series, and Emily Snow's Devoured books, so if you love a good rockstar romance, Just An Illusion is a definite Must Read!

I received an ARC of Just An Illusion - Side A in exchange for an honest review.

My Rating:

4.5 of 5 Stars

Just An Illusion - Side A is available TODAY so make sure to grab your copy now!

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iBooks | Kobo |  Add to Goodreads

***

 

One night changed her life… 

Bestselling author Amelia Greyson has grown up in the music industry and isn’t the slightest bit fazed by fame or celebrities.  However, when she attends a Bastards and Dangerous concert with her best friend Belle, her world shifts on its axis. 

Double trouble…

Sawyer and Noah Weston are the front men of BAD.  They’re fraternal twins and sexy as sin.  When they hear the author of The O Factor is in their green room, they’re intrigued.  She’s just the person they need to write their farewell story.  The brothers offer Amelia the opportunity of a lifetime, which she reluctantly accepts. 

Three hearts…

Noah is sweet and considerate, working hard to make Amelia feel at home on the road.  Unfortunately, the closer they get, the more obnoxious Sawyer becomes.  Sawyer is arrogant and distant and he wants Amelia, even though she’s not his for the taking.  Only during stolen moments does Sawyer show her who he really is. Can Amelia maintain a safe distance from Sawyer and keep her heart intact?  Or will she shatter Noah’s heart by giving hers to his brother instead? 

Just an Illusion – Side A is the first book in The Illusion Series

 

 

 

    

 

The Authors is hosting a Release day giveaway on her page,

head over to her Facebook page today!

 

 

 

I'm a wife, a mom and a dog lover. I'm also a taxi, problem fixer, extreme multi-tasker and my kids’ biggest fan in anything that they do. I’m married to my high school sweetheart... how cool is that? Margaritas and sarcasm make me happy. Chocolate makes that happiness grow exponentially. People who make me laugh are my favorite kind of people. I believe Karma is real and mean people suck. I'm California born and raised, I love the beach but hate the sand. And of course I believe Starbucks makes any day better. I’m the author of The Acceptance Series and Chasing Cassidy with more books soon to come.