Taylor Fenner's Blog, page 136
October 15, 2017
"What I'm Reading" This Week #95
I missed "WIR"-Wednesday this past week because of another post, so I'm filling you in now. I have an eARC sitting on my Kindle to be read by Thanksgiving but I'd already started and gotten hooked on...
Bitten (Women of the Otherworld #1) by Kelley Armstrong
Blurb:
Elena Michaels seems like the typically strong and sexy modern woman, She lives with her architect boyfriend, writes for a popular newspaper, and works out at the gym. She's also a werewolf.
Elena has done all she can to assimilate to the human world, but the man whose bite changed her existence forever, and his legacy, continue to haunt her. Thrown into a desperate war for survival that tests her allegiance to a secret clan of werewolves, Elena must recon with who, and what, she is in this passionate, page-turning novel that begins the Women of the Otherworld series.
Why I Chose This Book | What I Think So Far:
It started out with the tv show. Bitten has been on my Netflix Watchlist for a while now but I never had the chance to watch it. Since I've had more free time over the past weeks I decided to start watching since I'd recently finished Ripper Street. I was hooked from the first episode and binge-watched the entire series in just over a week and a half. Don't get me started on the hotness of Greyston Holt or my disappointment that the series ended after just three seasons. I hadn't even finished the first season when I bought a copy of Bitten online and I just started reading it on Friday. I love the story so far and can already tell I'm going to love not only this book but the rest of the series as well!
Bitten (Women of the Otherworld #1) by Kelley Armstrong
Blurb:
Elena Michaels seems like the typically strong and sexy modern woman, She lives with her architect boyfriend, writes for a popular newspaper, and works out at the gym. She's also a werewolf.Elena has done all she can to assimilate to the human world, but the man whose bite changed her existence forever, and his legacy, continue to haunt her. Thrown into a desperate war for survival that tests her allegiance to a secret clan of werewolves, Elena must recon with who, and what, she is in this passionate, page-turning novel that begins the Women of the Otherworld series.
Why I Chose This Book | What I Think So Far:
It started out with the tv show. Bitten has been on my Netflix Watchlist for a while now but I never had the chance to watch it. Since I've had more free time over the past weeks I decided to start watching since I'd recently finished Ripper Street. I was hooked from the first episode and binge-watched the entire series in just over a week and a half. Don't get me started on the hotness of Greyston Holt or my disappointment that the series ended after just three seasons. I hadn't even finished the first season when I bought a copy of Bitten online and I just started reading it on Friday. I love the story so far and can already tell I'm going to love not only this book but the rest of the series as well!
October 14, 2017
Book Review: Maybe This Time by Jennifer Crusie
Maybe This Time by Jennifer Crusie
Blurb:
Andie Miller is ready to move on in life. She wants to marry her fiancé and leave behind everything in her past, especially her ex-husband, North Archer. But when Andie tries to gain closure with him, he asks one final favor of her before they go their separate ways forever. A very distant cousin of his has died and left North as the guardian of two orphans who have driven out three nannies already, and things are getting worse. He needs a very special person to take care of the situation and he knows Andie can handle anything.
When Andie meets the two children she quickly realizes things are much worse than she feared. The place is a mess, the children, Carter and Alice, aren't your average delinquents, and the creepy old house where they live is being run by the worst housekeeper since Mrs. Danvers. What's worse, Andie's fiancé thinks this is all a plan by North to get Andie back, and he may be right. Andie's dreams have been haunted by North since she arrived at the old house. And that's not the only haunting.
What follows is a hilarious adventure in exorcism, including a self-doubting parapsychologist, an annoyed medium, her Tarot-card reading mother, an avenging ex-mother-in-law, and, of course, her jealous fiancé. And just when she thinks things couldn't get more complicated, North shows up on the doorstep making her wonder if maybe this time things could be different between them.
If Andie can just get rid of all the guests and ghosts, she's pretty sure she can save the kids, and herself, from the past. But fate might just have another thing in mind....
My Review:
All Andie (Andromeda) Miller wants is closure from her ex-husband of ten years, North Archer so she can marry her new love Will. But on the day Andie goes to return her un-cashed alimony checks to North he has an unusual proposition for her.
North has become the guardian of a distant cousin's two children, Carter and Alice. So far the kids have gotten rid of three nannies who all claim the children are incorrigible and that the house is haunted. So North is willing to pay Andie $10,000 a month to go to the house in Southern Ohio, fix things, and bring the children back up to Columbus.
When Andie arrives at the house she finds a crumbling mansion similar to the House of Usher and Hill House combined and the worst housekeeper since Mrs. Danvers.
As she tries to bond with Alice and Carter she finds herself haunted by steamy dreams of her ex-husband and nearly-nightly midnight visits from a mysterious girl who makes her think that maybe there really are ghosts. Especially when she sees another woman dressed in 19th-century garb across the pond in the backyard and a similarly dressed man peering at her from the turret's balcony.
Things spiral out of control when Andie's ex-brother-in-law Southie shows up with a child-bullying tv reporter and a parapsychologist who doesn't believe in ghosts; followed by her crazy tarot card reading mother, her ex-mother-in-law Lydia, Isolde Hammersmith the supposed best psychic in Ohio, her fiance Will, and finally North Archer himself, the one that everyone has been waiting for. Andie knows she must figure out how to put the ghosts to rest once and for all before somebody else gets killed. And then maybe she will realize that all everyone's been wanting is a second chance; and that MAYBE THIS TIME she and North can work things out.
This book rings true to Miss Crusie's usual witty banter and charm. There is never a dull page to be found and it makes you feel good reading it!
Yes, I've read this book again. And I still love it. But this time I find myself wishing the author would write a sequel, maybe when Alice and Carter are adults where they return to Archer House and realize that one of the ghosts (won't say which because of spoilers!) is still around. That would be awesome!
The only complaint I have after reading this book so many times is that I've begun to pick up on a few grammatical errors that never got fixed during the publishing process. But maybe I'm just picky.
My Rating:Forever ★★★★★5 of 5 Stars!
Blurb:
Andie Miller is ready to move on in life. She wants to marry her fiancé and leave behind everything in her past, especially her ex-husband, North Archer. But when Andie tries to gain closure with him, he asks one final favor of her before they go their separate ways forever. A very distant cousin of his has died and left North as the guardian of two orphans who have driven out three nannies already, and things are getting worse. He needs a very special person to take care of the situation and he knows Andie can handle anything. When Andie meets the two children she quickly realizes things are much worse than she feared. The place is a mess, the children, Carter and Alice, aren't your average delinquents, and the creepy old house where they live is being run by the worst housekeeper since Mrs. Danvers. What's worse, Andie's fiancé thinks this is all a plan by North to get Andie back, and he may be right. Andie's dreams have been haunted by North since she arrived at the old house. And that's not the only haunting.
What follows is a hilarious adventure in exorcism, including a self-doubting parapsychologist, an annoyed medium, her Tarot-card reading mother, an avenging ex-mother-in-law, and, of course, her jealous fiancé. And just when she thinks things couldn't get more complicated, North shows up on the doorstep making her wonder if maybe this time things could be different between them.
If Andie can just get rid of all the guests and ghosts, she's pretty sure she can save the kids, and herself, from the past. But fate might just have another thing in mind....
My Review:
All Andie (Andromeda) Miller wants is closure from her ex-husband of ten years, North Archer so she can marry her new love Will. But on the day Andie goes to return her un-cashed alimony checks to North he has an unusual proposition for her. North has become the guardian of a distant cousin's two children, Carter and Alice. So far the kids have gotten rid of three nannies who all claim the children are incorrigible and that the house is haunted. So North is willing to pay Andie $10,000 a month to go to the house in Southern Ohio, fix things, and bring the children back up to Columbus.
When Andie arrives at the house she finds a crumbling mansion similar to the House of Usher and Hill House combined and the worst housekeeper since Mrs. Danvers.
As she tries to bond with Alice and Carter she finds herself haunted by steamy dreams of her ex-husband and nearly-nightly midnight visits from a mysterious girl who makes her think that maybe there really are ghosts. Especially when she sees another woman dressed in 19th-century garb across the pond in the backyard and a similarly dressed man peering at her from the turret's balcony.
Things spiral out of control when Andie's ex-brother-in-law Southie shows up with a child-bullying tv reporter and a parapsychologist who doesn't believe in ghosts; followed by her crazy tarot card reading mother, her ex-mother-in-law Lydia, Isolde Hammersmith the supposed best psychic in Ohio, her fiance Will, and finally North Archer himself, the one that everyone has been waiting for. Andie knows she must figure out how to put the ghosts to rest once and for all before somebody else gets killed. And then maybe she will realize that all everyone's been wanting is a second chance; and that MAYBE THIS TIME she and North can work things out.
This book rings true to Miss Crusie's usual witty banter and charm. There is never a dull page to be found and it makes you feel good reading it!
Yes, I've read this book again. And I still love it. But this time I find myself wishing the author would write a sequel, maybe when Alice and Carter are adults where they return to Archer House and realize that one of the ghosts (won't say which because of spoilers!) is still around. That would be awesome!
The only complaint I have after reading this book so many times is that I've begun to pick up on a few grammatical errors that never got fixed during the publishing process. But maybe I'm just picky.
My Rating:Forever ★★★★★5 of 5 Stars!
October 13, 2017
{Special Announcement} The Will & Three Wishes by Kristen Ashley
Today I have some exciting news to share with you about THE WILL and THREE WISHES by Kristen Ashley. Read on for more info...***
★ ★ ★ PASSIONFLIX SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT ★ ★ ★Passionflix and New York Times bestselling author Kristen Ashley are thrilled to announce the option of not one, but TWO beloved romance titles! We are over the moon excited to announce THE WILL and THREE WISHES will be coming to Passionflix, a studio and streaming platform dedicated to turning romance novels into movies and series.Get ready to fall further in love with Josephine and Jake in THE WILL and Nate and Lily in THREE WISHES, coming soon from passionflix.com!You know you wanna watch…
Subscribe Today!
https://www.passionflix.com/signup?voucher=AF_PASSIONFLIXFor more information, visit Passionflix:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/passionflix/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passionflix/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PassionFlix
Website: https://www.passionflix.com
Read THE WILL Before You WatchAmazon: http://amzn.to/2zcttxB
iBooks: http://apple.co/1GrnPor
Nook: http://bit.ly/2ydqOWhEarly in her life, Josephine Malone learned the hard way that there was only one person she could love and trust: her grandmother, Lydia Malone. Out of necessity, unconsciously and very successfully, Josephine donned a disguise to keep all others at bay. She led a globetrotting lifestyle on the fringes of the fashion and music elite, but she kept herself distant.While Josephine was trotting the globe, retired boxer Jake Spear was living in the same small town as Lydia. There was nothing disguised about Jake. Including the fact he made a habit of making very bad decisions about who to give his love.But for Josephine and Jake, there was one person who adored them. One person who knew how to lead them to happiness. And one person who was intent on doing it.Even if she had to do it as her final wish on this earth.
Read THREE WISHES Before You WatchAmazon: http://amzn.to/2zbQuk5
iBooks: http://apple.co/2n91oBD
Nook: http://bit.ly/2y7pWD1When Lily Jacobs was born, she inherited Fazire – a genie. Her family had three wishes and they’d only ever used one so Fazire was stuck in the human world. This worked since he’d become a member of the family anyway.Even with a genie, Lily's young life wasn’t perfect. To escape the kids making her miserable at school, Lily buried herself in romance novels. One day, when the teasing was just too much, she used one of her wishes. She told Fazire she wanted to find a man like in her books and she made the most complicated wish Fazire had ever heard. Her wished-for man had to be impossibly handsome, virile, fierce, rugged and ruthless (amongst a dozen other things).He also had to think she was beautiful and he had to love her more than anything in the world.Nathaniel McAllister wasn’t born to a life where there were such things as genies granting wishes. His life was filled with drugs, crime and neglect. He was running errands for a gangster before he was in his teens and, even though life and hard work led him to wealth and respectability, he always knew, deep down, he was dirty. When Nate met Lily he knew he was no good for her but as virile, fierce, rugged and ruthless as he was, Nate was no match for the pull of sweet, innocent Lily.Unfortunately, Lily’s wish included that she and her hero go through trials and tribulations to test their love. And Fazire wasn’t only a good genie, he loved Lily – so he gave her exactly what she wanted.
Meet Kristen AshleyKristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA and nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorize and she hadn't taken her first breath!). Her mother said they took Kristen away, put her Mom back in her room, her mother looked out the window, and Gary was on fire (Dr. King had been assassinated four days before). Kristen's Mom remembered thinking it was the end of the world. Quite the dramatic beginning.Nothing's changed.Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana and has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus, she's blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her family was (is) loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write. They all lived together on a very small farm in a small farm town in the heartland. She grew up with Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.And as she keeps growing, it keeps getting better.WEBSITE * FACEBOOK * TWITTER * NEWSLETTER * GOODREADS * PINTEREST* INSTAGRAMToday I have some exciting news to share with you about THE WILL and THREE WISHES by Kristen Ashley. Read on for more info...***
★ ★ ★ PASSIONFLIX SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT ★ ★ ★Passionflix and New York Times bestselling author Kristen Ashley are thrilled to announce the option of not one, but TWO beloved romance titles! We are over the moon excited to announce THE WILL and THREE WISHES will be coming to Passionflix, a studio and streaming platform dedicated to turning romance novels into movies and series.Get ready to fall further in love with Josephine and Jake in THE WILL and Nate and Lily in THREE WISHES, coming soon from passionflix.com!You know you wanna watch…
Subscribe Today!
https://www.passionflix.com/signup?voucher=AF_PASSIONFLIXFor more information, visit Passionflix:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/passionflix/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passionflix/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PassionFlix
Website: https://www.passionflix.com
Read THE WILL Before You WatchAmazon: http://amzn.to/2zcttxBiBooks: http://apple.co/1GrnPor
Nook: http://bit.ly/2ydqOWhEarly in her life, Josephine Malone learned the hard way that there was only one person she could love and trust: her grandmother, Lydia Malone. Out of necessity, unconsciously and very successfully, Josephine donned a disguise to keep all others at bay. She led a globetrotting lifestyle on the fringes of the fashion and music elite, but she kept herself distant.While Josephine was trotting the globe, retired boxer Jake Spear was living in the same small town as Lydia. There was nothing disguised about Jake. Including the fact he made a habit of making very bad decisions about who to give his love.But for Josephine and Jake, there was one person who adored them. One person who knew how to lead them to happiness. And one person who was intent on doing it.Even if she had to do it as her final wish on this earth.
Read THREE WISHES Before You WatchAmazon: http://amzn.to/2zbQuk5iBooks: http://apple.co/2n91oBD
Nook: http://bit.ly/2y7pWD1When Lily Jacobs was born, she inherited Fazire – a genie. Her family had three wishes and they’d only ever used one so Fazire was stuck in the human world. This worked since he’d become a member of the family anyway.Even with a genie, Lily's young life wasn’t perfect. To escape the kids making her miserable at school, Lily buried herself in romance novels. One day, when the teasing was just too much, she used one of her wishes. She told Fazire she wanted to find a man like in her books and she made the most complicated wish Fazire had ever heard. Her wished-for man had to be impossibly handsome, virile, fierce, rugged and ruthless (amongst a dozen other things).He also had to think she was beautiful and he had to love her more than anything in the world.Nathaniel McAllister wasn’t born to a life where there were such things as genies granting wishes. His life was filled with drugs, crime and neglect. He was running errands for a gangster before he was in his teens and, even though life and hard work led him to wealth and respectability, he always knew, deep down, he was dirty. When Nate met Lily he knew he was no good for her but as virile, fierce, rugged and ruthless as he was, Nate was no match for the pull of sweet, innocent Lily.Unfortunately, Lily’s wish included that she and her hero go through trials and tribulations to test their love. And Fazire wasn’t only a good genie, he loved Lily – so he gave her exactly what she wanted.
Meet Kristen AshleyKristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA and nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorize and she hadn't taken her first breath!). Her mother said they took Kristen away, put her Mom back in her room, her mother looked out the window, and Gary was on fire (Dr. King had been assassinated four days before). Kristen's Mom remembered thinking it was the end of the world. Quite the dramatic beginning.Nothing's changed.Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana and has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus, she's blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her family was (is) loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write. They all lived together on a very small farm in a small farm town in the heartland. She grew up with Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.And as she keeps growing, it keeps getting better.WEBSITE * FACEBOOK * TWITTER * NEWSLETTER * GOODREADS * PINTEREST* INSTAGRAMToday I have some exciting news to share with you about THE WILL and THREE WISHES by Kristen Ashley. Read on for more info...***October 12, 2017
#BookMail Thursday #35
This week's #BookMail includes an impulse purchase, a successful ARC trade, a signed preorder I've been waiting on, and a prize I won from the #BerserkerStreetTeam. Let's open my mailbox and see what's inside...
Ally by Anna Banks
I know, I know - I could have just bought the finished copy but I really wanted an ARC (because I collect them) and when a friend of mine showed interest in an ARC I was done with we set up a trade and I was really happy to take this ARC of Ally off her hands!
Hunting Prince Dracula by Kerri Maniscalco
As you probably know, I had an ARC of Hunting Prince Dracula, but I'm a sucker for signed copies so I had to order one from Books of Wonder! The Finished Copy is even prettier than the ARC!
Bitten by Kelley Armstrong
Bitten was my most recent Netflix binge-watching obsession and when I realized it was a book I ordered a copy immediately! I can't wait to read it as soon as I finish my current read!
Berserker Street Team Swag I was lucky enough to be one of the winners from the first #BerserkerStreetTeam challenge so I received my signed bookplate signed and personalized by the author of Berserker, Emmy Laybourne, and this really cool mini journal.
Ally by Anna Banks
I know, I know - I could have just bought the finished copy but I really wanted an ARC (because I collect them) and when a friend of mine showed interest in an ARC I was done with we set up a trade and I was really happy to take this ARC of Ally off her hands!
Hunting Prince Dracula by Kerri Maniscalco
As you probably know, I had an ARC of Hunting Prince Dracula, but I'm a sucker for signed copies so I had to order one from Books of Wonder! The Finished Copy is even prettier than the ARC!
Bitten by Kelley Armstrong
Bitten was my most recent Netflix binge-watching obsession and when I realized it was a book I ordered a copy immediately! I can't wait to read it as soon as I finish my current read!
Berserker Street Team Swag I was lucky enough to be one of the winners from the first #BerserkerStreetTeam challenge so I received my signed bookplate signed and personalized by the author of Berserker, Emmy Laybourne, and this really cool mini journal.
October 11, 2017
{Release Day Blitz} The Evolution of Us by D. Kelly
Today is the release day of D. Kelly's latest book, The Evolution of Us! Check it out below and be sure to enter the giveaway!
Cover Design: Kassi Snider / KassiJean Formatting and DesignRelease Date: October 11, 2017
Synopsis They say most people meet the person they will marry while in high school. Balancing one another perfectly, Holly Ryan and Declan James were together through most of college—until their relationship blew up, leaving Declan with more questions than answers. For the past two years, Declan has tried everything he can think of to earn Holly’s forgiveness, but even if he manages to help her let go of the past and give them another chance at happiness, she still has a secret. Not to mention, she can’t get over the revolving door of women he seems to have coming in and out of his apartment. Declan is desperate to prove to Holly she’s the one for him and isn’t above using his celebrity status or enlisting the help of their friends to win her back. All’s fair in love and war, right? Goodreads Purchase LinksAmazon: http://amzn.to/2g2G4OXBarnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2xyx2QVKobo: http://bit.ly/2x2pYKYiBooks: http://apple.co/2fkImFN
Giveaway Signed Paperback of The Evolution of Us (1 winner) & $20 Amazon Gift Card (1 winner)
a Rafflecopter giveaway Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b1257f8d188/?
About the Author D. Kelly, author of The Acceptance Series, The Illusion Series, and standalone companion novels Chasing Cassidy and Sharing Rylee, was born and raised in Southern California. She’s a wife, mom, dog lover, taxi, problem fixer, and extreme multi-tasker. She married her high school sweetheart and is her kids’ biggest fan. Kelly has been writing since she was young and took joy in spinning stories to her childhood friends. Margaritas and sarcasm make her smile, she loves the beach but hates the sand, and she believes Starbucks makes any day better. A contemporary romance writer, D. Kelly’s stories revolve around friendship and the bond it creates, strengthening the love of the people who share it.
Connect with D. Kelly Newsletter Sign Up: http://bit.ly/2rDWw81Facebook Author Page: http://bit.ly/2sGlJ6yFacebook Reader Group: http://bit.ly/2rDMOTcGoodreads Author Page: http://bit.ly/2ta3eESTwitter: http://bit.ly/2sH2ji2Instagram: http://bit.ly/2sxe1eqAmazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/2ta8pEZBookBub Author Page: http://bit.ly/2ffgEdo
Cover Design: Kassi Snider / KassiJean Formatting and DesignRelease Date: October 11, 2017Synopsis They say most people meet the person they will marry while in high school. Balancing one another perfectly, Holly Ryan and Declan James were together through most of college—until their relationship blew up, leaving Declan with more questions than answers. For the past two years, Declan has tried everything he can think of to earn Holly’s forgiveness, but even if he manages to help her let go of the past and give them another chance at happiness, she still has a secret. Not to mention, she can’t get over the revolving door of women he seems to have coming in and out of his apartment. Declan is desperate to prove to Holly she’s the one for him and isn’t above using his celebrity status or enlisting the help of their friends to win her back. All’s fair in love and war, right? Goodreads Purchase LinksAmazon: http://amzn.to/2g2G4OXBarnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2xyx2QVKobo: http://bit.ly/2x2pYKYiBooks: http://apple.co/2fkImFN
Giveaway Signed Paperback of The Evolution of Us (1 winner) & $20 Amazon Gift Card (1 winner)
a Rafflecopter giveaway Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b1257f8d188/?
About the Author D. Kelly, author of The Acceptance Series, The Illusion Series, and standalone companion novels Chasing Cassidy and Sharing Rylee, was born and raised in Southern California. She’s a wife, mom, dog lover, taxi, problem fixer, and extreme multi-tasker. She married her high school sweetheart and is her kids’ biggest fan. Kelly has been writing since she was young and took joy in spinning stories to her childhood friends. Margaritas and sarcasm make her smile, she loves the beach but hates the sand, and she believes Starbucks makes any day better. A contemporary romance writer, D. Kelly’s stories revolve around friendship and the bond it creates, strengthening the love of the people who share it.
Connect with D. Kelly Newsletter Sign Up: http://bit.ly/2rDWw81Facebook Author Page: http://bit.ly/2sGlJ6yFacebook Reader Group: http://bit.ly/2rDMOTcGoodreads Author Page: http://bit.ly/2ta3eESTwitter: http://bit.ly/2sH2ji2Instagram: http://bit.ly/2sxe1eqAmazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/2ta8pEZBookBub Author Page: http://bit.ly/2ffgEdo
October 10, 2017
{Release Day Blitz} The Consort by K. A. Linde
Today I'm excited to share with you the release day blitz for THE CONSORT by K.A. Linde! This is the third book in the amazing Ascension series and I hope you're as excited to read it as I am!
BLURB:After the loss of a friend and false imprisonment in an Eleysian dungeon, Cyrene has no interest in destiny. Her heart was shattered, friends scattered, and her home is nothing but a pretty illusion. Even her magic won’t cooperate. When all seems lost, she turns to the one person she never thought that she would trust:Prince Kael.His darkness mirrors a growing force lurking within her. A struggle she never imagined threatens to consume her. And as friends and foes begin to show their true colors, she starts questioning whether anyone is who they seem. Even herself.✦ Amazon US ✦ Amazon UK ✦ iBooks ✦ B&N ✦ Kobo ✦ Google Play
EXCERPT “What do you want from me?” she asked softly, staring down at her hands clasped together. It was the first time in a long time that she felt helpless, and she didn’t like it. It made her want to fight harder.
“Why do I have to want something from you?”
“Because you’re Kael Dremylon.”
“Believe it or not, Cyrene,” he said, his voice drawing nearer, “I have always wanted what is best for you.”
“You’re right. I don’t believe it.”
His hand went to the tie at the end of her plait. He slowly removed it and then trailed his fingers through the braid until her hair was loose once more. It fanned around her face and down her back. She could feel the way he practically breathed her in. And she had to remain ramrod straight and still the whole time. She didn’t trust whatever passed between them when he touched her. And she couldn’t trust him.
“You should,” he whispered into her ear before disappearing completely.
The Affiliate: Book 1
"With rich romance and twisty political intrigue, THE AFFILIATE is a breakneck fantasy ride that's perfect for fans of THE SELECTION or THRONE OF GLASS." --Susan Dennard, NYT bestselling author of TRUTHWITCH
On the day of her Presenting, in front of the entire Byern Court, seventeen-year-old Cyrene Strohm's lifelong plans come to fruition when she's chosen for one of the most prestigious positions in her homeland--an Affiliate to the Queen. Or so she thinks. When Cyrene receives a mysterious letter and an unreadable book, she finds nothing is as it seems. Thrust into a world of dangerous political intrigue and deadly magic, Cyrene's position only grows more treacherous when she finds herself drawn to the one man she can never have... King Edric himself. Cyrene must decide if love is truly worth the price of freedom. Find out in this first book in USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde's new Ascension series.
Great for fans of Game of Thrones, Tudors, and Sarah J. Maas's Throne of Glass series. ✦ Amazon ✦ iBooks ✦ B&N ✦ Kobo
The Bound: Book 2
Cyrene Strohm is a Queen’s Affiliate, a high-ranking official of the court of Byern, with power and privilege to spare. But she’s also a keeper of dangerous secrets: like the fact that she holds the heart of the King, and that she possesses magic in a world where magic no longer exists. Determined to discover what this means and how to use her newfound abilities, Cyrene sets off for the distant land of Eleysia. An island nation where Affiliates are strictly forbidden from entering. But the journey is perilous, and the destination may mean utter ruin, as Cyrene comes to learn that everything she’s been told her whole life – about her court, her homeland, and even herself—are bound in a beautiful lie.
✦ Amazon ✦ iBooks ✦ Kobo ✦ Goodreads
About the Author:
K.A. Linde grew up as a military brat and created fantastical stories based off of her love for Disney movies, fairy tales, and Star Wars. In her spare time, she is an avid traveler, loves reading young adult novels, and dancing. Additionally, K.A. has written more than a dozen adult novels and is a USA Today bestselling author. She lives in Lubbock, TX with her husband and two super adorable puppies.
K.A. Linde loves to hear from her readers! You can contact her at kalinde45@gmail.com or visit her online at one of the following sites: www.kalinde.com www.facebook.com/authorkalinde @authorkalinde
BLURB:After the loss of a friend and false imprisonment in an Eleysian dungeon, Cyrene has no interest in destiny. Her heart was shattered, friends scattered, and her home is nothing but a pretty illusion. Even her magic won’t cooperate. When all seems lost, she turns to the one person she never thought that she would trust:Prince Kael.His darkness mirrors a growing force lurking within her. A struggle she never imagined threatens to consume her. And as friends and foes begin to show their true colors, she starts questioning whether anyone is who they seem. Even herself.✦ Amazon US ✦ Amazon UK ✦ iBooks ✦ B&N ✦ Kobo ✦ Google Play
EXCERPT “What do you want from me?” she asked softly, staring down at her hands clasped together. It was the first time in a long time that she felt helpless, and she didn’t like it. It made her want to fight harder.
“Why do I have to want something from you?”
“Because you’re Kael Dremylon.”
“Believe it or not, Cyrene,” he said, his voice drawing nearer, “I have always wanted what is best for you.”
“You’re right. I don’t believe it.”
His hand went to the tie at the end of her plait. He slowly removed it and then trailed his fingers through the braid until her hair was loose once more. It fanned around her face and down her back. She could feel the way he practically breathed her in. And she had to remain ramrod straight and still the whole time. She didn’t trust whatever passed between them when he touched her. And she couldn’t trust him.
“You should,” he whispered into her ear before disappearing completely.
The Affiliate: Book 1
"With rich romance and twisty political intrigue, THE AFFILIATE is a breakneck fantasy ride that's perfect for fans of THE SELECTION or THRONE OF GLASS." --Susan Dennard, NYT bestselling author of TRUTHWITCH On the day of her Presenting, in front of the entire Byern Court, seventeen-year-old Cyrene Strohm's lifelong plans come to fruition when she's chosen for one of the most prestigious positions in her homeland--an Affiliate to the Queen. Or so she thinks. When Cyrene receives a mysterious letter and an unreadable book, she finds nothing is as it seems. Thrust into a world of dangerous political intrigue and deadly magic, Cyrene's position only grows more treacherous when she finds herself drawn to the one man she can never have... King Edric himself. Cyrene must decide if love is truly worth the price of freedom. Find out in this first book in USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde's new Ascension series.
Great for fans of Game of Thrones, Tudors, and Sarah J. Maas's Throne of Glass series. ✦ Amazon ✦ iBooks ✦ B&N ✦ Kobo
The Bound: Book 2
Cyrene Strohm is a Queen’s Affiliate, a high-ranking official of the court of Byern, with power and privilege to spare. But she’s also a keeper of dangerous secrets: like the fact that she holds the heart of the King, and that she possesses magic in a world where magic no longer exists. Determined to discover what this means and how to use her newfound abilities, Cyrene sets off for the distant land of Eleysia. An island nation where Affiliates are strictly forbidden from entering. But the journey is perilous, and the destination may mean utter ruin, as Cyrene comes to learn that everything she’s been told her whole life – about her court, her homeland, and even herself—are bound in a beautiful lie. ✦ Amazon ✦ iBooks ✦ Kobo ✦ Goodreads
About the Author:
K.A. Linde grew up as a military brat and created fantastical stories based off of her love for Disney movies, fairy tales, and Star Wars. In her spare time, she is an avid traveler, loves reading young adult novels, and dancing. Additionally, K.A. has written more than a dozen adult novels and is a USA Today bestselling author. She lives in Lubbock, TX with her husband and two super adorable puppies.
K.A. Linde loves to hear from her readers! You can contact her at kalinde45@gmail.com or visit her online at one of the following sites: www.kalinde.com www.facebook.com/authorkalinde @authorkalinde
October 9, 2017
{Release Day Blitz} DIRTY LITTLE PROMISE by Kendall Ryan
Today I'm excited to share with you the release of the continuation of Kendall Ryan's Forbidden Desires series, DIRTY LITTLE PROMISE!
Conflicted in the depth of her feelings for bad boy Gavin Kingsley, lonely librarian Emma Bell knows he’s all wrong for her—yet the heart wants what it wants. But if she gives into his dark, erotic desires will she lose herself completely?
Passion, drama and suspense combine in the highly-anticipated conclusion to Emma Bell’s love affair with the alpha and enigmatic Kingsley brothers. Secrets will be exposed, sides will be chosen, and nothing will ever be the same. This is book two in the series, following Dirty Little Secret. Amazon | Nook | ibooks | Kobo
The start to a sexy new series from New York Times bestselling author, Kendall Ryan...
She’s much too innocent for me, but that doesn’t stop me from wanting the sweet, young librarian. I’m dominating and possessive, and my control streak runs a mile wide. The way she looks at me—like I’m one of the heroes in the books she loves, like I’m broken, and she wants to be the one to piece me back together—it only complicates things further. I’m nobody’s hero. But there’s no denying my tragic past reads like one of her favorite literary classics. It’s raw. Visceral. Captivating. And together, we’re a perfect mess. How am I expected to resist when the sexual sparks zap between us and set me on fire? The need to control, and claim her force my walls to come tumbling down, but when she learns my dirty little secret, will my world come crashing down with it?
Amazon | iBooks | Nook | Kobo
About Kendall Ryan
A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than two dozen titles, Kendall Ryan has sold over 1.5 million books and her books have been translated into several languages in countries around the world. She's a traditionally published author with Simon & Schuster and Harper Collins UK, as well as an independently published author. Since she first began self-publishing in 2012, she's appeared at #1 on Barnes & Noble and iBooks charts around the world. Her books have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists more than three dozen times. Ryan has been featured in such publications as USA Today, Newsweek, and InTouch Magazine.
Visit her at: www.kendallryanbooks.com for the latest book news, and fun extras Subscribe to Newletter Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page
Conflicted in the depth of her feelings for bad boy Gavin Kingsley, lonely librarian Emma Bell knows he’s all wrong for her—yet the heart wants what it wants. But if she gives into his dark, erotic desires will she lose herself completely?
Passion, drama and suspense combine in the highly-anticipated conclusion to Emma Bell’s love affair with the alpha and enigmatic Kingsley brothers. Secrets will be exposed, sides will be chosen, and nothing will ever be the same. This is book two in the series, following Dirty Little Secret. Amazon | Nook | ibooks | Kobo
The start to a sexy new series from New York Times bestselling author, Kendall Ryan...
She’s much too innocent for me, but that doesn’t stop me from wanting the sweet, young librarian. I’m dominating and possessive, and my control streak runs a mile wide. The way she looks at me—like I’m one of the heroes in the books she loves, like I’m broken, and she wants to be the one to piece me back together—it only complicates things further. I’m nobody’s hero. But there’s no denying my tragic past reads like one of her favorite literary classics. It’s raw. Visceral. Captivating. And together, we’re a perfect mess. How am I expected to resist when the sexual sparks zap between us and set me on fire? The need to control, and claim her force my walls to come tumbling down, but when she learns my dirty little secret, will my world come crashing down with it?
Amazon | iBooks | Nook | Kobo
About Kendall Ryan
A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than two dozen titles, Kendall Ryan has sold over 1.5 million books and her books have been translated into several languages in countries around the world. She's a traditionally published author with Simon & Schuster and Harper Collins UK, as well as an independently published author. Since she first began self-publishing in 2012, she's appeared at #1 on Barnes & Noble and iBooks charts around the world. Her books have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists more than three dozen times. Ryan has been featured in such publications as USA Today, Newsweek, and InTouch Magazine.
Visit her at: www.kendallryanbooks.com for the latest book news, and fun extras Subscribe to Newletter Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page
October 6, 2017
Book Review: The Language of Thorns by Leigh Bardugo
The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic by Leigh Bardugo
Blurb:
Love speaks in flowers. Truth requires thorns.
Travel to a world of dark bargains struck by moonlight, of haunted towns and hungry woods, of talking beasts and gingerbread golems, where a young mermaid's voice can summon deadly storms and where a river might do a lovestruck boy's bidding but only for a terrible price.
Inspired by myth, fairy tale, and folklore, #1 New York Times–bestselling author Leigh Bardugo has crafted a deliciously atmospheric collection of short stories filled with betrayals, revenge, sacrifice, and love.
Perfect for new readers and dedicated fans, these tales will transport you to lands both familiar and strange—to a fully realized world of dangerous magic that millions have visited through the novels of the Grishaverse.
This collection of six stories includes three brand-new tales, all of them lavishly illustrated with art that changes with each turn of the page, culminating in six stunning full-spread illustrations as rich in detail as the stories themselves.
My Review:
Ohmigod, where do I begin?? First off this book is beautiful to look at, photos do not do it justice at all. From the gorgeous dust jacket to the gold embossing (is that what it's called?) on the hardback itself to the stunning illustrations inside, this may very well be one of the prettiest books I own!
This book is comprised of six stories and not a single one let me down, I loved them all. Each story was a pleasure to read and you could clearly picture the children of the grishaverse being told these stories as children. I don't want to spoil any of the individual stories but if I had to pick one ultimate favorite I think I'd go with The Witch of Duva.
These stories and the book itself was like opening up a darker version of Grimm's Fairytales and it transported me back to my childhood when my grandmother read me fairytales before bed. This is the sort of collection of stories I've been craving all year and I didn't want to put The Language of Thorns down once I started reading.
Overall, this book is perfect for old fans of Leigh Bardugo as well as newcomers and great for readers of almost all ages. My only complaint (that's not really a complaint) is that I would have loved to keep reading more stories like these.
As Jane Austen said, “but for my own part, if a book is well written, I always find it too short.”
My Rating:★★★★★5 of 5 Stars!
Blurb:
Love speaks in flowers. Truth requires thorns.Travel to a world of dark bargains struck by moonlight, of haunted towns and hungry woods, of talking beasts and gingerbread golems, where a young mermaid's voice can summon deadly storms and where a river might do a lovestruck boy's bidding but only for a terrible price.
Inspired by myth, fairy tale, and folklore, #1 New York Times–bestselling author Leigh Bardugo has crafted a deliciously atmospheric collection of short stories filled with betrayals, revenge, sacrifice, and love.
Perfect for new readers and dedicated fans, these tales will transport you to lands both familiar and strange—to a fully realized world of dangerous magic that millions have visited through the novels of the Grishaverse.
This collection of six stories includes three brand-new tales, all of them lavishly illustrated with art that changes with each turn of the page, culminating in six stunning full-spread illustrations as rich in detail as the stories themselves.
My Review:
Ohmigod, where do I begin?? First off this book is beautiful to look at, photos do not do it justice at all. From the gorgeous dust jacket to the gold embossing (is that what it's called?) on the hardback itself to the stunning illustrations inside, this may very well be one of the prettiest books I own! This book is comprised of six stories and not a single one let me down, I loved them all. Each story was a pleasure to read and you could clearly picture the children of the grishaverse being told these stories as children. I don't want to spoil any of the individual stories but if I had to pick one ultimate favorite I think I'd go with The Witch of Duva.
These stories and the book itself was like opening up a darker version of Grimm's Fairytales and it transported me back to my childhood when my grandmother read me fairytales before bed. This is the sort of collection of stories I've been craving all year and I didn't want to put The Language of Thorns down once I started reading.
Overall, this book is perfect for old fans of Leigh Bardugo as well as newcomers and great for readers of almost all ages. My only complaint (that's not really a complaint) is that I would have loved to keep reading more stories like these.
As Jane Austen said, “but for my own part, if a book is well written, I always find it too short.”
My Rating:★★★★★5 of 5 Stars!
October 5, 2017
#BookMail Thursday #34
This week's book mail includes not only a book I'd been so excited to get but several awesome preorder incentive gifts as well. Let's open my mailbox and see what's inside...
The Language of Thorns by Leigh Bardugo
I'd preordered my signed copy of The Language of Thorns way back in August and I was so excited to finally get it on Monday! It's such a beautiful book in person the photos don't do it justice. It's even pretty under the dust jacket and don't even get me started on the gorgeous illustrations!
I also got in separate book mail:- The gorgeous pin that was a pre-order incentive for The Language of Thorns- The playing cards that were a pre-order incentive for One Dark Throne by Kendare Blake
Both came much quicker than I expected. Some preorder incentives you wait and wait for but these both were here within a week or two of the release day!
October Waiting On: Signed Copy of:Hunting Prince Dracula by Kerri Maniscalco
ARC trade for:Ally by Anna Banks
Book & Misc. Mail:- Bitten by Kelley Armstrong (because I started watching the show on Netflix and fell in love!)- the Black Flame Candle from The Melting Library
The Language of Thorns by Leigh Bardugo
I'd preordered my signed copy of The Language of Thorns way back in August and I was so excited to finally get it on Monday! It's such a beautiful book in person the photos don't do it justice. It's even pretty under the dust jacket and don't even get me started on the gorgeous illustrations!
I also got in separate book mail:- The gorgeous pin that was a pre-order incentive for The Language of Thorns- The playing cards that were a pre-order incentive for One Dark Throne by Kendare Blake
Both came much quicker than I expected. Some preorder incentives you wait and wait for but these both were here within a week or two of the release day!
October Waiting On: Signed Copy of:Hunting Prince Dracula by Kerri Maniscalco
ARC trade for:Ally by Anna Banks
Book & Misc. Mail:- Bitten by Kelley Armstrong (because I started watching the show on Netflix and fell in love!)- the Black Flame Candle from The Melting Library
October 4, 2017
"What I'm Reading" Wednesday #94
This week I just had to dive in my most recent purchase the minute it arrived in the mail. This "WIR"-Wednesday I'm reading...
The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic by Leigh Bardugo
Blurb:
Love speaks in flowers. Truth requires thorns.
Travel to a world of dark bargains struck by moonlight, of haunted towns and hungry woods, of talking beasts and gingerbread golems, where a young mermaid's voice can summon deadly storms and where a river might do a lovestruck boy's bidding but only for a terrible price.
Inspired by myth, fairy tale, and folklore, #1 New York Times–bestselling author Leigh Bardugo has crafted a deliciously atmospheric collection of short stories filled with betrayals, revenge, sacrifice, and love.
Perfect for new readers and dedicated fans, these tales will transport you to lands both familiar and strange—to a fully realized world of dangerous magic that millions have visited through the novels of the Grishaverse.
This collection of six stories includes three brand-new tales, all of them lavishly illustrated with art that changes with each turn of the page, culminating in six stunning full-spread illustrations as rich in detail as the stories themselves.
Why I Chose This Book | What I Think So Far: I initially bought this book because it's so pretty, from the cover to the book under the book jacket, to the illustrations inside (although photos didn't do it justice!). I was anxious to begin reading and my library books just didn't interest me so I dove right in. I just started reading The Language of Thorns but I'm enjoying it so far!
The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic by Leigh Bardugo
Blurb:
Love speaks in flowers. Truth requires thorns.Travel to a world of dark bargains struck by moonlight, of haunted towns and hungry woods, of talking beasts and gingerbread golems, where a young mermaid's voice can summon deadly storms and where a river might do a lovestruck boy's bidding but only for a terrible price.
Inspired by myth, fairy tale, and folklore, #1 New York Times–bestselling author Leigh Bardugo has crafted a deliciously atmospheric collection of short stories filled with betrayals, revenge, sacrifice, and love.
Perfect for new readers and dedicated fans, these tales will transport you to lands both familiar and strange—to a fully realized world of dangerous magic that millions have visited through the novels of the Grishaverse.
This collection of six stories includes three brand-new tales, all of them lavishly illustrated with art that changes with each turn of the page, culminating in six stunning full-spread illustrations as rich in detail as the stories themselves.
Why I Chose This Book | What I Think So Far: I initially bought this book because it's so pretty, from the cover to the book under the book jacket, to the illustrations inside (although photos didn't do it justice!). I was anxious to begin reading and my library books just didn't interest me so I dove right in. I just started reading The Language of Thorns but I'm enjoying it so far!
