Monday, November 13, 2017

Obsessed With Covers #43: The Unbinding of Mary Reade, Ash Princess, Sky In The Deep

Y'all know how much I love a pretty cover. I think about...40% of the books that end up on my shelves (be they physical or digital) do so because of the covers. Call me shallow but you have to admit that a pretty, shiny cover will catch your eye faster than a dull, boring one. Two, simple rules that I'll follow:


  • 1, 2 or 3 (no more than 3, though) covers per week;
  • books should be new-ish; no more than 2 years old.
Oh, before I share the covers that made me drool or want to stare at them for hours and hours, I have to say something. This is a semi-original idea. Why semi? Because almost every book blogger has something similar. The only thing I came up with was the title. If by any chance there's another blogger with a similar feature with the same title, I assure you I'm not stealing your idea. I'm just THAT bad with titles. Believe me, I'd love to be smarter and have a witty name for this feature, but I don't. So, no copyright infringement/theft/steal or anything of the sort was desired. All I can say is sorry :P


So, here are the prettiest covers I've seen this week.


I saw this cover last week and I fell in love. I love sailing ships. I have a thing for them. And any drawing/painting/photograph with a ship in it will catch my eye. What I love most about this cover is that it seems as if the ship is caught in the middle of a storm. Which is kind of fitting for the story itself, at least based on the blurb. I like the colors used for the background, and the fog around the ship. It kind of makes me think that the fate of that ship is hanging on by a thread, that the fog is threatening the ship somewhat more than the storm. There's also a kind of shadow underneath the ship, a weird shape, and I want to know what that is about.

I also like the font used for the title. It kind of looks like it's coming out of the sails, and I love that. I love the cover and I'd love to see it in hardback version.

The Unbinding of Mary Reade by Miriam McNamara

 Aside from ships, I have a thing for fiery designs. This cover is simple and yet it holds a world of tiny details in it. The crown looks like a metal/iron crown that was burned down, and I can see some random designs in the smoke/embers around the bottom part of the crown. I see what looks like wings in the middle, some flowers, maybe some feathers... There's a lot happening with that crown. I also like how the crown seems to be crumbling, the ash slowly falling off and disintegrating on the title. Another really cool thing is that the background is really simple.

I want to know what those designs in the crown mean, and if in any way, shape or form they appear in the story itself.






This might be my favorite cover that I've seen lately that has a cover model. The model reminds me of Lagertha. I love that we can't really see her, it makes her more dangerous and more badass, which I love! But at the same time I wonder why exactly half of her face is hidden. What is she hiding? I also love the design on the blade of the axe. I love the feel of the entire cover, and I really, really want to see it in real life. I wonder what designs would there be under the dust jacket of a HB version of the book.







Sky In The Deep by Adrienne Young


What about you? What are some of the more recent covers you've fell in love with?

Sunday, November 12, 2017

Book Review: Caraval by Stephanie Garber

Author: Stephanie Garber
Series: Caraval #1
Audience: +16
Genre: Ya, Fantasy
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
Release Date: January 31st 2017
My Rating: 5 cups
Source: Own Copy
Blurb (from Goodreads):
Welcome to Caraval, where nothing is quite what it seems.

Scarlett and Tella have never left the tiny isle of Trisda, pining from afar for the wonder of Caraval, a once-a-year week-long performance where the audience participates in the show.

Caraval is Magic. Mystery. Adventure.

When the sisters' long-awaited invitations finally arrive, it seems their dreams have come true. But no sooner have they arrived than Tella vanishes, kidnapped by the show's mastermind organiser, Legend.

Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is an elaborate performance. But she quickly becomes entangled in a dangerous game of love, magic and heartbreak.

And real or not, she must find Tella before the game is over, and her sister disappears forever.



I picked this book when I was on a trip to Prague, because there's no better thing to do when you're a bookworm on a trip than buy more books. I tried resisting, but in the end I couldn't do it and I can't possibly tell you how happy I am that I gave in in the end.

Holy crap you guys!

Books that are similar on carnivals, hidden objects/escape-adventure games have been hit-and-miss for me so far, but Caraval really had me hooked from the beginning to the end. I enjoyed reading it and I especially liked how the book was structured. Garber was a genius in my opinion to structure the chapters into days and nights spent during, before and after Caraval. That, for me, increased the sense of urgency the entire book had. Whenever that "Day/Night..." page came, my excitement grew because I could tell that there was real danger in Caraval. And that's the thing I loved most about the book, the danger, the unknown of it all. I feel like the entire book is based on mind-games. And that more than the actual action is even better to me. It's been a while since I read a book that mentally challenging, to be honest. It wasn't just the game itself, but actually trying to figure out what was real and what wasn't, who was lying and who was telling the truth.

Scarlett is a strong character, that is also quite surprising. She's really reserved and cautious, but at the same time she's naive and reckless. She tends to put her trust in the oddest of places, but then the game doesn't just help uncover the darker side people keep locked away, but also their pasts. In a way, that's what happens with Scarlett, and while the scene with her father before them going to Caraval gives you a hint towards what that man is capable of, this game really made me understand Scarlett more. I also liked that she discovered her inner strength through this game.

Tella, although not that present, is also a really important character. In a way, she's exactly what Scarlett discovers in herself, if it makes sense. Tella has the courage and the recklessness to do what needs to be done in order to save herself and her big sister. She just has a lot more darkness in her that she accepts, and I wonder how that will work for her in the next book.

Throughout the game there are several really important characters that Scarlett encounters and I really hope that they are involved in the sequel. They were surprising and not what I fully expected, to be honest.

As I said, this story was a huge mind-game, and a fast-paced game at that. I enjoyed the twists and turns the story took, and the constant not knowing what was happening made me feel like I was an active part of the game. I also wonder how this story would have looked like had it been told from a viewer's POV.

Oh! I almost forgot to add this. Another cool stuff about the book is that we get to see small parts of Scarlett and Tella's childhood through Scarlett's memories, but this is done in a way to kind of explain her actions within the game, which was also a cool thing.

All in all, this was a really good book, one of the best I've read this year and I am desperately waiting for Legendary, book 2, to come out.


Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Double Cover Reveal: Eternal Mourning and Strength Enduring by Carrie Ann Ryan

We have not just one, but two, covers from Carrie Ann Ryan's Talon Pack series to share with you today - ETERNAL MOURNING and STRENGTH ENDURING! Check out the awesome covers below and preorder your copy now!

 

About ETERNAL MOURNING

Releases February 13, 2018

In the seventh book of the Talon Pack series from NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan, a Healer is forced to come to grips with the idea that he can’t save everyone…including the woman he loves.
Walker Brentwood vowed to the moon goddess that he’d protect his Pack and Heal with every last ounce of his power. He’s watched his siblings and cousin battle the worst circumstances to find love and is now afraid that the one woman who could be his might not have much time left. The rules of mating have changed, and Walker will do what he has to in order to protect the bonds that have eluded him for so long.
Aimee Reagan knows there’s something wrong with her. She’s known since the first time she found out shifters were real and magic existed. When the Talon Pack’s enemy sets his sights on her, her battle to survive becomes even harder.
Walker and Aimee must turn to each other when the powers around them change and the paths that had been laid before them are no longer clear. But when their passion threatens a curse far older than anyone dreamed, they’ll only have one chance to save something worth more than a mating bond. Their future.


ETERNAL MOURNING releases February 13th, 2018 - preorder your copy now!

✦Amazon http://amzn.to/2oD5FQY ✦iBooks http://apple.co/2l7HOqV ✦Barnes & Noble http://bit.ly/2x0NN37 ✦Kobo http://bit.ly/2l7yV0D ✦Google Play http://bit.ly/2wYrRFw ✦Amazon Paperback http://amzn.to/2rqDjrS


About STRENGTH ENDURING

Releases July 17, 2018

Book 8 in the Talon Pack series...the new war continues in this penultimate novel of the Talon Pack series.

STRENGTH ENDURING releases July 17th, 2018 - preorder your copy now!


About Carrie Ann Ryan
Carrie Ann Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary and paranormal romance. Her works include the Montgomery Ink, Redwood Pack, Talon Pack, and Gallagher Brothers series, which have sold over 2.0 million books worldwide. She started writing while in graduate school for her advanced degree in chemistry and hasn’t stopped since. Carrie Ann has written over fifty novels and novellas with more in the works. When she’s not writing about bearded tattooed men or alpha wolves that need to find their mates, she’s reading as much as she can and exploring the world of baking and gourmet cooking.


Monday, November 6, 2017

Blog Tour Book Review: Inked Memories by Carrie Ann Ryan



Author: Carrie Ann Ryan
Series: Montgomery Ink #8
Audience: +18
Genre:Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: October 31st 2017
My Rating: 5 Cups
Source: InkSlinger PR
Blurb (from Goodreads):

The Montgomery Ink series by NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan continues when the final Denver Montgomery sibling refuses to fall for his brother’s former flame—the company’s new plumber.

Wes Montgomery watched his entire family fall in love, and now finds himself ready to settle down. Except the one person he seems to find chemistry with is not only his twin’s ex, she also works for Montgomery Inc. But when the two find themselves in one compromising situation after another, Wes realizes he’s having second thoughts about the dynamic woman who’s burst her way into his life. Sure she sets off his temper, but she also makes him hot in every other way possible.

Jillian Reid never loved her best friend like everyone thought she should, so she pushed him away so he could have his future. Now, despite fighting it, she finds herself attracted to the one man she shouldn’t. When her father’s health takes a turn for the worse, and a danger no one saw coming show its face, she’s forced to turn to Wes for help. The two of them have fought off their attraction long enough, and each cave to the desire. But this enemies-to-lovers tale might have an ending no one ever dreamed of.

*Disclaimer: I received an eARC of this book from InkSlinger PR in exchange for an honest review. This does not influence my rating or the content of my review in any way.

The newest addition to the Montgomery Ink series is just as good as expected.

Wes is the last Montgomery to find his match and it was a fun experience to see him fall. He's a really great guy and I'm happy he finally got to find his happiness with a very sexy, smart and purely awesome woman. I liked Wes not only as a man, but also as a boss. I'd love to work in a company that has a boss like him. I loved how he defended Jillian, even though at the time he didn't like her all that much, but he knew she was being treated badly and he acted on it. He might have said it was to avoid a lawsuit, which is smart, but I think he also did it because he's a genuinely good boss. He also didn't underestimate Jillian or any of the other women working for him just because they're women. And that made me love him. Sure, he's sexy, smart, funny and a nice, caring brother and human being, but the fact that he's a great boss is the thing that made me love him.

Jillian is one of the most awesome female characters I've read about in a while. She's snarky, has an awesome job, she's funny, caring, sexy and smart. But all of that aside, she's strong, stronger than she gives herself credit. She has to face one of the hardest things imaginable in this book, and while she doesn't heal completely from it, she's strong enough to let herself cry and allow herself to be weak around the people who care about her. And that takes guts.

I said that there's a hard thing that Jillian has to go through, and let me tell you, I cried like a baby. It's been a while since a book made me cry, but this one did the trick. I ugly cried, to be honest. It's because of that that I loved this book so much, because a great book in my opinion makes me feel things, and it's the mark of a great storyteller that their words manage to make the reader feel strongly for what happens in their book.

Sadness and tears aside, this book is also very sexy, as expected from a Carrie Ann Ryan book. You'll need a fan or a bucket of ice. The story is faced paced, and I read it in one sitting. There's also some mystery involved, some really hilarious scenes, all of which made this story a really really good one. I'm glad that there are going to be more Montgomery stories, even if the action moves to another city. I'm not ready yet to say goodbye to this clan. While I'm waiting for the next book to come out, I plan on reading the entire series from the beginning, because there are books that I haven't yet read and I desperately need to read them all.



Get your hands on INKED MEMORIES now!
✦Amazon http://amzn.to/2p0UqOU ✦iBooks http://apple.co/2foEDcy ✦Barnes & Noble http://bit.ly/2pVfvgV ✦Kobo http://bit.ly/2fD4AnO ✦Google Play http://bit.ly/2pqze65 ✦Amazon Paperback http://amzn.to/2kz640M
 

See the INKED MEMORIES trailer:

 

About Carrie Ann Ryan

Carrie Ann Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary and paranormal romance. Her works include the Montgomery Ink, Redwood Pack, Talon Pack, and Gallagher Brothers series, which have sold over 2.0 million books worldwide. She started writing while in graduate school for her advanced degree in chemistry and hasn’t stopped since. Carrie Ann has written over fifty novels and novellas with more in the works. When she’s not writing about bearded tattooed men or alpha wolves that need to find their mates, she’s reading as much as she can and exploring the world of baking and gourmet cooking.



Friday, November 3, 2017

Blog Tour Book Review: Christmas, Alabama by Susan Sands




Author: Susan Sands
Series: Alabama #4
Audience: +18
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Tule Publishing
Release Date: October 26th 2017
My Rating: 5 Cups
Source: IndieSage PR
Blurb (from Goodreads):
Photographer Rachel Prudhomme has finally settled in Ministry, Alabama. Sure, the pace is slower, and she's had her heart blessed more times than she can count, but putting down her roots where her family is feels right, if only the town’s new doctor and now neighbor weren’t so hot and constantly igniting her dreams. How can she keep her vow to steer clear of men when he keeps sauntering across her path?

For Dr. Nicholas Sullivan to get his dream job in Atlanta, he must fill in at Ministry General, where they're short staffed for the holidays. He never expects to fall for his beautiful next door neighbor, Rachel. 



Soon, Nick and Rachael make a deal. They'll pretend to date so Rachael can avoid the scrutiny from her family to "find a good man" and Nick can avoid the single lovelies in town who take his short stay as a challenge. Amidst the carolers, Christmas lights, and an unlikely Alabama snowstorm, Nick and Rachel can't help but notice the powerful emotional and physical attraction between them. Will a Christmas miracle be all it takes to make all of their dreams come true?
*Disclaimer: I received an eARC of this book from IndieSage PR in exchange for an honest review. This does not influence my rating or the content of this review in any way.

Every now and then I'm lucky enough to discover some literary gems, and Christmas, Alabama is one of those gems for me. I loved reading this book. It was such a nice change of scenery and storytelling technique from the spree I've been on recently, and I had fun immersing myself into a story like this one.

I liked the idea of a new guy in a small town. It was interesting to see the culture, habits and little quirks of a small town from Nick's perspective. I liked seeing how he went from barely accepting the idea of having to go to Ministry, to actually considering making this town his home. I liked his dedication to his job. He's a doctor, and a good one at that. It was pretty interesting to see how he dealt with the slower pace the town's hospital provided him with, as opposed to what he was used to from the big city hospital, and you can tell that he loves the job so much, he really didn't care all that much. Sure, he wanted the big career he had his eye on for so long, but he still did a perfect job, and I respect him for that, a lot. I also liked how slick he was with Rachel. I thought at first he was going to be not as smooth as he was, but the man knows how to put on the charm.

I liked Rachel. While you can tell she has a little bit of baggage, I liked her style. I can totally understand wanting to work from the comfort of one's home, with the work outfit being the comfiest pajamas ever. I envied her for that. On a more serious note, I liked how she described people and photography. It was interesting to see a photographer's perspective on people, and their psychology, as they see little details that many might not see or might ignore. She was also funny. And she and Nick had perfect chemistry, so that's a plus.

The book has a pretty fast pace, and while the plot is more laid back, it's more focused on characters and their interactions. This book reminded me, in a way, of the TV show Hart of Dixie, which is an adorable show. I like reading about small towns, and Ministry is a town I'd most definitely want to go back to whenever possible.



Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks

About Susan Sands

I grew up in Northwest Louisiana, but have strong Cajun roots (Southern Louisiana) on both sides of my family. I live in the Atlanta suburbs with my dentist husband and near-adult children, plus a few furry creatures. I love to cook and I adore food. I play tennis, but don’t exercise nearly enough. I write Southern romantic women’s fiction. It’s a rare day when I run short of words. I’m a member of the Atlanta Writer’s Club, Georgia Romance Writers, and Romance Writers of America. I’m represented by Erin Niumata at Folio Literary Management. I visit book clubs, bookstores, libraries, and literary festivals whenever I’m invited! I love to connect with readers!


Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Book Review: 1001 Dark Nights Discovery Bundle Twelve


Author: Alexandra Ivy, Laura Wright, Lorelei James, Lara Adrian, Nazarea Andrews, Megan Erickson
Series: 1001 Dark Nights
Audience: +18/
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance
Publisher: Evil Eye Concepts, Incorporated
Release Date: October 31st 2017
My Rating: 4 cups
Source: InkSlinger PR
Blurb (from Goodreads):
About 1001 Dark Nights: Bundle Twelve:

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors Alexandra Ivy, Laura Wright, Lorelei James, Lara Adrian, and introducing Nazarea Andrews and Megan Erickson. Six Dark Tales. Six Sensual Stories. Six Page Turners.

KAYDEN: A Bayou Heat Novella by Alexandra Ivy
Kayden is obsessed with revenge after his parents disappeared when he was just a cub. Now the gorgeous Hunter has discovered the man responsible for betraying them – Joshua Ford – and it’s time for payback. Beginning with the kidnapping of Joshua’s daughter, Bianca. But last thing he expects is to be confronted with the horrifying realization that Bianca is his mate. Will he put revenge before his chance for eternal happiness?

SIMON: Bayou Heat Novella by Laura Wright
Sexy male model, Simon refuses to give up his exciting life in New York City to return to the slow heat of the Wildlands. For a decade, many pantera have tried to capture the rogue Diplomat and bring him home, but all have failed. Now it’s Tryst’s turn. The hard, brilliant, and gorgeous, Hunter is the ultimate tracker. But can the admitted beast-girl of the Wildlands capture her prey without losing her heart in the process?

STRUNG UP: A Blacktop Cowboys Novella by Lorelei James
Rancher Creston Grant retreats from the world after he loses the love of his life….Can his former flame, rodeo cowboy Breck Christianson prove he’s a changed man who can give Cres a second chance at love?

MIDNIGHT UNTAMED: A Midnight Breed Novella by Lara Adrian
For Breed warrior Ettore Selvaggio, stealth assassinations are only one of his specialties. The last thing Savage expects to find behind enemy lines is a woman he once adored. It’s been years since Savage last saw Arabella Genova. Years he’s strived to banish to his past, along with the fierce desire he once felt toward Bella and the irresistible calling of her blood that stirs in him even now, despite the fact that she belongs to another male.

DIRTY SEXY SECRET by Nazarea Andrews
Even when you know better….
There are a million reasons why Hazel Campton is off limits: she’s a journalist. I’m a cop. Oh, and she’s my foster sister.
My secret is I didn’t care. I haven’t stopped wanting her since I slept with her the night before she left.
She’s trouble. Always has been.

It’s hard to resist the thing you’ve always wanted…
Growing up with Brandon Archer means I know him. Good. Bad. Everything in between.
It’s just never mattered.
My secret? That night. The one I stole, that’s kept me from Archer and Green County, for four years.
Now I’m home, and nothing has changed. Except me. And not in the way that means a damn thing.
Because I still want him.

Everything can change with a knock at the door…
Secrets. Everyone has them. Archer. Me. This town.
Perfection only runs surface deep in Green County. When there’s a knock at me door, it’s a familiar face all covered in danger, and all those secrets we hide? They’re about to come tumbling out.

BITE THE HAND THAT BLEEDS by Megan Erickson
Roxy heads below the streets of Mission City to a vampire club, determined to give up her blood in exchange for much-needed cash. She has no idea that the handsome, brooding vampire she meets there will awaken desires she didn't know she had, and will change her life forever...


Every Dark Nights tale is breathtakingly sexy and magically romantic.

*Disclaimer: I received an eARC of this book from InkSlinger PR in exchange for an honest review. This does not influence my rating or the content of my review in any way.

Every time I see there's a new story being added to this series I get all giddy and excited, because I just know I'll have a great time reading them. I already knew two of the stories in this bundle, but I still enjoyed reading them. The review for those two are shortened versions of the original reviews I wrote for them, but my thoughts haven't changed.

Kayden/Simon by Alexandra Ivy & Laura Wright

Kayden is a guy that has suffered a lot, especially since his parents disappeared when he was really young. I liked that even so, he didn't let that anger and that pain rule his judgement. I liked him, and I hope to read more about him in the next books. Bianca is a heroine that I enjoyed reading about. I liked that by the end of the story she finds courage to do certain things that I don't think in the past she would've done them.

Simon's story was my favorite one out of the two. Simon is a hero that hides stuff, and he hides them really well. I loved him, really. He's one of those characters that just need a bear hug, you know? I liked his interaction with Tryst, I liked seeing him trying to keep one step ahead of her. Tryst is a unique character. As the blurb says, she's more her animal than she is human, and I don't think I've ever read about a character like that before. It was interesting, but I would've wanted to read more on that subject. Maybe if the story was longer, we could've explored that side of Tryst more, but even so, I enjoyed reading the way she sees the world.

Rating: 4.5 cups

Strung Up by Lorelei James

As I haven't yet got to read her Blacktop Cowboys series, I was not familiar with Breck from the very beginning of the series, to see how he changed and how he became the man he was in this book. But I can tell that even before this novella he was a strong, confident man. Reading about what he went through after his ex announced it to everyone that Breck was gay, really made me respect him more, and also be incredibly sad for him. I get even sadder when I think that this is real. Even today, there are people who can lose everything just based on their sexuality, and that is infuriating to say the least. But I greatly respect Breck for finding the strength to move on, to try to make a bad situation into a good one.

I met Cres in the 1001 Dark Nights Bundle Six, and since then I've kept my fingers crossed that he would get his own story. I never imagined that his story would be so tragic, but I wanted his story told. I've hoped for an M/M story from Lorelei James since forever, and I was super happy when Cres got his story. As I said, he has a really sad story, but at the same time a very hopeful one. I also loved that his family was so cool with his sexuality, and that it wasn't something they focused on. Even in the previous novella, the one I was referring to earlier, it didn't feel like the Grant family defined Cres as his sexuality, which was honestly such a great thing.

Rating: 5 cups

Midnight Untamed by Lara Adrian

It's been a while since I read a Lara Adrian book and I forgot how much fun they were. This story is part of her Midnight Breed series and it's a pretty interesting one. I love that the story took place in Rome. I also enjoyed how fast paced it was.

Ettore was an interesting character. He's a strong, brave, really honorable guy. You discover his backstory halfway through this story and I really like what I found out. He did the right thing in the past, even though he knew it would hurt him. And he did the right thing in the present, even if it might have turned out to be the worst idea ever. I liked that about him.

Arabella has an interesting gift. It was interesting to see how a few years changed the way her brother treated her. I thought she was a really strong female, given the circumstances. I know I probably would do a shitty job at keeping my wits together, but she defended herself and she was willing to do whatever was necessary to keep her family safe. I respected her for that.

I really enjoyed this story and it made me want to go back to read the Midnight Breed series all over again.

Rating: 4 cups

Dirty Sexy Secret by Nazarea Andrews

This story was based on secrets. It's told from dual perspectives, of Hazel and Archer, and it's interesting to see how their secrets come to life. I enjoyed the story, even if at times I was a bit lost.

Hazel and Archer have a really sad story. It's hard to talk about one without talking about the other one as well, really. It's almost like the story was written, actually. You can't have Hazel without Archer. They're both really damaged people, but also very brave and very loving. They're also really loyal, too loyal at times.

Most of the characters felt damaged in a way, and I am definitely going to keep my eyes out for the next book in the series, because I need to know the rest of the secrets. Like I said, that seemed to be the theme of this story and, as a really curious person, I found that quite fascinating.

Rating: 3.5 cups

Bite The Hand That Bleeds by Megan Erickson

This was such a short story, but it was interesting enough to make me want to learn more about the world that Erickson created.

You get a tiny glimpse into the world of the vampires, and it's quite an interesting take. It almost felt like a cross between old-school vampires, with their scariness, the way they act, how they speak, and kind of new, modernized vampires, with their blatant sexuality. While I couldn't get a real feel of the characters, because the story is so short, I definitely want to read the books in the series to find out more.

Rating: 3.5 cups

As I said, this bundle is full of great stories and, as always, the authors behind 1001 Dark Nights don't disappoint. Now I'll be biting my nails, waiting for the next bundle.


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