STACKING THE SHELVES #18

Stacking The Shelves is a meme hosted by Tynga’s Reviews. It is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

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I just want to apologise for my lack of posts over the last few months. Life has been incredibly hectic,  and my time management skills have been seriously lacking!! But I have really tried to make more of an effort over the last week and hopefully it wont take me too long to get back into the swing of things.

Purchased

I managed to stumble across a fantastic online sale that Harlequin Australia were having last week. I picked up 17 books for $37. I'm still waiting for a few more to arrive, but this was such an awesome deal!!

A quick stop off at my local used book store saw me finding these gems for just $8.

These finds were from a used book store that was a fair way from home that I was passing by in my travels, and I just stopped in on a whim.

For Review
These are the review books that I received from Simon & Schuster this week.

Beautiful Oblivion (Maddox Brothers #1) by Jamie McGuire
Five Ways to Fall (Ten Tiny Breaths #4) by K.A. Tucker
Rusty Nailed (Cocktail #2) by Alice Clayton
Craving Him (Love by Design #2) by Kendall Ryan
Deceptive Innocence: Part 2 (Pure Sin #2) by Kyra Davis

Not sure that these are all appropriate for the blog, but I will soon see once I start reading them. Thanks again Simon & Schuster, who are always broadening my reading.

Week In Review
These are the reviews that I have posted this week. I'd love for you to check them out.
Dear Killer by Katherine Ewell
Sweet Filthy Boy (Wild Seasons #1) by Christina Lauren
Rebel (Reboot #2) by Amy Tintera

What books did you add to your shelves this week?

REVIEW: Dear Killer by Katherine Ewell

Rule One—Nothing is right, nothing is wrong.
Rule Two—Be careful.
Rule Three—Fight using your legs whenever possible, because they’re the strongest part of your body. Your arms are the weakest.
Rule Four—Hit to kill. The first blow should be the last, if at all possible.
Rule Five—The letters are the law.

Kit takes her role as London’s notorious “Perfect Killer” seriously. The letters and cash that come to her via a secret mailbox are not a game; choosing who to kill is not an impulse decision. Every letter she receives begins with “Dear Killer,” and every time Kit murders, she leaves a letter with the dead body. Her moral nihilism and thus her murders are a way of life—the only way of life she has ever known.

But when a letter appears in the mailbox that will have the power to topple Kit’s convictions as perfectly as she commits her murders, she must make a decision: follow the only rules she has ever known, or challenge Rule One, and go from there.

Katherine Ewell’s Dear Killer is a sinister psychological thriller that explores the thin line between good and evil, and the messiness of that inevitable moment when life contradicts everything you believe.

My Thoughts:

My name is Kit, but most people know me as the Perfect Killer.

I kill on order. I am everyone's assassin. I belong to no one but the grim reaper herself.

Before I was a reader of YA, I was a huge true crime fan. I loved trying to get inside the mind of the criminal and seeing what made them tick. What made them different to you and me. Was it an evil that they were born with or was it something that developed over time due to circumstance? The whole nature verses nurture debate. When I saw the synopsis for Dear Killer, I was immediately drawn to it. This sounded right up my alley. 

I will firstly say that I enjoyed this book. I enjoyed it a great deal actually. But there were also aspects that I didn't like at all. And having read it some weeks back now, I've had time to reflect a little bit more and hopefully get across more accurately my thoughts on the book.

And I felt like laughing.

Because I was the queen of it all, a queen looking out over her kingdom, because they were all bent to my will and marched to the beat of my murderous drum. And of course they didn't know it, but I knew it, and that was what mattered.

Kit is the perfect killer. Or so she tells us, constantly. She commits cold blooded murder while telling herself that she is justified because the people that she is killing have done wrong to someone, somewhere. She shows no remorse, because she feels none. She is cold and calculated. Kit is a character that doesn't make you feel all warm and fuzzy. In fact you will more than likely despise her. I know I did for the most part. She thinks highly enough of herself to make up for that though. Her logic is skewed so badly. Her reasons for killing were not what I expected. The people that she is killing are not evil people who have committed heinous acts. She kills them for the most basic and flimsy of reasons. Barely batting an eyelid when she's done.

Another aspect of the story that bugged me was the drop off point for the letters. How is it that everyone in all of London knew where this place was, except for the police? The police with the investigators and resources to find out such facts. The police who have been delving into the case for such a long period of time. I really struggled with this aspect throughout the whole story. It got on my nerves that the police were portrayed as so completely inept.

Another issue that I had was Kit's friendship with the officer in charge of the investigation. The age difference between them made me question what basis the friendship had, I mean, she's still in school, not to mention that Kit wasn't the greatest at keeping her mouth shut in regards to the murders. And yet, he suspects nothing! She left clues, left, right and centre, but still he put his trust in her. He defended her and believed in her. 

The paradise of death, that crushing slicing burning sensation

That beautiful sensation

I'm lost and I don't mind because I am so alive

Because I am a murderer

Despite all the previously discussed issues I had with Dear Killer, and my dislike of Kit, I have to say that I did enjoy it. It was original and very different to most other Young Adult reads that you're likely to pick up. The writing was good and I was hooked by the story right from the very start. I'm not sure though, if my investment was due to my need to find something redeemable in Kit or not. And while nothing ever eventuated, I still enjoyed the time that I spent reading it.

Do you remember what I said about not enjoying murder? 

That was a lie.

3.5/5 Cold Kit Stars.

Copy received from the publisher via Edelweiss.

REVIEW: Sweet Filthy Boy (Wild Seasons #1) by Christina Lauren

One-night stands are supposed to be with someone convenient, or wickedly persuasive, or regrettable. They aren’t supposed to be with someone like him.

But after a crazy Vegas weekend celebrating her college graduation—and terrified of the future path she knows is a cop-out—Mia Holland makes the wildest decision of her life: follow Ansel Guillaume—her sweet, filthy fling—to France for the summer and just…play.

When feelings begin to develop behind the provocative roles they take on, and their temporary masquerade adventures begin to feel real, Mia will have to decide if she belongs in the life she left because it was all wrong, or in the strange new one that seems worlds away.

My Thoughts:

"I want to love all of my life as much as I love this night."

My first thought after finishing Sweet Filthy Boy was how much I want to go to Paris. This book filled me with this burning desire to travel and experience all of Mia's parisian discoveries for myself. Beside's the sweetness of Ansel, I really think that this was my favourite part of the story. I could almost picture the little cafe's, art gallery's, museums and the cobblestoned streets. I was so swept up in that aspect of the story.

This is only my second delve into the pairing of Christina Lauren, and to be honest, I'm not sure why I haven't read more. There is a real smoothness to their writing which makes the story so easy to read. Even though the first part of the book was something that I had just read in another book, once I got past that initial part of the story, I really loved it and it was also incredibly different to the other book on so many levels. 

I should point out that this book is definitely not for the Young Adult audience. There is lots of sex. Lots of hot, wordy sex. Ansel and Mia spend a lot of time getting to know each other in the bedroom. And other parts of the apartment. But it was also, so very much fun!! I loved how flirty Ansel was and that Mia stepped outside her comfort zone a bit to surprise Ansel.

It's in these moments I find myself wanting to congratulate past-me for doing or saying whatever it was that caught Ansel's attention in the first place and -- by some act of God or alcohol I still don't understand -- held it. Sometimes, I think, past me is a genius.

Mia was at times a little bit meek, but I think a lot of that comes down to her upbringing. Slowly over the course of the book she developed the ability to stand up for herself, which I really admired. She has always been the good girl, doing exactly what is expected of her and not really questioning if it's what she really wants. That she took such a leap with Ansel was such a spontaneous act and really put into place Mia's need to be herself, for herself. 

He laughs, shaking his head in mock exasperation, but amusement digs his dimple into his cheek and it makes my heart grow ten sizes too big for my chest. Hello, Lover.

The overwhelming feeling that I have for Ansel is his how much I loved his sweetness. If a guy you've only just recently met and barely know, can hold back your hair and take care of you as you unceremoniously bring up the contents of your stomach, then I say he's a keeper. I think I fell in love with Ansel around about then, if I wasn't already smitten. But then there is that other side to him. Just as the title suggests, he has that naughty side. He was really the whole package. The perfect balance of sweet and filthy. And every time he spoke French, I was a gonna all over again. He could have been saying "I'm taking out the garbage" and I would have swooned at the man's feet.

Another plus for me was the funny moments that balanced the book out nicely. Too much of one thing can get boring and this book was definitely never boring.

In the world of books, when so many have an epilogue that gives you a nice look into the happy future of the characters, I'm not sure if I was happy that this book didn't have one or applauding the authors for allowing me to picture for myself, what's in Ansel and Mia's future. The ending was wrapped up, but, I think I felt like I wanted more. I think it was actually the tease of the last line that had me looking for more pages, because the ending was in fact absolutely wonderful.

Sweet Filthy Boy was a story about finding love when you aren't even looking for it it the most random of places and situations, and, discovering yourself and being brave enough to go after the things you want. 

His blush, his dimple, a quiet laugh, and the teeth pressing into his lip again and I'm done for. F**king kill me now.

4.5/5 Sweet, Filthy Stars

A great big thank you to Simon & Schuster Australia for the review copy.

BOOK BLITZ - GUEST POST & GIVEAWAY: One, Two, Three by Elodie Nowodazkij

One, Two, Three… by Elodie Nowodazkij
Publication date: June 26th 2014
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult

Purchase: Amazon l B&N l iTunes l Kobo

Synopsis:

When seventeen-year-old Natalya’s dreams of being a ballerina are killed in a car accident along with her father, she must choose: shut down—like her mother—or open up to love.

Last year, Natalya was attending the School of Performing Arts in New York City. Last year, she was well on her way to becoming a professional ballerina. Last year, her father was still alive.

But a car crash changed all that—and Natalya can’t stop blaming herself. Now, she goes to a regular high school in New Jersey; lives with her onetime prima ballerina, now alcoholic mother; and has no hope of a dance career.

At her new school, however, sexy soccer player Antonio sees a brighter future for Natalya, or at least a more pleasant present, and his patient charms eventually draw her out of her shell.

But when upsetting secrets come to light and Tonio’s own problems draw her in, Natalya shuts down again, this time turning to alcohol herself.

Can Natalya learn to trust Antonio before she loses him—and destroys herself?

Author Bio:

Elodie Nowodazkij was raised in a tiny village in France, where she could always be found a book in hand. At nineteen, she moved to the US, where she learned she'd never lose her French accent. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in Modern Language & Linguistics, and later earned master's degrees in German Cultural Studies and European Studies. Unbeknownst to her professors, she sometimes drafted stories in class. Now she lives in Germany with her husband and their cat (who doesn't seem to realize he's not human), and uses her commuting time to write the stories swirling in her head. She's also a serial smiley user.

Author Links:

Website l Twitter l Facebook l Newsletter

Little facts about One, Two, Three & Elodie Nowodazkij

1. Little fact: I wrote this book (mostly in the train) in 6 months back in 2012. And it has gone through several revisions since.
2. Little fact: Like Natalya, I love pelmeni - but my favorite Russian dish is stuffed blinchiki (mostly with mushroom and mashed potatoes) yum!
3. Little fact: I got the inspiration of my main character's name - Natalya - from my mother-in-law
4. Little fact: Like Natalya’s father, my favorite composer is Chopin.
5. Little fact: My book is officially coming out on June 26th 2014 because it's my parents' 40th wedding anniversary.

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COVER REVEAL & GIVEAWAY: Four Houses by Victoria Scott

A frightened girl. 

An empty field. 

Four houses. 

Which house would you choose?


FOUR HOUSES is a dark short story told in an unusual format that leaves readers wondering how they'd react if found in the same situation as seventeen-year-old Maddy.

Expected publication: July 22nd 2014

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COVER REVEAL: Queen of Someday (Stolen Empire, #1) by Sherry D. Ficklin

We are so pleased to finally share this gorgeous and much awaited cover for Queen of Someday by Sherry D. Ficklin.

Queen of Someday (Stolen Empire Book 1)

Release Day: October 7, 2014

Published by: Clean Teen Publishing

Genre- YA Historical Fiction

ADD TO GOODREADS

Before she can become the greatest empress in history, fifteen-year-old Sophia will have to survive her social-climbing mother’s quest to put her on the throne of Russia—at any cost.

Imperial Court holds dangers like nothing Sophie has ever faced before. In the heart of St. Petersburg, surviving means navigating the political, romantic, and religious demands of the bitter Empress Elizabeth and her handsome, but sadistic nephew, Peter. Determined to save her impoverished family—and herself—Sophie vows to do whatever is necessary to thrive in her new surroundings. But an attempt on her life and an unexpected attraction threatens to derail her plans. 

 Alone in a new and dangerous world, learning who to trust and who to charm may mean the difference between becoming queen and being sent home in shame to marry her lecherous uncle. With traitors and murderers lurking around every corner, her very life hangs in the balance. Betrothed to one man but falling in love with another, Sophie will need to decide how much she’s willing to sacrifice in order to become the empress she is destined to be. 

 In a battle for the soul of a nation, will love or destiny reign supreme?

 

Sherry D. Ficklin

Sherry D. Ficklin is a full time writer from Colorado where she lives with her husband, four kids, two dogs, and a fluctuating number of chickens and house guests. A former military brat, she loves to travel and meet new people. She can often be found browsing her local bookstore with a large white hot chocolate in one hand and a towering stack of books in the other. That is, unless she’s on deadline at which time she, like the Loch Ness monster, is only seen in blurry photographs.

She is the author of The Gods of Fate Trilogy now available from Dragonfly Publishing. Her previously self-published novel After Burn: Military Brats has been acquired by Harlequin and will be released in 2014 with a second book in that series to follow. Her YA steampunk novel, EXTRACTED: The Lost Imperials book 1, co-written with Tyler H. Jolley is now available everywhere books are sold and her newest YA novel, Losing Logan, is now available from Clean Teen Publishing.

Author Links: Facebook l Twitter l Pinterest l Goodreads

A Note From The Author:

The true story of Catherine the Great is one fraught with betrayal, intrigue, and romance. While a good deal of my story is drawn from actual people and events, I have been very liberal in the rearrangement of dates, events, and places. Whenever possible I took my cues from her own words, intermixing my own thoughts and ideas. My thought upon the creation of the book was simple. I looked at the woman she was when she claimed the crown and then wondered, how did an innocent girl from Germany become such a force of nature? Most people aren’t born cold or ambitious, but have circumstances that forge them into those people. And that was the story I wanted to tell in this book. I wanted to see the events in her early life that would have changed her into the person she became, and not knowing the truth of that story, I simply made something up. That is what we, as writers, do best.

If you are curious about the real history behind Catherine, I suggest heading to your local library and doing a bit of research. This is not meant to be a historically accurate representation, but a flight of fancy, one that I hope you, dear reader, will enjoy as much as I have.

 

Hey everyone! I am holding a special Queen of Someday cover reveal Spreecast live chat on Tuesday June 24th at 6pm est (4 mountain, 5 central). I will be talking about the new book, answering questions, and giving listeners a sneak peek of the novel. I will also be doing a giveaway for a Queen of Someday swag pack.

You can join me using this link:

http://www.spreecast.com/events/chat-with-sherry-d-ficklin-ya-author

 

There is an area for text questions, or, for those folks who aren't camera shy, you can also ask questions on camera by choosing the join via video option under the main video frame (you will have to enable your camera for this option).

 

Hope to see you all there!

BLOG TOUR - REVIEW: Rebel (Reboot #2) by Amy Tintera

The sequel to the action-packed Reboot is a can't-miss thrill ride, perfect for fans of James Patterson, Veronica Roth, and Marie Lu.

After coming back from death as Reboots and being trained by HARC as soldiers, Wren and Callum have finally escaped north, where they hope to find a life of freedom. But when they arrive at the Reboot Reservation, it isn't what they expected. Under the rule of a bloodthirsty leader, Micah, the Reboots are about to wage an all-out war on the humans. Although Wren's instincts are telling her to set off into the wilderness on their own and leave the battle far behind, Callum is unwilling to let his human family be murdered. When Micah commits the ultimate betrayal, the choice is made for them. But Micah has also made a fatal mistake . . . he's underestimated Wren and Callum.

The explosive finale to the Reboot duology is full of riveting action and steamy love scenes as Wren and Callum become rebels against their own kind.

My Thoughts:

His eyes widened in surprise but I already had his arm in my grasp. I swung him around and yanked the arm back as quickly as I could.

I sort of liked the sound of bones breaking. It was like home.

Wow, wow, WOW!!! I loved the first book in this series, Reboot, and when I finished it, I jumped straight into Rebel and I have to say that I loved it even more than book one. So much so that I found myself wishing that this was a trilogy instead of a duology. Now I'm not saying that things weren't nicely wrapped up, because they were. I just find it hard to let go of characters that I've come to love sometimes and I found myself wanting to know more about what took place after the end of the book. But I was still incredibly satisfied with the way things finished. 

I loved that this book was different to Reboot, in that in was written with dual points of view from both Wren and Callum. While these two are pretty crazy about each other, their views on things are at times quite different, and it was such a bonus to get an insight into each of their thoughts and feelings.

"He's crazy about you, you know," she said softly.

"I see other girls looking at him sometimes, and he doesn't even notice. He only sees you."

Both Callum and Wren really evolved as characters during their journey in this book. They were so well rounded. Their journey was fraught with danger and sacrifices and tough decisions, but they handled each step beautifully. And as I said earlier, they didn't always agree on things, but I loved the way that they handled those differences of opinion. They were so grown up and mature, but still maintained a real sense of youth. The romance between Wren and Callum developed so nicely and was a real partnership all the way. Besides the physical attraction that they had, I really loved their admiration of each others strengths. They really developed such a beautiful relationship amongst all of the desolation.  

Micah, how much did I despise you at times! But then there were quite a few characters that I hoped would get there just deserts throughout the story. Rebel had such a range of characters and my feelings for them was just as broad. There was so much good, but then also so much evil.

The action during this book was really stepped up a notch. Or two! It was action packed on almost every page. The pacing... The perfect, on the edge of your seat, page turning pacing. It was really spot on for me. I never felt that things were two rushed or were ever dragged out. I was eager to know what was going to happen but desperate to prolong the ending. 

Rebel was at times heartfelt and emotional, and that threw me a little bit. I really didn't expect how the impact of events would get to me. But it really should have been expected given how much I had come to love these characters. 

I am now such a huge fan of Amy Tintera, and I really hope that the wait isn't too long before I'm able to again immerse myself in the wonderful writing of this author. 

"Is it awesome being you? Do you just sit around and revel in your awesomeness?"

4.5/5 Action Packed Stars

A huge thank you to Allen & Unwin for the opportunity to read and review Rebel.

Author Bio: 

Amy Tintera has a Bachelor's degree in Journalism, a Master's in Media Arts and is a member of SCBWI. She currently works in the film industry in Los Angeles.

Author Links:

Website l Goodreads l Facebook l Twitter l Tumblr