Royals by Rachel Hawkins

Title: Royals
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Published: May 1st 2018 by Penguin Random House
Buy: Amazon | B&N

Meet Daisy Winters. She’s an offbeat sixteen-year-old Floridian with mermaid-red hair; a part time job at a bootleg Walmart, and a perfect older sister who’s nearly engaged to the Crown Prince of Scotland. Daisy has no desire to live in the spotlight, but relentless tabloid attention forces her to join Ellie at the relative seclusion of the castle across the pond.

While the dashing young Miles has been appointed to teach Daisy the ropes of being regal, the prince’s roguish younger brother kicks up scandal wherever he goes, and tries his best to take Daisy along for the ride. The crown–and the intriguing Miles–might be trying to make Daisy into a lady . . . but Daisy may just rewrite the royal rulebook to suit herself.

I adored Royals!! I’m not the biggest contemporary reader so for a contemporary book to be in the love category for me. It has to have that something special. I loved the uniqueness of the story and the wonderfully beautiful setting. Also that fairytale-esque story to it, that had some Pride and Prejudice vibes.

I like that this a story about sisters. Ellie is the sister who is prim and proper and born to be a queen. That is how Daisy sees her, where Daisy loves to stand out. Not in the, I want to be in the tabloids way, but in the way that she isn’t afraid to be who she is. When her life is uprooted and she is whisked away to Scotland in order to keep her from causing anymore “scandal” she has to struggle to fit into her sisters new world. Although it seems like the sisters, can be sisters, and often fight. I think they both start to see what the other has to go through. As far as one being in the public eye by choice and one being in it as a side effect. It was great to see it develop.

I think I always love stories that take place in other countries. Maybe that’s what the fantasy reader in me that looks for that in a contemporary. I love the descriptions of Scotland from the beautiful landscapes to the castles. Who doesn’t want to go to a castle.

I liked the tie in with the tabloids, the Royal Wreckers and the overall drama involved in that. Which is the cause of most of Daisy’s grief. She is someone who isn’t necessarily prepared for that kind of exposure.

The romance is so sweet. I kept thinking of Miles as having a little bit of Darcy in him. He is part of the Royal Wreckers but he is not annoying as some of them. None of them are really that horrible, really. Well maybe Seb is a little frustrating. Miles is a lot more low key and observant. Plus he is kind when he wants to be.

I really loved Royals and it’s such a fun story. I really recommend it and I’m so glad to have read it.

The Outcast by Taran Matharu

The Outcast (Summoner #4)
Author: Taran Matharu
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Release Date: May 1, 2018
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Enter an immersive world where the chosen few have the ability to summon de-mons...

Arcturus is just an orphaned stable boy when he discovers he has the ability to summon demons from another world. He is sent to Vocans Academy where the lost arts of summoning, spell craft and demonology are taught to the noble children of the Empire. As the first commoner gifted with this ability, his discovery challenges the nobility and the powers that be and Arcturus soon makes enemies. With no one but his demon Sacharissa by his side, Arcturus must prove himself as a worthy Summoner...

Set before the events of SUMMONER: The Novice this is the perfect introduction to the New York Times bestselling SUMMONER series.

Other Books in the Series:

Amazon : B&N : BD

It’s been a long time since I’ve read The Summoner Series and I actually bought Battlemage but didn’t get a chance to read it. Reading The Outcast reminded me how much I really enjoy this series and that I want to go back and reread the whole thing now that I have a little different insight.

So even though The Outcast is the fourth book in the series it’s actually a prequell. It reads like a standalone but leaves you enough at the end that makes you want to go back and start from the beginning. It’s actually a perfect way to get a feel for the world and series before diving into Fletcher’s story. (I love Fletcher by the way so go back and read!)

We find ourselves with Arcturus in this story. He is a simple commoner. Someone who has been abused and looked past his entire life. He has never had a sense of belonging or the feeling of being loved. When Arcturus discovers he can summon, this is at a time when Nobles are able to do so. Throwing himself into a world that he once again is an Outcast. Not only that but the commoners are becoming restless with the cruel King and Arcturus could just be the key to overthrowing them. Arcturus walks that line however where he doesn’t really belong on either side.

I love watching Arcturus develop. You can tell that he is hesitant at first, not just with trusting people but with his confidence as well. As the story goes on we see him grow into this person that he is meant to be. Strong and loyal and finding friends but also family. The strongest with his bond with his demon Sancha.

The plot is great and interesting. We don’t spend the whole time at Vocans. Which is the school for summoners, we actually get to explore different parts of the country. Even get a little up close and personal time with the Orcs. It kind of reminded me a little bit of World of Warcraft, which if I can find a video game comparison a series has sold me. Ha ha. I don’t want to give anything away because it’s an adventure story of sorts. PIcking up people as they go along.

I love how the magic of Summoners works. Since they do start at the school, you get a great introduction to some of the simpler spells and how summoning works. As well as different demon types and even a brief introduction to the Ether.

I also really love that this is a series that I think my son would enjoy as well. I’m always happy to find one that I think will appeal to him. Especially when he gets a ittle older.

I really enjoyed The Outcast. I think if you haven’t read the series it’s a great introduction and will make you want to read Fletcher’s story as well. If you have read the series, I think it’s a great addition to the World.

Taran Matharu is a New York Times bestselling author. He was born in London in 1990 and found a passion for reading at a very early age. His love for stories devel-oped into a desire to create his own during early adolescence, beginning his first book at 9 years old.

Straight after graduating with a First Class degree in Business Administration, Taran was keen to explore a new avenue and get inside the publishing world, land-ing an internship in Digital Sales at Penguin Random House, from June to Septem-ber 2013.

Thereafter, while taking time off to travel, Taran began to write ‘Summoner’ in No-vember 2013 at the age of 22, taking part in ‘Nanowrimo 2013’.

Thanks to Wattpad.com and updating daily, its popularity dramatically increased, reaching over 3 million reads in less than six months.

After being featured by NBC News, Taran decided to launch his professional writing career and has never looked back.

His SUMMONER series is published by Hodder Children’s (Hachette) in the UK, Australia and Commonwealth, Feiwel and Friends (Macmillan) in the US and Can-ada, Hachette Jeunesse in France, Heyne in Germany, Planeta in Spain, Crown in Taiwan, Record in Brazil, EKSMO in Russia, Jaguar in Poland, Ecliptic in Bulgaria, Alpress in the Czech Republic, Ithaki in Turkey and Unieboek in the Netherlands.

GIVEAWAY
• Prize: 1 set of the entire series!! US/Canada Only
• Starts: 4.27
• Ends: 5.8

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d9681b86297/?

Unbreakable by Sara Ella

Unbreakable (Unblemished #3)
Author: Sara Ella
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release Date: May 1, 2018
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Eliyana Ember is stranded in a foreign country in the Third Reflection with no passport, the inability to mirrorwalk, and zero clue where the nearest Thresholds back into the Fourth or Second might lie. Her mind is a haze, her memories vague. She knows a wormhole from the Fourth sent her here. She remembers her mom and baby brother Evan. Makai and Stormy and Joshua . . .

Deep down El realizes she must end the Void once and for all. Is there a way to trap the darkness within its current vessel, kill it off completely? To do so would mean sacrificing another soul—the soul of a man Joshua claims is a traitor. But he’s lied to her before, and even El senses Joshua can’t be fully trusted, but one thing is certain . . .

The Void must be annihilated. And only the Verity—the light which birthed the darkness—can put an end to that which seeks to kill and destroy.

Other Books in the Series

Amazon : B&N : BD

10 Things Readers Don't Know about You

1. I have never stepped foot in NYC (despite the fact Unblemished begins there).

2. I think mayo is the most disgusting food (it’s not a food) on the planet.

3. I am terribly afraid of a certain creepy crawly bug—pincher bugs to some,
earwigs to others.

4. I have a huge crush on John Krasinski (and yes, my husband is aware).

5. I cannot watch horror movies (probably not even the recent one John Krasinski
did with his wife, even though I have a crush on him).

6. I am highly sensitive, empathetic, INFJ. Sneak upon me from behind me and I
will jump out of my skin. Every. Time.

7. My favorite Chinese food dish is chicken with snow peas in the white sauce,
which I have found is extremely hard to find. Only one restaurant near me serves
it.

8. I hate being cold.

9. I am allergic to most laundry detergents and have to use baby laundry detergent.

10. I have never read Anne of Green Gables, Pride and Prejudice, or A Little Princess. But I own all of these books because I love the films, have watched them multiple times, and fully intend to get around to reading them . . . someday.

Once upon a time, SARA ELLA dreamed she would marry a prince (just call her Mrs. Charming) and live in a castle (aka The Plaza Hotel). Though her fairy tale didn’t quite turn out as planned, she did work for Disney—that was an enchanted moment of its own. Now she spends her days throwing living room dance parties for her two princesses and conquering realms of her own imaginings. She believes “Happily Ever After is Never Far Away” for those who put their faith in the King of kings.

Website : Twitter : Instagram : Pinterest : Facebook

GIVEAWAY
• Prize: 10 winners will win 1 of the prizes (pictures in the dropbox)
• US/Canada Only
• Starts:4/25
• Ends: 5/7

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway

Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young

Title: Sky in the Deep
Author: Adrienne Young
Published: April 24th 2018 by Wednesday Books

Seventeen-year-old Eelyn’s world is war. Raised to fight alongside her Aska clansmen in a generations-old blood feud against the Riki, her life is brutal but simple: fight and survive. Until the day she sees the impossible on the battlefield—her brother, fighting with the enemy—the brother she watched die five years ago.

Faced with her brother’s betrayal, she must survive the winter in the mountains with the Riki if she wants to make it back to the fjord after the thaw. But when she begins to see herself in the people she’s been taught to hate, the world Eelyn once knew begins to crumble. And after the village is raided by a ruthless clan many believe to be a myth, Eelyn is given no choice but to trust Fiske, her brother’s friend who has tried more than once to kill her. Together, they must end the blood feud between their clans or watch their people be slaughtered.

A lush, Viking-age inspired fantasy about loyalty, forgiveness, and the definition of family.

Goodreads : Amazon : B&N

Wow. When I started reading Sky in the Deep I couldn’t stop, I raced through the pages. The combo of the unique story as well as the characters had me riveted. Even when I finished reading, I did one of those. What was that awesome movie I watched, oh wait it was a book I read. I loved loved this book so much!

I loved Eelyn. She is this badass warrior and is fiercely loyal to her clan the Aska. It’s interesting to see her change and grow as she finds that things aren’t always what they seem. That hatred that she was taught isn’t necessarily right. I loved watching her develop as she struggled with the things she is supposed to hate but also the things she love and how could they be the same thing at times. Through Eelyn’s eyes we see her own traditions and how they differ from the Riki but are also very similar. She is just such a great character.

All the other characters are great two from Iri, who I had my own complicated feelings about. I could understand the conflict between the siblings. I have older brothers myself so I always think, how would I feel. Then of course Inge, Runa, Halvard and Fiske. (I love Fiske). They all have their special things about them that really just compliment the story.

What are great storyteller Adrienne Young is! The plot is fast moving, I never felt any lag. The fighting scenes were filled with action but not too overwhelming. It was the right amount for the story. You can’t have a book about warring clans without some blood. I actually like that the main characters are not exempt from getting harmed. The fighting season is a brutal time for these clans and it was definitely shown from both sides. I kept the Herja looking like the White Walkers from GOT. I honestly don’t even think they were described that way but it’s what my brain decided and could be swayed. In general though I could vividly picture all the settings and things happening. I really did feel like I had watched a movie.

Hate to love relationships are kind of my favorite type. I’m hoping there is lots of fanart for this book, because I would love to see art from this book.

I could rave all day how this a great read. I really did love it and I can not wait to see what Adrienne Young comes up with next.

Adrienne Young is a born and bred Texan turned California girl. She is a foodie with a deep love of history and travel and a shameless addiction to coffee. When she’s not writing, you can find her on her yoga mat, scouring antique fairs for old books, sipping wine over long dinners, or disappearing into her favorite art museums. She lives with her documentary filmmaker husband and their four little wildlings beneath the West Coast sun.

Website : Twitter : Instagram : Facebook : Pinterest

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

4/1 Tour Stops

Review - Here’s To Happy Endings

Review  - Flyleaf Chronicles

Interview - Emily Reads Everything

Guest Post - A Backwards Story

4/8  Tour Stops

Interview -OMG Books and More Books

Review - Life of a LIterary Nerd

Review - Boundless Bookaholic

Review - Avid Reader Diary

4/15  Tour Stops

Review - Hopeful Reads

Excerpt- The Hermit Librarian

Review  -Dani Reviews Things

Review - Aimee, Always

4/22 Tour Stops

Review - Library of a Book Witch

Review - Pretty Deadly Review

Interview - Bookstacks Amber

Review - A Gingerly Review

4/29 Tour Stops

Guest Post - Sarcasm and Lemons

Review - A Thousand Words and A Millions Books

Interview - Tween 2 Teen Books

Review - A Book and A Cup of Coffee

Isle of Blood and Stone by Makiia Lucier

Isle of Blood and Stone
Author: Makiia Lucier
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Release Date: April 10, 2018
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy


Ulises asked, "How can I look at these maps, see this riddle, and do nothing? They are my brothers."

Elias reached across the table and flicked aside two shells with a fingertip. The map curled into itself. "It's bound to be a goose chase. You know that?"

"Or a treasure hunt," Ulises countered, "and you've always been good at those."

Nineteen-year-old Elias is a royal explorer, a skilled mapmaker, and the new king of del Mar's oldest friend. Soon he will embark on the adventure of a lifetime, an expe-dition past the Strait of Cain and into uncharted waters. Nothing stands in his way...until a long-ago tragedy creeps back into the light, threatening all he holds dear.

The people of St. John del Mar have never recovered from the loss of their boy princes, kidnapped eighteen years ago, both presumed dead. But when two maps surface, each bearing the same hidden riddle, troubling questions arise. What really happened to the young heirs? And why do the maps appear to be drawn by Lord Antoni, Elias's father, who vanished on that same fateful day? With the king's beauti-ful cousin by his side-whether he wants her there or not-Elias will race to solve the riddle of the princes. He will have to use his wits and guard his back. Because some truths are better left buried...and an unknown enemy stalks his every turn.

Goodreads : Amazon : B&N : BD

I love maps and I love puzzles, which can both be found in Isle of Blood and Stone. I really enjoyed the story and the characters.

I love the relationship between the three main characters! Elias is an explorer and map maker. He has a wanderlust spirit that makes him curious about all things. Ulises is the King but also cares deeply about his best friend, Elias, and his cousin, Mercedes. He is very kind and I love the respect he has for others. Then of course Mercedes, who has to deal with the inequality for being a woman and prejudice against her from being half Mondragan. She’s a very strong, clever and observant. The three of them make the perfect team and I Iove how they work together and their relationship.

The romance is so cute!!! I love when two characters already have the basics of the relationship established when you start reading. It’s not a main focus of the book at all but Elias and Mercedes have been friends since children. They are not children anymore and I loved the cuteness of them kind of circling around what they actually feel for one another.

I loved this plot!! It’s a book, so I immediately suspect everyone when there is a riddle to be solved. The only people I didn’t suspect were the people who were either babies or not born at the time the original crime was committed. I loved the way the investigation is carried out in Isle of Blood and Stone. Following maps that are filled with clues, finding pieces that end up leading the complete puzzle. I also like how Elias and Mercedes both worked together and separately. Even though the POV is mostly Elias. We do get some of Mercedes as well and they end up at the same conclusions but take different routes to get there. It’s actually pretty interesting. Even though I started to suspect certain things, the motivations weren’t necessarily completely clear. It was enough not knowing to keep you reading and make it interesting when things are revealed.

The ending is perfect. When everything starts coming together. It’s not easy, where the villain is unmasked while tied up like a scooby doo cartoon. There are still obstacles that they have to overcome in order to catch them. Also they have to deal with the aftermath of everything they have learned. This is my favorite part, it doesn’t just fade to black, crime solved. We get to see the emotions of the characters as they figure out what to do with the information and how it will change their perspectives in the future.

For being a Fantasy it’s not the kind that has some big action and battle scenes. This one is more about the mystery, the maps and politics. Which I like to read both kinds.

I really enjoyed Isle of Blood and Stone. I’ll be excited to see what the next book features.

Makiia is the author of historical fiction and historical fantasy for young adults. She grew up on the Pacific Island of Guam (not too far from the equator), and has de-grees in journalism and library science from the University of Oregon and the Uni-versity of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Her debut novel, A Death-Struck Year, was called a "powerful and disturbing read-ing experience" by Publishers Weekly. It was a finalist for Germany's top book prize for children, the Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis, as well as Japan's Sakura Medal, and was named an ABC Best Books for Children Selection by the American Booksellers Association.

Her second novel, Isle of Blood and Stone, will be available in Spring 2018.

Website : Twitter : Facebook

GIVEAWAY
• Prize: copy of ISLE OF BLOOD AND STONE by Makiia Lucier
• US Only
• Starts: 4/4
• Ends: 4/19

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ace of Shades by Amanda Foody

Title: Ace of Shades
(The Shadow Game #1)
Author: Amanda Foody
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Release Date: April 10, 2018
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Welcome to the City of Sin, where casino families reign, gangs infest the streets…
and secrets hide in every shadow.

Enne Salta was raised as a proper young lady, and no lady would willingly visit New Reynes, the so-called City of Sin. But when her mother goes missing, Enne must leave her finishing school—and her reputation—behind to follow her mother’s trail to the city where no one survives uncorrupted.

Frightened and alone, her only lead is a name: Levi Glaisyer. Unfortunately, Levi is not the gentleman she expected—he’s a street lord and a con man. Levi is also only one payment away from cleaning up a rapidly unraveling investment scam, so he doesn't have time to investigate a woman leading a dangerous double life. Enne's offer of compensation, however, could be the solution to all his problems.

Their search for clues leads them through glamorous casinos, illicit cabarets and into the clutches of a ruthless mafia donna. As Enne unearths an impossible secret about her past, Levi's enemies catch up to them, ensnaring him in a vicious execu-tion game where the players always lose. To save him, Enne will need to surrender herself to the city…

And she’ll need to play.

Goodreads : Amazon : B&N : BD

So when I first started reading Ace of Shades, I’m like ya this is good. Next thing I knew it had sucked me down the rabbit hole and I could not stop reading. I flew through the rest of the book in a day. With two great protagonist, there is never a dull moment.

I loved Levi! He was such an interesting character because despite is attitude of seeming to only care about himself, he actually cares a great deal more than he lets on. One of my favorite things about him is how confident he is in himself. Not just in his card abilities but in his whole person. He finds someone attractive, he goes for them. Doesn’t matter male or female or their lot in life. He is very clever and as the Iron Lord he needs to be. He’s trying to juggle his employment to a ruthless family monarch and his role overseeing his territories.

Enne is also a great character. She shows up to the City of Sin as very prim and proper and we see those layers get peeled away like an onion. He transformation is interesting because you wonder how much is the city influencing her and how much was already ingrained in her that she didn’t realize. I love how she doesn’t take crap, even when she knows her chips are down. She has a fiery temper and she also has this confidence about herself as well. Her and Levi aren’t necessarily supporting each other as much as complementing each other. Like a perfect palette of colors.

As far as romance is concerned. Welcome to the never ending slow burn. There is plenty of tension to keep you going.

ways something happening. It doesn’t matter if it has to do with Enne or Levi, the action keeps you enthralled. I really could not stop reading. There wasn’t a good breaking point, where I’m like okay this place is going a little slow I can get up and do something else for a bit. I had to keep reading and know how things were going to end. The writing is great and all of the supporting characters contribute something as well.

I don’t want to give away much of the story because it is a partially a mystery as Enne searches for her mother. Discovering things about the city and the people running it as she goes along. Which Levi becomes a part of too.

I really loved the book and can not wait for book two. I need it!

Amanda Foody has always considered imagination to be our best attempt at magic. After spending her childhood longing to attend Hogwarts, she now loves to write about immersive settings and characters grappling with insurmountable destinies. She holds a Masters in Accountancy from Villanova University, and a Bachelors of Arts in English Literature from the College of William and Mary. Currently, she works as a tax accountant in Philadelphia, PA, surrounded by her many siblings and many books.

DAUGHTER OF THE BURNING CITY is her first novel. Her second, ACE OF SHADES, will follow in April 2018.

Website : Twitter : Instagram

GIVEAWAY
• Prize:5 copies of ACE OF SHADES (The Shadow Game #1) by Amanda Foody (US/Canda Only) • Starts: 3/26 • Ends: 4/19 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Star-Crossed by Pintip Dunn Cover Reveal

Let us know what you think of the cover for Star-Crossed by Pintip Dunn, which releases October 2, 2018!

This cover reveal is brought to you by Entangled Teen.

About Star-Crossed

Only one can survive...

Want to read more? Pre-order your copy of Star-Crossed by Pintip Dunn today!

Amazon | B&N | iBooks

Pintip Dunn is a New York Times bestselling author of YA fiction. She graduated from Harvard University, magna cum laude, with an A.B. in English Literature and Language. She received her J.D. at Yale Law School, where she was an editor of the YALE LAW JOURNAL. Pintip's debut novel, FORGET TOMORROW, won the RWA RITA® for Best First Book. In addition, it is a finalist for the Grand Prix de l’Imaginaire, the Japanese Sakura Medal, and the MASL Truman Award. THE DARKEST LIE was nominated for a Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award. Her other books include REMEMBER YESTERDAY, the novella BEFORE TOMORROW, and GIRL ON THE VERGE. She lives with her husband and children in Maryland. You can learn more about Pintip and her books at www.pintipdunn.com

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | Entangled Publishing

True Storm by L.E. Sterling Excerpt Reveal

Don’t Miss the Excerpt Reveal from True Storm by L.E. Sterling, which releases on May 1, 2018!

His hands still on my face. “I’m sorry,” I manage to say, trying to control a nervous need to giggle like a hyena. “Are we fighting? Maybe I didn’t notice because it’s all we ever seem to do.”

A wicked grin lights his features. “That’s not all we seem to do,” he whispers, seconds before he replaces his thumb with his lips.

It’s a soft kiss at first, tentative. Like someone asking your name. But it lights me up, sending fire shooting through my body, heat curling through my belly. I must sigh because Jared pulls back for just a moment, a question in his eyes and hunger written all over him. Then he claims my lips again, holding my face in his hands as the earth spins away from me.

About True Storm:

Lucy’s twin sister, Margot, may be safely back with her—but all is not well in Plague-ravaged Dominion City. The Watchers have come out of hiding, spreading chaos and death throughout the city, and suddenly Lucy finds herself under pressure to choose her future: does it lie with her handsome new friend, Alastair; her guardian, the enigmatic True Born leader Nolan Storm; or the man who makes her heart trip, her savage True Born bodyguard Jared Price?

But while Lucy ponders her path, fate has other plans. Betrayal is a cruel lesson, and the Fox sisters can hardly believe who is behind the plot against them. To survive this deadly game of politics, Lucy is forced to agree to a marriage of convenience. But is the DNA of her will stronger than the forces opposing her? And can she turn the tide against the oncoming storm?

As they say in Dominion, rogue genes can never have a happy ending...

Want to read more? Pre-order your copy of True Storm (True Born Trilogy, #3) by L.E. Sterling today!

Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo | Entangled Publishing

L.E. Sterling had an early obsession with sci-fi, fantasy and romance to which she remained faithful even through an M.A. in Creative Writing and a PhD in English Literature – where she completed a thesis on magical representation. She is the author of two previous novels, the cult hit Y/A novel The Originals (under pen name L.E. Vollick), dubbed “the Catcher in the Rye of a new generation” by one reviewer, and the urban fantasy Pluto’s Gate. Originally hailing from Parry Sound, Ontario, L.E. spent most of her summers roaming across Canada in a van with her father, a hippie musician, her brothers and an occasional stray mutt – inspiring her writing career. She currently lives in Toronto, Ontario.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon | Entangle Publishing

US-Only Giveaway of a Paperback copy of True North:

a Rafflecopter giveaway