Book Blitz + Giveaway: On Davis Row by N. R. Walker

On Davis Row
by N.R. Walker
Publication date: November 27th 2017
Adult, LGBTQ+, Romance

Nearing the end of a suspended jail sentence should unlock a brighter future for CJ Davis, only the chip on his shoulder is as hard to shift as his bad reputation. Born into a family of career criminals who live down Davis Road, an address the cops have dubbed Davis Row, his name alone is like a rap sheet that makes optimism impossible. 

Brand-new parole officer Noah Huxley is determined to see the good in men like CJ. After all, he knows firsthand that bad things can happen to good people. His colleagues mock his doe-eyed optimism, but Noah soon sees CJ’s bad attitude and bravado are weapons he uses to keep people at a distance. 

Both men know one simple mistake can change a life forever. At first glance, they might seem to be polar opposites. Yet underneath, they’re not that different at all.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

I knew firsthand how life could change on a dime. How sometimes all it took was getting laid off work and trying to make easy money to feed a family. Sometimes parents didn’t give a shit and kids had to steal stuff to survive. Sometimes they got lost in the system, trampled on by life, blinded by the fact no one seemed to give a rat’s arse. Sometimes they were forgotten; sometimes it was desperation or mental illness or addiction that kept company with bad decisions and unfortunate circumstances.

          And sometimes good people did bad things. Sometimes they weren’t good people at all. Sometimes evil lurked behind blank stares, and sometimes it screamed.

Author Bio:
N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance. 

She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn’t have it any other way. 

She is many things: a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who live in her head, who don’t let her sleep at night unless she gives them life with words. She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things... but likes it even more when they fall in love. 

She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.
She’s been writing ever since... 

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

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Review: The House of Hades by Rick Riordan

The House of Hades (The Heroes of Olympus, #4)
by Rick Riordan
Published by Puffin
Young Adult, fantasy, mythology, adventure

The House of Hades is the fourth book in the bestselling Heroes of Olympus series, set in the action-packed world of Percy Jackson.

The stakes have never been higher. If Percy Jackson and Annabeth fail in their quest, there'll be hell on Earth. Literally.

Wandering the deadly realm of Tartarus, every step leads them further into danger. And, if by some miracle they do make it to the Doors of Death, there's a legion of bloodthirsty monsters waiting for them.

Meanwhile, Hazel and the crew of the Argo II have a choice: to stop a war or save their friends. Whichever road they take one thing is certain - in the Underworld, evil is inescapable.

Remember what I said about starting to like Annabeth a little bit and about starting to accept she's the one for Percy? Yeah, I take that back. After the reveal in this book - the one I've been waiting for years and gave up as something that would never happen - I'm back to disliking Annabeth and definitely not shipping Percy/Annabeth. Plus, I just couldn't agree with Annabeth regarding the Tartarus and how she reacted when Percy went a little bit dark (in order to save them).

I'm just saying, but Nico needs a spin off series of his own. Plenty of hugs and love, too, because he's suffered so much. Anyway, The House of Hades was captivating and brilliant, and at this point, I'm pretty sure it's one of my favourites in the series. So full of adventure and dangerous moments that just got me to turn pages faster than ever. So stunning. I especially loved the budding friendship between Nico and Jason.

In short, The House of Hades was intense, stunning, captivating, and brilliant. Definitely one of the best in the series this far. 

5 of 5 stars.

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ARC Review: Off the Ice by Avon Gale & Piper Vaughn

Off the Ice (Hat Trick, #1)
by Avon Gale & Piper Vaughn
Published by Riptide Publishing
eARC
LGBT, contemporary, romance, sports

Tristan Holt is nothing if not pragmatic. Despite a flourishing career as a defenseman for the Atlanta Venom, Tristan knows he can’t play hockey forever. One day he’ll retire—if an injury doesn’t force him to hang up his skates first. His backup plan? Finishing his business degree. But he doesn’t count on a very inappropriate attraction to his standoffish sociology professor, Sebastian Cruz.

Sebastian is on the bottom rung of the Sociology Department at Georgia State. He has his sights set on tenure, and he can’t afford to be distracted, especially not by a sexy student with a body straight out of Sebastian’s dreams. No matter how much Tristan tempts him, that’s one line Sebastian won’t cross. At least not until summer classes end. After that, everything is fair game.

But Sebastian lives loud and proud, and Tristan is terrified of being the first out player in the NHL. Neither of them can afford to risk their hearts when they can’t imagine a happily ever after. The problem is, unlike hockey, when it comes to love, there are no rules.

I haven't read sports romances centering around hockey before, so this was a refreshing take on that field, instead of the usual American football centered M/M romances. I grew up with a father who's a big hockey fan, so I truly were excited about this. Indeed, all things hockey were great in the story - the games especially and the atmosphere of cheering for your favourite team. Basically, everything that had to do with hockey was absolutely great.

However, it was the romance and one of the main characters which made the story not so enjoyable for me. Tristan was absolutely sweetheart and I loved him because he was so real with his struggles and enthusiasm for both studies, hockey, family, and relationships. Tristan and the hockey were the best parts of the story. Sebastian, the grumpy professor, was really unlikable character. He was demanding and seemed to dislike his students to the point where the reader is left wondering why he's a professor in the first place. He was the definition of university professor whose lectures students usually avoid. Even outside of classroom, Sebastian was rude and quite selfish. He didn't seem to have any redeemable qualities, which is why I had a hard time understanding why Tristan fell for him.

On that note, there really wasn't romantic chemistry. Sexual chemistry yes, but outside of that the relationship felt a bit too forced upon a reader. Then again, everyone else seem to love the book, so it might just be me. I just couldn't understand Sebastian, and the dominant/submissive kink that developed during the story was not my cup of tea either - in fact, I ended up skipping most of the sex scenes altogether.

I had a hard time deciding between three and two stars. Tristan, his teammates and the hockey were good and enjoyable, and the beginning of the story was interesting and quite captivating. On the other hand, Sebastian, the lack of romantic chemistry, and the sex that wasn't my cup of tea, made the story drag, and the last half of the story was less captivating than the beginning. In the end, the story just seems to be something that wasn't for me, even if I loved the hockey parts and Tristan.

2 of 5 stars.

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Thank you, Riptide Publishing, for giving me a chance to read and review Off the Ice!

(A copy of this ebook was provided in return for an honest review.)

Top Ten Tuesday: Books On My Winter TBR

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Each week participating bloggers can create lists of topic given by the host, and share them with others!
Notoriously, I don't stick to TBRs but here's what I'm hoping to read during the winter.

Review: The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan

The Mark of Athena (Heroes of Olympus, #3)
by Rick Riordan
Published by Puffin
YA, fantasy, mythology, adventure

Annabeth is terrified. Just when she's about to be reunited with Percy—after six months of being apart, thanks to Hera—it looks like Camp Jupiter is preparing for war. As Annabeth and her friends Jason, Piper, and Leo fly in on the Argo II, she can’t blame the Roman demigods for thinking the ship is a Greek weapon. With its steaming bronze dragon masthead, Leo's fantastical creation doesn't appear friendly. Annabeth hopes that the sight of their praetor Jason on deck will reassure the Romans that the visitors from Camp Half-Blood are coming in peace.

And that's only one of her worries. In her pocket Annabeth carries a gift from her mother that came with an unnerving demand: Follow the Mark of Athena. Avenge me. Annabeth already feels weighed down by the prophecy that will send seven demigods on a quest to find—and close—the Doors of Death. What more does Athena want from her?

Annabeth's biggest fear, though, is that Percy might have changed. What if he's now attached to Roman ways? Does he still need his old friends? As the daughter of the goddess of war and wisdom, Annabeth knows she was born to be a leader, but never again does she want to be without Seaweed Brain by her side.

I have an unpopular opinion: I don't like Annabeth. I have never really cared for her and I certainly never have shipped Percy and Annabeth. Thus it's not a big surprise that I wasn't over the moon having to read chapters upon chapters from her point of view. It didn't help that the beginning of The Mark of Athena lacked a little - although I think it was mostly because how epic the ending of the previous book was. I still loved the story, but it's not a surprise either because it's Rick Riordan and I love his books. In a way, I also learned to like Annabeth a little bit - I guess I finally started to get over that she and Percy are together and that other pairings for Percy wouldn't happen. Or maybe it was because Piper annoyed me so much that Annabeth seemed like more likable character. Piper was just so jealous of Jason and so insecure about their relationship all the time that it got more than little bit annoying.

Despite all that, I loved pretty much everything and everyone. Leo is always hilarious and he saves the day with his wit and humour, and I like both Percy and Jason and their standoffs. And of course, I love Nico and I honestly cried for everything he went through in this book - especially because he went it all through alone. He needs a hug and plenty of love!

The Mark of Athena was full of adventures, hilarious moments, and just overall brilliant writing. After that ending, the next book has to be most thrilling one yet!

5 of 5 stars.

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Stacking the Shelves (67)

Stacking The Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews, and is all about sharing the book 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!
Purchased

 

 

Freebies/Won

 

Review Copies

 

Flash Book Blitz: Leo Loves Aries by Anyta Sunday

Leo Loves Aries (Signs of Love, #1)
by Anyta Sunday
Self-published
New Adult, LGBT, contemporary, romance

A new person will enter your life in the early year, Leo. Look past any moments of frustration they might bring and laugh—this could be the start of a thriving friendship.

Theo Wallace usually laughs at the horoscopes his mom sends. Still hung up on his ex-girlfriend and practically friendless, this one begs him to reconsider. Because a friendship that stuck, that thrived…

Well, that would be a reason to leave past pains behind and look to the Bright Future. 

When his sister Leone challenges him to find her the perfect date for a spring wedding, Theo uses it as a chance to make new friends. Theo’s ex economics tutor and newest roommate Mr Jamie Cooper seems to be a possible and convenient match. Real convenient. Like written in the stars, convenient.

All he has to do is make sure this Jamie is good enough. Could really be the one for her, and the friend for him. 

But watch out, Leo, the stars have a surprise in store…

Get your free copy from Amazon

Why not check out the rest of books in the series, too?

Scorpio Hates Virgo

Gemini Keeps Capricorn 

I absolutely love this series, and I encouraged everyone to check it out while Leo Loves Aries is free :)

About Anyta Sunday:

Heart-stopping slow burn.

Anyta is a big, BIG fan of slow-burn romances. She loves to read and write stories with characters who slowly fall in love.

Some of her favorite tropes to read and write are: Enemies to Lovers, Friends to Lovers, Clueless Guys, Bisexual, Pansexual, Demisexual, Oblivious MCs, Everyone (Else) Can See It, Slow Burn, Love Has No Boundaries.

Anyta writes a variety of stories, Contemporary MM Romances with a good dollop of angst, Contemporary lighthearted MM Romances, and even a splash of fantasy. Her books have been translated into German, Italian and French.

Member of Romance Writers of America.

Sign up for Anyta's newsletter and receive a free e-book: http://www.anytasunday.com/?page_id=977

Connect with Anyta: Author website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

Review: Mythos by Stephen Fry

Mythos: A Retelling of the Myths of Ancient Greece
by Stephen Fry
Published by Michael Joseph
Non-fiction, mythology, history

The Greek myths are the greatest stories ever told, passed down through millennia and inspiring writers and artists as varied as Shakespeare, Michelangelo, James Joyce and Walt Disney.

They are embedded deeply in the traditions, tales and cultural DNA of the West. In Stephen Fry's hands the stories of the titans and gods become a brilliantly entertaining account of ribaldry and revelry, warfare and worship, debauchery, love affairs and life lessons, slayings and suicides, triumphs and tragedies.

You'll fall in love with Zeus, marvel at the birth of Athena, wince at Cronus and Gaia's revenge on Ouranos, weep with King Midas and hunt with the beautiful and ferocious Artemis.

Thoroughly spellbinding, informative and moving, Stephen Fry's Mythos perfectly captures these stories for the modern age - in all their rich and deeply human relevance.

Who's more perfect for retelling the Greek myths than witty Stephen Fry? No one, as Mythos was brilliant retelling of the Greek myths: from the beginning of the world when there was only Chaos, through the First Order, the Second Order, the Third Order (which is the Olympians), and through the creation of mankind and their Golden and Silver Ages. Mythos does not retell the later ages, including the Age of Heroes, so you won't meet Herakles, Achilles or Odyssey here. Now I just wish Fry will make this a series and retell the later ages of the Greek myths, too!

Stephen Fry's narrative makes the myths of Ancient Greece flow like no other. Absolutely entertaining! I loved Mythos, and I highly recommend it for everyone - it doesn't matter if you're meeting the Greek gods first time or if you're seasoned, this will be entertaining read.

5 of 5 stars.

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Release Day Blitz + Giveaway: Citywide by Santino Hassell

Citywide (Five Boroughs, #6)
by Santino Hassell
Published by Riptide Publishing
Release day: November 13, 2017
Contemporary, romance

A record-breaking heat wave engulfs the Five Boroughs, and emotions run as hot as the temperatures. 

In Rerouted, Chris Mendez is trying to live a drama-free life. That doesn't include another threesome with Jace and Aiden Fairbairn. But then a citywide blackout leaves them trapped together, and Chris is forced to re-examine everything he thought he knew about relationships and his own heart. 

In Gridlocked, former Marine Tonya Maldonado is keeping real estate heiress Meredith Stone on permanent ignore. Mere isn't Tonya’s type. Not even close. Who cares if she kisses like a dream and has the filthiest mouth this side of the East River? But then a security detail at a summer party ends with her saving Mere's life and discovering they have more chemistry than she’d ever imagined. 

In Derailed, Stephanie Quinones escapes the heat and her complicated love life by going on a company retreat. Trouble is, it's a couples’ retreat, and she lied about having a boyfriend. Unfortunately, the only person willing to play pretend is her on-again/off-again fling, Angel León. They’re currently "off again,” but after a week in the woods, Stephanie realizes she wouldn’t mind them being permanently on.

Get your copy here

Excerpt:

Stephanie was still eyeing Scott like he’d just wandered in off the street. Then she glanced at me, but she had a weird look on her face, and that weirdness spelled reluctance. She did not want me to meet this person. “Scott is my boss. He’s the, um, DeFrancis of Berger & DeFrancis.”

“Uh-huh.”

I stared at her hard, waiting for her to introduce me, and watched that panic grow. What the fuck? There was absolutely no way Stephanie was banging her boss. She had too much integrity. And besides that, she’d often complained about the inequity of salaries, and how her fellow paralegals and the legal assistants irritated her by obsessing for years over her not having a boyfriend or girlfriend. She’d never once said anything to imply . . .

But it wasn’t my business. She did not belong to me.

I pasted on a half-assed smile and held out my hand. He had a limp, damp handshake.

“I’m Angel León. Nice to meet you, man.”

Scott nodded, cocked his head, and then awareness sparked. “Oh, you’re Stephanie’s fiancé.”

I stared. “What?”

Beside me, Stephanie’s face was flaming. She seemed close to exploding right there in the glass-encased office as Caleb and Oli looked between us in confusion. They, wisely, didn’t speak.

“Stephanie’s fiancé,” Scott awkwardly clarified. “We don’t, uh, well, that is, I don’t talk about personal things with my employees, but—” Holy fuck, would he ever get a sentence out? Stephanie appeared ready to melt into a puddle of humiliation on the floor. “She said she couldn’t come to the company retreat in Lake George next weekend because she had plans with her fiancé. Angel.”

The effort to not crack a smile was monumental. This was stupid. I knew it was stupid. She’d thrown my name in the fray at work to keep them off her back. It had nothing to do with some actual desire to ever be engaged to me. But even so . . .

I wrapped my arm around her shoulder and pulled her in with a shit-eating smile. “Gotcha.”

Across from us, Oli was also turning red from an obvious effort not to laugh. Caleb looked like he wanted to die from secondhand embarrassment.

“Um . . .” Stephanie shuffled besides me. “Right . . .”

“But you know what, Scott?” I dug my fingers into Stephanie’s arm. “Those plans may dry up. Is it too late for her to go along?”

Oli had taken a sip of his drink and choked. Stephanie gave me a hateful glare. I kept smiling at Scott.

“No, not at all. We’re going to have cabins, do team-building activities, and there will even be a hike.” Scott listed these activities as if in theory they were awesome, but his voice barely made it to semi pleased to be participating. “There are a lot of couples going, so you’re more than welcome to attend. We still have one room available.”

This time it was Stephanie who brightened like her wattage had suddenly received a boost. “Well, we might just take that into consideration, Scott. My Angelito loves outdoorsy stuff.”

I kept my mouth sealed into a smile even as I saw this plan backfiring.

Author bio

Santino Hassell was raised by a conservative family but grew up to be a smart-mouthed, school cutting grunge kid, a transient twenty-something, and eventually transformed into a grumpy introvert and unlikely romance author with an affinity for baseball caps. His novels are heavily influenced by the gritty, urban landscape of New York City, and his desire to write relationships fueled by intensity and passion.

He’s been a finalist in both the Bisexual Book Awards and the EPIC Awards, and was nominated for a prestigious RITA award in 2017. His work has been featured in BuzzFeed, Huffington Post, Washington Post, RT Magazine, and Cosmopolitan Magazine.

Connect with Santino: Website | Twitter | Instagram | FB Group | FB | GR | Tumblr

Giveaway

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Waiting on Wednesday #50

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's cannot-wait book is:

Fence by C.S. Pacat!

Fence
by C.S. Pacat
Artist: Johanna the Mad

Published by Boom! Box

Expected publication: November 15th 2017

Comic/Graphic Novel, YA, LGBT, sports

“Fence” follows the rise of 16-year-old outsider Nicholas in the world of competitive fencing at an elite boys school. “It’s all about the world of fencing,” said Pacat. “The elegance, the danger, the high stakes of what’s essentially a combat sport.”

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Wrapping the Month: October

What's greater way to start new month than taking a look at previous one?

I had possibly the best month when it came to writing reviews: I wrote ten reviews! Otherwise it was quite quiet here, but I won't mull over it because I'm happy with the reviews. I'm so behind written reviews compared to the finished books, so I'll try to keep up with plenty of reviews posted. October was mostly dominated by university as it's getting busier, and re-watching CSI New York.

Yes, that is my fourth copy of The Song of Achilles. I stand behind the saying that you can never have too many copies of your favourite book. And I'm so excited about the last Magnus Chase story!

October's reviews:

Foxglove Copse (3 stars)

Scorpio Hates Virgo (5 stars)

The Lover's Dictionary (4 stars)

A Conjuring of Light (5 stars)

Sightlines (5 stars)

Cover Up (3 stars)

Fox Hunt (3 stars)

The Son of Neptune (5 stars)

The Last Wolf (5 stars)

The Quarterback (4 stars)

October was going so well because I finished five books and there was almost two weeks left of the month. I kind of hit a tiny reading slump when the uni got really busy, and basically didn't read anything for the rest of the month. I'm still happy with five books, especially since I'm well ahead of my reading goal for 2017.

  

November will possibly be the busiest time of this year for me. I have deadlines for assignments every week plus all the Christmas shopping. Still, I'll do my best to read, blog and review as much as possible.

Hugs,

Henna