Review: Down London Road by Samantha Young

Down London Road (On Dublin Street, #2)
by Samantha Young
Published by Penguin
Paperback (purchased)
NA, contemporary, romance

Johanna Walker knows what she wants. And that's a strong, steady, financially secure man who will treat her well and look after her and her little brother, Cole - something her parents have never done.

But when she meets the gorgeous Cameron MacCabe, a new bartender at work, Jo can't deny the instant and undeniable attraction she feels. Cam doesn't fit into her strict specifications of her perfect partner at all - but for once she is tempted to let her heart rule her head.

And as their intense connection grows, Jo has to stop hiding the truth about herself and her family. Is Cam prepared to accept Jo for who she really is? And is Jo willing to let someone into her life for keeps?

Last summer I read lots of New Adult, and I kind of lost my hope with the NA contemporary romance because all the stories seemed the same. However, I was mood for easy romance and I picked Down London Road, and I was pleasantly surprised. It wasn't easy romance as I though, no, Down London Road was quite emotional rollercoaster and I loved every moment of it. I couldn't put the book down, devouring over hundred pages on one sitting. It was so good that it restored my hope for NA contemporary romance - or at least I'll definitely read more of Samantha Young's books.

 

First of all, the characters were believable. There was no perfect Mary Sue's who are strong, persistent, independent and self-secured. Not that there's anything wrong with those adjectives but honestly, I've been sick of how women are potrayed so one dimensional by women authors. Johanna Walker was strong and brave, yes, but she was both of those in quiet way. Johanna had it bad: horrible parents and basically she was parent for her little brother, Cole. She was insecure because of her past but at the same time she was stubborn and would do anything for her little brother. I can respect character like that - someone who isn't perfect but who is willing to do anything for the one she cares most. And it wasn't the male lead Johanna would have done anything and that's what I'm cheering for. Johanna said it herself: her brother always came first.

 

Besides Johanna the character cast was wide and amazing because no one was without flaws. Cam was so lovable even though I wanted to smack him at the beginning. He was intriguing, stubborn and yeah, kind of caveman but he was also smart. Cole was maybe my favourite, broody teenager but smart in a quiet way. There were so many great characters, and I loved how all of them felt real - how the whole story felt real. It was slow burn since the main couple didn't get together instantly and there was obstacles and insecurities that relationships bring up in real life, too. I enjoyed the story because it felt like it could happen and especially since Johanna, Cole and Cam were relateable. Also, I'm so glad Young brought up how childhood traumas and abuse isn't over just because the right guy comes into the picture - it was so good to see how Johanna dealt with her insecurities that her past brought up over and over again, and how she learned to respect herself.

 

The plot was good and solid, and the book didn't rush anything. It was four hundread and fifty pages of good story with angst, drama and real life issues with family, love and friendship. Young is good writer and the story felt effortless since it had the flow. The story and it's characters made me feel with them, live their life, both happiness and angst. It was great story with amazing characters and I will definitely read more books from this series - I can't wait to read Cole's story and so many others! I highly recommend this to everyone who enjoyes NA contemporary romance - or even if not, because I think this is a good book to start with.

 

(And Scotland. The book takes place in Scotland and there's hot scottish men there. One more reason to read it.)

 

5 of 5 stars.

 

Down London Road on Goodreads.

 

For the record, I haven't read the On Dublin Street (yet).

Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award

 

I was nominated by my darling Saruuh. I'm honoured by this, thank you so much for the nomination! (and my sincere apologies for this taking so long)

The Rules:

1) Thank the blogger that nominated you, and link back to their site.
2) Post the award's logo on your blog.
3) Answer the 10 Questions That you have been asked.
4) Nominate 10 other bloggers and ask them 10 questions.

　

1. What was the first book you bought for yourself?

Oh boy, I'm so bad remembering this kind of stuff. Like, horrible. I'm just guessing here because I have no memory but it must have been some middle grade horse book (because I was pretty obsessed with horses, riding and books about horses while I was in elementary school).
 

2. Which book did you just finish?

The Circus of the Damned by Cornelia Grey and just before that Kaiken Se Kestää by Uma Karma (I read them at the same time, more or less). I've been on a little bit reading slump after those so I'm slowly reading a couple of different books right now.
 

3. If you could pick 2-3 authors to co-write a book, who would you choose?

This is evil question here, Saruuh! Totally unfair because I'm unable to choose. Hmm. I'd say Kelley York (because I love everything she writes, especially those darker themes and her character developement), Veronica Rossi (because for me, she's the queen of dystopia) and yes, I'm going to say Saruuh Kelsey (because I can, okay, I don't need reasons. Go read her books.)

 

Though, I'd love write a book in Finnish with Uma Karma, so I'm also going to name her.
 

4. What is your favourite book design? - not cover, but the inside (fancy chapter titles, page design etc.)

I've thought this over and over again and I've so much trouble deciding. Especially since it seems I can't find any book with unique design when I'm looking for, huh. My Finnish copies of Percy Jackson and Olympians by Rick Riordan have pretty neat chapter title design. The Lightning Thief has lightning, The Sea Monster has waves etc. AND The Merman and the Barbarian Pirate by Kay Berrisford has a pirate ship photo on every chapter title, it's so cool!
 

5. What book are you desperate to own?

What book I wouldn't love to own? I want them all! But at this moment (when I'm still on book bying ban so this question is almost cruel) I'm desperate to own Kaiken Se Kestää by Uma Karma. I need to own that book because then I can hug it day and night. And re-read it over and over again.

 

Also, if we're speaking about books that hasn't been published yet, then I have to mention Half Wild by Sally Green. March can't come soon enough!
 

6. Which book that you own smells the best?

I swear, Saruuh's question are both genious and so irritating because answering these question takes time. So, so much time. I'm going with Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban because it smells like memories and dreams.
 

7. Is there a book you've been meaning to read forever but still haven't got around to it?

Way too many. Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo has been sitting on my shelf over a year and even though I'm dying to read it, I haven't gotten around it yet. Also, Tremble by Jus Accardo but I've decided I'm not reading the before the fourth one of the Denazen series comes out (because Toxic ended with a terrible cliffhanger and I'm afraid Tremble will too).
 

8. Who is your least favourite character? The kind you reaaaaally want to strangle.
There's so many to choose from. I'm bad at saying ultimatums like the best and the least but I'm trying. Vivian from Hushed by Kelley York is one of my least favourites and I kinda hate her. I wouldn't feel bad at strangling her. Also Jessica from Half Bad by Sally Green deserves my hate for how cruel she was to Nathan. Okay, I kind of understand where's she's coming from with her hate for Nathan but still I kinda hate her so I could strangle her so Nathan wouldn't have to.
 

9. Do you own any bookish possessions that aren't books? - jewellery, bookmarks, etc.
Yes, I do. Some bookmarks that I've got from some lovely authors - both paper bookmarks and metallic. I love bookmarks so much and I collect them so I'm always beyond happy if I get one. I've some bracelets made by Saruuh Kelsey and they're cool too. And of course, I've the time turner neckles from Harry Potter.
 

10. If you could take a trip inside the world of one book, which would it be?
There's so many book worlds I'd love to visit so it's hard to choose (I think I've said this during every question but it's true!) I'm going with The Merman and the Barbarian Pirate by Kay Berrisford because mermans and pirates and yeah, I'd love to be on a pirate ship!

And of course there's the obvious: world of magic aka Harry Potter.


I'm so unforgetably late with this because of reasons and that's why I'm not going to nominate anyone (I'm sure the one's I'd nominate have already done this).



Book Blitz + Giveaway: No Such Thing as Perfect by Sarah Daltry

No Such Thing as Perfect

by Sarah Daltry
Publication date: December 11th 2014
YA, contemporary

 

College was supposed to be perfect. She was supposed to be perfect.

For Lily Drummond, life is about following the rules. To be specific, her mother’s rules. College fit into the plan – maintain perfect grades, date the perfect guy, and live the perfect life. On her own, though, Lily realizes that she doesn’t actually have a plan. Without being told what to think and do, she keeps making mistakes.

Away from home, the perfect facade is beginning to shatter. When Lily herself starts to break, it’s the support of an unlikely friend that teaches her how much of a lie perfect really is – and how to be whole on her own terms.

 No Such Thing as Perfect was inspired by Sarah's Flowering series, but it stands completely alone as its own title. The same characters appear and some situations are similar, but this was written with a different goal in mind. There is NO on-camera sex in this novel and it is not a "romance" novel by most standards, but a story of growing up and being okay with who you are.

No Such Thing as Perfect on Goodreads.

 

Purchase your copy!

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Author bio

Sarah Daltry is a varied author, known best for the contemporary New Adult series, 'Flowering', a six-title series that explores the complexities of relationships, including how we survive the damage from our pasts with the support of those who love us. Although the books are no longer in print, they are being rewritten and redeveloped for future publication. Please visit Sarah's website for more details.

 

As a former English teacher and YA library coordinator, Sarah has always loved Young Adult literature and 'Dust', an epic fantasy novel where romance blends with the blood and grit of war, is her second official foray into YA, following the gamer geek romantic comedy, 'Backward Compatible'. Most of Sarah's work is about teens and college students, as it's what she knows well.

Sarah's passion in life is writing - weaving tales of magic and beauty. The modern and vast social networking world is an alternative universe that she makes infrequent trips to, but when she does, readers will find her attentive, friendly and happy to discuss the magic of stories and reading. Please stop by and say hello anywhere Sarah is online! You can find these places at http://sarahdaltry.com

 

Sarah has moved back and forth between independent and traditional publishing. Her first novel, 'Bitter Fruits', is with Escape, an imprint of Harlequin Australia, and she signed with Little Bird Publishing in the spring of 2014.

Sarah has also written 'The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock,' a reimagining of one of her favorite poems in a contemporary setting.

She is an obsessive Anglophile who spends more time watching BBC TV than any human being should, as well as a hardcore gamer and sarcastic nerd.

Facebook

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Goodreads

 

Excerpt

I make it through the week otherwise unscathed. All my work is done, I seem to be maybe becoming friends with Kristen, and Derek’s on his way up to campus. I’ve been pacing for the better part of an hour. 

“You need to relax,” Kristen says. “What could go wrong?”

For people who don’t need things in their places, it’s easy to relax. If something goes awry, it can always be fixed later. For people like me, though, everything can always go wrong. When I can’t control it, I panic. It’s the only thing I know how to do. 

“What if something’s happened?” I ask for the third time. He was supposed to be here an hour ago. 

“Nothing happened. He hit traffic, I bet.”

“But why didn’t he call?”

“Because he’s an idiot. Now sit down and stop pacing. You’re making me nervous.”

There’s a scuff on the toe of my shoes, so I do sit down. I scrub at it, but it won’t come out; my attempts end up making it worse, so now the entire toe is dirty. “I look like hell,” I tell Kristen. 

“You look fine – just like you have for the last few hours when you’ve asked. How long have you been dating again?” 

“Ten months.”

“Ten months, and you think he’s going to show up having not seen you in a week and realize he must have been crazy?” she asks. 

“It’s just… he’s the only boyfriend I’ve ever had.”

“So?”

How do I tell her about Rebecca Ellison, about Heather Yost, about Jill Pevarski, about Gina Frey, about all the girls Derek’s dated? How do I explain that nothing ever seemed to happen, that one day he was with them and then one day he wasn’t? How do I make her see that I’ve only wanted him and he fits into the puzzle and that I don’t have a backup plan?

“Never mind. Can I borrow your shoes? The black ones you wore yesterday?”

Kristen shakes her head and jumps down off her bed. “Lily, none of it matters. If Derek doesn’t want you, you’re good enough without him.”

Good enough is not good enough, I think. No one wants good enough. I don’t say anything, though, but I take the shoes and change them. There’s no sign of the scuff. Nothing is out of place, nothing out of order. 

 

Giveaway! (Int)

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Waiting on Wednesday #21

"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:

Playlist for the Dead by Michelle Farkoff!

 

Playlist for the Dead

by Michelle Farkoff

Expected publication: January 27th 2015

YA, contemporary

 

A teenage boy tries to understand his best friend's suicide by listening to the playlist of songs he left behind in this smart, voice-driven debut novel.

Here's what Sam knows: There was a party. There was a fight. The next morning, his best friend, Hayden, was dead. And all he left Sam was a playlist of songs, and a suicide note: For Sam—listen and you'll understand.

As he listens to song after song, Sam tries to face up to what happened the night Hayden killed himself. But it's only by taking out his earbuds and opening his eyes to the people around him that he will finally be able to piece together his best friend’s story. And maybe have a chance to change his own.

Part mystery, part love story, and part coming-of-age tale in the vein of Stephen Chbosky’s The Perks of Being a Wallflower and Tim Tharp’s The Spectacular Now, Playlist for the Dead is an honest and gut-wrenching first novel about loss, rage, what it feels like to outgrow a friendship that's always defined you—and the struggle to redefine yourself. But above all, it's about finding hope when hope seems like the hardest thing to find.  

 

I've had my eyes on this for a while now. I'm excited about this one because it sounds like heart-wrencing read but with hope just like the blurb says. And the cover is great, I love the silhuettes and colours!

 

What are you waiting on this week?

Book Blitz, Quest Post + Giveaway: My Ex From Hell by Tellulah Darling

My Ex From Hell (The Blooming Goddess, #1)

by Tellulah Darling
Publication date: April 1st 2013
YA, fantasy, mythology

 

Sixteen-year-old Sophie Bloom wishes she’d been taught the following:
a) Bad boy’s presence (TrOuBlE) + teen girl’s brain (DraMa) = TrAuMa (Highly unstable and very volatile.)
b) The Genus Greekulum Godissimus is notable for three traits: 1) awesome abilities, 2) grudges, and 3) hook-ups, break-ups, and in-fighting that puts cable to shame.

Prior to the Halloween dance, Sophie figures her worst problems involve adolescent theatrics, bitchy teen yoga girls, and being on probation at her boarding school for mouthy behaviour. Then she meets bad boy Kai and gets the kiss that rocks her world.

Literally.

This breath stealing lip lock reawakens Sophie’s true identity: Persephone, Goddess of Spring. She’s key to saving humanity in the war between the Underworld and Olympus, target numero uno of Hades and Zeus, and totally screwed.

Plus there’s also the little issue that Sophie’s last memory as Persephone was just before someone tried to murder her.

Big picture: master her powers, get her memories back, defeat Persephone’s would be assassin, and save the world. Also, sneak into the Underworld to retrieve stolen property, battle the minions of Hades and Zeus, outwit psycho nymphs, slay a dragon, rescue a classmate, keep from getting her butt expelled from the one place designed to keep her safe …

… and stop kissing Kai, Prince of the Underworld.

My Ex From Hell is a YA romantic comedy, Greek mythology smackdown. Love meets comedy with a whole lot of sass in book one of this teen fantasy romance series. Compared to Kai and Sophie, Romeo and Juliet had it easy.

My Ex From Hell on Goodreads.

 

Purchase your copy! Only 0,99c on Kobo, iTunes and Amazon!

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iTunes

 

Author bio

Tellulah Darling
noun

Sassy girls. Swoony boys. What could go wrong?

1. YA romantic comedy author because her first kiss sucked and she's compensating.
2. Alter ego of former screenwriter.
3. Sassy minx.

Writes about: where love meets comedy. Awkwardness ensues.

Tellulah Darling is a firm believer that some of the best stories happen when love meets comedy. Which is why she has so much fun writing YA romantic comedy books. Her books span contemporary, teen fantasy romance, and YA Greek mythology, and range from stand alones to series. For Tellulah, teen romance is the most passionate, intense, and awkward there is – a comedy goldmine. Plus smart, mouthy, teen girls rock.

 

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

 

 

Quest post from Tellulah Darling:

 

10 Things You Didn't Know About Tellulah Darling

1) I am too lazy to learn songs properly, choosing instead to just fit whatever word seems closest to the phonetic sound I hear. This means that nothing I sing makes any logical sense. However, they are all wildly creative. Every once in a while I actually figure out what the words are supposed to be and realize how much sense the song now makes. What's funny is that there are certain songs I'm suck in a perpetual loop with. I learn what they are, promptly forget and go back to my nonsense, and then have that deja vu moment when I understand them again. Maybe I was dropped on my head as a child.

2) I love to travel but hate flying. As a result, I spent much of my life gripping the arms of my airplane seat while whispering "please don't fall" for hours on end. Happily, my doctor informed me a couple years ago (while staring at me like I was an idiot upon hearing how I coped) that since my way didn't work, I might want to try drugs. Miracles of modern science, indeed!

3) Speaking of travel–the first time I went to Italy, I was 15 yrs old. We were in Heathrow waiting for our flight to Rome and I'd fallen asleep stretched out across the chairs at the departure area. I woke up to the sight of the Italian National Football (Soccer) team seated around me. Even at that tender age, I was partial to that particular flavour of man candy. So I shot up and might have tried to shove my little brother under a seat in an attempt to look like a worldly solo traveller. Yeah, right. I wish you all a similar wake up call with *insert group of hot men of your choice*.

4) I was a professional screenwriter for 12 years. Crazy things happen in writers' rooms. On one of my favourite shows to work on, the showrunner and I plotted out the entire season arc's battle using Smurfs. This was for a kids' show. We'd renamed them with our characters' names and did their voices and everything. On another, not a kids' show, there was an actual meeting to discuss the star's wife's Playboy photos. There can be this intimidating mystique around film and television. Don't believe any of it.

5) I forget that my husband is one of my followers on Twitter. This leads to a lot of head shaking when I've been a bit too vigorous discussing hot guys - fictional or otherwise and steamy reads. I try to push the excuse that it's simply ways of interacting with social media friends and readers. I think I’ve gotten

away with it but I’m not sure because I am no longer able to make eye contact with him.

6) I hold a Masters' Degree in Film Theory. Yes, you read that right. In watching movies. Okay, and criticizing them. Possibly the most useless degree known to mankind. Not only that, I did my Master's thesis on Gender and Spectatorship in the animation of Chuck Jones. Which means that I watched Bugs Bunny Cartoons for two years. My family despaired. They used to lie and say I was studying journalism. I share this with you so that if your family gives you any grief about your area of study, you can use me as an example of how it could be so much worse. You're welcome.

7) I think that the right shade of lipstick and a great head of hair can be a woman's finest accessory. Who's with me here?

8) I think the world needs more choreography. I have a constant soundtrack in my head and like to tap dance my way through the day. Which in my head comes off like a brilliant Gene Kelly-esque routine. I take no responsibility for how it looks in reality. Obviously, you all just need to see things in my special way.

9) I love my Kindle because it allows me to read my steamy romances to my heart's content without the constant judging I get from haters who obviously are down on love. I've found that if I nod my head sagely whilst reading, people think I'm engrossed in some deep literary classic and perhaps feel bad for not reading such a weighty tome themselves. I feel no guilt for this. I've had too many years of snotty reactions to all the genre reading I've done.

10) Since I write romantic comedies, I'll share a couple of my favs with you. Book: Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie. This is the smexiest book around. (Ha - autocorrect wanted it to be the smelliest book around.) Film: When Harry Met Sally and The Princess Bride. Don't make me choose. It could get ugly.

If anyone wants to chat books, romcom or otherwise, let's friendvite on Goodreads or email me on my site www.tellulahdarling.com.

 

Giveaway! (INT)

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Review: Sand and Ruin and Gold by Alexis Hall

Sand and Ruin and Gold

by Alexis Hall

Published by Riptide Publishing

Ebook (received from Publisher via NetGalley, thank you!)

LGBT, fantasy, romance, short story

 

Once upon a time . . . that’s how the old stories always begin.

Once upon a time there was a king of a fallen kingdom. He was just and he was beloved. Or so the numbers said. One day, he gathered together the greatest, wisest minds in all the land—not sorcerers, but scientists—and he bade them fashion him a son. A prince. A perfect prince to embody his father’s legacy.

The scientists each brought the prince a gift: beauty, strength, ambition, intellect, pride. But they must have forgotten something because when he saw the mermaids dance at the Cirque de la Mer, he ran away to join them.

For a year, he trained them, performed with them, thought he was happy. For a year he thought he was free. But then Nerites came: A merman who refused to be tamed. A captive from another kingdom. A beast in a glass cage.

The old stories always end with happy ever after. But this isn’t one of the old stories. This is a story of princes and monsters.



I was excited about this one. How could I not be? I mean, mermans. And princes and monsters, and there was no doubt how much I yearned to read Sand and Ruin and Gold. The only disappointment was how short the story was. I could've read three hundred pages about the Prince and Neritas and the Cirque de la Mer and the whole world that we only got a climpse.

The atmosphere of the story was unique, calm and fairytale like, even though it had a little bit melancholy feeling on it. I truly enjoyed it and it was perfect read after hectic day. Hall's writing was flowing and just perfect for the story.

The story and its characters were really good and as I said, I could've read three hundred pages of this. However, there was so many mysteries left, especially when it comes to the Mers and it was good because reader doesn't need to know everything always. The Prince was good, solid narrator, really sweet, caring and intriguing - especially since he was created by scientist and wasn't like normal humans. It gave the story quite interesting twist as the Prince's and Neritas tender love story formed. The Prince wasn't like other humans and Neritas wasn't human at all. It was almost charming and intrigued heck out of me - still does. There were also lots of great thoughts about freedom and underneath, what's right and wrong. It was such a thoughtful, calm and so enjoyable story. I'd loved to learn more about the world, though, since it seemed to be almost like dystopian world.

Truly enjoyable and great short story. It's not very long, thirty-nine pages so that's the only downside. Great read after busy day, though, and I loved how I could devour it on one sitting. Hall did a good job and I can honestly recommend this to everyone who enjoys merfolk stories as this one gives a little different kind of story about merfolk, and humans of course.

4 of 5 stars.

Sand and Ruin and Gold on Goodreads.

 

Thank you, Riptide Publishing, for giving me a chance to read and review The Circus of the Damned!

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

Fairytale Retelling Reading Challenge 2015

The Daily Prophecy is hosting Fairytale Retelling Reading Challenge 2015 and I'm excited to be part of it. I noticed how I've read next to none retellings this year even though I have several of them on my TBR - and I'm so thrilled about the idea of retelling my childhood favourite fairytales and other tales. So besides Goodreads' Reading Challenge this is going to be first challenge I'm participating and I hope I'll meet my coals!

The Details:

The challenge runs from January 1st - December 31st 2015

 

The goal is to read fairytale retellings, but if you want you can also pick other retellings. It’s up to you what you count as a fairytale. Here are a couple of books you can pick from: my bookshelf with fairytale retellings and Fairytale lists on Listopia. You can read Middle Grade, Young Adult and Adult books for this challenge. Obviously, the book doesn't have to be published in 2015.

 

There are 6 different levels you can aim for:

- Prince Charming: 1 – 4 books.

- Magic mirror: 5 - 9 books.

- Big bad wolf: 10 – 15 books.

- The wise princess: 16 – 20 books.

- Wicked fairy Godmother: 21 – 25 books.

- Bluebeard: you are killing it! 26+ books.

 

 

I can't help but aim for Big Bad Wolf. Yeah, it's the name, I couldn't resist. But I also want to read as many retellings as possible and if I'm able to read ten during next year, I'm going to be really happy. I'm not good at deciding what I'll read but I'll link my Goodreads 'retellings' shelf so I'll read books from there. If you have any recommentations, feel free to say anytime and I'll check it out :)

 

My Goodreads' retellings shelf.

ARC Review: The Circus of the Damned by Cornelia Grey

The Circus of the Damned
by Cornelia Grey
Published by Riptide Publishing
Ebook (received from publisher via NetGalley, thank you!)
Adult, LGBT, fantasy, romance

Magician Gilbert Blake has spent his entire life conning drunkards in the seediest pubs in the darkest towns, careful to hide the true depths of his power. But when he spends a little too much time in Shadowsea and the infamous slumlord Count Reuben gets wind of his abilities, hiding within the Circus of the Damned may be Gilbert’s only chance at survival.

But there’s more to the Circus than meets the eye. Every time a performer dies, a new one must take his place, or the entire circus suffers the consequences. And while the handsome ringmaster Jesse isn’t one to coerce unwilling performers into giving up their souls to the devil, a recent death in their ranks makes Gilbert exactly what they need.

Yet the longer Gilbert stays with the Circus, the more danger he seems to bring them. Being with Jesse is more than Gilbert could have hoped for, but as Count Reuben’s men continue to search for Gilbert and the Circus loses another performer, they all face running out of time long before the Devil claims his due.

I was overly excited about The Circus of the Damned from the moment I stumbled upon it. I mean, deals with the devil, damned souls and circus, mysteries, romance and did I say deals with the devil? I was sold right away and I couldn't have been more happy to receive a review copy. What's best, the book didn't disappoint me at all.

 

The Circus of the Damned was better than I expected and I had really high expectations. There was a circus full of freaks (and I'm using the word freaks with all the love because they were all amazing in their own way) who were more or less damned, and there was deals with the devil. There also was some really interesting and unique elements and plotlines but I won't say anything more specific about them so I won't spoil anyone. The story was full of fantasy elements that I've been dying to read but not seen on any books for a while. Grey did amazing job and the writing was very fluent and flowing, and once I started reading I was unable to stop.

 

And the characters. Oh boy, did I love them. Gilbert was intriguing: witty, smart and yeah, always in trouble because he was quite impulsive. He grew up on streets and he was wise like that, and what even more amazing, compassionate. And stubborn, he truly was stubborn and didn't give up easily. Besides Gilbert, Jesse was one of my favourite. He was sweet on his own way but he was also smart, caring and while he had done stupid things in the past, he tried to do the right thing. He was such a mystery in the beginning and I loved to learn about his past bit by bit. There was also the devil, the evil Count Reuben and all the amazing circus people. I did hope we'd learn even more about the circus people than we did but that would have needed a whole new book, so I'm not counting it as a fault. There was a lot information about everyone of the circus people and some were more on display than others.

 

The Circus of the Damned had it all: plot, great characters and flowing writing. There was action as well as romance, drama and mystery, and yes, I loved it all. Such a wonderful story and I highly recommend this book to everyone who's interested fantasy, circus and/or deals with the devil.

 

I will definitely read this again in the future!

 

5 of 5 stars.

 

The Circus of the Damned on Goodreads.

Thank you, Riptide Publishing, for giving me a chance to read and review The Circus of the Damned!

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


Book Blitz + Giveaway: Uncross the Stars by Janell Rhiannon

 

Uncross the Stars

by Janell Rhiannon
Publication date: December 15th, 2014
YA, contemporary, romance

Fiona Lavender is the new girl at school. She has a chip on her shoulder and a penchant for poetry. Dario Martinez is the star quarterback, and the most unattainable guy on campus. Their stars cross when they are paired to study Romeo and Juliet for a senior English project. Their attraction is fragile and undeniable. But, Dario is afraid of what love will do; and Fiona is waiting for love to claim her.

Will they uncross the stars and find the love they both need to heal their pasts?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Uncross the Stars on Goodreads.

 

Purchase your copy!

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Author bio

Janell has been writing since she was in grade school. In high school, her 9th grade English teacher suggested she consider a career in writing. After a decade in college and a Master's degree in history, she settled into teaching.

Writing never stopped. Stories never stopped. READING fiction never stopped. Now, she writes and publishes on-line. Invisible Wings is her first YA novel, a compilation of short stories centered on teenage life triumphs and tragedies. She believes being a teenager is difficult and wrote Invisible Wings to let teens know they aren't alone. That they matter. That even though life is rough, they can still find beauty and love.

Beside the YA stories close to her heart, she adores Mythology and Fairy tales. Anything magical and mystical. And dragons. And gargoyles.

She currently lives in CA.

Visit her at Facebook @Janell Rhiannon Author. If you want to see what projects are in the works or find out more about the her, visit

 

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Author interview!

 

1. What are your favorite books?

I love young adult and new adult fiction. I have read some awesome indie books in these genres by: Randi Cooley Wilson, Stacey Rourke, and Deena Remiel and Chastity Bush. As for books that have influenced my entire world, the Iliad and the Odyssey hands down. Cold Mountain. Historical romance or historical based anything, and fantasy all float my boat. As I was growing up, I read Spartacus by Howard Fast and a book called Beloved, which I have never been able to find since. I loved historical "anything genre" books. I also loved the Lord of the Rings, the Robe...and a series called the The Chronicles of the Deryni by Katherine Kurtz. I wasn't allowed to watch television growing up, so books were a HUGE part of my life. My sister and I used to tell each other stories at night when we went to bed...we'd pretend we were in the stories...I am pretty sure we recited the entire Star Wars movies in sequence more than once. 

 

2. What movies do you like?

The Fountain, Gladiator, 300, Cold Mountain, Last Samurai, Under the Tuscan Sun, Braveheart, Anna and the King, The Lucky One. I just realized all these movies make me cry...sob, is a better description. I also love Lord of The Rings and Star Wars. If you haven't seen The Fountain, watch, reflect and be amazed. I have to add Cloud Atlas to this list. There is something about this film (based on a novel) and the music that haunts me every time I hear it. Time and destiny wrap us in a cosmic dance, and we stumble, we float, and we live...again.

 

3.What inspires you?

Ironically, good films and music. My crazy, wild dreams, random thoughts, and red wine. Sometimes inspiration just comes out of no where. I am inspired by learning new things. People with crazy passion for life. I’m blessed with amazing friends and Facebook friends.

 

4. What are you reading right now?  

Saving Tatum by Micalea Smeltzer

Requiem’s Song by Daniel Arenson

 

In the line to be read: Wreck Me and Who We Were and Haunted Haven

 

5. Six Favorite Things

         1. hot coffee anytime, anywhere

         2. my Crixus poster next to my treadmill

         3. sleeping hard during a nap

         4. things that make me dance and cry

         5. working out to my David Guetta Pandora station

         6. when my phone chimes that it’s Superman texting me :)

 

Giveaway! (International)

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Waiting on Wednesday #20

"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:

The Game of Love and Death by Martha Brockenbrough!

 

The Game of Love and Death

by Martha Brockenbrough

Expected publication: April 28th 2015

YA, historical fiction

 

Antony and Cleopatra. Helen of Troy and Paris. Romeo and Juliet. And now . . . Henry and Flora.

For centuries Love and Death have chosen their players. They have set the rules, rolled the dice, and kept close, ready to influence, angling for supremacy. And Death has always won. Always.

Could there ever be one time, one place, one pair whose love would truly tip the balance?

Meet Flora Saudade, an African-American girl who dreams of becoming the next Amelia Earhart by day and sings in the smoky jazz clubs of Seattle by night. Meet Henry Bishop, born a few blocks and a million worlds away, a white boy with his future assured — a wealthy adoptive family in the midst of the Great Depression, a college scholarship, and all the opportunities in the world seemingly available to him.

The players have been chosen. The dice have been rolled. But when human beings make moves of their own, what happens next is anyone’s guess.

Achingly romantic and brilliantly imagined, The Game of Love and Death is a love story you will never forget.

 

Why it isn't April already? I need this book, so so so badly. I mean, there's Death, Love, rules and game of dice. There's everything a good story needs and I'm not patient enough to wait for over four months to get to read this!

 

What are you waiting on this week?