Keeper of the Bees - Book Blitz

Keeper of the Bees

by Meg Kassel

Genre: YA Paranormal

Release Date: September 4th 2018

Entangled Teen

“Beauty and the beast like you’ve never imagined!” —New York Timesbestselling author Pintip Dunn

KEEPER OF THE BEES is a tale of two teens who are both beautiful and beastly, and whose pasts are entangled in surprising and heartbreaking ways.

Dresden is cursed. His chest houses a hive of bees that he can’t stop from stinging people with psychosis-inducing venom. His face is a shifting montage of all the people who have died because of those stings. And he has been this way for centuries—since he was eighteen and magic flowed through his homeland, corrupting its people.

He follows harbingers of death, so at least his curse only affects those about to die anyway. But when he arrives in a Midwest town marked for death, he encounters Essie, a seventeen-year-old girl who suffers from debilitating delusions and hallucinations. His bees want to sting her on sight. But Essie doesn’t see a monster when she looks at Dresden.

Essie is fascinated and delighted by his changing features. Risking his own life, he holds back his bees and spares her. What starts out as a simple act of mercy ends up unraveling Dresden’s solitary life and Essie’s tormented one. Their impossible romance might even be powerful enough to unravel a centuries-old curse.

Pre-order Here

Books in the Companion Series:

Author Spotlight:

Meg Kassel is an author of fantasy and speculative books for young adults. A graduate of Parson's School of Design, she’s been creating stories, whether with visuals or words, since childhood. Meg is a New Jersey native who lives in a log house in the Maine woods with her husband and daughter. As a fan of ’80s cartoons, Netflix series, and ancient mythology, she has always been fascinated and inspired by the fantastic, the creepy, and the futuristic. She is the 2016 RWA Golden Heart® winner in YA and a double 2018 RITA® finalist for her debut novel, Black Bird of the Gallows.

Website * Twitter * Instagram * Facebook * Goodreads * Amazon

Recent Release - Cover Love: Songs About a Boy

Ooh hello pretty!

Songs About a Boy - Songs About a Girl #3

by Chris Russell

What they say: Music, boy bands, first love and heartbreak in the explosive finale to the Songs About A Girl trilogy - a modern love story for anyone who has ever dreamed of being 'with the band'. 

Just as Charlie allows herself to succumb to Gabe's charms, the explosive revelation about her mother's death threatens to pull them apart.

Meanwhile, a media circus has exploded around the future of Fire&Lights - when they announce a US tour to show the world that they are stronger than ever, Charlie gets the opportunity to accompany them. New York City, here she comes! But it's not all fun and games. Charlie is still feeling all kinds of awkward around Gabe and knowing that her mother's last days were in America touring with her band, Charlie uses the opportunity to uncover some more truths about her mother's death.

As Fire&Lights try to win over the world again, and as Charlie and Gabriel uncover the true story that links their pasts, will Charlie finally be able to follow her heart?

More info at Goodreads

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Whatcha Reading Wednesday - Fierce Like a Firestorm

I'm really into duo-logy's (yeah spell check loves that one) at the mo and not just because I like the cover!

Fierce Like a Firestorm - Hibiscus Daughter #2

by Lana Popović

What they say: In the bewitching conclusion to Lana Popovic’s sumptuous and romantic teen fantasy duology, Malina must use her gleam to rescue her twin sister from a magical power more dangerous than Death.

Twin sisters Iris and Malina thought they knew how to reverse the ancient curse that haunts their line, the spell that destines them to use their gleams—unique forms of beauty-manipulating magic—to entice and enchant none other than Death himself.

But both sisters thought wrong.

Instead of ending the wicked bargain with the power of her infinite bloom, Iris is taken to an exquisite, uncanny realm in between this world and the next—a world Death created for her alone. Only, unlike all of Death’s companions before, Iris’s body goes on the one-way journey along with her soul, arriving in a kingdom never meant to sustain a living girl.

Left behind with Niko, her girlfriend, and Luka, the boy her sister loves, Lina searches for a way to save Iris. But as Lina unearths the dark secrets that bind her family to parallel fates of loss and immortality and Iris tries to outwit Death on his own terrain, a power resurfaces that even Mara, the original witch mother, fears. Now both sisters must learn to fully embrace their gleams—or else they’ll truly lose each other forever.

Luscious and breathtaking, Fierce Like a Firestorm is the second book in Lana Popovic’s dazzling duology about freedom, beauty, sacrifice, and the infinite power of love.

Head to Goodreads for more info!

That's Not What Happened - Out Now

This gritty and hard hitting YA contemporary story about the aftermath of a school shooting is out today.

That's Not What Happened

by Kody Keplinger

What they say: It's been three years since the Virgil County High School Massacre. Three years since my best friend, Sarah, was killed in a bathroom stall during the mass shooting. Everyone knows Sarah's story--that she died proclaiming her faith. 

But it's not true. 

I know because I was with her when she died. I didn't say anything then, and people got hurt because of it. Now Sarah's parents are publishing a book about her, so this might be my last chance to set the record straight... but I'm not the only survivor with a story to tell about what did--and didn't--happen that day. 

Except Sarah's martyrdom is important to a lot of people, people who don't take kindly to what I'm trying to do. And the more I learn, the less certain I am about what's right. I don't know what will be worse: the guilt of staying silent or the consequences of speaking up...

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Releases This Week - Ruin of Stars

Linsey Miller's latest release Ruin of Stars aka the second in the Mask of Shadows duology is out this week!

What they say: The thrilling conclusion to the Mask of Shadows duology that weaves a tale of magic, shadows, and most importantly, revenge.

As one of the Queen’s elite assassins, Sal finally has the power, prestige, and permission to hunt down the lords who killed their family. But Sal still has to figure out who the culprits are. They must enlist the help of some old friends and enemies while ignoring a growing distaste for the queen and that the charming Elise is being held prisoner by her father.

But there’s something terribly wrong in the north. Talk of the return of shadows, missing children, and magic abounds. As Sal takes out the people responsible for their ruined homeland, Sal learns secrets and truths that can’t be forgotten. 

More info over at Goodreads

These Rebel Waves - Review

These Rebel Waves - Stream Raiders #1

by Sara Raasch

What they say: Adeluna is a soldier. Five years ago, she helped the magic-rich island of Grace Loray overthrow its oppressor, Argrid, a country ruled by religion. But adjusting to postwar life has not been easy. When an Argridian delegate vanishes during peace talks with Grace Loray’s new Council, Argrid demands brutal justice—but Lu suspects something more dangerous is at work.

Devereux is a pirate. As one of the outlaws called stream raiders who run rampant on Grace Loray, he pirates the island’s magic plants and sells them on the black market. But after Argrid accuses raiders of the diplomat’s abduction, Vex becomes a target. An expert navigator, he agrees to help Lu find the Argridian—but the truth they uncover could be deadlier than any war.

Benat is a heretic. The crown prince of Argrid, he harbors a secret obsession with Grace Loray’s forbidden magic. When Ben’s father, the king, gives him the shocking task of reversing Argrid’s fear of magic, Ben has to decide if one prince can change a devout country—or if he’s building his own pyre.

As conspiracies arise, Lu, Vex, and Ben will have to decide who they really are . . . and what they are willing to become for peace. 

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I received a copy in exchange for an honest review!

What I say: I've seen some pretty mixed reviews for These Rebel Waves. It seems to be the Marmite of books, where you either love or hate it. I really enjoyed the story, but that's probably because I didn't go in with expectations of gay pirates and I like Sara Raasch's writing style.

The story focuses on multiple characters: Benat, Adeluna and Devereux. The religion in Argrid opposes the magic in Grace Loray.

In a world with a very controlled magical system and strict rules, Ben has a big secret. Ben is the Prince of Argrid and doesn't exactly want to follow the path chosen for him. Sara Raasch does a wonderful job representing a young gay character, without making his sexuality an issue. Lu is a rebel, a fighter and all round magical expert. She kinda reminded me of Rey from Star Wars for some reason. Vex is a  steam raider (think pirate) and an immigrant. I particularly appreciated how Raasch uses Ben, Lu and Vex to present the different sides and opinions across society.

The main characters are all well written and developed. I found the political/society structure intriguing. Everybody has an agenda and it's the combination of the characters which provides the balance. Adapt to the rules of society or embrace where you come from, but can you do both?

The world building is vivid and exciting. The narrative is strong, although a touch confusing at times. The characters are great, but can we have more Vex next time and a little more pirate action please?

I enjoyed These Rebel Waves and cannot wait to see what happens next. Oh the cliffy!!

4 Stars in my Sky!

Review - The Governess Game

Oh the historical romance!!

The Governess Game - Girl Meets Duke #2

by Tessa Dare

What they say: He’s been a bad, bad rake—and it takes a governess to teach him a lesson

The accidental governess.

After her livelihood slips through her fingers, Alexandra Mountbatten takes on an impossible post: transforming a pair of wild orphans into proper young ladies. However, the girls don’t need discipline. They need a loving home. Try telling that to their guardian, Chase Reynaud: duke’s heir in the streets and devil in the sheets. The ladies of London have tried—and failed—to make him settle down. Somehow, Alexandra must reach his heart... without risking her own.

The infamous rake.

Like any self-respecting libertine, Chase lives by one rule: no attachments. When a stubborn little governess tries to reform him, he decides to give her an education—in pleasure. That should prove he can’t be tamed. But Alexandra is more than he bargained for: clever, perceptive, passionate. She refuses to see him as a lost cause. Soon the walls around Chase’s heart are crumbling... and he’s in danger of falling, hard. 

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I received a copy in exchange for an honest review!

What I say: The Governess Game is another saucy and fun historical romance from Tessa Dare. It's part of a standalone series which several linked characters.

The story follows Alexandra 'Alex' Mountbatten as she treads a rather unconventional path, and finds herself working as a governess for the two young wards of future Duke, Charles 'Chase' Reynaud.

Alex made me smile. She's an unromantic-romantic: a landlocked sailor: a child of an explorer. This will make sense when you read the book. As a stargazer I loved her fascination with comets and plotting the skies.

Chase is desperate to find a governess who can look after his young wards until he can convince a boarding school to take them. The only problem is that Rosamund and Daisy are rather unique little girls and keep driving their governesses off. Luckily Alex isn't a governess and she's not easy dissuaded. I loved her and Chase's relationship with the girls. Their morbid outlook and dollicide made me smile! So cute!!

Alex needs the money but more than that, she wants to help Chase to connect with the girls and is fascinated by him. He is a notorious rake after all!

I enjoyed the book which had the all important inclusion of lessons in piracy, a appearance or two from a goat and a fold down bed!

4 Stars in my Sky!

Coming Soon - The Brightest Stars

The Brightest Stars

by Anna Todd

What they say: International bestselling author Anna Todd returns with a gripping novel about a young woman's journey towards love, and the obstacles life throws up at every turn.

Karina knows the harsh realities of military life. And like anyone who has grown up around an army base, she knows the background noise that follows a soldier home from war. That's why she's forging her own quiet life in her own little house. But she hasn't turned her back on her family. She's the glue that holds them together--when her father is deployed, when her brother, Austin, has another brush with the law.

Karina knows that she has to look after herself, that she can't always fix what's broken. But when Austin's behavior worsens and her father's reactions grow more extreme, Karina feels her own edges beginning to fray. That's when she meets him--a closed book she's desperate to open.

At just twenty, Kale is a handsome, brooding soldier struggling with the aftermath of two tours in Afghanistan. He's emotionally damaged and closed off. Quiet doesn't begin to describe him. But as Karina gets used to his stable presence, she finds it hard to ignore the way he makes her feel. In their time together, she finds the stillness she has always wanted and never found. She lets down her guard. And she lets herself fill in the blanks about this mysterious man.

But illusions quickly made are quickly shattered. That's when Karina has to find her own courage--to untangle the truth from the lies, and decide what she's going to do about it.

A riveting story about love and lies, THE BRIGHTEST STARS will stay with you long after the last page has been turned.

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Coming Soon - Dark Tomorrow

Dark Tomorrow

by Jeremiah Franklin

Also how cool is the cover?!

What they say: When a deadly virus decimates most of Earth's population, 16-year-old Sawyer Bradshaw finds he is both immune and alone in a world that has descended into violent chaos. Armed with only his estranged father's shotgun, and an unrelenting desire to stay alive, Sawyer discovers that he not only has an uncanny knack for cheating death, but also for taking lives. 

It’s not long before he meets his match in a fierce and cunning teenage girl named Sara. By her side, Sawyer emerges as more than just a natural-born killer but as a leader among men. Nevertheless, as quick as the young survivors fall desperately in love, they find themselves caught up in a series of conspiracies and twisted struggles for power. They soon realize that love, betrayal, and death tend to walk hand in hand. 

Coming Sept 18th by Month9 Books

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Whatcha Reading Wednesday - These Rebel Waves

So much love for this one so far!!

These Rebel Waves - Stream Raiders #1

by Sara Raasch

What they say: Adeluna is a soldier. Five years ago, she helped the magic-rich island of Grace Loray overthrow its oppressor, Argrid, a country ruled by religion. But adjusting to postwar life has not been easy. When an Argridian delegate vanishes during peace talks with Grace Loray’s new Council, Argrid demands brutal justice—but Lu suspects something more dangerous is at work.

Devereux is a pirate. As one of the outlaws called stream raiders who run rampant on Grace Loray, he pirates the island’s magic plants and sells them on the black market. But after Argrid accuses raiders of the diplomat’s abduction, Vex becomes a target. An expert navigator, he agrees to help Lu find the Argridian—but the truth they uncover could be deadlier than any war.

Benat is a heretic. The crown prince of Argrid, he harbors a secret obsession with Grace Loray’s forbidden magic. When Ben’s father, the king, gives him the shocking task of reversing Argrid’s fear of magic, Ben has to decide if one prince can change a devout country—or if he’s building his own pyre.

As conspiracies arise, Lu, Vex, and Ben will have to decide who they really are . . . and what they are willing to become for peace. 

Add to Goodreads

Cover Reveal - Dream Keeper

Dream Keeper

by Amber R. Duell

Genre: YA Dark Fantasy

Release Date: January 29th 2019

The Parliament House

The Sandman is seventeen-year-old Nora’s closest friend and best-kept secret. He has to be, if she doesn’t want a one-way ticket back to the psychiatrist. It took her too long to learn not to mention the hooded figure in her dreams to her mother, who still watches Nora as if she’ll crack. So when Nora’s friends start mysteriously dying gruesome deaths in their sleep, she isn’t altogether surprised when the police direct their suspicion at her. The Sandman is the only one she can turn to for answers. But the truth might be more than she bargained for…

For the last five years, the Sandman has spent every night protecting Nora. When he hid the secret to the Nightmare Lord’s escape inside her dreams, he never expected to fall in love with her. Neither did he think his nemesis would find her so quickly, but there’s no mistaking his cruel handiwork. The Nightmare Lord is tired of playing by the rules and will do anything to release his deadly nightmares into the world, even if that means tormenting Nora until she breaks.

When the Nightmare Lord kidnaps Nora’s sister, Nora must enter enemy territory to save her. The Sandman is determined to help, but if Nora isn’t careful, she could lose even more than her family to the darkness.

Author Spotlight:

Amber R. Duell was born and raised in a small town in Central New York. While it will always be home, she’s spent the last six years living in Germany and Maine as a military wife where the next step is always an adventure.

When Amber isn't writing, she's wrangling her two young sons. She is a lover of history, a fan of snowboarding, and a travel enthusiast. In her downtime, she can be found curling up with a good book and a cat or two.

   


Cover Reveal Organized By:

All the Way - Review

All the Way - Romancing Manhattan #1

by Kristen Proby

What they say: In New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kristen Proby’s brand new Romancing Manhattan series, three brothers get more than they bargain for as they practice law, balance life, and navigate love in and around New York City.

Finn Cavanaugh is known for being a force to be reckoned with in the courtroom. He owns a successful law firm with his brother and brother-in-law in Manhattan. On the rare occasion that he has down time, he spends it at his home in Martha’s Vineyard. But when Finn’s troubled niece goes to stay with him for the summer in Martha’s Vineyard, he’s reluctant to take time off from work. That is, until he meets his beautiful new neighbor, London.

London Watson is a Tony Award winning actress on Broadway. When tragedy strikes her family, leaving her alone and injured, she flees Manhattan for Martha’s Vineyard. Hoping she can figure out how to pick up the pieces of her life, London is convinced that she’ll never be able to return to the stage. But when she meets the charming young girl next door and her sexy uncle, they soon lure London out of her shell as she finally begins to heal from the wounds of her past.

But when London feels confident enough to return to the spotlight, she’s dealt another devastating blow. Will the newfound love between London and Finn be enough to conquer all? Or will it be over before it has a chance to grow…?

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Preorder (releases tomorrow)

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review!

What I say: All the Way is the first instalment in Kristen Proby's shiny new Romancing Manhattan contemporary romance series. Meet actress/musical performer, London and lawyer, Finn.

London has a tragic back story. When we meet her she's trying to move on emotionally and physically from the traumatic events which took her parents and left her injured and unable to perform on Broadway. She retreats to her family's holiday home where she bumps into sexy neighbour Finn.

Oh Finn!! He's smooth, charming and funny. I loved how sweet he was with Gabby and how he looked after London. He goes out of his way, even risking losing business to help both his niece and London. That being said, I have to agree with London when it came to him being too bossy!

Can we just talk about how cute Gabby is please? She's 10 going on 25! I loved how she manages to less than subtly manipulate London into giving Finn a chance.

It's a sweet and short contemporary romance - perfect for a vacation read or even when it's raining outside (speaking as a Brit).

Is a certain widower's story up next?!

3.5 Stars in my Sky!