Coming Soon - The Fiery Crown

The Fiery Crown - Forgotten Empires #2

by Jeffe Kennedy

What they say: A queen and her rebel prince turn from enemies to lovers while evil forces plot to destroy them in this lush romantic fantasy.

Following The Orchid Throne, Conri and Lia’s marriage of convenience has turned into an uneasy alliance. If only the two leaders could agree on something. Driven by revenge, Conri wants to attack Emperor Anure before the tyrant gets to them first. But Lia needs to keep Calanthe safe, and refuses to sacrifice her kingdom. Their ongoing battle for control has built up tension they’re both more than happy to release in bed, the only place where they find common ground. But Conri and Lia are developing deeper feelings for each other that are complicating matters. In the second book in the Forgotten Empires trilogy, Conri and Lia find their loyalties torn, and with Emperor Anure’s threat growing, will they be able to risk everything with each other before it’s too late? 

More info over at GR!

THE DYSASTERS - Review

THE DYSASTERS

by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast

What they say: Foster Stewart knows she's different. Her life has never been "normal." Talking to plants and controlling cloud formations aren't things most seventeen year olds are into. Tate "Nighthawk" Taylor is perfect. Star quarterback and all around dreamy boy next door he never thought about his "extra" abilities. What quarterback wouldn't want night vision? That's not weird, right? It's cool! 

But on the night of their first meeting a deadly tornado brings them together and awakens their true abilities - the power to control the element air. Unbeknown to Tate and Foster, they are the first in a group of teens that were genetically manipulated before birth to bond with the elements. Which truly sucks for Foster, as she has to face the fact that Dr. Rick Stewart, her beloved scientist father, betrayed her and now wants to use her and the others for his own nefarious world domination plot. 

Foster and Tate must stop Dr. Stewart and his minions before he destroys their lives and the world.

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I received a copy in exchange for an honest review!

What I say: The Dysasters is a mix up of several things. I had the Captain Planet theme tune in my head for most of it.

Teens with extra abilities = drama, action and special friendships! I'd quite like my own I am Number Four, X-Men and Captain Planet style power, but these abilities do seem to bring a whole heap of problems!

Foster is an interesting character. She's troubled and kinda difficult but as I got into the story I could understand why.

Tate is oh so cute, but mainly he's really flipping patient! I'm not sure I would have been able to be anywhere near that patient with Foster but he seems to possess an inner strength.

I enjoyed the action and found myself drawn into their world. I did find myself getting frustrated with Foster along the way and I really feel for Tate. Oh the drama!

4 Stars in my Sky!

THE DYSASTERS - Tour & Release

THE DYSASTERS

by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

Wednesday Books

On Sale: February 26, 2019

Available in Hardcover, eBook, and Audio

P.C. and Kristin Cast, the #1 New York Times bestselling authors of the House of Night 
phenomenon, return to the scene with The Dysasters—the first action-packed novel in a 
new paranormal fantasy series. Adoptive daughter of a gifted scientist, Foster Stewart doesn’t 
live a “normal” life, (not that she’d want to). But controlling cloud formations and seeing 
airwaves aren’t things most eighteen year olds can do.

Small town star quarterback and quintessential dreamy boy next door, 
Tate “Nighthawk” Taylor has never thought much about his extra abilities. 
Sure, his night vision comes in handy during games, but who wouldn’t want that extra edge?

From the moment Foster and Tate collide, their worlds spiral and a deadly tornado forces 
them to work together, fully awakening their not-so-natural ability - the power to control air.

As they each deal with the tragic loss of loved ones, they’re caught by another 
devastating blow – they are the first in a group of teens genetically manipulated before birth 
to bond with the elements, and worse… they’re being hunted.

Now, Foster and Tate must fight to control their abilities as they learn of their past, 
how they came to be, who’s following them, and what tomorrow will bring… more DYSASTERS?

Author Spotlight:

#1 New York Times & #1 USA Today bestselling author P.C. Cast was born in the Midwest, 
and, after her tour in the USAF, she taught high school for 15 years before retiring to write 
full time. PC is a member of the Oklahoma Writers Hall of Fame. 
Her novels have been awarded the prestigious: Oklahoma Book Award, 
YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers, Romantic Times 
Reviewers' Choice Award, Booksellers' Best, and many, many more. Ms. Cast is an experienced 
teacher and talented speaker who lives in Oregon near her fabulous daughter, her adorable 
pack of dogs, her crazy Maine Coon, and a bunch of horses.

Kristin Cast is a #1 New York Times and #1 USA Today bestselling author who teams 
with her mother to write the wildly successful House of Night series. She has editorial
 credits, a thriving t-shirt line, and a passion for all things paranormal. When away from 
her writing desk, Kristin loves going on adventures with her friends, family, and significant 
other, playing with her dogs (Grace Kelly and Hobbs the Tiny Dragon), and is currently 
obsessed with her baby.

P.C. Cast

Facebook: @pccastauthor

Twitter: @pccastauthor

Instagram: @pccastauthor

Kristin Cast

Twitter: @KCastAuthor

Instagram: @kcastauthor

Buy here:

Amazon  * Audible * B&N * 
Books-A-Million * Google Play * iBooks * IndieBound * Kobo

Giveaway:

Enter for a chance to win 1 of 20 hardcover copies!  Winners will be selected at random. 

https://read.macmillan.com/promo/thedysastersblogtoursweepstakes

Rules: No purchase necessary. Open only to legal residents of the 50 United States, 
the District of Columbia or Canada (excluding Quebec) who are age 13 years of age or older. 

Book trailer

Sky in the Deep - Review

Sky in the Deep

by Adrienne Young

What they say: Raised to be a warrior, seventeen-year-old Eelyn fights alongside her Aska clansmen in an ancient, god-decreed rivalry against the Riki clan. Her life is brutal but simple: train to fight and fight to 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.

Eelyn loses her focus and is captured. Now, she must survive the winter in the mountains with the Riki, in a village where every neighbor is an enemy, every battle scar possibly one she delivered. But when the Riki village is raided by a ruthless clan settling in the valley, Eelyn is even more desperate to get back to her beloved family.

She is given no choice but to trust Fiske, her brother’s friend who tried to kill her the day she was captured. They must do the impossible: unite the clans to fight together, or risk being slaughtered one by one. Driven by a love for her clan and her growing love for Fiske, Eelyn must confront her own definition of loyalty and find a way to forgive her brother while daring to put her faith in the people she’s spent her life hating.

“This book will draw you in and make you finish it in one sitting. Final Verdict: This book is perfect for fans of mythology, action, and romance. This goes onto the list as one of the best books in 2018.” – Young Adult Books Central

“A brutal new viking inspired fantasy, SKY IN THE DEEP brings us one of the most badass new main characters we’ve ever read…She knows what she believes in—just like how we believe that you need to read this book!” – Epic Reads

Released 24th April by Wednesday Books

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I received a copy (from Wednesday Books) in exchange for an honest review!

What I say: I haven't seen many YA Viking stories, so I jumped at the chance to read Sky in the Deep. It's a pleasant and dramatic take on the legendary warriors.

Eelyn is a young viking warrior (I've seen similar characters called shield-maidens in the past) who believes in honour, defending her family and finding vengeance for her brother. She's headstrong and fierce so is unprepared to find herself held captive by her groups biggest enemy.

The action is violent, they are vikings after all, but never in detail that is too mature for a YA story. Eelyn is prepared to risk everything to save her family and honour her God. She's very determined in her quest but as the story develops she's willing to learn, to see other peoples side of things.

I enjoyed reading about Eelyn and her family, although I did find the names a little confusing at times. I'd like to see another story about some of the other characters in the future please...

3.5 Stars in my Sky!

Author Spotlight:

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.

Rocco - Review

Rocco - Ruin & Revenge #3 by Sarah Castille

What they say: Mafia enforcer, Rocco De Lucchi is the best in the business.

Cold, hard and utterly ruthless, Rocco is the most dangerous of men. Feelings are a luxury he cannot afford—until a chance encounter brings him face to face with the only woman who found her way into his heart and touched his soul.

Grace Mantini has spent her whole life running from the mob. Daughter of the boss's right hand man, she is both a prize and a target. When Rocco walks back into her life, she wants nothing to do with the man who betrayed her and broke her heart. But only Rocco can protect her from the dangerous forces that seek to destroy her family. Can they escape the hands of fate closing around them? Or will love be the kiss of death for them both?

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US * UK

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review!
What I say: I enjoyed Rocco (character and the book) but I found myself wondering how I can find these types of controversial characters so intriguing.
If you've read the previous books in the series you'll likely remember Rocco. I'm not sure what I expected from his story but it's dark. Rocco is mafia enforcer, so he's responsible for some terrible things. I'm not sure what it says about me but I still liked him, although I'm really not sure about the age difference (more of this later).  
I really liked Grace. She's a charming blend of vulnerable, flawed and determined, but mostly she's filled with a huge inner strength I couldn't help but admire. Whilst she finds it hard to see past her own scars, she manages to see the best in others, particularly in Rocco.

If you're after a 'softer' or 'lighter' bad boy then Rocco is most definitely not your guy. He's the real deal, the ultimate bad boy alpha to the core. This seems to work for Grace, who despite her feelings towards the mafia, can't see past Rocco. 

I wonder who will take centre stage in the next book...?

3.5 Stars in my Sky!

Burning to Ride - Review

Burning to Ride - Raising Hellfire #1 by Michele de Winton

What they say: Welcome to the gritty biker world of the Raising Hellfire MC series where these L.A. bikers drink hard, drive fast, and dig deep for love.

"De Winton brings the sass and the smexy as Cole and Briony burn up the sheets in this must read biker romance." — USA Today bestselling author Amy Andrews

This sexy 2-in-1 set features Burned by Lust and Burned by Blackmail – previously released as individual titles.

In Burned by Lust, Biker, Hard Corban, is set to take over the Raising Hellfire MC and doesn’t have love on his agenda. But Lee Delevinge, a raven-haired burlesque dancer running from her past, is set on burning up his heart. When their fling takes a serious turn, could they have the relationship they both crave?

In Burned by Blackmail, Briony Wilde is desperate to save her biker bar from a millionaire developer. When Cole Knight walks into her bar, all green eyes and sharp suit, she allows herself a little distraction, only to find he’s behind the development that threatens everything she holds dear. Solution? Blackmail him into an engagement. Obviously. After such a shaky start, could their relationship have any chance of changing from a forced arrangement to something real?

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Releases 11th July - That's tomorrow!!

Pre-order:

US * UK 

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review!

What I say: Burning to Ride features two stories Burned by Lust (which is more of a novella) and Burned by Blackmail, so I'm going to review them separately.

Burned by Lust: In this short story we meet soon-to-be Raising Hellfire MC's leader, Hade, as he's seduced and won over by spitfire Lee. I'm used to biker books where the characters are very clear that they're not in a gang, so the labelling of these bikers as being a gang was a little confusing and I didn't really know what to make of it.

I liked Hade and felt as though his struggle between love and leadership helped enrich his character. I did feel that it was all little rushed, but this is often the case with novellas. 

I have to admit I didn't really like Lee at all. I'm all for female empowerment and I like a woman who knows what she wants in the bedroom but, and I hate to say it, she doesn't come across as empowered in necessarily the way she'd want. I didn't think Lee was particularly developed as a character - I had such high hopes for her.

So overall I'm not the biggest fan of this part.

Sorry only 2.5 Stars for this part.

Burned by Blackmail: It's not all doom and gloom because I liked Briony's and Cole's story much more.

Bri is desperate to save her family bar and hotel, whilst Cole is determined to redevelop the entire area and replace Bri's biker bar with a more upmarket hotel. I enjoyed their flirty banter and chemistry. I even liked Bri's fiery temper. She's definitely quick to anger but is fiercely loyal.

Cole is very dedicated and caring. He wants to protect the company name and help the community - he just has to learn to love the bikers...

The club members are explored in far great detail than in the previous story, which really helped make the MC more likeable - it was easy to see why Bri was so devoted to them, well mostly.

I would have liked to see a little more of Cole and his family but I enjoyed the story.

3.5 Stars for this part

Overall 3 Stars in my Sky!

Nico - Tour & Review

NICO

by Sarah Castille

What they say: New York Times bestselling author Sarah Castille is back with NICO (St. Martin’s Paperbacks, $7.99, December 6, 2016), the first book in her Ruin & Revenge series. With reminiscences of Romeo and Juliet, Castille presents a modern twist and a powerful bad boy spin on the classic tale. RT Book Reviews raves about Castille’s BEYOND THE CUT saying, “Castille continues to raise the stakes… giving readers the compelling romance they crave,” and that continues brilliantly in this new series.

In NICO, Las Vegas Mafia boss Nico Toscani is used to getting what he wants, whether it’s having the City of Sin under his rule or a beautiful woman in his bed. But when he meets his match in the gorgeous, headstrong Mia Cordano, daughter of a rival crime lord, all bets are off…

Sexy computer hacker Mia struggles to break free of her ruthless father’s Mafia ties…but she can’t resist the powerful and seductive Nico, who will stop at nothing to possess her. With their families locked in a brutal war for control of the city, Mia and Nico enter into a forbidden game. Will they surrender to the passion that burns between them—and risk tearing apart their families? Or will Nico be forced to betray the only woman who sets his blood on fire?

“A deftly plotted page-turner that will leave readers panting for the next installment” 

–Publisher’s Weekly

Buy Links:

Amazon * Amazon UK * Barnes & Noble



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I received a copy in exchange for an honest review!

What I say: NICO is the first instalment in Sarah Castille's Ruin & Revenge mafia series. Castille focuses this time on Vegas mafia families rather than bikers or fighters. 

If you're a fan of soft lovey-dovey romances then this probably isn't the series for you - Sarah Castille doesn't sugarcoat the harsh mafia world so NICO is definitely an adult book. Mia and Nico are from competing mafia families so they should only feel hatred towards each other, but their relationship is far more complicated than that. From the very beginning they're trapped in a world full of secrets, lies and dangerous betrayals.

Mia is more goth hacker than pampered mafia Princess. She's an independent woman who wants to escape her controlling father and everything the mafia stands for. As far as her family are concerned mafia daughters must follow orders, then be sold off to solidify allegiances - Mia is so not down for this!

Nico is on one heck of a vengeance mission. He's also facing a battle for control of his family. Falling for the daughter of a rival family is definitely not on the cards, especially considering his vengeance mission. I have to admit I did have a bit of a love-hate relationship with Nico. I admired his determination and loved his sexy alpha swagger, but he does have some very distinctive ideas about women and their purpose within mafia family life. Luckily Mia is there to pull him up on some of his sexist tendencies and to challenge his more domineering ways.

The chemistry between Mia and Nico is intense. I don't mind my BBFs more on the naughtier side but I did find myself blushing at certain scenes. 

Our main characters may be star-crossed, but in more of a very gritty, adult West Side Story than Romeo and Juliet kinda way (yes I know WSS is a retelling of R&J).

NICO is a great introduction to Castille's new series and characters. It was interesting getting a greater insight into this very dark and violent world, even if with a romantic spin. I'd particularly like to read more about Mia's sister.

4 Stars in my Sky!

Excerpt:

“Is this everything?” Tony thumbed through the envelope. “This is half of what you brought us last month.” He shared a glance with Charlie Nails and smirked. “I thought you fancied yourself an old- style mobster. In the old days, the casinos were a license to print money. This is hardly enough to pay our staff.”

Nico steeled himself to show an outer calm as he raged inside. “That’s just the casino money.” He reached into the pocket of his double- breasted suit jacket, and pulled out a second envelope. “This is from the other businesses and the pay up from my crew.”

Santo’s eyes narrowed when Nico tossed the second envelope on the table. Although not a clever man, like Nico’s father had been, Santo had a sixth sense for when he was being ripped off. “Is that everything?”

No, of course it wasn’t everything. Despite the risk, Nico had several businesses on the side, including a nice little condo racket in which the main condo developers in the city exclusively hired interior designers controlled by Nico’s associates, giving Nico a share of every condo development. His connection with the steelworkers’ union had also given him a line into the rapidly developing construction of new casinos from a wave of foreign billionaires looking for a place to park their money.

Unlike his uncle, who had taken the family into the drug trade against Cosa Nostra rules, Nico was all about real estate. The online scams and Internet fraud that many of his associates claimed were the new wave of business were of no interest to him, nor were any rackets where he had to enforce his will through vio lence. Although he would mete out punishment if it was due, attracting the attention of the police and FBI was not the way he wanted to do business. Nico liked to talk to the people he did business with, he liked to make connections, and his casino was the perfect place to wine and dine potential partners before comping them a few evenings in the high- stakes room, and taking even more of their money.

“That’s it.” Nico moved to leave and Santo held up a hand.

“Since you’re here and you are family, I want you to be the first to know. Tony’s getting married.”

Tony Crackers married? What kind of woman would agree to marry a man with a reputation for brutal violence?

“Congratulations, cugino.” He shook his Tony’s hand. “Who’s the lucky woman?”

“Mia Cordano.” Tony gave him a sly smile. “I heard you were with her the other night. I didn’t know you were so close to the Toscanis.”

Copyright © 2016 by Sarah Castille and reprinted by permission of St. Martin’s Paperbacks.

Trailer:

Author Spotlight: 

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, SARAH CASTILLE, worked and traveled abroad before trading her briefcase and stilettos for a handful of magic beans and a home near the Canadian Rockies. She writes sexy contemporary romance and romantic suspense featuring blazingly hot alpha heroes and the women who tame them. Her books include Beyond the Cut, Chaos Bound and Rough Justice.

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