Waiting on Wednesday #62

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine and spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

Jocelyn's Waiting On: 

The Black Key (The Lone City #3) by Amy Ewing 
Publication Date: October 4th, 2016 

Synopsis: 

For too long, Violet and the people of the outer circles of the Lone City have lived in service to the royalty of the Jewel. But now the secret society known as the Black Key is preparing to seize power.

And while Violet knows she is at the center of this rebellion, she has a more personal stake in it—her sister, Hazel, has been taken by the Duchess of the Lake. Now, after fighting so hard to escape the Jewel, Violet must do everything in her power to return to save not only Hazel, but the future of the Lone City.

The Jewel was one of my favorite books of 2014. I finished it in less than a day, I mean it was truly amazing! However, The White Rose just didn't hold me like The Jewel did! I'm really hoping this last book in the series packs the same emotional punch like the first book did. Regardless - I will read it as soon as it is released! 

Cassie's Waiting On: 

Fire in You (Wait for You #6) by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Publication Date: November 28, 2016

Synopsis:

Jillian Lima’s whole world was destroyed in a span of a few hours. The same night her childhood love, Brock ‘the Beast’ Mitchell, broke her heart, her life was irrevocably altered by the hand of a stranger with a gun. It takes six years to slowly glue together the shattered pieces of her life, but Jillian is finally ready to stop existing in a past full of pain and regret. She takes a job at her father’s martial arts Academy and she’s going out on her first date since a failed relationship that was more yuck than yum. Jillian is determined to start living.

She just never expected Brock to be a part of her life again. But he’s firmly back in her life before she knows it, and not only is he older, he’s impossibly more handsome, more teasing and more everything. And when he sees Jillian, he’s no longer capable of thinking of her as the little girl who was his shadow growing up or the daughter of the man who gave him a second chance at life. He sees the woman who’d always been there for him, the one person who believed in him no matter what.

Brock knows she’s the one he should’ve made his, and what begins as a tentative friendship quickly turns to red-hot chemistry that sparks a flame that burns brighter than lust. Falling for Brock again risks more than her heart, because when the past sorrow-filled and guilt-ridden past resurfaces, and a web of lies threatens to rip them apart, the fallout could lay waste to everything they’ve fought to build together, and destroy the dreams of those they care most about.

I honestly can't even tell you how excited I am for this new novel from Jen Armentrout! It's sad to know that this will be the last in the Wait for You series (I highly recommend reading it if you haven't already), as this is one of my all time favorites of JLA.  Plus, the cover model is BT Urruela, and when I saw he was one the cover...cue fangirl freakout! I love this guy and in case you didn't notice, he's super hot (seriously check out his Instagram and prepare to drool).  I can't wait to read Brock and Jillian's story, as well as see all of my favorite characters from the other books.  November can't get here soon enough!

Book Review: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child- Parts 1 & 2

About the Book:
Title: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child- Parts 1 & 2
Author: Jack Thorne, John Tiffany, J.K. Rowling
Pub. Date: July 31, 2016
Publisher: Little Brown, UK
Pages: 343
Rating: 4/5 stars

Synopsis:

It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn’t much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband and father of three school-age children.

While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places.

Review:

Unpopular opinion time!

I was probably one of the few people who originally wasn't sure about reading this book. Yes, it's a Harry Potter book, but I had read up on it when this was first announced, and realized that J.K. Rowling didn't actually write it...instead, it was the 2 playwrights. In my mind, this was fine, but I didn't like the fact that they were marketing this as "another Harry Potter story" and "by J.K. Rowling" (I mean come on, you can't blame people for thinking that it's written by her when her name is in big bold letters on the cover of the actual book!). However, I thought to myself, what kind of fan are you if you don't give this book a shot? I felt I owed it to myself to see where these beloved characters were in the future, and what the world was like for them now. But because of this, I went in with slightly lower expectations. I wasn't expecting that same love to come back, because after all...there's only one J.K. Rowling, and virtually no one can come close to this woman's amazing writing skills. However, I honestly greatly enjoyed reading this novel, and I even though I had my complaints, I loved being back in this world. 

There is definitely a lot to love about this story: the magic, the strong friendships, and full of twists. Was the plot my favorite? No...I think a stronger plot could have been created, but I also remembered that this has to translate to the stage. So in that way, I understand why the plot was the way it was. The one thing that I thought came through very well was the emotional toll that all of the events of the past had on Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and Draco. I honestly felt their raw struggle while reading, and I thought the writers did an excellent job at translating this in the script. Obviously, everything that these characters went through in the Harry Potter series took a significant toll on all of them, and it changed them irrevocably. 

But this does lead me to one thing that upset me a bit while reading. This is a common complaint, but these characters that I know and love and feel like are family, didn't always act how I would have ever thought they would. I found Harry to be extremely harsh and rude at times, and yes, Harry was always a bit blunt and sarcastic in the books, the extent his character went to in this book was so unlike him. Hermione is awesome as ever, but I felt that she was even dulled down a bit. And Ron, while definitely used as comic relief in an otherwise dark play, got relegated to a side role that had no depth. Now is this because our trio truly wasn't supposed to be the main focus of this story? I don't know, but this was the conclusion I came up with while reading, along with the fact that this is also a play and characters aren't always given the same amount of depth as in an actual book. 

However, I did LOVE Albus and Scorpius (Scorpius just a little bit more though). They were both great characters, and I adored their friendship. This was where this book shined because it showcased how unique situations can bring together the most unlikely of allies and form the most beautiful of friendships. I can understand why people are shipping them (heck...I am too)! 

Overall, I think that this is worth checking out for any HP fan. Is it going to blow your mind, absolutely not. Will every single HP fan like/love it? No. But if you go into this book with an open mind, remembering that J.K. Rowling only offered slight input into the story and didn't actually write it; along with the fact that this is not the 8th Harry Potter book, then I think you will enjoy it. It's very easy to forget that this is even written in play format as it reads very easy and smoothly. I will tell you one thing though, I would absolutely love to see this as the play. I'm sure that just reading the script can't even remotely compare to the emotion and the exquisiteness that the actors' would bring to these roles. Check this out when you get the chance and get back into that world that shaped so many of our childhoods. You don't want to miss it!

Happy reading :)

~Cassie

Middle Graphic Novel Review: Ghosts + Dog Man

About The Book:

  Title: Ghosts 

  Author: Raina Telgemeier 
  Pub. Date: September 13th, 2016 
  Publisher: Scholastic 
  Pages: 256 

  Genre: Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Fantasy, Comics 

  Rate: 4/5 stars

Synopsis :

Catrina and her family are moving to the coast of Northern California because her little sister, Maya, is sick. Cat isn't happy about leaving her friends for Bahía de la Luna, but Maya has cystic fibrosis and will benefit from the cool, salty air that blows in from the sea. As the girls explore their new home, a neighbor lets them in on a secret: There are ghosts in Bahía de la Luna. Maya is determined to meet one, but Cat wants nothing to do with them. As the time of year when ghosts reunite with their loved ones approaches, Cat must figure out how to put aside her fears for her sister's sake - and her own.

Review:

This actually was my first time reading a graphic novel that was not about superheroes. I've heard of Raina Telgemeier before from her other Eisner Award-winning graphic novels but I haven't read them. This novel was a real treat. It was a paranormal book about friendship, family, and personal troubles. I really enjoyed it!

Even though this book was called Ghosts, I didn't actually think it was going to be paranormal. It's just the fact that I don't see many middle grade paranormals instilled with serious subjects! I thought it was going to be a figment of the MCs imagination or a ploy or something - but nope, real ghosts! It was fantastic how Ms. Telgemeier entwined cystic fibrosis with the impact it has on not only on Maya but on Cat and the rest of her family - and what it's like growing up with a disease like that affecting your family. The illustrations were beautiful and Bahía de la Luna is mystical town everybody will wish they could live in. 

This definitely broadened my reading horizons and I've already been researching some other graphic novels that I think I might be interested in. I think Ghosts will appeal to fans of multiple genres and not just middle grade - it really was a cute book! This is definitely a story you will read in one sitting.

About The Book:

  Title: Dog Man: From the Creator of Captain Underpants (Dog Man #1)

  Author: Dav Pilkey 
  Pub. Date: August 30th, 2016 
  Publisher: Scholastic 
  Pages: 240 

  Genre: Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Comics

  Rate: 2/5 stars

Synopsis :

New from the creator of Captain Underpants, it's Dog Man, the crime-biting canine who is part dog, part man, and ALL HERO!

George and Harold have created a new hero who digs into deception, claws after crooks, and rolls over robbers. When Greg the police dog and his cop companion are injured on the job, a life-saving surgery changes the course of history, and Dog Man is born. With the head of a dog and the body of a human, this heroic hound has a real nose for justice. But can he resist the call of the wild to answer the call of duty?

Review:

Dog Man is the story of a cop and a police dog who become surgically conjoined together after an injury. The dog head and the human body supposedly will make him the "best" crime fighter! With 4 chapters (Chapter 3 is my favorite) of narrowly avoiding catastrophic disasters, Dog Man manages to somehow save the day while never really speaking.

I'll give it to Dog Man - there were some witty lines. However, it wasn't enough to make me like this book. Dog Man never speaks, which I think is going to hinder this series future success. This book managed to just get away with it but it started to get annoying at the end. Why did the evil cat in this book talk but not the dog? Why does Dog Man understand language but choose not to talk? So Mr. Pilkey mentioned wanting to appeal to the dyslexic audience and I'm guessing he is unintentionally appealing to the selective mutism audience as well. I'm not saying it's a bad thing to appeal to multiple audiences, but it's not consistent to have some animals talk and not others.

I don't think I would recommend Dog Man to fans of YA, which isn't a problem because it's not marketed to YA. However, I'm not even sure middle grade readers would like it. While there were parts that did make me giggle, I'm not sure intentional misspelling at the 2nd grade reading level is the best idea. My cousin who frequently reads middle grade read it and told me he thought it was "dumb". I never read Captain Underpants, so maybe it could be great for fans of that series of his but unfortunately this just wasn't a huge hit with me.

- Jocelyn

Book Blitz: Alpha Beta Omega Anthology

10 Sizzling Shifter Stories From Today’s Hottest, Bestselling Authors

On PreOrder Now – Alpha Beta Omega: A Shifter Box Set

"Follow the blitz and enter to #win a grand prize of $50.00 Amazon gift card!"

Title: Alpha Beta Omega: A Shifter Box Set
Anthology Authors: Lia Davis, K.N. Lee, Marissa Dobson, Beth Caudill, Misha Carver, Xandra James, Laxmi Hariharan, Bethany Shaw, Nicole Morgan, Lily Marie
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: September 13, 2016
Format: Digital

From today’s hottest USA Today and Bestselling authors comes a collection of 10 novellas, featuring hot alpha, beta, and omega shifters. If you like tigers, bears, wolves, and more you’ll love this box set. Each story is either a first in a series or a stand-alone novella.

AND it’s only on sale for a limited time so be sure to grab while it’s available. #99cents

Available at: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks

What’s inside:

A Tiger’s Claim by Lia Davis

As the Alpha’s only daughter Shayna Andrews has always been treated like a rare gem, protected like royalty, and she’s suffocating. Her longing to be independent has driven her to sneak out one evening after dinner. After relishing in being able to run free without an escort, she finds herself face-to-face with the enemy, miles from home, and nearly loses her life until a lone wolf comes to her aid. But when he discovers she wears the enemy’s brand, things will go from bad to worse.

The Scarlett Legacy by K.N. Lee

Wizards. Shifters. Sexy mobsters with magic.

The arrival of Avalon Prince brings a century-old feud to a dangerous climax. Scottish Old-World magic, mixed with a dangerous obsession with Evie and a sinister plot for revenge threatens to bring the Scarlett family to its demise.  

Tiger Time by Marissa Dobson

Tabitha Leigh has no idea her mundane life is about to change or that danger stalks her every step. Now as the Queen of the Tigers with a bounty on her head, she must embrace her future and her mate. If she doesn’t, it will mean the end of everything she’s come to know and never realized she needed.

Healer’s Fate by Beth Caudill

Corliss Rumdone’s the healer of her werewolf clan, destined to save lives and live in the shadows. He's the alpha's son, destined to mate to cement his status at the top of the pack. What happens when he chooses her instead?

Bearly Smitten (The Alpha’s Bride Book 1) by Misha Carver

When bear shifter Jed Barton’s keynote speaker engagement and his role as pack alpha require him to  have a wife, he does what any other tycoon would do – he hires one – the  last thing he wanted to do was fall in love with her.  

Reluctant Revenge - Under the Demon’s Skin by Xandra James

Demon-hybrid Nash is hungry for revenge. Promising to protect the daughter of his sworn enemy, he's torn between his duty as an Alpha Enforcer and his desire to avenge his murdered fiancée. Can Nash forgive the past? Or will losing Sienna be the only way to heal his dark heart?

Feral - A Many Lives Story by Laxmi Hariharan

He was her destination. She just didn't know it. When Maya leaves Luke to go in search of her blood family, nothing prepares her for the secrets she uncovers about herself.  An intense, shifter romance, set in a Bombay of the future.

The Beta’s Mate by Bethany Shaw

Nina’s tired of the lies and disappearances. Her marriage is on the verge of dissolving, but fate has other ideas. Now if she could only get in touch with her soon-to-be ex. Logan hates that his wife filed for divorce, even though everyone tells him it’s for the best. He’s the beta of the pack—second in command—and she’s human. When he discovers he’s going to be a father, he’ll do anything to keep Nina and the baby safe. But will she let him back in when she finds out he’s been lying to her for years about turning into a giant wolf?  

Night Falls by Nicole Morgan

When Paul, the leader of the Racinitine Pack crosses paths with Kinzey, a tencacious reporter, he knows he’s in trouble. Not only can he see the fire in her, but he can feel it as well. When Kinzey gets too close to his secrets, it may change the only way of life his pack has ever known.

Wounds to Bear (Heart of The Bear Book One) by Lily Marie

A wounded shifter, and a beautiful, curvy woman. Two hearts, with one goal – to save the children taken by an old enemy.  

Roman Black’s past has finally caught up with him – and he isn’t the only one paying for his mistakes. Dr. Jenna Morgan is running from her own past – and hopes to find her place in the small town of Pine Heart. When a wounded bear shows up at her door, she discovers that the rumors about this small town are true, and that one of those shifters is bleeding all over her front porch. She treats him, and learns that he was shot protecting a group of shifter and human kids – who are now being held by an old enemy bent on revenge.

Thanks for joining Novels & Necklaces for the Alpha Beta Omega Anthology Book Blitz! Make sure to enter the giveaway below and definitely go pre-order this right now! This sounds like an amazing set of stories, and you certainly can't beat the price! Special thanks to Barclay Publicity for letting us join in on this tour :) 

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~Cassie

Waiting on Wednesday #61

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine and spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

Jocelyn's Waiting On: 

Holding up the Universe by Jennifer Niven 
Publication Date: October 4th, 2016 

Synopsis: 

Everyone thinks they know Libby Strout, the girl once dubbed “America’s Fattest Teen.” But no one’s taken the time to look past her weight to get to know who she really is. Following her mom’s death, she’s been picking up the pieces in the privacy of her home, dealing with her heartbroken father and her own grief. Now, Libby’s ready: for high school, for new friends, for love, and for EVERY POSSIBILITY LIFE HAS TO OFFER. In that moment, I know the part I want to play here at MVB High. I want to be the girl who can do anything. 

Everyone thinks they know Jack Masselin, too. Yes, he’s got swagger, but he’s also mastered the impossible art of giving people what they want, of fitting in. What no one knows is that Jack has a newly acquired secret: he can’t recognize faces. Even his own brothers are strangers to him. He’s the guy who can re-engineer and rebuild anything in new and bad-ass ways, but he can’t understand what’s going on with the inner workings of his brain. So he tells himself to play it cool: Be charming. Be hilarious. Don’t get too close to anyone. 

Until he meets Libby. When the two get tangled up in a cruel high school game—which lands them in group counseling and community service—Libby and Jack are both pissed, and then surprised. Because the more time they spend together, the less alone they feel. . . . Because sometimes when you meet someone, it changes the world, theirs and yours.

While I've never read anything by Jennifer Niven, I have heard fantastic things about All the Bright Places and how heartbreaking it was. I love contemporary novels and it sounds like this one is going to be extremely moving so I have to say that I'm pretty excited to read it. 

Cassie's Waiting On: 

Dead Girls Society by Michelle Krys

Publication Date: November 8, 2016

Synopsis:

You are cordially invited to participate in a game of thrills and dares. Tell no one, and come alone. If you dare.

Hope is sick of everyone treating her like she’s breakable. Sure, she has cystic fibrosis (basically really bad lungs), but she’s tired of being babied by her mom and her overprotective best friend, Ethan, not to mention worrying about paying for her expensive medication and how she’s going to afford college. And she’s bored with life in her run-down New Orleans suburb.

When an invitation arrives from a mysterious group that calls itself the Society, Hope jumps at the chance for some excitement. This could be her ticket out. All she has to do is complete a few dares and she might win some real money.

But the Society isn’t all it seems . . . and soon Hope finds that playing the game isn’t a choice—it’s a requirement.

I'm going to take a chance with this book because it sounds like it could be a great mystery story, and the synopsis itself is extremely intriguing.  I've heard good things about the book so far, so I'm hoping that this is going to be a thrilling story that is non-stop excitement all the way through!

Book Review: Walk the Edge (Thunder Road #2)

Hey everyone!! Sorry for the absence, but now that I have a bit of a break, I'll definitely be back to posting like normal.  It got super crazy toward the end of my semester, and I barely even got a chance to read...I was dying inside a little every day :( Thankfully, I'll be able to read some more now and get to check out some amazing books that have been on my TBR forever! So without further ado...here's my review for Walk the Edge!

About the Book:
Title: Walk the Edge (Thunder Road #2)
Author: Katie McGarry
Pub. Date: March 29, 2016
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Pages: 426
Rating: 5/5 stars

Synopsis:

 One moment of recklessness will change their worlds.

Smart. Responsible. That's seventeen-year-old Breanna's role in her large family, and heaven forbid she put a toe out of line. Until one night of shockingly un-Breanna-like behavior puts her into a vicious cyber-bully's line of fire—and brings fellow senior Thomas "Razor" Turner into her life.

Razor lives for the Reign of Terror motorcycle club, and good girls like Breanna just don't belong. But when he learns she's being blackmailed over a compromising picture of the two of them—a picture that turns one unexpected and beautiful moment into ugliness—he knows it's time to step outside the rules.

And so they make a pact: he'll help her track down her blackmailer, and in return she'll help him seek answers to the mystery that's haunted him—one that not even his club brothers have been willing to discuss. But the more time they spend together, the more their feelings grow. And suddenly they're both walking the edge of discovering who they really are, what they want, and where they're going from here. 

Review:

“It's the danger that makes it fun.” 

Katie McGarry has done it again! I have loved everything that Katie McGarry has written, but this book blew me away. There is so much to love and I can't even begin to tell you how much I adored both Razor and Breanna. Walk the Edgetruly has it all: a plot that draws you in and never lets go, in-depth, well-developed characters, and a romance that is swoon-worthy. I honestly never wanted this book to end because I love being in the worlds that Katie McGarry creates. 

While this is a standalone novel, I definitely recommend reading Nowhere But Here first as you will have a better understanding of the world and the Reign of Terror. However, Katie McGarry does an excellent job at ensuring a reader isn't confused by the different elements of the motorcycle club that Razor belongs to. It's a dangerous, dark, and action-packed world, and I think it's much more appreciated if you read the previous book first. Plus, you get to fangirl when favorite characters return!!

“The boy everyone sees but nobody knows is with the girl who everybody knows but nobody sees.” 

Razor is seriously one of my favorite characters that Katie McGarry has written to date. Don't get me wrong, I love all of the boys she writes (and each is a book boyfriend haha), but Razor felt different than previous characters. He had so much depth, and was extremely well-developed. I felt like I could feel everything he felt and truly knew him by the end of this book. Razor is so strong and protective, but also such a gentleman towards Breanna. Regardless of what is going on, he always is honest and sincere with her, and this was something I greatly appreciated. Razor definitely has a lot of demons, and I loved seeing his growth over the course of the novel...largely due to meeting and being with Breanna. She helped Razor shoulder these demons, but also showed him how to accept the past and move on. Simply put, I adored his character, and I think his character showcases Katie McGarry's supreme talent as an author. 

“If you want out of the box you hide in, then you need to crack open the flaps and bask in some sunlight.” 

Breanna was an equally amazing character. Her brain works in a much different way than others, and due to this, she is mercilessly teased and sequestered. Breanna does have a couple friends, primarily Addison, but when Breanna even feels like an outsider in her own family, well there's very few places she can turn. I thought that Katie McGarry portrayed Breanna's isolation and heartbroken nature very well. My heart broke for her many times while reading. She has dealt with a lot, and it was a struggle for Breanna to see herself as Razor saw her. However, Breanna, with everything she has had to deal with, is truly a fearless character. Obviously this is in her own way, but I admired her strength and courage. Again, being able to witness her growth over the course of the novel was truly amazing. 

“There's a ton you can learn about a person from how they deal with the absence of sound.” 

There is a recurring theme of honesty and trust in this novel. This comes through in multiple ways throughout the story, and both Razor and Breanna struggle with this constantly. I think this is one of the many aspects that made this book so good. The story was extremely realistic and in many ways, relatable. No, we're not all dealing with the same things these characters are dealing with, but all of us can relate to struggles with trust, honesty, and loyalty. I think every person who reads this book can take away something unique to them, and isn't that the sign of a remarkable book?

“This is heartbreaking and consuming and addictive. It’s terrifying and peaceful, crazy and serene. It’s a million things in one brief moment and it’s something I don’t understand and never want to live without.” 

Overall, this is truly one of the best books Katie McGarry has written to date, and every reader will quickly fall in love with Razor and Breanna. Filled with action, danger, and a steamy romance, Walk the Edge has it all, and is definitely a must-read for fans of Katie McGarry (and everyone if I'm being honest). I can't wait to read the next books in this series because I know that whatever Katie McGarry writes, it will be amazing!

Happy reading :)

~Cassie

Book Blitz: Shadow Born

About the Book:
Title: Shadow Born (Shadows of Salem #1) 
Author: Jasmine Walt & Rebecca Hamilton
Publication date: August 16, 2016
Genres: Adult, Urban Fantasy

Chicago Police Detective Brooke Chandler is keeping a secret… and if she’s not careful, it could get her killed.
Brooke is no stranger to the supernatural. In Chicago, vampires are just as prevalent as drug lords, and infinitely more bloodthirsty. So when her partner and fiancé dies in a mysterious fire while chasing down a lead in Salem, she suspects something dark and otherworldly is at play.
Blessed with the ability to see into the past by touching inanimate objects, Brooke transfers to the Salem PD, hoping her talent will help her get to the bottom of things. Between dodging assassination attempts and being stonewalled at every turn, the going is tough. Add in a mysterious fae club owner with secrets of his own and a personal grudge against her, and it becomes nearly impossible.
If Brooke wants to play in the supernatural sandbox, she’s going to have to roll up her sleeves and get dirty. But how many people will have to die for Brooke to discover the truth about her fiance? And is she even ready to know?
Find out what lurks in the SHADOWS OF SALEM by pre-ordering SHADOW BORN, the latest Urban Fantasy hit readers are comparing to Karen Marie Moning and Patricia Briggs.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / iTunes / Website

—

EXCERPT:

“They’re conniving, manipulative, and take things that don’t belong to them.” Maddock hissed, then shoved to his feet. “Such as the fae that have been going missing recently.”“Well, I can’t argue with that,” I muttered, eyeing him warily. He was glaring at me, as if this were somehow my fault. “But how do you know it’s the witches doing this? A symbol on a wall isn’t what I call concrete evidence.”Maddock crossed his arms and glared down at me, making my heart jump into my throat. “So yer defending them now? Somehow I’m not surprised.” His sarcastic tone was so accusatory that his behavior suddenly made sense. All the animosity, the condemning glares…“You think I’m a witch, don’t you?” I jabbed a finger at him. “That’s why you don’t like me, and why you always look at me like I’m a piece of shit stuck to your shoe.”“I dinnae know what ye are,” Maddock growled, clamping his hand around my forearm. “Aside from a heaping of trouble. But right now, I need ye, which is why I’m tolerating yer presence in this city. Now let’s get going already. I’ve something to show ye.”

Author Bio:
Rebecca Hamilton writes Paranormal Fantasy, Horror, and Literary Fiction. She lives in Florida with her husband and four kids, along with multiple writing personalities that range from morbid to literary. Having a child diagnosed with autism has inspired her to illuminate the world through the eyes of characters who see things differently.
Rebecca Hamilton is represented by the ever-more-amazing Rossano Trentin of TZLA.

Author links:
Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

Jasmine Walt: I'm obsessed with books, chocolate, and sharp, pointy objects. Somehow, those three things melded together in my head and transformed into a desire to write. Usually fantastical stuff, with a healthy dose of action and romance. My characters are a little (okay, a lot) on the snarky side, and they swear, but they mean well. Even the villains sometimes.

When I'm not working on my next book, you can find me working on my dao sword form, spending time with my family, or binge-watching superhero shows on Netflix. I love to hear from my readers, so if you've got a question or just want to say hi, feel free to contact me via my website at www.jasminewalt.com.

Author links:
Website / Facebook / Twitter

GIVEAWAY!
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~Cassie

Waiting on Wednesday #60

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine and spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

Jocelyn's Waiting On: 

Nemesis (Nemesis #1) by Anna Banks 
Publication Date: October 4th, 2016 

Synopsis: 

Princess Sepora of Serubel is the last Forger in all the five kingdoms. The spectorium she creates provides energy for all, but now her father has found a way to weaponize it, and his intentions to incite war force her to flee from his grasp. She escapes across enemy lines into the kingdom of Theoria, but her plans to hide are thwarted when she is captured and placed in the young king's servitude.

Tarik has just taken over rulership of Theoria, and must now face a new plague sweeping through his kingdom and killing his citizens. The last thing he needs is a troublesome servant vying for his attention. But mistress Sepora will not be ignored. When the two finally meet face-to-face, they form an unlikely bond that complicates life in ways neither of them could have imagined.

Sepora's gift could save Tarik's kingdom from the Quiet Plague. But should she trust her growing feelings for her nemesis, or should she hide her gifts at all costs?

I'm really excited for this one! I've read the first two of Anna's Syrena Legacy series and I thought the execution was really unique. I am expecting no less from this series and I hope the romance is just as fiery as Emma and Galens. 

Cassie's Waiting On: 

Midnight Hour (Shadow Falls: After Dark #4) by C.C. Hunter

Publication Date: October 25, 2016

Synopsis:

A missing sister, a heart in turmoil, and a growing tattoo that no one understands...C. C. Hunter brings The Shadow Falls saga to a spectacular conclusion in this thrilling finale: Midnight Hour!

Being a dyslexic witch has never been easy for Miranda Kane, but her time at Shadow Falls helped her tap into her true powers. Now her life is thrown into chaos after a near death experience leaves her with a mysterious growing tattoo no one can explain. Her heart is a mess over whether to get back together with Perry or take a chance on a new love, her parents are spitting up, and she may not get into the same college of her two best friends. To upend her world further, it appears her sister has been kidnapped and it’s not just her they want. Miranda’s only way of saving her sister may be to take her place. Will her friends at Shadow Falls save Miranda…or will she realize that she had the power to save herself all along?

I will never get enough of the Shadow Falls saga, so it was a complete surprise when I found out that there was going to be another addition to the series! Even more, I'm excited that Miranda is getting a full length book! This is guaranteed to be a hilarious, fun adventure that will have a place on my bookshelf for a long time to come. Plus, this comes out on my birthday, so it's a double win :)

Book Blitz: Bound By Duty

About the Book:
Title: Bound by Duty (Bound #1)
Author: Stormy Smith
Publication date: July 24th 2014
Genres: Fantasy, New Adult

Amelia grew up in a world of half-truths. She knows she’s an Elder but has no idea what that means. Her father reminds her daily that she must maintain control but he refuses to explain why. Even worse, she’s betrothed to the prince of the Immortals and she doesn’t even know his name.
Finally breaking free to live a few normal years at a community college, the last thing Amelia expects is to find her best friend in a cheeky Southern girl and to fall for a self-assured human who sees her for who she is and not what she’ll be.
As she learns more about herself, Amelia realizes the line between love and duty is a thin one. As her power continues to increase exponentially and her questions are slowly answered, Amelia must make the ultimate choice. The question is, will her head or her heart win the battle?

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EXCERPT:

To set the stage, this scene features Amelia and Aidan. They are just getting to know each other and both have pasts that have irrevocably changed the people they have become. There are secrets and fears that have been buried their whole lives. The question is if they can trust each other?

Without looking back at me, he squeezed my hand tightly. His fingers pressing hard into the divots between the bones in my hand. He clutched at my hand as if I could keep him here, pull him away from the memories that overwhelmed him, that threatened to pull him down into a place I could feel he didn’t want to go.“You can tell me, but only if you want to.” I put the words between us and let the silence follow. Turning back to stare at the sky, I gave him time to decide. I had no idea what he had been through, what he would say, but I understood what the darkness of truth could do to you if you let it.“I don’t know why, but I want to tell you, Amelia. It’s insane because I never tell anyone this stuff. But, I want to tell you. Before this goes any further, I want you to know who I am.” He still wasn’t looking at me so while I saw him in my peripheral, I kept my gaze on the clouds. “Then, tell me,” I said. Taking a deep breath, I finished with a surprising, “Tell me and I’ll tell you.”The longer Aidan held my hand, the more I got used to the feel of my nerves being raw and the increased sensations that vibrated from our point of contact throughout the rest of my body. As I lay there, waiting for him to speak, he kept our hands locked, sliding his middle finger up and down in a slow rhythm over the back of my hand. I could feel callouses on his palm and the heat he radiated. It was soothing and, for once, I was truly in control, at least as far as my power was concerned. My heartbeat, however, raced triple time as I had time to realize that I was laying on the forest floor holding hands with Aidan Montgomery, waiting for him to unlock doors I hadn’t known I wanted inside of. Someone I could give some of my truth to and who wanted to give me theirs in return.

Author Bio:
Stormy Smith calls Iowa's capital home now, but was raised in a tiny town in the Southeast corner of the state. She grew to love books honestly, having a mom that read voraciously and instilled that same love in her. She knew quickly that stories of fantasy were her favorite, and even as an adult gravitates toward paranormal stories in any form.
Writing a book had never been an aspiration, but suddenly the story was there and couldn't be stopped. When she isn't working on, or thinking about, her books, Stormy's favorite places include bar patios, live music shows, her yoga mat or anywhere she can relax with her husband or girlfriends.
If you want to stay tuned in to all of the new release news, sign up for Stormy's spam-free newsletter. It only comes out when something exciting is happening...promise! http://eepurl.com/WLlq1
Get more information on her website - www.stormysmith.com.

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~Cassie

P.S.  Sorry we haven't posted much this week! These next couple of weeks are super busy for both Jocelyn and I due to grad school stuff, but after finals are over, we'll be back to posting like normal. Thanks for hanging in there with us!! We love you guys :)

Waiting on Wednesday #59

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine and spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

Jocelyn's Waiting On: 

Metaltown by Kristen Simmons 
Publication Date: September 20th, 2016

Synopsis: 

The rules of Metaltown are simple: Work hard, keep your head down, and watch your back. You look out for number one, and no one knows that better than Ty. She’s been surviving on the factory line as long as she can remember. But now Ty has Colin. She’s no longer alone; it’s the two of them against the world. That’s something even a town this brutal can’t take away from her. Until it does.

Lena’s future depends on her family’s factory, a beast that demands a ruthless master, and Lena is prepared to be as ruthless as it takes if it means finally proving herself to her father. But when a chance encounter with Colin, a dreamer despite his circumstances, exposes Lena to the consequences of her actions, she’ll risk everything to do what’s right.

In Lena, Ty sees an heiress with a chip on her shoulder. Colin sees something more. In a world of disease and war, tragedy and betrayal, allies and enemies, all three of them must learn that challenging what they thought was true can change all the rules.

I love books with strong female protagonists and that's exactly what both Lena and Ty seem like to me. I'm excited to read about this new world because it looks so unique already! 

Cassie's Waiting On: 

The Midnight Star (The Young Elites #3) by Marie Lu
Publication Date: October 11, 2016

Synopsis:
There was once a time when darkness shrouded the world, and the darkness had a queen.

Adelina Amouteru is done suffering. She’s turned her back on those who have betrayed her and achieved the ultimate revenge: victory. Her reign as the White Wolf has been a triumphant one, but with each conquest her cruelty only grows. The darkness within her has begun to spiral out of control, threatening to destroy all that she’s achieved.

Adelina’s forced to revisit old wounds when a new danger appears, putting not only Adelina at risk, but every Elite and the very world they live in. In order to save herself and preserve her empire, Adelina and her Roses must join the Daggers on a perilous quest—though this uneasy alliance may prove to be the real danger.

Bestselling author Marie Lu concludes Adelina's story with this haunting and hypnotizing final installment to the Young Elites series. 

Look at that gorgeous cover!! This book sounds utterly fantastic and I can't wait to see how Adelina's journey ends.  After the ending events of the previous book, The Midnight Star will definitely have a different, darker feel to it, and I'm looking forward to seeing the direction Marie Lu takes with the story.  This is a must-read for this year and should go on your TBR right away!