ARC Review: "The Monsters of Music" by Rebecca F. Kenney

The Monsters of Music by Rebecca F. Kenney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Summary from GoodReads

A darkly romantic gender-swapped modern retelling of The Phantom of the Opera, with a scarred Muse girl, a rock-star boy, and a singing competition. For fans of The Wicked Deep (Ernshaw), Wintersong (S. Jae-Jones), American Idol, or The Voice.

Mel must share her creative magic or be driven mad by it. But finding her first protégé isn't as easy for her as it is for most Lianhan Sídhe (muses of Celtic myth). Though the women of her race are naturally beautiful, she carries horrifying scars across one side of her face, inflicted by her mother's obsessive boyfriend. And Mel isn't only interested in pouring her creative energy into a man; she wants to use her musical genius herself, too. But the laws of the Lianhan Sídhe, and her own savage appearance, stand in the way of her ever singing onstage.

To relieve the painful pressure of her magic, Mel latches onto Kiyoji, a boy with a beautiful voice, and coaches him through a televised singing competition. But neither of them are prepared for the power of their connection, or for the new kind of magic that happens when the two of them sing together.

Fans of Holly Black's contemporary fantasy books (Tithe, Valiant) or Brigid Kemmerer's A Curse So Dark and Lonely will enjoy this dark, offbeat retelling with a hint of cyberpunk and a dose of Celtic mythology. The novel celebrates a broad range of music from various decades.

BUY ON

AMAZON

REVIEW

I received an e-ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

The retellings of The Phantom of the Opera are rare and difficult to find. So I was very surprised when Rebecca approached me with the chance of reviewing her book! The Monsters of Music is inspired by the Phantom of the Opera, only that it's gender-swapped, set in a more contemporary time and with a slight touch of Fae myths.

The Phantom is Mel, a muse of the Lianhan Sidhe who needs to share her magic or she’ll become insane and in Christine’s role is Kiyoji who is also hugely talented. As she tries to share her magic with him, a bond will form which will evolve into romance. I loved how the book was set. Every chapter has songs and lyrics and the descriptions of the Fae were amazing as they hide and blend with the humans.

You are going to enjoy this book, especially if you had always supported Erik (like me.)

About the author:

I write YA fantasy, contemporary fantasy, and sci-fi, always with a thread of romance. My most recent novel is The Monsters of Music, a genderbent Phantom of the Opera retelling. My debut novel was Korrigan, about a girl cursed to turn into a monster each day and spend her nights as a human. Korrigan is the first book in my YA contemporary fantasy trilogy, and it's followed by Druid and Samhain.

Release Day Blitz: "Knox" (Chicago Blaze #4) by Brenda Rothert

Today we are celebrating the release of KNOX by Brenda Rothert. This is a contemporary romance, and it is the fourth, standalone title in the Chicago Blaze hockey romance series. Purchase your copy now!

Purchase KNOX Now:

Amazon | Nook | Kobo | Apple Books

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Knox by Brenda Rothert

Available Now | Chicago Blaze, #4

Purchase KNOX Now:

Amazon | Nook | Kobo | Apple Books

Book Blurb:

Reese

I’m done.

Getting ditched at the altar is nothing compared to being humiliated there in front of three hundred shocked guests. Apparently I’m no good at spotting the signs your man’s a cheating liar. So I set off solo on my honeymoon to Hawaii, where I realize I’ve got this life thing down just fine on my own.

Friendships and laughter? Yes.

Adventures? Absolutely.

But relationships? Hell no. Never again.

Knox

I’m a man of few words. My reputation as a moody prick is deserved, but only the handful of people who really know me see the man beneath the professional mask.

I’m a protector. A warrior. That part is true. But the world doesn’t get to see the rest of me. And women don’t seem to mind my gruff exterior—my bed’s always warm.

I’m content with life—loving it, even—or so I thought. But when I meet a beautiful pastry chef with a broken heart and a smile that softens me down to my soul, I realize I wasn’t really content at all before her.

I only wish I had the words to let her know.

Add the book to Goodreads

EXCERPT:

Mrs. Eric Darnell. I’ve practiced saying it and writing it, but it still doesn’t feel real. There’s a part of me that’s still scared, but this is the right thing. After nine years together, where else can our relationship go?

At the sound of a sniffle, I turn to my maid of honor, my best friend Mandy, who’s already crying. I never knew her to be a softie. The ceremony hasn’t really even started yet. She takes a tissue out from around her bouquet and wipes the corners of her eyes.

“Before we begin the ceremony, let us pray,” the pastor says.

“Hang on,” Eric blurts out.

Did he just say hang on as our wedding ceremony was about to start? My heart skips several beats as I look around to see what’s going on. Is there a medical emergency? Why else would Eric go off script?

The pastor and I both stare at him as he closes his eyes and grimaces.

“I’m sorry,” he says, sighing as he opens his eyes and lets go of my hands.

As my hands drop to my sides, an icy shiver zips down my spine. He let go. I only asked him for one thing when we talked on the phone this morning, honoring the tradition of not seeing each other on our wedding day. Hold onto my hands the entire time.

The church is still, everyone seeming to hold their breath as they wait for Eric to speak. My heart races and my hands start to shake as I realize something’s not right here. There’s no medical emergency.

“Reese.” Eric’s tone is both apologetic and pleading. “I need to tell you something. I want to go into this marriage with a clean conscience.”

I swallow back the bile that rises in my throat. This can’t be happening. In all my worst-case scenarios about what could go wrong on my wedding day, I never imagined this.

I worried I’d be having a heavy period today. That I’d trip on my way down the aisle and face plant in front of everyone. Or that the last week of stress eating would catch up with me and my dress wouldn’t zip up.

But this? Never this.

Eric lets out a shaky breath and says, “Please forgive me. I did something so stupid.”

Mandy’s crying intensifies. I feel like I could pass out at any second.

“Uh…” the pastor looks between me and Eric. “Do you two want to step out for a moment?”

“What did you do?” I ask Eric, my voice nearly a whisper.

The sound and scent of the ocean has vanished. I can only feel my racing heart and a creeping sense of complete dread.

“So now it was stupid?” Mandy demands loudly. “Eight months together and you’re saying it was a mistake?”

The guests collectively gasp.

As it sets in, I’m too stunned to even breathe. Eric. Fucked. Mandy. A lot.

My bouquet falls to the ground, making a whooshing sound as it hits. My breathing is more of a pant now, an angry, breathy pant with a growl now surfacing.

PREVIOUS BOOKS IN THE SERIES

Purchase ANTON Now:

Amazon | Nook | Kobo | Apple Books

 

Purchase LUCA Now:

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Purchase VICTOR Now:

Amazon | Nook | Kobo | Apple Books

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AUTHOR INFORMATION:

Brenda Rothert is an Illinois native who was a print journalist for nine years. She made the jump from fact to fiction in 2013 and never looked back. From new adult to steamy contemporary romance, Brenda creates fresh characters in every story she tells. She’s a lover of Diet Coke, chocolate, lazy weekends and happily ever afters.

AUTHOR LINKS:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Wattpad | Amazon

ARC Review: "Find Me Their Bones" (Bring Me Their Hearts, #2) by Sara Wolf

Find Me Their Bones by Sara Wolf
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summary from GoodReads

No one can save her.

In order to protect Prince Lucien d’Malvane’s heart, Zera had to betray him. Now, he hates the sight of her. Trapped in Cavanos as a prisoner of the king, she awaits the inevitable moment her witch severs their magical connection and finally ends her life.

But fate isn't ready to give her up just yet.

With freedom coming from the most unlikely of sources, Zera is given a second chance at life as a Heartless. But it comes with a terrible price. As the king mobilizes his army to march against the witches, Zera must tame an elusive and deadly valkerax trapped in the tunnels underneath the city if she wants to regain her humanity.

Winning over a bloodthirsty valkerax? Hard. Winning back her friends before war breaks out? A little harder.

But a Heartless winning back Prince Lucien’s heart?

The hardest thing she’s ever done.

PRE-ORDER ON

AMAZON | BOOK DEPOSITORY

REVIEW

I received an e-ARC from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. 

To be honest with the fellow readers and blog followers, I jumped into the sequel without having re-read the first book. I knew that there had been a cliffhanger and that Zera had difficult choices to make.

So I was very surprised when the plot unraveled on a whole different level than the one I had expected. And that's good! Because I thought, mistakenly, that this was going to be a predictable sequel.

But nooooo.

I got political intrigue, magic creatures, lost lore and myth and a new witch hell-bent on 'saving' everyone...at the cost of her own humanity.

Zera in this book is mostly trying to keep her nonheart safe (as the real one is kept in a bag all Davey Jones style) from the emotional turmoil of losing Lucien's trust while also trying to make deals with her new 'allies' as war is on the horizon. Now at some points, the plot felt too slow while in other chapters there was so much action I kept reading quickly, trying to catch up with the plot unraveling before me.

The final revelations are amazing and stunning and left me reeling with the need for the third book! Because you can't just end all this mayhem and emotional rollercoaster with a cliffhanger!

This is a really good sequel to the first book and if you liked Zera then you'll enjoy her in this one too!

And don't miss the first book of the series!

GOODREADS

About the author:

Sara Wolf is a twenty-something author who adores baking, screaming at her cats, and screaming at herself while she types hilarious things. When she was a kid, she was too busy eating dirt to write her first terrible book. Twenty years later, she picked up a keyboard and started mashing her fists on it and created the monster known as the Lovely Vicious series. She lives in San Diego with two cats, a crippling-yet-refreshing sense of self-doubt, and not enough fruit tarts ever.

ARC Review: "Red Hood" by Elana K. Arnold

Red Hood by Elana K. Arnold
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Summary from GoodReads

You are alone in the woods, seen only by the unblinking yellow moon. Your hands are empty. You are nearly naked.

And the wolf is angry.

Since her grandmother became her caretaker when she was four years old, Bisou Martel has lived a quiet life in a little house in Seattle. She’s kept mostly to herself. She’s been good. But then comes the night of homecoming, when she finds herself running for her life over roots and between trees, a fury of claws and teeth behind her. A wolf attacks. Bisou fights back. A new moon rises. And with it, questions. About the blood in Bisou’s past and on her hands as she stumbles home. About broken boys and vicious wolves. About girls lost in the woods—frightened, but not alone.

Elana K. Arnold, National Book Award finalist and author of the Printz Honor book Damsel, returns with a dark, engrossing, blood-drenched tale of the familiar threats to female power—and one girl’s journey to regain it.

PRE-ORDER ON

AMAZON | BOOK DEPOSITORY

REVIEW

I received an e-ARC from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. 

Dear Lord this review is a hard one to write. Not because the book was bad, but because it was SO DAMN GOOD!

I knew after reading "Damsel" that Elana would do the same with Red Hood too: deconstruct the fairytale and give to the readers the spirit of the story set in the real world: that everywhere there are predators and sometimes women have to fight back and become equally as predatory as the ones who hunt them.

Bisou Martel lives with her grandmother in a quiet town. She has a loving boyfriend but when at the party of her high school something goes wrong, Bisou wakes up the next day with the news that a boy from her school was killed in the woods.

But Bisou had only seen a wolf hunting her.

This story is about rights: the right to love your body as it is, the right to defend yourself, the right to have friends despite the different backgrounds. And above all? The right to your body from having your period to deciding when you want to make love with the one you choose to.

Bisou passes through the emotional rollercoaster any teenager has been through but in a toxic environment in school. With boys feeling entitled to anything they want, quiet girls trying to overcome trauma and sweet boyfriends who are supportive.

The grandma was also a surprise as we also get to read her story too. The entire book is written in the second POV and personally, I didn't mind because I felt like I was being the one addressed to.

I loved the symbolism and the slight touch of paranormal in the plot, which made it even more realistic and damn scary. Because all of you know that the world isn't always as safe as we hope it is and that you can never know what can happen to any of us.

Red Hood is a spectacular symbolic story and Elana has again outdone herself in this one!

About the author:

ELANA K. ARNOLD writes books for and about children and teens. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing/Fiction from the University of California, Davis where she has taught Creative Writing and Adolescent Literature. Her most recent YA novel, DAMSEL, is a Printz Honor book, Her 2017 novel, WHAT GIRLS ARE MADE OF, was a finalist for the National Book Award, and her middle grade novel, A BOY CALLED BAT, is a Junior Library Guild Selection. A parent and educator living in Huntington Beach, California, Elana is a frequent speaker at schools, libraries, and writers’ conferences. Currently, Elana is the caretaker of seven pets, only three of which have fur.

Waiting on Wednesday: "Where Dreams Descend" (Kingdom of Cards #1) by Janella Angeles

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted here, at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. If you're continuing with WOW, feel free to link those up as well! Find out more here.

Summary from GoodReads

A debut fantasy duology pitched as The Phantom of the Opera meets Moulin Rouge, the story follows Hellfire House's star showgirl who, haunted by a dark past, must enter a magician's competition in order to secure her freedom from the handsome, enigmatic keeper of the club, even as mysterious accidents seem to plague her every move.

Two of my favorite movies are combined in this! I can't wait to read it!

Release Blitz: "In Luv Duet" series by Jay Crownover & Rebecca Yarros

Girl in Luv and Boy in Luv, which make up the Luv Duet by Jay Crownover and Rebecca Yarros, are now available to read for free as part of Kindle Unlimited.

GIRL IN LUV by Jay Crownover & Rebecca Yarros

In Luv Duet, #1 | Available Now

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Grab your copy: Amazon (Kindle Unlimited)

 

About GIRL IN LUV:

Langley Vaughn is in desperate need of a date.
 But not just any date. She's looking for a date to the wedding from hell. It isn't every day you're forced to be in the bridal party while your first love marries your archnemesis…otherwise known as the world's worst stepsister. The entire situation is a nightmare, and Langley is sick and tired of taking orders and forcing a fake smile. She's done being the bad guy when she was the one who was wronged. She needs to find a date who's not afraid of her family's money…someone willing to shake things up. She needs someone outside of her normal social circle, someone ready to go to war with the well-to-do. She needs someone who won't back down. Someone willing to play the complicated game of tug-of-war she's been engaged in with her family for years. Never in a million years did she think she was going to stumble across her very own heroic heartthrob when she set her crazy plan in motion. Not only does Iker show up for her time and time again, he also forces her to finally fight for herself. He says he's only there for the money…but his actions speak so much louder than his words.

  Iker Alvarez would do anything and everything to get his hands on some quick cash.
 Not just any cash, but enough to make sure his younger brother gets into the college of his dreams. Thank goodness for a desperate, pretty little rich girl with too much money and her heart set on an outrageous scheme. Being in the right place at the right time might just be the answer to both of their prayers—and this smart soldier has never let a golden opportunity slide by. Iker doesn't mind coming to Langley's rescue and being her plus-one…as long as the price is right. Only, he didn't plan on liking the blonde socialite as much as he does. He is totally unprepared for the pull he feels toward her, coupled with his growing desire to protect her from the vultures and villains living under the same roof. He wants to be the guy who keeps her safe and gives her the courage she obviously needs to fight back… But someone else, someone far more powerful and influential than Langley's wealthy family, has dibs on Iker's time and on his future. He knows he isn't the guy Langley can count on in the long run, but damn, if he doesn't want to do everything in his power to be that man.  

Add GIRL IN LUV to your Goodreads TBR here!

 

BOY IN LUV by Jay Crownover & Rebecca Yarros

In Luv Duet, #2 | Available Now

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Grab your copy: Amazon (Kindle Unlimited)

 

About BOY IN LUV:

Distance sure as hell made his heart grow fonder… But it shattered hers into a million pieces.
Langley Vaughn knows she's never going to make the same mistake again.
 Who falls head over heels in love in a week? Langley did, and she's regretted it every day since she handed her heart to a boy with too many secrets and too much baggage. Iker doesn't fit into Langley's world, and he made it clear he doesn't want to. He left before she even got a chance to try and change his mind or to prove to him how good they could be together. Langley's spent the last nine months healing her heart and making big plans for the future. Plans that absolutely don't include Iker… even though he's back, looking better than ever, and saying all the right things.

  Iker Alvarez knows he made the biggest mistake of his life. At first, the pretty blonde in the red dress was nothing more than a means to an end. But, she quickly became so much more. As soon as Iker walked away from Langley, claiming it was for her own good, he knew he screwed up. He left her so she wouldn't worry about him when he deployed, so she wouldn't waste her time waiting around for a guy who was never going to be good enough for her. Only, nine months and a deployment later, Iker still can't get Langley out of his head… and he totally underestimated the hold she has on his hardened heart. He's a guy who's not sure how love should work, or how to go about winning his girl back…he's about to get a crash course in both.  

Add BOY IN LUV to your Goodreads TBR here!

                       

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About JAY CROWNOVER:

Jay Crownover is the international and multiple New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Marked Men Series, The Saints of Denver Series, The Point Series, Breaking Point Series, and the Getaway Series. Her books can be found translated in many different languages all around the world. She is a tattooed, crazy haired Colorado native who lives at the base of the Rockies with her awesome dogs. This is where she can frequently be found enjoying a cold beer and Taco Tuesdays. Jay is a self-declared music snob and outspoken book lover who is always looking for her next adventure, between the pages and on the road.





  Connect with her: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Reader Group  


 

About REBECCA YARROS:

Rebecca Yarros is a hopeless romantic and a lover of all things coffee, chocolate, and Paleo. She is the author of the Flight & Glory series, including Full Measures, the award-winning Eyes Turned Skyward, Beyond What is Given, and Hallowed Ground. Her new Renegade Series features Wilder and the upcoming Nova, and is sure to keep your heart pounding. She loves military heroes, and has been blissfully married to hers for fourteen years. When she’s not writing, she’s tying hockey skates for her four sons, sneaking in some guitar time, or watching brat-pack movies with her two daughters. She lives in Colorado with the hottest Apache pilot ever, their rambunctious gaggle of kids, an English bulldog who is more stubborn than sweet, and a bunny named General Fluffy Pants who torments the aforementioned bulldog. They recently adopted their youngest daughter from the foster system, and Rebecca is passionate about helping others do the same.


  Connect with her: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Reader Group

                  

Blog Tour+ARC Review+Excerpt: "Reaper" (Demonica Underworld #9) by Larissa Ione

New York Times bestselling author Larissa Ione returns to her fan favorite Demonica Series with REAPER, available now!

                      

"Reaper is . . . Epic. Thrilling. Amazing. No one can suck me into a story like Larissa Ione." -- Donna Grant, New York Times bestselling author”

For love, he’ll watch the world burn.

For revenge, he’ll light the match.

THE DEMONICA SERIES RETURNS…

He is the Keeper of Souls. Judge, jury, and executioner. He is death personified.

He is the Grim Reaper.

A fallen angel who commands the respect of both Heaven and Hell, Azagoth has presided over his own underworld realm for thousands of years. As the overlord of evil souls, he maintains balance crucial to the existence of life on Earth and beyond. But as all the realms gear up for the prophesied End of Days, the ties that bind him to Sheoul-gra have begun to chafe.

Now, with his beloved mate and unborn child the target of an ancient enemy, Azagoth will stop at nothing to save them, even if it means breaking blood oaths and shattering age-old alliances.

Even if it means destroying himself and setting the world on fire…

Download your copy today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2KWoCY7

AppleBooks: https://apple.co/2Z36k0Y

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/ReaperLI

Nook: http://bit.ly/2ZkgV3b

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2ZioEOU

Google Play: http://bit.ly/2HfUiXp

Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/2KUZ51n

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2Zhf4jp

REVIEW

I received an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

If there is one creature with godly powers I loved reading in this universe...it was Azagoth! And hell this was such a great read! Full of action, sarcasm, fighting scenes and a love that can transcend all the realms!
You should better read all the previous books and the novellas before diving into this or else you'll miss some vital points of the characters.

It was very enjoyable and good!

Excerpt

Lilliana woke to someone tap dancing on her bladder. Groaning, she rolled over and bumped into Azagoth. Pleasantly surprised that he was still in bed, she ignored her need to pee and curled up against him. She’d missed this so much while she was gone.
  “Good morning,” he murmured, his husky voice even more gravelly than usual. “Morning.” She snuggled into his shoulder. “I’m surprised you’re not working.” He yawned. “You wore me out last night.” Smiling against his skin, she trailed her fingers along the hard ridges and deep valleys of his abs. 
“I wanted to show you how grateful I was that you threw me a baby shower.” And she’d done it without getting too active. Eidolon couldn’t begrudge her one orgasm, right? “Mmm.” He pressed a kiss into her hair. 
“You must have been very grateful.” She slid her hand under the sheet and meandered her way to the curve of his hip. She might be a million months into her pregnancy, but her sex drive didn’t care in the least. “I’m still grateful.” He hissed as her knuckles brushed his shaft. “Not complaining.” It truly had been sweet of him to gather together the denizens of Sheoul-gra for a big celebration of food, drink, and games in the traditions of people from the human, demon, and angelic cultures. She’d suffered two more bouts of intense nausea and some cramps, but they’d passed quickly. What hadn’t passed was Azagoth’s concern. 
Which was probably why he was still in bed with her. It was cute the way he hovered. Annoying at times, but cute. “I just want you to know that you’re my life,” he said. “Without you, I’m a monster.” “And what are you with me?” He gave her a rare, boyish grin, made even more playful by his mop of bedhead. “A happy monster.” “I’m very happy about the happy.” She rubbed her eyes and yawned. “Things are good, Lil,” he said. “I never thought much about being a partner, let alone a parent, but I want to do these things with you.” He settled his hand on her belly and smiled with wonder. “This will be my first child born without a predetermined future. He or she can be anything. Do anything.”
  “Incredible, isn’t it?”
 She pushed up on one elbow and leaned in to kiss his chest. She’d kissed every inch of him last night. Maybe she’d lick every inch of him this morning. 
“And our baby will be born to parents who love each other.” Determined to show him how much she loved him, she kissed her way lower. Her lips whispered over his nipple, but before she could taste him, a cramp wrenched her insides. She sucked in a harsh breath, her hand going to her belly.
“What is it?” Azagoth jackknifed up, his expression dark with worry. “Is it the baby?” Fierce heat swelled beneath the surface of her skin as her abdomen tightened. 
“I think it might be Braxton Hicks,” she said between panting breaths.
  “What?”
  “Cara had them.” Closing her eyes to stop the room from spinning, she eased back onto her pillow. “They’re like practice contractions.” She didn’t remember Cara complaining about being hot and sweating buckets, though. Another cramp streaked through her, and she moaned. Cara had said they were painful, as if someone were squeezing her intestines. This was more like someone was driving a red-hot blade through them.
  “You’re white as a ghost, Lilli.”
  Something’s wrong. No, nothing was wrong. She was being paranoid. Azagoth rested his palm on her forehead, testing her temperature. 
“Are these Hicks things supposed to be like this?” She heard the panic in his voice but not the words. Her ears were buzzing. Her head was pounding. And, suddenly, a wave of agony wrapped around her and squeezed so hard she screamed. 
Vaguely, she heard Azagoth call out her name as a warm gush spread between her thighs. “Lilliana? Lilliana!” His voice droned in and out as the room began to tilt. There was shouting. More pain. Her thoughts fragmented. And then, finally…nothing.

About Larissa Ione

Air Force veteran Larissa Ione traded in a career in meteorology to pursue her passion of writing. She has since published dozens of books, hit several bestseller lists, including the New York Times and USA Today, and has been nominated for a RITA award. She now spends her days in pajamas with her computer, strong coffee, and supernatural worlds. She believes in celebrating everything, and would never be caught without a bottle of Champagne chilling in the fridge…just in case. She currently lives in Wisconsin with her retired U.S. Coast Guard husband, her son, a rescue cat named Vegas, and her very own hellhounds, a King Shepherd named Hexe and a Belgian Malinois named Duvel.

Connect with Larissa

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialLarissaIone

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/larissa-ione

Twitter: https://twitter.com/larissaione

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2k0AKOi

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2lyeRGA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larissaione/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/larissaione/

Website: http://www.larissaione.com/

Release Day Blitz+Sale Offer: "Girl in Luv" & "Boy in Luv" (Luv Duet) by Jay Crownover & Rebecca Yarros

Girl in Luv and Boy in Luv, which make up the Luv Duet by Jay Crownover and Rebecca Yarros, are now live on all platforms except Amazon.

Grab your copy now while it's only .99 cents on Apple, Nook, and Kobo

Tomorrow, October 21st, both book will be placed into Kindle Unlimited and will ONLY be available through Amazon.

Links to purchase your copy can be found below.

GIRL IN LUV by Jay Crownover & Rebecca Yarros

In Luv Duet, #1 | 99 cents

------------

Purchase your copy of GIRL IN LUV today!

Universal | Nook | Apple Books | Kobo

 

About GIRL IN LUV:

Langley Vaughn is in desperate need of a date. But not just any date. She's looking for a date to the wedding from hell. It isn't every day you're forced to be in the bridal party while your first love marries your archnemesis…otherwise known as the world's worst stepsister. The entire situation is a nightmare, and Langley is sick and tired of taking orders and forcing a fake smile. She's done being the bad guy when she was the one who was wronged. She needs to find a date who's not afraid of her family's money…someone willing to shake things up. She needs someone outside of her normal social circle, someone ready to go to war with the well-to-do. She needs someone who won't back down. Someone willing to play the complicated game of tug-of-war she's been engaged in with her family for years. Never in a million years did she think she was going to stumble across her very own heroic heartthrob when she set her crazy plan in motion. Not only does Iker show up for her time and time again, he also forces her to finally fight for herself. He says he's only there for the money…but his actions speak so much louder than his words. 

Iker Alvarez would do anything and everything to get his hands on some quick cash. Not just any cash, but enough to make sure his younger brother gets into the college of his dreams. 

 Thank goodness for a desperate, pretty little rich girl with too much money and her heart set on an outrageous scheme. Being in the right place at the right time might just be the answer to both of their prayers—and this smart soldier has never let a golden opportunity slide by. Iker doesn't mind coming to Langley's rescue and being her plus-one…as long as the price is right. Only, he didn't plan on liking the blonde socialite as much as he does. He is totally unprepared for the pull he feels toward her, coupled with his growing desire to protect her from the vultures and villains living under the same roof. He wants to be the guy who keeps her safe and gives her the courage she obviously needs to fight back… But someone else, someone far more powerful and influential than Langley's wealthy family, has dibs on Iker's time and on his future. He knows he isn't the guy Langley can count on in the long run, but damn, if he doesn't want to do everything in his power to be that man. 
  

Add GIRL IN LUV to your Goodreads TBR here!

 

BOY IN LUV by Jay Crownover & Rebecca Yarros

In Luv Duet, #2 | 99 cents

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Purchase your copy of BOY IN LUV today!

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About BOY IN LUV:

Distance sure as hell made his heart grow fonder… But it shattered hers into a million pieces. Langley Vaughn knows she's never going to make the same mistake again. 

 Who falls head over heels in love in a week? Langley did, and she's regretted it every day since she handed her heart to a boy with too many secrets and too much baggage. Iker doesn't fit into Langley's world, and he made it clear he doesn't want to. He left before she even got a chance to try and change his mind or to prove to him how good they could be together. Langley's spent the last nine months healing her heart and making big plans for the future. Plans that absolutely don't include Iker… even though he's back, looking better than ever, and saying all the right things. 

Iker Alvarez knows he made the biggest mistake of his life. 

 At first, the pretty blonde in the red dress was nothing more than a means to an end. But, she quickly became so much more. As soon as Iker walked away from Langley, claiming it was for her own good, he knew he screwed up. He left her so she wouldn't worry about him when he deployed, so she wouldn't waste her time waiting around for a guy who was never going to be good enough for her. Only, nine months and a deployment later, Iker still can't get Langley out of his head… and he totally underestimated the hold she has on his hardened heart. He's a guy who's not sure how love should work, or how to go about winning his girl back…he's about to get a crash course in both.  

Add BOY IN LUV to your Goodreads TBR here!

                  

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About JAY CROWNOVER:

Jay Crownover is the international and multiple New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Marked Men Series, The Saints of Denver Series, The Point Series, Breaking Point Series, and the Getaway Series. Her books can be found translated in many different languages all around the world. She is a tattooed, crazy haired Colorado native who lives at the base of the Rockies with her awesome dogs. This is where she can frequently be found enjoying a cold beer and Taco Tuesdays. Jay is a self-declared music snob and outspoken book lover who is always looking for her next adventure, between the pages and on the road.





  Connect with her: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Reader Group  


 

About REBECCA YARROS:

Rebecca Yarros is a hopeless romantic and a lover of all things coffee, chocolate, and Paleo. She is the author of the Flight & Glory series, including Full Measures, the award-winning Eyes Turned Skyward, Beyond What is Given, and Hallowed Ground. Her new Renegade Series features Wilder and the upcoming Nova, and is sure to keep your heart pounding. She loves military heroes, and has been blissfully married to hers for fourteen years. When she’s not writing, she’s tying hockey skates for her four sons, sneaking in some guitar time, or watching brat-pack movies with her two daughters. She lives in Colorado with the hottest Apache pilot ever, their rambunctious gaggle of kids, an English bulldog who is more stubborn than sweet, and a bunny named General Fluffy Pants who torments the aforementioned bulldog. They recently adopted their youngest daughter from the foster system, and Rebecca is passionate about helping others do the
same.


  Connect with her: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Reader Group



                    

ARC Review: "The Beast of Beswick" by Amalie Howard

The Beast of Beswick by Amalie Howard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summary from GoodReads

The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare meets Taming of the Shrew in the start to a new Regency series from award-winning author Amalie Howard.

Lord Nathaniel Harte, the disagreeable Duke of Beswick, spends his days smashing porcelain, antagonizing his servants, and snarling at anyone who gets too close. With a ruined face like his, it's hard to like much about the world. Especially smart-mouthed harpies―with lips better suited to kissing than speaking―who brave his castle with indecent proposals.

But Lady Astrid Everleigh will stop at nothing to see her younger sister safe from a notorious scoundrel, even if it means offering herself up on a silver platter to the forbidding Beast of Beswick himself. And by offer, she means what no highborn lady of sound and sensible mind would ever dream of―a tender of marriage with her as his bride.

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AMAZON | BOOK DEPOSITORY

REVIEW

I received an e-ARC from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

I know a slight retelling of Beauty and the Beast when I see one! This book was also the first one I read from this author as she has written enough Regency inspired stories as well. And I did love it!

Beast of Beswick is the story of Thane and Astrid, two people scorn by the proper society for different reasons who come together as plots are made and emotions run hot between them. Astrid is a well-read, educated, woman who goes against the norm of society and loves her sister Isobel very much.

When a loveless marriage threatens to destroy her sister, Astrid will take matters to her hands...and propose to the most terrifying man of all.

Now Thane, on the other hand, was too stubborn for me, but his interactions and dialogue with Astrid made me laugh and congratulate Astrid for making the man understand that not all is lost and life can go on, despite everything. He is filthy rich of course, as a Duke, and I enjoyed even the small comforts he had made for his enjoyment. (that bathing pool is to die for!)

I wasn't bored and I read this in one day. Needless to say, I plan to read the rest historical novels by Amalie Howard too!




About the author:

AMALIE HOWARD is the author of several young adult novels critically acclaimed by Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, VOYA, and Booklist, including Waterfell, The Almost Girl, and Alpha Goddess, a Spring 2014 Kid’s INDIE NEXT title. Her debut novel, Bloodspell, was a #1 Amazon bestseller and a Seventeen Magazine Summer Read. The sequel, Bloodcraft, was a silver IPPY medalist and a Children's Moonbeam award winner. She is also the co-author of the adult historical romance series, THE LORDS OF ESSEX, written with her good friend and fellow author, Angie Morgan.

As an author of color and a proud supporter of diversity in fiction, her articles on multicultural fiction have appeared in The Portland Book Review and on the popular Diversity in YA blog. She currently resides in Colorado with her husband and three children. Visit her at amaliehoward.com.

Release Day Blitz: "Twisted Marriage" (Filthy Vows #2) by Alessandra Torre

Twisted Marriage

by Alessandra Torre

Cover Designer: Sommer Stein / Perfect Pear Creative Covers

 

Synopsis

 

We thought we could branch outside of the norm. Explore my sexual fantasies. Dip our toes in a kinky pond just to see how it felt.

But you can't have sex with your husband's best friend in front of him without consequences. Ripples in the pond. A subtle shifting of events and feelings and triggers that will eventually affect every core molecule of your marriage. Your friendships. Your life. Once I knelt down between the two of them, everything changed. And now, I'm faced with wading in deeper or drying off my pink manicured toes and trying to pretend it never happened. They say that three is a crowd, but what about four? What about more? This is the truth of what I started when I confessed my desires and he gave them to me. *Twisted Marriage is the sequel to Filthy Vows.

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2lYN3LB

Purchase Link: https://smarturl.it/TwistedMarriage

 

 

Available Now

Filthy Vows (Book 1)

Amazon: https://smarturl.it/FilthyVows

 

About the Author

 

Alessandra Torre is an award-winning New York Times bestselling author of fourteen novels. Her books focus on romance and suspense. Torre has been featured in such publications as Elle and Elle UK, as well as guest blogged for the Huffington Post and RT Book Reviews. She is also the Bedroom Blogger for Cosmopolitan.com.

 

Connect with Alessandra

 

Facebook: http://bit.ly/2rkHs46

Facebook Reader Group: http://bit.ly/2s4U9NI

Twitter: http://bit.ly/2sm94G5

Instagram: http://bit.ly/2s4HCtF

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2rpz0M7

Newsletter: http://www.nextnovel.com/

Website: http://bit.ly/2tf6opZ

       

ARC Review: "Into the Crooked Place" (Into the Crooked Place #1) by Alexandra Christo

Into the Crooked Place by Alexandra Christo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Summary from GoodReads

Into the Crooked Place begins a gritty two-book YA fantasy series from Alexandra Christo, the author of To Kill a Kingdom.

The streets of Creije are for the deadly and the dreamers, and four crooks in particular know just how much magic they need up their sleeve to survive.

Tavia, a busker ready to pack up her dark-magic wares and turn her back on Creije for good. She’ll do anything to put her crimes behind her.

Wesley, the closest thing Creije has to a gangster. After growing up on streets hungry enough to swallow the weak whole, he won’t stop until he has brought the entire realm to kneel before him.

Karam, a warrior who spends her days watching over the city’s worst criminals and her nights in the fighting rings, making a deadly name for herself.

And Saxony, a resistance fighter hiding from the very people who destroyed her family, and willing to do whatever it takes to get her revenge.

Everything in their lives is going to plan, until Tavia makes a crucial mistake: she delivers a vial of dark magic—a weapon she didn’t know she had—to someone she cares about, sparking the greatest conflict in decades. Now these four magical outsiders must come together to save their home and the world, before it’s too late. But with enemies at all sides, they can trust nobody. Least of all each other.

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AMAZON | BOOK DEPOSITORY

REVIEW

I received an e-ARC from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

I knew that there would be something in this book to pull me into Alexandra Christo's writing. I had loved and enjoyed very much her first book, To Kill a Kingdom, and this book, while it was a wide turn in themes for me, was quite interesting.

There are multiple POVs in this book all in the third person, that follows the adventure a team of older teens undertake in order to overthrow an evil magician/mob boss/something otherworldly.

While I did enjoy the plot and the magic system was very interesting it felt more like an upper YA, since it has quite the fighting scenes and some dark themes. The romance here was subtle without necessarily affecting the plot but I did like how the realms were made and the scenes with the train chase. My favorite character by far is Tavia; I really need to know what will happen in the sequel since the book ended in a cliffhanger with such revelations following in the ending.



About the author:

Alexandra Christo decided to write books when she was four and her teacher told her she couldn’t be a fairy. When she’s not busy making up stories, she can be found organising food crawls over London and binge-watching Korean dramas.

Alexandra has a BA in Creative Writing and currently lives in England with an abundance of cacti (because they’re the only plants she can keep alive).

ARC Review: "The Never Tilting World" (The Never Tilting World #1) by Rin Chupeco

The Never Tilting World by Rin Chupeco
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Summary from GoodReads

Frozen meets Mad Max in this epic teen fantasy duology bursting with star-crossed romance, immortal heroines, and elemental magic, perfect for fans of Furyborn.

Generations of twin goddesses have long ruled Aeon. But seventeen years ago, one sister’s betrayal defied an ancient prophecy and split their world in two. The planet ceased to spin, and a Great Abyss now divides two realms: one cloaked in perpetual night, the other scorched by an unrelenting sun.

While one sister rules Aranth—a frozen city surrounded by a storm-wracked sea —her twin inhabits the sand-locked Golden City. Each goddess has raised a daughter, and each keeps her own secrets about her sister’s betrayal.

But when shadowy forces begin to call their daughters, Odessa and Haidee, back to the site of the Breaking, the two young goddesses —along with a powerful healer from Aranth, and a mouthy desert scavenger —set out on separate journeys across treacherous wastelands, desperate to heal their broken world. No matter the sacrifice it demands.

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AMAZON | BOOK DEPOSITORY

REVIEW

I received an e-ARC from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

This was the first book I read by this author and I have to say that I enjoyed the dual perspectives of the worlds, the amazing lore, and mythology which inspired this book as also the characters. There are love and friendship, family and secrets. And while the lost star is about the pace, which felt too slow for me, it picked up quickly and offered a great story.



About the author:

Despite an unsettling resemblance to Japanese revenants, Rin always maintains her sense of hummus. Born and raised in Manila, Philippines, she keeps four pets: a dog, two birds, and a husband. Dances like the neighbors are watching.

She is represented by Rebecca Podos of the Helen Rees Agency. She is also fond of speaking in the third person, and may as well finish this short bio in this manner. While she does not always get to check her Goodreads page, she does answer questions posed to her here as promptly as she is able to. Find her at the following places instead:

Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Blog

ARC Review: "Batman: Nightwalker" (Graphic Novel) by Marie Lu

Batman: Nightwalker by Stuart Moore
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summary from GoodReads

Based on the New York Times bestselling novel by Marie Lu, this graphic novel adaptation brings to life the dark mysteries behind the gates of Arkham Asylum. Nightwalkers are terrorizing Gotham City, and 18 year-old Bruce Wayne is next on their list.

Bruce Wayne is turning 18 and inheriting his family's fortune. But on the way home from his birthday party, he makes an impulsive choice that leads him to Arkham Asylym, the infamous mental hospital. There, he meets Madeline Wallace, a brilliant killer . . . and Bruce's only hope. Madeline is the mystery Bruce must unravel, but is he convincing her to divulge her secrets, or is he feeding her the information she needs to bring Gotham City to its knees?

Bruce Wayne is proof that you don't need superpowers to be a superhero, but can he survive Madeleine's game of tense intrigue and deception?

This graphic novel adaptation from New York Times bestselling author Marie Lu and artist Christian Wildgoose is a dark, action-packed thrill ride!

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AMAZON

REVIEW

I received an e-ARC from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

Adapted from the acclaimed novel of the same name, the graphic novel follows the story of a teenaged Bruce as he slowly takes his first steps in becoming the crusader of Gotham. If you have read the book you are going to enjoy this one too since the art is stellar with sharp lines and very detailed features. Alfred is still amazing as both a butler and a father figure for Bruce. The growing instinct of solving crimes is also apparent as Bruce tries to untangle the thread of the Nightwalkers.

I hope that all the books in the series will get an adaptation like this one!




About the authors:

I write young adult novels, and have a special love for dystopian books. Ironically, I was born in 1984. Before becoming a full-time writer, I was an Art Director at a video game company. Now I shuffle around at home and talk to myself a lot. :)

I graduated from the University of Southern California in '06 and currently live in LA, where I spend my time stuck on the freeways.

STUART MOORE is a writer, a book editor, and an award-winning comics editor. Among his current writing projects are THE ZODIAC LEGACY, created and cowritten by Stan Lee and published by Disney, featuring an all-new team of teenaged super heroes in a series of illustrated prose novels and graphic novels; DOMINION: LAST SACRIFICE, a comic book series for Amazon/Jet City; and THANOS: DEATH SENTENCE, an original Marvel prose novel. Recent work includes EGOs, an original comic book series from Image Comics, and GARTER'S BIG SCORE, an original ebook novella for Kindle. He also contributed two series, TEACH and OUT WITH A BANG, to the launch of the online comics app Stela. Other comics work includes WOLVERINE NOIR and NAMOR: THE FIRST MUTANT (Marvel); FIRESTORM (DC Comics); assorted Star Trek and Transformers projects; and the science-fiction graphic novels EARTHLIGHT, PARA, SHADRACH STONE, and MANDALA. Prose writing includes the novel version of Marvel’s CIVIL WAR, and Disney Worldwide's JOHN CARTER: THE MOVIE NOVELIZATION.