Playing For Love and Beautiful: Cover Reveals Times Two!

Holy Moses, everyone! I apologize for slacking on posts this whole weekend. I just did NOT have a minute to bask in the excitement. What excitement, you ask? We have TWO new cover reveals, and I for one, am positively giddy!

Expanding the blog to incorporate not only reviews, but book hauls, cover reveals, TBRs, etc has already put me behind the eight ball. With work, an attempt at a sliver of a social life, tackling my pile of stories, and bringing posts for all occasions makes me feel like I'm already slacking (which I am). There are only so many hours in the day, but I hope to get to these posts as soon as I'm able.

Now that I've given a bit of a disclaimer, let's dive into the good stuff, shall we?

First up, we have Playing For Love from the one and only J.C. Grant. I reviewed her debut novel, Playing For Keeps a few months back, and needless to say, I'm beyond ready for more of the powerhouse that is David Taylor. BEWARE!!! This is an erotic romance, so read at your own risk!

COVER REVEAL
Playing For Love by J.CGrant
Release Date April 27th
‪
Blurb:

David Taylor is the most possessive, dominant, alpha male I have ever met. Technically he's a stalker. He is bossy, needy, nasty, and so very sweet. He is everything I need him to be. I love him so much it scares me.
Austin James is mine.
Mine to take care of.
Mine to spoil.
MINE.
The first time I saw her, I knew she was MINE.
I saw a reflection of myself in her.
Broken. Damaged. Guarded.
I can't explain the depth of my feelings or why it happened so fast.
I just know she's mine and I'll do anything to keep her.

Add to your Goodreads TBR:
http://bit.ly/22cF7iq

 

 

 

Last, but not least, we have the fifth and last book in the Beautiful Bastard series by the amazing duo, Christina Lauren! I've read every single book in this series, plus all the in-between novellas. There are too many to link here, so peruse back through the blog to check out the reviews. It's not a series you want to miss out on at all!  

 

Cover Reveal:

Beautiful, the last book in the Beautiful Series by Christina Lauren has a cover!!! I am all but jumping up and down in my office!

Blurb:
The tenth work in the New York Times and #1 internationally bestselling series that started with Beautiful Bastard.

A new couple finds love, and the casts of the previous books join in to celebrate this series finale in the most Beautiful way possible.

"One free spirited Brit. One man weighed down by responsibility . . ....
(Also, a disorientatingly sweet Chloe, confused Bennett, grumpy Sara, Max as you know and love him, travel planner Hanna, chef Will, drunk Ruby, content Niall, George–oh, George–a rented van)
. . . and a whole lot of wine."

Add to GR:https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29368164-beautiful…

Preorder:http://amzn.to/1XrmqGq

 

 

I'm seriously so damn pumped for these books to hit the shelves! More awesome contemporary romances with alpha males to add to the book boyfriends list! I can't wait to share reviews with all of you after I get my paws on these two! 

 

All Things Outlander Appreciation Post!

Good evening to all my bonnie lads and lasses out there! As you all very well ken (or at least I hope you do), we’re on the eve of the Outlander season two premiere (in my neck of the woods at least) and Droughtlander will officially be over! Let us rejoice!!! Fans of both the acclaimed novels and the television series have been chomping at the bit, myself among them, and I can’t wait to see how Dragonfly In Amber will be adapted for the small screen! 

With the excitement looming and buzzing in the air, I’ve decided to create an appreciation post of sorts for all things in the Outlander universe, and formally thank Diana Gabaldon for the start of it all, her miraculous novels. Disclaimer: no, I’m not doing this because I’m a massive Whovian (fan of Doctor Who) and her concept stemmed from an old episode of the show, but that isn’t detracting from how much I want to shower this woman with praise for capturing me with her novels and inventive story. Bravo and massive brownie points, Gabaldon! 

Last summer, I took on the immense task of all eight of these books, and binged on the show as I read. After book one, I watched all sixteen episodes so I could compare the pages to my tv screen, and I was nowhere near disappointed. I was positively hooked. You can read my reviews of every novel here: 

Outlander 

Dragonfly In Amber

Voyager

Drums Of Autumn 

 The Fiery Cross

 A Breath Of Snow And Ashes

An Echo In The Bone

Written In My Own Heart's Blood

My journey with these books took me roughly seven-eight weeks to finish. I began Outlander in the middle of June, and finished Written In My Own Heart’s Blood going into the second weekend in September, and I’ve been overwhelmed and overjoyed ever since. 

Outlander tells the story of Claire Beauchamp Randall, a combat nurse at the end of World War II-1945. She’s reunited with her husband, Frank (a former solider and professor) and together, they journey to Inverness and the Highlands of Scotland to enjoy a second honeymoon. While reuniting and getting reacquainted, the couple take time to marvel at a set of standing stones the locals call Craig Na Dun. While exploring and studying the herbs and flowers scattered among the stones, Claire finds herself too close to one of the monoliths and winds up transported back in time to 1743, and in the middle of another war; the Jacobite rebellion. Scotland is at war with Britain to try to gain its independence, and they’re on the brink of the Battle of Culloden where majority of the Highlander culture was wiped out. Claire becomes entwined with clan MacKenzie, and eventually in the arms of one Jamie Fraser. Together, they must navigate the day-to-day, and adapt to not only each other, but a world that's changing rapidly around them. Circumstances lead the pair to an arranged marriage of sorts, and Claire not only finds herself torn between two different centuries, but the admiration and affection for two husbands as well. 

Throughout all eight (and soon-to-be nine) novels, we spend decades with Jamie, Claire, and even Frank. Just when you think these stories have gone everywhere and covered every available landscape, Diana comes up with another direction that adds another facet to this universe. Personally, I never want my time with these characters to end. I know one day it will, but for now, I choose to ignore such possibilities. 

Finishing these books (for now) left me positively speechless. I genuinely wanted to write, Tweet, Facebook, blog, or whatever the kids are doing nowadays, to Diana and gush about how much these stories meant to me. I knew I wouldn’t be telling her anything she hasn’t heard before, but at least maybe in my own space, I could attempt to organize my thoughts to be somewhat more coherent (yeah, right). All these months later,anxiously awaiting book nine and season two of the hit Starz series, I find myself in need to put my admiration from brain, to keyboard, to screen. I thought about being proper, formal, and professional to a degree, but instead, I figured I’d just keep my fingers crossed and hope what I’m trying to convey makes sense (because it does in my head, I swear). I may be the only one who reads this, but at least it's here, and anyone who wants to can be made aware that this fabulous universe is out there, so, in that case, you're welcome. 

Here’s a sliver of back story because I need to paint a bigger picture. I’ve been reading since before I knew how to read. My parents still tell the story of the time when I was five years old and trying to sneak some Charles Dickens off of my father’s bookshelf to read a massive book I couldn’t begin to understand. I grew up surrounded by books. Every summer I had to compile a reading list and do a certain amount of reading every single day before I was allowed to go outside and play with my friends and be a kid. At the time, I was not the biggest fan of my parents, or reading for that matter. However, as the years went by, I found myself reading more and more, and I even took up writing as well. As early as middle school, I would spend my lunch periods with notebooks, jotting down ideas for stories. Fast forward to spending years in college and graduating university with three degrees, two of which are in English Literature. What I’m saying is that my parents created a monster (of the best kind, of course). Now, as an adult, I have to say I wouldn’t have been brought up any other way. I’m so thankful to have developed such a deep love of literature spanning numerous decades, continents, and genres. 

Hopefully, I’m not too much of a monster. In all my leisure time, my schooling and classes, I’ve spent time with countless stories, worlds, and authors.  I’d study and read essentially from the time I woke up, and into the late hours of the evening. Even after school has finished, I have shelves crammed with novels and short stories that span the globe and range from old to new. With such seemingly infinite possibilities stored in my brain and on my shelves, Diana Gabaldon is easily keeping one of the highest ranks among my ultimate favorite authors. Classic or contemporary, I can’t for the life of me pinpoint a writer who has done the research she has done for these Outlander stories, and therefore, have not created what I would call a literary masterpiece the way she has with every single installment of this series.You would think with so much ground to cover, it would be easy to lose yourself in the writing process and wind up losing the plot somewhere. This never happens even once in any single sentence she has written. I don’t remember the last time I’ve been so thoroughly impressed and touched by every minute detail she has portrayed. Eight (thick) novels became a chunk of my life, and a chunk of my heart. I laughed, cried, became enraged, was left shocked, and felt the warm fuzzies in becoming an unofficial and silent member of the Fraser clan. From the history, clothing, wilderness, landscape, battles, culture, language, medicines, food, herbs, mannerisms, etc, I have been sucked in mind, body, and soul. I can not praise the phenomenon that is Outlander enough, but I think we already knew that (it’s essentially the title of this post). 

As I’ve said, in my own experience writing, I’ve always had stories, journals, and projects I’ve worked on, even as a child. I also walked away from every single word I’ve ever scratched down when having writer’s block, or simply getting bored with a plot. Writers like Diana inspire me to want to keep going with my own work and really put in the blood, sweat, and tears. The fact that she wrote Outlander in order to practice how to write a novel simply baffles me with how astonishing her debut work was, and astounded at everything it has grown to become. 

The only regret I’ve had with this whole experience is the fact that I haven’t gotten to these books sooner. To be fair, they started coming out in the early nineties, and I was still in elementary school. I am ashamed to say that I’ve had these books beckoning to me from the shelves of B&N numerous times over the years, but I found it too daunting to take on 800+ pages at the time, multiplied by a stack of (close to) a dozen books. That’s entirely my own fault for being such a coward. Now when people ask if I’ve read all of the Outlander stories, I can say yes I have, and I feel immensely proud. This is not because I’ve taken on a mammoth of a story, but because I’m a part of this world that I can’t even begin to explain the importance of to others. All I can say is, if there are any novels or a single book series you MUST read in your life, these are it 110%. They are an investment in time and attention, but they are beyond worth it once you’ve finished the last page of the last book.

Luckily, since my time with the Frasers, I’ve gotten a few friends into both the novels and the television series, and it makes me feel like a proud parent for having corrupted them. I adore getting text messages and emojis at all hours of the day and night with friends obsessing about this time-travel romance as much as I have. Credit again goes to Mrs. Gabaldon for creating every spec of it for us to have forever. 

As far as the television series, I’m not going to be one of those people who says, “the book is better”. Again, Diana is to thank. She surrounded herself with outstanding people and she’s been extremely present on set. The end results are fantastic… simply spectacular, and I can’t get over how much I LOVE the show. Much like books, I’ve grown up with a lot of television, but there are only a handful of shows that have been profound for me, and Outlander is one of those shows. The costumes, set, scenery,producers, writers, directors, and CAST MEMBERS have put together a production that have only enhanced my connection to the books. Instead of rambling on and on, I’m going to leave the trailers for season one and the upcoming season two right here, and you’re going to contemplate watching this show as soon as yesterday, so, enjoy: 

Season One

Season Two

I would say long story short, but it’s too late for that, and I won’t apologize. When people ask me why I like reading so much, I should just say, “see above” or, “read this post”. Books mean the world to me because I’m allowed to experience another world, one I may never have gotten the chance to experience without words on a page. To some, that may seem silly, but to me, I’m thankful and forever grateful because authors like Diana Gabaldon have bound their souls to set them on a shelf and have allowed someone like me, a complete and total stranger, to inhabit their space, gobble up every word, and tell everyone I can how amazing it is to experience a story like Outlander (or any other story you can think of for that matter). For me, it’s a priceless feeling, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store next. 

Thank you, for the millionth time for these stories, Mrs. Gabaldon. I know I’ll never properly convey my sentiments, but I can only hope this is a good starting point. My life would be just a bit more dull if it weren’t for the sensitive heart of Jamie Fraser, and the never-ending bravery of Claire Beauchamp Randall Fraser. They have taught me so much in all the time I’ve spent with them and their family. Without the beauty of their story, I’d simply be a Sassenach who never got to experience the joy and thrill of belonging to a clan of Highlanders. To everyone who has already watched the new season premiere in an advanced way, I'd love to hear your thoughts (without spoilers, please), and to everyone who have yet to watch, please enjoy every single second! Tulach Ard! 

Me being an absolute nerd with my very own James Alexander Malcolm Mackenzie Fraser.

The Selection- A Series Review

Hey hey, fellow bibliophiles! Happy hump day/almost Thursday. I finally have a review to bring to all of you, aren't you excited? When I started the journey with the books I'll be discussing this evening, I thought it was a simple trilogy, but I found out there were many more stories involved and it took me longer than originally planned to get a review posted. Tonight, I'm going to discuss my thoughts on The Selection series by Kiera Cass. As I just stated, there are several books to talk about, so I'm just going to get to it rather than ramble. Here goes... 

Warning, there are a few spoilers ahead that are only in here because they couldn't be avoided, so if you don't want the plot of later books ruined, don't read further that the review of The Elite. Read at your own risk! 

Let me start by saying, I didn't get to any of the novellas until after I finished book one. Did I need to read The Queen (#0.4) to understand what was going on in the main series? Not particularly, but I'm glad I did because one, it settles my OCD with needing to read the complete works including any intervals and spin offs, and two , it was a pleasant intro to the concept of the main story. 

As I read book one, I was interested in the dynamic between King Clarkson and Queen Amberley, so I was thrilled to get this insight into how she survived her own Selection to be the king's one and only. If anything, it makes me enjoy seeing them as the rest of the series progresses and we meet her son, Prince Maxon and see how his story takes shape.

My Final Rating: four out of five stars

I gave The Prince (#0.5) three stars because it adds to the aspects of book one from Maxon's POV, but as a story, it wasn't needed. 

Anyone who knows me knows that I don't particularly care for repeats. For example, when I close up book one and there's a sequel, I don't want to get to said sequel and have it be almost verbatim the first book but from the other main character's perspective. That's essentially how this novella turned out. I didn't hate it, but as a story, it simply wasn't necessary. If Cass had gotten a bit more creative and given me something new in the overall plot or about Maxon's life, I would have enjoyed it much more. 

My Final Rating: three out of five stars

The Selection (#1), the series namesake, is where the story really begins. I won't lie, these novels have been sucking me into their web for months and I finally got to them. Every time I went to Barnes & Noble, these covers caught my eye, plus, the plot seemed interesting enough, so I caved and picked up copies of the first two books to get started. 

Take The Hunger Games, eliminate the need for survival, and substitute the need to grab the eye of the Prince of Illéa, and you have a competitive romantic  dystopian fantasy. I'm not particularly a fan of dystopian literature. It's simply not my thing, but the story of princesses, kings, and queens was intriguing and overshadowed the fact I was in a world I was nowhere near familiar with. 

It is very much a YA or NA story, but I enjoyed the dynamics of the characters. America Singer has a duty to provide for her family who are Fives in the caste system of One through Eight (eight being the lowest and essentially consisted of the homeless). The longer she remains as part of The Selection of thirty-five young ladies to become Prince Maxon Shreave's bride, the longer her family may prosper and benefit from their stipend.  America's only problem, is that her heart belongs to Aspen, a Six caste whom she has known since they were children together. When he breaks up with her for what he thinks is her own good, she decides to enter her application into the competition and change her family's future for the better. Attempting to focus on Prince Maxon keeps her from focusing on her shattered heart. 

It's a futuristic idea of The Bachelor so if you enjoy a bit of a dramatic and budding romance with a splash of royalty and regal living thrown into the mix, you should read this story. It held my attention enough to keep the pages turning and wondering what would happen next.

My Final Rating: four out of five stars

Things in the competition of The Selection are heating up and the pressure is on in The Elite (#2). America is navigating her way through her rivals, and also through her own conflicted heart. With her ex, Aspen, in the picture as a Royal Guard assigned to see to her own personal safety, and Prince Maxon becoming a prominent piece of the picture, she's torn on where she wants her future to take her. 

The rebels from the north and the south of the kingdom are also revving things to an intense level. The castle the Elite girls are residing in along with the Royal Family are constantly under attack and sabotage due to upset among the caste system. Maxon's decision in a new bride and princess could lead the world to new hope, or absolute destruction. He must choose carefully. 

This story has a lot of back-and-forth, but if you're up for the adventure for what it is with loads of drama, it's an enjoyable and fast read. America's fickle heart and indecisiveness is really annoying, but I have to keep in mind that she's only seventeen, so any decision she makes is going to be monumental to her regardless of the outcome. In that aspect, I rolled my eyes a bit and kept reading. She has her past love and trust in Aspen, even though he broke her heart due to their separate rankings among society and his need to save her of poverty. Then there's Maxon, the prince who is quite literally, charming and is willing to call off the competition, make her his queen, and shower her with love, fortune  and affection. Although he confesses his feelings and intentions for her, it kills America to see him with the other six girls on his arm. Jealousy rears its head a few times which makes her choice even more difficult as to who she'll marry. Until she makes her decision, Maxon and Aspen are left in limbo and must stick to what they know. 

My Final Rating: three out of five stars

I really just don't care for these filler books. The Guard (#2.5) is Aspen's story. Yes, I get his perspective on things in the palace, and towards America, but it repeated segments of the same events I just read in The Elite. 

Also, I'm not sure how I feel about Aspen anyway. Yes, he's a good guy with a solid heart, but he broke America's and encouraged her to enter this Selection to become the prince's bride in order to have a chance at a prosperous future. Now he shows up as a member of the royal guard, and messes with America's feelings all over again. He didn't do it intentionally, but he also isn't doing either of them any favors. 

I could've passed on this one. 

My Final Rating: two out of five stars

Out of all the novellas so far, I loved this one the best! The Favorite (#2.6) is the story of another Elite girl in the Selection, and America's best friend, Marlee. Carter and Marlee were the sweetest couple who really stuck it out for love, even if they were technically committing treason against their king and prince. 

Marlee was part of The Selection, and Carter was an esteemed member of the Royal Guard, but they couldn't help falling for each other. Luckily for them, Maxon is a gracious ruler and spared their lives in front of the kingdom. When they're caught together, the punishment is death, but Maxon does everything he can to have them caned in the town square instead before being sent away to live as Eights. While that outcome seems just as cruel, Maxon has his reasons that become justified later on in the story. 

Their simple life was sweet to experience. It was lovely to know they found their happiness as a couple and didn't need more than each other's love and support to create a blissful existence hiding and working among the staff in the castle, even after they were supposed to be exiled. 

Maxon's meeting with the couple some time post-punishment redeemed their friendship and solidified a future for Marlee and Carter and their royal friends. I absolutely adored the presents they received from their king and how happy they still were whether they had nothing at all, or every prized jewel and fortune in the world.

My Final Rating: four out of five stars

The One is the last in the America/Maxon trilogy aspect of the Selection (#3). I know I was a sucker who was totally drawn into this series based on the cover art alone (hello, they're stunning), but I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed this series. When it comes to dystopian, if you know me, you know I don't usually say things like, "enjoy" and "dystopian" in the same sentence. However, if you look at it as a fairy tale, all the elements are there (and then some) to make this quite an adventure. 

America is one courageous young lady. There were several times in this story I willed her to shut her mouth to keep from getting in trouble, but I also cheered for her because she acted like the people's princess, and did what was right over what was law, and I have to give her brownie points for that alone. 

Maxon, as usual, is perfection. He's born to rule, but his spirit is as wild as America's, even if it's more pent up in its cage. I could only hope she'd break down his walls more and more. 

I still wasn't a fan of the Selection aspect. I just wanted Maxon and America together already, but, he had to have his pick of ladies of the kingdom. This caused my heart to tear in two, because like America, I had to question the prince's genuine sentiments. Was what he said the truth and from the heart, or was he playing a part for his kingdom to see? 

It sucked that it took back-to-back tragedy to really make these characters realize their potential both on their own, and in their relationships. I was not expecting the invasions of the northern and southern rebels to turn quite as deadly as they did, so my heart was in my throat wondering who lived and who died. I met so many people in my time with the girls of the Selection at the palace, that I was nervous to see what happened to them when all hell broke loose. 

On merits, it's absolutely a YA series. There's a sense of innocence throughout the book, but there's also the constant lesson of finding your voice and being strong whether among friends or among adversity, so while aspects of the tale were a bit juvenile, I can't fault it for keeping me entertained and teaching me some solid lessons on life and love even as an older reader. 

I devoured these books. They were fast, sweet, adventurous, suspenseful, regal, and so much more, so I have no complaints as far as what I'm looking for in a great story. 

My Final Rating: four out of five stars 

I am left thoroughly confused and torn when it comes to The Heir (#4). Bear with me because I'm going to attempt to convey my thoughts properly. This story is part of The Selection series, however, Maxon and America are not in the spotlight. Instead, we meet their children, sons, Osten, Ahren, Kaden, and their eldest daughter (and heir to the throne) Eadlyn. 

First off, massive cliffhanger that I'm not okay with... And I have to wait another month to get any answers or clarification. Until then, I'm left with heart palpitations wondering what the outcome will be... grrr... 

I did adore Maxon and America twenty years down the line as King and Queen of Iléa. It was amazing to see them as rulers, partners, parents, friends, lovers, and more now that they're more distinguished in their roles and still so deeply enamored with each other. 

Thank you, Ahren, for being the voice of reason throughout this whole story. I simply applaud you. our twin sister is so damn stubborn and all all I wanted to do was shake her, so I'm thankful you stepped in a time or two and attempted to come to the rescue. 

As far as Eadlyn is concerned, she's nowhere near ready to be a future queen. Yes, she's very astute and has an understanding of her future kingdom, but like everyone points out to her, she's distant, too private, and seemingly too cold to get her people to like her and support her when her reign comes. Maxon is doing his best to groom her for the formalities of the position  but she's still too rough around the edges. I understand her frustration of not wanting her hand forced into her own Selection to find a husband, but when some of the boys prove they're worthy of her, she either barely gives them credit or she's so stuck in her old ways refusing to want love or marriage, that I can't wrap my brain around anyone who actually still wants her. She's quite bratty, spoiled, frigid, and cruel. She needs a swift kick in the pants and do some growing up before an entire kingdom is passed her way. 

When it comes to the boys of the Selection, I have no idea who I enjoy more or what team I find myself cheering for. Several of them are worthy of the title to be Eadlyn's husband and future prince to her monarchy. I guess I just have to wait until May to find out who the chosen one will be, and if everything from the cliffhanger plays out well. For my own sanity, I hope so. 

My Final Rating: three out of five stars

*All novellas: The Queen, The Prince, The Guard, and The Favorite can be found in a companion novel appropriately titled Happily Ever After. They're also available for individual download on the iBooks app. 

Lastly, coming on May 3rd, 2016, the next chapter in Eadlyn's life, The Crown. I was going to wait to review this series until after I had read the last book, but I figured I'd at least get the thoughts on the first batch down and bring you the conclusion in a few weeks. 

 

The Protector- Cover Reveal

Good morning! To all of my romance readers out there, listen up! It's an exciting day!! I'm exhausted and slugging down as much coffee as I type this, but I couldn't wait any longer to share this with all of you! Be gentle because I'm still trying to put a coherent thought and sentence together.  Also, forgive me if I use excessive exclamation marks, but I'm just so pumped about another stellar love story heading our way!!

 

Anyway... I'm thrilled to be participating in my first official cover reveal on the blog, and I couldn't think of a better way to kick things off than with the newest novel from the one and only Jodi Ellen Malpas! Our first look at The Protector is here, and it could not be more lovely!!

 

So.... what do we think? Isn't it sharp? A little reminiscent of The Bodyguard, but that is NOT a bad thing! I'd love to hear what all of you think!

I'm also including some extra info below as far as synopsis, release dates, and events so you can start prepping for this darling to hit the shelves come September. Until next time... happy reading!

 

 

 

THE PROTECTOR by Jodi Ellen Malpas (September 6, 2016; Forever Trade Paperback and Forever eBook; stand alone novel)

 

THE NEW NOVEL FROM THE #1 BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE THIS MAN TRILOGY AND ONE NIGHT TRILOGY!

 

People think they have Camille Logan nailed: daddy's girl; beautiful, spoiled young woman with her father's bank balance to fund her lifestyle. But Camille is determined to have a life free from his strings. Out on her own, she's made mistakes, including one that found her clawing her way back after a stint in rehab and plenty of bad press. Now, after fighting so hard to be independent and happy, she finds her life threatened as a result of her father's ruthless business dealings. Caught between resentment and fear, Camille prepares herself for the measures her father will take to protect her. But nothing could prepare her for the ex-SAS sniper who crashes into her life.

 

Jake Sharp resides in his own personal hell. He was distracted from duty once before, and the consequences were devastating--both personally and professionally. He vowed never to let that happen again. Accepting the job of bodyguard to Camille Logan isn't the kind of distraction from his demons he should take. Women and Jake don't mix well, yet protecting the heiress seems the lesser of two evils. But Jake soon discovers that she isn't the woman she's perceived to be. She's warm, compassionate, her presence settling, and his duty to protect her soon goes deeper than a well-paid job, no matter how hard he fights it. He needs absolution. He comes to need Camille. But he knows he can't have both.

 

Buy the Book in the US!

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1X0pskX

B&N: http://bit.ly/1WqRB4l

iBooks: http://apple.co/1VcNEBR

Google: http://bit.ly/235yfph

Kobo: http://bit.ly/22kI3Pe

IndieBound: http://bit.ly/1QXVTQq

 

Buy the Book in the UK!

Waterstones: http://bit.ly/22ScpZQ

Amazon PB: http://amzn.to/1RA5l9w

Amazon Kindle: http://amzn.to/1VVE46C

Foyles: http://bit.ly/1MWnAUA

Apple: http://bit.ly/1Vb3EE6

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1X08Rhd

 

About the Author:

Jodi was born and raised in the Midlands town of Northampton, England, where she lives with her two boys and a beagle. She is a self-professed daydreamer, a Converse & mojito addict, and has a terrible weak spot for Alpha Males.

 

Writing powerful love stories and creating addictive characters has become her passion – a passion she now shares with her devoted readers.

 

She’s now a proud #1 New York Times bestselling author – all six of her published novels having hit the New York Times bestsellers list – as well as a Sunday Times bestseller and international bestseller. Her work is published in over 20 languages across the world.

 

Social Media Links:

www.JodiEllenMalpas.co.uk

Twitter @jodiellenmalpas

Facebook.com/JodiEllenMalpas

Add to your shelf on Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1QZ7yO9

 

**COMING SOON** Updates and Giveaways!

Hello and good evening, bibliophiles!! I hope everyone is having a lovely (and book-filled) weekend! It's Friday evening in my neck of the woods, and since I'm super popular and social, I thought I'd spend a moment to announce some ideas I'm bringing to the blog and also give you all your first chance at a giveaway! Get excited!

In the last few months, this community has grown into something of its own. I am in no way "internet famous" or doing things on a grandiose scale, but some of the opportunities that have come my way have caused me to do some pondering and become stoked about ways I can expand this bookish little blog! These ideas have been festering for awhile, but now I'm ready to actually put a bit of extra time and bring these new creations into this literary world.

1) Reviews: Yes, they're going to continue. As I stated in a past blog post, if the book or series I'm reading has made the crossover into film or television, I hope to include my perspective, thoughts, and reviews on the screen adaptations as well. With that expansion, there should be some movie trailers, clips, and visuals of the sort coming your way. Just gives the book reviews that much more definition.

2) ARCs: Having this space and a platform on social media has allowed me opportunities to work with up-and-coming authors who are looking for people to read and review their books honestly. These stories are called ARCs (advanced reader copies). As an avid reader, blogger, writer, and reviewer, I can't tell you how thankful I am every time an author reaches out to me and looks for my input. Yeah, they say opinions are like assholes (pardon my french) and everyone has one. I am well aware that I'm no different from any other blogger/vlogger out there, but I hope I bring some sort of personality and unique voice to the literary world. Not only do I get advanced peaks at new material, but I'm also lucky enough to have a chat here and there with the authors and other reviewers and wind up forming friendships that stretch across states and continents. For a common love of reading, like I said, I'm thankful and can't wait to include more ARCs in the review process.

3) Book Hauls, Shelfies, and TBRs: I thought this would be a fun little aspect of my universe in the reading process, from the book-buying experience, to my ever-expanding reading piles, what my shelves are looking like these days, more of an idea of the genres I'm obsessing over at the moment, and more. Maybe this is me being straight-up geeky about my books, but I thought it would be fun to delve into.

4) Cover Reveals: This is new even for me. More authors are looking for bloggers to share covers when they are released in order to create hype for pre-order and eventual sales. I'm right there with them and for them. These are authors of all kinds of genres and I admire their stories and work, so I'm happy to help spread the love. Plus, we all adore a gorgeous cover, even if they tell us not to judge our books by them. They're still pretty to look at, right?

5) Miscellaneous Projects: From entires like My Ultimate Dream Library and A Bookish Rant, I enjoy getting any thoughts and feedback I can about their experiences with books. Whether I'm being contacted to come up with my fantasy shelves or we're talking about book shaming or what non-readers say to you when you choose books over a social life, I'd love to talk about it!

6) Giveaways: This is exactly how it sounds. I don't do these too often because I find it hard to get that creative in the giveaway aspect, but I do love giving out bookish treats when I can! Keep your eyes peeled.... because it starts now! Check it out!!

***Hey hey! Happy Friday! Anyone fancy a Christina Lauren ✨GIVEAWAY✨ this is entirely due to my stupidity. I forgot I had pre-ordered #BeautifulBoss via Amazon... And when I went to my local B&N before it was even released, I happened to spot it out on the shelves and grabbed one. Thanks to my silly jackrabbit skills.. You'll now benefit!! Who can resist a free book?! I know I can't! Here's what you have to do, follow me on Instagram, tag a friend, repost, and go like my Facebook page, The Blabbing Bibliophile, for a chance to win! I'll choose a winner on Monday (4/5/16)... So... Good luck!!***

~Beautiful Boss (#4.5 in the Beautiful Bastard Series by Christina Lauren!

The ninth work in the New York Times and #1 internationally bestselling series that started with Beautiful Bastard. In this e-novella, Will Sumner and Hanna Bergstrom (from Beautiful Player) find that a wedding and everlasting love were just the beginning.

One Player tamed. One nerd girl satisfied. And one more major life decision to make. When Will fell for Hanna, her quirky sense of humor and fierce dedication to her career were part of the attraction. (Not to mention her coy newbie attitude toward sex and her willingness to let him teach her everything.) But when the job offers start rolling in for her—and oh, they do—Hanna has trouble deciding what she wants, where they should live, and how much she should burden Will with the decision. Magic between the sheets is only one part of a relationship...getting on the same page is quite another altogether.

You- A Series Review

Greetings, fellow bibliophiles! Long time, no chat! I finally finished my latest series and it's a doozy! I've been meaning to get to these books for awhile so I'm excited to share my thoughts! On a random outing to my local B&N for the latest book haul, I finally came across the complete series of You by Caroline Kepnes. I did, however, do a bad thing. I totally judged these books by the covers. I was absolutely intrigued when I saw both You and Hidden Bodies popping up in my Instagram timeline with readers going berserk for these stories. After grabbing the basic info, I popped on to my goodreads app to get the description and overall rating before adding these puppies to my ever-expanding TBR pile/shelf/bookcase. Now that I've read them both, I'm awaiting more story, the option for the TV adaptation, and coping with my Joe withdrawal. Let's get to it so that you can all run to your closest bookstores and swipe up copies of these novels.  

Book one is the title of the series, You. This might be the least comprehensive review I've written to date because I'm simply flabbergasted, gob smacked, speechless, stunned, so on and so on.

This book grabbed me from page one, hell, from the first freaking sentence. I could NOT put it down. I really and truly mean that with every ounce of sincerity I could muster. I finished this book in the parking lot of a Panera because I just had to have this book with me and had to know how it ended right then and there while I waited for my Pick Two combo to be made.

For me, there's not a single character I this book I could empathize with, but for once, I found that part of the appeal to keep going. Usually, when I'm disgusted with a character or find them unrelatable, I wind up disconnected from the whole story and don't invest my attention, mind, and heart the way I properly should. The opposite happened with this story. Joe is fishy right from the start, but I'm fascinated by how he thinks. I immediately despised Peach and Benji, and once the layers started peeling away (which happens pretty early on), I wound up loathing Beck as well.

In all honesty, I can't say too much because it's very easy for me to say enough to give away major  (and I mean MAJOR) plot points with this story, but just.... Read it, now, no.... Yesterday. I'm absolutely blown away. Despite the fact I couldn't wrap my mind around the lives of Nantucket bred, pretentious Brown kids and their designer drugs and first world problems (I even had to look up the word solipsistic.. I don't work in a used and rare book store.. ugh, I WISH) I gobbled this book up. It's so dark and disturbing that even though there was a sense of an end in book one, I know we're not done with this adventure yet.

If you're a fan of Dexter, Norman Bates, Paul Spector, or the Investigation Discovery channel, pick up this book and get to the page-turning as soon as possible! You won't have nails left, but you sure as hell will have your heart pumping!

My Final Rating: five out of five stars

Hidden Bodies is the sequel to You, and boy, is it ever a sequel. Every time I attempted to write a proper review of this book, words simply failed me. All I can say is that I'm glad this series is in progress with ShowTime because I'm beyond anxious to see how Joe's story plays out on the small screen. Now all I need is to call my cable company and add ShowTime to my monthly bill because I know I'll NEED this show when it debuts.

I'm a massive fan of Norman Bates, Paul Spector, Dexter, and now, Joe Goldberg. I know I mentioned that when reviewing You. The inner workings of Joe's mind absolutely boggle me and I find myself routing for him even though I know he shouldn't be out and about among what we deem "regular" society.

Leaving the streets of New York and his dark past behind him, Joe is on a mission in Los Angeles, and seems to meet all the right people along the way. It's when the past mingles with the present to ruin the future that Joe has a problem and needs to become even more determined in his life's path.

I had numerous interruptions while reading this book, and I almost wanted to pull a Joe of my very own because this story was so utterly full-to-the-brim of suspense, that it drove me crazy to put it down even for a single second! Kepnes may have just shot to the top of my list of favorite writers. Her story-telling is phenomenal and so thorough. I need more Joe in my life ASAP. I must know where his story takes us next! I'm pretty sure there has to be a book three somewhere, but I'm going to keep my fingers crossed just incase.

My Final Rating: five out of five stars

 

The Slam (ARC)- A Review

Happy Monday, bibliophiles! Yes, I'm bringing you another review already! Get excited! I received was recently contacted by a follower on my Facebook page to read and review her latest book. Obviously, I jumped at the chance! The darling Haleigh Lovell gifted me an ARC and even without much of a description or giveaway as to what I was in for, I was excited to dive in as fast as I could! It's called, The Slam, and I'm just going to get right to the review because I'm too jittery over this read!

I'm sad real life got in the way a bit, but once I started reading this one last night, I couldn't put it down. I've never read a romance novel that made our leading lady one with a condition. I found Adelaide fascinating. She was too cute for words, and I adored Ender even more for how much he doted on and cared for her without letting her condition affect their friendship. I'd love to say more about it, but I'd be giving too much away, so I'm going to let you all find out for yourselves once you grab a copy of this book!

Not only did I get a fun and budding love story, but Adelaide made me learn new things too, which was interesting and gave the story another layer. I'm glad she explained so much throughout the journey and allowed me inside her head, otherwise, I'm not sure I would've related to her quite as much. In her detailed explanations and brutal honesty, I was able to put myself in her shoes and see the world through her eyes instead of my own.

Seriously, Ender could not have been better. He's always been Adelaide's best buddy even from the time they were little children, so I'm glad that even though he became this tennis star and big-man-on-campus, his opinion of her never changes. In fact, she becomes even more endearing and loveable to him. That's unreal to me how awesome they were together both as friends, and even as something more.

This was a really fast read, so I hope to see more from these two. I was just getting into the whole boat idea and the ridiculous level of adorable of "many many many more dates" and it ended... so I think this is where I beg for a sequel. Pretty please!

PS- Thank you a million times over for this gift of a story, Haleigh! I appreciate you thinking of me to get an advanced copy so I could tell you (and everyone else) how much I loved it! xx         

My Final Rating: four out of five stars