Category: Blog Tour (Page 17 of 19)

REVIEW + GIVEAWAY – Walk of Shame by Lauren Layne

REVIEW + GIVEAWAY - Walk of Shame by Lauren Layne

Walk of Shame is my FAVORITE Lauren Layne book to date! So check out my 5 Star review below and enter the giveaway! Enjoy!

REVIEW + GIVEAWAY – Walk of Shame by Lauren LayneWalk of Shame (Love Unexpectedly #4)
by Lauren Layne
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Pampered heiress Georgianna Watkins has a party-girl image to maintain, but all the shopping and clubbing is starting to feel a little bit hollow—and a whole lot lonely. Though Georgie would never admit it, the highlights of her week are the mornings when she comes home at the same time as her uptight, workaholic neighbor is leaving to hit the gym and put in a long day at the office. Teasing him is the most fun Georgie’s had in years—and the fuel for all her naughtiest daydreams.

Celebrity divorce attorney Andrew Mulroney doesn’t have much time for women, especially spoiled tabloid princesses who spend more time on Page Six than at an actual job. Although Georgie’s drop-dead gorgeous, she’s also everything Andrew resents: the type of girl who inherited her penthouse instead of earning it. But after Andrew caps one of their predawn sparring sessions with a surprise kiss—a kiss that’s caught on camera—all of Manhattan is gossiping about whether they’re a real couple. And nobody’s more surprised than Andrew to find that the answer just might be yes.

Review:

Walk of Shame was crazy addicting, laugh out loud hilarious and continually pulled at my heartstrings. And when I closed the book, I couldn’t stop the happy tears! Here’s a few reasons why this is definitely my new favorite LL book!

✮Fabulous Heroine –

I put on my widest, sparkliest smile, only because I know it drives him crazy.
As always, I see a muscle in his jaw twitch as I flutter my eyelashes.
“Good morning, Andrew,” I say sweetly.
“Georgiana.”

I loved Georgiana Watkin’s voice, aka Georgie, and that her happiness and friendliness was infectious. She was this honest, bubbly, hilarious women who had the most generous heart. She was such a good person…..even though she loved to get under Andrew’s skin. But besides all that, she talked directly to us readers, sporadically. It made me feel like Georgie was my bff and I happily listened as she poured her heart and soul out to me. I loved everything about Manhattan’s famous party girl!

✮Rigid Yet Sexy Hero –

I pop another piece of donut in my mouth and smile. “It’s fine. I won’t tell a soul you checked me out.”
“I wasn’t—” He clears his throat. “Forget it. You’re ridiculous.”
I’m grinning outright now, because that’s two you’re ridiculouses this morning, and when he takes to repeating himself, I know I’ve successfully gotten under his skin.
Georgie, one; Andrew Mulroney, Esquire, zero.

Andrew Mulroney, Esquire…a famous divorce attorney…. was structured, rigorous and completely no-nonsense. Yet he captivated me, especially when he had his morning squabbles with Georgie. It was so much fun watching Georgie push Andrew’s buttons, and getting glimpses into the other sides of him. Even if I was always left wanting to desperately know or learn more about the allusive Andrew. Because even though it seemed as though Andrew was always in control, he wasn’t always on his game and he was insanely hot when jealous! And I have to put this out there, but I truly believe that fans of Michael from After the Kiss, will fall just as hard for Andrew!!

✮Fun and Flirty Vibe –

If I had even a lick of sense, I’d forget him and this weird game we’re playing. Instead I keep coming back for more.
I’ve been thinking about why, and, well . . . I’m simply not used to people not liking me. And yes, I know how that sounds. Diva much? But really, usually people at least want to be my friend. He hated me on sight for no reason, and I seem to be having a wee bit of a difficult time letting it go.

Georgie’s party girl routine rubbed Andrew’s off to the gym and then the corner office vibe at 5am the wrong way. Their morning confrontation in their lobby was always entertaining and the electricity running between the two of them was scorching hot. Well actually anytime they were near each other I always found myself smiling, laughing and then wanting to shove them together lol. Besides Walk of Shame being so much fun, LL writes some of the best banter, and she hit gold with Georgie and Andrew!

This book about polar opposites had me a giddy, laughing, crying mess! And I don’t think I have ever happy cried so much, this book, oh, it made me a ridiculously emotional girl! *sigh* Walk of Shame was absolutely perfect! I loved it so much and I hope you do too!

*ARC kindly provided by Random House Publishing Group – Loveswept via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

 

About Lauren Layne: 

Lauren Layne is the New York Times bestselling author of over a dozen romantic comedies.
A former e-commerce and web marketing manager from Seattle, Lauren relocated to New York City in 2011 to pursue a full-time writing career.
She lives in midtown Manhattan with her high-school sweetheart, where she writes smart romantic comedies with just enough sexy-times to make your mother blush. In LL’s ideal world, every stiletto-wearing, Kate Spade wielding woman would carry a Kindle stocked with Lauren Layne books.

 
Giveaway:

Save

Save

BOOK REVIEW – A Matter of Fate (Fate #1) by Heather Lyons

BOOK REVIEW -  A Matter of Fate (Fate #1) by Heather Lyons

I fell madly in love with A Matter of Fate. This story refused to be put down, and now I can’t wait to finish the rest of the series. Have fun reading my 4 Star Review below!

BOOK REVIEW –  A Matter of Fate (Fate #1) by Heather LyonsA Matter of Fate (Fate #1)
by Heather Lyons
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Chloe Lilywhite struggles with all the normal problems of a typical seventeen-year-old high school student. Only, Chloe isn't a normal teenage girl. She's a Magical, part of a secret race of beings who influence the universe. More importantly, she's a Creator, which means Fate mapped out her destiny long ago, from her college choice, to where she will live, to even her job. While her friends and relatives relish their future roles, Chloe resents the lack of say in her life, especially when she learns she's to be guarded against a vengeful group of beings bent on wiping out her kind. Their number one target? Chloe, of course.

That's nothing compared to the boy trouble she's gotten herself into. Because a guy she's literally dreamed of and loved her entire life, one she never knew truly existed, shows up in her math class, and with him comes a twin brother she finds herself inexplicably drawn to.

Chloe's once unyielding path now has a lot more choices than she ever thought possible.

Review:

A Matter of Fate was captivating, slowly intoxicating and emotionally charged.  While everything unfolded at a slower pace, and it was heavily character driven, I found myself glued to the pages.  We’re taken through daily struggles, friendships, battles, love, and even learning and watching how Magicals influence the universe.  But what was at the heart of this story, in my eyes, was the most emotionally gutting love triangle I have ever read.  And I will most definitely be continuing on with this series, because my heart has to know what happens next.

Why does this hurt so much? If this is how it’s supposed to be, then why do I feel like I’m breaking apart?

We’re led through the story with Chloe, who is a Magical.  And within the Magical race, she is a Creator.  This means she will be asked to create and destroy anything and everything in the world, including civilizations.  I felt suffocated right along with her.  Fate has mapped out her life, and she few choices for how it’ll all go down.  On top of that, her parents are heartless and leave her clueless about what it means to be a Magical, since she lives on the human plane and goes to a human high school.  But thankfully she doesn’t feel entirely alone, since she has her Cousins in her life.  They’re not all technically related to her, but each of them are Magicals and have different ways that they’ll influence the Universe.  I adored Cora, Meg, Lizzie and even Alex.

I look out the window, at the streaking colors, now muted with growing shadows. And then I find myself telling him the truth. “I’d want to go somewhere and be anyone who wasn’t me.”
For a long moment, the only sounds are that of tires on blacktop. Rather than saying something unhelpful like, Why would you want to do that? Kellan merely says, “You and me both.”

But her whole world shifts in class one day, physically and emotionally.  A boy walks into the classroom that she knows, but she’s never met him outside of her dreams.  Since they were four, they’ve been together in Chloe’s dreams.  They slowly became each other’s best friends and even fell in love.  But a year ago he disappeared, and she was heart-broken that he was gone from her dreams.  So seeing Jonah in real life floors Chloe.  And in those first few pages we see Jonah, I was captivated by him.  He was sexy, alluring, and oh so beautiful.  But he doesn’t approach her, and before she can talk to him, everything gets flipped upside down.

And like a fool, I take a step closer, unable to resist the pull toward him any longer. He is confused, wary . . . and yet also unable to resist the pull, because he tentatively reaches out his hand and touches my face so lightly, I wonder if the fingers are even there or not.

You see, Chloe realizes Jonah has a twin.  One she never knew about.  And his name is Kellan, and he has no problem approaching Chloe.  Their moments together made me gasp and giggle.  I adored Kellan and I couldn’t get enough of him.  So it was inevitable that I fell head over heels in love with him.  He commanded my full attention and he made my heart race.  Kellan was funny, caring, loving and intoxicating.  I loved his words, his mannerisms, every single tiny thing about him.  Now here’s the but.  But while Chloe has always loved Jonah, she ends up with Kellan, and I was selfishly okay with that.

Beneath my ear, his heartbeat speeds up. Finally, “If you need me, I will always be here for you.”
These words mean more to me than he’ll ever know. I press my face harder against him, clutch at his shirt tighter. He is my anchor. He is my strength. He is here, for me, and even though I don’t deserve it, I take it.       

So I struggled.  Because while Jonah takes more of a backseat throughout certain parts of the story, and that was perfectly fine by me, then you learn stuff.  And it threw me for a loop.  So my heart was on the line constantly while Chloe vacillated between the twins.  Chloe broke my heart apart, because while I desperately wanted her to just be with Kellan, I got why she kept getting drawn back to Jonah.  And usually I end up screaming and wanting to pull my hair out at love triangles, but this time I got it.  And I never once got mad at Chloe.  

“Fate sucks,” I say, trying hard not to cry. Which is stupid, because he knows I’m upset, and even worse because he knows it’s over his brother.
“Yeah,” he says quietly. “Sometimes, it really does.”

I became completely invested and totally addicted.  The writing, story line and characters pulled me in, and I’m scared yet excited to see where this story goes.  So wish me luck, because I’m reading Jonah’s novella next – Beyond Fate.  And while I hope he’ll just die to make the story easier, yes I know I’m awful lol, I’m scared to death I’m going to fall for him.  Just like Kellan.  *Takes a deep breath*  Here I go……

*ARC kindly provided by Author via Inkslinger PR in exchange for an honest review*

 

My Fate Power:

So in the tour, we were asked – If you had a power like Chloe, tell us what that “power” would be and how you would use it.  At first, I was going to say an Emotional.  Because I’d love to be able to know what others are feeling around me.  Whether it’s people you first meet, or others that you’ve known forever, I’d love to get into their head and know what they’re truly feeling.  To see if their words line up with their emotions.  But then after thinking about it some more, I realized I would want to be a Healer like Cora who is Chloe’s Cousin.  To take the pain away and help heal those I love would be the most beautiful gift I could ever be given.  So that’s definitely my final answer.  If I was a Magical, I would hope to be a Healer. ♥

 

Reading Order:
a matter of fate heather lyons beyond fate heather lyons a matter of heart heather lyons a matter of truth heather lyons a matter of forever heather lyons

✿ A MATTER OF FATE (Fate, #1)
Amazon ✩✮✩ iBooks ✩✮✩ Kobo ✩✮✩ B&N

✿ BEYOND FATE (Fate #1.5)
Amazon ✩✮✩ iBooks ✩✮✩ Kobo ✩✮✩ B&N

✿ A MATTER OF HEART (Fate, #2)
Amazon ✩✮✩ iBooks ✩✮✩ Kobo ✩✮✩ B&N

✿ A MATTER OF TRUTH (Fate, #3)
Amazon ✩✮✩ iBooks ✩✮✩ Kobo ✩✮✩ B&N

✿ A MATTER OF FOREVER (Fate, #4)
Amazon ✩✮✩ iBooks ✩✮✩ Kobo ✩✮✩ B&N

 

About Heather Lyons:

Heather Lyons is known for writing epic, heartfelt love stories often with a fantastical twist. From Young Adult to New Adult to Adult novels—one commonality in all her books is the touching, and sometimes heart-wrenching, romance. In addition to writing, she’s also been an archaeologist and a teacher. She and her husband and children live in sunny Southern California and are currently working their way through every cupcakery she can find.

Website ✩✮✩ Facebook ✩✮✩ Twitter ✩✮✩ Instagram ✩✮✩ Goodreads ✩✮✩ Pinterest ✩✮✩ Amazon ✩✮✩ Newsletter

 

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

BOOK REVIEW + GIVEAWAY – Love Story (Love Unexpectedly #3) by Lauren Layne

BOOK REVIEW + GIVEAWAY - Love Story (Love Unexpectedly #3) by Lauren Layne

I’m so happy to be on the Love Story Tour because this book was beyond adorable! Check out my 4 Star Review below and enter the fabulous giveaway! Enjoy!

BOOK REVIEW + GIVEAWAY – Love Story (Love Unexpectedly #3) by Lauren LayneLove Story (Love Unexpectedly #3)
by Lauren Layne
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

When Lucy Hawkins receives a job offer in San Francisco, she can’t wait to spread her wings and leave her small Virginia hometown behind. Her close-knit family supports her as best they can, by handing over the keys to a station wagon that’s seen better days. The catch? The cross-country trip comes with a traveling companion: her older brother’s best friend, aka the guy who took Lucy’s virginity hours before breaking her heart.

After spending the past four years and every last dime caring for his sick father, Reece Sullivan will do just about anything to break free of the painful memories—even if it means a two-week road trip with the one girl who’s ever made it past his carefully guarded exterior. But after long days of bickering in the car turn into steamy nights in secluded motel rooms, Reece learns that, when it comes to Lucy, their story is far from over. And this time, they just might have a shot at a happy ending.

Review:

I quickly devoured Love Story in one sitting, and absolutely adored Lucy Hawkins and Reece Sullivan.  Their friendship was volatile, hot and filled with history that we got to witness through flashbacks.  It was all centered around a road trip which made for a cute, fun read, that left me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside when I finished that last page.

He laughs, and my heart hurts at the flood of memories. Of how we used to talk so easily, how we used to laugh so much . . .

Lucy and Reece have known each other almost their whole lives, since Reece is Lucy’s brother’s best friend.  After his mother died, when he was a little boy, he became an even bigger part of Lucy’s world.  Her family took him in, to a certain extent.  But from the beginning, Lucy couldn’t help fall for Reece.  Even if she knew he only saw her as his best friend’s little sister.  They were the truest of friends, until they pushed their relationship past the friendship boundary.  And from that point on, they barely spoke to each other.

“Not at all,” I say sweetly. “See, I just watched the way you attempted to juggle multiple girlfriends and failed, and then did the exact opposite.”
He glances at me then, a mocking smile on his face. “Oh, sweetheart. When did I ever claim you as my girlfriend?”
I suck in a quick breath, because it’s one of the more hurtful things he can say— dismissing that summer as though it were nothing.

Years later, they’re both headed to California for new jobs, and they end up getting stuck together for a road trip.  A two-week road trip.  Oh this made me so giddy!  Because from just those first few minutes being together in the car, I couldn’t stop smiling.  Sexual tension and friendship simmered and exploded between the two of them.  So emotions definitely flew high, and it made for an exciting trip that was filled with tears, jealousy, anger, and lots of desire!

I glance down at my towel, considering throwing some clothes on first, but then I shrug. It’s just Reece.
My inner skank rolls her eyes. There’s never been anything just Reece about what’s between us.
A fact I’m reminded of when I open the door and his gaze rakes over me.

My favorite thing about this story was definitely the characters.  They were the reasons I read this book in one sitting!  First off, Reece.  I love tortured men, and Reece played the part perfectly.  He was highly jaded from his past, since everyone he loved except Lucy’s family left him in one way or another.  Yet he seems to harbors so much anger and hatred towards Lucy.  And I was dumbstruck why.  Things she would say or do would set him off so easily, he was so explosive towards her.  Which felt ironic to me, since it was his fault their relationship blew up in a fiery inferno.  So Reece was a fun mystery to unravel!  And his moments of tenderness that alternated with want towards Lucy made me easily fall for him.

When she held out her small hand expectantly for the card, he took a deep breath and handed it over, meeting her eyes. “Thank you. For staying with me.”
Lucy blinked , looking a little confused, as though it was the most obvious thing in the world that she’d spend an afternoon with a crybaby.
Then she gave him a small smile, looking a little shy for the first time since going to him, as though she’d just realized something. “I’ll never leave if you don’t want me to.”

I liked Lucy from the get go.  She was driven and knew exactly what she wanted in life.  Whether it was her future job or Reece.  But what made me really connect to her were the flashbacks.  I loved watching their friendship unfold right from the start!  BUT the flashbacks didn’t feel seamless to me.  Each and every time I desperately wanted to stay in the present, even though I loved the moments the flashbacks showed.  I just wish they would have fit in a little differently to the story-line.

I blow out a breath. “Thanks.”
“For?”
I pluck at the hotel comforter. “For yesterday. For coming after me and holding me, even though I know you hate me.”
I hold my breath, waiting for him to confirm that he
doesn’t hate me. Which is stupid. He has no reason to hate me. He’s the one who ruined things.
I hold my breath anyway. Deny it. Say you miss me like I miss you.
There’s a rustling noise, then the creak of a crappy couch. “Night, Lucy.”

So Love Story was an enjoyable, quick read that I easily devoured.  While I guessed how a few things turned out, it didn’t take away from how much fun their story was.  And just so you know, each book in this series is a standalone and the characters don’t interact with one another from book to book.  Except they did listen to a Jenny Dawson song on the radio woohoo, which was a shout out to Good Girl.  If you adore road trips and hate to love stories, then there’s a good chance you’ll like Love Story too!

PS The nicknames were kinda different…. Spock, Horny ummm okay lol.

*ARC kindly provided by Random House Publishing Group – Loveswept via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

 

About Lauren Layne: 

Lauren Layne is the New York Times bestselling author of over a dozen romantic comedies.
A former e-commerce and web marketing manager from Seattle, Lauren relocated to New York City in 2011 to pursue a full-time writing career.
She lives in midtown Manhattan with her high-school sweetheart, where she writes smart romantic comedies with just enough sexy-times to make your mother blush. In LL’s ideal world, every stiletto-wearing, Kate Spade wielding woman would carry a Kindle stocked with Lauren Layne books.

 

 

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

REVIEW + GIVEAWAY – Guardian of Secrets (Library Jumpers #2) by Brenda Drake

REVIEW + GIVEAWAY - Guardian of Secrets (Library Jumpers #2) by Brenda Drake

I’m beyond ecstatic to be on this tour because spoiler alert – I LOVED this book! Guardians of Secrets was magical, fun and had my emotions all over the place. So check out my 5 Star Review below and enter a fabulous giveaway! Enjoy!

REVIEW + GIVEAWAY – Guardian of Secrets (Library Jumpers #2) by Brenda DrakeGuardian of Secrets (Library Jumpers #2)
by Brenda Drake
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Being a Sentinel isn't all fairytales and secret gardens.

Sure, jumping through books into the world's most beautiful libraries to protect humans from mystical creatures is awesome. No one knows that better than Gia Kearns, but she could do without the part where people are always trying to kill her. Oh, and the fact that Pop and her had to move away from her friends and life as she knew it.

And if that isn't enough, her boyfriend, Arik, is acting strangely. Like, maybe she should be calling him "ex," since he's so into another girl. But she doesn't have time to be mad or even jealous, because someone has to save the world from the upcoming apocalypse, and it looks like that's going to be Gia.

Maybe. If she survives.

Review:

Guardian of Secrets was filled to the brim with magic and fun!  This is the second book in the series, and I was easily transported back into their world right from the start.  The pages were filled with friendship, laughter, tears, betrayal, love and trust.  And I happily found myself addicted, since the characters continually pulled at my emotions.  I absolutely loved Guardian of Secrets, and I can’t wait to discover the rest of Brenda Drake’s books!

His face went serious. “Gia…”
“What?”
He stepped closer to me, lifted my chin toward his lips, and kissed me.

The story starts off right where Thief of Lies ended.  Gia, Nick and the Sentinels have gone into hiding in the human world.  They attend school, and I found myself completely absorbed in the drama that unfolded.  On top of school, they were still training, and Gia and Nick were tracking down the remaining Chiave, which are the keys to the Tetrad.  I can’t say too much more about the plotline, without huge spoilers, but know that I loved how the storyline evolved.

If someone’s soul could die, mine was withering with each painful step.

Speaking of evolving,  I’m happy to say that Gia has grown up and matured.  Her immaturity in Thief of Lies bothered me, but I’m so impressed with her now!  What I loved about her most still held true, she continued to stand strong, to not back down, and she tried to do what was right again and again.  And while she could still be rash and impatient at times, I expected it since many people she loved were in harms way.  So Gia rightfully earned my love and respect!

I felt safe with Bastien around. Cared for in a way I hadn’t been before, even with Arik. I might not want to admit it, but I’d felt that way since the day I’d met him.

Arik also earned my love and respect, and well, that just made me want to cry.  I know that sounds weird, but he’s not the one I want to ultimately end up with Gia.  I wanted to remain ambiguous towards him, so I wouldn’t feel bad if and when he wasn’t chosen.  You see there’s a love triangle that is done fabulously in this series!  On one side is Arik, a Sentinel like Gia.  Their love is forbidden but Gia is a little obsessed with him and vice versa.  At the start of this book they’re together, but another girl keeps coming into the picture which made me ecstatic.  Because on the other side of the love triangle is Bastien, a Wizard, who Gia was betrothed to as a child.  

“…..There’s nothing more attractive than a girl who can decapitate a beast.”
I laughed. “So you like the violent type.”
He quirked a mischievous grin. “There’s nothing better.” – Bastien & Gia

From the first moment Bastien appeared, I fell head over heels in love with him.  He knows what he wants in life and will do anything to get it, which is so sexy!  Not only was he loving, caring and let Gia have her independence, but what he sacrificed for Gia *clutches heart*.  I desperately want to talk about that but won’t because of spoilers.  But that event brought about his protective side.  And even better than Bastien being protective was his jealous side.  So hot, he was so unbelievably hot!  So in case it isn’t obvious, I desperately and wholeheartedly love Bastien!

“I have desires, and need a wife.” – Royston

There was a whole list of characters that I loved.  Especially Lei, Faith and Dierdre!  It was so refreshing seeing strong woman support one another and continually raise each other up!  I loved it!  But another character stood out loud and clear and his name was Royston.  He became a quick favorite!  Royston spoke those words in the above quote but here’s the thing, I can’t tell you who or what he is, or even how he fits into the story, but know that I felt guilty for even liking him.  Especially since he was so blunt and had no filters at times.  But he entertained me, and I hope that some of my guesses pan out for how his story will proceed!

Before he could swing it, I aimed my sword and threw it like a javelin. The blade flew through the air and punctured the upper left side of his back, making a sickening tearing sound as it broke through his flesh.

So Guardian of Secrets was such a huge win for me!  I laughed, I fell in love, I sobbed and I closed the book with the hugest smile on my face!  I loved that yet again the story continually built, and that we started to see more sides to the huge picture that is unfolding.  And while I guessed how a few things would play out, I was happily surprised and even shocked with a few of the twists!  So I can’t wait for the final book, because this series continues to get better and better!

*ARC kindly provided by Entangled Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

Reading Order & Links:
Amazon (click on covers), iBooks (click on titles) & Book Depository (click on book #)
thief of lies brenda drake
Thief of Lies #1
Review:

Jen
guardian-of-secrets-brenda-drake
Guardian of Secrets #2
Review:

Jen

Assassin of Truths #3
Reviews:

Jen
Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About Brenda Drake:

Brenda DrakeBrenda Drake is a New York Times bestselling author of Thief of Lies (Library Jumpers #1), Guardian of Secrets (Library Jumpers #2), Touching Fate (Fated Series #1), and Cursing Fate (Fated Series #2). She grew up the youngest of three children, an Air Force brat, and the continual new kid at school. She hosts workshops and contests for writers such as Pitch Wars and Pitch Madness on her blog, and holds Twitter pitch parties on the hashtag, #PitMad. When she’s not writing or hanging out with her family, she haunts libraries, bookstores, and coffee shops, or reads someplace quiet and not at all exotic (much to her disappointment).

WebsiteTwitterFacebookInstagramGoodreads

 

Tour Schedule:

You can check out the rest of the tour here.

Save

Save

Save

Save

BLOG TOUR+REVIEW+GIVEAWAY-Crystal Storm (Falling Kingdoms #5) by Morgan Rhodes

BLOG TOUR+REVIEW+GIVEAWAY-Crystal Storm (Falling Kingdoms #5) by Morgan Rhodes

Falling Kingdoms has easily became my favorite series I read this year-With deep, flawed characters and rich storytelling, I was putty in Morgan Rhodes's hands. Magnus is easily my favorite character, so it should come as no surprise to anyone that this story pleased me from beginning to end. Below you will find my FIVE star review, a giveaway, pre-order links, and the rest of the tour schedule. Not only do I hope you enjoy this post, I hope it encourages you to pick up this book immediately upon release. I am honored to have been given this ARC, but you don't have much longer to wait until the release. Enjoy!

BLOG TOUR+REVIEW+GIVEAWAY-Crystal Storm (Falling Kingdoms #5) by Morgan RhodesCrystal Storm (Falling Kingdoms #5)
by Morgan Rhodes
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

An epic clash between gods and mortals threatens to tear Mytica apart . . . and prove that not even the purest of love stands a chance against the strongest of magic.

MAGNUS and CLEO are forced to test the strength of their love when Gaius returns to Mytica claiming he's no longer the King of Blood but a changed man seeking redemption.

LUCIA, pregnant with the child of a Watcher, has escaped the clutches of the unhinged fire god. Her powers are dwindling as she goes forth to fulfill a prophecy that will keep her baby safe . . . but could mean her demise.

JONAS treks back to Mytica with a plan to overtake Amara, but fate takes hold when he runs into the beautiful Princess Lucia and joins her on her perilous journey.

AMARA has taken the Mytican throne, but with no way to unleash the water magic trapped within her stolen crystal, she'll never be able to seize glory and get sweet revenge.

And what kind of darkness will descend--and who will be safe--after Prince Ashur reveals the dangerous price he paid to cheat death?

Review: 

I feel like its so far and few between that I get a chance to write a (well thought out) review for a book I love. For example, I’ve been sick off and on for five months, and my reading has been basically non-existent…but in the last couple months, I’ve managed to read some of my favorite books this year-and maybe 3 of them have gotten even close to the reviews I’m capable of and that they deserve. So, when I received the email telling me I got one of my most (ummm come on, basically THE book that I pined for most) anticipated reads of this year…I just knew I would give it the best review I could muster.

So, this is me taking the opportunity to talk about one of my top book boyfriends this year-Magnus. And doesn’t he deserve the whole review to himself, honestly?? I mean seriously…he’s Magnus, the prince of blood. Do I really need to say anything more?

 photo tumblr_n892fdZJlE1sicas5o1_500_zps3hbohvxy.gif

Well, I think I do, for those who want to know about more than my darling boy. And let’s be honest-Everyone who reads this series is obsessed with him, and some might only be reading it because of him, so what more can I possibly push?

Basically, even after all the trials and tribulations surrounding all the books before…this one broke my heart the most. It was absolutely the most brutal. I’ll admit that it isn’t near as brutal in the way of battle and death and destruction, but more brutal in matters of the heart. My soul was ripped to shreds in more ways than one, and more times than one. I might be a bit of a drama queen, but my heart has always ripped in two when a couple like Cleo and Magnus, so in love, have to keep themselves a secret with literally everyone around them.

 photo tumblr_n1n4y6fwQQ1tt6rtko1_500_zpsoga8wzsa.gif

This was definitely a tremulous chapter for the new couple, bringing heartaches and new issues bubbling to the surface. But not once did my confidence in them waver. Not once did I think one or the other would cheat (even with easy access) or give up on their new love. And not once did I think they wouldn’t believe in the best of each other, in the end, keeping their relationship stronger than ever. But I did foresee some bumps in the road…and that prediction aimed true.

“And you listen to me, Princess.” Gaius’s voice followed her like a rancid odor. “This love you think you feel for my son? The day will come when you will have to choose between Magnus and power. And I know, without a doubt, that you will choose power.”

 photo tumblr_inline_n9phx0SQq91qcp4l4_zpsiz69jyic.gif

So many book series these days drag out unnecessarily for so many books you can’t help but roll your eyes at them-but there are some that shine brighter with each book, building into something so tangible that you can’t breathe when it’s left unfinished. You aren’t thinking, ‘Oh, come on, another book?!’, you’re rejoicing that there’s another and you have the opportunity to follow the paths these relationships and evil plots continue to pave. This is one of those series.

Even as I worried there were going to be too many books when I started this series, I remain surprised each and every time I open a Falling Kingdoms book. They grow dramatically richer and more complex with each additional storyline, and you can’t help but to love each character, good or bad, more with each new installment.

For example, had I only stayed on book one, I only would have lightly pined for Magnus. Sure, he was the reason I even considered continuing onward with the story, but I put this series down for a couple months after finishing, if only because there was so much more to read in my TBR pile and nothing had truly hooked me, aside from the not-so-sweet man candy. But, the minute I was urged to continue on, I was immediately hooked.

The deep love, the betrayals upon betrayals, the needless slaughters…they spoke to my evil self in a way I’ve not been accustomed to, in a while. This series (and especially these last three stories) touched on so many nerves that I couldn’t help but to be hooked. Now, months later, I’m a ravenous fangirl who can never have enough Magnus and Cleo.

I think it’s safe to say who my two favorite characters are, hmm? But even as the series has progressed, I find I have many favorites, especially in this one-Even the evil Amara. There’s just something about an extra feisty bitch added to the character pool that enriches the story and adds just the right amount of turmoil.

 photo tumblr_n6daprMPUK1rawb5do1_500_zpsytetscck.gif

And, truthfully, this book wasn’t as action packed as the rest, the more I think about it. In all truth, I think that’s why I loved this book so much and it became my absolute favorite of the 5. We really got time to sit and see where everyone stood, who was loyal and who wasn’t, what relationships were real and which were smoke and mirrors. I even found the guard relationships to be enriching to the story. By our main cohorts all staying in the same place for an extended amount of time, we really had the opportunity to see the chaos as it slowly descended upon them.

When a story is just go-go-go, you lose a little something, I think. But as Mags and Cleo sat in one particular area for a prolonged amount of time, surrounded by both friend and foe, we got to see some relationship turmoil that ripped me apart, but filled me with ceaseless obsession for the two. I don’t know why this book spoke to me the most (maybe because I’m messed up in the head and love jealousy so much its sick), but it did, and I already am dying to re-read it and the whole series. I might just do it!! WATCH AND SEE!

With a cliffhanger that took my breath away (and made me gleeful, yes I’m THAT crazy and THAT sick) I am already eagerly anticipating how it will all turn out in the final book. Hearts will be broken. Not everyone will survive. Loyalties and friendships will be tried and tested…and I can’t help but long for the final book to be in my hands at this exact moment. It hurts…but I guess I’ll just have to remember all the hot Magneo moments to get me through the next year. And, hey, I can always re –read this series multiple times as I wait. 😉

*Many thanks to the publisher for an advanced copy!*

pre-order-crystal-storm

cs-buttons

Pre-Order Here:

Amazon  Barnes & Noble  Itunes  Book Depository  Kobo

Link for pre-order buttons:

Buttons

 

Enter for a chance to win a set of the Falling Kingdom books by Morgan Rhodes, which includes paperback editions of Falling Kingdoms, Rebel Spring, Gathering Darkness and Frozen Tides and a hardcover edition of Crystal Storm (Approximate Retail Value (“ARV”): $63.00). In addition, four (4) Runner-up Winners will each receive a paperback edition of Falling Kingdoms ($11.00 each).

 
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Enter between 12:01 AM (EST) on December 5, 2016 and 11:59 PM (EST) on December 16, 2016.  Open to residents of the fifty United States and the District of Columbia who are 13 and older. Winners will be selected at random on or about December 19, 2016. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

About the Author:

morgan-rhodesMorgan Rhodes lives in Ontario, Canada. As a child, she always wanted to be a princess — the kind that knows how to wield a sharp sword to help save both kingdoms and princes from fire-breathing dragons and dark wizards. Instead, she became a writer, which is just as good and much less dangerous. Along with writing, Morgan enjoys photography, travel, reality TV, and is an extremely picky, yet voracious reader of all kinds of books. Under another pen name, she’s a national bestselling author of many paranormal novels. Falling Kingdoms is her first high fantasy.

 

 

 

And follow along with the rest of the tour below!

12/5: Steph in Wonderland (Book Look)
12/5: Young Adult Hollywood (Book Playlist)
12/6: Live to Read (Review)
12/6: Adventures of a Book Junkie (Reasons to Read Falling Kingdoms)
12/7: Take Me Away to a Great Read (Falling Kingdoms Mood Board)
12/7: Fiction Adventure (Character Fancast)
12/8: A Page with a View (Favorite Fictional Princes)
12/8: Star Crossed (Review)
12/9: Seeing Double in Neverland (Guest Post)
12/9: Bibliophile Gathering (The Series So Far)
 
WEEK TWO:
12/12: Once Upon a Twilight (Quotes + Review)
12/13: Dark Faerie Tales (Excerpt)
12/13: Mundie Moms (Review)
12/14: The Book Nut (Reasons to Read Falling Kingdoms)
12/15: Scifi Chick (Spotlight)
12/15: Tales of the Ravenous Reader (Guest Post)
12/16: Two Chicks on Books (Q&A)

 

Save

« Older posts Newer posts »

© 2024

Theme by Anders NorenUp ↑