Boundless - Cynthia Hand

Synopsis: The past few years have held more surprises than part-angel Clara Gardner could ever have anticipated. Yet from the dizzying highs of first love, to the agonizing low of losing someone close to her, the one thing she can no longer deny is that she was never meant to live a normal life.
Since discovering the special role she plays among the other angel-bloods, Clara has been determined to protect Tucker Avery from the evil that follows her . . . even if it means breaking both their hearts. Leaving town seems like the best option, so she’s headed back to California - and so is Christian Prescott, the irresistible boy from the vision that started her on this journey in the first place.
As Clara makes her way in a world that is frighteningly new, she discovers that the fallen angel who attacked her is watching her every move. And he’s not the only one. . . . With the battle against the Black Wings looming, Clara knows she must finally fulfill her destiny. But it won’t come without sacrifices and betrayal.In the riveting finale of the Unearthly series, Clara must decide her fate once and for all. (From Goodreads) 

This is officially one of my favorite series ever. I love Clara. I love Tucker. Most of the time I even love Christian. Every single book in this series stands strong - it has a great start, a wonderful and totally devastating middle and it ended so perfectly. With the field flooded with paranormal books and angels, it makes me so happy to see a series done right.

Since book one, I've just thought that Clara would be the best friend to have. Well, in this book she goes through hell for her friends. So, yeah, Clara is pretty amazing. She's human too, she makes mistakes, she gets a bit self centered - but in the end she always steps up. She's the kind of heroine who you can really get behind.

My Team Tucker heart noticed a lack of Tucker time in this book, but the time he got was pretty amazing so, really I'm okay with it. Christian is okay and in any other circumstances, he'd be down right dreamy, but he's just not Tucker. Even so, he didn't bother me as much in this book as I'd expected, especially with the amount of one-on-one time he and Clara have while off at school in Stanford.

I really liked this book's departure from typical YA series. We get to follow Clara to college and through her first year. That was really interesting, especially to see how she manages to juggle her paranormal life with her school life. I also really loved the way Angela rose in this book. She gets a really important part of the story.

There were subtle twists. A lot of things happen that I didn't expect and I'd kinda have to step back and just marvel at the fact that I was still surprised. This book was sweet and inspiring. I finished it so happy I just wanted to curl up and start it all over again. If you haven't picked up Unearthly yet, I strongly suggest you do so. These books are amazing. I'm really going to miss Clara and Tucker. I'm definitely going to be re-reading these books to revisit them.

Through the Ever Night - Veronica Rossi

Synopsis: It's been months since Aria last saw Perry. Months since Perry was named Blood Lord of the Tides, and Aria was charged with an impossible mission. Now, finally, they are about to be reunited. But their reunion is far from perfect. The Tides don't take kindly to Aria, a former Dweller. And with the worsening Aether storms threatening the tribe's precarious existence, Aria begins to fear that leaving Perry behind might be the only way to save them both.
Threatened by false friends, hidden enemies, and powerful temptations, Aria and Perry wonder, Can their love survive through the ever night?In this second book in her spellbinding Under the Never Sky trilogy, Veronica Rossi combines fantasy and dystopian elements to create a captivating love story as perilous as it is unforgettable. (From Goodreads)


Under the Never Sky was one of my top ten reads last year. It swept me away and completely transported me into another world. Aria and Perry totally captured my heart and even a year later these characters are still with me. I was so happy to fall back into their story. I was a little worried that a year away would cause me to forget important things, but picking up Through the Ever Night was like meeting with friends you've been parted from, yet every time you meet it's as if no time has passed.

Through the Ever Night was like a bridge book in the trilogy, but not in the way that most books that act as such are. It is a purposeful bridge. Some things needed to happen to move from the decision for action and the actual action. Perry is getting settled in his role as the Blood Lord of the Tides and really it's Aria who is trying to find a path to follow, which kind of leaves this book without an anchor to settle it in a story in it's own right. So in this book, the over-arching story doesn't necessarily progress, but some of the smaller (or not so small, depending on how you look at them) things need to happen. Like Aria and Perry's relationship needs to be established, Perry needs to gain control, Roar needs to find Liv, the Aether needs to be understood, and they just flat out need to figure out where the Ever Blue is.

Aria and Perry still make me swoon. Even more so in this book than in the first. Their relationship is definitely tested, but I admire the way they handle everything so much. Nothing about them feels exaggerated or dramatic - they work really hard at their relationship and they're so much stronger for it.

But really, in this book, Roar took the front and center spot in my heart. I think if I actually existed in this world, he'd be the one that I would be head over heels crazy about. I felt for him this book so much. I just want to hug him...a lot. He and Aria get really close in their journey together, and Veronica Rossi could have so easily made him a point in a love triangle, but thankfully she didn't. And their relationship is so much more beautiful because of it. They're as close as any girl and boy can be without being romantic and it's incredible and powerful. I adore their moments together and the way they cheer each other up and are so fiercely protective of each other.

It was interesting to see the Aether storms when more people and things are at stake than just Perry and Aria who can duck into a shelter quick. Cinder also pops up a few times and he's just a really puzzling character. You kind of get the feeling that maybe Cinder will wind up being the hero of the whole story and Aria and Perry are just a part of that. Then again, maybe he'll just play a part.

I would follow Aria, Perry and Roar to the end of the world. If I could crawl in the pages and help them out, I would. Even though I probably wouldn't last very long. I'm so anxious, not only to see where they go next, but just to be granted access to their story one more time.

Out of the Easy - Ruta Sepetys

Synopis: It’s 1950, and as the French Quarter of New Orleans simmers with secrets, seventeen-year-old Josie Moraine is silently stirring a pot of her own. Known among locals as the daughter of a brothel prostitute, Josie wants more out of life than the Big Easy has to offer. She devises a plan get out, but a mysterious death in the Quarter leaves Josie tangled in an investigation that will challenge her allegiance to her mother, her conscience, and Willie Woodley, the brusque madam on Conti Street.
Josie is caught between the dream of an elite college and a clandestine underworld. New Orleans lures her in her quest for truth, dangling temptation at every turn, and escalating to the ultimate test.With characters as captivating as those in her internationally bestselling novel Between Shades of Gray, Ruta Sepetys skillfully creates a rich story of secrets, lies, and the haunting reminder that decisions can shape our destiny. (From Goodreads)

I picked up this book because - hello - 1950's New Orleans. It wasn't quite what I was expecting though. I think I was imagining something along the lines of The Diviners for some reason. I was at least hoping for a little voodoo, and I was definitely picturing something much more lively. Even though it wasn't anything like I expected, it was still wonderful. Out of the Easy is heartbreaking, shocking, inspiring and sweet all at once. Josie is the kind of character you want to help and be friends with.

I was kind of shocked by the candid and raw portrayal of a brothel in a YA novel. I mean, I was shocked in a good way. I loved the honesty. I loved the way Ruta Sepetys took the seedy side of New Orleans and still told a beautiful story. There's so much love and support that ooze from the characters, even though their situations aren't ideal.

This is a character driven novel - and all of the characters are so fascinating. There's the madam with a heart of gold - or actually there's an entire house of prostitutes with hearts of gold (or mostly of gold...). Even though Josie's mother is pretty much a terrible human being who forces Josie to grow up way too fast, she has an incredible support system. And the madam is a great substitute mother to her. She works at a bookstore for an ailing author and his son. They are also a sort of family to her. It's so beautiful to see the way we form families outside of our own - or in Josie's case how she doesn't have a family bonded by blood, but she has this huge extended family that she belongs to because of circumstance. Also, Jesse, the boy who I kept picturing as Shia LeBeouf in Indiana Jones, was pretty dreamy. A greaser with a heart of gold. Every single character in this book has an edge and a lot of secrets, most even have something to be ashamed of - but deep down they're complex and beautiful people.

Really, it's about making the best of your circumstances. Josie isn't given the easiest hand, but she manages to make something out of her situation. I relate to her need to get out of town, to go do something, to be someone. And she really struggles to get to a point where she can claim her own life - which ironically only comes when she lets other people help her.

I really enjoyed spending time with these characters. And can more people write about New Orleans? And the 50's? Please? I want more from this time period. I feel like it's a decade that gets overlooked and there's a lot of fascinating stuff happening around this time. But one of the really great things about this book is that even though it's tethered to a time and a place, it still feels timeless.

Cinder - Marissa Meyer

Synopsis: Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . . 
Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future. (From Goodreads)

One of my guest reviewers, Caralyn, actually already reviewed Cinder for ItBW. But I recently picked it up and I just wanted to share a few thoughts. If you want to read Caralyn's review that goes a bit more in depth you can find it HERE.

Total honesty time: I had no desire to read this book. Cinderella is an overdone, overrated fairy tale. And I'm not particularly a fan of cyborgs. So I spent a year actively not reading this book. Even though I have not heard anything less than raving about Cinder, I was pretty convinced it wasn't for me. So why did I actually pick it up? Hard to say. Mostly out of curiosity. I also got pretty excited when I realized Scarlet was a Red Riding Hood retelling and that next up was Cress - Rapunzel and then a Snow White retelling. Even better - all these characters come together. So I finally read it.

Or devoured it, is probably more accurate. This book is spectacular. Like, whoa. I'm so impressed at the way Marissa Meyer pulled this off. Because when you step back and look, what she did was take on a massive project. This is futuristic politics, colonies on the moon, cyborgs, and all these things had to twist into the familiarity of the Cinderella story. I was skeptical, and I regret that a bit. If you're only looking at the surface, this is just straight up a compelling and well-written story. It's easy to lose track of time with this book.

I'm just really glad I gave Cinder a chance. There's a reason people rave about it.

Immortal Circus Blog Tour: Guest Post and Giveaway ::Week 10::

I'm so psyched to be representing the Summer Court with Fiktshun as a part of the Immortal Circus Blog Tour! 

Guys - this is the last week! This is the last letter from Oberon - you might want to heed his advice and show your support for the Summer Court one last time. We need your help. So leave your comments and enter for awesome prizes!
Also, you should definitely pick up a copy of The Immortal Circus as soon as you can. 

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Guest Post:

Allies,

Can you feel the tides shifting? The war is at hand. I have sent my dearest son, Oberos, Prince of the Summer Court, to investigate Mab's treason and bring her to justice. My army is dispatched, and at any moment Mab will be forced to pay for her treason. 

The daemon Kassia can not be suffered to live. Not after what she has done. Not after the blood she has shed - both fey and human. The Blood Autumn Treaty must be upheld. The very fates of our worlds hang in the balance. 

I have nothing else to say this week. This is your last chance to cast your vote. This is your last chance to uphold justice. Support the Summer Court.

Or perish. 

The choice is yours. 

-Oberon

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About the Book

Publisher: 47 North

Publication Date: December 4, 2012

Format: Kindle eBook

Murdered contortionists aren't exactly what Vivienne signed up for when she ran away to join the circus. But like most things under the big top, nothing is what it seems. With a past she can't quite remember, Vivienne finds that running away forever might not be as appealing as it once sounded - especially not when she realizes the devilishly attractive ringleader Mab is the Faerie Queen of legend...and that she and the rest of the troupe are locked in an age-old rivalry between the otherworldly courts. 

Aided by her friends Kingston - a feisty stage magician whose magic is quickly stealing her heart - and his smart-ass assistant Melody, Vivienne finds herself racing against the clock to discover the culprit behind a series of deaths that should be impossible. However, the answer she seeks might reveal more about her own bloody past - and future - than she bargains for. 

The show's just beginning.

Step right up...

Find the book:

BOOK WEBSITE :: FACEBOOK :: GOODREADS :: AMAZON

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About A.R. Kahler

Most little boys dream of running away to join the circus.

Alex didn't just dream it: he did it. But then, he rarely lets a good dream pass him by.

In the past six years he's toured and trained across America and Europe. He's performed in Amsterdam, taught trapeze in Madrid, studied in Glasgow and even had a stint as assistant to Holly Black and Cassandra Clare in New England. He's constantly on the lookout for new places to explore and new worlds to invent. He's a Sagittarius fueled by full moons and espresso. The way to his heart is a latte and fan art. Just for the record.

THE IMMORTAL CIRCUS is his first New Adult novel, and is being released exclusively through the Amazon Kindle e-Serials program by 47North. It will be available in print and audio when the episodes are complete.

MARTYR the first book in his post-apocalyptic fantasy, will be published by Spencer Hill Press in October 2014.

Find him:

TWITTER :: @ARKahler TWITTER :: @ImmortalCircus WEBSITE :: http://www.arkahler.com

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Week Ten Tour Schedule:

Monday, Feb. 11: Summer – Fiktshun – GUEST POST

Tuesday, Feb. 12: Winter – The Bookish Brunette – GUEST POST

Wednesday, Feb. 13: Summer – In the Best Worlds – REVIEW & TEASER– Episode4

Thursday, Feb. 14: Winter – The Non-Reluctant Reader – REVIEW & TEASER – Episode 4

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Giveaway:

THE IMMORTAL CIRCUS Prize Pack Giveaway will be for a signed copy of the book, illustrated trading cards and circus-y goodies.

The giveaway will run for the length of the tour and will end on Friday, February 15th.

the giveaway is US-only. 

There are FOUR prize packs up for giveaway.

There are extra entries for tweeting daily. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Touch Menacing Book Blast

It’s nearly time to say good bye to Eden and her friends with the conclusion of the A Touch Trilogy from author Leah Clifford.

Whether you’ve been there from the beginning when Eden first met Az in A TOUCH MORTAL. Spent countless hours contemplating with other A Touch Trilogy fans over the fate of the kitten, from A TOUCH MORBID. Or are just joining us now, the conclusion to Leah Clifford’s A Touch Trilogy promises to be heart stopping and well worth the wait!

Pick up whichever novel you need to catch up before MENACING’S March 5th release date. You don’t want to be the only one not talking about this book!

A TOUCH MENACING
A Touch Trilogy #3 Author: Leah Clifford
Release Date: March 5th

Eden is dying. For real, this time.
She is crumbling to ash, and an unnatural plague is ravaging mortals and immortals alike. With both Heaven and Hell out to destroy her, Eden can no longer tell the difference between good and evil.

Friends become enemies. And enemies are everywhere.
But don't underestimate Eden. She'll fight for her life, for the lives of those she loves, and for every life she has ever touched.
She'll fight for revenge. For redemption. For—just maybe—the chance to be mortal again.
Everything began with forbidden love.
What will be sacrificed at the bitter end?
The dramatic conclusion to Leah Clifford's dark, alluring trilogy of life, death, and epic love.

PRE-ORDER A TOUCH MENACING NOW FOR ONLY $11.98

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBEL

Pick Up The Whole Series!

A TOUCH MORTAL (A Touch Trilogy #1) AMAZON | B&N
A TOUCH MORBID (A Touch Trilogy #2) AMAZON | B&N

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GIVEAWAY

Help us spread the word about the final installment of the A Touch Trilogy, and you could win one of these amazing prizes!

Grand Prize 
30 Minute Skype Chat with Leah Clifford. Talk about writing, talk about THE KITTEN, talk about her books! Talk about almost anything!

2nd Place 
Get’s to name a character in Leah’s next published book

2 Lucky Bonus Winners Will get 1 Paperback of A TOUCH MORTAL and 1 Hardcover of A TOUCH MORBID signed to the winner!

THE RULES
- Open Internationally for the Skype Chat and Character Name
- Books Will Only be mailed in the US.
- Pre Order for A Touch Menacing can be from any date
- Order for Mortal or Morbid MUST be dated between 2/1 and 2/22
*we reserve the right to deny any receipt for entry if it appears to be altered or manipulated in anyway.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Leah Clifford currently lives in Ohio, but frequently dreams of finding an abandoned mansion in the south that she can restore. In her spare time she loves to travel and has been known to drive over two hours to get kickass quesadillas. So far for jobs she's sold corn at a roadside stand, been a pizza delivery girl, a camp counselor, an extreme cave tour guide, a flight attendant, a waitress (x3), a grocery store clerk and a writer. Out of all of them, writing has been the most fun. She's pretty sure she's gonna stick with it.

STALK LEAH CLIFFORD
TWITTER | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS | TUMBLR | WEBSITE | BLOG

Love Leah’s A TOUCH TRILOGY? Check out the CafePress store dedicated to the series.

THE MORTAL PORTAL 

Just click to visit The Mortal Porta!
A Touch Menacing items coming soon!

Top Ten Tuesday - Favorite Romances

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

This week's topic is: Top Ten Favorite Romances

1. Lola and Cricket

“I know you aren't perfect. But it's a person's imperfections that make them perfect for someone else.” 

2. Anna and Etienne

“I bought you love poetry! 'I love you as certain dark things are loved, secretly, between the shadow and the soul.'" I blink at him. "Neruda. I starred the passage. God," he moans. "Why didn't you open it?”

3. Megan and John After

“And the rest is happily ever After.” 

4. Clara and Tucker

“Hey, Carrots," he says.” 

5. Aria and Perry

“It didn't matter if Aria was hundreds of miles away, or whether she'd hurt him, or said goodbye, or anything else. Nothing would change the way he felt. The moment Aria had taken his hand on the roof at Marron's, she'd changed everything. No matter what happened, she'd always be the one.”

6. Samantha and Jase

"And the way he does look at me makes me feel absolutely beautiful.” 

7. Katsa and Po

“I know you don't want this, Katsa. But I can't help myself. The moment you came barreling into my life I was lost. I'm afraid to tell you what I wish for, for fear you'll... oh, 
I don't know, throw me into the fire."

8. Echo and Noah

“We’d read about sirens in English this fall; Greek mythology bullshit about women so beautiful, their voices so enchanting, that men did anything for them. Turned out that mythology crap was real because every time I saw her, I lost my mind.” 

9. Helen and Lucas

“Helen, beloved of the goddess of love, went downstairs to crawl into her empty bed as Lucas, the son of the sun, leaned back on his elbows and watched his father-god brighten the bare wooden planks of her widow's walk.”

10. Calla and Ren

“Tell me you’ll come back for the pack. For me.” His eyes were bright with tears. “I don’t 
want to lose you.”

Honorable Mentions (can't help myself, I love so many): 

Mara and Noah  

Ashton and Beau

Natalie and Ash 

Violet and Lincoln 

Will and Tessa