Revenge In Rio by Samantha Darling: Teaser #3

Revenge In Rio Countdown Teasers No. 3
Teaser No. 3 people! It gives you a peek at the book's hero, Luca Venancio and his gentlemanly charm but don't be fooled!

***

Luca Venancio

Hope you enjoyed that one....he's yummy, right?
4th and final teasers next week!
'Til next time
Sam :-)
X

Website | Facebook | Facebook Author | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads  

Please leave a comment, follow, and +1. Thank you for supporting Laura's blog.

Stacking The Shelves #11: Harlequin Teen

Stacking The Shelves is a weekly meme hosted on Tynga's Reviews. Basically you share what books you acquired that week whether it be physical or digital. Info here.

This week I got two goodies from Harlequin Teen Australia! I tend to forget to say thank you to publishers so before I forget, thank you. I'm super excited to be auto-approved by them on Netgalley because they never fail to amaze me with the books they published. Last week, I saw Crash Into You EVERYWHERE. I was determined to remember to request it myself because I've been waiting for it for so long. I just finished it this morning and my review should be going up on the release date, 26th November. Then, yesterday, I woke up to a beautiful package on my kitchen table. Waterfell! I don't think I've read anything about mermaids and just mermaids since I was like seven years old so I can't wait to see what it's all about.

Netgalley
Crash Into You by Katie McGarry | Goodreads | Book Depository | Amazon

For Review

Waterfell by Amalie Howard | Goodreads | Book Depository | Amazon

Before a million people tell me "I hope you enjoy your books," I've already read Crash Into You! Last week, I mentioned in the post that I'd already read Losing Hope and so many people were like "I hope you enjoy it!" I chuckled to myself every time, haha.

Please leave a comment, follow, and +1. Thank you for supporting my blog.

Book Spotlight + Giveaway: A World of InTemperance by Ichabod Temperance

It is New Year's Eve, 1875. In this humorously told Steampunk tale, adventure-prone Ichabod Temperance and his lovely sweetheart, Miss Persephone Plumtartt, once again find themselves swept up into a whirlwind of misadventure and international catastrophe. The entire world totters on the brink of war, as various nations develop arsenals of dreadful power. It seems as though every nation on Earth lusts for Empire. A sinister plot boils to change the course of human history. Along with a remarkable cast of characters, including sapient animals and clockwork men, our heroes find themselves plunged into unimaginable peril!

Welcome back with another book spotlight with Ichabod Temperance's second book, A World of InTemperance! Last week, I featured his first book A World of Temperance. I mentioned that it's very different from usual YA. It's set way back when and the writing fits it too. The writing is amazing! You can see a taste of it in the excerpt below if you keep reading.

Just like last time, there's a giveaway! You get A World of InTemperance and a book of choice. They will both be e-copies and will be supplied by both the author and myself. Like last time, if you buy the book, and you win this giveaway, you get his other book instead! And you still get the book of choice from me. Like all my giveaways, it's INTERNATIONAL! Make sure you enter because not many people have yet. Enter the other one too because then you could have another chance to win a book of choice. This giveaway will last a whole month. I'm extending the other giveaway to make it last until the same date as this one. 10th of November. Good luck! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Excerpt:

With the help of some simple rake and pull lockpick tools that I keep about my person for the odd emergency, I defeat a locked door, and entry to the house, bordering on mansion, is achieved.

No one seems to be about downstairs. Except in the kitchen. We do not think we will get much good data from the cooking staff, so we easily avoid them. Movement is heard above, but it seems pretty distant.

An investigation reveals two large living areas, filled with cushy chairs and forest-devouring fireplaces.

A large dining room.

A library.

“I have always enjoyed success while conducting investigations at libraries,” I add.

We are pursuing our investigations in the library, as such places are ubiquitously notorious for their valued contents.

Mademoiselle looks up.

“Ladies, be sharp! Oui!”

A set of double doors bursts open and half a dozen troopers rush in, rifles at the ready.

“There you are! We were afraid you girls wouldn't make it. It seems that there has been some trouble down the road at the other secret factory, er, that is, I mean, cannery.”

“Here we are! Oui! I think we get here before you have zee trouble? Oui! So! Where is zee birthday boy!Oui! Oui!”

Mademoiselle sweeps in upon an officious little fellow with spectacles before his tiny eyes.

“Oh! I say! A party! Good show!” I quickly catch onto Mademoiselle's game. Miss GoldenBear appears to be a little slower to catch on. I think she is about to do something rash. I give her a good nudge and a gentle elbow. A ferocious winking and pulling of head gestures follow. “Good show, right Miss GoldenBear?”

“Good show?” Miss GoldenBear hisses under her breath. “I think we can take 'em! Oooph! ... Oh, well, .... Party! Sure! That's why I came to this place tonight. A, uh, party.”

Mademoiselle cradles the bespectacled man's bald head. “And what,” (smooch, smooch, on his blushing forehead) is your name, my little hostie wostie.”

“Hee hee! My name is Howard C. Goodwinkle. But I am afraid that I am not your host, That would be Mr. Thraschewright.”

“Three beautiful girls for one lucky man! He must be French! Oui! But no, his name is not French. What did you say this man was, and who does he do?”

“Millicent Pernicious ThrascheWright. He's a big canner.”

“Oh! Canning! How interesting! One canner, three girls. Big fun! Oui! Oui!”

“We-ell,” Howard C. says, “there will be three gentlemen. Along with Mr. ThrascheWright, are two very important men. A military big-wig, and a, and a, um, priest. Yeah. That's it. A priest.”

“Oh! The Mademoiselle DeeDee likes zee man in zee uniform! Oui! But I think the priest, he eez not so much fun? No?”

We 'Ladies' are escorted upstairs. The distinctive crack of one billiard ball striking another can be distinguished at a distance, before loud, angry male voices can be heard.

Howard C. Goodwinkle hesitates at the door. There is a heated argument within, and he is loath to interrupt his superiors.

Mademoiselle DeeDee Gauzot sweeps past, throwing open the door and making a grand and sparkling entrance.

“Bonjour! Party time! Where eez my Birthday Boy? Is it schoo, my magnificent, and gargantuan, Man of Industry! Oh! You are so beeg! So much for DeeDee to love! And, oh! A soldier! Zee uniform! It makes DeeDee zee romantic girl! I tell you! Too! Oui! And who is this? A priest? If you are a Man of the cloth, then why do you wear the leather? Maybe you have some dark and wonderful fetish? No? You want to tell DeeDee, yes? Oui! Girls! Come join zee party! Persephone, why don't you loosen Monsieur Thraschy Wrighty's tie? Oui? Abigail, I know you just love zee man in zee uniform. Oui, Oui, too!

“What is this? Who are these girls?” hisses Lord Bar'Bazaul, “Did you plan this, ThrascheWright? Is this just another checkmark in today's list of your failures and incompetences?”

“Oh! Well. Burbityburb. Let's not be hasty. What. Spoils of war and all that, don't you know. Burbityburb. Right.”

“You see! Zee Commodore, he agrees with DeeDee! Too!

“That's Field Marshall.” from beneath the massive moustachio that any walrus would give his left rear flipper to own.

“Of course, my Admiral!” Too!

“We were in the middle of something!” fumes the angry Lord Bar'Bazaul. His heated anger threatens to melt his eyebrow wax and wilt his lip whiskers.

“Er, well, I think we can continue. These silly girls won't comprehend what we're talking about.”

“That eez, unless you talk about zee party, oui! Eezn't zat right, girls?”

“Oh. Oh I see. It's my turn, then is it? Rather. That is, perhaps I should say, party!, party!, as it were.”

“Oh! Oui! You are zee wild one I think for sure! A tiger, no? Persephone eez zee wild animal, Mr ThrascheWright. I hope she does not give you a beeg bite! He he! Oui!”

Miss GoldenBear joins the Field Marshall.

“This is more like it.” says a voice from deep behind the gray nose bush and eyebrow shrubbery. “Sit down, young lady.”

“I am sitting down.” replies Miss GoldenBear.

“Yes. Harumph. Back to what you were going on about, Thrashgummy.”

“Yes. As concerns the 'accident' from earlier, there's no evidence to suggest it was anything but an accident. Before you go sending in any bad reports on me, just remember that the only witness to tonight's activities was conveniently ki.. disposed of, by none other than you, yourself. If you want to send in a negative report, go ahead. Just make sure you are ready to accept the blame. … And punishments.”

“You worm, I stand ready to make the World grovel, and you would threaten me?”

“The World may grovel before you, but not Millicent Pernicious ThrascheWriulllgh!”

The leather robed Sorcerer moves with remarkable quickness snatching the arms executive by the windpipe.

“Do not threaten that which stands ready to devour you!”

“Burbityburb! Gentlemen, please!” from the voice of reason within the Field Marshall's uniform. “I realize the factory was a complete loss. But did any of the germs... er bug bombs survive?

Only what was shipped to Europe last week, and the wagon that barely survived tonight's accident. It is headed for Winniedepuh, then Kuetinpeenk, and that one wagon has enough bad news on it to give every fleet surrounding the Pacific to have a sample.”

“What about my mechanized armies. Once all these traitorous recruits are replaced with units that know how to take orders, we'll really get things done. Harumph.”

“All units are scheduled for on time delivery, General. Oops. I mean Field Marshal.”

Millicent Pernicious ThrascheWright's jowly face gains a trace of firmness. “I guess things are in your hands now, at your double secret, 'Location Z' … Lord Bar'Bazaul.”

In another building, on the sprawling, fortress factory grounds, a bell is ringing.

ring.ring.ring.ring.ring.ring.ring.ring.ring.ring.ring.ring.ring.ring.

The 'Ladies' exchange furtive glances.

“What is that infernal ringing? Is that some sort of summons to general quarters? Is this facility under attack? Burbityburb.”

“Just a drill, Colonel. I mean, Field Marshal. Gotta keep the boys on their toes, what, what.”

“I should think a clockwork soldier would not need to be drilled in staying on his toes, Mr ThrascheWright. Harumph!”

“Hisss!” Lord Bar'Bazaul hisses. “Field Marshal! This might be just the time to spring a surprise inspection on 'Location Z'. If you should be so kind as to accompany me.” He holds a door open for the Field Marshall.

“Oh! Merci Boucoup! Ladies! Let's not dally! Too!”

With supreme effort, Miss Plumtartt helps Mr. ThrascheWright to his over-burdened feet. She slips out of reach as the Executive looks for more assistance.

“All right my little battle booty, you're coming with me.” says the Field Marshal grabbing Miss GoldenBear by the wrist and pulling her along after. He very nearly dislocates his own shoulder.

“Oh, yeah.” as Miss GoldenBear remembers to be coquettish. She manages to prance a bit as she allows herself to be dragged along, the spoils of war.

END EXCERPT

A World of InTemperance by Ichabod Temperance | Goodreads | AmazonPlease leave a comment, follow, and +1. Thank you for supporting my blog.

Book Review: United We Spy by Ally Carter

Cammie Morgan has lost her father and her memory, but in the heart-pounding conclusion to the best-selling Gallagher Girls series, she finds her greatest mission yet. Cammie and her friends finally know why the terrorist organization called the Circle of Cavan has been hunting her. Now the spy girls and Zach must track down the Circle’s elite members to stop them before they implement a master plan that will change Cammie—and her country—forever.

Gallagher Girls! I've been waiting for this last book for forever. Well, only a year but seriously, omg, I remember waiting for the previous books and to think that this is finally the very last. I've loved the spy story so far and I loved this one too. Before I begin, if you haven't read the Gallagher Girls series yet, you definitely should! It's really fun even though I feel like it's aimed at a younger audience. The books do get more mature as the characters grow though. No spoilers in this review though so feel free to read it!

So when I first started reading United We Spy, I wasn't hooked. I would pick up the book and then put it back down once I see my laptop or my phone. It took me soooo long to get past the beginning but once I did, the pace really picked up. The ending was like boom boom pow and I loved it!

The characters in this book have been and always will be, kick ass. Even though they're not so realistic overall, their emotions are and it was really easy for me to empathize with them. I think that the characters gave me all the feels more in the previous books and not so much this book, but like I said, it picked up at the end and that's when my emotions started coming in.

And then the writing. I've always loved the way Ally Carter writes but what I really loved was the way she mentions something, and then you kind of pass it off as nothing and then BAM it's actually really important. Her effortless writing really allows for all those bombshells.

I also read A Gallagher Wedding which is kind of like an epilogue/short story kind of this. You can download it and read it for free here. It was a really good finale to the whole series and it was super cute as well.

So overall, I guess if I ignore my lack of focus and easily distractedness, this book was really good! If you haven't read the Gallagher Girls series, the first book is one of the best so read it. And if you've begun it, trust me, you want to finish it because the ending is beautiful.

United We Spy by Ally Carter | Goodreads | Book Depository | Amazon
Please leave a comment, follow, and +1. Thank you for supporting my blog.

Revenge In Rio by Samantha Darling: Teaser #2

Revenge In Rio Countdown Teasers No. 2
Welcome, welcome, welcome! I'm VERY excited to share today's teaser with you, not only because it's so damn pretty but also because it's from one of my favourite parts of the book and see's Luca whisking Daniella off to a gala for the social and business elite!

Again, a huge thanks to Laura for working her techno/design magic! I'd love to know what you all think of it!

***

Let's Go

See you next week for teaser No. 3.
'Til next time!
Sam :-)
X

Website | Facebook | Facebook Author | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads  

Please leave a comment, follow, and +1. Thank you for supporting Laura's blog.

Stacking The Shelves #10: Losing Hope

Stacking The Shelves is a weekly meme hosted on Tynga's Reviews. Basically you share what books you acquired that week whether it be physical or digital. Info here.

I think my Stacking The Shelves are getting really boring. I tell myself that I should probably get more books for these posts but then again, I'm pretty content with the amount of books I have to read. Which is A LOT. Sorry for my boring hauls! They've pretty much consisted of just review books. But anyway, this week I go Losing Hope by Colleen Hoover in the mail! I've already read and reviewed this book but I'm glad to have the book anyway. Maybe for a reread one day.



For Review
Losing Hope by Colleen Hoover | Goodreads | Book Depository | Amazon

Please leave a comment, follow, and +1. Thank you for supporting my blog.

Discussion: Email Subscriptions? + 500 Followers

Before I begin, I'd just like to say thank you for 500 subscribers for both Bloglovin' and GFC! Wow, what a coincidence. I'm not doing a giveaway but I already have like 10 going on right now so feel free to check those out here. Thank you for all your support along the way. Thank you to anyone who has read 1 or 100 of my posts. I'm so grateful.

Today, what I really wanted to talk about is that little box in the bottom right corner. Not the GFC followers, not the Bloglovin' followers, the Feedburner followers. The email followers. The RSS followers? I'm not really sure what the proper name is. It's clear that I have no where near as many Feedburner subscribers compared to GFC and Bloglovin'. With GFC, and Google Reader now gone, it's basically, you follow the blog and never see one of their posts again. I mean, I'm sure some people keep up with the blogs they follow through GFC but it's a small small majority. And then there's the Bloglovin' followers. I'm not to sure how many people keep up with reading the Bloglovin' blogs. I have the mobile app so it's really easy for me.

Okay well my point is, when you subscribe via email, it's pretty much impossible to ignore new posts. Unless of course you're using an email account you never check. Some blogs have email followers that completely outrun the Bloglovin', GFC etc. Other blogs, like mine, have the the email followers lagging behind. Like I'm not saying it's a race by any means, just pointing it out.

I know this isn't true for everyone, but just as a blanket statement, I think that the blogs that have heaps more email subscribers are the ones with better quality posts. You'd have to love the blog a lot to follow them via email over GFC. Like I said, it's not always true because for example, if you're like me, you never follow blogs via email.

So basically, I really have no idea what I'm trying to say. I know it sounded like I was complaining. I'm really not. Trust me, I'm super appreciative of every single person who has ever taken the time to follow me in any way. But I'll be honest, I appreciate the ones who read my blog more. So if you're reading this, thank you.

Let me know your thoughts. I don't know how to feel about it all right now.What do you think about email subscriptions? Better than GFC/Bloglovin'/Linky/NetworkedBlogs?

Please leave a comment, follow, and +1. Thank you for supporting my blog.

Book Spotlight + Giveaway: A Matter of Temperance by Ichabod Temperance

In a past that never was...
The year is 1869. Earth experiences the close pass of a comet never before seen. In its wake, many of Terra's inhabitants find themselves changed. Among men, prodigies rise in unprecedented numbers, while many ordinary adults suddenly find themselves possessed of preternatural genius. Likewise, non-hominid animals become self-aware and intelligent.
Fast forward to 1875. A young “comet prodigy” from humble beginnings, Ichabod Temperance, has become the world's foremost inventor. He travels to England to deliver his latest brilliant invention to a famous explorer, until Fate intervenes. Meanwhile, a lovely young Bluestocking, Miss Persephone Plumtartt, survives an experimental accident only to find herself imbued with a power she can neither understand nor control, while dark forces and malevolent creatures pursue her, leaving a gruesome wake of death.
Yet, worse is to come. The naïve young inventor and the lovely intellectual find themselves fighting not only to save their own lives, but to prevent the destruction of all life on Earth.

Today, I'm featuring this lovely book by Ichabod Temperance. I definitely think you should check it out! It's not your average YA book. Ready to spice up your reading, this is for you! The writing is so unique. If you read a bit more, there's an excerpt where you can see it for yourself.

To make this post just a bit sweeter, here's a giveaway. It's international! The prize will be an e-copy of A Matter of Temperance by Ichabod Temperance. The prize will be provided by him! He's lovely. Plus, if you buy the book, and you win, you can win his other book! AND ALSO, to double sweeten, I'll be providing an e-book of your choice! Any book you want. I hope you guys enter! The giveaway ends in two weeks. *I've extended it and it now ends on the 10th of November.*

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Excerpt:

"Note from the bridge, sir."

"Harumph. Yes. Thank you. What's this then. "Strange glow seen to rear of ship?" Harumph. Nonsense."

Miss Plumtartt and I exchange a look. "Get to the back of the boat," she says sternly.

There is definitely a green glow from behind the ship. What's more, I don't need my "Green Beauties" to see it. Everyone can see it.

Miss Plumtartt is shaken.

"Mr. Temperance." She really is shaking. "Something big is coming after me."

The decks are alive with excited crew and passengers.

The glow now surrounds the ship. Something seems to be rising from the depths.

"There!" call the multitudes.

Several hundred yards behind the ship, an island has risen. Smooth, and featureless. Until it opens its eyes.

Screaming.

Tentacles of titanic proportions emerge from the water, hover hundreds of feet in the air, and then slam down with devastating force upon the stricken ship.

What was moments ago, one of the greatest achievements of man, is now a playtoy next to this organic leviathan.

More tentacles descend upon the ship. They begin to constrict.

The Nipponese on board excitedly say a name.

"Gojiro."

Many of the crew who were struck dumb, now seem to come to a realization.

"KRAKEN!"

The name is taken up through out the ship.

"Kra-Ken!"

More tentacles encircle the ship.

Lifeboats are lowered. Rope ladders are deployed.

The mouth draws closer. Tentacles actually extend from its mouth. It means to devour the ship, it would seem. The bow starts to rise, as the stern is supporting the gross weight of the foul beast.

SNAP!!!

Victoria's keel just broke! This ship is doomed. I reach a conclusion. Grabbing Miss Plumtartt up in my arms, I pitch her over the rail into a lifeboat on its way down.

"Hold that woman!" I command.

With grim resolve, I know that I have to act.

But, I stop. I toss Miss Plumtartt my derby.

Time seems to slow. A temporal aberration. A little bubble of serenity and quiet outside of the tumult around us..

"I love you, Persephone."

Then I'm off. I fly past passengers. Now the decks are clear. I pick up speed. Instincts help me to dodge tentacles the size of subway cars. I leap deck chairs. The deck of the Victoria tilts towards the stern. The downhill slope increases my velocity. I zig-zag more monstrous appendages until I hit the rail and then I take flight!

I feel as if I am in slow motion,,,,

falling,

falling,

falling...

The gaping maw of an unspeakable terror, takes me in.

END EXCERPT

A Matter of Temperance by Ichabod Temperance | Goodreads | Amazon
Please leave a comment, follow, and +1. Thank you for supporting my blog.

Books Of September 2013!

Welcome to my September wrap up! When I was looking through my Goodreads, I realised I actually read a lot more than I thought I did. I think this blogging thing has really gotten me into reading more. So this month I read a total of 7 books! According to Goodreads, I'm keeping right on track with my goal for this year. The first book I finished was Matt Monroe and The Secret Society which was amazing. Then the next book I didn't finish was It's Raining Men which wasn't too good. Then Thy Will Be Done, One Tiny Lie and Countdown were all amazing! My reviews for Thy Will Be Done and One Tiny Lie will be coming soon! United We Spy was a bit of a disappointment but more on that on my upcoming review. Lastly, I listened to the audiobook for Lethal Circuit. It was amazing but that's for my review coming on the 13th of November!

Matt Monroe and The Secret Society by Edward Torba | Goodreads | Book Depository | Amazon | Free Download

It's Raining Men by Milly Johnson | Goodreads | Book Depository | Amazon

Thy Will Be Done by Julie Fisher | Goodreads | Book Depository | Amazon 

Countdown by Michelle Rowen | Goodreads | Book Depository | Amazon 

United We Spy by Ally Carter | Goodreads | Book Depository | Amazon

Lethal Circuit by Lars Guignard | Goodreads | Book Depository | Amazon

Full Reviews Written
All The Truth That's In Me
Countdown
Matt Monroe and The Secret Society
It's Raining Men
The Truth About You And Me

Please leave a comment, follow, and +1. Thank you for supporting my blog.

Something Wicked Returns: Giveaway Blog Hop

Something Wicked Returns hosted by Heidi @ Rainy Day Ramblings, Candace @ Candace's Book Blog, Maja @ The Nocturnal Library and Ali @ My Guilty Obsession. 

Yay for another giveaway! I decided to join the Something Wicked Returns Giveaway Blog Hop. My giveaway is going to be nice, simple and international! My prize is going to be your choice of any paranormal, supernatural, or Halloween themed e-book/s. Not only one, you get $20 worth which means that you can choose as many as you like. Plus, just for the fun of it, you can choose an album to listen to as well. Why not? After all, my blog is Music Plus Books. The album can be anything you'd like because it's my special addition. You can live anywhere in the world as long as I can e-mail you the prizes. It runs for all of October, from now, October 1st, all the way to October 31st. I'm ready for this. Are you? There are heaps of blogs participating and heaps of chances to win win win. Let's get excited for the lead up to Halloween!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Please leave a comment, follow, and +1. Thank you for supporting my blog.

Revenge In Rio by Samantha Darling: Teaser #1

Revenge In Rio Countdown Teasers No. 1
With release day only 22 days away - honestly I'm not counting down like a crazy woman (hmm, ok, maybe just a teensy bit crazy!) I thought I would share some lovely little teasers with you. I can't take the credit for making them sadly, that's where the talented Laura at Music Plus Books came into play and did her thang!

So, here we go. This is teaser number one for you and features at the end of chapter one. Watch out for number 2 this time next week!

***

Prove

Hope you enjoyed!
Sam :-)
X

Website | Facebook | Facebook Author | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads  

Please leave a comment, follow, and +1. Thank you for supporting Laura's blog.

Stacking The Shelves #9: The Program

Stacking The Shelves is a weekly meme hosted on Tynga's Reviews. Basically you share what books you acquired that week whether it be physical or digital. Info here.

Only one book this week! I've been rocking a lot of these lately. Really restraining from getting any books. So this week, the only book I got wasn't even bought. I won The Program by Suzanne Young from Rinn Reads' blogaversary (she spells it as blogoversary) giveaway! I've been wanting to read The Program for so long so when I got it in my mailbox in hardback, I was probably the happiest person ever. So thank you Rinn!



Won
The Program by Suzanne Young | Goodreads | Book Depository | Amazon

Please leave a comment, follow, and +1. Thank you for supporting my blog.

Book Review: All The Truth That's In Me by Julie Berry

Four years ago, Judith and her best friend disappeared from their small town of Roswell Station. Two years ago, only Judith returned, permanently mutilated, reviled and ignored by those who were once her friends and family. Unable to speak, Judith lives like a ghost in her own home, silently pouring out her thoughts to the boy who’s owned her heart as long as she can remember—even if he doesn’t know it—her childhood friend, Lucas. But when Roswell Station is attacked, long-buried secrets come to light, and Judith is forced to choose: continue to live in silence, or recover her voice, even if it means changing her world, and the lives around her, forever. This startlingly original novel will shock and disturb you; it will fill you with Judith’s passion and longing; and its mysteries will keep you feverishly turning the pages until the very last.

All The Truth That's In Me is a Young Adult Thriller mixed with heaps of suspense and mystery. It comes out officially in the US today! Still a bit longer for the Aussies though. Alright so straight into the review, when you first look at my rating, you must think woah, she didn't like it that much. But no! I actually really did. I gave it a 5 STARS on Goodreads because I truly loved the book. There are problems with it though. Problems that don't affect how much I like it overall but problems nonetheless. Again, either way, I LOVED THIS.

One of the things that makes this book unique is the second person writing. The only other book I've read with a second person perspective is Stolen and I absolutely HATED that book but I tried going into this book with an open mind. It took me quite awhile to really get used to the writing which is why the pacing was a bit slow for me. After that though, the writing blew my mind away.

The other downside of the second person writing is that I feel like I didn't really get to learn the personalities of the characters. There were plenty of bombshells that were dropped about what the characters did but nothing about what they're really like. But about the bombshells, oh my, so many bombshells. The way the murder mystery played out was probably the most intriguing part about this book. The love story was quite bland but the thriller aspect was amazing.

I still have yet to really wrap my head around the book but I do recommend it. If you're ready to try something new, this is for you. It was a really nice break from all the sappy YA that I've been reading. The book isn't too long but even so, the suspense is built to a major high. It definitely wasn't a light read so just beware before you start to read this ready to relax.

All The Truth That's In Me by Julie Berry | Goodreads | Book Depository | Amazon
Please leave a comment, follow, and +1. Thank you for supporting my blog.

Book Review: Countdown by Michelle Rowen

3 seconds left to live.
Once the countdown starts, it cannot be stopped.
2 pawns thrown into a brutal underground reality game.
Kira Jordan survived her family's murder and months on plague-devastated city streets with hard-won savvy and a low-level psi ability. She figures she can handle anything. Until she wakes up in a barren room, chained next to the notorious Rogan Ellis.
1 reason Kira will never, ever trust Rogan. Even though both their lives depend on it.
Their every move is controlled and televised for a vicious exclusive audience. And as Kira's psi skill unexpectedly grows and Rogan's secrets prove evermore deadly, Kira's only chance of survival is to risk trusting him as much as her instincts. Even if that means running head-on into the one trap she can't escape.
GAME 0VER

I know I've been MIA for awhile and I missed last Sunday's Sit Tight Sunday post and I haven't been replying to comments but I'm finally back. Even so, this post probably should've gone up earlier. Away with the negativity though because this is going to be a positive review. A very positive review for that matter. Countdown was just one of those books. I kind of wanted to give it a 100% rating but I feel like there's always room for improvement.

I was instantly hooked. It was one of those books where I could put it over everything else. When I have free time, I sit down and I think, laptop or book and Countdown always won the game. Michelle Rowen's writing was extremely gripping. Bombshells were dropped before you even knew a war had started. I felt like Kira, not the author, the protagonist was actually talking to me. Rowen's writing brought the characters and the story to life.

While, I'm talking about characters, I really actually loved Kira. Just as I start getting annoyed because she isn't understanding, she becomes understanding. Sometimes it takes a few pages too long but I understand that she had trust issues. I also loved Rogan and all the other characters. And I absolutely adored the world. Michelle Rowen's world building was spectacular. Even though I can easily see this being compared to The Hunger Games, the game of Countdown is really unique. The back story of how the game came to be really shows how much planning went into this story,

There were some aspects of the story that were somewhat predictable but who cares?! The ending was the bestest most amazingest and very mostest cutest of cutest endings ever! This is why stand-a-lone books can be the best sometimes. No cliffhangers, just perfection. The journey or the light at the end of the tunnel? I really can't choose! 

Countdown by Michelle Rowen is worth it. It's just wow. If you haven't read it yet, I VERY HIGHLY recommend you do. It just went onto my favourites list! It is now officially released in e-book form and in most places. I'm pretty sure some of you might need to give it a few more days but pre-order it if you have to. Just wow.

Countdown by Michelle Rowen | Goodreads | Book Depository | Amazon
Please leave a comment, follow, and +1. Thank you for supporting my blog.

One Year Blogaversary: Massive Giveaway + Day 1 - 7

Yay! After a weeks worth of celebration leading up to today, it's finally my official one year blogaversary. I still not sure whether it's spelled with an e, o, i or a but I like a best. Here are all my posts from the past week that were apart of my celebrations.

Monday: $10 Amazon Gift Card/ PayPal Transfer
Tuesday: Your Choice of Any Album/s Up To $20
Wednesday: Your Choice of Any E-book/s Up To $20
Thursday: $15 for E-book/s + $15 for Music
Friday: 2 Albums: Born To Die Paradise Edition + Summertime Sadness Remixes
Saturday: 3 E-books: Shift by Em Bailey + The Knife Of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness + Book of Choice
Sunday: $20 to the Book Depository + $20 for Albums

Wow has this year gone by fast. I'd just like to take this time to say thank you. Thank you so much. Please realise that each and every single person who has ever supported my blog in anyway big or small has helped me so much. You have all given me so many new opportunities that I would've never had without you. I've met so many new people. Come across so many new and amazing blogs. I've truly had the best experience of my life. Whenever I get sick of reality, this blog and it's supporters have always been there. Thank you. I appreciate everything and I'm so grateful.

I try to always say good luck to all the people commenting on my giveaways but sometimes it gets really tedious. I still wish each and everyone of you the best of luck. I wish I could give you all a prize. Even though I can't, remember I'm always here to help. No matter what it be, you can contact me. Like my rhyming? Haha, yeah I know, it's awesome.

For my final giveaway, I'll be giving away $20 worth of books from the Book Depository or if you'd prefer, e-copies, that's up to you. Also, you can choose $20 worth of any music whether it be singles or albums. All my giveaways will last until the 16th of October.
a Rafflecopter giveawayPlease leave a comment, follow, and +1. Thank you for supporting my blog.

Mini Book Reviews + Giveaway: The Knife of Never Letting Go + Shift & Day 6 - Books of Choice

Welcome to Day 6 of my blogaversary celebrations! It's coming to an end. Today, I'll be doing mini reviews of The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness and Shift by Em Bailey.

Prentisstown isn't like other towns. Everyone can hear everyone else's thoughts in an overwhelming, never-ending stream of Noise. Just a month away from the birthday that will make him a man, Todd and his dog, Manchee -- whose thoughts Todd can hear too, whether he wants to or not -- stumble upon an area of complete silence. They find that in a town where privacy is impossible, something terrible has been hidden -- a secret so awful that Todd and Manchee must run for their lives.
But how do you escape when your pursuers can hear your every thought?

I really did love this book. I loved it a lot but I had a few both major and minor problems. My biggest problem is the beginning. It was so extremely slow. I think I needed at least a hundred pages before I got into the book. I liked the main character Todd but I didn't love him. I also liked all the other characters but the only character I had an emotional connection with was the dog. However, the premise and idea of the story is so unique. I loved the idea of everyone being able to hear eachother's thoughts and the way Patrick Ness manipulated the idea of talking animals and a new world. I really want to read the next two books. The only thing putting me off is the length.

The Knife Of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness | Goodreads | Book Depository | Amazon |  Audible

Olive Corbett is not crazy. Not anymore.
She obediently takes her meds and stays under the radar at school. After “the incident,” Olive just wants to avoid any more trouble, so she knows the smartest thing is to stay clear of the new girl who is rumored to have quite the creepy past.
But there’s no avoiding Miranda Vaile. As mousy Miranda edges her way into the popular group, right up to the side of queen bee Katie – and pushes the others right out – only Olive seems to notice that something strange is going on. Something almost . . . parasitic. Either Olive is losing her grip on reality, or Miranda Vaile is stealing Katie’s life.
But who would ever believe crazy Olive, the girl who has a habit of letting her imagination run away with her? And what if Olive is the next target?
A chilling psychological thriller that tears through themes of identity, loss, and toxic friendship, Shift will leave readers guessing until the final pages.

Love love love! One of my friends told me I had to read this book and I'm so glad I did. Shift isn't too popular but I absolutely think it deserves so much more attention. It's so twisted and so amazing. I loved the idea and how the book portrays so many different themes. I always love to see how authors write about mental illnesses and how Em Bailey mixed fact and fantasy. It was a thriller of a super fast paced read that created so much mystery and suspense. The only flaw was I wanted to scream at the main character sometimes. But other than that, spectacular.

Shift by Em Bailey | Goodreads | Book Depository | Amazon

And lastly. For today's giveaway, win an e-copy of both Shift and The Knife of Never Letting Go plus another e-book of your choice! If you already have any of the two, we can choose a different book. This giveaway is international!
a Rafflecopter giveawayPlease leave a comment, follow, and +1. Thank you for supporting my blog.

Stacking The Shelves #8: Review Copies

Stacking The Shelves is a weekly meme hosted on Tynga's Reviews. Basically you share what books you acquired that week whether it be physical or digital. Info here.

Lots of posts this week with my blogaversary giveaways and celebrations but here's another one. I skipped last week as well but I guess it's a good thing. Restraining from getting more books. This week though, I've come home to a few packages. I received a book from Harlequin, Hachette, a finished copy of All The Truth That's In Me from HarperCollins and I won a giveaway! I already had an ARC of All The Truth That's In Me but I'm happy I have the finished copy. Not to sure what to do with them though. I can't do a giveaway because shipping is more expensive than the book itself and I can't make it Australia only because well, no one lives down under. Thanks to The Book Monsters for hosting the review-a-thon where I won a hard copy of Pivot Point and thank you to the publishers. I already had an e-copy of Pivot Point but I'm way happier to have the hard copy. Wow, long intro today! Now onto the books!

For Review
All The Truth That's In Me by Julie Berry | Goodreads | Book Depository | Amazon

United We Spy by Ally Carter | Goodreads | Book Depository | Amazon

Countdown by Michelle Rowen | Goodreads | Book Depository | Amazon

Won
Pivot Point by Kasie West | Goodreads | Book Depository | Amazon

Today I have an outro as well! Wow! All I wanted to say was I loved Countdown and my review should go up on the 24th, the release. I've loved the Gallagher Girls series so far and I'm so excited to read the last book. Then again, last books are always bitter sweet. I've started it but I don't know how to feel about it yet. Don't forget to enter my $150 blogaversary giveaways!

Please leave a comment, follow, and +1. Thank you for supporting my blog.

Discussion + Giveaway: Books & Music On My Blog + Day 4

Hello everyone. Today, I'm going to talk about a pretty complicated topic for me. Just hear me out. It's going to be a very unorganised post but here goes. To really explain this, I have to go into the nitty gritties, all the way back to when I decided to start this blog. At first, I was going to post twice a month. What I read and what I listened to. Then two of my friends wanted to start about a book blog, so I was like hey, I how about you two do the books and I'll do the music. They agreed, but then they never mentioned it again.

So then, this was the time when I started promoting my blog. In January, I realised that I had to change all the 'we's to 'I's and I had to do it myself. I also realised that I had to post more. A LOT more. AND THEN I realised how much content books needed. Before I knew it, I was posting about books more than ever. I fell deeper and deeper into the book blog world and left my music sector hanging.

I tried my best to keep my books and music as even as possible. It was really hard and it's still really hard today. So many times, I've regretted making this blog a music and book blog. So many times, I've thought about just stopping all my music posts. I've wondered, would anyone notice? It's really hard for me knowing that probably 95%+ of my followers are here for just the books. Knowing that I'm probably spamming them with posts they really don't want to read is tough.

All my complaining aside, I'm going to try my very best to continue with music on my blog. There's no way I can keep it 50/50 but I'll try. Shout out to Robyn Jones who manages to comment on pretty much all of my music posts. I don't think she realises it, but those comments really keep me going. So thank you from the bottom of my heart.

So guys, I think you realise why I ALWAYS ask for music recommendations. What genres do you like? Artists? I need to know because I want to keep as many of my supporters happy as possible. I know a large majority of people still enjoy music, I just want to know what music it is.

Ramble finished. Phew, sorry for the long discussion! But now onto the giveaway. To celebrate one year and hopefully more years to come of books and music united on my blog, what other giveaway could I do? $15 to books, and $15 to music. Your choices! International because I love every single one of you for sticking around. Even if you're new.
a Rafflecopter giveawayPlease leave a comment, follow, and +1. Thank you for supporting my blog.

Book Review + Giveaway: Matt Monroe and The Secret Society by Edward Torba + Day 3 - Book of Choice

Matt Monroe, a fourteen-year-old boy, puts his fears aside as he travels to a same-time dimension to fulfill a prophecy. The saga begins when Matt finds a set of mysterious wooden tablets and an onyx ring. Soon he and his older brother, along with five friends, find themselves transported to the world of Paragon, where they face numerous obstacles. This is an account of deception and betrayal, mixed with courage and the bonds of friendship. Prepare yourself for an exciting adventure with an extraordinary ending.

The beginning of this book was absolutely amazing. It was a perfect start to a great book and it got me hooked instantly. I loved every single character in this books. Mostly, the were all very realistic. I liked that the main character was male. The story has a very Harry Potter feel to it. Don't quote me on that though because I've only watched the movies... But it has the whole 'chosen one' theme. Trust me though, the story is no where near predictable. It's a lot more than good and evil. It's filled with deceit, hardships and pain. But it's also all about family, friends and loyalty.

The alternating third person perspective used in the book was very effective. The amazing writing really allowed me to know each character. It also builds a lot of suspense because instead of being the all knowing reader, you don't know exactly what the character is thinking. Along with the amazing story line, the writing really allows this book to be fast paced.

Like I said before, the characters are very realistic. I know some people may view it as a good thing, I find the lack of swearing just isn't right. Things like "bleep" just don't sit right with me. The only other negative thing is that even though I connected with the characters, I didn't feel emotionally attached until the end. I feel like I read a lot of this book without any significant emotions. However, it was a good build up to the ending which was completely unpredictable and amazing and just wow.

I definitely recommend checking out this book. Especially if you're a fan of Fantasy and Harry Potter.

Continuing on with my blogaversary celebrations, here is Day 3's giveaway. Today, you can win up to $20 worth in any e-books you'd like. Make sure you enter everyday for your chance to win $150 worth of prizes. All giveaways here.
a Rafflecopter giveawayMatt Monroe and The Secret Society by Edward Torba | Goodreads | Book Depository | Amazon | Free Download

Please leave a comment, follow, and +1. Thank you for supporting my blog.

One Year Blogaversary: Massive Giveaway + Day 1 - $10 Giftcard

In exactly one week, my blog will be officially up for one whole year. All the people that have been around for years will probably think that one year is nothing but it's rather crazy for me. I never would've thought that I'd be able to keep up the blog for so long. I've met so many new people and been through so many experiences. Without my blog, my knowledge of HTML, design, Photoshop etc. would've never grown to what it is today. Yay for my one year blogaversary! (blogiversary, blogeversary... how?!)

So honestly, even though I've had my blog up since 2012, I didn't REALLY start blogging until February or March this year. So you could say that really, it's not my blog's birthday yet but I was too excited. I wanted to celebrate! I remember my very first milestone giveaway, all the way back in May when I had my 100 followers giveaway. I'm amazed at how much my blog has grown. I love all the people who always take the time to comment on my blog. To all the people who have ever supported my blog in any way, thank you. I can't express how grateful I am.

I remember my first review. It was for The Selection in October. Then my first music review, Set Me On Fire in Januaray. God, I was such a bad reviewer. Even though I'm still not perfect, I'm happy with how I rate my books, music and how I set out my reviews. I was also, clearly, a very in frequent blogger. The more I got into it though, the more I posted! In the last few months I've been posting A LOT, well a lot for me. But slowly, I've been trying to calm it down. I don't want to spam anyone with my crazy posts.

Okay now on to the part you've been waiting for. The giveaway. It's will be $150+. I'll be having a giveaway everyday for the next week in the lead up to my blogaversary. I get that ads and affiliate links and all that can be rather annoying but, they do go back into you guys. Most of this giveaway is only here because of the money I've gotten from clicked ads, impressions and buying from my affiliate links over this past year.

Monday: $10 Amazon Gift Card/ PayPal Transfer
Tuesday: Your Choice of Any Album/s Up To $20
Wednesday: Your Choice of Any E-book/s Up To $20
Thursday: $15 for E-book/s + $15 for Music
Friday: 2 Albums: Born To Die Paradise Edition + Summertime Sadness Remixes
Saturday: 3 E-books: Shift by Em Bailey + The Knife Of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness + Book of Choice
Sunday: $20 to the Book Depository + $20 for Albums

All giveaways will be INTERNATIONAL and will be open to midnight on the 16th of October, one month after today. Winners will have 48 hours to reply to the email.
a Rafflecopter giveawayPlease leave a comment, follow, and +1. Thank you for supporting my blog.