29 June 2015


Book Wars a weekly feature hosted between two book review blogs – A Life Bound By Books & Much Loved Books!

It’s a fact that book lovers know all about the covers of the books they covet.  Often when a title is released here in the US, it’s sometimes vastly different across the pond in the US.  So, Michelle from Much Loved Books and I have come together to create Book Wars to talk about the difference in covers when it comes to the US vs. UK versions.

We hope from time to time authors will chime in with their thoughts as well. We welcome everyone to comment and share their thoughts too! The more the merrier!

Before we get to this weeks Book Wars, we have a winner to announce. The Book Wars winner for Frostfire (Kanin Chronicles #1) by Amanda Hocking is..... a TIE! We haven't had a tie in awhile. Thank you to everyone who voted for both books, and for picking a winner.

Also, there's a poll at the bottom of the post that we'd love to hear your input for the two covers! Tell us which one YOU love the most.

Left: US - Right: UK

Title: Bad Romeo
Series: (Starcrossed #1)
Author: Leisa Rayven
Publisher: US - St. Martin's Griffin, 417 Pages (Decemver 23rd, 2014) UK - Pan, 400 Pages (July 2nd, 2015)
Add to: Goodreads USA Version | Goodreads UK Version
Order online here: USA: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository UK: Amazon UK, Waterstones, W H Smith, The Book Depository

NOTE: This is a "New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 17+
Synopsis: While performing the greatest love story of all time, they discovered one of their own…Cassie Taylor was just another acting student with big dreams at her prestigious performing arts college…then she met Ethan Holt. She was the good girl actress. He was the bad boy on campus. But one fated casting choice for Romeo and Juliet changed it all. Like the characters they were playing on stage, Cassie and Ethan’s epic romance seemed destined. Until it ended in tragedy when he shattered her heart.Now they’ve made it to Broadway where they’re reunited as romantic leads once again—and their passionate scenes force them to confront the heartbreaking lows and pulse-pounding highs of their intense college affair. For Ethan, losing Cassie was his biggest regret—and he’s determined to redeem himself. But for Cassie, even though Ethan was her first and only great love, he hurt her too much to ever be trusted again. The trouble is, working with him again reminds her that people who rub each other the wrong way often make the best sparks. And when it comes to love, sometimes it’s the things that aren’t good for us that are the most irresistible. Don’t miss Leisa Rayven's Bad Romeo, the intoxicating romance beloved by over two million fans online—a story that’ll captivate you and hold you breathless until the final page.


About the author: 

Writing has always been a passion for Leisa, and even though she originally intended to be an actress, it wasn’t long into her time at drama school that she began writing plays.

Those plays were bad. Very bad. Well, her friends thought they were good, but that’s because they were always cast in them and any opportunity to be on stage was met with an obnoxious amount of enthusiasm.

Since then, she’s honed her craft, and several of her plays have been produced and toured throughout Australia.

These days, playwriting has given way to fiction writing, and Leisa’s debut novel, BAD ROMEO, will be available in a worldwide release through Macmillan Publishing in December 2014.

Leisa lives in Australia with her husband, two little boys, three cats, and a kangaroo named Howard.

(Howard may or may not be her imaginary marsupial friend. Everyone should have one.)

Find  Online: WebsiteTwitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Let the Wars Begin: Its now time to make our decision, let's see what we think about the covers and pick our favorite cover.

Lisa This week I've picked a book that I haven't read yet. I hope to soon as I've just received a signed copy in May's Bookworm Box. Talk about EXCITED to receive! If you haven't check out this amazingly awesome charity then click on the link I provided above to check it out!

So, this week we have two totally different covers. And can I just say that the US one is pretty amazing in person. It's so vibrant and eye-catching and it's sometimes nice not to have models on the cover. These days we don't get that often, and while I do enjoy them, such as the ones in the UK cover... there's just something about being able to be make a reader want to put up a book when it's without anyone gracing the cover.

I'm choosing to go against the grain this week and vote for the US cover. It's beautiful and without a doubt makes a statement. So, it's the US for my vote.... which one gets YOURS?
Michelle 

VOTE for YOUR favorite cover of Bad Romeo (Starcrossed #1) By: Leisa Rayven NOW!

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24 June 2015

"Waiting On" Wednesday is an event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. The purpose of this weekly event is to spotlight a soon-to-be-released book that you are very much anticipating. "Waiting On" Wednesday will also give bloggers an opportunity to share ideas for our TBR lists.


Title: Exposed (Captive #2)
Author: Brighton Walsh
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin, 288 Pages (July 21st, 2015)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

NOTE: This is a "New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 17+
Synopsis: In this sexy, suspenseful New Adult novel, a young woman hiding from her criminal past is taken captive by her ex-boyfriend, the ultimate bad boy.

Evie is about to embark on the perfect life. Beautiful, poised, and engaged to a rising business star, she fits the part of trophy wife perfectly, except for one thing: her entire identity is a lie.

Five years ago she created a new identity for herself, but it all crashes back when something she witnessed years ago comes back to haunt her. Now she's in danger of losing more than her social status.

Determined to protect the careful life she's built for herself, Evie doesn't want anything to do with Riley, the criminal for hire who broke her heart years ago. But Riley has other ideas. He's never forgotten Evie, and to protect her, he steals her away. Hidden from the world, sparks begin to fly as old memories resurface and their passion reignites.

*covers are always subject to change.

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22 June 2015

Book Wars a weekly feature hosted between two book review blogs – A Life Bound By BooksMuch Loved Books!

It’s a fact that book lovers know all about the covers of the books they covet. Often when a title is released here in the UK, it’s sometimes vastly different across the pond in the US.So, Michelle from Much Loved Books and I have come together to create Book Wars to talk about the difference in covers when it comes to the US vs. UK versions.

We hope from time to time authors will chime in with their thoughts as well. We welcome everyone to comment and share their thoughts too! The more the merrier!

Before we get to this weeks Book Wars, we have a winner to announce.The Book Wars winner for I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson is... the US Cover!!!!!! Thank you to everyone who voted for both books, and for picking a winner.


Also, there's a poll at the bottom of the post that we'd love to hear your input for the two covers! Tell us which one YOU love the most.

Left: US - Right: UK
Title: Frostfire
Series: Kanin Chronicles #1
Author: Amanda Hocking
Publisher: US - St. Martin's Griffin, 336 Pages, (January 6th, 2015), UK - Tor UK, 300 Pages, (January 15th, 2015)
Add to Goodreads: USA Version | UK Version
Order online here: USA: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository UK: Amazon UKWaterstonesW H Smith, The Book Depository
Synopsis: Will she give up her dream to follow her heart?

Bryn Aven is determined to gain status amongst the Kanin, the most powerful of the hidden tribes. But as a half-blood, winning respect is a huge challenge. Bryn's almost-human community distrusts people, and those from other tribes are almost as suspect.

She has just one goal to get ahead: to join the elite guard protecting the Kanin royal family. And Bryn's vowed that nothing will stand in her way, not even a forbidden romance with her boss, Ridley Dresden.

But her plans are put on hold when fallen hero Konstantin starts acting dangerously. Bryn loved him once, but now he's kidnapping Kanin children - stealing them from hidden placements within human families. She's sent to help stop him, but will she lose her heart in the process?


About the Author:

Amanda Hocking is a lifelong Minnesotan obsessed with Batman and Jim Henson. In between watching cooking shows, taking care of her menagerie of pets, and drinking too much Red Bull Zero, she writes young adult urban fantasy and paranormal romance.

Her New York Times best-selling series the Trylle Trilogy has been optioned for films. She has published fifteen novels, including the Hollows and the Watersong series. Frostfire and Ice Kissed - the first two books in her newest trilogy, The Kanin Chronicles - are out now, and the final book Crystal Kingdom will be out August 4, 2015. For more info about her and her books, here are some other places to check out and ways to contact her: Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/aehocking/ Wattpad: www.wattpad.com/AmandaHocking Email: hockingbooks@hotmail.com Tumblr: amandahocking.tumblr.com/ Publisher Website: www.worldofamandahocking.com Instagram: instagram.com/amanda_hocking/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/aehocking
Find Amanda Online: Website | BlogTwitter| Facebook

Let the Wars Begin: Its now time to make our decision, let's see what we think about the covers and pick our favorite cover.
Lisa I think this is a first for us... these covers are so similar yet so different. The US cover being light, the UK cover being dark. Both in the mountains and snow... the same overlay picture of the model. The same bright red coat that brings your eye into the girl.

Yet the covers are so totally different.

And while I'm at first drawn to the UK cover I find myself taking in more and wanting to look at everything within the US - the scroll work down the sides, the rabbit on top of the title, the snow all around and in the air. The way the color of her coat seems to make the rest of the cover come alive, if you will.

So, the US cover has my vote. I really could have gone either way. But there's something that the UK cover that shouldn't be over looked either.

Now that you know my choice, what will be YOURS? Share yours below with a simple click on a cover to cast your vote!
Michelle I love both of these covers, so it was really hard to pick a winner. I've also only just realised that it is the exact same cover model, only faced a different direction. Now, back to my thoughts. These covers are amazing. I love the whole effect of it. The character portray Bryn perfectly, amazingly beautiful, but also strong and fearless. The background image fits in perfectly with the setting of the book, I really do think that the cover artists nailed these image perfectly. Looking at these covers next to each other I realise how similar they are, with only a slight change. But for me it was an easy choice. While I have seen the UK cover in person, its the US that gets my vote this week. I LOVE snow, one little flake in the sky and you can find me outside waiting for more. So for me I had to pick the US cover. I love the snow on this one so much more than the UK cover. I love how white and perfect it is, which opposes whats really going on in the pages. Don't forget to cast your vote below, and take a look at my review for Frostfire to see what I really thought about the story itself.
VOTE for YOUR favorite cover of Frostfire by Amanda Hocking NOW!

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19 June 2015


Title: For the Win (Gaming the System #4)
Author: Brenna Aubrey
Publisher: Silver Griffin Associates, (June 16th, 2015)
From: the Author
Format: eARC
Add to: Goodreads
Order a copy: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

NOTE: This is a "New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 17+

Synopsis: Millionaire bad boy Jordan Fawkes has problems. Big problems.
That molten-hot intern he hooked up with at Comic-Con is now his assistant. No one can know they’re the stars of the cosplay sex tape that broke the Internet.

Business school hopeful April Weiss has drama. Big drama.
Working under the CFO of Draco Multimedia should be the opportunity of a lifetime for her, but Jordan Fawkes is the boss from Hell—a sexier-than-sin boss from Hell who holds all the cards for her future career.

And then there’s the small problem of a certain video…

**This novel can be read as a stand-alone**

Review: 4 Stars - For the Win might be the forth book in the Gaming Systems series, but it’s more of a companion novel featuring characters who were secondary in the first three books. And while this could be read as a standalone, future readers will get a better idea what’s happened to date and why these characters are on the road they are currently on.

Jordan is the numbers guy behind Draco Multimedia. His dream has been to take the company public. He’s been working hard to make his dream come true while helping his best friend Adam make his dream come true with the company they’ve both poured their heart and souls into since the beginning. And when his careful plans and hard work is threatened he’s out to make the person pay while trying to salvage everything he’s worked for. With the finish line oh so close and within his reach he’s battling more for his dream for the company. He’s battling to keep his feelings locked up tight after a painful past crushed him which he’s never forgotten.

And then there’s Ms. April Weiss, the bane of Jordan’s existence. She’s working alongside Jordan with the hopes of earning a recommendation to her dream school. When a bad decision goes horribly wrong for her, she’s working hard to try to control the damage.

Both of these characters are interesting the more you learn about them. They are both dealing with who they are, where they are going in their lives, where they want to be and issues they’ve carried with them that affect them from year to year.

There’s drama and angst, and serious issues which are current to this day and age. Along with characters who will keep you entertained as they work through their issues and try to deal with their pasts and a future that’s in question after a wild night at Comic-Con that could cost both Jordan and April more than they’ve ever imagined. There are also tons of steamy moments and emotions that’ll have your blood boiling one minute and your heart hurting the next.

This author without a doubt writes great characters and stories that keep me coming back for more! While I do love these books, there’s something a bit missing for me with this title. One main issue I was waiting to find out how everything would play out left me feeling a bit flat. Otherwise I’d give this a bit higher rating. I couldn’t wait to read Jordan’s story and I really wasn’t let down with his part of things within the Gaming System story, I think I’m even more so looking forward to the next book which is about Adams cousin William. And the cool thing there’s a bit of a surprise at the end of this title to give readers a taste of what’s to come! Excited doesn’t even come close to what I’m feeling for the next title to read about William!

In the end, I’m a fan of this series, these characters and this author. If you love gaming or just like strong characters with even stronger personalities and issues many people will be able to relate to, then you’ve found just the right series to dive into. I’ll be watching out for any and all info about Williams’s book and I can’t wait to get my hands on it!!




About the Author: 

Brenna Aubrey is an author of New Adult contemporary romance stories that center on geek culture. Her debut novel, AT ANY PRICE, releases in December, 2013.

She has always sought comfort in good books and the long, involved stories she weaves in her head. Brenna's favorite author is Jane Austen and favorite novel is PERSUASION.

Brenna is a city girl with a nature-lover's heart. She therefore finds herself out in green open spaces any chance she can get. A mommy to two little kids and teacher to many more older kids, she juggles schedules to find time to pursue her love of storycrafting.

She currently resides on the west coast with her husband, two children, two adorable golden retriever pups, two birds and some fish.

Find Brenna Online:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads


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17 June 2015

"Waiting On" Wednesday is an event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. The purpose of this weekly event is to spotlight a soon-to-be-released book that you are very much anticipating. "Waiting On" Wednesday will also give bloggers an opportunity to share ideas for our TBR lists.


Title: Between Us and the Moon
Author: Rebecca Maizel
Publisher: HarperTeen, 384 Pages (June 30th, 2015)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Synopsis: A luminous young adult novel that evokes Judy Blume’s Forever for a new generation.

Ever since Sarah was born, she’s lived in the shadow of her beautiful older sister, Scarlett. But this summer on Cape Cod, she’s determined to finally grow up. Then she meets gorgeous college boy Andrew. He sees her as the girl she wants to be. A girl who’s older than she is. A girl like Scarlett.

Before she knows what’s happened, one little lie has transformed into something real. And by the end of August, she might have to choose between falling in love, and finding herself.

Fans of Jenny Han and Stephanie Perkins are destined to fall for this story about how life and love are impossible to predict.

Title: Damage Done
Author: Amanda Panitch
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers, 336 Pages (July 21st, 2015)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Synopsis: 22 minutes separate Julia Vann’s before and after.

Before: Julia had a twin brother, a boyfriend, and a best friend.

After: She has a new identity, a new hometown, and memories of those twenty-two minutes that refuse to come into focus. At least, that’s what she tells the police.

Now that she’s Lucy Black, she's able to begin again. She's even getting used to the empty bedroom where her brother should be. And her fresh start has attracted the attention of one of the hottest guys in school, a boy who will do anything to protect her. But when someone much more dangerous also takes notice, Lucy's forced to confront the dark secrets she thought were safely left behind.

One thing is clear: The damage done can never be erased. It’s only just beginning. . . .

*covers are always subject to change.

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15 June 2015


Book Wars a weekly feature hosted between two book review blogs – A Life Bound By Books & Much Loved Books!

It’s a fact that book lovers know all about the covers of the books they covet.  Often when a title is released here in the US, it’s sometimes vastly different across the pond in the US.  So, Michelle from Much Loved Books and I have come together to create Book Wars to talk about the difference in covers when it comes to the US vs. UK versions.

We hope from time to time authors will chime in with their thoughts as well. We welcome everyone to comment and share their thoughts too! The more the merrier!

Before we get to this weeks Book Wars, we have a winner to announce. The Book Wars winner for Fire & Flood (Fire & Flood #2) By: Victoria Scott is..... the UK COVER!!!  Thank you to everyone who voted for both books, and for picking a winner.

Also, there's a poll at the bottom of the post that we'd love to hear your input for the two covers! Tell us which one YOU love the most.

Left: US - Right: UK

Title: I'll Give You the Sun
Author: Jandy Nelson
Publisher: US - Dial Books, 371 Pages (September 16, 2014) UK - Walker Books, 416 Pages (April 2nd, 2015)
Add to: Goodreads USA Version | Goodreads UK Version
Order online here: USA: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository UK: Amazon UK, Waterstones, W H Smith, The Book Depository

Synopsis: A brilliant, luminous story of first love, family, loss, and betrayal for fans of John Green, David Levithan, and Rainbow Rowell

Jude and her twin brother, Noah, are incredibly close. At thirteen, isolated Noah draws constantly and is falling in love with the charismatic boy next door, while daredevil Jude cliff-dives and wears red-red lipstick and does the talking for both of them. But three years later, Jude and Noah are barely speaking. Something has happened to wreck the twins in different and dramatic ways . . . until Jude meets a cocky, broken, beautiful boy, as well as someone else—an even more unpredictable new force in her life. The early years are Noah's story to tell. The later years are Jude's. What the twins don't realize is that they each have only half the story, and if they could just find their way back to one another, they’d have a chance to remake their world.

This radiant novel from the acclaimed, award-winning author of The Sky Is Everywhere will leave you breathless and teary and laughing—often all at once.


About the author: 

Jandy Nelson, like her characters in I’ll Give You the Sun and The Sky is Everywhere, comes from a superstitious lot. She was tutored from a young age in the art of the four-leaf clover hunt; she knocks wood, throws salt, and carries charms in her pockets. Her critically-acclaimed, New York Times bestselling second novel, I’ll Give You the Sun, received the prestigious Printz Award, Bank Street's Josette Frank Award, and is a Stonewall Book Award honor. Both Sun and her debut, The Sky Is Everywhere, have been YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults picks (Sun, a Top Ten on Both YALSA and Rainbow Lists) and on multiple best of the year lists including the New York Times, Time Magazine, NPR, have earned many starred reviews, and continue to enjoy great international success, collectively published in over 47 countries. I'll Give You the Sun has been sold to Warner Brothers and screenwriter Natalie Krinsky is currently writing the adaptation. Jandy, a literary agent for many years, received a BA from Cornell University and MFAs in Poetry and Children's Writing from Brown University and Vermont College of Fine Arts. Currently a full-time writer, she lives and writes in San Francisco, California—not far from the settings of her novels. Visit Jandy at www.jandynelson.com. Follow her on twitter: @jandynelson or Facebook: Facebook.com/jandy.nelson. Author photo credit: Sonya Sones.

Find  Online: WebsiteTwitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Let the Wars Begin: Its now time to make our decision, let's see what we think about the covers and pick our favorite cover.

Lisa  Sometimes a simple cover is all you need. And these are some of the most simple as they come. Though, I kind of love them both. I love how the "sun" is depicted in both. The US cover is done a bit more artistic and then the UK is a bit more literal.

I think that this week the US cover gets my vote and this is because it just fits better for me. It's not as playful, and with Jandy's stories they tend to have a bit more serious tone than not... so the US cover as I said above, just kind of fits better for my choice and gets my vote this week. And now it's up to you to tell us which one will win YOUR vote for this week?? Oh and check out my review of The Sky is Everywhere By: Jandy Nelson!!!
Michelle This week is an easy choice for me. I owned a copy of this book before I got a review copy of the UK edition, and while I do like the UK cover, its a US vote for me this week.

I love how simple, yet colourful the design is, it's eye catching and really makes you want to pick it up to find out more.

My vote this week goes to US, who gets your vote?

VOTE for YOUR favorite cover of I'll Give You the Sun NOW!

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12 June 2015


Title: Descent (Kissed by Death #3)
Author: Tara A. Fuller
Publisher: Entangled Teen, 320 Pages June, 2nd, 2015)
Add to: Goodreads
Order a Copy: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK, Kobo, iBooks

Synopsis: He’ll destroy everything and everyone to save her…including himself.

Easton doesn’t believe in love. He believes in death. Darkness. Sin. As a reaper for Hell, it’s all he’s known for more than four hundred years. So when he gets slapped with the job of training the boss’s daughter, an angel that knows nothing but joy, he knows he’s in for a world of trouble.

Though he’s made it clear he wants nothing to do with her outside of work, Gwen will do whatever it takes to get close to the dark and wounded reaper—even taint her angelic image and become a reaper herself. But in all her planning, she forgot to factor in one thing—how far the demons Easton doomed to Hell will go for revenge.

When the dangers of the Hell threaten Gwen, Easton will destroy everything and everyone to save her. But as the darkness closes in, will he be able to save himself?

Companion books in this series:


Inbetween Links:

GoodreadsAmazonBarnes & NobleKoboiBooks

Blurred Links:

GoodreadsAmazonBarnes & NobleKoboiBooks



About the Author:

Tara Fuller writes novels. Some about grim reapers​. Some about witches. All of course are delightfully full of teen angst and kissing. Tara grew up in a one stop light town in Oklahoma where once upon a time she stayed up with a flash light reading RL Stine novels and only dreamed of becoming a writer. She has a slight obsession with music and a shameless addiction for zombie fiction, Mystery Science Theater, and black and white mochas. Tara no longer lives in a one stop light town. Now she lives with her family in a slightly larger town in North  Carolina where they have at least three stoplights.

Find Tara Online:

WebsiteTwitter | Facebook | Goodreads


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10 June 2015

"Waiting On" Wednesday is an event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. The purpose of this weekly event is to spotlight a soon-to-be-released book that you are very much anticipating. "Waiting On" Wednesday will also give bloggers an opportunity to share ideas for our TBR lists.


Title: Scorched (Frigid #2)
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press, 320 Pages (June 16th, 2015)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

NOTE: This is a "New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 17+

Synopsis: Sometimes life leaves a mark…

Most days, Andrea doesn’t know whether she wants to kiss Tanner or punch him in the gut. He is seriously hot, with legit bedroom eyes and that firefighter body of his, but he’s a major player, and they can’t get along for more than a handful of minutes. Until now.

Tanner knows he and Andrea have had an epic love/hate relationship for as long as he can remember, but he wants more love than hate from her. He wants her. Now. Tomorrow. But the more he gets to know her, the more it becomes obvious that Andrea has a problem. She’s teetering on the edge and every time he tries to catch her, she slips through his fingers.

Andrea’s life is spiraling out of control, and it doesn’t matter that Tanner wants to save her, because when everything falls apart and she’s speeding toward rock bottom, only she can save herself.

Sometimes life makes you work for that happily ever after…

Title: Every Last Word
Author: Tamara Ireland Stone
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion, 368 Pages (June 16th, 2015)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Synopsis: If you could read my mind, you wouldn't be smiling.

Samantha McAllister looks just like the rest of the popular girls in her junior class. But hidden beneath the straightened hair and expertly applied makeup is a secret that her friends would never understand: Sam has Purely-Obsessional OCD and is consumed by a stream of dark thoughts and worries that she can't turn off.

Second-guessing every move, thought, and word makes daily life a struggle, and it doesn't help that her lifelong friends will turn toxic at the first sign of a wrong outfit, wrong lunch, or wrong crush. Yet Sam knows she'd be truly crazy to leave the protection of the most popular girls in school. So when Sam meets Caroline, she has to keep her new friend with a refreshing sense of humor and no style a secret, right up there with Sam's weekly visits to her psychiatrist.

Caroline introduces Sam to Poet's Corner, a hidden room and a tight-knit group of misfits who have been ignored by the school at large. Sam is drawn to them immediately, especially a guitar-playing guy with a talent for verse, and starts to discover a whole new side of herself. Slowly, she begins to feel more "normal" than she ever has as part of the popular crowd . . . until she finds a new reason to question her sanity and all she holds dear.

Title: After Hours
Author: Claire Kennedy
Publisher: Simon Pulse, 256 Pages (June 16th, 2015)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Synopsis: Isa, Xavi, Peter, and Finn know that a job at the high-end Waterside Cafe isn't just about waiting tables. It's about the gossip, the hook-ups, the after-hours parties and, most of all, it's about Tips.

Tips--the high-stakes game based on dares. Whoever completes the most dares wins the collected money. A sum that could change a wasted summer into a Summer to Remember.

Isa is the new girl with an embarrassing secret, and as long as she stays on top of her game, she sees no reason why anyone could ever find out.

Xavi will do anything for the money...absolutely anything.

Peter, Xavi's stepbrother, has been in love with her for years, and he thinks the game is the perfect time to confess his feelings.

Finn is in the game just for the thrill. He has enough tips coming in to keep him happy...even if those tips come with some conditions.

From seduction to stealing to threats, the dares are a complete free-for-all, and only the best can win.

The sophisticated Waterside Cafe is anything but classy behind the scenes...and things are about to get dirty.

*covers are always subject to change.

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09 June 2015


Title: Out of Control
Author: Sarah Alderson
Publisher: Simon Pulse, (May 12th 2015)
Genres: Thriller, Young Adult
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Synopsis: A girl looking to escape her past in New York City ends up on the run from a dangerous conspiracy in this sizzling, high-stakes novel.

When seventeen-year-old Liva came to New York City, all she wanted was to escape the painful memories of her past and finally find a fresh start. Her hopes for a new future were dashed the moment she became the sole witness to a brutal murder. When she’s taken into police custody—supposedly for her own protection—she realizes something isn’t right, but it’s too late. Soon, bullets start flying, and Liva realizes that she is not just a witness, but the target—and she needs to escape before it’s too late.

With the help of a sexy car thief that she met at the station, Liva manages to get away from the massacre unharmed, but now the two of them are alone in New York, trying to outrun and outwit the two killers who will stop at nothing to find them. Liva and Jay are living on the edge, but when you’re on the edge, there’s a long way to fall.

Review: 3.5 Stars - Out of Control by author Sarah Alderson is a story that’ll leave readers on the edge of their seats as two characters run for their lives throughout New Your City. It’s a dangerous 24 hours, a whirlwind of a read and an end that you’ll never see coming.

Liva is looking to start over and get away from her painful past. No matter where she goes it follows her, but she’s hoping a fresh start in New York City living with her dad will give her the peace she needs. She’s back in the city – staying with family friends until her father’s back in town – then her world is turned upside down in the worst possible way.

After the events of the night come crashing down around her, she’s taken into police custody and while there, her night gets even worse. Believe me, it get worse, and then worse and.. yep, you guessed it, worse until she’s living in a nightmare and running for her life.

With the help of a boy who was in police custody for stealing a car, the two make a pact to stick together until she’s able to meet with her dad the following morning.

Jay and Liva have grown up totally different and come from two different worlds, yet they work together well, pooling their resources and fighting to survive in what has to be the worst 24 hours of their lives.

The writing of this title is only half of what makes this a fast read. The story flies by as it’s fast paced and kept me holding my breath often and scared to blink for fear of missing something important.

There’s enough twists and turns and shocking truths that come out along the way to keep readers off balance and I could easily see future readers sitting down and not getting back up until they’ve turned the last page.

The characters have other issues that they are dealing with and it was great to see how two strangers could not only work together through their current trouble but also that they were affected by each other’s world and life enough to see things with a different point of view. The landscape of New York City was also the perfect backdrop for Liva and Jay to get lost within as they run for their lives.

In the end I really enjoyed the book. It was so fast paced that it felt like I had this one read in no time at all and was highly entertained from beginning to end. It’s a thrilling YA title that readers of all ages will be able to enjoy. I recommend this book to everyone looking for something different and high energy. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author in the future. Enjoy!










About the Author:

Having spent most of her life in London, Sarah quit her job in the non profit sector in 2009 and took off on a round the world trip with her husband and princess-obsessed daughter on a mission to find a new place to call home. After several months in India, Singapore, Australia and the US, they settled in Bali where Sarah now spends her days writing by the pool and trying to machete open coconuts without severing a limb.

She finished her first novel, Hunting Lila, just before they left the UK, wrote the sequel on the beach in India and had signed a two book deal with Simon & Schuster by the time they had reached Bali.

A third book, Fated, about a teenage demon slayer, was published in January 2012.

The Sound, a thriller romance set in Nantucket, was published in August 2013. She has a further three thrillers due for release in the next few years.
You can find Sarah on facebook and at www.sarahalderson.com or follow her blog at www.canwelivhere.com

Find Sarah Online:

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08 June 2015

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Cover design by: Hang Le
Title: The Very Second Time
Author: M. Mabie
Add to: Goodreads

NOTE: This is a "New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 17+
Synopsis: "Look into my eyes. Again."

"Again, Felix. Always."

This isn't a story about how two young lovers meet, get to know each other, and how they effortlessly fall in love.

We’ve done that…repeatedly.

You don't have to worry about the "Will they?" or "Won't they?" We’re soulmates, but don't assume our ending is a happy one.

Oh, it ends all right. And it ends. Then, it ends again.

No matter how hard I fight to save him, the outcome is permanently the same. Still—if there’s a shot—I have to try. He would. He’d be able to save me if our roles were reversed. I won’t give up until my last breath.

I always knew we’d be together for years and years; I just didn’t imagine it would be the same ones... over and over again.

If first impressions mean everything, then what happens… the very second time? What happens to forever? This isn't a story about how two young lovers meet, get to know each other, and how they effortlessly fall in love.

They didn't expect this either, but fate doesn't come with a warning.

The Very Second Time is a standalone novel. It is a one part contemporary romance and one part time-travel romance. Expected release date is October 13, 2015. Pre-order will be available in the near future. For more information, feel free to contact M. Mabie at mmabie.ccom.



Listen to The Very Second Time's playlist: HERE.

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150x150mmabie

About the Author:

M. Mabie lives in Illinois with her husband. She writes unconventional love stories and tries to embody "real-life romance."

She cares about politics, but will not discuss them in public. She uses the same fork at every meal, watches Wayne's World while cleaning, and lets her dog sleep on her head. She has always been a writer. In fact, she was born with a pen in her hand, which almost never happens. Almost.

M. Mabie usually doesn't speak in third-person. She promises.

Find M. Mabie Online:

Website | Amazon | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads 


Other Books by M. Mabie:

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Book Wars a weekly feature hosted between two book review blogs – A Life Bound By BooksMuch Loved Books!

It’s a fact that book lovers know all about the covers of the books they covet. Often when a title is released here in the UK, it’s sometimes vastly different across the pond in the US. So, Michelle from Much Loved Books and I have come together to create Book Wars to talk about the difference in covers when it comes to the US vs. UK versions.

We hope from time to time authors will chime in with their thoughts as well. We welcome everyone to comment and share their thoughts too! The more the merrier!

Before we get to this weeks Book Wars, we have a winner to announce.The Book Wars winner for The Sky is Everywhere is...UK!!!!!! Thank you to everyone who voted for both books, and for picking a winner.

Also, there's a poll at the bottom of the post that we'd love to hear your input for the two covers! Tell us which one YOU love the most.

Left: US - Right: UK
**The US cover is the cover for the paperback, and not the original hardback cover published last year.**

Title: Fire & Flood
Series: Fire & Flood #1
Author: Victoria Scott
Publisher: US -Scholastic, 320 Pages, (27th January, 2015), UK - Chicken House Books, 366 Pages, (March 6th, 2014)
Add to Goodreads: USA Version | UK Version
Order online here: USA:Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository UK:Amazon UKWaterstonesW H Smith, The Book Depository

Synopsis: A modern day thrill ride, where a teen girl and her animal companion must participate in a breathtaking race to save her brother's life—and her own.

Tella's brother is dying. He's got cancer, and Tella is helpless to save him. Or so she thought. When an invitation arrives for Tella to compete in the Brimstone Bleed, a deadly competition that will lead her through treacherous jungle and scorching desert, she doesn't think twice. Because the prize is a cure to any illness. But Tella will be facing more than just the elements.


About the Author:

Victoria Scott is the author of TITANS (Scholastic, Spring 2016), the FIRE & FLOOD series (Scholastic), and the DANTE WALKER trilogy (Entangled Teen). Her latest novel, SALT & STONE, received a starred review by Kirkus Reviews, and the first book in the series, FIRE & FLOOD, has been nominated as a YALSA Teens' Top 10 book for 2015. Victoria's novels have been bought and translated in eleven foreign markets, and she is represented by Sara Crowe.

The author lives in Dallas, and loves cotton candy something fierce.
Find Victoria Online: Website | BlogTwitter| Facebook

Let the Wars Begin: Its now time to make our decision, let's see what we think about the covers and pick our favorite cover.
Lisa I haven't read these books yet... however I DO love Victoria Scott's Dante Walker series, so I should probably remedy this ASAP!

As for the covers, I've seen the US covers in person and they are pretty amazing. I like that there's so much more to the US cover than the UK. I mean look at them side by side. There's no doubt in my mind that the US cover wins this round. The UK cover is nice but it's a bit too plain for me. Plain can be good, but in this case, eh... not so much.

So, with my vote going to the US cover this week I'm eager to hear which will get YOUR vote! Click on a cover below to cast your vote!
Michelle This is an easy choice for me this week. Both of these covers are amazing in their own way, the US one is very eye catching and draws you to it, but the UK is simple but also intriguing. I've not long finished reading the book, and while I do think the US one has some aspects of the story in its cover, my vote goes for the UK one this week. It's simple but the feather plays a mysterious role in the story, one that I hope to discover in the next book. Don't forget to vote for your favourite cover, and you can check out my review of Fire & Flood here.
VOTE for YOUR favorite cover of Fire & Flood by Victoria Scott NOW!

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04 June 2015


Title: Sweet Ache (Driven #6)
Author: K. Bromberg
Publisher: Signet: Select, 400 Pages (June 2nd, 2015)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

NOTE: This is a "New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 17+

Synopsis: The New York Times bestselling author of Slow Burn turns up the heat when a sexy bet turns into so much more…

Hawkin Play, the bad boy rock star with a good guy heart, has lived a lifetime of cleaning up after his twin brother’s mistakes. Hunter’s most recent screw-up could land Hawke in jail and risk the band’s future. Hawke agrees to guest lecture at a local college to stay in the judge’s good graces—and a bet with his bandmate to seduce his sexy teaching assistant is icing on the cake.

Quinlan Westin is harder to bed than Hawke imagined. She knows his type and is determined to avoid the rocker at all costs—even if their attraction runs deeper than simple lust.

Just as Hawke might finally be winning over the girl, his brother has other plans. When Hunter realizes his twin finally has a weakness, he’ll stop at nothing to take advantage…



Review: 4 Stars - Sweet Ache is the sixth book in author K. Brombergs Driven Series. This title follows a character we’ve met earlier on in the series – Racecar driver Colton Donovan’s college student sister Quinlan Westin. She’s been a bright spot in her brother’s life and now it’s her turn to take the spotlight in the series I’ve come to love.

Quin can hold her own and she does just that when it comes to bad boy rock start Hawkin Play. Assigned as his TA - when he’s forced to “teach” a seminar at a local college - the two have a rocky first meeting. Quin’s tough, driven and sassy, which I think she gets in part to her big brother and wow, can this female lead hold her own! She has a great head on her shoulders and I couldn’t wait to learn more about her and see how she’d handle herself in her own book. Bromberg didn’t let me down and I was thrilled to see what happened when these two flirts met face to face.

Hawkin is one part of the famous group Bent. He’s the lead singer and along with all the pressures being a celebrity brings he’s got a bit more on his plate than just the female fans throwing themselves at him. He’s got layer upon layer that with each turn of the page I had to wonder if the guy was ever going to get a break! He’s lucky to have just met his match when he takes on the lecture he’s hoping will save not only himself but the band and his twin brother Hunter from utter devastation.

Written in the two characters points of view I loved watching the two react to each other together and apart and the chemistry they have is off the charts! And as they try to navigate all the issues being thrown at them, choices and changes happening right before their eyes, it was an eye opening experience for this reader just as much as it was for the characters.

The author has done a pretty fantastic job in making these two characters and the secondary characters as well have more to them than meets the eye. And the story was highly entertaining with a bit of heartbreak thrown in throughout to give readers so much more than the usual love story. Bromberg has proven yet again that she’s a master for creating and delivering damaged characters with so many redeeming qualities that you never feel as if you’ll get enough.

And with Quin being Colton’s sister I was excited that he made a couple small appearances and there’s one scene between these two siblings that took my breath away. I reread it about 10 times because it was just THAT perfect. Honestly, I’ll NEVER look at a piece of paper the same way again.

As with all books in a series that you’ve come to love and authors who quickly become a favorite, you always are ready for more. And that’s how I am with the driven series and Mrs. Bromberg. She’s one of those authors that I’d read anything she writes so I’ll be excited to see what’s next – Hard Beat – the next book in the Drive Series out later this year. Also, I’m REALLY excited to be attending two signings with her in the next few weeks!!! Can’t wait! I highly recommend this series! Each book is amazingly well written and will leave a mark for a long time to come. Enjoy!




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In accordance with FTC Guidelines, I have not received any monetary gain for any information posted within the pages of this website/blog. Any and all information has been provided by the publisher, author and or publicist for free. Content is also based on purchases made by myself or of my guest reviewer(s). Any and all opinions expressed within the pages of this website/blog are solely my own or those of the authors of any and all guest reviewers(s) or guest bloggers.



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About Me

Hi, I’m Lisa and I'm a proud bibliophile.

I enjoy reading and reviewing a variety of different books within the Young Adult, "New Adult" & Adult genres/categories. If you have any questions or if you are an author or publisher and would be interested in promoting a book, please feel free email. You can find my email under the "mail" button or under the contact link at the top of the page.

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When I review I rate from 1 to 5 stars, 5 being the highest rating. I review based on many different things from the writing, to the story - to the characters and how I can relate to them or how they are developed. I also review based on if an author has worked their magic and was able to draw me into a story so deeply that I don't want to put the book down. If you would like me to review a book, please contact me or view my Contact Information and Review Policy for further details.

5 Stars - I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!
4 Stars - I Really liked/Loved it.
3 Stars - I liked it/Was pretty good.
2 Stars - It was, eh okay.
1 Star - It just wasn't for me.

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