Monday, April 21, 2014

Cover Reveal ...... Divinity by Michelle Johnson


I have another cover reveal from Spence City (imprint of Spencer Hill Press) today.

Here is a brief synopsis of the title, which is Divinity by Michelle L Johnson.
When Julia climbs into a flaming car to save a trapped child, she's left wondering why either of them survived. Then she learns that her father is the Archangel Gabriel, and that she is half human, half Archangel.

With guidance from Michael, the most powerful Archangel, Julia sets out to discover her own history and explore her angelic powers. But her journey is cut short when an evil force, invisible to human and angel alike, tears her world apart.

Now Julia must fight through her despair, harness her newfound gifts, and risk her very soul to stop the A'nwel and protect the family she never knew she had.

What she doesn't know is that Archangels have secrets too.
And here is the cover. I think it matches the synopsis and do especially love the colour scheme.


The cover design is by Regina Wamba at Mae I Design.

Divinity by Michelle Johnson is a September 23rd, 2014 release, and you can follow the author on Twitter.

Are you a fan of books about angels? What do you think of the cover?

Sunday, April 20, 2014

New To My Book Closet


It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews).

Quiet mailbox this week, and after last week that is a very good thing. Just one e-ARC to show you this week.


The Boyfriend Thief by Shana Norris (goodreads)

If you missed the news, Paper Lantern Lit (a company Lauren Oliver started) now has their own publishing imprint. They are only doing ebooks for right now and this is their very first title. You can find out more about them over at the Paper Lantern Lit website (and see what other titles will be released in the near future). I'll be taking part in a blog tour for this one so expect to see that post soonish.

Happy weekend, and happy reading!

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Weekly Obsessions


The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

Here are my obsessions this week. Some amazing movie trailers this week!

BOOK

Cover of Diamonds In The Rough by Michelle Madow


I ended up really liking The Secret Diamond Sisters and I am very excited to get my hands on this sequel. I love the cover.  It's totally fun and captures both the scandalous and sexy qualities of the novel.

TV

Bates Motel

Three episodes away from the end of season 2 and I am HOOKED. Freddie Highmore is doing amazing things with the complexity of Norman Bates. Vera Farmiga adds layers to Norma that I didn't think would be there. The show, and the cast, are only getting better with each episode. I am both anticipating and dreading the finale. They normally have a killer twist/cliffhanger, but the wait for season three is going to be excruciating. 

OTHER

Trailer for Gone Girl 


Gone Girl is one of the top books I've read since I've started blogging. The debate over the ending aside, the twist in this book is one of the single best twists I've EVER read. Ben Affleck (whom I didn't like for Nick when he was first cast) really surprised me in the trailer. The scene where he smiles while getting his picture taken next to Amy's missing poster? That IS Nick. It's a solid trailer, and shows promise as I can already pick up a few things from the book that I hoped would make it into the movie.

Trailer for If I Stay


The second they started playing Say Something I started crying. It's beautiful, and perfect. It already has me feeling the emotions I had while reading the book. Adam's line "I'm still here and I'm crazy in love with you. Please...stay'. Ugly crying right there. I have a feeling I'll be a mess while watching this one in theatres.

What are you obsessed with this week?

Friday, April 18, 2014

Tudor Tuesdays is now Tudor Thursdays!



With the final book in the Royal Circle trilogy coming out, we're going to send the series off with a extra special Tudor Tuesdays.

Since the book is coming out on a Thursday we've moved the event accordingly, and here are the official stops

08 May - Emilie from Emilie's Book World - http://www.emiliebookworld.com/ 
15 May - Andrea from Bookish - http://evie-bookish.blogspot.ca/ 
22 May - Kathryn at A Bibliotaph's Reviews - http://expatiatemiscellanarian.blogspot.com/ 
29 May - Kathy from A Glass of Wine - http://glass-of-wine.blogspot.com/ 
05 June - Kelly from Belle of the Literati - http://belleoftheliterati.blogspot.ca/ 
12 June - Jess from Read My Breath Away - http://readmybreathaway.blogspot.ca/

There will be some awesome teasers and an amazing prize pack up up for giveaway. As this will be the last event, Katherine is also going to be taking us on a tour of her favourite historical spots in Europe! 

Lots to look forward to so be sure to check out all the stops as we countdown to Brazen's release day!

TV Talk With Kelly - Bates Motel


As you may know Kelly, from Kellyvision, and I are doing TV recaps. We recapped American Horror Story: Coven on her blog, and now we're recapping Bates Motel (season 2) on mine. Please note, this is more our reactions/thoughts than a true recap, and obviously there will be SPOILERS!

Kelly is everything in blue, and I am the other colour (is it brown? Whatever it is).

**********************************************************************************************************

BATES MOTEL - Season 2, episode 6 - Plunge

Norma is jumpy now that the council guy is dead.


Oooh Norman. You in trouble. ‘I didn’t raise you to be all kids. I raised you to be better’. Norman thinks he’s a grown man. Haha. I can’t even. It’s such a teenage thing to say ‘BUT I AM AN ADULT’ as you stamp your feet like a child.


Agreed.  Norman, you’re never going to get what you want if you act like that.


Dylan’s new boss just picked him up from the hospital. She brought him to her house as a ‘safe house’. I feel sad that Dylan thinks Norma and Norman don’t care about him. I think they both love him, as much as they are capable of it. Also now that you've mentioned she’s from the original 90210 I totally recognize her.


I think Norman is more capable of it than Norma is.  And honestly, it’s not like it’s Dylan’s FAULT but I can understand how her feelings toward him are complicated.


Oh, Norma. This is not good. Do not go to the man who most likely killed the council guy to confront him. Norma wants out but I think it’s a little too late. She is going to make herself a strong and dangerous enemy. Norma just insinuated that he had something to do with council guy’s death. I fear for her safety (obviously we know she’s not going to die soon, because Psycho).


I don’t remember how old Norman was when he killed her, but I know that she was in a relationship at the time because Norman killed the guy, too.  (I hope that the BFF’s brother stays safe---although I think that the BFF is maybe not as great as we would hope.)  


And yes, Norma, tread lightly because that guy is not a good enemy.


Norma’s BFF wants Norma to run for council. It’s not a bad idea, and it means spending time with the cute guy.


Oh yeah. This girl and Dylan are going to hooking up before the end of the season (if she doesn't kill him first). I am not sure I would be drinking anything she gave me.


I’m not sure the two are mutually exclusive.  ;)  It easily could be both.  (Was she Claire on 90210? Because I've been calling her “Brandon’s ex.”)


I really need to learn these new people’s names. Emma and her new boy are still cute. “Enjoy your towels” “Oh, I will” SO CUTE. I still think Norman is a little jealous (wishful thinking maybe).


Oh, he is absolutely jealous.  He is just plagued with jealousy. :)  


I am laughing at Norma getting pissed off about Cody. Is this where she’s going to go off on her?! Please let it be so! Norma really doesn't like her and it’s just making Norman that much more determined to see Cody. Norman is having flashbacks. He totally has PTSD. I hate that Cody knows so much about this.


I’m waiting for it.  Because Cody is such a brat.


Is it weird that I think Norman is gentle and kind? Like for someone who has killed people and will people, I think he cares a lot. All these girls who are damaged come into his life and he wants to save them. Do you think it’s because he couldn't save Norma from what happened to her with her brother?


That’s a good thought.  I wouldn't be surprised.  I do love that juxtaposition between Norman as kind person and Norman as brutal killer.


Oh, this is awkward. Emma and her boy just walked in on Norman and Cody making out. Of course Cody wants pot.


I HATE CODY.  That is all.


Haha. Norma and Romero are my favourite BFFs. She wants to call him by his first name. ‘You’re not going to get that seat”. Haha. I really like this ‘friendship’. He just admitted he has seen her naked through her curtains. Perhaps more than friendship in their future? I don’t want it though. I like their friendship.


I like their friendship, too.  I also don’t want them to get into a relationship because Norma dies in a relationship.  And I like Romero.


Cody SHUT UP! Emma shouldn't do this. Norman is right. Something bad is going to happen, I know it. See. BAD THINGS HAPPEN WHEN YOU LISTEN TO CODY. SAVE HER NORMAN! I love Emma and Norman together. He’s so concerned and protective. Norman is pissed at Cody now. PISSED. I am swooning here. ‘I am here’. Awwww. Seriously, it’s wrong, but Norman can be really sweet.


I still hate Cody.  And I feel like she’s not as concerned as she should be when it went wrong.  You know?  If I encouraged to do something that literally nearly killed them, I’d be crying and apologizing and Cody was all, “Yeah, my bad.  Oops.  Sorry.”


So cute guy is going to help Norma win this seat. I approve. She needs a bit of fun, and this guy could provide her with some. Hopefully he’s as great as I think he is (you never know in this town though).


I assume everyone is evil.


So boss girl is putting Dylan in charge officially. Also, yup...totally hooking up eventually.


Cute guys is totally winning points with both me and Norma. He’s certainly charming.


So Dylan and boss girl hooking up happened WAY quicker than I expected. He’s totally hot though, so I don’t blame her.


Emma is such a sweetheart. Norman is awkward cute around her. Awww. I am loving all the Emma/Norman stuff this episode. I think Norman is worried about himself a little now. I think he is beginning to realize there is something wrong with him.


I really just want Emma and Norman together.


Awkward. So Nick is pushing for Norma to get this seat. I don’t understand why he needs Norma. He obviously has his own agenda and I am sure he’d do it with or without her. So why Norma? I think she’s going to get the seat because the mayor is straight up scared of Nick Ford.


I think Norma is going to be a pawn.  Does that make sense?  I think that he’s expecting that she’ll just do whatever he wants and vote however he wants her to.  Which is unfortunate for him, because Norma has thoughts and opinions.


Is Cody actually going to apologize? I am kind of shocked. OOOOOH! Cody is going to tell Emma about the fugue states. I feel this is Norman’s information to tell. I get that Cody is concerned about Norman but still. I wish someone would tell Norma. Maybe Emma will. It’s not that Norma doesn't know, but she doesn't know the extent.


I honestly don’t think that Cody is that concerned.  I think she’s mad that Norman yelled at her and she knows that if she tells Emma, Emma will tell Norma.  


Now that I know these episodes end on some kind of cliffhanger all the time, I am anxious when I get close to the endings. I am on edge the whole last few minutes.


Me too.  (I don’t like that we only have four episodes left, either.  Who decided a 10 episode season was a good idea?)


Norma got the seat! I figured as much. Um, tackling Norman on the bed….SO awkward. *shudder*


RIGHT?! That is not how moms act, Norma.


I am not so sure Norman should get his license. If he blacks out behind the wheel. Emma is going to tell Norma. This could change everything. Norma is obviously upset. I bet she’s mad Cody didn't say anything. And there goes Norma yanking Norman’s dream of a license from him (rightfully but he’s going to be bitter).


Oh, yeah, he’s going to be pissed.  (And he should be---not because he didn't get his license, which is a good call on Norma’s part---but because Cody is awful.)


One of these times Norman is going to grab the wheel and cause an accident. I am laughing at Norman’s hissy fit, but at the same time, it’s sad. I think Norma is overwhelmed. I would be.


Norman is upset with Cody. Cody’s father is a dead man. Norman is going to go into one of his states and kill him. This can’t end well.


Um, so that was kind of accidental right? He tried to get Cody’s dad away from her and pushed him down the stairs. Next week’s episode looks AMAZING (as usual).

It was definitely an accident.  Except it’s also the first time Norman knows he killed someone.  (We still don’t KNOW for sure who killed the teacher, right?  I bet we find out for sure that it wasn't Norman soon.)

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Follow Friday


Alison Can Read Feature & Follow

Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. It's a great way to meet new blogger friends.

This weeks question is:

Spring Break. Where would be your favorite destination spot if you could join the Spring Break festivities?

I would love to go to a beach somewhere (any island would do) and just lay out enjoying the sun. Our winter here in Ontario has been BRUTAL and I am dying for some sunshine. I'd read books all day and drink Pina Coladas.

Happy Weekend!

The Forever Song by Julie Kagawa



The Forever Song by Julie Kagawa
Release Date - April 15, 2014
Publisher Website - HarlequinTeen
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 416 pages
My Rating - 4.5/5
**received in exchange for an honest review from the publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis
VENGEANCE WILL BE HERS 

Allison Sekemoto once struggled with the question: human or monster? 

With the death of her love, Zeke, she has her answer. 

MONSTER 

Allie will embrace her cold vampire side to hunt down and end Sarren, the psychopathic vampire who murdered Zeke. But the trail is bloody and long, and Sarren has left many surprises for Allie and her companions—her creator, Kanin, and her blood brother, Jackal. The trail is leading straight to the one place they must protect at any cost—the last vampire-free zone on Earth, Eden. And Sarren has one final, brutal shock in store for Allie. 

In a ruined world where no life is sacred and former allies can turn on you in one heartbeat, Allie will face her darkest days. And if she succeeds, triumph is short-lived in the face of surviving forever alone.
Character growth in a series is incredibly important. The character's journey, and their series long arc must feel authentic, earned and offer a satisfying payoff for the reader at the end of the series. The Forever Song ends The Blood of Eden series in a way that offers all this, and a thrilling journey at the same time.

Julie Kagawa is one of those writers who can balance plot, characters, and world building. She immerses the reader into her created world, and makes you care about the characters deeply. I became attached to each of them, but more than that, I wanted to follow their story. I was swept away along the journey with them. Having each of these elements be equally strong makes for a engrossing read. It show exactly how talented Julie is that she was able to do this with more than one series.

Allison's transformation from the girl we first meet who is barely surviving on the fringe, to the powerful katana wielding vampire goddess we see her become is mesmerizing. Here is a character that embraces her strengths, as well as her emotions. She allows herself to feel each one of them, even the messy ones. We begin the novel with her in a state of grief that causes her to want to embrace the monster inside, and that's Allison's journey. It always has been. What will she become? What kind of monster does she want to be? This installment answers that in a beautiful, tragic, and ultimately fulfilling way.

Having a satisfying ending to each and everything character's story arcs is often a delicate juggling act. The focus tends to be on the main characters. I appreciated that Julie took the time to make sure the loose ends were tied up just enough to satisfy. She also made sure that each character, and their own journey, was taken into account while writing their ending. It shifted the focus so that each character was important. I grew to love Allison, Kanin, Jackal and many others. Even if they didn't get the ending you wished for them, it was a logical, fitting ending that made sense within their story arc. The series ends with each character exactly where they should be.

No book by Julie Kagawa would be complete without some heartbreak. This installment really is bittersweet. I enjoyed the balance between the heart crushing sadness and uplifting hope that resonated throughout the book. In a bleak, decimated world like the one these characters inhabit, those moments of hope are so vitally important. It's what the reader, and the characters grasp on to. The promise of something more. If anything, the message of this series is that even in the darkest moments there are fragments of light to be found.

The Forever Song proves that it's possible to have a satisfying, thrilling ending to the series that doesn't compromise the characters or the plot. This series, and the character growth, just continued to improve as the series went along. Saying goodbye to Allison, Kanin, Jackal and the rest was bittersweet, but rewarding.

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