Bibliophile

Bibliophile

Tuesday, 24 May 2016

Book Review : The Heir and The Spare

HELLO everybody, I know what you guys are probably thinking :" 2 reviews in a row when it's usually every couple of months. What is happening??" HAHAHA I'm being lame so please bear with me :) I was thinking that I might as well do one now before school starts to get busy again and consume all of my free time. Besides, I just finished reading this book and I totally love it and decide why not write a review of it too !! So here goes nothing

Hmm.. Where should I start ?? I've always loved reading or watching stories that involve royalty in it. For example, I love love the Prince and me movie series even after they changed almost everybody in the cast so of course, my fav movie was the first one with Julia Stiles in it. Who here loves that movie too ?? Put your hands up my brother and sister !! Okay, anyway my point was I have alway been drawn into these royalty romance stories so when I saw this book, I just know I need to read it. 

Well first, I find that the story is not too draggy or too long. I won't say that it was instant love but it's those kinds of attractions that you can really see. And I really like the pace that they took for their relationship. Sometimes it's hard to read a story where the main characters just met and then bam they fall in love because it's very hard to believe that kind of things happen in real life. Not saying they don't though, just saying that it is pretty damn rare. See, I'm not that cynical ;) 

Another thing that I like is, of course, the Prince aka Edmund !! He's different from those other prince and girl story as he is not the heir to the throne. He is actually the second price of England. He is like fictional Prince Harry in this book. I love how the author put in all these fun facts about history and England through Edmund. I always love some good history facts !! It's very easy to fall in love with him too so if you're gonna be reading this book, better prepare yourself for some Edmund lovinnnn

Next, our main girl, Evangeline but called Evie by everybody. I mean come on, isn't that such a lovely name. Reminds me of how the kids from Nanny Mcphee 1 pronounce it, so everytime I see that name I can just hear that voice in my head saying "Evangeline" with that  cute accent and pronunciation. I like how strong she is as a person plus she thinks that David Tennant was the best doctor in doctor who so, of course, I liked her straight away 

Lastly, I really like how the problems in this book are not the same as other books that involve a celebrity or royalty. The author didn't make the paparazzi and the press be such a big deal like I have seen in so many books. Their problems are much bigger and I feel is more personal. I mean I know being in the spotlight is probably very hard and cause problems, that was briefly shown here but it wasn't made into such a big deal by the characters. 

I'm gonna give this book a 5/5 and it is definitely on my favourite royalty books list. Keep a look out for her new book "Everyday Magic" which is a spin-off of this book that includes Preston, one of Evie and Edmund's close friend. I'm really excited for this book since I really like him in this book and I can't wait to see his own story unfold. 

Title : The Heir and The Spare
Release Date : 18 January 2016
Genre : Romance, Contemporary, YA
Author : Emily Albright












SYNOPSIS

Family can be complicated. Especially when skeletons from the past pop up unexpectedly. For American Evie Gray, finding out her deceased mother had a secret identity, and not one of the caped crusader variety, was quite the surprise. Evie’s mom had a secret life before she was even born, one that involved tiaras.

In this modern day fairytale, Evie is on a path to figure out who her mom really was, while discovering for herself what the future will hold. Charged with her late mother’s letters, Evie embarks on a quest into her past. The first item on the list is to attend Oxford, her mom’s alma mater. There, Evie stumbles upon a real life prince charming, Edmund Stuart the second Prince of England, who is all too happy to be the counterpart to her damsel in distress.

Evie can’t resist her growing attraction to Edmund as they spend more time together trying to unravel the clues her mother left behind. But, when doubts arise as to whether or not Edmund could ever be with an untitled American, what really ends up unraveling is Evie’s heart. When Evie uncovers all the facts about her mom’s former life, she realizes her mom’s past can open doors she never dreamed possible, doors that can help her be with Edmund. But, with everything now unveiled, Evie starts to crack under the pressure of new family responsibilities and the realization that her perfect prince may want her for all the wrong reasons.



Cover Reveal : Into The Nothing


Xander Evans has been on the road for many years. Never settling. Always moving from one place to
another, unable to let go of his past. He lived a tragic childhood, spending most of those years in foster care. He's never felt like he's had a home. That is until he stops in the small town of Truman Valley, Missouri, where he meets a woman who will change everything he's ever known.

Paige Watson has it all. A loving family, beautiful home, and a great career. The only thing she's missing....is love. After escaping an abusive relationship, she opens her heart up to a stranger. He is
unlike any man she's ever met. He came into her life and turned it completely upside down. Everything is perfect. That is, until one fateful night.

A night that would tear the Watson family apart, never to be put back together again.

A night that would send Xander away to prison for life.


*DRUMROLSS* HERE IS THE DANGEROUSLY HOT COVER !!!





Title : Into The Nothing (Broken Outlaw #1)
Release Date : 21 June 2016
Genre : Romance
Author : BT Urruela


About The Author


BT Urruela was an infantryman in the US Army from August 2004 until February 2011. At the end of a year long tour to Baghdad, Iraq, his vehicle was hit by two roadside bombs, which took his right leg below the knee and the life of his commander. He was awarded a Purple Heart for his wounds, an Army Commendation Medal, and Combat Infantryman's Badge. He medically retired from the Army in 2011 and moved to Tampa, FL where he currently works as a Director and Brand Ambassador for VETSports, a veteran community sports nonprofit he co-founded in 2012. He also conducts motivational speeches, works as a cover and fitness model and he's a personal performance trainer. He co-wrote the military romance novel A Lover's Lament and will be releasing his debut solo novel, Into the Nothing, on June 21st, 2016.

Monday, 23 May 2016

Book Review : The Summer Games: Settling The Score

Hey guys !! I haven't done one of these in a while and I did promised you guys a review of this book. So here goes nothing, sorry in advance if this review doesn't turn out well :|

" Sometimes the best way to get out of a slump is to get a good hump!"

R.S Grey has been one of my favourite writer. Her first book that I read was The Design as I was given a free copy in advance for a review. So when I heard about her newest book, I know I have to read it, plus look at that cover !! I mean who doesn't like to stare at that hot body *heart eyes*
I love how the story flows and her style of writing is very easy to follow and not confusing at all. The way she describes her character is well written and carried out that I could really imagine them in my heads.

The other thing I like is how I was able to connect with Andie, however on some occasion I felt that she was a tad bit overdramatic but other than that it was amazing. What I wasn't ready for was how fast I fell in love with Frederick. He has a british accent (which coincidentally is one of my kryptonite!!) and is a olympic swimmer that already has a few gold medals under his belt. Another character that I really enjoy reading was his sister, Georgie. She is such a fun character to read and I really hope she might have her own book soon (*wink wink*) (This is me hinting to you rachel !! hahaha)

Anyway, I would give this book a 5/5 as I really enjoy reading it. And I'm looking forward to more books by Rachel :) Hope you guys enjoy that and as always, any kind of feedback is welcome :)

Title : Settling The Score (The Summer Games #1)
Release Date : 2 May 2016
Genre : Romance, Contemporary, Sports
Author : R.S. Grey
Rating : 5/5
Goodreads










Synopsis 

From the USA TODAY Bestselling author of Scoring Wilder, comes a sexy new standalone novel.

As an Olympic rookie, Andie Foster has spent far more time in her cleats than between the sheets. For 21 years, her Friday nights have consisted of blocking shots rather than taking them. But now that she's landed in Rio, she's ready to see for herself if the rumors about the Olympic Village are true:

• The athletes are all sex-crazed maniacs...
• The committee passes out condoms like candy...
• The games continue long after the medals have been handed out...
As Andie walks the line between rumor and reality, she's forced into the path of Frederick Archibald, a decorated Olympic swimmer and owner of a sexy British accent--too bad he's unavailable in a way that "it's complicated" doesn't even begin to explain.

In other words: off limits.

It doesn't matter that he has abs that could bring peace to the Middle East and a smile that makes even the Queen blush; Andie fully intends on keeping her focus on the soccer field. But the Village is small. Suffocating. Everywhere Andie goes, Freddie happens to be there--shirtless, wet from the pool, and determined to show her a whole new meaning of the phrase "international affairs".


Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.


Release Day : Until Now


Focus.

Dean Goldsmith is Indiana University’s star quarterback, and his dreams are about to come true. His
undefeated season means he has a legitimate shot at the NFL. If he stays focused. Football comes first.

College senior, Grace Yeates, is determined to defy the odds. She is months away from graduating with a business degree, something no one thought she would be able to pull off. All she has to do is focus on her number one priority. Family comes first.

Distraction.

Dean has no time for distractions, but when a gorgeous, snarky, redheaded waitress refuses to tell him
her name, he can’t seem to focus on anything else.

Grace knows she can’t let herself get caught up in a guy, particularly a man-whore like Dean, no matter how charming or sexy. She has two hearts to look out for now and no room for a Dean-sized distraction.

Complications.

Everyone in Dean’s life agrees that Grace is the kind of complication his career doesn’t need.

Grace knows that Dean is the kind of risk her heart shouldn’t want.

But what if the last person you think you need, the one you shouldn’t want, becomes the one you can’t live without? Can their biggest distraction actually be the focus they were missing all along?


Title : Until Now (Not Yet #2)
Release Date : 23 May 2016
Genre : Romance
Author : Laura Ward
Goodreads

Buy It Now !! 
Amazon









EXCERPT & TEASERS


I gently pressed her head back against my chest and ran my hands down her hair. “Grace, I’m not sure how to say this right, but I’m gonna try.” I kissed the top of her head, and her body relaxed against me.

“I listened tonight to your pain, and your struggle, and your love. And what I needed to do was to take care of you and you alone. Nothing for me. Just for you. ’Cause, Red? Nobody’s done that for you in your whole life.”

She looked up at me, tears filling up those beautiful green eyes. She’d shed enough tears for a lifetime. The time had come for someone to have her back and to take care of her.

“Until now. Until me. I’m going to keep on taking care of you because nobody has ever deserved it more than you.”


About The Author


Laura Ward lives in Maryland with her loud and very loving three children and husband. She married her college sweetheart and is endlessly grateful for the support he has given her through all their years together, and especially toward her goal of writing books. When not changing diapers, driving to lacrosse practice, or checking spelling homework, Laura is writing or reading romance novels.

Laura has written three novels so far, the new-adult novel Not Yet and the contemporary romance novel Past Heaven. Her third novel, co-written with author Christine Manzari, The Pledge, was released July 25, 2015.


Cover Reveal : Weightless


I remember the lights.

I remember I wanted to photograph them, the way the red and blue splashed across his cold,
emotionless face. But I knew even if my feet could move from the place where they had cemented
themselves to the ground and I could run for my camera, I wouldn’t be able to capture that moment.

I had trusted him, I had loved him, and even though my body had changed that summer, he’d made sure to help me hold onto who I was inside, regardless of how the exterior altered.

But then everything changed.

He stole my innocence. He scarred my heart. He took everything I thought I knew about my life and fast- pitched it out the window, shattering the glass that held my world together in the process.

I remember the lights.

The passionate, desperate, hot strikes of red. The harsh, cruel, icy bolts of blue.

They symbolized everything I endured that summer.

And everything I would never face again.

HERE'S THE LONG AWAITED COVER OF WEIGHTLESS !!!!!



Title : Weightless
Release Date : 16 June 2016
Genre : Romance, New Adult
Author : Kandi Steiner

EXCERPT & TEASER

Rhodes ran a hand through his still-damp hair as he watched me look around. “You want something to drink?”

My eyes found his but dropped a little to note the way his shirt was still sticking to his abdomen. “Just water is fine.”

He nodded, stepping into the kitchen long enough to grab a glass and fill it with ice and water from the fridge. Setting it down on the counter in front of me, he lifted a thumb and pointed to the room down the hall behind him. “I just need to shower real quick. You can too, if you want.”

I swallowed hard, my eyes practically bulging from my head. And for the first time — Rhodes laughed.

Well, he chuckled.

“I meant when I’m done, Natalie.”

“I know,” I said quickly. I totally didn’t know. “I will. When you’re done. I have extra clothes.” Why did I say that?

He quirked a brow. “Guess I won’t be seeing you naked tonight, then.” I thought he was joking, but
couldn’t be sure because he left it at that without so much as another smile before turning and
disappearing down the hall.

I quickly guzzled down the glass of water he’d given me and refilled it. I needed to cool down. Way
down.



About The Author


Kandi Steiner is a Creative Writing and Advertising/Public Relations graduate from the University of
Central Florida living in Tampa with her husband. Kandi works full time as a social media specialist, but also works part time as a Zumba fitness instructor and blackjack dealer. 

Kandi started writing back in the 4th grade after reading the first Harry Potter installment. In 6th grade, she wrote and edited her own newspaper and distributed to her classmates. Eventually, the principal caught on and the newspaper was quickly halted, though Kandi tried fighting for her "freedom of press"

She took particular interest in writing romance after college, as she has always been a die hard hopelessromantic (like most girls brought up on Disney movies).
When Kandi isn't working or writing, you can find her reading books of all kinds, talking with her extremely vocal cat, and spending time with her friends and family. She enjoys beach days, movie
marathons, live music, craft beer and sweet wine - not necessarily in that order.















Release Day : The Way With You


Finding a "happily ever after" was hard enough. 
Keeping it is even harder.

Olivia Brennan and Cameron Stone have both gone through Hell and back to finally
find their way to each other.  With obstacles set against them, the struggle to stay
connected is harder than ever.  Between their academic schedules, Olivia's
newfound campus infamy, and a conniving ex stirring up trouble, Liv and Cam begin
to struggle to keep what they've worked so hard for.

But when something unexpected fractures their trust, they must decide if they
can repair what's left of their fragile love or will they discover that "happily
ever after" is just for fairytales?


Title : The Way With You (The Way #2)
Release Date : 23 May 2016
Genre : Romance, New Adult
Author : Anne Mercier
Goodreads

Buy It Today !!
Amazon









TEASERS


About The Author


​I was born and raised in Wisconsin and still live here today with my two sons and
puppy. (Though one day soon I hope to move to southern California!)

I’m an avid reader who gets inspired by reading the stories from my favorite
authors as well as listening to various types of music. I am a huge fan of music,
chocolate, fruit, desserts, autumn, M. Shadows, Avenged Sevenfold, and Milo
Ventimiglia. Through my books, I am proudly creating new Avenged Sevenfold and
Milo Ventimiglia fans one reader at a time.

“The best part of being an author, to me, is being able to take the reader to that one
place they long to go when they need to escape reality. Knowing I can do that, for
even one reader, makes what I do worthwhile.” ~ Anne Mercier

Hugs and love,
Anne xoxo


Sunday, 22 May 2016

Release Day : Seven


DEVASTATION

Moving back home wasn't anything I ever wanted. 
But after enduring the worst,
Going home was the only answer.
Being back is everything I thought it would be...
Awful, isolating, a constant reminder of what I lost. 
And the last thing I need-- or want-- is more reminders of my past,
Especially Bryant Wood. 

GUILT

That's all I feel-- all I can see when I look at Savannah Turner.
I want to hold her, feel her, love her,
And thank her for what's she given me.
But I can't show her the gratitude.
The relief.
The gift she's given me.
I won't.
It'll ruin everything.
A secret I must keep-- a secret that could break her. 
Shatter her.
Destroy her.
All over again.


Title : Seven
Release Date : 22 May 2016
Genre : Romance, Contemporary, New Adult
Author : Susan Renee
Goodreads

Buy It Today !!
Amazon   B&N








EXCERPT & TEASERS


“Whoa. Someone must be really sick. Are you sure you got everything?” The girl at the counter, the one with spiked purple hair and a nose ring hanging out of her nostril that I feel the urge to pull, pops her gum and smirks at me. I’m pretty sure she’s making fun of me for buying what looks like all of aisle six but fuck if I don’t give a rat’s ass what she thinks.

“Well Princess, why don’t you tell me since you seem so concerned with what I’ve chosen. She may be a little sick or she may be a lot sick. I won’t know that until I see her so back up the sarcasm truck and help a guy out, huh?”

And chew with your mouth closed. I’m sure your mother didn’t raise a cow.

Spikey cashier girl narrows her eyes at me and pops her gum one more time. She releases a loud sigh
when she sees that I’m not in the mood for her sarcastic bullshit and chews on the side of her mouth for a moment while she surveys the products I’ve chosen. She smirks and shakes her head, I think trying to stifle a laugh, and says, “A magazine.”

“A what?”

“A magazine.”

“A magazine? For what? What kind of magazine?”

“Look, when girls are sick they want to cuddle under a blanket and either sleep, watch tv, or read
quietly. So go with something like People magazine.”

“Why People?” I’m intrigued by her logic.

She sighs again before she speaks. I think I’m putting a kink in her day, but I’m sort of proud of myself for it. “Okay look, if you get an Inquirer, she’ll assume you think she believes the shit they make up. If you get her In-Style magazine, she’ll assume you think she needs help in that department. Does she need help in that department?”

“Not as far as I’m concerned.”

“Okay well if you choose Cosmopolitan, you’re basically telling her you want to screw her and whether you do or you don’t, it’s just not the right choice to make for your first time.”

“Uh…this wouldn’t be my first time Princess.” I smirk.

“You’ve purchased magazines for girls before?”

“No.”

“Well then it’s your first time Mr. Magazine Virgin, so just take my advice and get People magazine. Info about celebrities, stories about real people and it’s not fully loaded with Oprah-spiration.”


About The Author




Susan Renee wants to live in a world where paint doesn’t smell, Hogwarts is open twenty-four/seven,
and everything is covered in glitter. An indie romance author, Susan has written about everything from lawn mowers to thick colossal bottles of wine, and has won a Snuggle Buddy award for her nonfiction book, “The Hula Hoop Tester’s Guide to Jumping.” She lives in Ohio with her family and seven tiny donkeys. She’s a Pet Whispering major from OMGU with a Masters in medical care for inanimate objects (a la Doc McStuffins). Susan enjoys crab-walking through the Swiss Alps, drinking Muscle Milk, and doing the Care Bear stare with her closest friends.