homereviewschallengescontestspoliciesaboutabout

Monday 25 November 2013

***Review*** Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne



Released: April 4th 2013
Publisher: Hachette Children's Books
Series: Yes #1 in the Monument 14 series
Source: From the Publisher
Format: ARC
Find at: Goodreads | Amazon UK | The Book Depository

Many thanks to the Publisher for my review copy, this is in exchange for an honest review.



Goodreads Synopsis:

Fourteen kids. One superstore. A million things that go wrong ...
Fourteen kids stranded inside a superstore. Inside they have everything they could ever need. There's junk food and clothes, computer games and books, drugs and alcohol ... and without adult supervision they can do whatever they want.
Sounds like fun?

But outside the world is being ripped apart by violent storms and chemicals leaking into the atmosphere that, depending on blood type, leave victims paranoid, violent or dead.

The kids must remain inside, forced to create their own community, unsure if they'll ever be able to leave. Can they stop the world they've created inside from self-destructing too?


 My Review:

Wow! What an explosive book this is.  Fast paced and exciting all the way through.  The tension runs high and I just had to finish this book ASAP, just to see where it would end up.  One of my top books of the year and it deserves a five star rating.  I don't give five stars very often but this one merits it.

The characters are great and are such a mixed bunch.  You have to take a step back sometimes and realise really they are children, children who a thrown into such a horrible situation some adults would have struggled to cope with.  Natural leaderships take place and you get the usual power struggle but I loved it.  True character have flaws, well true to life ones do.  And some of these flaws really show up in these bad bad circumstances.  Throw in the chemical reactions some of the blood types have and it really hikes up the drama.

I have to confess at the beginning of the book I did think one character was a girl, yeah I got fooled, but as the story unfolds I did have a lightbulb moment when I realised it was a boy.

If you want a light easy book step away from Monument 14, this is not light, this is not easy.  It is chaotic fast paced and will leave you a bit emotionally exhausted.  Believe me you will enjoy the rollercoaster of a ride.

I highly recommend this book and think that it does deserve all the praise I have lavished on it.  It's awesome and please check it out! 

 photo 5-star.png

Overview:
Amazing book.  Top rated and will be one of my top books of the year.

My Thoughts on The Cover:
I think it is great.  It's so eye catching and would stand out in any bookshop.  I would certainly be drawn to this cover.



Thursday 21 November 2013

Blog Tour: Destiny by Cindy Ray Hale

Destiny Banner 1.2

Hi Guys!  This is my stop during the blog tour for Destiny (Destiny Trilogy #1) by Cindy Ray Hale. For my stop I have an author interview. This blog tour is organized by Lola's Blog Tours . The blog tour runs from November 5 till November 25, you can view the complete tour schedule on the Destiny blog tour page on the website of Lola's Blog Tours. 


Author Interview: Cindy Ray Hale

Tell us a little bit about yourself. 
 I’m a Mormon girl born and raised in Tennessee. When I was younger I was the biggest goody-two shoes imaginable.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp? 
Don’t get so stuck within your own circle of friends. Branch out. Love others, even if they don’t agree with everything you believe. Don’t judge other people because of their past decisions. What you see on the surface is not always what’s hidden deep within. Don’t make judgments based on appearances.

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work? 
I love, love, love J.K.Rock! I think they did a good job showing how tough it can be sometimes for teens to find themselves. Their writing is vivid and reads like a movie. They can be really funny too.

 Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book. 
 Destiny possesses the timeless themes of passion and forbidden love, but through the double twist of a story about religion written for the general public and characters inspired by Les Misérables, it becomes a story unlike anything anyone has ever read before.

If you could have dinner with one person, dead or alive, who would it be and why? 
Jane Austen. She’s amazing. I’d love to be able to hear about her life and what it was like to be a female novelist in the 1800s in England.

If you could travel back in time to a certain event in history, what would it be? 
Mozart’s first performance of The Magic Flute. I love the Queen of the Night Aria, and I’d love to meet him. When I was seventeen I was able to visit Austria and tour his home in Saltzburg. It was an absolute dream come true.

Favourite fictional character? 
Elizabeth Bennett from Pride and Prejudice. She’s strong-willed, doesn’t take anyone’s garbage, but is still civilized and polite when it’s appropriate.

If you could trade places with any other person for a week, famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional. With whom would it be? 
Kate Middleton. It would be a complete dream come true to be a princess for a week. I could totally live up the Royal Life. She has really good taste in clothes. I wouldn’t mind raiding her closet. I’d even snuggle her baby for her. That might actually be the best part. I’d have to tell Prince William to keep his distance though. I used to have a crush on him back when I was about 13, but I’m way over that now. I’m totally satisfied with my own husband.

Some great answers Cindy and many thanks for visiting Chocolate Chunky Munkie

DestinyDestiny (Destiny Trilogy #1)
By Cindy Ray Hale
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age category: Young Adult
Release Date: November 5, 2013
Blurb:
Destiny Clark, a young Mormon girl living in Tennessee, is wildly infatuated with Isaac Robinson, the headmaster's son at her Baptist high school. When they're cast together in the school's production of Les Misérables, Destiny is horrified to find that she has to be publicly humiliated by acting out her true feelings of rejection onstage.
As their rehearsals begin, Destiny realizes the unimaginable: Isaac has developed deep feelings for her despite their religious differences and the fact that he has a girlfriend.
But will they be able to find their place amongst the backbiters of their ultra-conservative world?
Weaving around Destiny and Isaac's alternating viewpoints, Destiny is the first book in a series inspired by the characters of Les Misérables and explores heartbreak, self-discovery, intolerance, and love.

You can find Destiny on Goodreads

You can watch the book trailer here:

Official Author picAbout the Author:
Wife. Mother. Writer. Cindy Ray Hale lives in Murfreesboro, Tennessee with her husband and four children. In addition to being a writer, she’s an avid reader and a social media junkie. She starts her morning by writing with a freshly-blended berry spinach smoothie next to her. She’s obsessed with Les Misérables, playing the piano, and stalking up-and-coming musicians on YouTube. Destiny is her first book and will be available for purchase November 2013.

You can find and contact Cindy here:
- Website
- Website for destiny
- Blog
- Facebook
- Twitter
- Goodreads
- Google+
- Pinterest

And there is a tour wide giveaway, here is what you can win:
- A Destiny Swag Pack:including a signed copy of Destiny, a Destiny keychain, a t-shirt that says "I heart Destiny," a Destiny bookmark.
- a $25 Amazon Gift Card
- Camp Boyfriend Swag pack.

For a chance to win enter the rafflecopter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday 18 November 2013

***Review*** The Day I Met Suzie by Chris Higgins



Released: 7th March 2013
Publisher: Hodder
Series: No
Format: ARC
Source: From Publisher for review purposes
Find At: Goodreads | Amazon UK | The Book Depository

Author Site: Chris Higgins

Many thanks to the Publisher for my review copy, this is in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Synopsis:

'My boyfriend could get into trouble if he gets caught. He could go to jail.' I moan softly. 'So could I.' 'Anything you tell me is completely confidential.' I sigh deeply. What have I got to lose? 'I wouldn't know where to begin.' 'At the beginning?' she says. 'In your own words.' So that's what I do. I start at the beginning like she says. The day I met Suzie. Indigo (Indie) rings the Samaritans. She is frightened and desperate with no one to turn to. Over the course of one long night, Indie tells her story to the person on the end of the phone. She realises that her friend Suzie has taken over her home, her friends, her work, her boyfriend - and her life. After every few chapters we are brought back to the present moment, and see how piecing the story together helps Indie progress towards resolution.
 
My Review

Not a bad plot line but not enough to keep me wholly engaged with this book.  I started to read this and about halfway through lost the urge, so I put it down and it ended up being sat on my bedside table for about three months, left unread.  Then I though you know I really need to finish this book, so I did.  It was OK, nothing spectacular but on the whole an OK read.  I am glad I read the whole book as I was tempted just to not finish it.

I could see the major plot twist coming off a mile away, so no surprise when it panned out the way I thought it would.  The only bit that saved this book going in the two star rating was that it really did get interesting towards the end.  Which by far was the best bit of the book.  The start and finish was a bit bleh.

I can't say that I connected with the main character Indie, maybe this why why it left me feeling a little lukewarm.  Even Scarlett AKA Suzie wasn't that interesting either, yes she was manipulative that was the most interesting part about her character.  I hated Indie's boyfriend Rick, I would have sent him packing a long time ago, his whole behaviour throughout did not endear me to him. So for me not a likeable character among the lot of them.

I would say maybe give this book a try, just because I found it lukewarm does not mean everyone will.

 photo 3-star.png
Overview:
Not really for me, it was OK but that was about it.

My Thoughts on the Cover:
I do like the cover, it's fun it's funky and it does catch the eye.  I would certainly head towards this type of cover in the bookstore.

 

Sunday 17 November 2013

***Review*** Glittering Fortunes by Victoria Fox


Glittering Fortunes by Victoria Fox

Released:  6th September 2013
Publisher: Mira
Series: No
Format: Digital ARC
Source: Netgalley
Find at: Goodreads | Amazon UK | Amazon US

Author Site: Victoria Fox

Many thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for my review copy, this is in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Synopsis:

 Two brothers. Two rivals.
One huge family secret.
Scandal is just waiting to happen…

Charlie Lomax hasn’t seen his brother in years. Cato’s been too busy living the A-list Hollywood dream to bother with the likes of a small Cornish town. But now he’s back. Hollywood and British aristocracy are about to clash, as Cato sets out to claim the Lomax legacy he believes is his birthright.

Unsuspecting Olivia needs a job after spectacularly failing to make a life for herself in London. Forced back to Cornwall, she has no idea what she's letting herself in for by becoming a gardener at the crumbling but beautiful Usherwood estate.

She certainly didn’t bargain on becoming embroiled in the biggest scandal of the year, and not least because the brooding Charlie is a man she can’t seem to stay away from…




My Review:

Been a while since I've picked up a chick lit book.  Turned out to be a nice easy read, a little predictable in places, but enjoyable none the less.  It might be time to check out more by this author as I did enjoy her style.

Where do I start, some characters really annoyed me but then again this was the point, others really endeared me. Cato seemed like a big idiot who you just wanted to strangle, arrogant and totally in love with himself and his equally whiny girlfriend grated on my nerves.  Two people who really suited each other! Then there was Charles and Olivia who couldn't have been totally opposite to the dastardly two. I liked the twist in the plot, very clever and I didn't see it coming, but the rest was as I said before just a tad bit predictable.

There are some heavy scenes and there are some really fun light moments that will make you chuckle.  So all in all a good mixed balance of dark and humour. It was nice to see some sort of comeuppance for some of the character, I had great pleasure in reading those parts.

If you are looking for an easy and enjoyable read then give this book a shot, you will not be disappointed. 

 photo 4-star.png

Overview:
I did enjoy the easy pace to this book, it was like honey and lemon, something to soothe my head.

My Thoughts on the Cover:
I can't say I'm a huge fan of the cover, I hate shocking pink.  In fact I try and run from it!

Saturday 16 November 2013

***Review*** Resist by Sarah Crossan


Resist by Sarah Crossan

Released: 10th October 2013
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Series: Yes #2
Source: Netgalley
Format: Digital ARC
Find at: Goodreads | Amazon UK | Amazon US | The Book Depository

Author Site: Sarah Crossan

Many thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for my review copy, this is in exchange for an honest review.


Goodreads Synopsis:
 The sequel—and conclusion—to Sarah Crossan's Breathe. Three teen outlaws must survive on their own in a world without air, exiled outside the glass dome that protects what's left of human civilization. Gripping action, provocative ideas, and shocking revelations in a dystopian novel that fans of Patrick Ness and Veronica Roth will devour.

Bea, Alina, and Quinn are on the run. They started a rebellion and were thrown out of the pod, the only place where there's enough oxygen to breathe. Bea has lost her family. Alina has lost her home. And Quinn has lost his privileged life. Can they survive in the perilous Outlands? Can they finish the revolution they began? Especially when a young operative from the pod's Special Forces is sent after them. Their only chance is to stand together, even when terrible circumstances force them apart. When the future of human society is in danger, these four teens must decide where their allegiances lie. Sarah Crossan has created a dangerous, and shattered society in this wrenching, thought-provoking, and unforgettable post-apocalyptic novel.




My Review:
Wow, this book just jumps straight into it.  There isn't much of a recap from the first book so I advise that you have to read Breathe first.  If not you will wonder what the heck is going on.
I adore this series, it's only a two book series but boy does it pack so much in.  I love how the story is told from several points of view, it certainly gives you a different angle on the world created by Crossan.  And what a scary and realistic world it is.  You really do stand up and take notice of the underlying warning Crossan gets across.  It's powerful and I hope people will take it all in.
Now back to the story, as this is  a 2nd instalment I am not going to give any spoilers away as that is not my thing.  I will say that I was happy with the start, middle and end of the book.  I will also say that I just preferred Breathe just a little bit more, but don't think that this knocks resist down too much as this book is awesome too.

Like last time I think there are some amazing characters in this series. Alina still stays at the top for me, I like her bravery and she has just a touch of sass. 
I would recommend this series, it's not too exhausting on the brain and there's plenty of action and excitement.
I'm also going to check out more books by this author as I do really like her writing style.


 photo 4-star.png

Overview:
Great end to the series, I simply loved it.

My Thoughts on the Cover:
I think this cover has to be my favourite of the year so far.  It is beautiful and very poignant.  Just love it!






  • You can check out my review for Breathe the first book in the series HERE
 

Friday 15 November 2013

Blog Tour: P J Stone - Gates Trilogy

  

Book one of the P.J. Stone Gates Trilogy
New Adult Paranormal Romance  
299 pages  
by D.T. Dyllin
For P.J. Stone, being a “Seer” who has never seen anything is less than fun. And P.J. isn’t known for her patience. To make matters worse, she must choose a suitable mate to continue the Seer bloodline. Duty always comes before her heart…at least that’s what her parents taught her. When she finds herself wanting someone who is considered off-limits, P.J. is forced to question everything she believes. As if navigating her love life isn’t complicated enough, P.J. finally receives a vision—of a threat to her world that only she can perceive. But no one will believe a fledgling Seer’s warnings. With nowhere else to turn, she may decide to trust a stranger with her life, her world, and maybe even her heart.


Book two of the P.J. Stone Gates Trilogy
New Adult Paranormal Romance
241 pages
P.J. Stone is a Seer who saw too little, too late. In the past, her biggest worries were boys and school—but war has a way of changing things. Now, the alien Riders are trying to overrun the world. As the last of their kind, P.J. and her friends must find a way to save humanity before there’s nothing left to save. After choosing a mate, P.J. hoped she'd have time to enjoy her love life. But with everything changing so quickly and major secrets revealed, who knows what the future will bring?
 



Book three of the P.J. Stone Gates Trilogy
New Adult Paranormal Romance  


by D.T. Dyllin
Bryn is gone. Jenna isn’t…herself, and the world has been taken over by the alien Riders. The only constant in P.J.’s life is Khol. But even he might not be able to help her pick up the shattered pieces of her life.
P.J. finally gets the answers to all of her questions, but will she be able to handle the truth? And will she be strong enough to face her own destiny when the time comes?

 







About the Author

Cynical-Optimist. Chocolate-holic. Sarcasm Addict. Paranormal Believer. Self-Imposed Insomniac. Sci-Fi Geek. Animal Lover. Writer…are just a few words to describe D.T. Dyllin. She was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and now lives in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband and two very spoiled GSDs.

 

Wednesday 13 November 2013

Cover Reveal: Flirting With Chaos by Kenya Wright

FlirtingChaos_FRONT
Title: Flirting With Chaos
Author: Kenya Wright
Genre: New Adult Rock Star Erotic Romance
Publisher: Omnific Publishing
Release Date: November 19, 2013
Add to Goodreads
Synopsis:
 
Can two mentally unstable best friends have sex and not drown in chaos?
 
Rain's been washing blood off her hands for far too long. After five years, she accepts the fact that she"s still a little crazy but feels as if she's finally gotten it all under control.
 
Parties, drugs, and sex flood Jude's life, and music and scandal run through his veins. He's the son of a rock god and grandson of a jazz legend. It's no surprise that his own star is on the rise, and with so many groupies vying for his attention, his childhood best friend Rain keeps him anchored in reality.
 
She's nothing like him--an art student with no idea of her own beauty, who would rather curl up with a sci-fi novel than party in the spotlight. Everything changes when she asks him for a unique favor: she wants him to take her virginity. He's more than willing to oblige, but things get complicated when his pervy father gets involved. Meanwhile, intense feelings rise to the surface, ones neither Rain nor Jude are prepared to deal with.
 
If their relationship has any chance for survival, she must finally confront the demons of her past, and he must face the addictions of the present. When the smoke clears, will they find that sex between best friends was a good idea, or will they discover they had been Flirting With Chaos the entire time?
 
Short Teaser #1
Prologue

“Sometimes it’s okay to kill, if you’re saving someone else in the process, Rainbow.” Dad wiped my tears from my face with bloody hands. “Go ahead, sweetheart. Do it for Daddy. Pull the trigger.”
And I did.

Short Teaser #2

An intricate pattern of colorful tattoos decorated both of his arms. It was a mural of his life—stars that intertwined with musical notes; guitars interlocked into microphones; nude, big breasted angels riding hulky demons. Those arms and that face had adorned the covers of magazines for years. Now he represented a legend of rock history. To obtain his interview would mean lots of money and skilled maneuvering through his agent, publicist, bodyguards, entourage, and any of the other people that walled him away from society.

Short Teaser #3

Everyone jumped and swayed fast, pumped and wound their bodies around the dance floor. Jude and I continued rocking into each other. We were entangled into the moment—the song, the feel of our bodies, the heat radiating between us, our scents mingling together, and the mounting of an orgasm that sparked at my center and rose higher and higher, just yearning to detonate into sensual delight.
kenya
Kenya Wright always knew she would be famous since the ripe old age of six when she sang the Michael Jackson thriller song in her bathroom mirror. She has tried her hand at many things from enlisting in the Navy for six years as a Persian-Farsi linguist to being a nude model at an art university.

However, writing has been the only constant love in her life. Will she succeed? Of course.
For she has been coined The Urban Fantasy Queen, the Super Iconic Writer of this Age, The Lyrical Genius of Our Generation. Granted, these are all terms coined by her, within the private walls of her bathroom as she still sings the Michael Jackson thriller song.

Kenya Wright currently resides in Miami with her three amazing, overactive children, a supportive, gorgeous husband, and three cool black cats that refuse to stop sleeping on Kenya’s head at night.

 
Blog Design By Sweet Dreams Design using the Sweet Summer kit by Kay Miller Designs.