Friday, December 30, 2016

Top Ten of 2016!

It has been so nice to be on a small break for the holidays but with the new year fast approaching, I had to do one last post all about books and what better post than those outstanding reads of 2016 that really stood out and impacted me in some way or another. So, without further ado, my top ten reads of the year.

To see all my favorite reads from the year check out this tab HERE

It was really hard to narrow this down to ten reads but when I really thought about it, these are the ones that stood out to me the most. They may not be classics or even the most well written or political but they were ones that either changed my views on certain things, impacted me emotionally, or just ones that I plain and simply had fun with. 

In no particular order here they are:



The Others by Anne Bishop. I have loved this series from the very beginning and it really is like no other. It will be so very very hard to say goodbye to it when the last book releases in March, I am not ready to say goodbye to any of these characters yet and I don't think I ever will be. 




The Passage trilogy by Justin Cronin, I admit, I'm so glad I waited to start this series so I didn't have to wait three long years for the last book but even if I would of had to, let me tell you, it would have been worth it. I loved every single minute of it and one that I am so happy I took the time (with each book over 800 pages it was a lot of time!) to read and love. 




The Red Rising trilogy by Pierce Brown. One of the very few YA series out there that not only didn't read like a YA series but also ended so well. Let's face it, in trilogies lately, especially in YA, more often than not, that last book is a stinker and almost makes you regret starting the series at all but this wasn't like that at. All. It was fabulous and I couldn't of been happier with all of it. If you haven't tried this one yet, run and do it, so worth it. 




The Deadwood Humorous Mystery series by Ann Charles. I'm ashamed to admit I've had the first book in my TBR pile when it was first released, oh about 5 years ago (ahem, so embarrassing) and for whatever reason never got around to them but I'm kind of glad I did wait because now with seven books out and a couple of shorts, I can totally binge read them and this is a series you want to binge read. It is so much dang fun! In fact Doc, just might be my new book boyfriend. This series has a little bit of everything in it. Romance, mystery, a paranormal edge, adventure, and lots and lots of humor. I just adore it. 



I don't read a ton of historical but when I do, I'm very picky about it and Julianne Donaldson is one of the best out there. In fact, I read her other novel Blackmore and loved it just as much, so, Darn. Good. I can't wait for her new release next year, it can't get here fast enough! 


Cainsville series by Kelley Armstrong. I already knew Kelley was a genius when it came to unique world building and lovable characters but if I did have any doubt before, this series but it to rest. I have adored it and been hooked on it from the very beginning and I just can't get enough of it. It is one of the few series I have no issues at all with paying the ridiculous kindle price for, I love it that much. 



Speaking of Armstrong, good thing she also has this new series out to keep me occupied with I wait for her Cainsville because it too, is just fabulous and after the first book, I too am already hooked on it. I adore this kooky town and the kooky characters and the mystery aspect always keeps me on my toes and keeps me guessing and turning the pages right up until the very end. 



The Graveyard Queen series by Amanda Stevens. I too have loved this series from the very first book and they just get better as they go. These are ones that once I pick them up, they are so very hard to put down and they are perfect for when you want a little romance, a little mystery and a whole lot of scary! They are so good, if you haven't tried them, please do. This series needs more love, they are just wonderful and very underrated. 



I have to mention this series because once again, it is one that I get hooked on when ever I pick them up, The Ellie Jordan Ghost Trapper Series by J.L. Bryan
I love how spooky it is and how much the characters have grown over the course of the series. It's just an addicting series that has it's lighter moments along with the darker and I love the mix of the two. If you haven't tried it yet definitely do so and the first book is still free on Amazon right now so you have nothing at all to lose by trying it. 




What can I say about the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas that probably hasn't already been said before? Seriously Sarah is just an amazing author. The world she has built here is both fantastical and completely believable with characters that are every bit as addicting as her writing style. It continues to be one of my favorites and I can't wait to see how the last two books will all play out.

I have so many other series and books that I want to add to this list, truly I've been very lucky this year and have read a ton of great reads but these are the ones that days, weeks, months even,  after putting them down and finishing them, I still think about them and wonder what will be in store for the characters next, even the ones that were stand alone reads. I truly hope the new year will bring just as many fantastic reads for everyone.

I hope you all have a safe and amazing New Year!!  


Wednesday, December 14, 2016

WoW Pick of the Week!



Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It is a chance to share those new releases were are super anxious to get our hands on and read.

After reading her first duology and absolutely loving it, I promised myself I would try anything else she had to write and I love the synopsis for this and okay, once again, the cover is pretty fantastic too. 





Book Description:


When Tea accidentally resurrects her brother from the dead, she learns she is different from the other witches in her family. Her gift for necromancy means that she’s a bone witch, a title that makes her feared and ostracized by her community. But Tea finds solace and guidance with an older, wiser bone witch, who takes Tea and her brother to another land for training.

In her new home, Tea puts all her energy into becoming an asha — one who can wield elemental magic. But dark forces are approaching quickly, and in the face of danger, Tea will have to overcome her obstacles…and make a powerful choice.



Memoirs of a Geisha meets The Name of the Wind in this brilliant new fantasy series by Rin Chupeco!









Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Promo Post and Giveaway: Once Perfect by Cecy Robson

So excited to be sharing this with you today! If you follow me at all you know I am a huge fan of Cecy's. Whether it is her urban fantasy series or her contemporary, the woman can write and write well. Her Shattered Past series is not an exception and right now, her first book in the series is on sale for only $.99, you guys, this is a steal!

.99 cent SALE for ONCE PERFECT Available at all retailers December 13th through January 8th, 2017



Once Perfect

By Cecy Robson

Shattered Past #1

New Adult, contemporary romance 

His life was never easy. Hers wasn’t supposed to be this hard. They come from different worlds, but fate lures them together in a way neither expected in Cecy Robson’s raw, steamy New Adult debut—perfect for fans of Monica Murphy and J. Lynn.

Evelyn Preston’s future once looked perfect—until her wealthy father was caught in an embezzlement scandal and took his own life. Alone and struggling to pay her college tuition and bills, Evelyn finds a job as a waitress at the ultra-hip nightclub Excess, where she used to have more in common with the privileged private-school clientele than her fellow staff members. But something attracts her to the sexy six-foot-four bouncer and underground MMA fighter Mateo Tres Santos. Although they’ve led different lives, their troubled pasts bonds them in both survival and love.

Mateo is ex-army who wound up in prison for assaulting the man who harmed his sister. Now he’s feeling the same protective impulse for this petite blond waitress. When Evelyn experiences a panic attack at the club, Mateo comes to her rescue. And when Mateo is wounded shielding her from a brawl, Evelyn returns the favor and comes to his aid.

As their attraction intensifies, Mateo is determined to find out what nightmares are lurking in Evelyn’s past—even if that means tackling his own to save her.



 Purchase your copy today: Amazon | Barnes and Noble |Kobo | iTunes

Other Books Available in Series





About the Author:


CECY (pronounced Sessy) ROBSON is the new adult and contemporary romance author of the Shattered Past series, the O’Brien Family novels and upcoming Carolina Beach novels, as well as the award-winning author of the Weird Girls urban fantasy romance series. A 2016 double nominated RITA® finalist for Once Pure and Once Kissed, Cecy is a recovering Jersey girl living in the South who enjoys carbs way too much, and exercise way too little. Gifted and cursed with an overactive imagination, you can typically find her on her laptop silencing the yappy characters in her head by telling their stories.

Connect with Cecy online:








And if the sale wasn't enough, Cecy is also offering up a freecopy of book two in the series, Once Loved to one lucky winner. You guys, this is the perfect time to start this series! Don't miss out, grab book one and then enter for a chance to win book two!


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Wednesday, December 7, 2016

WoW Pick of the Week!



Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It is a chance to share those new releases were are super anxious to get our hands on and read.


I fell in love with this series after the first book and was completely and utterly hooked. I can not wait for this next installment and I'm hoping like heck it won't be the last one. Seriously, if you haven't tried it yet, do it, now, run! Truly, so. Freaking. Good.





Book Description:


New York Times bestselling author Anne Bishop returns to her world of the Others, as humans struggle to survive in the shadow of shapeshifters and vampires far more powerful than themselves…

After a human uprising was brutally put down by the Elders—a primitive and lethal form of the Others—the few cities left under human control are far-flung. And the people within them now know to fear the no-man’s-land beyond their borders—and the darkness…

As some communities struggle to rebuild, Lakeside Courtyard has emerged relatively unscathed, though Simon Wolfgard, its wolf shifter leader, and blood prophet Meg Corbyn must work with the human pack to maintain the fragile peace. But all their efforts are threatened when Lieutenant Montgomery’s shady brother arrives, looking for a free ride and easy pickings.

With the humans on guard against one of their own, tensions rise, drawing the attention of the Elders, who are curious about the effect such an insignificant predator can have on a pack. But Meg knows the dangers, for she has seen in the cards how it will all end—with her standing beside a grave.















Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Blog Tour Book Review: Island of Glass by Nora Roberts

I'm so excited to be a part of the Island of Glass blog tour because not only do I love Nora but, I've loved this trilogy from the very beginning and I couldn't of asked for a better ending to it. Nora's PNRs are always fun but this was definitely a favorite, it is sad to see it end but so satisfying with the way it did end. I strongly urge you to check it out if you haven't yet.





Released Date: December 6, 2016
Published By: Berkley
Book Three in the Guardians Trilogy
(ARC copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)


Book Description:

The final Guardians Trilogy novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Bay of Sighs and Stars of Fortune.

As the hunt for the Star of Ice leads the six guardians to Ireland, Doyle, the immortal, must face his tragic past. Three centuries ago, he closed off his heart, yet his warrior spirit is still drawn to the wild. And there’s no one more familiar with the wild than Riley—and the wolf within her…

An archaeologist, Riley is no stranger to the coast of Clare, but now she finds herself on unsure footing, targeted by the dark goddess who wants more than the stars, more than the blood of the guardians. While searching through Irish history for clues that will lead them to the final star and the mysterious Island of Glass, Riley must fight her practical nature and admit her sudden attraction to Doyle is more than just a fling. For it is his strength that will sustain her and give her the power to run towards love—and save them all…








About the Author:




Nora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels, including The Obsession, The Liar, The Collector, Whiskey Beach and coming in June 2017, Come Sundown. She is also the author of the futuristic suspense In Death series written under the pen name J.D. Robb. There are more than 500 million copies of her books in print.








I have loved this series from the very first book and even though I have loved them and all its characters, Riley and Doyle's story, was the one I have been most looking forward to and I can say with absolute honesty, that it did not disappoint. It was worth every single moment of waiting to finally be able to get their story and inside their heads. 

Like I mentioned before, I've loved all the characters so far, it is almost impossible not to but I knew that these two rough and tough, slightly jaded and calloused characters were going to be the real heart of the story and I wasn't wrong. I absolutely loved finally getting, not only, their backstories and history, but what they were really thinking and feeling about their mission, their role in it, and of course, each other. Plus as an extra bonus, we still got all the characters that we've already fallen in love with and this just made me love them even more as well. 

This was such a great conclusion to the series, full of twists and turn and surprises and tender moments as well as lots of the action we love, this very well might be one of my most favorite ones by Roberts yet. It is definitely one that will stick with me and I won't soon be forgetting.  








*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*