Garden of Thorns by Amber Mitchell

Posted on by lynndellwatson

30118749

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Thanks to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review Garden of Thorns by Amber Mitchell! The story begins by showing the setting of captured girls and young women kept in cages. Some women are forced to entertain, they are called flowers, while their cage mates, called the wilted, take the punishment when the flowers do something wrong. The captured young girls are being trained to become flowers or wilted when they are teenagers and the cycle continues with young girls being kidnapped, trained and eventually taking the places of the flowers and wilted that are no longer serving their entertainment purposes and are expired or killed. The Gardener runs the Garden with a strict hand and his helper, Shears, enjoys the violence and gladly harms the entertainers. Entertaining is forbidden by the Emperor of Imperial City, but he has seemed to have recently changed his mind. After Rose’s friend Fern is killed, Rose decides to plan a distraction during entertaining the emperor so she can escape and eventually free all of the other girls. Rose uses a member of the audience as a hostage and runs. Little does she know that her hostage is the leader of the rebellion against the Emperor, Rayce. Rose is harboring a secret and she’s terrified to trust any man. She also has a lot to learn about the rebellion and the histories of the people involved. The intrigue and secrecy kept me interested and I liked the unique story line. I grew to care about several of the characters and found myself rooting for them when they were up against danger. I figured out some of the back story on my own, but not all and I appreciated the unpredictability-4 stars!

Losing Kyler: Cover Reveal and Giveaway

Posted on by lynndellwatson

Cover Reveal Losing Kyler by Siobhan Davis

losing-kyler

Today is the cover reveal for Losing Kyler by Siobhan Davis. This cover reveal is organized by Lola’s Blog Tours.

 

Losing Kyler (The Kennedy Boys #2)

by Siobhan Davis

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Age category: Upper Young Adult

Release Date: 27 March, 2017

Blurb:

Condemned to repeat the sins of the past…

Faye thought losing her parents was the most devastating thing to happen to her, but she was wrong. Her uncle’s scandalous revelation has sent her into a tailspin, leaving her questioning her entire existence.

Everything she believed is built on a lie.

And the one person she shares a passionate, soul-deep connection with can’t be there for her.

Faye and Ky can’t be together. It’s forbidden. Though they are determined to avoid replicating their parents’ mistakes, caving to their feelings is as tempting as the apple in the Garden of Eden.

Ky had sworn off girls until Faye bulldozed her way into his life. Now, she’s his whole world, and their forced separation is crushing him. Once his manipulative ex resurfaces—hellbent on ruining the Kennedys—he’ll do whatever it takes to protect his loved ones including turning his back on the one person he can’t live without.

Then tragedy strikes and all bets are off.

But is it too late?

When Faye needs him and he isn’t there for her, guilt and hurt threaten to obliterate their love. As they start to rebuild their fractured hearts, another sordid family secret is uncovered, and Faye worries Ky may be lost to her forever.

But can you truly lose someone if they don’t want to be found?

You can find Losing Kyler on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32950654-losing-kyler

You can pre-order Losing Kyler on Amazon: http://smarturl.it/LosingKylerAmazon
Losing Kyler pre-order gift!

preorder-bonus-gift-banner

If you pre-order Losing Kyler you can sign-up to receive free bonus content for this series. Not available to purchase or download anywhere else! All you need to do is pre-order Losing Kyler and then complete this form: Free Bonus Content

LOSING KYLER EXCERPT

In this moment, I hate my mother, and I’m mad as all hell that she isn’t here for me to yell at. To demand she tell me the Goddamned truth and explain why she thought it was such a good idea to lie about virtually every facet of my life. My hands ball into fists at my sides, and I’m barely holding it together.

“I also discovered that he was working for a firm in Belfast at the time your mother told you she met him. He wasn’t working locally, Faye. There’s no way Saoirse could’ve met him in the way she described to you.”

Liar! How could she do this to me!

I don’t even know who I am anymore, and every memory I have of my parents is tarnished by the knowledge that it was a fabrication. That I was being lied to every single day of my life.

Why? Were they ever planning on telling me the truth?

Hopping up, enraged and upset, and struggling with a million other emotions, I sweep the contents of my dresser clear across the floor. Picking up the stool, I fling it across the room, watching as it smashes against the wall, the sounds of splintering wood adding to James’s  shocked gasps. Tears erupt from my eyes, and my cries fill the room as I slump to the ground, sobbing uncontrollably into my hands.

Ky kneels down, gently wrapping his arms around me from behind. His limbs are tense, his arms a little stiff, and I feel it too—the lure of his warmth and the call of his body battling against what we’ve been told, forcing us to maintain a certain distance.

“Kyler.” James’s voice contains clear warning.

“Shut up, Dad. She needs me, and I’m only comforting her. You’re the one who fucked up here, not us. And you’re a damn hypocrite to criticize us after all you’ve done.”

Ky’s statement is paradoxical in part, because the truth is more complex than that. Is James the hypocrite or are we? I don’t know what to think anymore. I massage my temples, digging my fingers into my skin with brutal intensity, welcoming the pressure. What is right and what is wrong? I’m not sure I know anymore, and my jumbled brain is incapable of constructing logical thought patterns.

 

Cover Reveal Keeping Kyler!

And as a bonus here’s the cover for book 3, Keeping Kyler!

keeping-kyler

You can find Keeping Kyler on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32950665-keeping-kyler

You can pre-order Keeping Kyler on Amazon: http://smarturl.it/KeepingKylerAmazon

 

Start this series with Finding Kyler!

finding-kyler

Two fractured hearts and a forbidden love they can’t deny.

Finding Kyler is the first book in the Kennedy Boys series! You can add Finding Kyler to your to-read list on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32827843-finding-kyler

Buy your copy of Finding Kyler on Amazon for only $0.99: https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Kyler-Kennedy-Boys-Book-ebook/dp/B01NBH8DZF/

siobhan

About the Author:

Siobhan Davis writes emotionally intense young adult fiction with swoon-worthy romance, complex characters, and tons of unexpected plot twists and turns that will have you flipping the pages beyond bedtime! She is the author of the Amazon bestselling True Calling and Saven series.

Siobhan’s family will tell you she’s a little bit obsessive when it comes to reading and writing, and they aren’t wrong. She can rarely be found without her trusty Kindle, a paperback book, or her laptop somewhere close at hand.

Prior to becoming a full-time writer, Siobhan forged a successful corporate career in human resource management.

She resides in the Garden County of Ireland with her husband and two sons.

You can find and contact Siobhan here:

– Website: http://www.siobhandavis.com

– Blog: http://myyanabookobsession.com/

– Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSiobhanDavis/

– Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/siobhandavis

– Google +: http://www.google.com/+SiobhanDavisAuthor

– Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siobhandavisauthor/

– Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8390357.Siobhan_Davis

– Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Siobhan-Davis/e/B00M8JJ8IG

– Kennedy Boys Newsletter: http://smarturl.it/KennedyBoysList

 

Giveaway

There is a cover reveal wide giveaway for the cover reveal of Losing Kyler. There will be two winners. Open Internationally. The prizes are below:

– One signed paperback of Finding Kyler

– One $10 Amazon gift card

For a chance to win enter the rafflecopter below:

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

banner-lolas-blog-tours

 

Off the Ice by Julie Cross

Posted on by lynndellwatson

30760780

Actually, 4.5 stars!
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Thanks to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the opportunity to read and review Off the Ice by Julie Cross. This first book in her Juniper Falls series is told by Tate and Claire through alternating points of view beginning in the prologue. The story picks up one year later in Chapter One. Claire is two years older than Tate and she has taken a semester off of college because her dad has an inoperable brain tumor and she wants to be with him and help him and her mother. Tate is a high school junior and a varsity hockey player. The two have known each other since they were children and now their friendship is growing into something more. Tate feels like he has to live with his father overshadowing everything he does and it’s suffocating him. Tate and Claire each have their own problems to deal with while trying to figure out their relationship and their future plans. A mature and realistic story line shows that being a young adult isn’t always easy and the people around you are either helpful or harmful. 4.5 stars for a young adult story with the gritty situations that make it feel real!

Weariland by Mary Shotwell

Posted on by lynndellwatson

516udmkwi5l-_sy346_

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Thanks to YA Bound Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review Weariland by Mary Shotwell! This fairy tale retelling of Alice in Wonderland kept me riveted. The suspense, danger, mystery and riddles pulled me in so strongly that I wanted to read the book in one sitting. Lason (like Jason with an L) is a descendant of the first Alice that fell into Wonderland (now called Weariland because of the dreariness) many generations ago. The author’s creative imagination changed Wonderland in many ways that I could have never dreamed of, such as the changing of the execution style. Instead of “off with their heads”, the Queen devised a horrible simple machine to take the prisoners feet off. We get to see more of the White Rabbit’s home and family and there is deception from the past in Lason’s family. Her grandmother disappears and Lason dives right into Weariland to solve the mystery and has to figure out everything on her own. I’m glad that Lason’s mother became stronger for her daughter as the story progressed. I grew to care for her as much as I cared for Lason. The danger and suspense kept me hooked – 4 stars!

Ward Against Death by Melanie Card

Posted on by lynndellwatson

11796405-_uy750_ss750_

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Thanks to NetGalley and Entangled Teen for the opportunity to read and review Ward Against Death by Melanie Card! Ward, a necromancer, and Celia, an assassin meet and against all odds become teammates working together to find out who killed Celia. Ward is a physician who is not allowed by law to practice medicine, so he uses his skills to wake recently deceased people to talk to them for a short time and find answers about their deaths. He was performing a wake on Celia for her family. When she woke, she escaped because she was determined to find her killer. The wake should last only fifteen minutes but Celia stays awake longer! A broad mix of symbolism and magic create a dark sense and the humor lightens the story; 4 stars for an interesting mix of fantasy and supernatural fiction and fun characters!

Streaks of Blue by Jack Chaucer

Posted on by lynndellwatson

33148109

 

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Thanks to Jack Chaucer for the opportunity to read and review his book, Streaks of Blue, book one of the Nikki White series! Nikki is befriending two students that she suspects need friends to prevent them from committing a horrendous act of violence after she has a dream that she feels is a premonition. Adam appreciates Nikki but Thomas doesn’t. Nikki discovers, along with Adam, how much Adam is truly dealing with. Through the ups and downs of friendship, Nikki and Adam grow and realize that people’s decisions are what make them, develop who they become and create the life they are living. The story pulls at the heart with emotions, startles the heart with suspense and washes away burden and brings out hope for our future. 5 stars for an honest and open story of realistic fiction and circumstances of real life. I appreciate the author’s nod to a fellow author, Cheryl Strayed and her memoir of her struggles and overcoming them. I look forward to reading the rest of the Nikki White series!

Any Boy But You by Julie Hammerle

Posted on by lynndellwatson

33863703

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Thanks to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the opportunity to read and review Any Boy But You by Julie Hammerle, which is the first book in the North Pole series! In the Minnesota town of North Pole, the town that celebrates Christmas year round, two sporting goods stores are competing for business. The two stores have been owned by the same families for fifty years and have been archenemies for decades. The families are both dealing with their own problems and difficulties among the business competition and within their families. We get to know the main characters, Elena and Oliver, well because of the alternating points of view. I enjoyed reading about the creative ideas that both businesses came up with to help gain customers, such as a North Pole version of Pokemon Go and the seasonal themes of both stores. This cute romantic story earns a 4 star rating from me for a diverse set of supporting characters and a unique setting!

Configured by Jenetta Penner

Posted on by lynndellwatson

32065903

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Configured by Jenetta Penner is about Avlyn who lives in an all out dystopian society that does not allow anyone to choose their careers or future spouses, stilts all emotions and will not allow relationships with anyone that you cared about or knew before you became an adult. Avlyn’s twin brother, Ben, died when he was four years old and she doesn’t understand why. She misses him daily and wants to know what happened to cause his death. Anytime she asks questions about Ben, her foster parents become angry and tell her to not cause problems for the two of them. They do not seem to care about Avlyn at all, once they have completed their duty of raising her. Avlyn is asked to join a rebellion and actually feels like she has been pushed into it at the beginning. She eventually sees more of what is happening in her society and begins to understand that a rebellion is necessary. Configured is a science fiction, action-adventure in a dystopian society with an intense rebellion in the making – 4 stars for originality!

Guardian of Secrets by Brenda Drake

Posted on by lynndellwatson

29939285

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Thanks to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the opportunity to read and review Guardian of Secrets by Brenda Drake! This second book in the Library Jumpers series is as awesome as the first book, Thief of Lies. The beginning of the book reacquaints us with the characters and adventures that took place in the first book. Gia and her comrades are trying to blend into a regular human lifestyle while continuing the search for the keys. Gia isn’t sure who she can trust and, at times in the story, who is deserving of her trust is unpredictable. Gia also meets someone who she thought was no longer alive. Her heart also goes on a roller coaster ride and back and forth between two guys that she deeply cares for. This story stretches Gia and her capabilities, but she hangs in there and becomes stronger because of it! I rate Guardian of Secrets 5 stars for action, intrigue and a fun fantasy adventure!

Shadows of the Forest by Emma Michaels

Posted on by lynndellwatson

32060797

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Thanks to YA Bound Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review Shadows of the Forest by Emma Michaels! A mystery is surrounding a set of twins. The story begins with their injuries and the brother sacrificing his life to save his twin sister so she can heal and live. This fantastically written story uses beautiful prose to bring “a pocket realm” alive in a forest full of mysterious creatures and their unknown tales. The twins have lived a tragic life and they just want happiness and what’s best for each other and they will sacrifice everything to help the other twin. This heartbreaking, enchanting tale of what it truly means to be family and share unconditional love brought tears to my eyes and warmth to my heart. I give this book 5 stars for dynamic characters and a beautiful setting!