Sophie Reads YA: April 2019

April

April Summary

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Blitz

Release Day Blitz: Who Wants Forever by Dena Garson (+INTL Giveaway)

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I am so excited that WHO WANTS FORVER by Dena Garson is available now and that I get to share the news!

If you haven’t yet heard about this wonderful book by Author Dena Garson, be sure to check out all the details below.

This blitz also includes a giveaway for a $10 Amazon Gift Card, International, courtesy of Dena and Rockstar Book Tours. So if you’d like a chance to win, enter in the Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post.

Title: WHO WANTS FORVER

Author: Dena Garson

Pub. Date: April 30, 2019

Publisher: Dena Garson

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Pages: 201

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, iBooks, Kobo

Tullamore…

A castle-turned-hotel rich in Irish history…And things that go bump in the night

After centuries of searching for his heartmate Amarande Maniaci signs up for the Bachelor Trials being held at Tullamore Castle by the Vampire Council of Lords in hopes that he’ll find a satisfactory mate. On the first night of the competition he spots a woman who sparks life in his long dead heart. No matter how much he tries to remain focused on his goal, he cannot fight his attraction to Reaghan. It is a shame she is human...or so he thinks…

When Reaghan’s cousin, the fae queen, asked her to travel to the human realm and find the daughter of one of the First Families, she hoped she could make it through the vampire clan meetings undetected and unscathed. She didn't count on being distracted by Amarande, the lethal, yet oh so sexy vampire enforcer. If only he wasn’t a vampire…

But the threat of another vampire-war war looms. If Reaghan doesn’t return in time with the information the queen needs, the three hundred year old peace treaty between the races could fail. But a fae disguised as a human, looking for a missing fae, without the use of her powers is a lot harder that it seems. Especially when someone doesn’t want news of the girl making its way back to the queen.

Reaghan and Amarande’s new found love may be the only thing standing between the real villain and a world on fire.

Book Trailer:

Excerpt:

Lord Edrom’s gaze danced between them. “You two have met before, yes?”

Reaghan shook off the effects of their initial contact. “Yes.” She pulled her violin close to her chest. “I mean, no.”

Lord Edrom raised a brow in question.

“I mean,” She gestured at the man. “I saw you in the lobby last night as I was checking in but we were not introduced.”

“Ah.” Lord Edrom nodded. “Then allow me.” He gestured to the taller vampire. “This is Amarande Maniaci. He is one of our clan’s up and coming.” To Amarande he added, “And this, as you already learned, is Mademoiselle McCarthy, our guest musician.”

Reaghan offered her hand to Amarande. “It’s nice to meet you.” When their hands touched a wave of electricity passed through her. Her lips parted on a gasp but he tightened his grip and wouldn’t allow her to pull away.

Instead of shaking her hand, he bowed slightly over her it. “I assure you, the pleasure is all mine.” Unless she was very much mistaken the color of his eyes changed from the palest blue to sparkling turquoise. “Your playing is magnificent. I hope you didn’t mind my joining in so unexpectedly. I found that I could not resist.”

His voice rippled across her skin like a lover’s caress. The urge to rub her body against his burned within her. “No, I…I don’t mind at all,” she reassured him. “It appears your voice is the perfect complement to my violin.”

“I just had an excellent notion. The two of you should do a duet at tonight’s dinner.” Lord Edrom glanced at his assistant as if looking for confirmation of his idea. She nodded her agreement. “I’ll leave it to you two to work out the details but I expect to hear you lend your voice for at least one song.” He gestured to Amarande with the hand holding the cane. “I believe the council and the rest of our guests would be pleasantly surprised to learn of your hidden talent. If you know what I mean?”

“I’d be happy to join Mademoiselle McCarthy, so long as she does not object.”

Her heart skipped in her chest at the thought of spending time with a vampire who was far too handsome for her comfort. Still, she was a diplomat, so she pasted a smile on her face. “I believe we can work something out.”

About Dena:

Dena Garson is an award winning author of contemporary, paranormal, fantasy, steampunk, and sci-fi romance. She holds a BBA and a MBA in Business and works in the wacky world of quality and process improvement. Making up her own reality on paper is what keeps her sane.

She is the mother of two rowdy boys and two rambunctious cats (AKA the fuzzy jerks). When she isn't writing you can find her at her at the sewing machine or stringing beads. She is also a devoted Whovian and Dallas Cowboys fan.

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will win a $10 Amazon Gift Card, INTERNATIONAL.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

2019 New Release challenge

ARC Review: Bloodwitch (The Witchlands #3) by Susan Dennard

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Bloodwitch
Series: The Witchlands #3
Author: Susan Dennard
Published February 21st 2019 by Tor

Goodreads Synopsis
Bloodwitch is the third book in the stunning Witchlands series by Susan Dennard, perfect for fans of Robin Hobb and Trudi Canavan.

Loyalties will be tested as never before.

The Raider King's plans to claim the Witchlands are under way. Now, his forces sow terror in the mountains, slaughtering innocents. After finding the slain, Aeduan and Iseult race for safety. And despite differing goals, they've grown to trust one another in the fight to survive. Yet the Bloodwitch keeps a secret that could change everything . . .

When Merik sacrifices himself to save his friends, he is captured by the Fury. However, Merik isn't one to give up easily, and he'll do whatever it takes to save those he loves. And in Marstok, Safi the Truthwitch agrees to help the empress uncover a rebellion. But those implicated are killed and Safi becomes desperate for freedom.

War has come once more to the Witchlands. Perhaps if Safi and Iseult were united, their powers could bring peace. But chaos is not easily tamed.
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. This in no way impacted on my view.

I have adored all of Susan's books that I've read before, and I don't know why, but I sort of put off reading this book, just in case it didn't live up to expectations, but it's safe to say that it really did - I loved it!

Following the events of Windwitch, all of our heroes are scattered across the continent. Merik sacrificed himself to save others, and in doing so, cleaved, which means his powers are unstable, and he is at risk of being used by those who wish to harm others. He's battling against himself to reclaim control, and get back to those he loves, including Safi. Safi, in turn, has been wrecked in an 'accident', and must work with the empress to discover who it is who's trying to kill the empress and herself. As they grow closer to uncovering one mystery, Iseult and Aeduan have their own mystery on their hands, and even though they are sworn enemies, the tension and chemistry that has been there throughout the past books comes to a head, and they become a lot closer too.

One thing I've got to say is how fantastic Susan is at world building. All out characters are in different parts of the world, and yet they are all unique - which is a rare thing in YA fantasy at times. Sometimes I wished I was in the world, and then at others, I really didn't. From the backstory of the war, to the magic systems, and politics, everything is so well planned, that I sometimes struggle to read other fantasy books, when they just don't compare.

The characters are all fantastic too. Iseult is my favourite, with Safi in a close second, and though this book was mainly Aeduan's - I do love him too - Iseult really comes into her own, and starts to show her strength and self-reliance in a way we haven't seen in previous books. Also, her relationship with Aeduan really develops, and I ship them so much! I need more from them in the next two books (thank god we're getting two more!). Safi seemed to be a bit quiet, to me at least, in this book, but I think after all the hassle she's had in past books - Merek too - they both deserve a little quiet time. Not to say they didn't do anything, as they were definitely tying together some loose odds, but in comparison to Iseult and Aeduan, they had less of a pivotal role to play this time around.

The ending is a killer, mind, and I can't believe I have to wait so long for book 4, but I guess I'll just have to be patient! If you haven't read any of Sooz's books - go a buy a copy of them, and enjoy!

Dates Read:

February 10-14, 2019

Rating
5 Stars

April

Stacking the Shelves: April 27th 2019

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#RockMyTBR 2017 Challenge

Review: The Traitor's Kiss (The Traitor's Circle #1) by Erin Beaty

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The Traitor's Kiss
Series: The Traitor's Circle #1
Author: Erin Beaty
Published May 9th 2017 by Imprint

Goodreads Synopsis
An obstinate girl who will not be married. A soldier desperate to prove himself. A kingdom on the brink of war.

With a sharp tongue and an unruly temper, Sage Fowler is not what they’d call a lady―which is perfectly fine with her. Deemed unfit for marriage, Sage is apprenticed to a matchmaker and tasked with wrangling other young ladies to be married off for political alliances. She spies on the girls―and on the soldiers escorting them.

As the girls' military escort senses a political uprising, Sage is recruited by a handsome soldier to infiltrate the enemy ranks. The more she discovers as a spy, the less certain she becomes about whom to trust―and Sage becomes caught in a dangerous balancing act that will determine the fate of her kingdom.
Goodreads

Review
I honestly can't remember how I first heard about this book, but it is quite honestly one of my all time favourites, and I'm so glad that I ordered a copy! I'm going to say it already that if you haven't read this book, you seriously need to - it is fantastic!

Orphaned at a young age, Sage Fowler has being living with her aunt and uncle, helping to teach and care for her cousins, when she is told she must either marry, or find another occupation and leave the household. As a member of the aristocracy, she visits the premier matchmaker in the land - through who all good marriages take place - and is told that her wit and sharpness, as well as her temper, would make her wholly unsuitable for marriage. Unlike what most girls would probably be thinking, Sage loves this fact, as she had no wish to marry anywhere. However, the matchmaker, Darnessa, sees potential in Sage, and chooses her to be her new apprentice, making the long journey to the capital with all the other eligible ladies who actually are looking to marry. Sage is to pose as a prospective bride, and learn all about the ladies, in order for the best matches to occur. As there is a large caravan of young ladies making the long journey, they are to be escorted by highly trained soldiers, led by Captain Alexander Quinn. Alex has a secret mission that he has to complete during the journey, and at first thinks the ladies with be a hindrance. However, he soon realises that Sage could be a big help to him, and working undercover, they discover a plot that could bring down the entire government, centering on the Concordium Brides. As they work to find out all the key details that will help them succeed, they realise they are falling for each other, which was definitely not in any of their plans.

Like I said earlier, this was a book that I can’t even remember why I ordered my copy, but I’m so glad I did. I’ve re-read it so many times, and there’s nothing about it that I dislike. The world building is shown to us in drips and drabs, as is the history of the empire. I felt like this was the right way for us to learn about it, rather than being inundated with loads of information at the beginning, that would just turn me off the book. We also learn about why the girls who are taking part in the Concordium do so at a certain age, and why Darnessa, the matchmaker, has such a pivotal role in society.

Sage is one of my all time favourite characters, and though some people may say that her change over the course of the book was out of character, but for me, it was just her growing in herself, and discovering who she actually was, after having a turbulent childhood. After seeing her parents love, being an unmatched couple, she thought the fact that being matched was such an important aspect in society, was abhorrent. After the deaths of her parents, and living with her aunt and uncle, who wants her to be married off as soon as possible, she sabotages her matching interview, but endears herself to Darnessa. Darnessa sees her value, and asks her to masquerade as a prospective bride, in order to somewhat spy on the girls and learn more about them, but also to learn about the nobles at the homes they'll be staying at on the way to the Capital. An educator at heart, when she meets the soldiers escorting them to the capital, and learns that one of the young sergeants can't read or write, she automatically jumps at the chance to teach him, also use him to spy on the army. However, the sergeant - codename Mouse - is spying on Sage in return, and when they realise that there is more at state than just some weddings, they work together, and grow close, in order to stop the treasonous plot.

There were so many twists and turns in this book that I couldn't possibly mention them all, and some would be spoilers to do so as well. All I can say is that I've now read this book so many times, that it remains one of my all time favourites, and I want everyone to read it, ASAP!

Dates Read:
July 11-13, 2017

Rating
5 Stars

Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Waiting on Wednesday: The Lovely and the Lost by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

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Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pick is:

The Lovely and the Lost
Series: None
Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Published May 7th 2019 by Freeform

Goodreads Summary
Kira Bennett’s earliest memories are of living alone and wild in the woods. She has no idea how long she was on her own or what she had to do to survive, but she remembers the moment that Cady Bennett and one of her search-and-rescue dogs found her perfectly. Adopted into the Bennett family, Kira still struggles with human interaction years later, but she excels at the family business: search-and-rescue. Along with Cady’s son, Jude, and their neighbor, Free, Kira works alongside Cady to train the world’s most elite search-and-rescue dogs. Someday, all three teenagers hope to put their skills to use, finding the lost and bringing them home.

But when Cady’s estranged father, the enigmatic Bales Bennett, tracks his daughter down and asks for her help in locating a missing child—one of several visitors who has disappeared in the Sierra Glades National Park in the past twelve months—the teens find themselves on the frontlines sooner than they could have ever expected. As the search through 750,000 acres of unbridled wilderness intensifies, Kira becomes obsessed with finding the missing child. She knows all too well what it’s like to be lost in the wilderness, fighting for survival, alone.

But this case isn’t simple. There is more afoot than a single, missing girl, and Kira’s memories threaten to overwhelm her at every turn. As the danger mounts and long-held family secrets come to light, Kira is forced to question everything she thought she knew about her adopted family, her true nature, and her past.

Goodreads

Why I'm waiting:

Every single one of Jen's books that I've read has been fantastic, and this one looks no different. I can't wait to read it!

Are you waiting for this book? Have you already read it? Let me know :)

2018 Contemporary Romance Challenge

ARC Review: You'd Be Mine by Erin Hahn

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You'd Be Mine
Series: None
Author: Erin Hahn
Published April 2nd 2019 by Wednesday Books

Goodreads Synopsis
Annie Mathers is America’s sweetheart and heir to a country music legacy full of all the things her Gran warned her about. Superstar Clay Coolidge is most definitely going to end up one of those things.

But unfortunately for Clay, if he can’t convince Annie to join his summer tour, his music label is going to drop him. That’s what happens when your bad boy image turns into bad boy reality. Annie has been avoiding the spotlight after her parents’ tragic death, except on her skyrocketing YouTube channel. Clay’s label wants to land Annie, and Clay has to make it happen.

Swayed by Clay’s undeniable charm and good looks, Annie and her band agree to join the tour. From the start fans want them to be more than just tour mates, and Annie and Clay can’t help but wonder if the fans are right. But if there’s one part of fame Annie wants nothing to do with, it’s a high-profile relationship. She had a front row seat to her parents’ volatile marriage and isn’t interested in repeating history. If only she could convince her heart that Clay, with his painful past and head over heels inducing tenor, isn’t worth the risk.
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. This in no way impacted on my view.

This was a book that I hadn't initially heard much about, but will admit that the gorgeous cover is one of the main reasons I sent in the NetGalley request, and I'm really glad I did, as You'd Be Mine was such a quick and enjoyable read, especially considering I read this in November, when the weather wasn't the best, and was looking for a book somewhat similar to A Star is Born.

In You'd Be Mine, Annie, who's parents had both been country music stars, is America's Sweetheart, but just because she comes from such a musical family, doesn't mean everything is handed to her on a platter. She has to work for her career, and it's a good thing she loves singing and performing. However, she knows exactly what that lifestyle can do to a person, and she needs to do anything to avoid making the same mistakes her parents did. Clay, on the other hand, is not a sweetheart, but rather a bad boy, who's fallen to the vices that can plague stars, and he seriously needs to clean up his act. When the record label decides that their two biggest acts - Annie and Clay - should perform and tour together, it's as if its a train wreck waiting to happen, but instead, magic and chemistry could save the day.

I really liked both characters, Annie more than Clay, and enjoyed how they were complex people, with difficult backstories that we began to see as they grow closer to each other. From the off, there is chemistry between the two, and they both try to fight it, for different reasons, but it's just too much and, honestly, they're better people together. Facing their difficult pasts, and knowing that the other person understands the pressure they're under, allows each character to grow, and they are really realistic in the way they face each issue.

Now, country music has never really been a big genre for me - I don't know if it's just because it doesn't exactly have a huge following here in the UK - but I did like the way the music was fully integrated into the plot, and it felt natural to be reading the lyrics on the page. I'm definitely glad I requested this book, and am looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.

Dates Read:
November 24-25, 2018

Rating
4 Stars

April

Stacking the Shelves: April 20th 2019

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#RockMyTBR 2017 Challenge

Review: Just Friends by Tiffany Pitcock

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Just Friends
Series: None
Author: Tiffany Pitcock
Published August 1st 2017 by Swoon Reads

Goodreads Synopsis
Jenny meets Chance for the very first time when she is assigned as his partner in their Junior Oral Communications class. But after they rescue a doomed assignment with one clever lie, the whole school is suddenly convinced that Little-Miss-Really-Likes-Having-A’s and the most scandalous heartbreaker in school have been best friends forever. It’s amazing how quickly a lie can grow―especially when you really, really want it to be the truth.

With Jenny, Chance can live the normal life he’s always kind of wanted. And with Chance, Jenny can have the exciting teen experiences that TV shows and movies have always promised. Through it all, they hold on to the fact that they are “just friends.” But that might be the biggest lie of all.
Goodreads

Review
I read this book way back in August 2017, and can still remember just how swoony it made me feel, and how much I loved Jenny and Chase's relationship. Both had never met each other before, but when they were partnered together in a class, and the first assignment was was to get to know each other. However, they mess around, and when it comes to submitting their assignment, they flub their answer, and act as if they've always known each other, and make up a backstory for everyone else to believe. However, from that one little lie, people believe they've been best friends forever, and it soon becomes like reality. Except for the fact that it was all a lie. Chase and Jenny, not really knowing each other, can reinvent themselves and not have to be the person that life has tried to mould them into. The chemistry between each other is undeniable, and when Jenny starts to date someone else, it soon turns toxic, and she has to turn back to Chase, and rely on him like she has no-one else.

I think I preferred Chase more than Jenny in this book. Jenny I enjoyed at first, but once she got with Drake - which was a disgustingly toxic relationship - she became someone I just didn't like. She knew from early on she like Chase, but pushed herself into this relationship with Drake, who pushed her into going further than she wanted - even acting like she owed him sex, when she really didn't - and actively said she didn't want to. However, and I do hate this, when she was with Chase, she was much better. I'm not saying he made her a better person - which is awful - but I think that Drake had made her worse, and in turn she was an awful friend for it. That being said, Jenny and Chase were really cute together, and the premise was fantastic, but the whole Drake aspect is what brought the rating of this one down.

Dates Read:

August 9, 2017

Rating
4 Stars