Best of the Bunch May 2013

So, it's that time again- May is over and it's time to write up monthly wrap-up posts, and review the past month.

May 2013

I have the flu, and so May has been a bit of a duff month for me for blogging again. I have no book reviews to share, but I still really want to catch up with what has been happening with everybody.

So link up your monthly wrap-up posts below, let us all know what books you have been reading/ reviewing, and be sure to nominate one of them your pick for "Best of the Bunch".

I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone has been up to, and finding ever more book recommendations!


Hopefully June will be a better month for me again.





Thanks for stopping by!

Wishlist Wednesday #29

Wishlist Wednesday is a weekly book blog hop hosted by Dani at Pen to Paper where we will post about a book that has been on our wishlist for some time, or just added, that we can't wait to get off the wishlist and onto our bookshelves.

I LOVE Alex Flinn's books- I have read Beastly, A Kiss in Time and Cloaked, and I just adore the modern twist on old fairytales, with plenty of humour and romance thrown in. The heroines are always feisty and the hero is always flawed and sweet, with dialogue that makes me laugh out loud. 
Her newest book is a reimagining of Rapunzel and I think it sounds amazing!

Towering by Alex Flinn
Goodreads

At first, I merely saw his face, his hands on the window ledge. Then, his whole body as he swung himself through the window. Only I could not see what he swung on.
Until, one day, I told my dream self to look down. And it was then that I saw. He had climbed on a rope. I knew without asking that the rope had been one of my own tying.

Rachel is trapped in a tower, held hostage by a woman she’s always called Mama. Her golden hair is growing rapidly, and to pass the time, she watches the snow fall and sings songs from her childhood, hoping someone, anyone, will hear her. 

Wyatt needs time to reflect or, better yet, forget about what happened to his best friend, Tyler. That’s why he’s been shipped off to the Adirondacks in the dead of winter to live with the oldest lady in town. Either that, or no one he knows ever wants to see him again.

Dani disappeared seventeen years ago without a trace, but she left behind a journal that’s never been read, not even by her overbearing mother…until now. 

What do you think? Has anybody read it already? 
Thanks for stopping by!

Sunday Post 19th May 2013

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba at The Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It's a chance to share news~ to recap the past week on the blog, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.

I got a few new books this week-

From the library:

• Earth Girl by Janet Edwards. The first book in a YA sci-fi series.

For review:

• Ghost Light by E.J Stevens (Ivy Granger series, book 2). This is due to be published on July 7th this year. Thanks to the author for my review copy, who will also be giving away copies of this series here on the blog on July 7th. 

Bought:
I also bought 4 new book bargains from the Works bookshop- I have already read them from the library but I love them- Under the Never Sky and Through the Ever Night (new covers) by Veronica Rossi, and Evercrossed and Everlasting by Elizabeth Chandler. I definitely have a book buying problem!

Another week where I just haven't had the time to write or blog, but I feel so frustrated with myself- I always have all these good intentions to get all these posts written up! Working a full time job gets in the way! I have been taking part in the Clean Sweep challenge though, and reading through my ARCs.

I posted an Interview with Allison Rushby about her new book The Heiresses
I wished for The Rules on Wishlist Wednesday


I have read so many amazing books lately- I will try and post some book reviews next week.

What new book goodies came into your home this week?

Wishlist Wednesday #28

Wishlist Wednesday is a weekly book blog hop hosted by Dani at Pen to Paper where we will post about a book that has been on our wishlist for some time, or just added, that we can't wait to get off the wishlist and onto our bookshelves.

I love the sound of this book- a sci-fi dystopian novel just relesaed this year. I have read and loved The Ghost and the Goth by Stacey Kade, and I think this one sounds awesome too.

The Rules by Stacey Kade (Project Paper Doll, book 1)
Goodreads
Five simple rules. Ariane Tucker has followed them since the night she escaped from the genetics lab where she was created, the result of combining human and extraterrestrial DNA. Ariane’s survival—and that of her adoptive father—depends on her ability to blend in among the full-blooded humans in a small Wisconsin town, to hide in plain sight at her high school from those who seek to recover their lost (and expensive) “project.”

But when a cruel prank at school goes awry, it puts her in the path of Zane Bradshaw, the police chief’s son and someone who sees too much. Someone who really sees her. After years of trying to be invisible, Ariane finds the attention frightening—and utterly intoxicating. Suddenly, nothing is simple anymore, especially not the rules…

1. Never trust anyone.

2. Remember they are always searching.

3. Don’t get involved.

4. Keep your head down.

5. Don’t fall in love.

What do you think? Have you read it already? Send me a link to your review!

Interview and giveaway: The Heiresses by Allison Rushby

I have New Adult author Allison Rushby on the blog today talking about her brand new historical novel- The Heiresses, plus a chance to win a copy of the book thanks to St Martin's Press (US/ Canada only).

About the book:

Goodreads

In Allison Rushby's Heiresses, three triplets--estranged since birth--are thrust together in glittering 1926 London to fight for their inheritance, only to learn they can’t trust anyone--least of all each other.

When three teenage girls, Thalia, Erato and Clio, are summoned to the excitement of fast-paced London--a frivolous, heady city full of bright young things--by Hestia, an aunt they never knew they had, they are shocked to learn they are triplets and the rightful heiresses to their deceased mother's fortune. All they need to do is find a way to claim the fortune from their greedy half-brother, Charles. But with the odds stacked against them, coming together as sisters may be harder than they think.

The interview:

Q. What's The Heiresses about?

A. The Heiresses revolves around triplets Thalia, Erato and Clio. Estranged since birth, they are thrust together in glittering 1926 London to fight for their inheritance. They quickly learn they can't trust anyone in their new lives – least of all each other.

I had an absolute ball writing The Heiresses with all its dramatic highs and lows. I was even lucky enough to be living in Cambridge at the time, so had the advantage of being able to research in London whenever I needed to. 

Q. What other novels in the New Adult genre would you compare The Heiresses to?

A. I think the obvious comparison is Anna Godbersen's The Luxe series, because of the historical setting and the saga-like plot. I love all her books!

Q. Where did you get the inspiration for The Heiresses?

A. This is extremely embarrassing, but I think it was actually from watching a Dr Phil show, years ago. I can't say too much as it will spoil the plot completely, but I saw a segment that involved a family and their genetic makeup and asked my husband (a medical specialist) about it all that evening. This led me to wondering how this family's scenario might have played out if genetic testing was not available to them, which is the case in The Heiresses, set in 1920s London.

Q. What was the hardest part about writing The Heiresses?

A. The most difficult part was the historical research. Although I love to read historical books and watch documentaries and historical dramas on TV, I hadn't actually written anything historical before. When I started writing, I found myself stopping after every second sentence or so to research this point and that point. After a while, I realised I had to write on and put little 'x' signs where I needed to research and go back later to do all my research in one session, or I'd never get anywhere!

Luckily, I wrote The Heiresses while living in Cambridgeshire in the UK (I usually live in Australia), so could pop on a fast train and be in London in under an hour to research anything I liked. Being so close to London was an enormous bonus – from the London Transport Museum, to simply walking around Belgrave Square, it really brought the story to life for me. I even managed to crash the village set of Downton Abbey, which was a hugely exciting day, despite the fact that it snowed (Australians don't do snow well…)!

Q. How long did it take to you to complete The Heiresses?

A. The Heiresses was a little different for me because it was contracted from only a short writing sample and a series guide. I wrote it very quickly, in under nine months (altogether, it's roughly 120,000 words). Usually I wouldn't be anywhere near this fast!

Q. Who are your favourite authors?

A. My very favourite author is P.G. Wodehouse. So much so that for Christmas I received the five book The Jeeves Omnibus set because I'd worn my old five book set out! Some other favourites are Stella Gibbons and anything at all Mitford.

Author Links:

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

The giveaway:

This book has been compared to Anna Godbersen's The Luxe series (which I love) and also Downton Abbey. 

High society, plots, and revelations. I love the sound of this book. 

St. Martin's Press are giving away 20 paperback copies of the book so enter below to be in with a chance of winning one of them. This contest is only available to residents of the US and Canada (sorry everyone else).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck, and thanks for reading!

Sunday Post 12th May 2013

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It's a chance to share news~ to recap the past week on the blog, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.

A bit of a quiet week on the blog this week...

I got one new book, but it looks like a good 'un-

• The Summer I Became A Nerd by Leah Rae Miller. Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for this one. 

I posted An interview with Lisa Voisin plus a giveaway of her book The Watcher

I wished for Pivot Point on Wishlist Wednesday (have you read it yet?)

I'm also now on Bloglovin' an easy way to keep track of all the google blogs you follow- please go and follow me on there if you haven't already!

                          

Bout of Books 7 starts tomorrow (13th- 19th May) a fab way to challenge yourself to read more, network with other book bloggers and take part in mini challenges and twitter chats. Go read!

Thanks for reading and supporting my blog, I'd love it if you leave me a comment. More book reviews coming next week! See ya! 

Interview and giveaway: The Watcher by Lisa Voisin

I'd like to welcome YA author Lisa Voisin to the blog today to talk about her book The Watcher, and she is also kindly giving away copies of the book and a gorgeous winged necklace to lucky winners. (print copies available to US/CANADA/UK readers and ebook copies INTERNATIONAL)

About the Book:

Millennia ago, he fell from heaven for her.

Can he face her without falling again?

Fascinated with ancient civilizations, seventeen-year-old Mia Crawford dreams of becoming an archaeologist. She also dreams of wings—soft and silent like snow—and somebody trying to steal them.

When a horrible creature appears out of thin air and attacks her, she knows Michael Fontaine is involved, though he claims to know nothing about it. Secretive and aloof, Michael evokes feelings in Mia that she doesn’t understand. Images of another time and place haunt her. She recognizes them—but not from any textbook.

In search of the truth, Mia discovers a past life of forbidden love, jealousy and revenge that tore an angel from Heaven and sent her to an early grave. Now that her soul has returned, does she have a chance at loving that angel again? Or will an age-old nemesis destroy them both?

Ancient history is only the beginning.

Find it: Goodreads | Amazon |Amazon UK |B&N | Indie Bound | Inkspell
| Kobo |TBD

The interview:

Hello Lisa and welcome to Always Lost in Stories!

1. Can you describe The Watcher in 5 words or less?

Angel sins redeemed by love.

2. How long have you been working on The Watcher, and how did the idea come about?

I started working on The Watcher in April 2009, but the story itself started three years before that, with an idea about a boy who woke up one day to discover he was an angel. However, I couldn't get his voice right, so I felt it was best to pair him with a human girl who was the only one who could see what he really did and tell his story from her point of view.

3. Which of your characters is your favourite and why? Who is the most fun to write? 

Michael is my favourite character, because he's been with me the longest, and I can empathize with him. But I have to admit, Damiel was the most fun to write. It made me think of famous actors who say they have the most fun playing villains.

4. If your book was being made into a movie who would you envision in the leading roles?

Though I didn't write the characters in The Watcher with actors in mind, I'd love to see a young Henry Cavill as Michael (perhaps a shorter haired version of himself in the movie Tristan and Isolde), and Mia I picture as being like Emilia Clarke, but with her original hair colour. 

 

Henry Cavill

Emilia Clarke

(Source: Pictures from imdb.com)

5. Have you always wanted to be a writer? Do you have any special places or routines to write or can you write anywhere?

I've wanted to be a writer since high school, where I spent more time writing stories than focusing on homework. I enjoy writing at home or in a local cafe. 

6. Have there ever been any books that you've read and thought "I wish I'd written that"?

Oh! There have been so many it's hard to count! Most recently, I'd have to say Anna and the French Kiss, because it was absolutely delightful. 

7. Final silly question- if you could have any superpower what would it be and why? 

I'd love to be able to smite demons with a single touch. I'm a big fan of smiting. I even love the word, 'smite'. But I suppose that would mean I'd have to actually be around demons, which might not be so much fun. 

Thankyou so much for answering my questions!

Find Lisa Voisin: Twitter | Facebook | Website | Blog

The Giveaway:

Lisa Voisin and Inkspell Publishing are giving away print (US/Canada/UK) and ebook (INT) copies of The Watcher  as well as this lovely angel wing necklace.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for stopping by! Good luck with the competition!

Wishlist Wednesday #27

Wishlist Wednesday is a weekly book blog hop hosted by Dani at Pen to Paper where we will post about a book that has been on our wishlist for some time, or just added, that we can't wait to get off the wishlist and onto our bookshelves.

I'm wishing for this book because I love the sound of how unique and quirky it is. I'm intrigued by the idea of being able to see all the possible consequences of a difficult decision. Plus I like the reviews I've seen of it so far!

Pivot Point by Kasie West
Goodreads

Knowing the outcome doesn’t always make a choice easier . . .

Addison Coleman’s life is one big “What if?” As a Searcher, whenever Addie is faced with a choice, she can look into the future and see both outcomes. It’s the ultimate insurance plan against disaster. Or so she thought. When Addie’s parents ambush her with the news of their divorce, she has to pick who she wants to live with—her father, who is leaving the paranormal compound to live among the “Norms,” or her mother, who is staying in the life Addie has always known. Addie loves her life just as it is, so her answer should be easy. One Search six weeks into the future proves it’s not.

In one potential future, Addie is adjusting to life outside the Compound as the new girl in a Norm high school where she meets Trevor, a cute, sensitive artist who understands her. In the other path, Addie is being pursued by the hottest guy in school—but she never wanted to be a quarterback’s girlfriend. When Addie’s father is asked to consult on a murder in the Compound, she’s unwittingly drawn into a dangerous game that threatens everything she holds dear. With love and loss in both lives, it all comes down to which reality she’s willing to live through . . . and who she can’t live without.

Some reviews of this book:
Books of Amber - 5 of 5 stars
SIK Book Reviews -5 of 5 stars
Starry Eyed Revue - 4.5 of 5 stars
Realm of Fiction - 4 of 5 stars

Has anybody read it already? What did you think?

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Sunday Post 5th May 2013

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It's a chance to share news~ to recap the past week on the blog, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.

Yeah, I've been a bit MIA this week- I have been out and about a lot, and collapsing with exhaustion most evenings!

I managed to post a couple of things though-

Did you catch Best of the Bunch on the 30th? This is where we can all link up our own monthly wrap-up posts, sum up all our reviews and award one book the bananas!

I also posted a few of the most anticipated new YA releases coming out this month. 

I got two new books this week as well-

For review:

• The Heiresses by Allison Rushby. Many thanks to the author and Netgalley for the review copy.
• Gameboard of the Gods by Richelle Mead. The first in a new sci-fi series. I love anything by Richelle Mead so I'm really looking forward to reading this one. 

Thanks for stopping by today- comments will be returned soon I promise- I just need to get myself in gear! 

Exciting new May book releases

These are some of the new books coming out this month that I am most excited to read...

Most Hotly Anticipated

Goodreads

If You Need Me by Emily Murdoch

Why I'm looking forward to reading it:

I love the sound of this book- a contemporary mystery story about two young girls living in the woods in the middle of nowhere. It was already published in the US and other parts of the world (with a completely different cover) last month, and it is getting fantastic reviews. 

Also released this month 

(please note these are the UK covers and release dates)

• Icons by Margaret Stohl
• If I Should Die by Amy Plum (Revenants, book 3)
• The Originals by Cat Patrick

• The Drowning by Rachel Ward
• The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa (Blood of Eden, book 2). I have already read this and love it. Review to come soon. 
• Fall of Night by Rachel Caine (Morganville Vampires, book 14)

• Invisibility by Andrea Cremer and David Levithan. I'm really looking forward to reading this new paranormal book by two of my favourite authors. 
• Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins (Anna and the French Kiss, book 3)
• Of Triton by Anna Banks (Of Poseidon, book 2)

• The Girl with the Iron Touch by Kady Cross (Steampunk Chronicles, book 3). I have read this already and loved it My Review Here
• Half Lives by Sara Grant
• Quicksilver by R.J Anderson (Ultraviolet, book 2). I have read this already and loved it My Review Here

• Reboot by Amy Tintera
• The Seven Year King by Kiki Hamilton (The Faerie Ring, book 3)
• Shades of Earth by Beth Revis (Across The Universe, book 3). I so badly need to read this book! It was released in the US back in January, and is finally available here. 

• The Summer I Became a Nerd by Leah Rae Miller
• Transparent by Natalie Whipple. Eurgh- I hate the cover on this, the US version is so much prettier.
• Zenn Scarlett by Christian Schoon

 

• Sweet Peril by Wendy Higgins (Sweet Evil, book 2)
• Under the Light by Laura Whitcomb (Light, book 2). I'm so, so excited to my hands on a copy of this- I love the first book- A Certain Slant of Light. 

Any of these that you're also excited to read? Any books that I've missed off this list that you are looking forward to this May?