VBB Weekly – 01.04.2016
It’s the first VBB Weekly in 2016! Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and is ready to kick off this new year right. The first few months of 2016 are CRAZY BUSY for the blog with lots of releases and exciting planned features, plus, we are getting closer to Austin Book Fest! There are less than 100 tickets left, so if you haven’t gotten yours, NOW is the time to grab them here before they’re gone for good!
I’m also insanely excited to have kickass YA authors Susan Dennard and Alex Bracken on the blog on January 14th, to talk about their latest releases Truthwitch and Passenger! These books are amazing and you’ll want to grab them when they release tomorrow, so you can chat with us on the 14th. The chat is taking place on Facebook, so make sure to like my page to keep connected.
For more info, check out these features on each book:
- Truthwitch: My review | Read chapter 1
- Passenger: My review | Read an interview and excerpt
Jay Crownover’s latest book, and the first full-length novel in the Saints of Denver series, is coming tomorrow! You will love Zeb and Sayer’s emotional story in Built, and to get you even more excited, I’ve got an excerpt for you to read right now, right here!
Don’t miss the latest hot pre-orders: Midnight Lily | Never Never 3 | One True Loves | One With You | It Ends With Us | The Problem With Forever | The Angel’s Share | The One Real Thing
Note that this week I can’t share what I’m currently reading (sworn to secrecy by the publisher!) but I can’t wait to discuss how amazing this upcoming book is! Stay tuned and I’ll give you the scoop as soon as I can! 😉
Happy reading! ♥
Listening To:
Up Next:
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New Reviews
- Sebring by Kristen Ashley (Adult Contemporary Romance)
- Truthwitch by Susan Dennard (YA Fantasy)
- F*ck Love by Tarryn Fisher (Adult Contemporary Romance)
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Release Recap
(Click cover to order)
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Releasing This Week
Passenger by Alexandra Bracken (Jan 05) – YA Fantasy (Time Travel + Romance) – Read my review | Read an interview
Top Recommendation
Violin prodigy Etta Spencer had big plans for her future, but a tragedy has put her once-bright career at risk. Closely tied to her musical skill, however, is a mysterious power she doesn’t even know she has. When her two talents collide during a stressful performance, Etta is drawn back hundreds of years through time.
Etta wakes, confused and terrified, in 1776, in the midst a fierce sea battle. Nicholas Carter, the handsome young prize master of a privateering ship, has been hired to retrieve Etta and deliver her unharmed to the Ironwoods, a powerful family in the Colonies–the very same one that orchestrated her jump back, and one Nicholas himself has ties to. But discovering she can time travel is nothing compared to the shock of discovering the true reason the Ironwoods have ensnared her in their web.
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The Imposter Queen by Sarah Fine (Jan 05) – YA Fantasy
The elders chose Elli to be queen, but they chose wrong in this beautifully crafted novel in the tradition of Kristin Cashore and Victoria Aveyard.
Sixteen-year-old Elli was a small child when the Elders of Kupari chose her to succeed the Valtia, the queen who wields infinitely powerful ice and fire magic. Since then, Elli has lived in the temple, surrounded by luxury and tutored by priests, as she prepares for the day when the Valtia perishes and the magic finds a new home in her. Elli is destined to be the most powerful Valtia to ever rule.
But when the queen dies defending the kingdom from invading warriors, the magic doesn’t enter Elli. It’s nowhere to be found.
Disgraced, Elli flees to the outlands, the home of banished criminals—some who would love to see the temple burn with all its priests inside. As she finds her footing in this new world, Elli uncovers devastating new information about the Kupari magic, those who wield it, and the prophecy that foretold her destiny. Torn between the love she has for her people and her growing loyalty to the banished, Elli struggles to understand the true role she was meant to play. But as war looms, she must align with the right side—before the kingdom and its magic are completely destroyed.
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Cruel Crown by Victoria Aveyard (Jan 05) – YA Fantasy
Two women on either side of the Silver-Red divide tell the stories no one else knows.
Discover the truth of Norta’s bloody past in these two revealing prequels to #1 New York Times bestseller Red Queen.
Also includes an exclusive excerpt of the hotly anticipated second book in the Red Queen series! Glass Sword transports readers to the world of Silver tyranny, a Red dawn rising, and one girl’s resolve to break down the system that will hold her back no longer.
Queen Song
Queen Coriane, first wife of King Tiberias, keeps a secret diary—how else can she ensure that no one at the palace will use her thoughts against her? Coriane recounts her heady courtship with the crown prince, the birth of a new prince, Cal, and the potentially deadly challenges that lay ahead for her in royal life.
Steel Scars
Captain Farley exchanges coded transmissions with the resistance as she travels the land recruiting black market traders, smugglers, and extremists for her first attempt at an attack on the capital. She was raised to be strong, but planting the seeds of rebellion in Norta is a tougher job than expected—until she stumbles upon a connection that may prove to be the key to the entire operation: Mare Barrow.
Cruel Crown contains both Queen Song and Steel Scars novellas. This is a paperback version. Also available on January 5th, is the ebook version of Steel Scars.
Reading Order: Red Queen | Cruel Crown (optional novellas) | Glass Sword
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An Ounce of Hope (Pound of Flesh) by Sophie Jackson (Jan 05)
From the fanfic phenom whose debut A Pound of Flesh had over 4.5 million reads, this sequel, An Ounce of Hope, tells the passionate love story of Carter’s best friend, Max.
Max O’Hare can’t seem to let go of his past: his drug habit, the end of his relationship with Lizzie Jordan, the woman he knows he’ll never get over, and the loss of their unborn son.
After successfully completing rehab and learning to explore his deepest fears and dreams through painting, Max meets Grace Brooks. With her innate optimism, and her love of art and photography, Grace appears to be the perfect girl. Yet no one knows where she came from, or why she keeps her past so closely guarded. Over time, Max and Grace gradually allow each other in—but will he ever be able to fully let go of his past? Or will his heart remain closed forever?
Reading Order: Pound of Flesh | Love and Always 99¢ | An Ounce of Hope
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Seduction in Session (The Perfect Gentlemen) by Shayla Black and Lexi Blake (Jan 05) – Read an excerpt
The second Perfect Gentlemen novel from the New York Times bestselling authors of the Masters of Ménage series.
Privileged, wealthy, and wild: they are the Perfect Gentlemen of Creighton Academy. But the threat of a scandal has one of them employing his most deceptive—and seductive—talents…
Recruited into the CIA at a young age, Connor Sparks knows how dirty the world can be. Only when he’s with his friends can he find some peace. So when an anonymous journalist threatens one of the Perfect Gentlemen, Connor vows to take down the person behind the computer, by whatever means necessary—even if it means posing as his target’s bodyguard.
Publishing a tabloid revealing Washington’s most subversive scandals has earned Lara Armstrong the ire of the political scene—and a slew of death threats. To keep herself from ending up a headline, Lara hires a bodyguard, a man as handsome as he is lethal.
When the bullets start to fly, Lara is surprised to find herself in Connor’s arms. But as they begin to unravel a mystery that just might bring down the White House, Lara is devastated when she discovers Connor’s true identity—and finds herself at the mercy of forces who will stop at nothing to advance their deadly agenda.
Second book in a series that should be read in order.
Reading Order: Scandal Never Sleeps | Seduction in Session
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Never Tear Us Apart by Monica Murphy (Jan 05)
Perfect for readers of Colleen Hoover, Jay Crownover, and K. A. Tucker, the first novel in this darkly sexy contemporary series from bestselling author Monica Murphy kicks off an emotionally powerful two-part tale of forbidden love.
Crazy how eight years can disappear in an instant. One look at Katie Watts, and I’m a fifteen-year-old again–the one who risked everything to save a terrified girl from her twisted kidnapper. She’s grown-up now–beautiful, quiet, composed–and telling her story to the world. A story that involves me in more ways than you can imagine. She used to call me her guardian angel. Sure, I risked my life, but she was worth dying for.
I need to make contact with her. Just to ensure that she’s safe.
Somehow we reconnect. We become friends . . . but I want more. I want to make her mine. And she wants me too. Does she know who I am? Has she figured me out? Not yet. But she will. In the meantime, I need to make sure that whatever hold that animal had on her is gone.
So, yeah, I’m stealing these moments with her. Savoring them. Knowing, dreading, that she’ll soon find out who I really am. And everything will fall apart. All because of that twisted, perverted monster sitting on death row. Her kidnapper. A convicted serial killer.
My father.
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Abruption by Riley Mackenzie (Jan 05)
Everyone has a plan.
Dr. Guy Hunter secures his dream fellowship with a beautiful free spirit by his side. Two unexpected blue lines don’t even shake his resolve—he is on his way to having it all. Until he isn’t.
Abruption: a sudden breaking off
Jules Chiappetti loves her boisterous over-involved Italian family but is determined to pave her own way. An MBA and boardroom job is her ticket out. Until it isn’t.
Abruption: an unexpected event
Four years later, Guy is consumed by the challenges of being a single father, still struggling with the aftermath that derailed his life and left his son with special needs. He doesn’t realize his world went dark the same day his wife’s did, until Jules, his son’s new nurse, shows him the light.
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Built (#1, Saints of Denver) by Jay Crownover (Jan 05) – Read an excerpt
Romance Recommendation
Sometimes a real hero lets you save yourself . . .
Sayer Cole and Zeb Fuller couldn’t be more different. She’s country club and fine-dining, he’s cell-block and sawdust. Sayer spends her days in litigation while Zeb spends his working with his hands. But none of that has stopped Zeb from wanting the stunning blonde since the moment he laid eyes on her—even if the reserved lawyer seems determinedly oblivious to his interest.
Sayer is certain the rough, hard, hot-as-hell Zeb could never want someone as closed off and restrained as she is, which is a shame because something tells her he might be the guy to finally melt her icy exterior. When he shows up at Sayer’s door needing her professional help, she’s both disappointed and relieved that she won’t get the chance to find out just how good he could be.
But as they team up to right a wrong and save a family, the steam created when fire and ice collide cannot be ignored.
Can be read as a standalone.
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Truthwitch (Witchlands) by Susan Dennard (Jan 05) – YA Fantasy – Read an excerpt
Fantasy Recommendation
On a continent ruled by three empires, everyone is born with a “witchery,” a magical skill that sets them apart from others. Now, as the Twenty Year Truce in a centuries long war is about to end, the balance of power-and the failing health of all magic-will fall on the shoulders of a mythical pair called the Cahr Awen.
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Missed Connection by K. Larsen, Mara White (Jan 05)
Twenty years weren’t enough for either of them to forget.
A chance encounter, a missed connection.
Two wayward stars that collided in a turbulent sky, at the right place, but at the wrong time in both of their lives.
What happens when they meet again? Do the same unforgettable sparks still fly?
Titan Jennings and Jesenia Van Buren may come from two different worlds but their hearts are open to second chances. No matter who or what may stand against them, love is what anchors their lives together.
Love may be infinite but time is not, Missed Connection is a novel about making the very best you can with what little you’ve got.
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House of the Rising Son by Sherrilyn Kenyon (Jan 05)
Now released for the first time as a standalone e-story, House of the Rising Son, previously published in the Dark Bites story collection from #1 New York Times bestselling author, Sherrilyn Kenyon.
The eldest son in a family of three boys, Aricles had no desire to be a soldier, even though his fighting skills were among the best in the world. He was more than content on his small Atlantean farm, living a quiet, uneventful life. But when his brother is determined to don a soldier’s uniform, Aricles joins him with a promise to their father to bring his brother home in one piece. What he never counts on is how much their new lives will forever change them, or what the risk of a forbidden love will ultimately cost him.
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Wicked Lust by Sawyer Bennett (Jan 05)
Cain Bonham is as big and bad as they come. After serving in the Marines, he’s returned home to Wyoming and now works as head of security at the exclusive sex club, The Wicked Horse. His job is to protect not only the patrons, but to zealously guard the secret existence of the club itself.
Sloane Preston is all about discovering secrets. As an undercover reporter, she’s determined to reveal the truth behind the facade of The Wicked Horse and expose it for all the world to see. She just didn’t count on her pathway into the club coming at the hands of one gorgeously scarred and bad ass bouncer who manages to easily possess her body and soul.
While Cain’s not looking for anyone to catch his eye, Sloane did it all the same, and he’s not bemoaning the fact that she’s as wickedly kinky as he is. As both get caught up in the sinful fantasies that only The Wicked Horse can create, secrets and loyalties will be tested and hearts will risk being broken.
Reading Order: Wicked Need | Wicked Lust
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The Year of Falling in Love by Jessica Sorensen (Jan 06)
Isabella Anders just found out Lynn and her dad want to send her to a reform school. But with the help of Grandma Stephy, Isa’s dad agrees to let her move in with her grandma.
Isa is more than relieved to be moving out. And after going on an unofficial date with Kyler, she wonders if maybe her life is starting to turn around. But then she discovers the truth about what really happened to her mother.
Not ready to fully accept that her mother is a murderer, Isa turns to Kai for help. Kai is more than willing to help, but to protect Isa, he keeps some of the more brutal details about her mother’s case to himself until he can find out more.
But when a mysterious blue car starts showing up everywhere, and Isa receives a threatening text message from an unknown caller, Kai realizes someone is dead set on destroying Isa. And he might not be able to protect her.
Reading Order: The Year I Became Isabella Anders | The Year of Falling in Love
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Big Rock by Lauren Blakely (Jan 06)
It’s not just the motion of the ocean, ladies. It’s definitely the SIZE of the boat too.
And I’ve got both firing on all cylinders. In fact, I have ALL the right assets. Looks, brains, my own money, and a big c*&k.
You might think I’m an a*&hole. I sound like one, don’t I? I’m hot as sin, rich as heaven, smart as hell and hung like a horse.
Guess what? You haven’t heard my story before. Sure, I might be a playboy, like the NY gossip rags call me. But I’m the playboy who’s actually a great guy. Which makes me one of a kind.
The only trouble is, my dad needs me to cool it for a bit. With conservative investors in town wanting to buy his flagship Fifth Avenue jewelry store, he needs me not only to zip it up, but to look the part of the committed guy. Fine. I can do this for Dad. After all, I’ve got him to thank for the family jewels. So I ask my best friend and business partner to be my fiancée for the next week. Charlotte’s up for it. She has her own reasons for saying yes to wearing this big rock.
And pretty soon all this playing pretend in public leads to no pretending whatsoever in the bedroom, because she just can’t fake the kind of toe-curling, window-shattering orgasmic cries she makes as I take her to new heights between the sheets.
But I can’t seem to fake that I might be feeling something real for her.
What the hell have I gotten myself into with this… big rock?
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Pre-Orders
(Click images to buy or for more info)
★ Visit THIS PAGE for the full list of releases ★
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Current sales list for Amazon U.S. Click on image to purchase; click here to search my reviews.
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Young Adult
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New Adult and Adult
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