Review: Hideaway (Devil's Night #2) by Penelope Douglas

 

Hideaway

(Devil's Night #2)

by Penelope Douglas

October 2, 2017

466 pages

Goodreads   Amazon

Goodreads Summary:

DEVIL'S NIGHT is returning! Hiding places, chases, and all the games are back...

BANKS

Buried in the shadows of the city, there’s a hotel called The Pope. Ailing, empty, and dark—it sits abandoned and surrounded by a forgotten mystery.

But you think it’s true, don’t you, Kai Mori? The story about the hidden twelfth floor. The mystery of the dark guest who never checked in and never checks out. You think I can help you find that secret hideaway and get to him, don’t you?

You and your friends can try to scare me. You can try to push me. Because even though I struggle to hide everything I feel when you look at me—and have ever since I was a girl—I think maybe what you seek is so much closer than you’ll ever realize.

I will never betray him.

So sit tight.

On Devil’s Night, the hunt will be coming to you.

KAI

You have no idea what I seek, Little One. You don’t know what I had to become to survive three years in prison for a crime I would gladly commit again.

No one can know what I’ve turned into.

I want that hotel, I want to find him, and I want this over.

I want my life back.

But the more I’m around you, the more I realize this new me is exactly who I was meant to be.

So come on, kid. Don’t chicken out. My house is on the hill. So many ways in, and good luck finding your way out.

I’ve seen your hideaway. Time to see mine.

Stacking the Shelves #165

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews that lets us share what we've added to our shelves.

I received my pre-order of Gray Wolf Island in the mail yay!! Can you tell Ripple and I are so pumped to jump into this one? ;)

I got a mixture of new books this week. Short History of the Girl Next Door is a win from the lovely Jen @ Jen Ryland Reviews. She left me with a very cryptic '...woah' so I'm curious to see what that's about ;) Sleeping in the Ground was a surprise from PRHC (thank you!) and I got Rick Riordan's newest Magnus Chase book from Costco since it was the special poster edition. I forgot I had already hauled the picture book The Dog so here it is again lol...

What did you add to your shelves this week?

Review: Pride and Prejudice and Mistletoe by Melissa De La Cruz

Pride and Prejudice and Mistletoe

by Melissa De La Cruz

October 17, 2017
224 pages

Goodreads    Indigo

Goodreads Summary:
From bestselling author MELISSA DE LA CRUZ, comes a dazzling retelling of Pride and Prejudice with a Christmas twist.

Darcy Fitzwilliam is 29, beautiful, successful, and brilliant. She dates hedge funders and basketball stars and is never without her three cellphones—one for work, one for play, and one to throw at her assistant (just kidding). Darcy’s never fallen in love, never has time for anyone else’s drama, and never goes home for Christmas if she can help it. But when her mother falls ill, she comes home to Pemberley, Ohio, to spend the season with her dad and little brother.

Her parents throw their annual Christmas bash, where she meets one Luke Bennet, the smart, sardonic slacker son of their neighbor. Luke is 32 and has never left home. He’s a carpenter and makes beautiful furniture, and is content with his simple life. He comes from a family of five brothers, each one less ambitious than the other. When Darcy and Luke fall into bed after too many eggnogs, Darcy thinks it’s just another one night stand. But why can’t she stop thinking of Luke? What is it about him? And can she fall in love, or will her pride and his prejudice against big-city girls stand in their way?

WoW #172: Don't Forget Me by Victoria Stevens

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted every week by Breaking the Spine which lets us showcase an upcoming release we are excited about! 

Don't Forget Me

by Victoria Stevens

February 13, 2018
360 pages

Goodreads    Indigo

Goodreads Summary:
Seventeen-year-old Hazel Clarke is no stranger to heartbreaks, and being sent to live with a father she’s never met is the latest in a string of them. Even the beauty of eastern Australia isn’t enough to take her mind off her mother and the life she had to leave behind in England. But when Hazel meets the friendly, kindhearted Red and his elusive twin, Luca, she begins the slow process of piecing together a new life—and realizes she isn’t the only one struggling with loss. As friendships deepen and love finds its way in, Hazel also learns that when you truly love someone, they are always in your heart.

This sparkling debut novel is a touching testament to coming of age, falling in love, and finding home in unexpected places.
 

This one sounds like a sweet coming of age story. I definitely want to try it :)

What are you guys waiting on this week?

Review: The Tethered Mage (Swords and Fire #1) by Melissa Caruso

The Tethered Mage

(Swords and Fire #1)

by Melissa Caruso

October 24, 2017

480 pages

Goodreads    Indigo

Goodreads Summary:

In the Raverran Empire, magic is scarce and those born with power are strictly controlled -- taken as children and conscripted into the Falcon Army.

 Zaira has lived her life on the streets to avoid this fate, hiding her mage-mark and thieving to survive. But hers is a rare and dangerous magic, one that threatens the entire empire.

Lady Amalia Cornaro was never meant to be a Falconer. Heiress and scholar, she was born into a treacherous world of political machinations.

But fate has bound the heir and the mage. And as war looms on the horizon, a single spark could turn their city into a pyre.

The Tethered Mage is the first novel in a spellbinding new fantasy series.
 

Stacking the Shelves #164

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews that lets us share what we've added to our shelves.

Pickles striking his most casual model pose for some pretty books we got <3 I received a picture book called The Dog from Canucks Place Children's Hospice, the thin book is a copy of Much Ado About Nothing from a giveaway I won with a signed copy of Speak Easy, Speak Love. Even the Darkest Stars is also signed and given to me by the author. Thank you!

What did you add to your shelves this week?

Review: The Big F by Maggie Ann Martin

The Big F
by Maggie Ann Martin

August 29, 2017

304 pages

Goodreads   Indigo

Goodreads Summary:

Danielle effed up. Big time.

Danielle's plans for the future were all figured out... until she failed senior English and her single college acceptance was rescinded. Determined to get her life back on track, Danielle enrolls in her hometown community college with a plan: pass English and get back into Ohio State—and her mother’s good graces. Romance isn't on her radar... until she reconnects with her childhood crush and golden boy next door, Luke.

Between family drama, first love and finding her own way, Danielle can't help but feel a little overwhelmed. Thankfully she has her friendship with the snarky and frustratingly attractive Porter, her coworker at the campus bookstore, to push her to experience new things and help keep her afloat.

One thing's for sure: This time, failure's not an option.
 

WoW #171: Ace of Shades (The Shadow Game #1) by Amanda Foody

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted every week by Breaking the Spine which lets us showcase an upcoming release we are excited about! 

Ace of Shades

(The Shadow Game #1)

by Amanda Foody

April 10, 2018
400 pages

Goodreads    Indigo

Goodreads Summary:
Welcome to the City of Sin, where casino families reign, gangs infest the streets…
and secrets hide in every shadow.

Enne Salta was raised as a proper young lady, and no lady would willingly visit New Reynes, the so-called City of Sin. But when her mother goes missing, Enne must leave her finishing school—and her reputation—behind to follow her mother’s trail to the city where no one survives uncorrupted.

Frightened and alone, her only lead is a name: Levi Glaisyer. Unfortunately, Levi is not the gentleman she expected—he’s a street lord and a con man. Levi is also only one payment away from cleaning up a rapidly unraveling investment scam, so he doesn't have time to investigate a woman leading a dangerous double life. Enne's offer of compensation, however, could be the solution to all his problems.

Their search for clues leads them through glamorous casinos, illicit cabarets and into the clutches of a ruthless mafia donna. As Enne unearths an impossible secret about her past, Levi's enemies catch up to them, ensnaring him in a vicious execution game where the players always lose. To save him, Enne will need to surrender herself to the city…

And she’ll need to play.
 

I have been dying for this book ever since the author announced it now there's a cover! AHHH! I'm so beyond excited! April can't come soon enough!

What are you guys waiting on this week?

Review: Warcross (Warcross #1) by Marie Lu

Warcross

(Warcross #1)

by Marie Lu

September 12, 2017

368 pages

Goodreads   Indigo

Goodreads Summary:
For the millions who log in every day, Warcross isn’t just a game—it’s a way of life. The obsession started ten years ago and its fan base now spans the globe, some eager to escape from reality and others hoping to make a profit. Struggling to make ends meet, teenage hacker Emika Chen works as a bounty hunter, tracking down players who bet on the game illegally. But the bounty hunting world is a competitive one, and survival has not been easy. Needing to make some quick cash, Emika takes a risk and hacks into the opening game of the international Warcross Championships—only to accidentally glitch herself into the action and become an overnight sensation.

Convinced she’s going to be arrested, Emika is shocked when instead she gets a call from the game’s creator, the elusive young billionaire Hideo Tanaka, with an irresistible offer. He needs a spy on the inside of this year’s tournament in order to uncover a security problem . . . and he wants Emika for the job. With no time to lose, Emika’s whisked off to Tokyo and thrust into a world of fame and fortune that she’s only dreamed of. But soon her investigation uncovers a sinister plot, with major consequences for the entire Warcross empire.
 

Stacking the Shelves #163

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews that lets us share what we've added to our shelves.

I received some fun books! Thank you PRHCanada and Thomas Allen & Son~

 

I also received some goodies from a bookish Preview Event. Check out my recap post here to see what I got ;)

What did you add to your shelves this week?

Review: Forest of a Thousand Lanterns (Rise of the Empress #1) by Julie C. Dao

 

Forest of a Thousand Lanterns
(Rise of the Empress #1)

by Julie C. Dao

October 10, 2017
384 pages

Goodreads   Indigo

Goodreads Summary:

The Wrath and the Dawn meets Snow White and the Huntsman in this dark and mystical East Asian fantasy reimagining of The Evil Queen legend about one peasant girl's quest to become Empress--and the darkness she must unleash to achieve her destiny.

Eighteen-year-old Xifeng is beautiful. The stars say she is destined for greatness, that she is meant to be Empress of Feng Lu. But only if she embraces the darkness within her. Growing up as a peasant in a forgotten village on the edge of the map, Xifeng longs to fulfill the destiny promised to her by her cruel aunt, the witch Guma, who has read the cards and seen glimmers of Xifeng's majestic future. But is the price of the throne too high?

Because in order to achieve greatness, she must spurn the young man who loves her and exploit the callous magic that runs through her veins--sorcery fueled by eating the hearts of the recently killed. For the god who has sent her on this journey will not be satisfied until his power is absolute.

Set in an East Asian-inspired fantasy world filled with both breathtaking pain and beauty, Forest of a Thousand Lanterns possesses all the hallmarks of masterful fantasy: dazzling magic, heartbreaking romance, and a world that hangs in the balance. Fans of Heartless, Stealing Snow, and Red Queen will devour this stunning debut.

WoW #170: The Queen's Rising (The Queen's Rising #1) by Rebecca Ross

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted every week by Breaking the Spine which lets us showcase an upcoming release we are excited about! 

The Queen's Rising

(The Queen's Rising #1)

by Rebecca Ross

February 6, 2018
464 pages

Goodreads  Indigo

Goodreads Summary:
When her seventeenth summer solstice arrives, Brienna desires only two things: to master her passion and to be chosen by a patron.

Growing up in the southern Kingdom of Valenia at the renowned Magnalia House should have prepared her for such a life. While some are born with an innate talent for one of the five passions—art, music, dramatics, wit, and knowledge—Brienna struggled to find hers until she belatedly chose to study knowledge. However, despite all her preparations, Brienna’s greatest fear comes true—the solstice does not go according to plan and she is left without a patron.

Months later, her life takes an unexpected turn when a disgraced lord offers her patronage. Suspicious of his intent, and with no other choices, she accepts. But there is much more to his story, and Brienna soon discovers that he has sought her out for his own vengeful gain. For there is a dangerous plot being planned to overthrow the king of Maevana—the archrival kingdom of Valenia—and restore the rightful queen, and her magic, to the northern throne. And others are involved—some closer to Brienna than she realizes.

With war brewing between the two lands, Brienna must choose whose side she will remain loyal to—passion or blood. Because a queen is destined to rise and lead the battle to reclaim the crown. The ultimate decision Brienna must determine is: Who will be that queen?
 

*grabby hands*

What are you guys waiting on this week?

Event Recap: Raincoast Books present TeensRead Winter&Spring 2018Preview

Hi guys! Last week I got to attend the Winter & Spring 2018 TeensRead Preview hosted by Raincoast Books. Thank you so much for the invite! As always it was such a fun time filled with my favourite bookish talk <3

Lianne Oelke, author of Nice Try, Jane Sinner, was the special guest. Ever since I found out she's a local author I've been looking forward to her debut! I was so excited to have the chance to meet her! She talked about her publishing journey. From virtually meeting Becky Albertalli to getting an agent and having editors interested in her story, I found it all fascinating. It was a pleasure meeting her and getting to chat. I'm really looking forward to reading Nice Try, Jane Sinner!

 

 

I'm particularly excited for these titles (click on each cover for more info):

 

   

   

 

Here's a list of all the titles the ladies presented (click on the picture for a better view):

Which ones are you excited for?

Now here's my haul from the event! I'm so so so excited for all of these books! Special thank you to Melissa for finding an extra copy of Jane Sinner and giving it to me, thank you so much <3

 

Again thank you so much to Raincoast ladies for a lovely fun-filled morning/afternoon with all the bookish goodies! I already can't wait for the next one XD

Stacking the Shelves #162

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews that lets us share what we've added to our shelves.

I couldn't resist pre-ordering this one with all the raving reviews it was getting! The cover's so beautiful and shiny <3

 

A huge thank you to HGB Canada for these beauties <3 <3

  

 

What did you add to your shelves this week?

Release Blitz - Teasers & Giveaway: Hideaway (Devil's Night #2) by Penelope Douglas

 

Hideaway

(Devil's Night #2)

by Penelope Douglas

October 2, 2017

466 pages

Goodreads   Amazon  

Goodreads Summary:

DEVIL'S NIGHT is returning! Hiding places, chases, and all the games are back...

BANKS

Buried in the shadows of the city, there’s a hotel called The Pope. Ailing, empty, and dark—it sits abandoned and surrounded by a forgotten mystery.

But you think it’s true, don’t you, Kai Mori? The story about the hidden twelfth floor. The mystery of the dark guest who never checked in and never checks out. You think I can help you find that secret hideaway and get to him, don’t you?

You and your friends can try to scare me. You can try to push me. Because even though I struggle to hide everything I feel when you look at me—and have ever since I was a girl—I think maybe what you seek is so much closer than you’ll ever realize.

I will never betray him.

So sit tight.

On Devil’s Night, the hunt will be coming to you.

KAI

You have no idea what I seek, Little One. You don’t know what I had to become to survive three years in prison for a crime I would gladly commit again.

No one can know what I’ve turned into.

I want that hotel, I want to find him, and I want this over.

I want my life back.

But the more I’m around you, the more I realize this new me is exactly who I was meant to be.

So come on, kid. Don’t chicken out. My house is on the hill. So many ways in, and good luck finding your way out.

I’ve seen your hideaway. Time to see mine.

Blog Tour - Q&A and Review: The Hanging Girl by Eileen Cook

Hi everyone~ I'm thrilled to be on the blog tour for Eileen Cook's newest book The Hanging Girl! Many thanks to Raincoast Books for the opportunity! Below I have a great Q&A with Eileen and my thoughts on the book :)

The Hanging Girl

by Eileen Cook

October 3, 2017
320 pages

 

Goodreads   Indigo

Goodreads Summary:
Skye Thorn has given tarot card readings for years, and now her psychic visions are helping the police find the town’s missing golden girl. It’s no challenge—her readings have always been faked, but this time she has some insider knowledge. The kidnapping was supposed to be easy—no one would get hurt and she’d get the money she needs to start a new life. But a seemingly harmless prank has turned dark, and Skye realizes the people she’s involved with are willing to kill to get what they want and she must discover their true identity before it’s too late.

Q&A

 

BCP: I noticed The Hanging Girl has a tag line on the cover, "Trust No One. Deceive Everyone." How did you/your publisher come up with that and what do you think goes into an eye-catching tag line?

 

EC: I can’t remember who came up with which half, but I think I was the one who came up with Trust No One, and my editor came up with Deceive Everyone. We were trying to figure out which we liked best when the idea occurred to us that we could combine them.

I find titles and tag lines difficult to create. This book was called “the psychic book” the entire time I was writing it. (And nope, that isn’t very catchy.) It wasn’t until I finished it and went back through the manuscript that the idea for the title popped up. I often brainstorm tag lines with either my editor or someone in my writing group until we land on something that seems to work.

Attracting readers to a book is a tricky process. It’s a bit easier if they’ve read that author before—but otherwise you’re counting on an appealing cover, a catchy title and a tag line that intrigues them enough to read the blurb about the book’s plot. Whenever possible, what works best is to raise a question in their mind. “Hmmm, I wonder what that’s about….” However, in the end everything really comes down to the story. Readers either keep turning pages or they don’t.
 

Thank you Eileen for sharing this with us today! I personally really love the tag line. Nothing yells "thriller" better than those two little lines. It definitely captured my attention ;)

 

About the Author
Eileen Cook is a multi-published author with her novels appearing in eight different languages. Her books have been optioned for film and TV.  She spent most of her teen years wishing she were someone else or somewhere else, which is great training for a writer. She’s an instructor/mentor with the Simon Fraser University Writer’s Studio Program.

You can read more about Eileen, her books, and the things that strike her as funny at www.eileencook.com. Eileen lives in Vancouver with her husband and two very naughty dogs and no longer wishes to be anyone or anywhere else.

Website    Authors Goodreads

Wow #169: Ink, Iron, and Glass (Ink, Iron, and Glass #1) by Gwendolyn Clare

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted every week by Breaking the Spine which lets us showcase an upcoming release we are excited about! 

Ink, Iron, and Glass

(Ink, Iron, and Glass #1)

by Gwendolyn Clare

February 20, 2018
336 pages

Goodreads   Indigo

Goodreads Summary:
Can she write a world gone wrong?

A certain pen, a certain book, and a certain person can craft entirely new worlds through a branch of science called scriptology. Elsa comes from one such world that was written into creation by her mother—a noted scriptologist.

But when her home is attacked and her mother abducted, Elsa must cross into the real world and use her own scriptology gifts to find her. In an alternative 19th-century Italy, Elsa finds a secret society of pazzerellones—young people with a gift for mechanics, alchemy or scriptology—and meets Leo, a gorgeous mechanist with a smart mouth and a tragic past. She recruits the help of these fellow geniuses just as an assassin arrives on their doorstep.

In this thrilling debut, worlds collide as Elsa unveils a deep political conspiracy seeking to unlock the most dangerous weapon ever created—and only she can stop it.
 

The idea in this book is too cool. I have to see how the author writes this story!

What are you guys waiting on this week?

Review: Invictus by Ryan Graudin

Invictus

by Ryan Graudin

September 26, 2017

464 pages

Goodreads   Indigo

Goodreads Summary:

Time flies when you're plundering history.

Farway Gaius McCarthy was born outside of time. The son of a time-traveling Recorder from 2354 AD and a gladiator living in Rome in 95 AD, Far's birth defies the laws of nature. Exploring history himself is all he's ever wanted, and after failing his final time-traveling exam, Far takes a position commanding a ship with a crew of his friends as part of a black market operation to steal valuables from the past.

But during a heist on the sinking Titanic, Far meets a mysterious girl who always seems to be one step ahead of him. Armed with knowledge that will bring Far's very existence into question, she will lead Far and his team on a race through time to discover a frightening truth: History is not as steady as it seems.

In this heart-stopping adventure, Ryan Graudin has created a fast-paced world that defies time and space.