Review: A Court of Frost and Starlight (A Court of Thorns and Roses #3.1) by Sarah J. Maas (NA)

A COURT OF FROST AND STARLIGHT

A Court of Thorns and Roses #3.1

by Sarah J. Maas

Release date: May 1st, 2018

Published by: Bloomsbury YA

Genre: New Adult Fantasy

Format: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook

Format read: Hardcover book I purchased.

SUMMARY

Feyre, Rhys, and their close-knit circle of friends are still busy rebuilding the Night Court and the vastly-changed world beyond. But Winter Solstice is finally near, and with it, a hard-earned reprieve. Yet even the festive atmosphere can't keep the shadows of the past from looming. As Feyre navigates her first Winter Solstice as High Lady, she finds that those dearest to her have more wounds than she anticipated - scars that will have a far-reaching impact on the future of their Court. 

MY REVIEW

This book is for the die-hard fan of the series and author! Don't go into this thinking that you're going to get more info or see anything new or exciting, this was just what the author had intended it to be - a leeway into the next trilogy of the series, a little bridge, to give us a peek of what the characters are up to and what is to come.

I really, really enjoyed this book, and here's why:
It's a novella! Just a tiny glimpse at what all the characters are doing after the war - how they are coping and taking care of everyday little things making them really relatable and likable. I really appreciated this! It showed me that they don't all have to be so intense and broody all the time. It's okay to slow-down, be mellow and just live. 
For me, Feyre and Rhys' story is complete! But I do love seeing them together and how they're coping with the aftermath of everything that they had gone through in such a short period of time. Seeing them heal and have hope for the future warmed my heart... 
Seeing the others in the group tease each other and get back to their old ways was endearing. They're all getting used to the peace that they currently have and are starting to let their guard down and enjoy the moment. Yes, there are still pressing matters to attend to, but for the winter holiday, they are relaxing and taking the time to appreciate each other's company.

Authentically fun and satisfying! 

And on that note - I truly am super excited to see what is going to happen next as I feel it's time to let the other characters shine and tell their stories now!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Sarah J. Maas

Sarah J. Maas is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the THRONE OF GLASS series, as well as the A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES series.

Sarah lives in Bucks County, PA, and over the years, she has developed an unhealthy appreciation for Disney movies and bad pop music. She adores fairy tales and ballet, drinks too much tea, and watches an ungodly amount of TV. 

When she's not busy writing, she can be found exploring the historic and beautiful Pennsylvania countryside with her husband and canine companion.

GOODREADS / WEBSITE / FACEBOOK / TWITTER / INSTAGRAM 

Blog Tour (Excerpt, Review and Giveaway): REBOUND (Boomerang #2) by Noelle August (NA)

REBOUND

A Boomerang Novel, #2

by Noelle August

Release date: February 10th, 2015

Published by: William Morrow Paperbacks

Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance

Format: Paperback, eBook, Audiobook

Format read: eARC (from the publisher) and eBook.

SUMMARY

Hooking up is only the beginning of the fun in this sexy and irresistible second installment of the thrilling New Adult series, Boomerang.

Adam Blackwood has it all. At twenty-two, he’s fabulously wealthy, Ryan Gosling-hot and at the top of the heap in the business world. His life is perfect, until a scandal from his past resurfaces and knocks the tech wunderkind down, throwing his company, Boomerang, a hook-up site for millennials, into chaos.

Three years ago, Adam married his high school love — and then lost her in a tragic accident. Now, the heartbreak and guilt he’s tried to bury with work and women begins to take over his life.

Alison Quick, the twenty-one-year-old daughter of a business tycoon — and the very ex-girlfriend of Boomerang’s former intern, Ethan — has a problem of her own. She’s got one chance to prove to her father that she deserves a place in his empire by grabbing control of Boomerang and taking Adam down.

But as Alison moves in on him, armed with a cadre of lawyers and accountants, she discovers there’s much more to Adam and Boomerang than meets the eye. Will earning her father’s approval come at the price of losing her first real love? It appears so, unless Adam can forgive her for wrecking his life and trying to steal his livelihood. But Alison hopes that old adage is right. Maybe love can conquer all.

EXCERPT

Excerpt #2 - Adam POV

Ali laughs. Her gaze feels like sunshine on my back, but I don’t turn around. I pull my wetsuit up to my waist, adjusting myself so I’m comfortable. The cool Neoprene layer feels familiar and my body responds, my heart thumping hard, anticipation rushing through my veins. The prospect of the ocean always does this to me. This has nothing to do with the girl behind me.

“Adam?”

Ali’s voice is close. Turning, I almost bump into her.

Her wetsuit is all the way on, which is good. And terrible.

“What’s up?” I ask.

She smells like suntan oil and peaches. This close, I see that her cheeks are turning slightly pink from the sun. With her hair pulled back, no makeup, and the wetsuit covering her completely, she looks better than she has all week at the office. Better than she did in the Catwoman costume. There’s something powerful about her now. The way her slender legs are planted firmly on the swaying boat, like she’s not trying at all. She’s at home on the water. This from an admitted equestrian. I can only imagine what she’s like with her horses.

“Sorry, but . . .” She smiles and points at her back. “My zipper’s jammed.” She turns around and pulls her ponytail up. “Can you help me out?”

“Sure. You want this on, right? Just want to be sure.”

I can’t see her face, but I know she’s smiling. “Yes. On please.”

I allow myself a moment to enjoy the way she looks right in front of me. Then I take the zipper leash, letting my knuckles drift over her back, just above the knot of her bikini.

If I weren’t completely focused on her, I’d have missed the way she curls slightly toward me.

Focus, Blackwood. Zip the wetsuit up.

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / IndieBound

MY REVIEW

The authors have done it again! Another sweet, fun, sexy, yet meaningful relationship that blossoms into something that was hard to imagine...

In REBOUND, we get to see Adam's side of the world - the owner of Boomerang, a young millionaire who is very private about his personal life. The same person who has no problem probing in other peoples lives, and yet, manages to stay disconnected to the world. It's just work for him... or is it?... Adam has his reasons to be so guarded. Not only is it hard to trust people to like him for he truly is, or is it because he has money? Also, he hides a secret that no one can fully understand. One so sad and devastating - it is hard to imagine Adam ever letting go and possibly try to move on to a better and happier future.
So when Adam dressed as Zorro meets Catwoman during Mia's halloween costume party, he only has one thing on his mind - how to get Catwoman out of her skintight suit! Luckily for both of them, Catwoman was literally sewn into her costume which made it a bit hard to go to far... why were they lucky? Because Catwoman is Allison aka the daughter of the man that Adam is hoping to impress and will partner with to expand his multi-million dollar business. And to add some icing to the cake, Allison is also Ethan's ex-girlfriend.
Allison has baggage of her own. She is still reeling over her break-up with Ethan, almost failing out of school and disappointing her father. This is her chance to make things up to everyone. Even if it means sacrificing some of her own happiness.
But as things start to unfold between Adam and Allison, there is no denying that these two were meant to be together. But at what price are they willing to pay to get there?

I have to admit, I had a hard time seeing these two get together. I was excited that the book was going to be about Adam. But Allison was portrayed so poorly in book one, it was hard to give her the benefit of the doubt in order to let her redeem herself and tell me her story.
Halfway through the story, I was finally coming to terms with their relationship. But still felt a strain between the two. Their stories are deeper and a little darker, and I felt like the chemistry between the two got a little lost in the moment. Their connection didn't feel loving but more like trying to save each other. I would have liked to have had the story been more detail and longer to build up the foundation between them rather than the rush of forgiveness and understanding that occurs.

Overall, it was really interesting to see the level of their commitment to one another. Also, just like the first book, Adam and Allison's story centered around family as well. And I really love that the authors make it such a priority for the reader to get to know the characters from all the aspects in their lives.

And yes, this can be read as a standalone! But why would you want too!
Great series! I cannot wait to find out who the next couple will be... 

*An eARC was approved for me to review by the publisher for the blog tour and an honest review. I read half as an eARC, and then finished the rest in its finished formed by purchasing the eBook when it was released. All thoughts are my own.

GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

(Bumbles and Fairy-Tales will not be held responsible for any lost, damaged, unclaimed, etc. prizes)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Noelle August

NOELLE AUGUST is an anagram for Veronica Rossi and Lorin Oberweger. Just kidding, it's a pen name!

VERONICA ROSSI is the author of the New York Times Best-selling UNDER THE NEVER SKY trilogy for young adults. The books are available in more than thirty countries and the film rights have been optioned by Warner Bros.

Veronica completed undergraduate studies at UCLA and lives in Northern California with her husband and two sons. She is fond of dresses with pockets, fluffy dogs, and cheese and chocolate - but not together.

LORIN OBERWEGER began her storytelling career by captivating her first-grade class with tales of her summers on a kibbutz in Israel.

Lorin had never been to Israel.

While teacher/parent night put an end to her first experiments in fiction, she’d already caught the bug and eventually made a career of all things story.

As a long-time independent editor and story development guru, Lorin's client successes range from small press publications to major bestselling novels. She's an award-winning author and has also worked behind the scenes as a ghostwriter on a variety of projects. Her work has received starred Kirkus reviews and glowing mentions in The New York Times.

Oh, she did get to see a kibbutz, eventually, and found out she had it pretty much right all along.

Veronica and Lorin met at a writing workshop and just knew they were destined to create awesome things together.

Goodreads / Website / Twitter / Facebook

REBOUND Blog Tour Schedule

http://kimbelryfayereads.com                                       2/23/2015

http://www.lulofangirl.com                                            2/23/2015

http://www.fiktshun.com                                                2/23/2015

http://booksbymigs.com                                                   2/23/2015

http://bujoijoi22.com                                                         2/23/2015

www.thecovercontessa.com                                           2/23/2015

http://www.libraryofabookwitch.com                        2/24/2015

www.fictionfare.blogspot.com                                      2/24/2015

http://desertdivasbookaddiction.wordpress.com 2/24/2015

http://bumblesandfairytales.blogspot.com             2/24/2015

http://www.supernaturalsnark.blogspot.com         2/24/2015

http://www.booksandswoons.com                              2/24/2015

http://sheheartsbooks7.blogspot.com/                     2/24/2015

http://bookcrush.in/                                                           2/24/2015

https://fandomlybookish.blogspot.com                    2/24/2015

http://www.mereadalot.net                                           2/25/2015

http://www.bookwormbetties.com/                          2/25/2015

http://www.owlalwaysbereading.com                       2/25/2015

literaryetc.com                                                                      2/25/2015

http://lostineverafter.blogspot.ca                                2/25/2015

Review: BOOMERANG by Noelle August (NA)

BOOMERANG

by Noelle August

Release date: July 8th, 2014

Published by: William Morrow Paperbacks

Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance

Format: Paperback, eBook, Audiobook

Format read: eBook

SUMMARY

Welcome to Boomerang.com, the dating site for the millennial gen with its no-fuss, no-commitments matchups, and where work is steamier than any random hook-up.

Mia Galliano is an aspiring filmmaker. Ethan Vance has just played his last game as a collegiate soccer star. They’re sharp, hungry for success, and they share a secret.

Last night, Ethan and Mia met at a bar, and, well... one thing led to another, which led to them waking up the next morning — together. Things turned awkward in a hurry when they found themselves sharing a post hookup taxi... to the same place: Boomerang headquarters.

What began as a powerful connection between them is treated to a cold shower courtesy of two major complications. First, Boomerang has a strict policy against co-worker dating. And second, they’re now competitors for only one job at the end of summer.

As their internships come to an end, will they manage to keep their eyes on the future and their hands off each other, or will the pull of attraction put them right back where they started?

MY REVIEW

I love when a book gets right to the point right on the first page! Super fun and sexy! There is no denying the unrequited attraction between the main characters...

Mia is smart, hardworking, confident and knows how to get what she wants. And, to make it all better, she's beautiful. Her mother is an artist, and she is her muse. Mia is determined to make a name for herself as a filmmaker and is relying on her new internship at Boomerang to give her the boost that she needs to be recognized.
Ethan is good-natured, grounded and quite the achiever. This light-hearted guy has just kicked his last soccer ball at college and is now facing paying off his debt and trying to figure out what the next step is. He is hoping that Boomerang's internship will be exactly what he's looking for... or at least, to eventually help him put food on the table.
But a one-night stand that goes astray seems to get these two off to a rough start on their first day of work. Who knew that they were going to not only be working at the same place, but that they were going to have to also compete with each other to get the job of a lifetime!

I loved these two from the very first page - they are so witty and playful! Yet serious and caring when they needed to be. There is no way to deny the attraction. Over and over again they ogled each others beauty. But, eventually, it was nice to see them also take interest in each others personalities and good traits as well. They're feeling are genuine and deep. It was really a wonder to watch these two banter it out until the end.

Both Mia and Ethan's families play major roles in their story. This really pushed me to give an extra star rating! It was so nice to see their family dynamics, problems, and love. I really got to see how they became who they are and how they got to where they are. So refreshing to get such a detailed and interesting background.

Like most new adult romances, the storyline is predictable, light-hearted and never disappointing. Full of humor, sarcasm and priceless moments. It is the type of read that I love to get into when in a rut or in need of a smile.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Noelle August

NOELLE AUGUST is an anagram for Veronica Rossi and Lorin Oberweger. Just kidding, it's a pen name!

VERONICA ROSSI is the author of the New York Times Best-selling UNDER THE NEVER SKY trilogy for young adults. The books are available in more than thirty countries and the film rights have been optioned by Warner Bros.

Veronica completed undergraduate studies at UCLA and lives in Northern California with her husband and two sons. She is fond of dresses with pockets, fluffy dogs, and cheese and chocolate - but not together.

LORIN OBERWEGER began her storytelling career by captivating her first-grade class with tales of her summers on a kibbutz in Israel.

Lorin had never been to Israel.

While teacher/parent night put an end to her first experiments in fiction, she’d already caught the bug and eventually made a career of all things story.

As a long-time independent editor and story development guru, Lorin's client successes range from small press publications to major bestselling novels. She's an award-winning author and has also worked behind the scenes as a ghostwriter on a variety of projects. Her work has received starred Kirkus reviews and glowing mentions in The New York Times.

Oh, she did get to see a kibbutz, eventually, and found out she had it pretty much right all along.

Veronica and Lorin met at a writing workshop and just knew they were destined to create awesome things together.

Goodreads / Website / Twitter / Facebook

Blog Tour (Review and Giveaway): AS LONG AS YOU LOVE ME (2B Trilogy #2) by Ann Aguirre (NA)

AS LONG AS YOU LOVE ME

2B Trilogy #2

by Ann Aguirre

Release date: September 30th, 2014

Published by: Harlequin HQN

Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance

Format: Paperback, eBook

SUMMARY

Most people dream about getting out of Sharon, Nebraska, but after three years away, Lauren Barrett is coming home. There are the justifications she gives to everyone else—missing her family, losing her college scholarship. And then there’s the reason Lauren can’t admit to anyone: Rob Conrad, her best friend’s older brother.

Football prowess and jaw-dropping good looks made Rob a star in high school. Out in the real world, his job and his relationships are going nowhere. He can’t pinpoint exactly what’s missing until Lauren comes back to town, bringing old feelings and new dreams with her. But he’s the guy that women love and leave—not the one who makes them think of forever.

Though she’s terrified of opening up, Lauren’s ready to take that chance. Because the only thing more important than figuring out where you truly belong is finding the person you were meant to be with.

MY REVIEW

After reading I WANT IT THAT WAY, I was completely intrigued by Lauren and what her story was about, and really liked Rob's cameo appearances and often wondered what was going on with him. I am so thrilled that they are the main characters for book two, AS LONG AS YOU LOVE ME. I really enjoyed this book far more than the first one. The characters are so likable and relatable, fun and endearing. The storyline is exceptionally realistic and entertaining...

Lauren has dropped out of school and moved back home ignoring all of the small-town rumors, she holds her head up high and is confident that she has made the right decision. She will pursue her degree via online and deal with her social insecurities at her own discretion. While she puts her education together and starts to concentrate on her well-being, it wouldn't hurt to help Rob out with getting his dream business going... especially since it will give her a front row seat to continue to crush over him. He has always been off limits to her, so she has had plenty of practice in keeping her hands off and drooling over him from afar...
Rob is trying to build a career for himself but is not knowledgeable with how to market himself. Working in construction gives him a lot of flexible time to rebuild the home he has just purchased and design/create furniture, that he hopes to make a living from doing some day. However, Rob lacks determination in making that dream come true. His whole life, everyone around him, has labeled him as the 'pretty boy' who is good with working with his hands that he isn't the brightest one to accomplish things. His lack of confidence keeps him from striving... Also, his current relationship is consuming and frustrating. And lacks the spark that he longs to have but doesn't think he deserves.

Once Lauren and Rob reconnect and things start moving along, I couldn't help myself but cheer them along and hope for the best. Like always, lack of communication and assumptions get in the way. But their kindred spirits keep bringing them back together. They compliment and balance each other. They also understand and encourage each like no one else ever had. They are sweet and goofy. I adore them to pieces.

Rob's lack of confidence was something that was mentioned over and over again. He continually dwelled on the fact that no one ever takes him seriously and that he's just another pretty face with no brains. Since he was a child, his sisters academics overshadowed any of his small accomplishments. He places no blame on his sister, which was refreshing, since it is the parents fault and not hers. All of this is understandable - something that has been said to you your entire life, you're going to believe it. However, when you have someone like Lauren come into your life and she gives you an outsiders point of you, it's time to step up to the plate and make something out of yourself rather than back off and continue to hide behind the obvious. I guess I expected him to put himself out there more. It is truly rare to find such a humble male character that can be so withdrawn. But once Lauren gets him to open up, he is charismatic and brilliant, loyal and supportive. He is clearly very unique in more ways than you can imagine and I ended up adoring him way too much. 

Ann Aguirre really captured me with both of the main character's growth and blossoming relationship. These two complimented each other so perfectly and it was really amusing watching these two transform their crush turn into friendship turn into crushes again and then fall in love. Nothing is rushed and everyone meets in the middle on their own terms - perfection. 

*I received an eARC from the publisher for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Books-A-Million / IndieBound / Vroman’s 

Book Depository / Powell’s / iTunes

THE 2B TRILOGY

I Want It That Way (Release date 8/26/14)

As Long As You Love Me (Release date 9/30/14)

The Shape of My Heart (Release date 11/25/14)

GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

(*Bumbles and Fairy-Tales will not be held responsible for any lost, damaged, unclaimed, etc. prizes.)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Ann Aguirre

Ann Aguirre is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author and RITA winner with a degree in English Literature; before she began writing full time, she was a clown, a clerk, a voice actress, and a savior of stray kittens, not necessarily in that order. She grew up in a yellow house across from a cornfield, but now she lives in sunny Mexico with her husband, children, and various pets. Ann likes books, emo music, action movies, and she writes all kinds of genre fiction for adults and teens, published with Harlequin, Macmillan, and Penguin, among others.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Tumblr / Goodreads

2014 Debut Authors Bash (Interview): IF ONLY by A.J. Pine (NA)

IF ONLY

by A.J. Pine

Release date: March 24th, 2014

Published by: Entangled (Embrace) Publishing

Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance

Format: Paperback, eBook

Format read: eBook I purchased. 

SUMMARY

Sometimes it takes crossing an ocean to figure out where you belong.

It's been two years since twenty-year-old Jordan had a boyfriend — which means it's been forever since she, well, you know. But now she’s off to spend her junior year in Aberdeen, Scotland, the perfect place to stop waiting for Mr. Right and just enjoy Mr. Right Now.

Sexy, sweet (and possible player) Griffin may be her perfect, no-strings-attached match. He’s fun, gorgeous, and makes her laugh. So why can’t she stop thinking about Noah who, minutes after being trapped together outside the train’s loo, kisses Jordan like she’s never been kissed before? Never mind his impossible blue eyes, his weathered, annotated copy of The Great Gatsby (total English-major porn)… oh, and his girlfriend.

Jordan knows everything this year has an expiration date. Aberdeen is supposed to be about fun rather than waiting for life to happen. But E. M. Forster, Shakespeare, and mistletoe on Valentine’s Day make her reconsider what love is and how far she’s willing to go for the right guy.

INTERVIEW with A.J. Pine

*When did you start reading and writing?

I have always been a reader, but the writing really only started to kick in a few years ago. I’d find myself finishing a book I loved and wanting to write something I’d love just as much. So three years ago I decided to jump in and try writing a novel. That novel isn’t published, but it served it’s purpose--letting me know I didn’t just enjoy writing. It was something I needed to do.

*What were you like as a teen?

SUPER shy. Omigod, like so painfully shy. I should have been writing back then. Imagine the angst! Haha.

*What is your favorite genre to read at the moment?

I read everything from contemporary to fantasy, but what’s most important is for the story to have a romance arc. I love love.

*When and how did you get the idea for IF ONLY?

IF ONLY is very loosely based on my junior year that I spent at Aberdeen University in Scotland. After I started reading New Adult contemporary romance, I was like, YES. I have a story to tell!

*Where did you write IF ONLY?

On my laptop? Haha. Oh, also on my super comfy, hard-not-to-fall-asleep-on, leather recliner couch. I’m so not a desk girl.

*Did you have any say in the cover design?

I did! Entangled Embrace, my publisher, was fantastic about asking for input from me, and I have to say, what my cover designer, Jessica Cantor, did, was exactly the tone and look I envisioned.

*Is there another book in the works? If so, what can we expect?

YES! Book two in the IF ONLY duology, tentatively titled REMEMBER YESTERDAY, should be releasing this fall. No official release date yet until we get through edits. This book, a companion rather than sequel, takes place almost two years after IF ONLY ends and tells the story of a character who leaves IF ONLY about halfway through.

*Dark chocolate or milk chocolate?

MILK. No question.

*Fruit or vegetables?

Vegetables

*Cats or dogs?

Cats - so low maintenance even if they look down on me with disdain (I have two).

*Hardcover, paperback or ebook?

This is tough. I read them all. To have on my shelf, I love to have hardcover. But my favorite way to read is actually listening to audio books.

*Movie?

Just one? Um...Moulin Rouge.

*Ice cream flavor?

Healthy frozen yogurt loaded with unhealthy toppings.

*Social media site?

Twitter

*Animal?

Does Ewan McGregor count? He’s my spirit animal. Otherwise, cat.

*Book?

Eeek! This is so not fair. I will say one only because it says book and not books, and I am going to follow the rules, but know that there is quite the list in my head. :)

Right now, the book that just gets me at my core, that I still reread every now and then, is the gorgeous YA novel, JELLICOE ROAD, by Melina Marchetta.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - A.J. Pine

AJ Pine  writes stories to break readers’ hearts, but don’t worry — she’ll mend them with a happily ever after. As an English teacher and a librarian, AJ has always surrounded herself with books. All her favorites have one big commonality – romance. Naturally, her books have the same. When she’s not writing, she’s of course reading. Then there’s online shopping (everything from groceries to shoes) and, of course, a tiny bit of TV where she nourishes her undying love of vampires, from Eric Northman to the Salvatore brothers. And in the midst of all of this, you’ll also find her hanging with her family in the Chicago burbs.

Goodreads / Website / Facebook / Twitter