Best books of 2014, in my opinion.

I haven't reviewed all of these. Most I read before I began this endeavor. They're in no particular order, but here are my favourite books of 2014. Grown-up language warning. 

Actually, this is my number one. Maybe. I have even reviewed this too! I'm going to ignore the fact that Matt Damon has been cast as Mark Watney because I think I love Mark and he's not Matt Damon. Not at all. Mark is stuck on Mars, which isn't funny but his approach to it is. 

Such an overwhelmingly delightful nerdy, geeky book. It's brilliant and I don't even like computer games. A futuristic, 1980-themed good versus evil. Recently been picked up as a film, I could see Anton Yelchin as Wade Watts. An absolute must read.

I can't remember how I came across this trilogy. I think I saw Wool in my local library - that's certainly where I got the first one, then I had to buy the other two as the library didn't have them. Hey ho. Set slightly in the future, with a strong female protagonist and no love triangle to be seen, the Wool trilogy paints a bleak (ish) view of what may come.

A surprising Kindle find and a strong contender for a new Hunger Games/Divergent-esque YA trilogy. Again, set slightly in the future and a cross between the planned apocalypse featured in the Wool trilogy and The Walking Dead (or any other zombie apocalypse), the Born Trilogy offers another strong female lead. There's a love triangle and a wolf but don't let that put you off. Emma and her pals kick arse and the character development is beautiful. Grab them whilst they're cheap on Amazon. I wouldn't be surprised if these take off next year.

I was dead chuffed when I got this on early review from Net Galley. It's an unusual apocalypse story considering that in the apocalypse literature zombies have literally taken over. No zombies, no virus; just a big arse meteorite. Set in the UK, the story starts just before it's grab-your-ankles-and-kiss-your-arse-goodbye time which is nice as I like to know what happened and so often you don't get to have that in a apocalypse book.  The visual imagery that Walker creates of a carved up and broken landscape is strong and haunting. I kinda want it to be picked up as a film and I kinda don't because I know it'll get buggered up. 

Better late than never - a review of The Martian, by Andy Weir

So, this is what Amazon have to say about this...

The Sunday Times bestseller - Robinson Crusoe on Mars, a survival story for the 21st Century

I’m stranded on Mars. 

I have no way to communicate with Earth.


I’m in a Habitat designed to last 31 days.


If the Oxygenator breaks down, I’ll suffocate. If the Water Reclaimer breaks down, I’ll die of thirst. If the Hab breaches, I’ll just kind of explode. If none of those things happen, I’ll eventually run out of food and starve to death.

So yeah. I’m screwed.

The Martian is featured in Richard & Judy's Autumn Book Club 2014

ANDY WEIR has always been fascinated by space travel and like most kids growing up wanted to be an astronaut.Instead, he wrote a book - The Martian - which he self published on Amazon in 2012. It went on to receive 1,500 reviews on Amazon, averaging 4.7 out of 5 stars, with similar success on Goodreads. The film rights have been bought by Fox.Andy hopes this will be the first of many trips into space.

And this happens to be the most ridiculous review of the book I've had the misfortune to read...

"My initial high hopes for a good book were dashed within 20 pages. Page after page calculating how much water, how much soil etc. Combined with unnecessarily crude language I would hardly expect of a supposed NASA astronaut and frequent teenager style jubilations - e.g. 'Yay go me!'
I had to fight the urge to throw my new book down the toilet. Tried to persevere, but the overuse of exclamation marks finally beat me and this rubbish has been laid to rest.
I have never given up on a book so early before so at least this one gets that accolade.
Avoid at all costs unless you like watching paint dry while life slips slowly away..."

I took great offence to this particular review. I took even greater offence to the mocking of Mark's (the 'supposed NASA astronaut') language. Part of Mark's charm and how Weir helps create reader empathy for his protagonist, is by the use of more accessible language. The book cleverly weaves technical language with Mark's 'teenager jubilance'. I don't know astronauts, but I do know scientists and a wide range of clever people. They know how to act professionally and when to use appropriate language, likewise they know how to talk like a normal person. How on earth could Weir expect readers to have any empathy with Mark if he talked like he had a massive science stick jammed up his rear end all the time?! Anyhoo, I digress. 

Weir weaves a amazing narrative; flitting between the technicality of surviving on Mars for significantly longer than expected and, well, the not-so technical aspects of surviving on Mars for longer than expected. The human element, Mark being alone, is so profound that the technicality stopped being so prominent. It doesn't matter that Mark is left alone on Mars for years, he could be anywhere; a desert island, the Arctic, a mountain top, He is alone and desperate for company. 

The humour that Weir uses for Mark does indeed seem out of place in a science fiction novel of such standing. Again, from the human perspective, how else would you cope with being stranded??! Mark's communications with NASA control are hilarious. Mark in general is hilarious; in fact I think I fell in love with him a little. 

Ridley Scott is set to direct the film version, due for release late next year (2015). Matt Damon is set to play Mark...I'm not to sure how I feel about this. 

Regardless, the book is simply fantastic. The technical details are quite impressive and extraordinary - they make for a superb read. It's a shame we haven't actually done a manned mission to Mars; if it went tits up, I expect this book could be used as a 'How to survive on Mars' guide. Read it for the science, read it for the humanity. Either way, you won't be disappointed. 

There are not enough hours in the day.

I wish I had time to blog/write more. I've read some fantastic books since September and fallen hopelessly in love with my Kindle, neither of which I've had proper time to write about. I work 60 hours a week - taking Saturday off so that I can get house stuff done, exercise and get my daughter to her clubs. Sunday, I go back to work again to prep for the coming week. 

I have seriously considered changing careers, even though I only qualified for this one this year. I love it (for the most part!) but I get concerned that it chips away at my fitness and ability to have a life outside of it. 

Gimme a couple of hours and I'll blog a bit about Ready Player one and The Martian. Two of my favourite books from 2014. 

Review - Falling Away (Fall Away Book 3) by Penelope Douglas

The Blurb

Jaxon is the guy she’s supposed to avoid.

K.C. is the girl he won’t let get away....

K. C. Carter has always followed the rules—until this year, when a mistake leaves her the talk of her college campus and her carefully arranged life comes crashing to a halt. Now she’s stuck in her small hometown for the summer to complete her court-ordered community service, and to make matters worse, trouble is living right next door.

Jaxon Trent is the worst kind of temptation and exactly what K.C. was supposed to stay away from in high school. But he never forgot her. She was the one girl who wouldn’t give him the time of day and the only one to ever say no. Fate has brought K.C. back into his life—except what he thought was a great twist of luck turns out to be too close for comfort. As the bond between them grows, he discovers that convincing K.C. to get out from her mother’s shadow is hard, but revealing the darkest parts of his soul is nearly impossible.…

My Review

To be honest I don't know where to start....  Actually yes, yes I do.  

This book is fantastic.  I could just leave  the review there and let you find out for yourself but I neeeeed to tell you how brilliant it is.   I am, however,  struggling just trying to put my thoughts down as there are so many good bits and I've highlighted so many passages in my kindle, that my copy looks like it's having it's own disco.  I didn't want the story to end, it was that good. (You can probably tell that i'm suffering from a bit of a book hangover.)   There were parts that made me smile, laugh, get angry, tearful.  I ran the whole gauntlet of emotions with this one.  

It's part of the Fall Away series of which I've been a fan since downloading a copy of Bully when it was first published.  This story focuses on K.C. Carter (Tate's best friend) & Jaxon Trent (Jared's younger brother).  Two very very damaged souls.  

Not many people liked K.C. after Bully and Until You but you will love her in this.  Her background is so sad and she gets treated terribly by the people who are supposed to love her.  

"Throughout high school and college, I was always lonely."

I spent a lot of time routing for her, hoping that someone would come along and give her a cuddle.  

We learn more of Jax's history;  why he is much more dangerous than his brother.  He is, quite rightfully, an angry young man who keeps that anger simmering under the surface.  There were times that I thought Jax was cruel towards K.C. but as a reader, you take into account his youth and immaturity plus she held her own.  The sex scenes were H.O.T.!  These characters have strong chemistry and it was beautiful to watch their love story unfold.  I also enjoyed reading about their growth as people and how they started to heal.  

The gang is all here in the book so we get a good dose of Jared, Tate, Madoc & Fallon.  Fallon's dad makes an appearance with possibly one of the funniest lines in the series.  (It's difficult to write this without giving away lots of spoilers, so i'm going to leave it there.)

If you haven't pre-ordered this book already, I would highly recommend doing so....now.  Have I mentioned it's awesome?  A solid five stars from me.

Only. Ever. You.

Amazon UK Preorder

All I Want is Live!!

These 9 fabulous bestselling authors are giving you 9 HOT novellas to brighten your December. 

Snowflakes & Fire Escapes by J.M Darhower - Cody Moran and Gracie Callaghan wanted nothing more than to escape the life they'd been born into, but it's the kind of life that doesn't like to let go. A story of love and heartache spanning the streets of Hell's Kitchen to far, far away, where it doesn't snow.

Winter Kiss: Ryley and Ash by L.P. Dover - Now that his time for revenge is over, Ryley wants to make the season special for the woman he loves. Not only will you hear the sound of Christmas bells during the holiday, but maybe another type of bell followed by the pitter patter of little feet.

A Merry Mitchell Affair by Jennifer Foor - Come join the entire Mitchell clan for a very merry Christmas and a surprise wedding.

Hit or Mistletoe by HJ Harley - London and her twin brother Trent are headed home for the holidays. This year Trent has brought home his hockey teammate and friend Pratt Montgomery. Who if wasn’t for Trent, would have spent them alone. London is convinced Pratt is just another beer drinking jock, until she sees a completely different side of him when he opens up to her.

Stranded by BJ Harvey - Stranded in Chicago just two days before the holidays, Porter Daniels and Harlow Wilson have to clear the air. Can they finally stop circling each other and get what they really want for Christmas?

12 Days of Forever by Heidi McLaughlin - A Beaumont Novella - The Christmas trees are trimmed and the bells are ringing. For one lucky couple in Beaumont, Christmas has a whole new meaning.

Adam by K.A. Robinson: A Torn Series Novella - In Tamed, you heard Amber's side of the story. Now, it's Adam's turn. What happened after Tamed? What was going through Adam's mind in key scenes of Tamed? It's time Adam had his say.

Lost in Translation by S. L. Scott - When two opposites attract in Paris, can the language of love bring them together or will they be Lost in Translation?

Fighter by Tijan - Jax Cutler is one bail jumper Dale doesn't want to help her family catch, but he soon becomes the one she can't let go.

AMAZON   AMAZON UK



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Beloved by Eden Butler Review

Title: My Beloved (Thin Love novella, #1.5)

Author: Eden Butler

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: December 8, 2014

Synopsis

Keira Riley was the girl Kona Hale loved first, the woman he wants to love last. They’ve battled addiction, forgiven betrayal and healed from heartache, coming through it all bruised but hopeful that their future will be limitless.

Kona Hale was a blinding flame that Keira Riley gladly burned inside—his touch, his kiss, his overwhelming love, all made her dizzy, desperate and desired, made her believe in a love worth bleeding for, a love that ignites the heart with an unquenchable flame. But when you fall in love with an NFL darling who can’t seem to let go of the spotlight, sometimes even that flame can be gutted by the buffeting winds of opportunity, can be lost behind the brilliant flash of fame.

As Keira and Kona get caught up in plans for an extravagant march down the aisle, the hard won sanctuary they've found in each other's arms begins to erode. Will they be able to see through all the beckoning glitz and glamour to what they have worked so hard to build together, or will their love be lost in the spotlight?

MY BELOVED is a novella set prior to the THIN LOVE epilogue.

My Review.

After the sweet HEA for Kiera and Kona in Thin Love by Eden Butler; I didn't think there would be anymore drama but I was wrong.

Very wrong.

Set prior to the epilogue for Thin Love, My Beloved is a gratifying read that tells the tale of Kona & Kiera's wedding. Boy, it should be renamed 'My Big Fat Hawaiian Wedding'! There is upset, there is drama, there is more Ransom, there is family (including the re-appearance of dun dun duuuunnnn). Yep, there are lots and lots and lots of well meaning but interfering family. I felt so sorry for Kiera during this book. Kona didn't have a clue regarding his beloved's feelings and I spent a great deal of time thinking 'typical man'. He did come good in the end and their proper wedding was lovely, I even got a bit teary.

Oh and the ending!!...

A highly recommended quick read but you will need to read Thin love before you read this though.

*Arc received in exchange for an honest review.

Buy

Amazon → http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QNZ23C4/

Amazon UK → http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00QNZ23C4/

B&N → http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-beloved-a-thin-love-novella-eden-butler/1120862856

Kobo → http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/my-beloved-a-thin-love-novella

iTunes → https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id948848240

Smashwords → https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/499073Grab Thin Love (#1) ♥

Amazon | Amazon UK | B&N | Kobo | iTunes | Smashwords

♥ About Eden ♥

Eden Butler is an editor and writer of New Adult Romance and SciFi and Fantasy novels and the nine-times great-granddaughter of an honest-to-God English pirate. This could explain her affinity for rule breaking and rum. Her debut novel, a New Adult, Contemporary (no cliffie) Romance, “Chasing Serenity” launched in October 2013 and quickly became an Amazon bestseller.

When she’s not writing or wondering about her possibly Jack Sparrowesque ancestor, Eden edits, reads and spends way too much time watching rugby, Doctor Who and New Orleans Saints football. 

She is currently imprisoned under teenage rule alongside her husband in southeast Louisiana. 

Please send help.

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Love's Spark by L.A. Cotton is Live!

Book Title: Love's Spark 

Author: L.A. Cotton 

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance 

Release Date: December 2014 

Hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions

Twenty-four year old Sharn Macer has spent the last six years looking for love....for that spark. She's failing miserably. After a life changing break up forces her back to her broken home, and into a string of dating disasters, Sharn decides it's time to hang up her heels and take a break from guys.

She didn’t expect to find the spark… with the quiet guy from her past.

Keefer Smith likes to keep to himself, always has and probably always will. He doesn't have time to date, not when he’s constantly worrying about what state he'll find his father in. Lucky for him, he does have one thing going for him; baseball.

He didn’t expect to want more… with the girl he once watched from afar.

Back in high school, Sharn would never have looked twice at someone like him, and Keefer would’ve never stood a chance with someone like her. But six years is a long time, and when they find themselves placed in charge of seventeen ninth graders they soon realize they might not be as different as they think. The chemistry is right, even if the timing is all wrong.

Sparks will fly, but will they spark love?

 

The Lounge was crammed. Friday nights were always full of students, but it was the best club for a more chilled out vibe. It had two rooms; a bar area and a dance area, then there was a huge covered courtyard. After navigating the queue at the bar, I managed to get us drinks. We wound our way through the crowds of drunken, rowdy college kids, and found an empty sofa at the far end of the courtyard. Sharn’s body moved in time to the music, and from how natural she made it looked, I could tell she liked to dance—something I never did.

“It's really busy.” Her words sounded a little slurred.

“Are you drunk? You only had two glasses of wine with dinner.” I mocked. I'd switched to soda after a couple of beers—I was driving.

“I am not!” She gasped. “I'm just excited. I don't get out all that much.”

“What about your friend? The girl I saw you with at 42nds?”

She turned her body slightly to face me. “Mae? We work together, and have a Friday night ritual. She's married though.”

My eyes glanced over her neck and chest, lingering over her low cut dress. I could just make out the curve of her tits.

“Hey.” She snapped her fingers in front of my nose. “My face is here, mister.”

Busted.

“I can't help where my eyes decide to look. Did you blow off your Friday night ritual with Mae, for me?”

She blushed again, and my inner guy punched the air—I affected her as much as she affected me. “Maybe. Hmm-” She hesitated, as if she wanted to ask me something. My stomach pooled with dread.

“Can I ask you something? Where did you go last weekend?”

Fuck. It would be so easy to tell her the truth—to let her in. But I choked, unable to do it. I didn't want to ruin the night—to see the pity in her eyes. I didn't want her to feel sorry for me. So I played the game I'd been playing from the start. Leaning forward, I dipped my head and swept her hair away from her shoulder with my hand. As I brushed my lips against the soft spot underneath her ear, she trembled and I whispered, “Not tonight. I'll tell you, but not tonight.”

She let out a breathy sign as I curved my arm around her waist and pulled her body flush to mine. Our lips found each other's, and I knew. This was it for me. She was it. But she still knew nothing about me, and that scared the shit out of me. I had to tell her. And soon. Or I'd lose her. Someone like Sharn wouldn’t play games for long.

   

L. A. Cotton has a busy mind in need of constant stimulation. A youth worker from the Midlands, UK, if L. A isn’t immersed in a book, she’s figuring out what course to study next. With an imagination that refuses to stay quiet, early this year, L. A finally decided to put finger to keyboard and start typing. Her debut novel, Fate’s Love releases September 30th.

When she’s not busy reading, writing, and plotting future books, L. A. is mum to two gorgeous children, and their hyper terrier, Rocky.

 

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Happy release day Brei Betzold. Raidiant Point is live!!

Happy release day Brei! Radiant Point by Author Brei Betzold is out today so be sure to grab your copy!

About Radiant Point 

Trinity Seymour knew she never wanted to be like her mother; Trinity wanted stability. In her teenaged mind, it was easy, go to college and get a good job. Only her life isn’t that easy and along the way, choices are made.

Trinity never could have envisioned where she’d end up or that Jeron Price, the local screw-up, would become her tarnished savior. Together they travel a path together that leads to friendship, love, and family. Only their life is built on a foundation of secrets that could destroy everything they’ve made for themselves.

How do you repair something you never knew was broken? And when the worst happens, how do you carry on?

Purchase Now: Amazon

About the Author

Brei is a stay at home mom to one very interesting little boy. I have been writing since 7th grade when my English teacher turned me onto poetry and never stopped. Thank you Mrs. Williams. In high school I had yet another English teacher inspire me to start writing short stories where I found my first true love, turning words into something so simple yet complex that it can move other people to love it or hate it, but in the end to feel emotions about something I created.

Connect Online

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Author Goodreads

Rock My Body (Black Falcon #4) by Michelle Valentine

The Blurb 

Tyke Douglas is tired of being the glue that holds the hottest band in the world together. If the rest of the guys are out doing their own thing, then why shouldn’t he? He’s about to turn things up a notch and bring a whole new level of crazy into Black Falcon’s world. 

Francine Mead is putting her sordid past behind and is determined to help others overcome their demons along side her. The first step in her new life is taking a job as an addiction counselor, where she can mentor others through their struggles. Francine never expected to be lured back into temptation when her first sexy celebrity client, Tyke Douglas walks through her door. The moment she lays eyes on him, she’s in trouble.  

Both Tyke and Francine know a relationship between them would be a disaster, but with each session, things continue to heat up, making it impossible to deny the connection they share. Boundaries cross, attractions heighten and both of their willpowers will be tested to the very limit.

Novel centers around Tyke Douglas, bassist of Black Falcon, and is final book in the series.

My Review

Excuse me while I sit and sob for it's the end.....the end of a book series that I have loved since the beginning; when I stumbled across it as newbie to the indie publishing world.  One of the few books that'll be an instant-buy because it's that book series.  One of those series that sucks you in and doesn't let you go, that you'll read again and again as you invest and grow to love the characters. 

Waaaaahhhhhaaaaaaa.


Ok, i'll try to be a bit serious but I really am gutted that this is the last Black Falcon book.  I first stumbled on the series when I was looking for second chance romance books and I'm glad I did. Noel & Laney, Riff & Aubrey, Trip & Holly; I have enjoyed each story and I certainly enjoyed this one.  Tyke finally gets his story told and it was worth the wait.  

Feeling a bit pushed out as the other Black Falcon members fall in love and no longer make the music a priority; Tyke turns more and more to drink and drugs as he (in his mind) tries to keep the band together.  This ultimately ends up with a trip to rehab where he meets the lovely Frannie, his addiction therapist!!

I loved these two together; Frannie had such a sad back-story and was a very likeable character.  Seeing Tyke mature and own up to his failings was a highlight for me.  These two damaged souls had a beautiful love story.  Plus, of course, the sex scenes were hot as hell!

The epilogue made me teary.  It was perfect, especially the last line.

So, farewell the boys of Black Falcon.  Oh how i'll miss you.

Unless...... and i'm just putting this out there now Michelle as an idea...maybe....Rock the Ages featuring a grown up James and Hailey.  Just saying ;) 


*ARC copy received in exchange for an honest review.

Go buy now!

Amazon UK

Cover Reveal for Tryst by Arie Lane!

Release Date: January 6th

Goodreads

SYNOPSIS

Bentley Celeste has everything to lose, literally. On a night she should have been celebrating, her world came crashing down. Left with no other choice, she ran for her life and has been hiding ever since.

The day Tristan turned into a teenager his whole life changed. Faced with the reality that his father was more of a child than he was, Tristan chose to forego the rest of his childhood and become an adult.

Both have secrets that could destroy the fragile foundation that Tristan fights hard to build. But what happens when the very secrets you are hiding are the very ties that will either bind or break you? Can Bentley stop running long enough to let someone in? Can Tristan start believing that not everyone he loves is destined to abandon him? 

***WARNING*** This book is intended for 18+ due to strong language, violent scenarios, and sexual content. 

Pre - order links 

Amazon.com - http://amzn.com/B00PJK646A

Amazon.co.uk - http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00PJK646A

Book Trailer:

About this Author

Arie Lane is an avid reader and stay at home mom to two beautiful little boys. When not writing or chasing them around she is usually catching up with other Indie authors and constantly keeping up with new blogs.
She loves to connect with people and is proud that she finally had the courage to put some of her crazy thoughts into written words. From the time she started reading her nose was always stuck in a book and she's couldn't be happier that now she's encouraging others to get their noses stuck also. Even if her readers are of the +18 variety.

Connect with the Arie:

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9850637.Arie_Lane

Amazon author Page - http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00PMNMHRO

Facbebook page - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Arie-Lane/1559450517600148?fref=ts

WTF? Book Review - The Zrakon's Bride

The Blurb:

Beauty Meets Her Beast

Are maidens still sacrificed to sea dragons? Kate Beaton is a lover of folklore tales about beauties and beasts, maidens and monsters, princesses and frogs. But when she visits a quaint Scottish village, she is surprised to find that they take the ancient legends seriously. 

Ross Malloch is a modern Highland laird with a family secret-there have been shape shifters at Mallochbirn for centuries. The Zrakon is in his blood. And on Midsummer's Eve, the only thing his alpha male sea dragon can think about is finding his one true mate

My Review:

I had to class this as a WTF? review, it's a paranormal romance featuring a shape shifting sea dragon for Pete's sake! It is a well written and entertaining tale that, to this reviewer at least, had an air of the Wicker Man about it in certain scenes. 

We meet Ross (hot highland laird, vet and shape-shifter) and Kate (insanely beautiful, brave, can talk to animals, loves myths and legends ) and the Zrakon of the title.  Between all of them there are some pretty hot sex scenes.  While I enjoyed the story overall, the fact that the book rattles along at a fast pace is a massive bonus plus it is a fun read; there were times I found the dialogue wooden. I also found that parts of the story didn't make sense with the mythology.  It also didn't help that whenever I read the word Zrakon it does come out in my head as Zac Efron but I digress......

Would I recommend it?  Yes.  Like I said it was fun, it was quick and well written.

***Arc copy received in exchange for an honest review.