The YA's Nightstand: fiction

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The Cousins War Reviews.

As part of her Philippa Gregory week Holly at Holly's Book Corner asked if I would mind reviewing The Cousins War series. Now I've only read the first three books in the series so I couldn't review all of them but here are the links to my reviews for The White Queen, The Red Queen and my favourite The Kingmakers Daughter.

Enjoy x

THE WHITE QUEEN

by Philippa Gregory

Pages: 408 (hardcover)

Published: August 18th 2009 (Originally published 2008)

Publisher: Touchstone

Summary

Brother turns on brother to win the ultimate prize, the throne of England, in this dazzling account of the wars of the Plantagenets. They are the claimants and kings who ruled England before the Tudors, and now Philippa Gregory brings them to life through the dramatic and intimate stories of the secret players: the indomitable women, starting with Elizabeth Woodville, the White Queen.The White Queen tells the story of a woman of extraordinary beauty and ambition who, catching the eye of the newly crowned boy king, marries him in secret and ascends to royalty. While Elizabeth rises to the demands of her exalted position and fights for the success of her family, her two sons become central figures in a mystery that has confounded historians for centuries: the missing princes in the Tower of London whose fate is still unknown. From her uniquely qualified perspective, Philippa Gregory explores this most famous unsolved mystery of English history, informed by impeccable research and framed by her inimitable storytelling skills.

Check out my review for The White Queen HERE!

via Holly's Book Corner

THE RED QUEEN

by Philippa Gregory

Pages: 382 (hardcover)

Published: August 3rd 2010

Publisher: Touchstone

Summary

The second book in Philippa's stunning new trilogy, The Cousins War, brings to life the story of Margaret Beaufort, a shadowy and mysterious character in the first book of the series - The White Queen - but who now takes centre stage in the bitter struggle of The War of the Roses.
The Red Queen tells the story of the child-bride of Edmund Tudor, who, although widowed in her early teens, uses her determination of character and wily plotting to infiltrate the house of York under the guise of loyal friend and servant, undermine the support for Richard III and ultimately ensure that her only son, Henry Tudor, triumphs as King of England.
Through collaboration with the dowager Queen Elizabeth Woodville, Margaret agrees a betrothal between Henry and Elizabeth's daughter, thereby uniting the families and resolving the Cousins War once and for all by founding of the Tudor dynasty.

Check out my review for The Red Queen HERE!

Via Holly's Book Corner

THE KINGMAKERS DAUGHTER

by Philippa Gregory

Pages: 417 (hardcover)

Published: August 14th 2012

Publisher: Touchstone

Summary

Spies, poison, and curses surround her...

Is there anyone she can trust?

The Kingmaker's Daughter is the gripping story of the daughters of the man known as the "Kingmaker," Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick: the most powerful magnate in fifteenth-century England. Without a son and heir, he uses his daughters, Anne and Isabel as pawns in his political games, and they grow up to be influential players in their own right. In this novel, her first sister story since The Other Boleyn Girl, Philippa Gregory explores the lives of two fascinating young women.
At the court of Edward IV and his beautiful queen, Elizabeth Woodville, Anne grows from a delightful child to become ever more fearful and desperate when her father makes war on his former friends. Married at age fourteen, she is soon left widowed and fatherless, her mother in sanctuary and her sister married to the enemy. Anne manages her own escape by marrying Richard, Duke of Gloucester, but her choice will set her on a collision course with the overwhelming power of the royal family and will cost the lives of those she loves most in the world, including her precious only son, Prince Edward. Ultimately, the kingmaker's daughter will achieve her father's greatest ambition.

Check out my review for The Kingmakers Daughter HERE!

Via Holly's Book Corner

Review: Ten Tiny Breaths

TEN TINY BREATHS

by K.A. Tucker

Pages: 280 (paperback)

Publisher: Atria Books

Publication Date: September 24th 2013

ISBN: 1476740321
Received From: The Hot Bed

Summary

Kacey Cleary’s whole life imploded four years ago in a drunk-driving accident. Now she’s working hard to bury the pieces left behind—all but one. Her little sister, Livie. Kacey can swallow the constant disapproval from her born-again aunt Darla over her self-destructive lifestyle; she can stop herself from going kick-boxer crazy on Uncle Raymond when he loses the girls’ college funds at a blackjack table. She just needs to keep it together until Livie is no longer a minor, and then they can get the hell out of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
But when Uncle Raymond slides into bed next to Livie one night, Kacey decides it’s time to run. Armed with two bus tickets and dreams of living near the coast, Kacey and Livie start their new lives in a Miami apartment complex, complete with a grumpy landlord, a pervert upstairs, and a neighbor with a stage name perfectly matched to her chosen “profession.” But Kacey’s not worried. She can handle all of them. What she can’t handle is Trent Emerson in apartment 1D.
Kacey doesn’t want to feel. She doesn’t. It’s safer that way. For everyone. But sexy Trent finds a way into her numb heart, reigniting her ability to love again. She starts to believe that maybe she can leave the past where it belongs and start over. Maybe she’s not beyond repair.
But Kacey isn’t the only one who’s broken. Seemingly perfect Trent has an unforgiveable past of his own; one that, when discovered, will shatter Kacey’s newly constructed life and send her back into suffocating darkness.

Review

"No human can bury their past indefinitely. It's only a matter of time before you crack."

I've seen K.A. Tucker books all over the place recently but never thought to sit down and actually read one. Then when The Hot Bed asked if there were any books I've been meaning to read it was the Ten Tiny Breaths series that popped into my head. Now I'm sleep deprived from staying up all night to finish Kacey's story and desperate to get my hands on book two in the series. This book is heart retching and thought provoking. It's a story that covers some hard issues without sugaring coating a thing and it's all the more endearing for it.

Ten Tiny Breaths is the story of Kacey Cleary, a twenty-year-old orphan that's had a tough couple of years and with fifteen-year-old sister in toe is hoping for a fresh start in Miami. But even Kacey didn't imagine the friends they would make and the impact these sisters new home would have on their lives. With a stripper on one side and a sexy dream-boy on the other the apartment building turns out to be the Cleary's saving grace. Although not all is what it seems and as the plot begins to unravel you'll be taken by surprise and utterly put through the emotional wringer.

"Take ten tiny breaths. Seize them. Feel them. Love them."

Kacey is an incredible leading lady to read about. She's broken to the point of destruction and for a bloody good reason to! I can't stand it when we have these kind of characters, the kind that have hit self-destruct mode and don't care about the consequences over something trivial but with Kacey we have protagonist that is braking because she went through something genuinely earth shattering. As a character she's constantly fighting to keep moving forward, which was inspirational and even when things get tough (which they inevitably do) Kacey tries to stay strong for what family she has left. I just wanted to scoop her up and give her a massive hug - even if she is likely to jab me in the throat for it.

"I'll make you whole again, Kacey. I promise you, I will."

And then we have our other player in this swoon worthy romance - Trent. Damn that boy is HOT! Okay so there was a little inta-love going on but I honestly couldn't give a fudge. Trent has enough secrets, flaws and quirks of his own to keep him interesting and out of the dreaded 'secondary character' category. But it's the fact that throughout the whole of the book - well 80% at least - Trent's main goal seems to be to make Kacey smile, to try and make her whole again. And sure, he was a bit of a numpty at times and there's one little scene where he rightfully gets a smack but for me his flaws only enhanced his charm. What can I say, I like them a little batshit-crazy.

""I want to make you smile. For real. Always. We're going to go for dinners, and see movies, and walk on the beach. We'll go hang gliding, or bungee jumping, or whatever you want to do. Whatever makes you smile and laugh more." His fingers toy with my bottom lips. "Let me make you smile.""

This book is without a doubt a provocative, steamy and captivating novel that ticks all the boxes for me. The story was exciting, The character's were real and moving. I for one adored Storm and her inflatables! It made me laugh out loud and a little hot under the collar at times. I can't wait to delve into the rest of these books and I'm hoping we get to see a little more of Kacey and Trent along the way.

"Trent has kept his promise. He makes me smile every day."

YEAH! That's how you write New Adult fiction!!

**I received this book as an ARC from The Hot Bed at Simon&Schuster to read & review. This is a 100% honest review.**

Tour Post: What Would Mary Berry Do?

Today I have something really exciting for you! Okay so we're going to take a smooth side step away from YA and enter the world of chick-lit but this book is so funny guys, you're going to love it!

SO here is everything you need to know about What Would Mary Berry Do? by Claire Sandy

WHAT WOULD MARY BERRY DO?

by Claire Sandy

Pages: 350

Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Publication Date: July 31st 2014

ISBN: 9781447253495

Received from: Pan Macmillan

Summary

"What Would Mary Berry DO? is the funniest, loveliest book I've read in ages. With a cast of fantastic characters and a laugh on every page, reading the novel is like eating the best cake ever: you won't want it to end." - Lucy Diamond.

Marie Dunwoody doesn't want for much in life. She has a lovely husband, three wonderful children, and a business of her own. Except, her cupcakes are crap. Her meringues are runny and her biscuits rock-hard. She cannot bake for toffee. Or, for that matter, make toffee.
Marie can't ignore the disappointed looks any more, or continue to be shamed by neighbour and nemesis, Lucy Gray. Lucy whips up perfect profiteroles with one hand, while ironing her bed sheets with the other. Marie's had enough: this is the year it all changes. She vows to follow - to the letter - recipes from the Queen of Baking and at all times ask 'What would Mary Berry do?'
Husband Robert has noticed that his boss takes crumb structure as seriously as budget sheets and so puts on the pinny: serious redundancies are on the horizon. Twins Rose and Iris are happy to eat all the half-baked mistakes that come their way, but big brother Angus is more distant than usual, as if something is troubling him. And there is no one as nosey as a matching pair of nine-year-old girls...
Marie starts to realise that the wise words of Mary Berry can help her with more than just a Victoria Sponge. But can Robert save the wobbling soufflé that is his career? And is Lucy's sweet demeanour hiding something secretly sour?

Review

I'm actually a little bit in love with this book! What Would Mary Berry Do? is a fun and quirky story that doesn't sugar coat a single damn thing... well other than the cakes that is! It's laugh out loud funny in places and 100% unputdownable with a heart-warming and stereotypically British family at it's core.

Marie Dunwoody is a working mum of three (Angus 15 and brooding and the twins Iris & Rose, 9 and mischievous) with a full-time job and a husband to boot. She doesn't exactly have time to be housewife of the year as well, meaning her culinary skills are a little on the mediocre side. That is until her darling daughters forget to inform their mother that she has to bake the Show Stopper for the school fete. With no time to spear Marie pops into the local shop and buys the first thing she sees and it doesn't exactly go down well with the schools PSA. The book follows the Dunwoody family over the next year as Marie promises that next years fete will be better. But with her husband Robert having problems at work, her children constantly up to something and an arch nemesis of a neighbour will Mary Berry be enough to help her get ready for her next Show Stopper challenge?

The only negative note I did have bout the book was having the main character as Marie and her constantly referring to Mary got a little on the confusing side. But, I mean, how tiny an issue is that?

I felt like I was part of the family, and the third person perspective made it all the more enjoyable. As a reader you are able to engross yourself into the Dunwoody dynamic. I loved the fact that this family wasn't portrayed as perfect or completely falling apart. They were the right blend of reality and their flaws only made them all the more endearing.

With The Great British Bake Off just around the corner (in fact I believe it starts tomorrow EEP) this book is exactly what I needed to get me in the mood. With a serious case of Berry loving and the constant thought of who would kick whom's arse - Marry Berry or Mr Hollywood - I'm totally stoked and ready to bake! Intriguing characters and a heart-warming story that shows one family's journey to the perfect baked goods, What Would Mary Berry Do? Is the PERFECT summer read.

I recommend you read this book with a cup of tea and a rather large slice of cake. Your choice, but I'd go with the Victoria Sponge - keep it classy.

**I received this book as an ARC from Pan Macmillan to read & review. This is a 100% honest review.**

Review: Say Her Name

Say Her Name

by James Dawson

Pages: 240

Publisher: Hot Key Books

Publication Date: 5th June 2014

ISBN:1471402444

Summary

Roberta 'Bobbie' Rowe is not the kind of person who believes in ghosts. A Halloween dare at her ridiculously spooky boarding school is no big deal, especially when her best friend Naya and cute local boy Caine agree to join in too. They are ordered to summon the legendary ghost of 'Bloody Mary': say her name five times in front of a candlelit mirror, and she shall appear... But, surprise surprise, nothing happens. Or does it?Next morning, Bobbie finds a message on her bathroom mirror... five days... but what does it mean? And who left it there? Things get increasingly weird and more terrifying for Bobbie and Naya, until it becomes all too clear that Bloody Mary was indeed called from the afterlife that night, and she is definitely not a friendly ghost. Bobbie, Naya and Caine are now in a race against time before their five days are up and Mary comes for them, as she has come for countless others before... A truly spine-chilling yet witty horror from shortlisted 'Queen of Teen' author James Dawson.

Review

Everyone has heard of Bloody Mary and the dangerous game that often gets played at parties. But have you ever dared to do it? Bobbie and her friends did and James Dawson describes the events that followed.

The story was that typical of ghostly haunts and spooks in the old school background, but for me what stood out was is coming-of-age backdrop.

The character of Mary was a creepy stalker-ghost who torments the teens right up to the bitter end leaving the reader with the question: was she evil or just misunderstood? For me, Mary acted as a reminder of what bullying can bring to light and how this can stick with someone throughout a lifetime. I found Dawson to be an easy writer to read, having never before read any of his other books. I'm not normally a fan of ghost stories as I find them to often be stereotypical and generic but I found Say Her Name to be an interesting version of Bloody Mary mainly for the colourful way in which she was portrayed. It showed that even when all evidence points to bloody murder (excuse the pun) there might still be another explanation.

Personally, I didn't find Say Her Name scary but I'm not one who tends to get scared over ghost stories so don't take this as a reflection of the book. I would still recommend this book for its interesting twist on a very well known ghost.

I would only give two recommendations to anyone who is particularly partial to getting the creeps from ghost stories and that is don't read this book at night or around any mirrors or you might have issues with over imagination. =)

However if like me, this only enhances the experience then curl up with the lamp on and enjoy the haunting adventure of Say Her Name and remember... don't say her name five times!!

**I received this book as an ARC from Hot Key Books to read & review. This is a 100% honest review.**

Review from Holly at Holly's Book Corner

Review: Hexed

HEXED

by Michelle Krys

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Publication Date: 10th June 2014

ISBN: 0449813118

Received from: NetGalley

Summary

A stolen book. A deadly plan. A destiny discovered.
If high school is all about social status, Indigo Blackwood has it made. Sure, her quirky mom owns an occult shop, and a nerd just won't stop trying to be her friend, but Indie is a popular cheerleader with a football-star boyfriend and a social circle powerful enough to ruin everyone at school. Who wouldn't want to be her?
Then a guy dies right before her eyes. And the dusty old family Bible her mom is freakishly possessive of is stolen. But when a frustratingly sexy stranger named Bishop enters Indie's world, she learns that her destiny involves a lot more than pom-poms and parties. If she doesn't get the Bible back, every witch on the planet will die. And that's seriously bad news for Indie, because according to Bishop, she's a witch too.
Suddenly forced into a centuries-old war between witches and sorcerers, Indie is about to uncover the many dark truths about her life—and a future unlike any she ever imagined on top of the cheer pyramid.

Review

I was so excited about this book! I wanted it to be good but it just wasn't. It wasn't the great read I was expecting it to be which left me feeling all kinds of disappointed. It dragged, and the character's were annoying at best. It didn't make me want to turn the page (which is kind of an important quality for a book to have) and even though I felt like there was a good story line in there - somewhere - I just couldn't get into it.

Hexed is primarily a story about witches and the difference between good and evil. It's a story that focuses a lot on friendship and the what not's to do in a relationship. Indie is a normal everyday bitchy cheerleader one day and then the next she sees a leather clad teenager die right in front of her. Which then leads to a series of events that will unravel her world. Which in all honesty, isn't exactly a bad thing as Indie's life before was so shallow it would made a paddling pool look like the deepest depth of the ocean.

Something good... something good... well the character's had pretty cool names. Okay, that's a little hash it did have one or two redeeming qualities. Firstly, there were one or two moments - towards the end of the book - where Indie's snarky attitude was something close to funny and then there's the fact that it's not actually badly written. The settings are brilliantly vivid and the story line is some what interesting but overall it didn't pull together. It seems to lack that something extra that makes a book special.

The problem with Hexed was that it pushed all my buttons! I think that every single one of my book pet hates where in this book and it made it almost impossible to get through!

Annoying teenage girl protagonist - check.
Unappealing book boyfriend - double check!
Cliffhanger - AH!
Then, as if it couldn't get worse, the epilogue decided to take a different POV - which I HATE! Stick with one point of view, or make sure we're had two POV the whole way through!!

But I think the biggest problem with this book was the fact I couldn't connect or get behind any of the characters. I found Indie incessantly annoying and Bishop was just... meh. They were all flighty and melodramatic. It was like reading a witchy soap opera.

I'm not sure if it's just me or maybe it really is a bad book but what I do know is I won't be reading book two - even though it had a stupid cliffhanger than made me what to through my kindle at a brick wall! However, what really disappointed me was the fact that it had a half decent story line and the potential to be something great.

"Oh Please" someone tell me why I just wasted my time reading this!?

**I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley to read & review. This is a 100% honest review.**

Cover Reveal: With Tide and Tempest

WITH TIDE AND TEMPEST

by Kate Avery Ellison

Title: With Tide and Tempest (Secrets of Itlantis #3)

Publication date: June 2014

Genres: Fantasy, YA

Summary

Free or not, life beneath the sea in the republic of Itlantis is less idyllic than Aemi might have imagined when she’d been just a surfacer slave. She’s been accused of spying for the enemy thanks to her connections with the traitorous Nautilus family, not to mention her own tangled and mysterious family history. Her mother has arrived, and is determined to take over her life. Oh, and someone is trying to kill her. Again.
When Aemi receives word that her best friend might still be alive in a village on the surface, she and a crew of friends set out to find him, regardless of the danger from Nautilus’s men patrolling the open sea and the mysterious threats on her life. But the sea is not the only thing that holds secrets.

About Kate

I live in Georgia with my wonderful husband and two spoiled cats. When I'm not writing, I'm usually catching up on my extensive Netflix queue, reading a book, giggling at something funny online, or trying to convince my husband to give me just ONE bite of whatever he's eating.

Learn more about my writing and books at my BLOG, find teasers for upcoming works on my FACEBOOK page, and subscribe to my new releases newsletter to be notified of new novels as soon as they hit stores.

Blog Tour: Cinderella's Dress

It's Friday lovlies and what a week of reviews I've had! I hope you liked them :) This is my last tour post this week and this one was organised by Rockstar Blog Tours! I hope you enjoy the review and as always, leave me a comment. I love to here what you lot think of the book!

CINDERELLA'S DRESS

by Shonna Slayton

Publisher: Entangled Teen

Publication Date: June 3rd 2014

Pages: 340

ISBN: 1622663403

Being seventeen during World War II is tough. Finding out you’re the next keeper of the real Cinderella’s dress is even tougher.

Kate simply wants to create window displays at the department store where she's working, trying to help out with the war effort. But when long-lost relatives from Poland arrive with a steamer trunk they claim holds the Cinderella’s dress, life gets complicated.Now, with a father missing in action, her new sweetheart shipped off to boot camp, and her great aunt losing her wits, Kate has to unravel the mystery before it’s too late.After all, the descendants of the wicked stepsisters will stop at nothing to get what they think they deserve.

Review

I think the first thing that needs to be said about this book that it's NOT a fairytale retelling. It takes the magic of one of our favourite stories, picking out aspects and used it to tell an entirely different tale that is, all in all, charming and captivating. It's a slow paced book that lets you saunter through it's pages as you take in the intelligent and, quite frankly, adorable characters and plot lines.

The story itself follows Kate as she tries to follow her dream of creating window displays in the department store she works at, but it's the 1940's and this isn't something a woman does. With her family being shipped off for the war effort and her mother pushing her in a direction she finds uncomfortable, Kate has to try and figure out a way to reach her dreams. However, a couple of unexpected visitors arrive at Kate's front door introducing a whole new complication into her life. For you see, Kate's family has a long and tangled history with a certain fairytale princess and with the arrival of her Aunt Elsie and Uncle Adalbert comes Cinderella's Dresses.

I really loved Kate as a character. She was strong willed and knew what she wanted. Of course she made a couple of silly mistakes a long the way but - after a little push - she always made the right decision in the end. It was refreshing to have a leading lady who wasn't all puppy dog eyes and lacking in brain cells. Yes, there is a sweet little love story (with the rather yummy Johnny) but at the same time I felt this book was more about Kate's ambitions. It was about her finding a way to embrace a destiny, uncovering her families past and coping with an uncertain present.

The twist on the original Cinderella story was a really interesting aspect. If I'm being completely honest I would have actually liked more of it in the book. I felt that the story covered a lot of Kate's present with her family and Johnny, leaving chunks of the story that could have delved further into the magical elements of the book. It took a long time to really tell you the whole purpose of the dresses. I'll also admit the ending was a little anti climatic, but not at all disappointing. I just would have maybe liked it to have been a little more punchy.

Now, I'm not usually one for accents in books - they're impossible to read and after a while just get on my nerves. However, the way in which Shonna writes the Polish accent is endearing. The dialogues between Elsie and Adalbert are freaking adorable and out of everything I actually thing their story was my favourite part of this book. It added a raw and emotional layer to the story that will warm your heart. I honestly think Adalbert might have a magic all of his own.

Overall this was a interesting read that left me constantly wanting more. It's a sweet story that had me from the get go. Its rich with a 1940's flare that is well written and unputdownable. The setting was perfect and the character's were enchanting. Cinderella's Dress was like a stroll through the 1940's with a magical twist and a sprinkling of fashion. Highly recommend for all in need of a happily ever after.

BUY HERE

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About Shonna

Shonna Slayton finds inspiration in reading vintage diaries written by teens, who despite using different slang, sound a lot like teenagers today. While writing Cinderella’s Dress she reflected on her days as a high-school senior in British Columbia when she convinced her supervisors at a sportswear store to let her design a few windows—it was glorious fun while it lasted. When not writing, Shonna enjoys amaretto lattes and spending time with her husband and children in Arizona. You can visit her website at shonnaslayton.com

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Rockstar Book Tours has put together a great giveaway for the Cinderella's Dress tour so don't forget to enter it! Good Luck (US only)