Blog Tour Review: ANNE & HENRY by Dawn Ius

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Pub. Date: September 1, 2015

Genre: YA Contemporary Retelling

Source: Print ARC

Rating: 2 Stars

Goodreads- http://bit.ly/1Kgk4q5

Blurb:

In this wonderfully creative retelling of the infamous—and torrid—love affair between Anne Boleyn and King Henry VIII, history collides with the present when a sizzling romance ignites in a modern-day high school.

Henry Tudor’s life has been mapped out since the day he was born: student body president, valedictorian, Harvard Law School, and a stunning political career just like his father’s. But ever since the death of his brother, the pressure for Henry to be perfect has doubled. And now he’s trapped: forbidden from pursuing a life as an artist or dating any girl who isn’t Tudor-approved.

Then Anne Boleyn crashes into his life.

Wild, brash, and outspoken, Anne is everything Henry isn’t allowed to be—or want. But soon Anne is all he can think about. His mother, his friends, and even his girlfriend warn him away, but his desire for Anne consumes him.

Henry is willing to do anything to be with her, but once they’re together, will their romance destroy them both?

Inspired by the true story of Anne Boleyn and King Henry VIII, Anne & Henry beautifully reimagines the intensity, love, and betrayal between one of the most infamous couples of all time.

Review:

Everybody knows the story of King Henry and Anne Boleyn. And if you don't, then I kindly suggest you go read up on it! It's so interesting that a girl, such as Anne, was able to sway a King from his beliefs. She singlehandedly changed the face of religion in England but of course we all know how that ends. It's tragic how Anne's life ended but did she deserve it? Was it coming to her? 

A couple of months back I saw a new book up on goodreads that would be a retelling or a modern day story o Anne & Henry set in high school setting. I groaned in defeat when I saw that it would be months before it came out. Finally the day came that arcs we're going out so I requested one right away. The day I received an approval, I quickly dropped everything to read it. Anne & Henry starts off at a masquerade ball. Henry sees a beautiful raven haired girl across the room and he's pretty
much done for.

All he can think about is Anne. She's spunky, outspoken, and sexy. She's everything that his girlfriend Catherine isn't, including not belonging to their high class society. So why in the world does Henry feel such an attraction to this girl that doesn't even fit into his world? The ending broke me. Like literally. Even after all these weeks, my heart still hurts. I hated the book though, I loved the writing, and the author has made it into my "to watch" list. Why then do I still hate the book? Henry!

Why oh why did Anne have to be so infatuated with him?bI know exactly why he was infatuated with her.  (Check out paragraph three for the reasons he can only think of her) Henry was a sissy boy who couldn't make any damn decisions for himself. I could have loved him but instead I loathed how pretentious his way of life was. Sure, one could argue that it's his family's fault but bottom line is, he's a coward. A phony. 

I better stop now before I write a novel on why I dislike him so much!

Overall, this is an okay story because Anne really is a cool chick. But don't expect anything good to come out of it. We all know what happens. I'll just leave it at that. If you're looking for a book that will possibly piss you off, then this is the one for you! Don't say I didn't warn you. 

*Thank you to the publisher for providing a copy for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Buy Links:

Amazon- http://amzn.to/1KgkbSM

Amazon UK- http://amzn.to/1KgkcWI

About the Author:

DAWN IUS is a short-story author, novelist, screenwriter, professional editor, and communications specialist. She is the Assistant Managing Editor of the International Thriller Writers Association’s monthly magazine, THE BIG THRILL, co-founder and senior editor of Vine Leaves Literary Journal, and the author of ten educational graphic novels published by the Alberta Canola Producers Commission. When she’s not slaying fictional monsters, she’s geeking out over fairy tales, Jack Bauer, Halloween, sports cars, and all things that go bump in the night. Dawn lives in Alberta, Canada, with her husband, Jeff, and their giant English Mastiff, Roarke. 

Dawn also writes paranormal young adult fiction under the last name DALTON.

Review: DARK WILD NIGHT (Wild Seasons, #3) by Christina Lauren

Publisher: Gallery Books

Pub. Date: September 15, 2015

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Source: Print ARC

Rating: 1,000,000,000,000 Stars (okay, 5 Stars)

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1O3rFYp

Blurb:  
What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.
But what didn't happen in Vegas seems to follow them everywhere.

Lola and Oliver like to congratulate themselves on having the good sense to not consummate their drunken Las Vegas wedding. If they’d doubled-down on that mistake, their Just Friends situation might not be half as great as it is now.

... Or so goes the official line.

In reality, Lola’s wanted Oliver since day one—and over time has only fallen harder for his sexy Aussie accent and easygoing ability to take her as she comes. More at home in her studio than in baring herself to people, Lola’s instinctive comfort around Oliver nearly seems too good to be true. So why ruin a good thing?

Even as geek girls fawn over him, Oliver can’t get his mind off what he didn’t do with Lola when he had the chance. He knows what he wants with her now ... and it’s far outside the friend zone. When Lola’s graphic novel starts getting national acclaim—and is then fast-tracked for a major motion picture—Oliver steps up to be there for her whenever she needs him. After all, she’s not the kind of girl who likes all that attention, but maybe she’s the kind who’ll eventually like him.

Sometimes seeing what’s right in front of us takes a great leap of faith. And sometimes a dark wild night in Vegas isn’t just the end of a day, but the beginning of a bright new life...

Review:
 Hot nerd alert! Hot nerd alert! Fuck me <=I never say that vulgar word. But seriously, fuuuuccckkkk mmmeeeee! How is it even remotely possible to like this so much more than the other books, when I loved them so much? How? I'll give you one word: OLIVER. Sigh... What more do I even have to say to convince you to read this? Seriously, what do I have to do?

If you haven't read these books yet then I honestly think you're a wacko *gives you serious side-eye*. Finn and Harlow were my favorite and I didn't think anything would top that. That is until I fully got to be inside Lola and Oliver's head. It's like Christina Lauren reached into my mind and heart and put it all down in paper and into a book. Alas, I can't draw worth a crap, but I am nerdy.

Lola and Oliver are the only ones who didn't follow the flow and end up married like their friends. If you remember from the first book, three best girlfriends met some hot men and what do you know, they all get drunk and get married. Of course, Oliver and Lola got it annulled right away then on their merry way. When they meet back up in San Diego where Oliver owns a comic shop, the two become close. As in best friend territory.

As in friend zone. But Lola wants more. What she doesn't know or can't see is that Oliver wants her just as bad. Timing is everything though. Lola is hitting it big time with a movie deal for her graphic novel. Top that plus deadlines for another book, plus a whole lot of other crap, well let's just say, it can be pretty overwhelming. Oliver is Lola's rock; always there for her whether it be an ear to listen to, just hanging out, or bring an automatic plus one to events.

What happens when lines start to blur? Are the two willing to sacrifice a beautiful friendship for something that may not end up working out? Will Lola ever ever learn to open up? There was so much sexy, so much awesome, and so much beautiful angst that I couldn't help but get butterflies the whole time I was reading. Oliver has a dirty, dirty mouth on him. Sigh... He's my favorite and that's saying something. I feel so bad saying that considering I thought it couldn't get any better than Finn.

Overall, it's no secret that I love these authors. Not only are they the sweetest, their books and writing have grown so much since the very first book they published. I HIGHLY recommend all of their books.

*Thank you to the publisher for sending a copy for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Buy Links:

 Amazon

Amazon UK

About the Author:
 Christina Lauren is the combined pen name of long-time writing partners/besties/soulmates/brain-twins Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings. The coauthor duo writes both Young Adult and Adult Fiction, and together has produced ten New York Times bestselling novels. Their books have been translated into 23+ languages. (Some of these books have kissing. Some of these books have A LOT of kissing.)


We don't respond to private messages here, so please contact us via twitter (@seeCwrite for Christina and @LolaShoes for Lauren) or our site. Thank you!!

Review + Giveaway- LUCK BE LADY (Rules for the Reckless, #4) by Meredith Duran

Publisher: Pocket Books

Pub. Date: August 25, 2015

Source: Print ARC

Genre: Historical Romance 

Rating: 4 Stars

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1WK0cRe

Blurb:

Romance sizzles between a famous heiress and an infamous crime lord in this fourth sexy novel in the Rules for the Reckless series from the USA Today bestselling author of Fool Me Twice.

The Wallflower

They call her the “Ice Queen.” Catherine Everleigh is London’s loveliest heiress, but a bitter lesson in heartbreak has taught her to keep to herself. All she wants is her birthright—the auction house that was stolen from her. To win this war, she’ll need a powerful ally. Who better than infamous and merciless crime lord Nicholas O’Shea? A marriage of convenience will no doubt serve them both.

The Crime Lord

Having conquered the city’s underworld, Nick seeks a new challenge. Marrying Catherine will give him the appearance of legitimacy—and access to her world of the law-abiding elite. No one needs to know he’s coveted Catherine for a year now—their arrangement is strictly business, free from the troubling weaknesses of love. Seduction, however, is a different matter—an enticing game he means to ensure she enjoys, whether she wishes to or not...

Review:

Luck Be A Lady...what to say, what to say? My goodness, it was hot! Historical romance is beginning to become one of my go to books. I love the dialogue and the mannerisms of all the characters. Carherine Everleigh is the type of woman who takes no shit from anyone. She's strong, independent, and doesn't feel the need to marry...at all. That is until Nicholas O'Shea comes into the picture. Catherine has a proposition for dear Nick, to marry her before she lose the family company to her brother. 

It's not as easy as it may seem. Nick is an underground crime lord and what he wants is Catherine. Body and soul. Catherine being the woman that she is, is not going to make it easy. Her marriage to Nick is purely business. But Nick will stop at nothing to get inside her in all the ways that count whether it's the last thing he will do. He knows Catherine is a stubborn woman but she can't deny the attraction they have together. Will these two be able to make everything work? Or will they crumble and fall?

Man oh man. I really loved this one. Catherine was such a lovely character but sometimes her feminist attitude bugged me. I get that she could do everything herself and wanted no help from any man, least of all O'Shea, but it's not going to kill a girl to ask for help every now and then. Of course her brother didn't make matters any better since he was a huge douche nugget. I don't fault her for hating him; he was one shady character. 

Overall, I adore this book and this author. She's shot herself up onto my auto-buy list just because. I want more historical romances just like this one. With a hot hero who knows how to handle a spit-fire woman. Thank goodness I have the other books by her! If you haven't ever had the chance to read Duran's works, check below for the giveaway. I will be giving away books 2,3, and 4, and they will be signed! Now that's a deal. 

Buy Link:

Amazon- http://amzn.to/1Jyaf8g

Amazon UK- http://amzn.to/1JyamRc

 Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1UYyUVF

Blurb:
One Daring Widow

In the social whirl of Regency England, Elizabeth Chudderley is at the top of every guest list, the life of every party, and the belle of every ball. But her friends and admirers would be stunned to know the truth: that the merriest widow in London is also the loneliest. Behind the gaiety and smiles lies a secret longing -- for something, or someone, to whisk her away ...

One Reluctant Suitor

Raised in scandal, Lord Michael de Grey is convinced that love is a losing gamble -- and seduction the only game worth playing. But when duty threatens to trump everything he desires, the only way out is marriage to a woman of his brother’s choosing. Elizabeth Chudderley is delightful, delicious -- and distressingly attractive. With such a captivating opponent, Michael isn’t quite sure who is winning the game. How can such passionate players negotiate a marriage of necessity -- when their hearts have needs of their own?

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1JmVU8l

Blurb:
Sensible and lonely, Olivia Mather survives by her wits—and her strict policy of avoiding trouble. But when she realizes that the Duke of Marwick might hold the secrets of her family’s past, she does the unthinkable, infiltrating his household as a maid. She’ll clean his study and rifle through his papers looking for information.

Alastair de Grey has a single reason to live: vengeance. More beautiful than Lucifer, twice as feared, and thrice as cunning, he’ll use any weapon to punish those who fooled and betrayed him—even an impertinent maid who doesn’t know her place. But the more fascinated he becomes with the uppity redhead, the more dangerous his carefully designed plot becomes. For the one contingency he forgot to plan for was falling in love…and he cannot survive being fooled again. 

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1MJ4nK3

Blurb:
The third searing novel in the Rules for the Reckless series by Meredith Duran, the USA Today bestselling author of sexy and evocative Regency romances in the tradition of Sarah MacLean.

Catching the Lady Red-Handed

Born to a family of infamous criminals, Lilah Marshall has left behind her past and made herself into the perfect lady. Working as a hostess at Eveleigh's, London’s premier auction house, she leads a life full of art, culture, and virtue. All her dreams are within reach—until a gorgeous and enigmatic viscount catches her in the act of one last, very reluctant theft.

Chasing One Red-Hot Passion

Christian “Kit” Stratton, Viscount Palmer, is society's most dashing war hero. But Kit’s easy smiles hide a dark secret: he is haunted by a madman’s vow to destroy anyone he loves. When his hunt for the enemy leads to Everleigh’s Auction Rooms, he compels Lilah to help him. But one tempting touch may be their undoing—for what Kit needs threatens all Lilah holds dear, and losing her may destroy Kit. 

Buy all of Meredith's books on AMAZON: http://amzn.to/1h1Yk5D 

About the Author:

MEREDITH DURAN grew up enamored of British history. At thirteen years old, she made a list of life goals that included writing romance novels, trying sushi, and going to London to see Holbein’s portrait of Anne Boleyn. Now she is happy to report that all three goals have become her favorite things to do. When not studying, doing fieldwork in India, or working on her next novel, Meredith can be found in the library, browsing through travelogues written by intrepid Englishwomen of the nineteenth century.

Giveaway:

1 Winner, 3 signed books of Rules for the Reckless!

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Release Day Blitz + Giveaway- THE FOXGLOVE KILLINGS by Tara Kelly

The Foxglove Killings

by Tara Kelly 

Release Date: 09/01/15

Entangled Teen

Summary from Goodreads:

Gramps always said that when the crickets were quiet, something bad was coming. And the crickets have been as silent as the dead. It started with the murdered deer in the playground with the unmistakable purple of a foxglove in its mouth. But in the dying boondock town of Emerald Cove, life goes on.

I work at Gramps's diner, and the cakes―the entitled rich kids who vacation here―make our lives hell. My best friend, Alex Pace, is the one person who gets me. Only Alex has changed. He's almost like a stranger now. I can't figure it out...or why I'm having distinctly more-than-friend feelings for him. Ones I shouldn't be having.

Then one of the cakes disappears.

When she turns up murdered, a foxglove in her mouth, a rumor goes around that Alex was the last person seen with her—and everyone but me believes it. Well, everyone except my worst enemy, Jenika Shaw. When Alex goes missing, it's up to us to prove his innocence and uncover the true killer. But the truth will shatter everything I've ever known about myself—and Alex.

Buy Links:

Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Kobo Books

About the Author

Tara Kelly adores variety in her life. She’s an author, one-girl-band, graphic designer, editor, and photographer. She lives in Sin City with her beloved guitars, sound design master husband, and a fluffy cat named Maestro.

Author Links:

   

GIVEAWAY:

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Blog Tour Promo + Giveaway- When a Scot Ties the Knot by Tessa Dare

About WHEN A SCOT TIES THE KNOT

On the cusp of her first London season, Miss Madeline Gracechurch was shy, pretty and talented with a drawing pencil, but hopelessly awkward with gentlemen. She was certain to be a dismal failure on the London marriage mart. So Maddie did what generations of shy, awkward young ladies have done: she invented a sweetheart.

A Scottish sweetheart. One who was handsome and honorable and devoted to her, but conveniently never around. Maddie poured her heart into writing the imaginary Captain MacKenzie letter after letter … and by pretending to be devastated when he was (not really) killed in battle, she managed to avoid the pressures of London society entirely.

Until years later, when this kilted Highland lover of her imaginings shows up in the flesh.  The real Captain Logan MacKenzie arrives on her doorstep—handsome as anything, but not entirely honorable. He’s wounded, jaded, in possession of her letters… and ready to make good on every promise Maddie never expected to keep.

About TESSA DARE

Tessa Dare is the New York Times bestselling, award-winning author of more than a dozen historical romances. A librarian by training and a book-lover at heart, Tessa lives in Southern California with her husband, their two children, and a big brown dog.

Quotes

“Dare’s marvelous third Castles Ever After Regency romance (after Say Yes to the Marquess) builds a gradual, intense romance between two people who are determined to avoid love and commitment….Dare’s swiftly moving plot is enhanced by the seamlessly developed romance, and the sensuality is heightened by the slow awakening of the pair’s mutual attraction.”—Publishers Weekly, **STARRED**

“With sharp, clever banter, breathtaking sensuality, colorful descriptions, and solid cultural detail, this compelling, often hilarious escapade puts a refreshing spin on the [‘imaginary lover’ theme and adds another winner to Dare’s riveting ‘Castles’ series.” —Library Journal, **STARRED**

​

“Dare’s latest begins with a fairy-tale twist of fate, then leads readers on a mesmerizing and intense emotional journey that explores love in many forms and the powerful pull of dreams.” —Kirkus, **STARRED**

“Dare delights with another marvelously romantic story that delivers a deep sigh, a tear and a smile. With her painfully shy heroine and vulnerable hero, readers are immediately captivated and will savor the joy of this imaginary-sweetheart plotline. You’ll stay up all night to reach the unforgettable ending.” —RT Book Reviews, **4.5 Stars, Top Pick!**

Where to buy WHEN A SCOT TIES THE KNOT

HarperCollins: http://avonromance.com/book/when-a-scot-ties-the-knot

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/When-Scot-Ties-Knot-Castles-ebook/dp/B00PQROPBC/

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/when-a-scot-ties-the-knot-tessa-dare/1122449690

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/when-a-scot-ties-the-knot/id942634113

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Tessa_Dare_When_a_Scot_Ties_the_Knot?id=Tb5vBQAAQBAJ&hl

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Interview + Giveaway- THE HIGHWAYMAN (Victorian Rebels, #1) by Kerrigan Byrne

Today I'm very excited to bring to you a very special guest, Kerrigan Byrne. Here on The Lovely Books, we are so happy to have her because we get to hear more about the deliciously sexy books, along with getting to know her as well. Sounds like a win/win to me! We'll have four lucky readers have a chance to snag a print Advance Reader Copy when it comes out next month. Now let's get started!

• Hey Kerrigan, I want to thank you again for agreeing to come on to the blog! How are you on this fine day? (Easy enough question, right?)

~​I'm doing so well!  There is a lot of stress and craziness that hits around release day, but it's mostly just excitement and gratitude for readers and their willingness to take a chance on a debut author like me.  Also, now that the kids are back in school, things are getting a lot less busy! Amiright?

• Tell us a little bit about yourself. 

~​I'm pretty boring, to be honest.  Before I wrote about sexy men for a living, I worked in law enforcement. There are days in my life when I miss it, only because working around that many alpha males can be a whole lot of fun!

• Where did you come up with the idea to write The Highwayman?

~​Oddly enough it was during a night of terrible insomnia.  I was watching TV at maybe like one in the morning and flipping back and forth between the movie THE SAINT and THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO between commercials. I loved that Val Kilmer in THE SAINT had a connection with a girl in an orphanage when they were young.  Also, THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO reminded me that I LOVE a good revenge story.  And so THE HIGHWAYMAN was born!

• When did you first know that being a writer was what you wanted to do? 

~​It was about 14, and all I could seem to do was read.  I went to school.  And read.  I went home.  And read.  I went to the movies.  And read.  I went to sporting events... well, you get the idea.  I think every writer has a moment where they get frustrated that a plot line doesn't go the way they wanted.  Then they have that thought... "If I had written this I would have..."  The rest is, as they say, history!

• Did you always see yourself writing historical romance?

~​YES!  I read Victoria Holt in Junior High and knew that I needed to turn my LOVE of history into my writing.

• What sets your stories apart from the rest? 

~​This is a hard question because I don't want to put my book above any other one, but I think THE HIGHWAYMAN stands out because of the depth of the tragedy each one of the characters had to overcome.  I love to give a sense of unflinching reality to the undeniable romance that comes with writing about love in a historical setting.

• How many books do you have out?

~​I have 3 compilations of Paranormal Highland Historicals and a Romantic suspense.

• Is there anything you have to have while working on a story? Such as needing to Dr. Pepper, eating a pickle, etc. 

~​I know this answer is as cliche as they come, but it's coffee!  With three teenagers, a busy husband, (and I'm in the middle of a move right now) I am plagued by a huge energy crisis.  Coffee is my magic elixir right now.  It's the only thing that keeps the words flowing.

• Favorite book? Movie?

My favorite movie hands down is MIDNIGHT IN PARIS by Woody Allen.  It's so damn charming! Oh wait, it's the AVENGERS!  Oh wait, it's PRIDE & PREJUDICE.  Oh wait it's...

It's hard to pick a favorite book, but I'll have to say my favorite author is Christopher Moore.  If you must read something of his, read A DIRTY JOB, or SERPENT OF VENICE.  They're hysterical!

• What's it like in the life of an author? More specifically, you!

~​Ask me in a week when THE HIGHWAYMAN is released!  All in all, it's pretty amazing.  Making a living creatively is alternately incredibly marvelous and incredibly terrifying.

• Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

~​One of the things I see a lot of authors doing is writing what they think they should write instead of what inspires them.  They spend so much time trying to figure out algorithms and gimmicks, trying to work the system, instead of taking the time to write the book that is in their hearts.  Markus Zusack said once that the book you need to write is the one you'd finish even if you knew you would never sell it.  For me, that was THE HIGHWAYMAN.  

There you go folks! Make sure you check this wonderful book out:)

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CAGE OF DECEIT by Jennifer Anne Davis

Hey guys! Today is my stop for the blog tour. Make sure you start these books asap if you haven't already. If you want to win a copy of Cage of Deceit, please feel free to head on over to my Facebook page to enter.

Cage of Deceit by Jennifer Anne Davis

Reign of Secrets #1

Young Adult, Fantasy

Expected Publication: August 25th, 2015

Jennifer Anne Davis's best-selling True Reign series captivated readers from the very first page. Now, get ready to become entangled in the follow-up series, Reign of Secrets. In this new series, follow Allyssa, the daughter of the beloved Emperor Darmik and Empress Rema— and find out what happens after happily ever after.

Seventeen-year-old Allyssa appears to be the ideal princess of Emperion—she’s beautiful, elegant, and refined. She spends her days locked in a suffocating cage, otherwise known as royal court. But at night, Allyssa uses her secret persona—that of a vigilante—to hunt down criminals and help her people firsthand.

Unfortunately, her nightly escapades will have to wait because the citizens of Emperion may need saving from something much bigger than common criminals. War is encroaching on their country and in order to protect her people, Allyssa may have to sacrifice her heart. Forced to entertain an alliance through marriage with a handsome prince from a neighboring kingdom, she finds herself feeling even more stifled than before. To make matters worse, the prince has stuck his nosy squire, Jarvik, to watch her every move.

Jarvik is infuriating, bossy and unfortunately, the only person she can turn to when she unveils a heinous plot. Together, the unlikely pair will have to work together to stop an enemy that everyone thought was long gone, one with the power to destroy her family and the people of Emperion. Now the cage Allyssa so longed to break free from might just be the one thing she has to fight to keep intact. In order to save her kingdom, she will have to sacrifice her freedom, her heart, and maybe even her life.

Purchase

Amazon | B&N | iBooks

About the Author

Jennifer graduated from the University of San Diego with a degree in English and a teaching credential. Afterwards, she finally married her high school sweetheart. She is currently a full-time writer and mother of three highly energetic children. Her days are spent living in imaginary worlds and fueling her own kids’ creativity.

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