Goodbye 2016 – Welcome New Year 2017

This time, since the year has only a few hours left before 2017 starts, I will do a bit of a different wrap-up. The year is nearly over, and I will reflect on what moved me, the blog and all the things that came along with it and how I am planning on starting the New Year 2017.

2017 New Release Challenge – Sign-Up

I am soooo excited! After the 2016 New Release Challenge was such fun and I reached not one but all possible goals, I decided to go on another round with this challenge.

So I am signing- up for it again (which I am doing with this post now) and hope that it´ll be as much fun to do as the last was. The challenge will be hosted again by Lexxie at (un)Conventional Bookviews and Stormi at Books, Movies, Reviews! Oh My!

I am planning on reading books like I do every year so the next year won´t be any different from this current one.

Stacking The Shelves #37 - Bought, Borrowed & Bagged #21

Stacking The Shelves is hosted by Tynga´s Reviews and is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!





I am also connecting with Bought Borrowed & Bagged in homage of Barron´s Books & Baubles from Karen Marie Moning´s smash hit series, Fever, hosted by Braine at Talk Supe.

Sternenwald by Julie Heiland

This novel is the last installment in a trilogy; a trilogy that actually got no name. The first time I heard of the author was in 2014 when I got asked if I would be interested in reading and reviewing some books the publisher had planned to release the following year.

Sternenwald by Julie Heiland

Wald Trilogy #3

Published by Fischer FJB on May 25, 2016

ISBN 978-3-8414-2241-5

Pages 383

Format Hardcover

Source Publisher

Goodreads

“You need a plan. You need someone who helps you. Only that way you have a chance!” Their escape has failed. Emilian is missing. Everything is full of blood. Robin wants to go back, wants to free him from the force of the Tauren. But as she runs through the forest, suddenly someone jumps on her. A stranger. And he does not want to kill her, he wants to protect her. Robin realizes that she can only break the power of the Tauren and help Emilian and the Leonen with the help of the other star nations. But she is running out of time. Her powers wane visibly …
“Give up, Robin. You will not escape me.” Still Robin can hear Birkaras´ whisper and Emilian´s screams. But even if Robin wants nothing else than to liberate Emilian immediately from the violence of her father, she knows, that she can´t make it on her own and that she needs help. Who will be at her side?

My Review

I don´t know anymore if it was the cover that made me pick it or the synopsis on the publisher´s website.

The Silent Dead by Tetsuya Honda

The summary sounded very intriguing and the cover was not like what I usually see when it comes to a book of the crime or thriller genre. And the fact, that the author is one of Japan´s bestselling authors made me even more curious. So I read it and here is my review.

The Silent Dead*
Author Tetsuya Honda
Reiko Himekawa Series #1

Publisher Macmillan Publishers on May 17, 2016

Genre Thriller

Pages 304

Format Hardcover 

Source German Publisher

Goodreads

When a body wrapped in a blue plastic tarp and tied up with twine is discovered near the bushes near a quiet suburban Tokyo neighborhood, Lt. Reiko Himekawa and her squad take the case. The victim was slaughtered brutally – his wounds are bizarre, and no one can figure out the “what” or the “why” of this crime. At age twenty-nine, Reiko Himekawa of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police´s Homicide Division is young to have been made lieutenant, particularly because she lacks any kind of political or family connections. Despite barriers created by age, gender, and lack of connections, she is mentally tough, oblivious to danger, and has an impressive ability to solve crimes. Reiko makes a discovery that leads the police to uncover eleven other bodies, all wrapped in the same sort of plastic. Few of the bodies are identifiable, but the ones that are have no connection to each other. The only possible clue is a long shot lead to a website spoken only in whispers on the Internet, something on the dark web known as “Strawberry Night”. But while she is hunting the killer, the killer is hunting her … and she may very well have been marked as the next victim. 

Thoughts

This book is the first I´ve read by the author. And to be honest I am not sure if I will continue with this series. 

Merry Christmas

Christmas time is a special time. And I don´t mean the Christmas shopping or that we do a lot of baking and decorating.

No, I mean the special spirit that comes along during those weeks and days.
When you go upstairs to the attic or downstairs to the basement to get all those boxes filled with decoration stuff, window pictures, and Christmas lights and all the memories come up. When you go out to get your tree and the whole house starts to smell after gingerbread, cinnamon, apples, marzipan and pine.

During those weeks I like to revel in the memories I have from that time when I lived in the US. I still have the pictures and when I see all the snow, and how the kids have grown into grown-ups since then it is always a mix of emotions I go through. Oh yes, that was one very special Christmas time.

Stacking The Shelves #36 - Bought, Borrowed & Bagged #20

Stacking The Shelves is hosted by Tynga´s Reviews and is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!





I am also connecting with Bought Borrowed & Bagged in homage of Barron´s Books & Baubles from Karen Marie Moning´s smash hit series, Fever, hosted by Braine at Talk Supe.

Happy Blog Birthday!

I can´t believe that one year is already over and my blog is celebrating its FIRST BIRTHDAY! Wooohooo!
And what exciting, exhausting and stress full months those were!

Today, one year ago, on December 23, 2015; I hit the publish button and launched Gone With The Books.
Born out of the need to give my international friends a place where they would be able to read my reviews and where I was pretty much in control about everything.




Now, one year later, I can hardly believe that twelve months have gone by and that this blog has become my little success.

Upcoming New Releases December

Okay, I am a bit late with this list this month, but like every month there are some book new releases for December too. I am looking very much forward to their release date and some of them are already pre-ordered or on my wishlist or already at my shelves.

My list contains book new releases for Germany, the US and the UK which I am very interested in. It can be that you will see some titles in my list that are already being published abroad but will hit the German bookstores only by now.




To my utter surprise, I have this month way more original US/UK titles than German new releases - and my tbr is growing, and growing, and, yes you guessed it right: growing!

Waiting On Wednesday #30 – Crown Of Three-A Kingdom Rises by J. D. Rinehart

is a weekly event hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine. This meme is a place that spotlights upcoming releases that we´re eagerly anticipating with pure joy.







Yes, I admit it I like to read books that are written especially for children. No matter what age they are.

Stacking The Shelves #35 - Bought, Borrowed & Bagged #19

Stacking The Shelves is hosted by Tynga´s Reviews and is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!





I am also connecting with Bought Borrowed & Bagged in homage of Barron´s Books & Baubles from Karen Marie Moning´s smash hit series, Fever, hosted by Braine at Talk Supe.

Saving Grace-Bis Dein Tod Uns Scheidet by B. A. Paris

The cover was the first thing that caught my attention. The color combination, the different prints the cover shows and of course the back text made me very interested in reading this thriller. And it was so worth it.

Saving Grace-Bis Dein Tod Uns Scheidet by B. A. Paris

Original Title Behind Closed Doors
Published by Blanvalet on November 21, 2016

ISBN 978-3-7341-0263-9

Pages 349

Format Softcover

Source Publisher

Goodreads

Grace and Jack Angel are the perfect couple. The 33-year-old is warm-hearted, caring, and beautiful. Jack looks good, is charming and fights as a well-respected lawyer for the rights of mistreated women. But should one ever trust perfection? Why, for example, can Grace eat so much at dinner parties and never puts on any weight? And why surrounds a high fence the beautiful house of the two? But if you want to ask Grace about that, you realize that she is never alone. Because Jack is always – really always – at her side …

My Review

I wrote for this title not only an English review but a guest review in the German language as well. So, if you want to see what my German guest review looks like, go over to FiktiveWelten. If you don´t, I am more than happy to see you staying and keep reading. 

Stacking The Shelves #34 - Bought, Borrowed & Bagged #18

Stacking The Shelves is hosted by Tynga´s Reviews and is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!





I am also connecting with Bought Borrowed & Bagged in homage of Barron´s Books & Baubles from Karen Marie Moning´s smash hit series, Fever, hosted by Braine at Talk Supe.

The Sprite Sisters A Wisdom Of Owls by Sheridan Winn

A couple of years ago I found the first four books of this beautiful series at my library and fell in love with their covers. Since then I waited every year for the author to publish a new story about The Sprite Sisters and their magical life at Cantrip Towers.

The Sprite Sisters. A Wisdom Of Owls* 

Author Sheridan Winn
The Sprite Sisters #9

Translation Katrin Weingran
Vignette Franziska Harvey
Publisher Fischer KJB on August 25, 2016

Genre Children 8+

Pages 302

Format Hardcover

Source Publisher

Goodreads

Four sisters against a dark menace. The magical secret of Flame, Marina, Flora and Sky is in danger! Sarah Stringer, the new school secretary tries with every means to make life difficult for the girls and to get behind how their magic works. Sarah receives support from her nephews, the mysterious twins Oliver and Simon. But why do they care about the sisters? Despite the help of unexpected side, Flame, Marina, Flora and Sky get into a mean ambush.

Thoughts

This series is a huge success in Germany and for me, as a grown-up, it is still a pleasure to read them.

It ´s Release Day – Hunt The Dawn by Abbie Roads

Guys, I present you THE PERFECT Nikolaus gift besides chocolate and all the other stuff you might want to put in the boots or stockings of your loved ones. With Hunt The Dawn you give a passionate reader everything his heart desires.

 

Action, tension, passion, romance and so much more;  all bundled in a novel you can´t put down. Believe me, I´ve had already the great pleasure to read this fantastic book and speak from experience.

Stacking The Shelves #33 - Bought, Borrowed & Bagged #17

Stacking The Shelves is hosted by Tynga´s Reviews and is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!





I am also connecting with Bought Borrowed & Bagged in homage of Barron´s Books & Baubles from Karen Marie Moning´s smash hit series, Fever, hosted by Braine at Talk Supe.

Follow Friday #9 – Nikolaus

This is a Friday meme now hosted by Patricia of FiktiveWelten. Every week she asks a question that you can answer. Everyone who would like to participate, just answer her question, link to her blog and write a comment under her post to let the others know that you are participating. The entire rules you can find here.

This week the topic is all about December 6 - also called Nikolaus day.

November Wrap Up

The past month has been one hell of a crazy one. Emotionally and otherwise; not only that the Advent season has begun and I haven´t decorated one single Christmas item so far (everyone except me seems to be in the crazy mode already – is something wrong with me?), I also started realizing that I am running my own blog for nearly a year now.

In December will be the first blog birthday and I have no clue how and if I will celebrate that day.

Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter

The author is usually a guarantor for a great thriller, a really fantastic plot and even more intriguing characters. This time, I couldn´t find any of it the way I am used to when it comes to a Karin Slaughter book.

Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter

Published by HarperCollins on September 29, 2015

ISBN 978-0-0624-2905-6

Pages 416

Format Hardcover

Source Publisher

Goodreads

Sisters. Strangers. Survivors.
More than twenty years ago, Claire and Lydia´s teenaged sister Julia vanished without a trace. The two women have not spoken since, and now their lives could not be more difficult. Claire is the glamorous trophy wife of an Atlanta millionaire. Lydia, a single mother, dates an ex-con and struggles to make ends meet. But neither has recovered from the horror and heartbreak of their shared loss – a devastating wound that´s cruelly ripped open when Claire´s husband is killed. The disappearance of a t teenage girl and the murder of a middle-aged man, almost a quarter-century apart: what could connect them? Forming a wary truce, the surviving sisters look to the past to find the truth, unearthing the secrets that destroyed their family all those years ago … and uncovering the possibility of redemption, and revenge, where they least expect it.

My Review

But, at least in my eyes, an author may have from time to time a book that doesn´t really fit my expectations. 

Crown Of Three - The Lost Realm by J. D. Rinehart

Well, the cover is not really my thing. But for a children´s book, I guess it is ok. The story is, what matters more to me. Good, I was not that impressed with the first book of this trilogy, but of course, I wanted to know if this would be better.

Crown Of Three - The Lost Realm* by J. D. Rinehart

Crown Of Three Trilogy #2

Published by Aladdin on May 31, 2016

ISBN 978-1-4814-2446-2

Pages 496

Format Hardcover

Source Publisher

Goodreads

The kingdom of Toronia is being torn apart by civil war. The kingdom´s only hope comes in the form of illegitimate triplets, who are prophesied to kill the king and rule together in peace. Separated at birth and scattered throughout the realms, the triplets face a desperate fight to secure their destiny. Will they survive long enough to rule? The resurrected Kind Brutan and his army of the dead control the city of Idilliam. Outside, Eloide and Tarlan are trying to hold their own army together and find a way to rescue their brother Gulph who is trapped inside the city. Or is he? Gulph has found a passageway to the lost realm of Celestis, which lies beneath Idilliam. There he is reunited with the mother he has never known – but she can´t remember him. If Gulph stays in the city, will he also forget those above ground whom he loves? Meanwhile, Tarlan and the wizard Melchior set out on a quest to restore the wizard´s powers, leaving Eloide and her army to keep watch. But Eloide is betrayed, her troops slaughtered, and she is taken captive by Lord Vicerin, her former guardian, who is determined to use her to get to the throne. Seemingly further from the throne than ever, the triplets will need to use all of their strength and abilities if they are to survive – let alone rule.

My Review

I am not sure why I wanted to read this book. Maybe because I like to finish what I´ve started. 

Waiting On Wednesday #29 – The Ends Of The World by Maggie Hall

is a weekly event hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine. This meme is a place that spotlights upcoming releases that we´re eagerly anticipating with pure joy.






The first two books of this trilogy I wanted because I fell in love with the cover. Later, when I read them, I fell in love with the story as well.

Himmelstiefe by Daphne Unruh

Daphne Unruh is a German author who started this series originally as eBook and as self-publisher. It was the original cover with the white frame around the blue flowers that caught my eye and made me curious. So it is kind of sad, that Loewe changed that.

Himmelstiefe by Daphne Unruh

Zauber Der Elemente #1

Published by Loewe on September 19, 2016

ISBN 978-3-7855-8565-8

Pages 495 

Format Softcover

Source Publisher

Goodreads

Kira counts the last days of school. Soon she will be done! But then her life gets turned upside down: the new classmate Tim exerts an irresistible attraction on her and again she gets invested by fevers and eerie visions of dangerous shadow beings. Almost too late Kira recognizes that she has special powers and belongs into the magical world of the Academy of the Elements. Only there she is safe – so she thinks!

My Review

If you like a very opulent writing style in combination with a bit of a dry tone and a sometimes awkward to read language, especially out of the mouth of a teenage girl, then this is definitely your book. 

Stacking The Shelves #32 - Bought, Borrowed & Bagged #16

Stacking The Shelves is hosted by Tynga´s Reviews and is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!





I am also connecting with Bought Borrowed & Bagged in homage of Barron´s Books & Baubles from Karen Marie Moning´s smash hit series, Fever, hosted by Braine at Talk Supe.

Crown Of Three by J. D. Rinehart

About two times a year I get asked what books I want to review that are published by a certain German publisher. Crown of Three was one of the books I picked. The cover motive, the colors and the promise, this would be like Game of Thrones only for young children, convinced me.

Crown Of Three by J. D. Rinehart

Crown Of Three Trilogy #1

Published by Aladdin on June 2, 2015

ISBN 978-1-4814-2443-1

Pages 416

Format Hardcover

Source Publisher

Goodreads

Toronia, a kingdom composed of three realms, is wracked with civil war. King Brutan rules with an iron fist. Cruelty and suffering abound. The kingdom´s only hope comes in the form of Brutan´s illegitimate triplets, prophesied to kill the king and rule together in peace. But the road to the throne is long and bloody. Separated at birth and scattered throughout the realms, the triplets face a desperate fight to secure their destiny. Will they survive long enough to rule?

My Review

Well, it was a nice read, but I wasn´t blown away by it. 

Helix – Sie Werden Uns Ersetzen by Marc Elsberg

The author is known for his reality-based plots where he mixes facts of all kind with pure fiction. Sometimes it is really frightening about what could be possible and you have inevitable the question swirling around your mind if it couldn´t be already reality. So what if there are already living children like Jill and Eugene among us?

Helix – Sie Werden Uns Ersetzen*
Author Marc Elsberg
Publisher Blanvalet on October 31, 2016

Genre Thriller

Pages 646

Format Hardcover

Source Lovelybooks

Goodreads

The US Secretary of State dies at a State visit in Munich. During the autopsy a strange sign is found on his heart – caused by bacteria? In Brasil, Tanzania, and India, employees of an international chemical company discover crop plants and animals that can not be found. At the same time, Helen and Greg, a couple in their late thirties, who cannot produce children by natural means, turn to a children´s nursing clinic in California. The doctor gives them hope. He tells them about a – yet unofficial – private research program, which has already produced over a hundred special children. And do not Helen and Greg want to give their offspring the best prerequisites? But then one of these children disappears and everything points to a connection with strange events – not only in Munich but all over the world …

Thoughts

I had enjoyed another book by the author so much, that I knew when I got the letter about Helix, I had to read it. 

Waiting On Wednesday #28 – Now I Rise by Kiersten White

is a weekly event hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine. This meme is a place that spotlights upcoming releases that we´re eagerly anticipating with pure joy.







Actually, it is kind of funny. I have since months the prequel And I Darken lying on my tbr, but not read it yet – so I have no clue how this author writes.

Hunt The Dawn by Abbie Roads

Abbie, you got me again! This novel has IT ALL - and a lot more. Sounds confusing? Maybe it does, but after you´ve read it, you´ll understand what I mean. Dark, bloody and cruel scenes as well as some very hot ones – be prepared for everything. This book is the perfect combination of the darkest of humankind with a romantic touch. And when you thought that Race The Darkness was already shocking in some ways then think again – because this one tops it all!

Hunt The Dawn*
Author Abbie Roads
Fatal Dreams Trilogy #2

Publisher Sourcebooks Casablanca on December 6, 2016

Genre Dark Contemporary Romance 

Pages 352 

Format Paperback

Source ARC by Author

Goodreads

You can´t hide your secrets from Lathan Montgomery – he can read your darkest memories. And while his special abilities are invaluable in the FBI´s hunt for a serial killer, he has no way to avoid the pain that brings him. Until he is drawn to courageous, down-on-her-luck Evanee Brown and finds himself able to offer something he´s never offered another human being: himself.
Nightmares are nothing new to Evanee Brown. But once she meets Lathan, they plummet into the realm of the macabre. Murder victims are reaching from beyond the grave to give Evanee evidence that could help Lathan bring terrifying killer to justice. Together, they could forge an indomitable partnership to thwart violence, abuse, and death – if they survive the forces that seek to tear them apart.

Thoughts

After I´ve read the first book of this trilogy, I expected something dark, beautifully written and with scenes that go beyond everything you can imagine. 

Stacking The Shelves #31 - Bought, Borrowed & Bagged #15

Stacking The Shelves is hosted by Tynga´s Reviews and is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!





I am also connecting with Bought Borrowed & Bagged in homage of Barron´s Books & Baubles from Karen Marie Moning´s smash hit series, Fever, hosted by Braine at Talk Supe.

Bound By Flames by Jeaniene Frost

Finally, I had the time to read and enjoy it. Diving in into the fantasy world of Jeaniene Frost is most of the time a wonderful thing and was it with this third installment of her Night Prince books for sure.

Bound By Flames*

Author Jeaniene Frost
Night Prince #3

Publisher Avon on January 27, 2015

Genre Vampire

Pages 342

Format Softcover

Source German Publisher

Goodreads

Leila´s years on the carnie circuit were certainly an education. What she didn´t learn: how to be a vampire, or how to be married to the most famous vampire of them all. Adjusting to both has Leila teetering on a knife edge between passion and peril, and now the real danger is about to begin … Vlad must battle with a centuries-old enemy whose reach stretches across continents and whose strength equals his own. It isn´t Vlad to feel fear, but he does … for Leila, because his enemy knows she is Vlad´s greatest weakness. As friend and foe alike align against him – and his overprotectiveness drives Leila away – Vlad´s love for his new bride could be the very thing that dooms them both.

Thoughts

After all the other books in this series, which started actually as one big Night Huntress series, I for sure had to read this latest in her now so-called Night Prince series. 

Babylon by Thomas Thiemeyer

The story goes from the sunny hill in Greece to the deadly desert and an ancient subterranean tower where Hannah´s belief, her strength and her will to survive are tested beyond anything.

Babylon* by Thomas Thiemeyer 

Hannah Peters Series #4

Published by Knaur on March 1, 2016

ISBN 978-3-426-65363-0

Pages 523

Format Softcover

Source Publisher

Goodreads

THE PLACE: Mesopotamia, Cradle of Civilization. Today one of the most dangerous crisis region on earth.
THE ORDER: the investigation of the baffling construction of human history.
THE PLAYER: Archeologist Hannah Peters and her team. A billionaire art collector who wants to experience his last adventure. And a four year old child. Together they have to face the biggest challenge of their life.

My Review

With this book came a change in the cover design of the entire series, and, though it is for the first three books a real change for the better, I am not really satisfied with the look of this one. 

Trouble Walks In by Sara Humphreys

And again the author brings with her second McGuire book a great to read a novel on the book market. If you don´t know Sara Humphreys yet, grab her books and start reading – her books are absolutely worth your time!

Trouble Walks In

Author Sara Humphreys
McGuire Brothers #2

Publisher Sourcebooks on August 2, 2016

Genre Romance

Pages 309 

Format Paperback

Source Purchased

Goodreads

Ronan McGuire loves women, loves his dog, loves his job – but when old flame Maddy Morgan moves into his jurisdiction, he can´t think about anything else. Ronan knows she´s way out of his league, but he´s determined to help Maddy live life to the fullest. With tragedy in her past, Maddy has immersed herself in work and swiftly made a name for herself in the hot New York City real estate market. She´s looking for safety, not love, but Ronan McGuire is as persistent as he is sexy, and his crooked smile is hard to resist. But all other concerns are wiped away when Maddy goes missing and Ronan and his bloodhound K-9 partner are tasked with finding her and bringing her home.

Thoughts

I don´t know how she does it, but with this book, the author proofed again that she knows how to keep a reader have his nose stuck in a book. 

Stacking The Shelves #30 - Bought, Borrowed & Bagged #14

Stacking The Shelves is hosted by Tynga´s Reviews and is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!





I am also connecting with Bought Borrowed & Bagged in homage of Barron´s Books & Baubles from Karen Marie Moning´s smash hit series, Fever, hosted by Braine at Talk Supe.

The Christmas Promise by Sue Moorcroft

The mix of wintry looking cover and promising summary were the reasons why I wanted this book.

The Christmas Promise* by Sue Moorcroft

Published by Harper Collins UK on December 1, 2016

ISBN 978-0-0081-7552-8

Pages 368

Format Paperback

Source Publisher

Goodreads

For Ava Bliss, it´s going to be a Christmas to remember ... On a snowy December evening, Sam Jermyn steps into the life of bespoke hat maker Ava. Sparks fly, and not necessarily the good ones. Times are tough for Ava – she´s struggling to make ends meet, her ex-boyfriend is a bully, and worst of all, it´s nearly Christmas. So when Sam commissions Ava to make a hat for someone special, she makes a promise that will change her life. She just doesn´t know it yet.

My Review

No doubt, this was a nice read and at some point a bit touching. 

All You Need Is Love by Marie Force

OMG, this novel was such a great read! This was the very first time, that I had the pleasure to read a novel by the author, and it wasn´t the last time, that´s for sure.

All You Need Is Love* by Marie Force

Green Mountain Series #1

Published by Berkley on February 14, 2014

ISBN 978-0-4252-6676-2

Pages 368

Format Paperback

Source Publisher

Goodreads

The family-run Green Mountain Country Store is cherished by locals as a reminder of simpler times. The Abbott children are determined to keep it that way – but their father has different plans … When Cameron Murphy heads to Vermont to build a website for a new client, she imagines a more relaxing trip than she gets. After wrecking her car by colliding with the town moose, she meets the most handsome hero she´s ever seen. Unfortunately, her savior, Will Abbott, is also the son of her client – and he wants nothing to do with the new website of the city girl creating it. For all Will cares, Cameron can march her fancy boots right out of town and out of his family´s business. But he can´t seem to get her out of his head. As his family´s dispute heats up, so does the chemistry between the two, leaving them wondering if simple is better after all – especially when it comes to matters of the heart.

My Review

Until a few months ago I didn´t even know that this author exists. Turns out it was a good pick and a very pleasant read.

Waiting On Wednesday #27 – Come Sundown by Nora Roberts

is a weekly event hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine. This meme is a place that spotlights upcoming releases that we´re eagerly anticipating with pure joy.







It is no secret that Nora Roberts has changed the publisher for whatever reason and went to St. Martin´s Press.

Playing With Fire by Tess Gerritsen

I know the author from her Rizzoli & Isles series and some of her earlier novels she wrote. Playing with Fire is a standalone thriller and not at all as all her other books. In a good way.

Playing With Fire*
Author Tess Gerritsen

Publisher Ballantine Books on October 27, 2015

Genre Thriller

Pages 272

Format Hardcover

Source German Publisher

Goodreads

In a shadowy antiques shop in Rome, violinist Julia Ansdell happens upon a curious piece of music – the Incendio waltz – and is immediately entranced by its unusual composition. Full of passion, torment, and chilling beauty, and seemingly unknown to the world, the waltz, its mournful minor key, its feverish arpeggios, appear to dance with a strange life of their own. Julia is determined to master the complex work and make its melody heard. Back home in Boston, from the moment Julia´s bow moves across the strings, drawing the waltz´s fiery notes into the air, something strange is stirred – and Julia´s world comes under threat. The music has a terrifying and inexplicable effect on her young daughter, who seems violently transformed. Convinced that the hypnotic strains of Incendio are weaving a malevolent spell, Julia sets out to discover the man and the meaning behind the score. Her quest beckons Julia to the ancient city of Venice, where she uncovers a dark, decades-old secret involving a dangerously powerful family that will stop at nothing to keep Julia from bringing the truth to light.

Thoughts

I love the cover, the original as well as the German one. Both have a great motive, both give you the feeling that they show exactly what the summary promises you. And both deliver.

Flawed by Cecelia Ahern

Oh my gosh! This was one hell of a fantastic read! Don´t expect the normal Cecelia Ahern here, oh no. Flawed is far from that and even better! Can´t wait to read the second book of this duology.

Flawed*
Author Cecelia Ahern

Flawed Duology #1

Publisher Harper Collins Children´s Books on March 24, 2016

Genre Dystopia 

Pages 416

Format Hardcover

Source Library
Goodreads

Celestine North lives a perfect life. She´s a model daughter and sister, she´s well-liked by her classmates and teachers, and she´s dating the impossible charming Art Crevan. But then Celestine encounters a situation in which she makes an instinctive decision. She breaks a rule and now faces life-changing repercussions. She could be imprisoned. She could be branded. She could be found FLAWED.

Thoughts

I didn´t call myself a big Ahern fan - until now that is. Yes, I read some of her books and one or the other I actually loved, but not more. 

Follow Friday #8 – Library Card

This is a Friday meme now hosted by Patricia of FiktiveWelten. Every week she asks a question that you can answer. Everyone who would like to participate, just answer her question, link to her blog and write a comment under her post to let the others know that you are participating. The entire rules you can find here.

This week the topic is all about having a library card (or more) and if I use my card.




I am a bit late with the FF. Last week when I should have done it, I was actually not disciplined enough to write posts for my blog not to talk about an FF one.

Stacking The Shelves #29 - Bought, Borrowed & Bagged #13

Stacking The Shelves is hosted by Tynga´s Reviews and is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!





I am also connecting with Bought Borrowed & Bagged in homage of Barron´s Books & Baubles from Karen Marie Moning´s smash hit series, Fever, hosted by Braine at Talk Supe.

Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard

I heard many different things and often negative ones, about this book. The latter I cannot share. Yes, at the beginning I had my difficulties getting involved in the plot and to see where the story was now. But within a few pages, I was back in the picture.

Glass Sword* by Victoria Aveyard 

Red Queen #2

Published by Harper Teen on February 9, 2016

ISBN 978-0-0623-1066-8

Pages 464

Format Hardcover

Source Publisher

Goodreads

Mare Barrow´s blood is red – the color of common folk – but her Silver ability, the power to control lightning, has turned her into a weapon that the royal court tries to control. The crown calls her an impossibility, a fake, but as she makes her escape from Maven, the prince – the friend – who betrayed her, Mare uncovers something startling: she is not the only one of her kind. Pursued by Maven, now a vindictive king, Mare sets out to find and recruit other Red-and-Silver fighters to join in the struggle against her oppressors. But Mare finds herself on a deadly path, at risk of becoming exactly the kind of monster she is trying to defeat. Will she shatter under the weight of the lives that are the cost of rebellion? Or have treachery and betrayal hardened her forever?

My Review

Glass Sword is the second novel in the authors Red Queen Trilogy. Victoria Aveyard is maybe not for everyone a good read. 

Golden Son by Pierce Brown

This cover is awesome! I love the colors, the mixture of warm and cold and the motive in form of the laurel wreath. And after knowing the story, I can say that this cover sums it up perfectly.

Golden Son* by Pierce Brown

Red Rising Trilogy #2

Published by Random House on January 6, 2015

ISBN 978-0-3455-39814-6

Pages 464

Format Hardcover

Source Publisher

Goodreads

As a Red, Darrow grew up working the mines deep beneath the surface of Mars, enduring backbreaking labor while dreaming of the better future he was building for his descendants. But the Society he faithfully served was built on lies. Darrow´s kind have been betrayed and denied by their elitist masters, the Golds – and their only path to liberation is revolution. And so Darrow sacrifices himself in the name of the greater good for which Eo, his true live and inspiration, laid down her own life. He becomes a Gold, infiltrating their privileged realm so that he can destroy it from within. A lamb among wolves in a cruel world, Darrow finds friendship, respect, and even love – but also the wrath of powerful rivals. To wage and win the war that will change humankind´s destiny, Darrow must confront the treachery arrayed against him, overcome his all-too-human desire for retribution – and strive not for violent revolt but a hopeful rebirth. Though the road ahead is fraught with danger and deceit, Darrow must choose to follow Eo´s principles of love and justice to free his people.

My Review

I was hooked after reading the first novel of Pierce Brown´s Red Rising Trilogy. And despite the fact that I gave this a half star less in my rating, I enjoyed it very much and had my fun reading it.

Race The Darkness by Abbie Roads

OH MY GOD what a phenomenal book! A must read for everyone who loves to read a contemporary romance with a dark side and perfect created main characters.

Race The Darkness

Author Abbie Roads
Fatal Dreams Trilogy #1

Publisher Sourcebooks Casablanca on October 4, 2016

Genre Dark Contemporary Romance

Pages 332

Format Paperback

Source Purchased

Goodreads

Criminal Investigator Xander Stone doesn´t have to question you – he can hear your thoughts. Scarred by lightning, burdened with a power that gives him no peace, Xander struggles to maintain his sanity against the voice that haunts him day and night – the voice of a woman begging him to save her.
Isleen Walker has long since given up hope of escape from the nightmare of captivity and torture that is draining her life, her mind, and her soul. Except … there is the man in her feverish dreams, the strangely beautiful man who beckons her to freedom and wholeness. And when he comes – if he comes – it will take all their combined fury and faith to overcome a madman bent on fulfilling a deadly prophecy. 

Thoughts

Race The Darkness is the debut novel of author Abbie Roads. If you are looking for some dark contemporary with some hit-off figures and a great to read the plot, then this is your book.

Trailer Reveal: Hunt The Dawn by Abbie Roads

Today is the big Trailer Reveal of Abbie Roads second book in her Fatal Dreams Trilogy Hunt The Dawn.
Check it out!

You are only one click away.

Waiting On Wednesday #26 – The Continent by Keira Drake

is a weekly event hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine. This meme is a place that spotlights upcoming releases that we´re eagerly anticipating with pure joy.






I noticed this book on another bloggers website and with all the blue, white and silver (or is it gray?) I got fascinated by the cover.

The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison

Usually, the high fantasy genre is not really my thing. But the author managed to give me with this book quite some reading pleasure. Don´t know exactly how she did it if it was the language, the scenery or how she created her figures, but despite the sometimes very detailed scenes, I actually enjoyed this novel.

The Goblin Emperor*
Author Katherine Addison

Publisher Tor Books on April 1, 2014

Genre Fantasy 

Pages 448

Format Hardcover

Source German Publisher

Goodreads

The youngest, half-goblin of the Emperor has lived his entire life in exile, distant from the Imperial Court and the deadly intrigue that suffuses it. But when his father and three sons in line for the throne are killed in an “accident,” he has no choice but to take his place as the only surviving rightful heir. Entirely unschooled in the art of court politics, he has no friends, no advisors, and the sure knowledge that whoever assassinated his father and brothers could make an attempt on his life at any moment. Surrounded by sycophants eager to curry favor with naïve new emperor, and overwhelmed by the burdens of his new life, he can trust nobody. Amid the swirl of plots to depose him, offers of arranged marriages, and the specter of the unknown conspirators who lurk in the shadows, he must quickly adjust to life as the Goblin Emperor. All the while, he is alone, and trying to find even a single friend … and hoping for the possibility of romance, yet also vigilant against the unseen enemies that threaten him, lest he lose this throne – or his life. 

Thoughts

Discovering new authors is always very exciting. 

Upcoming New Releases November

Like every month there are some book new releases for November as well. I am looking very much forward to their release date and some of them are already pre-ordered or on my wishlist.

My list contains book new releases for Germany, the US, and the UK. So you might see titles that are already being published abroad but will hit the German bookstores only by now.





Among my list are some authors that are brand new to me, like B. A. Paris and Tetsuya Honda.

October Wrap Up

I can´t believe that October is over, the world goes crazy about Halloween and that I will only have a few weeks left to get my reading schedule done.

During this past month I´ve managed somehow to read eleven (!) books and am very surprised that I did it again. Well, my TV isn´t on very often, radio is no option and so what else can someone – better said a book crazy person like me – do if not reading books or listen to one?

Stacking The Shelves #28 - Bought, Borrowed & Bagged #12

Stacking The Shelves is hosted by Tynga´s Reviews and is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!





I am also connecting with Bought Borrowed & Bagged in homage of Barron´s Books & Baubles from Karen Marie Moning´s smash hit series, Fever, hosted by Braine at Talk Supe.

Crown Me by Geneva Lee

After the first two books, I clearly had to read this last one about Clara and Alexander as well. Luckily I got them without asking from the publisher. And so after I had finished the second book I could go straight to this one.

Crown Me* by Geneva Lee

Royal Saga #3

Published by Westminster Press on February 10, 2015

ISBN 978-0-9964-3983-1

Pages 328

Format Paperback

Source Publisher

Goodreads

As the world tried to tear us apart, Alexander fought for me, claiming me as his own. I belong to him – body, heart, and soul. I found strength in his dominance. In his control. In his love. Still, I could always feel it: the darkness creeping toward our joy, threatening to overcome us. But I never imagined it would end like this. To my independence. To us I was wrong. Ripped apart by tragedy, fighting for love, Clara and Alexander face their darkest hour.

My Review

And it was really worth it. Fine, it wasn´t as much dark and erotic as I would have wished for, but the change in the relationship of Clara and Alexander and the change in the tone of the novel itself was nonetheless very entertaining. 

Feature - Halloween Tag

Actually created by NeylaKunta for Nomnivors #Halloween-Wochen, this tag was now handed over to me by Patricia from FiktiveWelten.

The questions are all Halloween related and since I have only great memories of my Halloween time in the US – imagine me elbow deep cutting out pumpkins – I am going to do this thing here.

So thank you, my friend, for asking me to do this fun thing.