Author Archives: Lacey

Early Review: The Iron Traitor by Julie Kagawa

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The Iron Traitor by Julie Kagawa

The Iron Traitor by Julie Kagawa
Series: The Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: October 29th 2013
Purchase: Ebook • Paperback
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher (Harlequin Teen) in exchange for an honest review

In the real world, when you vanish into thin air for a week, people tend to notice. 

After his unexpected journey into the lands of the fey, Ethan Chase just wants to get back to normal. Well, as “normal” as you can be when you see faeries every day of your life. Suddenly the former loner with the bad reputation has someone to try for-his girlfriend, Kenzie. Never mind that he’s forbidden to see her again.

But when your name is Ethan Chase and your sister is one of the most powerful faeries in the Nevernever, “normal” simply isn’t to be. For Ethan’s nephew, Keirran, is missing, and may be on the verge of doing something unthinkable in the name of saving his own love. Something that will fracture the human and faery worlds forever, and give rise to the dangerous fey known as the Forgotten. As Ethan’s and Keirran’s fates entwine and Keirran slips further into darkness, Ethan’s next choice may decide the fate of them all.

Um, wow. I… did not see that ending coming at all. Like, holy crapola, that has got to be the biggest freaking cliffhanger of ALL TIME. God, Julie Kagawa, what are you doing to me?!?

Ahem, well, aside from that ridiculous cliffhanger, I am SO happy with The Iron Traitor. This spinoff series has really stepped up its game. The first book I was only slightly disappointed with, but it was still good, because hello, it’s Julie Kagawa! And besides, it’s hard to measure up to the epic badass-ness that is the original Iron Fey series (If you haven’t read it, GO READ IT). But The Iron Traitor ended up being better than I expected! Ethan was alright in the first book, but in this sequel, he’s certainly wormed his way into my heart. He’s become so endearing, with his snarky wit, his need to be the heroic savior, and just his basic teenage boy-ness that I want more of him! I’m now very much invested in this spinoff series and am dying for more books in the series!

Ethan has grown throughout the series. At first, he completely hates the Fey, because they’ve done nothing but cause trouble to him. But now, after becoming more involved in their world, and meeting other Fey, he can’t exactly hate all Fey. Because like it or not, he’s related to them. His older sister is the queen of the Iron Court, and he has a nephew (who is the same age as Ethan–freaky, right) who he’s become friends with. Keirran is a huge part of Ethan’s transformation. Both their fates are entwined, and not necessarily for the better. It was all very worrisome, to be honest, and I kept feeling like something terrible was going to happen. And oh my god, it did. It was like, BAM, it comes out of nowhere, and I’m just reeling, shocked. If you’re going to read The Iron Traitor (which you should!) be ready for some serious plot twists.

Keirran is a difficult character to like. Throughout the entire book, he’s searching for a way to save the faery girl he loves from Fading–or basically, dying. And while he’s searching, he embraces the darkness more and more. It was really hard to see him as Meghan and Ash’s son, you know? It was just… weird. Like, oh my gosh, MEGHAN and ASH have a SON, and he’s turning slightly BAD?!? He’s got a good heart underneath, but desperate times call for desperate measures… and I got very frustrated with him. Because he’s the main reason why Ethan and Kenzie and everyone are getting into so much trouble and are risking their lives over it. And I just didn’t like that. I wanted to give Keirran a big shake so he’d come back to his senses, but I guess that wouldn’t make for a good plot, would it.

Oh my gosh. The BEST BEST BEST part of the book was… wait for it… PUCK!!!! YES! PUCK. IS. BACK! You have NO IDEA how much I love this Summer faery. I adore him. Him and his antics and his comic relief. I’d missed this trickster so much. And Ash too. I’m not sure I should say this because I’ll sound crazy, but basically, every time Ash appeared in the book, I would start fangirling like crazy. Seriously, I love him. I’d just be squealing with joy for every ten second appearance he’d make. I’d just missed him so much! *sighs* Ash is the. best. I missed these two enough that I basically reread the entire Iron Fey series while I was reading The Iron Traitor. I’m such a crazy huge fan of the series.

And of course, a certain cait sith is there to help all their sorry asses traipse through the Nevernever so they can fight epic battles against the Fey 😉

ARGH! That ending! I want to know what happens in the next book so bad! Julie Kagawa, I hate love you so much for making me so agonized over the end!

4.5 hearts
lacey

Reading Order: The Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten series

The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa The Iron Traitor by Julie Kagawa

#1 ~ The Lost Prince: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ The Iron Traitor: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

Book Blitz + Teasers & Excerpt: The Rules of Regret by Megan Squires

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Rules of Regret by Megan Squires

The Rules of Regret by Megan Squires
Publication date: October 1st 2013
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult

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“Life doesn’t come with a blueprint, which makes it hard to have any plans.”

Nineteen-year-old Darby Duncan is finally on her own. Her boyfriend of six years just left for a high-powered summer internship, though in reality he’s been absent for much longer than that. This newfound freedom wasn’t a part of Darby’s plans, but as she’s come to discover, plans only exist on paper, not in reality.

And guys like Torin Westbrook aren’t supposed to exist in reality, either. But he does, with his disheveled curly hair, irresistible dimples, and endearingly quirky habit of reciting quotes from classic movies and ancient thinkers. When Darby meets Torin as a fellow counselor at the survival camp she impulsively applies to, she’s certain his main goal is to turn her world upside-down.

But Darby’s not sure she can adapt to Torin’s ways of viewing his past and the tragedies he’s faced. Because she’s had her own share of heartache, too, and as much as she wants to believe that it’s all been for a purpose, her grief hasn’t allowed her to get to that point. Yet the more Darby is around Torin, the more she craves the freedom to break out of her carefully constructed routine and mindset and fall into something new.

She’s just not sure that she should be falling for Torin along the way.

Purchase (direct buy link not yet available but will be found here come release day):

buy from amazon

Rules of Regret quote3

Excerpt

“You’ve never flown on a plane?”

“No,” he retorted. “I’ve never had the need, or the opportunity.”

“We need to see what we can do to change that.” I’d flown in planes more times than I could count. I couldn’t imagine being nineteen-years-old and never having seen the earth from a bird’s eye view. Torin was seriously missing out; from what I knew of him so far, flying would totally be his thing. Maybe it was my turn to help him with his unknowns.

“Anything else you’ve never done?” I jeered, intentionally trying to rile him up because I liked what it did to him when he got flustered.

“I’ve never had sex,” Torin shot out, “but I’m fairly certain I’m not afraid of that, either.”

Record scratch.

Wait…what?

I tossed the stare from my face quickly and attempted to reclaim my composure, but it was completely lost. My eyes dropped to my hands, which had totally mangled our poor cootie catcher. It was nothing but a crumpled wad of paper in my clenched grasp. Torin pulled it from my fingers to smooth it out, grinning widely like he was proud that he caught me off guard, like maybe that was his plan.

“Excuse me?”

“Don’t worry,” he smiled, his dimples deep-set, making something deep within my stomach flip-flop. “Unlike the flying, I’m not expecting you to ‘see what you can do to change that.’ ”

I tried to swallow quietly, but I was certain he heard it. Like that awkward moment when you watched a movie with your parents and a full on sex-scene starts up on the screen. It was mortifying—humiliating on a whole new level. You tried not to move—tried not to even breathe—because the last thing you wanted was your mom thinking you were actually alive and watching it. It was like you played dead. Torin’s recent confession sort of made me want to play dead. I was possum-on-the-side-of-the-highway road kill and rigor mortis had already set in.

Rules of Regret cover1

Rules of Regret quote2

about the author

Megan SquiresMegan Squires lives with her husband and two children just outside of Sacramento, California. A graduate from the University of California, Davis, Megan is now a full-time mother, wife, and dreamer—though her characters don’t often give her much opportunity to sleep.

Visit www.theoutlierchronicles.com to learn more about her latest young adult series.

Author links:

Website | Goodreads | Facebook

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Waiting on Wednesday {10}

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Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Breaking the Spine, is a weekly meme where we showcase upcoming new releases we’re excited to get our hands on!

The Iron Traitor by Julie Kagawa

The Iron Traitor (The Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten #2) by Julie Kagawa
Publication Date: October 29th 2013

In the real world, when you vanish into thin air for a week, people tend to notice.

After his unexpected journey into the lands of the fey, Ethan Chase just wants to get back to normal. Well, as “normal” as you can be when you see faeries every day of your life. Suddenly the former loner with the bad reputation has someone to try for-his girlfriend, Kenzie. Never mind that he’s forbidden to see her again.

But when your name is Ethan Chase and your sister is one of the most powerful faeries in the Nevernever, “normal” simply isn’t to be. For Ethan’s nephew, Keirran, is missing, and may be on the verge of doing something unthinkable in the name of saving his own love. Something that will fracture the human and faery worlds forever, and give rise to the dangerous fey known as the Forgotten. As Ethan’s and Keirran’s fates entwine and Keirran slips further into darkness, Ethan’s next choice may decide the fate of them all

I’ve just finished an early copy of this book and OH MY GOD it was amazing! I absolutely adore the Iron Fey series, and while I don’t love this spinoff as epically as I do the original series (ASH! <3) Ethan’s story can definitely hold its own. I’m so excited for The Iron Traitor’s release so I can get my hands on the paperback! AH!

lacey

Cover Reveal: Escape in You by Rachel Schurig

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Escape in You by Rachel Schurig

Escape In You by Rachel Schurig
Publication date: October 15th 2013
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult

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Jet Taylor is the quintessential bad boy. A womanizer. A fighter. Dangerous. The type of guy most girls do their best to avoid. But Zoe Janes is no saint herself. In fact, she sees in Jet the perfect opportunity to distract herself from her responsibilities at home and the mistakes that keep her trapped there. He’s gorgeous, likes to party, and is clearly only interested in having fun—just like Zoe.

The more time they spend together, the harder it is for Zoe to stick to her “fun only” mantra. Jet is getting under her skin, making her believe things could actually be different. She knows they’re both trapped by the sins of their past but Jet is starting to make her think freedom might actually be possible.

And that makes him the most dangerous boy of all.

about the author

Rachel Schurig lives in the metro Detroit area with her dog, Lucy. She loves to watch reality TV and she reads as many books as she can get her hands on. In her spare time, Rachel decorates cakes. Her THREE GIRLS series is available now from Amazon!

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Relaunch & Giveaway: Lengths by Steph Campbell & Liz Reinhardt

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LENGTHS RELAUNCH GRAPHIC

Title: Lengths
Series: Lengths #1 (full reading order below)
Authors: Steph Campbell and Liz Reinhardt
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Nineteen-year-old Whit Conrad leaves her conservative Pennsylvania home for sunny California, looking for independence, a fresh start, and a place to stash her grief. She promptly finds a job at a tattoo parlor, a craptastic first apartment, and one friend—Ryan—who is a little less friend, a little more benefits.

Deo Beckett is a soulful surfer with a passion for tattoos and beautiful women. On the eve of his twenty-second birthday, he finds himself living with his grandfather, recently unemployed, and seriously adrift. He doesn’t know much about what he wants out of life, but he does know his current situation isn’t cutting it.

When Deo meets Whit, she’s all sexy makeup and fierce, smart-ass fun. It doesn’t take him long to see past her tough shell. And when he gets a good look at what’s under all the superficial stuff that usually gets his attention, it leaves Deo wondering if there might be more to life than living fast and free.

Too bad Whit has a past she doesn’t plan on sharing—no matter how hot Deo is. She might want him, but she knows better than to let her guard down.

Deo falls for Whit, and falls hard. But everything about her, down to that mysterious tattoo and the way she thrashes in her sleep, tells him that the girl he loves is hiding something. And the more he pushes for answers, the more Whit pulls away.

Having your guard up is one thing, but are the lengths Whit goes to to protect her secret worth throwing away the second chance she has at happiness with Deo?

Buy it for FREE Oct. 2-7
Amazon

Teasers for upcoming Lengths #4.5, Riptide:

Riptides Teaser 1

RIPTIDES TEASER OCTOBER 1

Reading Order: Lengths series

Lengths by Steph Campbell & Liz Reinhardt Depths by Steph Campbell & Liz Reinhardt Limits by Steph Campbell & Liz Reinhardt
Ties by Steph Campbell & Liz Reinhardt Riptides by Steph Campbell & Liz Reinhardt Drift by Steph Campbell and Liz Reinhardt

#1 ~ Lengths: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Depths: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Limits: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#4 ~ Ties: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#4.5 ~ Riptides: Ebook • Goodreads
#5 ~ Drift: Ebook • Goodreads

about the authors

Steph Campbell grew up in Southern California, but now calls Southwest Louisiana home. She has one husband, four children and a serious nail polish obsession.Steph’s works include Delicate, Grounding Quinn and Beautiful Things Never Last; My Heart for Yours and My Fate for Yours (with Jolene Perry); A Toast to the Good Times (with Liz Reinhardt) and the bestselling new adult LENGTHS series with Liz Reinhardt: Lengths, Depths, Limits, Ties & Riptides.

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Liz Reinhardt was born and raised in the idyllic beauty of northwest NJ. A move to the subtropics of coastal Georgia with her daughter and husband left her with a newly realized taste for the beach and a bloated sunscreen budget. Right alongside these new loves is her old, steadfast affection and longing for bagels and the fast-talking foul mouths of her youth.

She loves Raisinettes, even if they aren’t really candy, the Oxford comma, movies that are hilarious or feature zombies, any and all books, but especially romance (the smarter and hotter, the better), the sound of her daughter’s incessantly wise and entertaining chatter, and watching her husband work on cars in the driveway.

She is the author of the Brenna Blixen series (Double Clutch, Junk Miles, Slow Twitch), the Youngblood series (Fall Guy, Perfectly Unmatched), and co-writes with the awesome Steph Campbell in the Lengths series (Lengths, Depths, Limits, Ties, Riptides).

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