All That Glows by Ryan Graudin Review

Name: All That Glows
Author: Ryan Graudin
Publisher: HarperTeen
 Release Date: February 11th, 2014
Format: E-Book ARC
Buy the book on Amazon
463 pages

Emrys—a fiery, red-headed Fae—always embraced her life in the Highlands, far from the city’s draining technology, until she’s sent to London to rejoin the Faery Guard. But this isn’t any normal assignment—she’s sent to guard Prince Richard: Britain’s notorious, partying bad boy and soon-to-be King. The prince’s careless ways and royal blood make him the irresistible for the dark spirits that feed on mortals. Sweet, disheveled, and alive with adventure—Richard is one charge who will put Emrys’s magic and heart to the test.

When an ancient force begins preying on the monarchy, Emrys must hunt through the London’s magical underworld, facing down Banshees, Black Dogs and Green Women to find the one who threatens Richard’s life. In this chaos of dark magic, palace murders and paparazzi, Emrys finds herself facing an impossible choice. For despite all her powers, Emrys has discovered a force that burns brighter than magic: love.

Goodreads

My Review:
I wasn't really sure what to expect when I picked this book up, I heard mixed things but I decided to dive into it and go from there. I'm SO glad I gave this book a chance-I really enjoyed All That Glows. I thought the characters were interesting and unique, and the story was very different then what I have been reading lately.

I'm a huge sucker for YA books that combine magic with the real world-so I especially loved how Ryan Graudin was able to tie in both the British royalty and the Fae world into one. I thought the way she told the story was so unique-especially the part about the Fae being guardians for the royals..which definitely was interesting! I also really liked Ryan's writing style..I thought this book was well written and had the right amount of action, romance, and suspense!

What I really also loved about this book was the characters! I thought Emrys was a really strongwilled character, and wasn't afraid to fight for what she believed in. Richard, at first, was really annoying and immature. Luckily, as the book went on he grew up and definitely learned how to be a prince, and become a good king. I thought his relationship with Emrys was really sweet-and they balanced each other very well which I really liked. 

Overall, I really enjoyed All That Glows! I recently learned that this series will actually be a sequel which is SO EXCITING! I can't wait to check it out the next installment. If you are looking for a paranormal romance with fae and royals, definitely give this book a shot.

p.s. check out my author interview I did with Ryan back in the fall here

My Rating:

Waiting on Wednesday 121: The Fine Art of Pretending

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine

Name: The Fine Art of Pretending

Author: Rachel Harris

Publisher: Spencer Hill Contemporary

Release Date: September 2014
Add the book on Goodreads

According to the guys at Fairfield Academy, there are two types of girls: the kind you hook up with, and the kind you're friends with. Seventeen-year-old Alyssa Reed is the second type. And she hates it. With just one year left to change her rank, she devises a plan to become the first type by homecoming, and she sets her sights on the perfect date—Justin Carter, Fairfield Academy’s biggest hottie and most notorious player.

With 57 days until the dance, Aly launches Operation Sex Appeal and sheds her tomboy image. The only thing left is for Justin actually to notice her. Enter best friend Brandon Taylor, the school’s second biggest hottie, and now Aly’s pretend boyfriend. With his help, elevating from “funny friend” to “tempting vixen” is only a matter of time.

But when everything goes according to plan, the inevitable “break up” leaves their friendship in shambles, and Aly and Brandon with feelings they can’t explain. And the fake couple discovers pretending can sometimes cost you the one thing you never expected to want.

Goodreads

My Thoughts:

This book sounds super cute!! I definitely looking for a fun rom-com and this one seems to fit the bill. I'm also a really big fan of Rachel Harris, so I can't wait to read this one in September!

What are your thoughts? What are you waiting for this week? Let us know in the comments!

Waiting on Wednesday 120: Of Neptune

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine

Name: Of Neptune

Author: Anna Banks

Publisher: Fiewel and Friends

Release Date: May 13th,2014
Add the book on Goodreads

Emma and Galen s kingdom and their love is threatened by long-lost Syrena in the brilliant conclusion to Anna Banks bestselling trilogy.

Emma, half human and half Syrena, and her Syrena love, Galen, need time together alone. Away from the kingdoms of Poseidon and Triton. Emma s grandfather, the Poseidon king, suggests the two visit a small town called Neptune.

Neptune is home to both Syrena and Half-Breeds alike. But Emma and Galen didn t sign up to be peacemakers between the ocean and the land-dwelling, freshwater Syrena. They didn t bargain for meeting a charming Half-Breed named Reed, who can barely disguise his feelings for Emma. And they especially didn t expect to find themselves in the middle of a power struggle that threatens not only their love but their ocean kingdoms.

In this stunning conclusion to her bestselling Syrena Legacy, Anna Banks thrills fans with more action and romance than ever. Goodreads

My Thoughts:

I am a HUGE fan of this series so obviously I am very excited to read the last book in the series. While it does make me sad to see a series end, I am really exciting to see how Anna wraps this awesome trilogy up. Is it May yet?!!

What are your thoughts? What are you waiting for this week? Let us know in the comments!

Waiting on Wednesday 119: After the End

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine

Name: After the End

Author: Amy Plum

Publisher: Harper Teen

Release Date: May 6th, 2014
Add the book on Goodreads

She’s searching for answers to her past. They’re hunting her to save their future.

World War III has left the world ravaged by nuclear radiation. A lucky few escaped to the Alaskan wilderness. They've survived for the last thirty years by living off the land, being one with nature, and hiding from whoever else might still be out there.

At least, this is what Juneau has been told her entire life.

When Juneau returns from a hunting trip to discover that everyone in her clan has vanished, she sets off to find them. Leaving the boundaries of their land for the very first time, she learns something horrifying: There never was a war. Cities were never destroyed. The world is intact. Everything was a lie.

Now Juneau is adrift in a modern-day world she never knew existed. But while she's trying to find a way to rescue her friends and family, someone else is looking for her. Someone who knows the extraordinary truth about the secrets of her past. Goodreads

My Thoughts:

I am a HUGE HUGE HUGE fan of Amy Plum, so I definitely want to read this book. I think it's really interesting to see how Juneau is able to discover that everything in her life was a lie, and how she is able to join the modern-day world. I will definitely be checking this book out in May :)

What are your thoughts? What are you waiting for this week? Let us know in the comments!

COVER REVEAL: The Shadow Prince

This prequel novella will be FREE and available on Goodreads, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble on March 25, 2014!

Every sacrifice has consequences.

Sixteen-year-old Rowan has spent most of his life living among the mortals—learning to control the element of fire, impatiently awaiting the day his vengeful mother, Queen Prisma, will abdicate her throne. When he finally returns to Avalon for his coronation, his mother insists he must first prove his loyalty to the court by completing a secret mission:

Kill Kalin, the half-human, half-elemental daughter of the air court king.

Willing to do anything to remove his mother from power, he agrees to sacrifice the halfling. He returns to the mortal world with his best friend, Marcus, determined to kill the princess. But as he devises a plan, he starts to question whether or not he's capable of completing such a heinous task. And what price he will pay if he refuses?

Mortal Enchantment (Book 1)

ebook, 262 pages

Expected publication: May 20th 2014 by Phoenix Reign Publishing

≥GoodReads≤

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Stacey O'Neale started her career in publishing as a blogger turned publicist for two successful small publishers. She loves to write stories with swoony paranormal heroes, snarky heroines, and lots of kissing.

When she's not writing, she loves blogging and fangirling about books on twitter. Occasionally, she leaves her computer to go outside.

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

The Minaldi Legacy by Courtney Cole Blog Tour (Review)

Name: The Minaldi Legacy
Author: Courtney Cole
Publisher: Lakehouse Press Inc.
Release Date: February 6th, 2014
Format: E-book ARC
Buy the book on Amazon

Summary:
“I’m a monster, Eva. There’s no saving a monster. But I love that you want to try.”

Luca Minaldi is rich, powerful and mesmerizing. He’s also a reclusive enigma. He lives in Malta, a fairy-tale place filled with sunshine and sea, beauty and secrets. And Luca’s darkest of secrets is the best-kept of them all. 

Eva Talbot moves to Malta to finish her doctoral dissertation in Psychiatry. When she meets Luca, there is a very real and instant attraction that she has never felt before. But even still, she senses the darkness that lives within him. 

Eva is hired to care for Luca’s mother, a woman who suffers from dementia. It is Luca, however, that Eva will eventually risk everything to save… as the legacy that plagues him continues. 

As the darkness swirls ever more tightly around her, Eva realizes that no matter how hard she tries, she might not be able to save Luca without losing herself. 

Eva and Luca are thrust into a world where their love is tested and darkness reigns. Amid chaos and treachery, love and hate, Luca and Eva learn one important thing. 

Love is dangerous. 

But it also might be the one thing that can save them all.

********
The Minaldi Legacy consists of two parts: part one, Of Blood and Bone and part two, Of Darkness and Demons. This is a Dark Romantic Thriller and it contains adult themes and content

Goodreads

My Review:
Note: Thanks again to Lakehouse Press Inc. for sending me this book to review!!
Ahhhhh..so so so sorry that we've disappeared for awhile! It's been a crazy month (and year!) but don't worry we are still here! Still reading and reviewing...it just takes us longer than normal :)

Overall, I thought The Minaldi Legacy was a really great read! I haven't read a book quite like it in a long time..and it definitely was a refreshing read!

What I really liked about this book was how unique the plot was. Lately I've been reading books that seem to have a similar plotline or is in the same genre. This book was SO unique and very different than the books I normally read..which was definitely really great! I also liked the seeing the progression of Eva throughout the novel. It's always interesting to see a character grow, and I think Eva really progressed so much throughout this book.

I also really liked how the book had two different parts (Of Blood and Bone, and Of Darkness and Demons). It was great to see how the author was able to keep the story going throughout these two parts.

In the end, I really enjoyed this book! It definitely was different than what I normally read, but I really enjoyed it! If you are looking for a paranormal romance that has suspense and action..definitely check this one out!

Book Trailers: Round Seven

Hi everyone! Here are some of the book trailers that we at Catching Books loved watching from the past month. We hope you like them, too!

My favorite trailer is definitely Ignite Me, which probably has something to do with the fact that I am so incredibly excited to read this book.  Now that it's officially out, I absolutely have to get my hands on a copy!

What are your thoughts? Do you like book trailers? Which one do you like the most? 

Let me know in the comments :)

Waiting on Wednesday 118: The Murder Chronicles

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine

Name: The Murder Complex

Author: Lindsay Cummings

Publisher: Greenwillow / HarperCollins

Release Date: June 10th 2014
Add the book on Goodreads

An action-packed, blood-soaked, futuristic debut thriller set in a world where the murder rate is higher than the birthrate. For fans of Moira Young’s Dust Lands series, La Femme Nikita, and the movie Hanna.

Meadow Woodson, a fifteen-year-old girl who has been trained by her father to fight, to kill, and to survive in any situation, lives with her family on a houseboat in Florida. The state is controlled by The Murder Complex, an organization that tracks the population with precision.

The plot starts to thicken when Meadow meets Zephyr James, who is—although he doesn’t know it—one of the MC’s programmed assassins. Is their meeting a coincidence? Destiny? Or part of a terrifying strategy? And will Zephyr keep Meadow from discovering the haunting truth about her family?

Action-packed, blood-soaked, and chilling, this is a dark and compelling debut novel by Lindsay Cummings.

 Goodreads

My Thoughts:

It's been a while since I've read a book that seems this, as the Goodreads blurb says, "blood-soaked, and chilling." However, it seems not only dark, but also really interesting.  I can't wait to get my hands on a copy! Anyone else?

What are your thoughts? What are you waiting for this week? Let us know in the comments!