Announcement... WE ARE ON A BREAK !!!

Hello my lovely readers and fellow book worms and bibliophiles!!

How are you all? 

I am writing to you today to share with you a small announcement. 

THE SECRET READING GARDEN is on a break!!! 

WHAT?!? WHY?!?!

As you have noticed, the last couple of months have been quite ones. There wasn't enough reviews or posts. And it's completely my fault. My life and it's newest development got in the way. 

Before you ask, no it's not a fault of new found love or new boyfriend. Actually, I am still happily single waiting for the one guy to realise I am here!! Liam Hemsworth, Henry Cavill or Nick Bateman are just taking their time :)

There was a lot of happening. As you may or may not know I am applying to become a citizen of United Kingdom. Yes, I have been living here for past 9 years and I feel like it's time for me to make this huge step for my future. So I've been working to pay for the application and studying for various tests and exams - it's like being back at school to be honest. 

Secondly, I am moving to the Bronte Country - specifically to Haworth :) I have been living with my housemates/friends in our house for past 5 years. And after recently celebrating my 30th birthday (hey, Thirty is the new Twenty!!), I have decided to try it on my own. So there is a lot of happening around that. I need to plan the moving, buying new furniture, paying off bills etc.. You know how it goes when you are changing your location. There is so much to be paid for. But I am excited for the new chapter to start. 

So with it said, I have realise that I have been an awful blogger in last couple of months, so I have decided to take a break until new year. As you know, Sara agreed to be a part of our little family and together we are working hard to make this blog and its content loveable and enjoyable. So we have decided to take a break and concentrate on sorting our lives which would mean better things for the future of this blog. 

There are couple of surprise in works for you. I am planning many new adventures and ideas for you which I cannot wait to share with you .

So don't worry, we are not disappearing for ever!!! We are taking a little tiny break, and then we will be back with a boom and amazing content. So bare with us!!! 

Thank you for continuous support! See you in new year of 2016 !!!

In the meanwhile... HAPPY READING!!!!

Zuz & Sara 

xoxo

Carpe Librum Girl Has Arrived!

Hello Lovely Bookworms! 

My Name is Sara 

AKA

Carpe Librum Girl

I am so Honored to be here and Cant wait to bring you Fresh Content and Bookish Discussions!

Me and The Lovely Zuzana have Combined Forces and Will be bringing you Fresh Content For the New Year. Now as a Co-Blogger on A Secret Reading Garden i Find myself Refreshed and Ready to Explore this New Venture with my Amazing Friend!.

About Me:

I Love Reading and Collecting Books!

I started my Blog Carpe Librum Girl 2 years ago in December because i felt i had something to 

contribute to the Book Community and i wanted to Share my Views on the Books I read because i Have so much to say! When you Fall in love with a book you definitely want to talk about it. So i Started a blog. I love cats and i am a big Marvel Geeky Nerd and proud of it!. My Favorite Genres to read are YA, New Adult, Horror, Science Fiction and Adult Fiction. So many of my Reviews and Discussions will be based primarily on what i read.

Why I Left my Blog:

Life happens and sometimes what you loved to do isn't really making you happy anymore and you find yourself feeling guilty for not posting enough and keeping your content fresh and exciting. What i loved to do became a chore and i feel like if you love what you do it should never feel like work. Thats when i decided to Delete my Blog and focus on Instagram which is where i am more Consistent and its still fun. I am also going to be putting some of my reviews on this blog but mainly on Goodreads. All my Social Media will be Down Below if you want to Check me out and Give me a Follow!

My Idea behind Joining Forces with Zuzana is to Fill in the Gaps and Bring some Fresh Content once in a while, and also Talk about books and get some Discussions going! I will also be posting some of my Reviews as well. Being a Co-Blogger to me means Helping out and bringing some ideas to the Table when Zuzana's Busy ill be filling in and when i am busy Zuzana will continue where she left off and Bring you Fabulous Content as always. 

I hope you stay tuned to all of our ideas and Fresh Content we will have to bring you in the New year!

I cant wait to get Started. For now we are clearing up some Schedules and getting out Ideas out on the table so Stay Tuned. I'm So glad and honored to be apart of the Bookish Community and i am so Happy that i get to keep doing what i love to do!

Connect With Me:

Book Blitz : LOVE IS AN ACTION by Bry Foster

www.xpressobooktours.com

Book Blitz ALERT!!!

It's time again to introduce you to a new book on New Adult scene!!

Xpresso Book Tours gave me an opportunity to introduce to a new author in town BRY FOSTER and her debut novel :

LOVE IS AN ACTION. 

Coming out tomorrow, November 17th 2015, let me give you a quick peek into this story!! 

And of course, there is a chance for you to grab yourself a free copy of the book at the end of this post! 

*****

LOVE IS AN ACTION

by Bry Foster 

Publication Date : November 17th 2015

Publisher : Bry Foster

Genre : New Adult / Contemporary

Available To Order : Amazon


Khloe Hudson is all out of everything.

All out of patience for her alcoholic father. All out of money from her summer job savings. All out of scholarship essay ideas. And all out of room in her hearth for people who don't care to see her for who she really is.

But even she has to admit that the French jerk attending her academy is starting to worm his way in just a bit.

Cash Castille couldn't care less about what Khloe thinks she knows. None of her advanced classes have taught her that love isn't something that can be measured or figured out using scientific methods. Actions often speak louder than words. And although he gets a rise out of driving her crazy, he can't help but wonder when her brain will stop arguing with what their hearts already know.

When Cash drops a bomb and asks for the favour of a lifetime, Khloe reluctantly agrees because despite the terms, she needs the benefit of their arrangement. However, as Cash and Khloe navigate through their new found relationship, she can't help but wonder if the cost of this ploy will be another expense she can't afford to give. Her heart.

*****

About BRY FOSTER

Her name is Bry. She was born in San Diego, CA but raised in central TX. After years of writing poems and short stories and making her family read them, the characters in her head have finally matured - mostly - and demanded to be heard. She enjoys all things paranormal and believes sarcasm is a second language that she has mastered. She adores flawed female characters that aren't afraid to speak their minds (even to the point of driving other characters mad).

She is an Army wife and the mother of a four year old little boy who demands that she calls him IRON MAN or Donny (Ninja Turles) on any given day.


Connect with the author : Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

*****

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

Wanna grab yourself a free copy of this newest tale on the NEW ADULT market? It couldn't be any easier. Tweet me  @ZuzVystrcilova or Instagram me @zuzvystrcilova with #SecretReadingGarden by December 13th 2015 and you will be entered into a giveaway to win an e-book for yourself :) 

*****

NEWS ARE HEADING YOUR WAY!!!!

Well hello there my lovely & always fateful readers!!!

How are you all? I bet you all are slowly getting ready for Christmas and have hands full of Christmas shopping. I haven't even started on mine. No idea what to give who. I might need to ask for your help pretty soon ;-)

Today, I have decided to share with you some news happening on this blog. So please read on and find out if you think you like what is coming.  (Don't worry, I won't be using the expression : Winter is coming. It's getting a little boring now, isn't it?)

Anyways, firstly, I would like to apologise for the recent lack of posts. I have been on holiday for two weeks in October and I took a break from social media, interaction and blogging. I even have touched a book for two whole weeks. And since I came back, I am slowly catching up with the work. Please bear with me. It's all coming together. I just need a little more of time. 

Secondly, I would like to thank you for your continuos support. It always warms my heart and makes me proud when I see how many people read this blog. Every comment, every repost, every tweet, every Instagram like puts a smile on my face which lasts a long time. So THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. I would give up a long time ago if it wouldn't be for you always listen and reading my babbling and rants. 

THANK YOU AGAIN!!!! I am so so lucky. 

Which brings me to the third and the most exciting reason why I am writing this post. Unfortunately, my dearest friend, fellow bookworm and blogger, bibliophile, written word admirer - Sara aka Carpe Librum Girl has decided to closed down her blog. She has become a wonderful and very close friend over the past year and when I first heard of her decision I was a little sad. But then the amazing thing has happened. She has agreed to join me and become a co-author for SECRET READING GARDEN!!!!!!!!! I couldn't be happier!!!!!!! So please give her a warm welcome. This news couldn't come in better time. It means another pair of hands and eyes, which means more blog posts for you and hopefully a bigger growth for this independent blog. We are clearing up some schedules and soon we will come to you with new ideas, posts and a lot more happening on this site. 

So keep your eyes opened!!!! I am sure that Sara will write her own little introduction (i'll make her haha). 

Again, thank you for all the always present support. I cannot wait to share with you more posts and events pretty soon. 

Have a wonderful day :-) 

xoxo

Sarra Manning : IT FELT LIKE A KISS

Warning! Every girl has a dream of their dad to be a rock star, but if your dream does actually come true and becomes a total nightmare?

IT FELT LIKE A KISS is a new adult novel written by the wonderfully talented Sarra Manning.

Ms Manning is the author of one of my favourite books - You Don't Have To Say You Love Me. That book put her writing skills on a pedestal and since then it's really hard to fill its shoes. Only one of her books managed to impress me enough to give it 5 stars - Adorkable. But I am not giving up on her works just yet, and I keep reading her books. Therefore I included IT FELT LIKE A KISS on my September TBR list.

*****

Ellie Cohen is living her dream. A great job at an exclusive Mayfair art gallery, loyal mates, loving family, and really, really good hair. Well, there's the famous rock-star father who refuses to acknowledge her and a succession of 'challenging' boyfriends, but nobody's perfect.

But when a vengeful ex sells Ellie out to the press, she suddenly finds herself fighting to keep her job, her reputation and her sanity. Then David Gold - handsome, charming but ruthlessly ambitious - is sent in to manage the media crisis ... and Ellie.

David thinks she's a gold-digger and Ellie thinks he's a shark in a Savile Row suit, so it's just as well that falling in love is the last thing on their minds...

*****

So let's have a little talk about this book. First thing first - the edition. I own the paperback published in 2014 by Corgi Books, an imprint of Transworld Publishers. 480 pages. 36 chapters. The cover is toned in lovely pastel colours of blue and pink shades. On the front cover, is a picture of a man and a woman gazing at each other with London skyline in their background. It's quite a fun, quite girly cover. 

The writing. In the true Manning's fashion the writing is fun, modern, relatable and very english. I love Ms Manning's female characters. I always find myself mesmerised by their stories and similar characteristics to my own personality. And I do appreciate that almost every single novel takes place in United Kingdom. As a resident of this lovely country, I always appreciate books taken place some place familiar.

What I haven't realise when I first picked up this book, is the fact that it's kind of a sequel (continuum?) of Manning's previous novel 'UNSTICKY'. The main characters of the previously mentioned novel aren't major game players in this story, but they do make an appearance. Which I think is a fantastic touch. Especially as I did enjoy this book a little more that the its previous sister.

Now, for the story. It's quite a captivating tale. A little on the Cinderella side. A girl's past come to a light in the most unexpected way. Her father, famous musician, abandoned her and her mother when she was a baby and he hasn't been a part of Ellie's life ever since. But when the vultures, aka paparazzi, get the whiff of Ellie and her connection to world famous rock star, Ellie's up-until-then simple, yet satisfying life, is thrown into chaos. She is followed everywhere by paparazzi and false gossips. And not to mention, that her guardian in this chaos, a lawyer of her father, is incredibly hot and un-optainable.

What I like about the plot of the story is that the author put on the paper what every girl dreams about. What it would be like to have a famous parent? Is it a fairytale like we imagined or a scary nightmare we fear of? Not to mention the subject of being followed by paparazzi on every corner and been a victim of vicious gossips which can ruin lives. You start to be more sympathetic towards celebrities and their hectic lives.

But having said that, even though this novel has been hilarious at times, it still didn't make a lasting impression like YOU DON'T HAVE TO SAY YOU LOVE. I loved that novel from the start and I feel it set the bar really high. Unfortunately, to this day, none of Ms Manning's new adult novels managed to get under my skin like her first one. 

IT FELT LIKE A KISS is a mediocre novel. A cute tale to occupy your autumn evening. There are some great issues approached in this novel - mistrust, broken relationships, parents not loving their child, gluttony... It's ok to read, but it fails to impress me to the level when I wouldn't be able to put it down. It's a nice story, but it's not as good as other stories written by this author. But it's a big step up from Unsticky. 

Sarra (do you mind if I call you Sarra?), I am a big fan of your story-telling and creative imagination, I am not giving up on your books, but please return to the likes of YOU DON'T HAVE TO SAY YOU LOVE or ADORKABLE. Those two tales were so charming and un-put-down-able that I lost many nights of sleep when re
ading them.

IT FELT LIKE A KISS was a good new adult novel, but I am sorry to say it wasn't your best one. But keep on writing and telling tales, so I am able to fall in love with one of your books all over again. 

NOVEMBER READING CHALLENGE

NOVEMBER is knocking on our door!!!

With its presence it brings the first stages of winter - cold, wet weather, pumpkin spiced lattes, hazelnut hot chocolates and a lot of yummy vegetable dishes and comfy foods. 

We will stay mostly indoors or hiding in the corners of our favourite coffee shops. At least that is my plan. And of course, with new month comes a new TBR list. 

Confession time: I have been a lazy blogger last month. I took some time off from internet and blogging and spend it getting to know my sister's new little puppy, moments with family and hilarious times with friends. 

But it's time to get back into blogging and become a good and hard-working part time book reviewer. So first order of business is to complete my OCTOBER TBR list. So far, I've only read 3 books of 11 planned ones. So I need to get some serious reading done. 

But don't worry, I will make sure to add some more onto it as I like a good challenge. I am adding 5 more book which will take be to 13 books in total. Fingers crossed, you should hear from me quite a lot this month. 

But enough talking, let's get to the serious stuff. Let me share with you my 5 books for November TBR list. 

*****

NOVEMBER READING CHALLENGE

THE ORPHAN QUEEN by Jodi Meadows

Wilhelmina has a hundred identities. 

SHE IS A PRINCESS. When the Indigo Kingdom conquered her homeland, Wilhelmina and other orphaned children of nobility were taken to Skyvale, the Indigo Kingdom's capital. Ten years later, they are the Ospreys, experts at stealth and theft. With them, Wilhelmina means to take back her throne. 

SHE IS A SPY. Wil and her best friend, Melanie, infiltrate Skyvale Palace to study their foes. They assume the identities of nobles from a wraith-fallen kingdom, but enemies fill the palace, and Melanie's behaviour grows suspicious. With Osprey missions becoming increasingly dangerous and their leader more unstable. Wil can't trust anyone. 

SHE IS A TREAT. Wraith is the toxic by-product of magic, and for a century using magic has been forbidden. Still the wraith pours across the continent, reshaping the land and animals into fresh horrors. Soon it will reach the Indigo Kingdom Wilhelmina's magic might be the key to stopping the wraith, but if the vigilante Black Knife discovers Wil's magic, she will vanish like all the others.

CARRY ON by Rainbow Rowell

SIMON SNOW IS THE WORST CHOSEN ONE WHO'S EVER BEEN CHOSEN. 

That's what his roommate, Baz, says. And Baz might be evil and a vampire and a complete git, but he's probably right. Half the time Simon can't even make his wand work, and the other half, he sets something on fire. His mentor's avoiding him, his girlfriend broke up with him, and three's a magic-eathing monster running around wearing Simon's face. Baz would be having a field day with all this, if he were here - it's their last year at the Watford School of Magicks, and Simon's infuriating nemesis didn't even bother to show up. 

CARRY ON: THE RISE AND FALL OF SIMON SNOW is a ghost story, a love story and mystery. It has just as much kissing and talking as you'd expect from Rainbow Rowell's story - but far, far more monsters. 

SNOW LIKE ASHES by Sara Raasch

A LIGHTNING-FAST TALE OF LOYALTY, LOVE, AND FINDING ONE'S DESTINY. 

Sixteen years ago the Kingdom of Winter was conquered and its citizens enslaved, leaving them without magic or a monarch. Now the Winterians' only hope for freedom is the eight survivors who managed to escape, and who have been searching for the chance to steal back Winter's magic and rebuild the kingdom ever since. 

Orphaned as an infant during Winter's defeat, Meira has lived her whole life as a refugee. Training to be a warrior - and desperately in love with her best friend and future king, Mather - she would do anything to help Winter rise to power again. So when scouts discover the location of the ancient locket that can restore their magic, Meira decides to go after it, only to find herself thrust into a world of evil magic and dangerous politics - and to realise that her destiny is not, never has been, her own. 

THE WINNER'S CURSE by Marie Rutkoski

WINNING WHAT YOU WANT MAY COST YOU EVERYTHING YOU LOVE. 

As a general's daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. Kestrel has other ideas. 

One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in Arin, a young slave up for auction. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him - and for a sensational price that sets the society gossips talking. It's not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin. But he, too, has a secret and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid is much higher than she ever could have imagined. 

THE WINNER'S CRIME by Marie Rutkoski

FOLLOWING YOUR HEART CAN BE A CRIME. 

A royal wedding should be a celebration, with fireworks and dancing till dawn. But for General's daughter Kestrel, betrothed to the Crown Prince, marriage is a trap. 

Just as they fell in love, Arin became her enemy. Kestrel aches to tell him the truth - that her engagement was the price she paid to save his life. But in a world of lies and intrigue, how can she trust him if she doesn't even trust herself? The truth will come out, and when it does, Kestrel and Arin will learn the high cost of their crime...

*****

5 more stories to add. Maybe you wondering why I have chosen these 5 books. I have been inspired by ADDICTED TO YA - a group of bibliophiles I have joined on Goodreads and these are the choices for this month's reading. 

Have you read any of these books? Did you like them?

More importantly, what is on your TBR list month? Please, do let me know.. 

xoxo

Book Blitz : LIVE ME (A PIECE OF BROKEN) by Celeste Grande

xpressobooktours.com

Book Blitz Alert!!

Guess what!?! There is a new book and new author on the New Adult Market!! And you all know how much we love those on this blog. 

Published just this month - on October 27th - Xpresso Book Tours gave me the opportunity to introduce you to CELESTE GRANDE and her first instalment in the A Piece of Broken series - LIVE ME. 

As usual, there will be an opportunity for you to grab yourself a free copy of this book. Just keep on reading! 

*****

LIVE ME

by Celeste Grande

Publication Date : October 27th 2015

Publisher : CreateSpace 

Genre : New Adult / Contemporary

Available To Order : Amazon UK 

Broken...

Shattered ...

How can you begin to live again when you've already been forced to... die?

Evangelina Ricci is trapped in a world that's a never-ending nightmare, a constant ache in which  consumes her every breath. Unable to bear the torture any longer, she does the one thing she can to take back control. 

Run. 

With her best friend Jace in tow, Evangelina attempts to escape her darkened past by leaving for college and diving head first into an aggressive schedule, determined with everything she is to make a name for herself. There's only one problem - she can't run away from the demons she struggles with. The demons that'll forever be there, locked inside, battering her soul. Hiding behind a flawless facade, Evangelina faces her ghosts until her world is turned upside down, invaded by... him. 

Blake Turner. Sweet, witty, flirtatious and drop-dead gorgeous, he finds Evangelina at every turn. Scared he'll uncover the truth she keeps so well guarded, Evangelina tries her best to put on her act, deterring him like she has so many times before - only this guy's different. He's relentless. Utterly, absolutely and completely relentless. He sees her and he wants her and won't stop until she's his. 

Will Evangelina succeed in pushing Blake away? Or will he break down her walls and be the person to make her realise life is worth living?

*****

ABOUT CELESTE GRANDE

Celeste Grande grew up loving words. From an early age, it was easy for her to open her hearth through pen and paper and come away with something poetic. She never thought anything more than releasing her emotions would come of it though. A workaholic that can't keep still, in her 'real' life, she's a Certified Public Accountant who dreams of writing sexy books all day long. When she isn't working, she's reading, writing, mommying and being a wifey to the love of her life. 

She lives in New York, still putting pen to paper and anxiously awaiting the debut of her first novel, LIVE ME, a new adult romance, in October 2015. 

Connect with the author : Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

*****

GIVEAWAY 

To have a chance to grab yourself a free copy of Celeste's debut novel, please Tweet me, Instagram me, Facebook me  or simple comment on this post by November 5th 2015 and I will choose the winner for a free E-Book copy of LIVE ME

*****

Heather Demetrios : SOMETHING REAL

Warning! Ever wondered what it's like to be on Keeping Up With The Kardashians ? Well, this book will give an idea what it is like to spend your life in front of the cameras on daily basis.

SOMETHING REAL is a contemporary young adult novel written by the very talented story-teller Heather Demetrios.


I have had the pleasure of discovering Ms Demetrios amazing writing and stories earlier this year when I read her newest novel I'LL MEET YOU THERE. I was impressed and of course had to have in my library all of her books immediately. This is how I come to read SOMETHING REAL.

*****

There's nothing real about reality TV.

Seventeen-year-old Bonnie Baker has grown up on TV - she and her twelve siblings are the stars of the one-time hit reality show Baker's Dozen. Since the show's cancellation and the scandal surrounding it, Bonnie has tried to live a normal life, under the radar and out of the spotlight. But it's all about to fall apart ... because Baker's Dozen is going back on the air. Neither her mother nor the show's producers will let Bonnie quit, and soon the life she has so carefully built for herself, with real friends (and maybe even a real boyfriend), is in danger of being destroyed by the show. Bonnie needs to do something drastic if her life is going to be her own - even if it means being more exposed than ever before.

*****

Let's start with the easy part first. It's time to look at the edition of the book. I own the first edition. A hardback published by Henry Holt publishing house in 2014. 404 pages long divided into single episodes of season 17 & 18 of Baker's Dozen reality show. I like how the titles of each chapter (episode) captures the development of the story. The cover of the book illustrates a lot of different TV screens, obviously I think this represents the cameras and TV screens in the life of our main protagonists. It's quite a colourful design which immediately catches your eye. When we take off the jacket, there is a red book hiding inside. It is a beautiful edition.


Now, let's have a little talk about the writing. As I mentioned before, I was really impressed with Ms Demetrios style of writing and story-telling. It's modern. Very relate-able. Exciting. Emotional. Thrilling. Entertaining.  And very funny at times. It presents us with a great look into a life of reality TV.

Ever wonder what it would be look like to be a part of Kardashian clan and spend all of your life on TV? When it is not all glamorous and fun as it seems on the TV screens. It has been actually pretty great to have a inside look into the lives of these people and I did enjoy that the author chose somebody who doesn't like their life to be shown to everyone in the nation. Bonnie (Chloe) is a great example of when fame got wrong. She actually tried to kill herself because she was struggling with her family's problems and every details being recorded by cameras.


The story touches upon various issues like suicide, betrayal, break-down of a family, cheating, finding out your true self. It's a great read. It tells a story of a young girl and her brother, who have been struggling with fame. They have finally found piece, true friendship and a little stability in their lives. But nothing lasts forever and Bonnie's mum sign up the family for another season of Baker's Dozen. And their lives are thrown into chaos once again. Past mistake are brought up again. Heart-breaks are shown on live TV. There is no thing such as privacy. But this time Bonnie and her brother Benton decide to fight for what they love and what they want.

This book was a wonderful read. It wasn't as amazing as the first book I've read by Heather Demetrios - I'LL MEET YOU THERE. But it was an enjoyable read. There was laugh, tears, broken relationships, newfound relationships and friendships, fight for freedom and privacy... It's very emotional as it does portray family relationships at its best and at its worst.. And sometimes it breaks your heart when you see how much Bonnie's mum doesn't understand her children and does everything in the name of fame and high ratings. Nobody's family should betray them like Bonnie's. 


The characters are all loveable and very relatable. Every single reader can find bits and pieces of them in all of the characters. The emotions and characteristics are very raw and makes go on an very sensitive ride. 


But saying that, there was just something which held me back when reading the book. I didn't fall hopelessly in love with it. I didn't rave about. Even though, it was beautiful, I missed some important ingredient which would make it un-put-down-able. 

All in all, I would give this book a 3 star rating. It was a great read. Lovely. Emotional. Packed with some hilarious and  also some heart-shattering situations, but it was the best for me. I much preferred I'LL MEET YOU THERE. 

Mary E. Pearson : THE HEART OF BETRAYAL

Warning!! Prepare for a roller coaster of twists and turns you haven't seen coming!!

THE HEART OF BETRAYAL is a second book in the 'Remnant Chronicles' series written by the wonderful storyteller - Mary E. Pearson.

You all know how much I was blown away with the first book in this series - THE KISS OF DECEPTION. I read it earlier this year and I absolutely loved it. And I wasn't the only one. All over the world, bibliophiles fell under the spell of Pearson's story-telling. We all have been counting down the days till the next instalment - THE HEART OF BETRAYAL - was published. And that day came in July 2015. We had finally held the sequel in our hands. But the question on everyone's mind was : "Will it be as good as the first one?" Let's find out.

*****

Held captive in the barbarian kingdom of Venda, Lia and Rafe have little chance of escape. Desperate to save Lia's life, her erstwhile assassin, Kaden, has told the Vendan Komizar that she has the gift, and the Komizar's interest in Lia is greater than anyone could have foreseen. 

Meanwhile, nothing is straightforward: There's Rafe, who lied to Lia but has sacrificed his freedom to protect her; Kaden, who meant to assassinate her but has now saved her life; and the Vendans, whom Lia always believed to be savages. Now that she lives among them, however, she realises that may be far from the truth. Wrestling with her upbringing, her gift, and her sense of self, Lia must make powerful choices that will affect her country... and her own destiny. 

*****

Let's start with the easy part first. The edition. The sequel's design as beautiful as the first one. Dark blue colours. Silver writing. On the front cover there is a picture of Lia in red dress staring towards what I think is the kingdom of Venda and it's city. When you take of the sleeve, you find a hardback pack in dark blue cover and silver writing. 470 pages divided into 64 chapters. A beautifully design edition.


Now let's talk about the story. The story is told from 3 points of view: LIA, RAFE & KADEN are the tellers of this story, same as the last time. The tale picks up right where we left it. Kaden brought Lia & Rafe to Venda and they all start to play a dangerous game of power and deception.

Again, I have to express my gratitude and admiration towards Pearson's imagination and creative writing abilities. She have created a beautiful world I can get easily get lost in. I actually love spending my time in a world of old traditions, magic, unexplained gifts.. It's a wonderful fantasy world and makes you fall in love with Fantasy YA all over again.


Now, as I said, I have been a little worried about the sequel. You all know my history and my scepticism when it comes to sequels. Most of the time I hate them. But The Heart Of Betrayal is an exception to the rule. It's as good as the first one. Some might even say that it's even better. I disagree. I love them both equally.


This book is packed with heart-breaks, backstabbing, a lot of lies, deception, hunger for power, desperation for escape and love. Seriously, there are so many twists and turns you don't see coming. When you start to think that there cannot be possibly more to come, you are surprised again. There is another unexpected twist thrown into the mix. And you are left with your mouth wide opened. I just cannot believe how much the story has develop. The betrayal and Venda's hunger for power runs even deeper than we initially thought. And what you discover will blow your mind.

Absolutely stunning. Compelling. Mesmerising. Exciting. Thrilling. Emotional. I cannot even begging to describe how much I loved this sequel. Some new friendship has been made, alliances has been forged and broken. People disappointed and left hurt. I just cannot imagine what Pearson has in story for us in the last part. I cannot even start to think of possible predictions. One thing I know for sure though. I am #TeamRafe. I want Lia to end up with him as they love each other so deeply. Of course, I don't want Kaden end up heartbroken and alone. I wish for him and Pauline to get together. There I said. Sue me!!!


All in all, it was the perfect sequel. I, now, cannot wait to see how this story will end. I am looking forward to the epic conclusion in the last part in this series. THE BEAUTY OF DARKNESS is coming out on July 5th 2016. Mark your diaries!!

Another well done Ms Pearson. You have truly touched my heart with your beautiful, absolutely spell-binding story. I cannot wait to read the epic conclusion.

Brinda Berry : THE BEAUTY OF LIES ( Stand By Me #1)

Warning!!! Prepare for some good stay scenes ;-)

xpressobooktours.com

THE BEAUTY OF LIES is new adult novel written by the very talented Brinda Berry.

This is my first time meeting and reading the stories written by Ms Berry. I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to read her new novel.

*****

Secrets are exposed, trust is betrayed and two people face the beauty of lies.

Leo Jensen has a secret - he is Mr. Expose, a blogger that reveals the truth about liars and frauds. It's a way to make a living, and he's had a motherlode of experience with liars. Cheaters. Women who live for drama and carry more hidden baggage than a Boeing 747. Even his twin sister can't seem to admit the truth about her relationships, so finding an honest woman is about as likely as finding a unicorn in the middle of Nashville. 

Harper Wade wishes life had a do-over button. She'd press that sucker and reset the last four years. Now, she has the chance to start fresh and make things right, but first she has to retrieve the damming evidence of her past from an annoying blogger. She's doing all the things she knows she shouldn't - breaking and entering, lying by omission, falling for the hot guy next door. Too bad he holds the key to her clean slate. 

*****

Xpresso Book Tour gave me the opportunity to be a part of their book tour and read this new novel. And of course, write an honest opinion on what I thought about it.

I have been given the E-book version of the book. 279 pages long. 22 chapters. The cover captures a handsome man, semi-naked, looking at you through piercing blue eyes. This is a first E-Book I read in a while. I still prefer the hard copy of a book.

To be honest, at the start, I was a little skeptical. Yes, the plot seemed interesting, but I was worried that the author might not be able to execute it well enough. But I went into reading it with an open mind and I am glad for it.

The story is told from two points of view - Leo's & Harper's. They both have their own backstory which we slowly see clues of. The story was a little slow at the start, it took me couple of chapters to get into it, but soon enough, I was hooked. The story developed in an interesting, saucy progress. Soon enough all I wanted to do is read it.

It's a story of two broken people. Their previous relationships have left scars - mistrust to others, being careful with their heart. Both of them just want to live their lives in piece without any more drama. But that changes when a pure coincidence brings them into each other lives (and maybe a little stalking). They both have secrets, they both have complicated past. But they cannot help but fall in love. Passionately. Truly.

The story is mesmerising, thrilling, very passionate at times. I was reading it at work and couldn't help but blush at certain parts. Entertaining & Engaging. I love how we can read the story from the points of views of both main characters. It's nice to have a look inside their mind and see how they tick and what they are going through. 

The most interesting thing about this story is the thought of polygamy and betrayal. Ms Berry was brave enough to approach this subject. The truth is it does happen. It is happening all around us. People cheat. People lie. People pretend to be someone else. People break law. People have secrets. Dark secrets which can ruin lives. I love how Ms Berry approached the subject. The presence of Leo's alter ego aka Mr Expose and his blog sheds the light on these issues. He names and shames. I also like the thought of what happens after you reveal the secret. There are repercussions to all our actions. We might want revenge, but do we ever think about what happens after we success in avenging ourselves.

All in all I really really enjoy reading this story. It was wonderful, cute, sexy tale of love, betrayal and ability to forgive. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series. 

Well done Ms Berry, you have impressed me with your story-telling skills. I cannot wait to read more of your writing. 

Huntley Fitzpatrick : MY LIFE NEXT DOOR

Warning!! If you need a break from all the books which makes you cry, you should reach for this lovely summer romance ! It will make you all gooey and happy inside.

MY LIFE NEXT DOOR is a contemporary YA novel written by the wonderful Huntley Fitzpatrick.

I have been hearing about Huntley and her writing for quite some time. Many of readers who like the works of Kasie West, Jennifer E. Smith, Morgan Matson recommended her books to me. This was a first book by Ms Fitzpatrick I have read and I must say, the rumours were true. I was blown away with her writing.

*****

On one summer night, everything changed.

Life in Samantha Reed's home is newt and clean and orderly - precisely planned by her local politician mother. Next door, at the Garrets', things are loud, messy and irresistible. And when gorgeous Jase Garrett climbs the trellis outside her bedroom and enters her life, she finds herself falling passionately in love with him and everything he brings with him. Then something unthinkable happens, and Samantha is suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?

*****

Let's talk about the easy thing first - the edition. I have the paperback published in 2012 by Penguin. It's quite a soft edition. 394 pages divided into 53 chapters. There is a photograph of a young couple kissing in the front of big wooden fence. I think this represents Sam & Jase. It's quite a lovely design. Easy on the eye and beautiful. I quite like the edition. There is one thing I have noticed about Fitzpatrick's books. They all have pastel lined spines which match each other. So they compliment each other wonderfully. I quite like the summery feeling which the novel brings.


The writing. Oh how much I like the writing. So modern. Emotional. Lovely. Adorable. Huntley manages to capture the first moments of falling in love so perfectly. You cannot help but to fall in love with the story and the characters.


The story is a perfect summer read. It has all the key elements a summer romance has to have. First love. Parents against it. Unexpected twists and turns all packed in a beautiful tale. It's un-put-down-able. Seriously, as soon as you start reading it, you are hooked. You cannot help but keep reading on. Just one more chapter becomes your mantra which you break time and time again.

It's a story of first love, friendships, family and what really matters in the world. I love the contrast between Sam's own home and Jase's family home. It just shows that you don't have to have all the money in the world, to be happy with what you have. It teaches what is important. What qualities you need to look for in people. And sometimes people do disappoint you with their choices. But don't let them bring you down. As long as you are planted firmly with your feet and know what is right, you have a good future ahead of you.


All the characters in the story are loveable and so so relatable. Seriously, every single person can find a piece of us in them. We have the beautiful, intelligent Sam who always played by the rules and expectation and who's life is finally getting some colour and adventure in it. Then there is Jase. The adorable and attentive guy who love her and his family so dearly. Of course I cannot wait to forget to mention my favourite character who literally changed his world and turned it upside down - Tim. And then there is Sam's mum, Grace who is blinded by prejudice. These are characters with real emotions and character flaws and therefore we love them even more.

As I said at the beginning, I have fallen in love with this book completely. It made me giggle, laugh out loud, swoon, cry, holding my breath... It was an emotional ride but I loved every page, every chapter, every minute spent reading it. It was charming. Cute. Mesmerising. Un-put-down-able. And absolutely adorkable. A perfect summer read.



So thank you Huntley for putting this story on paper and sharing with us hopeless romantic always chasing the dreams. You created a beautiful tale I loved from the first page. I cannot wait to read more of your stories. I have already purchased 'THE BOY MOST LIKELY TO' and 'WHAT I THOUGHT WAS TRUE'. I am excited to bite into these novels.

So Ms Fitzpatrick, I think it is safe to say that you got yourself a new fan. I will keep on reading what you write !! Excited!!