Grim

Presenting Grim edited by Christine Johnson.

Here is the summary of the book:

Step into a world of dark and twisted fairytales, with stories by Julie Kagawa, Amanda Hocking and more...

In the days when fairytales were first spun, they weren't the sweet and cheerful stories we tell today. Back then, fairytales were terrifying. They were a warning to the listener to stay out of the night, to keep away from the mystical and ignore the mysterious.

Grim features some of today's best young adult authors, sharing their own, unique retellings of classic fairytales from around the world. These talented writers, many of them New York Times bestsellers or award-winners, have put their own spin on these magical worlds...

Prepare to open a treasure box of the unusual and the macabre.

Grimm fairy tales. Who doesn't know them...... The first books for children, either reading them or listening to it as an elder recites. Grimm fairy tales, a collection of fairy tales by the Grimm brothers are an important part of our lives and our cultures. And this anthology by Harlequin Teen is as brilliant as the original...... Just with one 'M' less than before *winks*.

Giving the classic fairy tales a new spin and roping in some pretty famous fiction authors like Julie Kagawa, Tessa Gratton, Sophie Jordan, Kimberly Derting, Myra McEntire, Sarah Rees Breenan, Amanda Hocking, Claudia Gray, Malinda Lo, Saundra Mitchell, Rachel Hawkins, and etc. Giving a new spin to the classics like Hansel & Gretel, The Snow Queen, Beauty & the Beast, Pinocchio, The Twelve Dancing Princesses and so many more.

"Grimm fairy tales with a new twist"

Genre :      Young Adult, Fairy tales, Re-imagining, Anthology

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Release Date: 25th February, 2014

My Copy: Harlequin Teen

Rate:              4/5 (Really Liked It)

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository

The Aryavarta Chronicles #2 Kaurava

Presenting The Aryavarta Chronicles #2 Kaurava by Krishna Udayasankar.

Here is the summary of the book:

Nothing left to fight for is nothing left to lose...

Emperor Dharma Yudhisthir of the Kauravas and Empress Panchali Draupadi rule over the unified realm of Aryavarta, an empire built for them by Govinda Shauri with the blessings of the Firstborn and by the might of those whom everyone believes long gone - the Firewrights.

Now the Firewrights rise from the ashes of the past, divided as before in purpose and allegiance - those who wish to use the knowledge of their ancestors for the greater good of the new empire and those determined to avenge the annihilation of their kin. Sinister plans are afoot, and no one, it seems, can stand in the way of the chaos about to be unleashed - not the Firstborn, not the kings of Aryavarta, and not Govinda Shauri.

As a plot to destroy Govinda's beloved city Dwarka takes an unexpected turn, and Dharma Yudhisthir gambles away his empire, the tormented empress is forced into a terrifying exile and Aryavarta teeters once again on the brink of destruction.

Condemned by his own failures, Govinda is left a broken man. The only way he can save Aryavarta and the woman in whose trusted hands he had left it is by playing a dangerous game: He must betray a terrible secret that the Vyasa has protected all his life. A secret that may well destroy the Firstborn, and the Firewrights with them.

Krishna Udayasankar vowed us with her demystified re-imagination of Veda Vyasa's epic Mahabharata in the form of the first book of her Aryavarta Chronicles, Govinda. Maintaining the same vigor as the first book, the plot spurns on to the epic fight of the ages. A flurry of political motifs, conspiracies, ancient cults, hidden agenda and haunting part in action, this proved to be a quick and an interesting read.

GOVINDA, ended with the formation of the Aryavarta Empire and KAURAVA focused it all on building conspiracies among the Kaurava lot and Dharma Yudhisthir's loss of his kingdom to his cousin in the game of Chess and their imminent exile. Couple it with plannings of the Firewrights and Firstborns toying and scheming to put things right and rogue Firewright, Devala Asita wreaking his own vengeance against Govinda Shauri and the late wallowing in angst and self-pity at the failure of his plans and wishes.

An epic sequel, I liked everything about Kaurava. Highlighting Govinda's struggles beautifully throughout...... It may have taken me a bit long to get into the first one but Kaurava was an almost quick study. I loved Udayasankar's through research and all the thoughts put into it. And how she dramatized the epic text and made it her own and exciting enough to be excited for the finale with the 'Kurukshetra' battle.

"An epic sequel and things are already heating up to a cresendo"

Genre :      Historical Fiction, Mythology, Indian Literature

Publisher: Hachette India

Release Date: 15th September, 2013

My Copy: Hachette India

Rate:              4/5 (Really Liked It)

Books in the series (review links):
              #1 Govinda

Buy:           Amazon | Flipkart

The Aryavarta Chronicles #1 Govinda

Presenting The Aryavarta Chronicles #1 Govinda by Krishna Udayasankar.

Here is the summary of the book:

HONOUR. DESIRE. VENGEANCE.

Aryavarta – the ancient realm of the noble.

For generations, the Firstborn dynasty of scholar-sages, descendants of Vasishta Varuni and protectors of the Divine Order on earth, has dominated here. For just as long, the Angirasa family of Firewrights, weapon-makers to the kings and master inventors, has defied them. In the aftermath of the centuries-long conflict between the two orders, the once-united empire of Aryavarta lies splintered, a shadow of its former glorious self.

Now, the last Secret Keeper of the Firewrights is dead, killed by a violent hand, and the battle for supreme power in the empire is about to begin.

As mighty powers hurtle towards a bloody conflict, Govinda Shauri, cowherd-turned-prince and now Commander of the armies of Dwaraka, must use all his cunning to counter deception and treachery if he is to protect his people and those whom he loves.

But who holds the key to the fantastic and startling knowledge of the Firewrights, which in the wrong hands will bring doom upon the empire? And does Govinda have it in him to confront the dark secrets of his past and discover the true meaning of being Arya, of being noble?

Re-telling the great text of Mahabharata, in a new way, put in with some new twists & turns. Thus seems to be current trend among writers but while they all get published but somehow their stories son't seem to resound well with the readers. A lot of people have published their own re-telling of their saga but I have only read one other in that light, 'The Last War by Sandipan Deb'. A good attempt that one but Udayasankar's Govinda felt a lot more interesting and exciting.

There is so much in Mahabharata. So many stories intertwined in one. So many characters involved. So many instances. So much morals. The author in her own words tells a tale like no other. Set in the same era as the original. In layman's term you can call it a de-mystified Mahabharata.

She changes a lot of things but the essence remains the same. Govinda being the first book in the series and follows his involvement in the formation of the Aryavarta empire. Inclusive of the plot, the politics, the war, the strategies, the tragedies and the cunning, Krishna Udayasankar paints an epic start of the journey with her first book in the series.

"An epic re-telling and an epic start to a great trilogy"

Genre :      Historical Fiction, Mythology, Indian Literature

Publisher: Hachette India

Release Date: 10th August, 2012

My Copy: Hachette India

Rate:              4/5 (Really Liked It)

Buy:           Amazon | Flipkart

The Accelerati Trilogy #1 Tessla's Attic

Presenting The Accelerati Trilogy #1 Tessls'a Attic by Neal Shusterman & Eric Elfman.

Here is the summary of the book:

Tesla's Attic is the first book in a brilliantly imagined and hilariously written trilogy that combines science, magic, intrigue, and just plain weirdness, about four kids who are caught up in a dangerous plan concocted by the eccentric inventor Nikola Tesla.

After their home burns down, fourteen-year-old Nick, his younger brother, and their father move into a ramshackle Victorian house they've inherited. When Nick opens the door to his attic room, he's hit in the head by a toaster. That's just the beginning of his weird experiences with the old junk stored up there. After getting rid of the odd antiques in a garage sale, Nick befriends some local kids-Mitch, Caitlin, and Vincent-and they discover that all of the objects have extraordinary properties. What's more, Nick figures out that the attic is a strange magnetic vortex, which attracts all sorts of trouble. It's as if the attic itself has an intelligence . . . and a purpose.

Ultimately Nick learns that the genius Nikola Tesla placed the items-his last inventions-in the attic as part of a larger plan that he mathematically predicted. Nick and his new friends must retrieve everything that was sold at the garage sale and keep it safe. But the task is fraught with peril-in addition to the dangers inherent in Tesla's mysterious and powerful creations, a secret society of physicists, the Accelerati, is determined to stop Nick and alter destiny to achieve its own devious ends. It's a lot for a guy to handle, especially when he'd much rather fly under the radar as the new kid in town.

Fans of intrigue, action, humor, and nonstop surprises are guaranteed a read unlike any other in Tesla's Attic, Book One of the Accelerati Trilogy.

A story on Nikola Tessla's weird and mysterious experiments in a middle grade setting. Honestly, not the greatest but somewhat of a solid good fun. While the story was fun, it still felt a bit slow towards the middle.... But the sci-fi element was amazing here.

This is the story of Nick Slate who finds some of Nikola Tessla's old experiments in the attic of an old Victorian house they had moved into. Weird experiments that are a part of a large energy emitter and the group known as the Accelerati, the men in the white suits would do anything to get their hands on them all.Thus prompting Nick and his friends to round every other equipment he had unknowingly sold at the garage sale and out of the reach of the bad.

The plot was fun. The sci-fi elements were interesting enough. And Neal Shusterman & Eric Elfman's collaboration were very good and well done. But the interest in all there was not held constant. Although I totally loved them batting that giant asteroid away using Tessla's experimental bat..... WICKED!!!

"Awesome experiments of Tessla's coupled with the joys of the middle grade genre"

Genre :      Middle Grade, Sci-fi, Mystery, Adventure

Publisher: Disney Hyperion

Release Date: 11th February, 2014

My Copy: publisher & netgalley

Rate:              4/5 (Really Liked It)

Buy:           Amazon 

The Secret Diamond Sisters #1 The Secret Diamond Sisters [REVIEW]

Presenting The Secret Diamond Sisters #1 The Secret Diamond Sisters by Michelle Madow.

Here is the summary of the book:

Savannah. Courtney. Peyton. 

The three sisters grew up not knowing their father and not quite catching a break. But it looks like their luck is about to change when they find out the secret identity of their long-lost dad—a billionaire Las Vegas hotel owner who wants them to come live in a gorgeous penthouse hotel suite. Suddenly the Strip's most exclusive clubs are all-access, and with an unlimited credit card each, it should be easier than ever to fit right in. But in a town full of secrets and illusion, fitting in is nothing compared to finding out the truth about their past.

After her YA Paranormal Transcend Time Saga author Michelle Madow presents her brand new and excitingly contemporary and invigorating of a tale of three sisters coming from an almost tough life and thrust into the throws of the sparkling high society life..... and this is just the first book of the series. 

Peyton. Courtney. Savannah. The Diamond Sisters. Also the protagonists of the series. They may have been as different as day and night but they are sisters and know how to take care of each other. Peyton came across as the hard ass rebel. She is the oldest of the lot and in all, is the negative thinker of the lot and speaks her mind. Courtney is the middle child and frankly much more responsible and manageable of the lot. And there is the youngest Savannah. Quite naive and rather optimistic of the three, sporting quite a happy disposition towards life and your typical teenager.

Together they are the Secret Diamond Sisters, daughters of Adrian Diamond, the elusive and mega rich entrepreneur. I liked that they each had a good head on their shoulders and didn't get blinded by the light and allure of the Vegas strip. They are like a tight knot group and support each other if they the situation calls it. Coming from such harsh conditions and out of the blue finding out that you are the daughter of a rich guy and being given a black AMX card can definitely turn the head of anybody. So I am definitely glad that they showed some perseverance.

Then there are the love interests. I liked Brett and Courtney..... they had some pretty real chemistry.... but poor them they are going to be step-siblings. Peyton and Jackson showed some real promise too. And Savannah and Nick as well, although Damien and Oliver and in the mic too.... but lets see how things go from here.... Definitely excited to see who ends up with who. 

Got to give it to Michelle. The Secret Diamond Sisters felt definitely a balanced, entertaining, engaging and lovable and real tale of three sisters in  a posh setting. The language is simple and descriptive and paints a colorful picture of Las Vegas and its lifestyle.... And very Gossip-Girl-esque too...... I LOVED IT!

"Michelle Madow spins a gorgeous tale of high society life with some well balanced gossip-girl-esque twists & turns in the mix"

Oh I took part in a special events organized by Tiffany @About to Read called "Seven Days of Secret Diamonds". Check them here - Makeup Favorites, If I Woke up in Vegas & Happy Release Day

Genre :      Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Release Date: 25th February, 2014

My Copy: publisher & netgalley

Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository

Seven Days of Secret Diamonds: Happy Release Day [+ Interview with the author]

Welcome to day 7 of Seven Days of Secret Diamonds! The book finally hits the book stores today so happy day for us all....... I have been able to finish half the book till now and I must say I like Michelle Madow's this series way better than her Transcend Time Saga...... 

But onwards to the fact of the day:

Researching these books is the most fun thing ever, because it involves going to Vegas and partying with friends <3

YAY, its Feb 25th, 2014 and the book is finally out in the stores...... So lets see what it is actually about.

About the book:

Savannah. Courtney. Peyton.

The three sisters grew up not knowing their father and not quite catching a break. But it looks like their luck is about to change when they find out the secret identity of their long-lost dad—a billionaire Las Vegas hotel owner who wants them to come live in a gorgeous penthouse hotel suite. Suddenly the Strip's most exclusive clubs are all-access, and with an unlimited credit card each, it should be easier than ever to fit right in. But in a town full of secrets and illusion, fitting in is nothing compared to finding out the truth about their past.

Some Bookish links:

• Add on Goodreads
• Amazon
• Barnes & Noble
• Book Depository
• iBookstore

Praise:

"Sexy and often electrifying ... Gossip Girl meets The Princess Diaries in a city that never sleeps."                                                                                                         --Booklist 

"This quick and entertaining read is filled with glitz and glamour ... get ready for one crazy and fabulous ride."                                                                                     --RT Book Reviews 

“Highly addictive! Hold on tight, because The Secret Diamond Sisters throws you head first into the Vegas fast lane. Three every day teens navigate the slippery slope of wealth, popularity, and too much freedom, along with family drama, cat fights, and more gorgeous guys than should be legal. A fun ride not to be missed!”         

                                               – Rachel Harris, author of My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century

NOW ON TO SOME QUESTIONS THE AUTHOR ANSWERED FOR US: 



Q: How do you research for a book before you begin the writing process?

I got to do a lot of FUN research for this series, because of the awesome Las Vegas setting! I go to Vegas every year for a family event. Once I realized I was going to write this book, I walked through Vegas seeing it through the eyes of my characters, and being inspired by the different hotels for scenes in the book. My best friend came out to Vegas with me, and we went “exploring” through Vegas to find places that would inspire scenes. We walked through the shops, ate at the restaurants, partied at the clubs, and everything. It was a blast! My favorite part was walking through the Wynn Hotel, which is the hotel that inspired the Diamond.

Here's a picture of me and my best friend getting Eiffel Tower drinks (these will be familiar to those who have read the book!): https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t1/77191_555040612330_5979156_n.jpg

Q: How similar to its principle protagonist and the main cast are you? 

There are four main characters in the book, and out of all of them, I’m by far the most like Courtney. (The most down to Earth and goal-driven sister.) Although I also have aspects of the other girls in me, like Savannah’s optimism, Peyton’s dislike of following arbitrary rules, and Madison’s confidence. 

Q: Describe 'The Secret Diamond Sisters' in 5 words.

Glitzy, entertaining, sisterhood, romance, and sparkly!

Q: How was your experience working with Harlequin? Do you have specifically marvelous moment that comes to mind?

My experience working with Harlequin TEEN has been incredible! My editor, Natashya Wilson, is so insightful about how to make the story the best it can be, and has pushed me to bring the story and characters in the book to levels I never dreamed possible. A particularly great moment is when I first saw my cover. It was the moment when I could finally imagine what my book would look like on bookshelves, and the fact that the book would be published became more real than ever. I stared at the cover for HOURS the night that I first saw it!

About Michelle:

Michelle Madow has visited Las Vegas every year since she was fifteen years old, and was inspired to write The Secret Diamond Sisters while walking through the beautiful Wynn Hotel. She grew up in the suburbs of Baltimore, then went to Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. She wrote her first novel, Remembrance, in her junior year of college, and later went on to self-publish it as book one in the Transcend Time Saga. She wrote The Secret Diamond Sisters in the year following graduation, and is so happy to finally share it with the world!

Michelle lives in Boca Raton, Florida, where she is writing more novels for young adults. She loves reading, spending time with family and friends, traveling, shopping, sunshine, Disney fairy tales, and Broadway musicals. She loves connecting with readers online, so be sure to follow her on Facebook (facebook.com/MichelleMadow), Twitter (@MichelleMadow), and Instagram (@MichelleMadow).

Website: www.michellemadow.com

Seven Days of Secret Diamonds: If I Woke Up In Vegas.....

Welcome to day 5 of Seven Days of Secret Diamonds! The dates mixed up a little bit on my end so this is me posting Day 5 special after the Day 3 Makeup favorites ....... And the day 5 special is...... IF I WOKE UP IN VEGAS.....

But first, its time for today's fun fact:

The Diamond Hotel and Residences are based off of Michelle's favorite hotels in Vegas: The Wynn and the Encore.

 Interesting no......

Onwards......

So......

If I Woke Up In Vegas....... Seriously that is a tall order, I haven't yet had the chance to go out of India yet.... So waking up in Vegas is not something I can imagine ...... So, Tiffany from About to Read shared Katy Perry's song Waking Up in Vegas...... So girl i'm gonna take a leaf outta your book and share the remix version....... Because this song totally tells you everything I would experience about Vegas if it came to pass....

Also today's fun fact mentioned The Wynn and The Encore as inspiration for the Diamond Hotel and Residences so i would totally wanna visit them..

And Planet Hollywood too.... heard a lot about them......

Seven Days of Secret Diamonds: Makeup Favorites

Welcome to day 3 of Seven Days of Secret Diamonds! Today we’re talking about one of my favorite things – makeup! Let me tell you something, I am no makeup expert.....

But first, today’s fun fact:

Michelle started outlining The Secret Diamond Sisters in October 2010. That’s almost four years from idea to bookshelves!

On the Agenda for today are makeup favorites that remind you of SDS. Now, my granddad just passed away five days ago, so I only just began reading the book. To draw a character sketch for the Diamond Sisters - Peyton, Courtney and Savannah

Peyton

She looked to be the angry one. And I can totally see her in something edgy, something daring.... Something Marc Jacobs.

Countney

She is the rational one. I can see her in something simple and manageable..... Something Christian Dior.

Savannah

She is the optimist one. It takes guts to be so forgiving and give compare both sides of the story before making your own decision....... I think she would then and there go all out...... Something heavy and elegant..... Something Guerlain.

The Secret Box

Presenting The Secret Box by Whitaker Ringwald.

Here is the summary of the book:

The Amazing Race meets The Mysterious Benedict Society with a twist of magical mythology in this hilarious middle-grade caper about a strange locked box that transforms the lives of three kids.

The Secret Box is the first in an irresistible middle-grade trilogy that combines the magic of 11 Birthdays with the adventure of the Genius Files series and humorous quirk worthy of Trenton Lee Stewart. The page-turning mystery, alternating girl and boy narrators, and clever incorporation of mythology are sure to delight-and lingering questions will leave readers eager for more.

On her 12th birthday Jax Malone receives a surprise gift from her estranged Great-Aunt Juniper: a mysterious locked box that will only open in one location. If Jax's mom hadn't tried to return it, Jax would have assumed it was just another boring present to add to the most boring, un-magical birthday ever.

Instead, Jax decides she must open the box. So she recruits her reluctant cousin Ethan and his obnoxious, computer-genius older brother Tyler to help find the site where the box will open.

But what starts as a fun adventure quickly turns crazy, even dangerous, when Jax, Ethan, and Tyler learn that the box was not intended as a gift, but as a call for help from an ancient magical source thought to only exist in myth.

"This mystery unfolds before your eyes in a series of cliffhangers that build up to a blow-your-mind ending. Wanting to know the secret kept me turning the pages."-Dan Gutman, New York Times bestselling author of the Genius Files series.

Quite Possibly not my favorite children's fiction but with an intriguing plot point and although predictable but a fun read. Whitaker Ringwald's upcoming The Secret Box proves to be quite the okay read.  Particularly the mythology behind the coded box, that was definitely the best part of this book.

Adventure begins when your parents tell you not to do that one thing but its your curiosity that leads you to do it. When a coded box arrives on Jax's birthday and her mother hurriedly plans to returns it to the post office and back to sender..... So Jax's curiosity gets the better of her and she ropes in her cousins Ethan (the factoid memoriser) and Tyler (the trophy monger) in on this adventures...... unearthing a past long subdued, about a mysterious great aunt and the contents of her box.

"The Secret Box provides for an intellectual fun but a predictable middle grade adventure"

Genre :      Young Adult, Middle Grade, Adventure, Mythology

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Release Date: 25th February, 2014

My Copy: publisher & edelweiss

Rate:              3/5 (Liked It)

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository

All that Glows

Presenting All that Glows by Ryan Graudin.

Here is the summary of the book:

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.

Modern with the ancient. Contemporary with the fantasy. A refreshing concept. A marvelous plot. Some pretty good kick-ass characters. With a gorgeous cover..... but somehow it doesn't keep the interest for long and we tend to get bored through the ordeal.

Honestly as I said above. I did like the story and the characters but they are just not enough to keep things interesting at all. There is Emrys, the Faery who must must protect the crown prince from creatures of her world. She is Fae. As such she doesn't know how to deal with human at first and her continued interaction with Richard form the heart of the book. But she was quite the kick-ass one.

Prince Richard is the factor in all this. He is quite the loveable one. His days may have been involved partying, booze and girls but meeting his gorgeous Fae guard, the red-headed Emrys changes him gradually, for the best. Their time together and the sweet love actually were some of the best parts of the book. They say that 'love' is one of the greatest magic of all. Graudin employs that notion pretty well in her book.

Facts still remain that this maybe a good read with all the elements intact but it is also a book that doesn't do much to maintain interest at all. But good work from Ryan Graudin.

"Modern with the fantasy, All that Glows boosts a fresh concept"

Genre :      Young Adult, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance

Publisher: HarperTeen

Release Date: 11th February, 2014

My Copy: publisher & edelweiss

Rate:              4/5 (Really Liked It)

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository

At Somerton #2 Diamonds & Deceit

Presenting At Somerton #2 Diamonds & Deceit by Leila Rasheed.

Here is the summary of the book:

One house, two worlds...book two in our sumptuous and enticing YA series about the servants and gentry at Somerton Court.

A house divided...

London is a whirl of balls and teas, alliances and rivalries. Rose has never felt more out of place. With the Season in full swing, she can't help but still feel a servant dressed up in diamonds and silk. Then Rose meets Alexander Ross, a young Scottish duke. Rose has heard the rumors about Ross's sordid past just like everyone else has. Yet he alone treats her as a friend. Rose knows better than to give her heart to an aristocrat with such a reputation, but it may be too late.

Ada should be happy. She is engaged to a handsome man who shares her political passions and has promised to support her education. So why does she feel hollow inside? Even if she hated Lord Fintan, she would have no choice but to go through with the marriage. Every day a new credit collector knocks on the door of their London flat, demanding payment for her cousin William's expenditures. Her father's heir seems determined to bring her family to ruin, and only a brilliant marriage can save Somerton Court and the Averleys' reputation.

Meanwhile, at Somerton, Sebastian is out of his mind with worry for his former valet Oliver, who refuses to plead innocent to the murder charges against him--for a death caused by Sebastian himself. Sebastian will do whatever he can to help the boy he loves, but his indiscretion is dangerous fodder for a reporter with sharp eyes and dishonorable intentions.

The colorful cast of the At Somerton series returns in this enthralling sequel about class and fortune, trust and betrayal, love and revenge.

I'd say this again.I haven't yet had the chance to see Downton Abbey but as with the first, Diamonds & Deceit falls in the category of this period genre...... WHAT AN EXCELLENT SEQUEL IT WAS TOO.

There is intrigue. There is fashion. The season. The romance. Of new love and deceit. The conniving ladies hiding behind the social veil of the era. A bitter sweet end to a marriage and unraveling of secrets..... In other words every ingredients it needs to produce an eloquent tale to mark the sequel. Rose has been adopted by Lord Westlake. Ada and Fintan have set the date for marriage. Georgiana must learn to manage the house. Rose catches the eye of a certain Duke of Huntleigh. Ada still has feelings for Ravi, Michael and Priya are about to face the biggest hurdle of them all. Sebastian fights tooth & nail to free Oliver..... and in all turmoil Charlotte has got nothing better to do but scheme and destroy relationships.

Suffice to say there are a lot of characters in this book to actually take about elaborating on it but yes the three Westlake sisters, Ada, Georgiana and Ada  held much more prominence and improved a whole lot more throughout the course of the book. Ada in a loveless marriage to save the Somerton estate from going bankrupt and her rather attention seeking intended, Lord Fintan. Truth be told, the author proclaims Ada and Ravi together and Fintan and Charlotte but I didn't feel the attraction between the pairs at all. You can see the lust in there..... but love.... no it didn't seem so. I was rather for Ada and Fintan...... They bring out the best of it in each other...... and actually seemed to work together better too.

Now Rose. Her struggle to come to terms of her adoption and status as a lady and rise i that position gave a new meaning to the tale. She knows she must mingle but she also knows what the others say of her behind her back... Her encounters with the Duke of Hunteligh proved to be a blessing in disguise. The fit together, and in the sense brought a sort of innocence to the story as well. And I enjoyed reading their escapades.

A job well donw by Rasheed. There are not many authors out there who can maintain so many characters in the vicinity of a single book and actually manage to create a coherent tale..... I am definitely excited for a third book.

"Of love and sorrow, a sense of entitlement and deceit comes an exquisite sequel you don't want to miss out on"

Genre :      Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Romance

Publisher: Disney Hyperion

Release Date: 7th January, 2014

My Copy: publisher and netgalley

Rate:              4/5 (Really Liked It)

Books in the series (review links):
              #1 Cinders & Sapphires

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository 

COVER REVEAL & GIVEAWAY (US/CAN): The Queen of Zombie Hearts by Gena Showalter

Today is the day! The cover of Gena Showalter's THE QUEEN OF ZOMBIE HEARTS is here! We're so excited to be able to share this with you as it joins an already stunning set! Ready to see it? Not quite yet lets take a look a the first two covers in the series!

First there was ALICE IN ZOMBIELAND...

Then came THROUGH THE ZOMBIE GLASS...

Now get ready to EAT YOUR HEARTS OUT!!!

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Official White Rabbit Chronicles website

On-sale date: Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Add it to your TBR!  Goodreads

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  Official book description:

I have a plan.

We'll either destroy them for good, or they'll destroy us.

Either way, only one of us is walking away.

In the stunning conclusion to the wildly popular White Rabbit Chronicles, Alice "Ali" Bell thinks the worst is behind her. She's ready to take the next step with boyfriend Cole Holland, the leader of the zombie slayers…until Anima Industries, the agency controlling the zombies, launches a sneak attack, killing four of her friends. It's then she realizes that humans can be more dangerous than monsters…and the worst has only begun.

As the surviving slayers prepare for war, Ali discovers she, too, can control the zombies…and she isn't the girl she thought she was. She's connected to the woman responsible for killing—and turning—Cole's mother. How can their relationship endure? As secrets come to light, and more slayers are taken or killed, Ali will fight harder than ever to bring down Anima—even sacrificing her own life for those she loves.

About Gena:

Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of the wildly popular White Rabbit Chronicles, the Angels of the Dark, the Lords of the Underworld, and the Otherworld Assassins series. In addition to being a National Reader's Choice and RITA nominee, her romance novels have appeared in Cosmopolitan and Seventeen magazine, and have been translated in multiple languages. She lives in Oklahoma with her family and menagerie of dogs, and truly believes love conquers all.

Website/Twitter/Facebook/The White Rabbit Chronicles Facebook

Giveaway Details:

1 complete set of The White Rabbit Chronicles (first 2 sent as soon as the giveaway is over and the winner will get the first hardcover of book 3 when it's available!) US/Canada Only

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