Bookish Babble: Y16.W5

babble3I’ve had The Mortal Instruments series on my TBR for a while. I held off seeing the 2013 movie as I wanted to read the first book first, I gave in and ended up watching it on DVD in mid-2015 and I really enjoyed it. I watched the first two episodes of the Netflix TV series and seeing how much they’ve changed just from the Movie, I said to myself “Stop you need to read the books”, so I bought the first five books second hand on eBay for $25 including postage – I was pretty chuffed with that :-). I have just started the third book and I am loving the series so far, hence why I thought I’d do a Babble based on it.

The Destroyed Edition:

Since I just mentioned the movie and TV adaptations:69549f32f8b9fa93cd0710aa92dcea31

The TV Jace is more my cup of tea then movie Jace. He’s a pretty boy, but he’s supposed to be. I kept seeing movie Jace (Jamie Campbell Bower) as Caius in The Twilight Saga, looking all pale and evil. Jamie also played he young Gellert Grindelwald in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 – shame he’ll always be one of the Volturi to me.9f8983a5968ab3e14c295e905c98552d

Oh Simon! you make me giggle.

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Oh if only! If Jocelyn doesn’t wake up I’ll happily have Luke. Oops, what, who said that!

FullSizeRenderThis broke my heart, oh Jace! but I do agree with the sentiments. The more you love someone the more they can hurt you, but I’ve never seen that as a reason not to love!!

Well I’m going to go finish reading City of Glass, until next time 🙂 Enjoy Your Shelves 🙂

 

DEATH LOVE LUST Anthology

28869647by Aurelia Fray, Catherine StovallLily Luchesi, Emma Michaels, Michael Cross, Iskra Ryder, Patrick Tumblety, Libby Bishop, Charlotte Ondac, Jenn Nixon, Jaclyn Osborn, Jen L. Joyal, Victoria Kinnaird, Olivia Harper

DEATH LOVE LUST.

Death is definite. Love is infinite. Lust is eternal.

In the end, death always wins. And what of the threads that remain? Love? Lust? The desire to feel both? The desire to return to the living and feel again? Because, despite death, the heart will forever pine for the love that once was; the love that was once tangible but now is reflected back only in memories and photographs. Both love and lust are stronger than death and will always linger long after life is pulled from us. Because of this we will always remain definite, infinite, and eternal.

Published February 4th 2016 by Hot Ink Press.

GOODREADSAMAZON AUAMAZON US

 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~  My  Thoughts  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

I received an ARC of this book in an exchange for an honest review, THANK YOU :-).

As I normally review teen appropriate YA books I better stress the fact that this anthology is for 18+ Adults Only!

I love anthology’s! I think they are great for getting a little peep at different authors ‘voices’ and finding new favorites.

The Death-Love-Lust Anthology is a collection of adult poems and short stories exploring, you guessed it, death love and lust, featuring both hetero and homosexual couples – oh and delicious demons and righteous reapers.

The poems are absolutely beautiful, I read them all multiple times.

The stories range from dark and mysterious to sexy and sinful, with beautiful deep everlasting love shining through.

Normally I’d stay away from erotica that dabbles with death, but as the lovely Lily Luchesi was a part of it and given how I really enjoy her Paranormal Detective series, I gave it a go. I was pleasantly surprised! This is a collection of well-rounded pieces connecting life, death and love. Obviously there were some stories I preferred over others, but as a whole it was a really enjoyable, engaging and entertaining read.

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Bookish Babble: Y16.W4

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I saw this on Instagram and loved it! I spend the bare minimum on everything I can (clothes included) for myself, my husband and the house. The only thing I put before books is my son. I buy no name toilet paper, tampons and juice, but Riley gets huggies nappies and when he was on formula I was buying the most expensive there was.

Where am I going with today’s Babble – I don’t even know UMMMM – sorry I haven’t pre-thought this week through. I just saw the above picture yesterday and had to share it LOL.

Bitch please! If you’re buying books it does equal happiness!

Yeah OK, valid point! I have been telling my husband that I want to get our son into a weekly habit of walking up to the library and borrowing books. But some books you simply HAVE to own.

10 ways to save money!

1. Don’t leave the house! other than to go to work, a library or the supermarket (I pretty much already do this).

2. Walk to work, the library and the supermarket (good idea, says the lazy bitch who drives everywhere).

3. At the supermarket all you will buy is no-name peanut butter, soy milk and trail mix (apparently you could survive like this, think i’d be ill after the first few days).

4. Don’t have pets (says the woman with two dogs and a husband).

5. Don’t have kids (says the woman with a 2.5 year old).

6. Go to the library (no comment, you really should) or

7. Rob a book store, so you’ll have enough books to nourish your soul – as there will be nothing else left in your life (hmm I think that’d be a criminal offence, HEY you can read in jail AND they cover all your food etc).

8. If you’re too much of a pansy to rob a book store and too lazy to walk to the library, re-read the books you own (don’t rob a book store).

9. Sell your soul and you’ll never have money trouble again (this is true, but without your soul will you enjoy your financial freedom).

10. Ok this list is ridiculous and probably not even funny – so that’ll do!

Until Next Time 🙂 Enjoy Your Shelves 🙂

Check out Sarah Anderson’s Instagram HERE she’s funny as 🙂

**Cover Reveal** Demonic Pact by Majanka Verstraete

demonic pact

Sixteen-year-old Halfling Angel of Death Riley Scott is on a dangerous mission. To save her friend’s life, she must make a pact with the man who just tried to kill them both and break him out of the Celestial Prison, guarded by Angels of War—fearsome warriors who can squash her like a fly. If caught, she’ll be sentenced to eternity in that impenetrable prison. Riley will have to make deals with demons and her number one enemy, turn her back on her most loyal friends, and risk losing her family forever. Worst of all, her very existence is in the hands of her devious new allies.

Title: Demonic Pact
Author: Majanka Verstraete
Series: Angel of Death, Book Two
Publication Date: March 2016

Majanka’s Website | Majanka on Goodreads

If you missed the first book >>

23168992The Soul Thief (Angel of Death Series #1) by Majanka Verstraete

When sixteen-year-old Riley is injured in a car crash and sees a girl stealing a boy’s soul, she’s convinced she’s hallucinating. But when she sees the same girl at the hospital later, she knows she wasn’t dreaming. That’s when Riley learns her secret heritage and who she really is: a halfling Angel of Death.

Riley must come to terms with her new reality and supernatural abilities, but before she can do this, girls her age start dying in mysterious circumstances. It’s up to Riley to figure out why, what the innocent victims have in common, and what she can do to stop them.

For My Review of Book One Click HERE

Join The Release Party!

28869647In the end, death always wins. And what of the threads that remain? Love? Lust? The desire to feel both? The desire to return to the living and feel again? Because, despite death, the heart will forever pine for the love that once was; the love that was once tangible but now is reflected back only in memories and photographs. Both love and lust are stronger than death and will always linger long after life is pulled from us. Because of this we will always remain definite, infinite, and eternal.

Death Love Lust, a Hot Ink Press Anthology.

Join the release day party, click here!

View book on Goodreads here.

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About the Authors:
Libby Bishop is a paranormal romance and erotic romance author. She loves reading, writing, movies, Lindt dark chocolate, autumn, the SyFy Channel (Haven and Bitten!), and spending time with friends and family. She has one fat, fluffy cat who thinks she’s queen of the house…and really, she is.
Michael Cross lives in Seattle, WA. This land is prone to lots of rain, fantastic adventures and the occasional flyby dragon. When Cross isn’t working on his next novel, he spends his time reading, modding steampunk inventions or working on his airship with his copilot chihuahua. Cross dreamed of becoming a storyteller back when he was read stories like “The Odyssey” and legends of Roman soldiers and Arthur. He writes mostly paranormal, fantasy, New Adult and steampunk
Aurelia Fray is the naughty Hyde side of a rather ordinary woman. Whenever her mistress lets her out to play, there are sure to be tales worth telling. She lives and works in London, England, enjoys all things artistic and spends most of her time buried in books or paint. With a degree in English literature and a love of all things wordy it is no real surprise she adores penning salacious stories. She has won various short story and poetry competitions and suspects that her foray into erotic literature will be a titillating adventure for author and readers alike.
Jen L Joyal lives in North Carolina with her husband for the last 14 years. A proud mother of four daughters, one son and has also been blessed with six beautiful granddaughters who are the light of her life. She works for Hot Ink Press as Head of Strategic Marketing. She has recently tried her hand at writing and has completed a couple of poems. Both have now been published with Crushing Hearts. This has given her the encouragement to write some short stories.
Victoria Kinnard lives in Glasgow, Scotland. She graduated from the University of Strathclyde in 2009 with a Bachelor of the Arts degree in Journalism, Creative Writing and English Lit. Victoria has been writing since she was 15 years old. She loves rock music, and 11 of her tattoos are related to bands that she loves!
Lily Luchesi a paranormal, horror, and erotic author. Her debut novel Stake-Out (Paranormal Detectives Series Book One), was published by Vamptasy Publishing on May 19th, 2015. Book two, Miranda’s Rights, was released on January 8th, 2016.
She has a short story, “Undead Ever After” in the CHBB anthology Love Sucks (released on June 13th, 2015). Her first erotic short story, “Have No Fears”, was published in the Hot Ink Press anthology Naughty Bedtime Stories: In Three Words on October 10th. She will also have a short erotic horror story, “The Devil’s Dozen”, in the upcoming Hot Ink Press anthology Death, Love, Lust, which will be released in February of 2016.
Emma Michaels is the bestselling author of the Society of Feathers series. As an avid reader she started her book blog in 2009 (www.EmmaMichaels.com) and over the years has received numerous publications. Working to help Indies and small presses from around the world she has received the nickname ‘The Mad Hatter’ for her versatility in graphic design, publishing, marketing, and blogging.
Jenn Nixon often adds a thriller and suspense element to anything she writes be it Romance, Science Fiction, or Fantasy. When not writing, she spends her time reading, observing pop culture, playing with her two dogs, and working on various charitable projects in her home state of New Jersey.
Charlotte Ondac is a writer with a loving partner and two children. Heavily inspired by writers such as Anne Rice, particularly The Vampire Chronicles, interested by dark gothic horror. Especially focused on the mythology of vampires, and the erotic nature of these beings. Lives in Wales. A practicing pagan, Charlotte Ondac has a deep interest in ancient mythology, and wishes to explore how these ancient mythologies could affect our current world, and our views of humanity. Wishes to explore more into the dark eroticism of vampires, and other strange creatures.
Jaclyn Osborn was born and raised in the state of Arkansas. When not working her day job, her days mostly consist of writing, reading, and having epic Lord of the Rings marathons. All types of genres interest her–in both reading and writing–and she hopes to delve into a few of them throughout her career.
Iskra Rider Iskra Ryder writes paranormal erotic romance. She is a graduate student living in Chicago with a roommate, a cat, and a hedgehog.
Catherine Stovall is a fearless creature who surrounds herself with the joys of life both in and out of her fictional worlds. She lives in Southeast Missouri with her husband, three children, and pets. When not writing, she spends her time riding motorcycles, wearing elaborate hats, and genuinely enjoying the oddities in life.
Patrick Tumblety work has been described as being able to deliver both “genuine fear and genuine hope.” (Amy H. Sturgis – Award Winning Author and Professor of Narrative Studies) . Mr. Tumblety‘s first published release was 2012’s Dark Passages, a collection of original thrillers. Since his debut, his work has been featured in a variety of notable publications, including Ross E. Lockhart’s Tales of Jack The Ripper from Word Horde Press, Miseria’s Chorale by Forgotten Tomb Press, and Fossil Lake from Sabledrake Enterprises, edited by Christine Morgan.

Grumpy Cat Volume 1 by Ben McCool

Grumpy Cat, Volume 1 by Ben McCool, Royal McGraw, Elliott Serrano, Ben Fisher, Steve Uy(Author) (Illustrations), Ken Haeser (Illustrations), Tavis Maiden(Illustrations), Agnes Garbowska (Illustrations).

Children’s Fiction
Publishing on the 16th Feb.
Dynamite proudly presents the comic book misadventures of Grumpy Cat, featuring “The World’s Grumpiest Cat” and her brother, Pokey! With her ever-present pout and sassy disposition, Grumpy Cat has won the hearts of people everywhere. Now, her unbearable cuteness and infectious sourpuss are featured in an all-new, all-sensational collection of comic stories, sure to make fans of all ages laugh! If you love the memes, the videos, and that irresistible scowl, then get ready for the wildly fun antics of Grumpy Cat and Pokey!

* * * * * * My Thoughts * * * * * *

Many thanks to the publisher via NetGalley for a copy of this book to read and review.

Grumpy Cat who’s real name is Tardar Sauce was born in April 2012 and thanks to an underbite and feline dwarfism she has a grumpy looking pout.  She shot to fame in September 2012 when a photo of her started circulating the internet and subsequently sporned multiple memes. GC meme

I don’t think you need to know who grumpy cat is to find this cute comic collection a fun read. But i’d be shocked if you hadn’t ever heard of her.

wxtkkpmrbnqnqhat4njuGrumpy Cat Volume 1 is a humorous, quick and light hearted read about two cats who are polar opposites personality wise and the mischief they get up to.

I think it’d be the perfect thing to have in a waiting room /coffee table as it would appeal to a large age range, who doesn’t like a grumpy cat and there isn’t anything in there anyone can get offended about.

Grumpy Cat reminds me of 90’s Garfield. With Grumpy Cat we get humor and sarcasm. She is grumpy yet adorable, loves food, loves to sleep and has a dog and Pokey to reign over. There are haunted houses, broken smart phones, stolen treats, revenge (against the dog) and more.  I give It Three “I Liked It” Stars.

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If you want more check out Grumpy Cat on Goodreads or Author Ben McCool’s Website.

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Bookish Babble: Y16.W3

babble3Baker Street Edition: So many people have put their own spin on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes (books, television and film) that I thought it’d be a rather interesting Babble. The downside of all the different adaptions is that the majority of the memes etc. online at the moment are about the current Cumberbatch & Freeman reincarnation, not the original.

There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact. - Arthur Conan Doyle

"when you have eliminated the impossible whatever is left, however improbable, must be the truth.":

Sherlock Holmes Print Watson Arthur Conan Doyle by LitPrints, $15.00Sherlock's Catchphrase and other famous movie one-liners you’ve been quoting wrong for years ... (according to BuzzFeed):

I’d love to verify this!!! It’s in all the movies and one of the TV adaptions was even called Elementary!

I found an interesting post on it here at Today I Found Out Holmes never said “Elementary my dear Watson” in any of the original 56 short stories or 4 novels starring his character. The closest he comes is in, The Adventure of the Crooked Man. In this story, Holmes uses both the word “Elementary” and the phrase, “my dear Watson“, in somewhat close proximity. The two, however, are not uttered together… Holmes uses the phrase, “exactly, my dear Watson” in 3 different stories.”

Hmmm not so funny now I know he never really said it 😦 Dang It!!

Until Next Time 🙂 Enjoy Your Shelves 🙂

What happened here?

There is a wooden rocking chair covered with dust.

And a mattress eaten away by time.

Discarded on the bare window sill sits an old teddy bear.

He saw it all and he still continues to see.

Love, illness and pain.

Death, dust and gloom.

She used to throw him into the air, then hug him and spin him around.

Now her fragile little body is buried six feet underground.

Thirty years on and you can still feel the haze of immense pain in the air.

That is why they lock the door and try to forget what happened here.

  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I was trying to work out what to post today. Whether to write a piece to enter this week’s Friday Fictioneers or whether to share a little bit more of my work in progress Discovering Home.

While I was staring at my desk calendar debating which to do, the image of a dusty old rocking chair came to mind. I wrote down whatever flowed and then tidied it up to be 100 words only.

It’s a little sad and dark. I guess the ominous way I’ve been feeling lately has worked its way into every part of my brain.

Chains of Water and Stone by Katherine Hurley

24896872Chains of Water and Stone (Griever’s Mark #2) 

by Katherine Hurley

Who is Logan’s father? The question has been whispered behind his back all his life. He’s ignored it, forced himself not to care, but when Belos starts demanding an answer to this very question, it takes on a new and disturbing significance.

As the race to answer this question begins, others rise in its wake, unearthing a mystery that could shake the very foundation of Earthmaker life, a mystery that could shake the whole world apart.

But Astarti has more immediate concerns. Logan is in grave danger, and she’s desperate to get to him before he is destroyed–body, mind, and soul.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ My Thoughts ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I’m feeling like a teenage fangirl at the moment. I didn’t want to put this book down and I enjoyed it even more than the first one.

I’m going to use a phrase I’ve only used once before in a review. Ship! As in; I totally ship Astarti and Logan. Actually the plain and frumpy 14-year-old that still resides inside my head wants TO BE Astarti.

In this second instalment we follow Astarti as she fights to free Logan from Belos, the man who was previously her captor. Logan and Astarti’s love grows even more, with them finally admitting, damn the consequences, that they love each other. Their love is delicious and made me fell all warm and fuzzy inside.

Astarti finds a friend, helper and protector in Horik her father’s champion warrior. I loved Horik becoming a major character in this book.

Once Astarti and Horik have freed Logan, we see the three of them partake in a quest for the truth behind Logan’s parentage.

By the end of the book we have found out the truth about what Logan is and a power as old as time has fallen into dangerous hands. Kathrine has set herself up for an Epic third book.

This book has action, romance, revenge, mystic tales of old, destruction, family secrets, a world in turmoil, dancing, pub brawls, evil creepy old skeletal men, clashes between rival races, grandmother visiting, self-discovery, magic, mystery and mead.

I love the world Kathrine’s has created. I love Astarti blending the elements of her earth with the energy of her soul. Actually I find both Astarti and Logan’s powers beautiful and fascinating.

I’ve been trying to decide if this book would stand on its own or not. I think it would still be an enjoyable fantasy fling, but you need to read the first book first to get a grip on how evil Belos’s is and where Logan and Astarti’s love first began.

I received a review copy for the first book in this series, The Griever’s Mark, from Kathrine. I liked it so much I pre-ordered this book as soon as it was available. But then I got so bogged down in review copies and other things I had scheduled, that I only recently got to finally read it. Since it took me so long to read number two I don’t have to wait for number three. Unbound (Griever’s Mark #3) has just been realised. Silver lining right there!

star.5Do you dare to step into the Drift?

24202316The Griever’s Mark (#1)

Astarti’s master controls her through a Leash, a bond of energy anchored deep within her. Despite being one of the few remaining Drifters, able to manipulate the energy world, she cannot break free. She knows her fate: she will serve until she dies, at which point her master will harvest her energy to augment his own.

Oh, yes, she’s done some bad things in her master’s name. She’s not asking for forgiveness. She expects you to hate her.

What she doesn’t expect is Logan, a man meant to be her sworn enemy. A man with secrets as dark as her own.

As the growing conflict forces Logan to embrace his newly discovered heritage, he fights to control a power he has long kept buried—a power that threatens everything he has tried to make of himself. Desperate to spare Astarti yet another burden, he tries to hide his crumbling control, but she has long since learned to recognize a lie. As Logan becomes a danger to himself and those around him, Astarti must find a way to help him, even if he doesn’t want it.

Unfortunately, Astarti has other problems. Good and evil wear ever-shifting faces, the right course of action grows increasingly unclear, and the stakes are only getting higher. In this final installment of The Griever’s Mark trilogy, Astarti must decide, once and for all, what she stands for–and what she is willing to sacrifice.

Want to know more about Katherine and her books:

Goodreads | Twitter | Website | Amazon AU | Amazon US