Emblaze by Jessica Shirvington
From Publishers – Hachette Aust.
Release Date – 11th October 2011
Check it out at Goodreads | The Book Depository

Once again Violet Eden faces an impossible choice … and the consequences are unimaginable.

Violet has come to terms with the fact that being part angel, part human, means her life will never be as it was.

Now Violet has something Phoenix – the exiled angel who betrayed her – will do anything for, and she has no intention of letting it fall into his hands. The only problem is that he has something she needs too.

Not afraid to raise the stakes, Phoenix seemingly holds all the power, always one step ahead. And when he puts the final pieces of the prophecy together, it doesn’t take him long to realise exactly who he needs in order to open the gates of Hell.

With the help of surprising new allies, ancient prophecies are deciphered, a destination set and, after a shattering confrontation with her father, Violet leaves for the islands of Greece without knowing if she will have a home to return to.

My Thoughts: First up I have to say that I really love this series! Forbidden love, angst, betrayal and action – what’s not to love? Jessica Shirvington has not disappointed  fans with her third book in the Violet Eden Chapters.

Once again the relationship between Violet and Lincoln takes us on an emotional rollercoaster and while reading my heart ached for them both. I have always been on Team Lincoln, but I couldn’t help feeling a little sorry for Phoenix at times.

Violet’s Father has never really been a parent to her but it was good to see him step up and start to take his roll seriously in Emblaze and I’m expecting that he will play a larger part in the next book Endless. Anyone who has read the book will know why :)

Many of the characters we were introduced to in Enticed are back in Emblaze and it was nice to see how the relationships between them and Violet had developed.

If you are a fan of the Violet Eden Chapters you will not be disappointed with Emblaze :)

Books in the Series:

1. Embrace
2. Enticed
3. Emblaze
4. Endless (Oct 2012)

About the Author: Jessica Shirvington lives in Sydney with her husband of nine years, FOXTEL presenter and former Olympic sprinter Matt Shirvington, and their two daughters. She has previously founded and run a coffee distribution company, Stella Imports, in London, and been involved in managing the restaurants Fuel Bistro, Tow Bar and MG Garage in Sydney.

Have you read this book yet? What did you think? Leave me a comment :)

I got some fantastic books in my mailbox this week. It’s going to be hard to choose what to start first!

Hades by Alexandra Adornetto
Halo #2
From Publishers – Harper Collins Aust.
Release Date – 1st September 2011
Check it out at Goodreads | The Book Depository | Kobo

HALO enchanted me from the very first page? CLAUDIA GRAY

What will happen to an angel in Hell?

Jake Thorn and his demons have been banished and Xavier and Bethany settle down to resume a normal life. But on the night of Halloween, a childish prank goes terribly wrong and Jake is

summoned back to the sleepy town of Venus Cove. Bethany is deceived and like the mythical Persephone she finds herself dragged into the nightmarish underworld of Hades.

While the angels call on higher powers to help rescue Bethany, Jake decides to play dirty and goes after the one thing she loves more than anything. But to spare Xavier?s life, Bethany must make the ultimate sacrifice. Will she make a deal with the Devil? And what will happen to an angel in Hell?

Fateful by Claudia Gray
From Publishers – Harper Collins Aust.
Release Date – 1st September 2011
Check it out at Goodreads | The Book Depository | Kobo

New from the No.1 bestselling author of the EVERNIGHT series

The RMS TITANIC might be the most luxurious ship in the world, but all passenger Tess Davies wants

to do is escape her dreary existence as a maid. Trapped in a web of painful memories and twisted family secrets, Tess vows to make a run for it as soon as the ship reaches New York. A new world awaits … and a new life!

Her single-minded obsession shatters when she meets Alec. Handsome and mysterious, he captivates her immediately — but Alec has secrets of his own. As she uncovers the darkness lurking beneath his sophisticated surface, Tess discovers a horrifying truth. Werewolves, once only the stuff of nightmares, are real– and they are stalking Alec. Tess?s love for Alec puts her in mortal peril, but an even greater danger lies in front of her before their journey on the TITANIC is over …

Emblaze by Jessica Shirvington
From Publishers – Hachette Aust.
Release Date – 11th October 2011
Check it out at Goodreads | The Book Depository

Once again Violet Eden faces an impossible choice … and the consequences are unimaginable.

Violet has come to terms with the fact that being part angel, part human, means her life will never be as it was.

Now Violet has something Phoenix – the exiled angel who betrayed her – will do anything for, and she has no intention of letting it fall into his hands. The only problem is that he has something she needs too.

Not afraid to raise the stakes, Phoenix seemingly holds all the power, always one step ahead. And when he puts the final pieces of the prophecy together, it doesn’t take him long to realise exactly who he needs in order to open the gates of Hell.

With the help of surprising new allies, ancient prophecies are deciphered, a destination set and, after a shattering confrontation with her father, Violet leaves for the islands of Greece without knowing if she will have a home to return to.

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead
From Publishers – Penguin Books Aust.
Release Date – 23th August 2011
Check it out at Goodreads | The Book Depository | Kobo

Sydney’s blood in special. That’s because she’s an alchemist – one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of human and vampires. They protect vampire secrets – and human lives. But the last encounter Sydney had with vampires got her in deep trouble with the other alchemists. And now with her allegiances in question, her future is on the line.

When Sydney is torn from her bed in the middle of the night, at first she thinks she’s still being punished for her complicated alliance with dhampir Rose Hathaway. But what unfolds is far worse. Jill Dragomir – the sister of Moroi Queen Lissa Dragomir – is in mortal danger, and the Moroi must send her into hiding. To avoid a civil war, Sydney is called upon to act as Jill’s guardian and protector, posing as her roommate in the unlikeliest of places: a human boarding school in Palm Springs, California. The last thing Sydney wants is to be accused of sympathizing with vampires. And now she has to live with one.

The Moroi court believe Jill and Sydney will be safe at Amberwood Prep, but threats, distractions and forbidden romance lurk both outside – and within – the school grounds. Now that they’re in hiding, the drama is only just beginning.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett
From Publishers – Penguin Books Aust.
Release Date – 2nd August 2011 (Movie tie-in Edition)
Check it out at Goodreads | The Book Depository | Kobo

Enter a vanished world: Jackson, Mississippi, 1962. Where black maids raise white children, but aren’t trusted not to steal the silver . . .

There’s Aibileen, raising her seventeenth white child and nursing the hurt caused by her own son’s tragic death; Minny, whose cooking is nearly as sassy as her tongue; and white Miss Skeeter, home from College, who wants to know why her beloved maid has disappeared.

Skeeter, Aibileen and Minny. No one would believe they’d be friends; fewer still would tolerate it. But as each woman finds the courage to cross boundaries, they come to depend and rely upon one another. Each is in a search of a truth. And together they have an extraordinary story to tell.

What did you get in your mailbox this week?

The Story Siren runs a meme called In My Mailbox where Book Bloggers can interact and talk about the books they have received in their mailbox each week. Go and check it out and join in the fun!

Enticed by Jessica Shirvington
Series: The Violet Eden Chapters
Publisher: Hachette Australia
Released: 22nd March 2011

Book Description: On her seventeenth birthday Violet Eden’s whole life changed. One minute she was a normal teenager obsessed with her art…and Lincoln. The next she has to get her head around the knowledge that angels do exist, both light and dark and she’s not altogether human either. Violet is Grigori — part angel and part human. Oh, and Lincoln knew it all along.

Coming to terms with her destiny is tough, but Violet thought she knew all the secrets. She was wrong. The ancient battle between exiled angels and humanity is far from over. And now Violet has to learn to live with her feelings for Lincoln while working with him to stay alive and stop the exiles discovering the key to destroy all Grigori. It isn’t easy. Especially when the electricity between her and Phoenix ignites and she discovers his hold over her has become more dangerous than ever.

Searching for the answers she needs will take Violet halfway across the world to the sacred mountains of Jordan, where ancient stories come to life and her warrior spirit will be called upon to make things right … but even then her choices have consequences she never saw coming.

A captivating combination of mythology, romance and a kick-arse heroine make this book impossible to put down. Lose yourself in the Violet Eden Chapters latest book, ENTICED.

My Thoughts: I had very high hopes for Enticed, Jessica Shirvington’s second book in the Violet Eden Chapters and I was not disappointed. Enticed really had it all – love, angst, betrayal, action and revenge!

From the very beginning the angst between Violet and Lincoln was overwhelming, and their relationship throughout the book took us on a roller coaster ride of emotion.

The introduction of the new characters added a new dimension to the series, one that I really enjoyed.

Some questions from the first book where answered in this book and a few more questions arose, which I’m sure Jessica will answer in book three.

If you are a fan of the angel genre and haven’t read the Violet Eden series yet, I suggest you get yourself a copy, you won’t be disappointed :)

My Rating: (out of 5)

Books in the Series:

1. Embrace
2. Enticed
3. Emblaze (October 2011)

About the Author

Jessica Shirvington lives in Sydney with her husband of nine years, FOXTEL presenter and former Olympic sprinter Matt Shirvington, and their two daughters. She has previously founded and run a coffee distribution company, Stella Imports, in London, and been involved in managing the restaurants Fuel Bistro, Tow Bar and MG Garage in Sydney.

You can find out more about Jessica and her writing on her website here!
And like her page on Facebook!

Have you read this book yet? What did you think? Leave me a comment  :)

Happy IMM Day fellow book lovers!

I was super excited by what I received in my mailbox this week, the funny thing  is I had just published my Waiting on Wednesday post on the this book and then my doorbell rang, and it was my lovely delivery man delivering the book to me. He looked a little puzzled but just smiled nicely at me when I exclaimed “That was quick!” lol :)

Anyway this week I got:

Enticed by Jessica Shirvington
From Publishers – Hachette Aus
Released – 22nd March 2011

On her seventeenth birthday Violet Eden’s whole life changed. One minute she was a normal teenager obsessed with her art…and Lincoln. The next she has to get her head around the knowledge that angels do exist, both light and dark and she’s not altogether human either. Violet is Grigori — part angel and part human. Oh, and Lincoln knew it all along.

Coming to terms with her destiny is tough, but Violet thought she knew all the secrets. She was wrong. The ancient battle between exiled angels and humanity is far from over. And now Violet has to learn to live with her feelings for Lincoln while working with him to stay alive and stop the exiles discovering the key to destroy all Grigori. It isn’t easy. Especially when the electricity between her and Phoenix ignites and she discovers his hold over her has become more dangerous than ever.

Searching for the answers she needs will take Violet halfway across the world to the sacred mountains of Jordan, where ancient stories come to life and her warrior spirit will be called upon to make things right … but even then her choices have consequences she never saw coming.

A captivating combination of mythology, romance and a kick-arse heroine make this book impossible to put down. Lose yourself in the Violet Eden Chapters latest book, ENTICED.

What did you get in your mailbox this week?

The Story Siren runs a meme called In My Mailbox where Book Bloggers can interact and talk about the books they have received in their mailbox. Go and check it out and join in the fun!

Enticed by Jessica Shirvington
Series: The Violet Eden Chapters
Publisher: Hachette Australia
Released: 22nd March 2011

I can not wait for the second book in the Violet Eden Chapters. I loved, loved, loved Embrace and am eager to find out what happens next for Violet. I’m also eager to get reacquainted with Lincoln and Phoenix :)

Book Description: On her seventeenth birthday Violet Eden’s whole life changed. One minute she was a normal teenager obsessed with her art…and Lincoln. The next she has to get her head around the knowledge that angels do exist, both light and dark and she’s not altogether human either. Violet is Grigori — part angel and part human. Oh, and Lincoln knew it all along.

Coming to terms with her destiny is tough, but Violet thought she knew all the secrets. She was wrong. The ancient battle between exiled angels and humanity is far from over. And now Violet has to learn to live with her feelings for Lincoln while working with him to stay alive and stop the exiles discovering the key to destroy all Grigori. It isn’t easy. Especially when the electricity between her and Phoenix ignites and she discovers his hold over her has become more dangerous than ever.

Searching for the answers she needs will take Violet halfway across the world to the sacred mountains of Jordan, where ancient stories come to life and her warrior spirit will be called upon to make things right … but even then her choices have consequences she never saw coming.

A captivating combination of mythology, romance and a kick-arse heroine make this book impossible to put down. Lose yourself in the Violet Eden Chapters latest book, ENTICED.

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly post started by Breaking the Spine. A feature showcasing upcoming releases that are eagerly anticipated.

What are you waiting for?

Hachette Australia have just released a teaser for Enticed, Jessica Shirvington’s second novel in the Violet Eden Chapters!

If you haven’t read the first book Embrace, I suggest you get yourself a copy.

It is one of the best books I have read in a long time. If you want to find out more about Embrace you can read my review for it here!

And now, here is the teaser:

Title: Embrace
Author: Jessica Shirvington
Age Group: Young Adult
Release Date: 14th October 2010 (Aus)
Publishers: Hatchette

Embrace Official Website

Book Summary: Violet Eden is dreading her seventeenth birthday dinner. After all, it’s hard to get too excited about the day that marks the anniversary of your mother’s death. The one bright spot is that Lincoln will be there. Sexy, mature and aloof, he is Violet’s idea of perfection. But why does he seem so reluctant to be anything more than a friend?

After he gives her the world’s most incredible kiss – and then abandons her on her front doorstep – Violet is determined to get some answers. But nothing could have prepared her for Lincoln’s explanation: he is Grigori – part angel and part human – and Violet is his eternal partner.

Without warning, Violet’s world is turned upside down. She never believed in God, let alone angels. But there’s no denying the strange changes in her body … and her feelings for Lincoln. Suddenly, she can’t stand to be around him. Luckily, Phoenix, an exiled angel, has come into her life. He’s intense and enigmatic, but at least he never lied to her.

As Violet gets caught up in an ancient battle between dark and light, she must choose her path. The wrong choice could cost not only her life, but her eternity…

My Thoughts: For me, Embrace has it all. Unrequited and forbidden love, a good guy / bad guy love triangle, action, betrayal, secrets, life changing decisions and bad ass super powers! What more could you want from a book right?

On Violet Eden’s seventeenth birthday her Father gives her a present from her mother, who passed away during Violet’s birth. This gift starts a string of events that change Violet’s life forever.

She discovers that Lincoln, her friend who she has a major crush on, is not who she thinks he is and while dealing with his betrayal she meets Phoenix, the irresistible bad guy.

Violet is forced to make a decision, one that she is not comfortable with, and one that will alter every aspect of her life and once that decision is made she needs to come to turns with her new life.

Jessica combines angel mythology with a modern day story to create an action packed, enticing love story that will have you turning the pages well into the early morning.

If you loved Twilight, Vampire Academy and Fallen then this book is for you!

My Rating: (out of 5)

Read an excerpt of the book here!

Get your copy from:

The Book Depository (free international shipping)
Dymocks

Books in the Series: 

1. Embrace
2. Enticed (2011)

About the Author

Jessica Shirvington lives in Sydney with her husband of nine years, FOXTEL presenter and former Olympic sprinter Matt Shirvington, and their two daughters. She has previously founded and run a coffee distribution company, Stella Imports, in London, and been involved in managing the restaurants Fuel Bistro, Tow Bar and MG Garage in Sydney.

She is currently a full-time mum and co-director in the company MPS Investments Pty Ltd.

Have you read this book? What did you think? Leave your review or a comment below telling us what you thought :)

I only heard of this book yesterday and now I simply can not wait for it!

Embrace by Jessica Shirvington

Published by Hachette Australia
Available on 14th Oct 2010

Violet Eden is dreading her seventeenth birthday dinner. After all, it’s hard to get too excited about the day that marks the anniversary of your mother’s death. The one bright spot is that Lincoln will be there. Sexy, mature and aloof, he is Violet’s idea of perfection. But why does he seem so reluctant to be anything more than a friend?


After he gives her the world’s most incredible kiss – and then abandons her on her front doorstep – Violet is determined to get some answers. But nothing could have prepared her for Lincoln’s explanation: he is Grigori – part angel and part human – and Violet is his eternal partner.


Without warning, Violet’s world is turned upside down. She never believed in God, let alone angels. But there’s no denying the strange changes in her body … and her feelings for Lincoln. Suddenly, she can’t stand to be around him. Luckily, Phoenix, an exiled angel, has come into her life. He’s intense and enigmatic, but at least he never lied to her.


As Violet gets caught up in an ancient battle between dark and light, she must choose her path. The wrong choice could cost not only her life, but her eternity…


Read an extract here!

About the Author

Jessica Shirvington lives in Sydney with her husband of nine years, FOXTEL presenter and former Olympic sprinter Matt Shirvington, and their two daughters. She has previously founded and run a coffee distribution company, Stella Imports, in London, and been involved in managing the restaurants Fuel Bistro, Tow Bar and MG Garage in Sydney.

She is currently a full-time mum and co-director in the company MPS Investments Pty Ltd.

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly post started by Breaking the Spine. A feature showcasing upcoming releases that are eagerly anticipated.