Happy BOOK BIRTHDAY to... STEALING INFINITY by Alyson Noel - REVIEW!

Hello, hello!

Welcome back to post number two for the day, here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

I TOLD YOU you were in for some BOOK BIRTHDAY fun, and I aim to please, so coming at you is our second celebrant of the day via Entangled Teen!  It's the first title in a NEW Young Adult series from author Alyson Noel.  She's no stranger to the genre, though this title does mark her return to it, and, from what I read, it's gonna cause a stir to say the least!  Ladies and gents, prepare to get whisked away in the swirling winds of time as we explore between the pages of today's book of choice...

Stealing Infinity

Stolen Beauty, Book 1

by

Alyson Noel

9781649371508

Entangled Teen

About the book...

My life goes completely sideways the moment I meet the mysterious Braxton. Sure, he's ridiculously hot, but he's also the reason I've been kicked out of school and recruited into Gray Wolf Academy—a remote island school completely off the grid. I never should have trusted a face so perfect.

But the reality of why Gray Wolf wanted me is what truly blows my mind. It's a school for time travelers. Tripping, they call it. This place is filled with elaborate costumes and rare artifacts, where every move is strategic and the halls are filled with shadows and secrets.

Here, what you see isn't always what it appears. Including Braxton. Because even though there's an energy connecting us together, the more secrets he keeps from me, the more it feels like something is pulling us apart. Something that has to do with this place—and its darker purpose. It's all part of a guarded, elaborate puzzle of history and time... and I might be one of the missing pieces.

Now I have all the time in the world. And yet I can't shake the feeling that time is the one thing I'm about to run out of... fast.

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This.  Story.  Was.  AMAZING!

Admittedly, it took me a trip or two (pun totally intended!) to wrap my mind around the ideas explored, and there is a lot of info on numerology, multiple timelines, and the like, but I got there, and even if I hadn't, I was glued to the page.  I simply could not put it down.  Between a unique leading lady that wanted to be anything but, a self proclaimed Queen B that would have movie stars envious of her acting abilities, a blue eyed Adonis that seemed equal parts humble and hot, yet oddly familiar from the start, I just could not break away!  

I needed to know what was happening.  I wanted to understand the bigger picture.  I was desperate to see how everything would play out.  I was on edge every time danger stepped nearer to Nat, and vice versa because don't be fooled; she's no shrinking violet.  I had to be a spectator to the tragedy and the triumph.  I wanted to be a comfort to her in her times of loneliness, and despair, when the whole world seemed to forsake her, and call everything and everyone into question.  If I could traipse down the halls of Gray Wolf and get some answers, I SO WOULD HAVE, if not for Nat, but for myself!  I still have so many things I want to know, want explained, want to understand, and yet...I can wait...at least until the next release because getting a chance to "trip" once again will be just as spectacular.  I can FEEL it.

Though I hadn't read this author's work before, I can honestly say that I can see why she has the following she does.  The writing was great, the world building spectacular, and the concepts explored left the reader feeling empowered, not talked down to.  A book I'd highly recommend for Young Adult Fantasy fans of teenage years and beyond, and a series that I'LL be watching for the next release as eagerly as the rest.  I wonder if Nat could catch a glimpse of what's to come for us....

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About the author...

Alyson Noël is the #1 NYT best-selling author of many award-winning and critically acclaimed novels for readers of all ages.

With 9 NYT bestsellers and millions of copies in print, her books have been translated into 36 languages, sold in over 200 countries, and have topped the NYT, USA Today, LA Times, Publisher’s Weekly, Wall Street Journal, NCIBA, and Walmart Bestsellers lists, as well as several international bestsellers lists.

She is best known for THE IMMORTALS series, THE RILEY BLOOM series, and SAVING ZOË, which was adapted into a movie now available on Amazon.

Born and raised in Orange County, California, she’s lived in both Mykonos and Manhattan and is now settled in Southern California.

SITE  |  INSTAGRAM  |  FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER  |  PINTEREST

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Special thanks to Riki at Entangled Publishing for the eARC for review AND the spectacularly AMAZING book box that arrived with a print ARC and so many goodies! (THANKS!) For more information on these titles, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is AVAILABLE NOW, so click on over to your favorite online retailer or visit your local brick and mortar to snag your copy today!

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

RRR presents... THE LAST PLANTAGENET? by Jennifer C. Wilson

HI there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're joining Rachel's Random Resources for a stop along their current tour starring a Historical Romance that's out of this world...or at least out of this timeline.  It's a novella that comes in at just about 68 pages, making it an easy addition to even the most burgeoning of reading lists (*glances at the teetering TBR Mountain*)...and trust me, you'll be glad you did!  What's that? I'm not usually enthusiastic about short stories?  True...but every once in a while, I'm pleasantly surprised, and by jove, this one certainly struck my fancy.  Ready or not, here comes today's book of choice and blog tour guest...

The Last Plantagenet

by

Jennifer C. Wilson

About the book...

The fireplace hadn't looked like a time-portal... 

All Kate had wanted was a fun, relaxing day out, watching the knights jousting at Nottingham Castle. What she ended up with was something quite different. 

Transported in a heartbeat from 2011 to 1485, how will Kate handle life at the Ricardian court? Even more importantly, how will she cope when she catches the eye of the king himself?

AMAZON  US  |  UK

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Picture it...

...2018 (or some current realm of the year) and you're at a Renaissance Fair, enjoying the sights, sounds, smells, and general ambiance because you totally LOVE the time period and all that goes with it....until things become a little TOO real.  The kitchen help a bit too into their role, the fireplace a bit toaster than the LED flames previously viewed, and your cute jeans and shirt ensemble, replaced with rather authentic looking "help" attire of the time period you would swear you ate, lived, and breathed...but seem to be ACTUALLY eating, living, and breathing it as your present?  Oh boy...talk about a curious turn of events!  Let's take it a step further and say that you catch the eye of a certain ruler that has a bit of a reputation, at least in your day, or rather your former day, and you being the help or not, they have power to transform your life from pauper to princess in the blink of an eye, should they so desire...and let's just say, they SO desire....

Seriously, this one jumps right into the "action", so to speak, and doesn't stop.  We get to know our leading lady just enough to understand her adoration for all things Medieval, as well as the scholarly studies she's done in regards to the people of the time, namely one king in particular, that though she's faced with absurd circumstances, she's utterly able to handle herself.  True, she fumbles a time or two, but who wouldn't being transported to another time and place?!?  I was glad to see her making connections with those of the period, I'd even call a few friends, and despite the outrageous-ness of it all, it was also charming.  She befriends a king (and then some...*ahem*), makes nice with the kitchen staff, dazzles the ladies in waiting, and still manages to make it home in time for supper...but to which home am I referring?  Ah ha!  Wouldn't you like to know?  Guess you'll just have to check it out for yourself then, won't you...because seriously, there's another HUGE surprise (or two!) that will make your head spin, but if you can put the actual science of it all out of your mind, you're in for QUITE the ride!

Recommended for Historical Fiction, and Romance fans alike.

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About the author...

Jennifer [Wilson] is a marine biologist by training, who developed an equal passion for history whilst stalking Mary, Queen of Scots of childhood holidays (she since moved on to Richard III). She completed her BSc and MSc at the University of Hull, and has worked as a marine environmental consultant since graduating. 

Enrolling on an adult education workshop on her return to the north-east reignited Jennifer’s pastime of creative writing, and she has been filling notebooks ever since. In 2014, Jennifer won the Story Tyne short story competition, and also continues to work on developing her poetic voice, reading at a number of events, and with several pieces available online. Her Kindred Spirits novels are published by Crooked Cat Books and available via Amazon.

Blog  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

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Special thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for the chance to bring this tour to you as well as the ebook for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, or the author, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now, so click on over to your favorite online retailer to snag your copy today!  Be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more bookish fun...

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

A Matter of Time by Margaret Locke

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're taking the TIME to review a novel that was in my TBR Mountain for a bit not because of a lack of interest but a lack of TIME.  I simply knew that is was only A MATTER OF TIME before it rose to the top and allowed me to journey once again through the pages of an author's work I'd come to know only last year but still adore.  Don't you love it when that happens?  ^-^  Anywho, I could wax poetic about it til the cows come home or I could simply dive in and considering my penchant for rambling (even in type) when I really enjoyed a book, I think I'll follow the latter.  Ladies and gents, don your best high necked gowns and well-fitted breeches, it's time to step into the past with a heart full of the present as we tackle today's book of choice...

A Matter of Time

Matters of Love, Book 2

by

Margaret Locke

9780996317030

Locked on Love Publishing

About the book...

Love comes when least expected.

Nobody would blame widowed doctoral student Eliza James for giving up on Happily Ever After; at twenty-nine, she’s suffered more loss than most people do in a lifetime. But Eliza’s convinced her own hero is still out there, waiting for her, just like in the beloved romance novels she devours. Every girl deserves a Darcy, right?

Only Eliza doesn’t dream of a modern-day affair: she wants the whole Regency experience. When a magical manuscript thrusts her back two hundred years into the arms and life of one Deveric Mattersley, Duke of Claremont, however, Eliza soon realizes some fantasies aren’t all they’re cracked up to be, especially when her duke proves himself less than a Prince Charming.

Deveric Mattersley has no interest in women, much less marriage. Determined to atone for his sins after convincing himself he's at fault for the death of his first wife, he decrees himself content to focus on running his family’s estates, and on raising his son–until the mysterious Mrs. James appears. Who is she? What does she want? And why does she make Dev’s blood run hot in a way no woman ever has?

Can a man with a past and a woman from the future forge a love for all time?

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This is a story I could go on and on and on about.  There are so many little things that really make it sparkle and shine yet nothing ginormous that steals the show away from the matters of the heart we're exploring.  We start with a heroine from our time whisked to the past to star in her own Regency Romance but without the certainty of how things will end.  We continue with a leading man (Deveric Mattersly) that unwittingly has been written in to play a part yet without the script to do it.  We've the Mattersly sisters who despite their first impressions are a few of the female ton that you'll cherish long before book's end and a "Dragon Mother" with whom you'll battle for common ground.  Outside the immediate family, we've male suitors not blind to the enchanting Eliza James (family connections to the Duke or not), those employed by the household who take a shine to this refreshing young woman, and even an appearance by Miss Austen herself to continue the magical threads woven through this story...and those are just the people!  As I said, there is much to love and MANY to love as this story unfolds, but it's not a flash in the pan, all action or reaction kind of book.

In typical Austen fashion, the story ebbs and flows without a huge dose of action to move it along, and yet move it does.  I can definitely see it being an instant favorite for Austenites, after all, Eliza's fantasy man is a styled after the ever popular Mr. Darcy with the combined looks of Colin Firth and Hugh Jackman.  Can't say that would make a displaced from her century girl sad, now can you?  The modern touches in the non-modern times give it just enough of NOW to appeal to readers firmly set in contemporary reads while allowing historical fans that chance to breathe in the light of this work while perhaps placing themselves in Eliza's shoes...or rather slippers.  Given the chance, would YOU step into your favorite fantasy?  With or without a guaranteed ending?  How about an escape clause? *ponders*

I love how despite being out of her own time and her love of the Regency Romances she toted wherever she went in our own century, when whisked away to her idyllic time/place, she still faced uncertainties.  Sounds heartless? Not really...after all, it's great to be GUARANTEED a happily-ever-after but how does one deal with not knowing whether it was REAL or WRITTEN?  Exactly...and a point that our heroine astutely considered before allowing her magical manuscript writing bestie, nay sister, to pen her own romance.  The kiss that unlocked the past as her future, her destiny as a second chance at long everlasting, was only the beginning.  It took her and her potential other half back to the world of sense and sensibility, manners and propriaty, but she never lost her sense of self.  She managed to fit in but only just, hanging on to her "new world" self enough to not only remain true to her soul but allow her heart to shine...and THAT my friends is what really helped her snag her "prince".  No, I'm not spoiling it, after all...if you've read the first one, you know how things turn out in the end of this one....but it's the journey from start to finish, the bits in-between that really tell the tale, warm the heart, and get the imagination rolling.  

All things considered, I found this to be a rather charming novel and a great follow up to the first adventure.  Eliza was a great heroine, friend, sister, and altogether wonderful woman with a kind heart that deserved a second chance at love...even if it occurred timeline wise BEFORE her first was even a glimmer in his parent's eyes.  Word to the wise, don't contemplate the time travel aspect too much.  You're libel to get a headache.  Take it for what it is...pure literary magic that came from the pen and heart of a dear friend (Cat) only wishing to give her bestie a chance to be as happy as she dreamed she could be.  I will warn you that there are a few steamy scenes as things progress with one that will certainly bring some color to your cheeks closer to book's end, but the sentiments are shared in equal measure by both parties making it a sweet culmination in events.  *ahem*  

My only suggestion/observation of something I wish were different would be the cover.  I adore the simplicity and the meaning the items pictured have but the first one was an eye catcher in another way and seeing how Eliza was traveling through time to secure her happy ending, I thought it would be rather appropriate to portray a gent in Regency garb in the same pictorial styling of the first book.  Just a thought...and one that certainly took NOTHING away from my enjoyment of the read.  Thoughts or comments fair readers?

Recommended read for Contemporary Romance fans, Austenites, and those that dabble in time-travel literature.  It has a little something for everyone...and I can't wait to find out what happens in the next installment.  I have my suspicions as to how it will begin as well but I'll keep those in confidence for now.  

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About the author...

A lover of romance novels since the age of ten (shh, don't tell mom!), Margaret Locke declared as a teen that she'd write romances when she grew up. Once an adult, however, she figured she ought to be doing grown-up things (such as earning that master's degree in medieval history), not penning steamy love stories. Yeah, whatever. Turning forty cured her of that silly notion. Margaret is now happily ensconced back in the clutches of her first love, this time as an author as well as a reader. Margaret lives in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley in Virginia with her fantastic husband, two fabulous kids, and two fat cats. You can usually find her in front of some sort of screen (electronic or window); she's come to terms with the fact that she's not an outdoors person. Margaret loves to interact with fellow readers and authors! 

SITE  |  FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER  |  PINTEREST

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Special thanks to author Margaret Locke for the signed copy for review. (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now via Locked on Love publishing, so seek thee out a copy at your first available opportunity...like now.  Now sounds like a plan....^-^ ...and don't forget about the first book, A Man of Character!  They can be read apart but really...would you do that to two best friends?  I thought not.

Until next time...happy reading!

Step In(to) Time...

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers…the place to be when the need to read strikes and you want to strike back!  Can you believe that it’s the LAST WEEK of February already?  *checks calendar*  Well, it is…and whew has it flown by!  Anyway else get whiplash trying to catch a glimpse of it?  At least with its swiftness it brought some great new titles our way and the rest of 2012 is looking as promising as ever, but I digress. 

Today, we are not here to talk about a brand-spanking-new-hot-off-the-press title, BUT…it deserves our attention all the same.  Why?  Because, my fair readers…a book is a book is a book.  Regardless of the time or space we encounter it in, it remains a pristine work of art to be consumed by us in our own time.  That being said, this book isn’t really THAT old…in fact the original publication year was just 2010…the paperback (of which I indulged), 2011.  Ironic part of it all, it deals with time both PAST, PRESENT, and potential FUTURE.  So my opening remarks really play well into the whole theme…well, at least I think they do… ^_^.  Moving on, let’s shine the spotlight where it belongs.  Today’s book of choice is…

Tomorrow’s Guardian

By

Richard Denning

From the author…

When Tom Oakley experiences disturbing episodes of déjà-vu he believes he is going mad.  Then he discovers that he is a “Walker” and can transport himself to other times and places. Tom dreams about other “Walkers” in moments of mortal danger: Edward Dyson killed in a battle in 1879; Mary Brown who perished in the Great Fire of London; and Charlie Hawker, a sailor who drowned on a U-boat in 1943.Agreeing to travel back in time and rescue them, Tom has three dangerous adventures, before returning to the present day. But Tom’s troubles have only just begun. He finds that he's drawn the attention of evil individuals who seek to bend history to their will.  Tom’s family [is] obliterated and he soon faces an impossible choice:  To save the world he must sacrifice his family.

I have to go with the cover statement there…”Time travel sounds like fun until you try it…”…because my-oh-my how much trouble it gets Tom into!  From missing school to “fainting” spells at the most inopportune moments (read that as embarrassing too), reliving the last few minutes to running for your life into both the past AND the present….Tom’s life is anything but a dream!  ~shakes head~  So many questions to answer, and tragedies to handle, it’s no wonder poor Tom doesn’t know his ups from his downs and now he has THIS to contend with (not to mention the dramatic final scenes that we are constantly working out ways towards throughout the story).  It’s a lot for an adult to handle, let alone a twelve year old boy….even if he is rather remarkable.  Let’s take a look at this area a bit further, shall we?

The characters we meet throughout Tom’s journey are memorable and distinct….especially when you consider they don’t all come from the same era!  You’ve got Professor Neoptolemas…the man in charge of the Hourglass Institute (the home of those that wish to serve as Guardians of Tomorrow) and the one from which we’ve got A LOT to learn.  Of his age, we are uncertain, but of his mind, there’s no mystery.  He seeks to protect the world of tomorrow by utilizing the skills of those from today (and yesterday) and if that means putting a few people in danger, well then so be it.  Okay…so maybe there should be a little question about his mind, but at least his heart is in the right place, right?  Moving forward…

Tom Oakley, the star of the show…or rather the boy with a BIG decision to make.  Conquer his blossoming skills to become the best Walker he can be and potentially save the world from a dark end (or perish trying…*gulp*)…or refuse his powers and have the normal life he is entitled too, complete with bullies, lack of self-confidence and an unquenched desire to see more of our great big world.  Hmm…big decision…well, it is when you factor in that “life on the line” part.  He’s a likable kid with a big heart, always trying to do the best thing….maybe not always succeeding, but trying nonetheless.  Now his “friend” on the other hand…another story altogether.

Septimus (now, now…not THAT one, this one is someone entirely different) is a fellow Walker, in fact Tom’s mentor if he truly needs a label, but he’s not exactly on the up-and-up.  You see, he prefers the financial standings to be gained by a life as a “rogue” Walker….you know, sorta like a man-for-hire deal but generally without the ending of another’s life.  In fact, there’s something he’s not quite telli…oh, wait a second….you almost had me.  *puts lid back on can of beans SECURELY*  There, that’s better.  Suffice it to say, learn as much as you can about this Welshman because you never know just what you’ll need to remember come future events.  Moving forward…or rather back…

The three Walkers for which Tom is sent to retrieve leave an interesting mark.  First we have Edward, who has a rather hard time coming to grips with the situation...at first.  Next, there’s Mary, who rather believes she’s been taken by demons and devils, and considering the time she came from, it’s not hard to understand why (though with her known abilities, it does give one pause).  Finally, there’s Charlie…from a time not as far back so his acclamation to modern day society is much less dramatic, but whose focus is not exactly on the prize at the end of the day.  They each have their strengths and their differences, but when they come together, you’ve in for quite a show of force….you’ll definitely want them on your side.  There is however one you don’t want by your side or any other place within reach…Captain Redfeld.

Ah, yes…the Captain.  Let’s just say that if evil had an opening for a right hand, he’d be there with his resume in hand before the ink dried on the posting.  He makes Tom an offer he can’t refuse, or rather shouldn’t because it sounds oh-so-good, but Tom has a good head on his shoulders and makes the right decision in the end.  What was that decision?  Can’t tell you….but it does manage to tick the wrong people off setting into motion a slew of heartbreak, danger, and time hopping that you’ll want to hang on tight for.  Now, along with the good must come a dose of the bitter…

At times, the book did rub me the wrong way.  Time travel, fractured realities, and the like is a mind boggling concept in and of itself (to me anyway) as there are so many what-ifs to contend with….but add to that an attempt to explain it on a technical level and …yeah, you’ve lost me.  I was fine when picturing each place as its own world, but once we got into the how’s and why’s of everything and where it all connects (and what’s with the sand table?), it was a bit fuzzy.  For this reason, although it is rated as a children’s title, I would definitely maneuver it more towards older children or young teens….just so the concepts covered are a bit easier to digest.   It didn’t ruin the story for me, just installed a few speed bumps to contend with.  Anywho…

Overall, an interesting read that bends time left and right but somehow or another, manages to sort things out properly by books end.  Despite the fact that this is book one of a planned trilogy (entitled,   the Hourglass Institute Series), the loose ends are not so discernible that if you were looking for a stand alone book, it wouldn’t work…a point I rather like.  Will I be checking out book two (entitled, Yesterday’s Treasures)?  *shakes Magic 8 ball*  Outlook cloudy.  I believe for the time being, I’m good with keeping my reading self out of the Flow of Time….though I did enjoy my hours with these characters…but that doesn’t mean you have to follow suit because I know a lot of you out there would adore this adventure, you just have to give it a second glance.



Author Richard Denning



Review copy received courtesy of author Richard Denning.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this book as well as the forth coming series, feel free to visit him online at the official website, check out his blog for the latest news, ‘like’ him on Facebook, or follow along on Twitter.  Oh, and that official website?  There’s a link there to read an extended preview (or check out the audio sample where the author will read the preview to you!) of book one so you can get a sample of the action before you fully commit…give it a try, that’s what convinced me to read it.

Until next time…happy reading!

~Hmm…it seems Tom’s condition is catchy, or rather that I caught it momentarily when I pulled this one from the TBR review pile, as this one was scheduled for a March read through…*checks calendar*…cie la vie.  They'll all be posted in good time...(HA!  Get it?  Good time... ^_^) ~