TACKLE YOU TBR READ-A-THON from WISHFUL ENDINGS!

I am a little late but have decided to enter this RAT!  This is my favorite.  I am a week behind, but I am going to hop on the train!  I copied this info from Tressa @ Wishful Endings

I don't have any real goals, because I hadn't planned on doing the RAT this year.  I have been swamped with family and daily to do's in my life.  I need a reason to read, and this is giving me that reason!!!!

Read-a-thon Info

• From Monday, September 12th, to Monday, September 26th, wrap-up on the 27th
• Sign up in the linky below (you must be signed up and then post a final update at the end of the RAT to be eligible for the giveaways I host
• Participate from anywhere. If via the Goodreads group, put "Goodreads & Name" in the linky. If via commenting on my blog, put "Commenting & Name" in the linky.
• Read anything. Comics, print books, ebooks, ARCs audiobooks, in any genre
• There is not requirement for how much you read. Read as much as you can, even if that's one book.
• You can sign up through September 24th
• I'll be posting daily updates. You are not required to do the same, but please feel free to leave your update in comments to mine. Here is a suggested format:

Daily Updates Format

DAY OF THE CHALLENGE/DATE

Books Read:

Pages Read:

Total Books Read:
Total Pages Read:
Finished Books:

Schedule

This is the schedule for the read-a-thon, including challenges and giveaways (there is still some room for challenges where my blog is listed, so let me know if you'd like to host one by signing up on the original post here):

9/12: Kick-off
9/13: Wishful Endings First Line Challenge

9/14: Jemima Pett & Janette Rallison
9/15: Wishful Endings Duo Color Challenge
9/16: Katherine Reay on Wishful Endings
9/17: Hidden Worlds Books
9/18: Operation Awesome
9/19: Mid-Point Check-In & Twitter Chat (9 PM ET/6 PM PT - 10 PM ET/7 PM PT) using #TackleTBRChat
9/20: Wishful Endings Name Challenge
9/21: J. Lenni Dorner
9/22: Wishful Endings Fall Colors Challenge
9/23: The Book Monsters
9/24: Wishful Endings Random Book Challenge
9/25: Katie Teller's Stories
9/25: Challenge giveaway ends (for the challenges I'm hosting)
9/26: Read-a-thon Ends (no challenge)

9/27: Wrap-Up (giveaway won't close until the end of day to allow everyone to link up)

REVIEW FOR - ELLA - BY JESSILYN STEWART PEASLEE

pic and description taken from Goodreads

DESCRIPTION:

Reserved yet resilient, Ella Blakeley lives with her cruel stepmother and stepsisters, without hope of escape—until the day Prince Kenton announces a ball that changes everything. Even without mice, magic, or fairy godmothers, Ella might discover a life that’s better than she ever dreamed. This intricately woven twist on Cinderella is an enchanting book you won’t be able to put down.

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

When the description says you will not be able to put it down, it's true.  I started late Friday evening, and went into the morning because I couldn't put it down.  I devoured this book.

I love re-tellings when they are done well, and this one is done very well.  Cinderella is one of my all time favorite stories, so I knew when I opened the book I was in for the long haul.

Ella, is such a sweet, loving, kind, hardworking, and compassionate character.  She works all day to provide for her stepmother and horrible step sisters.  Her best friend in the world is Will Hawkins.  They grew up together, but when Ella's father died, her step mother fired most of the staff or just quit paying them so they left.

Will, is also an amazing character.  He is humble, kind, hard working, and obviously handsome.  His only real friend is Ella and although they don't spend much time together they obviously care for each other.

Will works at the Palace, and the Prince has just returned from travel and plans to have a ball to find his princess.  He invites the whole kingdom, peasants, and royalty to attend.

We all knows what happens from there right?  Well this one has a little spin on the ending, which I love more than anything.

This is such a fun read.  I enjoyed every moment of this book.  I cannot wait to read Ella's Will next!  Stay tuned for my review on that one :).

Source:   I bought this book for myself.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

Content:  CLEAN and wonderful!

MY RATING:

WHERE TO BUY:

  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

pic and description taken from amazon.com

Jessilyn Stewart Peaslee was born the fourth of seven children to a family of avid readers, movie quoters, music lovers, and sports fans. Jessilyn graduated from Brigham Young University with a BA in English. She is a mother of five rambunctious, adorable boys who have been so supportive while Mommy wrote her "girl book." As you read this, she is probably folding laundry . . . or should be.

AUDIO BOOK REVIEW FOR - THE WITNESS - BY NORA ROBERTS

pic and description taken from Goodreads

DESCRIPTION:

Daughter of a controlling mother, Elizabeth finally let loose one night, drinking at a nightclub and allowing a strange man's seductive Russian accent lure her to a house on Lake Shore Drive. The events that followed changed her life forever. 

Twelve years later, the woman known as Abigail Lowery lives on the outskirts of a small town in the Ozarks. A freelance programmer, she designs sophisticated security systems -- and supplements her own security with a fierce dog and an assortment of firearms. She keeps to herself, saying little, revealing nothing. But Abigail's reserve only intrigues police chief Brooks Gleason. Her logical mind, her secretive nature, and her unromantic viewpoints leave him fascinated but frustrated. He suspects that Abigail needs protection from something -- and that her elaborate defenses hide a story that must be revealed.

With a quirky, unforgettable heroine and a pulse-pounding plotline, Nora Roberts presents a riveting new read that cements her place as today's most reliably entertaining thriller -- and will leave people hungering for more.

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

This is my first Nora Roberts novel, and I do have to say it was fantastic.  Elizabeth in this book reminds me of Bones from the show Bones.  She is so intelligent, yet cannot decipher sarcasm from reality.  She is awesome.

Elizabeth witnesses the murder of her friend and the man they went out drinking with get murdered.  She ran away from the scene and called 911.  She was put right into protective custody.  While in protective custody, she becomes very close with one of the Marshall's in charge of watching over her.  Elizabeth has an eidetic memory (a.k.a. photographic memory).  She remembers every detail of the night of the murder.  Every word said, every face, every name, everything.  Being the Key witness in the murder has put her right on the Russian Mafia's hit list.    

When in the safe house, Elizabeth has her first "real birthday" ever.  Her Marshall's brought her a cake and gifts.  When Elizabeth goes to change, her world is turned upside down again.

Soon we meet Abigail Lowery.  She is a quiet woman, in a small town.  She is a freelance programmer and likes her quiet life.  She prefers to be along, and has a top notch surveillance system.

The Sheriff of the town is quite intrigued by this quiet girl who only comes to town for groceries, and then retreats right back to her home.  No one really knows her, but Brooks hopes to change that.

Little by little Brooks breaks Abigail's walls down and they get closer.  This is when the book get interesting.  Like even more interesting.  When they finally form a relationship, Brooks and Abagail become a team.

We learn more and more about Abigail and more about the this little town she has been living in.  She has come to love it.

It only gets better and better the more you read in this book.  Roberts is a fantastic author.  Her characters are awesome, and so complex.  She makes you love and hate them very well.  You will love getting lost in this story.

Source:  I bought this book for myself.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

Content:  There is language and a few sex scenes that are descriptive.

MY RATING:

WHERE TO BUY:

    

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

pic and bio taken from Goodreads

Nora Roberts was born in Silver Spring, Maryland. She began writing when a blizzard in February 1979 kept her in her hilltop home with a three and six year old for nearly a week of canceled kindergarten and dwindling chocolate supplies. 

During the now-famous blizzard, she pulled out a pencil and notebook and began to write a story for her own entertainment. From the first page, she knew it was what she was meant to do. Several manuscripts and rejections later, Irish Thoroughbred was published by Silhouette in 1981.

The Liar, published in April 2015 by Putnam, is her 214th book. She hit the NY Times Bestseller list in 1991. Every book since 1999 has made that list.

Recently The New Yorker called her “America’s favorite novelist."

In 1995, she began writing a police procedural series featuring Eve Dallas, a NY homicide cop, and set in the near future under the J.D. Robb pseudonym. Devoted in Death, out in September 2015, is the 41st entry in the series

AUDIO BOOK REVIEW FOR - A COURT OF MIST AND FURY - BY SARAH J. MAAS

pic and description taken from Goodreads

DESCRIPTION:

Feyre survived Amarantha's clutches to return to the Spring Court—but at a steep cost. Though she now has the powers of the High Fae, her heart remains human, and it can't forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin's people.

Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court. As Feyre navigates its dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms—and she might be key to stopping it. But only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future—and the future of a world cleaved in two.

With more than a million copies sold of her beloved Throne of Glass series, Sarah J. Maas's masterful storytelling brings this second book in her seductive and action-packed series to new heights.

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

*** may be spoilers since this is book two ***

Let me start by saying that I am glad I didn't read reviews for this series before I started.  I do a lot of times but this time, I decided I wanted to go in blind.  I love this author so I knew it would be good.  Had I read the reviews I would have realized that there was a love triangle and I wouldn't have even pick the series up.  BUT, having said that this "triangle" works.  Don't ask my why, but it does.  I don't believe it's a "real" triangle.  Now, onto the book.

In the first book Maas does a great job at painting Rhysand as the bad guy.  I really didn't like him.  Although I knew there had to be more to him, because when he brought Feyre to his court he wasn't "forceful".  

I love Feyre.  She is such a great character.  She's strong willed, and feisty, yet she has such a good heart.  When she is "rescued" by Rhysand she comes to realize that he has more respect for her than she has given him credit for.

While living with with Rhysand, and spending more time with him, she comes to respect him, and trust him.  He allows her into his life, and lets her see parts of him that no one else ever has.    When Rhysand and family come to realize that war is close, they come up with a plan to keep his people safe.

Unfortunately someone close to Feyre, has been seeking her out, and when they find her, Feyre realizes they have been betrayed by someone who loves Feyre.  

While Feyre has grown into her new powers they soon come to realize that Feyre will do anything she can to keep Rhysand and his people safe from anyone and everyone who tries to defy him.  

This is such a great book.  I love the banter between Rhysand and Feyre.  It's fantastic.  The world that Maas has created for this series is fan freaking tastic.  I love it so much.  Maas's writing is absolutely beautiful.  I cannot give enough praise to this series.  It has been fantastic...The ONLY downside to this book is the freaking cliff hanger.  UGH!!!  I cannot wait for the next book to come out.

I have not been compensated in any way for this review.  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

MY RATING:

WHERE TO BUY:

    

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

pic and bio taken from Goodreads

Sarah J. Maas is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Throne of Glass series (Queen of Shadows, Book 4, will be out in September 2015), as well as the A Court of Thorns and Roses series (out 5/5/15).

Sarah lives in Bucks County, PA, and over the years, she has developed an unhealthy appreciation for Disney movies and bad pop music. She adores fairy tales and ballet, drinks too much tea, and watches an ungodly amount of TV. When she's not busy writing, she can be found exploring the historic and beautiful Pennsylvania countryside with her husband and canine companion.

AUDIO BOOK REVIEW FOR - A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES - BY SARAH J. MAAS

DESCRIPTION:

When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin—one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world. 

As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow over the faerie lands is growing, and Feyre must find a way to stop it . . . or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

"Tale as old as time, True as it can be, Barely even friends, Then somebody bends, Unexpectedly"

This is the second book I have read this week that is a Beauty and the Beast re-telling.  I have been one happy reader.  That song has been going through my mind for like three days now.    I have had this book on my audible for way too long.  Why did I wait so long?  I don't even know!  I LOVED this book.

When Feyre kills a wolf, she has to pay the price for it.  She is taken from her father and sisters to live in the faerie land with Tamlin. 

Feyre only knows the stories she has been told her whole life about the faerie lands.  It's all nightmares and horrible creatures. 

While living with Tamlin, Feyre learns there is fare more to this beautifully, broken world than the stories told.  Dark creatures are about, but only at the hand of another High Fae who is determined to take over all of the faerie lands.

Feyre and Tamlin become friends.  Feyre longs to get back to her family, but as time passes she doesn't ache for them like she use to.  She finds herself drawn to Tamlin and he in return finds she is far more intriguing than just some human.

When Tamlin realizes that Feyre's life is in far more danger being with him, than it would be if she returned to the human world, he sends Feyre away.  Of course, the story only gets better from this point on.

Fighting for the one you love is always a good story for me.  Finding out that there is more to an individual than what meets the eye is always so fantastic as well.  

This world is beautiful, complex, and full of interesting characters.  Maas is such a fantastic author.  Just amazing.  I cannot wait to see what the next installment of this story brings!

Source:  I bought this book for myself.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

MY RATING:

WHERE TO BUY:

    

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sarah J. Maas is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Throne of Glass series (Queen of Shadows, Book 4, will be out in September 2015), as well as the A Court of Thorns and Roses series (out 5/5/15).

Sarah lives in Bucks County, PA, and over the years, she has developed an unhealthy appreciation for Disney movies and bad pop music. She adores fairy tales and ballet, drinks too much tea, and watches an ungodly amount of TV. When she's not busy writing, she can be found exploring the historic and beautiful Pennsylvania countryside with her husband and canine companion.

BLOG TOUR / REVIEW FOR - BEAUTY AND THE CLOCKWORK BEAST - BY NANCY CAMPBELL ALLEN

Welcome to my stop for this awesome book!

DESCRIPTION:

Jane Eyre meets Beauty and the Beast. 

When Lucy Pickett arrives at Blackwell Manor to tend to her ailing cousin, Kate, she finds more than she bargained for. A restless ghost roams the hallways, werewolves have been reported in the area, and vampires lurk across the Scottish border. Lord Miles himself is clearly hiding a secret. He is brash and inhospitable, and does not take kindly to visitors—even one as smart and attractive as Miss Pickett. He is unsettled by the mysterious deaths of his new wife, Clara, and his sister, Marie. Working together, Miles and Lucy attempt to restore peace to Blackwell Manor. But can Lucy solve the mystery of Miles? Can she love the man—beast and all?

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

I love re-tellings so much, when they are done well.  This one is done well.  Different!  Plus, this is Beauty and the Beast.  Does it get any better than that?  Not in my opinion.  This is one of my all time favorite fairy tales.  What better story than seeing beyond what's outside and seeing what really matters.

This story is just that.  Lucy arrives at the Blackwell Manor and has heard all the horror stories of the Lord of the manor.  Not having met him yet, she only had to go off what every one else had told her about him.

Lucy was not there for the Lord of the manor though.  She was there for her cousin Kate.  Who is as close to her as a sister.  Kate had been ill since being married and going to the Blackwell manor.  Lucy is determined to find out what is ailing her and won't give up until she does.

Lucy finds that there is more going on in the manor than meets the eye.  There is so much to this story.  There are 'bots' that take care of the manor.  There are forces outside of the "real" world that are in the manor.  Miles Blackwell, Lord of the manor is not just a man.  

Lucy, is a lovable and funny character from the very beginning.  She is spunky, and one hard headed woman who knows what she wants.  Love her.

There are so many elements to this book that just made me happy.  I love the world that Allen brings to life in this book.  I love the characters!  Each one brings a new spin to the book.  There are so many wonderful, cryptic, interesting, fantastic things happening.  It was exciting to read, and kept me interested from beginning to end, with a love story to boot.  It doesn't get much better than that.

Source:  I was given this book as part of a tour, in return for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

MY RATING:

WHERE TO BUY:

    

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Nancy Campbell Allen (N.C. Allen) is the author of twelve published novels, which span genres from contemporary romantic suspense to historical fiction. In 2005 , her work won the Utah Best of State award. She has presented at numerous writing conferences and events since her first book was released in 1999. Nancy received a BS in Elementary Education from Weber State University. She loves to read, write, travel and research, and enjoys spending time laughing with family and friends. She is married and the mother of three children.

A SPECIAL THANKS TO:

AUDIO BOOK REVIEW FOR - THE EYE COLLECTOR - BY SEBASTIAN FITZEK

pic and description taken from audible.com

DESCRIPTION:

Ready or not, here he comes.... It's the same each time. A woman's body is found with a ticking stopwatch clutched in her dead hand.

A distraught father must find his child before the boy suffocates - and the killer takes his left eye.

Alexander Zorbach, a washed-up cop turned journalist, has reported all three of the Eye Collector's murders. But this is different. His wallet has been found next to the corpse, and now he's a suspect. The Eye Collector wants Zorbach to play.

Zorbach has exactly 45 hours, seven minutes to save a little boy's life. And the countdown has started....

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

Tick, Tock, Tick, Tock......Time is running out for Zorbach.  He is on the hunt for the eye collector who has brought him into his sick game of kidnapping and murder.

Zorbach, doesn't know what hit him.  He is all of the sudden the prime suspect in a kidnapping case.  He gets a visit from a blind lady who seems to see the past.  Little does he know that she has also been brought into this bizarre game of hide and seek.

This book starts at the end, and works it's way to the beginning.  It was a very interesting concept.  I have really enjoyed Fitzek's writing.  Fitzek only has a few that have been translated into English, but they have all been very good.    

There is a lot going on in this story, and it kept me on the end of my seat the whole time.  I know I say this all the time, but I was sure who the "murderer" was the whole time.....I am happy to say I was wrong...  I was surprised.  I did not see the end coming the way it did.

If you like creepy, exciting, edge of your seat books, you will enjoy this one.  Fitzek is an awesome author.  His writing is beautiful, and the narrator makes the story really come to life.

MY RATING:

WHERE TO BUY:

    

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

pic taken from:  http://www.sebastianfitzek.de/en/authors-questionnaire/my-biography-in-full-length/

bio taken from:  Goodreads

Sebastian Fitzek was born in Berlin in 1971. After going to law school and being promoted to LL.D., he decided against a juridical profession for a creative occupation in the media. After the traineeship at a private radio station he switched to the competition as head of entertainment and became chief editor later on, thereafter becoming an independent executive consultant and format developer for numerous media companies in Europe. He lives in Berlin and is currently working in the programme management of a major capital radio station.

AUDIO BOOK REVIEW FOR - THE WIDOW - BY FIONA BARTON

DESCRIPTION:

When the police started asking questions, Jean Taylor turned into a different woman. One who enabled her and her husband to carry on, when more bad things began to happen...

But that woman’s husband died last week. And Jean doesn’t have to be her anymore.

There’s a lot Jean hasn’t said over the years about the crime her husband was suspected of committing. She was too busy being the perfect wife, standing by her man while living with the accusing glares and the anonymous harassment.

Now there’s no reason to stay quiet. There are people who want to hear her story. They want to know what it was like living with that man. She can tell them that there were secrets. There always are in a marriage.

The truth—that’s all anyone wants. But the one lesson Jean has learned in the last few years is that she can make people believe anything… 

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

What a great debut novel for Barton.  I bought this audio book for myself after reading about it on a new release blog page of a fellow blogger.  

I enjoyed this book from the very beginning to the very end.  I enjoyed Barton's writing, and the story she brought to life in this book.

Jean thought her life with her husband was perfect.  Then, little things started happening, and Jean was forced to face a life she did not want.  Jean's husband was a the front of an investigation regarding a missing child.  Then, as if Jean's life hadn't gotten out of control enough her husband dies.  Right in front of Jean.

I thought I knew who the "bad" guy was the whole time, and then something would happen that made me rethink who it might be.  Barton did a great job of keeping me on my toes and guessing "who done it".  I was not expecting the ending at all.  

Jean's life is full of reporters, and investigators now.  Her life is being pulled into a million different directions, and she is forced to face things in her past, or her husbands past.  Life isn't quite what she wanted.

Pick this one up...you won't regret it.

MY RATING:

WHERE TO BUY:

    

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

pic and bio taken from http://fionabartonauthor.com/

My career has taken some surprising twists and turns over the years. I have been a journalist - senior writer at the Daily Mail, news editor at the Daily Telegraph, and chief reporter at The Mail on Sunday, where I won Reporter of the Year at the National Press Awards, gave up my job to volunteer in Sri Lanka and since 2008, have trained and worked with exiled and threatened journalists all over the world.

But through it all, a story was cooking in my head.

The worm of this book infected me long ago when, as a national newspaper journalist covering notorious crimes and trials, I found myself wondering what the wives of those accused really knew – or allowed themselves to know.

It took the liberation of my career change to turn that fascination into a tale of a missing child, narrated by the wife of the man suspected of the crime, the detective leading the hunt, the journalist covering the case and the mother of the victim.

Much to my astonishment and delight, The Widow is available now in the UK, and around the world in the coming months.

However, the sudden silence of my characters feels like a reproach and I am currently working on a second book.

My husband and I are living the good life in south-west France, where I am writing in bed, early in the morning when the only distraction is our cockerel, Sparky, crowing.