Letterbox Love (#28)

As always, Letterbox Love is a weekly feature that I'm hosting on the blog and basically, the idea came out of a discussion with other UK book bloggers about the need to do a weekly meme with more of a British feel to it. Therefore, Letterbox Love was born and the logo was lovingly designed by Dark Readers. Letterbox Love is a way for us to share the books that come through our letterbox, galleys and e books (through our electronic letterbox) and any other bookish goodies that we want to tell you about. Letterbox Love is intended to showcase upcoming books and build up some excitement for them as well as let you know what is available out there. It is not about competing with other bloggers or boasting of any kind (c'mon, we're British and we don't do drama!)

I am becoming increasingly shocked and horrified by just how many ebooks I seem to pick up during the week and I didn't even look at any recommendation lists until today!  Damn that one click button on Amazon, it's just TOO EASY to use it.  I'm justifying it to myself though by thinking that the books are much more affordable in this format. Anyway, on with the show...

Review Books

Trapped by Kevin Hearne (Unsolicited)

Apparently, this is the second book in this fantasy series that I've never heard of and as such, guess what? I haven't read the first book so I can't read this.  It does sound interesting though, especially when the marketing material states that "The Iron Druid Chronicles were the fastest selling debut urban fantasy books in the US last year".  Whether I look up the first book or not is debatable. 

Cold Days by Jim Butcher (Unsolicited)

I have no idea what number book this is in this series I've never heard of but I've seen at least eight books in front of it so do you think it's likely that I'll be reading this?  Don't get me wrong, it's not about being ungrateful, I just have no idea why publishers do this as surely it would be better for the book to be sent to a reviewer who knows, read and loved the series...*sigh*  IF THIS IS YOU, let me know and you can have this. 

The Boneshaker by Cherie Priest (Unsolicited)

This is billed as a steampunk, zombie-airship adventure and has basically combined all the elements I don't like so I don't think I will be reading this anytime soon.  The only thing that intrigues me is that the film rights have been sold.   If you are desperate to read this book and are not just "yeah, it's free so I'll have it", please let me know and I'll send it to you.

Out for Blood by Kristen Painter (Unsolicited)

This is book four in a series I've never heard of and never read.  Do you see where I'm going with this? Again though, the series sounds interesting as it's about a race of humans bred to feed vampire nobility and I'd actually be interested in reading these.

Lovely, Dark and Deep by Amy McNamara

How beautiful is this book cover? Also, because the protagonist is off to college, this is a New Adult book and I'm not sure why it's not being marketed that way.   I'm definitely interested in reading this.

Thank you publishers!!

Books Bought

Venom by Fiona Paul

I've been hearing a lot about this book lately and WOW, look at that cover.  This book is set in Renaissance Venice and as such, is a YA historical fiction book with plenty of mystery and forbidden romance.  I just know I'm going to love this book. 

Beautiful Redemption by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

I cannot believe how far this series has come and I'm ashamed to say that this is how behind I am with it - I have only read the first book AND THIS IS THE FOURTH.  I'm collecting the US hardbacks though and I definitely want to continue the story which is why I bought this.  I actually plan to re-read Beautiful Creatures before the movie comes out (which I'm DYING to see). 

Write to be Published by Nicola Morgan

I respect Nicola Morgan's writing advice and so of course I had to buy her book.  Again, another useful writing resource. 

The Vincent Boys by Abbi Glines 

I only recently read my first Abbi Glines book and this was it!  I LOVED it and decided to buy the hardback for my collection. 

Write great Dialogue by Irving Weinman

Dialogue can make or break a book for me and so I know how important it is.  I thought this would be a great writing resource.

EBooks

A Shimmer of Angels by Lisa M. Basso (For Review)
This is available for immediately download on Netgalley right now and is one of the launch titles from Month 9 Books.   It's about angels so of course I have to read it.

Come Away With Me by Kristen Proby
This is an adult contemporary romance novel and I had the fortune of reading the first chapter recently and decided I had to read it.  I'm currently reading it now.

Backstage Pass by Olivia Cunning 
This is an adult novel about a Sex professor and a rock band which sounds funny but makes for some interesting chemistry and I LOVED IT.  So much so, that I immediately downloaded the rest of the series or at least the books that were available as I believe the author is planning a book for each member of the band.  I think I've found a new series I love. Yippee!

Rock Hard by Olivia Cunning
This is the second installment in the Sinners series and this is Sed's story which SHOULD BE INTERESTING.  I can only say that because I've just finished reading Backstage Pass but still.  Looking forward to this.  

Double Time by Olivia Cunning
This is the third book in the series and has only recently been released. This is Trey's story and he is a strange one so again, this should be interesting.  What I love about this series is that the characters all have individual personalities and seem so real which is what makes reading about them so enjoyable. 
 
Captivated by You by Diane Alberts
This is the first in a new series by this best selling author.  It's an adult contemporary romance and sounds a little bit Christmasy with the mention of snow storms.  
 
Reflection by Jessica Roberts
I saw this on a recommendation list somewhere for New Adult novels and it does sound pretty interesting - especially when you find out that she's been in a coma (that is not a spoiler, it is after all in the synopsis).

Want by Stephanie Lawton
I love the cover for this and again, it was a recommendation on a list for a New Adult novels.  I like the fact that the protagonist is a musician and I thrive on inappropriate or forbidden relationships so I think I'm going to like this one. 

The Marriage Trap by Jennifer Probst 
The second book in this adult contemporary series featuring another one of the characters and I'm sure it will be a fun read. 

 The Marriage Mistake by Jennifer Probst
This is the final installment in this adult contemporary series and I've enjoyed it so far so I'm sure I'll like this.

A Very Sexy Christmas by Karen Erickson
This is a very short story that I read in about 10 minutes.  It was OK but not really worth the money and in my opinion, should have been free. 

Thoughtless by S.C. Stephens
I've seen some pretty impressive five star reviews for this on Amazon and I'm not sure whether it's adult or New Adult but I want to read it!  

The Father Christmas Confessions by Emily Ann Benedict
I love the sound of this - that Father Christmas isn't just one man but a secret organisation.  Throw a little romance and a bit of a mission in there and you've got a heartwarming Christmas story, perfect for the holiday season. 

Christmas Chaos by Jennifer Conner
This is REALLY short at 25 pages but I like the idea of trying to get somewhere on Christmas Eve, only to get stuck in an elevator with a tall, dark stranger.  Besides, it's Christmasy so I thought I'd give it a go. I really think at 25 pages though, it should have been free. 

Mr Real by Carolyn Crane
This is an adult novel with an original plot.  Occult software that can bring any image to life?  Getting drunk and conjuring up a guy off TV who fancy? lol I love the idea of this. 

Seeing Shadows by S.H. Kolee
I just finished reading Love Left Behind by the same author and loved it so much that I downloaded her other books.  Seeing Shadows is also New Adult but more paranormal so I'm looking forward to reading something slightly different from this author I've just discovered.

Chasing Shadows by S.H. Kolee
This is the second book in this paranormal series and I bought it already because I get scared that it won't be there when I go back for it (this happened recently with The Vincent Boys by Abbi Glines and because she has now been picked up by a major publisher, they took The Vincent Brothers away and now I have to wait to read it *pout* )

The Secret of Ella and Micha by Jessica Sorensen
This is a New Adult contemporary I keep hearing about and to be honest, the plot sounds eerily similar to The Vincent Boys by Abbi Glines but I enjoyed that so I thought I would probably enjoy this. 

Moonlight by Tim O'Rourke (Free)
This is a fairly short New Adult novel at 158 pages but it sounds intriguing and it's a free download :)

Bouquet Toss by Melissa Brown (Free)
This is billed as a book for hopeless romantics so of course it's perfect for me!  Despite managing to catch the bouquet at every wedding, Daphne is the perpetual single girl and I have to find out why!  And bonus, this was a free download. 

Devilish by Maureen Johnson (Free)
I heard about this on Twitter and basically since it was free AND written by Maureen Johnson, how can you possibly go wrong?  Devilish is high school satire for when the mood strikes me. 

Well, I'm just finishing up reading Come Away With Me and then I think I'm going to start reading Mystic City as I keep hearing great things about it.  I hope you had a great week for books and as always, please leave your links.