Countdown Survey

This countdown survey hosted by Novel Ink seemed like a lot of fun and a great way to end 2014 and start 2015! 

The Questions:

10- 2015 Books You're Excited About
9- Favorite Books of 2014
8- Books You Never Wanted to End
7- Books You'll Re-Read
6- Series You Need To Finish
5- Golden Finds (Unpopular Books You Loved)
4- Books You Wish Were Movies/TV Shows
3 - Books You Never Finished
2 - Favorite Love Doves
1 - Book You Wish You Would Have Gotten Around to Reading in 2014

10- 2015 Books You're Excited About

Burned by Karen Marie Moning
Ensnared by A.G. Howard
Nearly Undone by Devon Ashley
The Ruby Circle by Richelle Mead
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
Deep by Kylie Scott
Relish by Kate Evangelista
Bound by Flames by Jeaniene Frost
The Sin Eater's Daughter by Melinda Salisbury
The Return by Jennifer L. Armentrout

9- Favorite Books of 2014

Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult

The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan

Unhinged by A.G. Howard

Play by Kylie Scott

The Hangman's Revolution by Eoin Colfer

City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare

Phantom's Dance by Lesa Howard

A Day of Fire: a novel of Pompeii

The Gospel of Loki by Joanne M. Harris

8- Books You Never Wanted to End

Opposition by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Sacrifice by Brigid Kemmerer

City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare

Twisted Together by Pepper Winters

Curses and Smoke by Vicky Alvear Shecter

Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi

Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult and Samantha van Leer

The Silver Pear by Michelle Diener

7- Books You'll Re-Read

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

The Eternity Code by Eoin Colfer

The Opal Deception by Eoin Colfer

Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead

Airman by Eoin Colfer

Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling

6- Series You Need To Finish

The Grisha series by Leigh Bardugo

Howl's Moving Castle trilogy by Diana Wynne Jones

A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R. R. Martin

Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan

Under the Never Sky trilogy by Veronica Rossi

Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

5- Golden Finds (Unpopular Books You Loved)

Playing Cupid by Christine S. Feldman

Seti's Charm by Chris Everheart

Summerfall by Claire Legrand

Nearly Mended by Devon Ashley

House of Bathory by Linda Lafferty

4- Books You Wish Were Movies/TV Shows

Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning

3 - Books You Never Finished

The Crown by Colleen Oakes

Forbidden by Kimberley Griffiths Little

She by Annabel Fanning

2 - Favorite Love Doves

Tess & Q from Monsters in the Dark trilogy by Pepper Winters
Juliette & Warner from Shatter Me series by Tahereh Mafi

1 - Book You Wish You Would Have Gotten Around to Reading in 2014

The Iron Trial by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare

Indie-Visible 2.0

Indie-Visible 2.0 Soft Launch

Hooray! We here at Indie-Visible are thrilled to be (soft) launching our site! So, who the heck are we anyway? Indie-Visible is an awesome collaboration backed by a super talented team of writers, bloggers, and freelancers in the publishing industry, who you can meet here and here. Indie-Visible's BookHub is an online magazine where readers can connect with their favorite authors in fun, innovative ways. BookHub will have a variety of columns, including Indie Book Recommendations, Interactive Contests, and all sorts of activities aimed at getting to know talented authors and their books. If this interests you, be sure to click on the subscription link below! In the PubHub, writers can get tips on a variety of writing and publishing elements, as well as build their dream publishing team by selecting from our endorsed list of freelancers. Our goal is to provide the perfect "Hub" for writers, where an environment of expertise and professionalism will offer high-level support in all phases of the publishing process and beyond. If this interests you, be sure to click on the subscription link below! In addition to BookHub and PubHub, Indie-Visible has another AMAZING (Top Secret!) program set to launch in February. Keep your eyes out for an announcement sometime in January. Keep up on all the goodies by subscribing to our BookHub and/or PubHub newsletters (see below). All subscribers will also be automatically entered to win one of our AWESOME GIVEAWAY PACKAGES. More details on those coming during our Full Launch in January!

Never miss out on an Indie-Visible post!

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Review: The Maze Runner by James Dashner

Title: The Maze Runner
Author: James Dashner
Series: The Maze Runner #1
Publication: August 4th 2011 by Chicken House
Genre: Young Adult ~ Dystopia
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Kobo
Rating: 5/5

If you ain’t scared, you ain’t human.

When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his name. He’s surrounded by strangers—boys whose memories are also gone.

Nice to meet ya, shank. Welcome to the Glade.

Outside the towering stone walls that surround the Glade is a limitless, ever-changing maze. It’s the only way out—and no one’s ever made it through alive.

Everything is going to change.

Then a girl arrives. The first girl ever. And the message she delivers is terrifying.

Remember. Survive. Run.

I started The Maze Runner because I wanted to see the movie but I always try to read the book first. What I hadn't expected was to be totally caught up in this book. I loved it!

The best part about this book was how it was all one big mystery. The characters basically don't know how they ended up there because they don't remember so of course the reader can't know what the hell is up. The more I read, the more the enigmatic maze was pulling me in. Oh and the book was pretty creepy sometimes. One word: Grievers. Yeah they scared me a bit. 

I really liked the character of Thomas. It also didn't hurt that I could imagine Dylan O'Brien as much. I love him! But anyway, he was a great character. I also really liked Newt and Minho. I do have to admit though, that when I started the book I wasn't too excited about it. I had a little doubts but before I knew it I was getting really absorbed with it and bam! before I knew it the book was finished. 

The last few chapters were so suspenseful and intense. That ending, oh my god! And then came the epilogue which hit me like a brick wall. I hadn't expected that at all. Total cliffhanger, totally shocking. 

Overall, The Maze Runner by James Dashner was one of those books that keeps you glued to the pages and where you want to read the next book right away. Definitely one of the best books I've read!

About the Author:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram

James was born and raised in Georgia but now lives in the Rocky Mountains with his family. He has four kids, which some might think is too many but he thinks is just right. Once upon a time, James studied accounting and worked in the field of finance, but has been writing full time for several years. (He doesn’t miss numbers. At all.)

In his free time, James loves to read, watch movies and (good) TV shows, snow ski, and read. (Reading was mentioned twice on purpose.) Most of all, he’s thankful that he gets to make a living writing stories and considers himself pretty much the luckiest guy on the planet.

Stacking The Shelves: 27/12/'14

Stacking The Shelves is a weekly meme hosted @ Tynga's Reviews, to showcase the books we received.

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Christmas presents! 

The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith

Tales of Mystery and Imagination by Edgar Allan Poe

The Fault in our Stars mug ♥ (I love love looooove it!)

Gift card to a bookstore

Bought:
Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter
Bought it on sale for only $1.99!

Bought:
Path of Destruction by E. Lee & C. Queen
I've been anticipating this book like crazy after the ending of the first book. So happy it's finally released!

Won:
See Me by Wendy Higgins

Won on a giveaway @ Novel Ink and very excited to read it!

For Review:
The Cage by Megan Shepherd
"The Maze Runner meets Scott Westerfeld in this gripping new series about teens held captive in a human zoo by an otherworldly race. From Megan Shepherd, the acclaimed author of The Madman's Daughtertrilogy."
Oh hells yeah! This book sounds fantastic!

For Review:

The Leveller by Julia Durango

Yet another awesome sounding book!

For Review:
Owlet by Emma Michaels

Very curious about this book. I've heard a lot about it. 

Leave me links to your hauls so I can stop by!

And also don't forget to check out my 3rd blogoversary celebration giveaway HERE!

Review: Prisoner by Annika Martin and Skye Warren

Title: Prisoner
Author: Annika Martin and Skye Warren
Series: Criminals & Captives #1
Publication: October 22nd 2014
Genre: Adult ~ Dark Romance
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Kobo
Rating: 4/5

He seethes with raw power the first time I see him—pure menace and rippling muscles in shackles. He’s dangerous. He’s wild. He’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.

So I hide behind my prim glasses and my book like I always do, because I have secrets too. Then he shows up in the prison writing class I have to teach, and he blows me away with his honesty. He tells me secrets in his stories, and it’s getting harder to hide mine. I shiver when he gets too close, with only the cuffs and the bars and the guards holding him back. At night I can’t stop thinking about him in his cell.

But that’s the thing about an animal in a cage—you never know when he’ll bite. He might use you to escape. He might even pull you into a forest and hold a hand over your mouth so you can’t call for the cops. He might make you come so hard, you can’t think.

And you might crave him more than your next breath.

I read this book because I had just finished three stories in a row by Annika Martin, which were awesome. And I was pretty curious how this story would turn out since it's also written by Skye Warren, who was a unknown author to me. Also, I'm a fan of dark erotica type stories and I did really enjoy prisoner. 

The start was a bit slow for me but once Abby gets taken hostage by Grayson things started getting really exciting. At first I didn't like Abby much, to be honest. I guess she was a little bit too timid, though she and Grayson had chemistry from the start. But she does change a lot throughout the story. To me it seems like she was hiding who she really was for so long and when Grayson came along she can finally be herself. 

Which brings us to Grayson. It's safe to say that I effin' love him. He walks the fine line of being redeemable and not being redeemable but I had wanted him to be a little more darker inside, if that makes sense. I really like it when characters have darkness inside of them, it makes them so much more interesting. But that didn't change the fact that his point of view was my favorite. Sorry, Abby, but I can't help myself. Grayson is bad. So bad. And he knows it!

Both characters have secrets. Secrets and memories they can't forget. Grayson wants revenge and Abby wants to give in to her desires, even though she knows she should try to get away from Grayson, which she does try a few times. And it always ends badly. I also should mention that I liked Grayson's "brothers". They're not all very nice but I'm just so intrigued by them. 

The writing was fast-paced and read pretty easily. So that's all possitive for me. I just hate it when a book has bad writing, luckily not the case with this one. Oh and the sex scenes were scorching hot. I loved it!

Hot, action-packed, intense and intriguing, Prisoner by Annika Martin and Skye Warren was a great read. I really liked it and it's probably one of my favorites in this genre. There will be a sequel right?! 
Highly recommended to anyone who loves these kind of books!

Quote:

Pain is a funny thing. We fight so hard to avoid it, almost more than death. But it's the only thing that binds us. Going through pain together and coming out on the other side is the only form of friendship I've ever knows.

About Annika Martin:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Annika Martin is a New York Times bestselling author who loves writing stories about criminals – some of her tales are dirty and fun (kinky bank robbers!) others are dark and intense (Prisoner collaboration). She also writes gritty, sexy romantic suspense and urban fantasy as RITA-award winning author Carolyn Crane.

About Skye Warren:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Skye Warren is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of dark romantic fiction. Her books are raw, sexual and perversely tender. For those new to her work, consider the bestseller Wanderlust or Don't Let Go.

The Christmas Carol Book Tag!

This book tag that I found on Clockwork Desires seemed like a fun christmassy thing to do.

Feel free to do this tag too!

1. You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch – Name a villainous character you can’t help but love to hate.

Opal Koboi from the Artemis Fowl series by Eoin Colfer

She's an evil and insane pixie but from all the villains in the AF series, she's my favorite. She's just so crazy. I love reading about her, in a train wreck sort of way.

2. All I Want For Christmas Is You – What book do you most want to find under your Christmas tree this year?

A Thousand Pieces of You by Claudia Gray

I want it so badly. 

3. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - Name a favorite character that had to overcome a major obstacle.  Why are they your favorite?

  Wanda from The Host by Stephenie Meyer

She's the first one coming to mind. If anyone had to overcome a major obstacle than it's her. She went against everything she knew and followed her heart (and Melanie) to humans who hated her guts. So yes, definitely Wanda.

4. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town - Which characters do you think are at the top of Santa’s “nice” and “naughty” list?

This is a tough one! I just know too many naughty characters.

Nice: Michael Merrick from the Elemental series by Brigid Kemmerer - He's most definitely is on the nice list for everything he does to protect his brothers. And I love him for it!

Naughty: Ian from Night Huntress by Jeaniene Frost. - He's soooo naughty and he knows and loves it! ;)

5. Frosty the Snowman - What book just melts your heart?

Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult

This is my favorite book of 2014 and boy, did it ever melt my heart! The elephant stories... Oh my god. ♥

6. Feliz Navidad - Your favorite book that takes place in a country other than your own.

Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning

Ireland, baby! 

7. It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year - What book do you read to get in the Christmas spirit?

The Bite Before Christmas by Jeaniene Frost and Lynsay Sands

This is such a fun christmassy book. Jeaniene Frost's story is my favorite because it features Ian. — Yes. Naughty Ian!

“I don't care what you think, your junk does not have special abilities.” 

8. Sleigh Ride – What character would you most want to spend the holidays with?

Mac from the Fever series by Karen Marie Moning because she seems like a lot of fun to hang out with + I wouldn't mind meeting Barrons. ;)

And Adrian Ivashkov from Vampire Academy and Bloodlines because duh it's Adrian!

9. Baby It’s Cold Outside – What book do you hate so much you’d sacrifice it to the fire to stay warm?

The Elite by Kiera Cass

*throws it to the fire*

Sorry, yeah, I loathe this book. America and Maxon with all their stupid drama.

10. Do You Hear What I Hear? - What book would you recommend to everyone?

Airman by Eoin Colfer

Because everyone should worship this book and author. But seriously, though... it's a fantastic book.