Waiting on Wednesday: Spellweaver

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine which spotlights eagerly anticipated upcoming releases!

I picked up my first Lynn Kurland at a book exchange at my job. I just loved the characters that she created, and immediately went back out looking for the rest of her booklist. She makes me laugh, she makes me tear up and she makes me cheer for the HEA at the end. Luckily I had a lot to keep me busy. Now I eagerly wait for each book she releases.

Her Nine Kingdoms Series are not single title romances. They're trilogies fantasy romances. Each story takes three books to tell, and through the entire first arc - Miach and Morgan's story - I was so engrossed in the world I desperately wanted to visit it again.

I wasn't disappointed when she released A Tapestry of Spells, the start of Ruith and Sarah's story. And now I'm impatiently waiting for the next book in the trilogy.


***Warning - Possible spoilers for first book in the series***

Title: Spellweaver
Author: Lynn Kurland
Series: Nine Kingdoms 4
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Publisher: Berkley
Release Date: 4 January 2011
 
Book Description (from Goodreads:

Ruith had long managed to ignore the magic in his veins, until aiding Sarah with her ill-fated quest forced him into places where his heritage was impossible to deny. Faced with an ever-increasing number of enemies who covet his power, Ruith
must accept his birthright and gather his father’s spells together so he can destroy them—or turn away and allow his father’s evil to overcome the Nine Kingdoms.

Now, Ruith and Sarah must rely on each other more than ever—for everything they value is at risk: the Nine Kingdoms, their lives...and their hearts.

Review: Proof by Seduction by Courtney Milan

Title: Proof by Seduction
Author: Courtney Milan
Series: Carhart Series 2
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: 1 January 2010

Jenny Keeble, better known for the last 12 years as Madame Esmeralda, has never been one to let life get her down. Ruined, with no references to her name, and no desire to work in a (quite literal) dead-end position, she takes the one option she sees - become a Gypsy fortune teller. Here she meets Ned Carhart, and two years past she gave him hope, brought him back from the brink of self-destruction. And she continues to see him regularly.

But on their scheduled evening to meet, Ned doesn't come alone. He brings his cousin, Gareth, the Marquess of Blakely, with him. Gareth has just learned of the fortune teller that has Ned in her clutches and means to remove the spell she has over him. His scientific mind relies on facts - not the whimsy of a fortune teller.

Meeting in Madame Esmeralda's smoky, atmospheric room, Jenny realizes she may have met her match in Lord Blakely. Meanwhile, their verbal chess has increased Gareth's interest in Jenny - until they suddenly find themselves in the middle of an 'agreement.'

Gareth proposes that Jenny should predict something, with tangible constraints, that will then be tested with scientific resolve to get the proof they desire. Not willing to be swept aside so easily, Jenny decides to predict Gareth's meeting the woman he will marry at a very specific time. But that he will only win her if he completes prescribed tasks of her devising.

Jenny interrupts every facet of Gareth's plan. He, in turn, can't decide whether to ruin her or seduce her. A passionate battle of wits and wills ensues, and Jenny and Gareth must make the ultimate choice. What the know, and the possibilities of an unending love.

Proof by Seduction was the first book I read by Courtney Milan. It won't be the last.

Jenny was an absolute delight to read. I loved her attitude towards like, and it was one I could easily relate to. No matter her past, history, or current circumstances she had a very strong belief of who she was, and what her limits were. There was room for play, but she wasn't going to let herself be treated as less than she deserved. Add to that the undeniable hope that she just flowed out of her, even affecting other people, and I was really wanting her to get her HEA.

Gareth is almost the exact opposite of Jenny. Whereas she didn't allow her past to close her off, he became a solid wall for anything that didn't fit within his realm of ideals to crash up against. He couldn't show emotion, didn't know how to be close to those he cared about, and had little ability, or desire, for anything other than taking the weight of the world - especially those he considered his - on his shoulders. This is definitely a sound trait, but not when it comes at the cost of his relationships with those people.

I loved watching Jenny disrupt Gareth's thoughts and making him remove the mask that he had put on for the world. They went quickly from fighting with each other to passion, but rather than seeing this as too abrupt, I could easily see why Gareth was attracted to Jenny, and could see how Jenny could see something more in Gareth. They were perfectly matched, from wits to passion and everything in between.

There is a sidestory here about Ned that is not to be overlooked. There were scenes with Ned and Gareth, or Jenny (or both) that made me tear up and really feel what he was going through. Luckily I don't have to wait long to see what happens as Trial by Desire is already out and that's Ned's story.

Proof by Seduction is a good entry into the historical romance genre, and I greatly look forward to seeing what Ms. Milan comes up with next!

Grade: B



Book Link | Amazon | Kindle | nook | kobo | Borders eBook | Sony | Book Depository | HQN

Review: The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook

Title: The Iron Duke
Author: Meljean Brook
Series: The Iron Seas 1
Genre: Steampunk Romance
Release Date: 05 October 2010


When pirate captain Rhys Trahaearn freed England from Horde control he became a national hero, and earned the title of Duke of Anglesy. Since then he's built a massive merchant empire on the authority of his name, gaining him many enemies along the way as well as a reputation that he takes what he wants.

Nine years have passed since the tower was destroyed, freeing Mina and everyone infected with nanoagents from having their emotions and bodies controlled. But they're still reeling from almost two-hundred years of being dominated and the backlash is strong - especially for Mina who has Horde blood running through her veins. Even coming from a titled family, though impoverished, Mina struggles to eke out a living as a Detective Inspector for the Metropolitan Police. And she's damn good at what she does.

Which is why when a dead body is literally dropped on Rhys' doorstep, Mina is sent to the scene. And Rhys quickly decides to make her his next possession. But Mina can't afford his interest and what it will mean for her family and her career. Unfortunately the investigation is firmly tied to the Iron Duke and she can't avoid him or his unwavering attention.

The discovery of the victim's identity leads Rhys and Mina to discover that Rhys' ship was stolen and Mina's brother is aboard it. Working closely together they soon uncover a conspiracy that sends them racing across zombie-infested lands, monster-filled waters and against a group that will stop at nothing to kill every living bugger in England.

If that weren't enough, Mina soon realizes though that the danger isn't only where expected when she's tempted to give up everything for Rhys.

I started reading with very high expectations. After reading the short, "Here There Be Monsters" in the Burning Up anthology, I could not wait to start. And I was not disappointed. From page one I was absolutely riveted with The Iron Duke. It quickly pulled me into the devastatingly, wonderfully-crafted world, and was very reluctant to let go - even for work. I'm quite sure that my review here can't begin to do this book justice, but I'll do the best I can.

To give an idea of the world that this takes place in - it's an alternate Victorian world where nearly everyone in England (and most places but the Americas) was infected with nanoagents. These microscopic little bugs were delivered to them through sugar from the Horde, and increased their bodily strength, but also enabled the Horde to control every thing the people did. The people had no control over their emotions, or their bodies. They could be frozen in place, or whipped into a Frenzy - their sexual needs at a fever pitch to ensure procreation. What's worse was that the people were 'awake' and knew what they were doing...just unable to stop it. Some people had mechanical tools grafted onto their persons to better enable them to do the jobs set for them, others were infected with bad bugs, making them zombies, and a good line of defense for the Horde. It's a gritty, dangerous place filled with advanced technology, and people once again trying to make their own way.

Mina is an absolutely fantastic character. Someone that I'd want to know and be friends with. She's strong, loyal, extremely intelligent and possesses a huge heart. After years of dealing with the racism and derision cast at her for the circumstances of her birth she's developed a hard skin, but that doesn't mean that she doesn't feel the pain of each blow delivered. And while she doesn't dwell on it, she does know what the consequences are of getting involved with pretty much anyone, but most especially someone with the standing of the Iron Duke.

One of the things I really loved seeing was her working. Watching her use her agile brain to figure things out, and actually detect, was so much fun. The integrity that she has at the same time never wavers. I really appreciated the depth that was given to Mina and her job - which she clearly has a lot of love and respect for. Another thing that added depth is the absolute love and devotion between Mina and her family. They all quickly endeared themselves to me with the absolute sincerity of their actions.

Rhys is now one of my favorite heroes. When I first read the blurb for this book I was expecting...almost a knight-in-shining-armor hero. But I was pleasantly surprised and that's not what I got. He's courageous and determined of course, and he has a hurtful past that he's not only overcome, but almost completely conquered. The one thing I could have wished for is a bit more time inside his head, to know him even better. This is not a complaint, merely something I would have really enjoyed.

The chemistry between Rhys and Mina is absolutely palpable. From the first moment they meet neither can deny the desire between them. No matter how unwanted, or how much of a problem it's going to create. Watching Rhys attempts to gain Mina as his is one of the best things I've read - he makes mistakes, he curses himself for not knowing what to do in regards to her, and he continues to try, not only for himself, but for Mina. As they got to know one another and the feelings between them continued to grow, so did the respect. I thought it was really well done that not only was the desire there, but I could clearly see why these two fell in love with each other.

The relationship between Rhys and Mina clearly is the spine of the story, but the investigation into the conspiracy drives it. It pulls you along, not letting go, and continues to build the suspense. Seeing the world, and a good portion of it, in such detail was truly a treat. The world that The Iron Duke is set in is so richly crafted that it literally felt real to me. Everything, from the large kraken to the small nanoagents were so exquisitely described that it's like a engaging painting - every time I look at it a new detail reveals itself, giving more depth, meaning, and feeling. Additionally, Rhys and Mina are supported by a wonderfully deep secondary characters that I can't wait to see more of, including Scarsdale and the Blacksmith, but most especially Lady Corsair who I'm already more than half in love with.

To put it lightly, The Iron Duke not only lived up to my expectations, but absolutely blew them out of the water. It's a heart-filled, thrilling journey through a bold new world that Ms. Brook has created. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series, and until then I will be re-reading The Iron Duke many times...starting right now.

Grade: A


Book Link | Amazon | Kindle | nook | kobo | Borders eBook | Sony | Book Depository | Berkley Trade

October 8 2010 Blog Hop Follow Friday Tag Along

Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Jennifer at Crazy-For-Books.

About the Hop: In the spirit of the Twitter Friday Follow, the Book Blogger Hop is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and share our love of the written word! This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books! It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs to read!

This weeks question is: What's your favorite beverage while reading or blogging, if any? Is it tea, coffee, water, a glass of wine, or something else?

I almost always have a glass a water, no matter what I'm doing, so I guess that would have to be it. However, one of my favorite things to do on the weekend is sit out on the porch with a nice steaming cup of latte, the sun just rising, and a book in my hands. Especially in the fall.




Follow Friday is hosted at Parajunkee's View.

Her question this week is: How many reviews do you like to do a week?

I don't get to do nearly as many as I'd like. But that's simply a time constraint and not getting to read as much as I'd like. I try to do two a week. Sometimes I only manage one.

Calling all 18 and over book bloggers, are you looking for more bloggers like yourself? Well please join in so we can tag along with each other. This is for a specific group and your blog needs to primarily have book reviews and post adult book content. In other words, if you read books like erotic and adult romance and have adult pic, then you can play tag along. Sorry YA readers, but if you read both (I know some of you do) you can tag along also. Just make sure you have both YA and adult romance on your blog.

It doesn't matter what you read if it’s paranormal, suspense, historical, contemporary or mystery, along with erotic with any genre. As long as it is adult then you’re in.


To join in the fun and get details click here. This tag along is hosted by Laurie at Bitten by Paranormal Romance.

If you have an adult book blog, please sign up for this tag along. There are others including myself that are looking for you so please join us.





So I'm heading out to visit some family this weekend, which means loads of reading time on the way there and the way back! I'm super excited not only about seeing family, but about all that uninterrupted bury-my-nose-in-a-book time! LOL Especially as I'm engrossed in Meljean Brook's The Iron Duke right now.

I hope everyone has a great and fantastic weekend!

Waiting for Payday 2

Waiting for Payday is a weekly event hosted at The Bookish Snob which spotlights books that may have been out for a while that you're anxious to get your hands on, but that empty wallet is already crying, so Waiting for Payday it is! Head on over to TheBookishSnob and link up!

The Hunger Games (Hunger Games 1) by Suzanne Collins

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before--and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

I somehow missed this when it first came out, and honestly, even though I usually avoid things that have huge, mass appeal I saw so much about the series when Mockingjay was coming towards release that I got interested. Now it's definitely on my list to buy!

More Free eBooks

Found Borders Free eBooks section - go here

And Barnes and Noble Free eBooks Section

Definitely worth checking out!

Now for the Amazon stuff (yes I know I'm being a bit biased in actually posting the stuff from Amazon, but I have a Kindle, so I look for this stuff already and figured why not share it ;) )

Mystery (Cozy & Humor)
Elvis and the Dearly Departed by Peggy Webb
Dixie Divas by Virginia Brown

Contemporary Romance
Only You by Deborah Grace Staley

Historical Romance
To Conquer a Highlander by Mary Wine

Pride and Prejudice-esque
Mr. Darcy's Diary by Amanda Grange
Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy: Two Shall Become One by Sharon Lathan

Waiting on Wednesday: Play of Passion

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine which spotlights eagerly anticipated upcoming releases!

I'm a HUGE fan of Nalini Singh. I continue to be impressed by not only her world-building, but her complex, deep characters that I want to know. A few weeks ago I posted about waiting for her next Guild Hunter book Archangel's Consort, which doesn't come out until the end of January. This week I'm posting about the 9th full length novel in her awesome Psy/Changeling series. This series hooked me from the very first book, Slave to Sensation with it's vivid characters, and awesome plot. I've said it a million times, but Nalini Singh is brilliant. If you haven't read Nalini Singh yet, I highly recommend you start! Check out her reading order here

Title: Play of Passion
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy/Changelings 9
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Berkley
Release Date: 02 November 2010
 
Book Description (from author's website):
 
In his position as tracker for the SnowDancer pack, it’s up to Drew Kincaid to rein in rogue changelings who have lost control of their animal halves—even if it means killing those who have gone too far. But nothing in his life has prepared him for the battle he must now wage to win the heart of a woman who makes his body ignite…and who threatens to enslave his wolf.

Lieutenant Indigo Riviere doesn’t easily allow skin privileges, especially of the sensual kind—and the last person she expects to find herself craving is the most wickedly playful male in the den. Everything she knows tells her to pull back before the flames burn them both to ash…but she hasn’t counted on Drew’s will.

Now, two of SnowDancer’s most stubborn wolves find themselves playing a hot, sexy game even as lethal danger stalks the very place they call home…

Review: Warrior by Zoë Archer

Title: Warrior
Author: Zoë Archer
Series: Blades of the Rose 1
Genre: Historical Paranormal Adventure Romance (I had a hard time classifying, so I took this straight from her website)
Release Date: 07 September 2010


After nearly fifteen years abroad serving Her Majesty’s Army, Captain Gabriel Huntley once again finds his feet on English soil. He’s resigned his captaincy, and rushed home, with a letter in his pocket promising a position as a textile agent, and the prospect of a good wife and settling down with a family.

But as he steps off the boat, suddenly Gabriel is plagued with doubts. He’s not sure he even remembers how to act in polite company, much less if he wants to settle down yet.

Wandering and mulling over his future, chance – or fate – intervenes. Gabriel happens upon a man being brutally assaulted and vastly outnumbered. Despising an unfair fight he jumps into the fray in an attempt to rescue the man. But his efforts are not enough and the man lies dying in a dark alley with only Gabriel there for him to exact a promise from.

Unable to deny a dying man’s request, Gabriel finds himself swiftly boarding a ship and heading for Outer Mongolia. He’s got an antique compass, a cryptic message he doesn’t understand, and only knows that he must get both to Franklin Burgess as quickly as possible.

Thalia Burgess has grown up away from the strictures of Victorian England for most of her life. More accustomed to wearing a Mongolian del (the native outfit), than a corset and bustle, riding astride than side-saddle, and shooting rather than stitching, Thalia loves her life, and longs to be a Blade, like her father. She eagerly awaits her moment to prove that she’s ready to join the group which protects magical objects from those that would use them to do harm – otherwise known as the Heirs.

When Captain Huntley shows up on her and her father’s doorstep, bringing a dire message from a fellow Blade, and knowing her injured father isn’t up to the task, Thalia is spurred into action to protect Mongolia from utter destruction and stop the Heirs from gaining an object that could greatly affect the reach of the British Empire.

While sworn to secrecy, Thalia quickly realizes that the Captain’s assistance could come in handy. But it’s not so easy keeping the clever, handsome solider in the dark.

Thalia sets out across the steppes of Mongolia to find the object she must protect, while Gabriel stays close to her just as intent on protecting this fierce, beautiful woman. Racing to outwit the Heirs, and decipher clues, Thalia and Gabriel must maneuver over not only the Mongolian steppes, but around enemies who aren’t at all penitent at their use of magic in their pursuit, through tests of their courage and resolve, and into a growing love between them.

I picked up Warrior because of all the buzz going around the blog-o-sphere. An Indiana Jones type adventure story, with magic, love and the beautiful backdrop of Outer Mongolia; I couldn’t wait! Any one of those things would have piqued my interest, but add them all together and I was anxious to get started. Plus, just look at that cover.

I immediately liked Gabriel and Thalia. Gabriel is a strong, straight-forward, blunt man who believes in honor and respect. He’s also noble, genuine and nice without any of it coming off as over-the-top. Not only is he deeply loyal, but he’s fiercely protective. However, not once does he try to get in the way of what Thalia has to do, only demands that he be there to protect her and to help.

Thalia is a wonderfully intelligent, rich-in-character heroine with a desire for adventure and meaning to her life. But she doesn’t fall into to-stupid-to-live behavior. Just because she craves adventure and being admitted to the Blades doesn’t mean that she’s not smart about it. When she realizes that she genuinely needs the help Gabriel offers she accepts it pretty quickly.

I really liked them together. Too often I run into ‘strong’ heroines who rush dumbly into life-threatening situations just so the hero can rescue them. The hero then is basically all knight-in-shining-armor and the heroine can’t seem to accomplish anything by herself again.

Not so here. Thalia is strong, and independent, but she’s also smart enough to know when she needs help. Gabriel does want to protect Thalia, but he quickly begins to see her as an equal. He trusts in her abilities, and her intelligence. They work together as a team, each with valuable input, and each understanding the others strengths. Throughout their journey we’re shown how their desire blossoms into respect and then finally into love.

I have to talk about the setting. I really loved the descriptions of Outer Mongolia. Not only were they richly detailed, but the people native to the area felt real as well – not just cardboard cutouts of characters. Ms. Archer managed to make me feel both at home, and in some place new and magical. Even without the occasional bit of magic that’s mixed into the story.

Warrior is a classic tale of good versus bad, without many twists and turns along the way. Just two people struggling against seemingly insurmountable odds to do the right thing.

Just a few complaints. There was some repetition to descriptions and thoughts. At times I felt like I was being told something too many times, and that it wasn’t needed because I was being shown just as much. So it got a little frustrating. Also, there were occasional odd word choices or sentence structure. These would pull me out of the story while I puzzled over them. Last thing, the pace seemed to drag in places which could be a result of the previously mentioned issues I had.

Overall, I enjoyed Warrior. It’s a fun, adventure through a land I’ve never seen depicted in romance. Gabriel and Thalia grabbed onto me and didn’t let go until we’d crossed the finish line. I am eagerly anticipating picking up Scoundrel which is the second book in the series, due out today actually – October 5th 2010.

If you like adventure stories, with a strong romance, truly likable characters and a beautiful setting then this book is definitely for you.

Grade: B



Book Link | Amazon (print) | Kindle | nook | kobo | Sony | Book Depository | Zebra

Fun Stuff This Week

This is an international game of tag and I've been tagged by Straylights at A Certain Slant of Light! I have to answer questions about myself so you can get to know me better and then I'll tag four other bloggers! Sounds fun right?!






4 Things that are in my handbag
1. Warrior by Zoë Archer - currently reading at work and on the go
2. Borders Savers Card - well of course. I need it to buy the new releases I must have tomorrow.
3. Notebook - to take down any interesting bits of scenes/dialogue/development for my work-in-progress
4. Knife - Never leave home without it



4 Things in/on my desk (Gonna go with my work desk, because I don't really have a home desk...)
1. Lots and Lots of Yellow Folders
2. About 30 different pens
3. 5 different stacks of Post-It notes
4. My iPod stand



4 Favorite things in my bedroom
1. Books - I have 4 bookshelves full of my favorites, and To-Be-Read books
2. My bed - I can't help it. It's new, and comfy, and I love it.
3. My dresser - it's an antique, that I've added custom fleur-de-lis knobs to.
4. My PS3 - I use it mostly for movies, but I do love me some Tomb Raider and Heavenly Sword



4 Things I've always wanted to do but haven't
1. Go to Egypt - I've always had this huge fascination with Egypt. I'll get there eventually
2. Go skydiving - I'm not sure I can explain the reasoning behind me wanting to fly through the air.
3. Get published - that would involve finishing my book though I guess. I'm working on it!
4. Become a marine archaeologist



4 Things I enjoy very much at the moment (I'm just going to leave reading off of here, because it should be obvious)
1. Blogging - Who knew it could be so much fun? Well obviously loads of people did, but I'm just really finding out. And I'm loving meeting all the great people!
2. Watching NCIS with my mom - We're kind of on a catch-up thing, and it's been really fun
3. Playing fetch with my dog in the nice fall-ish weather
4. Working - after being off with a back injury for 2 months, I'm really loving being back.



4 Songs I can't get out of my head
1. Killing Loneliness by H.I.M
2. From Yesterday by 30 Seconds to Mars
3. Don't Cry by Guns n' Roses
4. Snuff by Slipknot



4 Things you don't know about me
1. I'm a Taurus
2. I have a huge store of knowledge about myths and legends
3. I have a minor obsession with photography and potter and would love a darkroom and pottery wheel.
4. I miss doing the Insanity workout and can't wait until I can start again



4 Bloggers I'm Tagging
1. Renee at Renee's Book Addiction
2. Jennifer at Book Noise
3. Chazz at Chazz Hart
4. Nicole at The Betrayed Writer

This is a new award for me so a huge thank you to Book Loving Mommy! I really appreciate the award and am truly honored!

All you have to do for the Cherry on Top award is:
1) answer the question "If I had the chance to go back and change one thing in my life, would I, and what would it be?"
2) Pick up to 6 people and give them this award
3) Thank the person who gave me the award.


Every once in a while I think that I would go back and change things. Do I wish that I'd done some things differently, made a different decision? Sure. But I also think that each choice, or decision, that I made led me to where I am now. And I look at my family, and my friends, and everyone that I love and care about and realize that I have it pretty damn good. Plus I'm just a naturally optimistic, glass-half-full kind of person. I'm gonna see the good in almost everything, so there's no reason to dwell on regrets.

Long answer short: No. I wouldn't.


Six Blogs to Give Award To:
1. Kat at Wit and Sin
2. Missie at The Unread Reader
3. Mad Scientist at Mad Steampunkery
4. Stephanie at Curling Up by the Fire
5. Badass Bookie
6. Karen at For What It's Worth




Tomorrow is release Tuesday! I'll be rushing out to buy:

What about you?  Anything that you're looking forward to buying tomorrow?

Even More Free eBooks

First of all - Kobo Books now has a free ebooks section. Follow the link and check out the free EPUB format books they have. I haven't found a good way to sort them, but it's definitely worth checking out.


Now for the new Amazon Free stuff. There's another new game:
Sudoku Volume 1: Interactive Puzzles for Kindle 2 and Kindle DX

And some new books:

Historical Fiction
Outlander (Outlander 1) by Diana Gabaldon

Thrillers
The 7th Victim (Karen Vail 1) by Alan Jacobson

Historical Romance
Enchanting the Lady by Kathryne Kennedy

Contemporary Romance
Love Me by Kelly Jamieson

Young Adult
The New World by Patrick Ness

Other
Raising Jake by Charlie Carillo [Coming-of-age fiction, humor]
How to Write a Great Query Letter by Noah Lukeman [reference]


There are a ton of self-published that have made it onto Amazon's Top 100 page...I'm leaving them off of here for now, but if people are interested, I can definitely add them.