Happy New Year!!!

From us to all of you, we'd like to wish you a wonderful 2016.

May you and your loved ones have a memorable year filled with good health, laughter and great books!

- Lisa & Jenny

"Waiting On" Wednesday is an event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. The purpose of this weekly event is to spotlight a soon-to-be-released book that you are very much anticipating. "Waiting On" Wednesday will also give bloggers an opportunity to share ideas for our TBR lists.

Title: Symptoms of Being Human
Author: Jeff Garvin
Publisher: Balzer + Bray, 352 Pages (February 2nd, 2016)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Synopsis: The first thing you’re going to want to know about me is: Am I a boy, or am I a girl?

Riley Cavanaugh is many things: Punk rock. Snarky. Rebellious. And gender fluid. Some days Riley identifies as a boy, and others as a girl. The thing is . . . Riley isn’t exactly out yet. And between starting a new school and having a congressman father running for reelection in uber-conservative Orange County, the pressure—media and otherwise—is building up in Riley’s so-called “normal” life.

On the advice of a therapist, Riley starts an anonymous blog to vent those pent-up feelings and tell the truth of what it’s REALLY like to be a gender-fluid teenager. But just as Riley’s starting to settle in at school—even developing feelings for a mysterious outcast—the blog goes viral, and an unnamed commenter discovers Riley’s real identity, threatening exposure. Riley must make a choice: walk away from what the blog has created—a lifeline, new friends, a cause to believe in—or stand up, come out, and risk everything.

Title: Romancing the Nerd
Author: Leah Rae Miller
Publisher: Entangled: Teen, 352 Pages (February 2nd, 2016)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Synopsis: Dan Garrett has become exactly what he hates—popular. Until recently, he was just another live-action role-playing (LARP) geek on the lowest run of the social ladder. Cue a massive growth spurt and an uncanny skill at taking three-point shots in basketball and voila…Mr. Popular. It’s definitely weird.

And the biggest drawback? Going from high school zero to basketball hero cost Dan the secret girl-of-his-dorky dreams.

A tuba-playing nerd with an eclectic fashion sense, Zelda Potts’s “Coolness” stat is about minus forty-two. Dan turning his back on her and the rest of nerd-dom was brutal enough, but when he humiliates her at school, Zelda decides it’s time for a little revenge—dork style. Nevermind that she used to have a crush on him. Nevermind that her plan could backfire big time.

It’s time to roll the dice…and hope like freakin’ hell she doesn’t lose her heart in the process.

Title: Steel & Bones (Steel & Bones #1)
Author: Jessica Sorensen
Publisher: (February 2016)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

NOTE: This is a "Adult/New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 18+

Synopsis: Everlasting beauty comes with a price…

Eighteen-year-old Alexa Belarose lives in a world overpowered by immortality and beauty. Humans are hunted by The Grim, and their body parts are sold to The Soulless to preserve immortality and perfection.

Alexa has survived for years by living in solitude, but during a search for food, The Grim capture her, then mysteriously let her go.

The Greysteles find Alexa on the verge of death and take her to the city of steel and bones to be healed. Half human, half machine, the Greysteles are considered unwanted by The Soulless and the city is part of the safe grounds.
While living in the city, Alexa discovers life isn’t just about being hunted. She becomes drawn to two friends; Everett who’s moody and mysterious, yet in rare moments charming, and Ollie who’s witty and down to earth, yet seems to be hiding something from Alexa.

But when The Grim unexpectedly enter the city, Alexa learns The Soulless have put a bounty on her and a choice must be made. Her freedom. Or the lives of the people she loves.

*covers are always subject to change.

Book Wars a weekly feature hosted between two book review blogs – A Life Bound By Books & Much Loved Books!

It’s a fact that book lovers know all about the covers of the books they covet.  Often when a title is released here in the US, it’s sometimes vastly different across the pond in the US.  So, Michelle from Much Loved Books and I have come together to create Book Wars to talk about the difference in covers when it comes to the US vs. UK versions.

We hope from time to time authors will chime in with their thoughts as well. We welcome everyone to comment and share their thoughts too! The more the merrier!

Before we get to this weeks Book Wars, we have a winner to announce. The Book Wars winner for Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices #1) By: Cassandra Clare is.....  !  Thank you to everyone who voted for both books, and for picking a winner.

Also, there's a poll at the bottom of the post that we'd love to hear your input for the two covers! Tell us which one YOU love the most.

Left: US - Right: UK

Title: Firewalker 

Series: (The Worldwalker Trilogy #2)
Author: Josephine Angelini
Publisher: US - Feiwel & Friends, 352 Pages (September 1st, 2015) UK - Macmillan Children's Books, 339 Pages (August 27th, 2015)
Add to: Goodreads USA Version | Goodreads UK Version
Order online here: USA: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository UK: Amazon UK, Waterstones, W H Smith, The Book Depository

Synopsis: Worlds divide, magic slays, and love lies in the second book of Josephine Angelini’s The Worldwalker Trilogy.

"You think I’m a monster, but my choices, as ruthless as they seem, are justified."

Lily is back in her own universe, and she's ready to start a new life with Rowan by her side. True, she almost died in the Pyre that fueled their escape from New Salem, and must hide her magic for the safety of everyone she cares about, but compared to fighting the Woven, the monstrous creatures inhabiting the alternate Salem, life is looking pretty good.

Unfortunately, Lillian, ruthless ruler of the 13 Cities, is not willing to let Lily go that easily. If she can’t persuade Lily to return to her world, she will force her to come back by doing away with the ones she loves.

Picking up right where Trial By Fire left off, Firewalker is another sexy, fast-paced, heartbreaking thrill ride from internationally bestselling author Josephine Angelini!

About the author: 

Josephine Angelini is a Massachusetts native and the youngest of eight siblings. She graduated from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts in theater, with a focus on the classics. She now lives in Los Angeles with her husband.

Find Josephine Online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Let the Wars Begin: Its now time to make our decision, let's see what we think about the covers and pick our favorite cover.

Lisa This week have another second book in a series. This time from the Worldwalker Trilogy from Josephine Angelini.

One thing I have to say about the US covers vs the UK for these books is that the US cover has so much more depth to it. There's layers upon layers when you look at it. I feel like I see something new each and every time I look. I love how the colors build up from the bottom where the trees are.

And while the UK cover is a bit on the artistic side, it just doesn't have the same affect as the US cover does. Sometimes it's nice to have a book without any models on the cover and this one more than works!

So, it's a US vote for me this week. Now it's your turn, tell us which one gets your vote with a quick click below.

Michelle I think this is the first time I have actively seen what the US cover is like. The UK one I have seen several times and it has stood out for me, especially when it's paired with the first book.

Looking at these covers it's easy for me to see which is my favourite. I do like the UK cover, and as I mentioned it looks great next to the first book, the faces fitting together to make a whole one. However, I LOVE the US cover.

The US cover looks magical, dramatic, and mysterious. I love the whole effect of this, all the purples, reds, and yellows mixing together to make a breathtaking cover.

The US covers gets my vote this week, which cover gets yours?

VOTE for YOUR favorite cover of Firewalker (The Worldwalker Trilogy) NOW!

Wishing you and your families a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all!

This has been a crazy year for my family and I and we're really looking forward to see what 2016 brings.

To our readers, new and old - thank you for taking the time out to read our posts. Having you there means a lot to us and we can't wait to share with you even more about the books and authors we love.

And with 2016 will come a few changes. I'm looking to take a step back... just a bit from the blog to focus on my writing. I'll be looking for a couple more readers and book fans to contribute, so if you're interested please send me an email and lets talk!

From us here at A Life Bound By Books, we wish you and your family a safe and happy Holiday season. If you're traveling, please be careful and take some time out to enjoy the little things during this busy time.

From our family to yours.....

"Waiting On" Wednesday is an event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. The purpose of this weekly event is to spotlight a soon-to-be-released book that you are very much anticipating. "Waiting On" Wednesday will also give bloggers an opportunity to share ideas for our TBR lists.

Title: Sin & Suffer (Pure Corruption MC #2)
Author: Pepper Winters
Publisher: Forever, 496 Pages (January 26th, 2016)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

NOTE: This is a "Adult/New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 18+

Synopsis: The second book in a brand new series from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Pepper Winters!

Title: Front Lines (Soldier Girl #1)
Author: Michael Grant
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books, 576 Pages (January 26th, 2016)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Synopsis: Perfect for fans of The Book Thief and Code Name Verity, New York Times bestselling author Michael Grant unleashes an epic, genre-bending, and transformative new series that reimagines World War II with girl soldiers fighting on the front lines.

World War II, 1942. A court decision makes women subject to the draft and eligible for service. The unproven American army is going up against the greatest fighting force ever assembled, the armed forces of Nazi Germany.

Three girls sign up to fight. Rio Richlin, Frangie Marr, and Rainy Schulterman are average girls, girls with dreams and aspirations, at the start of their lives, at the start of their loves. Each has her own reasons for volunteering: Rio fights to honor her sister; Frangie needs money for her family; Rainy wants to kill Germans. For the first time they leave behind their homes and families—to go to war.

These three daring young women will play their parts in the war to defeat evil and save the human race. As the fate of the world hangs in the balance, they will discover the roles that define them on the front lines. They will fight the greatest war the world has ever known.

*covers are always subject to change.

Book Wars a weekly feature hosted between two book review blogs – A Life Bound By Books & Much Loved Books!

It’s a fact that book lovers know all about the covers of the books they covet. Often when a title is released here in the US, it’s sometimes vastly different across the pond in the UK. So, Michelle from Much Loved Books and I have come together to create Book Wars to talk about the difference in covers when it comes to the US vs. UK versions.

We hope from time to time authors will chime in with their thoughts as well. We welcome everyone to comment and share their thoughts too! The more the merrier!

Before we get to this weeks Book Wars, we have a winner to announce.The Book Wars winner for Just One Day By: Gayle Forman is...!!!!!! Thank you to everyone who voted for both books, and for picking a winner.

Also, there's a poll at the bottom of the post that we'd love to hear your input for the two covers! Tell us which one YOU love the most.

Left: US - Right: UK

Title: Salt & Stone
Series: Fire & Flood #2
Author: Victoria Scott
 Publisher: US - Scholastic Press, 320 Pages, (February 24th, 2015), UK - Chicken House Ltd, 407 Pages, (April 2nd, 2015)
Add to Goodreads: USA Version | UK Version
Order online here: USA: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository UK: Amazon UK, Waterstones, W H Smith, The Book Depository, Foyles

Synopsis: What would you do to save someone you love? What about risking...everything?

In Fire & Flood, Tella Holloway faced a dangerous trek through the jungle and a terrifying march across the desert, all to remain a Contender in the Brimstone Bleed for a chance at obtaining the Cure for her brother. She can't stop—and in Salt & Stone, Tella will have to face the unseen dangers of the ocean, the breathless cold of a mountain, and the twisted new rules in the race.

But what if the danger is deeper than that? How do you know who to trust when everyone's keeping secrets? What do you do when the person you've relied on most suddenly isn't there for support? How do you weigh one life against another?

The race is coming to an end, and Tella is running out of time, resources, and strength. At the beginning of the race there were 122 Contenders. As Tella and her remaining friends start the fourth and final part of the race, just forty-one are left...and only one can win.

Victoria Scott's stunning thriller will leave readers' hearts racing!

About the Author:

Victoria Scott is the author of TITANS (Scholastic, Spring 2016), the FIRE & FLOOD series (Scholastic), and the DANTE WALKER trilogy (Entangled Teen). Her latest novel, SALT & STONE, received a starred review by Kirkus Reviews, and the first book in the series, FIRE & FLOOD, has been nominated as a YALSA Teens' Top 10 book for 2015. Victoria's novels have been bought and translated in eleven foreign markets, and she is represented by Sara Crowe. The author lives in Dallas, and loves cotton candy something fierce.

Find Victoria Online: Website | Blog | Twitter| Facebook

Let the Wars Begin: Its now time to make our decision, let's see what we think about the covers and pick our favorite cover.

Lisa Hands down, this weeks vote for me, goes to the UK cover. I just LOVE everything about it. I love the cracks and the feather and the colors... the only thing I think they should have made different was Victoria's name. I think she should have had her name a tad bigger, otherwise I MORE than love the UK cover.

I think the main reason why the US cover is a bit off putting to me is the eye. I have a thing with eyes, they creep me out and the longer I look into this one the more it's starting to creep me out. Otherwise I do really like the font used and the affects on the title of the book with this one.

So the UK gets my cote this week, which one gets yours?

Michelle When I first chose to pick these covers for our Book Wars post, I thought it would be an easy choice, but seeing them side by side it's not as easy as I thought it would be. I love the cover for the US version, I am obsessed with blue eyes, and this cover just draws my attention for that fact alone. I also like the added detail of the mountain in the bottom right. But the UK one also has the mysterious feather that still had it's relevance to be revealed (which I still don't know as I have yet to read this book). The UK cover also gives off a winter effect, with what looks like ice off to the side. After much deliberation, my vote goes to the UK cover. Snow and ice win over the blue eyes for me this week, I could quite happily live in this cover if that was at all possible. Don't forget to vote for your favourite cover below.

VOTE for YOUR favorite cover of Salt & Stone by Victoria Scott NOW!

"Waiting On" Wednesday is an event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. The purpose of this weekly event is to spotlight a soon-to-be-released book that you are very much anticipating. "Waiting On" Wednesday will also give bloggers an opportunity to share ideas for our TBR lists.

Title: The Killing Jar
Author: Jennifer Bosworth
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 352 Pages (January 12th, 2016)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Synopsis: “I try not to think about it, what I did to that boy.”

Seventeen-year-old Kenna Marsden has a secret.

She’s haunted by a violent tragedy she can’t explain. Kenna’s past has kept people—even her own mother—at a distance for years. Just when she finds a friend who loves her and life begins to improve, she’s plunged into a new nightmare. Her mom and twin sister are attacked, and the dark powers Kenna has struggled to suppress awaken with a vengeance.

On the heels of the assault, Kenna is exiled to a nearby commune, known as Eclipse, to live with a relative she never knew she had. There, she discovers an extraordinary new way of life as she learns who she really is, and the wonders she’s capable of. For the first time, she starts to feel like she belongs somewhere. That her terrible secret makes her beautiful and strong, not dangerous. But the longer she stays at Eclipse, the more she senses there is something malignant lurking underneath it all. And she begins to suspect that her new family has sinister plans for her…

Title: Between Shadows
Author: Chanel Cleeton
Publisher: (January 19th, 2016)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

NOTE: This is a "Adult/New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 18+

Synopsis: A sexy new thriller about love and revenge from the author of the Capital Confessions and International School series…

X lives by three rules: Show no weakness. Trust no one. Don’t get caught. She lives by the rules they gave her.

The Academy—set in London, shrouded in secrecy—it trains spies, computer experts, and assassins. Their mission? Dispensing justice and altering the course of world politics. Or so they think. In a world where secrets are weapons and some kills are impossible to forget, everything X thought she knew about her life is about to change.

They taught her to fight. To blend into the shadows like a ghost, to operate on the fringes of society, to change her identity with ease. They taught her to kill.

She’ll need every skill they taught her, to stay alive.

Title: Shade Me (Nikki Kill #1)
Author: Jennifer Brown
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books, 448 Pages (January 19th 2016)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Synopsis: Nikki Kill does not see the world like everyone else. In her eyes, happiness is pink, sadness is a mixture of brown and green, and lies are gray. Thanks to a rare phenomenon called synesthesia, Nikki’s senses overlap, in a way that both comforts and overwhelms her.

Always an outsider, just one ‘D’ shy of flunking out, Nikki’s life is on the fast track to nowhere until the night a mysterious call lights her phone up bright orange—the color of emergencies. It’s the local hospital. They need Nikki to identify a Jane Doe who is barely hanging on to life after a horrible attack.

The victim is Peyton Hollis, a popular girl from Nikki’s school who Nikki hardly knows. One thing is clear: Someone wants Peyton dead. But why? And why was Nikki’s cell the only number in Peyton’s phone?

As she tries to decipher the strange kaleidoscope of clues, Nikki finds herself thrust into the dark, glittering world of the ultra-rich Hollis family, and drawn towards Peyton’s handsome, never-do-well older brother Dru. While Nikki’s colors seem to help her unravel the puzzle, what she can’t see is that she may be falling into a trap. The only truth she can be sure of is that death is a deep, pulsing crimson.

Shade Me is award-winning author Jennifer Brown’s first book in a thrilling suspense series about Nikki Kill.

*covers are always subject to change.

Book Wars a weekly feature hosted between two book review blogs – A Life Bound By Books & Much Loved Books!

It’s a fact that book lovers know all about the covers of the books they covet.  Often when a title is released here in the US, it’s sometimes vastly different across the pond in the US.  So, Michelle from Much Loved Books and I have come together to create Book Wars to talk about the difference in covers when it comes to the US vs. UK versions.

We hope from time to time authors will chime in with their thoughts as well. We welcome everyone to comment and share their thoughts too! The more the merrier!

Before we get to this weeks Book Wars, we have a winner to announce. The Book Wars winner for Clockwork Angel By: is.....  !  Thank you to everyone who voted for both books, and for picking a winner.

Also, there's a poll at the bottom of the post that we'd love to hear your input for the two covers! Tell us which one YOU love the most.

Left: US - Right: UK

Title: Just One Day

Series: (Just One Day #1)
Author: Gayle Forman
Publisher: US - Speak, 416 Pages (August 20th, 2013) UK - Random House Children's Publishers UK, 400 Pages (January 10th, 2013)
Add to: Goodreads USA Version | Goodreads UK Version
Order online here: USA: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository UK: Amazon UK, Waterstones, W H Smith, The Book Depository

Synopsis: From the New York Times bestselling author of If I Stay

Allyson Healey's life is exactly like her suitcase—packed, planned, ordered. Then on the last day of her three-week post-graduation European tour, she meets Willem. A free-spirited, roving actor, Willem is everything she’s not, and when he invites her to abandon her plans and come to Paris with him, Allyson says yes. This uncharacteristic decision leads to a day of risk and romance, liberation and intimacy: 24 hours that will transform Allyson’s life.

A book about love, heartbreak, travel, identity, and the “accidents” of fate, Just One Day shows us how sometimes in order to get found, you first have to get lost. . . and how often the people we are seeking are much closer than we know.

The first in a sweepingly romantic duet of novels. Willem’s story—Just One Year—is coming soon!

About the author: 

Gayle Forman is an award-winning author and journalist whose articles have appeared in such publications as Jane, Seventeen, Glamour, Elle, and The New York Times Magazine, to name just a few. She lives in New York City with her husband and daughter.

Find Gayle Online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Let the Wars Begin: Its now time to make our decision, let's see what we think about the covers and pick our favorite cover.

Lisa When I was looking for books to feature in Book Wars! and I saw the UK cover I knew without question that I'd want to give this cover a chance to shine.

The US cover has always been great, however... I can't help but love the UK cover. I have a thing about the Eiffel Tower and the affects created for this over are just beautiful! I do love that they've carried the couple holding hands over so they're on both the US and UK covers... but I mean it's PARIS!

So, no question my vote this week is being cast to the UK cover. Which one do you love? Give a quick click to cast your vote below.

Michelle Oooooh, this is such a hard choice for me this week. This is the first time I am seeing both of these covers and I am really torn over which one I love the most.

**hours later**

OK, after much deliberation I finally have my cover. Guys, this was so hard for me to choose today. I love the UK cover, I love the Eiffel tower, the trees, and the sunspot effect. The US cover though, I really like how it's come together. A lovely romantic picture of a couple holding hands walking down the street, the shadows of buildings alongside, and the hint of a sunset or sunrise ahead.

For me, the US cover wins. I much prefer how this is a whole picture rather than a grid type effect like the UK cover has. Now, all I need to know is which cover gets your vote, and how easy or hard was it to pick? 

VOTE for YOUR favorite cover of Just One Day (Just One Day #1) NOW!

Today's the day!

Boarding a plane to the UK is always super stressful for me. With my anxiety it makes it even more difficult. This long of a flight doesn't make it any easier, but I can't wait! I miss my second home and all my family and friends there. It's been over two long years and to say that I'm homesick for the island is an understatement.

Tears will be shed, nerves will be a wreck and prayers for sleep during our first flight, the long haul flight will be a plenty.

I'll see everyone on the other side and will post as soon as I can after we've arrived. It might just be something quick, but I plan to take a few days off, if not longer but I do have some post set up to go live so the blog won't be totally dark.

So sorry for the lack of much content recently. I greatly appreciate your patience during this crazy time in my life. <3

"Waiting On" Wednesday is an event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. The purpose of this weekly event is to spotlight a soon-to-be-released book that you are very much anticipating. "Waiting On" Wednesday will also give bloggers an opportunity to share ideas for our TBR lists.

Title: Aced (Driven #8)
Author: K. Bromberg
Publisher: JKB Publishing LLC (January 11th, 2016)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

NOTE: This is a "Adult/New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 18+

Synopsis: Rylee and Colton's ride continues...

One moment. Six years ago.

The night she made the world around me so much more than just a blur. Now it's the catalyst that threatens to tear us apart.

Our happily was supposed to be ever after. So why do I feel like it's slipping through my fingers?

How can one moment, when our world seemed so right, resurface and cause our perfect life to spiral out of control?

I can't lose her.

She's my checkered flag.

Title: Unhinge
Author: Calia Read
Publisher: Ballantine Books, 400 Pages (January 12th, 2016)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

NOTE: This is a "Adult/New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 18+

Synopsis: In Calia Read’s electrifying sequel to her steamy, psychological suspense novel Unravel, a visit from a handsome stranger shatters a beautiful young woman’s vision of her picture-perfect past.

Victoria can’t recall much of her life before she came to Fairfax Hospital, but she prefers it that way. She holds her beautiful baby daughter, Evelyn, every day and that’s enough…isn’t it? But when Evelyn is taken from her, Victoria’s world begins to fray at the seams. It becomes apparent to her that the hospital walls aren’t the only obstacles standing between her and the outside world—Victoria has constructed a hall of mirrors deep inside, every false image a distraction from the trauma of her past life. A white picket fence, a family on the way…yet something feels amiss in her memories of a happy marriage. When a handsome stranger begins visiting Victoria, pressing her to remember her past, she struggles to separate real memories from refracted images she has created, knowing at last that only the truth can set her free.

*covers are always subject to change.

Book Wars a weekly feature hosted between two book review blogs – A Life Bound By Books & Much Loved Books!

It’s a fact that book lovers know all about the covers of the books they covet. Often when a title is released here in the US, it’s sometimes vastly different across the pond in the UK. So, Michelle from Much Loved Books and I have come together to create Book Wars to talk about the difference in covers when it comes to the US vs. UK versions.

We hope from time to time authors will chime in with their thoughts as well. We welcome everyone to comment and share their thoughts too! The more the merrier!

Before we get to this weeks Book Wars, we have a winner to announce.The Book Wars winner for Every DayBy: David Levithan is...!!!!!! Thank you to everyone who voted for both books, and for picking a winner.

Also, there's a poll at the bottom of the post that we'd love to hear your input for the two covers! Tell us which one YOU love the most.

Left: US - Right: UK

Title: Clockwork Angel
Series: The Infernal Devices #1
Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: US - Margaret K. McElderry Books, 544 Pages, (September 1st, 2015), UK - Walker Books, 479 Pages, (September 6th, 2010)
Add to Goodreads: USA Version | UK Version
Order online here: USA: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository UK: Amazon UK, Waterstones, W H Smith, The Book Depository, Foyles

Synopsis: When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray arrives in England during the reign of Queen Victoria, something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Friendless and hunted, Tessa weeks refuge with the Shadowhunters, a band of warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons. Drawn even deeper into their world, she finds herself fascinated by - and torn between - two best friends and quickly realizes that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

About the Author:

Hello Goodreadsers. Here's my official bio:

"Cassandra Clare was born overseas and spent her early years traveling around the world with her family and several trunks of fantasy books. Cassandra worked for several years as an entertainment journalist for the Hollywood Reporter before turning her attention to fiction. She is the author of City of Bones, the first book in the Mortal Instruments trilogy and a New York Times bestseller. Cassandra lives with her fiance and their two cats in Massachusetts."

Find Cassandra Online: Website | Blog | Twitter| Facebook

Let the Wars Begin: Its now time to make our decision, let's see what we think about the covers and pick our favorite cover.

Lisa This week is a bit different because the cover we have shown is the original US cover and the one I actually own, however the covers have since changed to the one shown above.

I really like BOTH the US and what's shown as the UK cover! I used to think that the cover shown as the UK version was so dramatic however the new US cover is pretty amazing! I like that it just so fits! I like how it's a bit brighter than the UK cover... and I also like that they've kept the images that are under the back ground to keep this in line with the original books.

So, it's without a doubt that the vote for this week, even with how much I love my original cover... is the NEW US version.

Which one do YOU like best?

Michelle This is an easy week for me this week. The UK cover has been around for a while with various stages of font design, and although it's been published for a few years, I wanted to do this today to include the newly designed US covers. The UK cover is very nice, and under any other circumstances I would have chosen this as my favorite, especially with the London background, but the new covers for the US books are AMAZING. I am so in love with the US covers for this series. I love how it focuses on an different characters for each book. I love everything about the makeover for the US book, and I really need to have these sitting on my shelf. It's a very easy US win for me this week, but which cover gets your vote?

VOTE for YOUR favorite cover of Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare NOW!

"Waiting On" Wednesday is an event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. The purpose of this weekly event is to spotlight a soon-to-be-released book that you are very much anticipating. "Waiting On" Wednesday will also give bloggers an opportunity to share ideas for our TBR lists.

Title: What's Broken Between Us
Author: Alexis Bass
Publisher: HarperCollins, 241 Pages (December 29th, 2015)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Synopsis: Alexis Bass’s heartbreakingly beautiful second novel is a tale of love, loss, and learning to forgive, perfect for fans of Gayle Forman and of Robyn Schneider's The Beginning of Everything.

A year and a half ago, Amanda Tart's brother got behind the wheel drunk and killed his best friend. Today, he's coming home from prison.

Amanda's been the one living with the fallout, made worse by her brother's recent unapologetic TV interview. People think he's a monster. Still, she loves him. It's her dark secret, until she starts getting close to Henry again--whose sister is paralyzed from the accident.

A year and a half ago, her brother destroyed his life. Now Amanda has to decide if she'll let his choice destroy hers. 

Title: Passenger (Passenger #1)
Author: Alexandra Bracken
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion, 464 Pages (January 5th, 2016)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Synopsis: passage, n.
i. A brief section of music composed of a series of notes and flourishes.
ii. A journey by water; a voyage.
iii. The transition from one place to another, across space and time.

In one devastating night, violin prodigy Etta Spencer loses everything she knows and loves. Thrust into an unfamiliar world by a stranger with a dangerous agenda, Etta is certain of only one thing: she has traveled not just miles but years from home. And she’s inherited a legacy she knows nothing about from a family whose existence she’s never heard of. Until now.

Nicholas Carter is content with his life at sea, free from the Ironwoods—a powerful family in the colonies—and the servitude he’s known at their hands. But with the arrival of an unusual passenger on his ship comes the insistent pull of the past that he can’t escape and the family that won’t let him go so easily. Now the Ironwoods are searching for a stolen object of untold value, one they believe only Etta, Nicholas’ passenger, can find. In order to protect her, he must ensure she brings it back to them— whether she wants to or not.

Together, Etta and Nicholas embark on a perilous journey across centuries and continents, piecing together clues left behind by the traveler who will do anything to keep the object out of the Ironwoods’ grasp. But as they get closer to the truth of their search, and the deadly game the Ironwoods are play­ing, treacherous forces threaten to sep­arate Etta not only from Nicholas but from her path home . . . forever 

Title: The Fractured Heart
Author: Scarlett Cole
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks, (January 5th, 2016)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

NOTE: This is a "Adult/New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 18+

Synopsis: All things, when placed under pressure, eventually break or leave a mark.

Tattoo artist Brody "Cujo" Matthews knows how to keep things simple. In life and in love. Abandoned as a child by a mother who refused to stick around to raise three boys she didn't want, he's intent on staying clear of complicated women. The only things complicated in Cujo’s life are the killer tattoos he designs and inks. That all changes when he’s asked to help organize his best friend Trent's engagement party, which means working with Trent's fiancée's best friend, Drea, the definition of high maintenance and sizzling curves. And the one woman he doesn’t want to walk away from.

Andrea "Drea" Caron is broke and tired. After years of caring for her ailing mom, she's at the end of her rope trying to manage the piling medical bills, two jobs, and a life placed on hold. She certainly doesn’t need the added frustration of a sexy playboy tattoo artist messing up her best friend’s engagement party or her carefully balanced life. But when Drea witnesses the abduction of a woman from the café she works at, she can’t help but turn to Cujo who’s determined to prove to Drea that he’s someone she can count on forever…but as they attempt to bring the truth to light, someone is working to bring that forever to a sudden, deadly halt.

*covers are always subject to change.

Hey everyone!

I just wanted to take a minute to write up a quick post and let you all know, with my husband and I getting ready for our move to the UK and the Holidays upon us, things here will be a bit slower than usual.

No need to worry, there are posts set for many weeks to come so it won't be a ghost town here, but a tad slower until after the first of the year. With packing here, the long flight and travel day, and my mother in law recovering from surgery right when we arrive... and Christmas, New Years and all that comes with it I didn't want to have to worry about things here online during such a busy time for us.

We here at A Life Bound By Books hope that you'll understand and will keep an eye out here for some pretty amazing things we have coming up on the blog in the New Year! I know I can't wait!

Tons of big things happening, you don't want to miss out!

So, until things settle a bit after New Years things here will be a bit quieter than usual. As mentioned above, posts are set and ready to go, there just might be a few days here and there without a post. Thanks for continuing to visit during this time and for understanding. <3

Book Wars a weekly feature hosted between two book review blogs – A Life Bound By Books & Much Loved Books!

It’s a fact that book lovers know all about the covers of the books they covet.  Often when a title is released here in the US, it’s sometimes vastly different across the pond in the US.  So, Michelle from Much Loved Books and I have come together to create Book Wars to talk about the difference in covers when it comes to the US vs. UK versions.

We hope from time to time authors will chime in with their thoughts as well. We welcome everyone to comment and share their thoughts too! The more the merrier!

Before we get to this weeks Book Wars, we have a winner to announce. The Book Wars winner for The Vanishing Throne (The Falconer #2) By: Elizabeth May is.....  !  Thank you to everyone who voted for both books, and for picking a winner.

Also, there's a poll at the bottom of the post that we'd love to hear your input for the two covers! Tell us which one YOU love the most.

Left: US - Right: UK

Title: Every Day 

Series: (Every Day #1)
Author: David Levithan
Publisher: US - Knopf Books for Young Readers, 322 Pages (August 28th, 2012) UK - Electric Monkey (Egmont Books), 372 Pages (September 2nd, 2013)
Add to: Goodreads USA Version | Goodreads UK Version
Order online here: USA: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository UK: Amazon UK, Waterstones, W H Smith, The Book Depository

Synopsis: Every day a different body. Every day a different life. Every day in love with the same girl.
There’s never any warning about where it will be or who it will be. A has made peace with that, even established guidelines by which to live: Never get too attached. Avoid being noticed. Do not interfere.

It’s all fine until the morning that A wakes up in the body of Justin and meets Justin’s girlfriend, Rhiannon. From that moment, the rules by which A has been living no longer apply. Because finally A has found someone he wants to be with—day in, day out, day after day.

About the author: 

David Levithan (born 1972) is an American children's book editor and award-winning author. He published his first YA book, Boy Meets Boy, in 2003. Levithan is also the founding editor of PUSH, a Young Adult imprint of Scholastic Press.

Find David Online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads


Let the Wars Begin: Its now time to make our decision, let's see what we think about the covers and pick our favorite cover.

Lisa This might look like it's an easy week, but it's so not. I love both of these covers so much. They're different and both are so eye catching and would make me pick up the book and want to read it.

However, the US cover is a bit more intriguing. It really makes you wonder what the book is about. You can't look away, you can't not pick the book up and see what the back cover says. And WOW! Is it a great book or what? I know I loved it.

So, this week's vote from me goes to the US cover which is just too unique to pass up. Please cast your vote below for which cover is YOUR favorite!

Michelle Like Lisa, this week is a hard one for me. The UK cover is one that is very eye catching, the brightness of the cover with the added mystery of the text. The US one has a totally different effect on it, and going by cover alone I would be more likely to pick up the US one if they sat next to each other.

I love the whole effect of the US cover, the clouds, the floating people, it all just works so well together to make it a truly spectacular cover.

It's a US win for me this week, which cover gets your vote?

VOTE for YOUR favorite cover of Every Day (Every Day #1) NOW!

Title: Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass #3)
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Publisher: Bloomsbury Childrens, 562 pages, (September 11th 2014)
From: Waterstones
Format: Paperback
Add to: Goodreads
Order a copy: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Synopsis: Consumed by guilt and rage, Celaena can't bring herself to spill blood for the King of Adarlan. She must fight back...

The Immortal Queen will help her destroy the king - for a price. But as Celaena battles with her darkest memories and her heart breaks for a love that could never last, can she fulfil the bargain and head the almighty court of Terrasen? And who will stand with her? 

Review: 5 stars - Wow!
What an action packed third instalment in the Throne of Glass series.

I will admit I’m late to the Sarah J. Maas party, and I can’t believe it’s taken me so long to really get into this series.

There can only be limited discussion about Heir of Fire. SOOOOOOO much happens in this book, and I’ll be honest I don’t know if I remembered all of it until certain storylines fell into place. We meet lots of new characters and discover through third person multiple view points, Celaena’s background, new colonies, enemies and allies.

We have always know Celaena is a strong character, determined in everything she does but Heir of Fire shows us the lengths at which she will go to.

I love the witch covens, that although they are similar, each is different. Their competitive streaks make for an exciting read. Rowan is such a complex character. I thought I had him sussed out at one point, but then it was like he had a complete personality transplant. He has the tradition warrior persona, but when he gets to know the true Celaena, he reveals more of himself and proves he can be a friend as well as a soldier. Mythical and supernatural characters are right up my street so adding witches and the fae into the mix with a kick ass heroine like Celaena and we’re onto a winner.

Seeing a softer side to Dorian was also interesting. I was a Chaol fan from the start of the series; so seeing that Dorian has a friendly personality and that he is willing to put so much into relationship is heart warming. However near the end of the book, we learn he has been betrayed by someone he loves and it nearly brought me to tears.

As I said, there’s only so much I can say without ruining Heir of Fire and the two previous books in the series. What I will say is you are kept on the edge of your seat for the whole story. There is enough action to rival the best Hollywood blockbuster. Intrigue and deception by the bucket load and characters that you can’t help but grow attached to.

A definite must read for fans of fantasy fiction writers such as Maria V. Snyder and Holly Black.

I can't believe another Thanksgiving is here.

Where has the time gone?

This year is a bit different for my husband and I and my family. We're getting ready to leave for the UK in a huge move. So for this years Thanksgiving we'll be spending it with my family here before having to say, what will be a difficult "Good-Bye". It won't be forever, but just for now as we take a leap on our next adventure.

So this year I'm thankful for more. So much more.

My family means the world to me and they understand our need to try to give living in the UK a go and because of this I'm so much more thankful for the time I get to spend with them, the laughs, the tears... every bit of it.

Skype and FaceTime will be our friend during this move. And I'll be back and forth for a bit doing immigration stuff so the true move for me won't happen until sometime next year. So baby steps all around will be appreciated.

I'm also thankful for all the words, books and authors behind them. I'm thankful for my book-ish friends and my blog readers - new and old. I'm thankful for everything big, but mostly the little things in life as they seem to make the biggest impact on our lives.

I hope that this Thanksgiving is a great one for you. Those who celebrate and those who don't will be in my thoughts. I hope you all have a wonderful day filled with family and friends, good food and those little things that make the world a much better place.

Be safe if you have to travel and remember, you can always go back for a midnight snack!

"Waiting On" Wednesday is an event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. The purpose of this weekly event is to spotlight a soon-to-be-released book that you are very much anticipating. "Waiting On" Wednesday will also give bloggers an opportunity to share ideas for our TBR lists.

Title: The Girl's Got Secrets (Forbidden Men #7)
Author: Linda Kage
Publisher: (November 28th, 2015)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

NOTE: This is a "Adult/New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 18+

Synopsis: Here’s the same old “girl posing as a boy” story but with a rock-n-roll twist.

Remy Curran dreams of one day being in a band, except the group she wants to join refuses to hire a girl drummer. So, she auditions as a guy...and makes the cut.

Becoming “Sticks,” a member of Non-Castrato, isn’t quite what she dreamed it would be, though. She spends most of her time keeping up the subterfuge and learning how to walk, talk, act, and drink like a man.

But what’s even harder to deal with is acting oblivious when the band’s heartthrob lead singer, Asher Hart, treats her like one of the guys and not a woman. She never imagined he’d be so much more than a pretty face with a nice voice. But he’s better than perfect. He’s perfect for her.

When love and lies combine, Remy must keep up the act or lose everything. But who knew lying to reach one dream could prevent you from attaining an even bigger dream?

Title: Lawless (King #3)
Author: T.M. Frazier
Publisher: (December 2015)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

NOTE: This is a "Adult/New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 18+

Synopsis: Thia is prim and proper.
Bear is leather and lawless.
It will never work between them.
It's a lie they almost believe...

*covers are always subject to change.