Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Waiting on Wednesday: Poison's Kiss by Breeana Shields

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that highlights future releases that we're excited to read.

Poison's Kiss by Breeana Shields
Publication Date: January 10, 2017
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Amazon Link: HERE


Summary (from Amazon):
A teenage assassin kills with a single kiss until she is ordered to kill the one boy she loves. This commercial YA fantasy is romantic and addictive—like a poison kiss—and will thrill fans of Sarah J. Maas and Victoria Aveyard.

Marinda has kissed dozens of boys. They all die afterward. It's a miserable life, but being a visha kanya—a poison maiden—is what she was created to do. Marinda serves the Raja by dispatching his enemies with only her lips as a weapon. 

Until now, the men she was ordered to kiss have been strangers, enemies of the kingdom. Then she receives orders to kiss Deven, a boy she knows too well to be convinced he needs to die. She begins to question who she's really working for. And that is a threat that, once pulled, will unravel more than she can afford to lose.

This rich, surprising, and accessible debut is based in Indian folklore and delivers a story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. 

Why I'm Waiting:
While reading Graceling by Kristin Cashore I fell in love with strong assassin heroines, so the fact that Marinda (such a cool name!) kills boys with a kiss is so intriguing. I also love the fact that Marinda works for her kingdom yet when she's assigned to kill a boy she loves, she begins to doubt her kingdom and herself. I can tell there's going to be so much at stake for this couple.

What books are you looking forward to?

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Adult Review: The Danger of Desire by Sabrina Jeffries

The Danger of Desire by Sabrina Jeffries
Publication Date: November 22, 2016
Publisher: Pocket Books
Amazon Link: HERE
Received From: Purchased


Summary (from Amazon):
The third book in the sexy Sinful Suitors Regency romance series, this heart-pounding story shows why New York Times bestselling author Sabrina Jeffries is one of the most beloved historical romance writers today.

To root out the card cheat responsible for her brother's death, Miss Delia Trevor spends her evenings dancing her way through high society balls, and her late nights disguised as a young man gambling her way through London's gaming hells. Then one night, handsome Warren Corry, the Marquess of Knightford, a notorious member of St. George's Club, recognizes her. When he threatens to reveal her secret, she's determined to keep him from ruining her plans, even if it means playing a cat-and-mouse game with the enigmatic rakehell.

Warren knows the danger of her game, and he refuses to watch her lose everything while gaining justice for her late brother. But when she starts to delve beneath his carefully crafted facade, can he keep her at arm's length while still protecting her? Or will their hot desires explode into a love that transcends the secrets of their pasts?

Review:
When Warren's cousin asks him to keep an eye on Miss Delia Trevor, who always seems to be running off and keeping secrets, he reluctantly agrees. But as soon as he meets Delia for the first time, everything changes. She's not what he expected and because of her sharp wit and air of mystery, he's instantly attracted to her. But as soon as Warren begins to dig deeper into Delia's past, the more he discovers that she's putting her reputation and life in danger. Delia's brother committed suicide after gambling away everything, and she wants to find the man who cheated her brother and make him pay. But all she has to go off of is her brother's description of the cheater being a part of the aristocracy and having a sun tattoo on his forearm. So Delia disguises herself as a man and frequents a gambling den late during several nights so she can try to find the man her brother described. But Warren ruins her plans because he keeps getting in her way and threatening to reveal her if she doesn't stop her foolishness. And there's something about Warren that makes Delia want things she's never wanted before. Will Delia be able to get her revenge without losing her heart in the process?

The Danger of Desire begins at a ball where Warren's cousin asks him to watch over Miss Delia. Because of her own experiences with men, she wants to make sure Delia doesn't fall victim to any fortune hunters. But Delia is more than aware of what men are capable of, and has no desire to fall victim to anyone or to ever marry. Delia is witty and sarcastic and every scene that includes both Delia and Warren was a delight to read. Even their first meeting when they discuss being left handed was humorous and I could instantly feel the connection between them. Warren is surprised that Delia wants nothing to do with marriage, and that of course intrigues him even more. Warren is the typical rogue featured in most historical romance novels. He drinks, gambles, and sleeps with several women, never planning on settling down. And even though this character has been written so many times, I thought Sabrina Jeffries made Warren fresh because of his own internal struggles that have to do with his past and the face that he has ideas of what is right and wrong. For example, the reason he agrees to watch over Delia in the first place is because he wants to make sure no man takes advantage of her. So even though Warren is a rogue, he also has a kind side, and I thought Sabrina Jeffries created Warren with the perfect mix of both.

I genuinely loved this novel until half way through the story, because the story and the characters seemed to fall apart at that point. I felt as if Warren and Delia became less of themselves in the sense that they lost all aspect of what their beliefs were and who they were. Their characters became weaker and I didn't enjoy the relationship as much as I liked it at the beginning.

Overall, I would definitely recommend The Danger of Desire to anyone looking for a fun historical romance novel that features a spunky heroine and a roguish hero.

Rating: 



Monday, November 28, 2016

Adult Weekly Releases (11/28/16 - 12/4/16)

***The book covers and summaries may contain adult content




YA Weekly Releases (11/28/16 - 12/4/16)

Here are this week's new releases:

Tuesday - November 29, 2016
1.) Stay with Me by Mila Gray
Summary (from Amazon):
Didi Monroe has waited her whole life for happily ever after. So when charming Zac Ridgemont sweeps her off her feet, Didi believes she might finally have met the one.

Until she begins an internship at a military hospital in California. There she meets wounded marine Noel Walker. Frustrated on the outside and broken on the inside, Walker’s an irritating patient who refuses any care, keeping his distance from everything and everyone—including Didi.

Walker is strictly out of bounds. Didi knows this, respects this, but the more she tries to help Walker the closer the two grow. Soon neither one can ignore the sparks flying between them as their attraction simmers into dangerous territory.

But Walker doesn’t believe in love or happily ever after—not after what he’s seen. Not after what he’s been through. He doesn’t want to hurt Didi, but he doesn’t want to push her away either. She makes him feel peaceful. Hopeful, even.

Then tragedy hits, shattering both their worlds, and Didi realizes that love isn’t as simple as happily ever after. Love isn’t easy. It’s difficult. Messy. Complicated. Now all Didi has to do is decide if it’s worth fighting for.


2.) Avalanche by Melinda Braun
Summary (from Amazon):
A trip like that is exactly what Matt was hoping for—a fun adventure. A daring escape. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go cross country skiing in a thrilling but dangerous pass through the Rocky Mountains. The perfect way for Matt to forget about his disappointing father and maybe let loose a little with his best friend and a group of carefree adrenaline junkies.

But then their guide takes them off-path…and straight into an avalanche. By the time they make it safely into an abandoned cabin, one skier is dead and another severely injured. Trapped with no heat, no water, and no radio the group decides to wait it out. Help will come. It has to.

Until it doesn’t. And Matt knows if they wait any longer they’ll be dead—just another bunch of victims in Mother Nature’s twisted games. Armed with only a handful of supplies and his fierce determination Matt decides to goes head-to-head with the elements, battling hypothermia, frostbite, and even mountain lions in order to find help and save them all. That is if Mother Nature doesn’t kill him first.


3.) Dear Yvette by Ni-Ni Simone
Summary (from Amazon):
All sixteen year old Yvette Simmons wanted was to disappear. Problem is: she has too many demons for that. Yvette’s life changed forever after a street fight over a boy ended in a second degree murder charge. Forced to start all over again, she’s sentenced to live in a group home far from anything or anyone she’s ever known. She manages to keep her past hidden, until a local cutie, known as Brooklyn, steps in. Slowly, Yvette lets him into her heart and he gives her the summer of her dreams...
 
But in Yvette’s world things are never as they seem. 
 
Brooklyn has a few secrets of his own and Yvette’s past comes back with a vengeance. Will she face life head-on? Will she return to her old ways? Or will an unexpected letter decide her fate?



Are you planning on picking any of these up?

Thursday, November 24, 2016

Black Friday Bonanza Giveaway Hop

Black Friday Hop


The Black Friday Bonanza Giveaway Hop is hosted by Marlene from Reading Reality and Kimberly from Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It's a book related giveaway hop that 31 blogs are participating in. All the giveaways will run from 12:01am on November 25th through 12:01am November 29th (Black Friday through Cyber Monday).

On my blog I'm giving away 2 ARCs. The winner will get their choice of two ARCs from the following list:
  

 














a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rules:
-US ONLY
-Must be 13 years or older to enter or have parental permission
-Winner will receive an email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends
-Winner must respond to email within 48 hours in order to receive prize or a new winner will be selected
-Prize will be mailed within 2 weeks
-No contact information will be kept, I will delete mailing address as soon as I mail out prize in order to protect privacy
-I can't be held accountable for prizes that get lost or damaged in the mail


Make sure to visit the rest of the blogs that are participating in this giveaway hop for the chance to win more bookish prizes!


Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope you had a wonderful day with your families!


And you can visit my Instagram HERE to view more bookish pictures.

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that highlights future releases we're excited to read.

Maud by Melanie Fishbane
Publication Date: May 16, 2017
Publisher: Razorbill Cananda
Amazon Link: HERE

Summary (from Amazon):
Fourteen-year-old Lucy Maud Montgomery—Maud to her friends—has a dream: to go to college and become a writer, just like her idol, Louisa May Alcott. But living with her grandparents on Prince Edward Island, she worries that this dream will never come true. Her grandfather has strong opinions about a woman's place in the world, and they do not include spending good money on college. Luckily, she has a teacher to believe in her, and good friends to support her, including Nate, the Baptist minister's stepson and the smartest boy in the class. If only he weren't a Baptist; her Presbyterian grandparents would never approve. Then again, Maud isn't sure she wants to settle down with a boy—her dreams of being a writer are much more important.

But life changes for Maud when she goes out West to live with her father and his new wife and daughter. Her new home offers her another chance at love, as well as attending school, but tensions increase as Maud discovers her stepmother's plans for her, which threaten Maud's future—and her happiness forever. 

Why I'm Waiting:
The Anne of Green Gables series by Lucy Maud Montgomery is probably my favorite series of all time and I would love to read more about the author behind the books I prize. Lucy Maud Montgomery also seems to have many similarities to her main heroine, Anne Shirley, from Anne of Green Gables, so I know I'm going to love it.

What books are you looking forward to?

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Adult Review: The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
Publication Date: August 9, 2016
Publisher: HarperCollins
Amazon Link: HERE
Received From: Purchased

Summary (from Amazon):
Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman hate each other. Not dislike. Not begrudgingly tolerate. Hate. And they have no problem displaying their feelings through a series of ritualistic passive aggressive maneuvers as they sit across from each other, executive assistants to co-CEOs of a publishing company. Lucy can't understand Joshua's joyless, uptight, meticulous approach to his job. Joshua is clearly baffled by Lucy's overly bright clothes, quirkiness, and Pollyanna attitude.

Now up for the same promotion, their battle of wills has come to a head and Lucy refuses to back down when their latest game could cost her her dream job...But the tension between Lucy and Joshua has also reached its boiling point, and Lucy is discovering that maybe she doesn't hate Joshua. And maybe, he doesn't hate her either. Or maybe this is just another game.

Review:
During Lucy's first day in the office Joshua refuses to smile at her, which instantly begins a rivalry. From the beginning they can't stand each other with their constant bickering and harassment. And now that they're up for the same promotion, their rivalry is kicked up a notch. Lucy can't let Joshua win the promotion because it's her dream job at the publishing company she loves working for. But one day in an elevator changes everything and they begin to rethink their feelings for each other. Lucy is beginning to see Joshua in a new light, a light that might mess up her chances at a promotion if she keeps thinking about Josh in a romantic way. Can their hating game turn into something else...like love?

I absolutely adored this book. From the first page the author caught my attention with her witty writing and interesting characters. Lucy is a great heroine. She's witty, charming, quick and very relatable with her clumsiness and mistakes. And Joshua is the perfect hero. He's masculine, hot, and is very serious and determined. Their relationship together was perfect from the beginning (even though they didn't like each other) and I couldn't put the book down because I had to find out if their rivalry would grow into something more. I love reading novels that feature a love/hate (enemies to lovers) romance, and The Hating Game delivered. I could sense the sparks from the first page and it was interesting to watch Lucy try and sort out her feelings for Josh while also trying to stay focused for the potential promotion. The Hating Game is romantic. It's funny. It's perfect.

I would definitely recommend The Hating Game to anyone looking for a witty, well-written novel that features a love/hate relationship.

Rating: 



Monday, November 21, 2016

Adult Weekly Releases (11/21/16 - 11/27/16)

***The book covers and summaries may contain adult content





YA Weekly Releases (11/21/16 - 11/27/16)

Here are this week's new releases:

Tuesday - November 22, 2016
1.) Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst
Summary (from Amazon):
Betrothed since childhood to the prince of Mynaria, Princess Dennaleia has always known what her future holds. Her marriage will seal the alliance between Mynaria and her homeland, protecting her people from other hostile kingdoms. But Denna has a secret. She possesses an Affinity for fire—a dangerous gift for the future queen of a land where magic is forbidden.
Now Denna has to learn the ways of her new kingdom while trying to hide her growing magic. To make matters worse, she must learn to ride Mynaria’s formidable warhorses before her coronation—and her teacher is the person who intimidates her most, the prickly and unconventional Princess Amaranthine, sister of her betrothed. 
When a shocking assassination leaves the kingdom reeling, Mare and Denna reluctantly join forces to search for the culprit. As the two work together, they discover there is more to one another than they thought—and soon their friendship is threatening to blossom into something more.
But with dangerous conflict brewing that makes the alliance more important than ever, acting on their feelings could be deadly. Forced to choose between their duty and their hearts, Mare and Denna must find a way to save their kingdoms—and each other.

2.) Girl Online: Going Solo by Zoe Sugg
Summary (from Amazon):
As Penny starts the school year she's ready to face the world - alone. Noah has gone off the radar after ending his world tour early and no one, including Penny, knows where he is. So when she accepts Megan's invitation to visit her performing arts school it seems like an opportunity to make some new friends.

Helping everyone else seems to be the right remedy - Elliot needs her friendship more than ever, and she meets Posey, who she can really help with her stage fright. But is charming Scottish boy Callum the right kind of distraction? And can Penny truly move on when Noah's shadow seems to haunt her round every corner?

Book three in the number-one bestselling Girl Online series.


3.) Trouble Makes a Comeback by Stephanie Tromly
Summary (from Amazon):
Now that the infuriating and irresistible Philip Digby has left town for a lead on his sister who disappeared years ago, Zoe Webster is looking forward to a quiet spring semester. She's dating a cute quarterback, hanging out with new friends, and enjoying being "a normal." Which is of course when Digby comes back. He needs Zoe's help, and not just to find his sister.

Zoe can either choose to stay on her current path toward popularity, perfect SAT scores, and Princeton, or she can take a major detour with Digby, and maybe find out what that kiss he stole from her really meant. Digby and his over-the-top schemes always lead somewhere unexpected and Zoe's beginning to learn she might just like jumping into the unknown. When it comes to Digby, for Zoe at least, the choice might already be made.


4.) Scythe by Neal Shusterman
Summary (from Amazon):
A world with no hunger, no disease, no war, no misery: humanity has conquered all those things, and has even conquered death. Now Scythes are the only ones who can end life—and they are commanded to do so, in order to keep the size of the population under control.

Citra and Rowan are chosen to apprentice to a scythe—a role that neither wants. These teens must master the “art” of taking life, knowing that the consequence of failure could mean losing their own.

Scythe is the first novel of a thrilling new series by National Book Award–winning author Neal Shusterman in which Citra and Rowan learn that a perfect world comes only with a heavy price.


5.) Gap Life by John Coy
Summary (from Amazon):
Cray got into the same college his father attended and is expected to go. And to go pre-med. And to get started right away. His parents are paying the tuition. It should be an easy decision.
But it's not.
All Cray knows is that what's expected of him doesn't feel right. The pressure to make a decision—from his family, his friends—is huge. Until he meets Rayne, a girl who is taking a gap year, and who helps him find his first real job, at a home of four adults with developmental disabilities. What he learns about himself and others will turn out to be more than any university could teach him—and twice as difficult.

6.) Fate of Flames by Sarah Roughly
Summary (from Amazon):
Four girls with the power to control the elements and save the world from a terrible evil must come together in the first epic novel in a brand-new series.

When Phantoms—massive beasts made from nightmares and darkness—suddenly appeared and began terrorizing the world, four girls, the Effigies, each gained a unique power to control one of the classical elements: earth, air, fire, and water. Since then, four girls across the world have continually fought against the Phantoms, fulfilling their cosmic duty. And when one Effigy dies, another girl gains her power as a replacement.

But now, with technologies in place to protect the world’s major cities from Phantom attacks, the Effigies have stopped defending humanity and, instead, have become international celebrities, with their heroic feats ranked, televised, and talked about in online fandoms.

Until the day that New York City’s protection against the Phantoms fails, a man seems to be able to control them by sheer force of will, and Maia, a high school student, unexpectedly becomes the Fire Effigy.

Now Maia has been thrown into battle with three girls who want nothing to do with one another. But with the first human villain that the girls have ever faced, and an army of Phantoms preparing for attack, there isn’t much time for the Effigies to learn how to work together.

Can the girls take control of their destinies before the world is destroyed forever?



Are you planning on picking any of these up?

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that highlights future releases we're excited to read.

You Don't Know My Name by Kristen Orlando
Publication Date: January 10, 2017
Publisher: Swoon Reads
Amazon Link: HERE


Summary (from Amazon):
Fighter, Faker, Student, Spy.

Seventeen-year-old Reagan Elizabeth Hillis is used to changing identities overnight, lying to every friend she's ever had, and pushing away anyone who gets too close. Trained in mortal combat and weaponry her entire life, Raegan is expected to follow in her parents' footsteps and join the ranks of the most powerful top-secret agency in the world, the Black Angels. Falling in love with the boy next door was never part of the plan.

Now Raegan has to decide: Will she use her incredible talents and lead the dangerous life she was born into, or throw it all away to follow her heart and embrace the normal life she's always wanted? And does she even have a choice at all?

Find out if you are ready to join the Black Angels in the captivating and emotional page-turner, You Don't Know My Name, from debut novelist Kristen Orlando!

Why I'm Waiting:
I love the sound of this one! A teenage spy who's trained in combat? A friends to lovers romance? Yes, please! I actually haven't read many spy novels, but the premise of this one sounds so interesting because she's a teenager and feels the need to follow in her parent's footsteps, even if it means not living a normal life. I can tell there's going to be a lot of tension and a lot at stake.

What books are you looking forward to?

Monday, November 14, 2016

Adult Weekly Releases (11/14/16 - 11/20/16)

***The book covers and summaries may contain adult content





YA Weekly Releases (11/14/16 - 11/20/16)

Here are this week's new releases:

Tuesday - November 15, 2016
1.) Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy by Cassandra Clare, Sara Rees Brennan, Maureen Johnson, and Robin Wasserman
Summary (from Amazon):
The New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling collection of short stories chronicling the adventures of Simon Lewis as he trains to become a Shadowhunter is now available in print for the first time with ten brand-new comic illustrations!

Simon Lewis has been a human and a vampire, and now he is becoming a Shadowhunter. The events of City of Heavenly Fire left him stripped of his memories, and Simon isn’t sure who he is anymore. So when the Shadowhunter Academy reopens, Simon throws himself into this new world of demon-hunting, determined to find himself again. Whomever this new Simon might be.

But the Academy is a Shadowhunter institution, which means it has some problems. Like the fact that non-Shadowhunter students have to live in the basement. At least Simon’s trained in weaponry—even if it’s only from hours of playing D&D.

Join Simon on his journey to become a Shadowhunter, and learn about the Academy’s illustrious history along the way, through guest lecturers such as Jace Herondale, Tessa Gray, and Magnus Bane. Written by Cassandra Clare, Sarah Rees Brennan, Maureen Johnson, and Robin Wasserman, these moving and hilarious short stories are perfect for the fan who just can’t get enough of the Shadowhunters.


2.) Obsidian Blade by Morgan Rhodes
Summary (from Amazon):
In a garden of ancient ruins on the cliffs of Limeros, Prince Magnus comes face-to-face with a witch. The old woman incapacitates him with a spell, presses a single object into his hand—an obsidian blade—and tells him to bring it to a woman named Samara before the sun sets and his portal home closes forever.
 
A flash of dark magic transports Magnus back in time to a Mytica he’s only heard about in storybooks. Lost in this foreign land, Magnus sets out to find Samara. But a chance encounter with the rumored Witch Boy derails his journey. Magnus saves Maddox from a beating, but the cruel Livius is now on their tail. The sun is starting to set. Time is running out. Both boys must fight for their lives. 


3.) Hollywood Days with Hayes by Hayes Grier
Summary (from Amazon):
Twelve days and twelve nights in Hollywood with Hayes
Hayes Grier has just landed his first big Hollywood role, the lead in a big budget blockbuster film. There he meets Violet Reeves, an aspiring writer, who has also been given her first big break. If she aces her new job as Hayes’s assistant on the film, which means making sure he is on time, knows his lines, and doesn’t get himself killed, the director will read Violet's own screenplay. 
The only problem? Violet has a huge crush on Hayes. She has to keep her emotions in check, impress Hayes, and add some heart to her script. But what about Violet’s heart? Does Hayes feel the same way about Violet as she does about him?
Social media superstar Hayes Grier sets this story, based on the hit story on Episode (the world's largest interactive storytelling app), during the hot days and long nights of a Hollywood shoot. 
In addition to this novel, fans will get an exclusive, never-before-seen Q&A with Hayes, A Perfect Day with Hayes, and some family photos!

4.) This is our Story by Ashley Elston
Summary (from Amazon):
No one knows what happened that morning at River Point. Five boys went hunting. Four came back. The boys won't say who fired the shot that killed their friend, Grant; the evidence shows it could have been any one of them. Kate Marino's senior year internship at the District Attorney's Office isn't exactly glamorous—more like an excuse to leave school early that looks good on college applications. Then the DA hands her boss, Mr. Stone, the biggest case her small town of Belle Terre has ever seen. The River Point Boys are all anyone can talk about. Despite their damning toxicology reports the morning of the accident, the DA wants the boys' case swept under the rug. He owes his political office to their powerful families. Kate won't let that happen. Digging up secrets without revealing her own is a dangerous line to walk; Kate has personal reasons for seeking justice for Grant. As she investigates with Stone—the aging prosecutor relying on Kate to see and hear what he cannot—she realizes that nothing about the case—or the boys—is what it seems. Grant wasn't who she thought he was, and neither is Stone's prime suspect. As Kate gets dangerously close to the truth, it becomes clear that the early morning accident might not have been an accident at all—and if Kate doesn't uncover the true killer, more than one life could be on the line…including her own

5.) Time of the Twins by Kendall Jenner, Kylie Jenner, Elizabeth Kilmond-Roman, and Katherine Killmond
Summary (from Amazon):
In Time of the Twins, Lex, an impulsive military cadet, and Livia, a pampered Airess, have just found out they are twins, which is against the law in the great City of Indra. Now they are leaving behind the only world they have ever known: for Lex, it was the dark world of the Hub below the surface of Indra, where she survived the brutal Orphanage to become an elite member of Indra’s Population Control Forces, and for Livia, it was a life of luxury on the sky island of Helix, where she was brought up to be a Proper Indrithian Young Woman.

With help from the charming and handsome Kane, Lex’s best friend and Livia’s newfound love, and Zavier, a gruff rebel who would prefer to leave them all behind, they make the grueling trek through the dangerous underground tunnels toward the Outlands beyond the dome of Indra in search of the mother they thought was dead. When they finally reach the Outlanders' colony, they discover their mother holds the key to unlocking their past, and they must confront an ancient prophecy, “The Time of the Twins.” The prophecy claims they are the long-awaited “twin saviors,” destined to save the City of Indra from the oppressive High Council who have long reigned over all of its people.

Will Lex and Livia agree to be a part of their mother’s dangerous plan and take on the daunting role of the “twin saviors”? Will they trust their mother and put themselves in jeopardy to save countless lives? It’s a responsibility they never asked for . . . but one that may prove impossible to ignore.


6.) The Nerdy and the Dirty by B.T. Gottfred
Summary (from Amazon):
His classmates may consider him a nerd, but Benedict Pendleton knows he's destined for great things. All he has to do is find a worthy girlfriend, and his social station will be secured. Sure, Benedict is different--but that's what he likes about himself.
Pen Lupo is sick and tired of hiding who she is. On the outside, Pen is popular, quiet, and deferential to her boyfriend. On the inside, however, Pen is honest, opinionated--and not sure that she's quite like other girls. Do they have urges like she does?
When fate intervenes, Pen and Benedict end up at the same vacation resort for winter break. Despite their differences, the two are drawn together. But is there such a thing as happily ever after for this unlikely pair?

7.) Flashfall by Jenny Moyer
Summary (from Amazon):
Orion is a Subpar, expected to mine the tunnels of Outpost Five, near the deadly flash curtain. For generations, her people have chased cirium—the only element that can shield humanity from the curtain’s radioactive particles. She and her caving partner Dram work the most treacherous tunnel, fighting past flash bats and tunnel gulls, in hopes of mining enough cirium to earn their way into the protected city.
But when newcomers arrive at Outpost Five, Orion uncovers disturbing revelations that make her question everything she thought she knew about life on both sides of the cirium shield. As conditions at the outpost grow increasingly dangerous, it’s up to Orion to forge a way past the flashfall, beyond all boundaries, beyond the world as she knows it.

8.) The Turncoat's Gambit by Andrea Cremer
Summary (from Amazon):
Charlotte has spent her whole life fighting the British Empire, following in the footsteps of her parents and their group of rebels. But when her reunion with her mother laid bare horrible truths about the rebellion, Charlotte knew she had to escape. Now she is on the run, with no idea who the enemy is--or which of her compatriots is truly on her side. 

In this action-packed conclusion to the Inventor's Secret trilogy, full of swashbuckling pirates and young ladies who can hold their own against them, Charlotte will need to fight for her life and for her beliefs -- whatever they might be.


9.) The Girl in the Picture by Alexandra Monir
Summary (from Amazon):
Nicole Morgan has been labeled many things—the geeky music girl, the shy sidekick of Miss Popularity, and the girl with the scar. Now only one name haunts her through the halls of Oyster Bay Prep. The girl in the picture.

After heartthrob Chace Porter is found dead in the woods near the school, the police search for the girl snuggled up next to him in a picture discovered among his personal effects. A girl no one knew was even close to him—and whose best friend, Lana Rivera, was his girlfriend.

Nicole is that girl, and now she’s the primary suspect in his murder. 

What happened that night? Were Nicole and Chace dating behind Lana’s back? Were he and Lana over? Could either of the girls have killed him? 




Are you planning on picking any of these up?




Saturday, November 12, 2016

NA Review: After by Anna Todd

After by Anna Todd
Publication Date: October 21, 2014
Publisher: Gallery Books
Amazon Link: HERE
Received From: Giveaway


Summary (from Amazon):
Book 1 of the After series—newly revised and expanded, Anna Todd's After fan fiction racked up one billion reads online and captivated readers across the globe. 

Tessa is a good girl with a sweet, reliable boyfriend back home. She's got direction, ambition, and a mother who's intent on keeping her that way.

But she's barely moved into her freshman dorm when she runs into Hardin. With his tousled brown hair, cocky British accent, tattoos and lip ring, Hardin is cute and different from what she's used to.

But he's also rude—to the point of cruelty, even. For all his attitude, Tessa should hate Hardin. And she does—until she finds herself alone with him in his room. Something about his dark mood grabs her, and when they kiss it ignited within her a passion she's never known before.

He'll call her beautiful, then insist he isn't the one for her and disappear again and again. Despite the reckless way he treats her, Tessa is compelled to dig deeper and find the real Hardin beneath all his lies. He pushes her away again and again, yet every time she pushes back, he only pulls her in deeper.

Tessa already has the perfect boyfriend. So why is she trying so hard to overcome her own hurt pride and Hardin's prejudice about nice girls like her? Unless...could this be love?

Review:
Tessa's first year at college is not what she was expecting. She misses her boyfriend who's still in high school, and she has a partying roommate who's friends with bad-boy Hardin. The second Tessa sees Hardin, she's attracted to him. And even though he constantly makes fun of her and pushes her away, she can't help but wonder what it would be like to kiss him. And then at a party one night she finds out, which begins their relationship, if you can call it that. They're both attracted to each other but Hardin is so hot and cold that Tessa has no idea where she stands with him. And Tessa's turning into someone she's not to please him and that scares her more than anything.

This novel began as fan fiction, which you can tell by the length (almost 600 pages) and short chapters. The whole story revolves around Tessa's and Hardin's relationship and it's much of the same—fighting and then making up before fighting again. The scenes get repetitive after the first 200 pages and both Tessa and Hardin got on my nerves. First, Tessa is a doormat. She lets Hardin and everyone else walk all over her. She cheats on her boyfriend more than once and is a little pathetic when it comes to Hardin because she will do anything she can to make him like her. Hardin, on the other hand, is downright abusive. Although he never hits her, he constantly puts Tessa down and makes her feel worthless. I would recommend this novel to older audiences because of the graphic sex scenes and college aged characters. And although a lot of the novel bothered me, there was a part of the story that kept me interested. I wanted to find out what happened to Tessa and Hardin. But unfortunately this novel is part of a series with four other books, so you'd have to read all of them to find out where Tessa and Hardin end up. And even though I'm curious I dot think I'm going to bother reading them because many reviewers have said they're more of the same scenes over and over.

Overall, there's many things about After that I dislike including the abusive relationship between Tessa and Hardin, so I wouldn't recommend it.

Rating:





Thursday, November 10, 2016

YA Review: Forget Me Always by Sara Wolf

Forget Me Always by Sara Wolf
Publication Date: November 1, 2016
Publisher: Entangled
Amazon Link: HERE
Received From: Purchased


Summary (from Amazon):
Previously published as Savage Delight, this fully revised and updated edition is full of hilarity, drama, and heartbreak.

It's been three years, twenty-five weeks, and five days since Isis Blake fell in love, and if she has it her way, it'll stretch into infinity. Since then, she's punched Jack Hunter—her nemesis-turned-maybe-something-more—in the face, survived a brutal attack by her mom's abusive ex thanks to Jack's heroics, and then promptly forgotten all about him.

The one bright spot for Isis is Sophia, the ephemeral girl who shares Isis's hospital stay as well as a murky past with Jack. But as Isis's memories return, she finds it harder and harder to resist what she felt for Jack, and Jack finds it impossible to stay away from the only girl who's ever melted the ice around his heart.

As the dark secrets surrounding Sophia emerge, Isis realizes Jack isn't who she thought he was. He's dangerous. But when Isis starts receiving terrifying emails from an anonymous source, that danger might be the only thing protecting her from something far more threatening.

Her past. 

Review:
After Isis is attacked by her mother's abusive ex-boyfriend, she has to stay in the hospital to recover both physically and mentally. Her friend Sophia, who has been in the hospital for years, helps to pass the time but with all the therapy sessions, Isis can't help but wonder who Jack really is to her. After the accident Isis lost her memory of Jack completely, but Sophia seems to have a connection to Jack, too. Jack and Sophia are both keeping secrets from Isis and Isis can't help but dig into their pasts to uncover secrets that might devastate all three of them. Can Isis move past her memory loss and give Jack another chance or is there just too much history to start over?

This is the sequel to Sara Wolf's Love Me Never and the story begins with Isis in the hospital, trying to recuperate after her head trauma. Jack used to date Sophia, who Isis has a strong friendship with now that she's been in the hospital for so long. Sophia also suffers from medical problems because her mom used drugs when she was still in the womb. Sophia knows she won't live long but both Isis and Jack refuse to believe that and will do whatever it takes to get her better. From the beginning of Forget Me Always, the story is bittersweet. Sweet that Sophia and Isis find companionship in each other, but bitter because of Isis's memory loss and the fact that Jack is still troubled and trying to get rid of his guilt by taking care of Sophia. The relationship between Isis and Jack is more complicated now that Sophia's in the picture because Sophia still loves Jack while Jack it trying to move on with Isis. There's just too much complication for a happy ending, which was disappointing but also realistic. I love Sara Wolf's raw writing and her realistic characters. This book does leave off with a cliffhanger but the third and final book will be published in the beginning of 2017.

Overall, I would recommend Forget Me Always but I also recommend you read the first book in the series, Love Me Never, first.

Rating: 





Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Waiting On Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that highlights future releases we're excited to read.

Caraval by Stephanie Garber
Publication Date: January 31, 2017
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Amazon Link: HERE


Summary (from Amazon):
Welcome, welcome to Caraval—Stephanie Gerber's sweeping tale of two sisters who escape their ruthless father when they enter the dangerous intrigue of a legendary game.

Scarlett has never left the tiny island where she and her beloved sister, Tella, live with their powerful, and cruel, father. Now Scarlett's father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval, the far-away, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show, are over.

But this year, Scarlett's long-dreamt of invitation finally arrives. With the help of a mysterious sailor, Tella whisks Scarlett away to the show. Only, as soon as they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval's mastermind organizer, Legend. It turns out that this season's Caraval revolves around Tella, and whoever finds her first is the winner.

Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But she nevertheless becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic with the other players in the game. And whether Caraval is real or not, she must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over, a dangerous domino effect of consequences is set off, and her sister disappears forever. 

Why I'm Waiting:
I love the sound of this one! It seems like it's set in a different fantastical world and I love the idea of a carnival type show that the audience becomes apart of. Also, Caraval has been optioned for film rights by Twentieth Century Fox, which is very exciting.

What books are you looking forward to?