Thursday, October 31, 2013

Book Review: First Kiss by Cindy M. Hogan


First Kiss
NOTE: I received the eARC via Netgalley.

When I requested this book I had no idea it would be so short. That was both a good and a bad thing. Good - it didn't take much time to finish. Probably an hour at max. Bad - it can't really classify as a book, can it? It's just four short chapters that leave you hanging.

To be honest, I couldn't really get to like the girl, Brooklyn, who is Mormon. I don't know if that makes any difference in the real world, but here it does. It's like all girls in the community were forbidden to even kiss before they turn 16, and the moment they do - they're on the guy market. Gah! It sounded so made up! Like - one day you're off limits, the next day everyone's all over you. Like wolves on pray. Honestly, it gave me the chills.

And Brooklyn was this super innocent, naive girl, who never gave a second thought for a guy's motives in asking her out. And she's only worried that he might attempt to kiss her. Seriously? What about rape her, huh? She doesn't heed the numerous warnings she receives. She only runs off to share them with her mom and ask for advice. Imagine what the mother says - not a warning, not to be cautious, but something along the lines of "It's okay honey, I'm sure he (Luke) isn't a bad boy." Right. Like we haven't heard that one before, but coming from the mother of a girl with absolutely NO dating experience? It's simply unacceptable.

I honestly can't recommend this bookie. Not on its own anyway. Now if all the 'episodes' get put together in a single book - where we could see the characters develop and so on - then perhaps it could turn out okay. For now, I don't think so.


My rating is 1/5 stars

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Book Review: Storm Shells by G.J.Walker-Smith


Storm Shells

NOTE: I received the ARC from the author. Gemma, you rock!

Here's what I wrote Gemma, a.k.a. G.J.Walker-Smith when I was finished with Storm Shells:

"Upon my honor, Gemma, Storm Shells rocked my world! I had to read it as soon as I got it and now that I'm done, all my piled up ARCs pale in comparison!!! It's all your fault, too! How could you write such a magnificent piece of prose???????? I'm not kidding when I say that Saving Wishes is the #1 contemporary series of 2013. All three books blew my mind, and I think I'm gonna have to go back and read them all over again just so I could spend some more time with Charli, Adam, Alex and Ryan."

My feelings have settled now, seeing that it's been almost a month since I read the book. Guess what though? I'd write the same thing now. Storm Shells, just like the previous two books in this series, was written in such a brilliant way, finishing it made me want to cry. I need more, darn it! I don't think I'd ever get enough of this story, of the characters, of the little quirks of Charli's character. And of La La Land. Gosh, I need La La Land!

The whole book was mesmerizing. I couldn't put it down to eat, to sleep, or to do chores. I just had to finish it and that was that. The writing flows too well, bringing one scene after the next in a way that keeps you immersed into the story from cover to cover. I never ever wanted to put it down. To be honest, I didn't want the story to end at all. I will miss each and every character, be it a minor or a major one. They were all so thoroughly depicted, it was incredible. No character was done in a superficial manner. Even those that got 5% attention were well developed with depth that you rarely see.

The entire novel was full with ups and downs from beginning to end. If you've read the previous two, you'd know what ups mean. Ups = Adam. Downs = NO Adam. Yeah, you'd say that's borderline obsession. No. It isn't. It's love that knows no boundaries. It's love that gets mad, love that forgives, love that lets go. I won't say if there's a happy ending for Adam and Charlie. I will only say that those two had to go through so much - to grow so much - to get to the end of that book. Neither one was the same after the transformation of knowing the other.

Book two had me sooooo disappointed in Adam, I was ready to cry (I even teared up which is rare for me!). Book three's summary got me breathing hard. I was on edge the entire time not knowing whether Adam, a.k.a. Boy Wonder would finally get to his senses and realize that school and work don't equal happiness. He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He was selfish and stubborn but also incredibly smart and loving. Even when I was mad at him I couldn't NOT love him. Adam was Adam - Charli's Adam, but he became mine too. I loved him even when I was disappointed with his decisions. I loved him even when he let Charli go, even when he left her again and again. I thought "man, he won't ever sacrifice his law career, would he?" and a pang of pain laced itself around my heart squeezing, squeezing... Gah! That boy was one of the few fictional males who played with my head and heart way too much! I hate you Adam Decarie. I HATE YOU. AND I LOVE YOU TOO!

Charlie, my dearest Charlotte has grown into a real woman. Not a practical one, but a realistic one. She doesn't live high on unrealistic hopes anymore. She knows that Adam's love isn't enough because even though he loves her, he isn't with her. And she knows that her father, Alex, is the only man who would ever have her back 100%. There's this HUGE secret that Charli keeps from Adam and I believe she might've never told him, had not Ryan (Adam's brother) shown on her doorstep. You'll see what I mean when you sit down and read it, I won't spoil this perfect story for you. I'm just going to say that Charli is tough. She's smart and dedicated to all things RIGHT. She sees the world through a lens not many of us dare to use nowadays. I can only admire her.

And a word about Ryan. That guy is slowly winding his way into my heart. I just have a weakness for Decarie boys it seems. Anyway, I just can't forget the scene when he came to Charli, all dirty and sweaty from chopping wood with (as he put it) a 'real' axe. He was so excited! If I had been there, I'd been caught gawking at him.

Anyway, you see how excited I am about this series. It's for a reason - it's simply amazing! If you're into contemporary, reading The Wishes Series is a MUST.

My rating is 5/5 stars

Waiting on Wednesday #58

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Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly blog post by Jill over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights releases we're eagerly awaiting.

My pick this week is:


Title: Heartbeat
Genre: contemporary
Audience:  YA
Author: Elizabeth Scott
Release date: January 28th, 2014
Publisher:  Harlequin Teen

Summary:

Life. Death. And...Love?

Emma would give anything to talk to her mother one last time. Tell her about her slipping grades, her anger with her stepfather, and the boy with the bad reputation who might be the only one Emma can be herself with.

But Emma can't tell her mother anything. Because her mother is brain-dead and being kept alive by machines for the baby growing inside her.

Meeting bad-boy Caleb Harrison wouldn't have interested Old Emma. But New Emma-the one who exists in a fog of grief, who no longer cares about school, whose only social outlet is her best friend Olivia-New Emma is startled by the connection she and Caleb forge.

Feeling her own heart beat again wakes Emma from the grief that has grayed her existence. Is there hope for life after death-and maybe, for love?
 
 Why I want to read it:

First of all, I already read it and I feel lucky. I haven't written my review yet, but I can tell you the book deserves 5 stars. It's full of emotion, the romance develops over time and the characters are incredibly deep and realistic.

So how about you? What amazing book are you waiting on this week?  

Friday, October 25, 2013

Weekend freebee: The Muse by Kenya Wright

Hello hello my darlings!

Today I want to whisper a little secret. The Muse by Kenya Wright will be free on Amazon from October 25th to 27th!! But, it's NOT YA, so be warned. Amazon: http://amzn.to/1c0UHoG

Here's the blurb:

"What happens when Death is the Muse?"


On the first day of her nude modeling job, Elle deals with a corpse, an eccentric dark artist, his sexy brother, and a grandmother that can see someone's future by just touching their hands. Although these crazy distractions shove her on edge, it's just what she needs to mend her battered heart and forget about her ex-boyfriend. Besides, she does get to live in their castle for the whole three months.

Everything seems magical and perfect. Until more dead bodies are discovered.

There's something going on at night, right in the artist's garden. Under the moonlight, young women are being cut and sliced, and no one has a clue to who's doing it. And the more Elle is around the weird family in the castle, the more she realizes that they all are hiding secrets.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Book Review: Glittering Promises by Lisa Tawn Bergren


Glittering Promises

NOTE: I received the eARC via Netgalley.

I waited very (im)patiently for Glittering Promises to come out. Now that it has, and I'm done reading it, I wish it hadn't finished so fast. I honestly can't believe that this is the end of Cora's story. I mean, it is the perfect conclusion and all, but I just... gah! I wish it had lasted longer. You know? I kind of felt like this when Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows came out. Sad, mostly. Happy too, but...

So, let's just get on with the review.

I am amazed by Bergren's writing style. It is perfectly appropriate for the historical age of which she wrote. Sometimes I was bothered by the wording she (or rather the characters) used, but hey - just because we don't talk like that now, doesn't mean they didn't talk like that back in the day. In fact, I believe that Bergren has spent many hours researching speech, manners, societal norms etc. of the early 1900s so that Cora's story would become as convincing as it is. I was swept off my feet seeing how deep in the concept of that world the author has actually ventured into.

Each character acted according to their class, their place in society, their upbringing. Sometimes individual feelings were disregarded because of parental insistence. Sometimes the characters decided to stand up to their beliefs and understanding of all things important.

Undoubtedly, the most charismatic character is Cora Diehl Kensington. She is headstrong, independent and quite firm in making her decisions. Of course, being a new person in the high society, she feels a bit misplaced sometimes, misunderstood, spoken down to or flattered simply for the reason of her inheritance. Fortunately, she isn't vain, so mostly she doesn't care. I admire that in her. Especially when Andrew Morgan continuously put her down. I loved how she was beginning to open up to her father, to understand some of his reasoning.

William (the Bear) made me a tiny bit confused, to be honest. I was left with the impression that his heart was fully devoted to Cora. But then this Italian lady crossed his path and he got distracted. I understand that he felt insecure about Cora, whether she loved him, whether she really wanted him, but allowing flirting with someone else? That was way degrading. Then again, I did not come to like Will all that much to begin with. Sometimes he felt like the right one for Cora, sometimes not.

Pierre... *sigh* My sweet romantic Frenchman disappointed me way too much. I could've never expected him to fall so low in his pursue of Cora. He was always my favorite, my hero. And to slum it so bad! What a huge misfortune! I really can't talk much about him or I'm bound to say something spoilery.

Andrew on the other hand, surprised me not. He was such a jerk! I couldn't really understand why ANYONE would ever want his company. He definitely got what he deserved, and I'm so proud of Vivian and everyone really for sticking to what was right.

In the end of the great European journey, I can only say that blood is always thicker than water. Finally, finally Cora found her place in the world, and I can only congratulate her!


My rating is 5/5 stars

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Cover reveal: Entrusted by Connie Ann Michael

Blurb:

Thrust into a world of Native American legends about Skinwalkers and Ancient Ones, Emma

Hunter finds herself in the middle of a battle for a heart holding great powers – A heart hidden

Seventeen-year-old Emma wants what every teenage girl wants: a life that revolves around

school, her friends, and a boyfriend who only has eyes for her. Little does she know that in

order to get one, she must sacrifice the other two. After a series of events put into motion by

Luke, the boy she thought loved her, Emma is kicked out of her group home and her school.

Her best friend mysteriously vanishes and now she’s forced to move to a secluded coastal

town, where she hopes to escape Luke’s obsessive control. Instead, she finds her dreams

invaded not only by Luke, but Solomon, a mysterious Native American warrior sent to protect

But when Solomon shows up in her reality to explain he’s her protector, she soon learns that

he’s so much more. As Emma struggles to understand what’s happening to her, she must also

deal with her undeniable attraction to Solomon. Their connection is stronger than anything

Emma has ever experienced before and now she must decide: can she trust him with her

within her.

her.

heart? And just how far will she go to protect it?

You can add Entrusted to your to-read list on Goodreads

Information about the book:

Author: Connie Ann Michael

Genre: Young Adult Paranormal

Release Date: 18 November, 2013

Title: Entrusted

About the Author:


Connie Ann Michael was raised a city girl, but was converted to a country girl after college

and now resides in a speck of a town in Central Washington State. She is married to her

former boss as she worked at the local Pizza place and has two college age boys that provide

endless material for her books. She loves the outdoors and can be found mountain biking,

kayaking, or camping with her family. Being a busy family, she can be found working on her

newest novel while on long road trips.

You can find and contact Connie Ann Michael here:

- Website: http://www.connie-avidreader.blogspot.com/

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/connieannmichael

- Google +: https://plus.google.com/103953176939854420824/posts

- Twitter: https://twitter.com/connieamichael

- Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7169768.Connie_Ann_Michael

Waiting on Wednesday #57

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Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly blog post by Jill over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights releases we're eagerly awaiting.

My pick this week is:


Title: Switched
Genre: contemporary
Audience:  NA
Author: Cassie Mae
Release date: December 2nd, 2013
Publisher:  Random House Publishing Group - Flirt

Summary:

Cassie Mae redefines the New Adult genre with a novel that answers the eternal question: What do you do when you’re head over heels for your best friend’s guy?

Ever since high school, Kayla has been crazy for gorgeous football player Talon. But before she could muster the courage to tell him, he became a hot item with her beautiful BFF, Reagan. The only person who knows Kayla’s secret is Wesley, Talon’s best bud—and he’s got it bad for Reagan. Now they’re all in college together, hanging out 24/7. For Kayla, seeing the two lovebirds together is absolutely unbearable. So Kayla and Wesley hatch a plot to drive them apart before Talon has a chance to give Reagan the Christmas gift she’s been waiting for.

Soon enough, the once happy couple is fighting. Reagan suddenly can’t get enough of Wesley’s goofy sense of humor, and Talon seems to be paying more attention to Kayla than a guy who’s “only a friend” ever should. But just when everything seems to be falling into place, Kayla and Wesley accidentally spend a night together and discover a hitch in their plan they never considered: that switching partners may not lead to a perfect ending after all.  
 Why I want to read it:

1) Gorgeous cover
2) The concept sounds appealing
3) I'm a sucker for good contemporary romance :)

So how about you? What amazing book are you waiting on this week?  

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Book Review: Wild Cards by Simone Elkeles


Wild Cards

NOTE: I received the eARC via Netgalley, and honestly - I can't believe it! So a HUGE thank you is in order!

First off, I'd like to say that Simone Elkeles is among my favorite contemporary authors of all times. I loved what she did with the Fuentes brothers in the Perfect Chemistry series and there was no way I was missing on Wild Cards. When I saw the book come up for review on Netgalley, there was no thinking about it. I'd pressed the request button right away. Simone Elkeles is a very talented writer and I just couldn't resist reading whatever story she'd come up with this time.

I'm extremely happy to say that Wild Cards met all my expectations. The novel had everything a young adult audience wants - sweet romance, some drama, a cute boy with an unnatural amount of pain squeezed into his heart, a girl with problems of her own... It had it all, wrapped up in a brilliantly written novel.

Now, I've stumbled upon some reviews who point out the lack of football games here, even though the story is enveloped into the football field. To this I can only reply like this - I'm not a sports person, so I could honestly care less. I actually liked how the story revolved around Derek and Ashtyn, showing us how by being brought to live together, their lives changed completely. Their whole perspectives on the world changed. They grew and became better for themselves and better for each other.

Derek was a sweetheart, really. Sure, he was pretending to be a bad boy, but all he truly was was a lonely guy with a huge plate of guilt served in front of him. His mom had died of cancer while he'd been in a game. He never forgave himself for not being in the hospital instead. So, to punish himself, he quit football. And decided to close off to the world, push people far away from himself and act like a jerk. He would have continued down this destructive path, had it not been for Ashtyn. And his grandmother. That woman knew how to deal with Derek even though he'd never met her in his life. I loved the cute old lady with all her weird mannerisms.

Being a girl full of passion for the sport (although she was the only girl in an all guy team), Ashtyn worked herself hard on the field. So much so, that her team voted her varsity captain. Cool, eh? Yeah... except her scumbag boyfriend got angry and jealous about it and tried whatever he could to ruin Ashtyn's reputation from then on. And her dad, whose appreciation she craved like a fish craves water, didn't really seemed to care. It took all of Derek's craftiness to bring this girl back on the star where she belonged.

Sweet, funny and full of dreams, Wild Cards is a great novel to take your mind off of reality.

My rating is 5/5 stars

Monday, October 21, 2013

Book Review: The Next Best Thing by Kristan Higgins


The Next Best Thing

NOTE: I received the eARC via Netgalley. Thanks!

The moment I saw this novel on Netgalley I just had to have it! I loved "Someone to Love", which was a companion novel and thought that I'd like this one too. One thing I had overlooked though is that The Next Best Thing is actually written before Someone to Love. Frankly, I had no idea they were connected until I actually sat down and came across a character called Parker. That woman is unforgettable it seems.

To tell you the truth, back in the day (last year) when I read Someone to Love and was told to check out The Next Best Thing featuring Ethan and Lucy's story, I thought "What? Why? Those two didn't really catch my attention." I seriously couldn't care less about them. But now that I've actually gotten to know them on a more personal level, along with their hardships and feelings... let's just say that they were totally worth their own novel.

The Next Best Thing is your typical romance, full of passion, secrets and lots of drama. THere's also a tragedy, which both separates and brings together Lucy and Ethan. This tragedy is the loss of Lucy's husband, Jimmy, who also happened to be Ethan's brother. This is why the barrier between those two was so enormous, so tough to shatter.

Of course, there are a bunch of other events involved adding even more drama.

So, onto the characters. They were well developed, and I mean ALL of them, not just Lucy and Ethan. The Black Widows, Lucy's sister, Ethan's parents... everyone.

I loved Lucy, even though she seemed a bit too absorbed with the past, with the perfect memory of Jimmy that she'd built up in her mind. She was sharing a bed with Ethan on a regular basis, but she was so sure he wasn't the right guy for her. Sure, what with the Black Widows' fate and so on, I understand why she wouldn't want to fall in love again, but still... running away is never the right option, is it?

And Ethan? He was so sweet all the time. Lucy continued hurting him again and again, but he kept on loving her. I was hurting for him, hurting that he had to go into self-preservation mode because he was sick of being Lucy's plaything. He was sick and tired of being the next best to Jimmy. Even his parents saw him as merely the second son. He wanted to be loved and cherished. He wanted to be appreciated. And he wanted a serious relationship with the woman he loved. Was that too much to ask?

Sweet, full of passion, pain and the aftereffects of immense tragedy, The Next Best Thing is a great light relaxing read.

My rating is 5/5 stars

Friday, October 18, 2013

Book Review: Starry Night: A Christmas Novel by Debbie Macomber


Starry Night: A Christmas Novel

NOTE: I received the eARC through Netgalley.

I am a huge sucker for Christmas stories, which is why I requested Starry Night the moment I saw it. Boy was a I disappointed. You may not believe me, but I even forgot I read it, and only after I saw it on my to-review list I remembered about it. Not that I remembered it though.

What irked me a lot was that the writing wasn't realistic. Most of the conversations sounded a little forced. As if the characters themselves would rather say something else. You know what I mean? It made me tsk and shake my head quite a lot.

The lead female, Carrie I believe was her name, struck me as witty, which I liked. She knew her goals, and she was decided to follow them. But she was a bit meek. Her boss (and pretty much everyone else) pulled her strings too much. She wasn't her own boss, until the very last minute. True, she made the important decision, but everything prior to that? Nope.

And there was Finn. He was sweet I guess, when he wasn't spending all his time away from the world - which was almost all the time. He was described as a monstrosity of a man, with all that hair and beard. Gosh. It must've been scary for Carrie, seeing him at first. Finn must be the most stubborn fictional man I've stumbled upon lately. I kind of liked that about him, but it was also a super huge roadblock in his relationship with Carrie.

Anyway, it was a fast read. Nice, but not overly so.


My rating is 3/5 stars

Book Review: Sand Jewels by G.J.Walker-Smith


Sand Jewels

I received the eARC from the awesome author herself. Thanks sooooo much!

So, I know many of you will be a bit disappointed, just like I was, that Alex's story was wrapped up in a novella. *Sigh* Only 52 pages of awesomeness. I was going to cry when I saw this. I WANTED MORE, dang it!!! I can't have enough of Alex. Ever.

I can't have enough of his fabulous smile, or his ruffled surfer-dude look. Of his sweet character, of his love for Charli... It's simply not enough.

I'm glad this was written from Gabrielle's POV, because I didn't know much about her, her way of thinking... now I do. And I got to like her even more. It was nice seeing her feelings for Alex and Charli develop on a different scale.

But.

The way it ended. It made me want to start on Saving Wishes all over again!!!! I'm a sucker for this series. *sigh*

My rating is: 5/5 stars

Cover reveal + giveaway! SCINTILLATE by Tracy Clark

Today Tracy Clark and Entangled Teen  are revealing the cover for book 1 in The Key of Light Trilogy, SCINTILLATE. Coming out February 2014!

On to the reveal!


About the Book
SCINTILLATE
Author: Tracy Clark
Release Date: February 4, 2014
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Pages: 320
ISBN: 978-1622661459
Goodreads/Amazon/Barnes & Noble

Cora Sandoval’s mother disappeared when she was five and living in Ireland. Since then, Dad has been more than overprotective and Cora is beginning to chafe under his confines. But even more troubling is the colorful light she is suddenly seeing around people. Everyone, that is, except herself—she glows a brilliant, sparkling silver.

Troubled by these strange flickerings and fearing she is being stalked, Cora is inexplicably drawn to Finn, a gorgeous Irish exchange student who makes her feel safe. Their attraction is instant, magnetic, and primal—but her father disapproves and Finn’s mother orders him home to Ireland upon hearing he’s fallen in love. After a fight with her father, Cora flees to Ireland, both to follow Finn and to look for her missing mother.

There she meets another silver-haloed person and discovers the meaning of her newfound powers and their role in a conspiracy spanning centuries—a conspiracy that could end her life and change mankind forever.

Scintillate is the first book in this lush and exciting new trilogy, full of romance, adventure and metaphysical mystery.

                                      Exclusive Excerpt 


Finn began to play. Voices descended into a respectful hush. Soft strums of the guitar lifted and fell on shafts of daylight from the windows. A small patch of sun warmed my exposed neck as I listened. The orange beads of his bracelet flashed as he plucked the strings with slender fingers. His head hung over the guitar in reverent concentration.
His playing was amazing, sweet and peaceful. For a while I let go of how bizarre my life had become. I was entranced long before Finn closed his eyes and opened his mouth to sing. His voice was rich, smooth suede, perfectly suited for the blues: soulful and vulnerable. The kind of voice that reaches inside and squeezes what’s tender.
When he sang an Irish bar song called “The Wild Rover,” he got the entire crowd to join in on the chorus. A couple of times during his performance, his gaze fell on me and lingered as if he sang directly to me. I rested my chin on my hand, hiding my smile behind my fingers. The last song was in a language I didn’t understand, but my soul spoke that language. Deep inside, something cracked open so that a bit of my truest self could peek out. His music was bluesy and mournful, eerily familiar, and it opened my heart in locked places. A tear landed on my wrist.</ div>
When the final chord of the last song reverberated through the coffeehouse, the audience jumped to its feet and applauded wildly. The force of energy from the crowd knocked the breath out of me, making me dizzy. I dared a look at the people in the room. The colors were unbelievable! Such power. It rolled toward Finn in a wave, a tsunami in slow motion. I had the impulse to leap in front of him, to protect him from it.
My body jerked in response to the thought, and I squeezed the sides of the wooden chair, willing myself to sit still. I couldn’t trust myself and the strong urge to protect him. But from what? The big, bad colors I could see but that were invisible to everyone else? He’d think I was crazy.
Maybe I was.
A chill spidered up my spine. The man with the crazy eyes and pure white aura leaned against the brick wall a couple feet away, staring intently at me. Icy fear spiked through me, making my fingers tingle and my breath come in quick bursts. The sounds of the room fell away. My heart sped and my aura sparked as I saw the roiling ball of the crowd’s energy pass over the man and collide with Finn. But rather than crush him, the energy crashed and blended with his own bright aura, making it grow and pulse fiercely. He seemed to absorb the light until the room grew dim to my eyes.
Untouched by the energy, the strange man moved closer and closer to me. I called out to Dun, but he couldn’t hear me over the shouts and clapping. I was so small in my chair amid the standing crowd. The man and his dark eyes were all I could see. I tried to leap up to run, to grab Dun’s arm, to call for help, but my chest jerked toward the stranger as if I’d been punched in the spine. I couldn’t draw breath, couldn’t move through the thick ice of my draining energy and rising panic. I was hit in the face with a blast of air. Then, a sudden flash of white.
The world tilted sideways, and I slid off.


About Tracy:

Tracy Clark is a young-adult writer because she believes teens deserve to know how much they matter and that regardless of what they're going through, they aren't alone. In other words, she writes books for her teen self.
She grew up a "valley girl" in Southern California but now resides in her home state of Nevada with her daughter and son. She's an unapologetic dog person who is currently owned by a cat. She is the recipient of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) Work in Progress Grant and a two-time participant in the prestigious Nevada SCBWI Mentor Program.
Her debut novel, SCINTILLATE, was inspired by her enchantment with metaphysics as a teen, seeing it as the real magic in life. Tracy is a part-time college student, a private pilot, and an irredeemable dreamer.


Giveaway!
1 ebook of SCINTILLATE and a charm key US Only

1 eBook of SCINTILLATE International


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Book Review: Finding Valor by Charlotte Abel


Finding Valor
NOTE: I received the eARC from the author. Thanks Charlotte!

Finding Valor is the last installment in the Channie Series. As such, I was scared to start reading it, because I had no idea how good it would turn out to be. It's a real fear you know, seeing how many trilogies have horrible endings. Luckily though, it scored a great rating.

And there's a good reason why. Charlotte Abel has done an exceptionally good job finishing this series. Her writing style has improved over the years and it's quite obvious. Sure, at times it felt that the book was just too long, but I realize now that if it had been written any other way, we as readers would have missed out a lot. The events just had to unfold the way they did, or the effect of this final novel would not have been the same.

Finding Valor started out slow, with Joshua's lack of memory of all things Channie related. I loved how it was explained that he would remember certain things for an instant and then forget them right away because of the curse Channie's mom placed on him. This way it seemed that the pain of the emptiness inside his heart felt all the more excruciating. I don't know how I would've felt in his place - not remembering a single thing for the past (was it a) year. Not remembering being married and completely in love...

It wasn't any easier on Channie either. She willingly gave Josh up, just so she could protect him from her insane mother. How sad is that?

The intensity of the action was held by the two major events: a) Channie's sacrifice and b) the fight with the mage queen Dominance. Each chapter built up the tension even more, until I could barely wait to see what was going to happen in the end. I felt like skipping to those last pages just so I could know. You know? There were surprises at every turn and I'm happy to say I couldn't really predict them. I love that kind of book.

But what I loved the most was that all the characters grew throughout the novel. Joshua started out as a naive, disbelieving guy and became a recognized, responsible leader. Channie started out as a girl who'd lost all hope, but ended up with more than she could've ever wished for. Even Hunter had grown into a man who understood the comings and goings of the world around him.

Lots of mistakes were made, even more love came to be and I could only say that I was entirely satisfied by this final installment of the Channie Series.

My rating: 5/5 stars

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday #56

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Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly blog post by Jill over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights releases we're eagerly awaiting.

My pick this week is:

Title: In The Blood
Genre: historical fiction
Audience:  YA
Author: Sara Hantz
Release date: November 5th, 2013
Publisher:  Entangled Teen

Summary:

For seventeen years Jed Franklin’s life was normal. Then his father was charged with the abuse and murder of four young boys and normal became a nightmare.

His mom’s practically a walking zombie, he’s lost most of his friends, and the press camps out on his lawn. The only things that keep him sane are his little sis; his best friend and dream girl, Summer; and the alcohol he stashes in his room. But after Jed wakes up from a total blackout to discover a local kid has gone missing—a kid he was last seen talking to—he’s forced to face his greatest fear: that he could somehow be responsible.

In a life that’s spiraled out of control, Jed must decide if he chooses his own destiny with Summer by his side or if the violent urges that plagued his father are truly in the blood…
 
 Why I want to read it:

Are you kidding me? Look at this cover, look at the face of this amazing boy and tell me you don't want to read his story! I dare you!

So how about you? What amazing book are you waiting on this week?  

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Book Review: Hover by Melissa West


Hover
NOTE: I received the eARC via Netgalley. Many thanks to the Entangled TEEN Team.

Honestly speaking, Gravity did not have me swooning or panting to catch my breath. It was a nice story with nice characters, some adequate sort of action...

But Hover?

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy! Things have changed. Tremendously. So much that my rating has gone up!

I loved Hover. I loved the writing style, which was flawless and mesmerizing. I loved that there was action and passion and all things pure and holy in a world that is progressively dying. I loved how every single movement of a character seemed to be there on purpose.

Most of all, I loved Ari Alexander, who had started to figure out things about herself, about the importance of life, about truth as she knew it. About her own heart and where it may lead her if she'd only let it. Ari isn't the same girl she used to be back on Earth. Oh no. She's slowly transforming into a woman of importance. But not self-importance. We're talking appointed importance. Because people actually look up to her. And it's not that she's seeing exactly what her father was teaching her through all those hard lessons she used to despise so much.

And then there's Jackson. Traitor Jackson. Alien Jackson. Jackson, who is actually the most adorable, loving and caring male specimen in this series. He's endangered his life on numerous occasions in order to protect the people he loves. He's suffered through so much pain, and Zeus's attempts to break him, but has stood up under it all. Until Ari that is. Because she very well may be his undoing.

Things get incredibly complicated as Zeus's plans unravel. But hold your breath because that's not all. What Earth is planning is worse.

Pick up the book and stick around to see exactly what I mean. I assure you, you won't regret it.

My rating is: 5/5 stars

Monday, October 14, 2013

Book Review: Allure by Lea Nolan


Allure

NOTE: I received the book through Netgalley. Thanks a bunch to the Entangled Teen team!

Conjure, the first book in The Hoodoo Apprentice series was something really refreshing and I ended up really intrigued by it. Which is why, I had to have Allure and review it for you guys. I had grand expectations for it, and I'm happy to say that I wasn't disappointed.

Allure was as thrilling, as full of adventure, dark magic and pure love as Conjure was and let me tell you - you won't regret picking it up. It continues the story of Emmaline and Jack Guthrie and their friend Cooper Beaumont.

Unlike Conjure however, everything has intensified at least a dozen times over. Cooper's time is running out and the nearer his birthday comes, the more the Beaumont's curse seems to take toll on him. Then there's the private investigator who is sniffing around Miss Delia, concerning a certain mortar and dagger that had disappeared from the local Museum. Mix in Tannea (Miss Delia's absolutely outrageous great-granddaughter) and the bowl of misfortunes is almost complete. I say almost because there are a bunch of other twists and turns that came right at me, leaving me baffled. I kept on asking myself "What on earth just happened?" numerous times. In the good way.

I was happy to see that fourteen year old Emma has grown in character. She is stronger and more sure of herself. And her heart is beating with love for Cooper. Good thing is, it is now reciprocated. There was a certain thing I didn't like about Emma though. She wasn't assertive at all. A whole ton of questions kept on piling in her mind, but she never even tried looking for answers. There were a bunch of clues too, but she just never acted. I know she's just 14, but if she is to mess with the forces of darkness/nature/whatever, a certain shrewdness would be necessary.

Jack was definitely nicer, seeing that his skin wasn't falling off in this installment. And Connor... he was really sweet until.. well, until whatever had to happen happened.

Packed up with a slight edge of humor, lots of thrilling adventures, realistic characters who grow with each step they take, Allure is a read that would keep you up at night.

My rating is 4/5

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Cover Reveal: In The Blood & Will the Real Abi Saunders Please Stand Up?

Today we’re revealing not one, but two covers for upcoming books by Sara Hantz. In the Blood releases November 5 and Will the Real Abi Saunders Please Stand Up? releases May 6, 2014.

In the Blood

For seventeen years Jed Franklin’s life was normal. Then his father was charged with the abuse and murder of four young boys and normal became a nightmare.

His mom’s practically a walking zombie, he’s lost most of his friends, and the press camps out on his lawn. The only things that keep him sane are his little sis; his best friend and dream girl, Summer; and the alcohol he stashes in his room. But after Jed wakes up from a total blackout to discover a local kid has gone missing—a kid he was last seen talking to—he’s forced to face his greatest fear: that he could somehow be responsible.

In a life that’s spiraled out of control, Jed must decide if he chooses his own destiny with Summer by his side or if the violent urges that plagued his father are truly in the blood…

Excerpt

Chapter One

Pedophile: Noun

An adult who is sexually attracted to children.

Scum.

Sleazeball.

Creep.

Loser.

Lowlife.

Asswipe.

Dad.

Chapter Two

Benjamin Franklin. My Dad.

Not that Benjamin Franklin.

That Benjamin Franklin.

Pedophile and murderer.

Freaked out?

Did you even know a bastard like that could lead a regular life?

With a wife and two children. A son and a daughter. No, nor did we. Until it was too late.

Too fucking late.

The numbing shock when he was arrested. The disbelief. The conviction that the police had gotten it wrong. Way wrong. Even in the face of damning evidence, we knew that the truth would come out. That the evidence got switched. That there was a cover up, or something.

Something.

Then the police found locks of hair belonging to each of those dead boys, so well hidden in the little trinket box my dad’s mom gave him on her deathbed.

Then we knew. Really knew.

And that’s when our lives changed.

Forever.

Add In the Blood to your Goodreads shelf.


Will the Real Abi Saunders Please Stand Up?


Abi Saunders might be a kickboxing champion, but when it comes to being the center of attention, she’d rather take a roundhouse kick to the solar plexus any day. So when her trainer convinces her to audition to be the stunt double for hot teen starlet Tilly Watson, Abi is shocked—and a little freaked out—when she gets the job.

Being a stunt double is overwhelming, but once the wig and makeup are on, Abi feels like a different person. Tilly Watson, to be exact. And when Tilly’s gorgeous boyfriend, Jon, mistakes Abi for the real star, Abi's completely smitten. In fact, she’s so in love with her new life, it isn’t long before she doesn’t have time for her old one.

But when the cameras are turned off, will she discover running with the Hollywood A-list isn’t quite the glamorous existence she thought it was?


Excerpt

“Abi, for God’s sake, concentrate,” Zak shouts. “Fairies don’t look like elephants when they fly. Legs together, arms graceful, and glide. Please.”

My cheeks are crimson and I want to die. I know he’s the director and has the right to holler, but doesn’t he understand that the louder he is the worse I am? We must have gone over this move fifty times and I still can’t get it. And I know, without even looking, the other guys have lost it with me. It’s easy for them but I’m a kick-boxer, not a freakin’ acrobat.

And now Zak’s saying something to one of the crew. Let’s all guess what it is: get rid of the silly girl. We couldn’t get anyone more incompetent if we tried. In fact a monkey could do better.

Well, he’s right, a monkey could do better. Then again, a monkey wouldn’t need to wear a harness that cuts badly into its thighs so it can fly across the room. We’re doing wire work, the one thing I was looking forward to. Ha. What a laugh that is.

At least we’re not filming yet. This is just the rehearsal or, as they say, ‘prepping’. We’re in one of the studios that’s full of equipment with pulleys and wires. I’ve no idea how it all works, except that it keeps me up in the air. I thought we’d be doing this outside but it seems they film wire work stuff indoors against a big screen, and then edit to make it look like it’s outside by dropping in a background. As Mom would say: “the wonders of modern science”.

What I’m doing is really basic stuff, nothing like the things they did on the Matrix. Which it wouldn’t be, obviously. I remember reading that those actors had months and months of kung fu training even though most of the stunts were done by stunt men.

Right. This is it. I’m going to really concentrate. I will not be beaten. I can do this. It’s not hard.

I’m a graceful fairy, 

I’m a graceful fairy, 

I’m a graceful fairy. 

“Ready,” I call, for the first time feeling confident of success.

The technician holds up his thumb so I know we’re about to go. I take a deep breath, point my toes, bring my legs together and hold out my arms at a forty-five degree angle. So far, so good. I swallow hard as I begin to move.

Yay, I’m doing it. I’m actually doing it. Please let Zak say it’s ok. 

“Hu-fucking-ray,” booms Zak’s voice. “At last, she’s got it.”

I’ve done it. I’ve actually done it. I can do wirework. And even Zak’s sarcastic tone can’t spoil it.

A loud crash, sounding like someone slamming the door, gives me a start and I jerk backwards. My legs splay and I lose all control of my body, until suddenly I’m hanging upside down.

This so isn’t happening to me. My hair flops into my eyes and my arms dangle in mid-air. And let’s not even think about how shallow my breathing is.

Crap.

After what seems like an eternity (which is probably only a few seconds) someone starts a slow handclap. And here’s me thinking it couldn’t get any worse.

I figure it’s Zak and wait for everyone to join in. Except they don’t.

The silence is deafening. Until…

“Look at that crazy bitch. You’re surely not expecting her to be my double.”

Tilly Winters in the flesh. And none too happy to see me!

Add Will the Real Abi Saunders Please Stand Up to your Goodreads shelf.

Amazon | B&N

About Sara


Sara Hantz originally comes from the UK and is one of four children, having three younger brothers. Although she was an avid reader from a very early age, she didn’t get the writing bug until much later in life, though English was always one of her stronger subjects. She’s an avid sun chaser and now lives on the beautiful Sunshine Coast in Australia (via 10 years in New Zealand). She writes young adult fiction and her debut book The Second Virginity of Suzy Green was published by Flux Books and made the prestigious list ‘New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age’. Sara has a PhD in Education and lectured for many years before deciding to devote more time to her writing and working in the family hospitality business. She has two grown-up children and w hen not writing, working or online with her friends, she spends more time than most people she knows watching TV - in fact if TV watching was an Olympic sport she'd win gold.

Website | Twitter | Facebook


Giveaway

In celebration of the reveals, Sara is giving away a $50 Amazon giftcard! Use the rafflecopter below to enter.


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Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Book Review: Facade by Nyrae Dawn


Facade

NOTE: I received the book via Netgalley.

Well, wow! I was speechless after finishing this one. And, just like every amazing story, it had me absolutely depressed. Why? Simple - because it was over!

This is the very first book I've read by Nyrae Dawn and I must say that I enjoyed every single word of it. The style was flawless, the story was well developed, the world building was amazing and the characters had the depth of real life individuals. What more could a reader ask for?

I think I've turned into a Nyrae Dawn fan already, seeing that Facade made such a deep impression on me because it was so full of emotion, it was basically overflowing. The pain was tangible, making me hurt along with the characters. The passion was all-consuming and the love... Wow! The love blew my mind! Tough love, painful love. Love that is worth any and all sacrifice. Love that should conquer all in the end. It's that kind of love that makes a character really come to life.

Here all the characters were alive, though none was actively living. They were just trying to pass the day, to get it over with. Each one had a different method of accomplishing that, but in the end, it seemed to work. Or not. Pulled together in an unlikely manner, they slowly get to know each other and change accordingly.

Fists fly, words hurt, love comes and then goes...

But the core secret that this book revolves around is breathtakingly painful. I cried because the tragedy felt too great and heavy in places. What the characters went through set in motion a wheel of events that totally changed the grand scheme of things.

Delaney bore no fault in any of it, but she took the blame and carried it for so long, it had taken a toll on her very soul. Her family was broken beyond repair, but she never gave up, even when her mom treated her like trash. Thank heavens that at least her brother stood by her side through it all.

Then Adrian came in the picture. Or actually Delaney walked into his world, uninvited and shy, but resolved to do the right thing. And while Adrian was clueless that he and Laney were connected in an awfully twisted way, he tried very hard to figure out a way to hook up with her. In his current mindset, that's all he sees Laney as - a hookup. But then he writes her poetry, in which he shares his shattered soul. Slowly he realizes that there's more to this girl that he thought. Somehow she had become the only real person in his life. The only person who really matters. Only thing is, would learning the truth about Laney change his feelings for her?


And would learning the real truth change Delaney? Would there ever be a happily ever after?



My rating: 5/5

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Book Review: The Social Code by Sadie Hayes


The Social Code
NOTE: I received the title through Netgalley.

Oh boy! I love stories about smart girls! Especially about smart girls who aren't lacking common sense. And happy for me, Amelia is definitely an IT genius, a.k.a. a smart girl. But she is a lot more than just some geek who wants to bury herself in code. She's learned the hard way that there are things that are right, and things that are wrong. She takes a stand and decides that she wants to remain true to herself and stay away from trouble. No matter who blackmails her and how, she stands firm and I admire this about her. Amelia is such a strong character, there's no way that I wouldn't end up liking her.

Her brother, Adam is the most trusting and naive guy I've ever read about. I did not like that about him. In fact, it sort of made me feel sorry for him. And his hunger for money... let's just say that it wasn't fun to read about. That is not to say that money-wise he isn't being quite realistically portrayed. Just the opposite, it fits the plot and Adam and Amelia's past. I just didn't like how he seems to push Amelia to do the wrong thing or the less right thing so they could end up rich faster. In other words, he was sort of lazy and waited on Amelia to do it all.

Then there's has-it-all TJ. He's a mama's boy, quite used to luxury and the interest of girls. He's a curious, intriguing character and I wonder when he's going to get a real backbone and stand up to his father. Also, I have a feeling he and Amelia might be just right for each other, which would be so awesome if it happens!

In conclusion, I think that The Social Code is a pretty nice, fast read that anyone would enjoy.

My rating is 4/5

Friday, October 4, 2013

Book Review: Love Hurts by Beverly Scudamore


Love Hurts
NOTE: I received the ARC through Netgalley.

It's tough to review a book that seemed so unremarkable that I forgot what it was about the day after I read it. And it's been about a month since... I think you get my meaning. I had to read the blurb and several reviews, just so I could refresh my otherwise pretty good memory. It worked. Sort of.

Now that I'm better prepared, I can give my two cents on this story. First though, I'd like to say that I've read several books on the topic of violence and abuse in the past months, so I have to say that Love Hurts pales in comparison. A lot. Here's why:

- the title is all wrong; Love Hurts implies that there is love in the first place. Well, there never was anything beyond attraction which quickly transformed into fear.

- the writing style was unpolished.

- there were scenes/dialogues that sounded quite unrealistic.

- the girl, Melody was way too gullible. She was supposed to be smart, but it seems that in books, the smart girls always ALWAYS lack common sense and do the stupidest things ever. Like Melody here - after her best friend Dustin hooked up with someone else, she threw herself in the arms of the first guy who looked her way. She didn't even try to get to know him better before she started dating him. Sure, she did a little fb background check, but even though the results startled her, she didn't get suspicious. Later on, when she put two and two together, she just went with the flow, being afraid that Colter would somehow hurt her. Well, duh. He already did, isolating her from her friends, her sport team and social life.

- Colter was badly painted as a psychotic guy. I think that his character was made to fit the crimes, and not the other way around (which would've been the more accurate approach).

I don't really understand one thing, and it's common for all Teen books. Why do teens NEVER share their problems with their parents or with adults who are capable of helping? After all, that's what parents and such are there for - guidance, help, protection, etc. It's their job to take care of children of any ages, so why are they always absent or not caring? Surely, the statistics aren't that dire, are they?


My rating is 2/5

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Book Review: Indelible by Dawn Metcalf


Indelible

NOTE: I received the eARC from the publisher via Netgalley. Thanks

I have to say that I actually enjoyed Indelible a lot. At times it moved way too slow for my preferences, but I'm going to overlook that.

I did like the new twist to the idea of the Fair Folk. I mean, in all the books I've read so far, the fairies are always extremely beautiful, mesmerizing and evil. They never have good intentions and will always act selfishly.

Not so here.

In the world of Indelible, rarely is a fairy looking anywhere close to resembling the humans. Most look grotesque - like a merge of several creatures. Of course, there are a handful of fair maiden warriors who look stunningly gorgeous, but this seems to be rather the exception, not the norm.

Our main fairy characters here are two personals, namely Indelible Ink and his 'sister' Invisible Inq. They're made entirely of ink and the sole purpose of their existence is marking up the humans with the sigils of the fey. As in, ensuring that humans will continue believing in the Fair Folk, thus ensuring the survival of said faery creatures.

As you can see, this is an entirely new concept here. But somehow I'm failing to understand how a person (or whatever Ink and Inq are, really) made entirely out of ink could experience any semblance of thoughts, feelings, etc. And, what bothers me the most is that it isn't explained. Since I'm not one of those people who take any information as a given, I can't just pass over this, as if it wasn't an issue. It is, and I need answers.

I must say however that besides this fallout, the story was quite nice. It had a nice flow, depth to the world building and characters. It did remind me of City of Bones in the first chapter, but then the resemblance was gone and I was left reading an entirely new idea, which I really enjoyed.

So, the lead female, Joy, won me over even though it took her some time. What I particularly liked about her was that she rarely acted stupid. She asked the right questions and didn't stop until a satisfactory enough answer was provided. Of course, there was something special about her that made even that stone hard Indelible Ink notice her and mark her as his own (even if it were an accident).

Undoubtedly, that single action of his was where the story began. From then on until the end it was a whirlwind of secrets, impossible visions, curses, adventure, war and of course, the sweetest romance. Ink was such an inexperienced, innocent boy, I believe our world needs more like him.

My rating is 4/5

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Clark Public Library Meet & Greet!

clark 
Clark Public Library will be hosting an Author Meet & Greet on Saturday, October 26 from 2-4pm.

This relaxed, casual setting will offer readers, fans and book lovers alike time to meet and greet some of New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania’s very own authors.

Grab a snack, a drink and chat all things books. Delve into the mind of an author who may just become a new favorite!

Authors range in all genres from YA to Adult.

This event is free to attend and open to the public. The authors will have signed books for sale so be sure to bring cash if you’d like to purchase one. Attendees will have a chance to win prize packs containing books and bookmarks.

Please Register >>here<<
Authors attending:

Adult Authors
Steven Donahue & Dawn M. Donahue

Young Adult Authors
Where: Clark Public Library
               303 Westfield Ave.
              Clark, NJ 07065
              732-388-5999
When:  Saturday, October 26 from 2-4 pm
Please send any questions to the event organizer at lthorne@clarklibrary.org

Book Review: The Rebound Guy by Fiona Harper


The Rebound Guy

NOTE: I received this one from Netgalley. Thanks

Serious relationships, and serious guys are pretty hard to find. Kelly knows this, until Jason...

Wow, if I have to take this story for statistical purposes... with the rate of sexual abuse at work that the lead female, Kelly suffers through... lets just say I might never want to w work under the management of a male. Ever. Apparently they could be quite persistent, those bastards, even if you repeatedly tell them no. *sigh*

I respected Kelly for her courage in saying no, moving on and never giving up on her values. And I also liked Julie, the secretary, for making her boss, lead male Jason, hold his 'stuff' in his pants.

If there was ever a story where the main characters were really good for each other, this was it. Something major was lacking in each of their lives before they met, and their personalities evolved because of this amazing relationship, which was mostly not-official.

So, let me backtrack a little here. I really want to make a point in saying how great the writing style is. It's light, captivating and completely appropriate for this story. Also, the romance is clean and develops slowly. There's meaning to each step Kelly and Jason take toward each other, because no matter how much they want this thing between them to be just a fling, it can never be so. It's much much deeper. So deep in fact, that the mere thought of separation makes them both feel completely miserable.

I really loved Kelly because of her strong personality, her values and her positive influence. At the office she was hard working. AT home she took care of her two boys on her won. Her jerk of a husband left them to fend for themselves. And that after all that Kelly had to go through for cancer treatment.

Jason was the ultimate not-yet-grown-and-quite-enjoying-it bad boy. On top of that he was the CEO of a sports shoes company and has issues with this family. He was a jerk too, until Kelly came in the picture and took his reigns in her hands.

Like I said, those two were just made for each other. You'd surely enjoy The Rebound Guy as much as I did.

My rating is 4/5

Book Review: Water by Terra Harmony


Water

NOTE: I was given the book through Netgalley.

This is the first time I review a book in stages, but I think it worked out well. Here goes:

0-50%
I read a lot of recommendations and positive reviews of this first book in the Akasha series. Too bad I can't say anything flattering about it. Yes, the idea is nice and with some work could be done a lot better, but...

-The writing style is lacking. There's too much tell and too little show, from the second chapter on. Yes, it does pull you in with the first chapter, and the second one is okay, but all the rest of it is one big ol' mess.

-The characters don't behave naturally. It's like they're being pushed against their will to do what they do, and that makes me really dislike them. Also, there's no gray with them - it's either black or white, and we all know how realistic that is. Take Micah for example. He either runs cold (suddenly hating Kaythlin) or hot (passionately kissing her) and neither is done with a particular reason in mind. Kaythlin acts stupid most of the time, trying to mask it under petty sarcasm and jokes. Not funny ones. Cato... well, he's like a tree I guess. Shows no emotions whatsoever. And Shawn is plain disgusting.

-The idea of the plot isn't entirely clear. This Gaia persona isn't explained consistently. In the beginning, Kaythlin is told she's the only Gaia, but then we're told there's a bunch of them. I don't know, the concept just isn't entirely cleared up.

-The romance is rather lust than anything else. And how could it? Kaythlin and Micah just met and wham! So, definitely not love, but then I have no clue what else to call it either. And if Shawn somehow forms a love triangle, I'm gonna call it quits. Seriously.

50%-80%
Okay, so I guess some things have improved over the pages.

-Although Kaythlin still lacks a real backbone and reasonable personality, she's sort of trying. She is standing her ground pretty well for someone with a personality resembling that of a mollusk.

-Micah had me almost completely disgusted, so 2/3 of the available males make me gag and want to vomit. Great. If you're curious, the training he administered her could've really violated her as a woman. You get the idea.

-At least so far, Shawn continues being all hateful, brooding and completely disgusting - just as he was in the beginning.

-Cato says Kaythlin's no different than any other Gaia (so there are more then, huh?), but he also says she's special. From my point of understanding, you can't have it both ways, so which one is it?

And finally, 80% -
It was around the 80th percent that I decided it was funally time to put this book down forever. Why? I can't handle rape well. Yes, you read it right - rape. It's sick and makes me want to puke. I am disgusted by this point with all of the characters. None of them means anything to me more than random words on a random page. They're stupid, selfish, reckless and incredibly weak to even be called characters. For example, Kaythlin has the power to sink an entire island, but she has no power to fight off a man who's vandalizing her body with no regrets whatsoever. Ugh. I can't believe she'd rather give in than die fighting. In my eyes, she can be no woman.

So, I'm sorry - or wait. No. I'm not. I can't go on with this ridiculousness.

My rating is: 1/5

Cover reveal: Ruined by Jus Accardo + giveaway!


So, our beloved author Jus Accardo now has a New Adult novel coming up in November. If you're interested, here's the cover (quite mysterious too) and the blurb:



Hell is looking for a way to break loose…

Jax lost the genetic lottery. Descended from Cain, the world's first murderer, he's plagued by a curse that demands violence in exchange for his happiness. He left everything behind, including the girl he loved, but thriving on the pain of others is lonely… And it's killing him.

After a series of heartbreaking losses, Samantha put rubber to pavement and headed for college as fast as her clunker could carry her. But she can't outrun her problems. When an attack at school drives her back home, she's thrown into the path of a past—and a guy—she's been trying to forget.
Sam strains Jax's control over his darkness, but running isn't an option this time. Someone—or, something—followed her home from school: a ruthless monster with a twisted plan centuries in the making. Forced together to survive, and fighting an attraction that could destroy them both, Jax and Sam must stop a killer bent on revenge.

 

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18545084-ruined
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Ruined-Entangled-Embrace-ebook/dp/B00FILC2FM/
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ruined-jus-accardo/1117003674?ean=9781622661848


You don't know who Jus Accardo is? Shame on you! No worries though, here's some info on who she is, and where you can reach her:
 
JUS ACCARDO spent her childhood reading and learning to cook. Determined to follow in her grandfather’s footsteps as a chef, she applied and was accepted to the Culinary Institute of America. At the last minute, she realized her path lay with fiction, not food, and passed on the spot to pursue writing. Jus is the bestselling author the popular Denazen series from Entangled publishing and is currently working on the first book in a new adult series due out summer 2013. A native New Yorker, she lives in the middle of nowhere with her husband, three dogs, and sometimes guard bear, Oswald.


Website: http://www.jusaccardo.com
Blog: http://www.jusaccardo.com/category/blog/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/JusAccardo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJusAccardo


Also, there's a giveaway for a $10 Amazon Gift Card! Don't hesitate, go ahead and sign up!

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