REVIEW: If He Had Been With Me by Laura Nowlin

If He Had Been With Me by Laura Nowlin

Publication Date: April 1, 2013

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Source: Book Purchased by Reviewer

Buy it at: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

My rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

I wasn't with Finn that August night. But I should've been. It was raining, of course. And he and Sylvie were arguing as he drove down the slick road. No one ever says what they were arguing about. Other people think it's not important. They do not know there is another story. The story that lurks between the facts. What they do not know-the cause of the argument-is crucial.

So let me tell you.

I can't handle my emotions right now! One moment please...

This book has left me reeling from the moment I put it down. I just can't understand how the author could do this to me. To all of us! Let me take a moment to explain.
 
From the minute you read the synopsis you know that a terrible thing has happened in this story. At the moment it's not so terrible though because you don't know the characters. There are no emotional ties between you and them. But as soon as you start to read the book and get to know the characters you instantly fall in love with them. This is what makes this book so difficult to read. The entire time you're reading it and falling in love with the characters, you know that something is going to happen to one of them and you're secretly praying that it doesn't. Maybe the author was joking you think, just trying to get your attention. But NOPE! That is not the case at all. Laura Nowlin is officially the master of heartbreak. She tricked me and made me fall in love with someone that she knew I couldn't keep. I hate her for this! But I have to admit that it makes the story unique.

Autumn and Finny are best friends. Their mothers are best friends. They are also neighbors. Throughout the years they begin to drift apart and are in relationships with different people but somehow end up back together again. We see their relationship from the beginning of high school to the end and get to see the transformation throughout.

As a character I actually really like Autumn. She's kind of a weirdo and everyone knows it but she totally owns it. I admire that she was never embarrassed to just be herself. Of course when it comes to Finny, I think she was completely blind to the affections he had for her. It couldn't have been more obvious if neon signs were flashing in her face! I think she tried really hard to pretend she didn't notice sometimes.

Finny, of course, completely stole my heart. He wasn't some alpha male ego type. He was kind and considerate and had no problem blushing when Autumn pretty much did anything. I really liked that about him. I feel like the story should have been opposite. He should have been the MC. I would have loved to hear his thoughts. Especially when Autumn was around. Once they finally "connected" it was pretty much the happiest moment of the book. Shadowed only by the tragic accident that shortly followed.

Leading me to my biggest peeve of the book. My only peeve actually. That ending! I feel like the author ruined the entire book with the last chapter. Finny deserved better. So did Autumn. That was nowhere near the ending I'd imagined. I can't deny though that even though i'm furious with how it ended my heart still aches for it. Knowing how everything went down and how unfair and hopeless it felt. Without that ending this would have been a five star review. The ending dramatically dropped it. Would I recommend it? I'm not sure...Maybe.

REVIEW: Boomerang (Boomerang #1) by Noelle August

Boomerang (Boomerang #1) by Noelle August

Publication Date: July 8, 2014

Publisher: William Morrow
Source: Book Purchased by Reviewer

Buy it at: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

My rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

Welcome to Boomerang.com, the dating site for the millennial gen with its no-fuss, no-commitments matchups, and where work is steamier than any random hook-up.

Mia Galliano is an aspiring filmmaker. Ethan Vance has just played his last game as a colligiate soccer star. They're sharp, hungry for success, and they share a secret.

Last night, Ethan and Mia met at a bar, and, well...one thing led to another, which led to them waking up the next morning-together. Things turned awkward in a hurry when they found themselves sharing a post hook-up taxi...to the same place: Boomerang headquarters.

What began as a powerful connection between them is treated to a cold shower courtesy of two major complications. First, Boomerang has a strict policy against co-worker datings. And second, they're now competitors for only one job at the end of the summer. 

As their internships come to an end, will they manage to keep their eyes on the future and their hands off each other, or will the pull of attraction put them right back where they started?

I'm not normally one for New Adult, but I have to admit that I really loved this book. I tend to stick close to the Young Adult genre, but after reading the Under the Never Sky series by Veronica Rossi I decided long ago that I would read anything she writes. So naturally I stalked her at the book launch in Tampa, Florida and got my copy signed the day it released. [Pats self on back!]

We meet Mia and Ethan after a special one night stand. After waking up and realizing that they are both late for a new job in the same area. They decide to share a cab to save time and money. When the cab arrives they realize that they are starting their first day at the same job. How awkward right? The opening scene was definitely a great intro to the story and gave us a feel for Mia and Ethan as characters.

Overall Mia and Ethan were both really fun and likeable. I loved how easy their banter was and how sarcastic they both were with each other. It made them both really fun to read. I especially loved the chemistry between them which was obvious from the first page to the last page. The little bouts of jealousy they both had over the others dates with potential Boomerang clients was especially fun to read. They really were just perfect together and so cute to watch the relationship bloom.

Lorin and Veronica both did great jobs with the character building for each chapter. I definitely love these two working together and can't wait to read the rest of the series with them.

REVIEW: United We Spy (Gallagher Girls #6) by Ally Carter

United We Spy (Gallagher Girls #6) by Ally Carter

Publication Date: July 29, 2014

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Source: Book Purchased By Reviewer

Buy it at: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

My rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

Cammie Morgan has lost her father and her memory, but in the heart-pounding conclusion to the bestselling Gallagher Girls series, she finds her greatest mission yet. Cammie and her friends finally know why the terrorist organization called the Circle of Cavan has been hunting her. Now the spy girls and Zach must track down the Circle’s elite members to stop them before they implement a master plan that will change Cammie-and her country-forever.

Let me start by saying that I'm so sad that this series is finished. It feels like an old fiend that i'm being forced to say goodbye to. For as long as I can remember, I was a Gallagher Girl. Now, I feel like their graduation was also my graduation and now it's time to grow up and say goodbye. I feel unready and unwilling to face this cruel world alone, but I know that the skills i've learned over the years will guide me. Cammie, Bex, Macey, and even Liz will guide me. I've learned so much from them over the years, I just hope that I can make my life as exceptional as they have made theirs.

I feel like their is so much I want to tell you about this final installment of the Gallagher Girls series, but I know that I really can't say much without giving it all away. If only the synopsis gave just a little bit more details. Oh well. Looks like all you get to read from is how it all made me feeeeeeel.

Of course, I can still state the obvious. Like the fact that Zachary Goode is still the swooniest boy ever! And I will pretty much base all of my future boyfriends off of his character. After all, it only takes one word from him to make me swoon every time. Read: Spy (as he points to himself) swoooooooonnnnnnn!!!!

I think that the author, without knowing it at the time, gave us a gift with this series. She gave us a world that is real enough to actually be true! She gave us the hope that their lives could be OUR lives! She gave us a realistic girl with a (possibly) realistic life and a realistic problem that we can all (semi) relate to. Ally Carter probably didn't know it at the time, but she gave us a dream. A dream that could reshape our entire lives just by letting us believe and KNOW that we could be just as good as the Gallagher Girls because deep inside we're ALL Gallagher Girls! Thanks for the great ride, Ally!

FEATURE: Waiting on Wednesday~ The Prom Goers Interstellar Excursion by Chris McCoy (#47)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Morning Swooners :-)

This week my "can't-wait-to-read" pre-publication selections are:

The Prom Goers Interstellar Excursion by Chris McCoy

Expected release date: April 14, 2015

Purchase: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Summary from Goodreads:

Just a few days before prom, Bennett pulls off something he never imagined possible: his dream girl, Sophie, agrees to be his date. Moments afterward, however, he watches Sophie get abducted by aliens in the middle of the New Mexico desert.

Faced with a dateless prom (and likely kidnapping charges), Bennett does the only thing he can think of: he catches a ride into outer space with a band of extraterrestrial musicians to bring her back.

Can he navigate alien concert venues, an extraterrestrial reality show, and the band’s outlandish egos to rescue his date in time for the big dance? 

Why I'm waiting:

Okay, so it sounds a little cheesy and kind of silly, but I really think it will be a fun read! Who's with me!? (hehe)

What are you anxiously waiting for?

FEATURE: Waiting on Wednesday~ Save me by Jenny Elliott (#45)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Morning Swooners :-)

This week my "can't-wait-to-read" pre-publication selections are:

Save Me by Jenny Elliott

Expected release date: January 6, 2015

Purchase: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Summary from Goodreads:

Something strange is going on in the tiny coastal town of Liberty, Oregon. Cara has never seen a whale swim close enough for her to touch it—let alone knock her into the freezing water. Fortunately, cute newcomer David is there to save her, and the rescue leads to a bond deeper than Cara ever imagined.

But then she learns something about David that changes everything, and Cara is devastated. She turns to her best friend for support, but Rachel has changed. She’s suddenly into witchcraft, and is becoming dangerously obsessed with her new boyfriend….

Cara has lost her best friend, discovered that her soul mate is off limits, and has attracted the attention of a stalker. But she’s not completely alone. Her mysterious, gorgeous new friend Garren is there to support her. But is Garren possibly too perfect?

Why I'm waiting:

There's just so much going on with his story. The possible love interest(s), the stalker, and the witchcraft obsessed best friend. WTF!? Not to mention that beautiful cover. I can't stop staring at it. I seriously need to get my hands on this book STAT!

What are you anxiously waiting for?

FEATURE: Waiting on Wednesday~ The Wondrous and the Wicked (The Dispossessed #3) by Page Morgan (#44)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Morning Swooners :-)

This week my "can't-wait-to-read" pre-publication selections are:

The Wondrous and the Wicked (The Dispossessed #3) by Page Morgan

Expected release date: April 14, 2015

Purchase: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Summary from Goodreads:

Since the Waverlys arrived in Paris, the streets have grown more fearsome by the day. As Ingrid learns to master her lecrux gift, she must watch Axia’s power grow strong enough to extend beyond her Underneath hive. By all indications, the fallen angel’s Harvest is near-and the timing couldn’t be worse.

Targeted by vengeful gargoyles, Gabby has been exiled to London for her own protection. Meanwhile, the gargoyle castes are in disarray, divided between those who want Luc to lead them and those who resent him and his fondness for humans. The Alliance is crumbling from the inside as well, its members turning against one another, and possibly against the Waverlys, too.

Axia has promised that the world will burn. And now, unable to trust the Alliance, separated from Luc, gabby, and her twin, Grayson, Ingrid is left to face the demon uprising alone.

Why I'm waiting:

I came across this series during another WoW and it sounds so flipping good! I seriously cant wait to get my hands on this so i can actually start the series (I know, I know, don't judge! lol)

What are you anxiously waiting for?