REVIEW: The Night We Said Yes (The Night We Said Yes #1) by Lauren Gibaldi

The Night We Said Yes (The Night We Said Yes #1) by Lauren Gibaldi

Publication Date: June 16, 2015

Publisher: Harper Teen
Source: Book Purchased by Reviewer

Buy it at: Amazon / Barnes and Noble


My rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

Before Matt, Ella had a plan. Get over a no-good ex-boyfriend. Graduate from high school without any more distractions. Move away from Orlando, Florida, where she’s lived her entire life.

But Matt—the cute, shy, bespectacled bass player who just moved to town—was never part of that plan.

And neither was attending a party that was crashed by the cops just minutes after they arrived. Or spending an entire night saying “yes” to every crazy, fun thing they could think of.

Then Matt abruptly left town, and he broke not only Ella’s heart but those of their best friends, too. So when he shows up a year later with a plan of his own—to relive the night that brought them together—Ella isn’t sure whether Matt’s worth a second chance. Or if re-creating the past can help them create a different future.

The Night We Said Yes is perfect for anyone looking for a cute and fun read. Filled with romance and heartbreak and lots of questions to keep you intrigued and happy while reading. We go back and forth between the past and present with our main character, Ella, and her ex boyfriend/current love interest Matt. All we know is that Matt up and left Ella a year ago without any explanation or reasoning as to why. Then on this very special night he shows up again and Ella's world is thrown for a whirlwind. We're the lucky few that get to go on that whirlwind journey with her to learn why he left and why he's back and why he's looking at her like he still cares about her. SO MANY QUESTIONS....

I always think there's something special about a book that takes place in one day. So many options and possibilities about what can happen and where the story will go in the short time we're in this world with the characters.  I like stories with positive outcomes and growth and lots of love so this book was right on target for me. The idea of having just one night to say yes to everything with no fear or hesitation. Well, maybe a little hesitation but at some point you just end up having so much fun you dont even second guess anything anymore. It feels carefree and beautiful, just the kind of night I'd LOVE to have with my own friends and boyfriend!

Ella, our MC, was relatable in the sense that we can all feel her pain and sadness (and anger) when it comes to the breakup and Matt just disappearing then reappearing in her life. She wants answers and she';; do anything to get them...no matter how upsetting they may be! So even though she did seem a tad immature to me I still liked her because I related to her in many ways.

Then we have Matt, bad boy that up and left out MC for no apparent reason!! Well he eventually tells Ella why he left, and even though I don't think it's the most valid excuse I also realize that it is to him so who am I to argue with that!?

Overall, I loved the story and the magic of a night filled with yes' and endless possibilities! So if you love fun, cute reads with a little romance and a lot of whimsy then pick this book up and give it a shot! This one was an especially fun read for me!

REVIEW: Every Last Word by Tamara Ireland Stone

Every Last Word by Tamara Ireland Stone

Publication Date: June 16, 2015

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Source: Gifted to Reviewer 

Buy it at: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

My rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Synopsis (from Goodreads):


If you could read my mind, you wouldn't be smiling.

Samantha McAllister looks just like the rest of the popular girls in her junior class. But hidden beneath the straightened hair and expertly applied makeup is a secret that her friends would never understand: Sam has Purely-Obsessional OCD and is consumed by a stream of dark thoughts and worries that she can't turn off.

Second-guessing every move, thought, and word makes daily life a struggle, and it doesn't help that her lifelong friends will turn toxic at the first sign of a wrong outfit, wrong lunch, or wrong crush. Yet Sam knows she'd be truly crazy to leave the protection of the most popular girls in school. So when Sam meets Caroline, she has to keep her new friend with a refreshing sense of humor and no style a secret, right up there with Sam's weekly visits to her psychiatrist.

Caroline introduces Sam to Poet's Corner, a hidden room and a tight-knit group of misfits who have been ignored by the school at large. Sam is drawn to them immediately, especially a guitar-playing guy with a talent for verse, and starts to discover a whole new side of herself. Slowly, she begins to feel more "normal" than she ever has as part of the popular crowd . . . until she finds a new reason to question her sanity and all she holds dear.

This book is called Every Last Word and you know what? For me that's what it was. I literally cannot even find the words to describe how I feel after reading it. I was completely enamored with this book from the moment I opened it and as soon as I turned the last page and closed the cover for the final time. I knew that I was in utter shock of how impressed I was with how the story turned out. To sum it up, i'll give you three words (in honor of Sam)-- glue sticks galore!

This story touches a little bit on depression and anxiety while also focusing on mental disorders and bullying. These are all some really important and heavy topics. I think this normally would have been fairly difficult to accomplish successfully, but the author does such a wonderful job at combining all these topics into one story while also giving it a realistic feel and a romantic feel at the same time. Kudos, Ms. Stone, for a job well done!

Sam, the MC who has OCD, was such a great character to meet and grow with. I loved seeing her growth from the beginning of the story to the very end. I think her story was believable and relatable to many young readers, even ones who don't have OCD, because many people go through the same situations as she did. From the crazy, backstabbing friends to the unplanned love interest with the most unlikely person...these things really happen and many people can relate to how everything was dealt with throughout the book.

Something else that I really loved about this book was the poetry. I've been a huge fan of poetry my entire life and from the moment I read that first poem to the moment I read the very last poem, my heart was so very full. It's such a great talent to be able to express yourself through poetry and I loved how the author was able to express so many emotions and sentiments through the eyes of so many different characters. It's a skill not many people (including authors) possess. 

Also important to note that I feel like I need to search the world to find my own version of Caroline because I truly believe that she is the best friend I never had (even though I already have the BEST best friends lol.) She's such a strong and loyal friend to Sam and it breaks my heart when we finally see how her story plays out. I wish that I could bottle up her essence and use it whenever I need to feel brave or smart or caring because those are just some of her qualities that I could always use more of. She's an inspiration to us all. 

Overall, I really loved this book and I wish I could expand my knowledge of the english language just so I could properly describe to you all what this book truly means to me. It's definitely a must read. If this book isn't already on your TBR--add it pronto!

REVIEW: If You Wrong Us by Dawn Klehr

If You Wrong Us by Dawn Klehr

Publication Date: October 1, 2015

Publisher: Flux
Source: Book Purchased by Reviewer

Buy it at: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

My rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Synopsis (from Goodreads):


Becca and Johnny become entangled after a car crash steals the lives of two people they love. Officially, the crash is an accident. But Becca and Johnny are convinced: someone did this.

As they plot revenge against the person responsible, a bond—intense, unyielding, and manic—takes hold of them. And in an unexpected turn of events, they fall for each other.

Or so they think.

In an upside-down world where decay is beautiful and love and hate become one, Becca and Johnny find themselves grappling with reality. Nothing is exactly what it seems, including what they've come to believe about the crash. Question is: will they learn the truth before it's too late?

No. The question is: when they learn the truth, will they care?

I fell in love with the synopsis of this book when I randomly saw it one day at B&N. I love going to bookstores to find all the books i've been eagerly waiting for but i'm also a big believer in fate leading me to random books. So I instantly knew I would love this one.

This book goes back and forth between the POV's of Becca and Johnny. Alternating between the present in Johnny's view and the past in Becca's view. The event that brings these two together is a car accident involving Becca's twin sister, Johnny's mother, and a third party who shall remain nameless for the time being.

Before the accident, Becca and Johnny had no concrete connection to each other. Then, in a chance meeting at the accident site, they became closer and began their journey down this twisted and sad rabbit hole. In an attempt to exact revenge on the person Becca believes to be the culprit behind the car accident, they both do things that they regret. From beginning to end, being able to see the character arc for both of these two MC's was incredible. The Becca and Johnny that we see in the beginning of the book are not the same Becca and Johnny we see at the end of the book.  Being able to watch these two separate view points unfold had me captivated the entire time--hook, line, and sinker!

Becca becomes completely obsessed with getting revenge on the person she thinks is responsible for the death of her sister and she convinces Johnny to join her in her plan. Without giving away too much, i'll let you know that one of the two narrators was slightly disturbed and seemed a bit unstable throughout the book. The other narrator was completely naive and gullible. Seeing the true personalities of these characters while listening to their thoughts about each other was so fun to read. I also really loved that little plot twist in the end. It completely threw me off and I had no idea it was coming.

Overall, this book was a fun and quick read and i'm so happy I picked it up. Though there were a few unanswered questions in the end, they were minor and didn't take away from the story. If this book is on your TBR, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

REVIEW: These Shallow Graves by Jennifer Donnelly

These Shallow Graves by Jennifer Donnelly

Publication Date: October 27, 2015

Publisher: Delacorte Press
Source: Received from Publisher 

Buy it at: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

*This eARC was received from the publisher, but it did not influence this review in any way *

My rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

Jo Montfort is beautiful and rich, and soon—like all the girls in her class—she’ll graduate from finishing school and be married off to a wealthy bachelor. Which is the last thing she wants. Jo secretly dreams of becoming a writer—a newspaper reporter like the trailblazing Nellie Bly.

Wild aspirations aside, Jo’s life seems perfect until tragedy strikes: her father is found dead. Charles Montfort accidentally shot himself while cleaning his revolver. One of New York City’s wealthiest men, he owned a newspaper and was partner in a massive shipping firm, and Jo knows he was far too smart to clean a loaded gun.

The more Jo uncovers about her father’s death, the more her suspicions grow. There are too many secrets. And they all seem to be buried in plain sight. Then she meets Eddie—a young, brash, infuriatingly handsome reporter at her father’s newspaper—and it becomes all too clear how much she stands to lose if she keeps searching for the truth. Only now it might be too late to stop.

The past never stays buried forever. Life is dirtier than Jo Montfort could ever have imagined, and the truth is the dirtiest part of all.


So this is my first Jennifer Donnelly novel and I have to say that I absolutely loved it and can't wait to get my hands on more of her work. Historical fiction has never really been my cup of tea, but when it has a young adult feel like this one it definitely hits the spot. Jo Montfort is a bright young woman with a bright future. Even though her family has mapped out her entire life, she always has the urge to do and be so much more than what she is. I find that she has to constantly hold back her true self. Jo stands out as a rebel with a penchant for trouble and when she meets Eddie Gallagher she finds herself becoming the person she was always meant to be.

Jo has such a brave and strong personality and it got to shine bright every time she was investigating with Eddie, but there were some situations that I feel like she really could have avoided if she had just listened to him instead making her own decisions. I loved that Jo had so many big dreams for herself during a time when her freedom was so very limited. I especially liked that there were so many strong females available for her to be so heavily influenced by. The tragedy behind her fathers mysterious death was just as frustrating for her as it was for me because there were so many factors that we learned and in the end it's like she didn't even know her father all that well. I always feel bad when characters find out harsh truths about a person they loved.

I have to say that my absolute favorite character was Fay. I feel like Fay was such a real depiction of what it's like to have a hard life in any time period. She was such a strong character and a little bit scary in the beginning but once you got to know her you saw how fiercely loyal and protective she was. She saved Jo more times than I can count and the friendship they form over time was my favorite relationship to see. Fay needed a real friend and Jo needed a reality check so the two of them were able to learn so much from each other. I also loved that Fay wasn't forgotten in the happy ending department because of all the characters in this story, no one deserved it more than her.

Overall, I highly recommend this book for any Historical Fiction junkie and even all YA lovers because this book was the perfect mix of both!

REVIEW: What You Left Behind by Jessica Verdi

What You Left Behind by Jessica Verdi

Publication Date: August 4, 2015

Publisher: Sourcebooks
Source: Received from Publisher 

Buy it at: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

*This eARC was received from the publisher, but it did not influence this review in any way *

My rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

It’s all Ryden’s fault. If he hadn’t gotten Meg pregnant, she would have never stopped her chemo treatments and would still be alive. Instead, he’s failing fatherhood one dirty diaper at a time. And it’s not like he’s had time to grieve while struggling to care for their infant daughter, start his senior year, and earn the soccer scholarship he needs to go to college.

The one person who makes Ryden feel like his old self is Joni. She’s fun and energetic—and doesn’t know he has a baby. But the more time they spend together, the harder it becomes to keep his two worlds separate. Finding one of Meg’s journals only stirs up old emotions, and Ryden’s convinced Meg left other notebooks for him to find, some message to help his new life make sense. But how is he going to have a future if he can’t let go of the past?

DONT. GET. ME. STARTED. ON. THIS. BOOK!

Soooooo....can you tell that i'm unhappy? Huh? Can ya?!?!?!?!

Ok so there are so many things that I loved about this story....and then there are sooooooooo many things that I hated about this story!

How do I begin, guys? Well let me start by saying what I loved about the book. Ryden was actually a pretty good dad. He had such a difficult time with his baby girl in the beginning of the book, but I loved seeing his character growth and seeing how much he wanted to make his baby girl happy. That right there melts my heart. I also loved Joni as the crazy funky new "friend" that essentially helps Ryden let go of his past and move on from all the pain he was holding on to. His mom though, his mom is the real MVP for supporting her son no matter what and letting him make his own mistakes in his own time, She knew right away that some of his ideas were never going to work out, but instead of pushing her opinion on him and telling him he wasn't allowed to do something she let him see for himself that the idea was not good. I think that's great parenting! 

Now, let's get into what I hated about the book, well what I can actually tell you anyway. I hate MEG! I understand why she did what she did, but I just can't forget her for how she did it. I think that it was the most selfish thing a person could ever do to someone they love. Don't fall for her sweet girl act guys, she was a liar and I really don't like the lies she told! And don't even get me started on her parents! I mean they are just horrible people. There is absolutely no reason in the world for them to handle the situation as they did. Meg was there daughter and they should have put more feelings into that fact than into any other feeling they felt. Then there was Ryden's relationship with Joni. I mean I loved that she helped him move on but I kind of feel like it was way too soon. 

And the ending! I mean, I feel like there was so many things that I needed resolutions for. I still have so many questions!

So overall, I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand I loved the happy ending that came about after all the notebooks were found and everything was finally put to rest, but the things that I disliked I REALLY disliked. But I also have to admit that I thought the writing was really good and the situation as well as the characters reactions seemed pretty realistic. So that's all I have to say for that lol

REVIEW: The Storm (The Rain #2) by Virginia Bergin

The Storm (The Rain #2) by Virginia Bergin

Publication Date: October 1, 2015

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Source: Received from Publisher 

Buy it at: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

*This eARC was received from the publisher, but it did not influence this review in any way *

My rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

DEADLY TO THE LAST DROP.

Ninety-seven percent of the population is dead. And the killer rain keeps falling. Ruby's not sure she can make it on her own much longer. So when a chance encounter leads her to a camp with the last boy she may ever kiss (it's not easy to date during an apocalypse), Ruby gratefully accepts the army's protection.
But safety comes with a price: If Ruby wants to stay, she must keep her eyes-and her mouth-shut.

Except Ruby stumbles across a secret she can't possibly keep. Horrified, she flips out and fights back-only to make the most shocking discovery of all...

I definitely enjoyed reading this book so much more than the first one. There was some serious character building that took place for all involved and some serious discoveries, both good and bad, that occurred. I will admit that i'm slightly disappointed with the end result for some of the characters but overall it was still a great book.

I am happy to say that in this book Ruby finally gets her act together. We see Ruby take on a much more serious tone with the whole "killer rain" thing. I think she finally gets that the world was almost destroyed by deadly, bacteria filled rain, and her sense of self preservation finally kicks in. Of course,  it wouldn't be Ruby without a few more "episodes" where she is almost killed because she is distracted and not cautious. But in the end she found a reason to stay alive and protect herself as well as others around her. I loved that some of the characters from the first book made appearances and other characters finally made an appearance, but the end results for some were a bit lacking and left me feeling unfulfilled.

What I did love was how believable the whole situation felt. Everything from the "killer rain" to the reactions of all the people involved, including the government, felt and sounded so real. Like if that ever happened to us today I believe this book will map out everything we should and shouldn't do.

So overall, I think that even though the main character was not as smart and safe in the first book, she definitely redeemed herself  in this second installment. Have you read this duology? What are your thoughts?

REVIEW: Toxic by Kim Karr

Toxic by Kim Karr

Publication Date: July 7, 2015

Publisher: NAL Trade
Source: Received from Publisher 

Buy it at: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

*This book was received from the publisher, but it did not influence this review in any way *

My rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not...

New York Times bestselling author Kim Karr turns up the heat in a smoking hot, emotionally compelling new novel that takes you into the world of Manhattan’s elite.

In Toxic, Jeremy McQueen, a sexy, intense, sometimes brooding entrepreneur goes after what he wants—the woman he left behind years ago. Phoebe St. Claire, a put together, in control socialite-turned-CEO has been drifting through life searching for something she thought she'd never find again—the right man to share her future.

Our passion was boundless. Our lust untamed. And our desire endless. He was the only man who ever made me feel alive. Then, I betrayed him.

When he reappeared, I didn’t question it. Trust rarely survives the wrecking ball, so when he let me in back in—I didn’t hesitate.

Maybe I should have.

What began as a bid to save my family business, turned into a second chance at love. It felt so romantic. Working together, side by side, with the man I loved. My dream come true.

Nothing is as good as it seems.

We had our issues, but then again, every couple does. It wasn’t jealousy, or our too-hot sex life that I should have been worried about.

It was his darkside.

I never saw the end coming, until it slammed me in the face. The question is—did he?

Was revenge his plan all along?b

****

Sometimes you have to wonder if your life is too good to be true.
Is it real or just an illusion?
Does the man lying beside you really love you like he says he does?
If the answer is yes, you’re meant to live happily ever after.
If the answer is no, you’re living my life, and nothing will ever be the same.

What you do about it—that’s up to you.

Me, I’m in too deep and there’s no getting out.

I’ll take whatever I can get for as long as I can because I know when it’s over…

I’ll never find another man like him.

Ever!

Jeremy McQueen and Phoebe St. Claire have more in common than anyone could ever realize. They meet in their early twenties and begin a relationship that completely intoxicates them from the moment they meet. After a misunderstanding, a jealous reaction, and a huge secret they break up and Jeremy moves away. After a few years pass and both Jeremy and Paige have matured and moved up in their careers, they run into each other and things start to heat up again.

What I love about this book is that the characters are so great to read. I'm not normally a jealous person but I find it easy to understand everything that these characters say to each other when certain things get discovered and jealousy rears its very ugly head. The backstory about how they are connected seemed a bit far off, but overall I think it added to the drama. 

I have to say that I loved reading this book so much!! Mainly because Jeremy McQueen is one of the swooniest guy i've ever read and I literally can't stand that he isn't real! I mean seriously, how can we live in a world where he doesn't exist?!?! Jeremy is strong and brave and brute, but also shows his softer side when he is charming and caring and oh so swoony. Everything he says seeps with sexuality. 

Phoebe St. Claire is strong in her own ways but her insecurities lead her to conclusions that are often inaccurate and can leave her broken down. She seems to have difficulty establishing herself and relies too much on validation from others, particularly Jeremy. While reading this book I noticed that she was the one that had the most insecurities and distrust for Jeremy. At times I thought it was uncalled for and unnecessary. Their love seems toxic because all they do is keep hurting each other but in the end they prove that their love is stronger than anything that comes their way and they are always willing to fight to keep what they have. 

Overall, I really loved reading this book and found it really difficult to put down. The swoons were real my friends. So go forth and grab your copy today!

FEATURE: Waiting on Wednesday~ Soundless by Richelle Mead (#49)

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:

Soundless by Richelle Mead

Expected release date: November 10, 2015

Purchase: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Summary from Goodreads:

From Richelle Mead, the #1 internationally bestselling author of Vampire Academy and Bloodlines, comes a breathtaking new fantasy steeped in Chinese folklore. 

For as long as Fei can remember, there has been no sound in her village, where rocky terrain and frequent avalanches prevent residents from self-sustaining. Fei and her people are at the mercy of a zipline that carries food up the treacherous cliffs from Beiguo, a mysterious faraway kingdom.

When villagers begin to lose their sight, deliveries from the zipline shrink and many go hungry. Fei’s home, the people she loves, and her entire existence is plunged into crisis, under threat of darkness and starvation.

But soon Fei is awoken in the night by a searing noise, and sound becomes her weapon.

Richelle Mead takes readers on a triumphant journey from the peak of Fei’s jagged mountain village to the valley of Beiugo, where a startling truth and an unlikely romance will change her life forever...

Why I'm waiting:

I'v heard so many great things about Richelle Mead and her Vampire Academy series. I even have a copy on my bookshelf. I haven't actually read it yet but i'm working my way there lol this book actually sounds really good too so now I feel like I need to inhale VA so I can start this one when it comes out! Thoughts?

What are you anxiously waiting for?

COVER REVEAL: The Affiliate (Ascension #1) by K. A. Linde

Today we’re revealing the cover of Kyla Linde’s The Affiliate! I am so excited about this fantastic YA fantasy!!

Title: The Affiliate (Ascension, 1)

Author: K. A. Linde

Release Day: September 15^th

Genre: YA Fantasy



About The Affiliate:

On the day of her Presenting, in front of the entire Byern Court, seventeen-year-old Cyrene Strohm's lifelong plans come to fruition when she's chosen as an Affiliate to the Queen.

Or so she thinks. When Cyrene receives a mysterious letter and an unreadable book, she finds nothing is as it seems. Thrust into a world of dangerous political intrigue and deadly magic, Cyrene's position only grows more treacherous when she finds herself drawn to the one man she can never have...

King Edric himself.

Cyrene must decide if love is truly worth the price of freedom. Find out in this first book in USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde’s new Ascension series.

Add on Goodreads

Pre-Order Now: Amazon | Itunes


Exclusive Excerpt:

“Do you enjoy the view?” King Edric asked.

“The rains have made the gardens bloom, and it warms my heart to see it so.”

“It is good to know that the gardener approves of the work.”

Cyrene laughed lightly. “I have not gardened in a month’s time. I fear I can no longer call myself a gardener.”

She remembered when she had told the king of her interest in gardening at the last feast day almost a week ago. After that dance, Queen Kaliana added a list of plants to her assignment, forcing her to reread every page she had already dredged through for information. It had wasted two entire days.

“Perhaps I could change that,” he offered.

He directed her down the staircase and into the courtyard below lit solely by the setting sun in the distance.

Her stomach churned at the thought of him offering assistance to any of her needs. It was like what she had read in her children’s books of the tales of Leifs, and how one request would be necessitated by a much larger sacrifice. Her biggest sacrifice at the present moment was time. She wanted nothing more than to finish her work on agriculture and prove that she could get moved somewhere that involved traveling…and adventure.

“On the contrary, My King, I am fully enthralled in my Affiliate duties, and believe that gardening would only distract me from my work.”

“You cannot spare one afternoon to spend in my gardens?” His blue-gray eyes searched her face. “If you have half the green thumb you suggest, then it would be delightful to have you on the grounds.”

She swallowed. “I really have much work to accomplish before we go on Processional.”

“I could speak to the Queen and request it be lessened,” he whispered into the evening air.

“No!” It was the first time he had ever admitted to discussing her with the Queen. Hearing him admit it aloud made her voice come out strangled.

Cyrene missed her footing on the pebble path and stumbled forward a pace. Edric steadied her. He turned his body to face her in the middle of the garden, and her breath caught at the sight of him in the setting sun.

“You do not wish me to speak to the Queen?”

“I spoke out of turn. Please forgive me.”

“I cannot forgive that which I do not understand. Did the Queen somehow offend you?”

Cyrene shook her head. “I fear that the Queen does not…like me.”

Edric laughed softly, taking one of her hands in his own. “Oh Cyrene, I believe that the Queen likes no one but herself.”

Cyrene found that she, too, could laugh at his comment.

“Now, tell me what the Queen has done to make you believe that she dislikes you.”

“It’s nothing, my King.” She turned her face away from his. She couldn’t possibly tell him the real reason.

“Enough to infuriate you, which is enough for me.”

When she looked back up into his blue-gray eyes she felt that same magnetic pull between them. Somehow she had not realized how close they were standing. His hand felt warm against her bare skin. His body only a few inches away from her. His breath hot on her face. Her heart contracted in her chest, and she forced herself to respond.

“She speaks of…of your interference, as if…as if you…”

Time stretched between them, and she thought for a split second he might move even closer to her. She was rooted in place, captivated by his gaze.

“Yes?” His other hand drifted to her waist, and she was suddenly on fire.

Their breath mingled together as she murmured, “As if you favor me.”

“And do you think that?”

“I…”

“Yes?” he asked, stepping closer.

“I think you have your queen,” she breathed.



About K. A. Linde:

USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde is the author of The Affiliate, the first book in the Ascension Series. As a military brat, she traveled the world with her family, imaginary friends, and ever-increasing supply of books. She has spent much of her life dreaming up new worlds and characters and forcing them into uncomfortable, usually life-threatening scenarios. After graduating from the University of Georgia with a masters degree in political science, she began spending every waking hour putting those characters onto paper.

When not writing, she spends her time dancing, collecting paperbacks in the hopes of filling a Beauty and the Beast style library one day, traveling to visit her friends who live all over the country, and still reading anything she can get her hands on. She currently resides in North Carolina with her husband and two puppies, Lucy and Riker, where she is hard at work on her next novel.

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FEATURE: Waiting on Wednesday~ Not After Everything by Michelle Levy (#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:

Not After Everything by Michelle Levy

Expected release date: August 4, 2015

Purchase: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Summary from Goodreads:

Tyler has a football scholarship to Stanford, a hot girlfriend, and a reliable army of friends to party with. Then his mom kills herself. And Tyler lets it all go. Now he needs to dodge what his dad is offering (verbal tirades and abuse) and earn what his dad isn’t (money): He needs a job. It’s there that he reunites with Jordyn, his childhood best friend, and now the token goth girl at school. Jordyn brings Tyler an unexpected peace and, finally, love. But with his family in shambles, he can’t risk bringing Jordyn too deeply into his life. So when violence rocks Tyler’s world again, will it be Jordyn who shows him the way to a hopeful future? Or after everything, will Tyler have to find it in himself?

Why I'm waiting:

This sounds heartbreaking and beautiful. I feel like I need this in my life right now! That pretty much sums it up for me.

What are you anxiously waiting for?

REVIEW: Red Queen (Red Queen #1) by Victoria Aveyard

Red Queen (Red Queen #1) by Victoria Aveyard

Publication Date: February 10, 2015

Publisher: Orion
Source: Book Purchased by Reviewer
Guest Reviewer: Doris aka La Chiquita

Buy it at: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

My rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

The poverty stricken Reds are commoners, living under the rule of the Silvers, elite warriors with god-like powers.

To Mare Barrow, a 17-year-old Red girl from The Stilts, it looks like nothing will ever change.

Mare finds herself working in the Silver Palace, at the centre of

those she hates the most. She quickly discovers that, despite her red blood, she possesses a deadly power of her own. One that threatens to destroy Silver control.

But power is a dangerous game. And in this world divided by blood, who will win

Damn this book for being so good! Damn its sexy cover for luring me to buy it in February! Now I have to wait until 2016 to get book 2! Damn it! I don't know where to start about this flipping book because it's been a whole 48 hours from when I read the final page of the epilogue and I still think about this book. Lets start with the negatives.

1. If you are a fan of the Game of Thrones franchise you will have an ah-ha moment at the way the royal structure is set up. Once the correlation of the two stories are made you can't pull away from it. I wanted it to be not so obvious, I would have had less of a bad taste in my mouth if the resemblance was more distant and hints of loved characters and not shadows. Since I made this correlation it ruined a lot of the plot line because it became too obvious what needed to happen.
2.  If you enjoyed the Hunger Games, you will smell something similar to Katniss and Gale in Red Queen. Mare and her BFF Kilorn grew up together and Mare is trying to figure out how she feels for him when she's thrown to the lions. They have this back and forth draw to each other that I hope Victoria takes in another direction than the expected.
3. You can tell this is her debut novel. Not knocking her writing, I ate this book so quickly I can still taste the pages in the back of my teeth. There were moments where she had a killer line, and then kept drawing out the idea farther than it needed to. I found my self skipping those lines. I didn't want to let it take away from the meat of the story.

Phew, did that hurt you guys as much as it did me? I really liked the story though. This book really made my imagination work overtime. From the super cool powers to the scenarios that the royal families travel through. At first I thought it would be a medieval world, no electronics, no cars, limited passage and manipulation of the resources. But then you find out the world is a little more third world modern than completely medieval. The amount of poverty Victoria weaves in her tale makes you feel the dirt under your nails, the smell of mud under poorly made shoes, the sound of an empty stomach who has forgotten the feeling of being full.

The range of powers in this world is pretty awesome too. My favorite has to be Mare's electricity. If the literary powers that be except prayers in the next book she will have leather whips that are conductive to her electricity. They will wind up her arms and slowly coil out when she needs to attack. If you were a mutated red who could have power which would you want? Would you want a traditional power like the silvers share? or something never before seen, untamed? If I was born silver blooded I would want to be a whisper, and if I was a mutated red I would want to be like a super shield. I would be able to protect others from strangers ability kinda like what Bella can do in twilight.

Then of course the love interest. TRUST NO ONE! That is all. If I write anymore I will give it all away because that's what they do to you, they get you invested just to mess with you and hurt your feelings. Oh hum! When does the second book come out.... *looks at good reads* [enter facebook distraction time] only 2016... the stories continues, le sighe.  

FEATURE: Waiting on Wednesday~ Mechanica by Betsy Cornwell (#46)

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:

Mechanica by Betsy Cornwell

Expected release date: April 4, 2015

Purchase: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Summary from Goodreads:

Nicolette’s awful stepsisters call her “Mechanica” to demean her, but the nickname fits: she learned to be an inventor at her mother’s knee. Her mom is gone now, though, and the Steps have turned her into a servant in her own home.

But on her sixteenth birthday, Nicolette discovers a secret workshop in the cellar and begins to dare to imagine a new life for herself. Could the mysterious books and tolls hidden there—and the mechanical menagerie, led by a tiny metal horse names Jules—be the key to escaping her dreary existence? With a technological exposition and royal ball on the horizon, the timing might just be perfect for Nicolette to earn her freedom.

Gorgeous prose and themes of social justice and family shine in this richly imagined Cinderella retelling about an indomitable inventor who finds her prince…but realizes she doesn’t want a fairy tale happy ending after all.

Why I'm waiting:

I absolutely love retelling's of fairy tales and Cinderella is one of my faves! Plus, I love that it kind of reminds me a little bit of Beauty and the Beast will all that talk about inventions. I think this is going to be a great one!

What are you anxiously waiting for?

RELEASE DAY LAUNCH: The Music of Temptation by Verity Jacobs

We are excited to bring you the Release Day Launch and Blog Tour for Verity Jacobs' THE MUSIC OF TEMPTATION! THE MUSIC OF TEMPTATION is a contemporary romance, and the second book in Verity Jacobs’ The Expat Series. Check out all the stops along the way for fun content and new excerpts!

Goodreads ** Amazon ** Barnes & Noble ** Kobo ** iTunes

THE MUSIC OF TEMPTATION is FREE for the next FIVE DAYS!!!!!!!!!!! 

About THE MUSIC OF TEMPTATION:

Margot Duke can’t keep her long-distance relationship alive any more than she can the cells that are supposed to be taking center stage in her PhD thesis. Both seem to be suffering an inexplicably long and drawn-out death, and she’s spent more than enough time fretting about it, without any solution in sight.

It figures that the one day she chooses to pack it all in and stop caring is the day she meets Jonathan Young.

Jonathan swings through town with his band, just long enough to knock Margot off her feet, and leave her feeling a little giddy in his wake. The encounter proves once and for all that her inter-continental love affair is over, but can she really stomach the idea of starting another one right on its heels? And with the darling of the indie rock world at that?

Excerpt:

Keeping it PG-13

“Hi,” Jonathan said, the timbre of his voice running up and down my body like fingertips on silk. “It’s nice to meet you all.”

I looked over at him and felt my desire bloom inside again. His smile was suddenly open and easy, his eyes twinkling under that fabulous mess of dark hair. I felt the entire table fall under his spell with a dull thud.

“So you’re in a band?” Tek squawked skittishly.

See the alpha male go all fanboy, I thought with a grin, winking when his glance flicked to mine.

“That’s cool,” he added, coming over casual and scowling back at me.

“I’m in a band,” Jonathan said with a nod.

“Not tonight though,” he continued, looking over at me and stretching an arm across the back of my chair. “Tonight, I’m just with her.”

“Her?” I repeated, getting lost in his gaze and feeling the need start to bleed through my system.

“You,” he said quietly. His hand edged forward and found the bare skin where my back met my arm. I willed it to keep going and touch the side of my breast. I wanted those hands all over me again. On my breasts and in my hair and cupping the backs of my knees as he slammed himself into me.

Now it was my turn to smile awkwardly, and he recognized the shift in an instant, a smile tugging at one corner of his mouth.

“Right, we get that you two are into each other,” said Tek, apparently having recovered from his momentary bout of groupiedom. “Can you keep it together long enough to be a little bit social?”

Jonathan laughed and turned back to face him. “Hey man, can you blame me?” he said. “She’s so fucking beautiful that I have trouble breathing sometimes when I look at her.”

I felt my heart trip over itself and then stop completely. I caught Kate’s eye just long enough to see her melt all over the floor.

“And as I only get to look at her for another twelve hours,” he was saying, “I think you’re gonna have to suck it up and deal with our shit.”

It was Tek’s turn to laugh. “Yeah, alright,” he said. “Just try to keep it PG-13, will you?”

I smiled and leaned into Jonathan’s side, snuggling up against him and shivering when his fingers found the lace of my bra, playing out the thoughts I’d just entertained.

And don't forget to grab THE SCIENCE OF ATTRACTION, the first book in the Expats Series...

Amazon ** Barnes & Noble ** Kobo ** iTunes

About THE SCIENCE OF ATTRACTION:

Kate Ramsey is at the top of her game.

She’s the hot new recruit at the most prestigious research institute in Germany, and she’s determined to live up to the hype — even if it means working day and night. Stress relief comes in the form of a no-nonsense affair with her neighbor, who also happens to be the director of the institute. Who says sex should be anything more than a contract between two people who have other things on their mind?

So when Tom Baker saunters into her life, Kate is understandably upset to see this well-oiled machine splutter and seize. Tom is young and smart, and far too pretty for his own good. Kate can’t help but be drawn to him, even if giving in to the attraction would mean risking everything she’s worked for.

Book trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yq9ECOdv5c

THE MUSIC OF TEMPTATION Storyboard:

http://www.pinterest.com/verityjacobs/the-music-of-temptation/

About Verity Jacobs:

Verity Jacobs is a reformed scientist, who left the lab when she fell in love with writing about love. She lives with her husband and baby girl in London, where she dreams by day and writes all night long. She is addicted to the heart flutters and stomach flips of the fictional romance world.

Blog ** Twitter ** Goodreads Author Page

THE SCIENCE OF ATTRACTION on Goodreads ** THE MUSIC OF TEMPTATION on Goodreads

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FEATURE: Waiting on Wednesday~ I Am Her Revenge by Meredith Moore (#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:

I Am Her Revenge by Meredith Moore

Expected release date: April 7, 2015

Purchase: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Summary from Goodreads:

She can be anyone you want her to be.

Vivian was raised with one purpose in life: to exact revenge on behalf of her mother. Manipulative and cruel, Mother has deprived Vivian not only of a childhood, but of an original identity. With an endless arsenal of enticing personalities at her disposal, Vivian is a veritable weapon of deception.

And she can destroy anyone.

When it’s time to strike, she enrolls in a boarding school on the English moors, where she will zero in on her target: sweet and innocent Ben, the son of the man who broke Mother’s heart twenty years ago.

Anyone…except for the woman who created her.

With every secret she uncovers, Vivian comes one step closer to learning who she really is. But the more she learns about herself, the more dangerous this cat and mouse game becomes. Because Mother will stop at nothing to make sure the truth dies with her.

Why I'm waiting:

So it sounds like Mother has some serious issues. I can't imagine wanting to ruin a man AND his child because he broke my heart TWENTY years ago. So I feel like I really need to see what the deal is with Mother.

What are you anxiously waiting for?

RELEASE DAY LAUNCH: Manwhore (Manwhore #1) by Katy Evans

Title: Manwhore (Manwhore #1)
Author: Katy Evans
Release Date: March 24, 2015
Publisher: Gallery Books

Synopsis:

Is it possible to expose Chicago’s hottest player—without getting played?

This is the story I've been waiting for all my life, and its name is Malcolm Kyle Preston Logan Saint. Don’t be fooled by that last name though. There’s nothing holy about the man except the hell his parties raise. the hottest entrepreneur Chicago has ever known, he's a man’s man with too much money to spend and too many women vying for his attention.

Mysterious. Privileged. Legendary. His entire life he's been surrounded by the press as they dig for tidbits to see if his fairytale life is for real or all rumors and social media lies. Since he's hit the scene, his secrets have been his and his alone to keep. And that’s where I come in.

Assigned to investigate Saint and reveal his elusive personality, I’m determined to make him the story that will change my career.

But I never imagined he would change my life. But by bit, I start to wonder if I'm the one discovering him…or if he's uncovering me.

What happens when the man they call Saint, makes you want to sin?

EXCERPT:

Visit here to read an excerpt from Manwhore by Katy Evans

About the Author:

Katy Evans is married and lives with her husband and their two children plus three lazy dogs in South Texas. Some of her favorite pastimes are hiking, reading, baking, and spending time with her friends and family. She is the author of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling The REAL series: REAL, MINE, REMY, ROGUE, and RIPPED. For more information on Katy Evans visit her website KatyEvans.net and follow her on Facebook and Twitter, @AuthorKatyEvans.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

BUY LINKS:

Kindle / Amazon / Nook / B&N / iBooks / BAM / IndieBound / Google

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COVER REVEAL: Better When He's Brave (Welcome to the point #3) by Jay Crownover

We are swooning big time about this cover for Jay Crownover's BETTER WHEN HE'S BRAVE! BETTER WHEN HE’S BRAVE is a New Adult Contemporary Romance and is the 3rd book in The Point Series, published by William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins. It is due to be released on August 11^th!! Pre-order now and be sure to grab the first two books, BETTER WHEN HE'S BAD and BETTER WHEN HE'S BOLD while you wait!

Pre-Order Your Copy Today!

Amazon ** Barnes & Noble ** iTunes

About BETTER WHEN HE’S BRAVE:

In New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jay Crownover’s third novel in her sexy, thrilling Welcome to the Point series, a woman’s search for repentance leads her to the one man from her past she can’t forget as they join forces to save their city—and the explosive love neither can live without.

Titus King sees the world in black and white. Right and wrong. Which is why as a teenager he left behind the only family he’d ever known to make a better life for himself. Now a police detective in one of the worst cities in the country, he can’t deny his life has turned into a million different shades of gray.

The new criminal element in The Point has brought vengeance and destruction right to Titus’s front door, and the difference between right and wrong is nothing compared to keeping those he loves alive. To add to his already strained moral compass, the beautiful and mysterious Reeve Black has made her way back to town, and she might be as dangerous to Titus as the guy trying to destroy the Point because he needs her—in more ways than one.

Reeve knows all about how ruthless this new threat to destroy The Point can be… and instead of running away, she wants to help. She has a lot to repent for and saving the city, plus the hot cop that she hasn’t been able to forget might just be the only way she can finally find some inner peace.

With an entire city poised on the brink of war, Titus and Reeve stand in the crossfire—and it will take two brave souls to fight for the ultimate love.

And don’t miss the first two books in The Point Series…

BETTER WHEN HE’S BAD, Book 1

Amazon ** Barnes and Noble ** iTunes

BETTER WHEN HE’S BOLD, Book 2

Amazon ** Barnes and Noble ** iTunes

About Jay Crownover:

Jay Crownover is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Marked Men and The Point series. Like her characters, she is a big fan of tattoos. She loves music and wishes she could be a rock star, but since she has no aptitude for singing or instrument playing, she'll settle for writing stories with interesting characters that make the reader feel something. She lives in Colorado with her three dogs.

Website ** Blog ** Facebook ** Twitter

BETTER WHEN HE’S BRAVE Goodreads ** Jay Crownover Goodreads

                                                   

Cover Reveal hosted by: InkSlinger PR