FAVORITE FRIDAY (#18)~ Don't Die, My Love by Lurlene McDaniel

Have a favorite book? Series? One that you've just read or are currently reading? Favorite Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Books and Swoons where they spotlight some of their favorite reads. Everyone is welcome to join. Just enter your information on their linky or leave them a comment.

This week's Favorite Read is:

Don't Die, My Love by Lurlene McDaniel

Release Date: July 1, 1995

Purchase: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Synopsis:

Julie Ellis and Luke Muldenhower have always been school sweethearts. Now both are in high school and deeply in love. Luke, a talented football player, is almost certain to receive an athletic scholarship to a top college. And no matter what her parents say, wherever Luke goes, Julie intends to follow. When Luke can’t shake what he thinks is a virus, Julie persuades him to see a doctor. Luke’s test results are alarming, but Julie believes their love is stronger than anything. Can love survive, now and forever?

Why it's one of my Favorite Reads:

Okay so here's my book version of Flashback Friday. Before there was Nicholas Sparks there was Lurlene McDaniel, the original heartbreak master. I started reading Lurlene's books in junior high school and instantly fell in love with them. There's just something about a book making you want to cry all the time that makes me love it. I consider that the signs of a great writer. Of all of the Lurlene McDaniel books i've read this one is definitely my favorite. Like all of her books, it involves love and heartbreak and sickness. Perfect combination of happiness and sorrow.

What's YOUR Favorite Book? Stop by Books and Swoons to share yours :)

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.

FAVORITE FRIDAY (#17)~ Nowhere But Here (Thunder Road #1) by Katie McGarry

Have a favorite book? Series? One that you've just read or are currently reading? Favorite Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Books and Swoons where they spotlight some of their favorite reads. Everyone is welcome to join. Just enter your information on their linky or leave them a comment.

This week's Favorite Read is:

Nowhere But Here (Thunder Road #1) by Katie McGarry

Release Date: May 26, 2015

Purchase: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Synopsis:

Seventeen-year-old Emily likes her life the way it is: doting parents, good friends, good school in a safe neighborhood. Sure, she's curious about her biological father--the one who chose life in a motorcycle club, the Reign of Terror, over being a parent--but that doesn't mean she wants to be a part of his world. But when a reluctant visit turns to an extended summer vacation among relatives she never knew she had, one thing becomes clear: nothing is what it seems. Not the club, not her secret-keeping father and not Oz, a guy with suck-me-in blue eyes who can help her understand them both.

Oz wants one thing: to join the Reign of Terror. They're the good guys. They protect people. They're...family. And while Emily--the gorgeous and sheltered daughter of the club's most respected member--is in town, he's gonna prove it to her. So when her father asks him to keep her safe from a rival club with a score to settle, Oz knows it's his shot at his dream. What he doesn't count on is that Emily just might turn that dream upside down.

No one wants them to be together. But sometimes the right person is the one you least expect, and the road you fear the most is the one that leads you home.

Why it's one of my Favorite Reads:

I love how easy this book was to read. The author did such a great job with the flow of the story and the character progression. Plus it introduced me to a world that I knew nothing about and have pretty much become obsessed with since reading this book: Motorcycle Clubs. I read somewhere that this book is like a combination of West Side Story and Sons of Anarchy. So imagine this:

PLUS THIS

And just know that this is 100% ACCURATE!!! 

What's YOUR Favorite Book? Stop by Books and Swoons to share yours :)

FAVORITE FRIDAY (#16)~ The Program (The Program #1) by Suzanne Young

Have a favorite book? Series? One that you've just read or are currently reading? Favorite Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Books and Swoons where they spotlight some of their favorite reads. Everyone is welcome to join. Just enter your information on their linky or leave them a comment.

This week's Favorite Read is:

The Program (The Program #1) by Suzanne Young

Release Date: April 30, 2013

Purchase: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Synopsis:

Sloane knows better than to cry in front of anyone. With suicide now an international epidemic, one outburst could land her in The Program, the only proven course of treatment. Sloane’s parents have already lost one child; Sloane knows they’ll do anything to keep her alive. She also knows that everyone who’s been through The Program returns as a blanks slate. Because their depression is gone—but so are their memories.

Under constant surveillance at home and at school, Sloane puts on a brave face and keeps her feelings buried as deep as she can. The only person Sloane can be herself with is James. He’s promised to keep them both safe and out of treatment, and Sloane knows their love is strong enough to withstand anything. But despite the promises they made to each other, it’s getting harder to hide the truth. They are both growing weaker. Depression is setting in. and The Program is coming for them.

Why it's one of my Favorite Reads:

This book was such a great story. I think it appealed to me the most because it seems like something that can actually happen. That thought alone is pretty scary. The author did an amazing job writing the characters and scenes.

What's YOUR Favorite Book? Stop by Books and Swoons to share yours :)

FAVORITE FRIDAY (#15)~ Mockingjay (The Hunger Games #3) by Suzanne Collins

Have a favorite book? Series? One that you've just read or are currently reading? Favorite Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Books and Swoons where they spotlight some of their favorite reads. Everyone is welcome to join. Just enter your information on their linky or leave them a comment.

This week's Favorite Read is:

Mockingjay (The Hunger Games #3) by Suzanne Collins

Release Date: August 24, 2010

Purchase: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Synopsis:

My name is Katniss Everdeen.

Why am I not dead?

I should be dead.

Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss’s family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.

It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel ad haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plans—except Katniss.

The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss’s willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels’ Mockingjay—no matter what the personal cost.

Why it's one of my Favorite Reads:

This book broke many hearts and broke my heart many times. I think it's the first YA book that made me cry. It definitely holds a special place in my heart!

What's YOUR Favorite Book? Stop by Books and Swoons to share yours :)

FAVORITE FRIDAY (#14)~ The Program by Suzanne Young

Have a favorite book? Series? One that you've just read or are currently reading? Favorite Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Books and Swoons where they spotlight some of their favorite reads. Everyone is welcome to join. Just enter your information on their linky or leave them a comment.

This week's Favorite Read is:

The Program (The Program #1) by Suzanne Young

Release Date: April 30, 2013

Purchase: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Synopsis:

In Sloane’s world, true feelings are forbidden, teen suicide is an epidemic, and the only solution of The Program.

Sloane knows better than to cry in front of anyone. With suicide now an international epidemic, one outburst could land her in The Program, the only proven course of treatment. Sloane’s parents have already lost one child; Sloane knows they’ll do anything to keep her alive. She also knows that everyone who’s been through The Program returns as a blank slate. Because their depression is gone—but so are their memories.

Under constant surveillance at home and at school, Sloane puts on a brave face and keeps her feelings buried as deep as she can. The only person Sloane can be herself with is James. He's promised to keep them both safe and out of treatment, and Sloane knows their love is strong enough to withstand anything. But despite the promises they made to each other, it’s getting harder to hide the truth. They are both growing weaker. Depression is setting in. and The Program is coming for them.

Why it's one of my Favorite Reads:

This book was such a great read! The story line is so realistic and the characters are so greatly written. Plus, James is totally swoony! I was addicted after the first chapter!

What's YOUR Favorite Book? Stop by Books and Swoons to share yours :)

FAVORITE FRIDAY (#13)~ Oh, the Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss

Have a favorite book? Series? One that you've just read or are currently reading? Favorite Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Books and Swoons where they spotlight some of their favorite reads. Everyone is welcome to join. Just enter your information on their linky or leave them a comment.

This week's Favorite Read is:

Oh, the Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss

Release Date: January 22, 1990

Purchase: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Synopsis:

In this joyous ode to life, Dr. Seuss addresses graduates of all ages, from nursery school to medical school, and gives them the get-up-and-go to move mountains with the unrivaled exuberance and charm that have made Dr. Seuss’s books favorites for years.

Why it's one of my Favorite Reads:

This is probably the most inspirational book I have ever read... and it isn't even more than 50 pages. Like the synopsis says, this books encourages people of all ages and I am definitely one of those people.

What's YOUR Favorite Book? Stop by Books and Swoons to share yours :)

FAVORITE FRIDAY (#12)~ Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

Have a favorite book? Series? One that you've just read or are currently reading? Favorite Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Books and Swoons where they spotlight some of their favorite reads. Everyone is welcome to join. Just enter your information on their linky or leave them a comment.

This week's Favorite Read is:

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

Release Date: 1937

Purchase: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Synopsis:

The tragic story of the complex bond between two migrant laborers in Central California. They are George Milton and Lennie Small, itinerant ranch hands who dream of one day owning a small farm. George acts as a father figure to Lennie, who is a very large, simple-minded man, calming him and helping to rein in his immense physical strength.

Why it's one of my Favorite Reads:

I love this book because the main characters, George and Lennie are so great to follow. They're just two friends trying to get a bit of their own stake so they can live a peaceful life, but like many things in life, it doesn't work out the way they planned. The story is beautiful and the ending is tragic. It's just truly a great story.

What's YOUR Favorite Book? Stop by Books and Swoons to share yours :)

FAVORITE FRIDAY (11)~ The Evolution of Mara Dyer (Mara Dyer #2) by Michelle Hodkin

Have a favorite book? Series? One that you've just read or are currently reading? Favorite Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Books and Swoons where they spotlight some of their favorite reads. Everyone is welcome to join. Just enter your information on their linky or leave them a comment.

This week's Favorite Read is:

The Evolution of Mara Dyer (Mara Dyer #2) by Michelle Hodkin

Release Date: October 3, 2012

Purchase: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Synopsis:

Mara Dyer once believed she could run from her past.

She cant.

She used to think her problems were all in her head.

They aren't.

She couldn't imagine that after everything she's been through, the boy she loves would still be keeping secrets.

She’s wrong.

In tis gripping sequel to The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, the truth evolves and choices prove deadly. What will become of Mara Dyer?

Why it's one of my Favorite Reads:

The twists and turns this book takes will leave you breathless and gasping for more. I LOVE exciting and fun reads like this! Plus, NOAH SHAW! That is all.

What's YOUR Favorite Book? Stop by Books and Swoons to share yours :)

FAVORITE FRIDAY (10)~ Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson

Have a favorite book? Series? One that you've just read or are currently reading? Favorite Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Books and Swoons where they spotlight some of their favorite reads. Everyone is welcome to join. Just enter your information on their linky or leave them a comment.

This week's Favorite Read is:

Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson

Release Date: July 3, 2012

Purchase: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Synopsis:

Before Peter Pan belonged to Wendy, he belonged to the girl with the crow feather in her hair…Tiger Lily. When fifteen-year-old Tiger Lily meets the alluring teenage Peter Pan deep in the forbidden woods of Neverland, the two form a bond that’s impossible to break, but also impossible to hold on to. As the leader of the Lost Boys, the most fearsome of Neverland’s inhabitants, Peter is an unthinkable match for Tiger Lily. However, when Wendy Darling, a girl who is everything Tiger Lily is not, arrives on the island, Tiger Lily discovers how far she is willing to go to keep Peter with her, and in Neverland.

Why it's one of my Favorite Reads:

It was such a beautiful rendition of the Peter Pan story and I just truly loved the authors take on it. Focusing not on Peter, but on Tiger Lily. Giving a back story for her that we never could have imagined. Beautiful twist to a classic fairy tale.

What's YOUR Favorite Book? Stop by Books and Swoons to share yours :)

FAVORITE FRIDAY (#9)~ The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #1) by Rick Riordan

Have a favorite book? Series? One that you've just read or are currently reading? Favorite Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Books and Swoons where they spotlight some of their favorite reads. Everyone is welcome to join. Just enter your information on their linky or leave them a comment.

This week's Favorite Read is:

The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #1) by Rick Riordan

Release Date: June 28, 2005

Purchase: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Synopsis:

Percy Jackson is a good kid, but he can’t seem to focus on his schoolwork or control his temper. And lately, being away at boarding school is only getting worse-Percy could have sworn his pre-algebra teacher turned into a monster and tried to kill him. When Percy’s mom finds out, she knows it’s time that he knew the truth about where he came from, and that he go to the one place he’ll be safe. She sends Percy to Camp Halfblood, a summer camp for demigods (on Long Island), where he learns that the father he never knew is Poseidon, God of the Sea. Soon a mystery unfolds and together with his friends—one a satyr and the other the demigod daughter of Athena—Percy sets out on a quest across the United States to reach the gates of the Underworld (located in a recording studio in Hollywood) and prevent a catastrophic war between the gods.

Why it's one of my Favorite Reads:

Okay, so even though the synopsis sucks I promise you that this book is AH-MAY-ZING!!! It's pretty much what started my Greek Mythology addiction. And the author, Rick Riordan, definitely did his research because his analysis of the Greek Gods in this series is pretty spot on! So now i'm pretty much obsessed with Greek Mythology and even more obsessed with anything Rick Riordan writes!

What's YOUR Favorite Book? Stop by Books and Swoons to share yours :)

FAVORITE FRIDAY (#8)~ G-Spot: An Urban Erotic Tale by Noire

Have a favorite book? Series? One that you've just read or are currently reading? Favorite Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Books and Swoons where they spotlight some of their favorite reads. Everyone is welcome to join. Just enter your information on their linky or leave them a comment.

This week's Favorite Read is:

G-Spot: An Urban Erotic Tale by Noire

Release Date: January 25, 2005

Purchase: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Synopsis:

Have you ever rolled over in the middle of the night and realized you were doing things you swore you’d never do? Sexing brothers you vowed you’d never touch? Bending backwards and stooping lower than you ever thought you’d stoop? Well if you can feel me even a little bit. Then let me hit you with a story that just might blow your mind….

Nineteen-year-old Juicy Stanfield is the sexy young girlfriend of Granite “G” McKay, owner of Harlem’s notorious G-Spot Social Club. A drug dealer with a lethal streak, he runs Harlem with an iron fist. But even the cash and the bling cant keep Juicy from getting restless, and while G fulfills her every material desire, she's burning up with unrequited sexual energy. To cheat on him would mean a death sentence; so Juicy finds pleasure in the secret ways: fantasizing on crowded subways or allowing her eyes to hungrily take in the male dancers on the club’s ladies night.

But as Juicy’s sexual cravings grow stronger, one thing becomes frighteningly clear: She’s a virtual prisoner in G’s dangerous world. As G begins to suspect her of playin’ him, he pulls the reins he keeps on her even tighter. If she’s ever to escape and get a life of her own she must find a way to start stashing away some of G’s cash/ but doing that under G’s watchful eye is a challenge she might not live up to-especially when her appetite tempts her with the deadliest desire of all: G’s very own son….

Why it's one of my Favorite Reads:

It was the very first erotica book I ever read. It threw me into a world that I had never experienced before (blushes) ENOUGH SAID! (Lol)

What's YOUR Favorite Book? Stop by Books and Swoons to share yours :)

FAVORITE FRIDAY (#7)~ Out of Sight, Out of Time (Gallagher Girls #5) by Ally Carter

Have a favorite book? Series? One that you've just read or are currently reading? Favorite Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Books and Swoons where they spotlight some of their favorite reads. Everyone is welcome to join. Just enter your information on their linky or leave them a comment.

This week's Favorite Read is:

Out of Sight, Out of Time (Gallagher Girls #5) by Ally Carter

Release Date: March 13, 2012

Purchase: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Synopsis:

The last thing Cammie Morgan remembers is leaving the Gallagher Academy to protect her friends and family from the Circle of Cavan-an ancient terrorist organization that has been hunting her for over a year. But when Cammie wakes up in an alpine convent and discovers that months have passed, she must face the fact that her memory is now a black hole. The only traces left of Cammie’s summer vacation are the bruises on her body and the dirt under her nails, and all she wants is to go home.

Once she returns to school, however, Cammie realizes that even the Gallagher Academy now holds more questions than answers. Cammie, her friends, and mysterious spy-guy Zach must face their most difficult challenge yet as they travel to the other side of the world, hoping to piece together the clues that Cammie left behind. It’s a race against time. The Circle is hot on their trail and willing to stop at nothing to prevent Cammie from remembering what she did last summer.

Why it's one of my Favorite Reads:

From the very first book, I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You, I was HOOKED!! But for a few reasons, this is my favorite book in the series. For one, Zach! For two, Zach shirtless! He truly is the swooniest boy ever! And I do mean the swoooooniest! Then there's Cammie and her friends, they are so badass! They make spy work look FUN!

Read my review of I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd have to Kill You here

What's YOUR Favorite Book? Stop by Books and Swoons to share yours :)

FAVORITE FRIDAY (#6)~ Allegiant (Divergent #3) by Veronica Roth

Have a favorite book? Series? One that you've just read or are currently reading? Favorite Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Books and Swoons where they spotlight some of their favorite reads. Everyone is welcome to join. Just enter your information on their linky or leave them a comment.

This week's Favorite Read is:

Allegiant (Divergent #3) by Veronica Roth

Release Date: October 22, 2013

Purchase: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Synopsis:

The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered-fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories.

But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature-and of herself-while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love.

Why it's one of my Favorite Reads:

Okay so this book has been a toss up for me from day one. I completely love this book AND completely hate it! But I guess when it comes down to it, I lean more towards the love side of the spectrum. Without saying too much about the book (for the rare few that haven't read it yet), I really feel like the author did a great job with the emotional aspect of it. I mean seriously, I cried my eyes out for weeks and my book handover was more like a book coma. I was broken to the world and nothing could bring me back. To this day, I can't read a quote from the book without fighting back tears and Pinterest has become my enemy. So for better or worse, that is the making of a great book, something that can take complete control of your emotions and make you feel like you've lost something too. Allegiant did that for me.

Read my review of Allegiant here

What's YOUR Favorite Book? Stop by Books and Swoons to share yours :)

FAVORITE FRIDAY (#5)~ Star Cursed (The Cahill Witch Chronicles #2) by Jessica Spotswood

Have a favorite book? Series? One that you've just read or are currently reading? Favorite Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Books and Swoons where they spotlight some of their favorite reads. Everyone is welcome to join. Just enter your information on their linky or leave them a comment.

This week's Favorite Read is:

Star Cursed (The Cahill Witch Chronicles #2) by Jessica Spotswood

Release Date: June 18, 2013

Purchase: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Synopsis:

With the Brotherhood persecuting witches like never before, a divided Sisterhood desperately needs Cate to come into her Prophesied powers. And after Cate’s friend Sachi is arrested for using magic, a war-thirsty Sister offers to help her find answers- if Cate is willing to endanger everyone she loves.

Cate doesn’t want to be a weapon, and she doesn’t want to involve her friends and Finn in the Sisterhood’s schemes. But when Maura and Tess join the Sisterhood, Maura makes it clear that she’ll do whatever it takes to lead the witches to victory. Even if it means sacrifices. Even if it means overthrowing Cate. Even if it means all-out war.

In the highly anticipated sequel to Born Wicked, the Cahill Witch Chronicles continue Cate, Maura and Tess’s quest to find love, protect family, and explore their magic against all odds in an alternative history of New England.

Why it's one of my Favorite Reads:

This book! THIS. BOOK, I mean honestly, from the first page it had my heart completely invested in the words that were written. I felt so completely involved in the story. The fear, the joy, the anger, all of it was real to me. And of course it's just a great story! The author did such a good job with this series and out of the three of them, this is my favorite one. The heart break is real, guys!

What's YOUR Favorite Book? Stop by Books and Swoons to share yours :)