Sunday, July 28, 2013

Hidden Wings by Cameo Renae

Hidden Wings by Cameo Renae

E-Book Cost $2.99

Rating 4/5

Review

My first thoughts after putting this book down is that I can't wait to read the next book in this series.

The story starts right in the middle of commotion; Emma is being taking into the hospital on a stretcher and has no idea what led up to her being there. Once she wakes up she finds out that she was in a tragic car accident with her parents and that she is the only survivor. Having no family left she is assigned a social worker who informs her that she does in fact have a living relative that she has never heard of who will take custody of her.

From there she gets thrown into a world that seems to be full of danger but no one will tell her what exactly is going on; only that she needs to be protected. Emma immediately forms an attraction to Kade as just his presence makes her body tingle.

Emma is a very strong likable character instead of being the typical annoying damsel in distress right from the start her attitude is very "how can I help". And then there is Kade; whats not to like about him. He is hot, caring, protective and makes her feel safe.

I can't wait to read the next book in the series, Broken Wings. The only thing I really had a problem with was I would have liked to see a little more of the romance. I think I pretty much think that in most YA books as I have been spoiled with New Adult series lately.

Overall a really good YA Sci-Fi and I look forward to more from this author.

Saturday, July 27, 2013

Seeing Clearly by Casey McMillin

Seeing Clearly (In Too Deep #2) by Casey McMillin

E-Book Cost $2.99

Rating 5/5

Review

I really really enjoyed this book; this is everything I want from a new adult romance! It had a great love story along with being very steamy.

When I saw what this book was about I have to say I was a little disappointed because I was expecting a continuation of the first book not another love story from characters from the first one. That being said I am so happy this is the route the author took!

In the first book, Three Years Later, Gretchen was the very likable best friend/assistant to Rachel.

So where the first book was very fast paced and suspenseful this one took a little longer for the relationship to form (don't get me wrong you will read it quickly and won't be able to put it down).

Gretchen and Joel meet in the first book and although it is clear there is an attraction between them they both seem to want to keep their relationship in the friend zone. When the second book starts it is clear that they both are still trying to keep things platonic but are struggling as jealousy is getting the better of them.

Once Gretchen and Joel finally start to realize how far they have really fallen they come across some very big obstacles that may be too big to overcome. The connection between the two alone kept me from being able to put this book down and of course that fact that we still get a glimpse into Rachel and Collin!!

Can't say enough how much I enjoyed this book! This author has hooked me as a fan and will be grabbing any book she puts out. It seems like she also set this book up so a third can be written so let's keep our finger crossed!

Change of Heart by Scarlett Edwards

Change of Heart by Scarlett Edwards

E-Book Cost $0.99

Rating 3.5/5

Review

The story starts as Rich and Penny meet and the circumstances that lead to them being in the same place at the same time. Both characters are likable right from the start.

What seems like just another one night stand quickly becomes something much much more and not in the way everyone would expect it to.

They quickly get swept up in a dangerous ride where the past is threatening both of their lives.

I really enjoyed the connection they seem to have and how the author made it take time for them to have real feelings for each other instead of the typical love at first site notion. That being said a lot about this book was highly unrealistic. I just don't think anyone would react the way Penn does once she starts to learn the truth behind everything that happened. I just feel like she caves and forgives way too quickly; I would have liked to see her be a little bit more skeptical about the situation (maybe that is just my slightly feminist side coming out; but come on!!).

Overall it is a good story with some steamy scenes that will leave you wanting more. The second book is called simply, Change of Heart Part 2, e-book cost is $3.99. 

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Girl With Guitar

Girl With Guitar by Caisey Quinn

E-Book Price $2.99

Rating 4/5

Review
The story starts with a young girl, Kylie, who has basically lost everything and decides it is time to follow her dreams as she doesn't really have anything left to lose anymore. With her fathers death, getting kicked out of her house and losing her job she cant think of a better time to run off to Nashville. 

She finds a waitressing job and a few weeks later is able to perform at an open mic night where she works. After her performance she gets to meet Trace Corbin, a popular country star. She gets an opportunity of a lifetime and gets to go on tour with him; the only problem is that he is currently drinking his career down the drain. 

I really liked the story overall I think the only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was the way which the author wrote the book. It was almost written more about Kylie than in her POV at some points. It was confusing because in one sentence you were in Kylie's POV but then it would be about her but still kind of her POV. It made reading the book kind of tedious as you would have to re-read portions because I would constantly think she was thinking about someone else. It wasn't that bad but it was distracting at some points. 

Overall cute fun read; the author did a really good job of making you feel everything the character felt. At some point in the book I almost started crying because I felt like I just got my heart broke. Can't wait to read the next book!!

News
The next book, Girl on Tour, is set to be released August 27th, 2013. 

Saturday, July 20, 2013

The Edge of Never by J.A. Redmerski

The Edge of Never by J.A. Redmerski

Rating 5/5

E-Book Cost $2.99

Review

Loved, Loved, Loved this book!

This is one of the best stories I have read in a long time. Camryn and Andrews story just drew me in from the very beginning; I couldn't put this book down. 

They really are opposites in so many ways but are both drawn together by their search to find something out of the pain. They are both very much trying to escape their current lives. 

Camryn realizes she needs to get away from the life she has been leading so goes to the bus station and gets a ticket to a random place the she picks out of a hat. She doesn't really know where she is going or what she is trying to accomplish she just knows she has to get away. While on the bus she meets Andrew who she find infinitely annoying. While at first she finds him annoying his persistance proves to work as she starts to find comfort in him and feels a little lonely when she realizes they are going to part ways. 

Andrew helps bring Camryn out of shell and start experiencing life a little while Camryn is the support and friend that he really needs right now. 

The is the first book by this author I have read and I can't wait to read more! Seriously you wont be able to put this book down!! 

News

The next book, The Edge of Always, is set to be released November 5th, 2013!

Fractured Souls (Shattered Promises #2) by Jessica Sorensen

Fractured Souls (Shattered Promises #2) By Jessica Sorensen


Rating 4/5

E-Book Cost $2.99

Review
Well I have to say I feel like I am eating my words from the first book. Where there is still a ton of species in this book I felt like the story was really coming together. Any now I am conflicted because I really didn't like Alex in the first book and now I kind of love him but I still really like Laylen! This will be interesting to find out where she goes with this; if at all.

Heads up this one ends on a pretty big cliffhanger! I can't believe how it was left; I need to know what happens next!

Anyway this book really picked up right where the last one ended which I really l liked. Gemma wakes up wondering what is going on because when the first book ended she thought that she was dying so she is a bit shocked to figure out that she is still alive.

Gemma is starting to come into her own in the book; she is starting to understand the circumstances of her existence and is starting to question the people around her. She is realizing that she needs to take control as the people she can trust are starting to dwindle.

In this book we start to understand what really brought her and her friends together! Can't wait to find out more!!


News

Next book, Broken Visions, is set to release sometime in 2014. Release date is soon to be announced on the authors good reads page.

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Delirium Series by Lauren Oliver


Delirium Series by Lauren Oliver

E-Book Cost Approx $17 

Rating 4.5/5

Review
So I started this book after seeing on Darren's instagram that he was filming for the movie. I didn't really know what to expect but I ended up really liking this series. It was a new concept with great character development. 

The story starts with really showing how society works in the story. The whole premise of the story is that love is a disease that must be removed once each teen turns 18 in order to prevent them from becoming infected. The society makes sure that prior to the procedure schools are segregated into male and female groups to limit exposure to "love". Children are taught very early on to shy away from any behavior of affection even with from their own family. 

When the book starts Lena is very much a good girl trying to fit in with society. She is worried about where she will be placed based on her exam (placement exams determine your husband, job, how many children you will have and many other important aspects of your life)

During her interview portion of her exam (which isn't exactly going well) the building is broken into by the resistance group interrupting all testing. And now this is where the story gets really interesting because we meet Alex!! Who I fell in love with almost immediately. 

Although I will say there is another love interest I don't want to give anything away! I would really recommend reading this series as the characters were likable and really grew throughout the story. The story also had a new concept to it which is always nice as sometimes I feel like I keep reading the same story over and over again. 


News

As some of you may know this series has been picked up by 20th Century Fox for a TV Movie to be released sometime in 2014. Two of the main characters will be played by Emma Roberts and Darren Kagasoff (Ricky from secret life!). Movie information from IMDB

Shattered Promises by Jessica Sorensen

Shattered Promises by Jessica Sorensen

Rating: 3/5

Review
This is the second Sci-Fi series I read from Jessica Sorensen and while I will say I enjoyed the other series I have to say that I think she does better with with New Adult/YA alone.

The story was okay; it seemed to me like a cluster of every Sc-Fi creature I have ever read. The book ends and I have to say I am still not entirely sure what is going on or the connection between Gemma and Alex.

I liked that first third of the story; I enjoyed how Gemma started as someone who could not feel emotions and is somehow awakened to all the emotions she missed out on growing up. For her many of her experiences are like going through them the first time.

Getting to know Alex was also enjoyable once he started to be somewhat nice to her. But when they meet he is so angry and mean that I feel like it is absurd that she would per sue any kind of relationship with him.  Even once I learned more about him that kind of explained his behavior I really didn't like him all that much; I pretty much was rooting for any guy she came across in the story that wasn't him.

By the end the story did seem to pick up a little and without giving anything away i was starting to be swayed in the Alex direction.

I am hoping in the next book, Fractured Souls, I like him more but we shall see.

Eversea by Natasha Boyd

Eversea by Natasha Boyd


Rating: 4/5

Review
So you know the typical small town girl and the super rich famous boy that comes to visit. So maybe not the most inventive story line but it was still a good read. The characters were likable, the story was cute and unlike most stories I have read lately this one is actually a little bit believable.

Keri Ann is a small town girl who feels stuck in her home town as her brother went away to college and her parents died years ago leaving her in charge of taking care of the house. Although she remains in good standing with the town she doesn't want to date because she plans on leaving the town as soon as her brother graduates.

Jack Eversea on the other hand is looking for a private getaway after finding out that his co-star and girlfriend cheated. Jack finds himself in a small town in South Carolina.

Jack and Keri Ann immediately form an understanding of friendship and trust as he needs her to pick up groceries so his location can remain unknown. The story really takes off from there; I won't ruin it for you because it really is a fun read even if it is a little bit predictable.

The story does leave a cliff hanger so you might want to wait until the next book comes out to start this series as it more seems like the story just ends!

News
The second book, Forever, Jack, is expected to be released in November 2013 according to the authors good reads page.

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Beautiful Broken Rules by Kimberly Lauren

Beautiful Broken Rules by Kimberly Lauren

Rating 4/5

Review
When roaming through the kindle store I stumbled upon this book as the story line seemed a little different. Emerson ("Em"/"Emmy") was a party girl and school slut who had three important rules to protect her from hurting other people and herself. Her rules were as follows;

1. Never sleep with someone that a friend has feeling for

2. Never sleep with someone who is in a known relationship

3. Never sleep with someone more than three times

Her lifestyle and rules were all working really well for her until her friend Cole's hometown friend, Jaxon, transfers to her college and moves in next door. When Emmy first lays eyes on the new guy she fully intends to follow her rules and can't wait to get started. As they get to know each other she finds herself opening up more than she intends too and coming in danger of breaking her own rules.

I really enjoyed reading this book, it was written really well and the characters were so likable. I know your thinking really, the school slut is likable? But believe me right from the start you will love her and her friends. I was rooting for her to break through her past and allow herself to love again. Throughout the book I would catch myself smiling when she was and being very upset right along with her. There is this point in the book where she is so upset you can literally feel her heart breaking like you were experiencing it yourself.

At the end of the book it hinted that there may be another in the series! I hope this new author writes a lot more as I really enjoyed her writing style and would read anything she puts out.


Three Years Later by Casey McMillin

Three Years Later (In Too Deep) by Casey McMillin

Rating: 4/5

Review: 
This book drew me in right away; I started this book thinking I would just read a chapter or two and go to bed ; a little over two hours later I begrudgingly conceded as I had to get up in the morning.  This book was short but cute; a nice easy fun read that left you in a good mood.

I also fell in love with the characters right away, I loved how Rachel and Collin had that immediate connection. I mean who doesn't daydream about love at first sight?

I loved the premise of the whole story; meeting someone and only spending one afternoon with them and knowing that they are the one you are meant to be with. I loved how neither of them really got over the brief encounter the had three years prior so when they finally see each other again they both knew their lives would forever be changed.

The only thing I didn't really like was the abrupt end, i felt jipped to the point where I thought something was wrong with my kindle and it wouldn't let me turn the page. The story literally ended in the middle of a party where someone was about to give a speech; weirdest cliff hanger ever!!

Reading other reviews some people really didn't like the story as they thought it felt rushed, unrealistic and without true barriers. I almost would say that is what I loved about it; sometimes you just want a happy quick read to put you in a better mood and that book did just that (well until the end).

I am really looking forward to the next book (on the books goodreads page it looks like the next book titled Seeing Clearly (In Too Deep #2)  is set to be released July 1st, 2013). I just hope the next book is a little more complete. Side note the book cover for the next book is not that impressive :(

Whoa.. Upon deeper research on the second book it appears that it is not a continuation of the second but a new story that follow Rachel's friend Gretchen. Not pleased...not that I don't love a series that has love stories of all the people involved but for the first one to end so abruptly it was expected that the book to follow would be about the same couple.

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Celestra Series by Addison Moore

Celestra Series by Addison Moore

Book Order:

Ethereal
Tremble
Burn
Wicked
Vex
Expel
Toxic Part 1
Toxic Part 2
Elysian



Rating 4/5

Review

I would first like to start off by saying this has been one of my favorite series. The Celestra series had everything us Sci-Fi YA lovers expect; a love square? (hmm not sure what we should call the dilemma that Skyla faces with Logan, Gage and Marshall), angels, betrayal, lies, villains and of course the story of a first love.

What makes this story much different is that it actually had me flip-flopping who I was rooting for. Usually when I read about a love triangle I quickly pick who I think the main character should pick and stick with it. This series however, I would find myself thinking Logan is perfect for her and then all of the sudden I would be 100% team Gage then somehow be pro Logan again! This happened so frequently in the series I felt like I was right there with Skyla trying to make an impossible decision. I will admit though I did eventually pick a favorite and by the end of the series was dying to know if she picked him.

One of the most endearing aspects of the story for me was how strong the main character was. Instead of doing the usual damsel in distress Skyla was strong and independent; she wouldn't wait for someone to tell her how to fix a problem or expect someone to fix it for her, she would just jump right in. I think sometimes in order to make the love interest likable authors end up making the girl pretty annoying by making them scared and whiney so that the male can swoop in and save the day; this is not the case in this series.

So as much as I loved the series I have to say by the end I wanted answers. I was starting to get a little sick of the dilemma; thinking 'alright, well she has got to like one more than the other.' That being said once the last book came out I was thinking 'finally, I'm going to get some answers,' (I was ready to finish this series I have been reading for a few years) just to end the final book without many conclusions. I know this series has done really well and I applaud the author for making a great series however I think it is time for an entirely new concept; she wrote a mini spin off series then is now starting a new series for Skyla in the new adult genre. I just feel like the idea is getting tired and would really like to see something fresh from a great author.

So that leaves the question of whether I will read the new series when it comes out or not. Truth is...I have no idea, on one hand I still want that ending that I just can't seem to get (the end of the last book felt like a cop out to me) and on the other hand I am starting to just not care.

I've also had friends and family members wholly enjoy this series. Overall, I would recommend this series as I have thoroughly enjoyed it over the years since it's started.

Series Cost 

I estimated the cost through Kindle prices and found the price for the whole series to be about $32 which I would say is a great price for 9 books!! The first book is free so if you're on the fence as to purchasing the series there is no cost to you. Although I must admit if you read the first book the likelihood of not getting hooked is slim-to-none!

Saturday, February 16, 2013

The Secret of Ella and Micha

The Secret of Ella & Micha By Jessica Sorensen

Rating: 5/5

Book Description
Ella and Micha have been best friends since they were kids. But one tragic night shatters their friendship and their lives forever.

Ella used to be a rule-breaker with fiery attitude who wore her heart on her sleeve. But she left everything behind when she went to college and transformed into someone that follows the rules, keeps everything together, and hides all her problems. But now it's summer break and she has nowhere else to go but home. 

Ella fears everything she worked so hard to bury might resurface, especially with Micha living right next door. If Micha tries to tempt the old her back, she knows that it will be hard to resist.

Micha is sexy, smart, confident, and can get under Ella’s skin like no one else can. He knows everything about her, including her darkest secrets. And he’s determined to bring his best friend, and the girl he loves back, no matter what it takes. 

Review


This author is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors, every time I read one of her books I become so engrossed in it I can't put it down. This book did not let me down, Ella and Micha completely drew me in. 

Ella runs off to college, away from Micha (her best friend), away from her father and brother and most importantly away from the pain and guilt in an attempt to become a new person.  She hides pretty much everything about herself in order to portray someone who is well put together, organized, good and overall a kind of person that wouldn't have a dark past. 

When forced to visit home with a friend in tow, she is abruptly brought back into the world she so desperately left behind. Ella fights going back to her old ways but finds it hard when Micha seems to be around every corner reminding her of who she really is and bringing out the real her with every encounter. 

Throughout the book we learn more and more about Ella and Micha's past and what led up to the day she left. From the start though it is clear that Micha is completely in love with Ella and even after she left him his feelings never changed for her. While Ella purposely changes who she is, Micha is forced into making some changes as he is unable to go on with life as it was when Ella was still home. 

Throughout summer break we see how Ella and Micha learn to cope with their past. We see how a single event in time can change someones perspective of everything she knew. While once confident (in both herself and her relationship with Micha), after the incident she becomes someone who I think doesn't believe she deserves love. 

Overall I would without a doubt recommend this book! I can't wait for the next book in this series. As per the end of the first book the second book will be called; The Forever of Ella and Micha. No official release date has been set. 

Book Cost 

$.99 in the kindle store

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Wake

Wake by Amanda Hocking

Rating: 3/5

Book Description
Gorgeous. Fearless. Dangerous. They're the kind of girls you envy; the kind of girls you want to hate. Strangers in town for the summer, Penn, Lexi and Thea have caught everyone's attention—but it’s Gemma who’s attracted theirs.  She’s the one they’ve chosen to be part of their group.

Gemma seems to have it all—she’s carefree, pretty, and falling in love with Alex, the boy next door.  He’s always been just a friend, but this summer they’ve taken their relationship to the next level, and now there’s no going back.  Then one night, Gemma’s ordinary life changes forever.  She’s taking a late night swim under the stars when she finds Penn, Lexi and Thea partying on the cove.  They invite her to join them, and the next morning she wakes up on the beach feeling groggy and sick, knowing something is different.

Suddenly Gemma is stronger, faster, and more beautiful than ever. But her new powers come with a terrifying price.  And as she uncovers the truth, she’s is forced to choose between staying with those she loves—or entering a new world brimming with dark hungers and unimaginable secrets.

Review
Let me start off by saying that I really wanted to love this book, Amanda Hocking is one of my favorite authors based on the Trylle and My Blood Approves Series. I put off reading this for a long time as the review were less that stellar. 

I hate to say it but this book was just not on the same level as her other books. It was a cute story but it lacked depth; by the time the story ended I could not say I cared much about any of the characters.The story was a nice twist on what you would think of as a mermaid and really goes into the darker side. The three girls that Gemma comes into contact with force her into a life she didn't even know existed. This new life is filled with horrors that Gemma does not approve of and does not want to be a part of. Unfortunately for her if she does not accept her new life style and runs she will die via the curse that bonds the four of them together. 

I will admit that I was curious to see where this story was going as I hardly ever start a series and not finish it. I just felt that the price for the next books were a bit high for what I knew was not going to live up to this authors usual level of writing.


On that note I still love this author and highly recommend reading her first two series My Blood Approves and Ascend (A Trylle Novel)

The Coincidence of Callie & Kayden


The Coincidence of Callie & Kayden by Jessica Sorensen

Rating: 5/5

Book Description 
There are those who don’t get luck handed to them on a shiny platter, who end up in the wrong place at the wrong time, who don’t get saved.

Luck was not on Callie’s side the day of her twelfth birthday when everything was stolen from her. After it’s all over, she locks up her feelings and vows never to tell anyone what happened. Six years later her painful past consumes her life and most days it’s a struggle just to breathe.

For as long as Kayden can remember, suffering in silence was the only way to survive life. As long as he did what he was told, everything was okay. One night, after making a terrible mistake, it seems like his life might be over. Luck was on his side, though, when Callie coincidentally is in the right place at the right time and saves him. 

Now he can’t stop thinking about the girl he saw at school, but never really knew. When he ends up at the same college as Callie, he does everything he can to try to get to know her. But Callie is reserved and closed off. The more he tries to be part of her life, the more he realizes Callie might need to be saved.

Review
This book took me by surprise how quickly I really cared for both characters in the story. Callie right off that bat is clearly dealing with an ugly past that is not quite reveled until later in the story. When we meet Callie she is already broken down into a shell of herself never allowing anyone to see who she truly is or what she has lived through.

Kayden from the moment you meet him in the book you know exactly what demons he faces but his coping methods are vastly different from Callie. She is an outcast who prefers to be ignored while he is a star football player dating the head cheerleader. When they meet again in college he hardly recognizes her as she finally starts letting herself out of her shell thanks in big part to her best friend, Seth. Seth is a major part of Callie opening up as he opened up to her about his own past. Together they work to start living again by a list of things they have to do (dance in the rain, talk to a stranger, take a chance, etc.)

The two main characters are of course Callie and Kayden and we see into their pasts much more than their friends.Throughout the story they try very hard to let each other in but can't seem to help but push each other away when it becomes real. They struggle between what they want and feel against what they think they should do or deserve.

This book took me through so many emotions that when I put the book down I felt like I was a part of their lives. I would recommend this book to anyone; it hit some harder topics in life but in a way that shows people  that you can move on from them. I will give the heads up that the ending was a little but of a cliff-hanger so I would probably wait until the next book in the series comes out (I usually like to wait until the series is finished so I can read them straight through)

At the end of this book the next book title was reveled as The Redemption of Callie and Kayden. There is no release date yet but it is expected (by the author) to be released some time this year.

Teaser to the second book is available on Jessica Sorensens blog

A Long, Long Sleep

A Long, Long Sleep By Anna Sheehan

Rating: 4.5/5

Book Description
Rosalinda Fitzroy has been asleep for sixty-two years when she is woken by a kiss. Locked away in the chemically induced slumber of a stasis tube in a forgotten subbasement, sixteen-year-old Rose slept straight through the Dark Times that killed millions and utterly changed the world she knew. Now, her parents and her first love are long gone, and Rose— hailed upon her awakening as the long-lost heir to an interplanetary empire— is thrust alone into a future in which she is viewed as either a freak or a threat. Desperate to put the past behind her and adapt to her new world, Rose finds herself drawn to the boy who kissed her awake, hoping that he can help her to start fresh. But when a deadly danger jeopardizes her fragile new existence, Rose must face the ghosts of her past with open eyes— or be left without any future at all.

Review
This book hooked me from the very first page, right from the start you know that this is going to be a unique story. 

Rose is such a strong female lead, the way she was brought up to hide all perfections though is somewhat heartbreaking. She wakes up in a world she knows nothing about after bring in stasis for 62 years all  the people she loved are gone and no one seems to really explain the events the took place while she was in stasis. 

As you learn more about her past you start to understand why she has very limited self-confidence and acts child-like. You quickly learn that this was not her first round of stasis and that her parents often resolved to using stasis as a method of parenting and control. 

As there is a romance element to the story it is not the main focus.The main love story was focused in her past. Xavier was born after her (5 years younger) who she often thought of as a brother, her frequent trips to stasis however leveled out their ages and they eventually made the transition from brother-like to friend to boyfriend. 

Overall this story was about a not so young teenage girl finding herself through both her past and the present.  The book did lead to a further story line...SPOILER...

Highlight below to read.

She finds out she had two older siblings that may possibly be stuck in stasis when her parents decided they no longer could control them like they did with her. Rose hints at finding them both in the future. 

I thought the book was written very well and kept me interested throughout. I did however feel like the ending although complete left me wanting more as she was just starting to become the person she was supposed to be. I would have liked to see where her story goes. I would  recommend this book especially if you are starting to feel like every YA book is the same. 

It looks like the author is planning a sequel, no release date thus far. Information via authors facebook account.