Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Review: Defect by Ryann Kerekes


4 Hearts

Goodreads Summary
Locked in the mental ward on her sixteenth birthday, Eve Sterling doesn’t think things can get any worse. 

They can. 

After failing the mindscan procedure that predicts future crime, she’s deemed a Defect and subjected to endless psychological and physical testing as the government tries to determine what’s different about her. 

The one bright spot is military guard, Will. He’s gentle with her when no one’s watching and suppresses a smile whenever she defies their challenges. Will’s lessons begin to dance dangerously close to knowledge she shouldn’t possess, like what’s beyond the fenced compound. Though it’s forbidden and Will would be killed on the spot if they’re discovered, they steal away moments together. With her very life on the line, Eve has to decide if she can trust the guard she’s falling for.

DEFECT, young adult romance takes place in the near-future.

It is a survivalist love story.


My Thoughts
I have to confess, I am not a huge fan of dystopian books. I did read the very well known Hunger Games series and really liked them. Since then, there have been a few others, but it is not a genre I dapple in often. So, when Ms. Kerekes asked me to read Defect for her, I was both excited and nervous. Looking back, I have no clue why the nervousness even came into play. I should have known I would be pulled into the story no matter what, her writing is just that good!

I knew as soon Eve was taken in for her scan, things were not going to end well for her. And dang it, I was right! It is at that moment that you will be gripped my this young MC, whose life is about to take a drastic turn for the worse. She is subjected to all sorts of tests and pumped full of so many drugs, she can't even remember what day it is. 

But then comes Will. He is being so nice to her and she has no clue why. Needless to say, Eve is unsure of how to take the extra attention he seems to be paying to her. I was even a bit suspicious of him in the beginning. Especially with the scene Eve witnesses one night between him and someone else.

But as things progress, he sees as more than just another trainee. And he makes a decision to help her in a way that could put his life at risk. He believes she is worth it though. Needless to say, by the end of the book, I was crushing on Will big time! *sighs*

This book takes on the journey of Eve's survival of something much larger then anyone could have imagined. She defies all odds put before her and proves she is stronger then even she believed possible. 

So, if you have never read dystopia before, this is the PERFECT book to start with. I believe Defect has a perfect balance without being too over the top. Not only do you get the dystopia but also YA with a PG amount of steam. As the best part?

NO CLIFFHANGER!!!


Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Giveaway, Review & Tour: Connected (Second Chances #1) by Kim Karr


4 Hearts

Goodreads Summary
What if a ‘Once in a Lifetime’ could happen twice? 

Suffering from a past full of tragedy, Dahlia London's soul has been left completely shattered. Happily ever after is a far cry from reality in her world. But, when she is reconnected with her past, the bonds that form are irrefutable.

When River Wilde, lead singer of The Wilde Ones, comes back into Dahlia’s life, the intensity that fires their relationship combined with underlying feelings that have never died lead her to believe she has met her soulmate. 

Struggling with confusion as old connections fade and new ones begin, Dahlia's grief begins to lift--but guilt remains. River wants to be the one to mend all that is torn within her. 

But with a past that is never really gone, can their future survive?

My Thoughts
**ARC provided by author for an honest review**

4.5 Hearts

I had a long review typed up ready to go for this book, but scrapped most of it after speaking with the author. I contacted her right when I finished reading Connected because I was a bit irked at the ending. I felt we were left with a huge cliffhanger and if you follow my reviews, then you know i ALWAYS disclose this info to you guys. I did not want to tell you about this and then have to follow it up with "the next book doesn't come out until Fall 2013". 

So, after voicing my concerns with Ms. Karr, she has decided to provide us with the first two chapters of the next book, Torn. While it still leaves us with a cliffhanger type ending, the extra chapters make it much easier to walk away and wait patiently for the next book (which doesn't come out until Fall 2013 *dodging tomatoes") SORRY!!

Alright, now that i have that out of the way, let me move on to the things that made me fall in love with this book! 

First up, would be all the music references. I am not one who is big into making playlist or even remembering who sings what (well, with the exception of a handful of artists!). Usually, i turn on the radio and just flip until i find something i like, which could be anything from rap to country. But all the songs listed in this book had me going to Slacker and playing them while I read. And needless to say, it has turned me on to some music I would may never have listened to on my own.

And then we have River and Dahlia.

When Dahlia meets River for the first time, you know there is an instant connection between them. It lights a fire in her like no one else ever has. But despite this draw she feels to him, circumstances are such that she is in no position to explore the possibility of what might be. 

Fast forward five years. A lot has changed in Dahlia's life in that timeframe. But the one thing that hasn't is the feeling she had for the guy she met in the bar all those years ago. So, when fate brings them together again, she decides to explore if what they are both are feeling is real. But while fate might have decided to reunite them, real life is waiting in the wings to tear them apart. Can they withstand the past and all the doubts it will bring? Well, I sure as heck hope so cause I am Team Dahlver! (Corny, I know, but just go with it!)

River will quickly steal your heart. He is the guy every girl dreams about. The one who loves you with his whole heart. *sighs* And he is fuc...I mean freakin' hot! 



Then add in the fact he personally knows Kellan Kyle AND Jake Wethers (hehe), and you have probably the dreamiest, coolest guy out there ( next to Kellan of course!!). Seriously, I LOVED that Ms. Karr incorporated two characters we all know and love (and if you don't, well you better get on that!!) into her book! 

In closing, I would say this book is 100% worth the read. As a matter of fact, i can tell you, had it not been for the ending, this would have been added to by 2013 Faves shelf. I take that back, it IS going on my faves shelf, due to the simple fact it is an A-FREAKIN'-MAZING book!! There is plenty of smexy heat, a couple of hotties and even a bit of mystery. 




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Monday, March 25, 2013

Giveaway, Review & Tour: Shattered Soul by Jennifer Snyder


4 Hearts

Goodreads Summary
Hellish Nightmare...

If seventeen-year-old Seth Bradson were to describe his life in two words, those would be the two he’d choose. Seth prefers to cope with his crappy existence by spending his days in a drug-induced haze. But when Ali Carson steps into his life, Seth finds something he’s subconsciously been seeking—a new drug, one that consumes his mind unlike any other. 

Love.

In a moment of unforgivable weakness, Seth allows Ali to try crystal meth, his most addictive temptation. This single event begins the unraveling of both their lives and forces Seth to learn the definition of regret the hard way.



My Thoughts
**Copy of book provided by author for honest review**

If you are looking for a sappy love story where boy meets girl, girl saves boy and they all live happily ever after, then keep looking. You are not going to find any of that here. This book is a very raw and edgy look into the real life consequences of drug use. And there is not pretty or happy about it.

Shattered Soul is a short read but heavy on subject matter. Seth is a stoner who, in my opinion, is a product of circumstance. He has a live in drug dealer, his brother, so it is difficult to resist temptation when it is basically shoved in your face daily. Needless to say, Seth is on a fast track to no where.

And then he meets Ali.

He believes that she may be able to change him for the better. But Ali isn't the sweet innocent girl that Seth first thought. She is more than willing to pop a pill, hit a joint or even snort meth. She quickly becomes addicted to meth and , things go down hill quickly.

I knew things could not end well with this book but I never saw the ending this author has written coming. In a day and age where all books end with a HEA, this one will leave you speechless.

Jennifer Snyder lives in North Carolina were she spends most of her time writing young adult fiction, reading, and struggling to stay on top of housework. She is an instant coffee lover with an obsession for spiral bound notebooks and smooth writing pens. Jennifer lives with her husband and two children, who endure listening to songs that spur inspiration on repeat and tolerate her love for all paranormal, teenage-targeted TV shows.

Author Contact Links:   
Twitter: JennSnyder04
Website:  http://jennifersnydersblog.blogspot.com












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March 25th:
Ramblings of a Diva Booknerd
http://divainpyjamas.blogspot.com.au/
Review

Book Addicts Not So Anonymous
http://bookaddictedaa.blogspot.com/
Review

Reality Bites! Lets Get Lost!!
http://realitybites-letsgetlost.blogspot.com
Review

Paperback Princess
http://princess-paperback.blogspot.com.au
Promo

Simply Sensational Book Fanatics
http://ssbookfanatics.blogspot.com
Promo

ReadingRenee
http://www.readingrenee.com
Review

Confessions of a Book Addict
http://www.bookaddict24-7.tumblr.com
Promo

Bookwyrming Thoughts
http://bookwyrming-thoughts.blogspot.com/
Promo

Sab The Book Eater
http://sabthebookeater.blogspot.com/
Review

Charlie, Coffee and a Good Book
http://charliecoffeeandagoodbook.blogspot.com
Review

Tiffany Talks Books
tiffanytalksbooks.com
Review

Bookmarks, Spoilers and Happily Ever After
http://bookmarksspoilersandhappilyeverafter.blogspot.com/
Review

March 26th:

The Book Cafe
http://thebookcafeblog.blogspot.com/
Review

She's Got Books on Her Mind
http://shesgotbooksonhermind.blogspot.com/
Promo

Books4Tomorrow
www.bookstomorrow.blogspot.com
Promo

Fictional Candy
http://www.fictionalcandy.com
Review

Magic World Of Books
http://magic-world-of-books.blogspot.ro/
Review

March 27th:

Pamela Foreman, Published Author
http://www.pamelaforeman/com
Review

Babbling of a Bookaholic
http://babblingofabookaholic.blogspot.com/
Review

A Bookish Escape
http://www.abookishescape.com
Review

Books Ahoy
www.books-ahoy.blogspot.com
Review

Taking It One Page at a Time
http://danicapage.blogspot.com
Promo

YA Book Addict
http://youngadultbookaddict.blogspot.com.au/
Review

Lounging with Lindsey
http://loungingwithlindsey.blogspot.com
Review

Faerie Tale Books
www.faerietalebooks.org
Review

CBL Reviews
www.cblreviews.com
Review




Sunday, March 24, 2013

Books UNLEASHED this week 3-24-13 through 3-30-13



Music of the Heart by Katie Ashley
-Genre: New Adult Romance
-Release Date: 3-25-13
-Link: N/A

Lover At Last (Black Dagger Brotherhood) by JR Ward

Light in the Shadows (Find You In The Dark #2) by A Meredith Walters 
-Genre: New Adult Romance
-Release Date: 3-26-13
-Link: N/A

Six Naughty Nights (Love in Reverse #2) by Serenity Woods

Twice Tempted (Night Prince series #2) by Jeaniene Frost

Restore Me(Wreck Me #2) by J L Mac
-Genre: Contemporary Romance 
-Release Date: 3-27-13
-Link: N/A

Saved (Wanted #2) by Kelly Elliot
-Genre: Contemporary Romance Erotica
-Release Date: 3-30-13
-Link: N/A

Wide Awake by Shelly Crane

Healed by J.S. Cooper



Review: Come Away with Me by Kristen Proby








Goodreads Summary:
Being confronted on the beach by a sexy stranger wasn't part of Natalie Conner's plans for a peaceful morning taking photos. And why on earth would he think she's taking pictures of him, anyway? Who is he? One thing’s for sure, he’s hot, and incredibly romantic, feeding Natalie’s wounded soul.
 Luke Williams just wants the world to give him a break, so seeing yet another camera aimed at his face has him ready to pounce on the beauty behind the lens. When he finds out she has no idea who he is, he's intrigued and more than a little tempted by her. Natalie has a body made for sex, a sassy mouth and Luke can’t get enough of her, but he’s not ready to tell her who he really his.
 Natalie is a no nonsense girl who doesn’t do well with lies and secrets. What will happen to this new relationship when she discovers what Luke’s hiding?
My Thoughts:
OH.MY.GOD. Kristen Proby…where have you been???? Or maybe I’m just blind!
I absolutely loved this book.  This was the ultimate romance. There was no angst….just a wonderfully told romantic story of two people falling head over heels for one another.
I couldn’t get enough of it!!
Things between Luke and Natalie move super-fast, but I felt it.  I felt the connection, love, lust.  It was there ten folds.
I loved how the characters were flawed and didn’t take what was happening between them lightly.
I love Nat’s character!!!!  She was unbelievably kind, loving considerate, but push her and damn it she fights back!

Luke…Luke..Luke…. Holy Hotness!!! Not only was he hot, sexy rich and a move star---he’s an actual great guy!  It was nice to read a story where the guy was romantic and charismatic!
I loved it!
It’s a must read book!!!!!! I can’t wait to dive into the next!!!

Review: Surrender Your Love by J.C. Reed

SPOILER FREE REVIEW -mature content reader discretion is advised.
3.5 STARS out of 5
Genre: Contemporary Romance







'My mouth dropped and I almost toppled off my chair. Holy cow. Being rude was all it took to land a job with a big firm? And that’s when I remembered that I had been doing more than talking. All heat drained from my cheeks. I had banged Mystery Guy, who in turn persuaded his boss to hire me. I could only imagine his arguments.'




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Could you imagine getting a new job with a top realtor firm only to discover that your new boss is the same guy you've recently had a drunken one night stand with? Hmph, well, that is EXACTLY what happens to Brooke Stewart. Her new boss Jett Mayfield is mega rich and heart stopping, panty dropping sexy. And she's had him... To bad she was to drunk to even remember. 
But I'll tell you what she does remember *grins* she definitely remembers waking up to him butt ass naked. Oh, and she also remembers the huge boner he had before she practically threw him out of her apartment in shame of her actions.

Newly Hired...
“Wait, did you say I’m going to Italy?” ~Brooke

Brooke's first assignment has her jet setting off to Italy for a two week stay. Italy is where she will be linking up with her new boss to finalize a real estate deal. Soon after arriving she discovers her new boss is none other then the one night stand hottie. 

'Jett hired me because he wanted me. It was lust at first sight.' ~Brooke

The sexual tension permeates the air like a thick cloak between Jett and Brooke. This causes Jett to be straight up with Brooke; he basically tells her they should explore their attraction.

“Since we’re adults and this goes way beyond the usual sexual attraction, it’s about time we gave each other what we so desperately crave.” ~Jett



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“I hired you for your attitude, and so far I’m pretty happy with my decision. But I’m not sure I can work with you until I’ve fucked this attraction out of my system.” ~Jett

He proposes 2 months of hot-sweaty-feel-it-from-your-head-to-your-toes S E X! Brooke agrees so he set's up a CSACA-CONSENSUAL SEXUAL ACTS AND CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT

The next day he gives her paperwork and they are off to explore the property that Jett seeks to acquire. Which coincidentally is right next to the property Jett owns in Italy.




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Jett catches Brooke up on the assignment and tells her that he expects to find a way to close this deal. He's also with holding information... She focuses on the paperwork trying to find a needle in a hay stack.

'My intuition told me there was more to this estate than Jett let on. How was I supposed to find a loophole with more mystery than an Agatha Christie murder mystery, particularly when the information he gave me barely scratched the surface?' ~Brooke



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While things heat up in the bedroom. Outside of it Jett runs on both hot and cold at interchangeable moments. I swear the guy was all over her one minute and then completely standoffish the next. Brooke is not really worried about since the arrangement is temporary anyway. She has no intentions of letting down her guard but eventually that is exactly what she does... They both do. Jett and Brooke both share personal things with each other that neither expected to share.

Suddenly he wants more... 
He wants Brooke to be his...

“Yes, Brooke. I do. I want to see where this is heading.” ~Jett

When they arrive back in the states they are officially a couple. Brooke is a little reluctant to tell her best-friend and roommate Sylvie. Mainly because she just experienced a break up. But Brooke can't contain it. Plus it only takes one look at her for Sylvie to figure out what went down on her trip. 

After what she just went through Sylvie is a skeptic when it comes to love. And with good reason too. 2 days, 2 DAMN DAYS after returning home Brooke finds out exactly what Jett has been hiding. And she is flaming MAD.


Fave lines

“You were made for me, Brooke. I can’t get enough of you.”

“This is where you belong, sweaty and panting in my arms.”

“Now, bend over.” He pushed me forward, bending me over his desk. His rough tone left me in both fear and anticipation, eager to find out what he’d do next.


My Thoughts

For all those wondering, yes, this ended with a cliffhanger. I definitely enjoyed this read, the twist came out of nowhere and was not what I was expecting. I am very interested to see where the story goes and the path the author will choose to take us there. On a sidenote: I think Sylvie and Brooke need to lay off the alcohol. These chicks went out and got sloppy drunk a bit to much for me. Besides that I enjoyed their friendship. At one point I did become frustrated with Brooke because she seemed to be in denial a little bit at the end. Thing's lined up to perfectly and she really needed to face the facts. She had me scared for a second I wanted to yell





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Do I think Jett loves Brooke? Yes, I do believe Jett has feelings for her but the way he went about doing things was really messed up. 
I thought the writing was fair. This is a debut for J.C. Reed and I believe she did a pretty good job. I look forward to reading more of her work!



My Ratings
Characters- Lovable
Writing Style- Fair
Plot/Storyline- Fun and Sexy with a touch of Deception
Steam Factor- High/Steamy
Overall- I liked it! Check it out!

Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it!
*Copy kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review*





Review: Beauty from Pain by Georgia Cates














5 Hearts! 

I really LOVED this book! With all the books out right now about rich, controlling, sexy men, this one is a true standout in my eyes. The more I’ve thought about it over the last week, the more I can truly say that I freaking LOVED it!





Jack McLachlan is a rich, powerful, well-known businessman and is one of Australia’s most eligible bachelors. He doesn’t do love. He doesn’t do real relationships. Work is his number one priority. So, to keep things simple for him, he enters into intimate arrangements with one woman at a time for a set amount of weeks, no strings attached, no one gets hurt. Instead of weeks this time, he’s looking for months, so his decision about who is more important than ever. The question is who’s the lucky woman? After having no luck at a local Australian bar, a beautiful American musician catches his eye at the last second. Jack is immediately intrigued by Laurelyn Prescott and is determined to make her his, at least for a few months.

“Her voice is raspy and sexy, her eyes closed. She oozes eroticism. She tilts her head and opens her eyes when she begins to sing the chorus. I swear it feels like she’s looking right in my direction, singing to me.”

“She has bewitched me. And I want her. She’s the one.”
 


As part of Jack’s arrangement, Laurelyn isn’t allowed to know his real name so he has her call him Lachlan. Laurelyn being the strong, stubborn woman that she is decides he doesn’t get to know hers if she can’t know his, so she becomes known as Paige to him. The point of view switches back and forth between Jack and Laurelyn, which I absolutely loved. It worked really well for the story too. It is really helpful throughout the book because we can see Laurelyn’s more vulnerable side that she tries not to show Jack. We also get to see how much Jack truly cares for her. 

“If I do this, something will go wrong and this man will hurt me. I know it as sure as I’m sitting here next to him feeling how much he makes me want to say yes.” 

The characters are absolutely phenomenal! Laurelyn is my favorite type of heroine. She is down to earth, stubborn, independent, and witty. I felt like she was really smart too, she isn’t trying to play games, but she is definitely aware that her arrangement with Jack isn’t a real relationship. I’m glad there wasn’t a lot of whining in her head and going back and forth about Jack, it would have been easy to go there, but it never did. Georgia Cates was able to build Laurelyn into a really strong character with just enough vulnerability that she is hard not to love. Plus, she was pretty hilarious at times and wasn’t afraid to tease Jack and keep him on his toes. The part where she messes with him about her age was priceless. 

Then of course there is Jack. Oh, Jack McLachlan… I really grew to love this guy! At first I liked him okay and was thinking he was just another gorgeous, rich bachelor. I thought I had him pegged as being somewhat cold and controlling, but he surprised me. Although he does have his boundaries, he has true feelings for Laurelyn and I’m not talking about on a romantic level. Just good feelings, he genuinely cares for her and cares what is going on with her. He worries about her and those parts are oh so very swoon-worthy! That was seriously refreshing! 

”This man will be hazardous for my heart if I allow it. He’ll use me up if I let him. I know this without a doubt and remind myself of a lesson well learned not so long ago. Never confuse sex for love. Right now, we’re black and white, but I vow that the second it becomes a hazy shade of cold steel gray, I will get out. No question about it.“ 

…

”Why would you doubt me?”
“Because I don’t know you.” 

Wow, that hurt.
“But you’re wrong. Maybe you don’t know my real name, but you know me like no one else does.” 


I completely fell for the two of them together. I enjoyed the way they interacted and I freaking loved the Aussie lingo in the book… sanger, brekkie, coldie, chickie babe, sunnies! So much awesome! :) The chemistry between the two is also off the charts hot and it had just the right amount of steaminess! As the story progresses, things happen and events lead to revelations between Jack and Laurelyn. The whole time you are wondering when or even if they will develop loving feelings and how that may change their arrangement. I enjoyed every second of their journey and them figuring it all out. 

“I don’t think you know how good you are at this.”
“What am I good at?”
“Whatever this is we’re doing.”

I no longer have any idea what we we’re doing. I only know I like it.
“I think you’re pretty good at this too. Whatever it is.”


The story does end on a bit of a cliffhanger in case you are wondering. Although I was a mess at the end, it wasn’t really because of the cliffhanger. I just felt like I was really getting attached to the characters and I was feeling everything they were. The ending was expected for me, so I was okay with the cliffy. It gives just enough to leave us with some idea of the direction the next book may take. Plus, book #2 – Beauty from Surrender comes out May 30th, that’s not too bad… I’m really excited for it though!

“I’ve known pain my whole life, but this is a new kind for me. It isn’t born of something wrong or ugly. This pain is conceived out of beauty…”