Book #Review: Beautiful Disaster (Book 1)

Book Title: Beautiful Disaster Book 1
Author: Jamie McGuire  |Website| Twitter| Facebook|

Publisher: Atria Books
Genre: New Adult Romance
Series/Standalone: Series
Format: Trade paperback

Cost: $15.00

Pages: 416

How I got it: Purchased 

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: August 2012
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:

The new Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn’t drink or swear, and she has the appropriate number of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance from the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University's Walking One-Night Stand. Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby needs—and wants—to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the ultimate college campus charmer. Intrigued by Abby’s resistance to his appeal, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis’s apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match.

Once again I started this book late at night, right before going to bed, Yeah...I didn't sleep I stayed up to finish reading this and I loved every moment of doing that and of reading this book.   After my disastrous attempt at reading Real by Katy Evans. I was afraid to pick up another popular book but I needed have worried  I enjoyed this immensely.  The characters were well written, they drew you into the story and made you apart of it. I loved reading the book, I mean a fact that's evidenced by it taking me one night to finish.

This has been a unique experience for me, because the characters were different from how most romance characters are written, I mean yeah Travis was the stereotypical manwhore, but in other characteristics he was written differently, he was a good friend, extremely smart, extremely broke yet working on it an even more unconventional way. Abby was a pretty different character as well, she completely didn't fall for his lines and man did he go crazy over that.  She was also smart, good looking, was from a pretty unique family background ( not completely but the elements that made hers different wasn't one I've read before).

I loved how uniquely Jamie made their love, their friends and their college experiences.  It was great fun and frankly reminded me a lot of my college days so I loved reading it.  The characters were fun, funny, witty, the conversations flowed and the storyline kept flowing so well that I kept fighting sleep to finish it.  I loved how well she created the world of their college experiences, writing in a way that allowed you to almost see the campus, the classrooms, the teachers, just created it in a way that you could kind of map it out. but at the same time leaving out enough details so you could create it based on your own experiences ( at least that's what I did, I totally imagined my college campus and simply named the buildings like she did)

I loved their passion, their quirkiness and Abby's stubbornness. There were moments I wanted to shake her, like really?? And moments I completely loved her.  Her best friend America *Mare* was totally kick butt.  I loved their dynamic and how much the girls truly loved each other.  I enjoyed reading Shep's & Mare's romance, their ups and downs totally rivaled those of Abby and Travis and I loved every moment.

I loved and loathed the nickname Travis gave her, because really dude I have a name use it!!  So much of their issues were character driven issues and I loved how they both worked at it and sometimes ran from it, making the romance both the focus and the reason for their growth.  Their issues didn't miraculously disappear and that they didn't immediate have a happily ever after, no they were too stubborn and hot headed for that.

There are a few moments in here that make you pause, however the characters were aware of them and either called each other out on them or immediately tried to stop them.  My biggest concerns were the fights he was participating in and the eventuality of a accident taking place due to one or at one.  I have seen reviews that say this book glorifies violence and Travis's bad behavior, I don't think so, especially because he worked at changing, at managing his behavior and modified it when needed.  I'm not going to lie there were a few O_o worthy moments but as I said before they were called out by several different characters and once made aware, Travis really tried to change.  I had a few problems with her indecisiveness as well, either you want him or you don't; if not stop with the holding it against him because you don't want him doesn't mean other won't take him. Stop playing games Abby. just stop. At the end there were a few unanswered questions which I guess is good since there is a second book.

Yeah I have pretty much nothing else to say other than it was an awesome ride and you must check it out.  I'm diving right into the other books and novellas. And I love how gorgeous the covers are and how they all match so well.
 ★★★★★

Happy Reading

YA Book Review: Scorch (Croak 2)

Book Title: Scroch (Croak 2)
Author: Gina Damico |Website| Twitter| Facebook|

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Genre: YA Paranormal Fiction
Series/Standalone: Series Book 2
Format: Trade paperback

Cost: $8.99

Pages: 332

How I got it: Borrowed from Sibling 

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Shelfabililty: Must Read
Season: Halloween
Add To Goodreads

Synopsis:

Sixteen-year-old Lex Bartleby is a teenage grim reaper with the bizarre ability to damn souls. That makes her pretty scary, even to fellow Grims. But after inadvertently transferring her ability to Zara, a murderous outlaw, Lex is a pariah in Croak, the little town she calls home. To escape the townspeople’s wrath, she and her friends embark on a wild road trip to DeMyse. Though this sparkling desert oasis is full of luxuries and amusements, it feels like a prison to Lex. Her best chance at escape would be to stop Zara once and for all—but how can she do that from DeMyse, where the Grims seem mysteriously oblivious to Zara’s killing spree?

When we left our little Grimm Reaper Lex last, she had been tricked and betrayed by a mentor, now there are bodies on the ground, friends have been hurt, and her Uncle Mort, the mayor is fighting to hang on to his job.  Things have been hitting the fan hard and poor Lex is the sucker standing in front of it.

From the very beginning of this story we are hitting the ground running. Souls are being damned all over the place, Zara is reeking havoc in every city and DeMyse is the only safe zone at the moment. While there Uncle Mort gets even more mysterious and leaves a lot of information out when filling the others in. Changes are coming to the ever-after and no one knows how to stop it and why it's happening.

Seriously Zara can you get anymore power hungry?? Now you have a power and you can't even control it, WTF is wrong with you?? Innocent people just because Lex won't do what you want her to do?? And Lex SERIOUSLY have you learnt nothing??? As the story progressed I got quite a bit annoyed with both Uncle Mort and Lex, like seriously people take your head out of your nether parts and get it together and FOCUS.

The gang on the run was both interesting and fun and shows how bad their geography skills are. I loved that Driggs was there for Lex and that he gained a new skill as well. I'm still haunted by that first time she almost Damned and I'm still mad about that scene. Eventually Lex smartens up and figures out how to fight Zara and goes off to do just that, and that's when the real adventure begins.

Can i say with conviction that I hate Norwood?? And all the senior a**hats?? Yeah I think I can say it with conviction, I mean I get they are afraid but why are y'all so stupid?? I hate Zara I hate Zara I hate Zara I hate Zara I hate Zara I hate Zara I hate Zara I hate Zara I hate Zara I hate Zara I hate Zara I hate Zara I hate Zara I hate Zara I hate Zara I hate Zara I hate Zara I hate Zara. *sobs*

In this book I'm not a fan of her portrayal of minorities the black girl who was the "mami" stereotype, she was taking care of everyone, then there was the 'jock' Asian guy, then of course when we go to another town the Mayor is a "Pimp" who is really an idiot (not to say idiot mayors don't exist but why like this though???).  Really though?? Almost everyone of the minority characters are flat and one sided. I'm not liking this at all.  Everyone else is allowed to develop a little more but each of these characters have several instances of clarity then back into the depths of stereotypes they go.

Overall the book was still good, I had to take off one point for the minority treatment. I can't wait to read Rogue!!!
 ★★★★☆
Even with the few issues within the book i still loved it *sobs* and I'm going to go read the third one RIGHT NOW!!  Make sure to check out my review of book 1 Croak. And check back for Rogue's review as well!!

Happy Reaping Reading my loves

YA Book Review: Croak ( Croak 1)

Book Title: Croak (Croak 1)
Author: Gina Damico |Website| Twitter| Facebook|

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Genre: YA Paranormal Fiction
Series/Standalone: Series Book 1
Format: Trade paperback

Cost: $8.99

Pages: 311

How I got it: Book Expo America 2012

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Shelfabililty: Must Read
Season: Halloween
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:

Fed up with her wild behavior, sixteen-year-old Lex's parents ship her off to upstate New York to live with her Uncle Mort for the summer, hoping that a few months of dirty farm work will whip her back into shape. But Uncle Mort's true occupation is much dirtier than shoveling manure. He's a Grim Reaper. And he's going to teach Lex the family business. She quickly assimilates into the peculiar world of Croak, a town populated by reapers who deliver souls from this life to the next. But Lex can't stop her desire for justice - or is it vengeance? - whenever she encounters a murder victim, craving to stop the attackers before they can strike again. Will she ditch Croak and go rogue with her reaper skills?

Let's start with the sexy book cover, and all it's beauty, go ahead I'll give you time.  Then of course is the snazzy font that the title is written in, the awesome storyline and I was hooked!!! As I was reading I kept thinking OMG she reminds me of Dead Like Me (one of my favorite shows by the way), so I was totally hooked at the concept of a modern Grim Reaper.

Let's start with our awesome, dry witty and perpetually angry grumpy sixteen year old Lex, she's a twin and she's the one with the bad attitude, give her dirty looks and she's guaranteed to kick your butt. After this final showdown Lex's parents split the twins and send her off to live with Uncle Mort, her Uncle who owns a farm in upstate New York, in a town called Croak. Let's start with the weird town line sign and her uncle showing up on a Harley (my kind of man), and let's move to the rest of the weirdness that is Croak.  I laughed at so many of her thoughts about the town because as a New Yorker I know we think anything beyond the four *yes I said four, Staten Island doesn't count y'all it doesn't count, Buffs my Boogie Down nails* boroughs as being the boonies and a whole other state, New York is only what can be reached by the train system LOLOLOLOL.

Not long after reaching Croak, Uncle Mort let's the cat out of the bag and takes Lex on her first trip as a Reaper, before long she's got the hang of it and then she gets hooked with Driggs as her teacher and they are off.  Before long her talents at this take off, and there are those who aren't too happy about it.  So much happens in this novel and I can't lie there are moments that still haunt me, especially when she figures out what her real gift is. People in town don't like that Lex is related to Mort and that she's gotten really good at what she does, other towns are starting to have issues and Mort doesn't take well to the problems going down in town.  It's a whole heap of craziness, in there throw in young love, friends being attacked, Reapers who died long ago coming back, power hungry idiots doing all manner of crazy things and of course several kinds of souls being reaped that will tear your heart out. One in particular makes me which I had her gift so I could exact revenge.

I can say I wasn't disappointed, this book, much like the show drew me in, wrapped me in it's wonderful storytelling and kept me locked in until the very end. Luckily I didn't have long to wait to read the second book Scorch. either because my sister had it, so I stole it borrowed it (she'll get it back...someday).
 ★★★★★

I got his book at Book Expo America 2012 and had the author sign it for me, I cracked up because she signed it

And so to you my loves I wish
Happy Reaping Reading

Waiting On Wednesday April Edition (1)

Hosted by: Jill over at Breaking The Spines.  This is a weekly book lust prompt, asking for us to share our absolute can't wait to get our hands on a copy books. Swing on over to find out how to participate and to see what others are sharing.  

Young Adult/New Adult

The Forever Song (Blood Of Eden 3) by Julie Kagawa

VENGEANCE WILL BE HERS Allison Sekemoto once struggled with the question: human or monster? With the death of her love, Zeke, she has her answer. MONSTER Allie will embrace her cold vampire side to hunt down and end Sarren, the psychopathic vampire who murdered Zeke. But the trail is bloody and long, and Sarren has left many surprises for Allie and her companions—her creator, Kanin, and her blood brother, Jackal. The trail is leading straight to the one place they must protect at any cost—the last vampire-free zone on Earth, Eden. And Sarren has one final, brutal shock in store for Allie. In a ruined world where no life is sacred and former allies can turn on you in one heartbeat, Allie will face her darkest days. And if she succeeds, triumph is short-lived in the face of surviving forever alone.Ap

Due Date 4/15

Print:Hardcover

Pages:304

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Adult Fiction

None That I'm aware of at the moment

Romance/Erotica

His To Command (1=6) by Opal Carew

First published as a six-part e serial novel, Opal Carew's His to Command is the scorching tale of one woman’s surrender at the hands of a dominant billionaire. Now available for the first time as a complete book, this edition features sizzling new bonus material. Meet a man who’s gorgeous, wealthy, powerful, and who demands just one thing—his lover’s complete submission. Now she’s about to place herself under his command—heart, body and soul. Kate is a modern businesswoman who knows exactly how to run her well-organized world. But underneath her professional exterior lurks a secret that she’s been running from for years—a fierce desire to be dominated that both exhilarates and terrifies her. And there’s only one man who’s ever tempted her to lose control. Powerful executive Matthew Pearce gave Kate her first taste of what it means to surrender completely at the hands of a dominant man, and she's never been able to forget. Though she’s spent years trying to outrun her feelings for him, a chance encounter changes everything . . . and this time she might not be able to escape. Deciding to give in to her deepest desires, Kate agrees to spend a week at Matt’s mansion exploring her submissive side under his masterful instruction. Just when she starts to fall deeper and harder for him than ever before, a terrible secret from his past threatens to tear them apart, and Kate must decide whether to finally trust Matt with her heart . . . or leave him behind forever.

Due Date 4/16

Print: Paperback

Pages: 288

Publisher: St.Martin's Press

Masters of Menage: Their Virgin Secretary by Shayla Black

Brothers Gavin, Slade, and Dex, fall hard for Gavin’s new secretary, beautiful Hannah Craig. The oil executives know they must give her time to get to know them before she can choose one . . . who will seduce the virgin and keep her for his own. But when a dangerous predator begins stalking the small-town beauty, they work together to protect her, abducting Hannah and spiriting her to an isolated hideaway. Once alone with her, none of them can contain their burning desire. Though Slade and Dex don’t mind sharing, Gavin’s tragic past has put distance between him and his brothers. Now, they’re hoping that not only will Hannah love them back . . . but maybe mend their fractured family. After overcoming her initial fears, the men teach her wild pleasure she’s never imagined. She grows closer to each, their devotion melting her inhibitions. Hannah finds herself embracing love with all three men—and hoping she can heal Gavin’s wounded soul. But her new found happiness turns to terror when her stalker finds her. Will Gavin, Slade and Dex lose their woman to a menace that threatens everything they hold dear, or will they finally unite to make Hannah theirs forever?

Due Date 4/15

Print: Kindle

Pages: 324

Publisher: Black Oak Books LLC

Are you getting any of these?? What's on your book lust list?? Share in the comments down below!!

Happy Lusting

YA Book Review: The Vicious Deep (The Vicious Deep 1)

Book Title: The Viscous Deep (The Vicious Deep 1)
Author: Zoraida Corgova |Website| Twitter| Facebook|

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Genre: YA Fiction
Series/Standalone: Series
Format: Paperback

Cost: $9.99

Pages: 370

How I got it: BEA 2013

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher

Shelfabililty: Must Read

Add To Goodreads

Synopsis:

For Tristan Hart, everything changes with one crashing wave. He was gone for three days. Sucked out to sea in a tidal wave and spit back ashore at Coney Island with no memory of what happened. Now his dreams are haunted by a terrifying silver mermaid with razor-sharp teeth. His best friend Layla is convinced something is wrong. But how can he explain he can sense emotion like never before? How can he explain he's heir to a kingdom he never knew existed? That he's suddenly a pawn in a battle as ancient as the gods. Something happened to him in those three days. He was claimed by the sea...and now it wants him back.

This was for me a surprising read.  I wasn't sure what to expect from the author as she was a new one to me and this was a debut novel. Can I say I was on the bus, and train laughing out loud?? I mean actually laughing out loud. I found the characters fresh, fun and very real.  Tristan was my favorite kind of character, it's very rare to have a male character be the lead and he was so good.

Tristan was your typical teenager, until he finds out about his mother's ancestry. I can't tell you how much his reaction amused me. I tried sharing it as a joke to a friend and she was like "i guess you had to have read it" talk about a buzz kill, I still got chuckles though.  I have to say his friends kind of reminded me of several other guy,girl friends. except without their own magic, loyal and willing to stick with you no matter what.  I did however find Layla to be a bit of an a**, there is being brave and then there is sheer stupidity and many times she confused the two believing she was better.

I liked that the characters were fleshed out, and many had their motives for why they were doing what they did.  The world building was done well, as there are not too many stories based on this mythology. From the very beginning the story pulls you in and keeps you wanting more.  Tristan is a likable character and his adventures are well written.  I can't wait to see what happens as Tristan races to stay ahead of his comptetitors and attempts to stay alive.
 ★★★★☆
I'm trying to tell you I love the story without sounding like a teenager gushing about their fave band. But I do I love the story and I can't wait for the final book to come out this year and when it does, don't expect to see me for at least 2 days.

YA Book Review: Indigo

Book Title: Indigo
Author: Alice Hoffman |Website| Facebook|

Publisher: Scholastic Inc
Genre: Children's Fiction
Series/Standalone: Series
Format: paperback

Cost: $varies

Pages: 84

How I got it: Family Library

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble |
Published Date: 1/ 2012
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:

Oak Grove is a dry, dusty town haunted by the memories of a past flood. Everyone dreads water--everyone except two brothers, Trevor and Eli McGill. Nicknamed Trout and Eel for their darting quickness and the thin webbing between their fingers and toes, the boys dream of the farthest seas and of a mysterious past they only half remember. In helping them reach their hearts' desire, Martha Glimmer, the boys' fierce and loyal friend, is intent on running away from memories of her old life--before her mother died, before her father lost himself in grief, before her heart was broken. Little do Martha, Trout, and Eel know that running away will leave them on a journey back to their own true natures.

This is a excellent little middle grade book.  Personally there was no mystery because I guessed about the a third of the way into the first chapter what the brothers were.  I thought it was a cute read and I'm sure younger kids would have a grand time attempting to figure it all out.

I'm a Alice Hoffman fan mainly due to Practical Magic, but I do love her other writings, I really enjoy the realism and the magic being combined, so this would be a great little addition for those love both of those, or who want their kids to love magical realism as well.  While reading it appears that there is another book and it might give more to this story.  I'm going to check the other books out as well.
 ★★★1/2☆☆

A great read for the intended audience, and worked to help get me out of my slump.
Happy Reading

Monthly TBR Pile: March 2014 & E-Reader Challenge List

The concept: Have you been a little over eager with your mouse when browsing Kindle Freebies? Or maybe those books on Netgalley/Edelweiss were just too hard to resist? Are your free reads sitting in your E-reader, neglected, just waiting for when you have time to get to them? Well now is the time with the “Clean out your E-reader Challenge” Join us March 1st – 31th with the Clean out your E-reader Challenge hosted by Fantasy is More Fun & Because Reading is better than real life and start cleaning out your free or nearly free E-reads! Not only will you get to those reads that have been sitting unread for too long, but Two participants will have a chance to win prizes in our Review Posts Giveaway AND will drive more traffic to your blog

I generally suck at doing these because as soon as I put a book on a list I skip reading it. But I'm aiming to do better this year.  So here I'm going to own up to the books that need to be read each month and strive to make it. So here we go into the walk of shame:

Books to Read This Month: Goal 25                                Accomplished:    4

• The SEALs Kiss Tawny Weber
• Cress by Marissa Meyer
• Vampires Need Not...Apply??
• Sun God Seeks..Surrogate Mimi Jean Pamfiloff
• Once Upon a Prince
• Toxic Wolves
• The Wanderer Robyn Carr
• The Newcomer Robyn Carr
• The Chance Robyn Carr
• Naughty and Nice
• Burn
• Highlander Most Wanted Maya Bank
• Wrecked Priscilla West
• Coming Back Together 
• The Here and Now
• Dark Surrender
• The Black Sheep's Inheritance
• Waking the Dead
• What the Greek's Money Can't Buy Maya Blake
• Stolen Kiss from a Prince
• Cowboy in My Pocket
• Beautiful Surrender
• Secret Surrender
• Breathe Into Me
• Forbidden Surrender
• Ask Me For More
• Most Eligible Sheriff by Cathy McDavid
• The last akaway
• RealThing Brenda Jackson

I', aiming for the "Deep Clean"~ 10-14 Books. This list is just a guide, I have a ton of books I want to read from my e-reader. A ton more, but this is what I'm really looking forward to reading.  I'll probably change some of this as we go along. As I said it's just a guide.

What are you reading this month?? Share down below please, so I don't feel so alone.

YA Book Review: Among the Nameless Stars 0.5

Book Title: Among the Nameless Stars 0.5
Author: Diana Peterfreund |Website| Twitter| Facebook|

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishing 
Genre: Paranormal Fiction, YA
Series/Standalone: Series
Format: ebook

Cost: $0.00

Pages: 60

How I got it: Kindle Free Download

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:

Before Kai joined the Cloud Fleet, he wandered… AMONG THE NAMELESS STARS Four years before the events of FOR DARKNESS SHOWS THE STARS, the servant Kai left the North Estate, the only home he’d ever known, and Elliot North, the only girl he ever loved, in search of a better life. But the journey was not an easy one. Featuring narrow escapes, thrilling boat races and at least one deadly volcanic wasteland.

Since I had no inclining what the book was about I was a little awestruck by the world it was building and even a little saddened by how little has changed in the world.  There are still oppressors and the oppressed in this world. slaves and slavers as well, how little has changed.

Poor Kai with his love for a Luddite who wouldn't leave her world behind for him. Kai who wanted more than what the world was trying to offer him.  I'm happy he left although his journey was risky.  It brought comfort and news to some (the people who lived under the miners the ones who helped him).

Since this is Kai's story we only hear his thoughts I can't wait to hear from Elliot and see why she choose to stay behind.  And I can't wait to know more about Kai's life after the encounter with the innovations.

I must say that before I went ahead and read the synopsis I had no idea what the book was about and was kinda lost with the talks about Reduced and Luddites and con. It was just so out of science fiction and very different from what I kinda expected.  It's good and a great intro to the series I'm now looking forward to reading For Darkness Shows the Stars.

Ok Ill go ahead and say I thought it took place on another planet, you know one of those where we discovered it and there was space travel.  That's all before I went back and read the synopsis and was like Ok no star cruisers here.* I mean though look at the names of the books*

Very good read, and engaging.
 ★★★1/2☆☆
Make sure to check back for my review on the other books in the series.

Book #Review & #Giveaway: Unraveled (CLOSED)

Book Title: Unraveled ( Woodlands 3)
Author: Jen Frederick |Website| Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter|

Publisher: Pear Tree LLC
Genre: Romance
Series/Standalone: Series
Format: ebook

Cost: $4.99

Pages: 280

How I got it: Author

Purchase: Amazon | B&N| iBooks| Smashwords
Publication Date: 1/16/2014
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:

Twenty-five-year-old Sgt. Gray Phillips is at a crossroads in his life: stay in the Marine Corps or get out and learn to be a civilian? He’s got forty-five days of leave to make up his mind but the people in his life aren’t making the decision any easier. His dad wants him to get out; his grandfather wants him to stay in. And his growing feelings for Sam Anderson are wreaking havoc with his heart…and his mind. He believes relationships get ruined when a Marine goes on deployment. So now he’s got an even harder decision to make: take a chance on Sam or leave love behind and give his all to the Marines. Twenty-two year old Samantha Anderson lost her husband to an IED in Afghanistan just two months after their vows. Two years later, Sam is full of regrets—that she didn’t move with her husband to Alaska; that she allowed her friends to drift away; that she hasn’t taken many chances in life. Now, she’s met Gray and taking a risk on this Marine could be her one opportunity to feel alive and in love again. But how can she risk her heart on another military man who could share the same tragic fate as her husband?

Ok, y'all know how I feel about Military Men. So I went into this one dying to see how she would so this justice.  I had never read Jen before, but I'm about to remedy that. I LOVED the heck out of this book and there are more books out there so, yeah see this is why my TBR pile never goes down. I read one and have to put all the others on my shelf to read. LOl book lover problems.

I really LOVED this book, & I really loved the characters. They are amazing.  Sam wanted to be known as something other than a widow, and Gray was trying to figure out where he went from here.  I loved the way they flowed together, how they met, the interactions and just about everything. They wanted each other but each had their own reasons for resisting and I just loved the way they flowed and came together in the end.

This book was a character driven book, even though there were moments of drama; the story itself was about them and their moments together and separately.  I loved the evolution of Sam, how she reopened herself to living, how she learnt to let go to embrace life again and to not try to stand still in her pain.  I truly felt sorry for her mother in law to have to let go of everything, but really I'm not responsible for your feelings, they are 'YOUR' feelings.

Gray was an amazing character to read, he was heartbroken but couldn't see it because well, guys aren't supposed to be heartbroken and certainly not Marines. O_o He wasn't afraid of women, he just didn't trust them and this woman knocked him on his ass. I loved that he was there for his friends, wanted to get himself together and even though it sounded crazy had a bit of a plan.  He wanted the life his dad and Grandad (Pops) had in the military and he was at a crossroads.  I loved that he really gave it some serious thought and made a decision with his heart.

I did have moments where I laughed and wanted to hit Gray on the head, however in the end he pulled it together. I'm glad Bo had talked to him. As for Ethan?? Yeah man we'll catch you in a dark alley one day.

I really loved how Jen captured the camaraderie of military life, & also the messiness of it. Because really it's humans in uniform, and some of them are still scoundrels, just a little prettied up.  There were so many good moments within the story and so many valid points (makes me wonder if Jen is military, a military spouse or from a military family herself).  There was only one moment where I rolled my eyes *you'll know it when you get there no spoilers*  in this story but, I loved how she used it to really move the story along. (Crazy part?? I know someone who had that happen so maybe it's not so far~fetched after all).

Overall I really enjoyed the experience of reading this novel.  I loved their romance, their conversations, & of course the smoking hot love making scenes.  I want to read Bo & Noah's story, I wonder if we're getting a Tucker story. I would love to read that.
 ★★★★★

I have added the authors' other books to my TBR, I can't wait to get to them. I highly recommend this one.
Now for the Giveaway: Best Of Luck!!!!
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Happy Reading

Book #Review: Undone (A Country Roads Novel)

Book Title: Undone ( A Country Roads Novel)
Author: Shannon Richard |Website| Twitter| Facebook|

Publisher: Forever (Grand Central Publishing)
Genre: Romance
Series/Standalone: Series
Format: ebook, Mass Market, 

Cost: $6.00

Pages: 368

How I got it: NetGalley

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: July 2013
Add To Goodreads
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Synopsis:

Things Paige Morrison will never understand about Mirabelle, Florida: Why wearing red shoes makes a girl a harlot Why a shop would ever sell something called "buck urine" Why everywhere she goes, she runs into sexy-and infuriating-Brendan King After losing her job, her apartment, and her boyfriend, Paige has no choice but to leave Philadelphia and move in with her retired parents. For an artsy outsider like Paige, finding her place in the tightly knit town isn't easy-until she meets Brendan, the hot mechanic who's interested in much more than Paige's car. In no time at all, Brendan helps Paige find a new job, new friends, and a happiness she wasn't sure she'd ever feel again. With Brendan by her side, Paige finally feels like she can call Mirabelle home. But when a new bombshell drops, will the couple survive, or will their love come undone?

Excerpt

By four o’clock Paige had set up her desk and computer. She decided to start reading through the instructions on the program she was supposed to use. About an hour later, there was a knock on the door and Paige looked up to see Brendan leaning against the doorjamb. He was wearing his navy blue pants and shirt and his five o’clock shadow. Dear God he doesn’t play fair. “You’ve been busy,” he said, looking around. “I ran into Mrs. Wisenbacker downstairs, who yelled at me for helping the havoc-inducing harlot get a job. I see you’re making friends.” “She didn’t like my shoes,” Paige said. “What?” “My shoes,” Paige said, turning in her chair so she could show Brendan her feet. “Apparently only harlots wear red shoes.” He pushed off the doorjamb and walked into the room, stopping next to her desk. He looked down at her feet and his gaze slowly traveled up her legs. Heat rushed into her cheeks and she was thankful she was still sitting down. “She’s crazy,” he said, finally meeting her eyes and grinning. “I’m a pretty big fan of those shoes.” “What are you doing here?” Paige asked, trying to focus on something besides the way he was looking at her. “I came to pick you up. Your car’s ready.” “Why did you come to pick me up?” she asked, panicked. She wasn’t prepared to be in a close, confined environment with him. “Because I told your dad I would. I can’t believe you ripped the carpet out of here,” he said, looking down at the floor. “It looks a lot better without it.” “Thanks. Can you help me carry the carpet downstairs?” she asked, pointing to the hallway where the rug still sat. “Are you serious?” “I can’t carry it by myself,” she said, standing up. If he was here she might as well get him to do something useful besides scrambling her brain. “What’s in it for me?” “What do you want?” she asked, before she could stop herself. She was flirting with him. Why was she flirting with him? Stupid thing to do really. “I have a couple of ideas,” he said as his gaze flickered to her mouth. There was another knock and they both turned to see Mr. Adams walk into the room. “Brendan,” he said in his big booming voice. “Mr. Adams,” Brendan said, holding out his hand. “You come here to check up on your girl?” he asked, shaking Brendan’s hand and clapping Brendan on the back with one of his large hands. His girl? Brendan’s girl? Paige’s stomach flipped. She opened her mouth to correct him but Brendan cut her off. “Yeah.” He winked at Paige. “She’s done a good job with this office.” “She sure has,” Mr. Adams said, looking around. He looked down at the floor, a thoughtful expression on his face. “You know, I’ve been wanting to get rid of that red carpet for a while now. And these wooden floors are looking mighty fine. Maybe you’ve got something going here, Paige. Just leave that carpet in the hallway,” he said as he continued to study the floor. “I might not want to store it after all.” “Really?” she asked, shocked. “Yeah,” Mr. Adams said, looking at her. “Maybe we should change things up here a little. Did you get a chance to look at the tribute program?” “A little. I’m going to really get into it tomorrow.” “Alright, you two have a nice night together,” Mr. Adams said, backing toward the door. “We will,” Brendan said, waving.(Click to CONTINUE READING ) 

What have I been doing with my life that I never heard of this series, or this author?? Yeah I'm certifiable. I loved the heck out this series and once I have cleaned up the TBR some more?? Oh best believe I'm getting the rest of the series, all in physical form too. (that's how you know I loved it!!)

I didn't read the synopsis going in, it was a new book on NetGalley and they sent me the "you should request this" email and I just clicked. (Yes I'm aware I have a problem. Look what can I say?? They have yet to steer me wrong)

What can I say about this book?? It's fun, funny, relateable and a fast read.  Paige was a young woman who is a lot like us really, she did good finished college landed a good job, had great friends and an amazing boyfriend then her world went a little sideways and now she's starting over.  With a pretty big chip on her shoulder (but ummm you can't blame her.) She moved back in with her parents and is trying to start over but there are people in town hell bent on making it difficult for her.

I actually really like Paige, because she was relateable, she was doing her best but the community wasn't trying to give her a break, and I mean there are only so many times you can take being talked down to before you snap.  Brendan never stood a chance, even before they met he was fascinated by her and once they met?? Yeah it was on.  I loved that Brendan was grounded had roots, a home, a good family and even a good head on his shoulders especially with his business.  Yeah he had some issues but none that made him a bad guy, or one you hope she would punch one good time before they get together.  He was actually a nice guy.  One who didn't hesitate to call her on her crap and man did he make her feel cherished.

I was excited to read the book and breezed right through it, I kept finding time to read while I waited, got a ride, caught a break at work, anything to get back to their love story.  There are few moments within the story I was angry on their behalf, and even some where I teared up a bit.  I laughed quite a bit as well and I just enjoyed rooting for them.  I loved the flow of the story and they way the characters were with each other (even the ones with the outlandish names LOL) and am excited to read the other story we saw developing with this one.

Personally I wished she would have found a way to handle the town's gossip blogger, getting her shut down would save so many people heartache. I'm from a small town as well and I can tell you if someone gossiped as much as this woman did and had the nerve to write it down?? She would be backing it up constantly, because the beat~downs she would get; would make her rethink if it was worth it.  ( I don't advocate violence, but in the instance of talking about a close family members death?? I'm not responsible for what I'm about to do.)  In this instance she wrote derogatory things about Paige which almost lead to something violent against our lead character and I would definitely have gotten a lawyer involved pushing for everything from bullying, libel/slander; she incited a riot and those names she kept calling everybody?? Yeah not cool, not cool at all.

There are a few loose ends, not for their story but from the town & I'm looking forward to continuing with this series, especially if we are going to get Bennett's story soon. The next one is Grace's and I can't wait to see how those two handle it.
 ★★★★★

Seriously go make room on the pile y'all it's a good read.
Happy Reading

Review Copy Clean Up 4.0 Wrap Up

 

Welcome to the fourth Review Copy Cleanup! After three successful editions in 2012 and 2013, we’re back for another month of review copy reading madness. Whether you have a polite pile or a complete mountain of review books to get through, everyone is welcome to join. 

What is the Review Copy Cleanup? 

The RCC is a month-long event in which Vicky from Books, Biscuits & Tea and me (Nyx at Nyx Book Reviews)  challenge ourselves to read as many review books as we can. We are both notorious for accepting way too many requests, and consequently our to be read piles are pretty daunting. For some extra motivation to read, we invented the Review Copy Cleanup. This year we are keeping things simple – no challenges and just one scheduled chat, and weekly updates so we can all keep track of each other’s process. You’re welcome to keep track of the challenge in the way that’s most convenient for you.

Well there you have it, I'm among my people. We swear we can read faster than we actually can or if we do we don't write the reviews right away so reviews pile up and we fall further and further behind. Here I'm confessing my guilty list of books to clean up and reviews to finally write ( or in my case transcribe, I write on paper and always seem to have a mental block when it comes to typing them up O_o I don't know I just work here..lol)

Book Reviews to Clean up Goal 25   Accomplished: 24 Noooooooo!!! I was so close!!!

• Crockpot Cookbook 2/23
• Hooked 2/23
• Bonds of Hope
• Office Toy 2/28
• Howl for a Highlander 2/13
• the New tarot handbook
• Night is Watching
• Twice Shy
• Truth or Date 2/28
• Play by Play
• When snow falls 2/13
• StarStruck Romance and other tails
• Tempestuous Eden 2/28
• Crash Into You 2/13
• Addicted to You
• Dare You To 2/14
• Impossible to Resist
• The Homesteader's Sweetheart
• The Homefront Hero
• The Rake's Redemption
• To Wed A Wicked Highlander
• Love at 1st Date 2/28
• True 2/01
• the dominant 2/9
• the submissive  2/9
• the training 2/9
• Soap Crafting2/9 
• Fetish Box 1 and 2 2/04
• the dom project
• April Bride2/11
• May Bride 2/26
• In Too Deep 2/12
• Staking His Claim 2/13
• Temporarily Yours 2/15
• His to Posses 1 Opal Carew
• His to Posses 3 Opal Carew
• His to Posses 1-6 Opal Carew
• The SEALs Salvation Tawny Weber 2/17
• Undone 2/26
• Unraveled 2/28

Books to Read This Month: Goal 25 Accomplished: 10

• Eye of Minds
• The SEALs Salvation Tawny Weber 2/17
• The SEALs Kiss Tawny Weber
• Cress by Marissa Meyer
• The Chase  2/28
• Staking His Claim2/13
• Temporarily Yours 2/14
• Vampires Need Not...Apply??
• His to Posses 1 2/16
• His to Posses 3 2/16
• His to Posses 1-6  2/16
• Once Upon a Prince
• March Bride 2/23
• Toxic Wolves
• The Wanderer
• The Newcomer
• Naughty and Nice
• Burn
• Highlander Most Wanted
• Undone 2/26
• Unraveled 2/27

Can you believe that!!! I was one freaking book review away from being done!! I can't believe this Ugh!!! At Least I cleaned up nicely, I still have a few reviews I have to work on, and I'm doing those this weekend.

I still did awesome on books to read as well, cleaning up 10 of my 25 and even getting five or six of those reviews written.

How'd you do?? Clean up your list any??  I'm taking part in two challenges in March to clean up the TBRs. Make sure to check back and see those and let me know if you're particiapting in anymore as well.

Happy Reading

YA Book Review: Atone: A Fairytale

Book Title: Atone (a Fairytale 2)
Author: Jessica Grey |Website| Twitter| Facebook|

Publisher: Tall House Books
Genre: YA Fiction/ Paranormal
Series/Standalone: Series
Format: ebook, paperback

Cost: $2.99, $8.99

Pages: 236

How I got it: Purchased

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble |
Publish Date: June 2013
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Synopsis:

Becca Ward knows that magic is real... Two years ago not only had she and her best friend Alex found a real-life Sleeping Beauty in the middle of Los Angeles, they also discovered that they were powerful in their own right. They’ve managed to keep both their fae powers and their friend Lilia’s identity as a medieval princess a secret and live a normal life. Now their normalcy is threatened by the return of their former advisor at the Gem and Mineral Museum—and Becca’s least favorite person, Nicholas Hunt. ...and she’s about to find out that more than one fairy tale is true. Nicholas has been obsessed with proving Lilia’s identity and the existence of magic. While working on an archeology dig he discovered an ancient fae artifact—a mirror that is imbued with a powerful protection spell that twists his obsession, and his body, until he is more beast than man. In order to protect her friends, Becca is forced to help him, and she is surprised to find that in spite of his outward appearance, Nicholas is no longer the beast she remembers. Will she let herself be the beauty that breaks the curse, or will she let her prejudice against him stop her from discovering true love?

About two years ago I had the pleasure of reading Awake the first book in this series; it was free on Amazon and I clicked it and I loved every second of it!! As soon as I saw she had a second book I put it on my wishlist and forgot about it, when I got Christmas money I decided I was going to get it and I can say it's a decision that I don't regret.  This book managed to live up to the memory of the first book. It was AMAZING!!  I mean just look at the cover!!( on my physical copy the eyes are lion eyes, and the cover just has more umpth to it)

Atone picked up where Awake ended, following Becca, the second girl in the trio and followed their ex boss Nicholas whose obsession with all things magical has led him into finding a magic mirror which allows the persons insides to be reflected to them.  This is a retelling of the Beauty and The Beast story with an extremely good modern twist.

I have loved every second of being with Becca and Nicholas.  Nick the tortured anti hero who is desperate to prove himself, but due to his selfish tendencies ends up with a curse and Becca, the woman hell bent on protecting her friends and their secrets.I just loved how the story flowed, how they worked well together, the conversations weren't stilted, the action wasn't stagnant, it just all worked so well.

When we met Becca in Awake she was fun and witty, here little has changed except she's a little more hesitant to use her magic the way the Alex and Lilia are. Knowing that Nick could hurt them she decides to stay with him and help and man it's just one magic filled moment after another.

I finished this pretty quickly because I just loved it. Nick as a character, the faerie realm, the King, the new twist to their magic and of course the love.  I wasn't disappointed at all and truly enjoyed reading the book, which I did in like two days.

 ★★★★☆

I can't wait until the last book in the series which is due out this year comes out.  Make sure to check out Jessica's website and stay tuned for the next book as well.

Happy Reading