Monday, November 25, 2013

Review: Waterfell (The Aquarathi #1) by Amalie Howard

Title: Waterfell
Author: Amalie Howard
Release Date: October 29, 2013
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Pages: 360
Source: Received egalley for review


Synopsis: (taken from Goodreads)
THE GIRL WHO WOULD BE QUEEN

Nerissa Marin hides among teens in her human form, waiting for the day she can claim her birthright—the undersea kingdom stolen from her the day her father was murdered. Blending in is her best weapon—until her father's betrayer confronts Nerissa and challenges her to a battle to the death on Nerissa's upcoming birthday—the day she comes of age.

Amid danger and the heartbreak of her missing mother, falling for a human boy is the last thing Nerissa should do. But Lo Seavon breaches her defenses and somehow becomes the only person she can count on to help her desperate search for her mother, a prisoner of Nerissa's mortal enemy. Is Lo the linchpin that might win Nerissa back her crown? Or will this mortal boy become the weakness that destroys her?


My Thoughts:
I was so excited to read this book especially after I read the description. I hate to say this but the book fell short for me.
Waterfell is about the queen, Nerissa, of an alien race called the Aquarathi. Nerissa is warned to leave Waterfell and go the human world so she can survive after her father is brutally murdered. In the human world, she becomes complacent with her human life and has no wish to ever go back to Waterfell and rule. She does not feel she is good enough to rule because she does not garner the same respect as her father. Nerissa must decide what is important to her; being queen to her kind or pretending to be something she isn’t.

The first half of the book was repetitive for me. I felt like Nerissa was saying the same thing over and over again. Nothing really happened; I was reading a lot of explanations. At about 40% of the book, things started to get more interesting. The author started throwing in some twist and turns I really did not expect. I really liked the magical powers of the Aquarathi. I especially liked Nerissa’s powers. For example, if she comes into contact with another full blood Aquarathi they have to show themselves to her…that’s pretty cool.

I didn’t really like Nerissa, especially in the beginning. I found her character to be a little boring. There was no depth to her. Little by little, as I read, I was able to see a transformation in Nerissa. She started becoming the person she needed to be to rule: strong, independent, caring, making decisions. I also loved the chemistry between Nerissa and Lo. I could feel the sparks coming off the pages. I could physically feel their attraction to one another. I really enjoyed that part!

I really liked Jenna and Soren. They were secondary characters but also very much needed in the book. Jenna was funny and always protective of Nerissa no matter what. I thought she was a great friend. I liked how she accepted Nerissa for who and everything she is.  Soren is also a great character. Even though she is not Nerissa’s mother, she still cared for her safety and well being. I understood where she was coming from. She wanted her to be able to lead their people one day.

If you enjoy a book that is unique with great chemistry, then you will like this book!

My Rating:
3 out of 5 stars

Raquel
xoxo


Sunday, November 24, 2013

In My Mailbox (23) & Stacking the Shelves (29)


Welcome to this week's In My Mailbox. In My Mailbox (IMM) is hosted by The Story Siren, who was inspired by a fellow book blogger Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. It features books I have bought or received for review.

Stacking the Shelves by Tynga`s Reviews is about adding books to my shelves I received during the past week whether it is physical or virtual. This post is about the books I purchased for the past couple of weeks.

Unfortunately this week I did not receive or get any books (physical or e-books) for IMM/STS. Next week I am planning on buying some books at the book store. Stay tuned to my IMM/STS post next week :)

 I have a busy week with my friend's wedding which I am a bridesmaid for :) and a few other things. I hope everyone has a great week!

Raquel
xoxo

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday (31)

Control (Control #1) by Lydia Kang

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Expected Publication Date: December 26, 2013

Synopsis:
An un-putdownable thriller for fans of Uglies

When a crash kills their father and leaves them orphaned, Zel knows she needs to protect her sister, Dyl. But before Zel has a plan, Dyl is taken by strangers using bizarre sensory weapons, and Zel finds herself in a safe house for teens who aren’t like any she’s ever seen before—teens who shouldn't even exist. Using broken-down technology, her new friends’ peculiar gifts, and her own grit, Zel must find a way to get her sister back from the kidnappers who think a powerful secret is encoded in Dyl’s DNA.

A spiraling, intense, romantic story set in 2150—in a world of automatic cars, nightclubs with auditory ecstasy drugs, and guys with four arms—this is about the human genetic “mistakes” that society wants to forget, and the way that outcasts can turn out to be heroes.


Raquel
xoxo

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Cover Reveal: A New Adult Romance, Six novellas by The NAturals

Laurelin Paige, Gennifer Albin, Melanie Harlow, Sierra Simone, Kayti McGee Downey, and Tamara Mataya
Release: December 23, 2013
Cover designed by Tom Barnes Design

Six romance authors present six very different novellas in this anthology of new stories: Ménage a tango lessons. A bride DYING to say, 'I don't.' A horny college boy at a purity rally. Time-traveling graduate students meet Victorian playboys. A rugby player who's as dirty off the field as on. And kissing under the mistletoe with a Scottish exchange student. Something for everyone, the NAturals present sweet, funny, and erotic tales of new adults meant to be Unwrapped all year long and not just at Christmas. 

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  About the Authors Laurelin Paige, Gennifer Albin, Melanie Harlow, Sierra Simone, Kayti McGee Downey, and Tamara Mataya are the six authors who blog for TheNaturalAuthors.blogspot.com. They each write romance and adore pushing the boundaries of the genre. Above all, they love reading smut, looking at pictures of hot men, and making up names for the band they’re always talking about forming.


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  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, November 17, 2013

In My Mailbox (22) & Stacking the Shelves (28)


Welcome to this week's In My Mailbox. In My Mailbox (IMM) is hosted by The Story Siren, who was inspired by a fellow book blogger Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. It features books I have bought or received for review.

Stacking the Shelves by Tynga`s Reviews is about adding books to my shelves I received during the past week whether it is physical or virtual. This post is about the books I purchased for the past couple of weeks.

Purchased on Amazon:

Altered by Jennifer Rush

I bought Altered because I have heard great things about the book and I wanted to see what all of the hype is about. From the description, the book looks great though.

Deity (Covenant #3) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

The last book I read in this series is Pure which is book #2. JLA is a good author and I always look forward to when she publishes a new book.

What did you get in IMM/STS???

Raquel 
xoxo

P.S. I am currently having a few giveaways on my site. One is My Birthday Giveaway Celebration and the other is the Gratitude Giveaway. If you like, you can enter.

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Gratitude Giveaway Hop


Hosted by: I am A Reader, Not A Writer

This is the 4th Annual Gratitude Giveaway Hop and I am happy to be apart of it. This is a way to thank all my followers for the wonderful 9 months I have had. 

I am giving away (1) $15 Amazon Gift Card

You can enter below using rafflecopter. 1 entry per person. Follow my blog your favourite way (facebook, twitter, google friend connect {gfc} OR by email). Please enter only using 1 way. Multiple entries will be disqualified.

Winner of the Gift Card must have an Amazon account. Open to anyone 13 and over. The winner will be announced on the Rafflecopter widget.


I am also hosting another personal giveaway: My Birthday Celebration Giveaway. If you like, you can enter for a chance to win more prizes.




Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday (30)

The King (Black Dagger Brotherhood #12) by J.R. Ward

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

I have been  waiting for this book since the first book, Dark Lover. Wrath and Beth are my favourite couple in this series. I am so excited for Beth to go into her needing period, Wrath will not be able to resist :)

Expected Publication Date: March 25, 2014

Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads)
J.R. Ward's # 1 New York Times bestselling Black Dagger Brotherhood continues as a royal bloodline is compromised by a grave threat to the throne.

Long live the King…

After turning his back on the throne for centuries, Wrath, son of Wrath, finally assumed his father’s mantle--with the help of his beloved mate. But the crown sets heavily on his head. As the war with the Lessening Society rages on, and the threat from the Band of Bastards truly hits home, he is forced to make choices that put everything--and everyone--at risk.

Beth Randall thought she knew what she was getting into when she mated the last pure blooded vampire on the planet: An easy ride was not it. But when she decides she wants a child, she’s unprepared for Wrath’s response--or the distance it creates between them.

The question is, will true love win out... or tortured legacy take over?


Raquel
xoxo

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Cover Reveal: Love and Cupcakes by Susan Bishop Crispell

Adult Romance
Releasing January 21, 2014
Publisher: Swoon Romance

Book Description:
For Jaclyn “Jack” Pace, sensing what sweets people crave is as easy as breathing. But it’s not enough to keep her cupcake bakery in the black. So, when her estranged sister Harper comes back to town with an affinity for making art out of icing—and a past full of secrets—she reluctantly gives Harper a job and a place to crash. As their sisterly relationship begins to thaw, the one with her business partner Graham starts to heat up. Given the legend that says Hollingsworth men will recognize their soul mates at first touch, Jack’s always been resigned to the fact that she’s not his. But when she starts sensing desires that are decidedly not dessert-related, it’ll take all of her magic to set things right with customers and make her own desires come true. Love and Cupcakes is a delightfully sweet and sensual romance from Susan Bishop Crispell.  
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  About the Author:
Susan Bishop Crispell is not one of those writers who's been scribbling down stories since she could hold a pencil. She didn't read constantly growing up (blasphemy!), and she can still be found in public without a book tucked into her purse (again with the blasphemy!). She is, however, the kind of writer who lives for the imaginative spark that introduces her to a new character or story idea that pushes her to turn everyday life into something magical. She lives and writes near Wilmington, NC.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Tumblr 


Monday, November 11, 2013

My Birthday Giveaway Celebration


November is my birthday month and I am so excited this year, I want to share it with everyone...HOORAY! This year, it is my champagne birthday and I am giving away 2 great prizes. 
1) I am giving away a $28 Amazon Gift Card
2) Book of your choice (max. $15) through The Book Depository

This giveaway is international. I am only giving away a book from The Book Depository, if it does not have the book you want I am sorry :( The Book Depository will be shipping the book. I am not responsible for any damaged packages. Winner of the Amazon Gift Card must have an Amazon account. Open to anyone 13 and over. The winner will be announced on the Rafflecopter widget.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, November 10, 2013

In My Mailbox (21) & Stacking the Shelves (27)


Welcome to this week's In My Mailbox. In My Mailbox (IMM) is hosted by The Story Siren, who was inspired by a fellow book blogger Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. It features books I have bought or received for review.

Stacking the Shelves by Tynga`s Reviews is about adding books to my shelves I received during the past week whether it is physical or virtual. This post is about the books I purchased for the past couple of weeks.

Purchased on Amazon:

Mine by Katy Evans

Night Owl by M. Pierce

I have heard great things about both of these books. I read Real which is the first book of the series by Katy Evans and it was great. I'm sure Mine will be great as well. I first heard of Night Owl through Aestas Book Blog. I really value her opinion so I am sure it will be great as well.

What did you get for your IMM/STS???

Raquel
xoxo

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday (29)

Landry Park by Bethany Hagen

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Expected Publication Date: February 4, 2014

Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads)
ORDER, ELEGANCE, PROSPERITY.
The words might as well be branded on
seventeen-year-old Madeline Landry herself.
Here in the future United States, ruled by the
lavish gentry, very little is left to choice—and
even less is left to Madeline. Gentry decorum
and Madeline’s domineering father insist that
she must marry, like a good Landry woman,
and run the family estate. But as she steps
outside the decadent walls of her world,
Madeline begins to question everything she
has ever learned. In her desperation, she turns
to the only person who seems to understand:
handsome, beguiling David Dana.
Soon, rumors of war and rebellion start to
spread, and Madeline finds herself and David
at the center of it all. Ultimately, she must
make a choice between her duty—the family
and estate she loves dearly—and her desire.

Raquel
xoxo

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Mini Review: Sweet Peril (The Sweet Trilogy #2) by Wendy Higgins

Title: Sweet Peril
Author: Wendy Higgins
Release Date: April 30, 2013
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 371
Source: Bought from Amazon/Kindle


Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads)
Anna Whitt, the daughter of a guardian angel and a demon, promised herself she’d never do the work of her father—polluting souls. She’d been naive to make such a vow. She’d been naive about a lot of things.

Haunted by demon whisperers, Anna does whatever she can to survive, even if it means embracing her dark side and earning an unwanted reputation as her school’s party girl. Her life has never looked more bleak. And all the while there’s Kaidan Rowe, son of the Duke of Lust, plaguing her heart and mind.

When an unexpected lost message from the angels surfaces, Anna finds herself traveling the globe with Kopano, son of Wrath, in an attempt to gain support of fellow Nephilim and give them hope for the first time. It soon becomes clear that whatever freedoms Anna and the rest of the Neph are hoping to win will not be gained without a fight. Until then, Anna and Kaidan must put aside the issues between them, overcome the steamiest of temptations yet, and face the ultimate question: is loving someone worth risking their life?

My Thoughts:
An unexpected lost message from the angels appears and Anna is sent all over the world to gain support of fellow Nephilum. A fight between the Dukes and Neph is imminent if the Neph want their freedom and Anna is the key.

I loved Sweet Peril. It was just as good as Sweet Evil. Actually, I think I liked this book even more. One thing I have to say is that Kaiden is SWOONWORTHY in this book. So is Kope. I loved how Kaiden and Anna try to have a relationship even though it is forbidden. They are risking their lives to be together. They are so cute! Their chemistry is still AMAZING. I also loved that Anna is more confident in this book.

The secondary characters were great as well. For me, they really helped make the story. Anna’s father was hilarious; he was just as funny as he was in Sweet Evil. I also really liked Blake.

The cover truly reflects the book in every way; with some light and dark both on Kaiden and Anna. I am really looking forward to the final battle. I am incredibly excited for the last book and how everything will play out.

My Rating:
5 out of 5 stars

Raquel
xoxo

Sunday, November 3, 2013

In My Mailbox (20) & Stacking the Shelves (26)


Welcome to this week's In My Mailbox. In My Mailbox (IMM) is hosted by The Story Siren, who was inspired by a fellow book blogger Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. It features books I have bought or received for review.

Stacking the Shelves by Tynga`s Reviews is about adding books to my shelves I received during the past week whether it is physical or virtual. This post is about the books I purchased for the past couple of weeks.

Purchased on Amazon:


I bought Perfect Ruin last week but I forgot to include it in my IMM/STS post. I loved the author's first book, Wither, and I am sure this one will be great as well.



Perfect Ruin by Lauren DeStefano
Steel Lily by Megan Curd
Vain by Fisher Amelie

I have also heard great things about Steel Lily and Vain. I am looking forward to reading these books. I just wish I had the time to read more :)

I hope everyone has a great week!

Raquel
xoxo