Review: Poison Princess by Kresley Cole

Title: Poison Princess 

Author: Kresley Cole

Release Date: October 2, 2012

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Pages: 369

Source: Bought from Chapters Indigo

Add To Goodreads

Synopsis:

She could save the world—or destroy it.

Sixteen-year-old Evangeline "Evie" Greene leads a charmed life, until she begins experiencing horrifying hallucinations. When an apocalyptic event decimates her Louisiana hometown, Evie realizes her hallucinations were actually visions of the future—and they're still happening. Fighting for her life and desperate for answers, she must turn to her wrong-side-of-the-bayou classmate: Jack Deveaux.

But she can't do either alone.

With his mile-long rap sheet, wicked grin, and bad attitude, Jack is like no boy Evie has ever known. Even though he once scorned her and everything she represented, he agrees to protect Evie on her quest. She knows she can't totally depend on Jack. If he ever cast that wicked grin her way, could she possibly resist him?

Who can Evie trust?

As Jack and Evie race to find the source of her visions, they meet others who have gotten the same call. An ancient prophesy is being played out, and Evie is not the only one with special powers. A group of twenty-two teens has been chosen to reenact the ultimate battle between good and evil. But it's not always clear who is on which side.

My Thoughts:

I started reading this book in audiobook version since August 2012 (at least this is what Goodreads told me, lol). I originally starting listening to this book and I found the first part, the part with Arthur, so unbelievably creepy I could not continue with the story so I stopped. It wasn’t until the 3^rd book was being released that I decided to buy the hard copy of the book and realized that I should have continued reading it. I don’t even know how to begin this review other than it is so unbelievably good. I honestly could not wait for the times I was able read. This book was addictive, haunting, adventurous and utterly unique.

 In Poison Princess, we see zombies, militia and the apocalypse. It is like a fight to the death where the strongest and smartest will prevail. It kind of reminded me of The Hunger Games where 24 teens had to battle to the death and let me tell you, Poison Princess was utterly captivating. I have to say my favourite thing about this book is Jackson Devereax. That Cajun is one HOT boy. I love the interactions and the intense chemistry between him and Evie. It was electric and sizzling off the pages.

I loved the concept of the novel and the world the author, Kresley Cole, created. This is my first book by the author and it was spectacular. The novel was easy to read and descriptive. I found I always had a clear image of where the characters were and the surrounding area. Most importantly, I believed in the world building the author created. When I opened Poison Princess I truly believed I was in a world where there were hardly any women, bagmen and no food.

 I really enjoyed Evie’s progression in this story. In the beginning, she was very weak but by the end she grew into her own and continued to grow in strength. I think it was necessary for Evie to become stronger with how the world changed and for her to come into her powers.. There are so many lines I loved in this book; I swear half the book has a book tag on it. 

Some of my favourite lines are:

“W-we both know your life would be so much simpler without me! I am just a thorn in your paw."
He nodded easily. "And it reminds me of you - every move I make, I think of you."
My lips parted. Again I realized that he was the only thing in my life that made me feel sane, made me want to fight for a future.
"Evangeline, I've got to feel you with my every step." His shaking hand closed over my nape, squeezing. "Or I go a little crazy, me.” 

“If you touch me like that again, Evangeline,” he began in a husky tone, dropping to his seat once more, “in the space of a heartbeat, I will have you off this bike and onto the closest horizontal surface. And I woan be picky, no.” 

“Damn, cher, you still smell like a blossom. Been so long since I've seen a flower that I'd nearly forgotten what they smelled like." He took a lock of my hair, rubbing it between his thumb and forefinger. "You're dressing up and using expensive perfume? Ole Jack senses a trap. Consider me snared.” 

With lines like these, I know this series is only going to get better and better and I must say I really can’t wait to read the rest.

My Rating: 

4 out of 5 stars

Raquel 

xoxo

Review: The Young Elites by Marie Lu

Title: The Young Elites (The Young Elites #1)

Author: Marie Lu

Release Date: October 7, 2014

Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers

Pages: 355

Source: Bought from Chapters Indigo

Add To Goodreads

Synopsis:

I am tired of being used, hurt, and cast aside.

Adelina Amouteru is a survivor of the blood fever. A decade ago, the deadly illness swept through her nation. Most of the infected perished, while many of the children who survived were left with strange markings. Adelina’s black hair turned silver, her lashes went pale, and now she has only a jagged scar where her left eye once was. Her cruel father believes she is a malfetto, an abomination, ruining their family’s good name and standing in the way of their fortune. But some of the fever’s survivors are rumored to possess more than just scars—they are believed to have mysterious and powerful gifts, and though their identities remain secret, they have come to be called the Young Elites.

Teren Santoro works for the king. As Leader of the Inquisition Axis, it is his job to seek out the Young Elites, to destroy them before they destroy the nation. He believes the Young Elites to be dangerous and vengeful, but it’s Teren who may possess the darkest secret of all. 

Enzo Valenciano is a member of the Dagger Society. This secret sect of Young Elites seeks out others like them before the Inquisition Axis can. But when the Daggers find Adelina, they discover someone with powers like they’ve never seen. 

Adelina wants to believe Enzo is on her side, and that Teren is the true enemy. But the lives of these three will collide in unexpected ways, as each fights a very different and personal battle. But of one thing they are all certain: Adelina has abilities that shouldn’t belong in this world. A vengeful blackness in her heart. And a desire to destroy all who dare to cross her.

It is my turn to use. My turn to hurt.

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this book. I really needed to know what was going to happen next. It was fast paced; something was always happening and that made it very interesting for me. I mean, in a world where you get the blood fever then if you survive you (more than likely) get superpowers is out of the ordinary and I loved the concept. It sparks so many questions like why do some people get marked and others don`t? Why do people get the powers they do and etc.

In The Young Elites, Adelina is physically and emotionally abused from her father and this scarred her. She does not want to be used. Majority of the time all she feels are negative emotions:  anger, hurt and most of all hatred towards everyone who have used her. I have to say my favourite quote in the book:   “To love is to be afraid. You are frightened, deathly terrified, that something will happen to those you love. Think of the possibilities. Does your heart clench with each thought? That, my friend, is love. And love enslaves us all, for you cannot have love without fear.” Perfect!

Adelina as a character was very different to me. She was fragile yet strong, scared but determined, good but evil growing inside of her. She is unpredictable and sometimes you really didn’t know what she would do. Adelina and her powers are a variable hardly anyone could control; even she could not control it. I found myself feeling for Adelina.  I mean I am not saying I condone some of the things she did but I can definitely understand her a little. There are a lot of plot twists in this story and the end nearly broke my heart. This story grabs your attention. The story is kind of told from the villain`s POV which is unique.  I’m not sure if I have read a book from a villain’s POV but it sure is interesting to see how they think.

After reading the epilogue all I have to say that the next book is going to be awesome with some new characters joining in. I really NEED the next book. October is such a long time to wait *wails**

My Rating:

4 out of 5 stars

Raquel

xoxo

Blog Tour: Review- Dwellers of Darkness by Stacey Marie Brown

Dwellers of Darkness by Stacey Marie Brown 
(Darkness #3) 
Publication date: February 27th 2014 
Genres: New Adult, Paranormal Romance

Synopsis:
Some days feel like years, but in Ember Brycin’s case just the opposite is true. She had only been in the Otherworld for a day or two when she returned back to the Earth’s realm. But it is three years later on Earth. Em is now 22. It would matter if she was human, but she’s not. She is a Dae, part Demon and part Fay, with a little Dark Dweller thrown in to make her even more of a freak.

Seeing Seattle rebuilt only confirms she has been gone three years. For her it was not long ago that the Seattle area was just rubble of concrete and death. All done by her hand.

One thing that hasn’t changed, though, is her undeniable connection to Eli Dragen, who is sexy, gorgeous, and even more volatile and frustrating. But her problems go way past him. The Seelie Queen of the Otherworld still holds Mark, Em’s father, and her friends, Ryan, and Josh as hostages. Em needs to rescue them without, once again, getting caught and being used as a pawn to help the Queen regain possession of Earth. At the same time Ember is in hot water with Lars, the Unseelie King, after breaking her contract with him.

As some secrets have come to light others seem to become even more enigmatic. The only truth Ember knows is,everyone is harboring secrets. As Eli’s past is revealed, Em understands more clearly why he acts the way he does and how much their lives are intertwined. But she also knows Eli is holding something back, something that could change their relationship forever.

Em herself continues to wrestle with her feelings toward Torin and her own secret she’s withholding from Kennedy. As the tension for war mounts between the Seelie and Unseelie (Light and Dark), the tension at the Dark Dweller’s compound mounts even more as they prepare to obtain the sword no matter what the price. But is Ember the answer to the location of the sword? Is she the one to fulfill the prophecy? As usual nothing is ever what it seems.

Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble

My Thoughts:

Since the moment I started reading this series I was hooked. It is an addictive read and once you start you really can’t stop. I would spend every moment I had reading, while working and on my breaks all because I was eager to know what was going to happen.

Dwellers of Darkness picks up just where Fire in Darkness leaves off. Ember just came back from the Otherworld having been told that 3 years have passed on Earth. Ember has broken the vow she made with the Unseelie King while running from the Seelie Queen. Not to mention, she has to deal with her feelings for Eli Dragen. War is about to start between the Light and Dark Fae and Ember is right in the middle of it. She must find the one weapon that can kill the Seelie Queen before it is too late.

First I must say, Eli Dragen is HOTTTTTTT. The connection between Eli and Ember, you could feel it, it was a tangible entity. They have such strong chemistry; it is crazy how 2 people can have that kind of connection. I love how they are always in tuned with each other, always protecting each other no matter what. They both can be immature at times but they are stronger together than apart. The banter between the 2 of them is one of the reasons that made me want to keep reading non-stop.

Dwellers of Darkness is a great book for readers who enjoy fantasy and immense sexual tension. I really enjoyed it. We find out some more secrets about Ember’s family and their past. Even though the major events in the book were predictable, I am really looking forward to the final book to see how everything plays out. 

My Rating:

4 out of 5 stars

Author Bio:

Stacey Marie Brown by day is an Interior/Set Designer, by night a writer of Paranormal Fantasy, Adventure, and Literary Fiction. She grew up in Northern California, where she ran around on her family’s farm, raising animals, riding horses, playing flashlight tag, and turning hay bales into cool forts. Even before she could write, she was creating stories and making up intricate fantasies. Writing came as easy as breathing. She later turned that passion into acting, living and traveling abroad, and designing. Though she had never stopped writing, moving back to San Francisco seemed to have brought it back to the forefront and this time it would not be ignored.

When she’s not writing she’s out hiking, spending time with friends, traveling, listening to music, or designing.

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Pawn (The Blackcoat Rebellion #1) by Aimee Carter

Title: Pawn (The Blackcoat Rebellion #1)

Author: Aimee Carter

Release Date: November 26, 2013

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Pages: 346

Source: Received egalley for review

Add To Goodreads

Synopsis:

YOU CAN BE A VII. IF YOU GIVE UP EVERYTHING.

For Kitty Doe, it seems like an easy choice. She can either spend her life as a III in misery, looked down upon by the higher ranks and forced to leave the people she loves, or she can become a VII and join the most powerful family in the country.

If she says yes, Kitty will be Masked—surgically transformed into Lila Hart, the Prime Minister's niece, who died under mysterious circumstances. As a member of the Hart family, she will be famous. She will be adored. And for the first time, she will matter.

There's only one catch. She must also stop the rebellion that Lila secretly fostered, the same one that got her killed …and one Kitty believes in. Faced with threats, conspiracies and a life that's not her own, she must decide which path to choose—and learn how to become more than a pawn in a twisted game she's only beginning to understand.

Previously titled Masked.

My Thoughts:

I have not read much Dystopian so Pawn was a rare treat for me. This world Aimee Carter has created is all about a single test that decides the rest of your life. If you don’t do well on the test, your whole life is ruined. You are defined by the test. For Kitty, who is not able to read, she is given a III.  In this world, you have to get a IV or above to have a decent life. She decides to run away instead and it isn’t until she is Masked to look like the Prime Minister’s niece Lila Hart that the story actually starts.

Pawn is an awesome mixture of intrigue, betrayal and manipulation. It shows you that even the most powerful family may appear perfect in public but truly is corrupt to the core. Although I thought some parts were predictable, I thought it was still pretty good; other parts of the story kept me on my toes. I am still shocked by some of the things that happened. I mean, I knew some of the events were going to happen but I am still shocked nonetheless.

You really can’t trust anyone in the world of Pawn. Things always seem or appear one way but end up being totally different. Everyone is out for themselves and Kitty ends up right in the middle of it. She is used like a chess piece, everyone wanting her to do different things. Daxton (Prime Minister) and Augusta (his mother) wants to control Kitty while Celia (Lila’s mother) wants her to help carry out her revenge. There are so many elements to this story.

 I really liked Kitty. She is smart, strong, outspoken and determined. She does what is right while trying to protect the ones she loves. In less than 2 weeks, she has to learn everything about Lila: her mannerisms, her accent, and her voice, basically everything about Lila to convince everyone that she is the beloved niece of the Prime Minister. Everywhere she turns, Kitty is faced with threats and conspiracies.

 I liked that the book focused on action although I would have liked to have seen a little more romance in the story. The author’s writing was seamless. Pawn was an engaging read that all dystopian lovers will enjoy. A book based on betrayal, manipulation and political intrigue, this is not a story I will forget anytime soon. 

Thank you Harlequin Teen for sending me this book for an honest review.

My Rating: 

4 out of 5 stars

Raquel

xoxo

Blog Tour: Found in You by Laurelin Paige

Title: Found in You (Fixed #2)

Author: Laurelin Paige

Release date: October 1, 2013

Publisher: Mandevilla Press

Age Group: Adult

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Tour organized by: AToMR Tours; http://atomrbookblogtours.com

Goodreads | Amazon

Book Description:
Alayna Withers has only had one kind of relationship: the obsessive, crazy stalker kind. Now that Hudson Pierce has let her into his heart, she’s determined to stay away from her past tendencies and develop their love into more than just amazing sex. At least Hudson is as dedicated to her as she is to him, though she could do without his new found jealousy and need to control everything. To complicate matters, Hudson has his own baggage including a penchant for mind games and a hateful alcoholic mother who’s set on destroying any happiness he might find with Alayna.

Needing insight, Alayna turns to an unlikely source—Celia Werner. Celia’s been in love with Hudson herself and knows how to ride the rocky waves of the emotionally closed-off man. But when Celia’s true motivations behind their friendship are revealed, Hudson’s commitment might not be as solid as Alayna thinks, and even their all-consuming passion for each other isn’t enough to fix their mistrusts. This is the first relationship where Alayna hasn’t spiraled out of control. And she might lose Hudson anyway…

My Thoughts:

I read the first book, Fixed on You and I absolutely loved it, so when I found out there was going to be a second book tour, I could not wait to sign up; and I have to say, this book did not disappoint. I could not get enough of Alayna and Hudson. 

We start off with Alayna going to Hudson’s apartment after her shift at the club. She is extremely nervous because she is the first woman Hudson has invited there. One thing, I adored about with this book, we learn just how twisted both Alayna and Hudson were. I think their pasts prepared them for each other because I don’t think anyone else would be able to understand why they are the way they are. I don’t think anyone else is better suited.

My first impression of the book would have to be that it is focused on trust. Trust between Alayna and Hudson and if they really have what it takes to have a healthy relationship. One thing that bugged me about this book was the fact that Alayna kept so many secrets from Hudson. I mean, he would definitely find out one way or another, after all this is Hudson Pierce. He knows everything.

I absolutely loved Hudson. He is domineering, alpha male, sexy and commands every room he enters. He has never loved any woman in his life but everything changes when he meets Alayna. She is the exception. I loved that he stood by her no matter what. If Alayna needed help in any way he would help her. I think after that moment I liked him even more. One thing I am really looking to is Hudson actually saying “I love you” to Alayna. In Found in You, he expresses it through his actions but it will be momentous when he does. January 2014 really can’t come fast enough for the third book to be released.

My Rating:

4 out of 5 stars

About the Author :
Laurelin Paige is a sucker for a good romance and gets giddy anytime there’s kissing, much to the embarrassment of her three daughters. Her husband doesn’t seem to complain, however. When she isn’t reading or writing sexy stories, she’s probably singing, watching Mad Men and the Walking Dead, or dreaming of Adam Levine. She is represented by Bob Diforio of D4EO Literary Agency.

Author social media links:

 Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

To see other stops on the tour for reviews, guest posts, and excerpts click here or the tour button below.

Review: Beauty from Surrender (Beauty #2) by Georgia Cates

Title: Beauty from Surrender (Beauty #2)

Author: Georgia cates

Release Date: May 30, 2013

Publisher: Self-published

Pages: 277

Source: Bought from Amazon/Kindle

Add to Goodreads

Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads)
How do you move on when he’s every song you sing?

After Laurelyn Prescott walks away from the love of her life, she returns to Nashville to pursue the only dream she has left. Determined to find a distraction from the pain of losing Jack Henry, she immerses herself in her music. But with her old life comes old acquaintances and new expectations. When Laurelyn refuses her record producer’s outrageous demands, she finds herself without a career—until an unforeseen opportunity presents itself. From there it’s a rocket ride straight to the top where Laurelyn finds the success she’s always dreamed of. Will it be enough to bring her the happiness she so deserves, or will the absence of Jack Henry leave her wanting more?

Jack Henry McLachlan never expected to fall in love with Laurelyn Prescott—but he did. After he foolishly let her slip through his fingers, he spends three months searching for her, but their reunion doesn’t come easy. The woman he finds isn’t the same one who drifted away without a goodbye. No longer an insecure girl on an Australian adventure, this Laurelyn is a successful musician with a promising career. Her dreams are becoming a reality, and Jack is terrified his American girl won’t have a place for him in her new life. With only a month to convince her otherwise, will it be enough time to make her visualize a life beyond the glitz and glamour, a life that includes him?

My Thoughts:

Beauty from Surrender takes place 1 week after Laurelyn leaves Australia without saying goodbye. Jack Henry is heart broken because he realizes he loves her and didn’t get a chance to tell her. Laurelyn misses Jack Henry so much she begins to become depressed. As Jack Henry beings his search for the love of his life, Laurelyn gets a chance to make it big in the country music industry. Laurelyn must decide what she wants; a life pursuing her dreams or spending her life with Jack Henry.

I could not her enough of Laurelyn and Jack Henry. They are so cute together. I love Jack Henry in this book although I did find him to be a little too sappy at times. I don’t remember him being even remotely sappy in Beauty from Pain (book #1). At the same time, I really liked the fact that one woman can change Jack Henry’s views. Previously, he was against marriage and having kids but since he met Laurelyn, he wants those things with her.

I absolutely loved Jack Henry’s mom. She is hilarious in this book. I found myself laughing out loud a lot when she was around. My favourite quote actually includes Jack Henry, Laurelyn and his mom:

“I know and if it does, it just does. By the way, you should know now that I’m not using rubbers on our honeymoon. Forget it. It’s not happening.” There. She has her warning.

“I know. I have some other stuff, but it’s useless if you don’t give me a chance to put it in.”

“Next time, babe. We won’t be in a rush.” We’re trying to beat the Margaret alarm.

“Next time, I’ll be your wife.” Wow. I hadn’t thought of that.

There’s a pounding at the bedroom door, followed by my mum’s voice. “I know you’re in there, you little shit, and I’m giving you two minutes to shut it down, get dressed, and get out of there.”

We look at each other in the mirror and laugh as we simultaneously say, “Busted.”

I loved how Jack Henry supported Laurelyn and allowed her to experience life on tour before she went back to him. He didn’t hold her back; he supported her in her dreams even though they may be apart for awhile. He knew Laurelyn would come back to him eventually.

2014 really can’t come fast enough, that is when the 3^rd book in the series will be out. I am so excited for it.

My Rating:

4 out of 5 stars

Raquel

xoxo

Blog Tour: Imperfectly Perfect by A.E. Woodward

Imperfectly Perfect by A.E. Woodward  

Series: A Series of Imperfections #1

Publication date: June 19th 2013

Genre: Adult/17+ Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

Emma, Tyler and Shane have been best friends since they were kids. Along with their college addition, Rob, the four friends have an exciting life in NYC. In fact, Emma Sloan appears to have it all.

Despite being happy with her current situation, a big family announcement leaves Emma questioning whether she is truly content with her life. With her thirtieth birthday fast approaching she vows to find her ‘perfect’ man any way she can. But Emma will soon discover that the path of true love never runs smoothly and that sometimes, instead of chasing love, you have to wait for love to find you…

Goodreads ~ Amazon

Author Bio:

A.E. Woodward lives in Vacationland with her husband and two children.  Between her day job and the pursuance of a master’s degree, she wrote her first novel.  Her novel Imperfectly Perfect, will be the first book in A Series of Imperfections.

Goodreads ~ Facebook

My Thoughts:

Imperfectly Perfect was a light read focused on a woman’s journey, changing her life to find her perfect person. We start off with Emma living with ‘her boys’, care free. When Emma is told some news about her sister, she is forced to re-examine everything she thought made her happy.

I really liked this book. I found that I could really identify with Emma as I am currently going through some of the same issues as her. Emma is smart and successful but I didn’t really like her calling women bimbos by just looking at them with basically no justification.

I have to say what made the book for me, was the boys: Shane, Tyler and Rob. I wish I had guy friends like them. No matter what, they have each other’s back through thick and thin. They also provided a lot of comic relief which definitely made the book all that more enjoyable.

The author’s writing style was extremely easy to read and I found that it flowed really well. I finished the last half of the book in one sitting because the writing style was so pleasant and of course I wanted to know what was going to happen.
I really liked how the book played on the ‘perfect’ factor. Instead of finding the perfect person (this person doesn’t exist), you have to find the perfect person for you. This is a motto I have had had for myself for many years, something I always tell my friends.

I also really liked that the book was both in Emma’s and Shane’s POV. You found out a lot about what Shane went through when they weren’t speaking. I felt bad for the guy but I thought he could of spoke up sooner about his feelings for Emma; it definitely could have saved a lot of heartache for the both of them.

I am definitely looking forward to reading the other books in the series which will feature the other boys.

My Rating:

4 out of 5 stars

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour: No Reverse by Marion Croslydon

Title: No Reverse 

Author: Marion Croslydon

Age Group and Genre: New Adult Contemporary

Expected release date: August 12, 2013

Goodreads ~ Amazon

Book Description:

A girl who needs to undo the past.

A boy who wants to forget it.

In love, there’s no way back.

At high school in Steep Hill, Kansas, Cassie O’Malley and Josh MacBride were the poster couple for quarterback/cheerleader romance until they starred in their own tale of teen pregnancy. No need to say: their shotgun wedding was low-key. But when there was no baby anymore, they went their separate ways.

Five years later, Josh has breezed through Georgetown and is about to finish his post-grad degree at Oxford University. He is set to join a lobbying group on Capitol Hill, owned by his new fiancée’s father. For Josh, the sky is now the limit… only he must first take care of a tiny legal matter: technically, he’s still married to the girl who broke his heart.

Meanwhile, Cassie has been waiting tables in Steep Hill to pay for her sick grandmother’s care. On the day of the old lady’s funeral, Cassie is served with two sets of papers. Josh is asking for a divorce. Her heart squeezes, but, well, he moved on a long time ago. But the second envelope shakes Cassie to the core. So, for the first time, she leaves Kansas and heads to good ol’ England.

There, Cassie finds that Josh has not just “moved on,” he’s freakin’ engaged to some blue-blooded heiress. The feelings Cassie had buried deep rush back to her. But no matter if he keeps thrusting the divorce papers under her nose, she needs him to save the only person she loves more than Josh, more than life itself…

About the Author

Marion’s parents are terribly disappointed with her… 

They wanted her to have a serious job, providing financial stability and social standing. For years, she really tried to make them happy; she studied hard, got into top schools, graduated with honors and found a high-achieving job.

But deep down, Marion was miserable. She never wanted to be a top executive, brokering deals in New York, London or Tokyo. Marion wanted to be… a ROMANCE WRITER. She wanted to spend her days in that good ol’ tracksuit of hers, in front of her laptop, popping down Oreos like there was no tomorrow. She wanted to fall in love with a different man each time she wrote the first line of a new book (while being happily married to the most handsome man in Great Britain).

That’s exactly what Marion does these days, and it makes her incredibly happy. She loves to share these happy vibes, talk book crush, fictional boyfriends and sexual chemistry with like-minded people. And because she spends most of her days on her own deep inside her writing cave, you are welcome to come and say “hello” from time to time. Just to make sure she doesn’t sink into insanity.

Her friends, family and arch-enemies (there are quite a few) will be forever grateful for your help.

Author’s social media:

www.marioncroslydon.com

www.twitter.com/mcroslydon

www.facebook.com/marioncroslydon

www.youtube.com/user/marioncroslydon

My Thoughts:

I have been waiting a long time to read No Reverse. I came to know about the book because I did a cover reveal for it previously and when I read the synopsis I loved what I read. Also I loved the cover so that was a bonus. This book was every bit as good as I thought it was going to be.

No Reverse is a story about a girl and a boy, best friends turned lovers that ends in teen pregnancy. One lie forced them to go their separate ways. Five years later, the girl enters the boy’s life again because she needs his help trying to save the only family she has alive. I really liked the concept of the story. I stayed up late many nights reading. Even at times when I shouldn't be reading, I was doing it because I needed to know how everything was going to play out.

I was invested in the characters of the book. I wanted everyone to get their happy ending. I really liked how the author didn't make Eleanor the villain. She was heartbroken that she may not be able to have the life she dreamed of. I also really liked Cassie. She is the most selfless person. She ruined her whole life so that Josh could have a future. She is alone in the world due to her grandmother`s death ad continued giving because she wanted to make everyone happy and do the right thing. At times, I found it to be a little irritating because she never considered herself and her hopes, her dreams and what she wanted. I never thought I would say this but I thought Cassie was a little too selfless.

What can I say about Josh? He is a decent guy. I felt for him. After everything he has been through with Cassie, I really can`t imagine how I would react in the same situation.

I was really unsatisfied with the ending but I read that there is going to be a second book. I really need to know what happens next. It can`t be soon enough for me!

My Rating:

4 out of 5 stars

You can follow the tour to see reviews, guest posts, and excerpts by clicking the button below.

Tour Schedule

Blog Tour: Unteachable by Leah Raeder

Title: Unteachable

Author: Leah Raeder

Release date: August 1st 2013
Publisher: Velvet Pony Press
Purchase: Amazon

BLURB:
I met him at a carnival, of all corny places. The summer I turned eighteen, in that chaos of neon lights and cheap thrills, I met a man so sweet, so beautiful, he seemed to come from another world. We had one night: intense, scary, real. Then I ran, like I always do. Because I didn’t want to be abandoned again.

But I couldn’t run far enough.

I knew him as Evan that night. When I walked into his classroom, he became Mr. Wilke.
My teacher.

I don’t know if what we’re doing is wrong. The law says one thing; my heart says screw the law. I can’t let him lose his job. And I can’t lose him.

In the movies, this would have a happy ending. I grow up. I love, I lose, I learn. And I move on. But this is life, and there’s no script. You make it up as you go along.

And you don’t pray for a happy ending. You pray for it to never end.

Goodreads

About the Author:
Writes pretentiously lyrical YA and adult fiction of various genres. Loves zombies, velociraptors, and other world-ending things. Copies her bio from Twitter because she's lazy.

Twitter

My Thoughts:

Unteachable is a truly captivating story about a tale so unique, I couldn’t get enough of it.

I love how the author wrote this story. There is something so honest about how the heroine felt that I related to her in so many ways. I love how there were so many layers to Maise and the more you read the more you pull back and see the real Maise. Evan was sweet and in my mind, very hot. Together, Maise and Evan had this incredibly strong connection to each other. It left you wondering if the connection was real or is the connection there because of the forbidden aspect to the relationship. At the same time, there is something so addictive in her writing that makes you want to stay up late and see what happens. I really liked how the author chose to write this novel almost like a movie; Maise telling us what happened, how it started, the stolen moments that happened. I have never read anything a story like it. I have read some student/teacher relationships in novels but never to this extent where the heroine knew he was a teacher almost in the beginning.

To tell you the truth I was rooting for the relationship even with the age difference. When you removed all of the titles, they were perfect for each other. Sometimes age is just a number and not a defining fact in a relationship. For love, you have to take chances and they definitely did.

In my opinion, what made the book? I did not see the big twist coming at all. Sometimes in other books, I know something is going to happen but I was shocked to find some interesting info about Evan, it through me for a loop. I’m happy Maise and Evan got their HEA. It shows you that you can find love in any place even when you shouldn’t because it is not right. I found I was left hanging a little bit at the end of the story, I would have liked for it to have an epilogue. I would have liked to have seen where things went or even a year or two from now.

My Rating:

4 out of 5 stars

Excerpt:

We both started. It must have broken the trance, because then his arms were around me and I was on my knees, kissing him, pressing his back to the window. I tasted glassy rain and my own wet hair tangling across my face. He didn’t stop me to fix the shot. He wanted me as I was, raw, unedited. His hand ran up the back of my bare leg, his fingers stroking the inside of my thigh. I gasped against his mouth. Lost a sandal. Rubbed my face against his jaw, hard, feeling the grit. Mark me, I thought. Give me something to take away with me. Something I can touch when I’m alone, remembering this. 

When we stopped to breathe he took my face between his hands. “You don’t know what you do to me. I can’t look at you in that classroom.” 

“You look at me all the time.”

 “And do horrible things to you in my head.” 

My blood was wildfire. I felt my swollen mouth, my sharp teeth digging into my lip, my dreamy half-shut eyes, and knew what I looked like to him. “Do them to me,” I said.

“Take me somewhere.” 

He gave a long, long sigh. His lips were bright red from my attentions. “I want to. You have no idea how much I want to.” Two fingers on my chin, pinching gently. “This is moving very fast. We should think it through. Think about how to be less conspicuous.”

 My face lit up with dark glee. “I can be discreet. I can be Harriet the fucking Spy.”

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Title: Shatter Me

Author: Tahereh Mafi

Release Date: November 15, 2011

Publisher: HarperCollins
Pages: 248
Source: Bought from Amazon/Kindle

Goodreads

Synopsis:

"You can't touch me," I whisper.
I'm lying, is what I don't tell him.
He can touch me, is what I'll never tell him.
But things happen when people touch me.
Strange things.
Bad things.No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal, but The Reestablishment has plans for her. Plans to use her as a weapon.

But Juliette has plans on her own.

After a lifetime without freedom, she's finally discovering a strength to fight back for the very first time—and to find a future with the one boy she thought she'd lost forever.

My Thoughts:

Shatter Me is such a unique novel. It is something that I will not forget.

The writing in this book is INSANE. It is the most beautiful writing I have ever read in my life. The author makes insignificant, small things that we don’t really think about and writes them like they have a purpose, she makes them significant.
For Example:
“I always wonder about raindrops. I wonder about how they’re always falling down, tripping over their own feet, breaking their legs and forgetting their parachutes as they tumble right out of the sky toward an uncertain end. It’s like someone is emptying their pockets over the earth and doesn’t seem to care where the contents fall, doesn’t seem to care that the raindrops burst when they hit the ground, that they shatter when they fall to the floor, that people curse the days the drops dare to tap on their doors. I am a raindrop.” This is one of my favourite quotes; I get chills every time I read it.

Juliette is such a strong character. I love the character development in her. In the beginning, she appears to be this weak, frightened girl but in time she turns out to be a powerful woman. I find it very interesting that she is able to touch a few people but can’t touch others. I am very excited to find out more about how her powers work.

I liked Adam. I thought he was sweet when he admitted he was always in love with Juliette. Although I found him to be a little boring but I liked him all the same. On the other hand, I also liked Warner. He is such a controversial character for me. There is something about him that didn’t make me outright hate him but there were other times when I did. My feelings are all over the place when it comes to him. Maybe in the next book they will become clearer.

I really liked the concept of the story and the setting. If you think about it, the same could happen to this world. I really want to find out why certain people have powers. To tell you the truth, that aspect of the story through me for a loop, I really wasn't expecting it but it was a great twist all the same.

I am really looking forward to reading Destroy Me and Unravel Me but I am afraid Unravel Me will end in a cliffhanger and the third book won’t come out until 2014. Either way it will be a long wait.

My Rating:

4 out of 5 stars

Raquel

xoxo

Dirty Little Secret Blog Tour: Review and Favourite Quotes

Synopsis via Goodreads:

From the author of the “real page-turner” (Seventeen) Such a Rush comes an unforgettable new drama that follows friends-turned-lovers as they navigate the passions, heartbreaks, and intrigue of country music fame.

Bailey wasn’t always a wild child and the black sheep of her family. She used to play fiddle and tour the music circuit with her sister, Julie, who sang and played guitar. That ended when country music execs swooped in and signed Julie to a solo deal. Never mind that Julie and Bailey were a duet, or that Bailey was their songwriter. The music scouts wanted only Julie, and their parents were content to sit by and let her fulfill her dreams while Bailey’s were hushed away.

Bailey has tried to numb the pain and disappointment over what could have been. And as Julie’s debut album is set to hit the charts, her parents get fed up with Bailey’s antics and ship her off to granddad’s house in Nashville. Playing fiddle in washed-up tribute groups at the mall, Bailey meets Sam, a handsome and oh-so-persuasive guitarist with his own band. He knows Bailey’s fiddle playing is just the thing his band needs to break into the industry. But this life has broken Bailey’s heart once before. She isn’t sure she’s ready to let Sam take her there again…

Release date: July 16th 2013

Publisher: MTV Books

Purchase: Amazon

About the Author

Jennifer Echols was born in Atlanta and grew up in a small town on a beautiful lake in Alabama—a setting that has inspired many of her books. She has written nine romantic novels for young adults, including the comedy MAJOR CRUSH, which won the National Readers’ Choice Award, and the drama GOING TOO FAR, which was a finalist in the RITA, the National Readers’ Choice Award, and the Book Buyer’s Best, and was nominated by the American Library Association as a Best Book for Young Adults. Simon & Schuster will debut her adult romance novels in 2013, with many more teen novels scheduled for the next few years. She lives in Birmingham with her husband and her son.

www.jennifer-echols.com

 

My Thoughts:

Dirty Little Secret is unlike any other book I have read. We learn about the nitty, gritty aspects of the music business and what some bands have to go through. This is my first Jennifer Echols book and I am so happy I started with this one.

We start off with Bailey employed in the mall, playing her fiddle, impersonating deceased country stars. She has been in music festivals with her younger sister, Julie but Julie is the only one who gets signed with a record deal. Therefore, Bailey is left betrayed and sent to live with her grandfather. When Bailey meets Sam, there is an instant attraction. They are opposites of one another but both broken, so they understand each other really well.

 I really liked Bailey. I thought she was strong in the way she handled herself especially with her family. I mean, personally, if I lived, eat and breathed music growing up, I definitely would want to have a career in it no matter what. Bailey is also fiercely loyal to her sister. She will do anything for her, even though she may feel hurt or jealous in the process. Sam, on the other hand, will do anything to get a record deal, anything; he has this persona about him that makes everyone like him, even with his ‘52 girlfriends’.

For me, the beginning of this book was a little hard to get into but once I did, I really enjoyed it.  Dirty Little Secret is a must read for anyone who likes to read contemporary romance based on the music industry. I look forward to my next read by Jennifer Echols. I am not sure why I waited so long.

My Rating: 

4 out of 5 stars

Favourite Quotes:

"If I expected nothing, I was never disappointed. But as he moved toward me, there was a point when our eyes locked. He looked so sincere that in that moment, I believed him. I believed in him. I believed anything he wanted to tell me."

""Let me kiss you just this once," he said. Just this once was a refrain with him. He was the devil in disguise, the handsome but low-down, no-good sneaky guy from a thousand country songstresses' revenge plots."

"You wear your heart on your sleeve."

a Rafflecopter giveaway