Mini Review: Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi

Title: Ignite Me (Shatter Me #3)

Author: Tahereh Mafi

Release Date: February 4, 2014

Publisher: HarperCollins

Pages: 416

Source: Purchased from Amazon

Add To Goodreads

Synopsis:

The heart-stopping conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Shatter Me series, which Ransom Riggs, bestselling author of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, called “a thrilling, high-stakes saga of self-discovery and forbidden love.”

With Omega Point destroyed, Juliette doesn’t know if the rebels, her friends, or even Adam are alive. But that won’t keep her from trying to take down The Reestablishment once and for all. Now she must rely on Warner, the handsome commander of Sector 45. The one person she never thought she could trust. The same person who saved her life. He promises to help Juliette master her powers and save their dying world . . . but that’s not all he wants with her.

The Shatter Me series is perfect for fans who crave action-packed young adult novels with tantalizing romance like Divergent by Veronica Roth, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, and Legend by Marie Lu. Tahereh Mafi has created a captivating and original story that combines the best of dystopian and paranormal, and was praised by Publishers Weekly as “a gripping read from an author who’s not afraid to take risks.” Now this final book brings the series to a shocking and satisfying end.

My Thoughts:

Ignite Me was just perfect. It had the perfect ending and actually, I wanted more. I am so sad to see all of the characters go. I fell in love with each and every one of them. Each character had an important part to play. I loved each and every minute of it.

We finally see Juliette coming into her powers. She is finally accepting who she is and embracing it. I must say, her powers are so cool; when she realizes what she can do with it, she is basically indestructible. She is a major asset to the war to come.

The front cover is the true depiction of the novel. Juliette is flourishing, reveling in her new powers. She embraces it and everything that goes with it.

It is so hard to write a review without any spoilers. Everything is beautifully written, which is a given if you have read the first 2 books in the series. Tahereh Mafi is such a stunning writer. Every sentence, every word, has a specific purpose. There are no extra words in her writing. I want to thank Tahereh Mafi for writing this amazing series.

My Rating:

5++ out of 5 stars

Raquel

xoxo

Cover Reveal: Beyond Reason by Karice Bolton

BEYOND REASON

A NEW ADULT CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

BY KARICE BOLTON

Beyond Love Series, #3

Releasing February 28, 2014

Lily’s off and running the moment she graduates. She’s working at one of the most prestigious PR firms in Portland where her ambition propels her ahead at the firm and she loves it. Between decorating her new apartment and focusing solely on work, she has no time for dating, which is ideal since that’s never been her strong suit. At least not since she ran away from her high school sweetheart several years before. After more than a handful of somewhat sketchy relationships in college, she’s come up with a few dating guidelines.

1. Don’t date the boss.
2. Don’t date his son.
3. Stay away from Professors, even if not in school
4. At an event, never consume more than two drinks — okay maybe three.
5. Always have a backup plan.
6. Never leave your items unattended.
7. Never fall in love.

As long as she sticks to the rules everything should be fine, but that’s always been her problem. She never sticks to the rules, and she has two best friends determined to find her perfect match, even if that means digging up her old high school boyfriend.

       
  Cover Artist: Phatpuppy Art Studios Photographer: Teresa Yeh Typography: BB Designs Models: Anya Kod and Steve Alario Makeup/Hair: Nadya Rutman     

About the Author Karice Bolton lives in the Pacific Northwest and is a writer of Young Adult and New Adult books. She loves to read anything and everything. She also enjoys baking, skiing, and spending time with her wonderful husband and two English bulldogs. Books currently available:
*Beyond Love Series: Beyond Control (Book 1) Beyond Doubt (Book 2) Beyond Reason (Book 3) - Feb. 28th
*Afterworld Series: RecruitZ (Book 1)
*The Witch Avenue Series: Lonely Souls (Book 1), Altered Souls (Book 2), Released Souls (Book 3) Shattered Souls (Book 4)
*The Watchers Trilogy: Awakening (Book 1), Legions (Book 2), Cataclysm (Book 3), Taken Novella (Watchers Prequel)
*The Camp Karice would love if you stopped by her blog or FB page to find out the latest news on giveaways and upcoming releases, or you can just send her an email. She loves hearing from her readers and responds as soon as she can.

  Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest 

  

Excerpt: I See London by Chanel Cleeton

February 3, 2014

Harlequin HQN (Digital First)

New Adult Contemporary Romance

“I See London is fun, sexy, and kept me completely absorbed.” – Katie McGarry, author of Crash Into You

BOOK SUMMARY:

Maggie Carpenter is ready for a change— and to leave her ordinary life in South Carolina behind. But when she accepts a scholarship to the International School in London, a university attended by the privileged offspring of diplomats and world leaders, Maggie might get more than she bargained for.

When Maggie meets Hugh, a twentysomething British guy, she finds herself living the life she always wanted. Suddenly she’s riding around the city in a Ferrari, wearing borrowed designer clothes and going to the hottest clubs. The only problem? Another guy, the one she can’t seem to keep her hands off of.

Half French, half Lebanese, and ridiculously wealthy, Samir Khouri has made it clear he doesn’t do relationships. He’s the opposite of everything Maggie thought she wanted…and he’s everything she can’t resist. Torn between her dream guy and the boy haunting her dreams, Maggie has to fight for her own happy ending. In a city like London, you never know where you stand, and everything can change in the blink of an eye.

This is a New Adult romance recommended for readers 17 and up.

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble |iTunes

Author Information

Originally a Florida girl, at seventeen Chanel moved to London to attend an international university.  In the four years that followed, she received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, learned how to dance, travelled through Europe, and made lifelong friendships.  Chanel fell in love with London and planned to stay there forever.  But fate intervened on a Caribbean cruise, when an American fighter pilot with smooth dance moves, swept her off her feet. 

Now, a happily ever after later, Chanel is living her next adventure in South Korea.  An avid reader and hopeless romantic, she is happiest curled up with a book.  She has a weakness for handbags, puppy cuddles, and her fighter pilot husband.  Harlequin (HQN) will release Chanel’s New Adult debut, I SEE LONDON, on February 3, 2014, followed by a sequel, LONDON FALLING, later in the year. 

Author Links:

                                      Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Excerpt:

Fleur strolled into the party, a group of guys in tow. Samir walked next to her, the perfect counterpart to her beauty. She made her way through the crowd like Moses parting the proverbial Red Sea, all eyes on her. Well, except for mine.

Tonight he wore dark jeans, an expensive-looking black jacket and a gray collared shirt. I hadn’t thought it possible for him to look even better than the day on the steps.

I was wrong.

He exchanged handshakes with a few guys before heading over to the table next to Michael’s. He moved confidently, as if he owned the room. Suddenly Samir’s head turned, his gaze meeting mine. My heart began to pound.

His stare pierced me.

Was he imagining me naked right now?

I reddened instantly.

Samir’s eyes widened, his lips twitching. The look he gave me was long and languid, surprise flickering in his deep brown eyes. Surprise, followed by clear male appreciation. With each second that passed it felt as though he was stripping away my clothes, layer by layer, baring my body before him. I felt the full weight of his stare, each glance leaving a trail of heat in its wake. It was as if his hands were running over my skin—molding, shaping my curves, caressing my skin.

No one had ever looked at me like that before.

Fleur tugged on Samir’s arm. He ignored her. She tugged again—saying something to him now—and he turned his attention away from me.

“They’ll probably go out later if you want to come.”

I forced my gaze back to Mya. She shot me a curious look.

“That whole group is pretty big on the club scene,” she explained. “They’re going to this club called Babel tonight. It’s in Mayfair and it’s amazing.”

I struggled to calm the nerves exploding inside me. “Mayfair?”

“It’s one of the nicest neighborhoods in London.” She grinned. “In that dress you’ll fit right in.”

I SEE LONDON February 3, 2014
I SEE LONDON Copyright © Chanel Cleeton

Permission to reproduce text granted by Harlequin Books S.A.

Review: Fates (Fates #1) by Lanie Bross

Title: Fates

Author: Lanie Bross

Release Date: February 11, 2014

Publisher: Random House Children (Delacorte Press)

Pages: 366

Source: Received egalley for review

Add To Goodreads

Synopsis:

Lanie Bross's debut FATES is perfect for fans of Jennifer Armentrout, Julie Kagawa, Rachel Vincent, and Sarah J. Maas, and for girls who love all things pretty, romantic and inspirational.

One moment. One foolish desire. One mistake. And Corinthe lost everything.

She fell from her tranquil life in Pyralis Terra and found herself exiled to the human world. Her punishment? To make sure people's fates unfold according to plan. Now, years later, Corinthe has one last assignment: kill Lucas Kaller. His death will be her ticket home.

But for the first time, Corinthe feels a tingle of doubt. It begins as a lump in her throat, then grows toward her heart, and suddenly she feels like she is falling all over again--this time for a boy she knows she can never have. Because it is written: one of them must live, and one of them must die. In a universe where every moment, every second, every fate has already been decided, where does love fit in?

My Thoughts:

Fates was a mixture of emotions for me. I liked some parts, others parts I was disappointed in. I even teared up in the remaining parts.

Corinth was a Fate. Fates weaves the fabric of life and are almost like seers. They set each soul on the right path or destiny. Corinne is exiled to Humana, what they call the human world Earth, because she was curious about the way things are. Corinthe has been on earth for 10 years waiting to go home to Pyralis. On earth, she is an Executioner. She makes sure Fates of individuals are carried out. Corinthe is given the task to kill a boy, Lucas. This will be her last task before she is able to go home. There is an instant attraction between Corinthe and Lucas. Corinthe will do anything to go home even killing a boy she likes. This is where the story starts.

The first chapter starts off with a bang and left me wanting more. This story went in a direction I didn’t expect it to go. The story had a lot more fantasy than I thought it would. Usually when I read fantasy I need there to be a fair bit of romance as well. This story was mostly fantasy. I didn’t really like that other worlds were introduced, for example, the world with Killer Nymphs or the world with 2 suns.  The worlds did not feel real to me. It didn’t really go with the story or what I thought the story was going to be about. On the other hand, I really liked the underlining premise of the story; everything is centered on Fate or destiny and if something is meant to be it will happen. This is one of the reasons why I wanted to read this book.  In my own life, I strongly believe this.  

I liked the character development in Corinthe. She went from not understanding anything about being human to physically becoming more and more like one. She starts bleeding (which she didn’t do before) and having more emotions she is not used to. She starts to question her beliefs. As a Fate, you do not ask questions, you do what you are told to do and Corinne, after awhile, starts to question everything. She starts to question why things have to be a certain way and if there is anything that can change the outcome. I thought Corinne was very courageous in that way and I thought she was a good heroine.

Another reason I found I didn’t connect with the story is the romance. I could feel Corinne and Lucas attraction to each other but their romance fell short for me. It was like, they have a few conversations and then they were in love. I felt like there could have been more to show why they fell in love with each other.

I want to see where this story goes. How the author left things, it was a cliff hanger yet at the same time it wasn’t. 

Thank You Random House Children and Delacorte Press for providing me with this book for an honest review!

My Rating:

3 out of 5 stars

Raquel

xoxo

Waiting on Wednesday (36)

White Hot Kiss (The Dark Elements #1) by Jennifer Armentrout

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

As everyone know I am a big fan of Jennifer Armentrout and I am soooo looking forward to this book. A book about gargoyles...I am so ready for it!

Expected Publication Date: February 25, 2014

Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads)

One kiss could be the last. 

Seventeen-year-old Layla just wants to be normal. But with a kiss that kills anything with a soul, she's anything but normal. Half demon, half gargoyle, Layla has abilities no one else possesses. 

Raised among the Wardens—a race of gargoyles tasked with hunting demons and keeping humanity safe—Layla tries to fit in, but that means hiding her own dark side from those she loves the most. Especially Zayne, the swoon-worthy, incredibly gorgeous and completely off-limits Warden she's crushed on since forever. 

Then she meets Roth—a tattooed, sinfully hot demon who claims to know all her secrets. Layla knows she should stay away, but she's not sure she wants to—especially when that whole no-kissing thing isn't an issue, considering Roth has no soul. 

But when Layla discovers she's the reason for the violent demon uprising, trusting Roth could not only ruin her chances with Zayne…it could brand her a traitor to her family. Worse yet, it could become a one-way ticket to the end of the world.

Add To Goodreads

Raquel

xoxo

Cover Reveal: Wickingham Way by S.R. Grey

Wickingham Way

Final novel of A Harbour Falls Mystery Trilogy

Romantic Suspense/Contemporary Romance/Mystery

Releasing February 28, 2014

Cover designed by Damonza

When Maddy Fitch discovers there's a hit out on the love of her life--the handsome, but often secretive Adam Ward--she concludes life with such a powerful man may never be normal. But who wants normal? Not Maddy--mystery writer and sometimes-sleuth. The heart-stopping action begins immediately in Wickingham Way when an attempt is made on Adam's life, prompting the couple to seek refuge at a "safe house." Tucked away in a cabin deep in the heart of Maine, Maddy and Adam fall deeper in love. But their happiness is cut short when someone they care deeply for is kidnapped, by the same organization that wants Adam Ward dead. Adam and Maddy return to Harbour Falls, and a dangerous cat-and-mouse games ensues. Twists and turns abound, keeping Maddy and Adam on their toes. But will the consequences of the decisions they must make prove deadly? Only time will tell. Final novel of A Harbour Falls Mystery Trilogy. Contemporary Romance/Mystery genres. *Mature themes, graphic sex, violence*

    
  About the Author S.R. Grey is the author of the bestselling novel Harbour Falls, as well as Willow Point and Wickingham Way (due out January 2014), all novels in A Harbour Falls Mystery series. She is also the author of I Stand Before You, the first novel in the Judge Me Not series (New Adult/Contemporary Romance genres). Ms. Grey resides in western Pennsylvania. She has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree, as well as an MBA. Her background is in business, but her passion lies in writing. She is currently working on Never Doubt Me, the second novel of the Judge Me Not series. Expected publication: Spring 2014. When not writing, Ms. Grey can be found reading, traveling, running, or cheering for her hometown sports teams. 

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads  

 

Cover Reveal: A Fighting Chance by A.J. Sand

New Adult/Adult Romantic Suspense

Releasing February 4, 2014

Cover designed by Cover It! Designs

  Jesse Chance is a bastard. And that’s all he heard his entire life growing up once news got out that he was the illegitimate child of womanizing ex-con, Henry Chance. Stuck in Glory, Texas, a town too small to escape the sins of his parents, Jesse turned into exactly what everyone expected him to be: a lover of liquor and women, and so good with his fists, he became a teenage champion of the secret underground fighting rings that float around the South, while doubting the only people who ever believed he could be more, his ailing mother, and his girlfriend, Drew Hallisay. But determined to make his mother’s dying wish come true, he enrolled in a college on the East Coast, far away from his past. Jesse Chance is reborn into a new life, and set on keeping Glory, Texas--and Henry Chance--in his rear view. Until a visit from his father in the middle of the night changes everything. Forced to return to Glory to prevent a tragedy, Jesse is soon back on the fighting circuit with Drew's help and facing the history he was so desperate to escape, the part of him he would prefer to hide. As he slips back into his old ways--Henry Chance's ways--he finds himself torn between the guy he was and the one he’s been struggling to become. And in a world dead set on betting against you, can you ever really overcome your past… or your destiny?

     
  About the Author A.J. Sand grew up an only child whose parents bought her many, many books to keep her busy, so it was only natural that she would start writing her own stories. She is the author of “Documentary,” “Remake” and “Recklessly.” She lives just outside of Washington, D.C. 

  Blog | Facebook | Twitter

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.

Add to Goodreads

Raquel

xoxo

Waiting on Wednesday (28)

Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi

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

This book has a beautiful cover. I think it is my favourite one yet. There are going to be some great books coming out in 2014.

Expected Publication Date: February 4, 2014

Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads)

The heart-stopping conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Shatter Me series, which Ransom Riggs, bestselling author of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, called "a thrilling, high-stakes saga of self-discovery and forbidden love"

Juliette now knows she may be the only one who can stop the Reestablishment. But to take them down, she'll need the help of the one person she never thought she could trust: Warner. And as they work together, Juliette will discover that everything she thought she knew-about Warner, her abilities, and even Adam-was wrong.

In Shatter Me, Tahereh Mafi created a captivating and original story that combined the best of dystopian and paranormal and was praised by Publishers Weekly as "a gripping read from an author who's not afraid to take risks." The sequel, Unravel Me, blew readers away with heart-racing twists and turns, and New York Times bestselling author Kami Garcia said it was "dangerous, sexy, romantic, and intense." Now this final book brings the series to a shocking and climactic end.

Add to Goodreads

Raquel 

xoxo

Waiting on Wednesday (17)

Alienated by Melissa Landers

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

I love the cover of this. I am excited for when it releases. This will definitely be a must read for me next year when it comes out. Also the fact that Jennifer Armentrout rated it 5 stars on Goodreads means I absolutely have to read it :) It is to long till 2014.

Expected Publication Date: February 4, 2014

Synopsis:

Interplanetary relations have never been more exciting! The first in a funny, romantic YA sci-fi series.

Two years ago, the aliens made contact. Now Cara Sweeney is going to be sharing a bathroom with one of them.

Handpicked to host the first-ever L’eihr exchange student, Cara thinks her future is set. Not only does she get a free ride to her dream college, she’ll have inside information about the mysterious L’eihrs that every journalist would kill for. Cara’s blog following is about to skyrocket.

Still, Cara isn’t sure what to think when she meets Aelyx. Humans and L’eihrs have nearly identical DNA, but cold, infuriatingly brilliant Aelyx couldn’t seem more alien. She’s certain about one thing, though: no human boy is this good-looking.

But when Cara's classmates get swept up by anti-L'eihr paranoia, Midtown High School suddenly isn't safe anymore. Threatening notes appear in Cara's locker, and a police officer has to escort her and Aelyx to class.

Cara finds support in the last person she expected. She realizes that Aelyx isn’t just her only friend; she's fallen hard for him. But Aelyx has been hiding the truth about the purpose of his exchange, and its potentially deadly consequences. Soon Cara will be in for the fight of her life—not just for herself and the boy she loves, but for the future of her planet.

I would love to hear from you!

Raquel

xoxo