Showcase Sunday (43)

Hosted by the lovely Books, Biscuits and Tea, the aim of Showcase Sunday is to highlight our newest books or book related swag and to see what everyone else received for review, borrowed from libraries, bought in bookshops and downloaded onto e-readers each week.

~BOUGHT~

 

 

 

My Unexpected Forever by Heidi McLaughlin

Rated it 5 stars. Definitely one of my top reads this year. God I loved this book so much. Review coming soon.

Only Between Us by Mila Ferrerra

Haven't read it yet but I love the cover and the synopsis. It's about an artist, people!!

~ FOR REVIEW ~

 

 

 

 

Sometimes It Lasts by Abbi Glines

Rated it 5 stars. Read this yesterday and couldn't put it down. Whereas the first book was alright, this was 10000x better. Seriously. Review coming soon. Thanks to Harlequin Teen for providing me a copy in exchange for honest review.

 

 

Reckless Longing by Gina Robinson

In case you couldn't tell from the cover, this is a New Adult book. I haven't read it yet but requested it as it sounds promising. Thanks to author and netgalley.

 

 

Forever Innocent by Deanna Roy

Obviously I've been on a New Adult netgalley spree and this was one of my victims. Haven't read it yet but thinking of starting this soon. This line just made me want it --> "Our baby died on prom night, and nothing was ever the same again."

 

 

 Buried Secrets by Emme Rollins

This is about a girl who's twin brother had died in a cemetery and it's all mysterious and stuff. Really excited to be reading it soon. Thanks to Fido Publishing.

 

 

Finn #1.5 by Jen McLaughlin/Diane Alberts

Rated 5 stars!!! I FREAKING LOVED IT. It's not currently up on Goodreads or has a name because guess what? Diane made me a beta-reader for the OUT OF LINE series!!!! Eeeeep. My first time to beta-read for an author before! Look out for my fangirl review on OUT OF LINE soon for blog tour stop. Thanks and millions of hugs to Diane for trusting and caring about my opinion on her novella! <3 em="">

 

 

 

~ BORROWED ~

 

 

Graphic Design Cookbook

And my fabulous friend's sister also let me borrow this awesome awesome graphic design cookbook. It's really handy if you're planning/are already a graphic designer. Full of beautiful and creative layout ideas. :) Thanks to my friend's sister!

 

 

 

So that's my haul. What do you think of the books I got? Any books I should definitely do a review of? :)

 

 

Review: Origin - Jennifer L. Armentrout

Title: Origin (Lux #4)
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Release Date: August 27th, 2013

Publisher: Entangled Teen

Age and Genre: YA, Paranormal, Sci-Fi

Pages: 366

Source: Bought

Daemon will do anything to get Katy back.

After the successful but disastrous raid on Mount Weather, he’s facing the impossible. Katy is gone. Taken. Everything becomes about finding her. Taking out anyone who stands in his way? Done. Burning down the whole world to save her? Gladly. Exposing his alien race to the world? With pleasure.

All Katy can do is survive.

Surrounded by enemies, the only way she can come out of this is to adapt. After all, there are sides of Daedalus that don’t seem entirely crazy, but the group’s goals are frightening and the truths they speak even more disturbing. Who are the real bad guys? Daedalus? Mankind? Or the Luxen?

Together, they can face anything.

But the most dangerous foe has been there all along, and when the truths are exposed and the lies come crumbling down, which side will Daemon and Katy be standing on?

And will they even be together?

:~ MY THOUGHTS ~:
 
(Please don't read this review if you haven't read the first three as there will be spoilers from previous books!)

I've been putting this review off for ages now. Why? Honestly I have no idea what to say. I loved it, but then I didn't. I enjoyed it, but then there were some things that really annoyed me. And now a while after I read it, I still can't really decide if it's my least favourite JLA book. I think it is. :( Even though in the end I rated it 4 stars, I was kinda disappointed with Origin and thought the first three books was better.

The first half was, quite boring actually. After the end of Opal, I was expecting some kind of big thing happening but in the majority of the first half, all we got was LOTS of info dumping about the other side and even though there were some Katy and Daemon moments, I felt like something was missing. The second half though makes up for the lack of the first. Everything starts to pick up and I literally couldn't put the book down. There was a lot of revelations, twists, betrayals (that I did see coming from the second book, mind you!!!) but hey, I'm smart like that. :P We now get why the title is called ORIGIN too, so yeah!

I missed Katy and Daemon so much! I loved Daemon even more in this book than the other. He brings out the swoons and the sexiness in this one, guys! Be ready! Katy, on the other hand, while I still love her as a heroine, I felt like even though most, if not all of the characters has developed from the last one, I didn't really see much from her. Yes, she's a lot more bad-ass now from what she's been through, but she kinda fell flat for me in Origin. I still adore the banter between this couple though. BUT.... WHAT REALLY ANNOYED ME was something that happened in Chapter 25. CHAPTER FREAKING 25. You guys know what I'm talking about, right?? I know most people loved it and blah blah blah, but I thought it was so stupid, immature and really out of character for both of them. I know she's the writer and all, but honestly I couldn't imagine them like that. YES, I know why they did it and why they thought they had to do it right now (and I know it wasn't real at all, not even legal). But they're so young and stupid and argh. In my opinion, it was just not needed. But. It has been done so all I'm hoping for in the next book, is that they do it PROPERLY. (If you've read Origin, you know what I'm talking about).

Sorry about that. Just had to get that off as that was my biggest annoyance in this. Anyway, moving on. ARCHER. ARCHER ARCHER ARCHER. Oh my God, can I marry you?? He's slowly becoming my favourite character and I hope we see more of him in the next. I LOVE ARCHER. Dee was as adorable as ever, and Dawson and Beth was so sweet together! I love all the other characters to bits. YES. I knew about that betrayal! And there was something that was revealed in this book that I was like WHATTT. I really didn't figure it out until near the end. And of course, we had deaths. To be honest, I thought there was too many deaths and again, it wasn't necessary at all. Oh well.

Even though some things had really pissed me off in ORIGIN, overall I still highly enjoyed it and this book IS DAEMON'S BOOK. He deserves to be on the cover on his own as he stole the whole show. His smart one liners and romantic gestures would really really make you fall in love with him all over again. I know I did.

This wasn't my favourite JLA book, but I'm still going to pre-order and buy OPPOSITION the second it comes out. Lux is still one of my favourite YA series ever, and even the things here won't change that. Bring on the aliens and Opposition!

Cover Reveal: Wish I May - Lexi Ryan

      WISH I MAY by Lexi Ryan

October 2013

 

 

 

Goodreads link

 

 

BOOK SUMMARY:

I grew up wishing on stars.

 

My father taught me to believe…in destiny, in magic, in happily ever after. Dreams were my scripture and the starry night sky was my temple. Then Mom stopped believing, left him, and took us with her. At the age of sixteen, I cashed in my dreams to pay the rent, pawned my destiny to keep my sisters together.

 

Now, seven years later, I’m returning home, grieving the death of my mother, and settling my sisters back into the life Mom threw away. I never intended to stay. I don’t want to deal with my father, who is so invested in the spiritual world he forgets the physical. I don’t want to face William Bailey, whose eyes remind me of the girl I was, the things I’ve done, and the future I lost.

This would all be easier if Will hated me. As it is, I have to hold my secrets close so they won’t hurt him more than they’ve already hurt me. But he wants to be in my life. He wants what I can’t bring myself to confess I sold. He wants me.

 

I find myself looking to my stars again...wondering if I dare one more wish.

 

 

Author Information

 

 

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Ryan writes romances with humor, heat, and heart. Her books are described as fun, flirty, and wickedly sexy. A lover of learning, Lexi has been in the classroom all her life and remains there as an English professor. A proud member of Romance Writers of America, Lexi lives in rural Indiana with her husband and two children.

Website • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads

 

 

Excerpt from WISH I MAY

© 2013 by Lexi Ryan

I can hardly breathe. My brain doesn’t have time for something as trivial as oxygen when it’s so busy cataloguing her features, memorizing the exact shade of her mocha eyes, warring with the anger and regret that have sprung to life as if they never left me to begin with.

I never thought I’d see her again. I didn’t think I wanted to.

The moment I step closer, I realize my mistake. Being near her is like a sip of water to desert-parched lips. It whips something through me—memories, lust, first love. Heartbreak. She tilts her lips up to mine, and I actually think for one goddamned ridiculous minute that I might kiss her, that I want to. That I would swallow all my pride and forgive her for just one taste.

I step back before I can give in to the impulse, and her cheeks blaze to life, her blush as cute as the rest of her. That’s the word for her: cute. Sweet smile and peppy ponytail, she exudes cuteness.

Except her ass. Her ass doesn’t even land in the same stratosphere as cute, and those tight little pants do nothing to hide its soft, round curves. And her breasts. There’s definitely nothing cute about the way her T-shirt stretches across their fullness. Or her go-for-miles legs. Not to mention the narrow strip of skin exposed between her shirt and pants. Just looking at the single inch of flesh below her navel, and I practically taste strawberry wine on my tongue.

Moonlight. Her warm skin under my tongue. The sound of her moan as my tongue dips lower.

The memory grabs hold of my senses and won’t let go.

Fuck. I can’t even lie to myself. Nothing about her says cute. Everything about her says sex. And mine.

Teasers

 

 

 Giveaway

Lexi is offering up 5 copies of her novel, UNBREAK ME, for some lucky winners. This contest is international.
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Waiting On Wednesday (49)

:~ BEING SLOANE JACOBS ~:

 

Lauren Morrill

 

 

 

January 4th, 2014

Meet Sloane Emily Jacobs: a seriously stressed-out figure-skater from Washington, D.C., who choked during junior nationals and isn’t sure she’s ready for a comeback. What she does know is that she’d give anything to escape the mass of misery that is her life.

Now meet Sloane Devon Jacobs, a spunky ice hockey player from Philly who’s been suspended from her team for too many aggressive hip checks. Her punishment? Hockey camp, now, when she’s playing the worst she’s ever played. If she messes up? Her life will be over.

When the two Sloanes meet by chance in Montreal and decide to trade places for the summer, each girl thinks she’s the lucky one: no strangers to judge or laugh at Sloane Emily, no scouts expecting Sloane Devon to be a hero. But it didn’t occur to Sloane E. that while avoiding sequins and axels she might meet a hockey hottie—and Sloane D. never expected to run into a familiar (and very good-looking) face from home. It’s not long before the Sloanes discover that convincing people you’re someone else might be more difficult than being yourself.

 

 

Okay, as soon as I heard about this book, I've been blabbing on and on about it. Seriously, doesn't it sound awesome? It's like the Parent Trap (loved that film btw) but a lot more awesome because HELLO WE GET  FIGURE SKATER AND ICE HOCKEY PLAYER. I love those two sports and wish I play them! As soon as this book is out I'll be the first to buy it. WANT. NEED. IT. NOW.

 

 

 

So what are you waiting for this Wednesday? And what do you think of my choice this week?

Cover Reveal: Allure - Lea Nolan

Today, we're celebrating the cover reveal of Allure, the sequel to Lea Nolan's Conjure, coming October 1^st from Entangled Teen!

Worst. Summer. Ever.

Emma Guthrie races to learn the hoodoo magic needed to break The Beaumont Curse before her marked boyfriend Cooper's sixteenth birthday. But deep in the South Carolina Lowcountry, dark, mysterious forces encroach, conspiring to separate Emma and Cooper forever. When Cooper starts to change, turning cold and indifferent, Emma discovers that both his heart and body are marked for possession by competing but equally powerful adversaries.

Desperate to save him, Emma and her twin brother, Jack, risk their lives to uncover the source of the black magic that has allured Cooper and holds him in its grip. Face with the horror of a soul-eating boohag, Emma and Jack must fight to resist its fiendish power to free Cooper long enough to join their strengths and face it together, before it destroys them all.

Amazon | B&N | Indiebound | Goodreads | Facebook

Praise for Conjure

"Richly filled with exquisite imagery, a compelling story, and a strong, smart heroine, Conjure will keep you up way past your bedtime." ~ Trinity Faegen, author of The Mephisto Covenant series

"A true adventure, complete with pirates, romance, a flesh-eating curse, and ancient magic. I couldn't put it down!" ~ Inara Scott, author of The Talents (Delcroix Academy) series

"Ifthere is one book teens and adults should have on their must read list, Conjure is it! Fans of young love and adventure will hurry to the end of each chapter, in anticipation of what will happen next. Unfolding at an easy pace, this tale is magical and spellbinding. Nolan is one to watch!" ~ RT Book Reviews, 4 ½ Stars Top Pick

"Conjure is a sweet, adventure-packed romp for young teen readers... There are pirates, lost treasure, curses, and ancient curses, chases, narrow escapes, and secret letters galore." ~ New York Journal of Books

"This is an unexpected read: exciting, dangerous, adventurous - everything we want from a good book. Yet Nolan puts that creative twist on all the elements, making Conjure something special. Conjure is recommended, 4 out of 5 stars." ~ Teen Librarian's Toolbox

About the Author

Lea Nolan couldn’t read until the third grade. After a lot of hard work she finally got the hang of it and quickly learned the best way to get out of doing chores was to tell her parents she was reading. Soon she was hooked, devouring books by Roald Dahl, E.B. White, Judy Blume, C.S. Lewis, and anything with a shiny Newberry Award sticker on the cover. Books provided a portal to enchanted lands where anything was possible and characters relied on their wits to wiggle out of sticky situations. Today, even though she’s all grown up, Lea writes the kinds of stories she sought as a teen--smart paranormals with bright heroines, crazy-hot heroes, diabolical plot twists, plus a dose of magic, a draft of romance, and a sprinkle of history. She holds degrees in history and women’s studies concentrating in public policy and spent fifteen years as a health policy analyst and researcher. She lives in Maryland with her heroically supportive husband and three clever children, who’ve figured out how to get out of doing their chores.

Website | Twitter | Facebook

Giveaway

Enter the giveaway below to win one of the first five electronic ARCs of Allure from Entangled Teen!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rafflecopter Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1cb554136/

Surprise Brazen Book Release!

 

Who doesn't love surprises? The people behind Brazen Books sure do - and they just couldn't wait a whole month before putting out another book for their readers. Surprise!

 

Their newest book combines steamy island romance and high personal stakes. What a combination!

 

: WICKED HEAT by Nicola Marsh :

 

 

 
 

: ABOUT THE BOOK :

Competitors by day, lovers by night…

Allegra Wilks has had the worst month of her personal and professional life. To save her company, she must go on her would-be honeymoon and land the luxury eco-island resort’s lucrative advertising account. But when a lingerie mishap leads her into the arms of a wickedly distracting Australian, Allegra’s tempted to skip the trip and explore the most sensual kiss she’s ever experienced. Too bad their chance encounter at the airport is just that.

Having recently lost his company to his former best friend’s shady business tactics, Jett Halcott is headed to a South Pacific resort to secure an advertising account that will resurrect his reputation and career. Realizing the tantalizing Allegra Wilks is on his flight, Jett envisions a week filled with business and pleasure. But Jett doesn’t know Allegra’s fighting for the same account, or that there’s more at stake than his heart.

 

Links: AMAZON | B&N | KOBO | iTUNES

 

: EXCERPT :

 

“You should do that more often,” he said, reaching out to trace her bottom lip with his fingertip. “You’re beautiful, but when you smile? Wow.”

 

Uncomfortable with his overt compliments, Allegra sat there and let a guy she’d just met touch her lips with a slow, sensual caress. His fingertip traced her bottom lip in a butterfly-soft sweep that left her breathless.

 

Their eyes locked as he lowered his hand, and what she saw made her wish she could ditch Palm Bay and travel to Australia.

 

Blatant lust. Strong. Sexy. Seductive. His eyes deepened to an incredible green that matched a favorite jade pendant she wore often. He wanted her, and in this crazy moment, the feeling was entirely mutual.

 

He raised his beer to his lips and took a long swig, his heat-filled stare never leaving hers.

 

Damn, she had no idea what to do in this situation. Make a joke to diffuse the tension? Acknowledge it? Flirt?

 

She hated feeling out of control, had instigated steps her entire life to avoid it. Yet in a loaded thirty seconds, Jett had made her damp with just one look and made her flounder.

 

“Is the blatant charm an Aussie thing or is it just you?”

 

Thankfully, he blinked, and broke the scorching stare that made her want to grab a napkin off the bar and fan herself. “It’s me.” He leaned in close. “Time you fessed up.”

 

Yikes. Was her reaction to him that easy to read?

 

“To what?”

 

His lips almost brushed her ear. “You’re battling an incredible urge to drag me into the nearest janitor’s closet and ravish me.”

 

She laughed at his outrageousness. “Sorry. I don’t do sex in cleaning closets. Too many hazardous chemicals.”

 

“Yeah, those pheromones can be killer.”

 

She loved his quick wit and for the second time in as many minutes, wished she’d met him at a different place, different time.

 

            “Pity.” He reverted to a smoldering stare that had her wishing she’d ordered a vodka shot chaser. “Sex in confined spaces can be fun.”

 

“I’ll take your word for it.” Heat crept into her cheeks and she signaled the waiter for a glass of water. To douse herself with.

 

“Not the answer I was hoping for,” he said, shifting his barstool closer so their thighs brushed. “Would’ve been better if you’d said, ‘Sounds good, Jett, let’s go try.’”

 

She cleared her throat and gratefully accepted the water from the waiter, drinking it all and wishing she could run the cool beaded exterior across her forehead. “How did we get onto this crazy topic?”

 

“Started with you wanting to ravish me.” He clinked his beer bottle to her empty glass. “Seriously. There’s no need to hold back. I can take whatever you want to dish out.”

 

Links: AMAZON | B&N | KOBO | iTUNES

Double Cover Reveal - Kat Scratched Fever and Kat Napped by D.T Dyllin

Showcase Sunday (42)

Hosted by the lovely Books, Biscuits and Tea, the aim of Showcase Sunday is to highlight our newest books or book related swag and to see what everyone else received for review, borrowed from libraries, bought in bookshops and downloaded onto e-readers each week.

 

~BOUGHT~

 

 

 

 

Origin by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Definitely not my fav JLA book and while I rated it 4 stars, there was things I was unhappy with and you'll get a ranty review from me next week.

Price of a Kiss by Linda Kage

Going to start this one today and I've heard many good things about this so hopefully it doesn't disappoint. Sounds like my kinda NA.

Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas

My most favourite sequel out this year! I've read this in May (I think) for review purposes but just can't help buying my own paperback copy. FIERCE.

Sometimes It Lasts by Abbi Glines

Rated it 3 stars. Cage is my favourite Abbi Glines guy and while I was kinda disappointed, it was still enjoyable and I will miss Cage and Eva.

 

~ FOR REVIEW ~

 

 

 

Wild Cards by Simone Elkeles

Rated it 4 stars. Obviously not as good as her Perfect Chemistry series but still an awesome start. Can't wait for next book.

A Little Too Far by Lisa Desrochers

Rated it 4 stars. Review for blog tour coming soon. Such a sexy, swoony NA. :)

Tragically Flawed by A.M. Hargrove

Haven't read it but it's New Adult and so I think I'll enjoy it.

Endless by Amanda Gray

So in love with the cover! Will be reading this soon.

 ~ BORROWED ~

 

Foreplay by Sophie Jordan

Rated 5 stars. Review coming soon! Major love for this book! Is my 2nd top book in August and right up there with my fave New Adults! :) Would love to say a big thank you and hugs to Kay from K Books for letting me borrow her arc copy! :D

 

 

 

So that's my haul. What do you think of the books I got? Any books I should definitely do a review of? :)