A Review for Never Too Far (Too Far #2) by Abbi Glines

Posted by Jess
Release Date: February 25th, 2013
Finished Date: February 26th 2013

Publishers: Self-published
Source: Bought

Format: e-book
Pages: 200

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

He had held a secret that destroyed her world.

Everything she had known was no longer true.

Blaire couldn’t stop loving him but she knew she could never forgive him.

Now, she was back home and learning to live again. Moving on with life… until something happened to send her world spinning once again.

What do you do when the one person you can never trust again is the one that you need to trust so desperately?

You lie, hide, avoid, and pray that your sins never find you out.

The Review: “She's amazing. No... she's perfect. Everything about her is fucking perfect," I said aloud. "I don't just love her, she owns me. Completely. I'd do anything for her.”-Rush

There really isn't anything I can say, that I haven't already said with regards to this series, I said the same things in my Fallen Too Far review and my Twisted Perfection review.

Never Too Far carries on from where Fallen Too Far left off, and it's a good start, and it just gets better and better.

We see Blaire dealing with the aftermath of the secret that Rush had kept from her. She eventually moves back to Rosemary where she entangles herself with Rush again which isn't what she wants.

Like I've said countless times. Abbi has always managed to suck me into her books, and after I'd finished Fallen Too Far, I needed Never Too Far so badly, that is most certainly didn't disappoint one bit! I wish I could say that I have only one favourite book from Abbi, but I can't. Anytime she produces a new book it becomes my favourite, but I will say that the Too Far series is probably my favourite of her series of books.

Never Too Far really takes you from page one, and you will be wanting more after you finish each chapter. You'll try to take your time, but honestly, I devoured it. It's just that good. Not only are we back with Blaire, but we also get to see it from Rush's point of view as well, which was fabulous, because poor old Rush is hurting and he tries to deal with that hurt. He's the tortured hero, that you just fall madly in love with all over again. He's less of a dick, and more swoony and sexy etc.

Overall, Never Too Far was a fabulous book with all the great characters still there that we were introduced to in book one. If you haven't already picked up this series, then you really should. You most definitely won't be disappointed :) Abbi is a wonderful writer, and can really create a story and can really really create wonderful characters that will just leave you swooning in their wake.

“But I don't fit. Your family hates me. I make your life difficult." That's where she was wrong. "No, You're my family. And as for making my life difficult, you, Blaire Wynn, make my life complete.” -Rush

Cover Reveal for Golden Dunes of Renhala (Renhala, #2 by Amy Joy Lutchen

Author Amy Joy Lutchen has asked us today to be apart of her cover reveal for her sequel in the Renhala series, so without further ado...... 

How do you live with a secret so dark and so deeply woven into your being that it threatens to smother your very existence, with no known way out? Use it to your advantage. 

Kailey Rooke, karmelean, and now a possibly unethical karma-for-hire, has spent the past year jumping from project to project, without any real hope for salvation. With repercussions from her actions at every turn, she discovers that as time goes on, she loses a bit more of herself to that which feeds on her anguish, that which is thriving inside her own body.

When a new contract to find a missing girl arises, Kailey attempts to put her past and its associated problems on the back burner, but she soon finds out that treachery and deceit lie shortly ahead in Golden Dunes, only giving face to new problems, with one leading right back to her childhood past. 

She struggles to complete her contract as her own life teeters on a fulcrum, constantly tipping according to karma’s whim. How long will she keep her balance? Which way will she fall?

WHAT DO YOU THINK? 

Author Bio:

About this author edit data

Was born in Chicago and slept in a dresser drawer for the first few weeks of my life, marking me as a future claustrophobe. 

I studied at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana (man I grew up quick), where I became a number, but decided it was a good number.

I write with plenty of snacks in hand, making sure they are not in multiples of three. That number makes me nervous.

A Review for Persephone's Orchard (The Chrysomelia Stories #1) by Molly Ringle

Posted by Guest Reviewer Melanie
Release Date: June 28th, 2013
Finished Date: June 18th, 2013

Publishers: Central Avenue Publishing
Source: For Review

Format: Kindle
Pages: 360

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

The Greek gods never actually existed. Did they?

Sophie Darrow finds she was wrong about that assumption when she's pulled into the spirit realm, complete with an Underworld, on her very first day at college. 

Adrian, the mysterious young man who brought her there, simply wants her to taste a pomegranate. And soon, though she returns to her regular life, her mind begins exploding with dreams and memories of ancient times--of a love between two Greeks named Persephone and Hades. But lethal danger has always surrounded the immortals, and now that she's tainted with the Underworld's magic, that danger is drawing closer to Sophie.

The Review: 3.5 Stars! 

Persephone’s Orchard gives a new spin on the Hades & Persephone story and brings it up to date. I have to admit, I have read a lot of these type of stories, specifically Persephone & Hades so wasn’t really expecting anything new but this was a pleasant surprise.

We meet Sophie, just moving into her dorm & ready to begin college life, who is then abducted and taken to another realm. There she meets Adrian, a young man, a little older than her who claims to live in this ‘spirit world/Underworld’ place and seeing as how she was just dragged there, she has to believe his bizarre story but after showing her the souls of the dead and then he tries to get her to eat some pomegranate…. Sophie believes he is trying to snatch her away to live in the underworld ‘Persephone’ style & refuses…. but unbeknownst to her, Adrian has slipped her some of the pomegranate juice which he says won’t trap her in the underworld but rather unlock her mind so that she can remember that she once was Persephone! But the appearance of Adrian also brings the appearance of his enemies and the longer Sophie is around him, the more danger it brings when they realise that Sophie is exactly what they need as bait to rid the world of one certain immortal.

So, this was a good read and gave a new spin on the tale, being that our main characters are not only reincarnations of Persephone & Hades but have lived many lives together. It isn’t your typical retelling of the Greek myth either but I will let you find that out for yourself. The characters of Sophie & Adrian are likable, there is a sweetness to the couple that has you hoping that something will blossom between them, clinging to the moments when they can be in each others company and waiting for the next instalment of remembering a past life when they are together. I particularly liked Adrian’s friends character – Niko – too who brought a little fun to the book with his mischievous nature and was underused in my opinion.

I enjoyed the storyline, the way the past and the present were weaved together and reading about Sophie & Adrian’s relationship blossoming alongside the story of Persephone & Hades relationship too. As I said, it was a different take on the myth and gave food for thought, I liked the direction the author took her version, much more romantic with a forbidden feel to it that I love. I liked the threat to our characters and the way this was brought into the plot, I would have liked more of that and something a bit more sinister but I liked how they went about things, especially towards the end & I’m curious to find out more about them. The pacing was slower than I usually like and as I said the threat wasn’t as threatening as it could be but for a first book in the series, it has definitely made an impression and piqued my curiosity for more. 

Note: Starting on Friday - for two weeks only - we are going to offer the ebook for 99 cents on most major bookstores. See above for links to sites!

Blog Tour for The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen; Review + Author Q&A

Posted by Donna
Release Date: June 4th, 2013
Finished Date: June 3rd, 2013

Publishers: Puffin
Source: For Review 

Format: Paperback 
Pages: 435

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Luke is the perfect boyfriend: handsome, kind, fun. He and Emaline have been together all through high school in Colby, the beach town where they both grew up. But now, in the summer before college, Emaline wonders if perfect is good enough.

Enter Theo, a super-ambitious outsider, a New Yorker assisting on a documentary film about a reclusive local artist. Theo's sophisticated, exciting, and, best of all, he thinks Emaline is much too smart for Colby.

Emaline's mostly-absentee father, too, thinks Emaline should have a bigger life, and he's convinced that an Ivy League education is the only route to realizing her potential. Emaline is attracted to the bright future that Theo and her father promise. But she also clings to the deep roots of her loving mother, stepfather, and sisters. Can she ignore the pull of the happily familiar world of Colby?Emaline wants the moon and more, but how can she balance where she comes from with where she's going? 

Sarah Dessen's devoted fans will welcome this story of romance, yearning, and, finally, empowerment. It could only happen in the summer.

The Review: Sarah Dessen is one of the biggest YA contemporary romance authors around and with each and every book I read, I find myself loving her work more and more. 

This time Sarah brings us The Moon and More where we see Emaline, a teenage girl whose life is perfect. She's in love with a great guy, she knows what she wants to do in the future and until the time comes to move away, she'll help her family run their summer business. However, when Theo comes to stay in the town, she starts to question everything she's once thought. 

I'll always remember my first Sarah Dessen book (Just Listen) and since then, I always find myself eager to see what Sarah is going to come up with next. The Moon and More wasn't on par with Just Listen, but it was still a great summer read. 

What I enjoy most about Sarah's books is the character building. They're always looking to do a little soul finding and find out who they really are, they always have problems they need to overcome and mostly, there's always a hot boy in the picture too. While I wish for more romance in her stories - I always wish for more, I find with Sarah's books  it's not always needed. The stories alone can capture you and keep you interested. She writes characters we can always relate to and feel for and yet again, this was the case with The Moon and More. Emaline's life wasn't as tough as some of her previous characters but it was still interesting enough. 

If you haven't read any of Sarah's work then I highly suggest you do - she's an author you don't want to miss out on.

 

Author Interview with Sarah Dessen

1) eBooks vs Physical books? 

I love the feel of a real book! I'm old school. But I usually have one on my iPad, as well.

2)Twitter vs Facebook? 

Twitter. I have sort of a problem with it, actually. Some might say addiction.

 3) Coffee vs Tea? 

Coffee. Black. I am hardcore when it comes to my caffeine.

 4) White Chocolate vs Milk Chocolate? 

Milk. I don't even understand white chocolate as a concept.

 5) Sweet Popcorn vs Salted Popcorn? 

Salted. Preferably movie-theatre kind.

 6) Walking vs Driving? 

I live in the country, so I drive everywhere.

 8) High Heels vs Flats? 

I love both, but for practical reasons, usually go with flats.

 9) Favourite Season? 

Summer. No question.

 10) Favourite TV show? 

Right now, Parks and Recreation. Of all time? Friday Night Lights.

 11) Favourite Movie? 

Almost Famous. It's basically perfect.

 12) Favourite Singer/Band? 

Tom Waits. His songs are like poetry. I also love Ben Lee.

 13) Favourite Place? 

Cape Cod, MA or Emerald Isle, NC.

 14) Favourite Book? 

A Prayer for Owen Meany, by John Irving.

 15) Favourite Food? 

Potato chips, plain, with red wine. I know, it's weird. But it's true!

About the Author:

Sarah Dessen grew up in Chapel Hill, North Carolina and attended UNC-Chapel Hill, graduating with highest honors in Creative Writing. She is the author of several novels, including Someone Like You, Just Listen and Along for the Ride. A motion picture based on her first two books, entitled How to Deal, was released in 2003. Her eleventh novel,The Moon and More, will be published in June 2013. She lives in North Carolina.

A Review for Just for Now (Sea Breeze #4) by Abbi Glines

Posted by Donna
Release Date: April 25th, 2013
Finished Date: June 17th, 2013

Publishers: Simon & Schuster UK
Source: For Review 

Format: Paperback
Pages: 304

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

The day Preston Drake figured out that wealthy women paid well for a set of tight abs and a pretty face his life turned around.

The run down rat-infested trailer he had shared with his alcoholic mother and three younger siblings was now only a place he visited to pay the bills and stock the pantry with food. 

He no longer worried about his family starving or living without electricity. The money he made entertaining rich older women more than covered his family’s needs and his own. He had it all figured out. Except…

There was this girl. She was as innocent as he was tainted. Amanda Hardy wished her knees didn’t get weak when Preston walked into a room. She hated the fact her heart raced when he flashed his smile in her direction. He had a different girl in his bed every night. He was the kind of boy a smart girl ran from. So, why was she coming up with ways to get close to him? Even when it was obvious he wanted to keep her at a distance.

Maybe her heart knew something the world didn’t. Maybe Preston Drake was more than just a pretty face.

The Review:  “I love you. I love you so damn much it consumes me. I don't deserve you, but I'm gonna become the man who does deserve you. I promise you. I'll make you proud of me.” 

Where the hell did Preston Drake come from? Seriously! This guy, in my opinion, doesn't play that much of a role in the first three Sea Breeze books, so admittedly I wasn't really bothered about reading his story. But I'm so glad I did because Preston Drake is definitely (so far) is my favourite Sea Breeze guy! 

Preston and Amanda's story is such an emotional one. Just when I thought the previous boys from Sea Breeze had a hard life, well, wait until you meet Preston Drake. He's spent his life looking after his family. His mother is a useless drunk who doesn't look after her kids, leaving Preston to feel obligated to do so. He doesn't want his younger brothers and sister being bought up like he did, so he tries to give them everything they need. The problem is with school and baseball, it doesn't leave a lot of time for work, so the only job he can get is being a gigolo. When Amanda comes into his life, he knows it's never going to work - he can't be faithful to her and most importantly, she's his best friends little sister and Marcus would never approve. As you can see, Preston and Amanda have many problems but can they make it work? 

This is why I loved Just for Now so much more than the others and that's because of how much this couple had to overcome. It wasn't just about who was right and wrong for one another, there was real and very emotional problems attached. I adore stories like this because I always get so wrapped up in them that they feel very real. Preston and Amanda's relationship is a very captivating one, it's full of heart-ache but the love is there too. 

I also I loved how much involvement Marcus and Low had in this story too - it was good to see them in their relationship. And I really love Rock! It would be good to get a story from him - I know he already has his happy ever after but maybe a prequel to his story. 

Like I said before, Just for Now is easily my favourite so far and I'm hoping Abbi decides to write a sequel for Preston & Amanda, like she's doing with Cage. 

A Review for While It Lasts (Sea Breeze #3) by Abbi Glines

Posted by Donna
Release Date: April 25th, 2013
Finished Date: June 16th, 2013

Publishers: Simon & Schuster UK
Source: For Review 

Format: Paperback
Pages: 304

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Set in the steamy coastal Alabama town of Sea Breeze, an interconnected group of older teens hook up, break up . . . and much, much more.
Cage York has a free ride to college for baseball - or he did, until he got in trouble for drink-driving. Now he has to give in to his coach's demands and spend his summer baling hay. No hot babes in bikinis waiting to meet a Southern boy to make her vacation complete. Just him and the damned cows. Oh and an uptight, snarky brunette with the biggest blue eyes he's ever seen.

Eva Brooks planned out her life step by step when she was eight years old. Not once over the years had she lost sight of her goals. Josh Beasley, her next door neighbour, had been the centre of those goals. He'd been her first boyfriend at seven, her first kiss at ten, her first date at fifteen and her first tragedy at eighteen. The moment she'd received the phone call from Josh's mother saying he'd been killed along with four other soldiers just north of Baghdad, Eva's carefully planned life imploded in the worst way possible. Now she has to deal with the arrogant Cage York and his irritating smile.

But as the summer bailing hay rolls by, Cage and Eva learn that what they want (and need) may be something they never saw coming.

The Review: “I understood that pain was real and sometimes things didn't last. Sometimes you just had to enjoy it while it lasts and cherish it when it's gone.” 

I think it's impossible for Abbi Glines to write anything bad. Anything she writes just has that WOW factor and While it Lasts just proves Abbi knows how to write and sell hot and steamy stories!

After meeting Cage in Marcus and Low's story, I've always had a soft spot for him and yes, even with how he is. I just want to wrap Cage up and keep him safe because no matter what he says, he needs to be loved by someone other than just Low. So when Eva comes along, she literally knocks the breath out of him. He can't understand how one girl can get under his skin so much. And for Eva, Cage is the last person she ever thought she'd find attractive but looking at him while he's a work on her Daddy's farm, well, what girl could keep away from a guy like that?

Plain and simple, I loved Cage and Eva's story! Because of Low was such a hard act to follow and with Cage being so popular with the ladies, he needed to be wrote very believable and I definitely believe Abbi did it that just right. What I love is how steamer these books get with each book. I feel like Abbi is more comfortable writing them and taking more risks with each and every one, so it's really showing in her work.

Cage is major hottie - you'd be stupid not to fall for him. I always love stories that have local man slut turn good, it's always such an interesting journey - and Cage's story didn't disappoint. His and Eva's relationship was a slow one to start with, so Cage really has to work at building her trust and proving he isn't the person she's assumed he is. But once they start opening up to one another, it's beautiful and did I mention hot? Cage has this slightly possessiveness to Eva - and that growl he does? Oh yeah! It's hot! 

Out of all the books of Abbi's I've read so far, it's really hard to pick a favourite couple. They all have certain unique qualities to them, so it's hard to pick. This leaves me very excited to read Just for Now which is Preston's story.

In all, another hot and fabulous read from Abbi Glines, Cage and Eva's story won't leave you disappointed and if you haven't picked up the Sea Breeze series yet, then what are you waiting for?

Showcase Sunday (#38)

Showcase Sunday is a new weekly meme hosted by Vicky @ Books Biscuits and Tea. We will now be taking part in Showcase Sunday instead of In My Mailbox. If you'd like to join see HERE for more details.

Donna's Showcase:

For Review:

The Arrivals by Melissa Marr

Icons by Margaret Stohl

Poison Study by Maria V. Synder

Magic Study by Maria V. Synder

Fire Study by Maria V. Synder

The Summer of No Regrets by Katherine Grace Bond

eBooks for Review/Free audio book: 

 

An Endless Summer by C.J Duggan 

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

Freebies/Bought Kindle books:

   

A Beautiful Struggle by Lilliana Anderson / Now or Never by A.J Bennett / Never too Far by Abbi Glines / Forever too Far by Abbi Glines

Thank you to HarperCollins, Mira Ink, Sourcebook Fire, Book Nerd Tours & C.J Duggan

Jess's Showcase:

It's been a while since I had a showcase, so I have a little more than expected! Below is the build up of weeks, not just one week.

The Sound by Sarah Alderson/ Elegy by Tara Hudson/ Someone Else's Life by Katie Dale/ The Disappeared by C.J Harper/Infinite Sky by C.J. Flood/Severed Heads, Broken Hearts by Robyn Schneider/Crash/Clash/Crush by Nicole Williams

e-books downloaded

          

Forever Too Far by Abbi Glines/ Belong To You by Vi Keeland/ Shadowed by Sarah Alderson/ The Impact of You by Kendall Ryan/Forever My Girl by Heidi McLaughlin/My Everything by Heidi McLaughlin/Entwined With You by Sylvia Day/ Obsession bt Jennifer Armentrout (Read review) /Lost & Found by Nicole Williams/ Going Under by S.Walden

Books for review:

   

Camp Boyfriend by J.K. Rock/ Eversea by Natasha Boyd (Read review)/ This Time Around by Ellie Grace/The Trouble With Goodbye by Sarra Cannon (Read review)

Phew! That's a lot of books. Hope you've all had a great week too!

A Review for Obsession by Jennifer Armentrout

Posted by Jess
Release Date: May 31st, 2013
Finished Date: June 8th, 2013

Publishers: Entangled
Source: Bought

Format: e-book
Pages: 370

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

He’s arrogant, domineering, and... To. Die. For.

Hunter is a ruthless killer. And the Department of Defense has him firmly in their grasp, which usually doesn’t chafe too badly because he gets to kill bad guys. Most of the time he enjoys his job. That is, until he’s saddled with something he’s never had to do before: protect a human from his mortal enemy.

Serena Cross didn’t believe her best friend when she claimed to have seen the son of a powerful senator turn into something... unnatural. Who would? But then she witnesses her friend’s murder at the hands of what can only be an alien, thrusting her into a world that will kill to protect their secret.

Hunter stirs Serena’s temper and her lust despite their differences. Soon he’s doing the unthinkable—breaking the rules he’s lived by, going against the government to keep Serena safe. But are the aliens and the government the biggest threats to Serena’s life… or is it Hunter?

The Review: “It wasn’t about the age-old battle of Arum versus Luxen. I wasn’t fighting to feed or to work off aggression. I wasn’t fighting because I was told or was obligated.

I was fighting for Serena.

She meant everything to me.

Knowing that, fully understanding what that mean, I was on a motherfucking warpath.”

Aaaaaaaand Jennifer does it again! WIN! My first reaction upon seeing this announced was Whaaaaaaat?! Another book by Jen set in the Luxen world?! That's awesome. This isn't about the Luxen. Nope, this is about their enemies the Arum. 

Let me just say, this book was awesome. Awesome. And this review is probably not going to be constructive in anyway what so ever. Obsession started out awesome, continued to be awesome and ended awesomely. Yeah that's a lot of awesome. It's written in the duel narratives from Serena and Hunter (HAWT!). I loved getting inside both of their heads, and both of them having to deal with the outcome of a Luxen being witnessed doing a very  very bad thing. Very bad thing indeed.

As always, JLA really has a way of really getting you sucked into the story, from the get go I couldn't get enough of this and I loved it. There was mystery and intrigue, humor and sexual tension. I loved the relationship between Serena and Hunter, it's very much a "Ugh. I hate you, but you turn me on so much" kind of start to the relationship, then over time it just kept developing and growing and eventually they gave in to their urges and. It. Was. Good! Whoa. Hot, hot, hot! There is great character development in this book that is seen from both Serena and Hunter.

The story itself, was thought out and to be honest when I read Obsidian and the ones following that, I was adamant I was on Team Luxen...now? Not so much. Obsession will make you rethink EVERYTHING you know and like about the Luxen, and I dare you not to fall completely in love with Hunter and all his Arum ways. 

Obsession is a stand alone, but the ending felt quite open for me so I'm hoping that JLA will see how much this will be loved when more people start to read and hopefully write a sequel, because to be honest, I want more. More Arum, more Hunter, more adult stuff within this book. 

Overall, really loved this book, same concept but told from the Arum side instead of the Luxen side, full of sexual tension, laughter, mystery and suspense. If you loved JLA Luxen series, then you're really going to love this one, and don't worry Daemon fans....he makes a small appearance in the book, but you won't notice because Hunter is yummy and will keep you going right through until the end. 

Note: This is NOT YA. Obsession has very adult themes and must only be read by people of 18+ years.

Just going to leave you with some quotes:

“Do you do this?” he asked. “Touch yourself?” His fingers stilled. “Do you pleasure yourself, Serena?” “How often?” I refused to answer him. “Once a week? More?” He pulled his hand away and turned me around. My breath caught in my throat. “I bet you do, and the next time?” He teased my nipple. “You’ll think of me.” -Hunter

“That´s an alien. I'm an alien. We´re aliens. Aliens everywhere, actually  which is why we have to leave. I'm sure someone called the police by now.”

“I smiled then—a big, toothy idiotic smile— and Serena didn't see it. Her eyes were closed, which was good, because I was turning into one big vagina.”

“Oh, shimmer down, Hunter. You're too testy. How many times have I've told you that you need to chill out, take a vacay. Disney World is really fun this time of the year. You should check it out.”

5 mindblowing stars from me! 

A Review for Because of Low (Sea Breeze #2) by Abbi Glines

Posted by Donna
Release Date: April 25th, 2013
Finished Date: June 15th, 2013

Publishers: Simon & Schuster UK
Source: For Review 

Format: Paperback
Pages: 290

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Set in the steamy coastal Alabama town of Sea Breeze, an interconnected group of older teens hook up, break up ...and much, much more. Marcus Hardy had hoped to enjoy a year away at college while he put the summer he'd rather forget behind him. But instead, he's jerked right back his home town of Sea Breeze due to a family crisis. The only bright spot to returning is the hot redhead who sleeps over at his place several times a week. There's just one thing though - she's sleeping in bed with his new roommate, Cage York. Willow "Low" Foster needs a place to live. Running to her best friend Cage's apartment every time her sister kicks her out isn't exactly a long term solution. But Cage has a new roommate and suddenly sleeping over at his apartment isn't such a bad thing. Not when she gets to see those sexy green eyes of Marcus's twinkle when he smiles at her like he wants her there. There's one problem though, Cage is under the disillusion that when he's through sowing his wild oats, he's going to marry Low - an assumption Marcus intends to change. But when his carefully laid plans come crashing down with a revelation he never expected, Marcus will have to choose between Low or his family. Because once the truth comes out ...there's no other choice.

The Review: “I don’t think I’m making myself very clear Low,” he’d lowered his voice and the effect made goose bumps break out over my body. “I was only interested in one person at that bar last night. I only came to see one person,” he tucked a strand of hair behind my ear and softly caressed my earlobe before tracing the line of my jaw. “I was there for you.” 

Firstly I want to say thank you to Simon & Schuster for sending me signed copies of Abbi's book!! You guys rock. And secondly, plain and simple, Abbi Glines is the Queen of contemporary romance! Everything this women writes, she write well and I'm completely addicted to her work. 

After listening to Breathe on audio, I dived straight into Because of Low because I was so eager to find out what Abbi had in store for Marcus. I loved Marcus in Breathe and while I did feel sorry for him, the events that happened were clearly for the best. Here's where we're introduced to Low. Low is best friends with Cage, so when Marcus moves in with Cage, Cage's claims on Low makes things a tad difficult. So when sparks start flying between Marcus and Low, Low has some choices to make. Does she keep her heart locked away or does she finally let someone in?

Because of Low is a steamy and gritty read! With Breathe, Abbi didn't take many chances with the story line (and yes, I do see why) however, with Because of Low...she took every risk possible to make this an unforgettable story. Marcus and Low's story was so much more enjoyable than Sadie and Jax's, I found myself thinking of this characters all day while I was at work and unable to continue reading. The steamy chemistry between Marcus and Low was addictive and extremely hot. I've noticed with Abbi's writing that she always manages to capture the truly beautiful...and hot moments, always making it feel very realistic. And also how much her writing improves with each book. I love that! 

I have to say, even having worked out the big secret and feeling very proud of myself for doing so, I just loved the twist. Even once it clicked, I was shocked. It was one hell of an awesome twist and it worked so well within the story. 

Cage, Preston, Dewayne, Sadie, Jax, Amanda and of course, Marcus and Low made this story so lovable. It's so easy to fall for them all - even when one of them is acting like a jerk. I'm so excited to start Cage's story now, I'm hoping his story can top Marcus's and Lows. So I say, bring it on!

Book Blast for More by Clare James + Int Giveaway

More by Clare James
Expected publication: June 20th 2013
Goodreads Link; HERE

One summer. 
One chance to forget the past. 
One opportunity to make things right. 

There’s no denying the heat between Jules Taylor and Foster Sutton. They are two wild souls with a fire burning inside. Together, they create a hot and dangerous mix of emotion and lust. 

But after a terrible accident leaves one friend dead, Foster is bound by a secret that keeps him from getting closer to Jules. And he’s left with only one thing to offer her – friendship.

For Jules, her relationship with Foster is getting old. He falls down and she picks him up, but they never move forward. Their occasional hook-ups are no longer enough, and Jules vows that this is her summer to forget Foster and find love. If it were only that easy.

It seems fate is pushing Jules and Foster together at every turn. And it’s only a matter of time before they give up and give in. 

MORE is the highly anticipated companion story to BEFORE YOU GO. It can also be read as a stand-alone book.

Clare James spent her childhood writing, reading, and dancing. Not much has changed since then, except she can no longer get up on toe shoes like she once could. And don’t even ask her to go into the splits because she may never get back up.

A new adult and contemporary romance writer, Clare loves a happy ending. She lives in Minneapolis with her two leading men—her husband and young son. BEFORE YOU GO is her debut new adult novel.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Waiting on Wednesday (#44)

 

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

Jess's WoW

Working It

by Kendall Ryan

Release date: August 3rd 2013

A New Adult Romance from New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author Kendall Ryan.

Straight-laced Emmy Clarke’s assistant job at the modeling agency provides her with one distinct perk – getting to watch pretty mancandy parade around all day. But having to work under the ultra-bitchy Fiona Stone barely makes it worth it. Emmy enjoys looking, but she’s not stupid enough to fall for one of the tempting specimens. Especially not rising star Ben Shaw.

Ben is everything Emmy’s not: well-traveled, highly paid and exquisitely gorgeous. He’s also got more issues than Vogue. Against her better judgment to get involved, Emmy’s southern roots kick in, and whenever he’s on set, she makes sure he’s treated well and looked after. But she refuses to become one of the pathetic groupies lusting after him, and soon Ben’s drawn toward her refreshingly real attitude.

Against the backdrop of fashion shows in NYC, Paris and Milan, their casual flirting turns into more, and they embark on a journey of sexual discovery. But when Ben’s twisted past is uncovered, it threatens both their relationship and careers as the bitter Fiona digs her claws in, unwilling to let her golden boy go without a catfight.

Filled with passion, jealousy and heart-thumping sex, Working It is the tale of falling for a supermodel.

Jess's thoughts: Love Kendall Ryan's books, so I honestly can't wait for this one. I recently finished her recent release and loved it. Look at that sexy cover, I think it's probably the best one yet! 

Donna's WoW

Cress (Ondie Quartet #3)
by Emma Raveling 
Release date: August 2013

Illusion. Power. Identity.

Tensions are reaching a fever pitch everywhere Kendra Irisavie turns.

Darkness settles over elementals as a new threat stirs suspicions of a betrayal from within. Details of recent events spread through Haverleau, prompting doubts over Irisavie leadership. The mysterious Selkie Kingdom finally opens its doors, but the gesture only fans the flames of division. And despite the perils involved, Kendra finds it difficult to ignore the demands of her heart.

As the body count rises, pressure also grows to shift the tides of war. The sondaleur is on the hunt, but tracking the Aquidae leader is the greatest challenge she’s ever faced. With the Shadow playing a deadly game of obsession and horror, Kendra’s best chance to win is to unravel a tangled web of deception spanning back to the origins of the elemental world.

Nothing is what it seems and the closer she gets to the truth, the more dangerous her pursuit for answers becomes.

When the unthinkable happens, Kendra must decide if survival is worth the sacrifice.

Conflicting loyalties, fierce passions, and irrevocable choices ignite in the electrifying third installment of the Ondine Quartet.

Donna's thoughts: I'm super excited to read this and really hoping something happens with Kendra and her hotty love interest. It's a great series, I love the covers and the author's writing it brilliant too! I'm excited!

<What's your "waiting on" pick this week?

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Happy Reading!