Showcase Sunday (#36)

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.

eBooks for Review:

  

The Summer I Became a Nerd by Leah Rae Miller

The Rules of You and Me by Shana Norris

Crossing by Stacey Wallace Benefiel

Bought AudioBooks:

  

Original Sin by Lisa Desrochers

Last Rite by Lisa Desrochers

Me and My Invisible Guy by Sarah Jeffery

For Review:

Crash by Nicole Williams

Clash by Nicole Williams

Such a Rush by Jennifer Echols

Thank you to NetGalley, Entangled Teen, Simon & Schuster UK.

A Review for Goddess (Starcrossed #3) by Josephine Angelini

Posted by Donna
Release Date:  May 23rd, 2013
Finished Date: May 10th, 2013

Publishers: Macmillian
Source: For Review 

Format: Paperback
Pages: 480

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

After accidentally unleashing the gods from their captivity on Olympus, Helen must find a way to re-imprison them without starting a devastating war. But the gods are angry, and their thirst for blood already has a body count.

To make matters worse, the Oracle reveals that a diabolical Tyrant is lurking among them, which drives a wedge between the once-solid group of friends. As the gods use the Scions against one another, Lucas’s life hangs in the balance. Still unsure whether she loves him or Orion, Helen is forced to make a terrifying decision, for war is coming to her shores.

In Josephine Angelini’s compelling conclusion to the masterfully woven Starcrossed trilogy, a goddess must rise above it all to change a destiny that’s been written in the stars. With worlds built just as fast as they crumble, love and war collide in an all-out battle that will leave no question unanswered and no heart untouched.

The Review: Oh yeah!! Now that's what I'm talking about!!! Josephine Angelini is back and back better than ever, because Goddess is a cracking finale - one full of action, drama, love and an epic past and I absolutely loved it. 

It's no secret that how much I loved Starcrossed and it's no secret how much I didn't like Dreamless. So, in all honestly, I was worried what Josephine would do with the final book in this series, but I'm so over the moon she did us readers proud!!! It is one of them books that gives you tingles while reading it, and I was literally a bundle of nerves all the way through. I did have to peak at the ending before I started reading it though - I know, so bad! But I needed to prepare myself. ;) 

Helen has really grown through-out this series, she's gone from a normal teenager to a girl who is now  one of the strongest with supernatural powers. I believe she’s handled everything well and it’s been great to watch her journey. It was amazing to watch her come into her powers, test them out and then finally start to use them. Her journey has been an emotional one - especially when it comes to Lucas. 

Lucas, my boy Lucas! How I do love him. He's amazing and really he's such an open book, you can see everything he feels from his face and I felt so bad for him through-out Dreamless. Imagining loving a girl you can't have, but knowing you won't be able to move on ever? Yep, that's why I felt for him. He's such a loyal person, that it's hard not to love him.

The whole Lucas, Helen, Orion love triangle was one of the main reasons I didn’t love Dreamless. In all honestly, I’m pretty sick of so many authors introducing them. They’re kind of played out now, so I’m glad Josephine Angelini didn’t drag it out and that Helen made the right choice in the end. Or should I say, the author made the right choice for Helen. I also adore the connections Helen has to Hector, Orion, Cassandra and James….all of them really. Each one of these characters has something very unique about them and they’re definitely characters I won’t forget in a long time.

In all, I may have had my up's and down's with the Starcrossed trilogy but it's one that is very unforgettable and hopefully I’ll have time to re-visit this series in the future.

A Review for Confessions of an Almost-Girlfriend (Confessions #2) by Louise Rozett

Posted by Donna
Release Date: June 18th, 2013 
Finished Date: April 19th, 2013

Publishers: Harlequin
Source: For Review 

Format: Kindle 
Pages: 288

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Rose Zarelli has big plans for sophomore year—everything is going to be different. This year, she’s going to be the talented singer with the killer voice, the fabulous girl with the fashionista best friend, the brainiac who refuses to let Jamie Forta jerk her around...

...but if she’s not careful, she’s also going to be the sister who misses the signals, the daughter who can only think about her own pain, the “good girl” who finds herself in mid-scandal again (because no good deed goes unpunished) and possibly worst of all...the almost-girlfriend.

When all else fails, stop looking for love and go find yourself.

The Review: "His kiss ricochets throughout my entire body in a nanosecond. He grabs my arms and turns me, practically lifting me off the ground as he backs me up against his car, pinning me to the driver's-side door with his body as his tongue lashes across my lips and into my mouth. It's like he's been waiting for this to happen again as long as I have."

I fell in love with Louise Rozzet's novel; Confessions of an Angry Girl when I read it last year, and once again, she's wowed me with the sequel; Confessions of an Almost-Girlfriend. 

This time around we see Rose Zarelli dealing with her drama filled lifestyle. Her relationship with her mother is still as rocky as ever, and so is her relationship with her brother because of his new girlfriend. But most of all, Jamie Forta, the guy she's in love with, is still messing her around.....and Rose doesn't know where she stands with him.  In order to forget about all her troubles, Rose decides she wants to become a singer, so she tries out for the school musical. But has she really got what it takes to be a singer? And will her feelings for Jamie Forta ever go away? 

I loved Rose in Confessions of an Angry Girl and I love her even more in this time around. When we first meet her she's a teenage girl, struggling with the death of her father and dealing with high school drama - mainly sex. But now, she's that little bit stronger and older, she finds different ways and better ways to deal with her pain, frustration or anger. I wasn't sure what to expect in the sequel but Rose really does have an emotional life and for a teenager her age, she sure does have to deal with a lot. I'm pleased she has friends around her and by the end, even more friends that she can confide in, because without them, I'm not sure where she would be.  I also loved that Rose wasn't afraid to go after what she wanted, okay, well she was a little bit but, she overcomes her fears. I was proud of her and was constantly rooting for her! 

Rose's mother is a stronger fixture in this story and while I kind of liked her in the first book, I couldn't stand her this time around. She handles things so badly with Rose, she can't control the things she says and it's sad to see a mother-daughter relationship like this. I know the family are still trying to overcome their loss, but I believe Rose's mother could try listening to Rose more, instead of just telling her what she should do. She was definitely my most hated character for this series, so far. 

And Jamie, Jamie Forta! He's a YA version of a NA jerky boy who I can't help but love. When I finally thought I'd figured him out, he would do the complete opposite. There were many times I wanted to strangle him and tell him to get his act together but then, the nice version of Jamie would come out, and I would be sighing like a teenage girl. He's a unique character, one that comes with many struggles and I honestly believe it was going to happen for Jamie and Rose this time around, and you can imagine my surprise when I finished the book, and was like huh? There's a third book? How did I not know this wasn't the end for Jamie and Rose? I'm glad though, I want more of Rose and Jamie. They need their happy ending and I'm hoping they will get it. 

In all, the Confession's series is easily one of my favourite contemporary reads around right now, because Louise Rozett writes Rose's life very realistic and with so much passion! I adore this series and I can't wait for more.

A Review for Trick by Lori Garrett

Posted by Jess
Release Date: April 23rd, 2013
Finished Date: April 30th, 2013

Publishers: Self - Published 
Source: For Review

Format: Kindle 
Pages: Unknown 

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US 

Gunner Hunt—resident bad boy and town loser—made one smart, selfless decision in his entire screwed up life—he walked away from Harlow Mills.

He and Harlow had one summer of mind-blowing sex and passion, but Gunner knew he wasn't good enough. He loved Harlow enough to walk away.

It's been three years since Gunner stomped on her heart and left her broken, but when Harlow walks into the dive bar he now owns, that familiar spark reignites and burns through both of them.

Contrary to what Gunner thinks, Harlow isn't just lusting after the off-limits bad boy...or the toe curling sex they have. She wants Gunner back, and she wants him for good.

But some things never change, and even though their feelings—and their chemistry—are still going strong, the fact remains that Gunner’s world of motorcycles, booze, and a band of screwed up brothers is no place for Harlow Mills, card-carrying member of multiple country clubs and daughter of a millionaire.

Gunner has two choices:

Accept that Harlow deserves better than him, and walk out on her…again.

Or man up and learn to be good enough for the only girl he wants in his bed, and his heart.

Gunner tricked himself into believing he didn't need Harlow in his life once before...but can he give up the only woman he ever loved a second time?

The Review: Really enjoyed this. Lori approached myself and Donna to review this, and I was on a NA kick so I couldn't wait to get started. 

The moment I started this I couldn't really put it down. I really enjoyed it. The characters are great, the story is although been done before still worked fine for me because I like these kinds of stories.The sex was..well it was steaming hot. Which I also like. However there was a lot of it, and to some it may detract from the story and their relationship on a whole or feel a little unnecessary but overall, hot hot hot! 

I really liked Harlow from the start and I thought she was a strong female who knew what she wanted and went out and got it, and that something was Gunner. Ah Gunner, read so many other men like Gunner, that I actually don't find it dull. Yes ok, I thought the book became slightly predictable in parts and I felt myself rolling my eyes a little in places,but none the less I still enjoyed it.

Short and sweet review, overall not a bad book at all. A little flawed in places, but the plot is good the characters well developed and there's a HEA. Fairly satisfied with the reading experience overall. It's definitely a solid 3 stars from me.


A copy of this book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review

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A Review for Grounding Quinn (Grounding Quinn #1) by Steph Campbell

Posted by Donna
Release Date: May 9th, 2013
Finished Date: May 13th, 2013

Publishers: Simon & Schuster 
Source: For Review 

Format: Paperback
Pages: 240

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Eighteen-year-old Quinn MacPherson's biggest fear has always been turning out like her mentally unstable mother or cold-hearted father. That is, until she meets Benjamin Shaw.
Quinn thinks hooking up with Ben over summer vacation will be nothing more than a quick fling, and with his hot body and heart-breaking smile that's all she really wants from him. But she quickly realises that, Ben is not just some guy. He gets her - the real her, flaws and all - and that scares the hell out of her. So when Ben does the unthinkable and tells Quinn he's in love with her, she does what comes naturally: she pushes him away, breaking his heart, before he can break hers.
Ben isn't prepared to let go that easily, he knows that Quinn is something special, and he'll do whatever it takes to make sure they're together. But will he be able to persuade Quinn to open herself up and allow Ben in to her life… and her heart?

The Review: “You always hear people talk about how there are moments in your life when you just know that things will never be the same. I always thought that was all horses**t. But here, now, with the feeling of her soft, incredible lips moving with mine, I know that it happens.” 

This was my second book by author Steph Campbell (the first being Delicate) and I have to say, I definitely enjoyed Quinn's story more than Sydney's.

In Grounding Quinn we see Quinn, an eighteen-year-old high school student struggling in life. She hasn't got the best relationship with her mother or father, and she tries to be the best she can for her younger brother, but life keeps getting her down. She has no-one she can confined in and, no-one seems to understand her. When she meets Ben, Quinn finally feels like she has someone to lean on, but somewhere in the back of her mind is, knowing that she will eventually destroy the one good thing she has in her life - because she's no good for anyone. Will Quinn be able to let people help her, or will she always feel like her life is out of control?

Grounding Quinn is definitely a highly charged emotional read and it's one of reasons I enjoyed it more than Delicate. Quinn's life has so many different problems and yes, most I believe she brings on herself, but for a girl of her age and to be struggling as much as she is, can I really blame her? Of course not! I felt for Quinn's situation, I wanted her to open up to her friends or talk to her parents about the mistakes they're making but I could also see why she couldn't. It was easier for her to run from her problems, instead of facing them head on. 

With the story being told in Quinn and Ben's point of view, it really gave you an insight to see how Ben was feeling about everything. Quinn does some pretty mean stuff to him and it was good to get inside his head. He proved himself to be a very loyal character and I loved that about him. 

The story has a few good twists and once again it's very emotional with very likable characters, so it was definitely worth a read if you're a fan of this genre. 

A Review for ACID by Emma Pass

Posted by Donna
Release Date: April 25th, 2013
Finished Date: May 7th, 2013

Publishers: Corgi 
Source: For Review 

Format: Paperback
Pages: 431 

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

2113. 

In Jenna Strong’s world, ACID – the most brutal, controlling police force in history – rule supreme. No throwaway comment or muttered dissent goes unnoticed – or unpunished. And it was ACID agents who locked Jenna away for life, for a bloody crime she struggles to remember.

The only female inmate in a violent high-security prison, Jenna has learned to survive by any means necessary. And when a mysterious rebel group breaks her out, she must use her strength, speed and skill to stay one step ahead of ACID – and to uncover the truth about what really happened on that dark night two years ago.

The Review: I was excited to receive ACID that I started it within a few days of receiving it, and while the story had such a strong start, after a few chapters it slowly started getting weaker. And so in the end, it was impossible for me to love it, but I certainly didn't hate it.

As I said before the plot started off strong but no sooner than things getting interesting, I started to lose interest. It was pretty easy to figure out what had happened to Jenna before she did, and because of this there was no excitement and nothing to grip me to the edge of my seat with anticipation. So of course, by the time Jenna figured everything out, I was over it and all the surprise was taken out of what I was reading.

As for Jenna, she starts out as a strong main character. We see her kicking the butt out of a guy who she's in prison with, and we see her trying to get on with her life as much as she possibly can. However, when she's sprung from prison, Jenna doesn't come across as the kick-ass character that she once was - which was slightly disappointing. It isn't until the last few chapter's that we start to see her once again, becoming the kick-ass character she was. I guess you could say my expectations were very high when it came to Jenna. I'd seen all the glowing reviews comparing her to likes of Lara Croft, so of course I was expecting awesomeness from her, but in my opinion Jenna never came across that way. I felt she was somewhat lacking as a character, and although she did have her moments, I don't feel like the author took the time to explain what it was really like for her to be in the prison or what it was like to 'kill' her parents. 

Max as the love interest was a weak character. Nothing screamed out to me about him, even when he's gone in part of the story, it was easy to forget he was even in the story. It was good how his character was wove into the story but that's about it. Sorry Max!

The government; ACID, were probably the highlight of the book for me, even though they were the bad guys. It was interesting to unravel the laws that had put in place and how they kept everyone under control. As a dystopian, Emma Pass did a good job bringing something dreadful and scary to the table, and making it work so well. Especially since ACID aren't the only players in this story. We have two other groups trying to take control, and that's NAR and FREE. Once again, I enjoyed their stories and loved seeing how they wanted to make an impact if they could over throw ACID.

The story did have many good and bad points and some of the  information I felt was irrelevant and some was not. Near the end, there were a few chapters that I felt didn't need to be there because they didn't really have any impact on the story. But then everything picked up again towards the end. 

The ending, I guess I could say it was enjoyable, if not predictable at times. I think it could have been put together better but still, it was one of the best parts of the story. The epilogue was a good added bonus that I believe felt right. Not a lot of authors take the time to write epilogues, but I'm glad Emma Pass did and I felt everything was concluded well. 

In all, Emma Pass's ACID didn't live up to my expectations, but it was still an enjoyable read. I still believe many people will love, so it's definitely worth a read. 

A Review for Dead Jealous by Sharon Jones

Posted by Jess
Release Date: July 4th, 2013
Finished Date: May 5th, 2013

Publishers: Orchard Books
Source: For review

Format: Paperback
Pages: 320

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

People think of Mother Nature as a gentle lady. They forget that she's also Death...Sixteen-year-old Poppy Sinclair believes in quantum particles, not tarot cards, in Dawkins, not druids. Last summer, in a boating accident in the Lake District, Poppy had a brush with death. But the girl she finds face down in Scariswater hasn't been so lucky. 

As she fights to discover the truth behind what she believes is murder, Poppy is forced to concede that people and things are not always what they seem and, slipping ever deeper into a web of lies, jealousy and heart-stopping danger, she comes to realise - too late - that the one thing that can save her has been right there, all the time.

The Review: Wow. Actually astounded with how much I enjoyed this book. I don't normally seek out YA thrillers/crime books, but when the publishers where offering this little baby up for grabs to review, I couldn't say no. I'm glad I didn't. It was a great book, one that I actually couldn't put down! 

I really very much liked everything about this book, especially Poppy, it was great being in her head, she's a great protagonist, one that you instantly like. You really just get swept up into the story and everything that Poppy goes through you feel and experience that as well.

It was really nice to read a book set in England, it's such a nice change and the way Sharon Jones manages to captivate the reader with her descriptions and development of the story made it an even better reading experience for me as whole.

As far as romance goes, it's more sub-plot and it seems unrequited, although it is a mutual feeling it isn't discovered by the two until things get tense and come to blows. Overall the there was enough underlining romance to keep you wanting more and rooting for the two loves. But mostly Dead Jealous is very much centred around the plot and the mystery unravelling around Poppy and her friends. It took me a while to figure out who the killer was, in the end I wasn't overly surprised because when said killer was found out I sort of had a bad feeling about that person anyway. 

As a first book Sharon Jones has done incredibly well with Dead Jealous. It's one of dark mystery, betrayal, danger and suspense, with a little romance and some comedy just thrown in to turn it up a notch.

Overall, really enjoyable read, very fresh and addicting from the get go. One that I would recommend to anyone who's a fan of YA mystery/thriller books. If you enjoyed New Girl by Paige Harbison, you'll most definitely love this one too I most definitely am looking forward to another Poppy Sinclair mystery. Very much a solid 5 stars from me.

This book was given to me by the publishers in exchange for an honest review.

A Review for Immortal Eclipse by Sherry Soule

Posted by Guest Reviewer Melanie
Release Date: April 30th, 2013
Finished Date: May 1st, 2013

Publishers: Disenchanted Publishing, Inc
Source: For Review 

Format: Kindle 
Pages: 360

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US 

ENTER A SINISTER, CHILLING WORLD FILLED WITH DARK SECRETS.

A devoted fashionata and practical New Yorker, Skylar Blackwell doesn’t believe in the supernatural—until she inherits Summerwind Mansion. . . . 
When her uncle is brutally murdered, and the cops seem uninterested in following up the case, Skylar journeys to California to seek answers. Her search for clues is soon overshadowed by haunting nightmares of a young woman also murdered in the house. 
Now the inhabitants of Summerwind are mysteriously dying, leaving no evidence as to how or why, and Skylar finds herself in a deadly race against time to expose the killer—before they strike again. 
Armed with only wit and Pradas, Skylar begins questioning the servants, but the growing list of suspects includes the sexy and brooding caretaker, Dorian Delacroix, a man desperately trying to forget his tragic past. And a major distraction for Skylar.
Determined to play detective—instead of the fashion police—and unravel the dark history of the mansion, Skylar is plunged into an otherworldly mystery that not even she can explain away. As the boundaries between reality and dreams blur, Skylar’s greatest challenge is to stay alive long enough to learn the truth.

The Review: Immortal Eclipse was an enjoyable read… 3.5 Stars!

We begin with Skylar Blackwell whose life is sliding downhill fast, after the recent death of her dear uncle Gerard, Skylar also loses her job as a fashion photographer….. with options running out for her, she decides to go and settle her Uncles estate on the other side of the country. She plans to sell it and move on with her life but the mystery surrounding her Uncles death draws her to the home he had lived in until his death – the spook-tastic Summerwind mansion. The staff don’t exactly welcome her with open arms but this is her inheritance and she is their employer so she’ll tough it out, she’s a New Yorker, she can handle disgruntled employees – they’re probably just worried about their jobs, right?

The more she thinks about the circumstances surrounding her uncles death, the more questions pop up and upon asking the staff, is warned off at every opportunity & told to leave it alone but how can she? Her uncle was the only remaining family she had left and she wants answers! Then the weird stuff starts to happen, the house already has a dubious history but someone is surely messing with her, trying to force her out? But murder? There seems to be danger at every turn – just what on earth is going on? And what is that chanting? Strange things are afoot at Summerwind…. Let’s hope Skylar can survive.

So, I found this book enjoyable. It is a classic haunted house story with a sinister background that fuels the danger and spookiness of Skylars situation. Skylar was a likable character, she was fun but I got frustrated with her for not working things out sooner, sometimes she was proactive in her search for answers but there were times that even when they are staring her in the face, she wasn’t willing to accept them (even though she referred to herself as a PI). I liked her relationship with Dorian, it created some softer moments throughout the book and I was glad for the bit of romance it brought but I would have liked even more interaction between the pair. There is a possible rival for Skylar’s affections and I thought that could have been used more to fuel the storyline and add a bit extra to the romance aspect.

I really enjoyed the storyline and I would gladly watch a movie with this type of plot. I love books with spooky old mansions because they always seem to have some history or unexplained deaths and Summerwind is no exception. It’s quite hard to explain the appeal of the storyline without giving anything away, obviously the mansion and its history are involved in a big way but it isn’t as cut and dried as it would appear to be and although it was predictable at times, there were still a few twists and turns along the way. There are also some really spooky moments to give the whole story an eerie feel and I found it easy to imagine these happening. As I said the romance aspect was a welcome lift in a quite sombre storyline but they jelled well together, the book really did give off a spooky atmosphere. When events start to unfold and we find out some solid information, there are certain things where I wished the author had gone further into detail about. I felt the history & background could have had more depth, we get snippets but it was begging to be a bigger part in the plot but never the less it was still a good read. 

A Review for Tremble (Denazen #3) by Jus Accardo

Posted by Donna
Release Date: May 14th, 2013
Finished Date: April 23rd, 2013

Publishers: Entangled Teen
Source: For review

Format: Kindle
Pages: 352

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Dez Cross has problems. She’s almost eighteen and on the verge of losing her mind thanks to the drug Denazen used to enhance her abilities. People close to her have turned their back on the underground and are now fighting for the wrong side. And then there’s Kale... Things couldn’t get any worse.

Until of course, they do. Denazen is about to start a new trial—this one called Domination—and it works. But that means out with the old and in with the new. The order has been given to terminate all remnants of the second trial—including Dez. The good news is that there’s a survivor from the original trial. A woman who’s blood may hold the cure for the second generation of Supremacy kid’s defect. But the underground Sixes aren’t the only ones who know about her….

Cross is willing to throw everything he has to keep Dez from getting the cure—including the one thing that might tear her apart from the inside out.

The Review: Jus Accardo is back but this time with the third instalment in the Denazen series. Am I the only one who thought this was the final book? Well, you can imagine my surprise when I reached the end and was like no way is that the end, it can't be! Thankfully, after a bit of Internet searching, I realised I'd completely forgot that it was now a five part series, rather than just three. Thank the lord! Because there is no way I would have been happy with that ending.

Anyways, Tremble picks up shortly after Toxic ends and Dez isn't haven't the best of time. She's trying to locate Kale - who is now in the hands of her father and Denazen. However, when Dez finally finds Kale, or should I say, Kale finds Dez, he's not the same person she once knew. Dez has the hardest and most emotional job in the world and that's trying to get Kale to remember who he is, while also trying to locate more Six's, trying to keep her health up, which is slowly getting worse, oh and trying to stay out of sight of Denazen because she's now officially on their hit list.

Aw, Dez's life is never easy is it? And that's one of the reasons I enjoy this series so much. Dez is a kick-ass main character, she's got attitude and style, she's rash and unpredictable and also pretty funny too. And Kale, one of my favourite book boyfriends, he never seizes to amaze me. Because of Dez and Kale's circumstance's in Tremble, they have so many emotional times together. Kale's different because of what Denazen have done to him. Of course Dez is there every step of the way but, if you thought Toxic was emotional with the whole 'jade' thing, what until you read this. Get the tissue's ready!

I'm really enjoying the direction this series is going. The plot keeps getting thicker and thicker and it's still very unpredictable - which is fantastic. New characters are introduced and it not once feels like Jus is just adding them as filler characters. Each new character needs to be there and I really enjoyed getting to know them.

Overall, Tremble was a great addition to the series, and even though it wasn't my favourite, I still love this series.  It's safe to say, I'm excited to see what will happen next and Jus hasn't disappointed me so far, and I don't think she will.

A Review for For The Love Of Big Orange by Leta Gail Doerr

Posted by Jess
Release Date: February 14th, 2013
Finished Date: April 23rd, 2013

Publishers: Self
Source: For review

Format: ebook 
Pages: 127

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US /

They say you can never go home. Well, Lacie Joe Jensen never wanted to.

Lacie Joe left small town Kentucky for the big city lights and never looked back. Until now. Her ailing foster-father needs her, his memory is failing. But townsfolk remember all too well the troubles Lacie Joe caused as a youth, and they're not afraid to remind her.

Lacie Joe has a few allies in town, for starters, ex-boyfriend turned police officer Jay Hayworth. Jay's kept the fire burning for Lacie during her long absence. He's one of the bright spots in Lacie's troublesome past, him and her truck, Big Orange. A suspicious accident forced Lacie Joe to leave town, Jay steps in to remind Lacie she no longer has the right to remain silent.

The Review: I hadn't come across this book until the author approached me to write a review for it. I'm glad she did, because I really enjoyed it. 

I really liked this book. I'm very much on a southern kick when it comes to books and this was no different. I loved the whole concept of the story, and the characters were great. I loved being thrown in to Southern life and it just made the book experience as a reader all the better. 

Leta Doerr really draws you in to the story, creates wonderful sub plots and secondary characters. You absolutely feel everything from the get go and it's truly a wonderful reading experience. 

Although it was a short read, it was wonderfully paced and beautifully written for a story that need to be told.

For The Love Of Big Orange is a sweet warm tale told in duel POV of Lacie and Jay. I loved their interactions and their rekindled romance that was thought long lost. All the characters were wonderful, each having a small part to play in the role Lacie was taking on going back home after so long.

I was immediately sucked into the book, and I honestly couldn't put it down. I only wish it had been longer. 

Overall this book was a lovely short read. And if you're looking for something to get you out of the a slump or you just want to take a break from the longer stories, most definitely pick this one up.  It's a heart warming tale about family, courage, love, redemption and finding where you belong was there all the time.

This book was given to me free of charge by the author in exchange for an honest review

Waiting on Wednesday (#39)

 

"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

Gameboard of the Gods (Age of X #1)
by Richelle Mead
Release date: June 4th, 2013

In a futuristic world nearly destroyed by religious extremists, Justin March lives in exile after failing in his job as an investigator of religious groups and supernatural claims. But Justin is given a second chance when Mae Koskinen comes to bring him back to the Republic of United North America (RUNA). Raised in an aristocratic caste, Mae is now a member of the military’s most elite and terrifying tier, a soldier with enhanced reflexes and skills.

When Justin and Mae are assigned to work together to solve a string of ritualistic murders, they soon realize that their discoveries have exposed them to terrible danger. As their investigation races forward, unknown enemies and powers greater than they can imagine are gathering in the shadows, ready to reclaim the world in which humans are merely game pieces on their board.

Gameboard of the Gods, the first instalment of Richelle Mead’s Age of X series, will have all the elements that have made her YA Vampire Academy and Bloodlines series such mega successes: sexy, irresistible characters; romantic and mythological intrigue; and relentless action and suspense

Jess's Thoughts: I love the cover. I love Richelle. I love Dystopia. This pretty much is going to be awesome. I can feel it. I can't wait to read something new and fresh from Richelle. Her books are great and I am so so excited for this one :)

Donna's WoW

Champion 
by Marie Lu 
Release date: November 5th, 2013

The explosive finale to Marie Lu’s New York Times bestselling LEGEND trilogy—perfect for fans of THE HUNGER GAMES and DIVERGENT!

He is a Legend.
She is a Prodigy.
Who will be Champion? 

June and Day have sacrificed so much for the people of the Republic—and each other—and now their country is on the brink of a new existence. June is back in the good graces of the Republic, working within the government’s elite circles as Princeps Elect while Day has been assigned a high level military position. But neither could have predicted the circumstances that will reunite them once again. Just when a peace treaty is imminent, a plague outbreak causes panic in the Colonies, and war threatens the Republic’s border cities. This new strain of plague is deadlier than ever, and June is the only one who knows the key to her country’s defense. But saving the lives of thousands will mean asking the one she loves to give up everything he has. With heart-pounding action and suspense, Marie Lu’s bestselling trilogy draws to a stunning conclusion.

Donna's thoughts: Eek!! I need this book like yesterday. I'm dying for it. I need to know what will happen and I'm praying, praying that Marie Lu will do us proud!!! 

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

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Grab the logo, post your own WoW entry on your blog, and leave your link at Breaking the Spine. 

Happy Reading!

A Review for Rise (Eve #3) by Anna Carey

Posted by Donna
Release Date: April 2nd, 2013
Finished Date: April 26th, 2013

Publishers: HarperCollins
Source: Gifted

Format: Paperback 
Pages: 320  

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

In the stunning conclusion to Anna Carey's thrilling dystopian trilogy, Eve has the fate of the New America in her hands.

Ever since she escaped her boarding school on the night of her graduation, Eve has been hunted by the King. She is the Princess of the New America, and must take her rightful place by his side. When her plan to run away with Caleb, the boy she loves, backfired horribly, it seemed that Eve's fate was to be decided for her--marry Charles and be the perfect royal couple. But now Eve knows what she needs to do. For the next few months she must appear to be happy about her arranged marriage to Charles. She must be devoted to making their relationship seem as real as possible. And, when the time is right, she must kill the ruler of New America...her father.

The Review: I fell in love with Eve and Once last year, so I've been eagerly awaiting the release of Rise, excited because I couldn't wait to see what came out of the final book. And now after reading it, I'm majorly disappointed! 

 At the end of Once, something major happens in the plot that leads to a character not being present in the final book. This isn't the first time this has happened in a series like this, but what's not the same, is not seeing that character again, even though he's there. I feel really cheated! Eve and Once both had something for us to root for i.e the romance, and come Rise, it doesn't even exist! The spark that was once there is gone and yes, that can come down to just one character - I kind of feel betrayed by the author and again, I feel very cheated. In what once was one of my favourite series, I can not longer say this. Eve and Once will always hold a special place in my heart, but Rise was just a huge disappointment and I honestly believe the author should re-write the ending. It's abrupt and very unfinished, we miss out on key emotions and what I believe would have been the best part of the book. Instead we get so many unanswered questions and left unsatisfied. It was like the last few chapters were missing out of the book, and I honestly can't see any devoted reader being happy with that ending. As you can see, I'm not!

The big question now though is, would I recommend this series to anyone else? Based on Eve and Once I would, but based on Rise, no I wouldn't! I can't knock Carey's exciting plot but I think it was a huge risk for her to end the series how she did, one that you're either going to love or hate, but for me, I hated it and I certainly won't be reading it again.

A Review for Delicate (Grounding Quinn #0.5) by Steph Campbell

Posted by Donna
Release Date: May 9th, 2013
Finished Date: April 27th, 2013

Publishers: Simon & Schuster UK 
Source: For Review 

Format: Paperback
Pages: 204

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

With a thriving gymnastics career, Trevor her loving boyfriend and a stellar academic record, anyone would assume that Sydney Pierce has it all. But beneath the pretence of perfection, Sydney's life is crumbling around her and she's terrified that everyone will find out that she's living a lie and is desperate to try and keep the world from discovering the truth. 

Then the gorgeous and charming new boy, Grant, starts paying her attention, and Sydney's carefully crafted life is thrown into chaos and confusion; why is he the only one who seems to be able to break down her barriers and care for her because of her imperfections? Sydney knows she should stay away from Grant, but she can't deny the attraction between them, and, as their connection grows deeper, Trevor's jealousy takes an intense and dark turn, forcing Sydney into a position in which not only her happiness, but her safety is at stake.

Can Sydney learn to let go of everything she is clinging to in order to gain everything she has ever wanted or will she realize her breaking point too late?

The Review: "Letting go is never easy. Especially when you can’t see where you’re going to land. But I’ve learned that sometimes, you just have to throw your weight behind the change. Take the chance that you may fall.”  

The Grounding Quinn series is a series I've heard a lot about, so I took the chance and decided to read Delicate which is set before Grounding Quinn takes place, and I'm really glad I did. Delicate is a sweet YA read that deals with a very heavy subject, and I believe Steph Campbell wrote this story very believable for us readers.  

I really enjoyed Delicate, it wasn't a great read but it was certainly a very entertaining one. It easily pulls you in from the very first page and doesn't let you go until the last. As a reader, I always love stories that gets me emotionally attachment to the characters, and that's just what Steph Campbell did. Sydney's story was very realistic and it brings a lot of awareness to girls who may be in the same situation, or know someone in the same situation as Sydney.

The characters were easy likeable and I thought Sydney and Grant made a perfect team, whether that being friends or in a relationship. Trevor was definitely a love/hate character because you like him to start with but of course, it turns to hate. I thought at one point that the reason for him acting the way he did was because he was using drugs (seems as the author mentioned him doing this at one point) however, that part of the story was never revisited and I'm not sure why it was relevant in the first place.

Even though there were some small holes in the plot, that doesn't stop this story from being enjoyable and I'll look forward to reading more from Steph Campbell in Grounding Quinn and her future works.