Stacking The Shelves #12
Stacking The Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews and is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves.
ARCs for Review:
My Sweetest Escape by Chelsea M Cameron
Captivate by Vanessa Garden
White Hot Kiss By Jennifer Armentrout (ebook)
Thanks so much to Harlequin Australia for sending these!
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On The Rocks by Sawyer Bennett
Objection by Sawyer Bennett
Stipulation by Sawyer Bennett
A huge thanks to Sawyer for sending these!
Incinerate by Tessa Teevan
A big thanks to Tessa sending this one!
The Destiny of Violet & Luke by Jessica Sorensen
Thanks to NetGalley & Grand Central Publishing (I was surprised the get approved for this, since I always get rejected by this publisher for living outside of US, so YAY!)
Objection by Sawyer Bennett
Stipulation by Sawyer Bennett
A huge thanks to Sawyer for sending these!
A big thanks to Tessa sending this one!
Thanks to NetGalley & Grand Central Publishing (I was surprised the get approved for this, since I always get rejected by this publisher for living outside of US, so YAY!)
Purchased:
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Foreplay by Sophie Jordan
Miss Me Not by Tiffany King
Meant To Be by Tiffany King
Give Me Something by Elizabeth Lee
Miss Me Not by Tiffany King
Meant To Be by Tiffany King
Give Me Something by Elizabeth Lee
Well that's what's new to my bookshelf - what about you?
Swoon Thursday #37
Labels:
5 Stars,
Dystopian,
Romance,
Sophie Jordan,
Swoon Thursday,
Young Adult
·
Swoon Thursday is a weekly event hosted by YA Bound.This is how it works:
From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. Shout it out on Twitter with the hashtag #YABound, post it here in the comments, or grab the adorable button above and share it on your blog.
This week, I’m SWOONING over:
Title: Uninvited
Series: Uninvited #1
Author: Sophie Jordan
Published: January 28th 2014
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Sci-fi Dystopian Romance
Source: Paperback provided by Harper Collins Australia for fair & honest review
Rating: 4.5/5
Then he closes the space between us. Kisses me finally. Sensation explodes inside me when his lips touch mine. It's not tentative or shy like most first kisses. The ones I've had anyway.
It's urgent and full of need. Hungry and desperate. The perfect force and pressure. I slide my hands around his neck, twine my fingers up through his hair.
I stretch onto my tiptoes. His hand on my arm moves to wrap around my waist, lifting me, plastering me against him.
"You smell so good," he mutters against my mouth.
I LOVE that last line *sigh*
This book seriously messed with my head, it was so incredibly emotional and I just can't stop thinking about it!! Although the romance wasn't the main part of the story it was really beautifully written and very passionate. Davy and Sean are just so perfect together!!!!
So what's making you swoon this week?
ARC Review: Uninvited by Sophie Jordan
Labels:
5 Stars,
Book Review,
Dystopian,
Sci-fi,
Sophie Jordan,
Young Adult
·
Series: Uninvited #1
Author: Sophie Jordan
Published: January 28th 2014
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Sci-fi Dystopian Romance
Source: Paperback provided by Harper Collins Australia for fair & honest review
Rating: 4.5/5
BLURB:
When Davy Hamilton's tests come back positive for Homicidal Tendency Syndrome (HTS)-aka the kill gene-she loses everything. Her boyfriend ditches her, her parents are scared of her, and she can forget about her bright future at Juilliard. Davy doesn't feel any different, but genes don't lie. One day she will kill someone.
Only Sean, a fellow HTS carrier, can relate to her new life. Davy wants to trust him; maybe he's not as dangerous as he seems. Or maybe Davy is just as deadly.
The first in a two-book series, Uninvited tackles intriguing questions about free will, identity, and human nature. Steeped in New York Times bestselling author Sophie Jordan's trademark mix of gripping action and breathless romance, this suspenseful tale is perfect for fans of James Patterson, Michelle Hodkin, and Lisa McMann.
A Dark And Edgy Dystopian That Will Make You Question Everything
And can I just say I love the cover - the DNA in her hair is genius!
REVIEW:
THE STORY
Uninvited is a chilling look into a future with genetic profiling, raising the question of much influence a person's life choices are predetermined by their DNA. A new DNA test has been discovered that can detect a 'kill gene', a gene that has been linked to a person becoming a murder. With homicides on the rise in the US, the government uses this test to keep tabs on the 'Carriers' of this gene, to prevent the homocide rate from rising. Most citizens are happy to go along with this scheme, including Davy, believing it will make the country safer. That is until she it found to be a Carrier and she starts to question the validity of the test. She quickly becomes ostracised by her old friends and cast aside by society, with her entire life crumbling around her, she has no one to trust, not even her new Carrier classmates. However after the dark and dangerous Sean comes to her rescue, she starts to see hope that she's not completely alone in this confusing new world.
As the government takes an new heavy handed approach and public hysteria increases, it becomes clear that nowhere is safe for Davy. She is forced into a new and dangerous life, and even Sean can't always be there to save her. And Davy is forced to ask herself, what would it take for her to become the killer everyone believes her to be?
THE CHARACTERS
Davy actually starts out as the kind of character I love to hate; wealthy, privileged, attractive, perfect friends and boyfriend etc. But there is a lot more to her than that. From early on she was labeled a musical 'prodigy', with a beautiful voice and playing numerous instruments. She has a very sheltered life and always does the right thing, never wanting to disappoint anyone. However in spite of her 'perfection' I didn't hate her, she's not an arrogant drama queen, she's caring and very innocent. She grew on me very quickly and I loved seeing her grow a lot throughout the story.
Sean is the dark, brooding boy at the back of the Carrier classroom or 'The Cage' as it's known. He's already been 'Marked' as Carrier who has committed an offence and gives of a dangerous 'don't get in my way' vibe. Living with his foster family and other Carrier foster children, his life has always been surrounded by danger, and this is reflected in his personalty. Sean is very closed off at the beginning and it does take a little while to get to know him. But he is worth the wait, he's very loyal to the few that earn his trust and I respected him for that.
THE ROMANCE
At first Sean says very little to Davy, putting on his tough guy persona to protect him from the dangers of being a Carrier. But it's obvious there is a gentler side to him underneath his protective exterior, and it's Davy who he eventually trusts enough to show this side to. He can see that she's very innocent and quickly becomes protective of her. Overtime a tentative friendship is formed and grows very slowly into something more. The romance isn't the main focus of the story, but it's always there in the background slowly developing with a few hot scenes sprinkled throughout - and definitely no insta-love!!
THE WRITING
After reading and loving Sophie's Firelight series, this book was a must read for me. Although in saying that this story have a very different feel to it, which only highlights the versatility of her writing. She's created a dystopian world that actually feels plausible, with government corruption and public hysteria giving the world a very claustrophobic feeling. The story progresses nicely, with strong world building & character development and an incredibly powerful ending.
FINAL WORD:
With it's raw and intense storyline, Uninvited gives us a uniquely dark and edgy Dystopian world. I found myself asking if this DNA test was actually causing the murders, rather than preventing them. How many times, does a person have to be told they will be a killer, before they start believing it? I just couldn't stop thinking about it. Uninvited makes you question everything, who would you believe, who would trust, and most importantly, who would you kill for? This one is not to be missed!
CONTENT:
Sexuality: mild-medium / heavy kissing and discussions of sex
Violence: strong / regular bashings and frequent references etc of murder (not overly descriptive)
Language: mild
Drugs & alcohol: mild
Stacking The Shelves #11
Stacking The Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews and is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves.
Okay so I'm finally posting Christmas haul!! Plus a couple I bought myself - all physical copies these past two weeks!!
Gifted:
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Endless by Jessica Shirvington
Empower by Jessica Shirvington
Hidden by Sophie Jordan
Tiger's Voyage by Colleen Houck
Onyx by Jennifer Armentrout
Opal by Jennifer Armentrout
Origin by Jennifer Armentrout
Empower by Jessica Shirvington
Hidden by Sophie Jordan
Tiger's Voyage by Colleen Houck
Onyx by Jennifer Armentrout
Opal by Jennifer Armentrout
Origin by Jennifer Armentrout
Purchased:
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The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
The Distance Between Us by Kasie West
One Week Girlfriend by Monica Murphy
The Distance Between Us by Kasie West
One Week Girlfriend by Monica Murphy
Swag:
Thanks to the lovely Rachel Harris for sending these!! <3
Well that's what's new to my bookshelf - what about you?
{Cover Reveal} Taking Something by Elizabeth Lee
Labels:
Cover Reveal,
Elizabeth Lee
·
Title: Taking Something
Series: Give Me Something #2
Author: Elizabeth Lee
Published: 18th Feb 2014
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Genre: New Adult
We are so excited to share the beautiful cover of Elizabeth Lee's TAKING SOMETHING!
This is the second book in her Give Me Something Series. You will want to grab this one when it's available February 18th!!
As a special treat for her readers and in celebration of the cover reveal for TAKING SOMETHING,
GIVE ME SOMETHING is only $.99 for a limited time!
BUY NOW ON AMAZON
This is the second book in her Give Me Something Series. You will want to grab this one when it's available February 18th!!
As a special treat for her readers and in celebration of the cover reveal for TAKING SOMETHING,
GIVE ME SOMETHING is only $.99 for a limited time!
BUY NOW ON AMAZON
BLURB:
I know what you're thinking. “You were such a jerk, Nick!” Believe me, I know I screwed up the best thing I had going in my life, but that was kind of my thing. I’d learned how to run cons before I could even form complete sentences, and I'd always been selfish. But I changed. Lila forgave me, my brother and I were getting along, and I was trying to make a name for myself in the music world. At least that was what I was trying to do when I negotiated my way into the recording studio with pop superstar Sadie Sinclair. I thought it would be a piece of cake—charm my way into her heart and into her record label's good graces. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, I got mixed up in a web of lies, manipulation, and deception. A web that had me questioning my motives and desires altogether. Was the fame and fortune really worth the price?
EXCERPT
“Tell me again how you plan on pulling this off?” Lila asked as she sat down on the edge of my bed. I had called her first thing that morning to tell her that I was heading to Los Angeles to produce Sadie's album, and within the hour she was knocking on my front door to offer her insight and suggest what was and wasn't acceptable Hollywood attire. “Same way I pull everything off,” I answered quickly. “I don't think making her fall in love with you is going to work this time, Nick.” “Seriously?” I smirked. “Now you're doubting my abilities with women?” “Not women in general. Just this one.” “She's no different than the rest, Rae.” “Yes she is,” she disagreed. “How?” “Well, for starters, she's like the most famous person on the planet. You're not going to be able to make her fall for your charms, record the songs you want her to, and then just bolt when it's over. She'll run your name through the mud and people will listen. So it will have all been for nothing if you can never get another job.” “What makes you think I'm going to bolt? We might actually fall in love.” “Are you capable of that?” Ouch. That hurt. “I'm just saying that you might want to consider convincing her in a way that makes her not think she has a future with you. Nothing is worse than a scorned woman, Nick. Look at how Brynn took it. She told everyone that would listen how big of an asshole you were. It's a wonder you made it through graduation without being murdered.” Brynn was a mistake. She had run a couple cons with me a few years ago when Lila went and fell in love with my brother. I should have known better than to sleep with her, but dammit she was good looking. Not to mention a hellcat in the sack. I had needs. Sue me. It wasn't my fault that she hadn’t understood our arrangement. Run cons and have sex. I never said anything about a relationship. “I have other ways of making women bend to my will,” I said, trying to convince Lila. “Do you?” She laughed, obviously not buying it. “Don't get me wrong, Nick. You’re a good guy, deep down, but you know as well as I do that every single scam we ever ran was based on one thing. She's gotta be different if you want to turn this chance into a career. You break her heart and you're as good as done in that world.” “Celebrities date and break up all the time.” “You're not a celebrity.” She shook her head. “I mean, you're kind of known, but...” “Are you here to give me a pep talk or completely kick me in the nuts? Jesus,” I sighed. “You know what I mean,” she smiled. “She's more well known. People will take her side. Believe me. I've read enough gossip magazines to know what happens to the guy who dumps America's Sweetheart. Have you seen Kevin Federline lately?” “I don't even know who that is, Rae.” Her eyes went wide and hands went up as if she'd proven her point. “Exactly.”
About the Author:
When I'm not writing or playing the part of wife and mother, you can find me dancing back-up for Beyonce, singing back-up for Miranda, or sunning myself on the beach with a drink in hand. Here's the thing about being born and raised in a small town—you have a very vivid imagination! Now, I channel it all to create stories where the girl always ends up with the right guy, first kisses are magical, and a happy ending is just that!
Swoon Thursday #36
Labels:
New Adult,
Nicole Williams,
Swoon Thursday
·
Swoon Thursday is a weekly event hosted by YA Bound.This is how it works:
From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. Shout it out on Twitter with the hashtag #YABound, post it here in the comments, or grab the adorable button above and share it on your blog.
Okay so I haven't done a Swoon post in two weeks!!! I've missed this so much, but I'm back swooning with you all and I have a real beauty for you this week!
Okay so I haven't done a Swoon post in two weeks!!! I've missed this so much, but I'm back swooning with you all and I have a real beauty for you this week!
This week, I’m SWOONING over:
Title: Lost & Found
Series: Lost & Found #1
Author: Nicole Williams
Release: 7th May 2013
Age Group: New Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: 5/5
“That’s all?” I said with just enough inflection.
“No.” He pressed closer to me. “No, that’s not all.”
When his mouth covered mine again, it wasn’t so still and soft. It may have started out that way for the shortest moment, but before my eyes closed, Jesse’s lips polished and sucked at mine like nothing I’d yet experienced. In addition to his other forms of divinity, the man was a kissing God.His hand on my neck kneaded the muscles at the base of it as his thumb continued to skim lazy lines just under my collar. The hand on my lower back, remarkably, stayed where it was. Instead of grabbing the hem of my shirt to tug it over my head, instead of skimming under in search of my chest, his hand stayed in place. Holding onto me like I grounded him. Or like he grounded me. With the way he was kissing me, I couldn’t be sure.
It was positively the best kiss I’d ever had the privilege of being on the other end of, but my body craved more. My inner thighs were squeezed so tightly together, they started to tremble, and I knew the rest of my body wasn’t far behind.
I rose in place and shifted until I swung my leg over Jesse’s lap. When I lowered myself over him, his grip tightened and his breathing picked up. Never, in even my most fantastical dreams, had I ever had the courage to imagine that one day I’d straddle Jesse Walker while we kissed like it was the only thing keeping us alive. Never once. Yet here I was. Living it.
“No.” He pressed closer to me. “No, that’s not all.”
When his mouth covered mine again, it wasn’t so still and soft. It may have started out that way for the shortest moment, but before my eyes closed, Jesse’s lips polished and sucked at mine like nothing I’d yet experienced. In addition to his other forms of divinity, the man was a kissing God.His hand on my neck kneaded the muscles at the base of it as his thumb continued to skim lazy lines just under my collar. The hand on my lower back, remarkably, stayed where it was. Instead of grabbing the hem of my shirt to tug it over my head, instead of skimming under in search of my chest, his hand stayed in place. Holding onto me like I grounded him. Or like he grounded me. With the way he was kissing me, I couldn’t be sure.
It was positively the best kiss I’d ever had the privilege of being on the other end of, but my body craved more. My inner thighs were squeezed so tightly together, they started to tremble, and I knew the rest of my body wasn’t far behind.
I rose in place and shifted until I swung my leg over Jesse’s lap. When I lowered myself over him, his grip tightened and his breathing picked up. Never, in even my most fantastical dreams, had I ever had the courage to imagine that one day I’d straddle Jesse Walker while we kissed like it was the only thing keeping us alive. Never once. Yet here I was. Living it.
Wow this book was so beautiful. I simply adored Jesse, he is such a sweet, kind and forgiving guy, I just can't get over how epically amazing he is. *dreamy sigh*
So what's making you swoon this week?
Review: Crash Into You by Katie McGary
Labels:
5 Stars,
ARC,
Contemporary Romance,
Katie McGarry,
Young Adult
·
Series: Pushing The Limits #3
Author: Katie McGary
Published: Nov 26th 2013
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: eARC provided via Netgally for fair & honest review
Rating: 4.5/5
BLURB:
From acclaimed author Katie McGarry comes an explosive new tale of a good girl with a reckless streak, a street-smart guy with nothing to lose, and a romance forged in the fast lane
The girl with straight As, designer clothes and the perfect life-that's who people expect Rachel Young to be. So the private-school junior keeps secrets from her wealthy parents and overbearing brothers...and she's just added two more to the list. One involves racing strangers down dark country roads in her Mustang GT. The other? Seventeen-year-old Isaiah Walker-a guy she has no business even talking to. But when the foster kid with the tattoos and intense gray eyes comes to her rescue, she can't get him out of her mind.
Isaiah has secrets, too. About where he lives, and how he really feels about Rachel. The last thing he needs is to get tangled up with a rich girl who wants to slum it on the south side for kicks-no matter how angelic she might look.
But when their shared love of street racing puts both their lives in jeopardy, they have six weeks to come up with a way out. Six weeks to discover just how far they'll go to save each other.
The girl with straight As, designer clothes and the perfect life-that's who people expect Rachel Young to be. So the private-school junior keeps secrets from her wealthy parents and overbearing brothers...and she's just added two more to the list. One involves racing strangers down dark country roads in her Mustang GT. The other? Seventeen-year-old Isaiah Walker-a guy she has no business even talking to. But when the foster kid with the tattoos and intense gray eyes comes to her rescue, she can't get him out of her mind.
Isaiah has secrets, too. About where he lives, and how he really feels about Rachel. The last thing he needs is to get tangled up with a rich girl who wants to slum it on the south side for kicks-no matter how angelic she might look.
But when their shared love of street racing puts both their lives in jeopardy, they have six weeks to come up with a way out. Six weeks to discover just how far they'll go to save each other.
REVIEW:
The story:
After reading Dare You To, I felt so sad for Isaiah and couldn't wait to get inside his head. I so badly wanted him to find someone who respected and loved him for who is and Rachel is just that person. Both Rachel and Isaiah feel like they have to hid who they truly are in order to be loved, but for very different reasons. People only see Isaiah for his tattoos and tough attitude, believing he will never make anything of himself.
Rachel appears to have the perfect life, with a wealthy family and a seemingly happy homelife, she has everything. But Rachel has spent most of her life trying to live up to her older sister's legacy who past away before she was born. Her whole reason for being born - to replace the 'perfect' daughter and sister. Rachel struggles with the pressure and suffers severe panic attacks, just one more thing she hides from her family. But around Isaiah she can finally be herself.
After they inadvertently get themselves into debt to a dangerous street thug, Eric, they must find a way to get the money to save each other. With lots of obstacles including protective older brothers, this is one hell of a ride!
Rachel appears to have the perfect life, with a wealthy family and a seemingly happy homelife, she has everything. But Rachel has spent most of her life trying to live up to her older sister's legacy who past away before she was born. Her whole reason for being born - to replace the 'perfect' daughter and sister. Rachel struggles with the pressure and suffers severe panic attacks, just one more thing she hides from her family. But around Isaiah she can finally be herself.
After they inadvertently get themselves into debt to a dangerous street thug, Eric, they must find a way to get the money to save each other. With lots of obstacles including protective older brothers, this is one hell of a ride!
The characters:
Rachel appears to have the perfect life, with a wealthy family and a seemingly happy homelife, she has everything. But has spent most of her life trying to live up to her older sister's legacy who past away before she was born. Rachel struggles with the pressure and suffers severe panic attacks, just one more thing she hides from her family. What I loved was how around Isaiah she could just be herself, she was so much more relaxed and happy, and her personality came alive.
Isaiah acts the bad boy persona, with a tough guy attitude to match. But it doesn't take long for us to see that he still hopes for a brighter future, and works hard to make it happen. And after meeting Rachel he starts to dream of a future with her. I loved finally being able to hear Isaiah's thought and really understand his character - there is so much to love about this tattooed bad boy!
Isaiah acts the bad boy persona, with a tough guy attitude to match. But it doesn't take long for us to see that he still hopes for a brighter future, and works hard to make it happen. And after meeting Rachel he starts to dream of a future with her. I loved finally being able to hear Isaiah's thought and really understand his character - there is so much to love about this tattooed bad boy!
The romance:
After meeting as an illegal street race, and being chased by the cops, the night ends with a kiss and the beginnings of a beautiful romance. At first Isaiah is very reluctant to get involved with Rachel, believing he will only drag her down and keep her from her bright future. But while working together on her car and trying to collect enough money they connect and Isaiah becomes protective of her, and doesn't want to let her go - so sweet!
The Writing:
McGary has a wonderful way of making you feel every emotion along with her characters and this book is no different. I being able to connect with the characters and their story, and that's what Katie does best - she allows the reader to understand what they're going through, which makes for one amazingly emotional read.
FINAL WORD:
After being so excited to finally read Isaiah's story, Crash Into You was all I had hoped it would be. A fast paced exciting story with the epic romance McGary is known for. Another excellent installment in the Pushing The Limits series!!
CONTENT:
Sexuality: medium / suggestive fade to black sex scene
Violence: medium / some fist fights
Language: medium / several f words
Drugs & alcohol: mild-medium / very minor underage drinking
Violence: medium / some fist fights
Language: medium / several f words
Drugs & alcohol: mild-medium / very minor underage drinking
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