{Review} Wild Cards by Simone Elkeles

Wild Cards
Series: Wild Cards #1
Author: Simone Elkeles
Release Date: September 24, 2013
by, Walker Books for Young Readers
Pages: 288

After getting kicked out of boarding school, bad boy Derek Fitzpatrick has no choice but to live with his ditzy stepmother while his military dad is deployed. Things quickly go from bad to worse when he finds out she plans to move them back to her childhood home in Illinois. Derek’s counting the days before he can be on his own, and the last thing he needs is to get involved with someone else’s family drama.

Ashtyn Parker knows one thing for certain--people you care about leave without a backward glance. A football scholarship would finally give her the chance to leave. So she pours everything into winning a state championship, until her boyfriend and star quarterback betrays them all by joining their rival team. Ashtyn needs a new game plan, but it requires trusting Derek—someone she barely knows, someone born to break the rules. Is she willing to put her heart on the line to try and win it all?{Goodreads}

~Review:
 Holy flipping cow!!!! I can't believe I even got this book! Simone Elkeles is a really well known author thanks to her Perfect Chemistry series. So when I found I had this book in my possession post release I about freaked!! I did a happy jog and everything.

  Now, that being said I still haven't read the Perfect Chemistry series yet but it's another one I have been dying to read! I will get to it soon enough I promise! Now to talk about Wild Cards. I really liked it. It was cute and it was funny! Derek is an absolute dream boat and Ashton is snarky and independent. The banter between these two was delightful. I enjoyed the multiple POVs. It's always nice to know what is going on through each characters head as they start to fall. Ashton was probably the most stubborn about it. I loved it. ;) Ashton is the star kicker...on the boys varsity football team. How great is that!? The last book--and only other book--that I read with a girl on a boys football team was Catching Jordan. I liked that one but I think I liked this one more....sorry Miranda Kennealy! Even though they were similar I liked Elkeles version better because of the family she put together. The boys on the team looked out for Ashton but they also respected her. I also liked how the verbal language was considerably higher in decency. There weren't as many cuss words as there were in Catching Jordan. I don't mind it often because hello! We are teens and this day in age swearing is about as normal as breathing. But there is respect in words. Elkeles gives that respect. Ashton is beyond independent and even more stubborn. She has the will of--of I don't know (running short in comparisons) but she has a lot of will and determination. She doesn't like things being handed to her. She likes to work for her earnings. I love that about her. She has her quirky habits. She plays to win and she wins because she plays....hard.

  Derek is a bad boy. Whoopdey Doo! Isn't it always a bad boy!? Yes. Am I complaining? No. ;) Derek is more of a punk than a bad boy. He is witty and charming and likes to grease pigs and set them loose during graduation ceremonies. Haha ok so he is trouble with a capital T but he is harmless. He isn't the roofing bad boy. He is the prancing bad boy. Ultimately he has a great heart. He fixes up sheds and mows lawn with no ulterior motive. The boy just has a serious mouth and prank problem.

  Put the two together and you got one heck of a couple. Goodness these two were making me laugh! They are both incredibly stubborn. It was like watching those goats with the horns ram each other over and over again. Haha lets just say when the first time a couple meets ends with a pitch fork in a shoe...it's bound to be interesting. It was. I read this book pretty fast. The stuff that both Ashton and Derek had Togo through had my full attention. This isn't a light read. It had more depth. Both characters had struggles they had to deal with. This wasn't a heavy read either. It was a light heavy? I don't know don't ask.

  Simone Elkeles righting is nice. It flows easily. Each words slides into the next and before you know it you have read half the book. She has a nice sense of humor being able to commit to the snarky replies Derek and Ashton throw at each other. Ultimately Derek and Ashton were adorable especially at the end. Oh my goodness that end was adorable!! I can't wait to read the next one! There was only one thing that bothered me about the book. There was some round about incest. It wasn't true incest but it was enough to make me not jump on the TeamDerekandAshton boat. Derek's stepmom is Ashton's sister. So basically Ashton is Derek's aunt-in-law. No blood ties but I don't know I like to stay away from that stuff. Ya just weird to me. There are so many different ways you could come about a couple meeting and I prefer to stay away from instances like this. Eventually I kind of just ignored that little fact as best as I could and enjoyed the story for what it was.

  Wild Cards was an enjoyable read. I loved Simone Elkeles writing style and the story she created. The characters were well developed and the love was adorable. I can't say it was a favorite but it was well worth the read! I would recommend it to all contemporary fans! Like I said before, I haven't read anything else's from Simone Elkeles so I can't compare it to her Perfect Chemistry series. Bottom line: Wild Cards was good..great even! It was fun, funny, and really cute. I really liked it! Give it a try when you got the chance. Borrow it, buy it. However you see fit but I do think it is worth the shot. :)

~Rating:

4 of 5 stars!

*a copy was provided for review purposes*

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{Review} Boundless by Cynthia Hand

Boundless
Series: Unearthly #3
Author: Cynthia Hand
Release Date: January 22, 2013
by, HarperTeen
Source: Bought
Pages: 438

The past few years have held more surprises than part-angel Clara Gardner could ever have anticipated. Yet from the dizzying highs of first love, to the agonizing low of losing someone close to her, the one thing she can no longer deny is that she was never meant to live a normal life.

Since discovering the special role she plays among the other angel-bloods, Clara has been determined to protect Tucker Avery from the evil that follows her . . . even if it means breaking both their hearts. Leaving town seems like the best option, so she’s headed back to California - and so is Christian Prescott, the irresistible boy from the vision that started her on this journey in the first place.

As Clara makes her way in a world that is frighteningly new, she discovers that the fallen angel who attacked her is watching her every move. And he’s not the only one. . . . With the battle against the Black Wings looming, Clara knows she must finally fulfill her destiny. But it won’t come without sacrifices and betrayal.

In the riveting finale of the Unearthly series, Clara must decide her fate once and for all.{Goodreads}

~Trailer:

 ~Review:
  So even though there has even a significant amount of amazing 2013 debuts...there have also been some let downs. Especially in the finishing department. Finishing department?

  The final books to series. Is this one of them? In some ways yes, sadly. The Unearlthy series was one of my first loves. Tucker one of my first boy loves and Cynthia Hand being one of my first Author loves. It was seriously amazing!!! The writing of Cynthia was so fresh and lovely it was hard not to fall in love with the books!

  Now I can't complain too much. The book was full of action, turns, pieces being out together, love!! It was all fantastic! I was so into the book I had trouble putting it down! I forgot the talent of Cynthia. Her ability to just draw you in with the easy flow of her writing. So if it was so great....why is it a disappointment in some ways?

  It left me disappointed for one reason and one reason alone. The absence of Tucker and the abundance of Christians presence. I started to fall out of love with Tucker and in love with Christian. I was routing for Tucker the entire time while reading it. In my mind set I was going to throw a hissy fit if Clara didn't end up with Tucker.

BEWARE OF SPOILER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  I hated the way she ended the book. I found the way she got Tucker with Clare was childish. I almost would have been ok with him dying and Clara ending up with Christian after her heartbreak. My emotions weren't hit as hard as they probably should have. When he died and she saw him in his death before walking into the light I did. I was heart broken. But the after felt as if she needed a reason to keep Tucker alive so she did the first thing she thought of. Wth!!? Tucker is now part angel? That I felt was stupid. And not to mention she left a lot of loose ends. She kind of gave a well this and this so because of that they got a happily ever after. What about Jeremy? Angela!?Christian? I mean poor dude. It wasn't the way I saw it all ending.

END OF SPOILER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  Like Requiem by Lauren Oliver I was left disappointed because of the cliche endings and the lack of tying the last ribbon. I felt as if it was incomplete. Everything up to the ending was absolutely amazing! It was everything I hoped it to be! That was the stuff I know Cynthia is capable of. The stuff I love her for. I wasn't completely disappointed but I was never the less. It is still a series I hold dearly to me but...I don't know. The ending was just off. I mean I was happy about it but not as happy as I thought I'd be. It's just this jumble of feelings I have. In the end the good out weighed the bad I think.

  If you haven't read this series yet I insist you do. It's beautiful and wonderful. Don't let me get in the way of you starting it. I encourage you to. Even though I had a slight disappointment it didn't completely ruin the series for me. This last book to the Unearthly series is alike with Requiem, the last of the Delirium series by Lauren Oliver. Both series that I love dearly and both with endings that left me feeling it didn't end. Try it out! You may feel completely different than I did with the ending. Again the ending was my only disappointment everything was wonderful! I can't wait to get something new from Cynthia Hand. She is an incredible author!

~Rating:

4 of 5 stars!!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a wonderful day,

~Jaiden

{Review} Smashed by Lisa Luedeke

Smashed 
Author: Lisa Luedeke
Release Date: August 21, 2012
by, Margaret K. McElderry Books
Source: *a copy was provided by the author for review purposes*
Pages: 336

A field hockey star grapples with addiction in this riveting debut that will appeal to fans of Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak. 
Stay out of trouble for one more year, and Katie Martin can leave her small town loneliness behind forever. She is a field hockey star on the fast track to a college scholarship, but her relationship with alcohol has always been a little questionable. Then trouble finds her. Alec is the most popular guy in school, and also the biggest bully—with his sights set firmly on Katie. When Alec turns on the charm, Katie thinks she must have been wrong about him.

Except that she wasn’t. On a rain-soaked, alcohol-drenched night, one impulsive decision leaves Katie indebted to Alec in the worst possible way. This debut novel is a fast-paced and compelling story of addiction, heartbreak, and redemption.{Goodreads}

~Review:
  I've read my fair share of contemporary books with the theme being a broken girl thrown into a mix of lies, broken family, etc. It's easy for these kind of books to merge together, each one becoming a replica and nothing outstanding. I have to say that Lisa did a great job at creating Smashed so that it does not blend in with the background but instead, stands out!

  Upon reading some reviews of this book I was wary to start it. I heard things about way too much foul language, explicit sexual description, etc. I even read this one review where it said just this:

"I am now going to tell you what happens and save yourself the embarrassment of having read something so awful.

Guy attracts alcoholic (pretty, successful, and needy) girl, who is dumb enough to coerce herself into his groping hands.

Alcoholic girl parties with guy for half the book.

Alcoholic girl drives drunk with guy and crashes them into a tree, disfiguring said guy. 

Guy takes the blame for the crash so she will owe him sex. 

Guy stalks girl for half the book.

Guy rapes girl.

Girl has PTSD and then beer is found in guy's school locker. 

THE END.

oh yeah, there was supposed to be something about her dad...? Yeah there was, but it was so irrelevant and stereotypical I have forgotten..."

  Ok, I am not even the author by I'm offended. There was so much more to this book than that!! I don't know but I like the broken stories the best. The ones about the girl with so many problems she is practically drowning in them. Where the girl is so strong that she can pull through from all her problems. I think those protagonists are the strongest ones of all. They have more courage, faith, and strength than the ones fighting the government in resistance, trekking through a forest filled with demons and other scary stuff. Why? Because they hold truth. These could be the stories that help a girl or boy out because they are going through the same things.

   "Dumb enough to coerce herself into his groping hands"!!??? Excuse me!!? It is so far beyond that!! Did you not read any of her thoughts? It wasn't a fact of being dumb it was the fact of being a decent human giving someone a benefit of the doubt. She liked him. She thought he was a nice sweet guy. She didn't expect him to attempt rape! Haven't you ever been in love? It can be frighteningly true when they say "love is blind". No girl wants to be raped. No one wants to think someone they know and care about is capable of it. To be honest. I probably might have thought those thoughts before but then I read Knee Deep by Jolene Perry and it kind of opened my eyes a little more to these things that happen. It gave me a different way of thinking about girls that struggle through alchohol addictions, lying, being raped, staying in abusive relationtships, etc. You would think it'd be so easy to just turn away. I mean you'd have to be stupid to stay in an abusive relationship right? Wrong. It is so much more than that and I feel as if whoever is quick to judge is the stupid one. Now, please take note I am not calling the author of the quoted review stupid. I was just deeply offended by it and felt as if I needed to explain something.

  Now, enough with that rant, on to the book. Please, completely disregard any reviews like that. Read it for yourself and see if you agree or disagree. Take head. Don't read it. Read it. You may do as you please. The problem now a days is we see something, hear something and we are too quick to believe it. Instead of finding the facts out ourselves and thinking "Well, based on all the data I have gathered, what do I think?" and do get all sides of the story. Don't read a good review and think "Oh I am going to love it"...you may as well just hate it! Don't read a bad review and think "Oh, well that's not worth it. Might as not read it ever!"....because you very may just have loved it...found a favorite book of yours. Would you know that? No. Why? Because you took someone else's word way too easy and too much to heart. You didn't find out yourself so you lost the chance of falling in love with a book. Heed this warning. Don't. The choice is up to you.

  Ok, I did it again. I ranted and now I am already six paragraphs in and haven't talked about the book like I am supposed to!! And it is a rather boring and high on emotional ranting...Oops! ;D Where'd the fun go!? So Katie has her problems. One problem leads to the other and it all kind of just starts snowballing leaving her run over at the bottom of the hill by the huge snowball that has been falling and collecting for sometime. I felt so sorry for her. But then, I didn't. If she hadn't gone through all that stuff I don't think she would be nearly as strong as she was by the end of the book. It's hard to see but all the bad that happens to us happen for a reason. A reason we may not be able to understand at the time but a reason none the less. Isn't that a horrific thought? But its true. What doesn't kill us really does make us stronger. 

  Katie's friends were the true hope in most of the book. I loved Stan and I loved Matt and I loved Cassie. They were her backbone. Katie didn't realize it while she was being plowed but they were. No matter what she did she still had their support. It'd be nice to have those right? We can if we associate ourselves with the right people. That was one of Katie's flaws...one of the things that lead her to her ultimate downfall. She associated herself with the wrong crowd, pushed away the right crowd, then let herself be alone....think she was alone. Those who truly love us won't ever leave us alone. 

  Mr. Luedeke created a wonderful, heart wrenching, inspiring tale that absolutely touched my heart. Her writing was soulful, ugly in truth but beautiful in outcome. She really explored what it means to find love in others, and especially yourself. Life isn't easy...this is what Lisa shows us. The brutal honesty Lisa portrays is exactly what I loved about this book. It had its flaws. But don't we all? Nothing is perfect and nothing will be. I just wanted to show this one last paragraph from the previously quoted review:

Conclusion.
Let us look at the most penetrating, deep questions Katie poses to herself:

"Why did I ever do half the things I did?" (P.76)

"What did I really want?" (P.179)

Sadly, she never quite finds out. At least she apologizes for being an idiot on page 316, but she does nothing to change it.
This book perpetuates the YA lit lie that things improve without personal change. Absolutely despicable. Just think about it. We teens are getting the message from the protagonist that it's OK to smoke weed. It's OK to get hammered every chance you get. It's good in fact, because your life will improve while you do all these things! Just look at Katie! Just look at her and her stupid life and stupid choices and the utter lack of ability she has to control her own actions!

Indeed, if you take a look at all, take a good long look.
And don't forget this terrifying read."

  No. She doesn't find out exactly what she wants. Or why she did what she did. Do you? Do you know exactly what you want and why you did the things you do? If you do, damn. Color me jealous. No. Katie DOES change. She is able to have the courage to face her fears, step away from her past and start over. You can't go back and change the past. Sometimes you have to move one and completely start over. If you are constantly looking over your shoulder, you might miss that you are walking to your own death. Haha not once did it encourage the smoking of weed or to get hammered. No. SHIT! You have got to be kidding me. The hell!? Katie's life did NOT improve because of those....they let to her utter demise! She was DESTROYED because of it. She lost EVERYTHING! Have you never made a stupid decision in your life? If not, well then color me jealous TWICE. We learn from our mistakes.

  I am sorry but I found that completely insulting. We are entitled to our own opinions but if those opinions are insulting, rude, ignorant and disrespectful don't even bother opening your damn mouth. Sorry my feathers are completely ruffled. I do encourage you to read this book. I liked it. I found it inspiring and lovely. It was true. It was honest. It was done right. I don't encourage you to go and do what Katie did. I don't encourage you to make every damn mistake possible so you can "learn from it". Yes, some of Katies decision's were stupid. So are some of mine. Again, not encouraged. I encourage us to make the best decisions possible. To do what is best for you. Will you make the wrong choice sometimes? Yes. Will that cause you trouble? Most likely. Negative outcomes occur. But life doesn't come with a warning "Do this and this will destroy you". Humanity has blessed with a conscience. A conscience some people refuse to use...A conscience some choose to embrace. There is humanity, morals, goodness! Whether we choose to use them is our choice. There is no perfection in this imperfect world. Katie did some terrible things but it cost her. It molded her. It scarred her. It transformed her.

~Rating:

4 of 5 stars!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a wonderful day!!

~Jaiden

{Review} Triangles by Kimberly Ann Miller

Triangles
Author: Kimberly Ann Miller
Release Date: June 18, 2013
by, Spencer Hill Press
Source: *a copy was provided for review purposes*
Pages: 216

A cruise ship. A beautiful island. Two sexy guys. What could possibly go wrong?

In the Bermuda Triangle—a lot.

Hoping to leave behind the reminders of her crappy life--her father's death years ago, her mother's medical problems, and the loser who’s practically stalking her--seventeen-year-old Autumn Taylor hops on a ship with her sister for a little distraction. When she wakes up in the Bermuda Triangle, she fears she's gone nuts for more than one reason: that loser’s suddenly claiming they're a happy couple... a hot guy is wrapping his arms around her and saying "Happy Anniversary"... and suddenly, she’s full of bruises, losing her hair, and getting IV medication. Autumn visits the ship's doctor, hoping for a pill or a shot to make the craziness go away. Instead, she's warned that these "alternate realities" could become permanent.

She just has to ask herself one question—how the hell is she going to get out of this mess?{Goodreads}

~Review:
  To get started I wasn't one hundred precent in love with this book. It took me a bit to get into. It wasn't the writing, wasn't the plot, was it the characters? Maybe it was just the fact that I had a pile a mile high and I was just trying to get each book done and over with? I think it was the latter. It tends to happen often. Its called procrastination and when it comes to me....I am a HUGE book procrastinator. Anyways, so I had a bit of trouble really getting into it but after the third chapter it became easy. My problem was being itchy. Not physically itchy but itchy to do something else. I had a slight ADHD probably for the first three chapters. Once I finally settled down and started enjoying it..this book was easy. It was splendid!

  The writing style if Mrs. Miller was smooth. She had a way of just letting the words flow. Each sentence glided easy into the other and soon enough you had read four more chapters without even knowing it. The main character was rather snippy but as she grew so did your liking of her. I have to admit I was on one boys team way too easy. With one boy he was easily way too clingy and annoying. I totally got what Autumn was feeling with him. I would know because I have experienced it before. Then the ball started rolling and one life after the other I started to understand and fall hopelessly in love with that one boy. The other took my feelings and drowned them. Ew. Can't believe I ever liked the dude. *rolls eyes* I am not going to name these boys because well...it ruins the story. Moral of this paragraph? Kimberly knows what she is doing with her characters and understands the meaning of character growth like no other. She made each character flawed and with their flaws you came to know each one a bit better. That helped you like as well as dislike each character rightfully.

  Woah, woah, woah. Back up!! Did I just say one life after the other?? What the hell did I mean? Let me tell you. Have you ever heard of a certain place called *announcer voice* The Bermuda Triangle? Yes? Well, thats where this story takes place. Our protagonist, Autumn, takes a cruise which just so happens to enter *announcer voice* The Bermuda Triangle. And when she enters *announcer voice* The Bermuda Triangle. Life kind of turns upside down for her. One minute her life is one way, she wakes up, and life is totally different. So yes, Autumn ends up finding out what her life would be like with different instances. While this in fact amazed me...it also scared the living shit out of me. Not in the creepy scary way but in the "I don't ever want to experience this" way. I could not survive waking up with life being one way and then it being a different way the next. I would officially go crazy and lose myself. Talk about identity crisis! Total insanity!

  Triangles is a unique 2013 Young Adult! With a new paranormal twist that is swarmed with dystopias and vampires...I am so glad that Kimberly introduced us to something refreshing and new! With characters that grow on you and a writing so fluid I can definitely say I enjoyed this book. It is a quick read of only 216 pages but its short pages didn't hinder this book from shining through! Not a huge fan of the cover but who's to judge a book by its cover right? There is more to this book than just its cover. Kimberly takes you on a whirl win adventure staring Autumn, two sexy guys, and a story with more to it than just fiction. With each life Autumn faces she learns more about herself and the importance of seeing past yourself and others. If you got the time do the crime...ok no not right. If you have the time definitely check this out! I found Triangles to be a splendid read!

~Rating:

4 of 5 stars! 

Have a wonderful day!

Thanks for stopping by! :D

~Jaiden

{Review} Between by Kerry Schafer

Between
Series: The Between #1
Author: Kerry Schafer
Release Date: January 29, 2013
by, Ace
Source: *a copy was provided by the author for review purposes*

Vivian Maylor can’t sleep. Maybe it’s because she just broke up with her boyfriend and moved to a new town, or it could be the stress of her new job at the hospital. But perhaps it’s because her dreams have started to bleed through into her waking hours.

All of her life Vivian has rejected her mother’s insane ramblings about Dreamworlds for concrete science and fact, until an emergency room patient ranting about dragons spontaneously combusts before her eyes—forcing Viv to consider the idea that her visions of mythical beasts might be real.

And when a chance encounter leads her to a man she knows only from her dreams, Vivian finds herself falling into a world that seems strange and familiar all at once—a world where the line between dream and reality is hard to determine, and hard to control…{Goodreads}

~Review:
  Where to begin....Well, first off this was my first adult fantasy book. I have read different adult books but nothing with the fantasy aspect to it. Even if I had I would have to imagine that after this book, it would be like reading adult fantasy all over again for the first time. It was that good and that standout. I will admit that I was a bit confused the first couple of chapters just trying to get into the rhythm of Kerry's writing and trying to distinguish what was dreams and what wasn't. Especially when Vivian entered the Dreamworld. I was a bit confused on whether she was there or just dreaming which in a sense I guess she was?? I don't know, maybe I am still a bit confused on how exactly it all works ;)

  Once I got into the swing of Kerry's writing I had to admire it. The way she describes the Dreamworld and paints the big picture was spectacular! I could see what she wanted me to see and what I saw, was incredible! I think the plot and characters were also very nicely written. The fact that she didn't do much research other than for the dragons for this book is impressive (how do I know? I interviewed her, check it out in the interviews if you want to know more).

  I thoroughly enjoyed Between. It was unique and magical. I can't wait to read what happens next! The ending was dramatic and left me wanting the next one. I was pleasantly surprised with this book. I liked it more than I thought I would! If you like fantasy, family drama ;), and cute little penguins...you will enjoy this book. Ok, so that seems unfair. This book isn't just family drama and penguins. It is so much more. It is action, adventure, love, loss, self-discovery, intense, magical, spectacular and amazing! The characters, side and villains, only make the book more attractive. Between has lots of things that just draw you in. It took me awhile to get into it but it wasn't because of lack of interest. Once I was finally able to sit down and get into it fully I didn't want to put it down. It had this quality that transfixed you. I do suggest this book. If you haven't read adult before I think this would be a good starter. It has enough magic and other things going on to distract you from the age factor. There is one scene in the book that may be a little unsuitable for readers 13 and younger but even that part wasn't graphic. It had enough to know what was happening but it didn't go into detail. Parental and self discretion is what I suggest.

~Rating:

4 of 5 stars! 

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a great day! :D

~Jaiden

{Review} Everbound by Brodi Ashton

Everbound
Series: Everneath #1
Author: Brody Ashton
Release Date: January 22, 2013
by, Balzer + Bray
Source: bought
Pages: 358

Nikki Beckett could only watch as her boyfriend, Jack, sacrificed himself to save her, taking her place in the Tunnels of the Everneath for eternity — a debt that should’ve been hers. She’s living a borrowed life, and she doesn’t know what to do with the guilt. And every night Jack appears in her dreams, lost and confused and wasting away.

Desperate for answers, Nikki turns to Cole, the immortal bad boy who wants to make her his queen — and the one person least likely to help. But his heart has been touched by everything about Nikki, and he agrees to assist her in the only way he can: by taking her to the Everneath himself.

Nikki and Cole descend into the Everneath, only to discover that their journey will be more difficult than they’d anticipated — and more deadly. But Nikki vows to stop at nothing to save Jack — even if it means making an incredible sacrifice of her own.

In this enthralling sequel to Everneath, Brodi Ashton tests the bonds of destiny and explores the lengths we’ll go to for the ones we love.{Goodreads}

~Trailer:
Dudes!! I am so in love with this trailer! So simple yet so thrilling, chilling and gorgeous!! :D
~Review:
  Do you know how long it took me to read this book? Two months. TWO WHOLE MONTHS! It wasn’t because of the lack of interest. It was more because of the fact all these other review books I had were pushing themselves to the priority pile and pleasure reading was out of the picture for a bit. I will admit that it was—If I am being honest—because of the lack of interest. Everbound started out really slow. Not to mention that Nikki isn’t one of my top protagonists. Sorry. To me she is just really whiney and annoying. I gave her leniency in the first book because she kind of just jumped into a whole new world and was drained…literally. I then tried giving her leniency in this one because she just went through some pretty tragic stuff and was completely heart-broken but…after a while I lost my patience.

  Now don’t get me wrong. I love this series. I love the plot and the writing. Brody Ashton is very talented. I just dislike Nilkki. Enough about Nikki. Bring on the boys!! ;D Now I can’t say much if you guys haven’t read Everneath. I don’t like my reviews to contain spoilers. I want you to be able to look at a review of a sequel to a series and it inspire you to read the first and get started on the series yourself. This one though is going to be hard because the whole book is revolved around the ending of the first. I shall try though.

  Without saying too much. I have done the unthinkable. One of the worst book sins. I have changed boy teams. Yes, folks you have heard me right! I have gone from #TeamJack to #TeamCole. Don’t think it is possible? Read the novella, Neverfall. Its good. Although based one some feelings and vibes going out throughout both books, I don’t see why she did it. I am hoping Ashton created that book for the reason I hope. But yes I have fallen for Cole. Kinda. I am not completely one hundred percent sure. Sometimes Cole pisses the hell out of me and I hate him and want nothing to do with him. I don’t blame Nikki for not wanting to be with him sometimes. Then others I think that there is no way it could be Jack. That it is Cole and only Cole. Actually, no. As I am writing this review, feelings are coming and my mind is once again changing.  I think right now I am #TeamWill. Either Jack or Cole is going to really step it up in the final book. They are going to have to do some real kick-ass convincing to win my heart this round.

  The ending on this one was. Wow. I completely had no clue that one was coming. I literally had my socks blown off…with my shoes still on. That. That was intense. A moment that made me #TeamWill. I have no idea what is going to happen in book 3. I am excited to see where this goes. If you haven’t started this series yet I suggest you do. Its something so unique. I have yet to read something that comes close to this series. There are lots of books involving mythology but none quite like this!

~Rating:

 

4 of 5 stars!!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a great day! :)

~Jaiden

{Review} Of Silver and Beasts by Trisha Wolfe

Of Silver and Beasts
Series: Goddess Wars #1
Author: Trisha Wolfe
Release Date: April 19, 2013
Source: *a copy was provided for review purposes by the author*
Pages: 305

In the sand-covered queendom of Cavan, the goddess once saved a young Kaliope’s life, preventing the mercury her father attempted to hide in her blood from reaching her heart. Now, a cybernetic clamp filters it, but the silver streaks swirling faintly beneath her skin are a constant reminder that she’s different.

When nineteen-year-old Kaliope is chosen as head of the Nactue Guard, she becomes the sworn protector to her empress. In the midst of an invasion on a neighboring land, Kaliope is placed in charge of guarding Prince Caben, the last heir to his kingdom. But when they’re attacked by the feared Otherworlders, Caben and Kaliope are abducted and taken below to a realm where they must fight for their life in a caged arena.

Kaliope struggles to protect her princely charge, keeping him and herself alive while battling inhumanly opponents, and trying to save the stolen, sacred relic that will restore her empress’s life force and all of Cavan. And if she can somehow awaken the goddess within her, she may save what’s most important.

New Adult Dark Fantasy: Intended for readers 17 years of age and older.{Goodreads}

~Review:
  I am going to start off by saying,..Don’t ever underestimate Trisha Wolfe. It will make you feel like a fool. Now, that being said, Trisha, I have never underestimated you. No. Not one bit. With every story of hers I am blown away. She has an incredible talent that I am glad she hasn’t let go to waste. I tend ti have the nasty habit of reading a books synopsis and then completely forgetting what it is about when I start it, jumping into a book without reading the synopsis, or skimming the synopsis and totally not understanding what the book is supposed to be about. I kind of like it though. I never do it on purpose but it always turns out for the better. Ok, well maybe not always but most of the time.  Where am I going with this?

  Yes, I skimmed the synopsis and had no clue what the heck I was getting into. All I knew was the author was Trisha Wolfe and the cover was really pretty xD Was it one of those books that turned out for the better because I didn’t read the synopsis? Well I wouldn’t say because of it but yes. It had positive results. I just find that I am pleasantly surprised when I do so. I did end up going back to Goodreads and reading the synopsis…but moral of the story: I am bad with synopsis’, Trisha Wolfe is amazing so I have full trust in her amazingness to not read the synopsis, Of Silver and Beasts has a pretty cover,  and this book was really really good.

  I don’t know how she does it but Trisha can take one of the most unusual plots and turn it into something magnificient. Seriously. Where did this book come from? Who would have thought of it? Not me that’s who! I can’t express how great this author is. Just how amazing her writing and stories are, so is she. Trisha is one of my most favorite authors. She is like a buddy-‘ol pall. ;D Knowing what a great person she is gives a positive feedback for her book. No, that does not mean this review is bias. I give credit to authors as authors and authors as people separately. I may love the author but dislike the book. I have sworn to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth so don’t worry your little heads. ;D

  One other thing Trisha has down pact is her tragedies. People, I can’t number the times her stories have ruined my swollen my heart with love and then completely deflated it because of her endings. She is one cruel mistress. The endings leave you wanting nothing but more and hanging on a thread because of the wait. Now, I feel as if I have been talking too much about my synopsis problems and Trisha’s book as a whole so I am going to get a bit more focused k? K.

  Of Silver and Beasts is extremely unique. It kind of had that whole “Hunger Game” feel but…better. I liked how Trisha could take a huge world-wide plot and completely make it her own. So now that I have mentioned the Hunger Games, you may as well know that things get pretty intense, thrilling, action packed, and tragic. I felt pain for the characters that didn’t have any real part in the story. There is one part in particular that killed me. It was a pairing of blood (you will get that when you read it…hopefully). The reaction of the other killed. The devastation, anger and emotion that Trisha managed to get through was tragic. Tragic. That word will pop into your head a lot when you read it.

  I can’t really say more for fear of too many spoilers but know this: Of Silver and Beasts is a spectacular book that seized my heart. I am highly anticipating book two. I think you all should read it! If you have never read anything by Mrs. Wolfe before might as well start now! The characters in this book were wonderful and I enjoyed reading from the protagonists point of view. She was a great heroine and the hero…DAMN! That boy is HOT ;D I love him to no end. Oh goodness….I can feel spoilers trying to pull themselves to the surface. I might as well go. Moral of this review: Read. Read. Read. Of Silver of Beasts and the author are amazing. There is no room for disappointment.

~Rating:

4 of 5 stars!!!

Thanks for stopping by!!
Have an absolutely wonderful day!! :D
~Jaiden

{Review} The Loop by Shandy Lawson

The Loop
Author: Shandy Lawson
Release Date: April 30, 2013
by, Hyperion
Source: *a copy was provided by the publisher & author for review purposes*
Pages: 208

Ben and Maggie have met, fallen in love, and died together countless times. Over the course of two pivotal days—both the best and worst of their lives—they struggle again and again to resist the pull of fate and the force of time itself. With each failure, they return to the beginning of their end, a wild road trip that brings them to the scene of their own murders and into the hands of the man destined to kill them.

As time circles back on itself, events become more deeply ingrained, more inescapable for the two kids trapped inside the loop. The closer they come to breaking out, the tighter fate’s clutches seem to grip them. They devise a desperate plan to break free and survive the days ahead, but what if Ben and Maggie’s only shot at not dying is surviving apart? {Goodreads}

~Review:
  Let me tell you, when I got this book in the mail I was surprised by its size. It's only like 270+ pages. Now when stories are that short I always worry on how it's going to work out. Will 270+ pages be enough to satisfy me? Will it call short? Will it be too rushed? Will enough information be provided? Sometimes it does fall short. Others are lucky enough (well maybe it's not luck) to push past all my fears and prove to be really good!  The Loop was one of the lucky (or not lucky...) ones.

  Shandy Lawson is a great writer. For it being so short you didn't really feel it. And it's not like it dragged on either. It was a normal speed book. He found the happy medium and I loved it. Not only is his writing really good but the story he came up with was amazing. It's the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet but stuck in repeat. Like a broken record it just keeps repeating its tragic events. Maggie and Ben are meant to meet, fall in love and then meet their terrible end only to repeat it all over again as soon as their lives end. Maggie is able to remember it each time but Ben...Benjamin can't almost every time. Certain things come to him like déjà vu but that's as far as his memories of the events go. Each time they hope to break free of the time loop. Each time they fail. They fight against fate every time.

  Reading the story from Bens POV is probably my favorite thig. I love when we get the males POV. It doesn't happen often so it's always a sweet treat when we get one. Well at least I think so!! Most of the time Ben was lost especially when it came to a new loop. He had no recollection of what had happened and had to start over each time. Again some times he got little déjà vu feelings but he had to rely on Maggie to save him from time to time and explain it all. His memory loss didn't cause the book to be slow or confusing. In fact I found it pretty fast pace as far as action and thrill went. I felt as if I was the one with time breathing down my neck waiting for death to take me! I felt what they felt. The romance was adorable. The fact that Ben couldn't remember and still was willing to face death at the end because he really liked her was endearing. I was cheering for them from the beginning!!

 Fast paced, haunting, heart-breaking and absolutely wonderful! I loved The Loop through and through! I was hooked from page one, unable to put it down. Romeo and Juliett at its finest with that sci-fi twist. I finished it within a day and not because of its size. I was turning the pages faster than I could account for and before I knew it, it was over. The ending didn't leave me hanging. It ended wonderfully. Some authors just give a perfect ending and this was one of them. Shandy Lawson has a great career in Young Adult ahead of him and I can't wait to read more from him! Do I suggest you try this book out?? Well, uhm.....DUH!!!! ;P
~Rating:

4 of 5 stars!!! 

Thanks for stopping by!!

Hope you all have a splendid day! ;D

~Jaiden

{Review} Wicked Kiss by Michelle Rowen

Wicked Kiss
Series: Nightwatchers #2
Author: Michelle Rowen
Release Date: February 26, 2013
by, Harlequin Teen
Source: Netgalley
Format: Kindle
Pages: 448

My kiss can kill.  
I used to be ordinary Samantha Day, but that's changed. Now, after one dark kiss from a dangerous boy, I can steal someone's soul…or their life. If I give in to the constant hunger inside me, I hurt anyone I kiss. If I don't…I hurt myself.

Bishop is the one whose kiss I crave most, but if I kiss him, I'll kill him. Then there's another boy, one I can't hurt. One whose kiss seems to miraculously quell my hunger. They're both part of a team of angels and demons that's joined forces in my city to fight a mysterious rising darkness, an evil that threatens everyone I know and love. I just wonder if I'll be able to help Bishop—or if I'm just another part of the darkness he's sworn to destroy….

NIGHTWATCHERS: When angels and demons must work together, something beyond evil is rising…{Goodreads}

~Review:
  Ok so for starters I wasn't a HUGE fan of book one (Dark Kiss). I really liked it but I just didn't love it. There was something just missing for me. One thing I did know after I finished it was book two was going to be flipping fantastic. It was a great lead up I should say. Was I right?

  Hell yes I was right!!! Oh gosh I was so excited to get this one because of how book one ended. I knew. I KNEW!!!! Wicked Kiss was going to be great and again it totally was. I loved this book so much! I wasn't at all disappointed. It was everything I knew it would be. Again not one of my favorite series but it was very good. It's possible to have a favorite non-favorite. I liked seeing all the characters again and then getting to meet new ones. You got so much more in this book and it was amazing.

  The only thing I was disappointed in was Kraven. I wanted a love triangle in this one. Normally I hate them because I love one boy and seeing anyone else in the way is torture especially when the one I like doesn't get the girl. I guess I didn't really want a love triangle I just wanted Kraven. He is one hot demon. I like Bishop and I guess he could be her better match but.....nah I think Kraven should have been the one but whatevs!! I liked that we got Kraven and Bishops story and how it all went wrong. That was a rather tragic story. And made me love Kraven one thousand times more. *growls*

  Anyways this book was delightful. It fed my every need and was absolutely wonderful. The writing was great. The conflict was crazy...crazy good ;D and the ending was terrific. I'm not sure if there is going to be a third one or not (of anyone knows comment the detes for me k??) but I don't think there will be one. The way it ended was kin of final but some books do that. I have no clue where it would go but id love to see it if it comes to a third book. All in all Wicked Kiss was a wonderful sequel to Dark Kiss. Better than the first! A series with unique demon and angel lore sure to capture your attention! If you haven't read it yet go and give it a try and don't stop with book one. It is so worth it!! Trust me then thank me later ;P

~Rating:

4 out of 5 stars!!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a wonderful day!! :D

~Jaiden

{Review} Going Vintage by Lindsey Leavitt

Going Vintage 
Author: Lindsey Leavitt
Release Date: Bloomsbury
by, March 26, 2013
Source: Netgalley
Format: Kindle
Pages: 320

When Mallory discovers that her boyfriend, Jeremy, is cheating on her with an online girlfriend, she swears off boys. She also swears off modern technology. Inspired by a list of goals her grandmother made in 1962, Mallory decides to "go vintage" and return to a simpler time (when boyfriends couldn't cheat on you online). She sets out to complete grandma's list: run for pep club secretary, host a dinner party, sew a homecoming dress, find a steady, do something dangerous. But the list is trickier than it looks. And obviously finding a steady is out . . . no matter how good Oliver (Jeremy's cousin) smells. But with the help of her sister, she'll get it done. Somehow. Lindsey Leavitt perfectly pairs heartfelt family moments, laugh-out-loud humor, and a little bit of romance in this delightful contemporary novel. {Goodreads}

~Review:
  Where to start? One, I wish I had the guts to do what Mallory did...going vintage. I am so in love with the 50's/60's and would do anything to take a trip back in time. I loved Mallory. She was strong in her own way. She wasn't a kick butt heroine who fearlessly took on a whole army with nothing but a twig but she was strong in heart. She wasn't going to sit around broken hearted...she was going to do something. Mallory was going to find a cure for cheating boyfriends and evil technology. Personally, I feel why they broke up was kind of a little silly but in some ways I can still see her point. Yes, he may have not cheated on her in real life but he still cheated. He wasn't honest with her and that hurts. 

  I loved Mrs. Leavitt's writing style. It was easy and fun to fall into. It was one of my "fluff" reads (good fluff..like cotton candy. Light, fun, and sweet.) The idea behind the list and going vintage was cute and unique. Again, I wish I could have Mallory's guts. Major props to her! Not only was Mallory awesome but I loved the side characters too. Her sister was awesome and super easy to fall in love with no matter how much a pain in the butt she was. I liked the relationship of they're parents. To me that's true love. Being able to fight and argue and still love each other to no end. They have their rough patches but they fix them right up. They don;t give up no matter how hard. Too many people give up...the going gets tough and they quit ending in divorce. I wish more people had the strength of Mallory's parents. Its either they give up or jump in too quickly. Its rather sad. 

  Anyways! Do you know what else I loved?...Oliver. Right from the beginning! Goodness did I love him. He was so quirky and honest. He was himself and he didn't give a hoot to what people thought. He brought out the best in Mallory and they were really adorable. Then the ending...*swoon*!!! I want that..bad ;D

  Going Vintage is one of those books you will just devour and feel full after. It will make your smile and walking away with happy feelings. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading anything and everything else by Lindsey Leavitt. She has a true talent in contemporary sweetness. It was innocent and charming. A book I could recommend to anyone looking for something light-hearted and enjoyable! Would I read it again...I believe I would! 

~Rating:

4 out of 5 stars!!!

Thanks for stopping by! 

Have a great day!

~Jaiden 

{Blog Tour} The Nightmare Affair by Mindee Arnett

The Nightmare Affair
Series: The Arkwell Academy #1
Author: Mindee Arnett
Release Date, March 5, 2013
by, Tor Teen
Source: *a copy was provided through the tour host for review purposes*
Pages: 367
Buy: ~Amazon~B&N~The Book Depository~

Sixteen-year-old Dusty Everhart breaks into houses late at night, but not because she’s a criminal. No, she’s a Nightmare.

Literally.

Being the only Nightmare at Arkwell Academy, a boarding school for magickind, and living in the shadow of her mother’s infamy, is hard enough. But when Dusty sneaks into Eli Booker’s house, things get a whole lot more complicated. He’s hot, which means sitting on his chest and invading his dreams couldn’t get much more embarrassing. But it does. Eli is dreaming of a murder.

Then Eli’s dream comes true.

Now Dusty has to follow the clues—both within Eli’s dreams and out of them—to stop the killer before more people turn up dead. And before the killer learns what she’s up to and marks her as the next target.{Goodreads}

~Review:
  This was a book I was really looking forward to in the 2013 year. The premise was really unique and intriguing. The cover was even appealing. I'm normally not a fan of the cartoon-ish covers but after reading the book I had a whole new love for it. The cover fits the story.

  Now down to the nitty-gritty. Did it meet my expectations? Hell yes! This book was fantastic. The Nightmare Affair is extraordinarily unique! Who would have thought about nightmares being part of the paranormal scene? I loved the magical world building Arnett created. She truly has an artistic hand. Her writing was superb! I fell into the story very easily. She just drew me in and kept me guessing. This book is paranormal and magical yes. It is also a mystery. I LOVE mysteries then Arnett has to go and through in all this other fluff that turned out incredible!

  The characters were really cool to read along with. Dusty was fiesty and head strong. She was an outcast who had to learn to cope with her mother's rep being passed down to her. Because she is a nightmare she has to go through a lot of crap. Nightmares are rare and not the most favored paranormal being. They got worse reps than vampires. I think my favorite character would have to be her best friend, Selene. She is super cool and something about her was so charismatic and she totally won me over! Of course...I loved Eli too. What can I say, the boy was down right HOT! But he was also kind. Even though he didn't show it too much he cared. He hated bullying and he there was more to that pretty little face of his. I totally fell in love with Paul for a bit too!

  The whole mystery aspect is what kept me reading. It was so full of suspense I couldn't help turn page after page. The dreams/nightmares added to the spook. Oh and Arnett definitely doesn't spare you some time going in. Right from the get-go you are drawn with creepy dead killings leading to a horrible mystery to solve. Interlaced with that mystery is a history so deep it takes some research to uncover some ancient tales. I can say that one part of the ending I saw coming but the others kind of side swiped me. Through on through this book was captivating. It had me holding my breath at times and trying to figure it all out myself. I liked the expansion of paranormal characters. The way it all came together is what made me fall in love with this series. Now, the book doesn't end on some terrible cliff hanger but it does have you begging for more. It leaves enough questions to let you know the next one has places to go. It shows promise.

  The Nightmare Affair is a refreshing 2013 Young-Adult book you are going to want to check out. I DO recommend you check it out. It isn't filled with gore-mystery or a butterfly-flutter, swoon-worthy, toe tingling romance or anything that you are used to. It is its own work of art. Now, don't go and take a step back. It might now have all those elements as its main core but it has romance, it gets a little graphic and it has some awesome mystery in there! It is well written and super good! I wouldn't recommend any-'ol book ;D

This review was a part of The Nightmare Affair Blog Tour hosted by Itching for Books.

~Rating:

4 of 5 stars!!! <3

~The Author:

Find her at: ~Website~Twitter~

Mindee Arnett lives on a horse farm in Ohio with her husband, two kids, a couple of dogs, and an inappropriate number of cats. She’s addicted to jumping horses and telling tales of magic, the macabre, and outer space. She has far more dreams than nightmares.

~The Giveaway:

(2) Signed copies of The Nightmare Affair (INTL)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for stopping by!

Don't forget to follow the rest of THE NIGHTMARE AFFAIR BLOG TOUR!

Have a great weekend! :D

~Jaiden 

{Blog Tour} Broken Wings by Shannon Dittemore

~The Books~

Angel Eyes

Series: Angel Eyes Trilogy #1

Author: Shannon Dittemore

Release Date: May 29, 2012

by, Thomas Nelson Fiction

Pages: 327

Buy:~Amazon~B&N~

Once you’ve seen, you can’t unsee. Everything changes when you’ve looked at the world through . . .  

ANGEL EYES  

Brielle’s a ballerina who went to the city to chase her dreams and found tragedy instead. She’s come home to shabby little Stratus, Oregon, to live with her grief and her guilt . . . and the incredible, numbing cold she can’t seem to shake.  

Jake’s the new guy at school. The boy next door with burning hands and an unbelievable gift that targets him for corruption.

Something more than fate has brought them together. An evil bigger than both of them lurks in the shadows nearby, hiding in plain sight. Two angels stand guard, unsure what’s going to happen. And a beauty brighter than Jake or Brielle has ever seen is calling them to join the battle in a realm where all human choices start.  

A realm that only angels and demons—and Brielle—can perceive.{Goodreads}

AND THE SEQUEL....

 Broken Wings

Series: Angel Eyes Trilogy #2

Author: Shannon Dittemore

Release Date: February 19, 2013

by, Thomas Nelson Fiction

Pages: 311

Buy:~Amazon~B&N~

Giant angels with metal wings and visible song. A blind demon restored from the pit of darkness. And a girl who has never felt more broken.  

Brielle sees the world as it really is: a place where the Celestial exists side by side with human reality. But in the aftermath of a supernatural showdown, her life begins to crumble. Her boyfriend, Jake, is keeping something from her—something important. Her overprotective father has started drinking again. He’s dating a much younger woman who makes Brielle’s skin crawl, and he’s downright hostile toward Jake. Haunting nightmares keep Brielle from sleeping, and flashes of Celestial vision keep her off kilter.

What she doesn’t know is that she’s been targeted. The Prince of Darkness himself has heard of the boy with healing in his hands and of the girl who sees through the Terrestrial Veil. When he plucks the blind demon, Damien, from the fiery chasm and sends him back to Earth with new eyes, the stage is set for a cataclysmic battle of good versus evil.  

Then Brielle unearths the truth about her mother’s death and she must question everything she ever thought was true.

Brielle has no choice. She knows evil forces are converging and will soon rain their terror down upon the town of Stratus. She must master the weapons she’s been given. She must fight.  

But can she fly with broken wings?{Goodreads}

~Review~

(Angel Eyes)

  I was so pleasantly surprised with this book! I have been in a reading funk and I think it got me out of it. The writing was supurb, the story line was unique and intriguing and the characters were phenominal. I loved them all. Bad and good. I was with this book from the first page and stuck with it till the very last sentence...at 3:30 if I must add. ;D 

  I think one of the major things that made this book so unique was the meaning behind it. You could tell the author wanted to make a point. Faith. That was one major message twined in its pages. And it was not just faith in the almighty God. It was faith in yourself, your companions and faith in letting go and moving on. It actually opened my eyes a bit more. This series is inspiring.

  Shannon is a wonderful writer! She has officially made me a huge fan of hers. Her story telling is amazing! I can't wait to find what happens in the next book. There is something about Dittemore's writing that just grabs you and keeps you turning the pages. I have no clue how many times I told myself "Just a few more pages. Ok just one more chapter." Obviously that didn't work out too well. It just kept getting better and better and the intensity rating shot through the roof not allowing me to put the book down. Her writing is smooth and effortless. 

  The characters in this book grow on you. I had a few problems with Brielle. Sometimes should just plain out annoyed me. She came off whiney at first but I grew to love her throughout the books. She had reasons to be sad and depressed. I couldn't imagine going through what she went through. When she finally opened up she was a great character. I LOVED Jake. When we first meet him in the beginning of Angel Eyes, he instantly gives off great charisma. He is humorous and lively. Like I said I loved him. #CrushListWorthy (I am starting that trend ok??) There are other characters throughout the story are all charismatic to a point. I couldn't help but love hating Damien. He was a really good bad guy (too many contradictions hah?) ;D 

  If you haven't started this series yet I recommend you do. You might find yourself just as happy as I was. I honestly didn't know what to expect when starting this. There aren't too many angel books trending now-a-days but each one is different in someway. There are SO many ways you can write a story with angels/demons/fallen angels. You never know what your going to get. What you get with this one is great! Go out and get your copy! I think its worth it! :D

This review was a part of the Broken Wings Blog Tour with YA Bound Tours.

~Rating~


4 of 5 stars!!! <3

~The Author~

Find her at: ~Website~Facebook~Twitter~Goodreads~Pinterest~

Shannon Dittemore has an overactive imagination and a passion for truth. Her lifelong journey to combine the two is responsible for a stint at Portland Bible College, performances with local theater companies, and a focus on youth and young adult ministry. The daughter of one preacher and the wife of another, she spends her days imagining things unseen and chasing her two children around their home in Northern California. Angel Eyes is her first novel.

~The Giveaway~

The Prizes:
1) Print copies of Angel Eyes and Broken Wings (US Only)
(5) Print copies of Broken Wings (US only)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for stopping by!

Good luck!! :D

~Jaiden

{Review} Pantomime by Laura Lam

Pantomime
Author: Laura Lam
Release Date: February 5, 2012
by, Strange Chemistry
Source: Netgalley
Format: Kindle
Pages: 392

R. H. Ragona’s Circus of Magic is the greatest circus of Ellada. Nestled among the glowing blue Penglass—remnants of a mysterious civilization long gone—are wonders beyond the wildest imagination. It’s a place where anything seems possible, where if you close your eyes you can believe that the magic and knowledge of the vanished Chimaera is still there. It’s a place where anyone can hide.

Iphigenia Laurus, or Gene, the daughter of a noble family, is uncomfortable in corsets and crinoline, and prefers climbing trees to debutante balls. Micah Grey, a runaway living on the streets, joins the circus as an aerialist’s apprentice and soon becomes the circus’s rising star.

But Gene and Micah have balancing acts of their own to perform, and a secret in their blood that could unlock the mysteries of Ellada.{Goodreads}

~Review:
  Quick note: the cover!!! Love. Love. Love it!! I totally want that mask too..major jelousy right here! The circus tent in the back ground...the everything! Really like this cover! Fits the book like a glove! <3

  More serious matters: Pantomime was a book I was much anticipating. The premise just spoke to me saying "You must need this book Jaiden! MUST!!". So, naturally, I just needed to have it! I was a bit confused at first but I quickly caught on with the different time and POVs. Little did I know though that Micah and Gene were more closely linked than I thought....major shocker when I saw how their paths crossed. Really. There was a few things in the book that had me cautious and wary but all in all this book was fantastic! Also, the only real thing I can complain about this book is the lore and history of the world in the book. I wish the author would have gone into further detail explaining the different towns and history and mythology. I was super confused when it came to that. Maybe I missed something but I literally had no clue what made Byssia people Byssia people and who the Couple was and more. I kinda just had to skim those parts and pretend to know I knew.

  Other than those few hiccups like I said...fantastic! The writing style of Laura Lam was so enticing and wonderful. I felt as if every word had its own magic behind it! The circus was most definitely my favorite part of the book. It was described so wonderfully I felt as if I was there and experiencing the circus through Micah's eyes and truly feeling the awe and magic he felt for it. The imagination ran wild in this book. (even though some of it I didn't understand) Then the time...the era this book was set in was beautiful. I love the time of parasols, extravagant dresses, balls, courting, circus entertainment, etc. And again, Laura did it all perfectly. I felt as if I was truly there smelling the smells, seeing the sights, experiencing the protagonists experiences! Laura used words that described the situation, description, and severity of the subject on hand perfectly. She made me use the dictionary but I didn't find it tiring.

  Pantomime was a work of art! The characters were developed just to my liking. There were tons of side characters but you didn't get confused. At first it takes awhile to get to know everyone but not too long. Then of course those characters you end up loving and then the ones you love to hate! Omg. Drystan....I loved him just so you know ;) I also loved Gene's brother Cyril's best friend..and of course Cyril himself. Cyril was so loyal and understanding. He has a big heart and I would love to have a brother like him. Drystan was adorable and handsome and hilarious..he is a clown! ;D  Then that ending! That ending was the best part of the book. It was fast pace, terrible and emotional. I really hope there is a sequel because you can't just end a book like that. I really enjoyed reading Pantomime. It was unique and beautiful. Magic in its self. I recommend this book to anyone who wants a fun, mysterious, magical and intriguing read!

~Rating:

4 of 5 stars!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a great day!! :)

~Jaiden 

{Blog Tour} Falling for Summer by Kailin Gow

Falling for Summer
Series: Loving Summer #1.9
Author: Kailin Gow
Release Date: December 12, 2012
by, TheEdge Books
Source: *a review copy was provided for review purposes*
Format: Ebook

Love hits you when you least expect it, grabs you, sucks you in whole, and twists you around until you could hardly breathe. Love hurts like a sucker punch, that’s both glorious and beautiful. Falling for Summer was like that for me, every time. – Nat Donovan

The Donovan Brothers

Two brothers as gorgeous as they are dangerous.

Nat Donovan, the older more responsible brother with the passion of a starving man. Knows what he wants, but knows he can’t have it without giving up everything.

Drew Donovan, the really bad boy, the black sheep, the one who has a devil-may-care attitude, wants what he wants, but knows he would have to go through the ones he loves to have it.

Nat and Drew Donovan has known Summer Jones since they were kids. She had always been the girl next door who was best friends with their little sister Rachel and was cool enough to play with the guys. Now Summer is all grown up, gorgeous, and scorchingly sexy without even knowing it. Responsible older brother Nat, who had always tried to keep their friendship platonic, now can’t stop thinking of her and wanting more. Carefree Drew, who had always had a crush on Summer, but knew Summer’s heart was already taken, can only fall further for her. But no one had anticipated what would happen between the time the Donovan brothers fell for her and now. No one knew how hard they would fall.{Goodreads}

~Review:

  Lets start out by saying I have yet to read Loving Summer. When I got the invite for the Falling for Summer tour I was informed that you did not have to have read Loving Summer in order to understand Falling for Summer. Its true. I wasn’t completely lost when reading it but I have to admit I felt a tad out of the loop. (The author) did a good job filling you in about the past events and the characters involved. I have to say that I still recommend you reading Loving Summer. I think I might have enjoyed this book a hell of a lot better if I had. Now, this does not mean I didn’t enjoy it cus I did. A lot. I just felt as if I was missing that personal connection that is loved when reading a book. It was talking with two people that share too many inside jokes. I was missing those mere details that would provide that tie with the characters and their story. I had questions like what happened last summer!? The most important one of all. Other than that Falling for Summer carried its own story and I enjoyed it. If anything it made me want to read Loving Summer that much more. I have kept my eye on it for a while now but just haven’t found time to just yet. Looks like I will be pushing some books behind for it huh? ;D

  (The author) has a nice writing style. It all kind of just flows and makes you sit back and enjoy the words on the screen (or pages). I will admit that at times I caught grammatical errors but hey, she is an indie author and I find with most indie books there are bound to be mistakes and heck! Even the published books have their mistakes. These mistakes never hindered me from loving this book though. The characters, even though I didn’t have a deeper connection with them due to not reading the first book, grew on me. Summer is a strong, independent girl I came to enjoy. I was kind of surprised when the book had chapters from her point of view. I expected it to just be Nat’s book which obviously added to the surprise of having Drew’s point of view too.

  Now, lets get down to the nitty-gritty shall we? ;) Boys..to be more clear…the Donovan boys! O my! These boys are hot. Seriously. At times I felt as though some of Drew’s sexy dialect was a bit awkward but at others…holy smoking cows!! Ya, he had me drooling. That said, I think my heart belongs to Nat. He is totally hot and completely and entirely sweet. He is strong, courageous and would do anything for Summer. That really really shined through in this book. Again, I have no clue what happened that summer but I know I love Nat Donavon. Let’s see if that changes when I read Loving Summer. (I hardly doubt it but…I do have an act for falling for the “Drew” types).

  All in all I am so glad I got to participate in the Falling for Summer Tour! It was a super cute read and I can’t wait to read more. I totally recommend this book if you are a fan of cute beach reads with a horrible (meaning you have two boys that have you doubting the team you are on with every line of theirs) love triangle, some drama, emotion, and a little bit of inspiration. This book was totally worth the read. I feel that if I had read Loving Summer this book would be getting a better rate so based of of that…. 

This review was apart of the SupaGirls Tour....

~Rating:

4 out of 5 stars!!

~Author:

Contact her at: ~Website~Blog~Twitter~Facebook~Goodreads~

Kailin Gow uses her author platform to bring awareness to issues affecting young adult and women. She has appeared on national radio as a regular guest on topics such as body image, self-esteem, dating and sexual relationships, bullying, and more; often brought up in her fiction books for young adults and women. She has won multiple awards from the International Book Awards and the Green Book Festival. Selling over half a million books, Kailin Gow has been a bestselling author of over 100 distinct books which includes the Desire Series, PULSE, Wicked Woods, and the Frost Series. She has been professionally published since 2001. She was one of the first authors for young readers to write books for girls with supernatural elements. Her first book series about extraordinary girls guided by an angel in 2001, was a success, selling thousands of print copies in days, and inspiring girl book clubs around the U.S. In 2003, she came out with more series, including The Fairy Rose Chronicles, about fairies in Feyland. Her books have been recommended by PBS Kids, US Mental Health Association, the PTA, and homeschooling associations in the United States.

Thanks for stopping by!! 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! ;D

<3 Jaiden