~REVIEW~ Entwined by Elisabeth Naughton

 

Synopsis

ZANDER—The most feared of all the Eternal Guardians. It’s rumored he can’t be killed, and he always fights like he has nothing to lose. But as a descendant of the famed hero Achilles, he’s got to have a vulnerability… somewhere.

Forces of daemons are gathering and have broken through the barriers of the Underworld. Now more than ever the Eternal Guardians are needed to protect both their own realm and the humans’. Zander can’t afford to think about what might have been with the bewitching physician he once regarded as his soul mate. But with eternity stretching before him, he also can’t fathom spending his life without the one woman who makes him feel most alive. Perhaps he’s found his weakness, after all…

ADD TO GOODREADS 

~MY REVIEW~

The Plot

ZANDER is one of the oldest living Argonauts in Argolea. Cursed with spending eternity watching those he loves die, Zander has lived a life filled with pain. Ten years ago he finally found his soul-mate, only to be divided by manipulation and miscommunication from others. With no purpose in life, Zander does the only thing that will give him one. He decides to marry Isadora. But the fight with Atalanta's daemons is heating up and Zander comes to the realization that he might be immortal but can be killed. He also gets something he never knew could happen; the possibility of a second chance with Callia, his soul-mate. But attaining a second chance is difficult when she despises him and he holds resentment towards her for destroying him ten years earlier. Entwined is their story...

The Characters

Zander reminds me so much of Zsadist from JR Wards Black Dagger Brotherhood series. He is such a lonely and destructive Argonaut. He has lived centuries in pure loneliness while he see’s his brothers and family go on to a better place. He has never had anything to live for and wishes so much for something so that he can have a purpose in his life. Underneath all that agony and angst there is a man suffering because of his curse. Although he seems detached at times when he is with Callia you get to see just how deep his love and devotion is. He is a fierce protector and is loyal warrior.

Now although I enjoyed Casey in Marked I have to say that I adored Callia. She is fragile in the beginning and is manipulated by those that she thinks love her. As she grows to learn about her strengths and fight for what she wants she turns into a fierce heroine. She doesn’t cower when Zander becomes intimidating and she doesn’t sit back and let others fight her battles.Although hard headed at times I admired her determination and that she wasn't a pushover.

Then there is Max. In Marked we were introduced to him and some may have realized the connection he has to the Argonauts. In Entwined you will finally get the answers to his connection. He was such a wonderful kid but was raised under the poison of Atalanta so that is his biggest struggle. Seeing the strength he had was so heartbreaking only because of the environment he grew up in.

I want to point out all the other characters because they are what makes this series what it is. I enjoyed catching up with Casey,Theron, Isadora, and the other Argonauts. Isadora was pretty weak in this book and a bit of a cow so I’m looking forward to getting into her head in Twisted. Orpheus and Nick are also a mystery that I am dying to unravel.

The Romance

Zander and Callia have so much bad history that it is a long journey for these two. They are both living through the pain of the decisions made ten years earlier. Decisions that broke the foundation they both tried so hard to build. When they finally have to confront their past their story truly begins. The love these two have for each other has held over 10 years so when they both are thrust together it is both wonderful and tumultuous. Zander and Callia are both kindhearted as well as have strong personalities. Their moments together were great but also frustrating at times because of the miscommunications.

The Wrap-Up

Entwined is currently my favorite in the Eternal Guardians series! This one was more of my type of book only because it wasn’t all about sex with these two. Their story had so many other elements that were focused on that it was easier to connect with these two and their story. I was worried that their HEA was never going to happen but after all the storms their sunny day arrived and I adored it.

HAPPY READING!

~BLOG TOUR~ REVIEW: How to Seduce a Band Geek by Cassie Mae

Synopsis

Sierra Livingston’s got it bad for her sister’s best friend, Levi Mason—the boy who carries his drumsticks in his pocket, marches with the school’s band, and taps his feet to whatever beat runs through his head. Sierra racks her brain for ways to impress the sexy drummer, but the short skirts and bursting cleavage don’t seem to cut it.

When Sierra gets paired with Levi’s sister, Brea, for a mentorship program, they strike a deal. In exchange for Sierra keeping her mouth shut about Brea ditching the program, Brea lets Sierra dig for more info on Levi to help get the guy of her dreams.

But when Sierra discovers Levi no longer plays the drums, his family has moved into a trailer, and he’s traded in his Range Rover for a baby blue moped, Sierra’s not sure if she can go through with violating his privacy. She’ll have to find the courage to ask him straight out—if he’s willing to let her in—and explore other ways to seduce the school’s band geek.

ADD TO GOODREADS

BUY: AMAZON ~ KOBO

~MY REVIEW~ 
**ARC provided by author for blog tour.**

The Plot

In How to Date a Nerd we meet Zoe Livingston and were introduced to her sister Sierra. How to Seduce a Band Geek is Sierra’s story.

Just like Zoe, Sierra has always wanted to fit in with her peers. After crashing her sisters car into a tree to prevent her boyfriend from seducing her she becomes the pariah at her school. Day to day is a constant hell as her classmates belittle her because of her choice. As time passes she tries to get through it by trying to be invisible. The only friend she has is a guy that is like a brother and a girl that turns out to be the worst possible friend ever.

As she tries to accept her predicament and get the attention of her sister’s best friend, Levi, Sierra must also deal with the constant hurdles high school throws at you. Until the boy she has had a crush on turns out to be her saving grace. That is when Sierra truly learns what it is to love someone wholeheartedly. To the point where you want to take care of them.

The Characters

Sierra is so much different from Zoe but also the same in their compassion. Zoe was finally able to be herself with her “nerd” and what Sierra finds is that she is able to open herself up to a “band geek”. Both girls find themselves with people they never imagined. In How to Date a Nerd I was angry with Sierra and thought she was a selfish girl. In How to Seduce a Band Geek we see her so differently. She has grown up but still lives with the repercussions of her actions in HtDaN. What I do like is that she learns to let go of that uptight stuck-up girl attitude and just be herself. I found that those were the parts I loved most about her. She was sweet and cared about all the people around her. Even the ones that didn’t deserve it.

Levi was pretty cool too. He had so much going on for someone his age which made me adore him. Zak was wonderful but Levi was so as wonderful, if not more. He was sweet, protective, caring and most of all he was confident of himself. He had to deal with losing everything he had and taking on a lot of responsibility but did so without complaining. He worried about his loved ones more than about himself. I was so sad to see him struggle to take care of everyone and wanted someone to finally take care of him. Which is what Sierra tries to do. I didn’t enjoy him pushing away Sierra when she wanted to help but was glad that he realized she was his beacon of light.

The Romance

If there is something I never complain about with Cassie’s books it’s the romance. She takes a pure and sweet approach to the romance between her characters. So much so that the story has you feeling the excitement of your first love over and over again. The romance between Sierra and Levi isn't any different. It was sweet and pure but also heart wrenching and marred with sadness. I loved how they both found their “home” in each other and wanted nothing more but to be able to love without consequences. I loved their determination to take care of each other and those they loved.

The Wrap-up

So although I enjoyed HtDaN I have to say that I really enjoyed this one a bit more. I loved Sierra and Levi’s characters as well as being able to reconnect with Zoe and Zak. Cassie Mae does an AWESOMESAUCE job with sweet and lovely romances. I cannot wait for the next book in this series to release!

 
HAPPY READING!

~About the Author~

Amazon multi-category and international bestselling author of HOW TO DATE A NERD, HOW TO SEDUCE A BAND GEEK and HOW TO HOOK A BOOKWORM

Cassie Mae is a nerd to the core from Utah, who likes to write about other nerds who find love. Her angel children and perfect husband fan her and feed her grapes while she clacks away on the keyboard. Then she wakes up from that dream world and manages to get a few words on the computer while the house explodes around her. When she’s not writing, she’s spending time with the youth in her community as a volleyball and basketball coach, or searching the house desperately for chocolate.

Cassie Mae is an Amazon.com bestselling author of the teen contemporary romance novel REASONS I FELL FOR THE FUNNY FAT FRIEND, which she self-published. In addition to publishing with Swoon Romance, she is published by Random House Flirt.

Author Links: Blog ~ Goodreads ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest

~GIVEAWAY~

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Blog Tour Organized by:
YA Bound Book Tours

~REVIEW~ Insurgent (Divergent #2) by Veronica Roth

Synopsis

One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

 ADD TO GOODREADS

~REVIEW~

OMG!!! What a cliffhanger!!

Insurgent was a great continuation to the series! In this book we start off right where Divergent ended. Tris and the group are in Amity and are trying to regroup. But regrouping is not easy when you are in a different faction from what you are accustomed to and when you are being hunted. A war has begun among the factions and this book will have you delving deeper into the secrets kept from everyone.

I enjoyed getting to know more about the other factions and to be able to see how they kept the "harmony" in their society. If there was one thing I was disappointed with was the secrets kept between Tris and Four. If it weren't for their stubbornness some things wouldn't have gone down the way they did.

Overall, Insurgent as a great sequel and I am looking forward to reading Allegiant.

Pick this book up! Read this entire series!

HAPPY READING!

FAVORITE QUOTES:

“No matter how long you train someone to be brave, you never know if they are or not until something real happens.”

“People, I have discovered, are layers and layers of secrets. You believe you know them, that you understand them, but their motives are always hidden from you, buried in their own hearts. You will never know them, but sometimes you decide to trust them.”

“I’ll be your family now,” he says.
“I love you,” I say.
I said that once, before I went to Erudite headquarters, but he was asleep then. I don’t know why I didn’t say it when he could hear it. Maybe I was afraid to trust him with something so personal as my devotion. Or afraid that I did not know what it was to love someone. But now I think the scary thing was not saying it before it was almost too late. Not saying it before it was almost too late for me.
I am his, and he is mine, and it has been that way all along.
He stares at me. I wait with my hands clutching his arms for stability as he considers his response.
He frowns at me. “Say it again.”
“Tobias,” I say, “I love you.”
His skin is slippery with water and he smells like sweat and my shirt sticks to his arms when he slides them around me. He presses his face to my neck and kisses me right above the collarbone, kisses my cheek, kisses my lips.
“I love you, too,” he says.”

~NEW RELEASE & GIVEAWAY~ Work Like You Don't Need the Money by SJ McCoy

Title: Work Like You Don't Need the Money

Author: SJ McCoy

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Purchase Links:

Synopsis

"Work Like You Don't Need the Money is the second in the Summer Lake contemporary romance series which follows a group of friends from a small lakeside town in the California hills. They have kept in touch over the years and now, in their early thirties, their lives are drawing them back to Summer Lake and to each other.

Holly Hayes is a realist if nothing else. She's going to be Maid of Honor at her best friend Emma's wedding. The delicious Pete Hemming, self made millionaire, all around good guy, is going to be the Best Man. If they're going to be able to get through their official duties though, there's something they'll need to deal with first. Sex!
He may be out of her league socially and financially, but one thing is clear. He wants her. She wants him too, so what's the harm in one night of passion? It's inevitable they're going to end up naked together. So it's best to get it out of the way early, right? So they can get on with organizing the wedding.
Pete Hemming is a man with a plan. He's lived his life by the plan, built his business by it. The plan doesn't allow for a woman in his life, only in his bed. Trouble is, once he gets Holly into his bed, he can't get her out of his mind. But he can't let her into his life, can he?

To celebrate this latest release, Love Like You've Never Been Hurt (Summer Lake #1) will be free for a limited time on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00es2aj16 Please check pricing before you download."

 ADD TO GOODREADS

~EXCERPT~

“Seems I'm not the only one you've got wrapped around your little finger,” said Pete.

Holly raised an eyebrow, “I don't see you getting wrapped around anyone's finger, Mr Bigshot. But yes, I think I did just make some new friends.”

“Mr Bigshot? What the hell makes you say that?” He was surprised by the name and even more surprised that he liked her using it.

“Oh, come on. It's obvious that you're used to saying 'Jump' and having everyone ask, 'How high?'”

Pete laughed. She was probably right, but he didn't like to think of it that way. He couldn't work out the look on her face. Was she dismissing him, or tempting him? He fixed his eyes on hers, remaining silent, watching the laughter fade from her face as she stared back at him. He held the silence a few moments longer than was comfortable, then said, “Jump!”

She laughed. “No way, Mr. Bigshot. You're not getting me like that.”

Though she was laughing, the gleam in her eyes looked a lot like lust and that dress couldn't hide her taught nipples. She really did want him. Perhaps not as much as he wanted her, that might be impossible, but her body was giving her away. Would it really be such a bad idea to act on something they both wanted so badly?

“What way will I get you then?” He couldn't resist asking, but was still shocked when she met his eyes and said, “Any way you want as long as it's just sex and no strings.”

He wasn't used to a woman taking his breath away and leaving him speechless, but here she'd done it yet again. She stood before him, chin lifted, shoulders thrown back, lips slightly parted, looking so very kissable. But he shouldn't. They shouldn't. How could he not? Or was she really just teasing?

Alonso rescued him. “We have your table now, my friends. The best in the house. Please, follow me.”

Pete allowed her to walk ahead of him, watching her backside swing and considering her words, 'Any way you like'. What was that quote? Something about 'Let me count the ways'? It would take them quite a while to work through all the ways he wanted her. She couldn't be serious? And could he do it if she were? More like could he stop himself? He already knew the answer to that one.

Once they were seated and Alonso had left them with a bottle of the Rioja, he peered over his menu at her. “It's not fair to taunt a guy like that you know. Especially to tease him with something you can see he wants so badly.”

“I wasn't teasing. I was offering.”

She looked up at him and he locked her eyes with his own. Needing to pin her down on what she was really saying. “Any way I like?”

He watched her swallow and press her lips together as she nodded slowly.

“Why Holly?”

“Isn't it obvious?”

“It's obvious that I want you. Beyond that I'm not sure I can think straight enough to make sense of anything.”

“Well, I think it's obvious that I want you too. It's also obvious that we shouldn't. We're from different worlds. We have no business being together, but we're going to be seeing a lot of each other until Emma and Jack's wedding. We can dance around it and make life difficult or we can get it over with and out of the way.”

“Get it over with?” Pete was taken aback by her forthright explanation and pretty much insulted that any woman, especially one he wanted this badly, would consider sex with him something she had to 'get it over with'. He stared at her, eyebrows lowered. The waiter returned to take their order, giving Pete a moment to calm down. Once the waiter had gone he looked at her again. He knew she wasn't as brazen as she was trying to make out.

She smiled sweetly at him, “What's up, Mr. Bigshot? Like to think you're something special do you?”

He had to laugh, that sealed it for him. “I don't think it, Sweetheart, I know it and I'm going to show you just how special. All. Night. Long.

~BUY THE BOOKS~
Love Like You've Never Been Hurt, Book #1: AMAZON

~ABOUT THE AUTHOR~

I'm SJ. A coffee addict, lover of chocolate and drinker of good wines. I'm a lost soul and a hopeless romantic. Reading and writing are necessary parts of who I am. Though perhaps not as necessary as coffee! I can drink coffee without writing, but I can't write without drinking coffee.

I grew up loving romance novels, my first boyfriends were book boyfriends, but life intervened, as it tends to do, and I wandered the paths of non fiction for a couple of decades. My life changed completely a couple of years ago and I returned to Romance to find my escape.

I write 'Sweet N Steamy' stories because to me the 'feel-good-factor', both emotional and physical, is what makes Romance so appealing.

If you want to know more, or to tell me what you think of my books (love 'em or hate 'em) you can always email me at sj @ sjmccoy . com


Connect with SJ: Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads Author 

 

~GIVEAWAY~

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~COVER REVEAL~ Sweet Rome by Tillie Cole

TITLE: Sweet Rome
SERIES: Sweet Home #2
AUTHOR: Tillie Cole
GENRE: New Adult Contemporary PUBLICATION DATE: 30th January 2014 REVEAL ORGANIZED BY: Kelly @ Have Book Will Read

Synopsis

You met Romeo Prince in the Amazon & USA Today bestselling novel, Sweet Home. Now hear the story from his lips: unbarred, uncensored and raw to the bone.

It makes me laugh when I hear that folk think Mol and I rushed into it too fast, spouting that we couldn't possibly have felt what we did for each other in such a short space of time. I say, how the hell would they know? We made it, didn't we? She became my whole life, didn't she? And as for my folks not being real, being true? Tell that to me aged ten, eleven, twelve — damn, all my bastard life — when I was never enough, when I was beaten until I bled for being too good at football and not being everything they'd dreamed: the perfectly dutiful son. Tell that to thousands of kids around the world getting wailed on by asshole parents for whatever stupid reason; tell them that evil don't exist in their eyes.

Fuck Romeo and Juliet: this is the story of me and my girl, from my lips. No mushy sentiment, no cheese, just the plain, hard truth, and, because I'm feeling generous, I'm going to let you in on more of our story too.

Sweet Rome is a New Adult Companion Novel to Sweet Home — contains adult content, sexual situations and mature topics. Suited for ages 18 and up.

~ABOUT THE AUTHOR~

Tillie Cole is a Northern girl through and through. She originates from a place called Teesside on that little but awesomely sunny (okay I exaggerate) Isle called Great Britain. She was brought up surrounded by her English rose mother -- a farmer's daughter, her crazy Scottish father, a savagely sarcastic sister and a multitude of rescue animals and horses.

Connect with Tillie:  Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Blog ~ Goodreads

COVER REVEAL HOSTED BY:

~COVER REVEAL~ Sempre: Redemption by JM Darhower

I'm so excited to be sharing with you all the cover to the sequel of Sempre, Sempre: Redemption!! 

Title: Sempre: Redemption
Author: JM Darhower
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Suspense, Mystery

Release date: December 23rd, 2013

Pre-order links: Simon & Schuster ~ Amazon ~ B&N ~ iStore

Synopsis

In this thrilling and sexy follow-up to Sempre, two young lovers struggle to keep their relationship intact after they become deeply enmeshed in the dangerous mafia-run crime ring they once tried to overthrow.

Haven Antonelli and Carmine DeMarco have been through a lot. Haven was taken in by Carmine’s father, and with his family’s help, she escaped a gruesome fate. However, saving Haven from the dark intentions of a mafia family cost Carmine a steep price: he was forced to swear loyalty to them.

Now, still passionately in love, Carmine and Haven must face the fall-out of Carmine’s forced service, as Haven discovers terrifying secrets about the family that enslaved both her and her mother—and why she matters so much in this intricate web of lies.

~BUY THE BOOKS~

Sempre, book #1(re-releasing on November 25th)

  AMAZON

~About the Author~

JM Darhower is the author of countless stories and poems, most of which only she has ever read. She lives in a tiny town in rural North Carolina, where she churns out more words than will ever see the light of day. She has a deep passion for politics and speaking out against human trafficking, and when she isn't writing (or fangirling about books) she's usually ranting about those things.

Chronic crimper with a vulgar mouth, she admits to having a Twitter addiction. You can usually always find her there.


Connect with JM: TWITTER ~ FACEBOOK ~ WEBSITE

Gio (5th Street, #2) by Elizabeth Reyes

Book Description:

When tragedy strikes in the ring, Giovanni Bravo falls into a deep depression, walking away from his dream of boxing to train instead. He agrees to a two month get-away, helping train Felix Sanchez, his high school best friend and now welterweight champ of the world. Once at Felix’s lavish boxing complex, he’s reunited with Bianca Rubio, someone he remembers only as the girl with the innocent doe eyes back in high school. Her refreshing, cheerful demeanor not only takes Gio’s mind off his troubled conscience, he finds himself falling for her fast and hard. The problem—Bianca is Felix’s girlfriend.

Having a sexy, famous boyfriend has its perks, but they come with a price. Bianca not only has to deal with the ongoing tabloid rumors about her boyfriend hooking with other women, but also his constant absence when he is on the road. So now that Felix will be in town for two whole months to train for his next big bout, Bianca is thrilled. He’s even asked her to move into his cabin while he's there. But when he leaves for days at a time to promote his fight, Bianca spends time getting to know Felix’s gorgeous new trainer and good friend, Gio. Increasingly drawn to his sweet smile and smoldering green eyes, she finds herself saying and doing things she normally wouldn’t.

As it becomes more and more difficult for each to resist the other, Gio crosses the line between them. He hopes that one kiss will alleviate the overwhelming temptation and clear both their systems, but it does just the opposite. Their temptation suddenly becomes an obsession--an obsession that quickly forces Gio to realize this is more than just lust. He's fallen hard and to his delight so has she. Now he's forced to make the hardest decision of his life. Risk losing his long time friend or walk away from the only girl he's ever loved.

Christina's BookReview

RECAP

Giovanni Bravo's life is turned upside down when an accident in the ring leaves someone dead. Trying to get his friend out of his funk Felix, Gio's friend, invites Gio to join him as a trainer on his "vacation" in Big Bear. What Gio doesn't expect is to fall for the one person in Big Bear that is unavailable. No matter what Gio should stay away from Bianca, Felix's girlfriend.

Bianca has always been the good girl. She is in a relationship with a guy that she cares about and one that loves her. She refuses to let the rumors that are made up about her boyfriend to destroy them. But when Gio walks into her life she isn't expecting for her attraction to him to question her current relationship. No matter what Bianca should stay away from Gio. 

What happens when they both cross a line they shouldn't have?When desire and passion take over?

MY TAKE

Okay so in Noah I liked Gio and couldn't wait to read his story. Going into this I knew what the circumstances were. Reading the first half I understood the characters. Sadly, the moment they crossed the line they shouldn't have I lost all my enthusiasm to read this. If you all know one about me its that I hate hate cheating. I can deal with flirting but the moment it crosses that I'm can't get over it.

I lost respect most of all with Gio. He was a great friend to his 5th Street gang and so I respected that about him. I understood his struggle with falling for Felix's girl but thought that he should have respected "the guy code". Felix might not have been his best friend, but he was his friend. The moment he threw all caution to the wind I wanted to strangle him. I know that I can't expect him to be perfect but damn he just had no respect...or if he did it was little.

Unfortunately, Bianca wasn't a character I liked even from the beginning. Her POV's were boring to read. the only thing I did like about her character was her responses to Gio's flirtation. That's all. I felt like she was naive. Yes I understood that Felix might not have been the perfect guy but he still cared about her and she should have had more respect for him. The moment she started craving Gio should have been the moment she moved out or broken up with Felix. Even if she was just flirting with Gio in the beginning the moment it went beyond that and feelings got mixed up in it she should have walked away. That she didn't, was disappointing. But to each there own. My readers might think different.

Felix's character was not in the book a lot and your impression of him at first is that he's a womanizer. I have to admit I didn't like him at first either but seeing him with Bianca made me like him. He sweet to her, he truly cared about her. His devotion to 5th Street was also something I really like about his character. He didn't forget where he came from when he got rich and famous. You have to have mad respect for him because of that. Yes, he made mistakes, but what guy doesn't? I felt bad for him and I do look forward to reading his book if it is does come out one day.

The 3 stars is only because I liked the flirting and banter between Gio and Bianca in the beginning of the book.Surprisingly I like that whole "forbidden fruit" crap but only when it doesn't cross the line. 

I will let you decide on this one. 

Happy Reading!

The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Book Description:

Mara Dyer once believed she could run from her past.

She can’t.

She used to think her problems were all in her head.

They aren’t.

She couldn’t imagine that after everything she’s been through, the boy she loves would still be keeping secrets.

She’s wrong.

In this gripping sequel to The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, the truth evolves and choices prove deadly. What will become of Mara Dyer next?

CHRISTINA'S BOOKREVIEW

"They rattled my cage to see if I’d bite. When they released me, they’d see that the answer was yes."

“The people we care about are always worth more to us than the people we don’t. No matter what anyone pretends.”

RECAP

Life for Mara is about to change on a whole new level. If she thought that her only problem was accidentally getting people killed she has another one coming. In Evolution Mara is faced with new dilemmas and is being stalked by a ghost from her past. One that no one believes is still alive. But she can't be crazy, someone is killing animals, someone is leaving her messages and someone wants her dead. No one will believes her and now she is stuck trying to convince them that she is "normal" when she is nothing of the sort.

In Evolution Noah is the only person that believes Mara. He is with her through all of her rough patches and is dead set on helping her find out who is stalking her. But even Noah see's the changes in Mara and starts to vehemently find answers for her and also for himself. But will trying to find answers lead to his demise?

Will Noah and Mara finally find out what their connection is? Will Noah be able to help Mara get a handle of her "abilities"? Or is Mara suffering from more then PTSD?

MY TAKE

I was going to wait a few days before writing this review because it will help me write a good review. SCREW that!! I read this book in 2 days! Yes 2! This book was totally freaking AMAZING!!!

I was so worried that it would suffer from the "Sequel Syndrome" but HECKS NO! It didn't!! This book was just as great as the first, maybe more! After the cliffhanger in The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer we are left with many unanswered questions and yes some are answered in Evolution but what you are left with is a whole slew of other questions! And that isn't a bad thing at all! When it comes to keeping the readers interested and on edge Michelle is BRILLIANT!

Mara is faced with the aftermath of her breakdown in Evolution and the realization that no one believes or will ever believe her. She tries to pretend once again that she's normal so that she won't be admitted. She is tested alot in this book and is thrown a whole new slew of new problems. But you have to admire her for her courage and her strength. She tries to fight back and that it what I loved about her. But there is only one person that believes her and that will always stick by her and that is Noah.

The relationship between Noah and Mara hits a whole different level in this book. A level that I just love! Even though Mara is a handful Noah is there to help her through it all and when they discover that their might be a possible connection between them he is the one that delves into it. He as well as Mara grows a lot in this book. But he is still a little distant with her and I wish he wouldn't be. But Noah is still his cocky, beautiful, and sweet self. His devotion to Mara is so sweet and so passionate that you totally swoon over him! He was and still is my book boyfriend!! Noah Shaw is the IT boy!! :D

The secondary characters are just as wonderful. We get more of Daniel in this book and I loved every part of it. He's the big brother every girl wants! There is also the re-emergence of the one and only Jamie! I was so sad when he was sent away in Unbecoming so I was glad to have him in Evolution and play such a integral part!

Evolution is filled with romance, suspense, action, and laughter! If you haven't picked up this series yet you are missing out!!

PICK this up! READ it! LOVE it!

 

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer-Review HERE

A Song for Julia by Charles Sheehan-Miles

Book Description:

Everyone should have something to rebel against.

Crank Wilson left his South Boston home at sixteen to start a punk band and burn out his rage at the world. Six years later, he’s still at odds with his father, a Boston cop, and doesn’t ever speak to his mother. The only relationship that really matters is with his younger brother, but watching out for Sean can be a full-time job. The one thing Crank wants in life is to be left the hell alone to write his music and drive his band to success.

Julia Thompson left a secret behind in Beijing that exploded into scandal in Washington, DC, threatening her father's career and dominating her family's life. Now, in her senior year at Harvard, she's haunted by a voice from her past and refuses to ever lose control of her emotions again, especially when it comes to a guy.

When Julia and Crank meet at an anti-war protest in Washington in the fall of 2002, the connection between them is so powerful it threatens to tear everything apart.

Christina's BookReview

Recap

Julia Thompson is unlike her sister Alex in many ways. Julia is closed off and keeps to herself. She doesn't let people get close because letting people in opens her up to pain. Pain that Julia is working so hard to repress. There has been too much in her past. When Crank Wilson walks into her life he makes her feel alive for the first time ever. But opening up and letting him in isn't something Julia is willing to do. Not even if Crank tries to show her otherwise. 

Rock star, Crank Wilson has grown up with his share of difficult times. But unlike Julia he lives his life. Not is the best way but its a step up from how he grew up. When Julia stumbles into his life Crank will finally realize what real love is. Determined to show Julia that he can change and is willing to fight for her Crank weathers the ups and downs of Julia's turmoil. 

But will Julia ever open up? Will Crank finally realize that Julia needs to be set free?



My Take

I received and ARC of A Song for Julia from its amazing author and I must say that I was blown away.


In Charles's first book, Just Remember to Breathe, you are introduced to Alex Thompson and are thrown into her world and the world of the man she loves, Dylan Paris. During Alex's journey you are also introduced to the other Thompson girls and although I didn't think of wanting Julia's and Crank's story I am now excited that we did get it!

Julia's story is completely different from Alex's. Although they are sisters there is a gap in age which makes it hard to compare their situations. Julia is so strong but also so closed off to everyone around her. But there is reason to it and that reason makes you quickly sympathize with her. Julia's character is so easy to relate to that in some ways you feel like you are on the journey with her. Her journey of learning to trust in herself and in those that love her. Her past is one filled with so much heartache that all you want to do is reach through the book and hug her. Her pain, her suffering and her difficulty with healing is so heart-wrenching that you can't help but wish for this girl to finally accept herself and accept that she is loved. Bravo to Charles for eliciting those emotions in the readers because as many readers know it takes alot for that to happen.

And this story isn't complete without the amazing Male protag, Crank Wilson. When I thought that no one could be more perfect then Dylan Paris, Charles brings us another contender! Crank is your bad boy with a golden heart. But golden heart just doesn't seem to fit. Its so much more. Crank will make you swoon from his first sentence and then melt your heart throughout the book. Although he has had a rough childhood he is one strong man. His dedication to his sick brother, his family, his band, and Julia is unbreakable. He goes from not giving two shits about anything to wanting to be a better man and his transformation is incredible. I loved him and I'm sure everyone that reads this book will think the same.

Sean, Crank's brother, suffers from Asperger syndrome and seeing what that  is truly like is truly saddening but so incredible. The way Julia quickly becomes the one person that understands him is so amazing and so sweet. Seeing the true nature of the affect it has on a family is an aspect that I truly loved about his book. 

We also get to meet the Thompson sisters again and are again privy to Carrie's world. I for one cannot wait to read her story. She is truly and amazing sister and although she is the epitome of strength I'm sure that her story will be one that will capture our hearts.

So I don't have to say it but I will....PICK this up!! READ It! Fall in LOVE with it!!

Onyx (Lux # 2) by Jennifer Armentrout

Book Description:

Being connected to Daemon Black sucks…

Thanks to his alien mojo, Daemon’s determined to prove what he feels for me is more than a product of our bizarro connection. So I’ve sworn him off, even though he’s running more hot than cold these days. But we’ve got bigger problems.

Something worse than the Arum has come to town…

The Department of Defense are here. If they ever find out what Daemon can do and that we're linked, I’m a goner. So is he. And there's this new boy in school who’s got a secret of his own. He knows what’s happened to me and he can help, but to do so, I have to lie to Daemon and stay away from him. Like that's possible. Against all common sense, I'm falling for Daemon. Hard.

But then everything changes…

I’ve seen someone who shouldn’t be alive. And I have to tell Daemon, even though I know he’s never going to stop searching until he gets the truth. What happened to his brother? Who betrayed him? And what does the DOD want from them—from me?

No one is who they seem. And not everyone will survive the lies…

Christina's BookReview

“Strange how something good can come from something horrible.”
RECAP:

In this second full installment of the Lux series we pick up where Obsidian left off. Katy and Daemon are connected because of him healing her. What they aren’t prepared for are the consequences of what his actions are.

When Katy starts to experience moments of unexpected “alien mojo” she starts to freak out. And then there’s Blake who is completely normal and different from the infuriating Daemon. But when Blake turns out to be anything but normal Katy discovers just how different she is.

Katy’s life will never be the same.

As she trains to protect the people she loves and tries to fight the growing feelings she has towards Daemon, Katy realizes that she will have to make the toughest decision yet. Trust Daemon or hide what she does learn in order to protect him.

MY TAKE:

When I first read Obsidian I was head over heels in love with Daemon Black. When I read Shadows that didn’t change. But with Onyx my feelings dwindled a bit. Although I still like him but I was a little annoyed with his hot and cold attitude in Onyx. He also became a little bit too possessive and that frustrated me a bit. I understood his need to protect the people he loves but I felt like he was selfish when it came to Katy learning how to protect herself. He loved her, he was jealous. I understood why but I didn’t like the fact that he didn’t consider the benefit of having her learn to harness the changes in her. 

And then there was Katy. I loved her Obsidian. I was exasperated with her in Onyx. Again, I understood her motives and liked that she stood up to Daemon when she needed too but every other sentence was Daemon this and Daemon that. She turned into mush every time he was around. I found myself wondering, “Where did the feisty Katy from Obsidian go?” You didn’t see her in Onyx. The banter between the two was the highlight of Obsidian but in Onyx its just blah. Katy’s fire is quickly extinguished when she’s around Daemon and it just turns old quickly. She is also a terrible friend in this book and I know she thinks its to protect Dee but it was rude and it made her seem very selfish.

I actually liked Blake and understood the reasons for what he did. I liked that he didn’t go soft on Katy and that he helped her develop her powers. Even when I found out his true intentions I could understand him. I’m not saying that what he did was right but I understood why. And at the end I think Katy understood as well, which earned her some points. 

All in all Onyx was a good read. I think it definitely suffered from the second book syndrome but I will continue to read the series. 

 

Obsidian (Lux #1) Review HERE

Shadows (Lux #0.5) Review HERE

Because of Low by Abbi Glines

Book Description:

In my debut novel, Breathe, Sadie may have fallen in love with the teen rock star, Jax Stone, but readers fell head over heels for Marcus Hardy. This is his story…

Marcus Hardy had hoped to enjoy a year away at college while he put the summer he’d rather forget behind him. But instead, he’s jerked right back to the coastal town of Sea Breeze, Alabama due to a family crisis. His dear ol' dad found himself a girlfriend only a few years older than Marcus. So now his sister needs help dealing with their mother who is mentally falling apart. The only bright spot to returning is the fascinating red head who sleeps over several times a week. The problem is she's sleeping in bed with his new roommate, Cage York.

Willow “Low” Foster needs a place to live. Running to Cage’s apartment every time her sister kicks her out isn’t exactly a long term solution. Juggling her courses at the local community college and a part time job doesn’t produce excess income. But Cage has a new roommate and suddenly sleeping over at her best friend’s apartment isn’t such a bad thing. Not when she gets to see those sexy green eyes of Marcus Hardy’s twinkle when he smiles at her like he wants her there.
Even though Cage seems a little territorial where Low is concerned, Marcus finds time to spend with Low without upsetting his roommate. Cage may use his small college baseball star persona to sleep with every hot female in his path but he’s still under the disillusion that when he’s through sowing his wild oats, he’s going to marry Low. Marcus intends to change that assumption for both Cage and Low. Until his carefully laid plans come crashing down with a revelation he never expected. He’ll have to choose between Low or his family. Because once the truth comes out.... there’s no other choice.

Christina's BookReview

"Things happen in life and you can’t control them. It sucks and you have to move on."

Marcus Hardy is the guy that lost Sadie White to a Rock Star. Leaving Sea Breeze made the heartbreak easier. But Marcus is back in Sea Breeze for good. Not because he wanted it that way. Things would have been easier if he stood away. Unfortunately Marcus didn't get his wish. After dropping out of college for online courses Marcus returns home to deal with a good old fashion family drama. He doesn't have time for anything, other then his family and his classes, including any relationship with a girl.

Willow(Low)Foster has been dealing with her own issues all her life. Growing up with a mother that didn't even care if she existed and a sister that berated her was not easy. Low is used to people she love leaving her. Her only safe haven being her player of a best friend, Cage.

Cage is a playboy. He loves girls,sex and baseball, but Willow is his weak spot. Cage loves her and intends on marrying her someday. Willow assures him that he has false hope because he's like her brother. But Cage doesn't think that.

When Marcus moves in with Cage a series of events unfold. Marcus didn't know that any girl could make him feel the way Willow does. Low didn't expect to feel the way she does around Marcus. Will Low be able to find a safe place with anyone other then Cage? Will Marcus be able to show her she can trust him? Will the two be able to overcome the curve-balls they are thrown? Read and find out.

I was so excited that Marcus would have his own book that I jumped right into it. Marcus Hardy is what dreams are made of. Sweet, loving, caring, considerate and damn Sexy. What isn't there to love? As we all witnessed Marcus was not Sadie's choice in Breathe and it turns out that she isn't. Marcus and Willow are one steamy couple. You can't help but love the time they spend together and smile every time he showers her with love.

Willow is a good girl with a feisty attitude and that makes you instantly like her. I enjoyed seeing her interaction with all the characters. From her love for Cage to her loving adoration for her niece. I liked that even though she had her issues she didn't let anyone stomp on her, except her sister but that was because of her niece. I even liked that she didn't put up with Marcus' crap when he wasn't himself.

Why the 4.5 stars? Even though I enjoyed this book I thought something was missing. I felt like Marcus and Willow bypassed the "bonding" part of their relationship. They did interact but they never trusted each other enough to let each other in on their problems. Not until the end and that was quickly forgiven. Which leads me to Low forgiving Marcus too quickly when the misunderstandings started. And Marcus getting over Sadie so quickly was a bit unrealistic as well. The half star is for Cage because he's just Bad Boy HOTT! :-) Read and you'll see what I mean.

Other then those things Because of Low was a great story of family,love and trust. If you read Breathe and LOVED Marcus, read this! I will be moving on to While it Lasts next to read Cage's story! Great job to Ms. Glines for giving us a shit load of hot male characters to fantasize about! :)

 

Breathe (Sea Breeze #1) Review HERE

While it Last (Sea Breeze #3) Review to Come...

 

Blood Like Poison: Destined for a Vampire by M. Leighton

Book Description

Ridley Heller thought that all her problems would be over if she could have Bo back—back from the dead. But what Ridley didn’t know was that her wish would come at a price.

Bo survived a condition that would have killed a lesser vampire, or any vampire for that matter. The only reason he didn’t die is because of who he is, someone Ridley doesn’t know at all. Someone Bo himself doesn’t know at all.

As Ridley gets closer to finding out Bo’s true identity, she discovers that loving him could also come at a price, a price much higher than she ever could have imagined. The question is: is there any such thing as a price too high to pay for Bo? For his love, for his safety, for eternity in his arms

Christina's BookReview

 "Whatever the future held, I was going to enjoy the present. I was going to live and love like there was no tomorrow. For all I knew, that might be the case. At the rate I was going, on any given day there was a distinct possibility that tomorrow might never come."

In this second installment of the Blood Like Poison series Ridley is faced with alot more then she can handle. New enemies, new complications, life without Bo and juggling a "normal" teenage life. On top of all that she has to deal with the consequences of what happened to Devon and Savannah.

As Ridley comes to terms with what exactly Bo is she has to deal with also being lonely. Without Bo beside her Ridley must battle her own set of Vampires. Vampires that are suddenly all out to get her, for reasons she doesn't understand. When Ridley discovers that she isn't hallucinating and does in fact have Bo back she is relieved. She tries to be happy with having Bo back in some form but it isn't easy when she is being hunted. Will Bo be able to save her? Or will he be to late? Read and find out.

I was looking forward to delving back into Bo and Ridley's story and wasn't disappointed. The story starts off with Ridley finding out that Bo is more then a simple Vampire. He is so much more and I was excited when what I expected was in fact correct! I have to say that I did miss having Bo in this book like we did in the first. With his situation it isn't easy for him to be with Ridley and that sucked. With his absence Ridley has to deal with alot and also makes some very stupid mistakes but in the end she is the most help of all.

The only reason this book only got 4 stars is because Bo was absent alot and it frustrated me as much as it did Ridley. Another reason was because although I ADORE Bo I was annoyed that he just showed up extra late whenever something happened to Ridley. I guess I sort of wanted him to be the hero in the book but found that Ridley was instead. More power to her. though. :-) In his defense with his condition it wasn't possible for him to be around all the time.

But the times that he was there for her were so worth it! I found myself smiling and giddy whenever he was around. He definitely lived up to the saying "distance makes the heart grow fonder" but I must add "and the body grow hotter"...LOL Trust me, read and find out. :-)

With that said, pick up the second book! Its filled with just as much action and romance! Mrs. Leighton gave us Bo and you wouldn't want to miss out on him! :-) 

Review for Blood Like Vampire: For the Love of a Vampire (Book #1) HERE