Rush Crush

Never Too Far by Abbi Glines
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Let me be totally honest...I HAVE A SERIOUS CASE OF RUSH CRUSH.

Never Too Far starts off where Fallen Too Far ends, and brings you right back into the heartache and sorrow Blaire is experiencing at the end of the first book.  I was completely pulled back in from page one.  As much as I was anticipating Never Too Far (and seriously, who wouldn't be after the ending of the first book!), I was nervous that I would not like the characters as much this time around...that the story wouldn't hold up to my hopes or expectations.
I was wrong...I fell in love with Rush all over again (though there were moments where I wanted to freaking slap him silly - a week Rush, really?!? *slap*) and Blaire was as independent (read:stubborn) and lovable as ever (though there were times I just wanted her to go off on Rush, like she did Cain...because, honestly - he deserved it.  She seemed to lose her confidence and second guessed herself on every little thing...damned hormones).  The romance between Rush and Blaire was sweet and the sex was oh.my.sweet.lawd HOT! Melt your panties hot. Yum!
I absolutely LOVED Woods and Bethy...hell, even Jace...in this book. They were all fabulous and I for one cannot wait to learn more about Woods and hear his story - he was seriously sweet in this book.

*Spoiler Alert*
The one thing about this book that I didn't like as much was that it seemed rushed along -especially at the end.  It really felt like there should have been another chapter or epilogue because the ending was rather abrupt.  It was a happy moment, and I was thrilled for Blaire and Rush...but I just wanted more.  More closure. I wanted the birth story, or at least a glimpse at Blaire and Rush as parents.  Oh, man...to read from Rush's point of view the birth of his baby would be amazing. I would like to know what happens between Blaire and her father...have they come to some sort of understanding...has he decided to be present in her life?  What is the relationship between Rush's family now that the truth has come out?  What is up with Grant's behavior toward Nan (please please do not let him have been the one in Nan's room *shudder*). What happens with Jace and Bethy?

Well, thank goodness Abbi Glines has decided to write a 3rd book (way to go fans who pushed this to #1 !!) and we can hopefully get answers and resolution...and a happily ever after for these characters whom I love so much!


View all my reviews

Cover Reveal: Wait For You

I am SOOO excited to share this with you all.  I have been waiting (not so patiently) for this book to come out - and not only do I get to reveal the cover...the book has been released EARLY!! 

What do early readers have to say about WAIT FOR YOU?

“J. Lynn creates a wonderful cast of characters that will make you laugh, swoon, and cry. Cam stole my heart.” – Cora Carmack, NYTimes and USA TODAY Bestselling Author 

of LOSING IT

“For the love of all that is Cameron without a shirt on! Wait for You will have you laughing out loud, fanning yourself and anxiously waiting to know what will happen next.” – Molly McAdams, NYTimes and USA TODAY Bestselling Author of FROM ASHES 

and TAKING CHANCES

“I don't think I have ever read a NA Contemporary novel with as much depth as this one. It really moved me and by the end I was just speechless over how inspirational and uplifting it was as well as being sexy and cute and funny and emotional.” - K Books

“Wait For You is uniquely different from anything else J. Lynn's written but it might possibly be her best work yet.” – Jenuine Cupcakes

“For all of you in love with Aiden and Daemon, PREPARE YOURSELVES! Your heart will have to expand a little more for Cam.” Total Bookaholic

“For the love of all things CAM, this book deserves more than 5 stars.” – Mundie Moms

“I cannot even begin to explain how much I adored this perfectly crafted contemporary.” – Shortie Says

Excited? Ready to see the cover for WAIT FOR YOU?

Synopsis

Some things are worth waiting for…

Traveling thousands of miles from home to enter college is the only way nineteen-year-old Avery Morgansten can escape what happened at the Halloween party five years ago—an event that forever changed her life. All she needs to do is make it to her classes on time, make sure the bracelet on her left wrist stays in place, not draw any attention to herself, and maybe—please God—make a few friends, because surely that would be a nice change of pace. The one thing she didn’t need and never planned on was capturing the attention of the one guy who could shatter the precarious future she’s building for herself.

Some things are worth experiencing…

Cameron Hamilton is six feet and three inches of swoon-worthy hotness, complete with a pair of striking blue eyes and a remarkable ability to make her want things she believed were irrevocably stolen from her. She knows she needs to stay away from him, but Cam is freaking everywhere, with his charm, his witty banter, and that damn dimple that’s just so… so lickable. Getting involved with him is dangerous, but when ignoring the simmering tension that sparks whenever they are around each other becomes impossible, he brings out a side of her she never knew existed.

Some things should never be kept quiet…

But when Avery starts receiving threatening emails and phone calls forcing her to face a past she wants silenced, she’s has no other choice but to acknowledge that someone is refusing to allow her to let go of that night when everything changed. When the devastating truth comes out, will she resurface this time with one less scar? And can Cam be there to help her or will he be dragged down with her?

And some things are worth fighting for…

WAIT FOR YOU is available now!

Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Wait-for-You-ebook/dp/B00BLTOXEI/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1361958795&sr=1-1&keywords=wait+for+you

Barnes and Noble

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wait-for-you-j-lynn/1114701569?ean=2940016231921

 J. Lynn, also known as Jennifer L. Armentrout, is the USA TODAY Bestselling author of the adult romance Gamble Brothers’ series, the young adult Lux Series and award winning Covenant Series. She pretty much writes everything—contemporary, paranormal, and fantasy. All of her books have one thing in common no matter the name or genre: kissing… and stuff. When she’s not busy writing, which is never, she’s usually hanging out with dog Loki, watching reruns of The Walking Dead, or procrastinating on the Internet. You can find out more about Jennifer by visiting the following websites:

Twitter
https://twitter.com/JLArmentrout

Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/JenniferLArmentrout

Website:
http://www.jenniferarmentrout.com/

Heaven & Hell

I am in heaven.  I am in hell.  So many books have just come out that I have been waiting to read.  Plus, having purchased both Never Too Far by Abbi Glines and Shattered Promises by Jessica Sorensen today...while at work, and unable to immediately start reading...was pure torture.  Torture.  Lunch was just a tease.  Full time employment is seriously cutting into my reading schedule!  AND, I was already reading Ethereal Knights by Addison Moore, too.  

So, right now I am on Chapter 2 of Shattered Promises, Chapter 6 of Ethereal Knights and Pg.433 of Never Too Far.  Oh, and Jennifer Armentrout has been teasing us online that we may not need to wait as long for Wait For You (release date March 4th...or is it?!?).  *Happy Dance!*  Check back soon for a possible Cover Reveal for Wait For You!!

If you haven't gotten these yet - what are you waiting for!  ;)

Happy Reading!!

While I am thinking about it, I wanted to remind you that there are a few books coming out soon that I know I have been waiting for!  The dates I have listed were taken from the author's blogs/websites:

Never Too Far by +Abbi Glines  
Release date February 26th  
Can. Not. Wait.  #IheartRush

Shattered Promises by Jessica Sorensen
Release date February 26th
One word:  Alex

*WHY, oh why must you ladies make me choose which to read first!!*

Wait For You by Jennifer Armentrout
Release date March 4th
Looks...So...Good!

Walking Disaster by Jamie McGuire
Release date April 2nd
Oh, Travis...I have missed you.

So yeah, mark your calendars!  I will be stalking B&N, waiting to hit the 'buy now' button!!

Happy Reading!!

Just Released!!

Ethereal Knights by Addison Moore





View all my reviews

Looky Looky what I have my little hands on!  Ethereal Knights was just released this evening by Addison Moore to Amazon, Smashwords and will be on Barnes & Noble soon...check out her website for more information on where you can get it.  Check out her blog:  http://addisonmoorewrites.blogspot.com/

This is Ethereal told from the POV of Logan and Gage.  Will be happily off reading now...make sure you check it out!

Butterfly or Angel?

Metamorphosis by Erin Noelle
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

View all my reviews


3.5 Stars

Goodreads Synopsis:
Scarlett MacGregor has lived a very sheltered life courtesy of her over-the-top controlling parents. Having never been to a co-ed party, much less on a date, Scarlett has relied on her books, her music, and living vicariously through her best friend Evie to keep her sanity as she's patiently awaited her freedom from their rule.
When Scarlett and Evie go away to college, Scarlett quickly meets Ashton, Dylan, and later, Mason, and is thrown into a crash course of like, love, and lust. With Evie's help, she must figure out the difference in the three and which one she wants before she ends up without any of them.


Well, first I will say that this is a great debut in the NA world by Erin Noelle.  I liked the writing style and thought the use of other 'book boyfriends' was cute (and extremely easy to relate to).  Also, I would like to know what Scarlett is drinking with her juice to make Ash, Dylan and Mason want to be with her...cuz, if its bottled, I want it.

Lets get to the good stuff...
Ash.  Ohh, Ash.  He and Scarlett have an immediate connection.  Too bad he is a self-proclaimed man-whore.  He wants Scarlett, but is also afraid that he isn't what she needs right now ...that she needs to come out of her cocoon and experience life before he thinks about being with her.  Regardless of the fact that he finds himself needing and wanting her as much as she wants him, he continues to push her away. She is Pshyche to his Eros.

And there is Dylan, Scarlett's Abercrombie Frat Boy.  He is cute, likes to spend time talking (and making out with) Scarlett on Saturday nights when they meet at a friends party.  Scarlett likes Dylan, but feels something is a little off - as he can only see her on Saturday nights...and she doesn't feel the same connection as with Ash.  But hey, he kisses great.

Last we meet Mason.  Oh. My. Mason. Yes, yes you will like this Hot, Bad Boy, Rock God with the tats and piercings...and a heart of gold.  He rocks Scarlett's world as he coaches her in all things intimate (and believe me things get steamy and yummy and where can I get one of him?!). She is his Angel.


What I liked:
I enjoyed the relationship between the best friends Scarlett and Evie.  She was Scarlett's only real friend growing up due to her parent's over-protectiveness.  Evie was great, and I liked her a lot.

I liked the references to other books (and book boyfriends)- with the intention of finding real life boys to match the types of guys they most like in their books.  Heh...sounds like a plan to me!

I liked the male leads - mainly Ash and Mason.  They each had connections to Scarlett.  They each had some hot & steamy moments and you find yourself liking each of them for very different reasons.

The secondary characters were all good, and developed well enough to play their part in the story.  The pace was good and kept the story moving.  The book had just enough quirky, just enough angst and a good amount of plain old drama to keep you satisfied.

What I didn't like as much:
You could see hints building up to the major 'climactic event'...you kinda knew something was coming.  But, when it happened I had to stop and re-read the page.  Honestly, I was like 'Wait, what?!'. Its rather abrupt, yet at the same time heartbreaking.

I felt like some of the decisions Scarlett made were rather immature and some of the twists and turns in her thinking and actions were not necessary to get to the same end (in my humble opinion).
Lets be honest...Scarlett is indecisive. C'mon girl, you can't keep both Ash and Mason all to yourself while you choose who you want - leave some hope for the rest of us!!

My Thoughts:
Yeah, you should read the book.  I found myself liking Ash, but liking Mason too.  I couldn't decide whom I wanted Scarlett to end up with...there was no clear answer. Personally, Mason had a slight edge for me - just because I felt he was there for Scarlett and more real with her...and didn't continually push her away when she got too close.  I mean really, who doesn't love a bad boy?

But, oh my goodness...the ending. Lets just say, you may not see it coming.  You may be ecstatic or heartbroken, but the fact is - the story doesn't end here.  I for one am looking forward to book two where the battle of the wings begins.
Will she be a Butterfly or an Angel?

Thank you Ms. Noelle for a great ride.  I can't wait for the next book.  I really hope you decide to entertain us with multiple POVs - because I would love love love to know what is in Ash and Mason's heads when they wage war for Scarlett's heart.

My Favorite Mistake by Chelsea M. Cameron

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



View all my reviews



3.5 Stars

This book takes place at the University of Maine, where we meet Taylor and Hunter. She is feisty, a little damaged, and totally unable to keep a certain new roommate out of her thoughts. Hunter is seriously swoon-worthy, with his own baggage but a fabulous sense of humor and H.O.T.

What I liked:
*The relationship between Hunter and Taylor was slow and built up over time..no insti-love.
*The sexual tension / frustration that builds is Ahhhh-Mazinggg!!
*Hunter. Yes, all of him. Total swoon-worthy hunk of man. Tattoos, plays guitar, sings, witty, smart, not a slob and can cook really, really well.
*Hunter never gives up on Taylor, is there for her at every turn...Even when she absolutely doesn't deserve him, in my opinion.
*The secondary characters are all pretty well developed and serve a purpose for being there.

What I didn't like so much:
*Taylor's massive attitude. I thought she was a little immature, judgmental and overly skittish. In short she really was bitchy. Yes, I guessed the 'big secret' fairly early on, but as much a I can empathize - her attitide still seemed to be overly dramatic.
*The slow reveal of the "secrets" between Taylor and Hunter.

Overall the book was a good read and I enjoyed Hunter to no end. It may bring to mind Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire...but in fact, the stories are very different and stand on their own.

The Nature of Jade by Deb Caletti

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

*Spoiler Alert*





This and other reviews on Goodreads:    http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/520088651

Jade is our main character and we see the story evolve through her eyes.  She experiences panic attacks and has learned to control her anxiety with medication and counselling.  Jade loves her little brother - who enjoys nothing more than reading his fantasy novels, but is forced into a multitude of sports by a demanding Father who insists that sports will make him a man.  Jade's mother is re-living high school (and drowning her depression of moving to the city and an unhappy marriage) by getting involved in every PTA function available - including going to Prom.

Jade loves the zoo which is a couple blocks from their house and watches the zoo-cam regularly, particularly the elephants.  She sees a boy with a baby on the webcam and he catches her eye because he is cute, but also her imagination with who he is and if the baby belongs to him.  Eventually Jade gets a part-time job at the elephant enclosure and learns a lot about the animals from their caretaker.  We meet Sebastian and baby Bo when they return to visit the elephants once more.

Jade and Sebastian get to know each other more, and there is a definite connection.  As we hear Sebastian's story of single fatherhood at such a young age, we discover he is hiding a big secret that could affect not only him, but his 18 month old baby boy, Bo.  Jade's parents eventually find out about Sebastian and his secret, which causes her mother to make a call to the authorities and puts Sebastian, his Aunt, and Bo on the run again.

Jade's parents go through their own evolution, as her mother's indiscretion with the HS Librarian is discovered by other students and brought to Jade's attention. Her Father moves out and starts to do things he enjoys again, and Jade's little brother is relieved to be rid of endless sporting commitments.

Sebastian and Bo are still in touch, and moving to New Mexico.  Jade decides she knows what she wants and who she wants to be with.  She transfers from her 'safe' university near home to start living free from her fears, at a school in Santa Fe.

This story is about finding yourself in the chaos of your world.  It is about discovering what we as people are willing to do for family and for love. 

View all my reviews

North of Beautiful

North of Beautiful by Justina Chen Headley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a really touching and lovely book.  It is one of those stories that you need to let pull you in...and you may need to push through the fist couple chapters and get used to the continuous cartography references (which really are beautiful once you have read the whole book).  But... it is so worth it in the end.

At first I thought the story was going to be rather superficial...a girl with a birthmark and her struggle to cover it up in the haste to avoid ridicule from her classmates and maintain an image of 'normalcy'. I was wrong.  The book encompasses so much more depth of emotion, and covers serious issues like divorce, a verbally abusive parent/husband and the fallout in a family it causes, foreign adoption & cultural acceptance, body issues, true beauty, and love.

This is really a story of relationships.  Parents and children, Mother and Father, Brother and Sister, Boyfriend and Girlfriend, Friends.  This is a story of self discovery...of learning what is important, what is real.  This is a story of growth.  This is a story of love. Love of oneself, for who you are and love of another - which can only truly happen when you accept yourself first.

The love found between Terra and Jacob is sweet, and evolves with realism.  I loved his character - even without the usual bulging muscles and washboard abs descriptors - he is amazing. His own story is compelling and adds so much to the book.  I really liked that even though this book is told in Terra's POV, you see and feel the stories of other characters, playing out in her eyes.  This book is thought provoking and beautiful, and I am so glad to have experienced it.

See for yourself.



View all my reviews