ARC Review: Ignite by Sara B Larson

 Publisher: Scholastic

Expected Publication Date: December 30, 2014

Genre: YA Fantasy, romance

Source: Print ARC

Synopsis:

Murder, abductions, and forbidden romance abound in this thrilling sequel to Sara B. Larson's acclaimed YA debut, DEFY.

Alexa remains by the newly crowned King Damian’s side as his guard, ever committed to helping him rebuild Antion and reclaim the hope of Antion's people, despite continuing to harbor a secret love for him. However, when another threat to Damian and his kingdom emerges, and blame is cast on their newly forged allies from Blevon, Alexa knows things are not what they seem. With the fate of her nation hanging in the balance once again, will Alexa be able to protect her king and uncover the true enemy -- before it's too late?

 Review:

One of my most anticipated reads since I first finished the debut novel, Defy. Ignite is filled with a butt-kicking girl, new threats, and a timeless romance. From page one, I was engrossed and I didn't stop reading until I reached the very end. I felt every single emotion imaginable; the angst, the jealousy, the panic, the love... Sara knows how to make a reader squirm, that's for sure.

The twists and turns alone will make you gasp. I know I did.

Ignite starts off a month after the events in Defy. Damian is King and Alexa is his personal guard. And only his guard. As much as she would like to be with the King, her disfigurement from when she battled Iker, and the fact that she's a girl in the Kings army, well let's just say that Alexa doesn't feel as if she's good enough. Her love for Damien will just have to be buried and never brought up again.

What's a fantasy novel without some drama? Especially drama that consists of deceit, betrayals, and sacrifices. Blevon is calling on an act of war by trying to assassinate the King. But is it really Blevon or are they getting set up? A beautiful woman comes to court in request of her father. The woman would be an equal to King Damien and everyone is very enamored with her. Everyone that is, except Alexa. Sure, she's jealous but there's more to it than that. Alexa feels as if she's hiding something and wonders if she has an ulterior motive.

Do you see where this is going???

There wasn't a dull moment when reading Ignite. The romance was full of angst and heartbreak but it never took away from the story. I liked that. Many people may think there's a love triangle going on in the story but I can assure you, there isn't! I don't mind love triangles but you won't find that here.

One thing that sort of bothered me was every time Alexa mentioned her disfigured face. I think it's awesome to have a heroine not be "perfect". It gives her character and makes her more relatable. I get that it would be something that would probably make any girl insecure, but embrace your beauty.

Overall, the ending wasn't exactly a cliffhanger but I definitely need book 3! I loved this book so much, the world building has gotten better, and the beloved characters have found a way to wedge themselves in my heart. Make sure you pick up your copy. You don't want to miss out on this action packed romance!!

*Thank you to Scholastic for providing me with a review copy for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

Buy Links:

Amazon

Amazon UK

Barnes and Noble 

About the Author:

Author of YA Fantasy DEFY (January 2014) and IGNITE (Jan. 6, 2015) from Scholastic. Mommy of three. Lover of chocolate, desserts of all kinds, and Swedish Fish. Also good books. Represented by Josh Adams of Adams Literary.
****Due to time constraints, I'm not on goodreads very often and can't usually check all my messages. But I AM active on Twitter, FB, Instagram and my blog! All requests for interviews/guest posts/etc. need to go through my publicist, Sheila Marie Everett at Scholastic. Please email her at severett (at) scholastic (dot) com and she will get back to you as soon as she can!

Website

http://www.SaraBLarson.com

Twitter username

@SaraBLarson

 

ARC Review: Bad Romeo by Leisa Rayven

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Expected Publication Date: December 23, 2014

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Source: E-ARC

 Synopsis:

When Cassie Taylor met Ethan Holt at acting school, sparks flew. She was the good girl actress. He was the bad boy about campus. But one fated casting choice for Romeo and Juliet changed it all. Like the characters they were playing, Cassie and Ethan's romance seemed destined. Until he broke her heart and betrayed her trust. Now the A-list heartthrob is back in her life and turning her world around. One touch at a time.

Cast as romantic leads once again, they're forced to confront raw memories of the heartbreaking lows and pulse-pounding highs of their secret college affair. But they'll also discover that people who rub each other the wrong way often make the best sparks.

Review:
 
*weeps with sorrow*

Uh-oh, that doesn't sound good at all. It seriously pains me to rate a book that I was excited for like this but I just can't help but feel the way I do. Did I mention it pains me to write this review as well??? From the very first moment I saw the cover for Bad Romeo, I was in love. As soon as I read the synopsis, I knew I had to have it. I even went as far as pre-ordering the paperback because just look at it, it's GORGEOUS. I contacted the author expressing how much I would love to read and review her book - seeing as it's one that would be just up my alley.

The title finally became available on NetGalley, and obviously I requested the book. I started it a couple weeks after I got approved and as soon as I started, I was grinning from ear to ear.

I LOVE books like this. And I LOVE broody assholes. They are my favorite. Ethan is the epitome of a broody jerk, and I could see why Cassie was so infatuated with him. I even loved Cassie. I thought of her as quirky and fun.

But as I read on...

And on...

And on...

I started getting a little frustrated. Ethan started becoming more like a bastard and Cassie a damn doormat. That's the best way I could describe her. I chalked it up as some angst and I was like okay, this shouldn't annoy me too much. These characters are just showing us some drama and it should pass. But it didn't. The things that happened between them were very repetitive. It got old fast. The only time that I could stomach them was when they were in the "present". But even then, things got stale.

We have Cassie and Ethan in the past and present; which switches back and forth throughout the entire novel. I liked the switches even if they were a bit confusing at times. Anyways, we know that in the past, something terrible happened and that Ethan was at fault. They break up and don't speak for years until, voila, they're cast as the leads in a play.

I don't know if it's just me, but I still don't think that their break up was ever resolved. Maybe from some of the boredom I had, I skipped over what ever happened in the first place. Honestly, at this point I don't care to read the second book.

Two characters that I adored so much in the beginning, ended up being more like a deep hatred for them. Hate may be a strong word but I'm sticking with it. Ethan was such a dick. And not even a lovable one. I could not see what his appeal was after the all the times he would tell Cassie how not good he was for her. Then turn around and kiss her; make her feel loved, and then go back to being an ass. It was like that for most of the book. The first few times, I was okay with it, the sexual tension was astronomical. Until it wasn't. And then I just got annoyed and pissed off.

Cassie... Don't even get me started on that girl. I understand C & E had that special "chemistry" but there's gotta be a time when you say enough is enough. Special chemistry or not...no one should ever have to deal with such an insensitive prick. Who cares how hot he is or his "prized penis", I would have told him sayonara sucker! Even I have my limits on broody assholes. But Cassie just took it. Then, in the present scenes, Cassie still seems to be the same girl. Only now she's bitter.

So there you have it. What started off as strong, ended up being a story that fell short. The ending... Well if you could call it that? The ending pretty much just ends. But as I said before, I don't care much to read on. I still think you should read the book if you like angst and while I didn't like the story, the writing was great! I do look forward to reading more from the author. She has great talent and clearly knows how to capture emotions. Even I wasn't immune to the way some scenes made me feel.

*Also, I did love the theater scenes! Romeo + Juliet is such a classic tale and it was great seeing it from the authors pov. I don't know much about theater but, I feel like I know some after reading this.

2.5 Stars

Buy Links:
Amazon
Amazon UK
B&N

About the Author:
 Author, actor, lover of guacamole. Fluent in sarcasm. Compulsive snuggler. Repped by Christina Hogrebe - http://www.janerotrosen.com/index.html  BAD ROMEO - Dec 23 (Macmillan)

website

http://leisarayven.com/

twitter username

@LeisaRayven

Release Blitz feat Giveaway:Claiming Serenity by Eden Butler!!!!

Buy the Book

Amazon / Amazon UK / Smashwords

Title: Claiming Serenity Series: Seeking Serenity series, Book #3 Author: Eden Butler Genre: NA | Contemporary Romance Release Date: December 22, 2014 Blitz Organized By: As The Pages Turn

Synopsis:

She left glitter in his AC vents. He put green dye in her conditioner.

She buttered his bathroom floor, and he kidnapped her precious puppy.

Layla Mullens hates Donovan Donley. His crude language, his wide shoulders, his crystal blue eyes…she hates that she can’t stop herself…from kissing him or landing in his bed.

And Donovan Donley wants nothing more than to knock Layla off her princess pedestal. He hates her stuck up attitude and her soft, tempting lips. He especially hates that her father is his coach.

But he’s fine with their arrangement—act horrible to each other during the day, attack each other naked at night. It works.

But one night changes everything. When Layla doesn’t show, and Donovan’s cold bed stays empty, the lies he tells himself to keep Layla out of his mind aren’t enough to keep him from missing her. And needing her. Something he promised himself would never happen.

The white flags in their prank war have been lowered but their high stakes battle has just begun.

Buy Chasing Serenity, Book 1

Amazon / Amazon UK / Barnes & Noble

Buy Behind the Pitch, Book 1.5

Amazon / Amazon UK / Barnes & Noble

Buy Finding Serenity, Book 2

Amazon / Amazon UK / Barnes and Noble

About The Author:

Eden Butler is an editor and writer of New Adult Romance and SciFi and Fantasy novels and the nine-times great-granddaughter of an honest-to-God English pirate. This could explain her affinity for rule breaking and rum. Her debut novel, a New Adult, Contemporary (no cliffie) Romance, “Chasing Serenity” will launch October 2013.

When she’s not writing or wondering about her possibly Jack Sparrowesque ancestor, thinking up impossible plots, Eden edits, reads and spends way too much time watching rugby, Doctor Who and New Orleans Saints football.

Follow Her Here: Website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads
Giveaway:
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ARC Review: There Will Be Lies by Nick Lake

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens

Expected Publication Date: January 6, 2015

Genre: YA Thriller

Source: Print ARC

Synopsis:

In four hours, Shelby Jane Cooper will be struck by a car.

Shortly after, she and her mother will leave the hospital and set out on a winding journey toward the Grand Canyon.

All Shelby knows is that they’re running from dangers only her mother understands. And the further they travel, the more Shelby questions everything about her past—and her current reality. Forced to take advantage of the kindness of unsuspecting travelers, Shelby grapples with what’s real, what isn’t, and who she can trust . . . if anybody.

Award-winning author Nick Lake proves his skills as a master storyteller in this heart-pounding new novel. This emotionally charged thrill ride leads to a shocking ending that will have readers flipping back to the beginning.

Review:

This is my first book from Nick Lake and it won't be my last. From the moment I opened the story of Shelby, I couldn't seem to put the book down.

When first starting There Will Be Lies, I was a little confused with the dialogue and what it entailed. Luckily, it's explained fairly fast; it's quite brilliant actually. It made me love the main character that much more. She's quirky, sarcastic, and an all around awesome person. 

Lake has woven a captivating story about a girl just trying to deal with the life she's been dealt. Shelby lives with her overprotective mother, living a very sheltered life. So sheltered that she's home schooled and never allowed out by herself even though she's seventeen. In fact, her only time "alone" is when her mother lets her go to the library. It's outside the library that Shelby gets hit by a car, causing her to be injured; and her mom proving her point on why Shelby should always be under her watchful eye.

Once they get out of the hospital, the story starts to pick up. Shelby and her mother embark on a road trip, leaving us in awe as secret after secret comes out. The story also takes a turn in a magical realism of sorts. Shelby goes to a place called the Dreaming, a world that coincides with our own. I thought the Dreaming was a very interesting place to be and figured out early on what it truly represented.

The writing was just beautiful and I enjoyed being able to read such a thought provoking, wonderful story. It's one that makes you think as well as one that won't leave you anytime soon. If you enjoy realistic type books and a good storyline, this is the book for you.

Buy Links:

(Pre-order)

Amazon

Amazon UK

B&N

About the Author:

My name is Nick and I write and edit books for children and young adults. I wrote a vampire ninja trilogy called BLOOD NINJA but nowadays I mainly do what could perhaps be described as literary thrillers. The first of these, IN DARKNESS, was published by Bloomsbury in 2012. The second, HOSTAGE THREE, came out January 2013 in the UK and is coming October 2013 in the USA. The third, as yet untitled, will be released in 2014 and is about a girl who learns that everything she knows is a lie. To say it's a book with a twist in the story would be a massive understatement. There is also a talking coyote in it.

I live with my wife and daughter in a 16th century house in England with almost 19th century amenities. Sometimes the heating even works.

I like: reading, art, music, food containing sugar, cities at night, the countryside in the daytime, vintage furniture, modern standards of heating (see above), traveling.

I dislike: being sick, failing, being under-dressed in the cold, being overdressed in the heat, the unnecessary suffering of children in the developing world, falling over, being punched in the face.

website

http://thus-spake-nick-lake.tumblr.com/

twitter username

@nicholaslake

Blog Tour Review feat Giveaway: Seducing the Princess by Diane Alberts

BOOK SUMMARY:

A sexy category romance from Entangled's Brazen imprint...

He'll give her exactly what she needs…

Protecting a princess is not what former marine Gordon Waybrook signed up for when he joined the Shillings Agency. But instead of the spoiled, regal little creature he expects, Isabelle VanGuard is a fiery, sexy-as hell woman who's been denied what she needs for too long. And he's just the man to break through her frozen public facade and give it to her.

When she's with Gordon, all Isabelle can think about is pleasure. Their blistering chemistry is immediate and intense, but volatile. In fact, the only thing they agree on is that their one night together is just that—one night. Even after it becomes more. But tempers and temptation can't disguise reality. Isabelle is a princess, and a hot, hard, and tattooed bodyguard isn't the Prince Charming her country expects…even if he's exactly what she needs.

Goodreads link:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22859196-stealing-his-heart

  

BUY LINKS:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1z79zPG

B&N -  http://bit.ly/1zO7A2V

Review:
 I love a princess story. I especially love a princess story where she falls for the most unlikely guy. Well, almost unlikely. I say that because, Isabelle and Gordon are perfect for each other!

From the outside, Isabelle looks like a typical "snobby" royal but she's not. She's down to earth and cool. Gordon, the former Marine and asked to be guard of the princess, is sexy and has an attitude that makes you swoon. Together, the two must put their heads together and along the way agree to have a night full of passion.

What they didn't expect was it to be more than that. Which obviously makes things quite difficult! Yes, quite difficult indeed. It left me as a reader, breathless and wanting more.

For Isabelle, it makes things complicated because her sole reason for going to the states is to meet her future husband her parents hand-picked for her. To be caught in such a compromising act, with her guard no less, would not look good on the family.

Seducing the Princess is sizzling hot throughout the entirety of the novel. I loved the characters and even though this can be read read as a standalone...I think I should have read the first two books in the series first! That's just me though. Overall, I highly recommend this to all romance lovers. It's hard not to drool and fall in love with such a great story.

4 Stars

Author Information

  Diane Alberts is a multi-published, bestselling contemporary romance author with Entangled Publishing. She also writes New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling new adult books under the name Jen McLaughlin. She’s hit the Top 100 lists on Amazon and Barnes and Noble numerous times with numerous titles. She was mentioned in Forbes alongside E. L. James as one of the breakout independent authors to dominate the bestselling lists. Diane is represented by Louise Fury at The Bent Agency.

Diane has always been a dreamer with a vivid imagination, but it wasn’t until 2011 that she put her pen where her brain was, and became a published author.  Since receiving her first contract offer, she has yet to stop writing. Though she lives in the mountains, she really wishes she was surrounded by a hot, sunny beach with crystal clear water. She lives in Northeast Pennsylvania with her four kids, a husband, a schnauzer mutt, and a cat. Her goal is to write so many fantastic stories that even a non-romance reader will know her name.

Author Links:

Website: http://dianealberts.com/

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/DianeAlberts6

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DianeAlberts

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5081315.Diane_Alberts

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Blog Tour Review feat Giveaway: Reason and Romance by Jenn Young

Reason and Romance

by Jenn Young

Release Date: 12/09/14

Book Summary:

Being stuck in the godforsaken desert is Adrian Blake’s worst nightmare come true. Senior year is all about making fun memories. It’s not about starting over at a new school and navigating a new Brady Bunch family. It’s really not about living with a sexy, arrogant would-be stepbrother who knows how to push her buttons.

Alex Montgomery is the very definition of a player. The only thing he commits to is a one night stand. He’s exactly the kind of guy she hates­. When she sleeps with him, it’s the biggest mistake of her life. Now she can’t stop thinking about him. Not at school. Not at home.

Sometimes the best mistakes are the ones that you make over and over again…

Add to Goodreads

Review:

"Even kings and queens have their courts. Or else it gets lonely." 

Reason and Romance was such a fun book to read! It was full of angsty goodness, hot boys, a quick witted heroine, and a plot that just screams "read me!". I know by the end of the book I was groaning in torture because I have to wait for the next book!

This is a story about step-siblings. Sound taboo? I guess it could be considered that but technically even if they're parents are married, they aren't blood related. Not by a long shot.Adrian and fam have packed up everything and moved to live with their dads new family. When everyone meets, sparks most definitely do not fly. In face, everyone hates each other. Adrian meets Alex and she knows immediately that he's manwhore and not to mention an asshole. But... there's just something about him. Why do girls have such fascination with these types of guys? Cause I was right there with Adrian, the chemistry between them was off the charts hot.

"Hi, my name is Adrian Blake, and I just slept with my future stepbrother!"

The drama factor in the book kept me engaged and at times laughing out loud. I think the secondary characters are amazing and also help make the story ridiculously well rounded.  Sure, some things in could be considered unrealistic and childish at times but I think Jenn made it work because it had me reading until the very end. Also, I think some parts in the book were a little slow.

Overall, I think you guys should give this book a try. Its funny and fresh! I for one, can't wait for the next book and to see where Adrian, Alex & gang end up! It's going to be soooo good.

4.5 stars

Buy Links:

Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Kobo Books

About the Author

Jenn Young writes primarily Young Adult and New Adult. She used to write contemporary teen drama and romance under the pen name Myrika at Fictionpress. She also used to write under the pen name Moreta. Jenn is an unabashed lover of romance, soap operas, and paranormal/supernatural stories. 

When Jenn's not working at her day job, she drinks too much coffee and buys too many books. She loves to hear from readers. Contact her via her website, jennyoung.com, or follow her on Twitter @myrikami. She can be found on Facebook too. 

Author Links:

Website│Goodreads│Twitter│Facebook

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