Review: First

First by M.A. Grant
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I received this free eARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I really liked this! I loved how the author had two short stories about 4 characters, rather than one story interweaving the two story lines. I was hoping that it wouldn't be an overload of information to keep track of, but by separating them I think made the stories even better.

Jake and Maya's story was cute. They had the whole hate relationship down to a pat, but everyone could tell that their hatred was all of their lust pent up into the wrong emotion. This novel started off with a bang when Maya woke up in bed with a very naked Jake, which definitely set the tone of the novel for the reader. I think they were denying it too much and using too many excuses, but it ended well.

But I really, really liked Cat and Dallas/Dally's story. Poor Dallas really tried to keep his hands off of Cat, but she wasn't having any of that nonsense. And I laughed so hard when they went into the adult shop together! Gah! Cat's vision of her first time was ridiculous and something only found in dreams, but she is a dreamer so that makes sense. The attraction between these two were flying out of the pages and I loved every minute of it.

I think New Adult readers will devour this novel/novellas and will be left wanting more!

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Review: Her Stepbrothers are Dragons

Her Stepbrothers are Dragons by Trinity Blacio
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I received this free eARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Meh. I got intrigued with the dragons part and requested it, but it wasn't up to par of what I was expecting. The writing was stiff and jerky. The author went from one subject then jumped into another conversation without any indication it was going to change.

And the characters. I mean, it's fantasy/sci-fi, but if two random guys who just became my stepbrothers came up to me and said that they were my mates for life, I think I would have a bit of trouble bowing down to that statement.... Maybe I'm more feisty or independent than Holly, but I would have a lot of trouble just taking their demands.

And the fact that they knew each other for a week and then got married? No. This was too much in a small, tiny book and there should have either been more of a time frame in this book or a longer book with more details and in-depth information.

So this was okay. Definitely not for me and I won't be re-reading it again. I'm glad I got this free eBook and I think other readers might enjoy the story more than I did.

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Review: Yes, You

Yes, You by Tammy Falkner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Awwww!!! I loved this!! It was waaayyy too short, but it definitely shows how feisty Madison is and how not-so-bad-boy Bob is. Especially when it comes to Madison. I love how Madison is the one who started the relationship between the two, even though Bob was real quick to reciprocate his feelings back to Madison. And seeing them fight with one another is so sweet and adorable and funny as hell! The only thing to complain about is that it's too short and I would have loved to have read more about their time together!

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Review: Winter

Winter by Marissa Meyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am so sad to say goodbye to this series... :( It's such a great series!! Seriously, if you haven't read it or have only read the first novel, it's a must!!

Marissa Meyer did a fantastic job with this concluding novel! I was worried she would leave things unattended or rush right through certain character's journey, but she did this series justice by the way she ended it. Which really, I shouldn't have worried since the novel is 824 pages long!!

Every character had their story conclude, which in my book is amazing since there were so many characters involved. I'm not going to spoil how it finishes, but I will say that Cinder and Scarlet are my all time, bad-ass heroines and Captain Carswell Thorne is still my favorite clown character. ...Maybe clown is a bit harsh, but this man never seems to sweat in a moment of "oh-shit-things-are-about-to-get-serious".

I seriously have no words of actual worth in this review. Cinder, Kai, Scarlet, Wolf, Cress, Thorne, Winter, Jacin, Iko, Ryu....everyone is amazing in this book and I'm very, very sad to see the end. This will definitely be a series that I will re-read again and again to see my favorite characters when I start to miss them!

Thank you Marissa Meyer for writing an awesome series and I can't wait to see what else you have hidden up your sleeve!

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Review: Always, April

Always, April by Tammy Falkner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this novel through the "Forget Me Not" anthology that Tammy Falkner came up with to support Alzheimer's and Brain Health corporations. This was my individual review for this novel:

Always April by Tammy Falkner 5 stars
This was a great novel. Falkner once again took something that happens in every day life and makes the reader see it in a different life. April needed to get forgiveness for her past sins with Matt, especially when she seems Kenneth in a whole new light. But Matt didn't have to give her forgiveness because she needed to give it to herself. I loved the tattoo that she got with her new story of her love-ever-after. Of course I loved it - Tammy Falkner wrote it :)

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Review: Carswell's Guide to Being Lucky

Carswell's Guide to Being Lucky by Marissa Meyer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So I didn't get this book from Target, but I did sign up for Marissa Meyer's newsletter and got the fabulous email with this little story attached! Glad to know that it still gets sent out because I really wanted to read about Carswell as a teen. Though nothing much has changed from teen Carswell to adult Carswell - at all!

I'm glad we got to see the story about Kate and how it all went down - especially since it was talked about a couple of times during "Cress". This is a great example of how Carswell's personality is and if someone can't get used to this one track mind, I would highly suggest to not become friends with Carswell.

So glad I was able to read this! Now off to the fourth and final book in the series!

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Review: The Queen's Army

The Queen's Army by Marissa Meyer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a great story to see Wolf's (Z) back story on how he became a soldier for the Queen's army. I can't believe they started changing the soldiers when they were just 12 years old! I know it's because they can control them better, but that is so young!

It was interesting seeing Z with Ran when they were younger. There was also tension between them it seems.

This gives so much more insight on Wolf's character, since we didn't really get that much from his point of view in "Scarlet". I think it would be better for readers to read this after "Scarlet" rather than before, even though it was set previous. Reading about this would be confusing for readers who haven't met Wolf yet, whereas if you read it afterword, things are cleared up a lot better.

Definitely enjoyed getting a more inclusive look into Wolf's world before he because Alpha Kelsey in his pack.

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Review: Scarlet

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ahh, such a great novel. I almost want to say that I liked this better than Cinder, but they are all just amazing novels. Even though this says it's about Scarlet and Wolf, we still get Cinder, Kai, and other character's viewpoint throughout the novel.

The story following Cinder just gets more twisted and full of plot twists. And Scarlet is one brave chick who you wouldn't want on the opposite team. I love how Wolf wants to defy everything for her, making it a very sweet story between the two characters, even though there are some devious things with that plot story.

And "Captain" Carswell Thorne - god is he a hoot and a half. I love the way him and Cinder banter back and forth, but you can tell they both appreciate having someone with them during this rocky time.

Such a great series. Glad I'm re-reading them. I definitely recommend them!

February 9, 2013 review:
Here is my review for "Scarlet": http://jeracalea.blogspot.com/2013/02...

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Review: The Little Android

The Little Android by Marissa Meyer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

You can read this here at watpad: https://www.wattpad.com/story/1186170...

This was such a great story!!! I really didn't think I would like it, but I did. And I loved the ending - so different from other "fairy tales". Mech6.0/Star was a hero in more than one way and I loved the resemblance she had with Ariel from the little mermaid!

So glad that I decided to read this even though it was only available on watpad - was definitely worth reading off of my computer screen!

Anyone who is a fan of this series definitely needs to read this very short novel!

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Review: Glitches

Glitches by Marissa Meyer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really loved this novella. It shows Cinder's arrival at her new home after her operation and how she learned she was really good at fixing mechanical problems. She fixed Iko and felt like she could be useful to her new family.

We also saw Garan, her stepfather, get the disease and be taken away. Adri had animosity toward Cinder from the very moment she saw her, but I loved how Peony didn't even judge Cinder. She just acted like she had another sister and wanted to play dress up and watch tv with her, which warmed my heart.

So glad I read this!

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Review: Cinder

Cinder by Marissa Meyer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In preparation for the fourth and final book, I'm re-reading the Lunar Chronicles. And I loved this book just as much as the first read! Though this time I went through it a lot faster because I already knew about this world in New Beijing and didn't have to figure out what was going on. So really it was a better read the second time because I was already used to the androids and cyborgs and Lunars!

I'm really excited for what is to come and I already recommend this series to a ton of readers of all ages :)


My review from February 8, 2013:
Here is my review of "Cinder": http://jeracalea.blogspot.com/2013/02...

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Review: Unforgiven

Unforgiven by Lauren Kate
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I know a lot of readers are torn by this book. But ya'll have to remember that it's CAM's story, not Luce and Daniels. And yes, in the synopsis, it says he's the brooding, bad-boy, but in the novel he's not the same as the Cam we all remember from the previous novels. He wants to win Lilith's love back, and being the brooding, bad-boy wouldn't do so well trying to win her love when she already hates him.

This was a good novel. We didn't have naive Luce, but rather Lilith, who is living through one Hell after another. She has grown tough skin and has hardened her heart from anything that could hurt her. She is keeping everything to herself and just living day by day, hoping it will eventually get better.

So I really liked Lilith. And I loved when she first met Cam that she wasn't swayed by his good looks and sweet charm he was trying to use with her. Instead, she tried to avoid him at all costs.

I also really liked how they went back in time when Cam and Lilith first met, showing the reader exactly what happened between the two characters. It cleared up a lot of empty spots of their history.

Seeing Roland and Arriane was a treat, like always. I especially loved the last statement Arriane asked Roland, wondering if it was true or not... Hmm, another spin off novel in the works, Lauren Kate? That would be a great novel to read about!!

So even though I had a rocky ride with this series, it all ended well and I think fans of the series will really enjoy this newest edition!

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Review: Rapture

Rapture by Lauren Kate
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lauren Kate - you redeemed this series. I really did not love the first three books in the series, but I was a dedicated reader and needed to know how it ended. I was also hoping that I would at least like this novel a smidgen more than the previous novels.

So thank you for not making me hate the whole series!

Luce has grown into a mature, thoughtful woman throughout the novels and the reader can finally see the results in this book. She is actively seeking out answers to her questions and she is taking the hits one after another very seriously. Luce was the biggest problem I had because she was always crying that things weren't like they should and she didn't have any answers to her questions, but she also wasn't trying very hard to find the answers herself. Rather, she wanted everyone else to answer them for her, which wasn't going to happen.

And Daniel finally realized that he needed to let go of his possessive grip he had on Luce and let her experience everything that she needed to experience in order for everything to go as planned. He was also shielding her from the information that was going to set her free, thinking that it would destroy her instead. But he finally realized that she was stronger than he took her for, making her the perfect version of Luce.

I loved the hidden truth about Luce and how important she really is. I definitely didn't see that coming, but then again I was probably missing important features with my annoyance of the "younger" Luce.

So, yes, in the end I am glad that I finished this series. The ending to this series was perfect and now I kinda wish there was more. But then again I don't want to go through another Luce like the one from the first three novels...

But I'm extremely excited to read Cam's novel in the newest release!!

So to all the readers who absolutely despised the beginning series, I understand your pain. But know that if you read this one it might just make up for the very rough, rocky, torturous beginning that Lauren Kate put us through to get to this pretty great ending!

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Review: Fallen in Love

Fallen in Love by Lauren Kate
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a short and sweet book about multiple characters. I found myself really liking Roland and Arriane's stories the best, which is odd since we don't really have a lot of interaction with them in the main novels. Maybe that's why I did like it so much, though, seeing different characters and how their choices have affected them throughout the years.

Miles and Shelby's story was cute. I'm glad they finally realized how they felt for each other and that Miles isn't still pining over Luce. Because we all know that those two were never going to be with each other.

And Luce and Daniel's story is the same as normal. Nothing spectacular there, just another memory to tack on to the thousands of past that have occurred for these two characters.

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Review: Passion

Passion by Lauren Kate
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Finally! Things start to progress in this series. I've been having a rough time with liking Luce, so this novel finally brought some perspective into Luce about why things are they way they are. And she is starting to grow and mature, which really isn't much since she was very ignorant and immature when we first met her, but it's progress.

Luce is trying to figure out exactly why she dies, what the curse is, why Daniel loves her so much he would be willing to go through the same pain every 17 years. I think if Daniel would be upfront and tell her the answers, all of the frustrations of trying to find her through each Announcer never would have happened and they could enjoy this life they have been given together.

But I think that is just too simple...

Anywho, I liked this better than the first two novels. It's still a 3 star for me because I liked it well enough - but I didn't love it or anything.

Below is my previous review when I read it when it first came out. Back then I gave it 5 stars and everything in my review is still accurate - I just don't have as much enthusiasm as I did 4 years ago!

Review from July 13, 2011:
Not my best blog post - beginning stage of blogging.

Here is my review for "Passion": http://jeracalea.blogspot.com/2011/07...

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Review: Torment

Torment by Lauren Kate
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Boy, oh boy. This book title does it justice - it was tormenting reading Luce and Daniel's lack of trust for each other!

I just want them to come clean with each other. Daniel needs to stop treating Luce like a baby and tell her exactly what is going on. Because getting mad at her because she doesn't listen to him and she is putting herself in danger is stupid because he won't tell her what danger she is in!

And Luce needs to STOP JUMPING INTO TROUBLE and maybe, just MAYBE, she could do research and find out what her history is!!! You know, because she is going to a school where THEY HAVE A CHAPTER ABOUT LUCE HERSELF!!!!!

Come on, folks, stop being so stupid and use the brains that are in your head!!!

Sigh... Okay... I may have calmed down a little bit. Maybe. This series is turning out to be more frustrating than I remember from 2010. I'm not sure if it is a good thing I am re-reading them or not. But it is definitely eye opening to me...

I really, really, really hope that we get some answers soon because I'm about to go crazy if this event of lying or keeping information from each other continues in the following books. Start resolving some mysteries, Lauren Kate, or the stars will start to dwindle...

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Review: Fallen

Fallen by Lauren Kate
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I've had this book since it was released in 2009 and I read it back then too. I even put it on here, but put 5 stars. After re-reading it though, I had a change of heart... I've read other fallen angel books and have to say that there are better ones out there than this first novel in the series...

Not a lot happens in this book. Luce is confused. She's had a lot of strange events happen to her recently and she is now being shipped off to a reform school where she is having her last chance before something really drastic happens. Then, instantly, she falls in lust with Cam and Daniel. You can't even call it love because she doesn't know their names or who they even are. It's literally a physical attraction she has toward both of these guys and she can't understand why the feelings are different, but still affecting her in some way.

And I didn't realize how much didn't really get resolved in this book. Maybe it happens in the sequel and I just meshed them together, but it was all slow and easy going, then BAM things happen. And more things happen until it's to the point where you think why didn't they spread this out a bit more.

Now I don't hate the book. 3 stars means I like it. I just didn't love it like I remember loving it 5-6 years ago when I first read it. Time really does change people's perspectives on novels and unfortunately I wasn't as amazed by this book as I was before. But I own the series and will be reading all of the novels back to back, so I'm bound to fall back into the love I had for it.

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Review: Hurricane Kiss

Hurricane Kiss by Deborah Blumenthal
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I received this free eARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

For some reason, I really like novels about natural disasters. Don't get me wrong, I don't want to go through one. But reading about them gives me a doomed feeling, a feeling of survival that is better than any adrenaline story. I think because it's something that can really happen and impact everyone involved.

So I really enjoyed the Hurricane Danielle aspect of this novel.

But I didn't really like the characters of the story all too well... I understand River's issues - I mean a person of authority shouldn't treat students they way this person did and River was really messed up from it. I'm glad things got resolved in that aspect and I shouldn't judge him too harshly, but running outside MULTIPLE times during the storm is insane and he needed to stay inside and safe.

And Jillian is so indecisive. First it was what she was feeling for River even though she is with Aidan. And she did a last minute decision on whether she should follow River or stay put with his father. Jillian needs to make decisions for herself rather than what is best for others. I think she came to that personality by the end of the novel.

So this was a good book. It could have been better, but I've read worse so it's in the middle for me. I'm glad I read an early copy of it and I think a lot of readers will enjoy the storyline.

I also liked that this was based on a true life story...Made it even more eerie!

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Review: Sever

Sever by J.M. Miller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received this free eARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I didn't really know what I was getting myself into when I requested this book. The cover was intriguing and the synopsis had enough pull to snare me in, but the overall story was pretty amazing.

This book is told in alternating chapters of Present and Past. Present happens in one night of events that spiral out of control. Past starts when Syn is 6 years old until she's 18 years old, and how that one decision when she was 6 changes her whole life and is the reason she makes all the decisions that she does.

I loved the initial meeting of Syn and Stripes. And then when she sees Stripes again her senior year? Priceless. These two characters have been through rough patches - not just through their personal life but also in the story about them together. Broken hearts, hard decisions. From playing football to picking a college, these two have been through it all.

I'm very glad I requested this book. I didn't realize what I was getting into, but I loved every page of the novel and flew through the story. I think a lot of readers will really enjoy it, even if the cover doesn't portray all that the story entails.

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Review: Abby and the Cute One

Abby and the Cute One by Erin Butler
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I received this free eARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

This was a cute novel (see what I did there??). I really enjoyed Nathan's story. He is the baby of the group and the other band members never let him forget that little piece of information. I especially loved it when they called him little brother - that just shows how close they have gotten to each other after being in the band for so long.

And I loved that Abby's dream come true actually came true. She is a talented artist and was given the chance to become a big time singer.

The ending was perfect. I loved how LJ got what he deserved - he was a prick from the very beginning. It was good that the band did what they did - none of them really liked LJ anyway.

This was a great ending to a good series. I got 3 out of the 5 books from NetGalley and I'm so glad I did - otherwise I probably never would have come across this series. Anyone with a love for music, boy bands, or just HEA stories will fall in love with these five novels!

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Review: Anya and the Shy Guy

Anya and the Shy Guy by Suze Winegardner
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this story. I think it's because I really like Anya. Being homeless and on her own, she is taking one step forward to try and get a jump start in life - to not be homeless forever but to use this as a motivation of sorts to never to get this low again.

So yeah, finding a weakness in one of the S2J band members to write an article sounds like an easy job. Something to get her foot in the door and make a name for herself to start writing articles on a daily basis.

That was before she met the guy, though, and realized he is more than just a band member of S2J.

And Matt (I'm not going to call him Will - he's Matt). He is doing something so selflessly for his family. I'm not sure many twin brothers would do that for their sibling, but Matt put everything in his life on hold until Will could be better and come back to the group. I love a guy who puts others before themselves, and that's exactly what Matt did.

This was a great novel. A little choppy, but the message is amazing and I hope that there are real life people out there who have the same drive as Matt and Anya.

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Review: Daisy and the Front Man

Daisy and the Front Man by Rebekah L. Purdy
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I got the first two novels in this series as an eARC, along with the last one, so I had to go purchase this novel to keep up with all of the band members romantic lives.

This wasn't as good as the other novels. I like Trevin and think he is witty and great. It was Daisy I had a problem with. Yes, getting rejected sucks. But seriously? You are a normal high school girl and Trevin is a pop star who has a lot of different things he needs to do to DO HIS JOB!!! It's a job. Things happen. Besides, it's not like he knew her before when she won the contest. It wasn't anything personal. And the fact that she was so juvenile when it came to acting out her revenge shows the different levels that her and Trevin are living.

So, yeah, I wasn't a fan of Daisy's at all. And Trevin isn't always mature and grown up - especially living with the rest of S2J band members, but he's a hell of a lot more manageable to tolerate than Daisy's whinny ass.

I'm sticking through to the end of the series, but this was definitely a dud for me.

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Review: Between Shadows

Between Shadows by Chanel Cleeton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received this free eARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I've been a big fan of Chanel Cleeton's novels, so I was very excited to get this eARC. And I really enjoyed this novel! There was a ton of suspense and action and espionage type events going on. It will definitely keep readers engaged in the story!

I liked X. She was a troubled woman who was living the only life she could remember. And she was fiercely protective of her sister - she would do anything to keep Grace safe. And she was tough as nails - was trained to be that way, but she knew how to take care of herself and that is a trait that I admire in females.

Luke was mysterious from the get go, but oh so intriguing as well. The history between these two characters made their trust for each other hanging by a thread, but their guts won out in the end, finding that they could trust one another with their lives.

The whole dealio with the Academy could have been explained a lot better. I was a bit lost through some of the details, but I kept up for the most part.

I'm pretty sure this is a stand alone novel... It ended like it could be. But there is enough left open ended that another novel could happen with these characters. I think it would be a great stand alone novel, but I'm a fan of Chanel Cleeton's so I'd be game to see another novel in the series and read it :)

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Review: Not Okay Cupid

Not Okay Cupid by Heidi R. Kling
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I received this free eARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I've figured it out - that font for the title? Totally gets me. It snags my attention and I have to read the book - no matter what it is about. Sneaky publishers...

And after saying that, you probably think I didn't like the book, which is not true. This is a very cute story about being wronged in high school and how to get revenge. I never had the drama during high school when it came to guys, so I was living this through Hazel's experience all the way.

I do have to say that I really like Felix. Not only does he have a cool name, but he is so selfless and is always looking out for others: his mom, his sister (not willingly), Hazel... And he's very loyal when he sets his mind to it.

I think the whole revenge plot was a bit much and once the characters realized they had real feelings for each other they should have acted on them, but I have to remember this is high school and teens think differently.

But yes, it was cute and I think a lot of readers will enjoy this story. Glad I got to read it early!

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Review: Thief of Lies

Thief of Lies by Brenda Drake
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I received this free eARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

The title of this series is Library Jumpers - of course I wanted to read it! I love libraries and since I'm working in one, I thought I would love this book.

Turns out that just because I have the same job as the subject doesn't mean I'm going to like it. I think this could have been a major hit with me if I didn't feel left out of the conversation. There is not enough background information for me to follow along with the story. And I'm pretty decent at needing as little as possible information to get sucked into a new world.

And also, the main guy Arik? First he was giving Gia the smoldering eyes, then he is steering clear of her, and when he finds out who her parents are, within SECONDS, he decides to change his mind and smoldering eyes are back. Way too much whip lash for my tastes.

I just really did not like this book. I think the author should have included some information that would make the world make more sense and actually take the reader with her, not just TELL the reader. Because when I'm reading about something about history and factual information, I am being told the information and I feel like I'm in high school and college history classes all over again. I didn't like those type of classes...

Just saying...

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Review: The Backup: A Montgomery University Novel

The Backup: A Montgomery University Novel by Kathryn Renard
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I received this free eARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

At first I really liked this novel. I liked that Josie was going off on her own and trying to make a name for herself instead of being in the shadow of her famous football star father.

But it was one of those stories where the main girl is either famous or gorgeous (in this case it was both) and everyone was falling over their feet trying to snag the girl. Which is so eye-rolling for me.

And then the kicker - the girl is dragging around two guys cause she's not sure who she wants to be with. In this case, Josie knew who she liked the most, but he was unavailable at time. So she played with the other guy until he was. Then when she was finally with the guy, she still strung the other guy along, knowing he would do anything she asked just to hangout with her, even if he knew nothing about their friendship was going to change!!! I hate girls like that. And Josie was all like, "oh, innocent me?" *bat eyelashes*

No girl. That is just wrong on so many levels.

I actually would have chosen the other guy than what Josie did. I thought the guy she ended up with was acting bi-polar and he was very easy to fall into bed with another girl when there was the first sign of trouble between him and Josie. Not someone I would want to be with and trust with my heart for the rest of my life.

Oh well, I'm glad I'm not Josie and have to deal with that insanity.

So as you can gather, I didn't really enjoy this book. It was okay. Definitely won't be recommending it, or re-reading it. Might not even read the rest of the series - but I'll have to wait and see who the next book will be about. It might just be the guy I liked more and I might be swayed to read it and see if I like it better than Josie's story.

I'm glad I got an eARC, but I'm sorry it did not work out for us. I will definitely look out for more by Kathryn Renard because she was a great writer - I just had an issue with the main character.

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Review: Moving On

Moving On by Kate L. Mary
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I received this free eARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

So when I requested this book, I definitely didn't realize it was part of the College of Charleston series. I've read the first two novels in the series courtesy of NetGalley, and really didn't like either one of them. In fact, I couldn't even finish the second one.

But this book...I liked this book. It wasn't my all time favorite - Chris was pinning over "angelic" Annie too much for me to fall in love with this novel, but I didn't hate it.

So yeah, I like Chris. He's a great guy, just the person you want to date. Loyal. Dedicated. Smart. Hot. Passionate. Very much a good guy to date and marry. But he has his hang-ups. Especially about Annie and Ryan. I mean, dude, things happened. If she left you for your best friend, obviously it wasn't mean to be and you should just get over it.

But Bette. I love Bette. She is amazing. So her own person who doesn't give two shits about what others think and is willing to give up a "normal" life to see who her true self is. I want to be Bette when I grow up.

I think these two are so odd together that it makes sense they belong together. It was nice seeing their story fold out. I'm glad I didn't realize this was part of the series I had trouble with because I might not have requested it other wise.

I think this will be a hit with New Adult readers!

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Review: Any Other Girl

Any Other Girl by Rebecca Phillips
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I received this free eARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

This was a cute summer book about love, friendship and moving on.

I have to say that I almost feel sorry for Kat. I love her dads - they are a hoot and I would love to experience having two gay dads because I think it would be an interesting concept, but it would also be hard for a daughter to grow up with that negativity from others who don't approve of such things. So Kat is a fighter; she gets the negative attention away from her dads and puts the spotlight on herself, making her a hero in some peoples eyes.

And so that's why I understand why she is a natural flirt. Well, also one of her dads is a natural flirt too, so it's in her genes. But she doesn't mean anything by it. It's hard to keep friends when they can't accept that flirting is just part of Kat's personality - especially female friends.

Emmett was an okay character. I feel like he was hiding from real life problems and was using the summer away to get away with it. After seeing Kat and her internal dilemma, I think Emmett realized he needed to step it up to and take the next step in life.

Kat grew a lot during this summer. She learned a lot about her friends and why they think the way they do and she learned a lot about herself as a person as well. She definitely grew into a young lady by the end of the summer and when she started senior year she was okay with who she was and where she was at. That is my favorite part about this whole book.

I think a lot of readers will enjoy this summery, but inspiring novel when it comes out in 2016.

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Review: Whatever It Takes

Whatever It Takes by L.E. Bross
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received this free eARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

When I requested this novel, I didn't realize it was a companion novel to Right Where You Are, which I read (also from NetGalley) in October 2015. Then Avery and Seth were put into the novel and was pleasantly surprised that I got to read about Ryan's story!

I loved Ryan in the first novel. He is always dedicated and there for everyone in his life and taking care of everyone. So to be able to read his story was great because if anyone needs his own happily ever after, it's Ryan (even if he thinks he won't have that).

I absolutely loved Tess. She is a fighter, but even fighters have their off moments. And when she saw Ryan again after 7 years, she was having a very bad moment. There is only so much bad events one person can take, and Tess was well beyond her fair share.

The connection between Ryan and Tess was intense and off the walls hot. They definitely fell back into the relationship they had 7 years ago and were fooling themselves about being friends.

And I loved Noah. That sweet, innocent boy who only has love for the people in his life. I can't believe how terrible his father is, but Tess more than makes up for the loss of love that his father gives. And his relationship with Ryan is so heartwarming and amazing. Makes me smile just thinking about it.

I liked this novel better than the first in the series, but that's mainly due to I liked both of the characters from the beginning. I soon learn to love Avery in the first novel, but Tess and Ryan are those characters that you can't help but love from the first moment to the last.

I'll be interested to see if there will be any more novels added to this series. I didn't think Ryan was going to get his own story, so who knows what other stories L.E. Bross will come up with!

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Review: Wild Hearts

Wild Hearts by Melissa West
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received this free eARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I was so excited to get this from NetGalley!! I have been a huge fan of Melissa West's novels, so getting this was a highlight in my day!

I'm a sucker when it comes to stories about horses, even though I've only one a horse one time in my life. I think it's the adreneline I feel when they are racing. I especially love the TV show "Wild Fire" that has been finished for a long time. I still re-watch it every year :)

This novel didn't have a lot about the racing aspect since it was Kate as the main character instead of Emery, but Alex is in the horse business so we still had frequent visits to the horse stable.

Kate is a great character. She hit it on the nail about what she wanted: someone to love her forever and treat her like a princess every once in awhile, but still treat her like an adult who can do things for herself. Sounds complicated, but you'd be surprised at how many females feel the same.

And Alex was the perfect guy for her. He knew how she was and the complicated feelings about romance she had without her having to tell him. Both characters are very good at reading others around them and that is why they are perfect for one another.

I really enjoyed this novel and I think fans of Melissa West, the Hamilton Stables series, and anyone who loves a good contemporary romance novel will fall in love with this second novel in the series! Can't wait for the third novel to come out now to see how the third brother will fair in the game of love!

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Review: Gus

Gus by Kim Holden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After reading "Bright Side", I immediately went to Amazon and bought "Gus". I didn't read it right away because I needed time after "Bright Side". I was an emotional wreck. But I got to this novel and Kim Holden did right to her readers by concluding this story.

If you are thinking of reading this book first, don't. Read "Bright Side". Otherwise you will never get the full experience if you start with this novel.

As I stated in my review for the first novel, Kate was my hero. Gus and Keller and all of the other secondary characters were good, but they were not Kate. So reading Gus's story was a bit odd and weird for me. I really didn't like him at the beginning, but we weren't supposed to like him. We readers who read "Bright Side" knew what Gus was going through. We were sympathetic toward Gus.

But when Scout came in? God, I loved it. They healed each other, and that is amazing. Both were broken in two different ways, but together they helped each other get past the rough parts and make new, happy memories again.

There is the one part of the novel that had me cracking up. Cracking. Up. I have to share it for you. It doesn't have spoilers. It's Gus and Franco being themselves:

“…Scout’s cookies go with everything.” [said Franco]

“Sure you don’t want a glass of milk? I’m a dunker,” I say as I open up the cabinet and pull out a glass.

He laughs. “You’re such a fucking rock star.” That was sarcasm at its best, but after he watches me pour a tall glass of the cold stuff, he clears his throat. “Pour me one, too.”

It’s my turn to laugh. “You’re such a fucking rock star,” I mock. Then I pull open the drawer next to the fridge, looking for a straw. “You want a bendy straw, dude?”

His face lights up at the sight of the blue and white plastic straw. And then it fades quickly as he reins it in, because that was a lot of damn excitement for a grown man to exhibit over a straw. He clears his throat again. “Yeah. Sure. I mean, only if you’re gonna have one.”

I stick one in each glass and flex the tips. “Yup. Bendy straws are the shit, dude.:

He immediately takes a drink through it when I had him the glass. And then he smiles that shit-eating grin of his. “Bendy straws are the shit. Now let’s go do rock star stuff.”

Thank you Kim Holden. If I never met you in Chicago I never would have read your books, and that is a sad life. These books will stick with me forever and I will try to channel Kate as much as I can. I'll be looking out for more epic novels from you!

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Review: Oblivion

Oblivion by Jennifer L. Armentrout
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Of course I loved this. I love Daemon and three whole books through his viewpoint was like Christmas and my birthday shoved into a beautiful book.

This was the best present a person could get. I loved it so much and got both the physical print and eBook print, because I needed them. It was awesome and if you are stumbling upon this review and have no idea what this is regarding, you are 1. behind and 2. missing out on some great stuff.

I really enjoyed reading Daemon's thoughts when it came to Katy. He is so biopolar but always trying to do the best thing, even if it kills him to deny himself what he wants. Well...for a little bit anyway.

JLA posted this on Facebook:

Q. Why did I do all three books in Daemon's POV in Oblivion (IN EBOOK!!!)?
A. There were two reasons why I went ahead and told the first three books in the Lux Series is Daemon's POV. It wasn't an easy undertaking. It was a lot of work to do in a very short period of time, but it made sense to give the readers all three at once. Now, I think some countries outside the U.S. are breaking the three books up, but that's out of my control.
The second reason....
There's a certain part in Oblivion that I can't wait for you guys to get to. It will take you a while to get there, but when you do, I think you'll know it's THAT part, but please be careful when talking about it on social media so you don't spoil it. This part is one of the reasons why I did all three books in Daemon's POV. Because I had to get through Opal for THIS to happen.

So of course I was looking for THAT part...but I didn't really find it. I mean, there are amazing parts, but nothing that stood out to me. So I'm hoping it gets revealed soon since I just read 1000 pages!

Loved it and can't wait for more by JLA!!


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