Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Waiting On Wednesday (24): Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly bookish event hosted by Breaking the SpineThis is a meme that many book blogs participate in to goggle over highly anticipated upcoming releases and fabulous covers and authors!  

Heir of Fire isn't even going to be out for a while, but I was recently on Goodreads and found the cover AND synopsis to it. Like, excuse myself for living under a rock regarding this series, but I was surprised. That little tidbit brought back all those lovely Crown of Midnight feels...and I can already feel the onset of re-obsession.


Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass #3)Goodreads Synopsis:
 
Lost and broken, Celaena Sardothien’s only thought is to avenge the savage death of her dearest friend: as the King of Adarlan’s Assassin, she is bound to serve this tyrant, but he will pay for what he did. Any hope Celaena has of destroying the king lies in answers to be found in Wendlyn. Sacrificing his future, Chaol, the Captain of the King’s Guard, has sent Celaena there to protect her, but her darkest demons lay in that same place. If she can overcome them, she will be Adarlan’s biggest threat – and his own toughest enemy.

While Celaena learns of her true destiny, and the eyes of Erilea are on Wendlyn, a brutal and beastly force is preparing to take to the skies. Will Celaena find the strength not only to win her own battles, but to fight a war that could pit her loyalties to her own people against those she has grown to love?


I honestly don't know what to think of the series covers. They look pretty awesome, but I just feel they seem too comic-like for the series. I feel like Celaena on the cover looks like a computer-game character or something of the sort. But don't judge a book by its cover, right? 'Cause this is an awesome read.

One word, (or rather, name). CHAOL. Thanks to this separation between Chaol and Celaena, where is the romantic story going to go? There better NOT be ANOTHER guy in the mix. Crown of Midnight's ending was just pure evil, and I thought I just got myself to get my mind off of this series for a while. After this lovely synopsis, nope. I'm probably going to be dreaming about the series for all I know. 

Another area of concern: this series is going to be 6 books long. I have nothing against 6 books, cause that means more years to enjoy the story, but how much plot is there left? If this series was a trilogy, I think it'd still end fine. I'm seriously wondering what on earth Sarah J. Maas still has left. 

Can't wait for this WOW!

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Release Day: Sweet Reckoning by Wendy Higgins

And it is time to see the Sweet Series go! Sweet Reckoning, the final book of the Sweet Trilogy is out today. I'm having a debate with myself as to whether I should give a reread to Sweet Evil and Sweet Peril, since I've still got a few more days to go until Amazon shipping gets to my house. Unfortunately for us, it also happens to be exams week(s) (hence the lack of posts lately--we're trying!) and neither of us have quite a lot of time to spare :/

Goodreads Synopsis:

Sweet Reckoning (The Sweet Trilogy, #3)It’s time.

Evil is running rampant and sweet Anna Whitt is its target. Nobody knows when or how the Dukes will strike, but Anna and her Nephilim allies will do anything necessary to rid the earth of the demons and their oppressive ways.

The stakes are higher than ever, and Anna is determined that the love she feels will be her strength, not a liability. But trying to protect the ones she loves while running for her life and battling demonic forces proves to be perilous—especially as faces are changing and trust is fleeting. When the Duke of Lust sends Anna’s great love, Kaidan Rowe, to work against her, Anna must decide how much she’s prepared to risk.

In the most sensual and fast-paced installment yet, Sweet Reckoning brings all the beloved Neph together one last time to fight for their freedom.

I can almost 100% predict a good happy ending for this series. Can't wait to find out what happens in the series finale (hurry up Amazon!!!). 

Steph

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Review: Foreplay by Sophie Jordan

Foreplay (The Ivy Chronicles, #1)Foreplay by Sophie Jordan
Steph's Rating: 4 stars
Overall Rating: 4 stars

Format: Paperback
Publisher: William Morrow 
Publication Date: November 5th, 2013
Pages: 320

Goodreads Synopsis:

Pepper has been hopelessly in love with her best friend’s brother, Hunter, for like ever. He’s the key to everything she’s always craved: security, stability, family. But she needs Hunter to notice her as more than just a friend. Even though she’s kissed exactly one guy, she has just the plan to go from novice to rock star in the bedroom—take a few pointers from someone who knows what he’s doing.

Her college roommates have the perfect teacher in mind. But bartender Reece is nothing like the player Pepper expects. Yes, he’s beyond gorgeous, but he’s also dangerous, deep—with a troubled past. Soon what started as lessons in attraction are turning both their worlds around, and showing just what can happen when you go past foreplay and get to what’s real…

Steph's Review: *small spoilers*

This will be a short and sweet review, just like this book. Foreplay is my first novel from Sophie Jordan, and I really enjoyed it! It is a contemporary romance. Not exactly my most favorite of genre's. While this book was full of cheesiness and cliche from the start, it still does have some really smoldering content here that exemplifies NA contemporary romance. I can tell from this that Sophie Jordan isn't some newbie with these hot stories :).

Pepper grew up with...family problems. Her only escape from them were at her best friends house, where she fell hopelessly in love with her friend's older brother: Hunter. Hunter screams stability and security. Toss in a good face? He's perfect for her. Problem is, Hunter hasn't ever really looked at her, no thanks to Peppers wonderful social skills. Everything that comes out of her mouth sounds like awkward chatter whenever she attempts to "flirt". As a last resort, Pepper's roommates think it's time for a Pepper-makeover. Her makeup artist target is Reece: a quite and stoic bartender who her roommates think can teach Pepper a thing or two about foreplay.

I guess I liked this book mostly because Pepper isn't a total loony idiot. Sure she's awkward, but that makes the book funny and cute to read first of all. The approach to the romance, while completely unrealistic and staged, was at least written well considering the circumstances. She doesn't just automatically fall in love with Reece even with uhh, their "relationship". It takes a little time to realize that her using Reece to become some seductive harlot to Hunter isn't really the reason she keeps going back.

I praise the lords that there are no utter douches in this book either; I would just like to toss that out. It is BEYOND hackneyed when the plot twist is when our heroine realizes what a douche Prince Charming always was, and thankfully that is not here. 

So yes, Foreplay is full of cheesy lines and scenes, but even cheesy can be endearing sometimes. I mean, there's a reason they get overused so much in the first place right? Foreplay is one of those novels in that book comfort zone--quick, easy, and sure to please! I recently found out to my delight that Tease, book 2 of The Ivy Chronicles, is going to be out at the end of May and follow the story of one of Pepper's besties, Shaw. I definitely will be reading that one, and I hope it lives up to Foreplay!

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Cover Reveal: Tempting the Bodyguard by J. Lynn (Jennifer L. Amentrout)

Yet another JLA title coming soon--Tempting the Bodyguard with Jen writing as J. Lynn. This is a NA novel and the third installment of the Gamble Brother's Series that will be releasing on May 12th, 2014 through Entangled Brazen imprint! 

And the cover is what you're here for, of course :)


Tempting the Bodyguard (Gamble Brothers, #3)

The Gamble Brothers series was never a favorite of mine from Jen's, but Tempting the Bodyguard is racking up some really good ratings and reviews so far. I might come back to this one if it keeps the hype!

Synopsis:

A sexy category romance from Entangled’s Brazen imprint...
He can protect her from everyone except himself.

Alana Gore is in danger. A take-no-prisoners publicist, her way with people has made her more than a few enemies over the years, but a creepy stalker is an entirely different matter. She needs a bodyguard, and the only man she can ask is not only ridiculously hot, but reputed to have taste for women that goes beyond adventurous.

Chandler Gamble has one rule: don't protect anyone you want to screw. But with Alana, he's caught between his job and his increasingly hard libido. On one hand, Alana needs his help. On the other, Chandler wants nothing more than to take the hot volcano of a woman in hand. To make her writhe in pleasure, until she's at his complete mercy.

She needs protection. He needs satisfaction. And the moment the line is crossed, all hell will break loose...

About Jen 

# 1 New York Times and International Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki.

Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her book Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture and her Covenant Series has been optioned for TV.

She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.
 
Where You Can Find Jennifer:

 

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Release Day: The Forever Song by Julie Kagawa and Don't Look Back by Jennifer L. Armentrout + Cover Reveal of Talon by JK!

So we have another double release day here, for The Forever Song by Julie Kagawa and Don't Look Back by Jennifer L. Armentrout. I ADORE both of these authors and these are definitely on the April to-read list. In fact, I'm currently rereading the Blood of Eden Series (still on The Immortal Rules right now) in prep for when my Forever Song copy decides to come in from Amazon. I haven't been following Don't Look Back by JLA as much recently, but from what I know about it, it seems to be a lot like Sia by Josh Grayson (click for our review of that). Without further adieu, the release day showcase:  


The Forever Song (Blood of Eden, #3)The Forever Song by Julia Kagawa

Goodreads Synopsis:

VENGEANCE WILL BE HERS

Allison Sekemoto once struggled with the question: human or monster?

With the death of her love, Zeke, she has her answer.

MONSTER

Allie will embrace her cold vampire side to hunt down and end Sarren, the psychopathic vampire who murdered Zeke. But the trail is bloody and long, and Sarren has left many surprises for Allie and her companions—her creator, Kanin, and her blood brother, Jackal. The trail is leading straight to the one place they must protect at any cost—the last vampire-free zone on Earth, Eden. And Sarren has one final, brutal shock in store for Allie.

In a ruined world where no life is sacred and former allies can turn on you in one heartbeat, Allie will face her darkest days. And if she succeeds, triumph is short-lived in the face of surviving forever alone.


Don't Look Back by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Don't Look Back
Goodreads Synopsis:

Samantha is a stranger in her own life. Until the night she disappeared with her best friend, Cassie, everyone said Sam had it all-popularity, wealth, and a dream boyfriend.

Sam has resurfaced, but she has no recollection of who she was or what happened to her that night. As she tries to piece together her life from before, she realizes it's one she no longer wants any part of. The old Sam took "mean girl" to a whole new level, and it's clear she and Cassie were more like best enemies. Sam is pretty sure that losing her memories is like winning the lottery. She's getting a second chance at being a better daughter, sister, and friend, and she's falling hard for Carson Ortiz, a boy who has always looked out for her-even if the old Sam treated him like trash.

But Cassie is still missing, and the facts about what happened to her that night isn't just buried deep inside of Sam's memory-someone else knows, someone who wants to make sure Sam stays quiet. All Sam wants is the truth, and if she can unlock her clouded memories of that fateful night, she can finally move on. But what if not remembering is the only thing keeping Sam alive?

Squeee I can't wait for either of these!!! 

Besides the releases, the cover reveal for Talon, the first book in Julie Kagawa's next series featuring errr dragons...(awesome!), was exclusively revealed on the MTV website. Here's the cover and link to the original article below!



I think this cover is simple yet classy and has a mysterious edge to it. The gold on red makes it look so regal! Definitely would make me want to pick up the book and see what's going on! This is also the book that Julie has said was her little "secret", because movie rights have already been purchased for it despite it not even being released yet. Again, see the link for the full info. I cannot wait to see this hit shelves in November!

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Waiting On Wednesday (23): Silver Shadows by Richelle Mead

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly bookish event hosted by Breaking the SpineThis is a meme that many book blogs participate in to goggle over highly anticipated upcoming releases and fabulous covers and authors!
 
 It feels like it hasn't been too long since The Fiery Heart, but hey! Silver Shadows is out in just three and a half months, which isn't half bad in my opinion! Silver Shadows is going to be the series turnaround point, and I can't wait to see the continuation of Adrian and Sydney's story!

Goodreads Synopsis:
 
Silver Shadows (Bloodlines, #5)
In The Fiery Heart, Sydney risked everything to follow her gut, walking a dangerous line to keep her feelings hidden from the Alchemists.

Now in the aftermath of an event that ripped their world apart, Sydney and Adrian struggle to pick up the pieces and find their way back to each other. But first, they have to survive.

For Sydney, trapped and surrounded by adversaries, life becomes a daily struggle to hold on to her identity and the memories of those she loves. Meanwhile, Adrian clings to hope in the face of those who tell him Sydney is a lost cause, but the battle proves daunting as old demons and new temptations begin to seize hold of him. . . .

Their worst fears now a chilling reality, Sydney and Adrian face their darkest hour in this heart-pounding fifth installment in the New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series, where all bets are off.
 
I still feel like the cover is a photoshoppe-mess-galore, but I doubt Razorbill is going to make any changes at this point. I think Silver Shadows is going to be action packed to the core, after the calm-before-the-storm The Fiery Heart. It is the 5th book of the Bloodlines Series, and I hate knowing that after this installment there is only one more book left. Richelle Mead did say that she was thinking about writing another VA World series though, and well, I certainly hope she does.
 
Silver Shadows is out on July 29th! Can't wait!

Saturday, April 5, 2014

Review: Better Off Friends by Elizabeth Eulberg

Better Off Friends by Elizabeth Eulberg
Dani's rating: 4 stars

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 279
Publication Date: February 25, 2014
Publisher: Point

Goodreads Synopsis:
For Macallan and Levi, it was friends at first sight. Everyone says guys and girls can't be just friends, but these two are. They hang out after school, share tons of inside jokes, their families are usper close, and Levi even starts dating one of Macallan's friends. They are platonic and happy that way.

Eventually they realize that they're best friends--which wouldn't be so bad if they didn't keep getting in each other's way. Guys won't ask Macallan out because they think she's  with Levi, and Levi spends too much time joking around with Macallan, and maybe not enough time with his date. They can't help but wonder...are they more than friends or are htey better off without making it even more complicated?

From romantic comedy superstar Elizabeth Eulberg comes a fresh, fun examination of a question for the ages: Can guys and girls ever really be just friends? Or are htey always one fight away from not speaking again--and one kiss away from true love?

Dani's Review:
After reading a plethora of insta-love novels, this novel was surprisingly refreshing with its new take on the eternal "Can guys and girls be friends without dating?" question. Better Off Friends is an adorable, heartwarming, and FUN book. It explores the relationship between a boy and a girl who are best friends, but have to overcome some ups and downs because of their gender diffference. When Macallan and Levi first met in 7th grade and bonded through their shared love of the made-up BBC television show "Buggy and Floyd", their friendship seems to be unbreakable. As they move into high school, they face some unexpected problems: What happens when Levi is desperate for some "bro time" and Macallan dates a guy Levi dislikes? Uh oh...Is someone jealous? ;)

I loved the alternating POVs between Macallan and Levi because I could really understand what each character was going through, especially when Macallan ran away to spend the summer in Ireland with her grandparents after feeling abandoned by Levi, who was getting closer to his jock friends. Ladies, please do not run away to a far-off country if you feel like you're losing your best friend. There's this thing called talking where you move your mouth to create sound, please try it!

I love this quote:
"Just so we are remembering this correctly: When you kissed me I went home and splashed cold water on my face. When I tried to kiss you, you ran away to Ireland for the summer. "

Since this novel is a romantic comedy, it was also filled with tons of HUMOR! Elizabeth Eulberg's fantasy BBC show "Buggy and Floyd" apparently uses the punchline "Blimey if I...." as the punchline to every joke in each episode. So, Macallan and Levi constantly stick inside jokes about the show in their conversations that no one else, including their respective boyfriends and girlfriends, understands. Also, at the end of each chapter, there is a commentary from an older Macallan and Levi looking back at their younger selves and laughing at each other! It added a whole new level to the cuteness of this novel.

I really enjoyed Elizabeth Eulberg's writing style, not because it was especially unique or great, but because it made even the smallest events like going out to eat ice cream FUN. It's like her words have magic fairy dust that make everything hilarious! Oh wait, maybe it's just her awesome dialogue...

"Why do people always say L-O-L--aren't they supposed to be laughing? have we become that lazy a society?"

I'm not going to answer the "Do they end up dating?" question because duh that would be a spoiler! If you're looking for a light, sugary sweet, and happy pappy read, Better Off Friends is for you! It's not horribly cheesy because of the great writing and humor, but beware, it mirrors typical romantic comedies like When Harry Met Sally. Overall, an adorable book for both teenagers and adults!

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