Ignite- Sara B. Larson

 

 

 

 

I want to thank Goodreads, Firstreads Giveaways and the Publisher, Scholastic Press for a copy of this book for review. Receiving a free copy has in no way influenced my opinions.

 

First, this was a big improvement over Defy, the first book. I started this immediately after Defy and I couldn't put it down. There is a lot more action and a lot more of the love story. I love how the "love triangle" is pretty much nonexistent. She is completely in love with Damian and doesn't complicate things to string Rylan along. Although, he is completely annoying in this book. He throws tantrums constantly when he knows that Alexa is in love with Damian. It's so immature and childish. It drove me nuts!

 

There is a lot more going on in this book that the plot constantly keeps moving. I would tell myself to wait until this is resolved and then I'll pay the bills. An hour would pass and I would still be reading. There is so much going on that there is really no stopping point. That reminds me, I need to pay  my bills after writing up this review. :)

 

I love how Alexa and Damian's relationship grows in this book. It's more of an unselfish love, which is nice to read about. There is so much character growth in this book too. I love Eljin, Jax and Tanoori. It was fun to see their characters evolve and become part of a group. You get to know more of their back stories and it makes them so much more interesting. You get to understand more about their characters in the previous book too.

 

I really am looking forward to the next book. I need to know what happens next!

 

Defy- Sara B. Larson

 

 

Okay, I really wasn't sure that I wanted to read this series. When I entered the giveaway for the second book, it sealed my fate. I figured if I won, I rarely do, then I wouldn't mind reading the series.

 

I'm not sure what to say about this book. It promised a lot more than it actually gave. It was enjoyable but I feel like it took me a long time to read with not enough satisfaction at the end. I'm a sucker for romance but I despise love triangles. Right away, from the get go, we have a love triangle starting up. Alexa doesn't even know it herself but it is made as clear as day to the reader.

 

The story itself did flow nicely and it didn't get too boring. I felt like enough was going on to keep me interested, annoyed as I was with the love story. I did feel bad for Alexa, she has lost a lot in her life and she still keeps on going. Although, she is constantly thinking about the "boys" in her life, she really does take care of herself. She ends up sacrificing everything in the end.

 

I feel like Rylan was just a love sick puppy throughout this book and throwing little tantrums. Ugh, I was getting so irritated with that! So he had basically no character growth throughout this book. He is really just there to be the third in the love triangle.

 

I loved the fact that she's a girl who her brother has saved. He makes her cut off her hair to be his twin "brother." She ends up being better than all the boys in the Prince's guard. All the while, she's passing as a boy. It kind of reminded me of Mulan but that's where it ended. I did enjoy the book but it wasn't on the top of my list of great reads. It was just okay. I'm reading the second book now and it's a bit more interesting so far.

 

Netgalley Badges

I cannot figure out a way to add a gadget with both of my Netgalley badges. So for the time being, I'm going to just make a post about them. I have the 80% one posted in a gadget for now. 

Thanks Netgalley! 


I have two badges: The Professional Reader & 80%(or more) Feedback

Invaded- @MelissaLanders

 

 I started this book this morning and just finished it. I wish I didn't have responsibilities so I could just read all day long. I would sit on my couch and not move until I was finished with this book. I couldn't get my mind off this book because I just wanted to know what happened next.

I love Melissa Landers writing. I'm so glad that we were able to get Cara and Aelyx's point of view throughout the book. They are on different parts of the universe in this book and I wasn't sure how it was going to work. We get to look at both sides of the story and what is happening to each of them during their time apart. Since they weren't together the romance was lacking in this book but that's okay.

The character growth for ALL the characters is just outstanding. I love the way Cara just takes things into her own hands and becomes someone so important. She watches for herself and doesn't depend on anyone else to save her. She doesn't let Aelyx know the horrible time she's having and all the difficulties. She really learns to persevere. Aeylx is the same. He has horrible threats against his life but he learns to deal with it and doesn't burden Cara. Their love for each other is so great. David's addition was great. I loved him! Syrine really became someone I care about. She might have grown the most out of anyone in this book. Really felt for her at the end of this book. What a change from the first book! Even Troy changed so much. I loved the relationship between him and Cara. It was great to see.

I loved that Cara changed and that's what ultimately made her decision. She made up her mind that she wasn't going to do something even for the love of her life. She was making a decision for herself and knowing what would make her happy. To me this is huge.

There is a lot of science in this book. I'm usually totally lost in that department but Landers did a great job keeping my ahead above water. I'm interested to see where this goes. There's so many interesting things that could go places if there is another book. I really hope there is another book because that ending was just .. okay. There's too many questions and things left open that I feel a bit unsatisfied.

Overall, this is a great sequel. I really hope there is another book. It would definitely help the series.

The Darkest Part of the Forest- @HollyBlack

 

 

 

 

This is my third book by Holly Black. It's official, I'm a fan. I love how she can make a stand alone book. It's so rare these days. I love having a great story and a great ending... in one book. It's just refreshing. Although, I didn't like this one as much as, The Coldest Girl in Coldtown, I did enjoy it.

 

Holly Black has a great writing style. She can describe a world in the past and present without losing you. In this book she does a great job with the fantasy world and mixing it with the "modern" day. I love anything fairytale related. I love all the ways people can spin their stories. I'm definitely a sucker for anything of that type of genre.

 

She has great characters in this book. She does a great job with their growth and making the monsters have such interesting stories. I love how important the bond between a brother and sister was portrayed in this book. There was some sort of creepy factor to this book. It's definitely not scary but there is some bit of a creepiness to it. Its the way she tells the story and describes the characters. She has this ability to make a book dark but not too dark. I'm so relieved it wasn't scary because then I wouldn't be able to finish it. Those are not my type of books.

 

The beginning of the book starts off a little slow. There are some times that I was waiting for something big to happen. It was more the middle of the book when the plot picked up and really took off. Overall, I liked this book and it was a fun read. I will be reading more Holly Black in the future.

 

 

 

Trailer Reveal! Prodigal & Riven by @Tyler_M_Jolley & @Sherry_D_Ficklin @CleanTeenPublishing

Welcome (back) to the TIME WAR...

Books 2 & 3 of the best selling Lost Imperials series

Releasing 5/5/15

from Clean Teen Publishing

Individual digital editions will be available everywhere e-books are sold.

Click on the cover to read more!

   

Exciting news! Prodigal and Riven will be available in 2 special combined print editions!

Barnes & Noble and other retailers will feature a standard combined print edition:

and Amazon.com will offer an exclusive flip book print edition!

PRODIGAL:

STEIN has been with the Hollows for as long as she can remember. Taken as a child, she has no memories of her past, and that's always been fine by her. Until the day she stumbles across a hidden journal containing the devastating truth about her paternity. Now everything she thought she knew, and everyone she thought she could trust, has changed. The truth about who she is and where she came from is a secret so deep, it will rock the Hollows and the Tesla Institute alike.

RIVEN:

ETHAN is left with a serious problem after what should have been a routine mission. He's fractured, a break between mind and body that leaves him at the mercy of his Rifter abilities, which are quickly tearing him apart. He will have to trust the only person who might know how to fix him, a mysterious Rifter named Stewart Stills, who seems to have a special connection with the time stream.

Want to know more about The Lost Imperials Series? Check out below:

In a battle for control of the time stream, the past and the future will collide, either saving mankind, or destroying it. The Tesla Institute stands on one side of the battle. Controlled by the mind of one of the greatest inventors in history, the Institute recruits gifted, young time travelers called Rifters. Those who survive his training are sent into history with the mission to preserve the time stream, recruit more of their kind, and better humanity through subtle, controlled event manipulation. Standing in the way are the Hollows, a rogue group of Rifters who have vowed to put an end to the Tesla Institute, at all costs. They steal, cheat, and bend history to their own ends. Using children stolen from time as their personal armies, they fight not only for control of time itself, but also for self-preservation.  

You can find, EXTRACTED, book 1 of The Lost Imperials everywhere books are sold.

Fine Cooking: Cakes & Cupcakes

I am in love with the fact that Netgalley and the publishers offer cookbooks to review.

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review. I want to thank both Netgalley and the publisher for providing this ARC.

 I’m constantly hoarding recipes because I love to cook. I’m not that great of a baker but I want to be! This book gave me some amazing recipes for baking. I cannot wait to try them!! This had a great variety and selection of desserts. I love how the straightforward the recipes are and easy to follow. I highly recommend this baking book to those who love to bake or want to J

The Nightingale by @Kristin Hannah

 

 

 

I haven't read many of Kristin Hannah's book. It's a shame since on of my favorite books ever is by her. I will definitely be reading more of her books this year. I loved this new book by her. I started it last night and just finished it today. I tried to do some chores and other things but I just couldn't concentrate because I had to know what happened next in this book.

 

This is a book about two sisters and how they survive during WW II in France. They are both very different personalities and are at different points in their lives. Vianne, is married with a child names Sophie. Her husband has just been shipped to the front lines. Isabelle, is reckless and headstrong. She is set in her ways and won't let anyone tell her what to do. She has been kicked out of several schools and she's on a journey to find someone that loves her. They had really bad child hoods and when their father came back from the war broken, then losing their mother. Their father drops them off with a horrible persona and then starts their lives in two separate directions.

 

Hannah does an amazing job starting off the book in present day but keeping the person anonymous. You realize it's one of the sisters but you have no idea which one. She then will flip back to the past and alternate POV between Vianne and Isabelle. It's amazing to see how they both grow so much and do what they never thought they could. Isabelle is dead set on helping out in some way. She hates the Germans and doesn't stand for what they are doing. She joins in the rebellion and starts "The Nightingale" with her father and some friends. She also finds a way to fall in love in the midst of war and ugliness. It's amazing how much she grows up when you get to the end of the story. Vianne is scared to death and has no idea what to do. She takes the approach of listening to their rules and keeping out of trouble. Then she finds out that she has to host a German soldier in her home. It's amazing the things that she does with the enemy living under the same roof.

 

The theme I get from this book is one thing for sure: Love. It's the thing that keeps showing up through this whole entire book. The things that they all do is for the love of their children. Vianne and her love for Sophie then Daniel shows no bounds. She does anything and everything, no matter what it does to her, to keep them safe and alive. Even though, Isabelle and Vianne have a past where they don't get along, they care about each other so much in the present. What they do for each other makes you feel the love. You even get the same with so many other characters in this book. One of the things I love about Kristin Hannah, is that at the end of her books, you will want to hug your loved ones. You will want to hold them close and never let go. She will make you bawl your eyes out but so very grateful for your life.

 

The character growth is outstanding. Isabelle has no purpose and is completely unlikable but by the end of the story she has made deep friendships and is loved and valued by many. Vianne is all about keeping to herself and not making any fuss to get noticed but then turns out to be a hero too. The story is complex but the style of the writing keeps it flowing so well and quickly. It's hard for a book to grab be so soon. I was about page 30 and I was completely sucked in. I just couldn't put the book down! This is a heart breaking, hauntingly beautiful story. This is a story that will stay with you for a long while. I still can't stop thinking about it. I can't wait to read more of Kristin Hannah.

 

 

 

 

 

Teaser Tuesday #14

 

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!


My Teaser: 

"Later," I say, and I mean it this time. I will tell him the story of my war, and my sister's. Not all of it, of course, not the worst parts, but some. Enough that he will know a truer version of me. "Not here, though, I'm exhausted." I lean back into the big first-class chair and close my eyes.
 How can I start at the beginning, when all I can think about is the end?"

-pg. 345, The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

 

 

-- I really got into this last night and I cannot wait to finish! About 100 pages left. So good!

 

 

 

Choose Your Own Autobiography- Neil Patrick Harris

 

 

 

I am so glad I finally had the time to read this! I love Neil Patrick Harris! I fell in love with his acting skills on HIMYM. I found this little show when it was showing reruns at 1am in college. I believe it was season 4 when I was caught up and able to watch week to week. I did NOT know that he was gay until my husband told me later! I couldn't believe it. I would not have guessed it at all. This really impressed me and assured my belief that NPH is just an amazing actor.

 

About the book. I really enjoyed it! He does something different where you do the adventure type reading. He has all these different pages you can jump to depending on "what you want to do/see/read/feel" at the end of each chapter. I tried this for a bit but then I couldn't do it. I had to read from start to finish because I was so worried that I would end up skipping something amazing and not reading a vital line or funny quote. I guess it's just my nature but I can't leave anything unfinished. So I had to just read from page one then straight through. I got a few pages that he did specifically for those of us who did not follow the adventure. No matter what, I loved his alternate endings and deaths. I had to read some of them to my husband we were dying in laughter. I really loved the one about bowling. Fantastic! haha.

 

Not only is he funny, he is serious too. He can take you from joking around to making you understand what he went through all in the same chapter. He was able to tell his story and not be rude or call people out when dealing with his life. You can feel the love for his family and I bet he is an amazing person to hang out with! He also does this thing where he's telling the story to himself. It's a different and interesting take on how to write this book but I enjoyed it.

 

You get his entire story from beginning to present. He doesn't try to sway you and make you feel sorry for him. He's blunt and open about so many things. I loved the very beginning when he was introducing his parents.

 

Overall, I enjoyed this and am glad I picked it up! It was quite Legen..wait for it.. dary!! Legendary :)

 

Teaser Tuesday #13

 

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!


My Teaser: 

 

 

" And Remember, the decisions you  make won't just be affecting you. From this point on, Neil Patrick Harris's life... is in your hands."

 

This sounds like a good start! Cracking open this book today and I'm so excited. Love NPH!

The Job by Janet Evanovich & Lee Goldberg

 

 

 

I want to thank Netgally and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book for review. I started this book this morning and it finished it pretty fast. It's an easy, light and fun read.

 

I am a fan of Evanovich and I really like this series. I think that O'Hare and Fox are fun and entertaining. The plot and dialogue keep you interested and make you keep turning the pages. The humor is just put in places that doesn't make it seem forced.

 

This books takes place mostly on a ship. It starts off with a series of heists over the a three countries in less than a week. The catch is that the person doing this is impersonating Fox. So of course, the FBI think that they he has backed out on their deal. All but Kate believe this. She has pretty much figured out Fox for herself. Turns out it's someone who is trying to get a hold of Fox. So starts the rest of the plot.

 

They are trying to take down a very sadistic drug/crime lord that has changed his appearance. They way that Fox gets him to come out of hiding is pretty smart. I love all the characters that make up the Fox and O'Hare team too. Kate's dad is a badass at his age. I love the chemistry between Fox and Kate. They are fun and witty to one another but you can feel that they are falling head over heels in love with each other. I also think that Kate and Nick are rubbing off on each other. She is starting to see things in more of a gray area. It's such a change since the first book when she was so black and white.

 

I am liking this series more and more with each book. If you are looking for a quick fun read, this is a good series for that. I can't wait to see what will happen in the next book! I also can't wait for Fox and Kate to finally tell each other how they really feel :)

 

A Rock Star Book Tour: Invaded by Melissa Landers

I am so thrilled to help Melissa Landers with her release week launch party for INVADED! See a note from Melissa below and make sure to enter the giveaway!

Hey, fiction lovers. I’m Melissa Landers, author of the Alienated series (YA sci-fi from Disney-Hyperion), and today I’m bouncing with excitement because THE SEQUEL IS FINALLY HERE!

It’s been a year since we left Aelyx and Cara onboard the intergalactic transport, and INVADED begins with an emotional goodbye as they part ways—Aelyx returning to Earth to salvage the alliance, and Cara continuing to L’eihr to serve out her part of the student exchange. While they’re apart, our star-crossed lovers will face assassination attempts, betrayal, crippling self-doubt, and a sadistic alien Phys Ed class. (Because there’s no escaping PE, even in another galaxy.) When Aelyx and Cara finally reunite…well, let’s just say it’s combustive. ;-)

What do reviewers think? I’m glad you asked!

“Readers will love the seamless blend of suspense, humor, and romance set against an interstellar landscape. Dual narratives and a tightly plotted mystery keep the suspense running high, and the chemistry between Aelyx and Cara smolders.” –Booklist

“Excellent character development and integration between modern reality and science fiction. Teens will be rooting for the galactic couple while enjoying the action and suspense that runs through the two volumes.” –School Library Journal

“The protagonists' forced separation gives greater depth to their romance. Each learns to turn a critical eye upon the flaws of their native societies while confronting genuine obstacles to a future together. These complications only underscore the growing sense of menace that propels the narrative to an action-packed climax.” –Kirkus

I hope you’ll make tracks to the nearest bookstore and pick up a copy of INVADED! If you’re snowed in, here are some easy links to bring the sequel right to you:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

iBooks

Book Depository (free worldwide shipping)

Indie Bound

Indigo

Books-A-Million

Bio: Melissa Landers is a former teacher who left the classroom to pursue other worlds. A proud sci-fi geek, she isn’t afraid to wear her Princess Leia costume in public—just ask her husband and three kids. She lives outside Cincinnati in the small town of Loveland, “Sweetheart of Ohio.” For more information, or just to say hello, visit www.melissa-landers.com.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest | Tumblr | Instagram

To celebrate my book birthday, I’m offering one lucky winner a $25 gift card to Barnes & Noble and an autographed swag pack, complete with mini posters of BOTH books! This giveaway is open internationally, and due to sweepstakes laws, entrants must be 18 years or older to participate.

Best of luck, and happy reading!

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Review: The Retribution of Mara Dyer by @Michelle Hodkin

 

 

 

Okay, I will admit that I felt lost throughout a lot of this series. There was so much potential and this book just fell flat for me. It didn't even get interesting until 3/4 of the way. Most of this book is the three of them going from location to location and Mara trying not to kill people.. but she does.  I feel like there is so much that is left unfinished at the end of this. The back and forth between past and present helped me figure out some of what was going on. It took me three books.

 

Mara is not a "super heroine" AT all. She's pretty much the opposite. She is really reckless and a straight up killer. I was so confused on what was going on with her through the first two books. Was it some kind of psychosis? Did she have someone else inside her head? Where there two of them? Was it her twin and at birth she got sucked into her brain? I mean the possibilities were endless. I was not expecting where this book went. It left me so ... unimpressed. I really took a week to try and think about how to write this review.

 

I did not like the characters and the plot is horribly slow and lacking. There is so much unimportant fluff throughout this book. It's over 400 pages and it was about 200+ pages too much. Don't get me wrong, it's a decently quick read but it's boring. Actually, now that I have had time to process and think about this book. I'm dropping down to 2 stars.

 

Not something I would recommend. Just wasn't for me. Sorry, I just didn't care for Mara.

 

Review: Fairest by @MarissaMeyer

 

I love the Lunar Chronicles by Meyer. I am not going to lie, I was really bummed that she pushed Winter back and decided to do a "shorter story" about Levana. I feel like a lot of authors are using the story stories to make an extra buck. Don't get me wrong, I totally love them. I just didn't want to wait so much longer for Winter. I am so glad that I love this.

It's actually a decent size book. The 60 page short stories or "novellas" just make you want more. You feel so unsatisfied and it's like a tease. This is like half a book. A decent size and I feel like I got a good fix of this story.

This book is about Queen Levana. Her story and how she got to where she is now. It's a tough story. She's definitely the villain but I really feel sorry for her. She has a horrible life. Her sister is the definition of crazy and she treats Levana so bad. I mean the reason she has all the burns is because of her sister. She's evil. Poor Levana is just so starved for attention or any kind of love that she hangs onto the kindness of a guard. She quickly becomes obsessed with him and is so sure that she's in love with him. This is what starts the rest of her sad story. She is so sure that she's in love that she does whatever it takes to have him. She ends up getting more than she bargained for and never really has a happy ever ending with the man she loves.

 I do believe that she loved him. Well in the only way that she knew how. I think that she only started to realize what she has done wrong when it's too late. If only she would have opened up to him and been more trusting in him, things could have been so different. The things that she does to become Queen and stay that way, are just horrible. I think that her husband could have been her saving grace. Although, the way she forced him into things and controlled him, it completely backfired. 

I really do get so much more of an understanding of everything that has happened in the series so far. It's so great to get such a fulfilling story and not just a quick flash back. Thank you, thank you Meyer! I loved every minute of this book and I cannot wait for Winter! Not going to lie, I have the upmost, highest hopes for the last book. I love this series and will be sad to see it go. I'm also so ready to see how it is wrapped up!