Book Review- The Woman in Cabin 10

I finished reading The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware earlier in the week.

From Goodreads:

From New York Times bestselling author of the “twisty-mystery” (Vulture) novel In a Dark, Dark Wood, comes The Woman in Cabin 10, an equally suspenseful novel from Ruth Ware—this time, set at sea.

In this tightly wound story, Lo Blacklock, a journalist who writes for a travel magazine, has just been given the assignment of a lifetime: a week on a luxury cruise with only a handful of cabins. At first, Lo’s stay is nothing but pleasant: the cabins are plush, the dinner parties are sparkling, and the guests are elegant. But as the week wears on, frigid winds whip the deck, gray skies fall, and Lo witnesses what she can only describe as a nightmare: a woman being thrown overboard. The problem? All passengers remain accounted for—and so, the ship sails on as if nothing has happened, despite Lo’s desperate attempts to convey that something (or someone) has gone terribly, terribly wrong…

With surprising twists and a setting that proves as uncomfortably claustrophobic as it is eerily beautiful, Ruth Ware offers up another intense read.

This is not a book I would normally pick up, but since it was for a book club I did.  And I wasn't a fan.  I didn't like the main character, Lo, at all.  I found her unreliable and I couldn't trust her.  I think I was supposed to feel sympathetic towards her because of what she went through before and on the trip, but I just didn't.  In fact, there wasn't a single character that I actually liked.

There were some good plot twists and I have to say that I didn't really see some of them coming.  So that's always a plus.  But I still had a hard time getting engaged in the story.  It didn't really get me hooked.

I gave this book a rating of 2.5/5.

*FTC Disclosure: I bought this book.

Book Review- Journey of Hope

I finished reading Journey of Hope by Lurlene McDaniel on Saturday.

From Goodreads:

HEATHER BARLOW HAS always been idealistic, and now that she has finished high school, she’s ready to make a difference in the world. After graduation she joins a mission group on a hospital mercy ship sailing to Africa.

Journey of Hope is two novels put together: Angel of Mercy and Angel of Hope.

I used to love reading Lurlene McDaniel's books as a kid.  So I was excited to dive into this one.  I wasn't expecting it to be so religious.  I can't remember if all of her books are so religious and I just never noticed when I was a kid or if it's just this one, but it kind of turned me off. 

That being said, I loved reading about the time in Africa.  I'd love to travel there someday.  And my best friend's little sister just left for a missionary trip of 11 countries in 11 months, so that part did strike close to home. 

Both novels in this book definitely had that classic Lurlene McDaniel twist in it and I found myself holding back tears.  I have a few more of hers on my bookshelf and I look forward to getting to them.

I gave this book a rating of 3/5.

*FTC Disclosure: I bought this book.

Book Review- Three Dark Crowns

I finished reading Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake last week for an Around the World ARC Tour.

From Goodreads:

Every generation on the island of Fennbirn, a set of triplets is born: three queens, all equal heirs to the crown and each possessor of a coveted magic. Mirabella is a fierce elemental, able to spark hungry flames or vicious storms at the snap of her fingers. Katharine is a poisoner, one who can ingest the deadliest poisons without so much as a stomachache. Arsinoe, a naturalist, is said to have the ability to bloom the reddest rose and control the fiercest of lions.

But becoming the Queen Crowned isn’t solely a matter of royal birth. Each sister has to fight for it. And it’s not just a game of win or lose…it’s life or death. The night the sisters turn sixteen, the battle begins. The last queen standing gets the crown.

If only it was that simple. Katharine is unable to tolerate the weakest poison, and Arsinoe, no matter how hard she tries, can’t make even a weed grow. The two queens have been shamefully faking their powers, taking care to keep each other, the island, and their powerful sister Mirabella none the wiser. But with alliances being formed, betrayals taking shape, and ruthless revenge haunting the queens’ every move, one thing is certain: the last queen standing might not be the strongest…but she may be the darkest.

I thought I would really enjoy this book since it had to do with queens and triplets.  Unfortunately, it didn't really do it for me.

Each chapter or so varied among the queens.  It took a while for me to really understand which queen was which.  All of the details were confusing.  And once I did figure out and understand the differences in the queens, I never really got into any of them.

And the story was pretty dark.  I'm not into completely dark stories.  I need some kind of light or majorly sweet romance or something. 

I suppose the overall idea of the story was interesting enough.  Triplet queens who are separated as young children and raised thinking they have a gift, or will come into one.  And that they have to kill their two sisters when they are 16 to because the true queen. 

I can't decide if I'll pick up the next book.  I guess I'll have to see how I'm feeling at the time.

I gave this book a rating of 3/5.

 *FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free for an honest review as part of the Around the World Tours.

Book Review- Nemesis

I just finished reading Nemesis by Anna Banks for an Around the World ARC

Tour.

From Goodreads:
The princess didn't expect to fall in love--with her nemesis.
Princess Sepora of Serubel is the last Forger in all the five kingdoms. The spectorium she creates provides energy for all, but now her father has found a way to weaponize it, and his intentions to incite war force her to flee from his grasp. She escapes across enemy lines into the kingdom of Theoria, but her plans to hide are thwarted when she is captured and placed in the young king's servitude.

Tarik has just taken over rulership of Theoria, and must now face a new plague sweeping through his kingdom and killing his citizens. The last thing he needs is a troublesome servant vying for his attention. But mistress Sepora will not be ignored. When the two finally meet face-to-face, they form an unlikely bond that complicates life in ways neither of them could have imagined.
Sepora's gift could save Tarik's kingdom from the Quiet Plague. But should she trust her growing feelings for her nemesis, or should she hide her gifts at all costs?

This book had it all--great characters. an interesting and unique plot, a love story, and some action.

I loved all of the characters in this book.  Sepora was feisty yet kind, loyal but peaceful, smart but humble.  And Tarik--he made a great king.  He had heart and wasn't cold or calculating. Heck, even Sethos grew on me.  And I want my own Serpen!!

The idea of Forging and what spectorium is was really neat.  To have all of that power in your hands would be amazing.  Yet Sepora only used it for good. 

The world of Theoria was so unique yet the author described the culture so well that I could easily see it in my head. 

Nemesis really kept me engaged.  It was easy to read and kept me interested the whole time.  I'll definitely be picking up the second one in this series.

I gave this book a rating of 4/5.

Nemesis will be released on October 4, 2016.

*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free for an honest review as part of the Around the World Tours.

Book Review- The Flame Never Dies

I finished reading The Flame Never Dies ( The Stars Never Rise #2) by Rachel Vincent last night for an Around the World ARC Tour. 

From Goodreads:

Nina Kane was born to be an exorcist. And since uncovering the horrifying truth—that the war against demons is far from over—seventeen-year-old Nina and her pregnant younger sister, Mellie, have been on the run, incinerating the remains of the demon horde as they go.

In the badlands, Nina, Mellie, and Finn, the fugitive and rogue exorcist who saved her life, find allies in a group of freedom fighters. They also face a new threat: Pandemonia, a city full of demons. But this fresh new hell is the least of Nina’s worries. The well of souls ran dry more than a century ago, drained by the demons secretly living among humans, and without a donor soul, Mellie’s child will die within hours of its birth.

Nina isn’t about to let that happen…even if it means she has to make the ultimate sacrifice.  

Rachel Vincent is one of my favorite authors, and I really liked the previous book in this series, so I was excited to read this one.  And it didn't disappoint.

The author writes in a way that just flows to me.  It's not too detail-y, but it's not scant in descriptions either.  The characters seem real (or as real as a character in a paranormal book can be) and speak in ways that sound right in my head.  And the plots always keep me engaged.  Just enough action and character development.

There were some places in the book that I found myself confused.  I'm not sure if it was because I stink at remembering exactly what happened in past books or what.  But I quickly caught on and plowed through the book. 

There were some definite surprises that I didn't see coming.  Maybe I should have, but I didn't.  And oh, one of them was really good!

I look forward to reading what's going to happen next in the series!

I gave this book a rating of 4/5.

*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free for an honest review as part of the Around the World Tours.

Book Review- Caraval

I finished reading Caraval by Stephanie Garber for an Around the World ARC Tour.

 From Goodreads:

Before you enter the world of Caraval, you must remember that it’s all a game . . .Scarlett has never

left the tiny island where she and her beloved sister, Tella, live with their ruthless father. Now Scarlett’s father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval, the legendary, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show, are over.Then, Scarlett’s long-dreamt of invitation to Caraval finally arrives. So, Tella enlists a mysterious sailor’s help to whisk Scarlett away to this year’s show. But as soon as the trio arrives, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval’s mastermind organizer, Legend.


Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But she nonetheless soon becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic with her sister, with Legend, and with the other players in the game. And whether Caraval is real or not, she must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over, a dangerous domino effect of consequences is set off, and her sister disappears forever.


 Ok, first of all, am I the only person who kept reading the word "Caraval" as "Carnival"?  I kept having to correct myself.


 Anyways, the idea of Caraval was interesting, but it was not at all what I expected.  It was all dark.  I thought there might be some lightness and fun to it but there wasn't.  A lot of it was confusing to me.  I mean, I guess that was the point of the game but I felt that there were twists and turns.  And then twists on those twists.  A lot of it left me thinking "huh?" 


 I'm not sure I really liked any of the characters.  Scarlett just didn't seem very exciting to me.  I didn't care about her. And Tella seemed too airhead and flouncy.  If I had to pick a favorite, it was Julian.
 
 The writing kind of bugged me too.  There were too many descriptions of things using colors.  All her feelings were colors and there were sensory words everywhere.  Sensory overload.


 I don't know.  I've read such great reviews about the book.  Maybe it just wasn't the right time for me to read it.


 I gave this book a rating of 3/5.


 Caraval will be released on January 31, 2017.


 *FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free for an honest review as part of the Around the World Tours.

Book Review- The Twelve Days of Dash & Lily

I just finished reading The Twelve Days of Dash & Lily by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan for an Around the World ARC Tour.

From Goodreads:

New York Times bestselling authors Rachel Cohn and David Levithan are back with a life-affirming Christmas romance starring Dash and Lily.
 
Dash and Lily have had a tough year since readers first watched the couple fall in love. Lily’s beloved grandfather suffered a heart attack, and his difficult road to recovery has taken a major toll on her typically sunny disposition. 
 
With only twelve days left until Christmas—Lily’s favorite time of the year—Dash, Lily’s brother Langston, and their closest friends take Manhattan by storm to help Lily recapture the holiday magic of New York City in December. 
 
Told in alternating chapters, The Twelve Days of Dash & Lilyreunites two beloved characters and is bound to be a Christmas favorite, season after season.

Who doesn't love a good Christmas book in August?? (I know I read an ARC so it won't be released until closer to the holiday season).  I love the holidays so I'm up for a holiday themed-book any time of the year!

This book kept me entertained.  It wasn't necessarily deep but it wasn't completely light either.  It was perfectly somewhere in the middle.

I liked Lily more this go round.  I thought she was more real and more depth.  And Dash got on my nerves this time.  He didn't seem as invested as Lily and there were several things he did that made me question if he really was as into the relationship as she was.  

But all ends as it should and kept this reader quite happy.

I gave this book a rating of 3.5/5.

The Twelve Days of Dash & Lily will be released on October 18, 2016.

*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free for an honest review as part of the Around the World Tours. 

Book Review- Stealing Snow

I finished reading Stealing Snow by Danielle Paige for an Around the World ARC Tour.

From Goodreads:

Seventeen-year-old Snow has spent the majority of her life within the walls of the Whittaker Institute, a high security mental hospital in upstate New York. Deep down, she knows she's not crazy and doesn't belong there. When she meets a mysterious, handsome new orderly and dreams about a strange twisted tree she realizes she must escape and figure out who she really is.

Using her trusting friend Bale as a distraction, Snow breaks free and races into the nearby woods. Suddenly, everything isn't what it seems, the line between reality and fantasy begins to blur, and she finds herself in icy Algid--her true home--with witches, thieves, and a strangely alluring boy named Kai, none of whom she's sure she can trust. As secret after secret is revealed, Snow discovers that she is on the run from a royal lineage she's destined to inherit, a father more powerful and ruthless than she could have imagined, and choices of the heart that could change the fate of everything...including Snow's return to the world she once knew.

This breathtaking first volume begins the story of how Snow becomes a villain, a queen, and ultimately a hero.

I've said it many times before and I'm sure I'll say it many times again...I love fairy tales.  And if there's a retelling of one, I'm going to want to read it.  Unfortunately, this retelling of the Snow Queen story just didn't do it for me.

I can't pin it exactly.  But something about the flow of the story or the plot didn't work for me.  Snow jumped from here to there and guy to guy.  And things were too convenient.  They weren't believeable at all, even in the realm of fairy tale.

Sadly, I didn't care for Snow at all.  Or any of the other characters for that matter. I mean, I didn't dislike her.  But I just didn't care about her.  And I want to care about the main character.  Or hate them.  Or feel something for them.  But nope.

Ehh...I think this is supposed to be a series, but I'm struggling with whether I'll continue on with it.

I gave this book a rating of 2.5/5.

Stealing Snow will be released on September 20, 2016.

*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free for an honest review as part of the Around the World Tours.

Book Review- One Plus One

I finished reading One Plus One by Jojo Moyes last night.

From Goodreads:

Suppose your life sucks. A lot. Your husband has done a vanishing act, your teenage stepson is being
bullied and your math whiz daughter has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you can’t afford to pay for. That’s Jess’s life in a nutshell—until an unexpected knight-in-shining-armor offers to rescue them. Only Jess’s knight turns out to be Geeky Ed, the obnoxious tech millionaire whose vacation home she happens to clean. But Ed has big problems of his own, and driving the dysfunctional family to the Math Olympiad feels like his first unselfish act in ages... maybe ever.

I really liked the book Me Before You by this author so I decided to give this one a try.  Unfortunately, it fell a little flat for me.

I loved the idea of the poor single mom working hard make ends meet for her two unique kids--a math genius and a teenage son that's a little different.  But I never connected with any of them.  If I had to pick one I liked the best, it would be the male lead, Ed.  I felt like the portrayal of Jess was maybe too extreme or something.  I wanted her to be more likeable.

Also, I think what made Me Before You so great was the heavy topics and it drew you in.  This book didn't really have anything like that to keep me hooked.  I didn't find myself looking forward to reading more--I just did it because it was there.

I do have the sequel to Me Before You to read too, so we'll see how that goes.

I gave this book a rating of 3/5.

*FTC Disclosure: I bought this book.

Book Review- The Sun is Also a Star

I finished reading The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon today for an Around the World ARC Tour.

From Goodreads:

Natasha: I’m a girl who believes in science and facts. Not fate. Not destiny. Or dreams that will never come true. I’m definitely not the kind of girl who meets a cute boy on a crowded New York City street and falls in love with him. Not when my family is twelve hours away from being deported to Jamaica. Falling in love with him won’t be my story.

Daniel: I’ve always been the good son, the good student, living up to my parents’ high expectations. Never the poet. Or the dreamer. But when I see her, I forget about all that. Something about Natasha makes me think that fate has something much more extraordinary in store—for both of us.

The Universe: Every moment in our lives has brought us to this single moment. A million futures lie before us. Which one will come true?

This book had promise.  The idea how small, insignificant decision or action can change your whole future intrigued me.  And two strangers meeting and falling in love did too.  Unfortunately, I just didn't get invested in the story.

Maybe it was because the narration changed hands so many times.  And most of the chapters were extremely short--a page or two, or sometimes only a paragraph or two.  And so I never really connected with Natasha or Daniel.

And talk about a quick love--too immediate for my tasting.  It was more of a falling in lust.  They didn't truly know each other in the short twelve hours so I don't believe it could be love.  I did like the ending, before the epilogue.  It gave this idealistic story a nice dash of reality.  

I gave this book a rating of 3/5.

The Sun is Also a Star will be released on November 1, 2016.

*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free for an honest review as part of the Around the World Tours. 

Book Review- What Light

 reading What Light by Jay Asher last night for an Around the World ARC Tour.

From Goodreads:

Sierra's family runs a Christmas tree farm in Oregon—it's a bucolic setting for a girl to grow up in, except that every year, they pack up and move to California to set up their Christmas tree lot for the season. So Sierra lives two lives: her life in Oregon and her life at Christmas. And leaving one always means missing the other. 

Until this particular Christmas, when Sierra meets Caleb, and one life eclipses the other.

By reputation, Caleb is not your perfect guy: years ago, he made an enormous mistake and has been paying for it ever since. But Sierra sees beyond Caleb's past and becomes determined to help him find forgiveness and, maybe, redemption. As disapproval, misconceptions, and suspicions swirl around them, Caleb and Sierra discover the one thing that transcends all else: true love.

What Light is a love story that's moving and life-affirming and completely unforgettable.

I read one of the authors more famous books a few years ago and wasn't a fan of it like everyone else was.  So I was skeptical going into this one.  I have to say, I enjoyed this one more.

A plot of living in two cities during the year because of your family business was an interesting one.  I can't imagine having two lives each year.  Sierra and Caleb were a cute couple but Caleb had a secret from his past. I'm all about second chances, but his mistake was pretty serious.  I'm not so sure most parents would be understanding.

The story ended sweetly, but I could easily see room for a sequel.  And I'd gladly pick it up to read.

I gave this book a rating of 3.5/5.

What Light will be released on October 18, 2016.

*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free for an honest review as part of the Around the World Tours. 

Book Review- Me Before You

I finished Me Before You by Jojo Moyes last week.

From Goodreads:

They had nothing in common until love gave them everything to lose . . .
Louisa Clark is an ordinary girl living an exceedingly ordinary life—steady boyfriend, close family—who has barely been farther afield than their tiny village. She takes a badly needed job working for ex–Master of the Universe Will Traynor, who is wheelchair bound after an accident. Will has always lived a huge life—big deals, extreme sports, worldwide travel—and now he’s pretty sure he cannot live the way he is.

Will is acerbic, moody, bossy—but Lou refuses to treat him with kid gloves, and soon his happiness means more to her than she expected. When she learns that Will has shocking plans of his own, she sets out to show him that life is still worth living.

A Love Story for this generation, Me Before You brings to life two people who couldn’t have less in common—a heartbreakingly romantic novel that asks, What do you do when making the person you love happy also means breaking your own heart?


We were leaving for a cruise and I wanted a good chick-lit book to take with me to read while lounging in the sun.  I really had no idea what I was in the mood for, but once in the store I saw this book and knew immediately that it was the one I wanted to read.

Yes, this book definitely has some chick-lit qualities but it has a  much more serious undertone.  And without giving anything away, it's a highly debated topic and one that I side with Will completely--I can't say that I wouldn't choose it if I were in his shoes.

Anyways, I loved Lou.  She danced to the beat of her own drum, especially fashion-wise and accepted it.  She was totally relatable and someone I could easily see being friends with.  And Will--yeah, he's the type I would have crushed on.  I liked watching their relationship grow and it made me sad to read the climax of it.

I'm really looking forward to the movie.  I hope it lives up to my expectations.  And I'm hoping to get my hands on the sequel soon!

I gave this book a rating of 4/5.

*FTC Disclosure: I bought this book.

Book Review- The Lovely Reckless

I just finished reading The Lovely Reckless by Kami Garcia for an Around the World ARC Tour.

From Goodreads:

I’ve become an expert at avoiding things that could hurt me—which means I will figure out how to stay away from Marco Leone.

Seventeen-year-old Frankie Devereux would do anything to forget the past. Haunted by the memory of her boyfriend’s death, she lives her life by one dangerous rule: Nothing matters. At least, that’s what Frankie tells herself after a reckless mistake forces her to leave her privileged life in the Heights to move in with her dad—an undercover cop. She transfers to a public high school in the Downs, where fistfights don’t faze anyone and illegal street racing is more popular than football.

Marco Leone is the fastest street racer in the Downs. Tough, sexy, and hypnotic, he makes it impossible for Frankie to ignore him—and how he makes her feel. But the risks Marco takes for his family could have devastating consequences for them both. When Frankie discovers his secret, she has to make a choice. Will she let the pain of the past determine her future? Or will she risk what little she has left to follow her heart?

This book reminded me a lot of the books by Katie McGarry. I love those books and loved this one just as much!

I think I must love stories that have rich girls crossing over to the other side of the tracks.  Kinda like a backwards Cinderella story, if that makes sense.  The perfect girl with the perfect life that falls in love or becomes friends with people who don't have it so easy.

I really liked Frankie.  For the most part, I thought that she was so real and I felt bad for her.  I do think the romance between her and Marco was way too quick, especially since it had only been a few months since she watched her boyfriend being killed and still had PTSD about it.  But it is what it is.

I liked all the secondary characters too--Lex, Cruz, Abel, even the positive adults in the story.  They all had depth to them and I liked that.  

I do have to say that there is mystery in Frankie's boyfriend's murder.  And I did not see it coming.  

I really flew through this one.  Read most of it in one sitting and only put it down because I had to!

I gave this book a rating of 4.5/5.

*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free for an honest review as part of the Around the World Tours.

In My Mailbox- May 30, 2016

In My Mailbox: Here's what I got in my mailbox in the last 2 weeks: 

The Lovely Reckless-Kami Garcia--review for an Around the World ARC Tour

Chasing Stars (After Eden #2)- Helen Douglas--received from a friend

Walk the Edge- Katie McGarry--received from a friend

Unrivaled- Alyson Noel--from publisher for review

In My Mailbox- May 16, 2016

In My Mailbox: Here's what I got in my mailbox last week: 

MONDAY

My Lady Jane- Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, Jodi Meadows--review for an Around the World ARC Tour










TUESDAY

Sing- Vivi Greene--from publisher for review

The Sunday Salon- May 8, 2016

The Sunday Salon

I finished and reviewed the following books last week:

The Orphan Queen by Jodi Meadows











I am waiting on a tour book to get here, and then I'll try to read In The Shadows by Kiersten White & Jim Di Bartolo again!

Book Review- The Orphan Queen

I finished reading The Orphan Queen by Jodi Meadows last week.

From Goodreads:

Wilhelmina has a hundred identities.

She is a princess. When the Indigo Kingdom conquered her homeland, Wilhelmina and other orphaned children of nobility were taken to Skyvale, the Indigo Kingdom’s capital. Ten years later, they are the Ospreys, experts at stealth and theft. With them, Wilhelmina means to take back her throne.

She is a spy. Wil and her best friend, Melanie, infiltrate Skyvale Palace to study their foes. They assume the identities of nobles from a wraith-fallen kingdom, but enemies fill the palace, and Melanie’s behavior grows suspicious. With Osprey missions becoming increasingly dangerous and their leader more unstable, Wil can’t trust anyone.

She is a threat. Wraith is the toxic by-product of magic, and for a century using magic has been forbidden. Still the wraith pours across the continent, reshaping the land and animals into fresh horrors. Soon it will reach the Indigo Kingdom. Wilhelmina’s magic might be the key to stopping the wraith, but if the vigilante Black Knife discovers Wil’s magic, she will vanish like all the others.

Jodi Meadows introduces a vivid new fantasy full of intrigue, romance, dangerous magic, and one girl’s battle to reclaim her place in the world.

It took me a few chapters to get into this book.  But once I did, I didn't want to put it down!

I loved Will.  I loved that she was a Princess and would do whatever it took to get her kingdom back.  She was strong.  But vulnerable too.  The perfect mix.  And I loved Black Knife.  I expected him to be mean and tough, but quickly learned how sweet he could be.  I thought I had his identity pegged, but I was so wrong.  Didn't see that one coming.  But it fit!

There was lots of action in this story, but not too much.  Enough to keep me hanging on and not turn away.  The ending with the wraith left me questioning things.  And then the very end was such a big cliffhanger!  I need to get my hands on the second book, The Mirror King!

I gave this book a rating of 4/5.

*FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Book Sale!!

I'm moving and have to get rid of most of my books!  The books are for sale plus shipping (ARCs are 1 free for each book bought). I'm doing 2 shelves at a time, so I'll be updating every weekend!  Email belle2211@yahoo.com to purchase!

Check out what I have for sale--Book Sale

The Sunday Salon- May 1, 2016

The Sunday Salon

I finished and reviewed the following books in the last 2 weeks:

Unbreakable (The Legion #1) by Kami Garcia











I am currently reading The Orphan Queen by Jodi Meadows and up next is In the Shadows by Kiersten White & Jim Di Bartolo.

Book Review-Unbreakable

I just finished reading Unbreakable (The Legion #1) by Kami Garcia.

From Goodreads:

Supernatural meets The Da Vinci Code in this action-packed paranormal thriller, the first book in a new series from New York Times bestselling author Kami Garcia.

I never believed in ghosts. Until one tried to kill me.

When Kennedy Waters finds her mother dead, her world begins to unravel. She doesn’t know that paranormal forces in a much darker world are the ones pulling the strings. Not until identical twins Jared and Lukas Lockhart break into Kennedy’s room and destroy a dangerous spirit sent to kill her. The brothers reveal that her mother was part of an ancient secret society responsible for protecting the world from a vengeful demon — a society whose five members were all murdered on the same night.

Now Kennedy has to take her mother’s place in the Legion if she wants to uncover the truth and stay alive. Along with new Legion members Priest and Alara, the teens race to find the only weapon that might be able to destroy the demon — battling the deadly spirits he controls every step of the way.

Suspense, romance, and the paranormal meet in this chilling urban fantasy, the first book in a new series from Kami Garcia, bestselling coauthor of the Beautiful Creatures novels.

I wasn't really sure what I was going to think about this one.  I wanted to read it because I'd heard of the author but I wasn't really sure about the premise.  I was pleasantly surprised though--I really liked it!

The action kept me hooked.  The whole idea of the Legion and how the responsibility of the members is passed down through the generations.  And the ghosts and demons in the stories were scary without being too dark which turns me off.  It all just worked.

And of course every good story needs at least a little bit of romance.  And this had a slight love triangle in it.  Plus, come on--two of the main guys are identical twins! (which I'm obsessed with--considering my hubby is a twin!)

I've already looked up the title for the next book in the series, Unmarked, and added it to my wish list!

I gave this book a rating of 4/5.

*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free for an honest review as part of the Around the World Tours.

In My Mailbox- April 18, 2016

In My Mailbox: Here's what I got in my mailbox in the last 2 weeks: 

MONDAY

Firstlife- Gena Showalter--review for an Around the World ARC Tour












MONDAY

How it Feels to Fly- Kathryn Holmes--review for an Around the World ARC Tour

Fairy Bad Day- Amanda Ashby--PaperbackSwap












FRIDAY

Crow Mountain- Lucy Inglis--from publisher for review

The Sunday Salon- April 17, 2016

The Sunday Salon

I finished and reviewed the following books in the last 2 weeks:

The Season of You & Me by Robin Constantine 

Firstlife (Everlife #1) by Gena Showalter 

How It Feels to Fly by Kathryn Holmes 












I am currently reading Unbreakable (The Legion #1) by Kami Garcia and up next is In the Shadows by Kiersten White & Jim Di Bartolo.

Book Review- How It Feels to Fly

I finished reading How It Feels to Fly by Kathryn Holmes the other night for an Around the World ARC Tour.

From Goodreads:

The movement is all that matters.

For as long as Samantha can remember, she’s wanted to be a professional ballerina. She’s lived for perfect pirouettes, sky-high extensions, and soaring leaps across the stage. Then her body betrayed her.

The change was gradual. Stealthy.

Failed diets. Disapproving looks. Whispers behind her back. The result: crippling anxiety about her appearance, which threatens to crush her dancing dreams entirely. On her dance teacher’s recommendation, Sam is sent to a summer treatment camp for teen artists and athletes who are struggling with mental and emotional obstacles. If she can make progress, she’ll be allowed to attend a crucial ballet intensive. But when asked to open up about her deepest insecurities, secret behaviors, and paralyzing fears to complete strangers, Sam can’t cope.

What I really need is a whole new body.

Sam forms an unlikely bond with Andrew, a former college football player who’s one of her camp counselors. As they grow closer, Andrew helps Sam see herself as he does—beautiful. But just as she starts to believe that there’s more between them than friendship, disappointing news from home sends her into a tailspin. With her future uncertain and her body against her, will Sam give in to the anxiety that imprisons her?

I needed something light after the last book I read.  And while the topic of this book is not light in any way, shape, or form, I easily got absorbed in the story.

I love dance.  While I'm not a dancer, I've always been fascinated athletes, actors, and dancers. So reading about this summer camp for gifted teens in those worlds with issues was something I was definitely interested in.

I really liked Sam.  And I felt so bad for her.  She was struggling through so much and then what happens at camp.  I had a feeling it would happen but I was hoping it wouldn't.

I liked reading how the campers grew and changed and became closer.  And I liked the positive talk that came from the book.  I think it would be a great book for teens to read.

I gave this book a rating of 4/5.

How It Feels to Fly will be released on June 14, 2016.

*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free for an honest review as part of the Around the World Tours.

Book Review- Firstlife

I finished reading Firstlife (Everlife #1) by Gena Showalter last night for an Around the World ARC Tour.

From Goodreads:

ONE CHOICE.
TWO REALMS.
NO SECOND CHANCE.

Tenley “Ten” Lockwood is an average seventeen-year-old girl…who has spent the past thirteen months locked inside the Prynne Asylum. The reason? Not her obsession with numbers, but her refusal to let her parents choose where she’ll live—after she dies.

There is an eternal truth most of the world has come to accept: Firstlife is merely a dress rehearsal, and real life begins after death.

In the Everlife, two realms are in power: Troika and Myriad, longtime enemies and deadly rivals. Both will do anything to recruit Ten, including sending their top Laborers to lure her to their side. Soon, Ten finds herself on the run, caught in a wild tug-of-war between the two realms who will do anything to win the right to her soul. Who can she trust? And what if the realm she’s drawn to isn’t home to the boy she’s falling for? She just has to stay alive long enough to make a decision…

So.  Unfortunately for me, I have to finish every book I start.  Otherwise this book would have been a DNF from a few chapters in.  And it only got slightly better for me.

Myriad and Troika.  Two realms.  That I kept getting completely confused.  It took me at least half the book, if not longer to understand the difference in the two and remember them.  Ugh.  Not fun to constantly be questioning what is going on.  (Oh and don't get me started about the short message pages and trying to figure out who was sending them.)

And Ten.  I couldn't stand her.  She seemed like she wanted to be lovable but was portrayed as too tough and there was nothing that made her sympathetic to me.  And the whole Archer versus Killian thing.  I actually felt sorry for the boys.

The story was too dark for me.  There's such thing as an action packed book, and then there's such thing as a book with way more drama than necessary.  So many things happened that were just weird and left me saying "Why?"

I was really hoping to like this book.  I really was.

I gave this book a rating of 2/5.

*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free for an honest review as part of the Around the World Tours.

Book Review- The Season of You & Me

I just finished reading The Season of You & Me by Robin Constantine for an Around the World ARC Tour.

From Goodreads:

Cassidy Emmerich is determined to make this summer—the last before her boyfriend heads off to college—unforgettable. What she doesn’t count on is her boyfriend breaking up with her. Now, instead of being poolside with him, Cass is over a hundred miles away, spending the summer with her estranged father and his family at their bed-and-breakfast at the Jersey Shore and working as the newest counselor at Camp Manatee.

Bryan Lakewood is sick of nevers. You’ll never walk. You’ll never surf. You’ll never slow dance with your date at prom. One miscalculated step and Bryan’s life changed forever—now he’s paralyzed and needs to use a wheelchair. This is the first summer he’s back at his former position at Camp Manatee and ready to reclaim some of his independence, in spite of those who question if he’s up for the job.

Cass is expecting two months dealing with heartbreak.
Bryan is expecting a summer of tough adjustments.
Neither of them is expecting to fall in love

This was such a sweet story.  It gave us a typical teenage breakup/new love story but threw in an unusual character in that the main guy was in a wheelchair.  It was so refreshing to read about a great, strong guy who wasn't your typical main character.

I loved both Cassidy and Bryan.  Cassidy is your typical heartbroken teen.  Who wouldn't want to get away for a summer after you've been cheated on?  And she had the perfect place to go.  And then there's Bryan.  I've already told you that I thought he was great.  And I loved how they were together.
Oh, and Hunter.  Man that kid was awesome!!  He was so cute and he cracked me up!

I loved how this book gave us a a sweet love story and showed us that having a going through a tragedy doesn't mean giving up hope.

I gave this book a rating of 4/5.

The Season of You & Me will be released on May 10, 2016.

*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free for an honest review as part of the Around the World Tours.

In My Mailbox- March 28, 2016

In My Mailbox: Here's what I got in my mailbox last week: 

MONDAY

The Way Back to You- Michelle Andreani & Mindi Scott--review for an Around the World ARC Tour

We Were Never Here- Jennifer Gilmore--review for an Around the World ARC Tour











TUESDAY

A Hundred Hours of Night- Anna Woltz--from publisher for review

What Happens Now- Jennifer Castle--review for an Around the World ARC Tour











FRIDAY

The Season of You & Me- Robin Constantine---review for an Around the World ARC Tour

Wanderlost- Jen Malone---review for an Around the World ARC Tour