Waiting on Wednesday (38)

Waiting on Wednesday/s are hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine in which you choose a book or books that you're excited and waiting for.

This week's Waiting on Wednesday book is:

Title: Forever Too Far (Too Far #3)

Author: Abbi Glines

Publication date: June 10th 2013

Rush promised her forever... but promises can be broken.

Torn between his love for his family and his love for Blaire, Rush has to find a way to save one without losing the other. In the end one has to be more important. Letting go isn’t easy.

Blaire believed in her fairytale... but no one can live in a fantasy.

Her love for Rush and desire to have a family keep her believing that they can find a way for this to work. Until she has to make the right decision for her and the baby. Even if it breaks her heart.

Can they find the forever that they both want or has it all just gone... too far?

(Image and summary taken from Goodreads)

Why I am so freaking excited for this:

Three words: Rush Finlay Junior. *dies*

What's your WoW pick this week? Leave us a comment and we'll check it out!

Release Day Launch: The Hazards of Skinny Dipping by Alyssa Rose Ivy

Title: The Hazards of Skinny Dipping

Author: Alyssa Rose Ivy

This isn't a deep book about first loves or self-discovery. If you want a book like that, I'd be happy to recommend one, but I don't have that kind of story to tell. Instead my story is about rash decisions and finding out that your dream guy is bad in bed. It's the story of when I finally went skinny dipping, and how my life was never the same again. Oh, and it's also the story of my freshman year of college and realizing Mr. Right might have been there all along.

About the author:

Alyssa Rose Ivy is a New Adult and Young Adult author who loves to weave stories with romance and a southern setting. Although raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to New Orleans for college. After years as a perpetual student, she turned back to her creative side and decided to write. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and two young children, and she can usually be found with a cup of coffee in her hand.

You can find her here:

Website / Twitter / Goodreads / Facebook / Pinterest

Cover Reveal: Romancing the Bookworm by Kate Evangelista

Title: Romancing the Bookworm

Author: Kate Evangelista

Publisher: Omnific Publishing

Genre: Romance

Age Group: New Adult

Expected release date: July 9, 2013

Cover reveal organized by: AToMR Tours

Sometimes, even the best-laid plans can unravel. It's spring break, and Tamara Winters would rather stay on campus and read romance novels than flaunt her size-fourteen body on a beach. But her best friend, Ronni, has other ideas. Against her wishes, Tamara is whisked away to picturesque Maverick Bay, where she's wrangled into waiting tables with Ronni at the Shore Shack for its busy week leading to Maverick's Surf Invitational. There she meets fellow schoolmate Xavier Solomon, the Invitational's organizer and campus womanizer by reputation. From the moment Tamara sees him emerging from the waves like a hero in of one of her romance novels, all she wants to do is run away from the feelings he inspires in her. 

 Little does she know Xavier has been watching her for weeks now. In fact, after failed attempts at asking her out on campus, he's concocted a crazy plan: fabricating romantic situations straight out of her favorite books. Xavier quickly realizes that if Tamara gets a whiff of his designs, he might as well spell CREEPER across his forehead. Yet as they grow closer, he's convinced it's a risk worth taking. What he hasn't planned on, of course, is his drug-addicted, alcoholic stepbrother, who decides to join the fun and put a wrench in Xavier’s scheme. 

Spring break is proving hotter than Tamara expected. Will her romance novels be able to compete?  

About the author:

When Kate Evangelista was told she had a knack for writing stories, she did the next best thing: entered medical school. After realizing she wasn't going to be the next Doogie Howser, M.D., Kate wandered into the Literature department of her university and never looked back. Today, she is in possession of a piece of paper that says to the world she owns a Literature degree. To make matters worse, she took Master's courses in creative writing. In the end, she realized to be a writer, none of what she had mattered. What really mattered? Writing. Plain and simple, honest to God, sitting in front of her computer, writing. Today, she has four completed Young Adult novels.

You can find her here:

Kate Evangelista | Twitter

What do YOU think of the cover? It looks so cute! I can't wait to read this one (I am SO into New Adult books.) Go, Kate! <3

 

Stacking the Shelves (24)

Stacking the Shelves is a meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews! It's where bloggers can share what they got for review, bought, borrowed, won or gifted (both physical and eBooks may be included! :D)

Here's what I got this week:

Bought:

Icons (Icons #1) by Margaret Stohl (Goodreads)

Hopeless (Hopeless #1) by Colleen Hoover (Goodreads)

Invisibility by Andrea Cremer and David Levithan (Goodreads)

The Elite (The Selection #2) by Kiera Cass (Goodreads)

Nameless (Tales of Beauty & Madness) by Lili St. Crow (Goodreads)

The 5th Wave (The 5th Wave #1) by Rick Yancey (Goodreads)

Apollyon (The Covenant #4) by Jennifer L. Armentrout (Goodreads)

She's Dating the Gangster by Bianca B. Bernardino (Goodreads)

Storm (Elemental #1) by Brigid Kemmerer (Goodreads)

Real Live Boyfriends: Yes. Boyfriends, Plural. If My Life Weren't Complicated, I Wouldn't Be Ruby Oliver (Ruby Oliver #4) by E. Lockhart (Goodreads)

For review:

Embrace (The Violet Eden Chapters #1) by Jessica Shirvington (Goodreads)

Entice (The Violet Eden Chapters #2) by Jessica Shirvington (Goodreads)

Gifted:

*signed* Fighting for Flight (Fighting #1) by JB Salsbury (Goodreads)

A BIG THANK YOU to the following people: JB Salsbury, Mia from Hachette UK, National Book Store, Fully Booked and the biggest thank you to my parents. <3

What awesome books did YOU get this week? Leave us a comment with your post and we'll check it out. :)

Blog Tour: Review + Giveaway: Click to Subscribe by L.M. Augustine

Click banner for the tour schedule.

Title: Click to Subscribe

Author: L.M. Augustine

Pages: 252 pages

Format acquired: eBook (ePub)

Published on: May 9th 2013

Source: Received for blog tour (Thanks, Bookcase to Heaven and L.M.!)

Buy the book: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

1,135,789. That’s how many subscribers sixteen-year-old West Ryder has on his web vlog series. But he only has eyes for one of them. 

As one of the internet’s most prestigious video bloggers, West talks about high school relationships under the name “Sam Green.” As far as he knows, no one from school, not even his best friend, Cat, has seen his videos. But the highlight of the whole thing is Harper Knight, who comments every day at exactly 2:02 in the afternoon. He doesn’t know anything about her aside from the occasional deep philosophical messaging on why pizza tastes so delicious, but as stupid as it sounds, he might be falling for her. So when they finally agree to meet in real life, West’s hope for romance seems more and more in reach. But that all changes as soon as he arrives at their meeting spot and sees Cat walking toward him, wearing the same “I <3 Sam Green” T-shirt Harper promised she'd have on.

To his alarm, West realizes he is falling in love with the best friend who has always been a sister to him.

(Image and summary taken from Goodreads)

Review:

I was seriously shocked while I was reading this book. I honestly thought that it would be one of those feel good, happy-go-lucky types of books but it's actually a pretty serious book. It wasn't all just about West and Cat's relationship but it also involved family matters that really saddened me. I wouldn't say that I completely enjoyed this book because it's still too random for me (I'll be talking about this more later.) But I will concede that it does have a pretty good story, so yay!

When West was talking about his vlog channel and how he uses a pseudonym, "Sam Green", and that only his mom knew about his vlog. I felt that this was faulty logic seeing as even his best friend knew about it. I mean, changing your name will not make you unrecognizable especially since you have to actually put your face in front of a camera to make vlogs. But that's besides that point... The biggest thing that bugged me about West is that he is so confused. Like, seriously. He didn't know what he wanted even though he was already getting a firm grasp on it and then he suddenly lets go. You can mostly see this happening when he's talking to Cat (post-meet-up.) He knows that he needs her so he's willing to pretend that she isn't in love with him, which I felt was very unfair to Cat. It's unrequited love at its worst. When Cat was West when she started to fall in love with him, I couldn't help but going "aww" and then wanting to smack West upside the head for what he did afterwards. Though I will cut West some slack because his mother passed away and his father is useless and deadbeat. And I could see that the only other place to could vent at (other than Cat) is his vlog channel, where he can talk about the most random things and people wouldn't just him. I could also understand why he didn't reciprocate Cat's feelings because her being his best friend was all he's ever known, they're practically siblings and if it doesn't work out between them then... there's no more Cat and West.

I have to say that Cat is my favorite character in this novel. Don't get me wrong, it's not that she can do no wrong, it's that she's such a passionate and bright person. You can see that she might actually be the one wearing the pants in the relationship. Haha! But kidding aside, Cat IS a great girl and her personality suits West's perfectly. Not too compatible but not too different either, just enough to keep this interesting. My biggest problem with Cat is that she's a bit of a pushover because when it comes to West, it's like she's starved for his attention or something. And she can't seem to ever say "no" to him, when he calls her, she's there five minutes later or something (this also post-meet-up.) How can a guy not like a girl who goes out her way to help you out and comfort you even though she has a big test the next day. I felt that if West couldn't see how special she was then he obviously didn't deserve her.

"Sam" and "Harper" have a lot of pretty random conversations with each other. Like seriously random. It's both cute and annoying (coying?) I just couldn't understand how West could have been attracted to someone so vague... but to each his own, I guess.

Like I said, Click to Subscribe is a pretty good book. It had its moments and it also had moments that weren't as special as the other. Though I will say that this is a pretty realistic book, like I can imagine it happening in real or something. There were parts that touched me and made me want to cheer for West but as I said, there are parts where I want to beat him. I felt like the story and the plot went along well enough, I just hope to see a bit more soon.

Rating:

.5

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the author:

L.M. Augustine is a YA romance author who is obsessed with writing about dorky teenagers, love, and happy endings. He currently lives in New England, where he spends far too much time reading books and screaming at his computer, and he believes that the solution to the world’s problems can be found in chocolate cake. Click To Subscribe is his first novel, but it won’t be his last.

You can find him here:

Blog / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

Review: From Ashes by Molly McAdams

Title: From Ashes
Author: Molly McAdams
Format acquired: Paperback
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Published on: April 16th 2013
Source: Received for review (Thanks, Sarah!)
Buy the book: Amazon / Barnes and Noble



When Cassidy Jameson's best friend Tyler took her to Texas with him when he left for college, she was expecting his cousin, their new roommate, to be a Stetson-wearing cowboy since his family owned a ranch; not this incredibly gorgeous guy with a husky Southern drawl that seemed to make the world stop whenever she looked at him. Because of her past, she's only ever trusted two men in her life, Tyler and her dad whom passed away when she was six. But there's something about Gage that draws her to him in a way she can't explain, only problem? He's always telling Tyler that he doesn't want Cassidy living there and sees her as nothing more than his little sister.

Gage Carson was excited his cousin Tyler was coming to live with, and go to college with him. When he'd called to ask if he could bring his friend Cassi with him, Gage didn't care. Gage had heard about this mysterious friend since they were kids and felt like he already knew her. Nothing would prepare him for watching her jump out of Ty's Jeep though. Not only was Cassi the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen, but there was something about her that within seconds of meeting her, made Gage want to protect her, and make her his. Too bad Tyler made it a point to remind Gage on a daily basis that he was dating her and she was completely off limits.

For a year and a half, Gage and Cassidy dance around their feelings for each other as Tyler continues to keep them apart; until one day Tyler unknowingly pushes her right into Gage's arms. With Tyler unable to keep lying to them, they finally start a relationship both have been craving since their first meeting. But when an accident and disaster sends her back to Tyler and California, will Cassidy be able to come face to face with the demons from her past to live a life she and Gage deserve; or will the fact that she once again ran to Tyler be the final push that ends Cassidy and Gage for good?

(Image and summary taken from Goodreads

Review

I've been hearing such great things about Molly McAdams' books, and to say that I enjoyed From Ashes would be an understatement. I actually expected this book to make me cry because a friend of mine told me that it was a total tearjerker but I was fine throughout the book. There were parts that made my chest hurt (both in a good and bad way,) but no cry-worthy moments. I guess it's mostly because Cassidy never really let herself cry either.

Cassidy, a survivor of abuse, was such a contradictory character. She spent years (I repeat, years) being abused by her mother and her stepfather, it was painful reading about what she went through. Actually, it was torturous. The fact that she had to go through that at such a young age just wasn't fair but in the end, she survived. Now I'm sure you're wondering why she's such a contradiction, it's because even though her life (before) was hell and needed so much help, she was still so resilient. Cassidy never let herself have a moment of weakness and was very independent even when others wanted to help her. Throughout her childhood till she turned eighteen-years-old, she has only ever depended on her best friend, Tyler. And this is where unrequited love steps in, for Tyler. The poor fellow especially since Cassidy has that instant connection with Ty's cousin, Gage. (Who is HOT, by the way.) I am honestly not a fan on insta-love but if it's done well, then why not? Because if you read this, you'll understand why I appreciated this book's insta-love. There was a struggle in this book and it definitely gave From Ashes its drama. And this is when you'll see Cassidy at her most vulnerable.

There were definitely a lot of surprises in this book... *cough*detectiveperson*cough* There were also parts that left me both frustrated and relieved. (I honestly wanted to throw the book across the room... in a good way.) There was definitely a lot of drama too.

I think that this book is about trust. Not just trusting others but also trusting yourself not to get into that darkness too much. Because even though Cassidy went through so much pain, she never once thought of trying to avenge herself or anything. She never even thought about reporting her mother and stepfather. I've always thought that forgiving does not mean forgetting because sometimes you need to remember the day/time when you learned to forgive someone for doing something so unforgivable. When you read about Cassidy's struggles, you'll really understand what it means to forgive and trust. Not just in herself but in Gage, Tyler and pretty much everyone in this book.

I really enjoyed Molly McAdams' writing. It flowed smoothly and it definitely helped give her book more impact. Her writing will literally just pull at your heartstrings and make you sympathize and empathize with Cassidy and her other characters.

Molly McAdams did not disappoint me at. All. I loved this book and I recommend this for people who enjoy some angsty but sweet romance. I appreciate the fact that Molly took such a sensitive topic and managed to sort of made it easier for the reader to understand it and swallow it. From Ashes made me believe that even though our whole life might have started off as crap, it's never too late to have a happily ever after. But that's only if you decide to fight for one. Anyone can be reborn and rise up from the ashes.

Rating:

.5

Blog Tour: Review + Giveaway: Requiem for Blood by Alexandra Hope

Click the banner for the tour schedule.

Title: Requiem for Blood
Author: Alexandra Hope
Pages: 352 pages
Format acquired: eBook (ePub)
Published on: March 25th 2013
Source: Received for blog tour (Thank you, Xpresso Book Tours and Alexandra!)
Buy the book: Amazon / Barnes and Noble



Marrying East Asian mythology with Western folklore, this novel has a surprising twist for fans of the paranormal genre!
Seventeen year old Olivia Cohen has also had an appetite for blood and an aversion to the sun as a human and when she is killed by a mysterious young woman, she finds her appetite has heightened and her skin is now burned by the sun. Living her life in a colony with other people who live a "vampire-like" lifestyle, she has grown up hunting humans and believing there is a blood so powerful it will turn them from vampire-like into true vampires. On one of Olivia's final nights as a human she meets eighteen year old Troy Evans and is immediately drawn to the unique scent of his blood. Now as an actual vampire, she must learn how to suppress her need to hunt and kill for his sake and decide if his unique blood is worth saving from those who seek it.

(Image and summary provided by Xpresso Book Tours)

Review:

Requiem for Blood is definitely an interesting book. The cult idea and the uniqueness of Alexandra Hope's interpretation of the vampire mythology.

Olivia belongs to a group of human-vampires. They're the type of people who want to be vampires and devote themselves to drinking human-blood and staying away from sunlight. Her cult long to achieve the ultimate goal, to become real vampires. And Olivia achieves that goal, with the help of Erika the kitsune. This is where it gets interesting because not only is this book about vampires, it's about Japanese fox-spirits too! They, Erika really, plays a big part in this book. She's literally one of those sly and manipulative foxes, but her character is very... interesting? I can't really explain how she is but she gives so much life to this book. And Olivia is a really great heroine as well. You can really see how much it hurts her to harm humans even though she needs to. She's a very sensitive vampire because she sympathizes with humans and that's what makes her so great.

This is a very refreshing book because it's definitely taken vampires to a whole new level. The story left me kind of iffy because there were parts that really frustrated me but once it worked out the kinks, it went really smoothly. I can't really say much else about this book except that it's a really painful but enjoyable book. There were a lot of sacrifices made and you'll really empathize with Olivia. I'm definitely looking forward to more of Alexandra Hope.

Rating:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the author:

Alexandra Hope was born in New York, raised in Atlanta and has lived in Germany for the past three years. She writes pretty much whatever she feels like and for her debut novel she chose ninja-like vampires. She's a (Linguistic) Anthropology major, language lover, vocalist in a Japanese band and part-time bad fanfic writer.

You can find her here:

Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook