ARC Review: Take A Chance by Abbi Glines

Title: Take a Chance (Chance #1; Rosemary Beach #6)
Author: Abbi Glines
Publisher: Atria Books
Publication date: February 25th 2014
Source: Received from author (Thank you sooo much, Abbi!)
Buy the book: Amazon / Barnes and Noble



From #1 New York Times bestselling author Abbi Glines comes the story of Grant, the sexy playboy who first captured readers hearts in Fallen Too Far. 

When Harlow Manning's rocker father goes on tour, he sends her to Rosemary Beach, Florida, to live with her half-sister, Nan. The problem: Nan despises her. Harlow has to keep her head down if she wants to get through the next nine months, which seems easy enough. Until gorgeous Grant Carter walks out of Nan's room in nothing but his boxer briefs.

Grant made a huge mistake getting involved with a girl with venom in her veins. He'd known about Nan's reputation, but still he couldn't resist her. Nothing makes him regret the fling more than meeting Harlow, who sends his pulse racing. Yet Harlow wants nothing to do with a guy who could fall for her wicked half-sister—even if there are no strings between Grant and Nan. Grant is desperate to redeem himself in Harlow's eyes, but did he ruin his chances before he even met her?

(Image and summary taken from Goodreads.)

Review:

To say that I was excited to read Take a Chance would be the greatest understatement known to man. This book was legit one of my Top 5 "Most Anticipated Reads of 2014" and as we all know about Abbi Glines, she never fails to deliver. Take a Chance was a bit more lighthearted compared to the other Rosemary Beach novel but don't get me wrong, it was far from the happy book we expected it to be. It was just more smooth-flowing than the other books and there were a few tongue-in-my-cheek moments that truly made me smile and giggle-snort.

Upon meeting Harlow in Forever Too Far, I just knew that she was special. She was meek and timid but once she got going, she was a hellcat. I loved how Abbi Glines portrayed her as someone innocent but also intuitive at the same time, she wasn't naive and didn't let anyone in enough to deceive her. There were moments when I felt that when she put her walls up again, the would not come back down anymore. Harlow seems to always be on guard and it saddened me because for someone so young to already be that guarded and not as inclined to "have fun" was disheartening, but Abbi Glines was really able to reason out as to why Harlow is the way she is. Don't get me wrong, Harlow is a great girl and the way she was sketched as a character allowed the reader to truly feel her emotions and her struggles as well. I honestly felt bad for her because not only did she have an unmentionable problem but Nan was constantly out to get her, and she does not know when the she-devil will strike. Nan wasn't the main issue in the book but her presence alone already left a heavy tension throughout the book and the whole time I was just like: Kill her off already! #NanHater But I loved that Harlow's brother, Mase, was there to protect, console and counsel her. The brother/sister dynamic of Harlow and Mase was great, it was the best out of all the sibling relationships in the whole Rosemary Beach series so kudos to Abbi Glines for creating such a real and likable relationship between the two. And it was great seeing Harlow's relationship with her rock star father, Kiro. You may cry when you read about the tow. To end my Harlow girl-crush feelz, I feel for this girl in the sense that I'll never experience her life but in a way that I empathic to her; when she's happy, I feel happy and when she's sad, I feel like bawling my eyes out and it's all because of Abbi Glines's writing, the way she was able to create such real and relatable characters that will really reach out and teach us to feel them.

I really, really liked Grant. I know there are some people who are iffy about him because of what happened and all that but I think that he's just a guy who realized that what he's really afraid of is actually happening and he just didn't know what to do. Anyone would be helpless in that scenario and hey, it takes two to tango. But moving on from that slightly morose topic, let's talk about Grant as a character. Ever since Fallen Too Far to this very book, I have always appealed to Grant, I don't know if it's because he's such a cool and witty kind of guy that you just can't help but like him or if there's just something intrinsically special about him, I don't really know. But gone is the super-easy going Grant from the other books (he lost the super so he's only easy-going now), I think that Nan broke him... Take a Chance feels more like Grant's redemption book more than anything, this book is where Grant builds that relationship with Harlow even though he's scared to and he tries, tries, and tries to do good by her and I think that he truly does. He is such a sweet guy when he wants to be and I just love him with Harlow.

When you're reading an Abbi Glines book, expect some sexy times and this book did not fail in that department. Abbi Glines brings in just enough hotness to last you throughout the book but there's also a touch of sweetness that she is certainly known for. I really liked the way she wrote Grant and Harlow's scenes together because they didn't feel forced or anything like that. There were awkward moments (especially with the thought of Nan hanging around) but the cute moments between the two really outweighed the awkwardness. As you continue to read on, you'll really see a change in the characters and trust me, you'll learn to love them greatly.

I absolutely adored Take a Chance and I'm sure that you will too, especially if you're a long time Abbi Glines fan and if you happen to be a new one, welcome, young Padawan. Take a Chance is Abbi Glines at her best and trust me, you won't be disappointed. This book is filled not only with revelations and shocking truths, but it brims with great dialogue, a bittersweet story and a cast of relatable and lovable characters that you will always remember. Abbi Glines never fails to make our stay in Rosemary Beach memorable.

Rating:

.5

Release Day Launch: Excerpt + Giveaway: White Hot Kiss by Jennifer L. Armentrout

White Hot Kiss by Jennifer L. Armentrout is FINALLY out!! Yaaay! I cannot even express how amazing this book is (you can read my 6-star review HERE) and I am sooo excited for everyone to read it and be a part of Team Roth. <3 

Title: White Hot Kiss (The Dark Elements #1)

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Publication date: February 25th 2014

Buy the book: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

One kiss could be the last.

Seventeen-year-old Layla just wants to be normal. But with a kiss that kills anything with a soul, she's anything but normal. Half demon, half gargoyle, Layla has abilities no one else possesses.

Raised among the Wardens—a race of gargoyles tasked with hunting demons and keeping humanity safe—Layla tries to fit in, but that means hiding her own dark side from those she loves the most. Especially Zayne, the swoon-worthy, incredibly gorgeous and completely off-limits Warden she's crushed on since forever.

Then she meets Roth—a tattooed, sinfully hot demon who claims to know all her secrets. Layla knows she should stay away, but she's not sure she wants to—especially when that whole no-kissing thing isn't an issue, considering Roth has no soul.

But when Layla discovers she's the reason for the violent demon uprising, trusting Roth could not only ruin her chances with Zayne…it could brand her a traitor to her family. Worse yet, it could become a one-way ticket to the end of the world.

     “I don’t think of Zayne that way!”

     She laughed. “What man-parts-loving female in this world doesn’t think of Zayne that way? I can barely keep myself breathing when I see him. All the guys in school have squishy waists. I can tell Zayne doesn’t. He’s the awesome sauce with extra sauce.”

     That he was and he so didn’t have a squishy waist, but I tuned Stacey out at that point. I really did need to cram for this test and I also didn’t want my fantasies involving Zayne to occupy my mind right now. Especially after I’d woken up this morning, carefully tucked under the covers. The bed had smelled like him: sandalwood and crisp linen.

      “Oh, sweet baby Jesus in a manger,” Stacey murmured.

      I clenched my jaw, cupping my hands over my ears.

     She jabbed me in the side with her elbow. At this rate I’d be covered in bruises before lunchtime. “Our bio class just got a billion times more interesting. And hotter, lots and lots hotter. Holy mother, I want to have his babies. Not now of course, but definitely later. But I’d like to start practicing soon.

      The cell wall is a thick and rigid layer covering the plasma something, something plant cells…

      Stacey stiffened all of a sudden. “Oh my God, he’s coming—”

     Composed of fat and sugar— Something slender and shiny fell from who knew where, landing in the middle of Sam’s notes. Blinking tightly, it took me a couple of seconds to recognize the faded and half peeled Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles sticker covering the back of the silver cell phone.

     My heart slammed against my ribs. Gripping the edges of the notebook, I slowly lifted my gaze. Unnaturally beautiful golden eyes met mine.

      “You forgot this last night.”

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About the author:

J. Lynn, also known as Jennifer L. Armentrout, is a # 1 New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author. She 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 Russel 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.

She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

You can find her here: Website / Twitter / Facebook

ARC Review + Giveaway: White Hot Kiss by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Title: White Hot Kiss (The Dark Elements #1)
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publication date: February 25th 2014
Source: Received from publisher (Thank you so much, Tashya! <3)
Buy the book: Amazon / Barnes and Noble



One kiss could be the last 

Seventeen-year-old Layla just wants to be normal. But with a kiss that kills anything with a soul, she's anything but normal. Half demon, half gargoyle, Layla has abilities no one else possesses. 

Raised among the Wardens—a race of gargoyles tasked with hunting demons and keeping humanity safe—Layla tries to fit in, but that means hiding her own dark side from those she loves the most. Especially Zayne, the swoon-worthy, incredibly gorgeous and completely off-limits Warden she's crushed on since forever. 

Then she meets Roth—a tattooed, sinfully hot demon who claims to know all her secrets. Layla knows she should stay away, but she's not sure she wants to—especially when that whole no-kissing thing isn't an issue, considering Roth has no soul. 

But when Layla discovers she's the reason for the violent demon uprising, trusting Roth could not only ruin her chances with Zayne…it could brand her a traitor to her family. Worse yet, it could become a one-way ticket to the end of the world.

(Image and summary taken from Goodreads.)

Review:

Holy mother crunching zombie gargoyles. I honestly don't even know where to begin, except to say that this is JLA's best series yet. About half-way throughout the book I was just like: This is officially my favorite of JLA's books, now definitely going need to pee on Roth just to ward (pun pun) any unwanted attention. *looks at DJ* But joking aside, JLA was able to create such an intricate and complex world that could easily suck any reader in because of how well developed it was. The world of the Wardens (guardian gargoyles) and the demons is a tricky and intoxicating place and once you get lost in there, you won't want to get out.

I have to admit that I was pretty iffy about Layla about the beginning because she was kind of a whiny and whole lot of attached to Zayne and eventually, things got pretty ugly. But I think that those scenes were a learning process for Layla, they toughened her up and actually let her reflect on the important things. As the book went on, I learned to appreciate and love Layla and her personality because underneath the insecure hybrid that she is, was a strong and take-no one's-shit type of girl and once she found herself, that was when I started to truly admire her. My feelings toward her started with pity and annoyance and progressed to pride and jealously (hello, she got to do stuff with Roth, who wouldn't be jealous?). Honestly, I still feel pretty bad for Layla because holy crap, all the things she did not know about herself were actually the important bits in her life that really needed to know. There was a lot of confusion of Layla's part as well because when Roth pops up and shows her that demons were not what she thought they were, which meant about 99.9% of what she knew was a lie and her life pretty much skewed to the other side. I loved the way JLA describe and created Layla as a teenaged girl and even as a Warden/demon hybrid because while she may be all magic and cool powers, she was also  a girl who experienced girl feelings and that made her all the more real and relatable.

Now, let's get down to business. I'm sure that you've all heard about the infamous and mysterious Roth and his amazingly badass snake, Bambi. I won't lay everything about him out for you because I want you to be able to go through the whole Roth experience yourself so let me just give you the skinny on our sexy demon. I'm not going to sugar-coat it by telling you that Roth is completely nice because he's not, he's a demon so it's pretty obvious that he's supposed to be sly, cunning and a complete smartass too. His intentions towards Layla are definitely not innocent (yes, please!) but the reason behind why he's trying to convince her to listen to him is pretty selfless too. I absolutely just love the scenes between Layla and Roth, they're comical, fun and hot as Hell but there's also a level of hesitation on both parts because they obviously don't understand what they're feeling for each other, other than the obvious attraction and chemistry between them. It was very entertaining seeing Roth take the reins on their budding relationship because Layla was still pretty hung up on Zayne (don't worry, that didn't last too long). I just love Roth and Layla's dynamic together, they could be sweet and funny but also hot and heavy the next moment. But more than the romance aspect, they were great "friends" (if that's what they were) and their bond was great, they were comfortable with each other and trusted the other enough. Here's how I feel about Roth:

I love Roth, not because he's hot and my ovaries tingle but because he's real. Even though he's this all powerful demon, he has his own fears and indecisions and that makes him all the more appealing to me (and it doesn't hurt that he has a soft side too). But don't get me wrong, he's far from being the perfect guy, he's actually pretty troubled but heck, that only adds to his bad boy-ness. All in all, he's just my favorite JLA guy and that's the truth of it.

Whoo, that was intense... but it's Zayne's turn now. Zayne, Zayne, Zayne. I understand his protectiveness of Layla but there were just some parts when it seeemed like he was just belittling her and not really taking her choices and opinions into consideration. Now, he's a real sweetheart but compared to Roth, he's really... tame and slightly boring. While there may have been a part when Layla thought that she loved him, she also realized it was more brotherly than anything but I think that was also when Zayne realized he loved her more than as a brother... So confusing and too much drama to get into but just know that I'm Team Roth. Ha.

To say that I loved White Hot Kiss would be an understatement, I love unicorns, I love JLA's books and I love Jamie Dornan but what I feel for WHK transcends all that. JLA really set the bar high with her new series and I don't even know how she'll be able to beat this one because WHK is pretty darn close to perfect, for me. If Stone Cold Touch turns out to be better than White Hot Kiss (which is likely because Jennifer L. Armentrout is a genius and can out-write even herself) I'll probably have to add another star to make it a 7-star rating. I'd do it.

White Hot Kiss is the perfect blend of romance, really badass action scenes and classic JLA humor that will leave you wanting more. And while you're all distracted by the awesome dialogue, JLA will swoop in and stun you with super crazy revelations and an even more jaw-dropping ending. You will not see it coming, I mean it. You need to read this book. NEED. Let JLA's magic writing turn you into a JLA fan.

Rating:

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ARC Review: Into the Still Blue by Veronica Rossi

Title: Into the Still Blue (Under the Never SKy #3)
Author: Veronica Rossi
Publisher: Harper Teen
Publication date: January 28th 2014
Source: Received from publicist (Thanks, Megan!)
Buy the book: Amazon / Barnes and Noble



The race to the Still Blue has reached a stalemate. Aria and Perry are determined to find this last safe haven from the Aether storms before Sable and Hess do--and they are just as determined to stay together.

Within the confines of a cave they're using as a makeshift refuge, they struggle to reconcile their people, Dwellers and Outsiders, who are united only in their hatred of their desperate situation. Meanwhile, time is running out to rescue Cinder, who was abducted by Hess and Sable for his unique abilities. Then Roar arrives in a grief-stricken fury, endangering all with his need for revenge.

Out of options, Perry and Aria assemble an unlikely team for an impossible rescue mission. Cinder isn't just the key to unlocking the Still Blue and their only hope for survival--he's also their friend. And in a dying world, the bonds between people are what matter most.

In this final book in her earth-shattering Under the Never Sky trilogy, Veronica Rossi raises the stakes to their absolute limit and brings her epic love story to an unforgettable close.

(Image and summary taken from Goodreads.)

Review:

Geraldine and I have are both insanely huge fans of this series and for us, the books continue to keep getting better until we finally got to the final book... and it was perfect. Watching a series grow into what it is now is one of the perks of being a fan from the beginning and seeing the way this series developed leaves tears in my eyes; because it wasn't just the characters evolving into more mature and responsible characters, it's also seeing the way the author's writing changes and becomes more fluid because she has finally found her own rhythm. It's like a bird watcher watching a mama bird teach its babies how to fly by throwing them off the tree, heartwarming, slightly creepy and scary. (Don't fall and die, baby bird!)

I can sum up Aria in this book using one word: SOFREAKINGBADASSLIKEOMGPLEASESOMEONEGIVETHATGIRLAMEDALOFHONORANDBADASSERYORSOMETHINGBECAUSESHEISSOOOCOOLANDISERIOUSLYHAVEAGIRLCRUSHONHER. Told you. But seriously speaking, Aria grew from a slightly obnoxious and elitist girl to a badass, semi-warrior woman. I love how compassionate she is and how much she cares and loves for everyone. She's a like a mother, protective and constantly worries about her babies (babies = grown men and women). I cannot even properly explain how extremely amazed I am by her transformation and the only way you can really understand is by reading the books.

Aria + Perry 5ever

I ship those two so much. Every scene I read between them always makes me tear up because their love for each other isn't cheesy or cliche, it's honest and real. I love how they don't demand from each other no matter how much they want to because they both know how much the other is sacrificing and it's something that needs to be done; and that's the thing with those two, they take too much responsibility of things no matter how hard it is. Aria and Perry have the best love story I have ever read, seriously. I can't even...

I can't say that Perry learned to talk more because he's always been a man of few words but it was very eye-opening seeing and reading what he really felt. All that pent up frustration, anguish and anger being released was like seeing a tornado wreck a whole town, it was heartbreaking. It was great that he let it all out because it really showed what he truly felt and it made him face his own demons as well. Perry is literally the most selfless guy I have ever read about because the things he had to endure? I almost blinded myself because of all my tears.

Roar has always been my favorite character of the series and what happened to him killed me and seeing him in Into the Still Blue broke my heart because where was my sexy but funny pirate prince? He was a changed man and even if it hurts to admit it, it was also something he did have to go through. It was just so painful reading how he suffered... Oh, Roar, let me comfort you. (Veronica Rossi is so evil to her characters... but I cannot deny how great an author she is.)

Normally, I hate children but I really enjoyed the scenes with the kids in this book. I adore Cinder and man, that kid had it hard. Okay, I'm just going to say it, this book made me cry all the time. I was pretty much crying throughout the whole thing, not because everything was sad but because it was all very overwhelming, too many emotions. Back to Cinder, it was interesting to see how mature he was. Even though he was really young, he knew what he had to do and that broke my heart even more; that he knew what his responsibility was and what he had to sacrifice, it was just painful. More than that, I loved Perry's relationship with his people and fellow guard people. It was deep, really deep. I can't even go into that without crying right now...

All I can really say is that Into the Still Blue is literally one of the very best endings I have ever read. I can't say I was too shocked with the ending but there are definitely a lot of twists that you will really not expect. Veronica Rossi did such an amazing job concluding her series and I am happy to say that it's one of those endings that you leave you satisfied but will also leave you feeling as if you are missing something... you'll understand once you read it. This was the perfect ending for the Under the Never Sky series and I am so glad that I am a fan of this series because wow, what an honor it was to be given the chance to read Veronica Rossi's books. I am definitely looking forward to her future works!

Rating:

ARC Review: Working It by Kendall Ryan

Title: Working It (Love by Design #1)
Author: Kendall Ryan
Publisher: Atria Books
Publication date: February 18th 2014
Source: Received via NetGalley (Thanks, Atria!)
Buy the book: Amazon / Barnes and Noble



Emmy Clarke is out of her depth in New York City’s fashion world, but when she lands a job as an assistant at a modeling agency it seems like the perfect mix of business and pleasure. Working under the notorious Fiona Stone is a nightmare, but there’s one distinct perk: ogling the ridiculously hot male models who parade through the office—particularly rising star Ben Shaw.

Ben is everything Emmy’s not: exquisitely gorgeous, highly paid, and well-traveled. He’s also got more issues than Vogue. Emmy looks after Ben on photo shoots, but she refuses to become another one of his lusting groupies. Ben finds Emmy’s refreshingly real attitude to be surprisingly attractive.

Against a backdrop of the most fashionable cities in the world, casual flirting turns into an illicit affair, but when Ben’s twisted past is revealed, and the bitter Fiona catches wind of their relationship, their careers and hearts are threatened.

(Image and summary taken from Goodreads.)

Review:

I have always been a huge fan of Kendall Ryan, I once had a marathon wherein I read all her released books in four days so to say that I am a fan is an understatement. I was insanely excited to read Working It because it's just one of those books that you're always teased with and ever since Kendall Ryan mentioned it, I've been dying to read it. I was both bummed and ecstatic to find out that the publishing rights were bought because Kendall Ryan super deserves the book deal but I was bummed because the release date was pushed back so I had to wait... Not really, getting an eARC via NetGalley pretty much made my month last year and I devoured Working It like I did with her other books, except with even more vigor because Working It is (for me) one of Kendall Ryan's best works. Books about actors, models and generally famous people have always fascinated me so reading a story based on the modeling industry written by one of my favorite authors was a definite treat.

There was a slight "Devil Wears Prada" theme to the story except for the fact that Emmy's boss, Fiona Stone, is much more of an evil witch compared to Miranda Priestly. Did I mention that Fiona is friggin' psycho? Well, she is. Fiona is an evil and psychotic manipulative b*tch that is so cool to being what I like to call a "Nan" (Abbi Glines reference). Her protectiveness over Ben creeps the hell out of me... I know that I should be giving her the benefit of the doubt but she is just too messed up for me to even feel an ounce of sympathy for. Sorry, folks. But let's move on to a slightly less depressing topic...

Aside from the fact that Emmy had a boss from hell, she didn't particularly have a glamourous life. And her struggles were actually a foundation to who she grew to be, by the end of the book. Emmy was introduced as timid and kind of a pushover but I think that it was also her "relationship" with Ben that helped her be stronger (but more on that later). Emmy's growth as a character was pretty straightforward and in a way, it really helps the reader easily understand Emmy as a person as well. (She was a bit too innocent at times... but managed to contradict herself by being not innocent enough so that was kind of confusing.)

I really liked Ben, I didn't love him but I really liked him as a person (I like his friend, Braydon, more because OMG OMG OMG, you'll understand when you meet him). The thing with him is that he is strapped with so much baggage, the only things missing are the multiple tattoos and piercing and he'd be the perfect angsty bad boy. Okay, he's not really a bad boy but that's the idea anyway. I never expected someone who oozes confidence and sex appeal to be that deep but he is, he really is. He's also really intense. Really, really intense. And you'll also wonder about his relationship with Fiona because you'll immediately know that something happened/is happening between those two... but what? Ben was a tough nut to crack but it was interesting seeing him very slowly shed his shell because of Emmy.

While Kendall Ryan's other books were fluffy and sweet, Working It was the exact opposite, it was dark and sexy. This has to be Kendall Ryan's sexiest book because the "bedroom scenes" (as I like to call them) were off the charts H-O-T-T (double T)! More than that, the story was deeper than her other books and the drama can be compared to those Latin soap operas, extra explosive with a side of confrontation. So yes, this is my favorite Kendall Ryan book until she gives us the sequel because I NEED BOOK TWO. I loved seeing a different more mature side to Kendall Ryan's writing because that really reinforced what a great writer she is. Can't wait for more of her books! (Y'all need to try them out, seriously.)

Rating:

.5

{Cover Reveal} Just Breathe by Tamara Mataya

Beware, this cover is spicy.

Title: Just Breathe

Author: Tamara Mataya

Publisher: Swoon Romance

Publication date: May 2014

Twenty-one-year-old Elle Granger’s boyfriend broke up with her like a coward. He moved to another city without so much as a kiss goodbye. Devastated and embarrassed, Elle told her friends the break-up was mutual and hid her heartache working long hours at the library. By night, she self medicated with pot. Weeks later, with her heart and lungs screaming for a break, Elle quits smoking and turns to her friends. But before she can let them in on Jason’s betrayal, her best friend moves to Spain, and her roommates start acting strangely.

Enter sexy library patron Dominic, who sweeps Elle off her feet and into his Maserati. He makes her feel oh so good, and puts effort into coming up with dates that don’t set off her Synaesthesia. Just when Elle starts feeling whole again, Jason returns, determined to reunite. Elle rejects his effusive apologies and reasons for leaving – until she catches Dominic in a devastating lie.

Will his betrayal push her back into her suddenly attentive ex’s arms? Can she trust Jason not to break her heart again? The wrong choice and Elle’s happy ending could go up in smoke. But when your only choices are the devils you know, all you can do is JUST BREATHE.

About the author:

Tamara Mataya is currently a librarian; she lurked there for so long recommending books to patrons and shushing people, that she suspects they only hired her so it would be less creepy. Now she’s armed with a name tag, and a thin veneer of credibility. She’s also a musician with synaesthesia – which isn't an issue until someone plays a wrong note, which makes her want to squirm inside out. It makes for a good live show.

You can find her here:

Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads

{Cover Reveal} All Lined Up by Cora Carmack

We are so excited to be revealing the cover of Cora Carmack's upcoming novel, All Lined Up. We absolutely adore Cora and her books so we are honored to be a part of this unveiling. So without further ado, here is the awesome cover:

Title: All Lined Up (Rusk University #1)

Author: Cora Carmack

Publisher: William Morrow & Company

Publication date: March 18th 2014

Pre-order the book: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

In Texas, two things are cherished above all else—football and gossip. My life has always been ruled by both.

Dallas Cole loathes football. That's what happens when you spend your whole childhood coming in second to a sport. College is her time to step out of the bleachers, and put the playing field (and the players) in her past.

But life doesn't always go as planned. As if going to the same college as her football star ex wasn’t bad enough, her father, a Texas high school coaching phenom, has decided to make the jump to college ball… as the new head coach at Rusk University. Dallas finds herself in the shadows of her father and football all over again.

Carson McClain is determined to go from second-string quarterback to the starting line-up. He needs the scholarship and the future that football provides. But when a beautiful redhead literally falls into his life, his focus is more than tested. It's obliterated.

Dallas doesn't know Carson is on the team. Carson doesn't know that Dallas is his new coach's daughter.

And neither of them knows how to walk away from the attraction they feel.

And check out some great behind-the-scenes footage of the cover shoot:

About the author:

Cora Carmack is a twenty-something writer who likes to write about twenty-something characters. She's done a multitude of things in her life-- boring jobs (like working retail), Fun jobs (like working in a theatre), stressful jobs (like teaching), and dream jobs (like writing). She enjoys placing her characters in the most awkward situations possible, and then trying to help them get a boyfriend out of it. Awkward people need love, too. Her first book, LOSING IT, was a New York Times and USA Today bestseller.

You can find her here:

Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads

{Cover Reveal} Rush Into You by Brianna Lee

We are very excited to be revealing the awesome cover of Brianna Lee's debut novel, Rush Into You so without further ado, here it is:

Title: Rush Into You

Author: Brianna Lee

Publication date: April/May 2014 (ETA)

Cover designer: Okay Creations

I had it all.

I was captain of the cheerleading squad and star of the debate team.
I was smart and popular and living the dream.

Until that night.
That one fateful night changed everything.

Now everyone hates me—everyone.
They stay far away.
It’s safer.

Drugs numb the pain, and sex pays for the drugs.
Being alive is my punishment.

Then I meet him.
Ryker Rosse.
Tattoos, sinful body…and his eyes. His eyes are irresistible.
He is captivating. He treats me with respect.
He sees me.

Ryker brings happiness into my life of regret, but I don’t know if I deserve happiness.
Some mistakes can never be forgiven.
Or can they?

About the author:

About the Author Brianna Lee is an avid reader and flavored ice coffee addict. She is also a book reviewer and blogger for Brianna Lee Book Reviews and lives in Massachusetts with her beautiful daughter.

As a busy, single mom, and aunt, she often has to write her stories in a notepad app on her cell phone, but late at night you will find her typing on her laptop until she passes out on her keyboard...literally.

Brianna encourages readers to contact her as she loves to hear from you! Email her at authorbriannalee@live.com.

You can find her here:

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Coming Soon: Take a Chance by Abbi Glines

"Coming Soon" is a feature wherein we post about upcoming books, individually. This week's book comes from the amazing Abbi Glines (very excited for this book!):

Title: Take a Chance (Chance #1; Rosemary Beach #6)

Author: Abbi Glines

Publisher: Atria Books

Publication date: February 25th 2014

Pre-order the book: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Abbi Glines comes the story of Grant, the sexy playboy who first captured readers' hearts in Fallen Too Far.

When Harlow Manning's rocker father goes on tour, he sends her to Rosemary Beach, Florida, to live with her half-sister, Nan. The problem: Nan despises her. Harlow has to keep her head down if she wants to get through the next nine months, which seems easy enough. Until gorgeous Grant Carter walks out of Nan's room in nothing but his boxer briefs.

Grant made a huge mistake getting involved with a girl with venom in her veins. He'd known about Nan's reputation, but still he couldn't resist her. Nothing makes him regret the fling more than meeting Harlow, who sends his pulse racing. Yet Harlow wants nothing to do with a guy who could fall for her wicked half-sister, even if there are no strings between Grant and Nan. Grant is desperate to redeem himself in Harlow's eyes, but did he ruin his chances before he even met her?

(Image and summary taken from Goodreads.)

ARC Review: Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge

Title: Cruel Beauty
Author: Rosamund Hodge
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Publication date: January 28th 2014
Source: Received from publicist (Thanks, Megan!)
Buy the book: Amazon / Barnes and Noble



Graceling meets Beauty and the Beast in this sweeping fantasy about one girl's journey to fulfill her destiny and the monster who gets in her way-by stealing her heart.

Based on the classic fairy tale Beauty and the Beast, Cruel Beauty is a dazzling love story about our deepest desires and their power to change our destiny.

Since birth, Nyx has been betrothed to the evil ruler of her kingdom-all because of a foolish bargain struck by her father. And since birth, she has been in training to kill him.

With no choice but to fulfill her duty, Nyx resents her family for never trying to save her and hates herself for wanting to escape her fate. Still, on her seventeenth birthday, Nyx abandons everything she's ever known to marry the all-powerful, immortal Ignifex. Her plan? Seduce him, destroy his enchanted castle, and break the nine-hundred-year-old curse he put on her people.

But Ignifex is not at all what Nyx expected. The strangely charming lord beguiles her, and his castle-a shifting maze of magical rooms-enthralls her.

As Nyx searches for a way to free her homeland by uncovering Ignifex's secrets, she finds herself unwillingly drawn to him. Even if she could bring herself to love her sworn enemy, how can she refuse her duty to kill him? With time running out, Nyx must decide what is more important: the future of her kingdom, or the man she was never supposed to love.

(Image and summary taken from Goodreads.)

Review:

Forgive the harsh rusty-ness of my review. It's been a while since I've typed something that isn't a report paper, homework or research. BUT. I am glad to post a review on a book that really caught my interest. Yay!! Aaaand since I have started my poetry career last week, I made one about this book.

The beauty that lies deep within

Used to pay for her father's sin

She is meant to save her own twin

Her heart now wearing thin

She tried and tried but failed to succeed

To reverse what her past agreed

Now all the warnings she must truly heed

To this dark lord she must concede

The people expect, the people know

Of the grand courage and revenge she must show

But from the beast that is now her beaux

she unwillingly let her love grow

Woohoo!! This is such a dead giveaway to what happens in the book. I really tried hard to make it rhyme! Cruel Beauty was such an awesome book at the beginning. I loved all the uncertainty, the big shebang of what goes on inside the castle, the mysterious mystery of the shadows and of course, the "beast" that lives inside. The story had a very good and smooth flow from the beginning to the near end. The only issue I had was at the last few chapters wherein I felt I was in a drug-induced haze. I was not sure what really happened between the two shifts but I felt like I was just tumbling down the rabbit hole. The messy sequence was saved, however with a revelation that was really unexpected. Never in a million years would have I expected such plot twist. It was very new and I really appreciated that.

The book can be categorized under "reluctant romance" Nyx is really fighting herself trying to dislike and hate and murder this thing that has entrapped her in his castle but the attraction is undeniable. But what is a girl to do when all she has been told and taught was to "free her people" and kill the beast? It is a much harder decision when you now know two sides of the story. Which now poses the greatest question in the story. Would you believe what you have been told all your life or the truth? More often than not, those two are not the same. Nyx really had a struggle and at first, I was annoyed at her hot and cold response to our "bad guy" but upon progression of the book, I sensed her struggle and disbelief at her new knowledge. How can she believe only fragments of the truth? 

A story like Cruel beauty really intrigued me and for some people it was a predictable, boring book but for me, it showed what true struggle may look like begged the questions "where does your loyalty lie?" and "who would you believe?" The book answers both and none at the same time. I know it may sound confusing and cryptic but believe me, when you read the story, you too would understand.

Overall, I felt that this book was really worth my time and I would re-read it again just for the fun of it. I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a something that will boggle your mind. Tell me what you think! :)

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