Stacking the Shelves (97)

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!  It is hosted by Tynga's Reviews.

Bought:

P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han

Uprooted by Naomi Novik

Charmed by Michelle Krys

From NetGalley:
HeartAche and Other Natural Shocks by Glenda Leznoff

What books did you add to your shelves this week?

Posted by:  Pam

Book Review: Someday Maybe by Ophelia London

Someday Maybe

Author: Ophelia London
Publisher: Entangled Embrace
Publication Date: October 20, 2014

From Goodreads:
Some guys are impossible to forget.

Rachel Daughtry has a 10-year plan that leaves no room for mistakes. Or not-so-serious boys—including Oliver Wentworth, the freshman boyfriend she's never forgotten. Now she's back in San Francisco with an awesome-slash-scary new job. Unfortunately, The Plan doesn't cover things like meeting her best friend's new “secret” guy...Oliver.

Fortunately, no one knows that Rachel and Oliver were ever together, and endless bikini wax torture couldn't make Rachel hurt her friend. But it's killing Rachel. She's not over him. Not even a little. And as her 10-year-plan crumbles around her, Rachel realizes that maybe—just maybe—Oliver feels the same way.

Now Rachel is on the verge of losing all control. And her best friend. And the love of her life...

Someday Maybe is a modern take on Jane Austen’s Persuasion that proves a second chance at true love is always worth the risk.

Review:
Someday Maybe is a modern retelling of Persuasion by Jane Austen. In this version of Persuasion, the main character, Rachel, persuades herself that her freshman year boyfriend, Oliver, cannot fit into her ten year plan.  With a little prod from her brother, Rachel breaks it off with Oliver.  Six years later, they are both living in San Francisco and Oliver is dating/flirting with Rachel's best friend who never knew about their freshman year relationship and Rachel is becoming friends with Oliver's sister.  Even though Rachel and Oliver clearly approached their professional lives in different ways they have ultimately arrived at similar conclusions.

The setting is San Francisco, the dialogue is great, the plot is fun and inventive yet true to the original storyline in Persuasion and I liked both characters.  This is my second Austen retelling by Ophelia London and I would definitely recommend this book, even though I did not recommend Definitely, Maybe in Love.  Note, I seem to be in minority with my criticisms of Definitely, Maybe in Love.  Even though both of these books are New Adult, the content is mild enough that it would be appropriate for teenagers. 

As always if you have read any modern retellings of Austen that you would recommend please share your thoughts.

Posted By: Sheri

Book Review: The Blood Curse by Emily Gee

The Blood Curse (The Cursed Kingdoms #3)
Author:  Emily Gee
Publisher:  Solaris, 447 pages
Expected Publication Date:  June 24, 2015
*ARC received from publisher via NetGalley

From Goodreads:
Those who drink the water shall thirst for blood. They shall be as wild beasts.

A blood curse is ravaging the Seven Kingdoms. Fugitive Osgaardan prince, Harkeld, is the one person who can destroy it. Guarded by Sentinel mages, pursued by Fithian assassins, he begins the final—and most dangerous—stage of his quest: entering the cursed kingdom of Sault, where drinking even one drop of water means madness and death.

But the mages aren’t the only travellers heading east. Princess Brigitta, abducted by Fithian assassins, is also bound for Sault—unless she can escape. And in close pursuit is her loyal armsman, Karel.

Young orphan, Jaumé, is also headed for Sault—where he will be forced to make decisions that will change the fate of the Seven Kingdoms forever.

Review:

Why You Should Read This Series:

1.  A curse sweeping across kingdoms, turning people into blood-thirsty monsters.  A curse that turns people into monsters?  Love that.

2.  Harkeld, a prince who hates mages who finds out he is a mage and that he's the only one who can save the world.  Harkeld is a reluctant hero, to say the least.  He's a jerk for a long time because of his prejudices against mages (or witches, as he calls them).  To Harkeld, all witches should die.  No matter what.  Even when he finds out he's a mage, he still has this irrational hatred toward them.  But Harkeld shows a lot of character growth over the course of the series.

3.  A group of mages, including healers, shape shifters, fire and water mages, who are tasked with protecting the prince as he travels to stop the curse.  Love this amazing cast of characters.

4.  Innis, a shapeshifter who falls in love with the prince.  Innis is young, quiet, and shy.  However, she has to pretend to be someone else in order to guard and protect Harkeld, so she pretends to be a guy.  She becomes more confident, but also, as she gets to know Harkeld better and becomes friends with him, she falls in love with him.  Really enjoyed the romance, but I wanted MORE.  I know, I know, they're on the run and there's a lot of fighting and dying, but still.  Just a little more. There was so much anticipation for them to be together and then…just a little disappointed.  And in the third book, I missed the fact that there were only a few chapters from Innis's POV.  

5.  A group of assassins who are on their trail and determined to kill the prince.  They encounter a boy, Jaume, who is fleeing from the curse, and they take him in.  Assassins!

6.  Britta, a princess who endures horrific things, including being kidnapped by assassins so she can be used to trap her brother, the prince.  And she's pursued by her armsman, Karel, who's in love with her.  Britta goes from a sheltered and naive princess to a strong woman who fights her kidnappers at every turn.  

Epic in scope, filled with action and adventure and a long journey fraught with peril, I absolutely loved this final book.  If you love fantasy, you will enjoy this series.  

Posted by:  Pam

Book Review: The Summer of Chasing Mermaids by Sarah Ockler

The Summer of Chasing Mermaids
Author:  Sarah Ockler
Publisher:  Simon Pulse, 368 pages
Expected Publication Date:  June 2, 2015
*ARC received from publisher via Edelweiss

From Goodreads:
The youngest of six talented sisters, Elyse d’Abreau was destined for stardom—until a boating accident took everything from her. Now, the most beautiful singer in Tobago can’t sing. She can’t even speak.

Seeking quiet solitude, Elyse accepts a friend’s invitation to Atargatis Cove. Named for the mythical first mermaid, the Oregon seaside town is everything Elyse’s home in the Caribbean isn’t: An ocean too cold for swimming, parties too tame for singing, and people too polite to pry—except for one.

Christian Kane is a notorious playboy—insolent, arrogant, and completely charming. He’s also the only person in Atargatis Cove who doesn’t treat Elyse like a glass statue. He challenges her to express herself, and he admires the way she treats his younger brother Sebastian, who believes Elyse is the legendary mermaid come to life.

When Christian needs a first mate for the Cove’s high-stakes Pirate Regatta, Elyse reluctantly stows her fear of the sea and climbs aboard. The ocean isn’t the only thing making waves, though—swept up in Christian’s seductive tide and entranced by the Cove’s charms, Elyse begins to wonder if a life of solitude isn’t what she needs. But changing course again means facing her past. It means finding her inner voice. And scariest of all, it means opening her heart to a boy who’s best known for breaking them . . .

Review:

I liked the small town beach setting.  I also liked the focus on friendship and family.  And Sebastian…Christian's little brother who is obsessed with mermaids and would rather dress like a mermaid than a pirate.  He's adorable.  The way Christian loved and supported him was touching.

Although this book is uplifting, it's also sad.  Elyse is struggling to figure out what she's going to do since she lost her voice.  She had a clear plan for the future, and now she's completely lost.  So if you're looking for a light and fluffy read, this is not it.

I admit, I did miss reading dialogue between Elyse and Christian.  It made me realize how much I love bantery conversations between the couple.  But the romance is sweet, although for some reason I wasn't feeling it as much as I wanted to.

The Summer of Chasing Mermaids is a beautifully written novel (quite poetic) with an important message about finding your voice.  

Posted by:  Pam

Stacking the Shelves (96)

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!  It is hosted by Tynga's Reviews.

Bought:

Every Move by Ellie Marney

From NetGalley:

The Blood Curse by Emily Gee
Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between by Jennifer E. Smith

Borrowed:
Heart of Betrayal by Mary E. Pearson.  Thanks, Nicole!!!!

What books did add to your shelves this week?

Posted by:  Pam

Recommend It? Super Mini-Reviews (6)

I got this idea from Danielle at Love at First Page. I read a lot of books that I don't review so I thought I would give a super short review of some books and let you know whether I recommend them or not.

End of Days by Susan Ee.  I loved every single word. Penryn and Raffe. Best. Banter. Ever. Such an emotional book, I found myself cheering, then tearing up, then laughing.  An amazing end to a phenomenal series.  A million times recommend!

Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen.  A wonderful coming-of-age novel about a girl who has always lived in her brother's shadow, but she comes into her own after he goes to jail.  Family and friendship are front and center and of course there's an amazing guy (she's a master at creating perfect love interests).  Sarah Dessen realistically captures the highs and lows of being a teenager…definitely recommend.

Rook by Sharon Cameron.  Brilliant.  I LOVED this Scarlet Pimpernel inspired story.  Smart and tough heroine, charming, charismatic guy (but can we trust him?), hate-to-love romance with banter (they have to pretend to love each other when they don't), amazing world-building, and plenty of deception, action, and intrigue. Yes, recommend!

Posted by:  Pam

Book Review: Until the Beginning by Amy Plum

Until the Beginning (After the End #2)
Author:  Amy Plum
Publisher:  HarperTeen, 336 pages
Publication Date:  May 5, 2015

From Goodreads:
When Juneau's clan disappeared, she lost so much more than her friends and family. She soon discovered everything she thought she knew about her life was a lie. Her people's gifts were actually secret abilities that others wanted, desperately enough to kidnap an entire village.

Juneau and her new companion Miles's cross-country journey to find her clan has led them to a game preserve in New Mexico. Now Juneau's people are finally within reach, and she will stop at nothing to save them. But she has a target on her back too, because unbeknownst to her she is the key to unlocking everything. To rescue her people - and herself - Juneau must discover what she, and her abilities, are truly capable of.

Review:

The best thing about this book is Miles.  He's hilarious and I fell in love with him. And I love love love his relationship with Juneau.  Sweet, but still filled with banter. They work together, they trust each other, they make a great team.  How refreshing.

"Just. Wow. This girl is so confident. Capable. Self-reliant. And generally kick-ass. I wonder what she could ever see in me. 'Maybe, once I'm unparalyzed, I could impress you with my mad video game skills,' I offer."

Read this duology!  It's amazing and it has the perfect ending.  

Posted by:  Pam

Book Review: Siren's Fury by Mary Weber

Siren's Fury (The Storm Siren Trilogy #2)
Author:  Mary Weber
Publisher:  Thomas Nelson/Harper Collins, 352 pages
Expected Publication Date:  June 2, 2015
*ARC received from publisher via NetGalley

From Goodreads:
Nym has saved Faelen only to discover that Draewulf stole everything she valued. Now he’s destroyed her Elemental storm-summoning ability as well.

When Nym sneaks off with a host of delegates to Bron, Lord Myles offers her the chance for a new kind of power and the whispered hope that it may do more than simply defeat the monster she loathes. But the secrets the Bron people have kept concealed, along with the horrors Draewulf has developed, may require more than simply harnessing a darker ability.

They may require who she is.

Set against the stark metallic backdrop of the Bron kingdom, Nym is faced with the chance to change the future.

Or was that Draewulf’s plan for her all along?

Review:

After Storm Siren's brutal ending (my heart was ripped open), I couldn't wait to start reading Siren's Fury.  It's dark, that's for sure.  We learn more about the Bron people, who value physical power over everything.  We get to know Myles a lot better in this book, and he's a complicated character.  Draewulf, although evil, is also shown to be more complicated, which I appreciated.  There are themes of compassion, power, and making the right choices.  

Nym is a great heroine, but she's struggling in this book.  Still reeling over what happened to Eogan, she then loses her storm summoning ability, which leads her to make all sorts of horrible decisions, including being tempted by a dark, unnatural power.  It made it hard to read the book sometimes because I was so frustrated with what the characters were doing.  I felt like throwing my Kindle across the room a few times, I have to say.  

Filled with non-stop action and adventure (a lot of the book takes place on an airship), I definitely recommend it.  It's really good, but not necessarily fun, if that makes sense.

Posted by:  Pam

Stacking the Shelves (95)

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!  It is hosted by Tynga's Reviews.

Bought:

The End of Days by Susan Ee
The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh 

From Edelweiss:
Persuasion by Martina Boone

What books did you add to your shelves this week?

Posted by:  Pam

Book Review: The Witch Hunter by Virginia Boecker

The Witch Hunter (The Witch Hunter #1)
Author:  Virginia Boecker
Publisher:  Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 368 pages
Expected Publication Date:  June 2, 2015
*ARC received from publisher via NetGalley

From Goodreads:
Elizabeth Grey is one of the king's best witch hunters, devoted to rooting out witchcraft and doling out justice. But when she's accused of being a witch herself, Elizabeth is arrested and sentenced to burn at the stake.

Salvation comes from a man she thought was her enemy. Nicholas Perevil, the most powerful and dangerous wizard in the kingdom, offers her a deal: he will save her from execution if she can break the deadly curse that's been laid upon him.

But Nicholas and his followers know nothing of Elizabeth's witch hunting past--if they find out, the stake will be the least of her worries. And as she's thrust into the magical world of witches, ghosts, pirates, and one all-too-handsome healer, Elizabeth is forced to redefine her ideas of right and wrong, of friends and enemies, and of love and hate.

Review:

I loved this book!  The Witch Hunter is the perfect blend of magic and political intrigue, plus a dash of romance.  

Elizabeth is a wonderful heroine, even though she's clearly in the wrong.  There are evil witches of course, but then there are also good witches, like healers, but it doesn't matter.  If you're a witch, you're burned at the stake.  And it's not only witches who are burned at the stake but also anyone who uses any "magic" at all, including using special herbs.  What?  But Elizabeth's character growth, including her slow realization that she's been responsible for killing people, good people, is an important part of the story.

I loved the group of Reformists that Elizabeth joins.  George, "the fool," John, the sweet and gentle healer, and Fifer, the fiery witch.  The author does a great job of developing characters that I cared about.  Will they find out she's a witch hunter??

Impressive debut, I can't wait for the next one!

Posted by:  Pam

Book Review: Lola Carlyle's 12-Step Romance by Danielle Younge-Ullman

Lola Carlyle's 12-Step Romance
Author:  Danielle Younge-Ullman
Publisher:   Entangled: Teen, 304 pages
Publication Date:  May 5, 2015
*ARC received from publisher via NetGalley

From Goodreads:
Lola Carlyle is lonely, out of sorts, and in for a boring summer. So when her best friend, Sydney, calls to rave about her stay at a posh Malibu rehab and reveals that the love of Lola’s life, Wade Miller, is being admitted, she knows what she has to do. Never mind that her worst addiction is decaf cappuccino; Lola is going to rehab.

Lola arrives at Sunrise Rehab intent solely on finding Wade, saving him from himself, and—naturally—making him fall in love with her…only to discover she’s actually expected to be an addict. And get treatment. And talk about her issues with her parents, and with herself. Plus she has insane roommates, and an irritatingly attractive mentor, Adam, who’s determined to thwart her at every turn.

Oh, and Sydney? She’s gone.

Turns out, once her pride, her defenses, and her best friend are stripped away, Lola realizes she’s actually got a lot to overcome…if she can open her heart long enough to let it happen.

Review:

This book was so much fun.  Lola is hilarious and I found myself laughing quite a bit.  She's witty, sarcastic, and says a lot of the things you wish you could say.  Basically, she's a brat (at least in the beginning).  

Although it's mostly light and fluffy, the book does have some serious moments. Even though Lola lied to get into rehab, she definitely has issues.  She's the child of famous Hollywood parents (her mom is an actor and her dad a director) and they are a piece of work.  Lola has a pretty sad, messed up life and she uses humor as a defense mechanism.  For example, her mom doesn't want her to wear a particular pair of sunglasses because she says they make her look fat.  So Lola buys two pair and calls them her Fat Ass Ray Bans.  

I enjoyed the unique cast of characters in the book.  There are her roommates, Talia and Jade.  One who's a sex and drug addict and the other who doesn't talk but somehow manages to convey how much she hates Lola.  Wade, the nice guy from Ohio who is now a superstar and, as Lola comes to realize, has some major issues that he needs to deal with.  The author does a nice job of balancing humor with empathy when writing about these serious topics.

Now…the romance.  So cute.  Adorable, in fact.  Lola goes to rehab mainly to have time with her long-time crush, Wade, but then she has this irritating counselor/mentor, college student Adam, and…yeah, I'm sure you can guess what happens.  Her relationship with Adam has that slightly older, taboo, student-teacher vibe thing that I can't help but love.  He's such a good guy and he tries to keep things professional, but it's pretty much a losing battle.  I always enjoy those resisting each other type romances.  And this one had so much chemistry between the two!

Lola Carlyle's 12-Step Romance is a fun and entertaining coming-of-age novel with a smart and funny protagonist and a swoony romance…I loved it!

Posted by:  Pam

Book Review: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Thorns and Roses
Author:  Sarah J. Maas
Publisher:  Bloomsbury Children's, 416 pages
Publication Date:  May 5, 2015

From Goodreads:
When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin—one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.

As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow grows over the faerie lands, and Feyre must find a way to stop it . . . or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.

Review:
Although it started a bit on the slow side, at a certain point I was hooked and I ended up LOVING THIS BOOK.

Phenomenal world-building, with FAERIES, and a sexy romance between noble Tamlin and prickly Feyre (who I didn't like at first, to be honest, but amazing character growth).  

Then you have mysterious Rhysand…I'm still not sure what to think about some of his actions.  What was up with that last scene with him?  What did he see?????

The last 100 pages are action-packed and heart breaking.  Heart. Breaking.  No cliffhanger ending, but I still want to read the next book NOW.

Sarah J. Maas = auto-buy.

Posted by:  Pam

Book Review: Lion Heart by A.C. Gaughen

Lion Heart (Scarlet #3)
Author:  A.C. Gaughen
Publisher:  Bloomsbury USA Childrens, 348 pages
Expected Publication:  May 19, 2015
*ARC received from publisher via NetGalley

From Goodreads:
Scarlet has captured the hearts of readers as well as the heart of Robin Hood, and after ceaseless obstacles and countless threats, readers will finally find out the fate of the Lady Thief.

Imprisoned by Prince John for months, Scarlet finds herself a long way from Nottinghamshire. After a daring escape from the Prince's clutches, she learns that King Richard’s life is in jeopardy, and Eleanor of Aquitaine demands a service Scarlet can’t refuse: spy for her and help bring Richard home safe. But fate—and her heart—won’t allow her to stay away from Nottinghamshire for long, and together, Scarlet and Rob must stop Prince John from going through with his dark plans for England. They can not rest until he’s stopped, but will their love be enough to save them once and for all?

Review:
This is one of those series where each book gets better and better.  

The feels.  The feels!  Scarlet and Rob…so perfect together.  They're one of my favorite couples.  The journey has not been easy for them, it's been filled with so much pain, but also so much love.  I love how they work together, I love how Rob trusts her to take care of herself, and I love how much Scarlet will sacrifice for the ones she loves.  

Plenty of politics, action, and romance, Lion Heart is a satisfying conclusion to an amazing series.

Posted by:  Pam

Stacking the Shelves (94)

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!  It is hosted by Tynga's Reviews.

Bought:

The Fill-In Boyfriend by Kasie West
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen

Until the Beginning by Amy Plum

From NetGalley:

Legacy of Kings by Eleanor Herman
The Fixer by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Chasing River by K.A. Tucker
Jesse's Girl by Miranda Kenneally

What did you add to your shelves this week?

Posted by:  Pam

Book Review: Magonia by Maria Dahvana Headley

Magonia
Author:  Maria Dahvana Headley
Publisher:  HarperCollins, 320 pages
Publication Date:  April 28, 2015

From Goodreads:
Aza Ray is drowning in thin air.

Since she was a baby, Aza has suffered from a mysterious lung disease that makes it ever harder for her to breathe, to speak—to live.

So when Aza catches a glimpse of a ship in the sky, her family chalks it up to a cruel side effect of her medication. But Aza doesn't think this is a hallucination. She can hear someone on the ship calling her name.

Only her best friend, Jason, listens. Jason, who’s always been there. Jason, for whom she might have more-than-friendly feelings. But before Aza can consider that thrilling idea, something goes terribly wrong. Aza is lost to our world—and found, by another. Magonia.

Above the clouds, in a land of trading ships, Aza is not the weak and dying thing she was. In Magonia, she can breathe for the first time. Better, she has immense power—and as she navigates her new life, she discovers that war is coming. Magonia and Earth are on the cusp of a reckoning. And in Aza’s hands lies the fate of the whole of humanity—including the boy who loves her. Where do her loyalties lie?

Review:

Magonia is a creative, imaginative, and unique book.  I loved Aza Ray's voice.  

"I'm too skinny, and have no luck gaining weight.  Clarification:  by 'too skinny,' I don't mean Sexy Goth Girl in Need of Flowery Dress and Lipstick to Become Girl Who Was Always Secretly Pretty but We Never Saw It Till Now.  I mean:  dead girl walking.  Corpse-style skin, and sometimes when I cough, it's way gross. Just saying."

"I didn't even start out being called Aza Ray.  This is the name they gave me after the breathing problems started.  Before that, I was called Heyward. (Heyward was a great-uncle. Eli is name after a great-uncle too. I'm not sure what's wrong with my parents. Could they not name us after our aunts?)"

See what I mean?

And Jason.  LOVE LOVE LOVE this quirky, nerdy, amazing guy.  He's brilliant, so brilliant that he has two patents on products (one is some sort of plastic thing that helps you make a bed and the other is a spray that basically dry cleans your clothes).  And how Jason feels about Aza Ray, what he does for her…makes me want to hug the guy.

"Jason will either be recruited by the CIA or he'll live a life of crime.  No one is sure which.  I mean, like those are opposites anyway."

The sky world intrigued me, but I felt a bit of a disconnect for some reason, maybe because it was such a jarring shift from the normal world to that world.  I loved all of the characters on earth, but the ones in the sky…not so much. But it is fascinating.  Weird, but fascinating.  Strangely enough, this may be one of those series where I'm almost positive I'll like the second book more. At least I'm assuming it's a series????

This is one of those books where the more I think about it, the more I like it.

Posted by:  Pam

Book Review: The Collectors' Society by Heather Lyons

The Collectors' Society (The Collectors' Society #1)
Author:  Heather Lyons
Publisher:  Cerulean Books, 355 pages
Publication Date:  October 23, 2014

From Goodreads:
After years in Wonderland, Alice has returned to England as an adult, desperate to reclaim sanity and control over her life. An enigmatic gentleman with an intriguing job offer too tempting to resist changes her plans for a calm existence, though. Soon, she’s whisked to New York and initiated into the Collectors’ Society, a secret organization whose members confirm that famous stories are anything but straightforward and that what she knows about the world is only a fraction of the truth.

It’s there she discovers villains are afoot—ones who want to shelve the lives of countless beings. Assigned to work with the mysterious and alluring Finn, Alice and the rest of the Collectors’ Society race against a doomsday clock in order to prevent further destruction . . . but will they make it before all their endings are erased?

Review:
What a fascinating world the author has created!  Once a book has been published and embraced by readers, a Timeline is created, sort of a parallel world, worlds that are associated with books, where the characters live out their lives.  The Collectors' Society is a group of people who live in the 21st century and who preserve and protect the Timelines.  In order to protect Timelines, they steal catalysts, objects from Timelines that represent its existence.  For example, for the Mary Poppins books, the carpetbag represents the Timeline and if it's destroyed, the Timeline is deleted, all of the people living in that world would be erased, and the book would only be a book.  Someone has been targeting famous Timelines and destroying the catalysts.  

I enjoyed this book, mainly because of the world Heather Lyons has created.  And Alice, who is a fierce heroine.  The plot is interesting, I liked the characters, but it was just missing something.  The romance is sweet, but Finn is almost too good to be true.  I usually like more banter, more sexual tension, etc. and Alice and Finn just come together a bit too easily.  Same with when they travel to Wonderland.  It all seemed a bit too easy.  There was never those really scary moments when the characters seemed in danger.  That said, I will keep reading the series because I'm curious to see how it all plays out.  

Posted by:  Pam

Book Review: The Mistake by Elle Kennedy

The Mistake (Off-Campus #2)
Author:  Elle Kennedy
Publication Date:  April 28, 2015

From Goodreads:
He’s a player in more ways than one…

College junior John Logan can get any girl he wants. For this hockey star, life is a parade of parties and hook-ups, but behind his killer grins and easygoing charm, he hides growing despair about the dead-end road he’ll be forced to walk after graduation. A sexy encounter with freshman Grace Ivers is just the distraction he needs, but when a thoughtless mistake pushes her away, Logan plans to spend his final year proving to her that he’s worth a second chance.

Now he’s going to need to up his game…

After a less than stellar freshman year, Grace is back at Briar University, older, wiser, and so over the arrogant hockey player she nearly handed her V-card to. She’s not a charity case, and she’s not the quiet butterfly she was when they first hooked up. If Logan expects her to roll over and beg like all his other puck bunnies, he can think again. He wants her back? He’ll have to work for it. This time around, she’ll be the one in the driver’s seat…and she plans on driving him wild.

Review:
Elle Kennedy knows how to write New Adult, that's for sure. And not the angsty, damaged characters New Adult, but the fun and bantery kind, filled with characters you end up absolutely loving. 

Grace…loved her.  She spends her freshman year not taking chances, living in her best friend's shadow.  When Logan, the hot hockey player, shows up at her dorm room (he's at the wrong dorm, actually) they instantly hit it off.  Then things go wrong, summer comes, and Grace begins her sophomore year determined to do things differently.  Go, Grace!

Logan…oh Logan.  Typical NA man-whore, but he has a good heart.  I loved that he would do anything to have Grace give him a second chance.  And I mean anything. She made him work for it, which was a refreshing change.

If you're a Kasie West fan, you will love Elle Kennedy. It's the best kind of light and fluffy, I was smiling almost the whole time. Grinning like a fool, actually.

Posted by:  Pam

Book Review: Dream a Little Dream by Kerstin Gier

Dream a Little Dream (The Silver Trilogy #1)
Author:  Kerstin Gier
Publisher:  Henry Holt & Co., 336 pages
Publication Date:  April 14, 2015

From Goodreads:
Mysterious doors with lizard-head knobs. Talking stone statues. A crazy girl with a hatchet. Yes, Liv’s dreams have been pretty weird lately. Especially this one where she’s in a graveyard at night, watching four boys conduct dark magic rituals.

The strangest part is that Liv recognizes the boys in her dream. They’re classmates from her new school in London, the school where she’s starting over because her mom has moved them to a new country (again). But what’s really scaring Liv is that the dream boys seem to know things about her in real life, things they couldn’t possibly know—unless they actually are in her dreams? Luckily, Liv could never resist a good mystery, and all four of those boys are pretty cute…

Review:

I loved this book, it was a ridiculously fun read.  The perfect mix of humor, mystery, and romance.  Liv is a wonderful main character, full of spunk and sass.  Her voice is engaging, witty, and sarcastic.  And the dialogue…hilarious. I also loved her relationship with her sister.   

The paranormal element to the book is interesting, with the four hot guys able to visit each other's dreams, and Liv being pulled into it one night, but not really sure what is going on.  There's a bit of why, when you are warned, do you do something so stupid aspect about it, but I guess it makes sense when she doesn't really believe in the danger.  

My one complaint is that it was hard to keep the guys straight (they're all blond and gorgeous), but the romance is sweet, although I anticipate a love triangle in the second book.  But I could be wrong.

It's light and fluffy paranormal. So. Much. Fun.  If you love Rachel Hawkins (Hex Hall, Rebel Belle), you'll love Dream a Little Dream.

Posted by:  Pam

Stacking the Shelves (93)

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!  It is hosted by Tynga's Reviews.

Bought:

The Secrets We Keep by Trisha Leaver
Magonia by Maria Dahvana Headley

The Mistake by Elle Kennedy

Rook by Sharon Cameron

Dream a Little Dream by Kerstin Gier

The Collectors' Society by Heather Lyons

Lying Out Loud by Kody Keplinger

 

 

Posted by:  Pam