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Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Waiting on Wednesday

Hellooo Everyone!! This cover is just *sigh*

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.


Kiss of Broken Glass by Madeleine Kuderick

September 9, 2014
After she’s caught in the school bathroom cutting herself with the blade from a pencil sharpener, fifteen-year-old Kenna is put under mandatory psychiatric watch. She has seventy-two hours to face her addiction, deal with rejection, and find a shred of hope.

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Book Look #21 : Best Kind of Broken by Chelsea Fine

The Book

Goodreads  / Review

Pixie and Levi haven't spoken in nearly a year when they find themselves working―and living―at the same inn in the middle of nowhere. Once upon a time, they were childhood friends. But that was before everything went to hell. And now things are... awkward.

All they want to do is avoid each other, and their past, for as long as possible. But now that they're forced to share a bathroom, and therefore a shower, keeping their distance from one another becomes less difficult than keeping their hands off each other. Welcome to the hallway of awkward tension and sexual frustration, folks. Get comfy. It’s going to be a long summer.






The Look



Best Kind of Broken Book Look




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Y'all HAVE GOT to read this book! It's pretty much perfect. I would totally that lion ring in the book look. I mean how cool is that? I have a flying pig ring that is pretty beast too.

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Monday, April 28, 2014

ARC Review: Solsbury Hill by Susan Wyler


Solsbury Hill by Susan M. Wyler
Published April 1, 2014
ARC received thorough NetGalley

The windswept moors of England, a grand rustic estate, and a love story of one woman caught between two men who love her powerfully—all inspired by Emily Bronte’s beloved classic,Wuthering HeightsSolsbury Hill brings the legend of Catherine and Heathcliff, and that of their mysterious creator herself, into a contemporary love story that unlocks the past.

When a surprise call from a dying aunt brings twenty-something New Yorker Eleanor Abbott to the Yorkshire moors, and the family estate she is about to inherit, she finds a world beyond anything she might have expected. Having left behind an American fiance, here Eleanor meets Meadowscarp MacLeod—a young man who challenges and changes her. Here too she encounters the presence of Bronte herself and discovers a family legacy they may share.

With winds powerful enough to carve stone and bend trees, the moors are another world where time and space work differently. Remanants of the past are just around a craggy, windswept corner. For Eleanor, this means ancestors and a devastating romantic history that bears on her own life, on the history of the novel Wuthering Heights, and on the destinies of all who live in its shadow.


I’ve been Wattpad obsessed for a while now and this was the first BOOK book I’ve read since the addiction began. And I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. A world outside Wattpad?? Say whaaat?? I know, crazy, right? But there is apparently. And a gorgeous one, to say the least. Solsbury Hill was a lovely and utterly enticing mix of old and new with a dash of the Bronte sister’s, Emily, more specifically. I’ll admit it right now, I’ve never read Wuthering Heights but after reading this and the passion that the book elicits from the characters, I have got to read it. (what did y’all think about Wuthering Heights, by the way?)

This book begins with a cheating *insert not so nice word of choice here (the one I’m thinking of is synonymous to donkey)* and a broken hearted girl who is stuck in a world of whimsy and dreams in New York. This may sound fine and dandy but the fact is that she is, nonetheless, stuck. When she receives the call from the house on the hill with the news that her Aunt is dying, she goes with the intention of only seeing her Aunt. What does she not expect? She doesn’t expect her mother’s secrets. She doesn’t expect true love. She doesn’t expect Emily Bronte. And she certainly doesn’t expect Heathcliff. Nope. None of that. Another thing she doesn’t expect to find while on her little trip? Herself.

Onto all my thoughts about this book.

The Cover!!! OHMYSWEETBABYJESUS. I adore that font. I have got to learn how to do that. And the house in the background is absolutely gorgeous. The whole cover captures the feeling of the book rather perfectly. Short of anything else, I adore the cover. Teeheehee. The colors are beautiful and it just feels right. You know what I mean?

The House on the Hill: I absolutely love the whole history that was woven into the house and Wuthering Heights. I loved the mystery and the hope and how it all went back to Eleanor. I really liked the way the whole setting was depicted. It had a Jane Austen air, but it felt Bronte through and through. The whole town was depicted as relaxed and happy and airy and, more than any of the other traits, they felt real. Real is a good thing. Especially in this book. I could feel the flowers, and I could see the ghosts. I saw the children’s room and the beautiful book shelves that Mead built. Maybe that’s why I like Mead best. He built her bookshelves. His love was epic. Also, he wasn’t a cheating swear word. *sarcastic smile*

Mead and Miles and Eleanor: Weeellll who do we have here? We have the Lover, the Liar, and the One Caught in the Middle. And yes, that was in order. I’m looking at you mister O.O The characters were depicted wonderfully, but for as much as I liked them, I didn’t connect to any of them. As a reader, being able to relate and connect with the characters is kind of a big, okay HUGE, thing. And sadly, I wasn’t able to.

The Writing: God, the way Susan Wyler write is simply gorgeous. Can you tell I like that word? But it was! The whole book felt perfectly whimsical. Is felt airy and bright and beautiful. It was like the middle of spring with the fresh flowers and the rain pouring from the sky. That’s how the writing felt.

In the end, this book was lovely, but sadly wasn’t able to earn a place on my favorites shelf, even though it made its way into my heart.

"It can't be 'bout choosing the right love, my love.  It's all about choosing yourself, finding what's true inside you."

So, who wants to go to Yorkshire now? It's not just me right? I mean the country around there is beautiful. Also, someone who has read Wuthering Heights, is it any good? How soon should I read it? Should I read it? And how do you feel about ghosts? *wink wink*



Ransom {Blitz + Giveaway}


Hey everyone! Todayyy we have a lovely little blitz and giveaway (comment at the bottom with your email to be entered to win ONE ecopy + the overall tour-wide giveaway) to show y'all. Ransom by Rachel Shurig comes out today! LET'S CELEBRATE!!

Ransom by Rachel Schurig
Publication date: April 28th 2014
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

Synopsis:


**The first book in a brand new series from USA Today bestselling author Rachel Schurig. This New Adult Contemporary Romance novel is a complete story with no cliffhanger.**

Daisy Harris has no reason to suspect that her day will be any different than usual. She’ll go to class, alone. She won’t speak or make eye contact. She’ll spend her entire day doing her best to go completely unnoticed. That’s what life is like for Daisy now—an endless cycle of loneliness and fear. A life lived hiding behind the walls she so faithfully maintains.

Then she sees it. A magazine, left behind in class. A simple picture—just his face. And it changes everything.

It’s been a year since she’s seen Daltrey Ransome. A year since he and his brothers left town to pursue their dreams of rock and roll superstardom. A year since he left Daisy behind—left her to watch as everything she knew crumbled around her. She’s been running from Daltrey ever since, desperate to keep her secret.

But she can’t run anymore. And now that Daltrey has found her—the girl he’s loved his entire life, the girl he’d give up everything for—he’s determined never to let her go again.


Author Stalker

 Rachel Schurig lives in the metro Detroit area with her dog, Lucy. She loves to watch reality TV and she reads as many books as she can get her hands on. In her spare time, Rachel decorates cakes. Her THREE GIRLS series is available now from Amazon! Website


a Rafflecopter giveaway

What was your inspiration for writing Ransom?
I’ve wanted to write a rock star romance for a long time. When I was in college some friends and I spent a few months following our favorite band on tour. It was one of the best times I’ve ever had! There’s something about a good road trip with good friends—add in the thrill of live music and it can’t be beat! I wanted to write about girlfriends going on an adventure like ours—and finding love along the way. Who doesn’t want to fall for a rock star??

What can you tell us about Daisy?
Poor Daisy’s had a rough year. After her best friend, Daltrey, left to hit it big with his band, Ransom, things went south for Daisy. The victim of some pretty vicious online bullying, she began to withdraw from the world around her. Severe panic attacks brought on by the trauma make it very difficult for her to interact with her peers as she starts college. By the time she meets Ransom fans Karen and Paige, she’s almost forgotten what it’s like to have friends. Karen and Paige help her regain her confidence and find the strength to rekindle her friendship with Daltrey.

What about Daltrey?
Daltrey is one of my favorite characters I’ve ever written. In many ways he’s your classic rock star—sexy, kind of dangerous, very talented, a little cocky. But he’s also incredibly sensitive and emotional. He never got over losing Daisy and now that she’s back in his life he’s determined not to lose her again. His dedication to the girl he’s always loved is pretty swoon worthy!

Can you give us three random facts about Ransom?
1. I plotted this entire book, right down to the names of all the characters, in one afternoon. In fact, I was waiting in line for a ride at Disneyland when inspiration struck. I was so glad I had my cell phone to take notes! By the time I reached the front of the very long line I had all the details squared away.
2. Daltrey and his brothers are all named after famous rock stars who influenced their father. I spent a lot of time choosing the names; I wanted the most influential musicians I could think of but I also needed to make sure the monikers sounded good as first names.

3.  Music was a very big part of my writing process with this story. I created a playlist as I wrote, adding more songs as I went along. By the time I was finished I had a huge list, and I listened to it every time I worked on the book.




Sooooo *wink wink* what do y'all think? Positively swoon-inducing, yes? Don't forget to comment with your email to be entered to win ONE ecopy of Ransom. Ends May 20th. 


Saturday, April 26, 2014

Quoteable: Darker Still

Goodreads

I was obsessed.

It was as if he called to me, demanding I reach out and touch the brushstrokes of color swirled onto the canvas. It was the most exquisite portrait I'd ever seen--everything about Lord Denbury was unbelievable...utterly breathtaking and eerily lifelike.

There was a reason for that. Because despite what everyone said, Denbury never had committed suicide. He was alive. Trapped within his golden frame.

I've crossed over into his world within the painting, and I've seen what dreams haunt him. They haunt me too. He and I are inextricably linked--bound together to watch the darkness seeping through the gas-lit cobblestone streets of Manhattan. Unless I can free him soon, things will only get Darker Still.



Would I read this book based only on the quote "Coffee first. Schemes later."?

Not just from the quote, no. I mean, four words? I need a little more than that to be bought off. Maybe if I saw those four words and the cover. . . and the premise. I mean, I'm not completely sold on the cover but thE PREMISE! Yes. Guy stuck in a painting? Cool and creepy!

What about y'all? Would read this book based on those four words?



Friday, April 25, 2014

Review: Tears of Tess

Tears of Tess by Pepper Winters
Publsihed: August 28, 2013
Goodreads
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with a copy to review. In no way did this sway my opinion.

Summary

A story about finding love in the strangest of places, a will of iron that grows from necessity, and forgiveness that may not be enough.

“My life was complete. Happy, content, everything neat and perfect.
Then it all changed.
I was sold.”


Tess Snow has everything she ever wanted: one more semester before a career in property development, a loving boyfriend, and a future dazzling bright with possibility. 

For their two year anniversary, Brax surprises Tess with a romantic trip to Mexico. Sandy beaches, delicious cocktails, and soul-connecting sex set the mood for a wonderful holiday. With a full heart, and looking forward to a passion filled week, Tess is on top of the world.

But lusty paradise is shattered.

Kidnapped. Drugged. Stolen. Tess is forced into a world full of darkness and terror. 

Captive and alone with no savior, no lover, no faith, no future, Tess evolves from terrified girl to fierce fighter. But no matter her strength, it can’t save her from the horror of being sold.

Can Brax find Tess before she’s broken and ruined, or will Tess’s new owner change her life forever?

Monsters find each other in the dark.

This book is stuffed to the rim with raw emotion, twisted obsession, warped love and a new kind of danger that one can only have nightmares about. When Tess gets taken from her less than perfect life into a dirty, gritty and sexy new world, she defies the odds and stays strong. Tess is kidnapped from her beautiful world with her boyfriend and her parents who rather she didn’t exist. She was taken. Stolen. But while she was stolen, she was also given wings.

Now, believe me: I know what you’re thinking. That you’ll never read this book. I mean why would you? It has sex slavery and human trafficking. Let me tell you why you would. The way Pepper Winters writes is so beautiful. The words seem to become life-like in their nature. They leap of the pages and dance in the darkest depths of your subconscious. The writing feels as natural as breathing. I don’t really know how to convey the amazing-ness of the writing. It just feels right.
 “A human is adaptable. A human heart is not.” 
Also, while this book is dark and gritty, it’s not bad. You know what I’m saying? The way everything was portrayed felt like she was doing more than escaping the cage she’d been put in but also growing into herself as a woman. She did a lot of growing up in TEARS OF TESS. She realized that while she did love her boyfriend, she wasn’t in love with him as she once was. The just wanted different thing.

Tess was an amazing MC. She was strong and stood up for her freedom- even when she didn’t know she already had it.

Oh, and Q is *fans self* I mean that last thing he said was…sweet.


Overall, this was a truly exceptional book full of redemption, second chances, self-discovery and well…an interesting combo of love and lust. 

I think I may be the last one to read this. *looks around internet* Yup. Totally last. Since apparently everyone read this one before me, what did y'all think?



Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Waiting on Wednesday

The first book was epic...this one has got to be even better!!

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.


Rain by Amanda Sun

June 24, 2014
American Katie Green has decided to stay in Japan. She's started to build a life in the city of Shizuoka, and she can't imagine leaving behind her friends, her aunt and especially Tomohiro, the guy she's fallen in love with. But her return is not as simple as she thought. She's flunking out of Japanese school and committing cultural faux pas wherever she goes. Tomohiro is also struggling—as a Kami, his connection to the ancient gods of Japan and his power to bring drawings to life have begun to spiral out of control.

When Tomo decides to stop drawing, the ink finds other ways to seep into his life—blackouts, threatening messages and the appearance of unexplained sketches. Unsure how to help Tomo, Katie turns to an unexpected source for help—Jun, her former friend and a Kami with an agenda of his own. But is Jun really the ally he claims to be? In order to save themselves, Katie and Tomohiro must unravel the truth about Tomo's dark ancestry, as well as Katie's, and confront one of the darkest gods in Japanese legend.

~ ~ ~ 
I CAN'T CONTAIN THE EXCITEMENT!!


Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Book Look #20


The Book


Two years ago, the aliens made contact. Now Cara Sweeney is going to be sharing a bathroom with one of them. 

Handpicked to host the first-ever L’eihr exchange student, Cara thinks her future is set. Not only does she get a free ride to her dream college, she’ll have inside information about the mysterious L’eihrs that every journalist would kill for. Cara’s blog following is about to skyrocket.

Still, Cara isn’t sure what to think when she meets Aelyx. Humans and L’eihrs have nearly identical DNA, but cold, infuriatingly brilliant Aelyx couldn’t seem more alien. She’s certain about one thing, though: no human boy is this good-looking.

But when Cara's classmates get swept up by anti-L'eihr paranoia, Midtown High School suddenly isn't safe anymore. Threatening notes appear in Cara's locker, and a police officer has to escort her and Aelyx to class. 

Cara finds support in the last person she expected. She realizes that Aelyx isn’t just her only friend; she's fallen hard for him. But Aelyx has been hiding the truth about the purpose of his exchange, and its potentially deadly consequences. Soon Cara will be in for the fight of her life—not just for herself and the boy she loves, but for the future of her planet.


The Look





Alienated




What do y'all think? I read this one back in January and LOVED it! Who's with me? What do you think of the look?


Monday, April 21, 2014

Something That Stuck


Hey y'all! Yesterday was Easter! How was y'alls Easters? Did you get a lot of candy? I got Jelly Beans, a Vera Bradly towel (which is gorgeous) and some See's Chocolate. Which is delicious. AND then, Saturday I got Elusion by Claudia Gabel & Cheryl Klam in the mail! (YAY!) Anyways, onto what this post is about. And *surprise surprise* it's not book related.


So there was this girl at school the other day who was walking around giving out these clothespins with inspirational compliments. It was kind of amazing. When I asked her why she was walking around pinning random strangers she said that she just wanted people to have a good day. This got me thinking, can one compliment really change some one’s day that much? It was weird though, because that day, for me anyways, was a good day. Did that compliment, even if it’s as simple as ‘You’re fantastic’ or ‘Be you for you’ really change the outcome of my day?

Something else? In second block that day, we had an assembly where this kid in my grade, who has had cancer for about a year and is currently in remission, got his wish granted by the Make a Wish Foundation. His dad said something that I think stuck with the entire gym full of high school students: ‘Make your life a good one. You only have one.’ And that’s true isn’t it? You only have one chance to make your life the best one possible. (His family is going to Hawaii in case you’re wondering)

So what do y’all think about this whole living your life to the fullest and happiness pins stuff? I think it’s pretty amazing. I mean we have the power to impact some one’s life for better or for worse. We just have to decide how we’re going to choose to impact it.

So whether it’s books or traveling or cooking or art or photography, you should live your life the best you can. Right?


Thought? Comments? What do y’all have to say?