Waiting on Wednesday (17): Zodiac

**Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights highly anticipated upcoming releases.**

Zodiac

Author: Romina Russell
Series: Zodiac, #1
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Publisher: Razorbill
Publication Date: December 9 2014
Format: Hardcover, ebook
Pages: 336
Purchase: Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo

At the dawn of time, there were 13 Houses in the Zodiac Galaxy. Now only 12 remain….

Rhoma Grace is a 16-year-old student from House Cancer with an unusual way of reading the stars. While her classmates use measurements to make accurate astrological predictions, Rho can’t solve for ‘x’ to save her life—so instead, she looks up at the night sky and makes up stories.

When a violent blast strikes the moons of Cancer, sending its ocean planet off-kilter and killing thousands of citizens—including its beloved Guardian—Rho is more surprised than anyone when she is named the House’s new leader. But, a true Cancrian who loves her home fiercely and will protect her people no matter what, Rho accepts.

Then, when more Houses fall victim to freak weather catastrophes, Rho starts seeing a pattern in the stars. She suspects Ophiuchus—the exiled 13th Guardian of Zodiac legend—has returned to exact his revenge across the Galaxy. Now Rho—along with Hysan Dax, a young envoy from House Libra, and Mathias, her guide and a member of her Royal Guard—must travel through the Zodiac to warn the other Guardians.

But who will believe anything this young novice says? Whom can Rho trust in a universe defined by differences? And how can she convince twelve worlds to unite as one Zodiac?

Embark on a dazzling journey with ZODIAC, the first novel in an epic sci-fi-meets-high-fantasy series set in a galaxy inspired by the astrological signs. (Goodreads)

Why I'm Waiting

I'm in love with anything that has to do with astrology and I do believe in then especially since mine are always accurate (I know it's not something for everyone). So the fact that someone is taking that aspect and turning it into a book makes me so excited! And the synopsis sounds promising, so it was an obvious MUST READ for me!

What are you waiting on this week?! 

Please leave me links to your WoW below!! :)

Waiting on Wednesday (16): A Furious Muse

**Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights highly anticipated upcoming releases.**

A Furious Muse

Author: A.J. Nuest
Series: The Golden Key Legacy
Genre: Sci-Fi, Romance, Fantasy
Publisher: HaperImpulseUK
Publication Date: November 27 2014
Format: ebook
Pages: 106
Purchase: Amazon | B&N

Since the day of her birth, Princess Faedrah Austiere has been defined by her place within the kingdom. As the single heir to the half-blood gypsy king and his prophesied white queen, she is fiercely protected, shuttered inside an ivory castle and well-trained in the art of war. Yet neither her obligations as future queen nor the black infestation threatening her kingdom fail to hinder the mysterious pull of the antique armoire hidden in her parents’ bedchamber. And stealing the golden key for a leap through time is the only way to confront the dark lord haunting her dreams.

One face. The image of one defiant, relentless woman has been stuck in Rhys McEleod’s head ever since he was old enough paint her luscious curves on the canvas. But the day she walks into his life off the street—sexier than hell and itching for a fight—he’s not convinced she’s the same women he’s envisioned since childhood. That is, not until he spots the golden key around her neck—an object he’d never fully shown in any of his paintings.

Now if he could just persuade his lovely muse he’s not the enemy. Unless the elusive Faedrah Austiere learns to trust him, he’ll never have her in his bed—the one place he’s convinced she belongs. (Goodreads)

Why I'm Waiting...

This won't be my first time reading something by AJ Nuest. I received The Golden Key Chronicles from NetGalley via HaperImpluse UK earlier this year and LOVED IT!! Thank god it was the bind-up edition because I'm not sure how I would survive reading one at a time and having to wait for the next one to be released...

Anyways, so when I came across this beauty on Goodreads I obviously had to add it to my TBR list! I believe this takes place after The Golden Key Chronicles, but either way I'm so excited to read this! Seriously if you like Science Fiction -> Time Travel with some romance I highly recommend giving this series a try!!

The Golden Key Chronicles

What are you waiting on?

Please feel free to leave comments & WoW links below :).

Review: Forgive Me

Click here to follow the tour!

Forgive Me

Author: Eliza Freed
Series: Lost Souls, #1
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary
Publisher: Forever Yours
Publication Date:
Format: ebook
Pages: 280
Source: Good Choice Reading Blog Tours
Purchase: Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo

Rating: ★★★★ . 5

When two lost souls find each other, are they still lost?

Charlotte O'Brien is lost in the devastation of her parents' death. With her foundation in ruins, she buries herself in an unlikely lover, Jason Leer.

When they're together it's everything, but when they're apart it's utterly frustrating. Can love survive when distance is measured in more than just miles?

Forgive Me is the first book in The Lost Souls Series.

(Goodreads)

Lost Souls series

Opening Lines

"My foot will bleed soon. Judging by the familiar curve in the road, I'm still at least two miles from home. Of course I end up walking home the night I'm wearing great shoes. The pain shoots through my heels as the clouds flash with lightning in the dark sky.

**WARNING: CAPS WILL BE USED**

Where do I even begin with this review? I don't even know. I read Forgive Me a couple of days ago now and I'm still trying to get my thoughts and emotions in check, thanks Eliza Freed. The minute I read the first page I was hooked. This author has a way with words, and boy does she know how to tell a story. Her description of the thunderstorm alone had me captivated, I couldn't put this down and I'm happy I finished it in one sitting. Well, happy might be a stretch of a word because I know for sure my heart, head, eyes, nose and throat are not happy with all the ugly crying and struggling to breathe. But what did I expect? Well I knew I was signing myself up for a contemporary new-adult read, but what I didn't expect was how much of an emotional roller coaster this was going to be and how much of me was going to be left sitting here with tears streaming down my face.

I know I probably sound like a broken record but this book broke my heart into tiny little pieces. I cried, I laughed, I got angry, and then I cried some more. And by the end of it all I felt like Forgive Me basically just sat there laughed at me and said "Well hey, now you have to wait until February." Seriously!? FEBRUARY?! GIVE ME THE NEXT BOOK NOW!!! Please? Pretty, pretty please with a fat juicy cherry on top? 

Charlotte is by far one a new favourite character. She's a fictional character but everything about her felt real. It takes a serious amount of talent to breathe life into your characters and Eliza Freed did that. I felt so connected to Charlotte it was almost frightening. She's been through so much and all I wanted to do was hug her. As much as I'm not a huge fan of Jason, since he can be a jerk from time to time, I really enjoyed the dynamics of their relationship. We see their long distance relationship put to the test and just when I thought everything was going to be okay, everything got flipped upside down and around! I wasn't expecting the religious aspect to things, and at first I was hesitant on how much of it would be used throughout Forgive Me. Why? Because I'm in a questionable state with my religion at the moment. But Eliza makes it work, she ties in everything and makes it alright to question your faith, love, humanity, and life itself.

What Kept Forgive Me from getting 5 stars?

Can I say the ending? No? Damn. Well then...

---

Overall, I can't express enough how heartbreaking and beautiful Forgive Me was! I only wish I didn't have to wait until February for Redeem Me, I know it's less than 3 months away but for me that's 3 months too long! Do I recommend picking Forgive Me up? Yes, I can't even express how much I want people to read it! This is seriously an underrated book that more people need to read! If you enjoy reading new adult, contemporaries, romance, a book with substance and that will make you feel things then pick this up. But you can't say I didn't warn you...

Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author

Eliza Freed graduated from Rutgers University and returned to her hometown in rural South Jersey. Her mother encouraged her to take some time and find herself. After three months of searching, she began to bounce checks and her neighbors began to talk; her mother told her to find a job.

She settled into Corporate America, learning systems and practices and the bureaucracy that slows them. Eliza quickly discovered her creativity and gift for story telling as a corporate trainer and spent years perfecting her presentation skills and studying diversity. It’s during this time she became an avid observer of the characters we meet and the heartaches we endure. Her years of study have taught her laughter is the key to survival, even when it’s completely inappropriate.

She currently lives in New Jersey with her family and a misbehaving beagle named Odin. An avid swimmer, if Eliza is not with her family and friends, she’d rather be underwater. While she enjoys many genres, she has always been a sucker for a love story…the more screwed up the better.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Google+ | Pinterest

Hosted by Good Choice Reading Blog Tours

Waiting on Wednesday (15): Resisting Her Rival

**Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights highly anticipated upcoming releases.**

Resisting Her Rival

Author: Sonya Weiss
Series: Stealing the Heart, #2
Genre: Women's Fiction, Romance
Publisher: Entangled: Bliss
Publication Date: November 17 2014
Format: ebook
Pages: 265
Purchase: Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo

All’s fair in love and war…

Abby Snyder finally has the opportunity to expand her diner now that the building next door is available. Unfortunately, she must compete with Nick Coleman to get it. Abby—usually über-responsible—shared one night of intense passion with the playboy, and she's been trying to forget it ever since. But then Nick bets her the building that he can make her fall in love with him in thirty days.

With his reputation ruining his chances at gaining some big clients, Nick needs a way to prove to everyone that he’s reformed. Dating Abby, the most respected girl in town—and the only one he wants—is the perfect solution. Nick’s confident he’ll get Abby to fall for him, so he’ll win the building and the girl he can't get out of his mind.

But even though Abby can’t lose, resisting Nick is harder than she thought. (Goodreads)

Why I'm Waiting...

I feel like I've been waiting FOREVER for this book, but really I haven't. This is a series that focuses on different characters in each book, I believe it'll only be on three sisters Abby, Amelia, and Ann but don't quote me on that! Anyways, I read Stealing the Groom and fell in love! I gave it 5 stars and added it to my favourites list. There wasn't a single thing I disliked and I've re-read it multiple times. You can click here to see my review for Stealing the Groom.

Unfortunately, I tried to request Resisting Her Rival on NetGalley. I was so excited for it! But then I got the worst email ever, I got declined...a tear may have been shed. 

BUT I pre-order it and I'm now anxiously (and impatiently) waiting for November 17th to come!!!

What are you waiting on?

Please feel free to leave comments & WoW links below :).

Review: Raven

Click here to follow the blog tour!

Raven

Author: Pauline Creeden
Series: Chronicles of Steele, #1
Genre: YA, Steampunk, Fantasy
Publisher: AltWit Press
Publication Date: October 28 2014
Format: ebook
Pages: 332
Source: Itching For Books
Purchase: Amazon | B&N

Rating: ★★★ . 5

This is the complete Steampunk Fantasy novel - all four parts of the serial in one volume! Also includes bonus features not found in the episodes ~

Human life has value.
The poor living in the gutter are as valuable as the rich living in a manor.
The scoundrel is no less valuable than the saint.
Because of this, every life a reaper takes must be redeemed.

Raven has lived by this first tenet since she was trained by her father to become a reaper. But since his death, she’s been spending years redeeming the lives she’s taken. By her count, she’s even and it’s time for that life to end. If she settles down and becomes a wife, she might just feel human again. But on the way to the life she thinks she wants, the baron of New Haven asks her to complete a task which she cannot ignore… Just when Raven decides to give up on her life as an assassin, she’s pulled right back in. (Goodreads)

Opening Lines

“RAVEN STEELE COUNTED every footstep she chanced through New Haven with the knowledge that any could be her last. But the gamble wouldn’t last long. She quickened her pace. Only two kilometers of brownstone street stood between her and the safety of the forest.”

I always try to be 100% fair when it comes to genres, but I will be completely honest and say that I used to (okay, I kind of still do) avoid the Steampunk genre. Why? Because to be honest I don't always fully understand it. To some it's an easy concept, to others it's complex. And the most important thing is finding an author who can write and write it well! I have definitely found that in Pauline Creeden. This was my first read by her and boy was it ever interesting and intense!

We were lucky enough to receive Raven in different formats. I kept going back and forth between ebook and PDF version, the ebook version was easier to read on the go. While the PDF version I could sit and read while on my laptop and state at the detailing in the front choice, the headers for each chapter, and the design! It's so beautiful! I'm hoping that the physical copy will look like this because if it does I will buy it!!

I really, really liked the characters we are introduced to! Raven was strong, and a kick-ass kind of girl but she was vulnerable which made her more realistic and a relatable character to readers. Jack, well he's Captain Jack Grant. Although, I have to say that as much as I was somewhat rooting for Raven and Jack I'm not sure if I'm 100% team Jack. I just feel like the romance was rushed and I would have rather there been a more drastic tie in to their feelings for each other. I didn't get the ending I wanted, it wasn't a bad ending. I was just...wanting more. I don't want to give anything away, but I have high hopes for what might develop in the following book or books...please let it be books.

What kept Raven from getting 5 stars?

I chop this up to it probably being more "it's me, not you". This was difficult for me to read and I had a very hard time getting into to. It took me longer than expected to finish this (6 days) and I was just starting to get frustrated. I really wanted to invest myself into this book but couldn't do it. I think I just wasn't in the right mind set for it, but it did affect me being able to enjoy this story from beginning to end.

---

Overall, Raven was a read I won't be forgetting about anytime soon. If anything, it's opened my eyes to this genre. Would I recommend Raven? Yes, especially if your lucky for a book to test the steampunk genre with. Will I be continuing with there series? YES! I can't wait until The Chronicles of Steele: Darius comes out in 2015! I know it'll focus on a different character but I'm really hoping we'll see more of some more of the characters mentioned in Raven.

Giveaway!

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About the Author

In simple language, Pauline Creeden creates worlds that are both familiar and strange, often pulling the veil between dimensions. She becomes the main character in each of her stories, and because she has ADD, she will get bored if she pretends to be one person for too long. Pauline is a horse trainer from Virginia, but writing is her therapy.

Links: Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook | Mailing List

Review: Don't Let Go

Don't Let Go

Author: Nona Raines
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Publisher: Wild Rose Press
Publication Date: Nov 5, 2014
Format: ebook
Pages: 62
Source: IndieSage PR
Purchase: Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo

Rating: ★★★★

Annalee wants a no-strings fling. Eric's all about the strings.

Twelve years ago, when Eric Sorenson's date dumped him right before the Senior Prom, his older sister’s best friend stepped in to save him from total humiliation. He never forgot Annalee or what she did for him that night…or the kiss they shared. He wants Annalee, and if he has his way, they'll take up where they left off. And this time, he won't let go.

After a messy divorce, Annalee's not looking forward to her high school reunion. She's shocked when Eric appears at her door ready to return the favor and play escort. Gone is the inexperienced boy with a severe stutter—he's a striking, confident man. The memory of the kiss they shared rekindles an attraction that never died, and she's been on her own for a year. Isn't she entitled to kick loose and have a let's-go-crazy night? (Goodreads)

Opening Lines

“The stupid squirrel was to blame.
Or maybe it was her own fault. She should have been paying attention while walking Bobo. Instead, Annalee was distracted, thinking about the evening ahead and how much she wasn’t looking forward to it.”

I was looking for something quick to read that I had good and solid romance to it and luckily I found that with Don't Let Go. It's only 62 pages so I read it quickly in one sitting, and then went back to re-read it again. This had a strong start that had me giggling at Bobo and Annalee, and we don't have to wait long to see Eric. The minute Eric and Annalee interact you can just tell there is an attraction between them, so I was rooting for Eric since the 3rd page!

Nona Raines managed to pack a lot of information into this little thing, I didn't feel overwhelmed but there were some moments I wanted more detail about. I liked every single character, well...minus Denny, he was such a jerk and he didn't deserve her! She was minor but I think Dee was one of my favourite characters. Her little commentary and how she's able to really see through Annalee and understand how she feelings made me want to snatch her up and take her as my own best friend. I loved how protective Eric was of Annalee, you can easily see how much he really cares about her. It was just all so cute!

What kept Don't Let Go from getting 5 stars?

I know, I know. It's a novella Patty, get over it. But I just have to say this is the only reason why Don't Let Go didn't get 5 stars! It was way to short and had my mind trying to piece things together on my own. I would have looked to see Annalee and Eric's relationship really blossom, I wanted a more in-depth flash back to Eric's high school prom and more leading up to that night. I want more information how his history of feelings for her, what Annalee's feelings were the night of his high school prom. What was going through their minds after that kiss. And of course Eric's sister and Annalee's best friend Dee, she clearly has been observing them for awhile, why didn't she try to throw them together sooner?! Either way, this was still a really great read!

Overall, I really enjoyed Don't Let Go! I've re-read it more than 6 times, I'm not even kidding. It's a cute light read that I just can't get enough of. Although I really wish this was a full novel, especially since it had the potential I will most defiantly be keeping an eye out for anything Nona Raines publishes next! Would I recommend Don't Let Go? Yes, if you want a cute romance then pick this up! Just remember it's a novella.

Excerpt 

Gently, he released her and lifted the lid of the box in his hand to reveal a perfect white rose.
“Do you remember this?” His voice was low and intimate.
The hairs on her neck prickled. “Of course.” She looked at him. “Your senior prom. I was wearing a white rose.”
“That’s right. And you brought me a matching boutonniere.” He nodded at the rosebud in his buttonhole. “You had on a blue dress.”
Her breath caught. “Yes,” she said, suddenly recalling. “The gown was blue.” He remembered that? After all these years?
“Hell, I’ll never forget it,” he growled. “You were hot. But not as hot as you are tonight.” His gaze licked over her as it traveled up and down her body. “You look incredible.” The appreciation in his face and voice sent a warm glow through her. When was the last time anyone thought her hot?
He set the box on the hall table and removed the corsage. “Will you wear this and allow me the honor of being your date tonight?”
“Oh, Eric.” A weight lifted from her spirit. With him beside her, she wouldn’t have to face everyone alone. Dee and Thom were great friends with good hearts, but with them, she was always the third wheel.
Of course, there would still be gossip tonight. Only now, the gossips would be envious, wondering what Annalee Mondello, formerly Donovan, was doing with such a sexy man. Speculating what the two of them might be doing after the party. An image flashed. She and Eric together. Naked, in bed. Her bed.
Her breath caught. Could she do that, let herself go there? Why not? He was free, and so was she. Dee had all but given the go-ahead. She’d been alone for so long. Lonely, even in her marriage. Wasn’t it time to grab a little happiness, a bit of fun?

*****

Giveaway!

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About the Author

Nona Raines is a former librarian who lives in upstate New York with her many pets. She’s currently working on her next novel between walking the dog and shooing the cats off the laptop. Her erotic romances are published with The Wild Rose Press and Loose Id. Her transgender romance His Kind of Woman was nominated for the 2014 DABWAHA sponsored by the Dear Author and Smart Bitches, Trashy Books review blogs. Her most recent work is the erotic romance novella Read to Me.

Website • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads

ARC Review: The Hit List

The Hit List

Author: Nikki Urang
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Publisher: Spencer Hill Contemporary
Publication Date: November 11 2014
Format: ebook
Pages: 203
Source: NetGalley
Purchase: Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo
Book Depository | Books-A-Million
IndieBound | Wal-Mart

Rating: ★★★★ . 5

The Los Angeles Conservatory for the Arts is supposed to be a new beginning for Sadie Bryant. Moving across the country is exactly what she needs to escape the gossip surrounding her injury, the devastating betrayal of her ex-partner, and to rebuild her career as a solo dancer.

When the school announces that the annual Fall Showcase, a performance that secures a spot studying in London, will now require each dancer to have a partner, Sadie’s fresh start is a nightmare. Now she has to dance with Luke Morrison, the school womanizer with a big ego. Sadie doesn’t know how to trust Luke enough to dance with him after her last partner left her broken, but Luke is determined to change that.

Then, The Hit List comes out. A game of sexual conquest where guys get points for all the girls they hook up with—and it seems like every guy at the school is playing.

The girl worth the most points? Sadie. (Goodreads)

**I received an advanced copy from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. All quotes taken from a pre-published copy may be altered or omitted from the final version.**

Opening Lines

"I never should've agreed to do that stupid article. I shove the magazine back onto the shelf and pull another magazine over the top to partially cover it. Not that it will do any good. The bright red letters of the "Jete" in Jete Magazine are recognizable to half the students here. It's probably the most popular magazine at out little campus book store. Even hidden, my naive happiness taunts me from the glossy page."

I used to dance, a lot. I didn't really focus hard on ballet, but more so jazz, hip-hop, tap and I even tried my hand at lyrical. I loved dancing, there is just something about letting your body tell a story and how elegant and graceful one can be that I just find it to be so captivating and simply beautiful. Unfortunately, I had a injury that required me to quit dance. It was a sad time in my life, but I took some years off and discovered cheerleading, but my love for dance has never gone away.

When I first came across The Hit List I knew I had to have it. I mean have you seen that cover? Her position is beautiful! Looking at the cover and reading the synopsis made me Youtube So You Think You Can Dance? videos and clips from Centre Stage. Having been a dancer and the fact I have dealt with an injury I knew I would be able to connect with Sadie. That being said, you do not have to be a dancer or know everything or anything about dance to be able to enjoy this book! This just helped me connect with Sadie more. I finished The Hit List in two sittings, it was fast paced and I was so excited and curious to see how this would come to an end. I also really enjoyed the writing style, it was well-written and didn't feel forced. Nikki Urang's descriptions were perfect, I felt like I was actually in the room watching them dance!

"I'm fine. Just a little stressed."
"I hear sex helps reduce stress."
Jesus Christ. Of course he would know that my name is back on The Hit List. I hold up my hand. "I'm not interested. So stop. Stop with the lingering touches. Stop with the sexual remarks. Just stop."

I loved that not every character was perfect, there were characters that I really just wanted to kick (and that's putting it nicely). I loved how strong Sadie became throughout this book, she really learned to speak out and stand up for herself. And Luke, well Luke had his moments. We're introduced to so many great characters that I just didn't want to say goodbye to! This would have been perfect as a series, it book focusing on a different character or two.

This wasn't exactly sexual read, but you can definitely feel the sexual tension between Luke and Sadie. I really enjoyed seeing them evolve throughout this book. I will say though, I thought their romance would be extremely predictable...it wasn't. There was a certain about about 20 or so chapters in that had me sitting here reading screaming "NO!!!!". But everything turned out well in the end. So does this have a HEA kind of ending? Yep!

What kept The Hit List from getting 5 stars?

Very minor, but this was something that bothered me after a little while. I found Sadie to be a tad bit too whinny at times, I completely understand her injury and the betrayal she felt thanks to Patrick but I felt she went on and on complaining about it. This also made it hard to picture her as New Adult character, I wanted her to be more mature and accept what happened and move on faster.


Overall, I found The Hit List to be a great debut read! This book has made me dig up my copy of Centre Stage and re-watch it. This is definitely a book I will be re-reading again sometime soon, I only wish that it was a series instead of a standalone. Would I recommend The Hist List? Yes! Have you seen the two teasers I included? Doesn't think make you curious? If so, pick up this book!

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author

Nikki fell in love with books at a young age and looked forward to reading a book with her mom before bed every night. It was only a matter of time until her love of reading turned into a love of putting those words onto the page. Now, her days are spent helping those overcoming opiate addiction and her nights are spent writing. She lives in Minnesota with her husband and two stubborn cats.

Links: Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook | Tumblr | Pinterest

FULL SCHEDULE

November 6 - A Perfection Called Books (guest post), Oops! I Read A Book Again (excerpt)

November 7 - Lost in Ever After (guest post)

November 8 - Zili in the Sky (guest post), Kimberlyfaye Reads (review)

November 9 - Met in Eleven (interview), Bookish Wanderlove (review)

November 10 - Refreshingly Riki (review), The Cover Contessa (guest post)

November 11 - RELEASE DAY BLITZ

November 12 - Beauty and the Bookshelf (interview), FicWishes (review)

November 13 - Fly to Fiction (review), Curling Up With A Good Book (interview)

November 14 - Live To Read ~Krystal (review), Bumbles and Fairy-Tales (interview)

Thank you Spencer Hill Contemporary!!

Where to Start: Colleen Hoover Edition

Here it is!

I created this feature hoping that my fellow bloggers and readers could help me decide where to start when it comes to certain authors and/or genres. This will be a sporadic feature that I will post every now and then. So, let's get started!

I'm a little slow to jump onto the Colleen Hoover bandwagon but here I am! I just don't know which book to start off with. I'm leaning more towards Maybe Someday, but I would love to have some feedback on which one you guys recommend starting with!

    
   

So please (pretty please) I ask of you, can you leave me a quick comment below suggesting which book I should read first? 

I highly appreciate it! 

Much love & Thanks,

Patty xo ♥

Review: Bittersweet

Bittersweet

Author: Sunday James
Genre: New Adult, Romance
Publisher: Hothouse Fiction Ltd
Publication Date: October 2 2014
Format: ebook
Pages: 320
Source: AToMR Promotions
Purchase: Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo

Rating: ★★★

Sparks fly between a sexy stranger and a small-town waitress in this steamy new contemporary romance…

When new teen TV series 'Bittersweet' begins shooting in Dogwood, Virginia, the small town is abuzz with excitement. But local waitress Cathy Johnson has too much on her plate to waste time being star-struck. To Cathy, "bittersweet" is just the word that sums up her love-life after her high school romance ended in disaster. Since then she’s hardly had time to brush her hair, let alone think about relationships. Certainly not the kind being played out in front of the cameras by impossibly beautiful actors posing as teenagers…

But all that changes when tall, dark, blue-eyed stranger Greg Moran arrives in Dogwood along with the 'Bittersweet' cast and crew. Cathy and the devastatingly sexy New Yorker have instant chemistry. But Greg blows hot (STEAMING hot) and cold with her romantically, leaving Cathy’s head in a spin. She has a feeling he’s keeping something from her… If Cathy is willing to drop her emotional walls, why is Greg still so intense and mysterious? What is it in his past – or present – that means he’s keeping Cathy at arm’s length? How badly has his heart really been broken before?

Cathy and Greg are magnetically drawn to one another, but they’ll have to fight to keep their relationship from turning sour. Will they make it? If it’s hard to let go of the past, falling in love can be BITTERSWEET… (Goodreads)

Opening Lines

“As the sun finally begins to sink lower in the sky, I stare at the piles of trash neatly stacked up in the dumpster with a smile on my face, drawing in a last breath of the warm summer air before I head back inside.”

Bittersweet was a good New Adult read, I found that it flowed well and had a cute small town appreciation. I had some problems being able to connect with the characters but I really loved how Greg wasn't the typical New Adult jerk-character that seems to be in almost every book. He was genuine and so sweet! And Cathy, as much as she had plans to get out of town she said to take care of her father and you can see how much she loves her family.

There was obvious chemistry between Cathy and Greg that just seemed to get hotter and hotter as the story progressed. I really enjoyed the writing style and how descriptive Sunday James was. I felt like I was really seeing Dogwood and it made me love the small town atmosphere more.

What kept Bittersweet from getting 5 stars?

As much as Bittersweet was an interesting read and had good characters I couldn't connect with any of them. There wasn't really anything about them that made me love them or hate them. I felt like there was so much we weren't told about Greg's character. We learned about his past but I still felt there was a lot missing. Also, this book was told completely from Cathy's POV. I would have probably enjoyed this more if there was at least a view chapters from Greg's POV, this would allot for the readers to really get inside his mind and to better understand him. Another issue I had with Bittersweet was I found there was just too many things taking place! It's was like the sub plot had a sub plot and made it very hard for me to follow he story at times. 

Overall, Bittersweet was a cute read! As much as I had some issues with it, I did find it to be a pretty good debut novel for Sunday James. Will I be continuing with this series? Maybe, I'll need to read the synopsis first to see where she plans to take the story.

Giveaway!

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-1) $5 USD Amazon Gift Card.

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About the Author

Sunday James is the pen name of author Sareeta Domingo, when writing the New Adult contemporary romance series BITTERSWEET. She lives in London and works as an editor at creative book packager Hothouse Fiction, squeezing writing into her mornings, evenings and weekends – but promises she has a life…

She loves all things American – literature, history, popular culture – so much so that she even lived and studied in California, but somehow missed out on being swept off her feet by a devastatingly handsome but mysterious actor while she was there. Luckily, writing BITTERSWEET has allowed her to live that dream.

Links: Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

ARC Review: His Frozen Heart

Author Nancy Straight will be touring His Frozen Heart from November 3-14, 2014.  Click here to join us for reviews and more!

His Frozen Heart

Author: Nancy Straight
Series: Brewer Brothers, #1
Genre: New Adult, Romance, Suspense
Publisher: Self-published
Publication Date: November 9th, 2014
Format: ebook
Pages: 400
Source: WordSmith Publicity
Purchase: Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo

Rating: ★★★★ . 5

For best friends, Candy and Libby, money is tight with hardly enough to cover their living expenses. When they are desperate for grocery money, the girls bet on their pool playing skills to add to their income.

A simple wager on a quiet winter evening has devastating results, with a stalker determined to kill them both. With Libby in the hospital after a vicious attack, and Candy being pursued by the same stalker, she vows to find Libby's attacker.

What she finds is Dave, an old friend with a secret past filled with misfortune. Will Dave’s past provide the answer to all of Candy’s problems or will it become Candy’s worst nightmare realized? (Goodreads)

**I received an advanced copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. All quotes taken from a pre-published copy may be altered or omitted from the final version. **

Opening Lines

“I ran to the shadow of an enormous maple tree and crouched low to the ground. I couldn’t believe I had let Libby talk me into this. We had set our alarm clock for 2 AM, then sneaked out of my house while my parents were sound asleep.”

The minute I read the synopsis for His Frozen Heart I signed up for the blog tour. There was no way I was going to pass up the opportunity, this was my first read by Nancy Straight and it was definitely a good one. The first chapter or two left me a little hesitant in a way, I just wasn't really sure what I was getting myself into and how this story was going to be delivered, but a few more chapters in and I was hooked! I read this is one sitting, I just couldn't put it down! The suspense of it all kept me on my toes, and there was a perfect blend of romance. I really liked how Candy's and Libby's problems were realistic and ones that I believe a lot of people can somewhat relate to. Mind you, yes there were easier solutions to their problems but then we wouldn't have this amazing book now would we?

“I’m saying I didn’t know how lonely I was until you came into my life. Before you I had a frozen heart, and you were like a nitro charge.”

As much as this story is more about Candy all I cared about was Dave! Don't get me wrong I really liked Candy's character, but Dave just took my heart and he was all I cared about. He's been through so much and when we get information about his past I felt my heart break. I just wanted to hug him, hold him, and tell him everything would be okay and that he's not alone! I also have a thing for Obsessive-Compulsive characters, so that just added to the swooning! All the characters that we were introduced to played an interesting part, even if it was small. I liked that towards the end we get an update of some of the characters and their parents. It was a nice way to not leave everything hanging. The romance was beautifully written, what I liked most about it was that it didn't fall prey to the typical New-Adult romance standard. I admit this genre seems to get a lot of frowns from readers because a lot of them focus on sex, but that wasn't the case with His Frozen Heart. There was a real romance written that gradually built, yes it happened in a some-what short time span but it wasn't instal-love and it was clean!


What kept His Frozen Heart from getting 5 stars?

Really minor, hence the 4.5 Stars, but I was left with so many questions when His Frozen Heart came to an end! Then when I was first putting my review together I noticed that Amazon has it listed as a series. Well dang!! If only I knew that before hand! I was expecting this to be a standalone (I'm not complaining!) so I thought what we saw of these characters would be all we got, I wanted to know what would happen to Mark and his background. Guess I'll get my questions answered in the books to come! Fingers crossed!

Overall, His Frozen Heart was a great suspenseful read! Like I said above, this is my first Nancy Straight read but it won't be the last! This was well written, flowed, and I didn't come across any errors. Will I be continuing with the series? Yes. Would I recommend His Frozen Heart? Yes! I recommend this to anyone that looking forward a great combination of New Adult, Suspense, Mystery and clean Romance!

Giveaway!

$100 Amazon gift card, 10 signed paperbacks, 10 audiobooks, and 20 ebooks

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About the Author

I LOVE Starbucks’ White Mocha Latte and Mountain Dew, (but not together). I have a lead foot so I set cruise control when I drive, even in 25 MPH zones. I almost never win when I play Angry Birds, but have my 9 year old close, so he can clear the hard levels for me. I grew up on a farm and am opposed to eating fresh chicken (not opposed to meat - just opposed to any meat that was alive a few hours before lunch). I am a huge fan of the show, Big Bang Theory, on CBS. I share my life with two fantastic sons, three rotten dogs and a husband that I adore.

Links: Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

ARC Review: The Last Changeling

Click here to follow the tour!

The Last Changeling

Author: Chelsea Pitcher
Series: Faerie Revolutions, #1
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Fantasy
Publisher: Flux
Publication Date: November 8 2014
Format: ebook
Pages: 347
Source: NetGalley
Purchase: Amazon | B&N | Kobo
Chapters | Book Depository

Rating: ★★★. 5

A Kingdom at War . . .

Elora, the young princess of the Dark Faeries, plans to overthrow her tyrannical mother, the Dark Queen, and bring equality to faeriekind. All she has to do is convince her mother’s loathed enemy, the Bright Queen, to join her cause. But the Bright Queen demands an offering first: a human boy who is a “young leader of men.”

A Dark Princess In Disguise . . .

To steal a mortal, Elora must become a mortal—at least, by all appearances. And infiltrating a high school is surprisingly easy. When Elora meets Taylor, the seventeen-year-old who’s plotting to overthrow a ruthless bully, she thinks she’s found her offering . . . until she starts to fall in love. (Goodreads)

**I received an advanced copy from NetGalley via Flux in exchange for an honest review.**

Opening Lines

"I was seventeen when death crossed my path. Before that I'd only dreamt of twisted limbs and blood as bright as poppies. But late one night, death offered me an opportunity. She whispered dirty secrets in my ear and pulled back my eyelids with curling hands."

There are a lot of books out there that focus on fairies and sadly I haven't really read any of them. A couple are on my TBR list and I even own 3 books that focus on them but I've never had the desire to read them. So when I came across this book I was intrigued and decided it was time to finally read a book that focuses on fairies. I just have to talk about the cover quickly, IT'S SO PRETTY!!!! I love everything about it, the colour choice and how bright it is. I'm excited to see what this will look like in paperback or hardcover.

The Last Changeling is told from both Elora's and Taylor's perspectives. I found myself enjoying Taylor's POV more than Elora, Taylor's chapters just had more substance to them and I felt like the story was narrated well. I had a hard time with this when I first picked it up, with the way it starts off I was left feeling confused and as if I was missing major pieces of information. While the flashbacks did clear some of that I was still confused for the first half of the book. The book has a slow pace to it and really picks up about halfway through. I really liked how this book touches on a lot of topics that many of us YA would like to see more of. We had diversity, LGBT, death, bullying, dealing and finding acceptance and more. But at times it felt like too much was going on.

Because this is part of a series I expected that I would be left with a major or somewhat of a cliffhanger at the end. This is a good and bad thing, I like to be left with a cliffhanger but I know a lot of people don't. We they way this came to an end I was left with a lot of questions that I'm hoping will be answered in the next book or at least at some point in this series!

What kept The Last Changeling from getting 5 stars?

As much as I enjoyed reading The Last Changeling I found I couldn't connect with the characters...at all and this was a major thing for me.

The world building - I think this was the main factor as to why I couldn't connect with the characters, I didn't really know anything about the fae world. As a first time fairy read I went into this not knowing anything about fairies. I was expecting there to be somewhat of a background story, I would have enjoyed this if more time was spent giving the reader information about their world, the history, the fairies and how they came to be. Not having this information left my very confused at times trying to piece things together, it took away from me being able to see the whole picture.

The characters - At times I found the characters really lacked depth. They could be so one-dimensional which is unfortunate because Chelsea Pitcher has thrown together a selection of characters that I wouldn't have expected. Also, I found myself to be confused about both Elora and Taylor's character. I felt like there was more to Taylor that we didn't know about (granted this may be answered in the next book) and Elora, with how the story was written at times I forgot she was suppose to be a fairy.

The romance - While the romance had a natural and sweet flow to it I found that too much time was spent on this. I felt like this was more of a romance novel than anything else. At times it was very predictable, but I just wish and thought there would be more focus on the bigger issues at hand.

Overall, The Last Changeling was an interesting read. It may not have gotten 5 stars from me but I still managed to enjoy reading this. Will I continue with this series? Yes! Hopefully my questions will be answered in the next book, I'm curious to see what will take place in book 2.

Giveaway

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About the Author

Chelsea Pitcher is a native of Portland, OR where she received her BA in English Literature. Fascinated by all things literary, she began gobbling up stories as soon as she could read, and especially enjoys delving into the darker places to see if she can draw out some light.

Links: Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook