Until the Beginning

Author: Amy Plum
Series: After the End #2
Genre: Sci-Fi, Romance, Contemporary, Adventure
Release Date: May 5, 2015

Summary: 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: After really enjoying the first installment; with it's witty banter, sexual tension, and original plot, I was definitely looking forward to Until the Beginning. 

But alas, disappointment set in fairly early on with this one. After the issues were solved that had been presented during the final pages of After the End the story line and plot actually took a really, really, slow turn. I didn't enjoy where Juneau and Miles' personalities and story turned. Their relationship also began to feel monotonous. Leaving me a tad bit bored.

AND THEN!! A certain character (who I will refrain from saying as to keep from spoiling any future readers) came back into our lives and I was all, "Okay, better fasten the seat belts. This is gonna get C-R-A-Z-Y!!"

And it was crazy . . . for a few chapters anyway. Then we settled back into our old rhythm and it was fairly smooth sailing for the remainder of the novel. I am still on the fence about whether or not I enjoyed the ending. Like, I liked it . . . but I didn't love it. The whole thing that happened with Juneau's clan disappointed me, but the fact that she . . . well, that may ruin the ending. Let's just say the last page, more like last line, was just adorable. Like this panda.

Top 10 Summer Reads - 2015 Edition

Even though the weather is a little dreary today, I thought I'd let you all in on my 'Top 10 Summer Reads'. The following novels are not in any particular order! They're ones that I've read and enjoyed and I feel are perfect for reading on those relaxing summer days when you're just lounging by the pool or in the sun. Enjoy! (Synopsis for all of the novels can be found by clicking on the title)

The Distance Between Us by Kasie West

I absolutely adored this book! I feel that Caymen and I are kindred spirits when it came to her sassy comments and snarky attitude. Caymen and Xander had such great chemistry throughout the novel! I loved seeing their relationship bloom during the course of the novel as well. Add in the shocking twist and this novel had it all! Witty dialogue, adorable romance, and the perfect ending!! A quick read that is sure to please!

Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

It's no secret that I adore Morgan and everything she writes! (Her other books will be included in this post as well) This was one of her books that I was very reluctant to pick up. Mainly because I knew that at some point in the novel, there would be tears, and a lot of them! This is the story of Taylor. Her dad has just received devastating news and her parents have decided to spend the summer at their old lake house reconnecting with each other. Enter Taylor's first boyfriend (who is much cuter now than the last time she saw him) and her ex-best friend. I loved this book because of the rekindling of relationships that it focuses on. Although I did ball like a baby, this will forever be one of my faves!! Definitely not one to pass up!

Racing Savannah by Miranda Kenneally

I absolutely loved Savannah. She was down to earth and had a good head on her shoulders. I liked that she didn't take crap from anyone (especially Jack) and that she held true to what she thought was right. I really enjoyed how the story developed and that we were able to see Savannah reach her potential. This one an amazing read that was short and sweet. A perfect read for a free weekend! 

**There is a minor explicit scene and some mild cussing throughout**

One of the Guys by Lisa Aldin

You can find my full review for this book here. This one reads like a coming of age story. I loved how Toni grew and found herself throughout the novel. Add in super hot guys, incredibly sweet new friends, and some romance and you've got the sweetest read of the summer! This one will only take a few, short hours to read, but it will be a darn good few hours!!

Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

You can find my full review for this book here. Okay, I now I've already got her on the list but I couldn't resist!! You can't have a 'Top 10 Summer Reads' without throwing a road trip book in there!! After the recent death of her father, Amy's mother decides to pack up and move everything to their new home across the country. Amy's job? To drive their car there. One problem . . . Amy doesn't drive anymore. Enter the sweet, charismatic college student, Roger. An old family friend who volunteers to drive across the country with Amy. Both Amy and Roger are dealing with their own problems . . . but maybe they can help each other? A beautifully written story about finding oneself in the process of helping another! OH!! And did I mention Matson includes playlists, old receipts, and pictures from their road trip? 

Penryn & the End of Days Series by Susan Ee

Well, I have full reviews for all three of these books on the blog (Angelfall, World After, End of Days). Although this one isn't a fun, cutesy romance like the rest of them, I absolutely had to include it. This is one of my all-time favorite series!! A world where angels are the bad guys? Sound original enough for me! I loved Penryn! Her snarky attitude towards Raffe when they first met was so on point! I also loved the way the story evolved. Susan has an incredible way of writing! She made angel politics seem interesting! She also had me crying, laughing, and grinning like a love-struck teenager throughout the series. If you have yet to pick up this series, please . . . do so now!!

The Fill-In Boyfriend by Kasie West

You can read my full review here. Basically, if you could wrap up adorable and present it to someone, you would just need to hand them this book. Honestly, I was smiling the entire time I read it. After reading the last page all I wanted to do was read the entire novel again! A fast-paced, cute read perfect for any summer day!

Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson

You can find my full review here. I'M SORRY!!! I just can't hold myself back!! This one had to be on my list!! This one is perfect, and I mean perfect (!!) for summer. It's about a girl, Emily, who had been living in the shadow of her best friend, Sloan. But when Sloan goes MIA, Emily begins to freak! But wait?! A letter?! To Emily . . . from Sloan? With . . . a list?! Emily thinks that if she does all the things on the list it will help her find her missing BFF, but along the way she finds herself instead! A lovely coming of age story! Full of laughs, some watery eyes, and an adorable love interest. I'll definitely be reading this one again this summer!

On the Fence by Kasie West

You can find my full review here. Yes, yes, I know, another Kasie West book. But guys, she knows how to write the fun, sweet romances that I'm always looking for!! This is the story of Charlotte (aka Charlie). Needless to say she's a tom-boy after living with her single parent father, and three older brothers for a majority of her life. Enter Braden, her neighbor and honorary fourth brother. After being forced to get a job to pay off a speeding ticket, a stressed Charlie begins seeking late-night refuge in her backyard, talking about her problems with Braden. There is only one problem, Charlie's beginning to fall for Braden. 

This novel was so cute! The relationship between Charlie and her brothers was adorable! I really enjoyed everything about this novel! Another short, fantastic read that's sure to bring a smile to your face!

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

After her parent's divorce, Auden has had troubles sleeping at night. So after moving to the charming little beach front town where her father, step-mother, and brand new baby step-sister reside, she spends her nights roaming the town. Enter Eli, a fellow insomniac who takes her under his wing and shows her the nocturnal side of town. The two then embark on parallel quests, for Auden to experience the teenage lifestyle she never had the chance to partake in, and for Eli to overcome the guilt associated with the death of his close friend. This one is sure to tug at the heart strings, but in the best way possible! A wonderful novel about finding oneself, and learning to connect!

Crimson Bound

Author: Rosamund Hodge
Series: Stand Alone
Genre: Fantasy, Re-telling, Romance
Release Date: May 5, 2015

Summary: When Rachelle was fifteen she was good—apprenticed to her aunt and in training to protect her village from dark magic. But she was also reckless— straying from the forest path in search of a way to free her world from the threat of eternal darkness. After an illicit meeting goes dreadfully wrong, Rachelle is forced to make a terrible choice that binds her to the very evil she had hoped to defeat. Three years later, Rachelle has given her life to serving the realm, fighting deadly creatures in an effort to atone. When the king orders her to guard his son Armand—the man she hates most—Rachelle forces Armand to help her find the legendary sword that might save their world. As the two become unexpected allies, they uncover far-reaching conspiracies, hidden magic, and a love that may be their undoing. In a palace built on unbelievable wealth and dangerous secrets, can Rachelle discover the truth and stop the fall of endless night?

Inspired by the classic fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood, Crimson Bound is an exhilarating tale of darkness, love, and redemption.

Review: Actually a 3 1/2 star rating.

I've read Hodge's first and previous novel, Cruel Beauty, and totally fell in love with it. Needless to say, I was expecting no less from this one. Let me just say that Crimson Bound is one of those books that I didn't truly appreciate until I was reading the last page. Hodge has an absolutely incredible way with words. The world-building alone was fascinating! I will admit that I was not very familiar with the story of Little Red Riding Hood, which, I feel, is partially why I didn't quite like this book as much as I had hoped.

I really enjoyed the uniqueness of this novel. Hodge has weaved in a beautiful and creative world around the original Little Red Riding Hood tale. I enjoyed Rachelle for the most part. There were times when I was a slightly annoyed with her but ended up liking her character and will power overall. I will admit, I actually wanted something to happen between and her "wolf" of sorts. I was hoping for more of a Darkling and Alina romance (from the Shadow and Bone/Grisha Trilogy), so I was a little disappointed that he wasn't as big a part of the story as I had originally hoped for.

Armand . . . Armand . . . Armand . . . I just never really knew what to think of him. I liked him. Then I didn't. Then I did. Then I didn't. So on and so forth. I was really just curious as to what  had actually happened to his hands rather than anything else. It was rough having to wait so long to find out the actual truth. By the end of the novel I was just kind of  . . . meh . . . when it came to Armand. Not as great of a love interest as I had wanted which is one of the reasons I didn't give this a higher rating.

I definitely think that I'm going to read this one again so that I may fully appreciate and understand what happened. An intriguing, beautifully written piece of work! One to read if you enjoy fairy tale retelling's with heavy fantasy.

End of Days *spoiler free version*

Author: Susan Ee

Series: Penryn and the End of Days

Genre: Post-Apocalyptic, Horror, Action/Adventure, Romance

Release Date: May 12, 2015

Summary: After a daring escape from the angels, Penryn and Raffe are on the run. They’re both desperate to find a doctor who can reverse the twisted changes inflicted by the angels on Raffe and Penryn’s sister. As they set off in search of answers, a startling revelation about Raffe’s past unleashes dark forces that threaten them all. When the angels release an apocalyptic nightmare onto humans, both sides are set on a path toward war. As unlikely alliances form and strategies shift, who will emerge victorious? Forced to pick sides in the fight for control of the earthly realm, Raffe and Penryn must choose: Their own kind, or each other?

Review: Oh gosh . . . where do I even begin! Well, I've definitely had to wait too long for this incredible piece of work! Susan Ee, you're absolutely fabulous! You have managed, once again, to completely blow my mind with your utter amazing-ness! After finishing this, my mind was just, like, ALL OVER THE PLACE!! So, since my thoughts aren't as collected as I'd prefer, the best thing I can do is act out my feelings (through gifs) for this review. I'm also doing this because I'm afraid I may accidentally spoil any future readers who have yet to feast their eyes on this amazing and wonderful piece of literature!

End of Days starts off, literally, the second after World After ends. For those of you that need a slight refresher, they (Penryn, Raffe, Paige, and her Locusts) have all just escaped from the new aerie and are flying into the sunset. Seriously though, if you were to turn to the next non-existent page in World After you'd read this. No time has passed at all and I loved that!

Anyway, enjoy the show (gifs) folks!

IT'S HERE!!!! My copy finally came!!

Raffe and Penryn forever!!

Oh . . . . Oooooohhhhhhh ;)

Wai . . . . WHAT?!?!

OH YES!! I mean it!! OH YES!!!

Nope . . . we're running away now! I repeat!! We. Are. Running. Away.

Hold up . . . say that again??

Crushed it!! Oh yeah!! Go, team, GO!!

Okay, I was not expecting these feels!! One line and I'm in tears . . .

Ya'll knew there'd be a huge, kick-butt fight!

NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!

But alas!! We have prevailed my dear friends!!

and since I was by myself when I finished this . . . perfect piece of literature, I had to give myself a:

Okay, I'm sorry for the total and complete overload of gifs, but it was the safest way to do the most spoiler free review I could! Honestly though, this series is my absolute favorite. If I were to recommend a series to anyone, it'd be this one! Although I did feel there were some things that could have been expounded upon a little more at the end, overall, I'm glad they weren't because it gives each reader the freedom and ability to come up with their own explanation.

My love for this series knows no bounds!!

The Heir

Author: Kiera Cass

Series: The Selection #4

Genre: Dystopian, Romance

Release Date: May 5, 2015

Summary: Twenty years ago, America Singer entered the Selection and won Prince Maxon’s heart. Now the time has come for Princess Eadlyn to hold a Selection of her own. Eadlyn doesn’t expect her Selection to be anything like her parents’ fairy-tale love story. But as the competition begins, she may discover that finding her own happily ever after isn’t as impossible as she always thought.

Review: I'm still not quite sure as to why this is considered the 4th book in The Selection series, when it could just be a series/spin-off of its own. I read the three novels prior to this one and liked them, but didn't really love them. I felt that after the second book I already knew what was going to happen and so the story seemed to drag on for me. I sincerely hope that this doesn't happen with the remaining novels in this series. 

I actually enjoyed the grown up versions of the characters from the first three novels better than their younger selves. I really enjoyed the fact that they played such an important role. (Yeah yeah, I know they're Eadlyn's parents but they could have ended up playing a very insignificant role.) I really did love the relationship between Eadlyn and her parents. I felt that for the most part, it was fairly realistic. But I did have one question continually throughout the novel . . . why have America and Maxon kept their Selection and the details behind it such a secret? It's especially frustrating as the reader because I know what happened and having her (Eadlyn) not know is driving me BONKERS!!! I mean, why aren't you telling her????

I was okay with Eadlyn for the most part. I had a hard time with the fact that she was so … socially challenged??? Also the fact that whenever something went slightly wrong she'd go back to the whole,  "Well I'm going to be queen and will have all power and then none of this will matter" thing. Although, by the end of the novel I am more pleased with the direction her story has headed. 

One of the main reasons this ended up being a 4 star novel instead of a 5 was because of all the crap that went down within the last few chapters. It was just one thing after another. I can see why Cass would want to do this (to build up suspense for the next installment) but I felt that she could have introduced some of these crises a little sooner than they actually happened. Seriously though, my mind was scrambling to make sense of everything at the end . . .

If you've read any of the other novels in The Selection series and enjoyed them. I strongly advise you to give this one a try!

The Fill-In Boyfriend

Author: Kasie West
Series: Stand Alone
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Release Date: May 5, 2015

Summary: When Gia Montgomery's boyfriend, Bradley, dumps her in the parking lot of her high school prom, she has to think fast. After all, she'd been telling her friends about him for months now. This was supposed to be the night she proved he existed. So when she sees a cute guy waiting to pick up his sister, she enlists his help. The task is simple: be her fill-in boyfriend— two hours, zero commitment, a few white lies. After that, she can win back the real Bradley. The problem is that days after prom, it's not the real Bradley she's thinking about, but the stand-in. The one whose name she doesn't even know. But tracking him down doesn't mean they're done faking a relationship. Gia owes him a favor and his sister intends to see that he collects: his ex-girlfriend's graduation party — three hours, zero commitment, a few white lies. Just when Gia begins to wonder if she could turn her fake boyfriend into a real one, Bradley comes waltzing back into her life, exposing her lie, and threatening to destroy her friendships and her new-found relationship.  

Review: If you've read my other review involving Kasie's work, (On The Fence) you know just how much I adore her writing style! I first saw this novel back in February and was completely overjoyed with the premise and cover! I loved everything about it! Then . . .  I saw that it wasn't going to be released until May . . . needless to say, I was then completely devastated!!! I could not believe I was going to have to wait 3-4 months?! WHAT IS THIS?!!

Anyway, when The Fill-In Boyfriend arrived in the mail last Tuesday, I was totally freaking out over it! From page one, I was completely and utterly devoted to this book. I didn't put it down until I read the last page. Yes, it was that good!

Gia's relationship with her friends kind of had that Mean Girls feel to it. Like they're friends and everything, but the first chance they get (well, really the first chance Jules gets) they'll backstab you. Anyway, Gia and Bradley have been dating for the past two months, but since he is in college and Gia is only a senior in high school they don't get to see each other that often. Needless to say that Gia's friends (with some major help from Jules) think he is imaginary.

Within the first few chapters, we learn all of what was previously mentioned and to be the cherry on top, Bradley dumps Gia in the parking lot. Gia improvises and asks the first guy she sees to be her date for prom and miraculously, he agrees!!

I adored the relationship between Fill-In Bradley/FIB and Gia. And the fact that she doesn't find out his name until like 1/3rd of the way through the book was perfect! Since I love his name and want to keep it a secret, I'll keep calling him FIB.

FIB was . . . sigh . . . just wonderful. I loved the relationship between him and his mom and sister. It was sweet, but still realistic. The constant witty banter between him and Gia was so fun to read and is also what kept my eyes glued to the page for hours straight.

One of the last things that totally made this book a home run was the attention it brought to social media. Although I felt bad for what Gia's brother did to her, it was really great that West decided to include and expound upon the fact that you shouldn't be basing your status in life on how many 'likes', 'favorites', or 'retweets' you're getting. I appreciated that aspect a lot and enjoyed that it made Gia question her social activity.

Such a splendid read! Perfect for those planning on relaxing poolside on the hot summer days to come! If you have read any of West's other novels and enjoyed them, this one is such to please!

The Orphan Queen

Author: Jodi Meadows

Series: The Orphan Queen #1

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Dystopian

Release Date: March 10, 2015

Summary: Wilhelmina has a hundred identities. She is a princess. When the Indigo Kingdom conquered her homeland, Wilhelmina and other orphaned children of nobility were taken to Skyvale, the Indigo Kingdom’s capital. Ten years later, they are the Ospreys, experts at stealth and theft. With them, Wilhelmina means to take back her throne. She is a spy. Wil and her best friend, Melanie, infiltrate Skyvale Palace to study their foes. They assume the identities of nobles from a wraith-fallen kingdom, but enemies fill the palace, and Melanie’s behavior grows suspicious. With Osprey missions becoming increasingly dangerous and their leader more unstable, Wil can’t trust anyone. She is a threat. Wraith is the toxic by-product of magic, and for a century using magic has been forbidden. Still the wraith pours across the continent, reshaping the land and animals into fresh horrors. Soon it will reach the Indigo Kingdom. Wilhelmina’s magic might be the key to stopping the wraith, but if the vigilante Black Knife discovers Wil’s magic, she will vanish like all the others.

Review: Where do I start with this one? This is my first experience with Jodi Meadows' work. I had the awesome opportunity to actually meet Jodi while she was working on this novel (which is one of the main reasons I picked it up). She was incredibly sweet and so invested into her writing that I just had to give it a try. Anyway, when I finally got my hands on a copy it ended up sitting on my book shelf for . . . days . . . and then weeks . . . needless to say, I was in a reading slump (dun dun dun dun!!) and a bad one at that!

Anyway, I managed to overcome said slump and finally picked The Orphan Queen up. If only I had done this sooner!!! This story is so unique and spell-binding! I was hooked from the beginning and had a hard time putting it down! Which ended with me reading late into the night!

Wil was such a likable main character for me. I enjoyed how capable she was. Strong heroine's are the bomb! The one problem I had was that she was sometimes too forgiving of those around her. I had an extremely difficult time with the relationship between her and Patrick.

I love love loved Black Knife! The way he and Wil's relationship bloomed and grew throughout the novel was perfect. I loved the mysteriousness involving Black Knife as well . . . although it was fairly easy for me to figure out the identity of the 'man behind the mask' well before it was stated in the book.

Overall, this was an incredible piece of work! I really enjoyed it and would definitely be interested in reading the next installment. If you're in to high fantasy/magic and great world-building add this novel to your must-read shelf immediately!!

Happy Release Day!

I have been waiting for this day, the 5th of May, for months. It seems as though all of the most amazing authors got together and said, "Hey, let's make everyone wait MONTHS for our AWESOME new releases and release them all on the same day!" So they did just that! Finally, that day has arrived and I could not be any more excited! So! Here are just a few of the new books that debuted their beautiful-ness to the world today! 

P.S. This is how I will look when my books arrive in the mail . . .

Author: Sarah Dessen

Series: Stand Alone

Genre: Contemporary, Romance

Release Date: May 5, 2015

Summary: Peyton, Sydney's charismatic older brother, has always been the star of the family, receiving the lion's share of their parents' attention and—lately—concern. When Peyton's increasingly reckless behavior culminates in an accident, a drunk driving conviction, and a jail sentence, Sydney is cast adrift, searching for her place in the family and the world. When everyone else is so worried about Peyton, is she the only one concerned about the victim of the accident? Enter the Chathams, a warm, chaotic family who run a pizza parlor, play bluegrass on weekends, and pitch in to care for their mother, who has multiple sclerosis. Here Sydney experiences unquestioning acceptance. And here she meets Mac, gentle, watchful, and protective, who makes Sydney feel seen, really seen, for the first time. The uber-popular Sarah Dessen explores her signature themes of family, self-discovery, and change in her twelfth novel, sure to delight her legions of fans.

Click here for my review!

Author: Kasie West

Series: Stand Alone

Genre: Contemporary, Romance

Release Date: May 5, 2015

Summary: When Gia Montgomery's boyfriend, Bradley, dumps her in the parking lot of her high school prom, she has to think fast. After all, she'd been telling her friends about him for months now. This was supposed to be the night she proved he existed. So when she sees a cute guy waiting to pick up his sister, she enlists his help. The task is simple: be her fill-in boyfriend— two hours, zero commitment, a few white lies. After that, she can win back the real Bradley. The problem is that days after prom, it's not the real Bradley she's thinking about, but the stand-in. The one whose name she doesn't even know. But tracking him down doesn't mean they're done faking a relationship. Gia owes him a favor and his sister intends to see that he collects: his ex-girlfriend's graduation party — three hours, zero commitment, a few white lies. Just when Gia begins to wonder if she could turn her fake boyfriend into a real one, Bradley comes waltzing back into her life, exposing her lie, and threatening to destroy her friendships and her new-found relationship.

Author: Rosamund Hodge

Series: Stand Alone

Genre: Fantasy, Re-telling, Romance

Release Date: May 5, 2015

Summary: When Rachelle was fifteen she was good—apprenticed to her aunt and in training to protect her village from dark magic. But she was also reckless— straying from the forest path in search of a way to free her world from the threat of eternal darkness. After an illicit meeting goes dreadfully wrong, Rachelle is forced to make a terrible choice that binds her to the very evil she had hoped to defeat. Three years later, Rachelle has given her life to serving the realm, fighting deadly creatures in an effort to atone. When the king orders her to guard his son Armand—the man she hates most—Rachelle forces Armand to help her find the legendary sword that might save their world. As the two become unexpected allies, they uncover far-reaching conspiracies, hidden magic, and a love that may be their undoing. In a palace built on unbelievable wealth and dangerous secrets, can Rachelle discover the truth and stop the fall of endless night? Inspired by the classic fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood, Crimson Bound is an exhilarating tale of darkness, love, and redemption.

Author: Keira Cass

Series: The Selection #4 (#1 in a spin-off)

Genre: Dystopian, Romance

Release Date: May 5, 2015

Summary: Princess Eadlyn has grown up hearing endless stories about how her mother and father met. Twenty years ago, America Singer entered the Selection and won the heart of Prince Maxon—and they lived happily ever after. Eadlyn has always found their fairy-tale story romantic, but she has no interest in trying to repeat it. If it were up to her, she'd put off marriage for as long as possible. But a princess's life is never entirely her own, and Eadlyn can't escape her very own Selection—no matter how fervently she protests. Eadlyn doesn't expect her story to end in romance. But as the competition begins, one entry may just capture Eadlyn's heart, showing her all the possibilities that lie in front of her . . . and proving that finding her own happily ever after isn't as impossible as she's always thought.

So, if you're looking for something new to read, or have been dying for these to come out . . . go, GO NOW!!! And get yourself a copy of these new releases! Then we can all be super happy with our new books together!!

Also, I'm hoping to review all of them within the next few weeks! So keep an eye out for them!