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!

A Court of Thorns and Roses

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses #1

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Re-telling

Release Date: May 5, 2015

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

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

Review: I finished this book in one sitting. ONE SITTING! Okay, by this point in time, you guys should have found out that I am quite the fan of Sarah's work. I literally devour everything she writes! It's insane really . . .

Me reading anything by Sarah . . . except it's literature and not cheese . . . though I do like cheese . . .

So when I found out she was writing a new series that was combining Beauty and the Beast with faerie lore. Well, how could I say no?! I COULDN'T!! I was fortunate enough to get an ARC of this back in February. After totally pounding my way through it the first time, I read it again . . . and again . . . and again. 

Now you're probably thinking, "Okay, this girl is way too obsessed and needs some help." To some extent you may be right. But let me try and justify my addiction to this particular novel. 1) It's a freaking Beauty and the Beast re-telling! This is one of my favorite Disney movies. I adore many of the re-tellings, both on page and screen so why not this one?? When I found out about that small detail alone I was ensnared.

2) The MC Feyre totally killed it. The comical sarcastic banter between her, Lucien, and Tamlin was so on point it's not even funny! One of my (many) favorite parts is: 

Feyre: Would you like me to grovel with gratitude for bringing me here, High Lord?"

Tamlin: Ah, The Suriel told you nothing important, did it?"

Feyre: That smile of his sparked something bold in my chest. "He also said that you like being brushed, and if I'm a clever girl, I might train you with treats."

Tamlin tipped his head to the sky and roared with laughter. Despite myself, I let out a quiet laugh. 

"I might die of surprise," Lucien said behind me. "You made a joke, Feyre."

This is just a small sample of many encounters between these three. I loved her back story as well and how she came from a fairly wealthy family that had lost all of their money and was scrounging for any and everything. Also, that fact that Feyre can't read . . . ugh! I had the hardest time with that! Mainly because I love reading and find it so enjoyable and for her it's the complete opposite. I can't even imagine. 

3) Tamlin was, well, *SIGH* perfect. He had the perfect blend of broodiness, gentle-manliness, and thoughtfulness. (wow that was a lot of -ness's). Seeing the relationship between him and Feyre evolve was like magic. I loved that it happened in real time and that they slowly got to know each other.

Last but not least! 4) Lucien was probably my favorite character. It's odd for me to not have the MC be my favorite, but Lucien outshines them all in my opinion. He is such a sassy dude. Every scene with him was spot on. I loved that he brings Tamlin to his senses and helps guide the two (Feyre and Tamlin) together. I also loved the friendship that grew between him and Feyre by the end of the novel.

Okay, now there were a few things that I didn't enjoy. Like how long it too for Feyre to go through the trials. I felt like it was taking forever and also that there were some unnecessary scenes. This could have also been because her and Tamlin are apart though . . . Also, although I enjoyed the beginning, whilst reading it the multiple times after my first round, I found the beginning (basically the entire time before Tamlin arrives) rather dull. I understand that the story and setting needing constructing, but come on . . . 

Let's talk about that ending! Um, well this is going to be a trilogy . . . but let's just say that I'm totally fine with it being a stand alone. There is some foreshadowing for the next book(s) but I'm totally cool with just keeping this one all by itself.  My final thoughts on A Court of Thorns and Roses:

and Sarah J. Maas, you totally:

Top 5 Romance's for Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day!

So, since I've totally been slacking over the past week or so, and with the holiday, I decided to do a 'Top 5'. And since it's Valentine's Day, I obviously had to do my top five romances. Okay, when I say "romance" I'm not talking about the whole busty women on the cover with male models that have 12 pack abs. Since a majority of what I read is young adult material, I went with the top five books I've read that I thought had the sweetest romance's. I'll include a very brief summary and review of all of the books I chose. Hopefully you enjoy!

#5

My Life With the Walter Boys 

by Ali Novak

Summary: My Life With the Walter Boys is about a girl (Jackie) who is forced to move across the country to live with her new guardians (The Walters) after the rest of her family dies in a tragic car accident. The catch? The Walter's have all boys, 12 of them in fact. 

Review: I've reviewed this book in full already here.

#4

Along for the Ride

by Sarah Dessen

Summary: Suffering from insomnia since her parents split, Auden is offered the chance to spend a carefree summer with her father and expecting step-mom in their small beach town. After only a few nights, Auden happens upon Eli, a fellow insomniac. The two then embark on life changing quests, growing closer in the process.

Review: I absolutely adore everything that Sarah Dessen rights, but this is by far one of my favorites. I loved the dynamic between Eli (such a freaking great name btw) and Auden and how they helped each other discover who they truly are, as well as fall for each other in the process. This is one that I will always come back to.

#3

Amy and Roger's Epic Detour

by Morgan Matson

Summary: After the tragic and sudden death of her father, Amy's mother has decided to move them across the country, from California to Connecticut. Suffering from slight PTSD, Amy refuses to drive. Enter Roger, a long time friend of the family who also has to make an across the country trip himself. The two then embark on an unforgettable trip, filled with a variety of unexpected detours along the way.

Review: Amy and Roger's Epic Detour is absolutely incredible. Matson has such a way with words. I loved the chemistry between Amy and Roger from the first moment they see each other. This book was also great because it includes old receipts, maps, and my personal fave, playlists. It really felt that I was on the road trip with them. Such a fun, adorable romance! 

#2

On the Fence

by Kasie West

Summary: Charlotte aka Charlie is a major tom boy. Having grown up with her single dad and three older brothers + one honorary brother, Braden, it's not hard to see why. So when her dad forces her to find a job to pay off another speeding ticket, Charlie is forced into the world of fashion, make-up, and everything girly. In order to cope with this new world, Charlie seeks refuge late at night by chatting through the fence with Braden. The catch? She's falling for him . . . hard.

Review: I've reviewed this book in full already here.

#1

drum roll please . . .

A Court of Thorns and Roses

by Sarah J. Maas

Summary: Beauty and the Beast with some faerie lore mixed in. After killing a wolf in the woods to feed her starving family, Feyre (Fey-ruh) is confronted by a huge beast and demanded as retribution. After being dragged into the mythical land of Prythian, she discovers that her captor, Tamlin, is one of the deadly, immortal fae her people have feared for so long. Soon, loathing turns fiery passion between the two, the only problem is the wicked shadow that now looms over Tamlin's land. It's up to Feyre to find a way to stop it, or she'll risk losing Tamlin forever.

Review: Okay, okay, so this book doesn't come out until May, but honestly I couldn't help myself. I got my hands on an ARC and to say that this book was AMAZING would definitely be the understatement of the century! I've always loved Beauty and the Beast re-tellings, and I love Sarah J. Maas. So when I found that two of my most favorite things were being combined, well how could it turn out bad? The world building was totally on point. The character development was top notch. And the romance  . . .  well, it's #1 isn't it?! So seriously, go and put this on your 'to-read' shelf immediately!!