Review: The Closer You Come by Gena Showalter

Title: The Closer You Come ( The Original Heartbreakers #1)
Author: Gena Showalter
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: HQN Books
Published: March 31st 2015
Page Number: 434
Rating: 4/5

Summary:

Just released from prison, Jase Hollister has a dark and twisted past. And now, he has only one goal: stay out of trouble. Strawberry Valley, Oklahoma, sounds like the perfect place for him and his two brothers-by-circumstance to settle down and live a nice, simple life. But model citizen isn’t exactly this rugged bachelor’s default setting—especially when it comes to a certain hot-blooded Southern beauty…

Brook Lynn Dillon has always been responsible. Not that it’s done her much good. The down-on-her-luck waitress is broke, single and fun-deprived. Until Jase comes along. He is dangerous, stunningly protective, breathtakingly sexy and as tempting as sin, and the passion sizzling between them is undeniable. But can it melt her resistance? After all, the right kind of trouble might be just what they both need.  

REVIEW

 

The Original Heartbreakers series was one of those series that I had my eye on for a while. Because they're all adult contemporary romance they were all published within a short time span of each other. So being able to marathon the series was one of the things that attracted me to it. And major factor that made me want to read this series is that Gena Showalter is one of my favourite authors. Her White Rabbit Chronicles series is an all time favourite.

 

The story follows our Heroine, Brook Lynn Dillon and our Hero, Jase Hollister who try the path of love while overcoming all their difficult obstacles. Brook Lynn has been fired from her job, she's basically babysitting her older sister and she's fighting her feelings for Jase and all the while Jase is just trying to overcome his past by hoping Strawberry Valley will give not only him, but his foster brothers a fresh chance at life.

 

Brook Lynn was definitely a fun, fresh and fierce character. She had an obsession with Zombies and believed a Zombie apocalypse was definitely going to happen. She also had a hearing impairment, which meant that she sometimes had to read lips. Jase has a bad past with prison but really he's judge a big lovable guy under all his hard exterior. And one of the things he does best is love fiercely. I loved him and Brook Lynn together. They had the banter that bounced off each other and that made me fall so much more in love with them.

 

There were a few things I didn't appreciate but the one thing that stood out for me against the rest was the use of the word Whoremones. Like being sexually attracted to a guy made Brook Lynn a slut. We can't help who we fall for and who we have chemistry with. Sexual attraction happens and it's just a part of our human mechanisms. It's not something that needed to be a guilty thing.

 

Overall, I enjoyed this one immensely. It was super cute and gave me the butterflies.

 

 

 

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Review: November 9 by Colleen Hoover

Title: November 9
Author: Colleen Hoover
Genre: New Adult
Publisher: Atria Publishers
Published: November 10th 2015
Page Number: 310
Rating: 5/5
Summary:

Fallon meets Ben, an aspiring novelist, the day of her scheduled cross-country move. Their untimely attraction leads them to spend Fallon’s last day in L.A. together, and her eventful life becomes the creative inspiration Ben has always sought for his novel. Over time and amidst the various relationships and tribulations of their own separate lives, they continue to meet on the same date every year. Until one day Fallon becomes unsure if Ben has been telling her the truth or fabricating a perfect reality for the sake of the ultimate plot twist.

REVIEW

 

I'm pretty sure you've all read what I've had to say about Colleen Hoover and how amazing her books are. Every book I've read and reviewed have more or less started out the same way, because the truth is she's one of the best New Adult writers this world has. No joke. Her writing is faultless, she breaks rules . Her characters are not perfect, but they're made better by the things they've been through in life like everyone you'll meet in life. And while I wish I could say that it's the romance that keeps me reading, its not. I keep reading because the book in its entirety anchors itself to my heart and unlike Rose (Sorry Titanic fans), doesn't let me go. Even now, 10 hours after I finished reading the book I want to pick it back up and reread it, mark all my favourite quotes and have them imprinted on my life.

 

And you'll never get anything else from Colleen Hoover. Ever. She'll make a stamp on your life like no one else ever can, and you'll often wonder what life was like before you ever read a CoHo book? but then realise you don't care because you get to read it as many times as you like because books are never-ending.

My absolute favourite thing about November 9 was being able to see their growth in maturity over the 5 years that they meet up. Both Fallon and Ben go through their ups and downs over the years but it makes them better, stronger people. I will admit that when got with a specific someone my heart was all over the place, not because I didn't like the girl but because he wasn't with Fallon.

Colleen Hoover is known for her gut-wrenching plot twists and I have to say that learning the reason why Ben's mother died was so heart breaking. She had two awful choices and picked the one that would benefit her children in the future. I was a blubbering mess by the end of the novel and I'm not sure if it's because of the fact she killed herself or because just like myself, she wrote a suicide note. It took me back to when I was 17 and hated life, hated living because I wasn't actually living, just existing like a blur in the background and wanted to end it all. Depression was warping my view on life, so I wrote a suicide note that told my family everything, about why I couldn't live anymore and how I hope I could find peace in the afterlife, and I know I never went through with the suicide but the feelings were all there, I experienced it and I wouldn't wish it on anyone.

I'm honestly not sure how I'm supposed to end this review. You all know that I loved it. Obviously. But I want to assure everyone that it is as good as everyone said it was. I saw those Goodreads ratings and almost didn't want to read it because it was so high, but those expectations weren't just met, Colleen outdid herself wonderfully. So do yourself a favour and pick up the best book you'll read all year.

 

Ps, thank you so much Colleen for sending me a signed copy of the book. I'll treasure it forever.

 

 

 

Buy the book (Wordery) | Buy the book (Book Depository)

 

Review: Fallen Too Far by Abbi Glines

Title: Fallen Too Far
Author: Abbi Glines
Genre: New Adult
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Published: July 4th 2013
Page Number: 247
Rating: 4/5

Summary:

When Blaire Wynn's mother passed away, Blaire's life changed in an instant. Having cared for her sick mother for the last three years, suddenly Blaire has to leave the small farmhouse in Alabama they shared, to move in with her father and his new wife in their sprawling beach house along the Florida gulf coast. But what she isn't prepared for is the lifestyle change that comes with the move, and she knows she'll never fit into the new world of luxury and extravagance that suddenly surrounds her.
Even worse, her father has run off to Paris for the summer with his wife, leaving her stranded with Rush, her new stepbrother, who's irritating, arrogant and… seriously sexy. Rush is as spoiled as he is gorgeous; his famous father's guilt money, his mother's desperation to win his love, and his charm are the three reasons he has never been told no. Blaire knows he is anything but good for her, but somehow she can't fight the attraction she's feeling, especially when she starts to think the attraction might be mutual… Rush is jaded and has secrets Blaire knows she may never uncover but even knowing all of that Blaire just may have fallen too far.  

REVIEW

I'm going to be honest and tell it to you straight. I'm not a fan of step-brother (or any other sibling) romance. I find it a little uncomfortable, however, I absolutely adored this book. Abbi Glines created some amazing characters that I fell in love with.

From the beginning, Blaire is a character you find yourself rooting for. She's young, independent and had an incredibly hard life. She lost her twin sister when she was 14, and then her father walked out on her a few weeks later, leaving her to look after her sick mother. There wasn't any character growth from Blaire because she had already grown up too quickly, but what we did see was Blaire learning to have fun and just be a normal nineteen year old.

If I'm still being honest, Rush was a generic male character in New Adult. He was rich, spoiled and a complete and utter dick. But I think that's part of the "Rush Finlay Charm". He's a difficult character to get to know because he doesn't know what he's meant to do in the situation he is in, but I think he was mature enough about it all and made the right decision.

Abbi Glines' writing is so easy to follow. Her writing is no masterpiece, but it's simple and fun, kinda reminds me of Jennifer L Armentrout's writing. The only thing I would say needed to be improved would be the editing of the book. There were so many editing errors that needs to be fixed. The editors had one job and they couldn't do that properly.

Buy the book (Waterstones) | Buy the book (Book Depository)

Book Recommendations | New Adult

I sadly don't read a lot of New Adult, but lately that's all I am favouring, so I thought I'd recommend you guys some of my favourites.

The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden by Jessica Sorensen

This was actually my most recent read and I really loved it. The story is dark and dramatic, and sometimes just a little too much, but the development between Callie and Kayden was so nice to read. Their connection wasn't an instant thing, it simmered lightly and then bubbled up at the right moment. I will warn you though, the book deals with a lot of heavy topics: Self-harm, depression, abuse and rape.

Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

Despite what I think of the author, I actually love this book. It was actually the first New Adult book I read and it instantly inspired me to write New Adult. The story is very dramatic, but it kept up its pace. The romance, however, was a little extreme. Travis and Abby have a very intense and possessive relationship, but it entertained me.

Beautiful Oblivion by Jamie McGuire

This is the first book in the Maddox Brother's Series and I really enjoyed it. Trenton and Cami's relationship was probably my favourite thing about it. It started out nicely, a little flirty and then over time it develops into a realistic relationship. My only issue was that the side characters were a little annoying.

Wait For You by J Lynn aka Jennifer L Armentrout

This is what I call 'Tame New Adult'. The book focuses more of the development of the characters rather than using sex, and I think that's what has everyone sucked up. Cam has to be one of the best New Adult characters I've ever read about. He's hilarious and just a complete and utter charmer.

Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover

Colleen Hoover is the Queen of Feels, she is without a doubt the best New Adult author around. Maybe Someday follows Sydney and Ridge, after finding out that Sydney's boyfriend has been having sex with her best friend, Sydney moves in with Ridge where they start writing lyrics together. And while I'm not a fan of books where people cheat on their partner, this one was so well done that I didn't even care. It's just a serious, fun novel.


Have you read any of these books?
Let me know in the comments.

Review: My True Love Gave to Me edited by Stephanie Perkins

Title: My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories
Author: A Bunch of Various Authors
Genre: Christmas / Romance
Publisher: MacMillan's Children
Published: October 9th 2014
Page Number: 359

Rating: 3.75/5

 

Summary:

 

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me ...This beautiful collection features twelve gorgeously romantic stories set during the festive period, by some of the most talented and exciting YA authors writing today. The stories are filled with the magic of first love and the magic of the holidays.

 

 

 

 

Review:

 

Midnights by Rainbow Rowell - 5/5

 

I absolutely loved this short story by Rainbow Rowell which follows a girl called Mags over the period of 3 New Years parties. Each year is different and the ending is super cute. Rainbow Rowell really captured my attention and wrote great, flawed characters.

 

“You’re a kaleidoscope. You change every time I look away.”

 

 

The Lady and the Fox by Kelly Link - 1/5

I just did not like this short story at all. The beginning was a little all over the place and the writing didn't do anything for me. Maybe having Rainbow Rowell start the collection was a really bad idea.


Angels in the Snow by Matt De La Pena - 5/5

I absolutely adored this short story. It was great with it following a guy named Shy because men do have slightly different thoughts to women. I also loved how it wasn't exactly a happy-ish ending. It was a mutual ending that fitted the story very well.

“The feeling it gave me was an odd combination of weightless self-pity and excitement. I understood my life was meaningless, and this knowledge freed me up to accomplish absolutely anything.”  


Polaris is where you'll find me by Jenny Han - 4/5

I was so surprised that I enjoyed this short story because it was about Elves. I don't have anything against Elves, but I didn't think it'd work, but it definitely did. The characters were great and very life like. The only negatives were the fact that Flynn could touch Natalie's cheek when she was standing up. Can Elves even reach that far? and the ending was so abrupt. But it was still super cute!

"When I think back on it, I realize it was the first time I ever got to introduce myself. I'd known everyone at the North Pole since I was a baby, and they all called me Natty, because that was what Santa called me. It was my first time being Natalie."


It's a Yuletide miracle, Charlie Brown by Stephanie Perkins - 4/5

I really did love this short story. Stephanie can create some of the best characters ever and she did with Marigold and North. I loved how witty and awkward and fresh they were. It was a little weird with the situation, but all I could while I read it was smile.

"Until tomorrow, Marigold Moon." And he kissed her one last time.


Your Temporary Santa by David Levithan - 0/5

I decided not to read this short story because the past two books I've read by David Levithan I've hated. Detested. That's not to say that you guys wouldn't like the story because it does sound interesting and it is about a gay couple.


Krampuslauf by Holly Black - 0/5

This short story by Holly Black didn't appeal to me at all. I wish it did, because I'm sure Holly Black has a great writing style, but when I think of Holly Black writing a book I think of Faeries and Vampires, not two humans falling in love.


What The Hell Have You Done, Sophie Roth by Gayle Forman - 3.5/5

I really enjoyed this cute story. It was warm, fuzzy and super cute. I love Gayle Forman's writing and the characters Sophie and Russell were perfect together. I got butterflies in my stomach. I did take over an hour to read this because I haven't read anything is about 2 weeks.


Beer Buckets and Baby Jesus by Myra McIntire - 4/5

AHHH! I loved this short story so much. I was expecting it to be a 2 or 3 star rating, but I absolutely fell in love with the characters and the story. Prankster and the priest's daughter as a pair? You'd never see it, but it was all about forgiving and family and it was the perfect read.


Welcome to Christmas, CA by Kiersten White - 3/5

I very much liked this story, but it was also a little generic and predictable. The girl felt like she "lost" her mother when she met Rick, but it turns out that they wanted better for her. I've read it over and over again, but I still enjoyed it.

“But people don't need to remember how it felt to be happy and safe in the past. They need to have hope that they can get there again in the future.”  


Star of Bethlehem by Ally Carter - 4/5

I really really enjoyed this short story. I've heard a lot of mixed feelings about Ally's writing style, but I liked it. The characters were great, the writing was great and the whole premise was great. It was just a cute, quick read.

“I sang because that is what I do when I am happy and when I'm sad. I sang because it is who I am when I am being the best possible version of me.”  


The Girl Who Woke the Dreamer by Laini Taylor - 3/5

This story was definitely a little different, but the writing was so unique, beautiful. I enjoyed the characters a lot and it ended up as a well done Christmas Day read (It's near 1am here on the 25th).

“She wanted to be free, and if she could never be free, at least she wanted to be brave - brave enough not to sell herself, no matter what the payment, or the cost of refusing.”  

 

 

 

 
If you could pick any of your favourite authors to appear in a book like this, who would you choose and why? (pick no more than eight)

Ps, MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!
 

 

 

ARC Review: I Was Here by Gayle Forman

"I Was Here,was a beautiful and engaging read. One of my favourite books of the year "

 

Title: I Was Here

Author: Gayle Forman
Genre: Contemporary/Mystery
Publisher: Simon and Schuster Childrens
Published: January 29th 2015
Page Number: 270
Rating: 5/5

Summary:

When her best friend Meg drinks a bottle of industrial-strength cleaner alone in a motel room, Cody is understandably shocked and devastated. She and Meg shared everything - so how was there no warning?

But when Cody travels to Meg’s college town to pack up the belongings left behind, she discovers that there’s a lot that Meg never told her. About her old roommates, the sort of people Cody never would have met in her dead-end small town in Washington.

About Ben McAllister, the boy with a guitar and a sneer, who broke Meg’s heart. And about an encrypted computer file that Cody can’t open - until she does, and suddenly everything Cody thought she knew about her best friend’s death gets thrown into question.

 

Review:

 

I know very well that as soon as I open up a Gayle Forman book that I will be in the ride of my life and just like If I Stay and Where She Went, I was. I was compelled from page one and couldn't put it down until I had finished the book in it's entirety.

 

This Young Adult contemporary is a lot darker and mysterious than most. Cody has just lost her best friend, Meg to suicide and something seems off. She never told Cody and that's what she never understood. They were best friends and best friends told each other everything, but Cody had to learn how well she truly knew her best friend.

 

Gayle Forman has written an incredible, engaging book with I Was Here. Cody's voice is strong and distinctive, she lives off trying to find out what truly happened to Meg and it drags you in. You become Cody's eyes. What she see's, you see. What she feels, you feel. It's like the book transports your body into the book and you live through everything. Feel everything.

 

Just like any other Gayle Forman book, the romance was pretty much perfect. I had my instincts on who could be her perfect suitor, but whether she ended up with them was a different story. It's a mix of Young Adult and New Adult, but  it's so much more than that.

 

I Was Here is filled with secret messages. It's not another suicide book. It's a book of letting go of the past - not forgetting - but forgiving. Move on and live your life. Through out the book we have little information about Meg and what she went through and I really delved into her life and lived it, because I have lived it.

 

Depression isn't something that can be sorted out with pills. It takes a lot of courage to admit and get help. It's a lot of hard work, but hard work pays off in the end. It's correct that you only live once, but don't live life like it's short because you'll always wonder what you missed out on.

 

I really really loved I Was Here and I'm excited for Forman's future releases after this incredible book. I would recommend this book to everyone who wants a contemporary book that isn't all school and romance.

 

 

I received this book off the publishers for an honest review.

Top 5 Wednesday: Favourite Book Couples

Top 5 Wednesday was set up by Lainey over at GingerReadsLainey. Every week you have a new topic and you pick your top 5 choices for each topic. This is done in Vlogs, but I think it will be great for Bloggers to do as well. This week's topic is Favourite Book Couples (main or side). I've had a hard time selecting my top 5 because I knew only three couples that were my top 3, but the other two are ones I had to really think about.

Without further a do...

 

 

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick - I absolutely love Samantha and Jase together. Their relationship starts off very awkward and cute, but then it develops into something a lot more deeper. Their connection is great and I love that Jase isn't what Samantha expected him to be.

 

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness - Mathew and Diana are complete different people - literally - She's a witch and he's a vampire. She's into History and he's into Science. She's in her thirties and he's over 1500 years old. They should never work, but they do.

Slammed by Colleen Hoover - Will and Layken start off with a great connection that gets ruined by the fact that he's her teacher, but that connection is something that cannot - and will not - be broken. They're perfect for each other and every obstacle they went through, they came out together.

Where She Went by Gayle Forman - In If I Stay, I didn't like Adam and Mia so much. They were cute, but had a very immature relationship. However, in Where She Went I felt like everything had been a lot more mature. Plus it showed the awkwardness of the situation, I loved that.

The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare - Everyone loves Tessa and Jem or Tessa and Will, but not me. I love Sophie and Gideon. He's a Shadowhunter and high maintenance, she's a maid and mundane. Despite their clear difference they work. Their connection and relationship is both beautiful and awkward. I need more of their relationship.

 

 

Who are your favourite book couples?

Waiting on Wednesday: I Was Here by Gayle Forman

Waiting on Wednesday: Episode Two

 

 

I Was Here by Gayle Forman

 

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

 

Release Date: 29th January 2015

 

Pages: 270

 

Goodreads Summary:

 

When her best friend Meg drinks a bottle of industrial-strength cleaner alone in a motel room, Cody is understandably shocked and devastated. She and Meg shared everything - so how was there no warning?

But when Cody travels to Meg’s college town to pack up the belongings left behind, she discovers that there’s a lot that Meg never told her. About her old roommates, the sort of people Cody never would have met in her dead-end small town in Washington.

About Ben McAllister, the boy with a guitar and a sneer, who broke Meg’s heart. And about an encrypted computer file that Cody can’t open - until she does, and suddenly everything Cody thought she knew about her best friend’s death gets thrown into question.

 

Thoughts:

 

THAT COVER?! OMG! It's so beautiful and it'll match both my If I Stay and Where She Went covers. Gayle Forman has become one of my favourite authors of all time this year and I need more and more of her writing. What I love most is that her books are never all that long, but they're full of depth and emotion. I'm desperate to get my hands on an ARC copy (Simon and Schuster, if you are seeing this then please consider sending me one. It's my birthday this month.) because I MUST read this book.

 

 

What book are you impatiently waiting for?

Top 10 Books I Want To Re-Read

This week I've decided to take part in Top 10 Tuesday, however, I won't be doing a post every week. My Top 10 Tuesday posts may be twice a month or just when a topic comes around that I like, especially since I take part in Top 5 Wednesday as well. Top 10 Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

This weeks topic is Top 10 Books you want to Re-read and mine was very easy because I have a list of books I plan to re-read. So...lets get on with it!

 

The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare - Lady Midnight comes out next year, so I want to re-read both series so that they're both fresh in my mind. I probably won't read The Bane Chronicles because it comes out this month.

Prisoner of Night and Fog by Anne Blankman - I read this this year, but due to a reading slump I couldn't enjoy it as much as I could've. I loved the first half - an easy 5 stars - but the second half didn't satisfy my slump.

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness - I always read this trilogy every year and will do until I get old and can't read anything.

The Host by Stephenie Meyer - I love this book so much, but we'll never know if the sequel is coming, so this is my best bet on satisfying my craving.

Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell - I read this in December last year, so it seems fitting to re-read it soon.

Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover - I was in a reading slump while reading this book and I never got out of it what others did, so when I re-read it I hope to see what it was all about.

The Dark Heroine by Abigail Gibbs - I read this book about two years ago and I need to re-read it so I can move onto the sequel.

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green - Both times of reading this book gave me different rating. When I first picked it up I gave it 5 stars, but the second time I read it I only rated it four stars. Hopefully a third time will show me what I really think of the book.

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins - Need I say more? Paris, cute boys and Paris.

That's the end of todays Top 10 Tuesday. What books do you want/need to re-read?

Top 5 Wednesday: Favourite Book Titles

Top 5 Wednesday was set up by Lainey over at GingerReadsLainey. Every week you have a new topic and you pick your top 5 choices for each topic. This is done in Vlogs, but I think it will be great for Bloggers to do as well. Today's topic is Top 5 Favourite Book Titles. If I'm being honest, I'm not a huge fan of book titles. Some are generic with one words and some just follow a specific pattern like the 50 Shades Trilogy. However, despite my dislike in most titles I did manage to form a list of my 5 favourite.

So...Lets get started!


FIFTH PLACE: To All The Boys I've Love Before by Jenny Han.

The title basically describes the book. It's about Lara Jean who after finishing with a boy, instead of going through that cannot-stop-crying-need-ice-cream phase, she just writes them a letter, places them in an envelope and leaves them in an old box. Until one day they're accidently sent out. I've not read it myself, but I do own it and it's what attracted me to buying it. Plus I really like how the font is handwritten, it makes it seem more real.






FOURTH PLACE: Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn.

I think a fourteen year old could have came up with the title of Gone Girl, but I think that is what makes it a brilliant title. It's simple, but it tells the story perfectly without giving anything away. (Apart from the fact that someone goes missing.) What I also like about it is that Gillian seems to follow a theme: Gone Girl, Sharp Objects and Dark Places. Two word titles are perfect for her and her readers.


THIRD PLACE: The Story of Tracy Beaker.

This isn't exactly a favourite title, but it's one of nostalgia. My childhood was basically full of Tracy Beaker and not just the books, but the TV Show as well (they did kind of milk it a bit). If you never experienced Tracy Beaker then you definitely did not live. Back then it was the cocaine of children's TV and the books did just as good. I have to say that I definitely miss it. Ps, if none of you know what it's about then I'll tell you. It follows a slightly angry girl called Tracy who grows up in a foster home.





SECOND PLACE: Attachments by Rainbow Rowell.

If I had to come up with a title for this book, it would've been something like Falling For Someone Online or Stalked, but if anything I think this is one of my favourite titles because it makes so much sense. Lincoln becomes attached to someone online. The thing with Mrs Rowell is that all her titles are perfect: Attachments, Eleanor and Park, Fangirl and Landline. They all link to something in the book.




FIRST PLACE: Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman.

Noughts and Crosses is a game we've all played and in this incredible novel that's one of the themes. Whites vs Blacks. The things with games is that we've all cheated and that's how the book goes. Who can you trust? I have to say though, that this is the only title in this series that I like. The other's make no sense (I've not read the others).

 

What are your favourite titles? Comment down below.

Review: Queen of Zombie Hearts by Gena Showalter

"ONE OF THE BEST SERIES OUT THERE."

 

 

Title: Queen of Zombie Hearts (The White Rabbit Chronicles #3)
Author: Gena Showalter
Genre: Paranormal
Publisher: Mira Ink
Published: October 3rd 2014
Page Number: 464

Summary:

Alice "Ali" Bell thinks the worst is behind her. She's ready to take the next step with boyfriend Cole Holland, the leader of the zombie slayers…until Anima Industries, the agency controlling the zombies, launches a sneak attack, killing four of her friends. It's then she realizes that humans can be more dangerous than monsters…and the worst has only begun.

As the surviving slayers prepare for war, Ali discovers she, too, can control the zombies…and she isn't the girl she thought she was. She's connected to the woman responsible for killing—and turning—Cole's mother. How can their relationship endure? As secrets come to light, and more slayers are taken or killed, Ali will fight harder than ever to bring down Anima—even sacrificing her own life for those she loves.

 

Review:

 

I'm actually crying while I'm writing this because it's the end of a trilogy. No more books in this world, no more stories of the fantastic characters that Gena have created and shared with us. It's official over. Well, for me it has anyway.

 

The thing with this series is that each book gets better and better. Alice in Zombieland was crazy good and I never believed that Through the Zombie Glass could get any better, but it did. So for Queen of Zombie Hearts to come and knock them both off the pendulum it was a shock. This one is definitely my favourite out of the three.

 

Unlike so many Young Adult Paranormal series out there Alice is actually a kick ass character and if I had to match a song to her personality it would be Break the Rules by Charli xcx. But Alice isn't the only kick-ass character in this trilogy. There's Mackenzie, Cole, Frosty, Bronx and so many more, but what's so realistic is that they also have their flaws. Each and every one of them think like this

 

 

And they kind of rock. Unlike the first two books Queen of Zombie Hearts brings in new characters that are possibly some of my favourite in the trilogy. We have Helen a Witness who may or may not be evil (People who've read it will know.) and we also have sexy-as-sin River and his new group. River's group are full of slayers, but not all of them can be trusted.

 

What shocked me about this book was the instant Zombie attacks. I never noticed them coming, pretty much like this

 

 

 

Only these Zombies had more of an idea what they were going to do. Each and every Zombie scene was filled with action, but also had that little bit of un-trust in them as well. Because like I've said, not everyone can be trusted and some of them are on the opposing side. Ooops! Be careful who you side with in future.

 

Through out the book we see Alice and Cole trying to get through that bad case of sexual tension, but each scene was starting to get hotter and hotter by the minute. And I'm not talking about fighting Zombies. They were both good with their hands if you get my gist.

 

 

Overall it's pretty hard to review this book. I had so many feels and therefore I've decided to share with you my Goodreads progress bar and what I said. You may laugh. Or not.

 

Page 60: Ahh! So darn good. The action is unbelievable.

Page 140: SO GOOD!

Page 196: Damn! River and his boys are smoking hot. Hand me a fan, please.

Page: 220: That's it girl. You tell him!

Page 300: NO COMMENT. NO COMMENT.

Page 464: It's over. I'm done. Tears were shed and my heart was beating like I was in a marathon. Bye world. Bye Alice. By Emma. By Sexy guys. Ps, River will you marry me? No. Okay.

 

My biggest like about this book was that some of the side characters actually played the bigger part. Helen and Emma may have been Witnesses, but the team would never have done it without them. They worked as a team and brought the entire thing down. Burn, baby, burn!

 

My rating shouldn't count. This series is more than 5 stars, therefore, I give this book infinity stars.

Cover Reveal: Wicked by Jennifer L Armentrout

Holy cow, y'all! We are so excited to bring you the Cover Reveal for Jennifer L. Armentrout's WICKED! WICKED is a New Adult Paranormal Romance and is a part of Jennifer L. Armentrout’s Wicked Trilogy. It is being released on December 8^th, 2014. So make sure you pre-order it today!!

 

Amazon

WICKED Synopsis: Things are about to get Wicked in New Orleans. Twenty-two year old Ivy Morgan isn’t your average college student. She, and others like her, know humans aren’t the only thing trolling the French Quarter for fun… and for food. Her duty to the Order is her life. After all, four years ago, she lost everything at the hands of the creatures she’d sworn to hunt, tearing her world and her heart apart. Ren Owens is the last person Ivy expected to enter her rigidly controlled life. He’s six feet and three inches of temptation and swoon-inducing charm. With forest-green eyes and a smile that’s surely left a stream of broken hearts in its wake, he has an uncanny, almost unnatural ability to make her yearn for everything he has to offer. But letting him in is as dangerous as hunting the cold-blooded killers stalking the streets. Losing the boy she loved once before had nearly destroyed her, but the sparking tension that grows between them becomes impossible for Ivy to deny. Deep down, she wants… she needs more than what her duty demands of her, what her past has shaped for her. But as Ivy grows closer to Ren, she realizes she’s not the only one carrying secrets that could shatter the frail bond between them. There’s something he’s not telling her, and one thing is for certain. She’s no longer sure what is more dangerous to her—the ancient beings threatening to take over the town or the man demanding to lay claim to her heart and her soul.

 

About Jennifer L. Armentrout: # 1 NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki. Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her book Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture and her Covenant Series has been optioned for TV. She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.  

 

Website ** Facebook ** Twitter ** Novel Goodreads ** Author Goodreads

ARC Review: Prisoner of Night and Fog by Anne Blankman

Title: Prisoner of Night and Fog
Author: Anne Blankman
Genre: YA Historical
Publisher: Headline
Published: April 22nd 2014
Page Number: 352

Summary:

For Gretchen Muller, Hitler is 'Uncle Dolf'. He's always been there for her throughout the turmoil of her family's past but now, as his hold over Germany strengthens, he will be forever changed in her eyes. She will do anything to uncover the truth, even at the risk of everything she's ever known...

Review:

I've always been interested in German history and that's partically why I decided ton study History for my A Levels (which I have now finished and I get my results in August.) So, I was happy to find that what I have studied during my two years of A Level History, was in this book.

Anne Blankman writes with such elegance and shows that despite this book being both hardhitting and beautiful, elegance can have an ugly side. Gretchen is almost controlled by her family's past, she wants to know what happened to her father - was he really shot saving Hitler, or was it someone much closer to home?

With this book you won't just find a drug that will keep you addicted, you'll find love. Not just with the writing, but with the characters and the forbidden romance that makes you smile like you've just sniffed glue. (Please do not try that!)

With this debut, I was very impressed, but like every book it was no where near perfect. The story was controlled very well and the opening was filled with action - Gretchen's brother and friend beating up a random Jew on the streets. But despite that, not all that much went down. Secrets were found out, Gretchen got attacked and more assaults on the Jews happened. I just kind of wanted...more.

But overall, a very impressive book.

Quote:

'Hauntingly beautiful. A book about family, love and how far we'd go to expose the ones who's done wrong.' Bookbitchreviews.blogspot.co.uk  

Blog Tour: Second Chance by Natasha Preston

Second Chance

 

By: Natasha Preston

Release Date: June 10, 2014

Genre: New Adult/Romance

Synopsis

 

Everyone deserves a second chance at happiness, and three years after Chloe Holland's boyfriend dies in a bomb attack in London, she's ready to move on. That is until the one person she can see her moving forward with is the worst person she could have ever imagined.

Logan Scott was the one Chloe turned to when Jace died, but she never imagined that becoming close to him would leave her with the biggest dilemma she could ever face. He makes her question everything. She makes him a better person. They push the limit of right and wrong.

Unfortunately, Chloe and Logan are perfect for each other.

About The Author

 

 

UK native Natasha Preston grew up in small villages and towns. She discovered her love of writing when she stumbled across an amateur writing site and uploaded her first story and hasn't looked back since. She enjoys writing NA romance, thrillers, gritty YA and the occasional serial killer.

Facebook | Twitter | Wattpad | Website

 

Excerpt 1

 

She looked up, eyes locking with mine, and stilled. She looked wild and panicked. Then she straightened her back, gave me a smile and stepped closer to the bar. What the fuck? I stopped on the other side and sat on a stool. Don't get ahead of yourself. I wanted so bad to believe that her avoidance of me was because she wanted more but I couldn't let myself run with it. That was a fall I didn't ever want to experience again. "Did you contract a highly contagious disease?" She frowned. "No…" "Murder someone?" "No." "Get amnesia?" "What're you doing, Logan?" "Just listing the only reasons I'll accept for you avoiding me." "Murder is a reason I can avoid you?" "Hey, if you've snapped I don't wanna be next." She rolled her eyes, fighting a smile. "Can I get you something, Scott?" "Yeah, Holland, you can get me you." Now there was a sentence with a double meaning. "What's going on?"

 

Excerpt 2

 

My body burst to life. Blood scorched in my veins. Longing pooled between my legs. I was going to kiss him. I wanted him. I was going to fucking kiss my dead boyfriend's brother and as his eyes rooted me to the spot I didn't even want to attempt to stop it. Logan lowered his head a fraction. This was it. I shouldn't want this. My body shouldn't be screaming for his lips on mine and hands all over my body. I knew it was wrong but it didn't feel wrong. It felt like coming home, like we should have been doing this all along. He didn't look torn, not at all. He was one hundred per cent in this. I wanted him even more. The rain came down harder, not enough to soak us but enough that we should probably move. We didn't. Logan's other hand pulled me closer, fingers slightly digging into the small of my back while his maddening fingers trailed down my neck.

 

Excerpt 3

 

Against everything my body was screaming for, I put my hands on his chest and pushed him away. My fingers gripped his shirt as I put some distance between us, not really wanting to let go. I wanted to cry. He could crush me in a second. Not even Jace could do that. He looked devastated as he let go of my arms. Fear gripped me by the throat. I wasn't just scared of how I felt about Logan; I was outright terrified. "I need… time. I don't know." Not time, that wouldn't help. I didn't know what I needed, but I definitely needed something. He stroked my cheek and my heart stuttered. "No more time." "Why are you doing this, Logan?" "Why?" His eyes lost their tenderness. "Seriously, why? How blind can you be? I fucking love you, Chloe!"

 

Buy Links

Amazon UK | Amazon US | B&N | iBooks

 

Review:

I sadly can only review 10 chapters of this book because my Kindle was being a pain and wouldn't accept the email address to receive an e-arc of Second chance. However, I read the 10 chapters sample off Wattpad.

I found the book to be very well written and detailed. You learn all about Chloe's life, how she came over the death of her boyfriend at such a young age. We also get to really know her from this and I feel like Natasha knew he characters very well. I connected with both Logan and Chloe, could even see the attraction between the pair. One of my favourite things about Natasha as an author is that she's one of them authors that everything she writes you enjoy. And what makes everything ten times better is that when she writes a male character you feel like a man has written it. It's spot on, which most authors struggle with. Overall, I loved what I read and I'm sure you guys are as well. It's completely recommended!

 Tour Host

Books I Want To Read

I've decided that this won't be a series, but something I definitely will start blogging about because there are so many books out there that I want to read, and I feel like I should let you all know about them. Some of these books could become a future favourite of yours, or they could make you discover an author you've never heard or. It's giving you book recommendations, helping the authors out as well!

Book 1: City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare

 

Summary:

 

Erchomai, Sebastian had said. I am coming.

Darkness returns to the Shadowhunter world. As their society falls apart around them, Clary, Jace, Simon and their friends must band together to fight the greatest evil the Nephilim have ever faced: Clary's own brother. Nothing in this world can defeat him - must they journey to another world to find the chance

 

 

Reason: I want to read this book because, well, it's Cassandra Clare and I have so much love for The Mortal Instruments. Clary and Jace are perfect together, and I need to know how it ends. I cannot not read this, luckily for me my mother has ordered it for me and should be here by Friday!

 

 

Book 2: Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover

 

Summary:

 



When Tate Collins meets airline pilot Miles Archer, she knows it isn’t love at first sight. They wouldn’t even go so far as to consider themselves friends. The only thing Tate and Miles have in common is an undeniable mutual attraction. Once their desires are out in the open, they realize they have the perfect set-up. He doesn’t want love, she doesn’t have time for love, so that just leaves the sex. Their arrangement could be surprisingly seamless, as long as Tate can stick to the only two rules Miles has for her.

Never ask about the past.
Don’t expect a future.

They think they can handle it, but realize almost immediately they can’t handle it at all.

Hearts get infiltrated.
Promises get broken.
                                                       Rules get shattered.
                                                       Love gets ugly.

Reason: I recently read Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover, I absolutely loved it. It was very well written and the characters were beautifully developed, so I knew I had to have Ugly Love. It's right up my alley and it's Colleen Hoover. What more is there to say. Nothing, that's what!

 

Book 3: All Lined Up by Cora Carmack

 

Summary:



 

In Texas, two things are cherished above all else—football and gossip. My life has always been ruled by both.

Dallas Cole loathes football. That's what happens when you spend your whole childhood coming in second to a sport. College is her time to step out of the bleachers, and put the playing field (and the players) in her past.

But life doesn't always go as planned. As if going to the same college as her football star ex wasn’t bad enough, her father, a Texas high school coaching phenom, has decided to make the jump to college ball… as the new head coach at Rusk University. Dallas finds herself in the shadows of her father and football all over again.

Carson McClain is determined to go from second-string quarterback to the starting line-up. He needs the scholarship and the future that football provides. But when a beautiful redhead literally falls into his life, his focus is more than tested. It's obliterated.

Dallas doesn't know Carson is on the team. Carson doesn't know that Dallas is his new coach's daughter. And neither of them know how to walk away from the attraction they feel. 

 

Reason: I am DYING to read this book. Like now! It's about American Football (I'm Welsh) and I love the whole premise. A dad who can't let go of his baby girl, moves to the same College. Hilarious! I NEED THIS NOW!

 

Book 4: Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn 

 

Summary:

 

On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne’s fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick’s clever and beautiful wife disappears. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn’t doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife’s head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media—as well as Amy’s fiercely doting parents—the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he’s definitely bitter—but is he really a killer?

 

Reason: I'm not an Adult Mystery/Thriller reader, but this book keeps catching my attention and I've decided that I will be reading it! It sounds amazing, and it's becoming a movie with Ben Affleck. He's hot, and the gayness inside of me is screaming out. I also kind of have an obsession with murders for some reason, but definitely prefer some sort of paranormal murder. You know, like demonic possession, etc.

 

Book 5: Royally Lost by Angie Stanton

 

Summary:

 

Dragged on a family trip to Europe’s ancient cities, Becca wants nothing more than to go home. Trapped with her emotionally distant father, over-eager stepmother, and a brother who only wants to hook up with European hotties, Becca is miserable. That is until she meets Nikolai, a guy as mysterious as he is handsome. And she unknowingly finds herself with a runaway prince.

Nikolai has everything a guy could ask for-he's crown prince, heir to the throne, and girls adore him. But the one thing he doesn't have...is freedom. Staging a coup, he flees his kingdom and goes undercover on his own European tour.

When Nikolai and Becca meet, it’s their differences that draw them together. Sparks fly as they share a whirlwind of adventures, all the while dodging his royal guard. But Becca's family vacation ends in a matter of days. Will Nikolai and Becca be forced to say goodbye forever, will his destiny catch up to him, or will they change history forever?

 

Reason: It's contemporary and that is one of my favourite genre. Also I love the fact that it's about a prince who's going undercover and falls in love. But c'mon, there is only going to be one outcome. Becca will be left heartbroken when she finds out the truth. But that excites me because I'm obsessed with anything to do with famous people falling in love with "normal" people. GIVE ME IT NOW!

 

 

So, are there any books you guys are dying to read? Let me now!

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                                            

Book Review: Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover

                                                          
Book Name: Maybe Someday
Author: Colleen Hoover
UK Release Date: 2014
UK Publishers: Simon and Schuster
Summary:

Sydney is living in an idyllic bubble - she's a dedicated student with a steady job on the side. She lives with her best friend, has a great boyfriend, and the music coming from the balcony opposite hers is fast becoming the soundtrack to her life.

But when Sydney finds out her boyfriend is cheating on her, her bubble bursts. The mysterious and attractive man behind the music, Ridge, gives Sydney hope that she can move on and they begin the write songs together. But moving on is harder than she expects, Sydney can only hope...

Maybe someday...

Praise for Colleen Hoover:

'I can't recommend it highly enough. Read this book. Live it. Love it. Allow it to take over you heart. It's an unforgettable journey that every reader should take. 5++ Star!' aestasbookblog.com

'Hoover is one of the freshest voices in new-adult fiction, and her latest resonates with true emotion, unforgettable characters and just the right amount of sexual tension.  kirkusreviews.com

Review:

I've heard such amazing things about Colleen Hoover and it's only made my desire to read her books grow and grow. And I got paid. Which led to me buying Maybe Someday. It arrived two days late. I read it.

First off I would advise everyone, and I mean EVERYONE to go into this blindly. Don't read reviews, don't even ask your friends what they thought of it because you will get spoiled. Just buy it and read it. And then you can gush with all your feelings and Fangirl all you like.

The prologue starts out with some awesomeness.

I just punched a girl in the face. Not just any girl. My best friend. My roommate.

I mean c'mon. All I could think was 'What has this girl done to get punched in the face?' I came up with many different ideas before I carried on reading.

She called her fat
She ate the last bar of chocolate
She "borrowed" her makeup
She kissed her boyfriend

Yeah, she didn't kiss her friends boyfriend. She slept with him, many times over the two years of Sydney and Hunter had been together. And just having that as a prologue made my stomach flutter with excitement. Who doesn't love a good bitch fight.

However, the story isn't about a girl who found out her boyfriend and friend have been having an affair. It's so much more than that.

It's a story of a girl finding out what exactly love is and how talented she really is when it comes to song writing. It's also a story about not judging everyone and how far you'd really go to not become someone or something you hate.

Colleen warped me into Sydney and Ridges world and I could've stayed there forever. You're met with secrets, friendship and a lot of flirting.

I just could not get enough of this book. And the biggest bombshell for me was when I found out Ridge was deaf. I know no one was expecting it because the back blurb doesn't say that, and it normally would, which is great because it's becoming a normal thing. And, Sydney, just treating him like a normal person meant so much to me because we shouldn't treat people who are unique any different than we would want to be treated ourselves.

Overall, I just absolutely adored this book. There were a few problems, but they were minor and didn't really take away from the book, only added to it! And the way that we could listen to the songs that were written as we went along seriously helped me to get in the mood for the writing and story. I cannot recommend this book enough! 4.5 Stars!

Quote:

'Colleen writes with such elegance that you're warped into the characters world and feelings. Beautiful.' Bookbitchreviews.blogspot.co.uk

ARC Review: Make You Mine by Macy Beckett

   Book Name: Make You Mine
   Author: Macy Beckett
   UK Release Date: 6th May 2014
   UK Publishers: Headline Eternal
   Summary:

For ninety-nine years, every man in the Dumont family has remained a perpetual bachelor. Residents of Cedar Bayou, Louisiana, whisper about a voodoo hex cast upon the family, sabotaging each man’s chance at marriage. In truth, the Dumont men have their own player personalities to blame, and Marc is no exception. As captain of his family’s riverboat, he’s broken hearts up and down the Mississippi. That is, until his high school crush strolls on-board…

Allie Mauvais rocks the boat when she fills in as his pastry chef. She hasn’t seen Marc since senior year, when rumors flew that her great-great-grandmother was the one who cursed the Dumonts. After two weeks on the water, neither can deny the attraction that still burns between them. But to truly reach Marc’s heart, Allie must show him that the hex is all in his head and it’ll take more than her mouthwatering sweets to prove it. Will Allie’s love be enough to finally make Marc hers?

 

Praise for Macy Beckett:

 



"Beckett (Sultry with a Twist) begins her Dumont Bachelors series with this pleasant story of a riverboat captain and the pastry chef who captures his heart. Marc Dumont has been attracted to Allie Mauvais since their high school years in tiny Cedar Bayou, La. Trouble is, after a Dumont man left Allie’s voodoo-priestess great-great-grandmother at the altar, she cursed the whole family to be unlucky in love. When Marc’s regular pastry chef gets ill immediately before a scheduled voyage, Marc hurriedly hires Allie to sub in the kitchen. Strange episodes ensue, and everyone thinks it’s Allie’s fault—or the curse’s. Still, Marc can’t stay away from her. While the story gets a bit annoying when everyone’s assuming Allie can fry them with her supposed voodoo magic, overall this is a solid tale that portends a likeable series." Publishers Weekly

Review:

I requested this from Bookbridgr (run by Headline Publishing) this does NOT affect my review!

I absolutely loved this book! The characters were very well written, the storyline was fresh with a hint of cliché in there. The romance was very well developed and I loved that it was fast paced and not over the top with sex. Every little thing that happened between Marc and Allie happened for a reason. To Marc it was because of the curse. For Allie it was because it was supposed to happen.

The book was great and I loved that there was a mini side story intertwined into it; Joy and Ryan who found love after going to Allie for advice. Joy learned to live her life the way she wanted, and not the life her parents wanted her to live. Getting a tattoo led to Joy finding her perfect guy; Ryan.

I'm not always a fan of reading books by authors I've never heard of, but I'm glad I discovered this author. Her writing style is simplistic and natural. It flowed very well and I felt like it was very well researched for the surroundings in the story as it was mostly set on the boat, but also set on different islands and I loved that. I was glad there was room for more than the boat. It allowed the story to expand and a lot more drama for the characters.

Overall, I seriously loved this book. And I cannot wait until the second book in this series because this has become a guilty pleasure read. I would highly recommend buying this book because it is beautiful. I gave this a 4/5 Stars!

Quote:

'Like a great new Adult novel only sexier.' Bookbitchreviews.blogSpot.co.uk