Tuesday, September 27, 2016

All The Bright Places



I wanted to LOVE this book. I truly did. I'd met the author at BookFest at USC this year, and she was so nice. I hadn't been able to buy the book that day, but it was always in the back of my mind. When I'm ready for an emotional teenage read, I'd pick it up. It helps that on this late night Saturday, I had a gift card and a whole Sunday for reading. Admittedly
, I was in a bad mood. I was really hoping this book would sweep me away to these teenagers life. Make me forget my own for a bit.

As I mentioned, bad mood. Low patience. I did not have the patience for this book. I'm sorry. I've gone through the reviews on Goodreads, and everyone else LOVES IT. So I'll stand alone in this DNF. I just couldn't. I couldn't care about these characters. Obviously Finch needed a lot more therapy and that no one could see that sucked. As well as Violet. I think Jessica Sorensen handled these topics better, mental illnesses. I just felt more for her characters. I wanted to get to the teary end of this book, and have a good cry. But I was so Blah about this book I took it back.


Not to mention I just really want to understand what a CW Black person is versus a Black Black person. I'm just saying.

Thursday, September 22, 2016

Elfland: A 2nd time around

Synopsis from Goodreads: Rosie Fox is a daughter of the Aetherials, an ancient race from the Spiral—the innermost realm of the Otherworld—who lives secretly among us. Yet she and her kind are bereft of their origins, because on Earth, in a beautiful village named Cloudcroft, the Great Gates between worlds stand sealed.

Her parents, Auberon and Jessica, are the warm heart of Cloudcroft and of Rosie’s loving family. But on the hill lives the mysterious, aloof Lawrence Wilder, Gatekeeper to the inner realms of Elfland. Tortured by private demons, he is beset by trouble on all sides: his wife has vanished and his sons Jon and Sam are bitter and damaged. Lawrence is duty bound to throw open the Gates every seven years for the Night of the Summer Stars, a ritual granting young Aetherials their heritage, their elders vital reconnection to their source. Lawrence, however, is haunted by fears of an ever-growing menace within the Spiral. When he stubbornly bars the Gates, he defies tradition and enrages the Aetherial community. What will become of them, deprived of the realm from which flows their essential life force? Is Lawrence protecting them—or betraying them?

Growing up amid this turmoil, Rosie and her brothers, along with Sam and Jon Wilder, are heedless of the peril lurking beyond the Gates. They know only that their elders have denied them their birthright, harboring dark secrets in a conspiracy of silence.

When Sam is imprisoned for an all-too-human crime, age-old wounds sunder the two families…yet Rosie is drawn into his web, even as she fears the passions awoken in her by the dangerous Wilder clan. Torn between duty and desire, between worlds, Rosie unwittingly precipitates a tragedy that compels her to journey into the Otherworld, where unknown terrors await. Accompanied by the one man most perilous to her life, she must learn hard lessons about life and love in order to understand her Aetherial nature…and her role in the terrifying conflict to come.
 

My Thoughts

This is my second read of Elfland and I'm sure I enjoyed it even more than the first time. The writing style is dramatic but beautiful. The worlds are magical.  However, the characters are faeries that act incredibly human. On my second read I found it easier to focus on the mythical aspect of the book where as the first time it was all about the romance.

This book spans over about 15 years. At times the Foxes and The Wilders reminded me of The Capulets and The Montagues of Romeo and Juliet, but not quite so dramatic. These two families, whom lived a short walk from one another, that has known each others families for decades were just shy of hating each other. Lawerence Wilder, The Gate Keeper, has created a demon within his own mind which holds him back from opening the Gates, allowing the Faeries to roam freely through our world on Earth and the Otherworld. Shutting the Gates denies his sons as well and The Fox children an opportunity to understand their true natures as Aetherials. 

The Fox family consist of Auberon, the steadfast stable father who can fix all problems. Jessica the carefree hippy mother who has a passion for life. Mathew, an arrogant bully really that did love his family. Rosie a sweet girl, cared about everyone and worked too hard to please everyone. Lucas, the youngest, the shy artistic sensitive guy. They all love each other very much, as is shown repeatedly throughout the novel to the point of controlling and smothering. 

The Wilder family consisted of Lawrence, The Gate Keeper who closed the gates because of a nightmare he essentially let become real and control him. He was so depressed, detached, paranoid, in pain mentally. His first wife left him, Ginny because the sadness he carried around like a cloud. The dark feeling, along with the abandonment of their mother and their distant father really messed up his children, Sam and Jon. Sam fell more into petty crimes, fights, and just being a nuisance until her disappeared completely. He is, admittedly a stereotypical bad boy. The leather jacket and motorbike, He cursed a lot and made dirty jokes.  Jon was a serious drug addict. No one is very happy about Lawrence's new wife Sapphire and yet, Lawrence is too wrapped up within himself to do anything about it. 

Their are a lot of adulterous secrets. 

The children's lives, though not by choice seem to meld and blend and become family. Jon and Lucas are inseparable from their late teens. Sam is not shy about his unrequited love in Rosie though she can't see past his petty crimes. She instead is dazzled by the idea of Jon, gentle, "Angelic" artsy. Which I completely understand. His carefree charisma, always trying to find something deeper. Until he in no way noticed her in return. 

The writing really kept me intrigued. It was a slow start to get a full background on all of these characters who separate lives were always meant to be interwoven. I do wish more of the book took place in the Otherworld. The characters took a while to embrace their faerie nature. Therefore, much of the book focused on their lives and struggles in the human world. I loved the drama, it was a realistic part of their lives. Every character wanted to escape who they really were as Aetherials. Until it was in their face beyond escape. And they understood why it was important to embrace the inner you. Very inspirational in this way. And a nice warm ending.

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Top Ten Tuesday: Something For Your Ears


I'm not much of an Audio Book Listener. I understand it's benefits. I once had to drive for 2 hours alone in traffic to my destination and back. That audio book was my savior. I barely noticed the traffic and didn't want to stop when I reached my destination. That book was Cinder, which lead me to the whole Lunar Chronicles Series, which I loved! The only other Audio book I listened to was Fangirl, which I loved so much, I read the hardback copy as soon as I got out of the car. 

Audio Books



I never thought myself a musical lover, but I might be. I loved the songs from these movies, as well as the actual movie itself. 
Movie Soundtracks



I don't like listening to music while reading because I want to give each my individual attention. But these songs felt like soundtracks to many good books
Book Soundtracks

This Entire CD (Feel Again my favorite!) 
Sail, 

Books With a Big Focus on Music



Share your list with me







Saturday, August 27, 2016

Harry Potter and The Cursed Child

I'd say J. K. Rowling has done it again.

Synopsis From Goodreads: Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, a new play by Jack Thorne, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series and the first official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage. The play will receive its world premiere in London’s West End on July 30, 2016.

It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn’t much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband and father of three school-age children.

While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places.
 

My Thoughts

Harry Potter and The Cursed Child is a quick and easy but exciting read. 
Harry's son, Albus, has befriended Malfoy's son Scorpius. The history of these two alone is enough drama within itself to last entire book. And then Scorpius is tormented by a dark rumor which only grows worse through the series. Together, they steal an artifact to right a wrong that was committed. In their attempt to do so, they make matters so much worse for themselves and everyone involved. But these two are not the only ones to blame. They're naivete as been taken advantage of. Together, Children and their parents have to once again save the wizarding world from the infamous Voldemort. 

The cast alone pleased me. I was disappointed that Harry had such a troubled relationship with his son for years. But that is the way of life. Nothing is perfect, especially Harry Potter.

I don't want to give even more away so tell me how you felt about it in the comments.

Before publishing my review today I decided to read a few other bloggers reviews. The main trend I noticed is "too fan servicing". I didn't know how to relate this feeling to my husband but I have to 100% agree. Just a few chapters in, I was put into Fangirl. Remember the fan fiction she wrote for Carry On. That was exactly how this felt. But it was still an enjoyable read.

But I found myself asking after a few days, exactly who had been the cursed child? I would have thought Albus since he is the main focus. He was quite a sullen teenager. Not to mention the dark cloud that surrounded him, according to the centaur.
It could have been Scorpius, with the rumor that haunts him and the reputation his Malfoy name carries.
It could have been Harry or Voldemort, but to explain would be to ruin the plot and neither of them were children.

So I ask, who exactly was the Cursed Child? 

Thursday, August 25, 2016

Did Not Finish

I went through an obsessive phase of 3 books a week, and lately my patience has been crap. If I've got to wait to love it half way in was it that good? Am I crazy for abandoning these books? Share your thoughts below, or some books you didn't finish.

 I absolutely loved City of Bones. It was a little too long, but that was ok because this story was made for devouring. And the author took almost 2 years to release City of Heavenly Fire. As I've mentioned on this blogs tons of times, I hate the wait. When I started the last book I had lost all my passion for it and just couldn't finish it. And I'm not sure if I want to any more.














I'd wanted to read this book for some time. There it sat on my to read list with every excuse under the sun to avoid it. Finally I gave it a small chance. Blame it on the tension in my life at the moment, but I couldn't get into this book. I feel obligated to finish it, and had to force myself to keep going. When I realized life was too short. I just didn't have the patience Vale needed.














To be perfectly honest with myself, I couldn't force myself to love this book when other books I was SUPER excited about were just released. And it was the lack of a good love story. I very much want to find out how it ends so I might give it another try, maybe. One day. With the right recommendation. Lol













I'd read Looking For Alask with so much enthusiasm after The Fault In Our Stars and I just felt like it fell short of my expectation. I'm just a big romantic. And this was not the best love story. I should have understood Johns hate of happy endings. I didn't want to finish it, we just went to the movie. My husband loved the movie. He called the ending early and was very satisfied when he was right.














I only kind of liked the first book in this series "Birthmarked" The synopsis sounded intriguing and even the synopsis for this book.
"Meanwhile, two brothers claim her attention as they attempt to understand the environmental trap that keeps the people of Sylum captive, and suddenly Gaia must contend with the exciting, uncomfortable, and altogether new feeling of being desired."
I love a good love triangle, not to mention she sort of left a boo back at home. But I just couldn't keep reading. It was too slow. 


















Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Waiting On Wednesday: A Torch Against The Night


This weeks Waiting On Wednesday is A Torch Against The Night by Sabaa Tahir
I haven't read the first one yet, but it sits innocently on my shelf kind of taunting me. I picked up on a whim at the airport because I needed something to read on my flight. Before I realized how popular it was. I didn't actually read it though. I stopped after a chapter or so and did a little research about it and realized, Of Course it's the first book in a series. OF FOUR!!! And the second book wasn't even out yet! Breaks everyone of my rules. So I wait in Not-patience for at least 3 of the books to be published. 

Synopsis From Goodreads
Elias and Laia are running for their lives.
After the events of the Fourth Trial, Martial soldiers hunt the two fugitives as they flee the city of Serra and undertake a perilous journey through the heart of the Empire.

Laia is determined to break into Kauf - the Empire's most secure and dangerous prison - to save her brother, who is the key to the Scholars' survival. And Elias is determined to help Laia succeed, even if it means giving up his last chance at freedom.

But dark forces, human and otherworldly, work against Laia and Elias. The pair must fight every step of the way to outsmart their enemies: the bloodthirsty Emperor Marcus, the merciless Commandant, the sadistic Warden of Kauf, and, most heartbreaking of all, Helene - Elias's former friend and the Empire's newest Blood Shrike.

Bound to Marcus's will, Helene faces a torturous mission of her own - one that might destroy her: find the traitor Elias Veturius and the Scholar slave who helped him escape... and kill them both.


Friday, July 15, 2016

Blog Tour: Seaside Lovers by Melissa Foster


Seaside Lovers
Melissa Foster
(Love in Bloom: Seaside Summers #7)
Publication date: July 20th 2016
Genres: Adult, Romance
Seaside Summers is a series of stand-alone romances that may also be enjoyed as part of the larger Love in Bloom series.
.
“You can always rely on Melissa Foster to deliver a story that’s fresh, emotional and entertaining. Make sure you have all night, because once you start you won’t want to stop reading. Every book’s a winner!” New York Times Bestselling Author Brenda Novak
.
“Melissa Foster is synonymous with sexy, swoony, heartfelt romance!” New York Times Bestseller Lauren Blakely
In SEASIDE LOVERS…
After months of long-distance communication, actress Parker Collins and artist Grayson Lacroux finally plan to reconnect in the seaside town of Wellfleet, Massachusetts. But Parker never shows, and weeks pass without a word, leaving Grayson to believe he’s misinterpreted their budding relationship.
Parker has been running on autopilot ever since she lost her friend, mentor, and the only family she’s ever known, Bert Stein. Armed with junk food, tequila, and her big, lovable dog, she’s prepared to hole up and mourn–and determined to mend a fence Bert had never been able to with his estranged and bitter brother. But Parker didn’t count on the sinfully hot artist she’s been fantasizing about for nearly a year walking in on her grief-induced drunken night.
When Grayson stumbles across Parker, he has no idea what to make of the gorgeous blonde who blew him off despite the heat sizzling between them. But that doesn’t stop him from feeling protective of the woman who’s consumed his thoughts for months, and when he learns of Parker’s plans to confront an angry old man, he refuses to leave her side. As Parker’s past unfolds, they’re led on an unexpected journey of discovery. Their connection deepens, and late-night fantasies become passionate realities, until good intentions spark painful secrets, threatening the love they’ve found.
***
Seaside Summers is part of Melissa Foster’s bestselling Love in Bloom series. All Love in Bloom books may be enjoyed as stand-alone novels, or as part of the series.
SEASIDE SUMMERS
Seaside Dreams (Bella)
Seaside Hearts (Jenna)
Seaside Sunsets (Jamie)
Seaside Secrets (Amy)
Seaside Nights (Sky)
Seaside Embrace (Hunter)
Seaside Lovers (Grayson)
Seaside Whispers (Matt)
***
Read the complete LOVE IN BLOOM series:
SNOW SISTERS
THE BRADENS (at Weston, CO)
THE REMINGTONS
THE BRADENS (at Trusty, CO)
THE BRADENS (at Peaceful Harbor)
SEASIDE SUMMERS
WILD BOYS AFTER DARK
For a complete reading guide, family tree, checklists, and more, visit Melissa’s website.
13524294_1068886523146430_3208428873270123714_n
EXCERPT:
“Trust me?” Grayson asked.
“Trust a guy who hauled me over his shoulder and kidnapped me?” She looked toward the bar.
“Yeah, trust that guy.”
“I do trust you.” She poked him in his chest. “But if I end up on the front of some rag magazine, I’m hiding out in your basement. With Christmas, chocolate, and a boatload of horror movies that you have to watch with me.”
“Sweetheart, if you move into my house, you won’t be watching movies or hiding out in the basement. You’ll be lucky if you make it out of the bedroom. In fact”—he slid his hand to the nape of her neck, causing her eyes to glaze over with desire—“maybe I should take a few of those pictures and make that happen.” He’d taken a chance, saying something so brazen and holding her like this in the cab of his truck, but he couldn’t hold back.


Author Bio:
Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes contemporary romance, new adult, contemporary women’s fiction, suspense, and historical fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Her books have been recommended by USA Today’s book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the World Literary Café and Fostering Success. When she’s not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success. Melissa has been published in Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine.
Melissa hosts an Aspiring Authors contest for children and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa lives in Maryland with her family.
Visit Melissa on social media. Melissa enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups, and welcomes an invitation to your event.

XBTBanner1

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Waiting On Wednesday: Carve The Mark

Waiting On Wednesday
which is hosted by Breaking The Spine


This weeks highly anticipated book is "Carve The Mark"

I didn't fall in love with reading YA until after Hunger Games, which was released around the same time as Divergent. I LOVED the series. And recently got into a conversation with an equally big Divergent lover about the abomination that was the last movie. I didn't even go see it. But I wouldn't dare hold that against Veronica Roth.


On a planet where violence and vengeance rule, in a galaxy where some are favored by fate, everyone develops a currentgift, a unique power meant to shape the future. While most benefit from their currentgifts, Akos and Cyra do not — their gifts make them vulnerable to others’ control. Can they reclaim their gifts, their fates, and their lives, and reset the balance of power in this world?

Cyra is the sister of the brutal tyrant who rules the Shotet people. Cyra’s currentgift gives her pain and power — something her brother exploits, using her to torture his enemies. But Cyra is much more than just a blade in her brother’s hand: she is resilient, quick on her feet, and smarter than he knows.


Akos is from the peace-loving nation of Thuve, and his loyalty to his family is limitless. Though protected by his unusual currentgift, once Akos and his brother are captured by enemy Shotet soldiers, Akos is desperate to get his brother out alive — no matter what the cost. When Akos is thrust into Cyra’s world, the enmity between their countries and families seems insurmountable. They must decide to help each other to survive — or to destroy one another.

Monday, July 11, 2016

Top Ten Tuesday: 10 facts About You


This meme is hosted by "The Broke and Bookish"
10 Facts About You

  1. I Love to read. Everyone knows this about me. I’ve gone through phases of loving it, and being burnt out. But it always comes back
  2. I love to write. Most people don’t know this because I keep it very private, even if I’ve been writing for 15 years for fun
  3. I love cooking and eating. I love Foodnetwork and trying out new recipes. I love trying new restaurants and frequenting old favorites. Eating is so much more than just a fuel stop for me.
  4. I like to enjoy a good movie/ series. I’ve gotten too busy for “Netflix marathons” but when a good movie gets me all emotionally involved, I’ll find time to watch it over and over again.
  5. I enjoy knitting and wish I had more time to dedicate to it.
  6. I love music. Dancing, singing, blaring it in the car and keeping up with my favorite artists.
  7. I love my family best of all. My two kiddies (7 and 5) my husband, my father, the family I married into, my friends who are like family. Everything comes second to them.
  8. I was born, raised, and currently reside in southern california. I LOVE IT here, even if one I move.
  9. I hate bugs! We don’t have that many bugs here so I’m good but when ever I travel I get huge bug bites everywhere. One got the size of my hand and I’m traumatized now.
  10. I love going on adventures. Finding something new to experience. We really have so many fun events going on in southern cali. If you’re willing to drive an hour in traffic. But someone is always working hard to put together these epic events. We need only to do our research and plan accordingly. And honestly, just grabbing the kids and my husband on a Saturday afternoon, anything we do will end up being an adventure and/or a production.

Monday, July 4, 2016

Book Review: Wild Cards

Synopsis from Goodreads: After getting kicked out of boarding school, bad boy Derek Fitzpatrick has no choice but to live with his ditzy stepmother while his military dad is deployed. Things quickly go from bad to worse when he finds out she plans to move them back to her childhood home in Illinois. Derek’s counting the days before he can be on his own, and the last thing he needs is to get involved with someone else’s family drama.

Ashtyn Parker knows one thing for certain--people you care about leave without a backward glance. So when her older sister comes home after abandoning her ten years earlier, with her hot new stepson in tow, Ashtyn wants nothing to do with either of them. Then she comes up with a plan that would finally give her the chance to leave, but it requires trusting Derek—someone she barely knows, someone born to break the rules. Is she willing to put her heart on the line to try and get the future she wants?  

What I Thought:

I am a huge fan of Simone Elkeles. I loved The Perfect Chemistry and Leaving Paradise. The simple plot but with a lot of heart and emotion. I think a lot of her books (including Ruined) have a common ground, dysfunctional families. Not so cut and dry as abusive or drug/ alcohol addiction. More on the route of neglectful and misunderstood. I love that it's not so cut and dry.
For example, Derek paints his grandmother to be a snobby know it all. She isn't so bad, just misguided. She acknowledges her mistakes and moves to fix them. She made more changes for Derek than my parents would make for me and I think my parents are just fine.
Both Derek and Ashtyn make Brandi out to sound like a brainless bimbo. But she seemed nice to me. She took good care of Julian and really wanted to be a friend to Derek.
Ofcourse Derek and Ashtyn had to fight their feelings for one another for the whole book, until the last page. I'd just like to see them happy. I can't really think of anything bad to say about this book. I would suggest it to everyone who loves YA.

Saturday, July 2, 2016

Book Review: Into The Still Blue

Synopsis From Goodreads: The race to the Still Blue has reached a stalemate. Aria and Perry are determined to find this last safe haven from the Aether storms before Sable and Hess do—and they are just as determined to stay together.

Within the confines of a cave they're using as a makeshift refuge, they struggle to reconcile their people, Dwellers and Outsiders, who are united only in their hatred of their desperate situation. Meanwhile, time is running out to rescue Cinder, who was abducted by Hess and Sable for his unique abilities. Then Roar arrives in a grief-stricken fury, endangering all with his need for revenge.

Out of options, Perry and Aria assemble an unlikely team for an impossible rescue mission. Cinder isn't just the key to unlocking the Still Blue and their only hope for survival—he's also their friend. And in a dying world, the bonds between people are what matter most.

In this final book in her earth-shattering Under the Never Sky trilogy, Veronica Rossi raises the stakes to their absolute limit and brings her epic love story to an unforgettable close.
 


What I Thought
         I read Under The Never Sky and couldn't wait to get started on Through the Ever Night. In fact I read them all back to back. Which is why it was hard for me to write a separate review for Into The Still Blue which picks right up where Through the Ever Night left off. It felt like one story that was broken up.

       Through the ever night had the classic middle book syndrome. Number one an introduction to a new exciting world with new tasks to overcome. Number three the exciting conclusion. Number two simply a bridge. There was no mission to accomplish. They talked about the Still Blue but never got the co-ordinates. But it wasn't any less interesting. No dull moments in my opinion.

        One of the aspects I loved so much about this book were the characters. Every single one of them. Perry, Aria, Roar, Brooke, Soren, Talon, Marron, Reef. They were each something special. I couldn't find the love for Liv though. She wasn't in enough of the book for me to really like her. First she was cold to Roar, then hot. I guess I just like consistency.

       I found new respect for Soren. He was arrogant and talked too much but so had Aria at first. And his heart was in the right place. He really wanted to help the people of Reverie.

      I even liked Brooke. I liked her from the first page she was in the book. When Perry knew he'd never be with Brooke for forever, I felt sympathy for her. And I could relate when she was rude to Aria. Aria, A dweller who kind of just popped up out of nowhere, whom Perry and Roar would do anything for. She even apologized to Aria and was nice to her friends.
       I found it interesting that as far back as book one, they'd set out on a mission only to not accomplish it. Perry didn't get Talon back in book 1. Aria was never let back in Reverie. But in the end everything worked out.

       For everyone who's read it, I couldn't help thinking Sable and Hess did Perry a favor because there's no way he would've gotten everyone to safety.


Friday, July 1, 2016

Blog Tour: My Broken Soldier by Alison Mello


My Broken Soldier
Alison Mello
(Love Conquers Life, #2)
Published by: Limitless Publishing
Publication date: July 12th 2016
Genres: Adult, Romance
Patricia Fitzgerald is finally ready to bring her relationship with Carter into the limelight, despite what her mother thinks…
Patty is prepared to face the consequences and announce her relationship at her first public fundraiser with Carter. But when a strange woman makes a move on him, and she finds them in what appears to be a mutual, passionate kiss, Patty can’t believe she’s been so foolish. She should’ve known better than to trust a man.
Carter’s been set up, but he can’t get anyone to believe him…
Floundering under the stress of losing Patty, the PTSD nightmares start in again, leaving Carter no choice but to turn to the only thing that will numb the pain. Alcohol—and lots of it. His family quickly intervenes and takes him to the hospital to kick-start his road to recovery. Carter knows burying the pain isn’t the answer. He has to heal…and save his relationship with Patty.
Outside forces work to keep Patty and Carter apart…
Suspicious of her mother’s recent actions, Patty pushes her to come clean about the setup at the fundraiser. Her jealous ex, Ben, has been blackmailing her mother into helping him ruin her relationship with Carter, and it doesn’t stop at that. Ben shows up at the lake house unwilling to accept no for an answer.
Carter needs to piece his broken life back together, but he’s running out of time…
With so many who want to destroy their happiness, he has to be strong enough to save Patty from an empty, loveless future—or he’ll be nothing more than the broken soldier she used to know.
Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000447_00006]
*Designed by Deranged Doctor Design*


Author Bio:
Alison Mello is a wife and stay at home mom to a wonderful little boy. She lives with her amazing family in Massachusetts. She loves playing soccer, basketball and football with her son.
After having her son, Alison started reading again and fell in love with Contemporary Romance. Reading made her happy and gave her something to do when she had downtime. As she started to read more, she started to noticed things she really enjoyed in a book and things she didn’t. She began to have ideas for writing one of her own. One day she literally woke up and started writing. She realized that if there was ever a time for her to write, it was now. She had a part time job to give her something to do. The hours at work were slow and she was bored with what she was doing, so while her son was off enjoying his friends over summer vacation she got started.
Alison finished the first book in two weeks and decided that she really enjoyed writing, so she kept going. She already had ideas in mind for books two and three, so she kept writing. That is how the Learning to Love Series was born. Somewhere along the line, one of my Beta readers convinced me that Michael, a character from Finding Love, needed his own story. That is when Alison added the fourth and final book. Alison hopes you enjoy her books as much as she enjoyed writing them.
She’s so glad she started this writing journey and hopes you will stay with her for the ride. Chasing Dreams is scheduled to release in April and the first two books of the Love Conquers Life series will be out this summer!

XBTBanner1

Blog Tour: My Broken Soldier by Alison Mello


My Broken Soldier
Alison Mello
(Love Conquers Life, #2)
Published by: Limitless Publishing
Publication date: July 12th 2016
Genres: Adult, Romance
Patricia Fitzgerald is finally ready to bring her relationship with Carter into the limelight, despite what her mother thinks…
Patty is prepared to face the consequences and announce her relationship at her first public fundraiser with Carter. But when a strange woman makes a move on him, and she finds them in what appears to be a mutual, passionate kiss, Patty can’t believe she’s been so foolish. She should’ve known better than to trust a man.
Carter’s been set up, but he can’t get anyone to believe him…
Floundering under the stress of losing Patty, the PTSD nightmares start in again, leaving Carter no choice but to turn to the only thing that will numb the pain. Alcohol—and lots of it. His family quickly intervenes and takes him to the hospital to kick-start his road to recovery. Carter knows burying the pain isn’t the answer. He has to heal…and save his relationship with Patty.
Outside forces work to keep Patty and Carter apart…
Suspicious of her mother’s recent actions, Patty pushes her to come clean about the setup at the fundraiser. Her jealous ex, Ben, has been blackmailing her mother into helping him ruin her relationship with Carter, and it doesn’t stop at that. Ben shows up at the lake house unwilling to accept no for an answer.
Carter needs to piece his broken life back together, but he’s running out of time…
With so many who want to destroy their happiness, he has to be strong enough to save Patty from an empty, loveless future—or he’ll be nothing more than the broken soldier she used to know.
Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000447_00006]
*Designed by Deranged Doctor Design*


Author Bio:
Alison Mello is a wife and stay at home mom to a wonderful little boy. She lives with her amazing family in Massachusetts. She loves playing soccer, basketball and football with her son.
After having her son, Alison started reading again and fell in love with Contemporary Romance. Reading made her happy and gave her something to do when she had downtime. As she started to read more, she started to noticed things she really enjoyed in a book and things she didn’t. She began to have ideas for writing one of her own. One day she literally woke up and started writing. She realized that if there was ever a time for her to write, it was now. She had a part time job to give her something to do. The hours at work were slow and she was bored with what she was doing, so while her son was off enjoying his friends over summer vacation she got started.
Alison finished the first book in two weeks and decided that she really enjoyed writing, so she kept going. She already had ideas in mind for books two and three, so she kept writing. That is how the Learning to Love Series was born. Somewhere along the line, one of my Beta readers convinced me that Michael, a character from Finding Love, needed his own story. That is when Alison added the fourth and final book. Alison hopes you enjoy her books as much as she enjoyed writing them.
She’s so glad she started this writing journey and hopes you will stay with her for the ride. Chasing Dreams is scheduled to release in April and the first two books of the Love Conquers Life series will be out this summer!

XBTBanner1

Book Review: We are the Goldens

Synopsis From Goodreads:
Nell knows a secret about her perfect, beautiful sister Layla. If she tells, it could blow their world apart.

When Nell and Layla were little, Nell used to call them Nellayla. Because to Nell, there was no difference between where she started and her adored big sister ended. They're a unit; divorce made them rely on each other early on, so when one pulls away, what is the other to do? But now, Nell's a freshman in high school and Layla is changing, secretive. And then Nell discovers why. Layla is involved with one of their teachers. And even though Nell tries to support Layla, to understand that she's happy and in love, Nell struggles with her true feelings: it's wrong, and she must do something about it.
 


What I Thought
This was the first book I was approved to read from Netgalley. That alone made reading this more of an experience for me. I truly believe how you feel going into a book will affect your opinion of it. I admit, I went in with low expectations and feeling the actual pressure to write a review that would be objective and fair. I refuse to bash a book, no matter how horrible I might feel, I would never jump on the internet to tell everyone I hated it.

I got lucky. We Are The Goldens was an easy read. Easy to start, easy to finish and easy to enjoy. I do wish the synopsis didn't give so much away though. "Layla is involved with one of their teachers" In my opinion this is the little secret, that the story is building up to. And isn't actually revealed until halfway through the book. I loved Nell's take on the whole situation, and how she told this story. Choosing to begin where she did, to show the reader just how strong this connection was. Nell also shows how her life was changing right alongside Layla's, sometimes because of Layla.

I am personally, a die hard romantic fan. The love aspect of the book is my favorite. I might read dystopia and sci-fi with world building and beauty artistry of words, but you better believe I'm waiting the whole time for the beautiful love story to unfold. We are the Goldens didn't have that focus. Yes, there was talk of relationships, and mild sexual content but it really focused on the friendships, the sisterly bond, and growing up to learn from mistakes and make wise decisions. I didn't even miss it.

I'm really happy I read this book. Since it wasn't focused on a relationship, I might have continued to overlook this author.

P.S. I'm not really a fan of teacher/ student in high school relationships. I basically avoid them at all costs. So I cheered Nell on when she didn't approve of her sisters involvement with the teacher. I basically feel if the teacher and student love each so much they can't be without the other, they would just wait until the student graduates. If the love is so strong, they can break the law, it should endure the test of time and distance. If it stands when the student is no longer a student, then they can be in a relationship. The only book I read that I think it was acceptable was Slammed by Colleen Hoover. Mostly because she was 18 and he was like 20 or something really young. AND she was soon to be a single parent to her younger brother, just like him. But that's just me, maybe I'm alone.

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Book Review: From Ashes

Synopsis From Goodreads:
Aside from her dad, who passed away when she was six, Cassidy Jameson has only ever trusted one man: her best friend, Tyler. So of course she follows him to Texas when he leaves for college. She just didn't expect to be so drawn to their new roommate, Gage, a gorgeous guy with a husky Southern drawl. The only problem? He's Tyler's cousin.

Gage Carson was excited to share an apartment off campus with his cousin. He didn't mind that Tyler was bringing the mysterious friend he'd heard about since they were kids ... until the most beautiful girl he's ever seen jumps out of his cousin's Jeep. There's something about Cassi that makes Gage want to give her everything. Too bad Tyler has warned him that she's strictly off-limits.

Despite everything keeping them apart, Cassi and Gage dance dangerously close to the touch they're both been craving. But when disaster sends her running into Tyler's arms, Cassi will have to decide whether to face the demons of her past ... or to burn her chance at a future with Gage.


What I Thought:

            I have officially finished and all I can say is WOW! I admit, I had low expectations, because its hard to respect a cheater, but I quickly learned that was not the case in this book. I am mad at myself for leaving Molly McAdams on my to-read shelf for too long. I will never make this mistake again.

           I appreciated the direct acknowledgement of the parental abuse Cassidy had to endure for 11 years. I love that it wasn't the main focus and the big build up reveal. I was not surprised that Tyler was "in- love" with Cassidy. I was surprised by his lack of admission of this to Cassidy and his crudeness about it with Gage. I understand it was probably his insecurities, he was probably just trying to keep Gage away. But I was appalled when I found out he was lying to Cassidy too! Gage maybe, but not Cassidy. And he just continued downhill. Tsk Tsk Tyler, I did not think Cassidy and Gage would forgive him.

            And Gage, SWOOOOOON. OH MY GOD! He was so undeniably absolutely amazingly perfect. Definitely one of my new book boyfriends. There is no bad boy here, except maybe his rare hot temper. He is just so freaking sweet. I mean so so so nice and sweet and I am completely in love. At no point in this book did he do something stupid and piss me off. (That's rare)

              This book has that it factor. It captured me and wouldn't let me go. I don't even know exactly what it is, but I could not put this book down.

              The one criticism I had for this book is Cassidy aspired to do absolutely nothing with her life. She was content to let Tyler take care of her for forever. Even as just friends. I understand that Cassidy didn't think she wouldn't actually live long enough to escape her abusive parents. But once she did, Did she think she could just sleep on the couch at Tyler's house for the rest of her life. Even after he got married and had kids. Cassidy was extremely, "damsel in distress." She was never independent. But it all worked out for her and I am so happy, Gage really deserved to be happy after everything he'd been through.


Monday, June 27, 2016

Book Review: Encave

Synopsis From GoodReads:
New York City has been decimated by war and plague, and most of civilization has migrated to underground enclaves, where life expectancy is no more than the early 20's. When Deuce turns 15, she takes on her role as a Huntress, and is paired with Fade, a teenage Hunter who lived Topside as a young boy. When she and Fade discover that the neighboring enclave has been decimated by the tunnel monsters - or Freaks - who seem to be growing more organized, the elders refuse to listen to warnings. And when Deuce and Fade are exiled from the enclave, the girl born in darkness must survive in daylight - guided by Fade's long-ago memories - in the ruins of a city whose population has dwindled to a few dangerous gangs.

Ann Aguirre's thrilling young adult novel is the story of two young people in an apocalyptic world- - facing dangers, and feelings, unlike any they've ever known.

What I thought

A friend of mine suggested this series to me, actually she sort of threatened me. But now I appreciate her for it.

This dystopian series is about a 15 year old Huntress born and raised in the underground tunnels, trained to fight off "Freaks" which, yes, is basically zombies.


She, and all the people who live with her have been raised to believe going outside, even if you can get past the zombies, will kill you. And Deuce gets partnered with the outcast that nobody likes, Fade. Together they discover that the Freaks have grown smarter and already taken over their neighboring tribe. But her superiors don't listen to her. She ends up exiled for taking the blame for a friend. And Fade goes with her. (Sweet Right).

It was amazing how small her world was underground. Together Fade and Deuce battle gangs and Freaks through the forest, picking up unlikely friends along the way to find a settlement. I find it interesting that Deuce had no idea people could live above ground, or that there were numerous settlements. But what she learns quickly, even above ground everyone thinks she's too young to advise on how to handle the smarter and more organized Freaks. Nobody wants the advice of a 16 year old girl. So she starts her own army. I loved this part so so much. She started off with 12 people and they made a name for themselves, protecting their home. Over time she grew to over 200 and came to an unlikely alliance.

Deuce literally saved her world. Her people from the army of Freaks look to kill them all. Of course she doesn't do it single handed. But she is the sole reason they fought back. And she's so humble about it. I will say this series is far more gruesome than many I've read. She likes to give great detail to many of her battles.

She grew and matured so much. I enjoyed this series and it's definitely one I'd read again.