August 31, 2012

REVIEW: Firelight by Sophie Jordan

Title: Firelight (Firelight #1)
Author: Sophie Jordan - Website | Twitter | Facebook
Publisher: Harper Teen
Published: September 7, 2010
Format: Hardcover, 326 pages
Rating: 5/5
Cover Love: Exponential.
Get it: Amazon || B&N | The Book Depository
A hidden truth.
Mortal enemies.
Doomed love.

Marked as special at an early age, Jacinda knows her every move is watched. But she longs for freedom to make her own choices. When she breaks the most sacred tenet among her kind, she nearly pays with her life. Until a beautiful stranger saves her. A stranger who was sent to hunt those like her. For Jacinda is a draki, a descendant of dragons whose greatest defense is her secret ability to shift into human form.

Forced to flee into the mortal world with her family, Jacinda struggles to adapt to her new surroundings. The only bright light is Will. Gorgeous, elusive Will who stirs her inner draki to life. Although she is irresistibly drawn to him, Jacinda knows Will's dark secret: He and his family are hunters. She should avoid him at all costs. But her inner draki is slowly slipping away—if it dies she will be left as a human forever. She'll do anything to prevent that. Even if it means getting closer to her most dangerous enemy.

Mythical powers and breathtaking romance ignite in this story of a girl who defies all expectations and whose love crosses an ancient divide.


My thoughts.
Jacinda is a draki, descendent of dragons that are able to shift into human form. But what’s so special about Jacinda? She’s the only fire-breather ever, in many many years. This has gotten Jacinda much attention from the Pride and most of all their leader. She’s closely watched and protected, but Jacinda longs to be free, to fly any time of day, to make her own choices in life, to be who she was born to be: a draki. However, her rebellion causes her to be chased by the Hunters that are known to kill her kind. Just when she thought she was done for, a beautiful boy spares her life.Though Jacinda survives, her actions have consequences from the Pride. Jacinda’s mother uproots her and twin sister Tamra to live a normal life in the mortal world. Jacinda struggles to adapt, but one bright spot is that beautiful boy that saved her then and just maybe he may save her again.

I can’t say this is the most original dragon story I have ever read, since it’s my first but I can tell you that the idea of draki’s is a very interesting one. It piques the inner workings of your mind, telling you that you need to explore this more. So naturally, I wanted to know more about draki’s even before I opened the book. Dragons are already awesome creatures, but drakis? Way way better. I love how, not only can Jacinda and the others manifest into their dragon descendants, but they each have special powers depending on what type draki they are to ensure ultimate survival. I thought that to be brilliant idea. The way that Sophie Jordan describes Jacinda’s manifest is so beautiful, I can see it in my mind’s eye. To make the book even more exciting than it already is, Jordan throws in the mix of Hunters that nearly bring Jacinda’s kind to extinction. I love learning the ways of Jacinda’s Pride and how they all work together. It’s very strict and organized. I understood this because it was needed for their survival, but I understood the suffocation that Jacinda felt within her own home.

Jordan doesn’t fail to entice you with the first few chapters of the book. Just a few chapters in, I found my heart beating in overdrive. I was so scared something might happen to Jacinda. Then Sophie Jordan sucked me in further with the appearance of the beautiful boy, Will. That encounter was primal, beautiful and amazing. Soon after, I was turning page after page, devouring the book at a very alarming rate. 

I found Jacinda to be an extraordinary character. She was strong-willed and determined. Jacinda speaks her mind and tries so hard to be her own person. I connected with her immediately. I understood her need for freedom, to make her own choices, to do what she wanted to do, but still stay within her Pride. When she’s forced to live in the mortal world, I was very sympathetic to her struggle and her willingness to keep her draki alive. She wanted to make her own choices, but she doesn’t want to stop being who she is. I completely related to Jacinda, but I wanted to be like Jacinda. She is one fierce fire-breather. She doesn’t give up and her drive to stay true to herself is impressive. Jacinda fights emotionally and physically throughout the whole book and I admire her strength to keep going.



The romance between Jacinda and Will is one of the best I’ve read. Their curiosity for each other blooms into an all consuming love. The sexual tension between the two was so intense, so well written, I became a fan of their relationship even before I knew who Will was! The forbidden aspect on both sides is the perfect touch to this wonderful romance. It’s more dangerous, more exciting and even more worth the risk. Will is going to make you melt.


Overall I found Firelight to be an unforgettable read. The story is irresistible, the plot is compelling, and the romance heats up along the ride. 

August 29, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday #30


Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine where you share an upcoming release that you're anticipating on reading.

Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi
Expected Publication Date: January 8, 2013
It's been months since Aria last saw Perry. Months since Perry was named Blood Lord of the Tides, and Aria was charged with an impossible mission. Now, finally, they are about to be reunited. But their reunion is far from perfect. The Tides don't take kindly to Aria, a former Dweller. And with the worsening Aether storms threatening the tribe's precarious existence, Aria begins to fear that leaving Perry behind might be the only way to save them both.

Threatened by false friends, hidden enemies, and powerful temptations, Aria and Perry wonder, Can their love survive through the ever night?

In this second book in her spellbinding Under the Never Sky trilogy, Veronica Rossi combines fantasy and dystopian elements to create a captivating love story as perilous as it is unforgettable.


Why I'm Waiting?

1. Under the Never Sky.
Yeah, that first book? BLEW MY MIND. I effing loved it so much that these past few months have been complete and utter torture and it still is. I am dying dying and slowly dying until Through the Ever Night releases. If you have not read UTNS, what the F-- is wrong with you?! Get on that shit and read! No regrets, I tell you. No. freaking. regrets.

2. THAT ENDING. (From UTNS)
YEAH. WTF RIGHT!? I NEED MORE. All I have to say there.

3. Perry.
Oh, Perry. I love you. You and Aria are so good together, you better stay together. None of this "can their love survive" stuff because YOUR LOVE BETTER SURVIVE DAMN IT OR I WILL JUST DIE. Perry, you are so sexy, I cannot even comprehend.

4. Roar.
Self-explanatory.

5. The Tides, Reverie.. wait, what FALSE FRIENDS!?
I want to know more about the world, everything in Reverie and all the other Dwellers and then the Tides and other Savages that had be so captivated in UTNS. iloveditsomuch. AND, I want to know who are these false friends the blurb mentions because Sweet Jesus, doesn't Aria and Perry go through enough!? *cries*

And that's what I'm waiting on and to be honest, 
I know everyone and their mama is waiting on this one too, lol!
 Nonetheless, I want to know what else are you waiting on?

August 28, 2012

REVIEW: Speechless by Hannah Harrington

Title: Speechless
Author: Hannah Harrington - Website || Twitter || Facebook
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Published: August 28, 2012
Format: Netgalley eARC* 288 pages
Rating: 5/5
Get it: Amazon | B&N | The Book Depository
Everyone knows that Chelsea Knot can't keep a secret

Until now. Because the last secret she shared turned her into a social outcast—and nearly got someone killed.

Now Chelsea has taken a vow of silence—to learn to keep her mouth shut, and to stop hurting anyone else. And if she thinks keeping secrets is hard, not speaking up when she's ignored, ridiculed and even attacked is worse.

But there's strength in silence, and in the new friends who are, shockingly, coming her way—people she never noticed before; a boy she might even fall for. If only her new friends can forgive what she's done. If only she can forgive herself.

My thoughts, feelings, and reactions.
Hannah Harrington has stepped it up a notch with her latest book, Speechless. I loved her previous book, Saving June, and couldn’t turn down the chance to read Speechless. Did Hannah Harrington disappoint me? No way! She blew me away and surpassed any expectations I had. Any hesitations I had with this book disappeared on that first page. Speechless was not just any ordinary book that I fell in love with easily, it was more.

Chelsea Knot: secret-teller and gossiper extraordinaire.

She cannot keep her mouth shut, cannot keep a secret, and must tell everyone and anyone any juicy information that comes her way. One moment and more than a few words said causes a near death experience for another, causes Chelsea’s popularity by association to crumble down to barely nothing, and brings Chelsea to make a vow of silence. From the start, I found Chelsea to be bold and daring with the way she threw around secrets. Chelsea was also hilariously funny, I had to fight off my laughter! She astounded me with what she did and although I didn’t like the way she handled things in the beginning, Chelsea showed enormous growth and change after her downfall and throughout the book. Even through the heavy bullying and harassment Chelsea gets from her old friends, she still holds her head high. Along the way, Chelsea learns to think before she speaks, to balance between speaking up and keeping quiet for the right reasons and she discovers true and real friendship from the most unlikely group of people.

The Romance: heart-warming and smile-like-a-fool worthy.

It’s not the main focus of the story and it’s not all consuming. It’s just right. It’s slow and sweet and it builds and builds into this natural, inevitable and real relationship between Sam and Chelsea. Sam is not your typical, drop-dead-gorgeous love interest. He’s not the most popular or most coveted. Sam is cute and quirky and dorky in the most attractive and appealing way possible. He’s fun to be around. When he’s present, he makes you smile. Best of all, he’s friendly and such a great guy that he doesn’t judge, but gives Chelsea a chance to show she’s more than that girl.

Hannah Harrington’s writing: powerful and moving.
There is just something about her writing that I cannot pinpoint exactly what it is that is so easy to read. It's so deep and profound that it really packs in the emotions and just hits home. She creates a relatable, well crafted, well thought out book that brings in bullying and other high school issues front and center to the reader. Her writing just draws you in so consumingly that there is no way you’re coming out of it the same. Speechless made me want to become a better person than the one I was before. It made me want to make a difference; to be there for Chelsea and to stand up for her when others chose not to. Hannah Harrington’s writing leaves you touched like no other book has before. 

Overall, Speechless was the perfect novel about self-discovery, redemption, and finding true happiness in yourself and others. I highly recommend, not just Speechless, but anything Hannah Harrington writes!


*Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Teen for making it possible for me to read this book. 

August 27, 2012

Best books I've read this summer! 8)

If you are reading this, I'm probably in school dreading the fact that my summer has ended after what seemed like a short three months (or probably just waking up, lol) and I basically feel like this..






Before my summer ended (*cries*) I decided to make a post about the best books I've read this summer (hence the title, yeah?) because duh, that's basically what I ended up doing this summer. Reading. Reading. And oh yeah... Reading! (With the occasional partying and whatnot in between those). So I should really get on to that list huh? You're probably like...


Ooookaaay. In no particular order... 



What A Boy Needs by Nyrae Dawn 
You all know I adore Nyrae Dawn's books, so this list cannot be a list without at least one (or two or three or four) ;P And this book? Definitely my fav. Jaden just melts my heart...
I turn to look at her; a piece of her dark is now flying in the slight breeze, moving around like her legs are in the water. And man do I want to kiss and touch her. Memorize her with my hands.


 Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry
How can you not fall in love with sexxxy Noah and lovely Echo? Yeah, there is just no way. Not only was this one of my best summer reads, it's become one of my favorite contemporaries, ever. Raw, dark and edgy. IHeartThisBook.
Because growing up means making tough choices, and doing the right thing doesn’t necessarily mean doing the thing that feels good.


My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
Read my review
Ah, summer and falling in love with the boy next door. Everything I could have hoped for and more. ;) All I can say about this one is Jase. Jase and more Jase
“Shhhh." He pulls on my lower lip gently with his teeth, then fits his mouth to mine. First so careful, and then so deep and deliberate, that I can't think of anything at all but his smooth back under my hands.


Of Poseidon by Anna Banks
With a snarky protagonist, charming love interest and witty writing, this mermaid (whoops, I mean Syrena) book was just amazingsauce. I adored this book to bits. 
I keep my back turned while he maneuvers his shorts into place. “Are you decent?” I call after a few seconds. No matter how many times I tell him I can’t see into the water yet, he insists I’m just trying to look at his “eel.” For crying out loud.


Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter
Greek mythology! Cool main character and the ever dark and handsome, Henry. Seriously, this book (this series!) is a package deal and Aimee Carter totally put me on a serious roller coaster ride. *punches Persephone*
You can say you love me all you want, but if you only ever act like the opposite's true, then I can't trust your words anymore



Saving June by Hannah Harrington
Read my review

This is probably the only book on this list that didn't release this year and probably the one that makes me want to bang my head on the wall because I didn't read it sooner.
Saving June= Road Trip + Harper&Jake + Music + LOVE. Ifreakingfrakingfuckinglovethisbooklikenoother.
You cannot be in love with someone you've really only known for barely a week and on top of that someone who drives you crazy most of the time. No matter how goodlooking and charming and interesting and understanding he may be. Not even if he's the one person who makes you feel like yourself.
Right?"

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Read my review

A kick-ass assassin, a duel to be the champion, a Dorian and a Choal to take your heart, whisk you away to this adventurous, exciting and freaking epic world of Adarlan. Mhm, just talking about it makes me want to reread it!
You could rattle the stars," she whispered. "You could do anything, if only you dared. And deep down, you know it, too. That’s what scares you most.


Inbetween by Tara Fuller
Read my review

ohsweetheavensabove. I lovelovelove this book to death. I can't even begin and end and Sweet Jesus, the book speak for itself, really. Reapers, Emma, Finn, Cash, Easton. FinnCashEaston. CashEastonFinn. EastonFinnCash. Where was I? Oh, right! Just trust me that this book will make you feel good. Make you feel all the feelings. Did I mention Finn? ;)
Her fingers brushed my chest. Dove deeper until her palm was stirring the space in between my lungs. Warmth whispered through me. I closed my eyes and suppressed a groan. This feeling. This was what I'd been missing.


Confessions of an Angry Girl by Louise Rozett
Read my review

This one was just awesome from Rose to Jamie Forta to the overall storyline that depicts high school freshman life realistically to Rose's crazy, bad-ass, don't-mess-with-me attitude. This book is cool beans.
His laugh makes me laugh, and I feel warm inside. Too warm. Like I have to take off my coat and half my clothes immediately or I'll soon be soaked with sweat.


Karma Bites by Nyrae Dawn
Read my review

I started this list with a Nyrae book and hell yes I'm going to end this list with another Nyrae book because her books are that incredible and come on.. you can bet dollars to donuts that I'm going to mention this one character who I love so much my heart could burst.. CALEB! *flails* Yep, cutiepie Abby, mysterious Gabe, vampires, explosive plot twists and CalebCalebCaleb xinfinity. mustread.
"Your skin is so soft," he says, and I'm not even sure he realizes he said it, because he's so focused on making this better for me, the only way he can think to do. And I was wrong. Is it possible for someone to be more than everything? No one has or could ever make me feel like Caleb does.

And that's it, folks. *phew*

So many amazing books, I may explode from all their goodness. lol
Let me know what you think!
Even if your summer is over (like mine) or if you're still in summer mode, let me know some of your best/favorite books you've read these past three months!

Now I bid thee, farewell!

August 24, 2012

REVIEW: Karma Bites by Nyrae Dawn

Title: Karma Bites
Author: Nyrae Dawn - Website | Twitter
Publisher: Crescent Moon Press
Published: August 15, 2012
Format: ecopy* 214 pages
Rating: 5/5!
"Whoever said, 'parents are always right' really should have thought that one through. After all, my mom believes in vampires. Go figure."

All Abigail Thompson ever wanted was to be considered normal. Instead, she ended up a loner with a vampire–obsessed mom and a stamp labeling her the resident freak of Karma, California.

When bad boy Caleb Evans saves Abby from a mean girl attack straight out of a “B” movie, Abby’s own karma starts to improve. Maybe “normal” could become her way of life, after all. But Caleb isn’t the only boy to notice her. Once newcomer Gabriel Chambers becomes Abby’s new best friend, she finds herself trapped between two boys, both holding secrets. And when Abby learns sometimes things really do go bump in the night, she discovers one of those secrets could just get her killed.
Get it: Amazon || B&N

My thoughts, feelings, and reactions.
Karma Bites is another book to add on to my ever growing obsession, addiction and admiration for Nyrae Dawn. It’s also another one of Nyrae’s books that will be added to my all-time favorites list because I seriously cannot tell you how much she never ceases to WOW me with her work. Just when I thought her last book was my favorite, she goes and writes another, that I knew would be completely great, but instead I get blown away. 

Whether it be contemporary or a paranormal book, Nyrae Dawn is a master storyteller, a master at writing books that you can easily lose yourself into where you can relate to the characters and the story. She has the power to make you feel like your living in the book rather than just reading it. 

Karma Bites is Nyrae’s first paranormal novel and the first book of hers that I read with a female narrator. I can tell you that Nyrae excels at writing paranormal and she creates one killer female protagonist. (Was there even any doubt?!) I love how Nyrae eases us into this world with a steady pace that doesn’t lack excitement. She doesn’t bombard you with information, but leaves you with enough to want and need more. KB is not your typical paranormal book and not your everyday vampire story either. It’s different and unique, cool and believable. Nyrae Dawn creates her own vampires, giving them a twist within Abby’s story. These vampires don’t sparkle in the sun, but they are the menacing and dangerous creatures of the night with powers only humans wish to obtain. At the same time, they are capable of real human feelings and emotions where you can love them wholeheartedly. 

Abby was an excellent main character. I adored her from the very start. Her voice was so clear in my head, I could almost see and feel her right next to me. Abby had this spunk, this attitude that really captured my attention and made her unforgettable in my eyes. She constantly made me laugh with her snarky comebacks and her never-ending sarcasm. I loved how real Nyrae created Abby. She was just a young girl who wanted nothing more than a normal life. I found Abby to be very loving and understanding. Despite what her mom believed in and the things she goes through, Abby keeps their strong, unbreakable bond. My favorite thing about Abby was her endearing and charming personality. Even when she said something silly and ended up embarrassing herself, I just ended up loving her more. She was just so adorable and cute I wanted to keep her forever. Abby was so easily relatable and so easy to connect with I felt like I could be friends with her in a heartbeat. Because my connection with Abby was so deep, whatever she was feeling my emotions were up front and center with hers. I felt her sadness, her loneliness, her anger, her happiness, her heartbreak and all her giddiness. 

There are two boys in this book that will definitely make you swoon, but Caleb was my favorite all the way. He was mysterious, gorgeous, a green-eyed, black haired beauty I couldn’t get enough of. He was totally cool in that I-don’t-care-what-other-people-think kind of way. Although he was aloof towards Abby at times, he was kind to her when no one else would give her the time of day. He helped Abby a lot, believed in her strength when she didn’t think she had any and he boosted her confidence when she thought she had none. On the outside, Caleb had this bad boy persona, but he was vulnerable and sweet on the inside.

Nyrae surely knows how to pack in the action and give a little more than a punch to the stomach. Karma Bites had me at the edge of my seat to the point where I couldn’t seem to read fast enough for my brain to catch up with all the anticipation I was feeling. Right when things were going great for Abby, BOOM! Cue in explosive plot twist one after the another that keeps you guessing all the time. It’s intense and crazy and I was so swept up into a whirlwind full of emotions and turmoil. Just when I think it couldn’t get any better than that, it does. It really does. So many parts of this book was so unexpected, I’m at a loss for words. 

Overall, Karma Bites is one fierce and riveting book. It has wonderful characters anyone call fall in love with, an exuberant storyline, and writing that can mesmerize all. Nyrae Dawn is one of very few authors who can make me fall in love with a book after the first page alone.

*Thank you to Nyrae Dawn and CMP for sending a copy for review!

August 23, 2012

REVIEW: Confessions of an Angry Girl by Louise Rozett

Title: Confessions of an Angry Girl (Confessions #1)
Author: Louise Rozett - Website | Twitter | Facebook
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publication Date: August 28, 2012
Format: Netgalley eARC* 272 pages
Rating: 5/5
Rose Zarelli, self-proclaimed word geek and angry girl, has some confessions to make….

1. I'm livid all the time. Why? My dad died. My mom barely talks. My brother abandoned us. I think I'm allowed to be irate, don't you?

2. I make people furious regularly. Want an example? I kissed Jamie Forta, a badass guy who might be dating a cheerleader. She is now enraged and out for blood. Mine.

3. High school might as well be Mars. My best friend has been replaced by an alien, and I see red all the time. (Mars is red and "seeing red" means being angry—get it?)

Here are some other vocab words that describe my life: Inadequate. Insufferable. Intolerable.

(Don't know what they mean? Look them up yourself.)

(Sorry. That was rude.)
Amazon || B&N || The Book Depository

My thoughts, feelings, and reactions. 
I loved and enjoyed Confessions of an Angry Girl so much! It was such a great book from the very beginning and even more so along the way to the very end. I wasn’t sure what to expect with a book like this, but I was definitely surprised by the overall outcome. It was so good I can’t even explain it. Louise Rozett had me wanting more before I even finished and she had me wishing it didn’t end there. There’s no better way to say that Louise entirely swept me off my feet. 

The Writing.

  • Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. That prologue really grabs some serious attention. After that, there’s no fighting the urge to read on and on. The book is relatively short, a quick, fast-paced read at a mere 272 pages. You will be devouring this book in no time at all. I completely lost time while reading this book, too engrossed with the story. Louise Rozett gave the book personality and flare through her writing and her creation of Rose. I loved how she added in those words before a chapter in Rose’s own definition. It was different and fun and I even learned a few new words along the way. 


Main character, Rose, is the best.
  • I loved her right off the bat. I found her to be completely relatable and easy to connect with because she was flawed and imperfect, more human than just a made up character. She was shy, awkward and uncomfortable in her skin, but she was fierce when she was worked up. She’s smart as hell and does really well in school despite all the anger and grief she feels inside. She was pretty awesome even with her insufferable attitude and demeanor that came out at the worst of times. I found Rose to be a great friend, putting up with her best friend’s antics and horrible ways; still remaining loyal no matter how she was treated. I thought she handled everything that was thrown at her as maturely as she could, trying her best at being the better person. There are some things that Rose does in the book that I frowned upon, but found myself being really proud of her in the end. 

The Romance.

  • The blossoming romance that’s subtle and sweet between Rose and Jamie stands out. These two were just so cute. There was sexual tension and secrets and thrill all wrapped up in their unconventional relationship. I adored Jamie. He’s that cool, quiet and mysterious type of guy you don’t know much about, but are begging to. He cares for Rose in a way that doesn’t need to be voiced, but is seen and felt through action. Not much is said about Jamie, leaving plenty room to reader’s imagination until the next book. 

The plot is what drew me in, but it’s the reason I stayed for the ride.

  • Rose struggles with high school life, with her grief and anger at her dad dying, with the neglect she feels from her mother, the distance between her and her brother, the friendship with Tracy that seems to be crumbling at a fast rate and her feelings towards the sexy and aloof: Jamie Forta. Louise Rozett does an impressive depiction of high school freshman life and of a teenager dealing with real life issues and drama with struggles of growing up. There’s talk about popularity, relationships, alcohol and sex. Basically everything and anything a high schooler may go through is somehow mentioned and weaved into the story, making this book easily relatable to teens and young adults. 



Overall, Confessions of an Angry Girl is real, true and straightforward. Rose’s inner mind is so addicting to read there’s difficulty at pulling yourself away. Louise Rozett tells it like it is. She’s compelling and hypnotizing readers into Rose’s story. 



I can’t wait for where Louise Rozett will take Rose in Confessions of an Almost Girlfriend.

*Thanks to Harlequin Teen for allowing me to read this book!

August 22, 2012

ReAwakened by Ada Adams Excerpt!

Did you love ReVamped by Ada Adams? Have you fallen in love with her writing and the world she built in Angel Creek with Dawn? Are you anxiously waiting for the second book in the series to come out? If you answered yes, yes and yes to all these questions, you have come to the right place!

While we are all dying to read ReAwakened, Ada has released an official excerpt! Now I know you want to just scroll down and just want to read the AMAZING excerpt, I'll go ahead and let you guys go. lol x)



“Meeting Razor” - “ReAwakened
Ada Adams
My two-story fall was cushioned by the intruder’s body. He—a vampire, I realized—groaned as I landed on top of him, forcing his body into the muddy ground. I reached for my dagger, but he was quicker. Before I had a chance to pull it out, he slipped out from underneath me, flipping me over so that he was on top. His firm, muscular body pressed tightly against mine as his hands pinned my wrists to either side of my head. His face was covered by shadows, but I could make out a mischievous smirk dancing across perfectly-shaped full lips.
“You’re quite feisty, aren’t you?” he chuckled, bending forward to examine me. Deep, charcoal eyes overflowed with amusement.
He was actually enjoying this.
“I don’t wanna hurt you,” he whispered in a deep, throaty voice. “I’m gonna release you now. Don’t do anything stupid.”
He lifted his arm, removing his right hand from my left wrist. The moment I felt some freedom, I leaped forward, attempting a left hook at his jaw. He blocked my hand, once again pushing it toward the ground.
“I said I wasn’t going to hurt you!” he growled, pinning me even further into the soft, wet earth.
“Yes, but I never said I wouldn’t hurt you,” I snapped.
He brought his face toward mine. “I’d like to see you try,” he whispered.
Challenge accepted.
I raised my head—the only part of my body that wasn't restrained by the stranger’s body—inching my lips closer to his. He tensed for a moment, his eyes searching mine, as if surprised by my sudden change in behavior. Drops of rainwater slid down his chiseled jaw, pausing briefly on his lips before they plummeted onto mine. Then, a slow, smug smile spread across his face. I felt his body relax and he leaned even closer. His breath caressed my skin as his lips drew near.
It was exactly what I needed. Summoning all my strength, I twisted my hips to the side, shooting them up and out, then launching my legs from the ground. Thrown off-balance, my captor groaned and released one of my arms to brace for the fall, giving me the perfect opportunity to reach for my dagger. In one smooth move I darted behind him, placing him in a secure headlock—the blade of my weapon aimed directly at his heart.
“Who are you?” I demanded when I was certain he couldn’t escape my grip.
“I’m a twenty-four-year-old Taurus who enjoys long walks on the beach.” Even though I couldn’t see his face, I could feel his arrogant grin.
“You have ten seconds to explain yourself,” I ordered. “And then I’m really going to hurt you.”
“Oh, come on! Can’t we get back to kissing? You can’t tease a guy like that.”
“Ten, nine…” I pressed the dagger deeper into him, nicking the leather of his jacket.
“Hey! Watch it!”
“Eight…”
“Oh, alright. You’re no fun,” he sighed. “My name is Razor.”
“What kind of a name is that?”
“It’s a nickname.”
“What kind of a nickname is that?”
“Spike, Blade, Fang—all the good, pointy objects were already taken by fictional characters. It was the best I could do.”


****

What do you think? 
Did you guys swoon for Razor like I did? ;)
Please be aware that he is mine and we are very much in love, lol x)
Haha, all right let me know your thoughts in the comments below! 

A simple mission turned deadly.

ReVamped by Ada Adam - Book 1 in the Angel Creek series
Get your copy HERE.

Waiting on Wednesday #29

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine where you share an upcoming release that you're anticipating on reading.


Uses for Boys by Erica Lorraine Scheidt 
Expected Publication: January 15, 2013
From an extraordinary new YA talent comes a debut novel about a girl who turns to boys—until she finally learns to lean on herself.

Anna remembers a time before boys, when she was little and everything made sense. When she and her mom were a family, just the two of them against the world. But now her mom is gone most of the time, chasing the next marriage, bringing home the next stepfather. Anna is left on her own—until she discovers that she can make boys her family. From Desmond to Joey, Todd to Sam, Anna learns that if you give boys what they want, you can get what you need. But the price is high—the other kids make fun of her; the girls call her a slut. Anna's new friend, Toy, seems to have found a way around the loneliness, but Toy has her own secrets that even Anna can't know.
Then comes Sam. When Anna actually meets a boy who is more than just useful, whose family eats dinner together, laughs, and tells stories, the truth about love becomes clear. And she finally learns how it feels to have something to lose—and something to offer. Real, shocking, uplifting, and stunningly lyrical, Uses for Boys is a story of breaking down and growing up.

Why I'm Waiting?

1. Cover
It rocks my world and more. It's simple, yet sexy and sweet and it just makes me want to grab the book and just devour it whole. 

2. Premise
It's nothing I've ever encountered. Instead of the boy using girls, its the girl using boys. That along caught my attention and I knew, just knew, that I must must must read this book. 

3. Love Story
I love a good romance like the next hopeless romantic and this one is so up my alley. I have a feeling I'll be falling in love with Sam alongside Anna <3

4. Girl and Boy.
Troubled girl meets Good Boy = yessss please.


What are you waiting on?

August 21, 2012

REVIEW: Freeing Carter by Nyrae Dawn

Title: Freeing Carter
Author: Nyrae Dawn - Website || Twitter
Published: July 17, 2012
Format: Kindle ebook, 196 pages
Rating: 5/5 stars
His whole life Carter’s fought to hold it together: To help Mom run their store. To be there for his special needs sister, Sara, and be the perfect boyfriend Mel wants. To dominate on the basketball court—the only place he ever feels free. And to carry Mom up the stairs when she’s too smashed to make it on her own. 

It isn't like she has a problem. Mom loves them. If she doesn't drink every day, she's not really an alcoholic, right? 

Wrong.

Then Kira Dawson, a girl with a bipolar wardrobe and rotating hairstyles comes to town. Somehow, she sees the truths he hides from the world. “You have skeletons, too, Carter Shaw. Don’t think I don’t know it.” For the first time, he wants someone to see his inner scars—to really know him. 

When his mom finally goes too far, will Carter be able to man-up, even if it means turning his back on her and stepping out from behind the façade he’s fought so hard to keep in place?
Get it: Amazon || B&N

My thoughts, feelings, and reactions.
Nyrae Dawn has done it again! She never ceases to amaze and astound me with her beautiful and mesmerizing writing, her ability to enchant with any story, and the way she can move me with every character she creates. 

Freeing Carter was just so intense with heavy issues, drama, and heartache. Everything in this book just really pulls at all the heart strings and the whole story really stays with you. What I loved about this book was how real, raw and true it was. Nyrae Dawn just tells it straight, she doesn’t sugar-coat Carter’s issues and she really brings out the best and worst when facing such serious topics. 

Carter was a remarkable character. My heart shattered piece by piece having to read all that he goes through. In the beginning, Carter kept a wall up to ward people off from his imperfections and problems at home. For a long time he’s been struggling to  save face and to keep up pretenses and hide away the secrets that seem to tear him down nearly everyday. Carter also struggles with guilt for being angry at his mother for drinking her pain away. Even though he feels this way, Carter was a great son and brother. He has so much on his plate, but he still manages to think of his mother and sister first, putting their care above all else. Because of this, I saw Carter as a person who is caring and unselfish. He’s cocky sometimes, but he’s so sweet. He’s a great guy at heart despite all the demons he faces every single day. I found him to be truly strong and brave, especially when he decided to do the right thing in the end. 

When he meets Kira, bits and pieces of my broken heart were put back together.  I was so glad that Carter found someone to confide in; someone that he can let in through all his barriers. Kira was a different girl, someone Carter has never encountered before. She’s cool and spunky and she seems to really get Carter. Most of all, she sees through his facade of perfection to the real Carter behind it all. And Carter is really drawn to this eccentric girl. He’s intrigued and fascinated all the same. I loved watching them fall in love because I could see how good Kira was for Carter and vice versa. I see how free-spirited Kira was and how she didn’t care what anyone thought of her. I was glad that Carter was the same way, loving Kira no matter what his classmates said. I was absolutely taken with their relationship. They were such an unforgettable couple.

The ending of the book was probably my very favorite part because it was a realistic ending that rang true to the story and the characters and it ended on a note of happiness, change and hope for the future to come. 


Overall, Freeing Carter was just plain beautiful



Keep these marvelous books coming, Nyrae, because I simply cannot get enough of your fabulous writing!

Teaser Tuesday #30



Teaser Tuesday is weekly meme hosted by MizB from Should Be Reading.


Karma Bites by Nyrae Dawn
Publication Date: August 15, 2012
"I feel like an idiot. Like he has to wear his kid gloves with me because I'm the girl with no friends. "I wouldn't have minded somewhere private."
Gabe smiles. "I guess I'm being a gentleman for no reason, then." Page 75.

----

"Then come with me." I want nothing more than to do as he says. I peek my head inside and when I do, Caleb grabs my hand. "Come on, Abby. Please?" There's no way I can deny him. Not when he's looking at me with those forest green eyes than remind me of the woods we spend so much time in. Page 100.


*sigh* I seriously lovelovelove Caleb. He makes me feel things. lol
Special thanks to  @dduffield75 for randomly choosing these page numbers on twitter and for everyone who participated when I asked :)
And thanks to Nyrae Dawn for Karma Bites <3

What do you guys think of those teasers?
Let me know and leave me your cool links!

August 20, 2012

Blog Tour: Integration by Imogen Rose Review + Swag Giveaway


Title: Integration (Bonfire Academy #2)
Author: Imogen Rose - Website | Twitter | Facebook
Published: July 10, 2012
Format: Kindle ebook*
Rating: 4/5 stars
Get it: Amazon || B&N

Second haiku warning:

A boyfriend missing
A lover must pay in blood
A princess must die

Welcome back to Bonfire Academy.


My thoughts, feelings and reactions.
Integration is the follow up and sequel to Imogen Rose’s first book in the Bonfire Academy series, Initiation. In this second book, Imogen picks up from where the story last left off. Cordelia comes back to Bonfire Academy to start her year as Professor Bern’s apprentice. 

The book starts off with a very mysterious prologue that hooked me from the start. It had me eager to keep on reading because I felt I was finally going to get answers to all my questions from Initiation. Other familiar characters who I grew to love are back and not even a day has passed from when Cordelia arrives at BA when trouble starts up all over again. This time, the stakes are higher. Everyone Cordelia’s close to is in danger and even more lives are at risk. There’s so much threats surrounding not only Cordelia, but Faustine as well and it seems like no one can be trusted.

Imogen Rose really added in the suspense and thrill I was looking for in the first book. I didn’t know what to expect in Integration and Imogen surely shocked me with the events that happened that I never thought to expect. Her writing is still just as addicting as it was in Initiation, but even more so. I couldn’t help but want to keep reading to find out what was really going on, to discover why all this creepy stuff was happening to Cordelia. I was happy that Imogen gave me enough information to appease my curiosity, but she still kept plenty in the dark to keep me begging for more.

I really admired Cordelia in this book because she really started to take matters into her own hands. She finally started making her own decisions for herself and she also realized what was best for her and the people around her. I was proud of Cordelia for finally letting go the things and the people that needed to be let go. I just thought that Cordelia really stepped up her maturity in this book. I saw that she was really growing into herself, finding out what she truly wanted and needed for herself. I love that Cordelia continued to be such a great friend and protector towards Faustine. I also love Cordelia’s determination to get to the bottom of things. Cordelia does everything she can to help solve the problems happening  around her and she won’t stop until the threats and danger that continue to plague them all finally cease. Cordelia is a true heroine and I can‘t wait to see what she does next!

Overall, Integration was a great addition to the Bonfire Academy series. It was even better than the first. It was fun, fast-paced and exciting. Fans of Imogen Rose will love this book and paranormal lovers will enjoy such a different world and amazing characters created in this book!

I can’t wait for the next book and if you haven’t started reading this series, I highly recommend it!

*Thanks to Roxanne from Bewitching Book Tours for sending a copy for review :)

Check out the other stops on the tour HERE.

~ GIVEAWAY~
3 Winners (INT) will win an Integration Swag Pack!
Courtesy of Amy K.
Non-Integration Promo Items Not Included
To Enter just fill in the Rafflecopter:
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Integration Teaser:
Broken. I couldn’t think of a better word to describe it. I felt as if I’d been torn to bits, maybe even shredded. I was suffocating, surrounded by a wet tightness of skin and flesh all crusted together. My body was home to excruciating stabs of pain searing about randomly before a final thrust of sheer agony. I couldn’t tell if the source of the pain was within me or if I was being repeatedly sliced open with a knife. Did it matter? I felt as though it was only a matter of seconds before my thoughts would end.
 
“Cordelia!”

My name. I flinched as the same voice repeated my name again and again. Why? Who was it? It—he—sounded familiar. I heaved as the voice triggered the memory of his face. Then, not being able to stop the bile from traveling up my throat, I gagged and purged, emptying my stomach completely. The next time he muttered my name, his voice was laced with disgust. But his revulsion couldn’t compete with my utter repugnance and disbelief at what he’d done. Him. Someone I had trusted with my life, even though the rule was clear:
 
Trust No One.

About the Author:

Imogen Rose is the author of the bestselling series, Portal Chronicles, which has attained cult status within indie literature and become a favorite among teens and adults alike. An immunologist by profession, Dr. Rose published her first work of fiction in 2010. She now writes full time and is currently working on her second teen series, Bonfire Chronicles. Imogen was born in Sweden and has lived in several places, counting London among her favorites. She moved to New Jersey in 2001. A self-confessed Hermès addict, Imogen freely admits to being obsessed with Kurt Cobain. She enjoys shopping, traveling, watching movies, and hanging out with her family, friends, and Chihuahua.



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