ARC Review: Chasing River by K. A. Tucker

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Expected publication date: July 7th 2015 by Atria Books 

My rating: 5 stars

Book summary: 

"Armed with two years' worth of savings and the need to experience life outside the bubble of her Oregon small town, twenty-five-year old Amber Welles is prepared for anything. Except dying in Dublin. Had it not been for the bravery of a stranger, she might have. But he takes off before she has the chance to offer her gratitude.

Twenty-four-year-old River Delaney is rattled. No one was supposed to get hurt. But then that American tourist showed up. He couldn't let her die, but he also couldn't risk being identified at the scene—so, he ran. Back to his everyday life of running his family’s pub. Only, everyday life is getting more and more complicated, thanks to his brother, Aengus, and his criminal associations. When the American girl tracks River down, he quickly realizes how much he likes her, how wrong she is for him. And how dangerous it is to have her around. Chasing her off would be the smart move.

Maybe it's because he saved her life, or maybe it's because he's completely different from everything she's left behind, but Amber finds herself chasing after River Delaney. Amber isn’t the kind of girl to chase after anyone.

And River isn't the kind of guy she'd want to catch."

      K. A. Tucker just continues to surprise me with every new book in Burying Water series. I absolutely loved previous two books, Burying Water and Becoming Rain, and I anxiously waited for the next one. Still, I was a little bit afraid because I had doubts about story and its originality compared to first two books. I shouldn't have had any doubts - Chasing River was amazing.
       Want to know why? Here we go...

•       Setting. Chasing River is happening in Ireland. Now, I am always trying to hold back when reading books that are written about other countries by authors who aren't actually connected with those in any way other than maybe as a tourist. It feels like K.A. Tucker had done her research before writing this book. 
•       River. So far, Water and Rain were female characters, but in the third sequel River is a guy. And what a guy!
•       Romance. This will not be the usual new adult storyline, that is something I can promise. First of all, the way Amber and River meet, reasons for which she looks for him and, in the end, how everything unravels is main reason for my five stars rating. 
•       Secondary characters. I feel a story there. Ivy will already get hers in Surviving Ice and I am really curious about River's younger brother.

      Who should read this book? Fans of K.A. Tucker (of course). All of you who have doubts about new adult genre. If you want romance and suspense in your books. Chasing River will not disappoint you.


Happy reading,

               *Copy of the book was provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

Short Review: Where Sea Meets Sky by Karina Halle

My rating: 4 stars

Book summary:

"Joshua Miles has spent his early twenties spinning his wheels. Working dead-end jobs and living at home has left him exhausted and uninspired, with little energy to pursue his passion for graphic art. Until he meets Gemma Henare, a vivacious out-of-towner from New Zealand. What begins as a one-night stand soon becomes a turning point for Josh. He can't get Gemma out of his head, even after she has left for home, and finds himself throwing caution to the wind for the first time in his life.

It's not long before Josh is headed to New Zealand with only a backpack, some cash, and Gemma's name to go on. But when he finally tracks her down, he finds his adventure is only just beginning. Equally infatuated, Gemma leads him on a whirlwind tour across the beautiful country, opening Josh up to life, lust, love, and all the messy heartache in between. Because, when love drags you somewhere, it might never let go even when you know you have to say goodbye."

    Karina Halle, you woman, stop being so awesome! And tempt me with beautiful description s of places I want to see. 

     What is the best way to describe Where Sea Meets Sky? Postcard romance. I started reading this book without knowing that it's actually Love, in English spin-off story  about Vera's brother Josh. But don't worry, you don't have to necessarily read Love, in English to be able to follow Where Sea Meets Sky.  

      I loved all New Zealand descriptions and road trip parts of the story. If you love to travel, there is no way that you won't enjoy reading this, too. Romance was slow (despite the way everything started), there is angst and hotness and everything you need in great romance novel. 

      Where Sea Meets Sky is a perfect summer reading material.


Happy reading,

#CoverLust: The Edge of Never by J.A. Redmerski

Welcome to #CoverLust - where we talk about all those books we picked up because of the beautiful covers. 

      I fell in love with this cover as soon as I saw it, but unfortunately, what was between the covers wasn't nearly as good. Overly melodramatic and cliche, characters who make so many stupid choices, annoying female character and writing style... None of those worked out for me. I thought that I'd never read anything  written by J.A. Redmerski, but I was wrong. I loved Killing Sarai novels - they are completely different from her other books.

Until the next time,

Review: Confess by Colleen Hoover

My rating: 3 stars

Book summary:

"Auburn Reed has her entire life mapped out. Her goals are in sight and there’s no room for mistakes. But when she walks into a Dallas art studio in search of a job, she doesn’t expect to find a deep attraction to the enigmatic artist who works there, Owen Gentry.

For once, Auburn takes a risk and puts her heart in control, only to discover Owen is keeping major secrets from coming out. The magnitude of his past threatens to destroy everything important to Auburn, and the only way to get her life back on track is to cut Owen out of it.

The last thing Owen wants is to lose Auburn, but he can’t seem to convince her that truth is sometimes as subjective as art. All he would have to do to save their relationship is confess. But in this case, the confession could be much more destructive than the actual sin…"

(There are few spoilers in this review.)

     So... That Colleen Hoover... She knows how to sell a story, doesn't she? I've been waiting for so long to read Confess, my little black heart hated deeply everyone who got ARC and I was so excited when I saw that there are actual pictures in it. And then few of my trusted Goodreads friends had a lot to say - a lot meaning not positive.
(I should have know what would happen as soon as I agreed to read this book with Vishous. Have you noticed how we end up not liking CoHo books that we read together, darling?)
   

All the things I did not like:

 - Hipster characters. Oh, Colleen Hoover just loves those - artistic, misunderstood, emotional, heartbroken, preppy, sensitive, with a lot to say and, let's not forget, great hair. Owen is epitome of all previously mentioned. Some might argue how his character is different from other CoHo boys, but he is not. Only difference is the type of art he chooses. Everything else - same old, same old. Auburn is overly naive despite the fact that she got pregnant when she was fifteen and that she has a child, that she had to give up on her dreams and follow her evil "mother-in-law" across the country so she should be close to the kid.

  - Instant love and all "we were meant to be together" talk . Okay, this is pretty much something that you have in every C. Hoover book so far. I think I was more annoyed by predictability of the storyline than the insta-love scenario itself.

 - I suffer, you suffer, we all suffer... Everyone got to have a sob story. Even a sob story, has a sob story. I'm talking about that part in the end where she explains how Adam and Owen are connected.

 - Too slow, too fast. At first, I was bothered by how little happens and later everything happens at once. Ending was to rushed I I really didn't like whole evil brother trope. Do we seriously need to go there every time? I didn't buy that part of the story, plus additional connections between characters were a bit over the top.  

DID I LIKE ANYTHING?
 

      No one can say that Colleen Hoover doesn't know how to write an emotional story. Her writing pulls you from the very start and the way she describes things - just wow. I loved whole part with confessions and paintings, how she connected them. Also, giving shout out to artists out there is slowly becoming one of her signature moves and it's something I admire. Confess is enjoyable and quick read that all fans of this author will appreciate. Maybe I would have liked it more if I didn't have tons of work related things to finish, but I am still happy that I gave it a go.

Until the next time,

Release Day Blitz + #Giveaway: Becoming Rain by K.A. Tucker

  We are dying to share this Release Blitz with you all to celebrate K.A. Tucker's BECOMING RAIN! BECOMING RAIN is a New Adult Romantic Suspense novel, and the second novel in K.A. Tucker’s Burying Water Series, published by Atria books, an Imprint of Simon & Schuster. We hope you're ready for this!

 

BECOMING RAIN US BUY LINKS:

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UK BUY LINKS/BECOMING RAIN:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Apple | Google | Waterstones | Foyles

About BECOMING RAIN:

Luke Boone doesn't know exactly what his uncle Rust is involved in but he wants in on it-the cars, the money, the women. And it looks like he's finally getting his wish. When Rust hands him the managerial keys to the garage, they come with a second set-one that opens up the door to tons of cash and opportunity. Though it's not exactly legal, Luke's never been one to worry about that sort of thing. Especially when it puts him behind the wheel of a Porsche 911 and onto the radar of gorgeous socialite named Rain. Clara Bertelli is at the top of her game-at only twenty-six years old, she's one of the most successful undercover officers in the Washington D.C. major crime unit, and she's just been handed a case that could catapult her career and expose one of the west coast's most notorious car theft rings. But, in order to do it, she'll need to go deep undercover as Rain Martines. Her target? The twenty-four-year old nephew of a key player who appears ready to follow in his uncle's footsteps. As Clara drifts deeper into the luxurious lifestyle of Rain, and further into the arms of her very attractive and charming target, the lines between right and wrong start to blur, making her wonder if she'll be able to leave it all behind. Or if she'll even want to. 

   


And don’t forget BURYING WATER, the first book in this thrilling series…

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About BURYING WATER:
 The top-selling, beloved indie author of Ten Tiny Breaths returns with a new romance about a young woman who loses her memory—and the man who knows that the only way to protect her is to stay away. Left for dead in the fields of rural Oregon, a young woman defies all odds and survives—but she awakens with no idea who she is, or what happened to her. Refusing to answer to “Jane Doe” for another day, the woman renames herself “Water” for the tiny, hidden marking on her body—the only clue to her past. Taken in by old Ginny Fitzgerald, a crotchety but kind lady living on a nearby horse farm, Water slowly begins building a new life. But as she attempts to piece together the fleeting slivers of her memory, more questions emerge: Who is the next-door neighbor, quietly toiling under the hood of his Barracuda? Why won’t Ginny let him step foot on her property? And why does Water feel she recognizes him? Twenty-four-year-old Jesse Welles doesn’t know how long it will be before Water gets her memory back. For her sake, Jesse hopes the answer is never. He knows that she’ll stay so much safer—and happier—that way. And that’s why, as hard as it is, he needs to keep his distance. Because getting too close could flood her with realities better left buried. The trouble is, water always seems to find its way to the surface.  

 BECOMING RAIN EXCERPT 

Screwing the customers . . .” Miller grumbles, pushing the filing cabinet shut with a loud metal bang.

Only the pretty ones.” And she is that. It wasn’t until she lifted her sunglasses that she had my undivided attention. Those big, blue eyes up against an olive complexion are striking. I wouldn’t have guessed Italian. Mediterranean, definitely.

Exotic, dark-haired, killer body—my type exactly.

“You’re going to lose business for the garage.”

“Relax. I wasn’t the one fishing.” And there was definite fishing on her part. For a long while there, I wasn’t sure I wanted to take the bait. Everything about her—her upscale style, her expensive car, her cool demeanor—says she’s my kind of girl, and therein lies the problem. My kind of girl is good for one thing, and it’s not having lunch over at the food carts of Portland. Or conversation, in general.

Give those kinds of girls more and suddenly they become work, and money. Endless streams on both accounts. Rust warned me about them years ago. Thank God I haven’t tumbled into any of their traps. Even Priscilla, my fallback lay, who I consider a friend, knows exactly where we stand in terms of our “relationship” and that I don’t have the kind of money she wants—even she will occasionally try her hand at sucking more out of me. A new bracelet, cash for rent, a tank of gas for the BMW that her last sugar daddy handed her . . .

But Rain was cute today, in a feisty way, humoring me by taking a bite of that sandwich that she was so obviously not going to enjoy. Her nose crinkling up at the sight of it. Her witty little insult. The way she hung back, waiting, hoping for a chance to see me again but not willing to come right out and ask after already being so forward earlier. Girls like Priscilla would have kept pushing. But Rain obviously has some self-respect.

And when she started walking out of the office, I couldn’t help myself.

I punch her number into my phone so I can call her after work. If I’m lucky, I’ll also have her naked and tangled in my sheets later tonight.

 About K.A. Tucker:

   Born in small-town Ontario, Kathleen published her first book at the age of six with the help of her elementary school librarian and a box of crayons. She is a voracious reader and the farthest thing from a genre-snob, loving everything from High Fantasy to Chick Lit. Kathleen currently resides in a quaint small town outside of Toronto with her husband, two beautiful girls, and an exhausting brood of four-legged creatures.        

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#CoverLust: Left Drowning by Jessica Park

Welcome to #CoverLust - where we talk about all those books we picked up because of the beautiful covers. 

 All of us did this at least once so far. Sometimes we end up loving the book and other times... we blame it on  how pretty it looked.

Left Drowning by Jessica Park

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I loved Flat-Out Matt, Jessica Park debut novel, so I was looking forward to reading Left Drowning. Plus, this cover is pretty, that I'd add it to my TBR list just because of that. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoyed it as nearly as I hoped I would.

Beautiful Redemption by Jamie McGuire

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Author's:

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My rating: 2.5 stars

Book summary:

"No-nonsense Liis Lindy is an agent of the FBI. Deciding she is married only to her job, she breaks off her engagement and transfers from Chicago to the field office in San Diego. She loves her desk. She is committed to her laptop. She dreams of promotions and shaking hands with the director after cracking an impossible case.

Special Agent in Charge Thomas Maddox is arrogant, unforgiving, and ruthless. He is tasked with putting away some of the world’s toughest criminals, and he is one of the best the Bureau has to offer. Though, as many lives as he’s saved, there is one that is beyond his reach. Younger brother Travis is faced with prison time for his involvement in a basement fire that killed dozens of college students, and the media want a conviction. Travis’s only savior is his unusual tie to the mob. In a deal that will spare his brother, Thomas has agreed to recruit Travis into the FBI.

Liis is stubborn, defiant, and yet somehow softens Thomas’s rough edges, making her the perfect agent to accompany him to the ceremony. Posing as a couple, they must travel to Travis & Abby’s beach vow renewal and give him the news, but when the pretending ends, she finds herself wondering if they were pretending at all."

Short?
      It was okay, but main female character was so damn annoying.

 Longer version? Here we go...

 

      I was probably among first hundred people who read and loved Beautiful Disaster, before whole "new adult wave" and x-number of Travis Maddox rip-offs. Yes, I did read all sequels because, let's be honest here - all of us have that one series we keep reading no matter the fact that it's not good as the "original" story. Jamie McGuire and her Maddox Brothers are that for me.

So, what happened with Beautiful Redemption?

       At first, I was excited because, finally, setting of the story is not college or underground fighting circles, characters are older and it looked as if it would have more suspense elements.
      Um... No! It is, after all, Jamie McGuire who, along with S.C. Stephens, writes the most annoying female characters you can imagine. But seriously, they are begging you to hate them.

 
       Liis Lindy is an agent of the FBI and she is supposed to be this tough, bad-ass girl who takes down bad guys with her mad skills. Well, for someone who is "the best in her field of work", she acts like immature teenage girl who throws tamper tantrums because shade of her nail polish doesn't match her current mood.  

Whole book is rinse and repeat of following:

1. Let's have sex.  
2. Let's ignore the fact that we had sex.  
3. Act like a jealous girlfriend/boyfriend even though we agreed we won't do relationship.
4. Let's have sex again. But just because our super important, secret mission. Yeah, that's the reason... And when can we repeat it again?
5. I know that I said that we will not be couple, but let me be complete bitch because you still haven't gotten over your ex-girlfriend.   
6. Repeat number 3.  
7. Repeat number 4.  
8. Repeat number 5.
9. Again number 5.  
10. Repeat... okay you get the point.

       Considering all alpha male melodrama that follows every Maddox brother, Thomas is quite tame compared to his brothers. That is probably one of the rare good things in Beautiful Redemption. We finally get a different character. Premise of the story was really good, but I have to admit that I couldn't follow many FBI related details. It was confusing and rushed. Especially in the end.

      I did enjoy reading this novel - as I said, I just can't resist Maddox clan and I can rant until the end of the world, but I will still read every new sequel. Beautiful Redemption had potential to be the best so far, but sadly it failed.

Running Barefoot by Amy Harmon

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My rating: 3 stars

Book summary:

"When Josie Jensen, an awkward 13-year-old musical prodigy crashes headlong into new-comer Samuel Yazzie, an 18-year-old Navajo boy full of anger and confusion, an unlikely friendship blooms. Josie teaches Samuel about words, music and friendship, and along the way finds a kindred spirit. Upon graduation, Samuel abandons the sleepy, small town in search of a future and a life, leaving his young friend behind. Many years go by and Samuel returns, finding Josie in need of the very things she offered him years before. Their roles reversed, Samuel teaches Josie about life, love, and letting go. Deeply romantic and poignant, Running Barefoot is the story of a small town girl and a Native American boy, the ties that bind them to their homes and families, and the love that gives them wings."

      I never know what to expect when I pick up novel written by Amy Harmon. Sometimes I love them to pieces, sometimes I think they are okay, and there are those with some topics that I don't prefer when choosing what to read next. 

      One of my favorite books that I read last year is The Law of Moses by Amy Harmon. (You can read my review here.) Everything about that book was perfect - characters, topic, writing,  storyline... When I figured out that it's happening in the same fictional world as one other Amy Harmon novel, I knew that I'd read it soon as well. Running Barefoot is her debut and has all recognizable bits and pieces of Harmon's writing - emotional read, small town setting, religious tones and sweet love story. I have to be honest and say that I would probably never read Running Barefoot if there wasn't Moses ans his story. I wanted to know what happened to Josie and what does that tall and brooding Samuel hides. I am happy that I did because it was a book worth reading. I did have a lot of issues with it - mostly regarding all religious undertones and how some views seem a little bit overly "exclusive" to the only one group of the people sharing same ideology. Or Sam's transformation and his complicated relationship with his heritage and parents that gets resolved in the direction of previously mentioned ideology. On the other hand, that is mentality of small, traditional communities - that thing is same wherever in the world you are living at - so I sort of was able to understand their actions. 

      Final judgemnt? Sweet story that fans of Amy Harmon novels will enjoy reading, as everyone else who prefer religious-heavy romances. As I said, I am not a fan of any religious ideology and I still enjoyed reading this story.

Happy reading,

Chasing the Tide by A. Meredith Walters

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Author's:

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My rating: 5 stars

Book summary:

"The powerful continuation of the story that began in Reclaiming the Sand- a tale of love and forgiveness and learning to move on from a past that has come to define you.

Bully and Victim

Friend and Lover

Past and Future

Ellie McCallum and Flynn Hendrick’s story was as painful as it was devastating. But they were able to find within each other an unlikely yet beautiful love. Despite the obstacles that tried to keep them apart.

And together they rose out of the ashes of their tragic history.

Now years after their life changing reunion Ellie is back in Wellston, having just graduated from college and ready to start her future with the man who taught her how to love. However, returning to a town that held so much bitterness and anger was the last place she wanted to start over.

But for Flynn, who is now an art professor at the community college and firmly rooted in the place that gave them their beginning, she’d do just about anything.

Yet it’s difficult building a life when you’ve only just learned how to live.
And love, no matter how strong, doesn’t always conquer all.

Ellie and Flynn must learn how far they are willing to go to stay together. Or whether the ghosts of the past will consume them both.

Because finding a happily ever after is harder than it seems. Particularly when you’re fighting against the one thing that could destroy you.

Yourself."

 You can read my review for the first book, Reclaiming the Sand, here. 

       When I read Reclaiming the Sand last year, I managed to surprise even myself. To be honest, that was one of the books I was sure I wouldn't be reading. And then I did. Not only that, but I liked it a lot. It was unlike any new adult novel I had read before. 


       Chasing the Tide picks up where previous book ended - Flynn and Ellie trying to make their relationship work and still following their own, separate dreams. It is a story about facing temptations and problems that life throws your way, fighting for something you believe in and realizing that being a grown-up means that you have to make hard choices and compromises every day. This is not a "happily ever after", "let's ride into the sunset together"  story. It is real. Their relationship is far from easy. Every step is a struggle. Ellie has to give up a lot of things to be with Flynn. She has to face her past all the time. Flynn is trying to find a way to fit in the society, to make an effort for a future he wants to have. 


      Anyone who has read books written by A. Meredith Walters knows that she is not an author who will give you rainbows and butterflies in her novels. If you are not a fan of usual new adult premises, than you seriously need to thing about giving a chance to this author. I promise that you will not regret it.

Happy reading,

Ricochet (Addicted #1.5) by Krista and Becca Ritchie

Buy the Book: 

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Author's:

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My rating: 5 stars

Book sumary:

"As a sex addict, Lily Calloway must do the impossible. Stay celibate for 90 days.

Cravings and fantasies become her new routine, but while Loren Hale recovers from his alcohol addiction, Lily wonders if he’ll realize what a monster she really is. After all, her sexual compulsions begin to rule her life the longer she stays faithful to him.

Progress. That’s what Lily’s striving for. But by trying to become closer to her family—people who aren’t aware of her addiction—she creates larger obstacles. When she spends time with her youngest sister, she learns more about her than she ever imagined and senses an unsettling connection between Daisy and Ryke Meadows.

With Lily and Lo’s dysfunctional relationship teetering and unbalanced, they will need to find a way to reconnect from miles apart. But the inability to “touch” proves to be one of the hardest tests on their road to recovery. Some love brushes the surface. Some love is deeper than skin.

Lily and Lo have three months to discover just how deep their love really goes."

     I picked up Ricochet as soon as I finished with Addicted to You - I got so immersed into the lives of these characters, that I  ignored everything else: buddy reads, reviews, friends, boyfriend... And it was worth it!

      First, I would like to point out one thing. Ricochet is a full-length novel that must be read before Addicted for Now, second book in the series. Don't mind that it is something-point-something. This is not a novella that you can skip and not miss out any important details. I know that it was published after second novel, but I don't think I would be able to enjoy reading Addicted series if the authors haven't decided to write these in between stories and build, lets call it a bridge that connects timeline.

      One thing that is different if you compare it with other two books, is that story is equally focused on all characters although it is told from Lily's point of view. We find out more about Ryke and Daisy, but also about Connor and Rose. I was worried in the beginning that it would turn into Gossip Girl fanfiction - they are all rich kids with too much free time - but it did not. Steam level is much higher than in Addicted to You - snippets to Lily's past were cold-shower-worthy. And there are barely any explicit scenes - Krista and Becca Ritchie know  how to write perfect build-up of tension and emotions.

      I became Ryke's fangirl. Most of the readers are all about Connor, but Ryke is such an intriguing character. I cannot wait to find out more about him and Daisy.

      And, it is official - I got addicted! Big thank you to all ladies who chatted with me on Twitter, Instagram and Goodreads - Siiri @ Little Pieces of Imagination, Amy @ Foxy Blogs, Angela @ Feeding My Addiction Book Reviews, Nick @ Nick's Book Blog, Lisa @ Lost in Literature. 

Happy reading, 

Addicted to You by Krista and Becca Ritchie

Buy the Book:

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository

Author's:

Website / Twitter / Facebook / Tumblr

My rating: 5 stars

Book summary:

"No one would suspect shy Lily Calloway’s biggest secret. While everyone is dancing at college bars, Lily stays in the bathroom. To get laid. Her compulsion leads her to one-night stands, steamy hookups and events she shamefully regrets. The only person who knows her secret happens to have one of his own.

Loren Hale’s best friend is his bottle of bourbon. Lily comes at a close second. For three years, they’ve pretended to be in a real relationship, hiding their addictions from their families. They’ve mastered the art of concealing flasks and random guys that filter in and out of their apartment.

But as they sink beneath the weight of their addictions, they cling harder to their destructive relationship and wonder if a life together, for real, is better than a lie. Strangers and family begin to infiltrate their guarded lives, and with new challenges, they realize they may not just be addicted to alcohol and sex.

Their real vice may be each other."

      I am not a stubborn person. *crickets* Well, sometimes I am not. *more crickets* Okay, I am always subborn. But also I know when to admit that I was wrong. *cri..*  Shut up! I admit it - I. Was. Wrong. Can we move on, please?

     Okay, where was I? Loren Hale and Lily Calloway. That twin sisters who started off as bloggers and turned into brilliant authors. My new adult addiction. Siiri from Little Pieces of Imagination made me read this. But seriously, I cannot believe that Tanja read Addicted to You before me - she is not new adult fan. And she read it before me.
      It took only a little bit over a year for our Estonian friend Siiri to finally persuade me to read Addicted series. Main reason for my reluctance was all the hype and the the fact that I had really bad experiences in the past with new adult recommendations. Only thing that I  can say is that I am glad that I have waited until now because I can binge-read and not go crazy while waiting for a new sequel.

Glass has officially turned into one of those shippers or OTP fangirls.

(however it's called)

Why I loved Addicted to You?

• Original idea. The most usual stereotype of NA novels is a good, overly naive,  girl (who is usually a virgin), and I am not fan of those. So imagine my surprise when I realized that main female character is a sex addict. Yes, I know - addiction is a bad thing, but lets focus here on the part where female sexuality is something that Addicted to You is mostly about. Not the million times seen "I have no luck when it comes to sex, but this one special, alpha male makes me act like a porn star" scenario. Lily is like any other human being - male or female - with sexual and other primal urges we all share. Yes, she has a problem, but her sexual identity is not determined trough her relationship status.
• Angst. Oh, sweet, sweet Aphrodite, this was torture to read sometimes. Not the bad thing - Krista and Becca Ritchie managed to pull you into the roller-coaster called Lo & Lily without all I-love-him-but-I-hate-her issues. (Am I the only one who noticed how we usually hate female characters, but love all the guys in NA novels?)  
• Writing. Just perfect.
• Lily, Lo, Ryke, Connor, Rose... With every new chapter, I change my answer to the question: Who is your favorite character? This is one of those rare books where I love them all.

      Final judgement? Darker read, but still pretty tame considering a topic. Perfect for fans of new adult who want something a little bit different. Definitely only for those over 18. Yes, it has drama and modern fairy tale  feel, but that is something that works perfectly when it comes to Addicted to You.

Happy reading,

(Release Day Launch) Inspire by Cora Carmack

 

We are so incredibly excited to be able to bring you the Release Day Launch for Cora Carmack's INSPIRE! INSPIRE is a New Adult Paranormal Romance novel and the first book in her new Muse Series!! Holy canoli, y'all. Go out and get this today!

 

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About INSPIRE: 

Kalliope lives with one purpose. To inspire. As an immortal muse, she doesn’t have any other choice. It’s part of how she was made. Musicians, artists, actors—they use her to advance their art, and she uses them to survive. She moves from one artist to the next, never staying long enough to get attached. But all she wants is a different life— a normal one. She’s spent thousands of years living lie after lie, and now she’s ready for something real. Sweet, sexy, and steady, Wilder Bell feels more real than anything else in her long existence. And most importantly… he’s not an artist. He doesn’t want her for her ability. But she can’t turn off the way she influences people, not even to save a man she might love. Because in small doses, she can help make something beautiful, but her ability has just as much capacity to destroy as it does to create. The longer she stays, the more obsessed Wilder will become. It’s happened before, and it never turns out well for the mortal. Her presence may inspire genius. But it breeds madness, too. 

 

 Excerpt: 

I can feel Wilder’s breath against my lips. More than that, I can see it. The sun has set and the temperature has dropped, and air fogs between us. There’s something about actually seeing it, like our lips are touching, we are touching, despite the distance between. And as we sway from side to side, my heart gradually begins to pick up speed. The strains of guitar music flowing out from the restaurant are nearly indecipherable over the heavy heartbeat in my ears. But Wilder must hear it. His hands are strong on my body, guiding my movements, and I’m practically clay in his palms. We dance, eyes on eyes, lips nearly on lips, and there is lightning beneath my skin each time his body brushes against mine in a new way. His touch is firm, but gentle, never pushing or pressuring, though I can tell from the dark look in his eyes that he’s just as affected as I am. The music shifts, building to a crescendo, and he spins us. My chest pushes tight against his, and I bite back a gasp. I don’t know if it’s the cold or him or some combination of both, but the tips of my breasts are painfully tight. Just the pressure of my bra is enough to rub them raw. I remember the night at his apartment, the way he’d taken his time learning my body. I think of the heat of his mouth on my skin, and the memory alone is enough to make me shiver and clench. He’s back to being business, grown-up Wilder tonight in his button down and glasses. Only now that I know him, it doesn’t seem like such a stark difference. He is neither the straight-laced man nor the tattooed bad boy. Or perhaps he’s both. Regardless of what he’s wearing, Wilder is caring and loyal and strong and so sexy that I’m having trouble remembering why I shouldn’t push him into the backseat of his SUV and crawl on top of him. 

About Cora Carmack:
Cora Carmack is a twenty-something writer who likes to write about twenty-something characters. She's done a multitude of things in her life-- boring jobs (like working retail), Fun jobs (like working in a theatre), stressful jobs (like teaching), and dream jobs (like writing). She enjoys placing her characters in the most awkward situations possible, and then trying to help them get a boyfriend out of it. Awkward people need love, too. Her first book, LOSING IT, was a New York Times and USA Today bestseller.      

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The Law of Moses by Amy Harmon

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My rating: 5 stars

Book summary:

"If I tell you right up front, right in the beginning that I lost him, it will be easier for you to bear. You will know it’s coming, and it will hurt. But you’ll be able to prepare.

Someone found him in a laundry basket at the Quick Wash, wrapped in a towel, a few hours old and close to death. They called him Baby Moses when they shared his story on the ten o’clock news – the little baby left in a basket at a dingy Laundromat, born to a crack addict and expected to have all sorts of problems. I imagined the crack baby, Moses, having a giant crack that ran down his body, like he’d been broken at birth. I knew that wasn’t what the term meant, but the image stuck in my mind. Maybe the fact that he was broken drew me to him from the start.

It all happened before I was born, and by the time I met Moses and my mom told me all about him, the story was old news and nobody wanted anything to do with him. People love babies, even sick babies. Even crack babies. But babies grow up to be kids, and kids grow up to be teenagers. Nobody wants a messed up teenager.

And Moses was messed up. Moses was a law unto himself. But he was also strange and exotic and beautiful. To be with him would change my life in ways I could never have imagined. Maybe I should have stayed away. Maybe I should have listened. My mother warned me. Even Moses warned me. But I didn’t stay away.

And so begins a story of pain and promise, of heartache and healing, of life and death. A story of before and after, of new beginnings and never-endings. But most of all...a love story."

      If you are fan of new adult novels, there is no way that you haven't heard about Amy Harmon. The most popular book she wrote is probably Making Faces, a story about group of friends, war and loss. I still haven't read that one, and truth to be told, I had a lot of doubts first time I noticed it on Goodreads. Back then, a lot of my friends read and raved about certain books, I got interested and picked up the book. In the end, I was left wondering is it me, them or the book - because I couldn't find any of those things they had loved so much. That is the main reason why I still haven't read Making Faces, but when I saw this beautiful cover for The Law of Moses and read synopsis, I was intrigued. Now, I can only say that I'm happy for reading it.

      The Law of Moses Five Greats:

• Emotional and beautiful story. This is one of those books you will read with your heart, soul, mind and body, that will leave you drained and full at the same time. You will try to read it slowly because you'll want to make it last just a little bit longer. Your heart will hurt, your body will tingle, your lips will curl into a lazy smile and open in a sigh. Maybe your eyes will roll few times, but nothing you won't be able to get over. You'll want to slap some of the characters and in the next moment drag your fingers over someone's  skin and feel them shiver. You will feel so many things. 
• Moses and Georgia. If I ever wanted to scream "I ship them!" it would be while I read The Law of Moses. And I absolutely hate "shipping". Amy Harmon leaves you with no other choice than to get involved with the lives of her characters. In those few hours you become them - that's how powerful her writing is.
• Colors and lines. I know that this doesn't make much sense, but you will know what I meant when you read the book.
• Thought-provoking. Yes, there is drama and angst and even few cliches of the genre, but also The Law of Moses is a book that makes you think and question your beliefs. Amy Harmon does write more religious centered stores, but if you do not prefer topics like that, I assure, this is not one of those books that tries to convince you to become Catholic (or Jewish or Muslim). I do not like books with religious aspect and I adored this book. (On the other hand, Running Barefoot is a completely different matter.) 
• Unexpected twist. There is this... lets say thing to avoid spoilers, that I have not expected and I'm grateful that I haven't read any reviews or comments that could have made me enjoy reading The Law of Moses less.

      Final judgement? Beautiful and heartbreaking story that you will wish to read all over again, recommended even for those who are not fans of new adult.

If you think this review was helpful, please, consider liking it on Goodreads.

Happy reading,

Maybe Not (Maybe Someday, #1.5) by Colleen Hoover

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My rating: 5 stars

Book summary:

"When Warren has the opportunity to live with a female roommate, he instantly agrees. It could be an exciting change.

Or maybe not.

Especially when that roommate is the cold and seemingly calculating Bridgette. Tensions run high and tempers flare as the two can hardly stand to be in the same room together. But Warren has a theory about Bridgette: anyone who can hate with that much passion should also have the capability to love with that much passion. And he wants to be the one to test this theory.

Will Bridgette find it in herself to warm her heart to Warren and finally learn to love?

Maybe.

Maybe not."

 Read my review for Maybe Someday here. 

       First I have to say that I am not usually fan of novellas - almost every single one I've read so far was only there to fill time between book one and book two, or to remind people to buy "original" book. They don't bring anything new or fairly important, I end up cursing myself for even picking them up. This did not happen with this release. 

      Maybe Not is a story about Warren and Bridgette, secondary characters from Maybe Someday. The odd couple. The crazy ones who made us laugh. I am so happy that Colleen Hoover decided to surprise us with their story no matter how short it is. I do wish there were more pages, but this was okay too. Better something than nothing, right? 

"I don't want you to change Bridgette. I'm not in love with who you could be, or who you used to be, or who the world thinks you should be. I'm in love with you. Right now. Just like this."

All the reasons to read Maybe Not

• That quote above. If you want more, just read it. I highlighted whole thing in the end. 
• Quick, but satisfying read. Unlike many others novellas, you do not feel as if anything is rushed. This is not continuation of the previous novel trough the perspective of other characters. Timeline is the same like in Maybe Someday, but focus of the story is on completely different events. There are couple of scenes you will recognize, but still it is like you are reading them for the first time. 
• Warren. Oh my God, Warren! Tanja can we squeeze him into your harem somehow? Do not worry, I will take care of him.  
• Hotness overload. But seriously! Colleen Hoover, I didn't know you had it in you. You should definitely write steamier scenes more often. I know that some of you (still) aren't comfortable with reading explicit scenes, so consider this as a warning - Maybe Not is most definitely 18+ read. 
• I walked on the clouds all day. Every once in a while we all need one of those "feel good", happy and fluffy reads.

 
       In the end, other than trying to make you read this, I will share just one more quote with you. If this doesn't work out, than you have cold, cold hart. 

"I press my lips to hers with such delicacy; I want her to feel everything she's ever deserved to feel at the hands of someone else. She deserves to feel beautiful. She deserves to feel important. She deserves to feel cared for. She deserves to feel respected. She deserves to feel like there's at least one other person in this world who accepts her for exactly who she is.
She deserves to know how I feel. because I feel all of those things. And maybe a little more."

Happy reading,

Nocte ( The Nocte Trilogy, #1) by Courtney Cole

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My rating: 3 stars

Book summary:

"Save me and I'll save you...

My name is Calla Price. I’m eighteen years old, and I’m one half of a whole.
My other half-- my twin brother, my Finn-- is crazy. 

I love him. More than life, more than anything. And even though I’m terrified he’ll suck me down with him, no one can save him but me.

I’m doing all I can to stay afloat in a sea of insanity, but I’m drowning more and more each day. So I reach out for a lifeline. 

Dare DuBray. 

He’s my savior and my anti-Christ. His arms are where I feel safe, where I’m afraid, where I belong, where I’m lost. He will heal me, break me, love me and hate me. 

He has the power to destroy me. 

Maybe that’s ok. Because I can’t seem to save Finn and love Dare without everyone getting hurt. 

Why? Because of a secret. 

A secret I’m so busy trying to figure out, that I never see it coming. 

You won’t either."

       One of the books I have been anxiously waiting to read this November was new Courtney Cole novel, Nocte. After so many mysterious teasers and no actual synopsis until the very end, I was so curious to see what it will be about. Am I happy that I read it? Absolutely! But was it what I expected? Sadly, no.

It was unexpectedly expected.

      Maybe the problem is me and not the book. This year I've read several novels with the same general idea but different approach. I won't talk about what Nocte is about, because everything could be possible spoiler and trust me, you do not want even a hint of the spoiler if you wish to enjoy reading this book. I know - I was my own damn spoiler. I guessed what is the big secret and what could have happened. Funny thing - when you read enough stories that should leave you with your mouth hanging open and buzzing in your ears (maybe even a little bit of terror and repulsion), you figure out pattern of those stories. That shocking moment is never really a surprise for you.

Bad writing.

      I was talking with my friend about this book and she asked me to explain what was the biggest no for me. It wasn't the fact that I new what would happen - actually, I really enjoyed reading it despite that, I was curious to see how will everything unravel. Thing that annoyed me the most was writing. Cliche and repetitive, making it impossible to get into the fictional world and forget everything else. 

I'm wondering...

...what will other two books be about, since Nocte is the first book of the trilogy. I will probably read them because of, as I already said, I did enjoy reading Nocte and I'm wondering what is a deal with Dare.
Should you read it? Definitely yes if you enjoy suspenseful and angsty new adult stories. 

Happy reading,