{Review} of The Promise by Kristen Ashley

The Promise by Kristen Ashley
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

GENRE: Romance
THEME: Suspense, Mystery, Mature
RECEIVED: Bought

BLURB:

Since his brother’s death, Benny Bianchi has been nursing his grudge against the woman he thinks led to his brother’s downfall. He does this to bury the feelings he has for Francesca Concetti, his brother’s girl. But when Frankie takes a bullet while on the run with Benny’s cousin’s woman, Benny has to face those feelings.

The problem is Frankie has decided she’s paid her penance. Penance she didn’t deserve to pay. She’s done with Benny and the Bianchi family. She’s starting a new life away from Chicago and her heartbreaking history.

Benny has decided differently.

But Frankie has more demons she’s battling. Demons Benny wants to help her face. But life has landed so many hard knocks on Frankie she’s terrified of believing in the promise of Benny Bianchi and the good life he’s offering.

Frankie’s new life leads her to The ‘Burg, where Benny has ties, and she finds she not only hasn’t succeeded in getting away, she’s doesn’t want to.

REVIEW:

With the final Burg novel coming out soon, I wanted to get back into one of my favorite Kristen Ashley series, one that always has a mystery in the mix. I was exited to get to know more about the Bianchi family and Benny who is cousin to Cal from a previous book. I love how Ashley always ties her series together by showing her readers how past characters are doing and also having them befriend the latest female lead.

The Promise follows Frankie Concetti who is recovering from being shot by a a crazy man who was trying to hurt a family friend. She is now a hero but also she has put the spotlight on her from the family who abandoned her. Frankie dated and fell for Vinnie Bianchi, but when his life spiraled into the mob and he was killed, the one family she adored, became strained. Now that she saved a member of their family, they are determined to make amends, especially her dead boyfriends brother Benny. But nothing is easy with their family and when Frankie’s curiosity in a strange death at work puts her in danger, Benny is determined to keep her save and with him.

Frankie is a tough cookie, she has survived a pretty traumatic event and is determined to move forward on her own. But the Bianchi family is determined to take care of her, Benny Bianchi comes back in her life and isnt going anywhere. I love how this family wants to fix the relationship with Frankie, whom they thought of as a daughter. Benny is someone who Frankie was close to and actually fit more with than his brother Vinne, but Frankie never went there. Years have gone by since Vinne’s death and Frankie is nervous and unsure why Benny wants to take care of her so much. The chemistry between these two is smoking hot and hilarious, they have so much banter and hot moments is adds to their long friendship they already had to a hot romantic one. Frankie has a lot of stubborn moments but in the end she knows this family cares for her deeply, and with her extremely damaged family always disrupting her life, she yearns for some happiness with them and Benny.

Benny is a man who knows what he wants, Frankie is a women that has always has had a special place in his heart. He’s done waiting for her to come around and now that she needs the help, he’s made himself the only caretaker she’s going to get. Benny reminded me a lot of his cousin Cal, he is all alpha and pushy but also extremely loving, even when hes not trying to be. His love for his family will make anyone melt and his protectiveness of Frankie shows how much he has always cared about her. I love how he always had her back against her insane family and how he accepted the mob side of her extended family to a point that made her happy.

Overall this was a bit of a shift from the prior books as the mystery wasn’t a huge focus, but the relationship is so strong and loving that it didn’t bother me. The mystery has to deal with Frankies work, she is a workaholic and enjoys what she does, but she also is known for putting her nose where is doesn’t belong. I did like the mystery but I wished it was more intense like the others have been. In the end I loved seeing the other Burg couples and seeing how their life’s have moved forward. I cant wait to read the final in the series next and I know Ashley will always give me a great HEA.

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Review of The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

 The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Rating: 5 stars
Received: bought
Genres & themes: YA, contemporary, romance, humor, family, friendship, death, life, diseases, dreams.

BLURB: 

Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.



REVIEW:

First of all, I didn’t cry. I know many of you did, and I can understand why, I really can. But, the thing is… this book has a balanced atmosphere. It’s both sad and full of life. During my reading, I concentrated on the joyful parts and the humour. Maybe that’s why I didn’t feel crushed by the ‘cancer’ part.

The number of times I laugh out loud or giggled are uncountable.

Of course, there were some times when I felt my eyes burn because what happens in this book is not fair. Then again, is life ALWAYS fair with any of us? Hint: no.

Hazel is such an honest main character. At first, I thought it was impossible she had cancer. Sometimes, I even forgot she had cancer! She accepts it and I began to accept it as well. I rarely read books with diseases or heavy subjects in fact, so loving this book wasn’t in my pre-read expectations.

BUT, I DID.

OH, I DID.

Will I re-read this book?

YES, YES AND YES.

I’m not the queen of re-readings, I know a queen of re-reading and it’s definitely not me. I’m way too excited about new books released or ones I’m dying to read but haven’t to take the time re-reading books. In fact, I think I only re-read 12 books in my entire life. And that was when I was younger and didn’t know about Goodreads, hehe.

I know though that, when I’m going to re-read The Fault in Our Stars, I’ll appreciate it even more than I did now, and that I’ll fall in love even harder with Augustus and feel an even greater connection to Hazel.

The originality of this book is beyond amazing. I kept thinking how did John Green manage to invent all of that? He’s a fantastic author with an impressive writing style and choice of words. I’m so eager to read his other novels, in occurrence Looking for Alaska of which I heard only great things and that has a big amount of raving reviews.

The kind of family Hazel has is adorable and full of love. I felt so happy for her to be in such a comfortable and loving one. I rarely saw a similar family in real life but I’m sure it exists so, yes, this story was also a believable one. Even, the ‘author’ inside it felt real.

What I also enjoyed were the multiple settings and the perfect pacing. The story is not only happening during a short (or long) period of time which aloud me to really see every character’s personality and the kind of relationship they have toward one another.

As a conclusion to this 100 180th review of The Fault in Our Stars on Goodreads, I recommend you this novel with all my heart. I hope you’ll love it as much as I did and find it inspiring and beautiful as well.


What did you think of this book yourself? :)

{Early Review} His Every Need by Terri L. Austin

His Every Need by Terri L. Austin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

GENRE: Adult
THEME: Contemporary Romance
RECEIVED: Won
RELEASE DATE: August 5th

BLURB:

How far will she go to hold on to her family home?

When Allie Campbell's father loses their home to British tycoon Trevor Blake, she pleads for more time to pay off the loan. But Trevor refuses to acknowledge his own family, so he's completely unconcerned with hers. Allie impulsively offers to do anything to keep the house, so he teasingly tells her to move in with him and cater to his every need. To his amazement, she agrees..

REVIEW:
I love being surprised by a random read, after winning Terri Austin’s newest series I was not sure what to except. Wonderfully this was an unexpected romance with family drama, humorous moments that push two people who would of never met in a normal situation together.

His Every Need follows Allie Campbell who has recently lost her mother to an illness. Her father is lost and has no idea how to take care of his family thus leaving Allie to take care of her two younger sisters. But the situations becomes worse for Allie when she finds out her father has lost their house, she refuses to let her family become homeless for her fathers mistake. She goes straight to the source, meaning Trevor Blake, a wealthy businessman who now owns her home. She makes a deal with him that he surprisingly didn’t think she would accept. She must now tend to Trevor’s every need and will let her family keep their home, but Allie is about to discover Trevor isn’t as bad as he seems.

Allie is a hard working young woman, leaving college when her mother got sick she did all she could to help her family through the hard times. But when she can’t pick up the pieces and her father is useless to even care to help her, she agrees to “work” with Trevor. It goes to show how people would do anything to protect and care for their families in tough situation, especially when children are involved. Allie has two younger sisters, one being a rebellious and rude eighteen year old, who doesn’t care that Allie gave up everything to help them. And Allie’s youngest sister, who knows that Allie has been the parent and hates the fact that she’s leaving to live with Trevor. I liked the dynamic between Allie and her sisters, each dealing with the loss of their mother in a different way. Allie also has to deal with what exactly Trevor wants with her, as their relationship doesn’t start off like she thought. He’s hot and cold, all business and then caring about her family the next. Plus the addition of his chaotic parents whom he despises making a dramatic entrance and nosing their way into their relationship. Allie in the end is all about her family but soon learns that she needs to start focusing on her happiness and the possibility Trevor might be apart of that.

Trevor is a complex man, whose parents divorced and went from new lover to new lover. He’s a very closed off person and thus having a misunderstanding with Allie leading to her living with him. But what I liked about how everything started was that Trevor didn’t automatically jump in bed with Allie, they learned about each other and their chemistry started to build each day. There are some steamy scenes but its seriously all normal and intense love scenes that build up to something more. My favorite tidbits about Trevor is that he wanted nothing to do with Allie’s family and some how kept getting himself involved to help her, thus showing he started to care for her. It was cute and sweet how he kept changing and starting to open up.

In the end the writing and pace was perfect, I was hooked in each chapter and they weren’t always focused on the main couple but the families too. It was a nice change to see a romance novel that didn’t push the sex scenes but carefully placed them around a wonderful storyline so that they didn’t overwhelm. In the end this was a great start to a new series, the readers will be pleased as this seems like a stand-alone and the next will focus on another Beauty and Brit. I look forward to continuing this series and reading more from Austin.

RECOMMENDATION:
This is an adult novel meant for mature readers over the age of 18, for its sexual content. Fans of Samantha Young’s On Dublin Street and Wallbanger by Alice Clayton, will love His Every Need by Terri Austin,

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BOOK TOUR: Review + Giveaway of Going Down in Flames by Chris Cannon

 Going Down in Flames by Chris Cannon

Rating: 3 stars out of 5
Received: book tour
Genres & themes: YA, dragons, shapeshifters, friendship, family, drama, magic, teen romance, boarding school.

SYNOPSIS:

Finding out on your sixteenth birthday you’re a shape-shifting dragon is tough to swallow. Being hauled off to an elite boarding school is enough to choke on.

Since Bryn is the only crossbreed at the Institute for Excellence, all eyes are on her, but it’s a particular black dragon, Zavien, who catches her attention.

Zavien is tired of the Council’s rules. Segregated clans, being told who to love, and close-minded leaders make freedom of choice almost impossible. The new girl with the striped hair is a breath of fresh air, and with Bryn’s help, they may be able to change the rules.

At the Institute, old grudges, new crushes, and death threats are all part of a normal day for Bryn. She’ll need to learn to control her dragon powers if she wants to make it through her first year at school. But even focusing on staying alive is difficult when you’re falling for someone you can't have.

REVIEW:

Going Down in Flames was a pretty surprising read and I enjoyed it more than I expected. I’m usually not that into shapeshifters, as I said in my review of Dead Witch Walking, but I never read a book with dragons before, of what I recall, and I thought it’d be interesting to try one.

And it truly was!

Review of Cracked (AKA new favorite book of 2014) by Eliza Crewe

 Cracked by Eliza Crewe

Received: bought
Rating: 5 ENTIRELY DESERVED AND BRIGHT STARS 
Genres & themes: YA, demons, action, humour, fantasy, friendship, family, ghosts, urban fantasy.

BLURB:

Meet Meda. She eats people.Well, technically, she eats their soul. But she totally promises to only go for people who deserve it. She’s special. It’s not her fault she enjoys it. She can’t help being a bad guy. Besides, what else can she do? Her mother was killed and it’s not like there are any other “soul-eaters” around to show her how to be different. That is, until the three men in suits show up.

They can do what she can do. They’re like her. Meda might finally have a chance to figure out what she is. The problem? They kind of want to kill her. Before they get the chance Meda is rescued by crusaders, members of an elite group dedicated to wiping out Meda’s kind. This is her chance! Play along with the “good guys” and she’ll finally figure out what, exactly, her ‘kind’ is.

Be careful what you wish for. Playing capture the flag with her mortal enemies, babysitting a teenage boy with a hero complex, and trying to keep one step ahead of a too-clever girl are bad enough. But the Hunger is gaining on her.

The more she learns, the worse it gets. And when Meda uncovers a shocking secret about her mother, her past, and her destiny… she may finally give into it.

REVIEW:

I’m going to be VERY honest with you guys:

I want to eat this book. Nom nom.

I want to devour every word and every chapter slowly and taste its flavours because, if it’s as amazing as the reading was, it may be even better than pizza. Or sushi. Or ice cream… Nom nom.

Yes, believe it or not, it’s the truth.

Cracked is the most entertaining book I’ve read so far in 2014. Even funnier than Rebel Belle which I didn’t think possible because that book is so much fun!

Cracked is the kind of book you don’t want to let go because there is always something interesting and surprising in it and it has a hold on you. There were so many things I was hoping to do yesterday, such as watching Once Upon A Time, Hit The Floor or clean dishes. Oh, and I was looking forward to seeing this movie called How to Train Your Dragon 2 at the cinema. But no, Eliza Crewe had to write a fantastic novel to keep me off doing all those enjoyable things I planned to. Did you hear that? It’s called being sarcastic. I’m warning you, if you want to read this book and like it (or love it!), you better get used to it. *winks*

Meda, can I kiss you? Maybe shouldn’t have said that publicly, sigh. I feel so connected to that character. It’s not because I have the same personality as her, no, but mostly because she’s so… real. She is honest with us readers even if, yeah, sometimes you may thing she isn’t. Again, she’s really sarcastic. And I loved that so much about her. It’s pretty rare that I actually laugh out loud while reading a book but Cracked simply succeeded to make me giggle and smile and bite my nails because, yes, it is not only rainbows and sunshine. Let's not forget that there are demons envolved so don't expect this to be to die for funny.

The story, wow. The story is unpredictable and, again, WOW. When I started reading this book, I was expecting it to be good because of the rave reviews and the hype, but I’m always a bit suspicious when I see a lot of 5 stars. I’m not the kind to give 5 stars all the time and very easily so I’m as surprised as maybe you are. There are so many twists and, yes, secrets but it was actually interesting and I always wondered if the characters would or not discover the truth. Either way, I was excited and couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next!

There is some romance but not in fact including the main character a lot. My GR friends know that I could read a book only if there is a little romance in it. In Cracked, there was some indeed and just the perfect amount to keep me hooked. Plus, I just love love/hate relationships. Don’t you?

I love/adore this book so much that (yes I know I already have it in digital copy duh but…) I ordered Cracked in paperback so I could eat it…I mean…read it, of course.

Highly recommended series.

 

Review of Boundless by Cynthia Hand

 Review of Boundless by Cynthia Hand

Rating: 4 stars
Received: borrowed
Genres & themes: YA, angels, romance, family, friendship, death.

BLURB:

The past few years have held more surprises than part-angel Clara Gardner could ever have anticipated. Yet from the dizzying highs of first love, to the agonizing low of losing someone close to her, the one thing she can no longer deny is that she was never meant to live a normal life.

Since discovering the special role she plays among the other angel-bloods, Clara has been determined to protect Tucker Avery from the evil that follows her . . . even if it means breaking both their hearts. Leaving town seems like the best option, so she’s headed back to California - and so is Christian Prescott, the irresistible boy from the vision that started her on this journey in the first place.

As Clara makes her way in a world that is frighteningly new, she discovers that the fallen angel who attacked her is watching her every move. And he’s not the only one. . . . With the battle against the Black Wings looming, Clara knows she must finally fulfill her destiny. But it won’t come without sacrifices and betrayal.

In the riveting finale of the Unearthly series, Clara must decide her fate once and for all.

REVIEW:

What a conclusion to this Unearthly trilogy! Must say Cynthia Hand is clever, as I was more than impressed with the plot twists she created. There was always something in every one of her books that completely surprised me and that I was not expecting. Why it is such a great thing is that, in YA series, it can be hard sometimes to not predict the events and endings since a lot has been done already. Angels are actually a very popular subject that many authors already exploited. The fact that the author succeeded to stand out means that, not only does she have talent, but she also put some visible time and effort in this final book. I was not disappointed.

I’d suggest for you to read the novella named Radiant before reading Boundless and after reading Hallowed because there are many references to it. I haven’t in fact read it myself but wished I did. Everything would have been clearer and, when I was surprised to discover a new angel character, I shouldn’t have since he technically is presented in that novella  with an alternative point of view of Clara and Angela.

The Unearthly series is a GEM in its category. If you haven’t started it already, get to it soon, I politely say.

Clara is such an endearing character. She’s the kind of main character that you can truly connect with and maybe even imagine yourself at her place by moments. It’s even easier to do so since this series is narrated in a first person point of view. Sure, she can be sarcastic, impulsive, careless and reckless but that’s just human behaviour. No one is perfect. Overall, I think you’ll like her and want to now more about her. Personally, I would have loved to have her as part in my life, maybe as a friend.

There is still a love triangle in Boundless as in the other books. It’s still blurred but things are surely different. Clara feels the pressure to choose Christian since it is part of her mission when she, herself, actually doesn’t know if he IS her soul mate and the one she’s supposed to be with. The only thing she knows is that she still cares for Tucker (which we will still se in this book) but she can’t be with him in order to keep him save. Boy I was eager to know who would conquer her heart by the end of the story.

A problem I had is with Angela. You all know how bossy and how very self-confident she his. Well…I wished to slap her at least like…during my whole reading. Ugh, Angela, could you just stop thinking and listen to someone else for once? Unwanted things happened to you and maybe, maybe, if you had listened to Clara, at least, it would/could have been better. Angela and Clara are ‘friends’ but, to me, it’s like the only reason they are close is because of the whole angel situation which keeps bringing them together. Not a true friendship. Clara is caring but Angela is too independent also to fully let Clara in her life and open up.

I loved the writing and the atmosphere, a nice one, a good contrast since a lot of events are happening in Boundless and they can get overwhelming. It’s fast-paced and I, without lying, always wanted to know what was going to happen and how. The setting is also interesting since it takes mostly place on the Stanford University grounds. It was fun to meet new characters which brought a breath of fresh air in this book. Overall, it’s a must read and a series to not only pass by but to actually read. I believe it enjoyable for adults also since it is a charming, entertaining and, yes, also sad story.

Review of Fire by Kristin Cashore

 Fire by Kristin Cashore

Rating: 2 stars (4.11 on Goodreads)
Genres & themes: Young Adult, fantasy, adventure, family, friendship, magic.
Received: borrowed

Synopsis:

It is not a peaceful time in the Dells. The young King Nash clings to his throne while rebel lords in the north and south build armies to unseat him. The mountains and forests are filled with spies and thieves and lawless men.

This is where Fire lives. With a wild, irresistible appearance and hair the color of flame, Fire is the last remaining human monster. Equally hated and adored, she had the unique ability to control minds, but she guards her power, unwilling to steal the secrets of innocent people. Especially when she has so many of her own.

Then Prince Brigan comes to bring her to King City, The royal family needs her help to uncover the plot against the king. Far away from home, Fire begins to realize there's more to her power than she ever dreamed. Her power could save the kingdom.

If only she weren't afraid of becoming the monster her father was.

Review:

Yes, 2 stars (one star for ''I didn't like it'' and another star because it was truly well-written.)

First of all, you shall know that I really really enjoyed the first book in this series, Graceling. I adored it actually. I thought I was discovering another great author knowing how to write great fantasy/adventure books.

Kristin Cashore got on my nerves.

She played with them.
She played with me.
She played with my emotions.

Ok, first of all, we have a dark and intense prologue of 16 pages. The number of pages is not important but sure is a lot more than usual books I read. So, in that prologue, we meet two characters, one of them being a boy who really got my attention. Leck (not called like that at that moment.) Anyway, so Leck is able to control minds as Fire. I thought ''oh my my, what a great love story that'll make. They'll meet and fall in love with each other because probably they won't be able to control each others minds and they'll be relieved.''

Like hell.

I don't even know if they finally met. (Ok, I do because I read some last pages but, while I was reading, I did not know.)  All I know is that I wanted Fire and Leck to meet and fall in love. Because duh, doesn't Leck redeeming himelf, because of Fire, seem exciting? For me, it did. But, that's not what happened.

Oh la la, I just have so much anger in me right now. Must say that it sure doesn't happen often because of a book. At least, it'll be a memorable one for a special reason. *Sigh.*

I didn't have a direct problem with Fire. She was nice enough, for a fantasy/adventure book MC. I liked when she got all angry and on defense but she mostly was calm and one-dimensional, as many other characters. I didn't know that much about her. I knew things only when the narrator told us memories of her and her father (which is a badass!) Shame shame shame because she could've been such an interesting character.

Damn.

Fire and Archer have a ''relation'' at the beginning of the story of what I understand. But, seriously, I have no idea what kind of relation it was. It was much of:

''Would you marry me, Fire, if I slept in no one's bed but yours?''
He knew the answer to that, but it didn't hurt to remind him. ''No, and I should find my bed quite cramped.''

Oooook.

Also, in this book, there was a war setting. I hate war settings. I don't like when a book gets that serious. The only books I tolerated (and REALLY enjoyed) with war settings were Captive Prince: Volume One and Captive Prince: Volume Two and probably Captive Prince: Volume Three, but it hasn't been realeased yet so I haven't read it. I must admit that I'm a bit scared I won't love Days of Blood & Starlight, because of that.

The writing was splendid (due the 2rd star as I said.) I wansn't expecting and I didn't get less. The pacing was SLOW. So SLOW. Not much was actually hapenning up to where I got (and DNFed.) That's kind of why I DNFed this book (along with the fact that Fire and Leck weren't already a couple as I was hoping for.) The author created a good world building with many descriptions. In one page, there was usually 1 small (very small) dialogue and the rest were descriptions. A lot of them. Most were boring.

I bet this book would've been so much better and I may've liked it more if it was directed to adults. More interesting, exciting and yes, some sex scenes would've been welcomed as in my opinion. 

That's it. I could say more, but I feel calmer now.


Recommendation:
 
Technically, I wouldn't recommend this companion novel. I didn't like it and I wouldn't probably read Bitterblue. Maybe I'll finish this book if I ever feel like to but that could also never happen and I won't be sad. Yes, technically I wouldn't recommend this book but, since I saw that I'm in the minority here, why would you not read it because of what I said about it? Maybe what I was expecting isn't what you want in a fantasy/adventure book. So, go ahead, see for yourself. Maybe you're going to really like it. 

                                   

{Review} of The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen

The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

GENRE: YA Contemporary
THEME: Family, Romance
RECEIVED: Publisher
AUTHORS BLOG: Sarah Dessens' Site

BLURB:

Luke is the perfect boyfriend: handsome, kind, fun. He and Emaline have been together all through high school in Colby, the beach town where they both grew up. But now, in the summer before college, Emaline wonders if perfect is good enough.

Enter Theo, a super-ambitious outsider, a New Yorker assisting on a documentary film about a reclusive local artist. Theo's sophisticated, exciting, and, best of all, he thinks Emaline is much too smart for Colby.

Emaline's mostly-absentee father, too, thinks Emaline should have a bigger life, and he's convinced that an Ivy League education is the only route to realizing her potential. Emaline is attracted to the bright future that Theo and her father promise. But she also clings to the deep roots of her loving mother, stepfather, and sisters. Can she ignore the pull of the happily familiar world of Colby?

Emaline wants the moon and more, but how can she balance where she comes from with where she's going?

REVIEW:

This was my first novel by Sarah Dessen and I was glad to finally experience her writing and realistic family life that she created. The topics that are touched are what many young teens will experience, the upcoming college life, leaving loved ones behind and moving towards what is best for them not what benefits others.

The Moon and More follows Emaline a recent graduate that is on her way to college after summer. She works for her family’s vacation rental company in a small beach town known as Colby. She deals with the pressure of her family, her strained relationship with her father, and that she and her boyfriend Luke may not have the relationship she thought. But when Emaline meets Theo a young filmmaker hopeful who is following his mentor, she begins to question a lot about her life in Colby and what the future holds for her in college.

Emaline reminded me of so many of my friends. Plus she was easy to connect with and coming from a small town myself I understood what it was like to want to explore more in life but also really feel that strong connection to home. Emaline goes through a lot for one summer; she begins to realize this is the point in her life that everything is going to change. In a way I felt that there was too much sadness for the lead protagonist, almost like every turn there was another wall blocking her from some happiness. I liked how the readers see her grow and become a more determined and confident woman in just a summer.

Family is one key focus that kept this story strong, Emaline’s family isn’t perfect and the readers get to see the struggle of sisterly love and the love of a mother who raised her daughter alone until she met Emaline’s step father. Her mother I felt was a bit childish at times, but you can see how much she loves her girls. It was interesting seeing how different Emaline is compared to her stepsisters; you can feel the separation with the oldest sister next to Emaline and the younger sister. Then there is her real father; he isn’t a character I felt the readers were suppose to like, he’s a selfish man and someone who just doesn’t understand what it is to be a parent.

The romance was very minimal, there is a bit of a love triangle but in the end I really didn’t like either Luke or Theo. Her relationship with her boyfriend Luke is tested; both are unsure what their future holds and what else may be out there for them. Theo is an unusual guy, who really doesn’t grasp what he has and what he should be focusing on.

Overall I enjoyed this low key and great summer read, it was a nice change of tone from my paranormal novels. I love how real Dessen’s characters are, they have growing pains, they are trying their best and a learning from their mistakes. The town of Colby is it’s own character as well, the people, beach, the small business, it creates a wonderful mood and setting. In the end I enjoyed reading about the girl next door who is getting ready for a new beginning.

RECOMMENDATION:

This is a young adult novel and a great summer read that will let you escape to a small beach town for a few hours. Fans of Miranda Kenneally’s Catching Jordan and Hooked by Liz Fichera will enjoy The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen.

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{Review} of Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally

Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
GENRE: YA Contemporary
THEME: Romance, Sport, Coming of Age
RECEIVED: Bought
AUTHORS BLOG:  Miranda Kenneallys' Site

BLURB:

ONE OF THE BOYS
What girl doesn't want to be surrounded by gorgeous jocks day in and day out? Jordan Woods isn't just surrounded by hot guys, though-she leads them as the captain and quarterback of her high school football team. They all see her as one of the guys and that's just fine. As long as she gets her athletic scholarship to a powerhouse university.

But everything she's ever worked for is threatened when Ty Green moves to her school. Not only is he an amazing QB, but he's also amazingly hot. And for the first time, Jordan's feeling vulnerable. Can she keep her head in the game while her heart's on the line?

REVIEW:

When I was at ALA last year I asked a blogger friend of mine about author Miranda Kenneally. I remember she said how much she loved her writing and that she highly recommends Catching Jordan. Thus I have finally read it and boy was this one heck of a story. I love emotionally driven novels that catch the innocence of young love and finding that true love, even through mistakes that are made. This story will pull at some heartstrings and really make you hope for the girl to get the guy and find her path in life.

Catching Jordan follows senior football captain Jordan, the only female on the team and seriously one heck of a player. Her team and coach respect her, while her goal is to one-day play at the University of Alabama. But her dreams start to look shaky when a new guy comes to town that threatens her spot as the Quarterback and the spotlight from the recruiters. Luckily she is one girl who only wishes the best for all the players and for the first time she meets a guy that makes her feel something more. But Jordan is about to be challenged in many ways in not only her sport, but also her heart and her family whose support is not always there for her.

Jordan is a girl that I can totally relate to, not as in being captain of the football team but being that girl who has all the guys as friends. I loved how she was a major tomboy, she didn’t care what the girls thought of her because most just ignored her or tried to get her to talk about her guy friends. It was interesting to see how she dealt with getting attention from the one guy all the other girls liked and dealing with their wrath. I rooted for her to put those snotty girl in their place, but that’s when the readers really get to see Jordan’s weakness and softer side when she starts getting hurt emotionally. This girl hits a lot of emotionally rollercoaster’s not only with school but her love life, dealing with her best friend Henry and his mood swings, plus not having any support from her father, which crushes her. She is one determined and hardworking young woman who I felt deserved to get her wish to play on a college team. As the reader I was definitely hoping for a happy ending and that Jordan would find her way through all the challenges that are thrown at her for her senior year.

The boys that are in Jordan’s life consist of not only her father and brother, but the new guy in town Ty and her best friend Henry. Though she has some other male buddies these are the ones that impact her life and push Jordan to make mistakes, learn from them and find the right goal in her life. Jordan’s father will frustrate the reader to no end with his cold demeanor towards her playing, while her bother is both helping and hurting her chances at getting on a college team. Then there is Ty a distraction in many ways and Henry her touchstone is starting to become distant. They all have one thing in common and that’s making Jordan happy and sad through out the entire story. Like I said an emotional rollercoaster.

Overall I loved this story, the spotlight on a female football player was a great touch and really got me to see how females may be treated in this kind of sport. Jordan made some decisions that I didn’t agree with, while also being blind to the obvious, but she was someone whom the reader can connect to easily and learn from. Catching Jordan is one book I highly recommend and I can’t wait to read more from Miranda Kenneally.

RECOMMENDATION:

This is a young adult novel with romance and tough life situations. Fans of Jennifer Echols Such a Rush and Dare To You by Katie McGarry will want to read Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally.

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{Book Tour: Review} of The Carny by Brooke Moss

The Carny by Brooke Moss
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

GENRE: Contemporary
THEME: Romance/Family Drama
RECEIVED: Review for Tour
AUTHORS BLOG: Brook Moss' Site


BLURB:

At a town fair on the coast of Oregon, handsome Native American carny, Vincent Youngblood, bestows an unforgettable kiss on shy, awkward teenager, Charlotte Davenport. Then he disappears without another word, leaving her baffled and enamored.

Ten years later, Charlotte is still living in the small fishing town of Astoria, while being trained to--reluctantly--take over for her philandering hotelier father when he retires. After all, who else will do it? Her two perfect sisters are busy being married to their flawless husbands and having cookie cutter children, while Charlotte remains single, childless, and every bit as mousy as she was a decade ago.

As Charlotte struggles to climb out from underneath her judgmental parents thumb, the carnival rolls back into town, and Charlotte finds herself face to face with Vin again. He's back to run his father's carnival, walking away from a promising career in medicine he started in Chicago. Will her biased and judgmental family accept her relationship with a man who is not only a Native American, but works as a carny for a living? And what unsavory secrets bind the well-educated and seemingly superlative Vin to that ramshackle carnival?

After all, you can’t judge a carny by its cover.

REVIEW:
First off this book in every way is one of my favorite romance books that I’ve read all year. After I finished reading it I immediately went back and read a couple of pages over that I loved, especially the epilogue which was fantastic. The Carny is about two people who have a love that is undeniable but many obstacles stand in their way especially their unstable families. Brooke Moss wrote a book that I will read over and over again.

The Carny follows Charlotte; she is one of three daughters to the very wealth Davenport family. While in high school a young Charlotte falls for a boy who works at the carnival, whom kisses her and then disappears. Ten years go by and after looking for him each year the carnival comes, Charlotte is about to give up on her young crush. But one day the carnival comes back in town and the boy, now a very good looking man is finally there. His name is Vin and he too has been hoping to meet Charlotte again. Thus begins a story about the love of two people and how together they must overcome their past fears to be together.

Charlotte is a girl who is shy but so smart and determined to make everyone else around her happy but herself. But once she meets Vin again he fills that void she’s always needed and becomes a stronger person. I really enjoyed watching Charlotte grow, she goes through a lot of heart ache, a lot to do with her family but in the end it makes her a more independent woman. Even though her family frustrated me to death because they couldn’t see that they weren’t the most important people in the world, I really enjoyed every scene, bad and good, they all were in. I loved how Charlotte stood out and was so loving and accepting to everyone even though she had money.

Vin, the carny and young crush all grown up. He comes from a Native American background and in every way makes a girl’s heart beat a little faster. I loved how bold he was as a young teen, no matter his background he doesn’t care what anyone else thinks. His compassion and adoration for Charlotte is sweet and absolutely perfect. He too has suffered like she has, but in such a different way. In a way they both heal each other from the damages of their families. The chemistry of these two was amazing and though they had their ups and downs that frustrated me, I loved every minute of them together.

Overall this is one of my favorite love stories, it has everything you need: family, drama, challenges, romance, and growth for each character. And even though this is a romance story it does focus on both characters families, who each are struggling with something. I can’t say enough how much I enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to share this book with others. The characters are unforgettable; there is humor that will definitely put a smile on the readers face, and of course the romance.

RECOMMENDATION:
This is an adult novel with some mature content and lots of family drama. Fans of one of my other favorite romance books Beautiful Disaster by Jaime McGuire and Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles should read The Carny Brooke Moss.

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AUTHOR BIO:

Brooke Moss lives in beautiful eastern Washington state, with her nerdy husband, four dirty-faced children, and one dim-witted dog. When she’s not changing diapers and spinning tales, Brooke often changes the color of her hair, fancies herself a cheese aficionado, and as the mother of a child on the Autism Spectrum, enthusiastically supports autism awareness. She loves to write stories that are equal parts hilarious and heart-wrenching, and enjoys finding the love story in every ordinary couple’s past. Now…if she could just climb out from under that pile of dirty laundry.

Find Brooke elsewhere on the web at www.brookemoss.com and on Twitter at @BrookeMoss4.

PURCHASE: The Carny by Brooke Moss

{Review} of The Waiting Sky by Lara Zielin

The Waiting Sky by Lara Zielin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

GENRE: YA Contemporary
THEME: Romance/Family Drama
RECEIVED: Swap
AUTHORS BLOG: Lara Zielin's Site

BLURB:

One summer chasing tornadoes could finally change Jane's life for the better

Seventeen-year-old Jane McAllister can't quite admit her mother's alcoholism is spiraling dangerously out of control until she drives drunk, nearly killing them and Jane's best friend.

Jane has only one place to turn: her older brother Ethan, who left the problems at home years ago for college. A summer with him and his tornado-chasing buddies may just provide the time and space Jane needs to figure out her life and whether it still includes her mother. But she struggles with her anger at Ethan for leaving home and feels guilty--is she also abandoning her mom just when she needs Jane most? The carefree trip turned journey of self-discovery quickly becomes more than Jane bargained for, especially when the devilishly handsome Max steps into the picture.

REVIEW:
The Waiting Sky is a book about a family who has been deeply harmed by alcohol. Author Lara Zielin really focused on how the children struggled but really needed to make the decision that was best for them. It’s a great book for a young teen that may be in a similar situation; it has a great message and makes you hope the best for the characters.

This story follows Jane McAllister a seventeen year old girl who has struggled with her mother’s alcoholism. After her brother left she feels responsible for her mother’s daily life, but when she drives drunk while Jane and her friend were in the car it was time for Jane to get away. She leaves for the summer to be with her brother, helping him with his research team chasing tornados. But they still struggle with their mother’s issues, even from a distance as she calls Jane while away. But the distraction of the storms and a fellow tornado chaser named Max; both helps Jane try a move forward.

Jane has been put in a tough situation, she doesn’t want to be the one to abandon her mother but everyone around her is telling her she’s going to be pulled down by what her mothers doing. I can’t say I understand personally her situation, but I felt that she was so blinded by the damage her mother’s drinking was doing to them. Not being able to pay the bills, Jane having to work long hours to pay the rent. I wish Jane would have opened her eyes, but in the end I think the message was great.

Ethan, older brother and weather enthusiast, he really loves his sister and can’t stand his mother. He was fantastic, really someone who Jane should have been with and not her mother. He’s smart and knows where he’s going with his life and also wants Jane to move in with him. I felt bad for him because he knew what was happening to his mother but couldn’t get his sister to see his point of view. Their relationship was up and down throughout the book but I loved their big bother little sister moments.

Max was a great secondary character and someone who pulled Jane out of her slump and opened her eyes a bit. Their relationship was sweet and grew at a nice pace that felt real. I loved that they were rivals in a way since they were both on different tornado chasing teams.

Overall this was a great book with a deep message. But the secondary story with the storm chasing brought a nice distraction element for the characters. This gives an up-close idea of how dangerous storm chasing is and how much the research could be beneficial for those who live in the path of tornados. If you enjoy a story with family emotions, romance, and a heart pumping secondary story then you’ll want to read The Waiting Sky.

RECOMMENDATION:
This is a young adult novel and coming of age story that touches the subject of Alcoholism. Fans of Jennifer Echols Such a Rush and Gayle Forman’s If I Stay will enjoy The Waiting Sky by Lara Zielin.

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{Character Post + Giveaway} for The Cottage at Glass Beach by Heather Barbieri

Today on Seeing Night Reviews, author Heather Barbieri is here to talk about her lead character Nora from her new release The Cottage at Glass Beach a book about family, with mystery, myths and a bit of romance. I'll also be giving away two copies one today and one along with my review tomorrow.

I would also like to say Happy Release Day! for The Cottage at Glass Beach! You can purchase your copy today at Amazon | Barnes and Noble.
Authors Site: Heather Barbieri Site

Nora Cunningham:

Nora Cunningham seems to have it all: the picture perfect political wife with two young daughters and a rising star husband, the youngest attorney general in Massachusetts state history. Yet beneath the surface of her well-ordered life, trouble is brewing. She learns that Malcolm has had other ambitions than attaining higher office—he has also been having an affair, a revelation that devastates her. To protect her children and distance herself from the scandal, Nora returns to Burke’s Island, invited by her maternal aunt, a woman she barely remembers, and who sent Nora an old compass that once belonged to her mother.

Nora left the remote community off the coast of Maine when she was five years old, after her mother’s disappearance. Her father never spoke of the incident, relocating to Boston shortly thereafter, and Nora was left to wonder whether her mother had died or abandoned her. That early loss—and the lack of communication surrounding it—shaped her character. She became a typical high-achiever, getting the best grades at her parochial school, a scholarship to a prestigious university, working hard at everything she undertook, including her marriage. Having a strong nuclear family was all the more important to her, because she didn’t have one growing up. Known for being capable and organized, she has a law degree, but she devotes her time to raising her children, serving as the head of various charitable organizations, and supporting her husband, defining her identity—until everything is thrown into question and she is left to wonder who she is and what she wants. The old sense of abandonment returns, ten-fold.

The quiet of Burke’s Island gives her a respite from the swarming media attention, but it also gives her time and space to think—perhaps too much. She finds more questions than answers--that the past, and not only the recent past, haunts her, that she worries about the effect of the last month’s events on her daughters, and that she, too, is susceptible to an illicit attraction, in the form of an enigmatic islander, Owen Kavanagh. The emotions that she has suppressed begin to surface—loneliness, desire, loss, threatening to overwhelm her. She has difficult choices to make and challenges to overcome, only then will she be able to chart a new course for herself and her daughters and find her way home at last.

1 Print Copy of The Cottage at Glass Beach
USA/Canada

1 more chance to win tomorrow with my Review!