Blog Tour: A Review for Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson + Author Interview

Posted by Donna

Expected Release Date: June 7th, 2012

Finished Date: May 20th, 2012

Publishers: Simon & Schuster UK

Source: For Review

Format: Paperback 

Pages: 468
Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Taylor's family might not be the closest-knit – everyone is a little too busy and overscheduled – but for the most part, they get along fine. Then they get news that changes everything: Her father has pancreatic cancer, and it's stage four – meaning that there is basically nothing to be done. Her parents decide that the family will spend his last months together at their old summerhouse in the Pocono Mountains. Crammed into a place much smaller and more rustic than they are used to, they begin to get to know each other again. And Taylor discovers that the people she thought she had left behind haven't actually gone anywhere. Her former summer best friend is suddenly around, as is her first boyfriend. . . and he's much cuter at seventeen than he was at twelve. As the summer progresses, the Edwards become more of a family, and closer than they've ever been before. But all of them very aware that they're battling a ticking clock. Sometimes, though, there is just enough time to get a second chance – with family, with friends, and with love.

The Review: Before I start this review I just want to take some time out and admire the book cover which has been published by the awesome Simon & Schuster UK. So, WOW, I love it. I thought they did an amazing job with Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour but they’ve really out done themselves with this.  It’s definitely my favourite book cover of 2012 so far and I love how every little detail from the lake house to the movie reel fits this book so well, and let’s not forget to mention how fun it really looks. Anyway let’s get back to the review.
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Second Chance Summer is a fun packed emotional rollercoaster – one that is full of hope, love, loss and second chances. It’s the perfect beach read for YA contemporary romance fans and if you don’t know who Morgan Matson is, then I suggest you pick up one of her books now, because they really won’t disappoint. She’s fast becoming one of my favourite YA authors and if anything, I enjoyed this book so much more than Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour.
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Morgan Matson captivated me from start to finish and has really created a touching and lovable story. I just didn’t expect so much to happen during this book. The emotions that poured out of me were unbelievable. The main character Taylor has a hard time because she runs from everything. She never faces her problems head on but when her Dad get sick, she finally has to deal with it and it won’t be easy.  Reading this story from Taylor’s point of view was completely heart-breaking. Her dad is everything to her and even though she doesn’t know every little detail about him, she makes the effort because she knows this summer is his last. And trying to put myself in her position was just as hard, she may not be the strongest character I’ve read about but I have to admire her because she really does try hard. 
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Now the relationship between Taylor and Henry was amazing. The relationship they have is very sweet and heart-warming. Henry’s the type of guy that any girl should fall for. He’s sweet, loyal and very handsome and I can really see why Taylor loves him so much. And I also cannot forget the secondary characters like Warren, Wendy, Gelsey & Lucy – they really were all just as lovable too. It was nice to see they all have there own stories that was involved in this book, so it was really interesting reading about them too.
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All in all, I’m so pleased to have been able to read Second Chance Summer this year and I’d highly recommend it to fans of Jenny Han’s ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ Series. It’s not one to miss out on! 
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A huge thank you to Simon & Schuster UK for giving me the opportunity to review.

Morgan Matson

Author of Amy & Roger's Epic Detour & Second Chance Summer.

Check out her Goodreads Page: HERE

Check out her Website: HERE

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1) What inspired you to write Second Chance Summer?

The setting of the book is taken from my own life – I used to spend summers as a kid in the mountains of Pennsylvania, at a lake. We stopped going as much when I hit my teen years, and I always wondered about the people I’d left behind…what was going on with them, and what would happen if I happened to see them again.  

I also wanted to tackle another serious subject, but do it from a different angle than Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour.  That book is really about a family splitting up and falling apart after a death.  I wanted to write a book where the family came together before a tragedy.

2) How long did it take to write?

The first draft took me about six months.  But I was writing it in the winter – not the best time to write a summer book! So I made sure to revise it in the summer, to get some of those necessary summer details.

3) Where's your favourite place to write?

When I’m starting a book, I need to write somewhere in public – a library or my favorite local coffee shop.  If I write at home, I end up just eating snacks and wasting time online! But as I get to finishing a book, the only place I want to write is at home, at my desk.

4) Whose your favourite character from the book?

I really liked writing Gelsey, the 12-year-old sister.  She’s obsessed with ballet…just like I was at that age.  It was a lot of fun to write her.

5) Can you give the readers a teaser from Second Chance Summer?

Sure! Here’s just a little peek:

Henry stopped, just a few feet from me, closer than ever, close enough that I could see that there was still a scattering of freckles across his cheeks, but so faint I could almost see each one, and connect them, like constellations.  I could feel my pulse beating harder at the base of my throat, and I suddenly had a flashback to one of our early, tentative make-out sessions five years earlier – one that had, in fact, taken place on this very dock.  I’ve kissed you flashed through my mind before I could stop it.  

6) We featured Second Chance Summer in our weekly US vs UK cover battle a few weeks ago - and the UK won. Which do you prefer? 

That’s such a hard question!  I like how the US cover is evocative, but what I love about the UK covers (Second Chance Summer and Amy & Roger) is all the details from the story that show up in the art. I think it’s fun that readers can get a peek into the story, just from the cover details.

Fun Questions: 

Spring or Summer? Summer!

Pizza or Pasta? Definitely pizza.

Coffee or Tea? Coffee – iced when it’s hot out!

Dog or Cat? Dog.

White Chocolate or Milk Chocolate? Can I please have both?

Paperback or Hardback? Paperback – much better for taking to the beach.

Ice-cream or Ice lolly? Ice cream!

Jeans or Skirt? Jeans – preferably jean shorts in the summer.

High Heeled Shoes or Flat Shoes? Flip-flops!

Thank you Morgan, it's been great having you hear today. =)

Blog Tour: A Review for Saving June by Hannah Harrington + Character Interview with Jake Tolan

Posted by Donna

Expected Release Date: June 1st, 2012

Finished Date: March 28th, 2012

Publishers: Mira Ink

Source: ARC For Review

Format: Paperback 

Pages: 336
Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

‘If she’d waited less than two weeks, she’d be June who died in June. But I guess my sister didn’t consider that.’

Harper Scott’s older sister has always been the perfect one so when June takes her own life a week before her high school graduation, sixteen-year-old Harper is devastated. Everyone’s sorry, but no one can explain why. When her divorcing parents decide to split her sister’s ashes into his-and-her urns, Harper takes matters into her own hands. She’ll steal the ashes and drive cross-country with her best friend, Laney, to the one place June always dreamed of going, California. Enter Jake Tolan. He’s a boy with a bad attitude, a classic-rock obsession and nothing in common with Harper’s sister. But Jake had a connection with June, and when he insists on joining them, Harper’s just desperate enough to let him. With his alternately charming and infuriating demeanour and his belief that music can see you through anything, he might be exactly what she needs. Except June wasn’t the only one hiding something. Jake’s keeping a secret that has the power to turn Harper’s life upside down again.

The Review: I went to a bloggers party hosted by Mira Ink way back in March and this is the first time I heard about Saving June. But as soon as I did I knew I had to read it and honestly, it’s a good read – one that deals with some very difficult times and love and friendship really bring this book to life. 
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One of the lines in Saving June is ‘If she’d waited less than two weeks, she’d be June who died in June. But I guess my sister didn’t consider that.’ and it really saddened me. This book deals with a Harper’s sister, June committing suicide. June has always been the over achiever, she study hard and she appears to be a happy teenager but if she was happy, why would kill herself? Harper wants to find out the answer to the question more than anything and she feels the only way to be at peace with her sister’s death is to scatter her ashes in the one place June always wanted to go – California. So with the help of her best friend, Laney and the mysterious Jake Talon; who knows more about June’s death than anyone, they try to help Harper find closure. 
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Saving June was a very enjoyable read. I hate how the word enjoyable seems so wrong for this book because of how saddening the story is but it was and enjoyable read. Hannah Harrington touches on a very difficult subject but she does it so beautifully, it really works. I immediately felt connected to Harper because there was so much character building and because of that when Harper went through the motions, I went through the motions and I loved that connection I had with her. She was so determined to do right by her sister that she defies and stands up to her parents and I really admire her for that. June, I liked her from the information that we got but I kind of wish that she had wrote more letters for Harper, so I could understand her reasons more. Now Laney and Jake all brought a certain quality to the book too. Laney is the partying and boy loving type, who really is everything a girl needs in a best friend. I really enjoyed Laney’s care free attitude but I have to say I felt her story, towards the end of the book (I won’t say what and spoil it for you) but I felt it was out of place for the story and I wasn’t really needed in my opinion. And Jake, I loved Jake. I did have mixed feelings about him to start with and all the while, I was reading the book trying to fit in how he knew June and I thought the author did a good job getting him involved with it.I loved how dedicated to music he is and how he writes songs etc. He’s one of them characters that you just go….sigh….with. He’s amazing! 
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Now the romance – I liked it but I wish there had been more. I know the story is more around June’s death but I still felt the romance could have been turned up a notch. However, when the romance started, it was good….just not enough. 
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All in all, Saving June is a book I’m glad I read, and I’d highly recommend it to you contemporary romance fans that are looking for something a little different. 
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A huge thank you to Mira Ink for giving me the opportunity to review this book. 

 Character interview with Jake Tolan and Jake’s top 10 songs.
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1)      Hi Jake - Welcome to Book Passion for Life. We wanted to ask you some questions and we hope you don't mind but they may be a bit personal. So to start with, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Uh, okay. I’m Jake. I work at my brother’s record store and live in the apartment over it, which is pretty cool. When I’m not working there, I’m usually playing my guitar, listening to albums, going to shows, or talking to people about my favorite artists, since music is basically my life.
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2)      Music is you're passion, so if you could meet one famous singer, who would it be and why? 
I would go back in time and meet Freddie Mercury, and then ask him to sing for me, because no one could rock a stage like that man could. He was epic.
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3)      What was it like for you meeting Harper at June's funeral?
It was really weird. I’d only heard a little about her from June, but she wasn’t at all what I expected her to be. Most people are kind of intimidated by me but she didn’t give a crap at all. It was sort of startling.
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4)      What are you're favourite qualities about Harper?
Harper can really hold her own. Like when we’re arguing, I kind of like how she doesn’t back down easily. And she really cares about stuff. About people. She sets aside her own crap to be there for others, and she doesn’t whine about it either. Not a lot of people are like that.
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5)      And lastly, can you describe how you felt after your first kiss with Harper?
It was intense. Everything about that day was intense. I’d thought about what it’d be like before then, but I had no idea how she felt, and I pretty much expected her to kick me in the head and run off. She didn’t, thankfully. All I knew was that even as screwed up as things were, what we were doing felt right. I could never regret it.
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JAKE’S TOP TEN SONGS:
1)      Mother – John Lennon


2)      London Calling – The Clash


3)      So What – Miles Davis


4)      My Blakean Year – Patti Smith


5)      Radio Radio – Elvis Costello


6)      Oh! Sweet Nuthin' – The Velvet Underground


7)      Born to Run – Bruce Springsteen


8)      Under Pressure – Queen & David Bowie


9)      A Case of You – Joni Mitchell


10)  You Can’t Always Get What You Want – The Rolling Stones

A Review for Drink, Slay, Love by Sarah Beth Durst

Posted by Jess

Release Date: September 13th, 2011

Finished Date: May 25th, 2012

Publishers: McElderry Books

Source: Birthday Gift

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 385
Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon US 

Pearl is a sixteen-year-old vampire... fond of blood, allergic to sunlight, and mostly evil... until the night a sparkly unicorn stabs her through the heart with his horn. Oops.

Her family thinks she was attacked by a vampire hunter (because, obviously, unicorns don't exist), and they're shocked she survived. They're even more shocked when Pearl discovers she can now withstand the sun. But they quickly find a way to make use of her new talent. The Vampire King of New England has chosen Pearl's family to host his feast. If Pearl enrolls in high school, she can make lots of human friends and lure them to the King's feast -- as the entrees.

The only problem? Pearl's starting to feel the twinges of a conscience. How can she serve up her new friends—especially the cute guy who makes her fangs ache—to be slaughtered? Then again, she's definitely dead if she lets down her family. What's a sunlight-loving vamp to do?

The Review: "You're a teenage boy. I have boobs. What part of the equation is missing?" -Pearl
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Where do I start? This book is pretty cool. It started out a little slow, but it picked up and I ended up having the greatest time reading it. Pearl is a 16 year old born vampire, and she's a lethal hunter who enjoys the taste of fresh blood from her local source....the ice cream server, Brad. At some point during her usual hunt, she gets stabbed  by a unicorn (yep, that's right...a unicorn). She then later wakes up and realises she can now walk in the sunlight. 
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I enjoyed the concept of this vampire story. It was new and I'd never read anything with unicorns before. This book was funny in a lot of places. Pearl although has a HUGE superiority complex at the beginning which annoyed me, she later begins to have a conscience and her superiority complex dies out and she becomes totally badass. This book pretty much reads like a vampire comedy. For once we see the hot bad boy (named Jadrien), get kicked aside for the cute, smart boy Evan. Most of the characters were pretty awesome, I liked all the humans including Chubby and Tall (also known as Zeke and Matt), they all bought real humour to the story and I found myself laughing out loud for the most part. Pearl's 'Family' is made up of her mother and father, her uncles and aunts, her cousins etc etc...they're al vampires living under one roof (or one catacomb if you will). I didn't like any other them. Not a single one. I just hated the way they decided to use Pearl for their own gain after finding out that she can now walk in the sunlight. This will help them gain 'food' for the Fealty Ceremony that they have been asked to host for the vampire King of New England. I felt such strong hate towards the Family, that I wanted them all to DIE!!
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The book in the end ended up being nicely paced, and full of action and laughter, and love. I enjoyed it more than I did to begin with, and the ending was great. This is a stand alone book, however Sarah Durst, has managed to leave it kinda open for a sequel, and to be honest, I would be totally happy to revisit Pearl and her friends. 
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Drink, Slay, Love is brilliantly thought and a new and interesting concept to vampires and possibly I believe may have opened up something new to were-unicorns. Let's see.
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I most definitely recommend you pick this up. It is a wonderful story, told by a good writer. It's fun and whacky, and totally out there, but Sarah Durst pulls it off just right to leave you wanting more. 
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A Review for Emma Hearts LA by Keris Stainton

Posted by Donna

Release Date: June 7th, 2012

Finished Date: May 18th, 2012

Publishers: Orchard

Source: ARC for Review

Format: Paperback

Pages: 256
Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Emma's not sure that LA's for her, but when she accompanies her sister Jane to an audition, a chance meeting with a teen TV star starts to change her new sunshine lifestyle for the better... 
But what about Oscar, so far her only friend in LA, who's turning out NOT to be the idiot she thought he was? 
Soon Emma begins to find herself torn between two boys and reconsidering her entire future.
Maybe LA's not that bad after all.

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The Review: Emma Hearts LA is my first book by author Keris Stainton, yep you heard me, I haven’t even read Keris’s other book Jessie Hearts LA. So, I went into Emma Hearts LA not really knowing what to expect but let me tell you, this is the ideal summer read. 
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This story follows a teenage girl named Emma, who is moving to LA where her mother has been offered a new job.  However Emma doesn’t really want to go but will give it a go for her mother and sister. When she arrives in LA, Emma reunites a friendship with an old childhood friend named Oscar and it's then she sees everything LA has to offer her – and possibly a relationship with Oscar. But when her sister gets an audition and Emma has the luxury of companying her – it is there she meets a famous TV star, and soon she has to choose between the two boys….along with what she wants from the future.
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I really enjoyed this book. It was a fun and lovable story – one that is actually more complex than I would have thought. I loved Emma as a character and because we see her trying to get over her parent’s divorce, it gave a lot more insight to her as a character. It’s not easy for her but she deals with it the best she can. Not only that but we see the relationship she has with her mother and sister and there such a close family, it’s lovely to read about. 
Now both of the love interests we’re fantastic and honestly, it was a hard choice but I have to say, I’m totally Team Oscar. He’s a total geek but you know what, geek’s are totally in now and Oscar was portrayed brilliantly. He’s sweet, interesting and loving and he’s just so much fun. He's definitely the perfect choice for Emma, in my opinion. 
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Overall, Emma Hearts LA was a very enjoyable, captivating and fun-loving book. I'd probably suggest you to read Jessie Hearts LA first, if you are to pick up this authors work but definately one not to miss. 
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A huge thank you to Hachette UK for giving me the opportunity to review this book. 
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Don't forget to stop by on July 15th for a guest post from the author. 

A Review for The Selection (The Selection #1) by Kiera Cass

Posted by Donna

Release Date: June 7th, 2012

Finished Date: May 27th, 2012

Publishers: HarperCollins UK

Source: For Review

Format: Paperback

Pages: 327
Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks. Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

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The Review: The Selection is an intriguing, beautiful and charming novel – one that honestly, really surprised me. Kiera Cass captivated me from start to finish with her exciting and lovable story and I loved every single minute of it.
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America Singer lives in a world where everything is ranked by numbers. With her and her family being a five, they struggle sometimes when it comes to providing food and have to work for a living. So when the opportunity to become the next future Queen arises, America’s family are quick to suggest she try out. America is luckily picked and is now amongst thirty-five girls who have been selected to try and win Prince Maxon’s heart. But how can America try to win the Prince’s heart when her heart belongs to Aspen; a six, who she can never have a future with, because of his low ranking? And when America meets Prince Maxon, he isn’t what she expected and soon starts to fall for him.
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The Selection – wow, where do I even start with this review, yeah – I loved it! It’s full of magical and lovable scenes that really make you want to keep reading. I was expecting a complicated world because generally, with dystopian books they tend to have a lot of details, but the author did a great job giving you the right amount of information at the right time and not once, did I feel overwhelmed.
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I loved the whole story in general. I have never watched the Bachelor – which I know this book is being compared too, so for me, it was a whole new world and it really worked well within the story. But not only that but I feel that this book has so much more to offer than just any old book. It’s full of hope, love and drama and it’s even pretty heart-breaking at times too, because of what the characters go through. America, is a really likeable girl, she’s stubborn, fiery and honest. You really feel for her when things don’t work out with Aspen but then of course, Prince Maxon comes into the picture – who by the way, I’m totally rooting for. He opens her up to a world she never thought she could ever experience and I just absolutely adore him. He’s everything you want from a guy and he’s sweet and loyal. So yes I am Team Maxon! And that ending – wow, I still can’t decide if I loved or hated it…but I’m thinking I’m leaning towards loved! I do wish the book was longer because I would have loved to see the outcome of the Selection but I think the author did the right thing ending it were it did. I can see big things happening for book two because of the selection, the love triangle and the attacks on the palace and I’m very eager to find out where the story goes next.
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Now as I said before, this book really surprised me and the reason for that is because of the drama surrounding the author, her publicist and a reviewer. Now I don’t like to get involved with things like this but I couldn’t help notice the drama and honestly, it really did put me off reading this book. The only reason I picked it up was because of the ever so wonderful HarperCollins UK offered me a review copy and as you can see, I’m so, so glad I read it. So, I urge reader’s who – like me have been put of from reading this book, to read it and I promise you won’t be disappointed.
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Overall, The Selection was a fantastic novel and one I’d highly recommend. Kiera Cass has convinced me she deserves a place in the YA community and I cannot wait to see more work from her.
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A huge thank you HarperCollins UK for giving me the opportunity to review this book. 

Blog Tour: A Review for Stolen (A Stained Novel) by Ella James + eBook Giveaway

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Posted by Guest Reviewer Melanie

Release Date: April 24th, 2012

Finished Date: May 20th, 2012

Publishers: Self-Published

Source: For Review

Format: Kindle

Pages: Unknown
Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon US 

In Stained: After a fire destroys seventeen-year-old Julia’s home and kills her foster parents, she chases the half-demon responsible across the country and back, determined to avenge her family and discover why a host of celestial baddies want her dead. With Julia is enigmatic hottie - Cayne, who has his own score to settle with the half-demon, and who might be just as dangerous as the creature he and Julia hunt.
Now in Stolen: With Cayne's fate in the hands of his enemies and Julia spirited away to the covert Stained compound, the two are separated by impenetrable walls and a gulf of unanswered questions. Soon Julia learns the truth about the Stained and the plans they have for her, the compound is attacked, and a new group is running from an unwanted destiny, searching the globe in pursuit of the knowledge that just might save them all.

The Review: We pick up exactly where we left book one which is that Cayne has been captured by the Stained and will stand trial for crimes against the Stained with a probable death sentence and with no other option Julia allows herself to be taken along too in the hopes she can rescue Cayne. Things don’t go to plan though because when Julia finds out exactly what Cayne’s crimes are, she begins to consider the fact that he might not be the person she believes him to be. Whilst at the Stained/Chosen compound she begins to find out more about herself and others like her, what she might be capable of and discovers that there is a big prophecy of a chosen one and she may just be it! With Cayne constantly on her mind and feeling like she doesn’t truly belong with the Chosen and still struggling with her trust issues Julia decides she would rather leave. . . but will they let her? How far will they go to keep her?
Again, this is a great read and I was as intrigued with this as the first. Julia’s character progressed well and it was nice to see her interact with more people so we can really get a feel for her character, she makes quite a few discoveries in this book which I was glad of because that was one of the things I wanted to see after reading book one and I was really satisfied with what we found out but I still think there is more to her. Cayne was missing for quite a bit – I missed him – but we still got more facts about him and more info that added more questions to who he is and again I still feel there is more to him and maybe the combination of him and Julia which fills me with excitement. Unfortunately I wasn’t feeling the love between them as much but I understand why. I liked the introduction of the new characters particularly Meredith, she was a one to watch from book one and I’m glad we are getting to know her more – she has a great sassy attitude and I love that in a character. I’m curious about Nathan too and hope we get more from him.
The storyline progression was good, as I said it picked up exactly where book one left off so there was no missing time or information and that was good the way the books flowed into each other. In book one, we got Samyaza and his M.O and how it affected Cayne, Julia & the Stained but in book two, we get the other side of the scales with the Stained/Chosen as Julia finds out what sort of impact the Nephillim have on them and what sort of operation they’re running but as with most stories there are good and bad sides to each and not everything is black & white. I loved the discoveries that were made in this, I loved that all of the chosen have different powers and everything about the plot, it really held my interest and I wished I could see more of where it’s going but I can’t and that is such a rare thing in a book. There is another cliff-hanger ending *arghhh* but that has left me desperate for book three in the same way I was for this.

 About the Author

Ella James is the author of Stained and Stolen, books one and two in the Stained Series; HERE, book one in an unusual sci-fi romance trilogy; and Before You Go, a one-shot YA romance beach read that tells the first meeting of Logan and Margo, who will be featured in her upcoming adult release, Over The Moon. She has a YA paranormal romance release scheduled for almost every month of 2012, including Chosen (Stained Book Three) in June and the second HERE book in July. Ella is inviting readers to help her write an adult romance shapeshifter novel, which is plotted via polls and questions on her blog and her Facebook page. Ella lives in Birmingham, Alabama, with her wonderful husband, opinionated baby, and mopey dog. You can visit her blog at www.ellajamesbooks.blogspot.com, or friend her on Facebook at Ella James Facebook. For a list of her award-winning YA romances, visit her Amazon page at Amazon. 

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Waiting on Wednesday (#18)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. 

Jess's WoW

My Life Next Door
by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Release date:June 14th, 2012

“One thing my mother never knew, and would disapprove of most of all, was that I watched the Garretts. All the time.”

The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, numerous, messy, affectionate. And every day from her balcony perch, seventeen-year-old Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs her terrace and changes everything. As the two fall fiercely in love, Jase's family makes Samantha one of their own. Then in an instant, the bottom drops out of her world and she is suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?

A dreamy summer read, full of characters who stay with you long after the story is over.

Donna's WoW

Spark (Sky Chasers #2)
by Amy Kathleen Ryan
Release date: July 12th, 2012
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Waverly and Kieran are finally reunited on the Empyrean. Kieran has led the boys safely up to this point, and now that the girls are back, their mission seems slightly less impossible: to chase down the New Horizon, and save their parents from the enemy ship. But nothing is truly as it seems…Kieran’s leadership methods have raised Seth’s hackles— and Waverly’s suspicions. Is this really her fiancé? The handsome, loving boy she was torn from just a short time before? More and more, she finds her thoughts aligned with Seth’s. But if Seth is Kieran’s Enemy No. 1, what does that make her? 


In one night, a strange explosion rocks the Empyrean—shooting them off course and delaying their pursuit of the New Horizon—and Seth is mysteriously released from the brig. Seth is the most obvious suspect for the explosion, and Waverly the most obvious suspect for releasing him. As the tension reaches a boiling point, will Seth be able to find the true culprit before Kieran locks them both away—or worse? Will Waverly follow her heart, even if it puts lives at risk? With the balance of power precarious and the clock ticking, every decision counts… every step brings them closer to a new beginning, or a sudden end...

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What's your "waiting on" pick this week?

Want to participate? 
Grab the logo, post your own WoW entry on your blog, and leave your link at Breaking the Spine. 

Happy Reading!

A Review for Bared To You (Crossfire #1) by Sylvia Day

Posted by Jess

Release Date: April 3rd, 2012

Finished Date: May 3rd, 2012

Publishers: Self-published

Source: Bought

Format: Ebook

Pages: 360
Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon US

Our journey began in fire...

Gideon Cross came into my life like lightning in the darkness—beautiful and brilliant, jagged and white-hot. I was drawn to him as I'd never been to anything or anyone in my life. I craved his touch like a drug, even knowing it would weaken me. I was flawed and damaged, and he opened those cracks in me so easily...

Gideon knew. He had demons of his own. And we would become the mirrors that reflected each other's most private wounds... and desires.

The bonds of his love transformed me, even as I prayed that the torment of our pasts didn't tear us apart..

The Review: "I've always seen you, angel. From the moment you found me, I've seen nothing by you." -Gideon
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I finished reading this a while ago and I totally forgot I hadn't written a review for it yet. Bared to You was fantastic. It was my 'post Fifty Shades' read. And it really didn't disappoint at all.
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What can I say?  I was completely captivated with the story from the moment I started reading this book. I'd heard so many great things about this book before picking it up and I couldn't wait to get started, and once I did, I couldn't put it down! This book will just sink it's claws into you from the get go. Eva is pretty awesome, there were times I wanted to just shake her and she annoyed me when she kept running away from Gideon anytime something got a little weird. Gideon is powerful. He's a rich, sexy, dominant alpha, who will leave you reeling after every chapter. 
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Bared to You is quite the emotional rollercoaster. Both characters have nasty pasts, which include bad childhoods this leads them on a road to discovering the strengths within themselves and the strength they find in each other to help them cope. Their sexual relationship is extremely passionate and very, very hot. Quite possibly, hotter than that of Ana and Christian. That's right, I said it! There's a lot of sex in this book (hell it's erotica!) and you will be left feeling a little hot under the collar ;)
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The story itself was gritty, but enthralling. Sylvia Day has created a world that is incredibly thought out and deeply emotional that will leave you sleep deprived and wanting more. The only gripe I had with this, and I can't put an exact finger on what it was, but there was something lacking. After having finished this book a while ago I still can't put a finger on what it was, but there was something and that something is the reason for only 4 stars and not 5. None the less, it didn't take away any essence of the book for me and I still really enjoyed it. 
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I'm annoyed the Deeper into You isn't out until October, but rest assured when it's released I will be nabbing that baby up! I need some more Gideon. Like soon.
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I'm going to leave you with a few of my favourite quotes and a quick image of the perfect Gideon (thanks to Lindsey and Wendy on Goodreads):


“I want there to be happily-ever-afters for the f**ked-up crowd. Show me the way, Eva honey. Make me believe.” -Gideon

“He was the kind of guy that made a woman want to rip his shirt open and watch the buttons scatter along with her inhibitions.” -Eva

“Are you sleeping with anyone?”

The question was asked so casually it took a second to process what he’d said.

I inhaled sharply. “Why is that any business of yours?”

He looked at me and I saw what I’d seen the first time we’d met—tremendous power and steely control. Both of which had me taking an involuntary step back. Again. At least I didn’t fall this time; I was making progress.

“Because I want to f**k you, Eva. I need to know what’s standing in my way, if anything.” - Eva & Gideon

Now for your viewing pleasure: Gideon Cross

Note: This book is for 18+ due to coarse language, and explicit sexual content. 

Dusty Reads (#18)

Dusty Reads is a weekly meme, hosted by Xpresso Reads featuring a book that has been sitting unread on our shelves for some time. To participate and more information, click here.

Jess's Dusty Read

Article 5 (Article 5, #1)

by Kristen Simmons

New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., have been abandoned.

The Bill of Rights has been revoked, and replaced with the Moral Statutes.

There are no more police—instead, there are soldiers. There are no more fines for bad behavior—instead, there are arrests, trials, and maybe worse. People who get arrested usually don't come back.

Seventeen-year-old Ember Miller is old enough to remember that things weren't always this way. Living with her rebellious single mother, it's hard for her to forget that people weren't always arrested for reading the wrong books or staying out after dark. It's hard to forget that life in the United States used to be different.

Ember has perfected the art of keeping a low profile. She knows how to get the things she needs, like food stamps and hand-me-down clothes, and how to pass the random home inspections by the military. Her life is as close to peaceful as circumstances allow.

That is, until her mother is arrested for noncompliance with Article 5 of the Moral Statutes. And one of the arresting officers is none other than Chase Jennings—the only boy Ember has ever loved.

Jess's thoughts: I bought this one a couple of months ago. I've picked it up ready to read but then changed my mind. It is Dystopian and I love Dystopian, but you do need to be in the mood for it. Donna has read it, and she absolutely loved it! I hope to pick it up very soon.

 Donna's Dusty Read

Firespell (Dark Elite #1) 

by Chloe Neill 

New Girl.
New School.
Old Evil.
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Lily’s parents have sent her to a fancy boarding school in Chicago filled with the ultra-rich. If that wasn’t bad enough, she’s hearing and seeing bizarre things on St. Sophie’s creepy campus. Her roommate, Scout, keeps her sane, but keeps disappearing at night. When one day Lily finds Scout running from real-life monsters, she learns the hard way that Scout is involved in a splinter group of rebel teens.
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They protect Chicago from demons, vamps, and dark magic users. It’s too bad Lily doesn’t have powers of her own to help. At least, none that she’s discovered yet...
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Donna's thoughts:  I've had this on my shelf for about 2 years now and still haven't read it. I've heard good things about it, so hopefully soon! 

So that's our Dusty Read's for this week! Don't forget to leave us your thoughts below. 

Happy Reading!