Waiting On Wednesday #54

Posted on February 12, 2014 by

Waiting On WednesdayThis week I’m a bit late getting my Waiting on Wednesday post up and running (I also play DnD on my free time and was up FAAAAAR too late due to that last night, lol) but nevertheless I wanted to get a great book up for you guys to go gaga over! This book is coming out early March 2014 by an imprint of MacMillan Publishing and it looks like it is going to be another hit on the shelves! I wanted to pick a book that drew away from the whole Valentines Day theme that blogs usually take over during this particular week in February but still wanted to give you a touch of romance, and a cover to definitly swoon over. ENJOY!

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The Winners Curse by Marie RutkoskiThe Winners Curse by Marie Rutkoski

Expected Publication Date: March 4, 2014
Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux (MacMillan USA)

Winning what you want may cost you everything you love 

As a general’s daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. But Kestrel has other intentions.

One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction. Arin’s eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him—with unexpected consequences. It’s not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin.

But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined.

Set in a richly imagined new world, The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski is a story of deadly games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart.

header_thoughtsMarie Rutkoski is not another debut author of 2014, she already has three previous series under her belt before The Winners Curse and yet this is the first time I am hearing about her! The Winner Curse is such a unique twists of woe, and romance, and dystopian drama I feel instantly in love with this books premise! You can now tell why I am totally gaga over this upcoming March release not only because of the gorgeous and distinct cover, but also the incredibly different and spellbinding tale Rutkoski has woven. Not only is the person Kestrel saves a slave, but she also starts to fall in love with him. In not so typical these types of romances happen within a dystopian world, and one that so freely speaks of the repression of woman AND war.

There are always three things you can depend on me to provide you with when it comes to a Waiting on Wednesday post: number 1 is the gorgeous cover art that accompanies the novels, number 2 a distinct swoon worthy romance and number 3 there is always some sort of mystery, scandal or secret involved in the novel somehow. Some readers/bloggers like a good drama, hiest, or classic romance – I do love my “secret” driven novels. It could be ANYTHING, the possibilities are endless and here, within The Winners Circle, my mind is going wild with the conspiracies that could be Arin’s secret! So there you have it – why I am so pumped for this spring release; are you?

Enjoy this weeks choice? Leave your link in the comments!

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Top Ten #17: Books that will Make You Swoon!

Posted on February 11, 2014 by

Top Ten TuesdayIts that time ladies (and gents) only a couple more days till the dreaded Valentines Day better known as Single’s Awareness Day (lol). All playing aside, it is a couple days before Valentines Day which means for a few hours (or days perhaps) love is in the air. This weeks Top Ten Tuesdays is show casing my top ten books (or more) that will indefinitely make you swoon; weak in the knees, heart pounding, corny one liners – types of romances.

I do love romance novels so this list was somewhat easy and hard for me to compile. I love the trashy romances novels, the young adult contemporaries, even the classics – there is something about romance novels that I just can’t get enough of; I binge read them, download them, one click them – it’s definitely a problem ladies I just can’t say no to the bad boys with hearts of gold *swoon* (lol). SO I hope you enjoy my list!

dividerThese books do not appear in any numerical order. 

#10: One Tiny Lie by K.A. Tucker – Your typical boy meets girl, girl gets drunk with boy and he gets a tattoo on his butt … no? Not typical? Well it was pretty damn funny and Ashton was one swoon worthy, one liner hottie in One Tiny Lie. The reason he is so swoon worthy is because he has one of the biggest selfless hearts there is. He is just as broken as Livie and they so belong together; I rooted for them till the end, and it was definitely worth all the drama to get to the swoon-worthy, weak in the knees, kissing scenes.

#9: Fallen Too Far by Abbi Glines – Rush Finlay is definitely not your typical bad boy with a broken home – he is so much worse off. BUT all the drama, the mean words and loveless relationships, Rush and Blaire have one of the steamiest, butterflies in your stomach relationships there are! Blaire is a spit fire set on making herself known and Rush just wants her gone – she is too much of a distraction for him and his feelings are starting to surface. He is broken, and she has lost someone close to her yet they both can’t help but fall for one another. Commence swoonage.

#8: Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas – How could a Young Adult fantasy, adventure, assassin novel have SO MUCH SWOON?! Between Prince Dorian, and captain of the guard, Westfall how could a reader not fall for either of these strapping young men. Prince Dorian is well a prince, but he is a flirt, a ladies man, and a lonely romantic. Captain Westfall has honour, unwavering morals and yet still fell for the Assassin; he is such a helpless romantic fool when it comes to her and yet the entire book just breaks your heart cause SHE is stuck between the two of them. *sigh* love hurts (;

#7: Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren – Probably one of the most witty, sassy romance books I’ve read in a while! Bennett is one hell of an asshole but readers just gobble that up in a male protagonist. He isn’t without his charms though and Bennett is definitely charming in many many ways. Loaded with money, smarts, and his own business he wasn’t reading for Chloe which entertained us toe to toe with Bennett’s smart, wit and overall demeanour. Their office romance flourished and burned hot with every flip of the page and even though Bennett had me hating him and then loving him; he definitely will make you swoon.

#6: Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen – The classic! Who could say no to a Jane Austen romance novel AND Mr. Darcy! *swoon* This book will ALWAYS make this list because it was my first time I got a true character crush on Mr. Darcy. He is an arrogant, pompous, ass BUT he is a loving brother, a generous hero and a fierce lover. He IS the ideal romantic hero.

#5: Starling by Lesley Livingston – Another odd book to have on a “romance list” but then again Mason and Fennrys have one of those “connection romances” which you can’t help but swoon about. Its an undeniable attraction and connection that cannot be explained logically – its just love. *sigh* That is just major heart racing, weak in the knees, jaw dropping romance. Fenn is also tall dark AND handsome not too mention mysterious and fiercely loyal, all to Mason. A girl can dream of prince charming, white knights and honour, but I think I’ll take my chances with Fennrys Wolf.

#4: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon – Another “must read” book and book that will always make this list. Jamie & Claire, seriously the ultimate time travelling, love that will last all time sort of book. Jamie is MY ultimate dreamy guy, first off historical figure (sort of) and secondly, a buff, red haired, kilt wear, full blooded SCOTSMAN! A man with an accent is always drop dead sexy - major swoonage! Also, he is extremely loyal to Claire even though he doesn’t fully believe her time travelling story, or that fact she’s English. His love for her literally reaches through time. You can’t help but fall in love with this story.

#3: Rule by Jay Crownover – And here come the top three bad boys of swooning! Rule is one of the baddest of the bad – for good reason. I won’t spill any of his secrets because that would ruin the entirety of the story but Rule is a tattooed, mohawk wearing, tattoo artist, fierce lover. He feels unworthy of Shaw’s love, even of his families love so he rebels and in doing so it breaks your heart while also making you weak in the knees. You seriously can’t help but fall for him.

#2: Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire – Bad boy number two: Travis Maddox. Travis is another bad boy with a heart of gold, tattoos and a love so deep for Abby you cannot help but feel their pain, their happiness, their love and their happily ever after. This one liners, and pick up lines aren’t corny, their raw and emotional. He may have been the walking one night stand but after he met his pigeon – Abby Abernathy his heart was doomed. I couldn’t help but fall in love with someone so reckless with his heart, and yet so in love it blinded him at times. He is and will always be the fiercest lover thus far in my favourite novels.

#1: Crash Into You by Katie McGarry – Isaiah Walker, bad boy number three on the list. Isaiah has appeared in two novels before his own Dare You Too & Pushing the Limits, each time appearing as the best friend and the boy who was rejected. He’s another character that thinks he doesn’t deserve someone like Rachel. He likes fast cars, tattoos, fixing cars and racing them, and he loves Rachel. Another boy who loves too much and too hard – and I for one and a sucker each and every time. Each one of these “bad boys” has a tragic twisted tale of woe behind them which makes them love like there is no tomorrow. And thats just hot. The book itself though is told from two different perspectives and Rachel’s is just as passionate as well.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my list! How about you? Any books you’d like to add? Leave me a comment!

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[review] Breathe by Abbi Glines

Posted on February 9, 2014 by

Breath“Breathe” by Abbi Glines

Publication: May 16th, 2011
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Format: Kobo eBook

Goodreads | Amazon | Chapters
Kindle | Kobo

In the shore town of Sea Breeze, Sadie discovers that fame is nothing in the face of passion. A steamy read from bestselling author Abbi Glines.

Sadie White’s summer job is at the beach, but she won’t be working as a lifeguard. Since her mom is pregnant and refuses to work, Sadie will be taking over as a domestic servant for a wealthy family on a nearby island.

When the family arrives at their summer getaway, Sadie is surprised to learn that the owner of the house is Jax Stone, one of the hottest teen rockers in the world. If Sadie were normal—if she hadn’t spent her life raising her mother and taking care of the house—maybe she’d be excited about working for a rock star. But she’s not.

Even though Sadie isn’t impressed by Jax’s fame, he is drawn to her. Everything about Sadie fascinates Jax, but he fights his attraction: Relationships never work in his world, and as badly as he wants Sadie, he believes she deserves more. Yet as the summer stretches on, Jax’s passion leaves him breathless—and Sadie feels like the only source of oxygen.

Can their love overcome the disparity in their lifestyles? One breath at a time, they’re going to find out…

[review]

Breathe by Abbi Glines was a refreshing, swoon worthy New Adult novel that turned out to be much better than I had anticipated! The first series I had ever read by Abbi Glines was the “Too Far” series starring Rush and Blaire which I absolutely ADORED. When I came across Breathe one of her first books I was hesitant at first to read it because I was so enamored by Rush and Blaire. BUT their chemistry, character development and overall story had to start somewhere so I dove into Breathe, and as corny as it sounds – it did at times leave me quite breathless!

Glines has a way of delivering heart pounding, weak in the knees type of romances in her novels. The types of romances that will make you sigh at corny one liners and swoon over just how “perfect” the male protagonist is. Her romances make your heart race when there is trouble in paradise, tear up when the characters do and even feel a bit guilty after it’s all over because you witnessed a romance like no other. Breathe was no different in those regards. Sadie White has been hired at the summer home of teen musician heart throb, Jax Stone. At first Jax is regarded as the bad boy, teen musician who can have any one he wants (so why would he fall for Sadie). But as the book progresses, and Sadie and Jax spend more time together they find a spark that both are trying desperately to resist but in the end just can’t.

Sadie White’s character was one I found frustrating and adorable at the same time. She has one heck of an irresponsible mother, who has gotten herself pregnant and relies on Sadie to work HER summer job because she can’t. Her mother was the one who frustrated me the most (I suppose) because she couldn’t see the value in Sadie and how hard she was working and how much stress it all was taking care of her, and the rent, and the groceries and even the baby! Although that being said Sadie was too much of a innocent to know anything about dating, or even having a social life because she was always taking care of her Mother – so when Jax Stone walked into her life, she already knew she was doomed from that start (which stressed her out even more, and Jax was somewhat oblivious to it all – which was frustrating). Jax had his responsibilities and so did Sadie; but trying to resist each other was their downfall. Inevitably how all these stories go – they fell in love.

Jax Stone’s character was the typical teen musician heart throb that was just done with the whole scene of being a celebrity. Although he would act like a normal teenager try and act like a normal teenager, he was constantly reminded of his status, his money and his fame; but that just wasn’t him. Jax was a very down to earth character which I wasn’t expecting. He had these moments where Sadie would truly see who he was – just a young boy again playing guitar, or the patient, playful rocker god signing autographs or giving out tickets to his adoring fans. He never let his life encroach upon Sadie’s which was his greatest fear throughout the entire story. It broke them apart and put them back together in the end. He was by far one of the sweetest gentlest souled, rock God’s I’ve read about thus far.

As always in romance novels there was some emotional drama at the hands of jealous boys and fans of Jax’s. What I found interesting was that Sadie had more of a jealous boy in her corner than Jax had jealous ex-girlfriends, which was a nice twist. There were miscommunications and over the top dramatic scenes that you couldn’t help but roll your eye’s at but overall this is one romance novel I can truthfully say their downfall came at the hands of loving each other too much. Glines has indefinitely mastered the art of writing emotions, and emotionally. I was so heartbroken and sad near the end that I couldn’t help but go through the motions as Sadie was going through them. It was an experience not many authors can conquer, but Glines just has this way with words.

I don’t know how to explain it fully, but Breathe is just one of those books that you can’t put down, you can’t stop reading, and it will definitely make your heart ache with happiness when Sadie and Jax finally worked everything out. It’s a feel good novel, with some dark moments albeit, but still it will leave you breathless and happy at the end of it all.

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Stacking the Shelves #25

Posted on February 8, 2014 by

header_stacking-the-shelvesWelcome to another Saturday filled with Stacking the Shelves, hosted by Tynga’s Reviews. The last couple of weeks have been slow in regards to buying books or having money to do so but I did get some eBooks. Check em’ out!

dividerJet by Jay Crownover: I bought this book right after I finished Rule (the first but it isn’t a series). I absolutely adored Jet and Ayden’s story; there was some slow parts within the book and not as dramatic or steamy like Rule’s but still a fantastic follow up novel.

Rome by Jay CrownoverRome by Jay Crownover: This is the third book in the “Marked Men” Series about Rule’s brother Rome who comes home from his last tour of the war. I feel like this book will be much more “angry” and emotional because what has happened in the past books regarding Rome. Can’t wait to start it!

Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James: I know I know – WHY wouldn’t I buy this BUT I wanted to do a re-read of the series due to the constant movie updates. I really did like this series even though it shocked the book world in some ways. I did have this series in paperback but let someone borrow it and only got the third book back. SO I decided to buy the series again in eBook format: cheaper and I can’t let people borrow it.

Shattered Ties by K.A. Robinson: This novel was suggested to me by Kobo Inc. in an email and I thought I would check it out. It reminds me of Breathe by Abbi Glines so I thought for the discounted price I got it for I would give it a try. Good girl meets bad boy not from around her world. They can’t resist each other either. Should make for a great romance book!Be With Me J. Lynn

Be With Me by J. Lynn (Jennifer L. Armentrout): I repurchased this book on my Kobo ARC and was SO excited when it downloaded on Tuesday this past week. It is the third book in the Wait for You series but the second official one (there is a .5 novel in-between). This book follows Teresa Hamilton (Cam’s sister) and Cam’s friend Jase; they shared a truly amazing, mind-blowing, change-your-life kiss and are now thrown together more and more as Teresa is at their university even though they shouldn’t be. I am so PUMPED for this book (might start it tomorrow actually !!)

Scintillate by Tracy Clark: I received an e-copy of this book for review. The story takes place in breath taking Ireland about Cora and her mother’s disappearance, her father’s overbearing protectiveness and Finn, a dashing Irish boy. Scintillate is the first book in this lush and exciting new trilogy, full of romance, adventure and metaphysical mystery.

Such Sweet Sorrow by Jenny TroutSuch Sweet Sorrowby Jenny Trout: Throw in Hamlet and Romeo on one mission: rescuing Juliet. Two Shakespearean tales thrown together, in the underworld to find Juliet; one is there for true love and one is there for adventure. I really am excited about this book; its far too unique not to be intrigued and Hamlet and Romeo together in one novel should create a very witty, smart and down right funny dialogue.

Knight Assassin by Rima Jean: Seventeen-year-old Zayn has special powers she cannot control—powers that others fear and covet. Powers that cause the Templar Knights to burn Zayn’s mother at the stake for witchcraft. When a mysterious stranger tempts Zayn to become the first female member of the heretical Assassins, the chance to seek her revenge lures her in. Assassins – check; Templars – check; revenge – check; and forbidden romance – check! This book has everything I adore and more!

What did you get this week? Leave your link in the comments!

This week in review:

Top Ten Tuesday #16
Waiting on Wednesday #53
[previews] Book to Movie Adaptations
{tomorrow}: [review] Breathe by Abbi Glines

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[previews] 2014 At a Glance: Upcoming Movie Adaptations

Posted on February 6, 2014 by

With all the fabulous 2014 book releases coming up and occurring I thought it would be a great time to look at some upcoming “book to movie” trailer’s that have been circling the world wide web! I feel like 2014 is going to be a stunner for movie adaptations in regards to many that we’ve all be anticipating for quite some time. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green and Divergent by Veronica Roth are both on my MUST SEE list for movies this year, although some adaptations like Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead which I absolutely adored in book form have me humming and hawing about if the movie will do the book justice. 

Watch the trailers and see what you think! Will you be spending the 11 dollars a movie fee to watch your favourite book on the big screen? Let me know in the comments!

“The Fault In Our Stars” by John Green

“Divergent” by Veronica Roth

“The Maze Runner” by James Dashner

“Vampire Academy” by Richelle Mead

“Winter’s Tale” by Mark Helprin

“Endless Love” by Scott Spencer

“I, Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley

*note* Obviously this is a modernist adaptation and Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein 

 

So here are SOME of the book adaptations I find I’ll want to see in theatres. Some of the other ones, such as: The Hobbit: There and Back Again, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1, The Giver and Dracula Untold don’t have any official trailer’s out yet but I’m still stoked to see how they adapt these movies.

Are you excited??

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Waiting on Wednesday #53

Posted on February 5, 2014 by

Waiting On WednesdayWith yesterdays massive selection of books released such as Cress by Marissa Meyer, or Ignite Me by Tahareh Mafi I couldn’t help choosing a book coming out in the summer of 2014, and by a lesser known author. Today’s Waiting On Wednesday follows suit of many before with an adventure, fantasy, Young Adult novel AND a debut author with a big publishing house. Livia Blackburne, author of todays choice has self published a “prequel” to her debut novel called Poison Dance. 

I always find Wednesdays to be my most joyous posts because I can go through all my “to read” books that I put on my list months ago and be reminded why I really am excited about upcoming books in 2014! Do any of you feel the same way?? I feel like only book people will understand this feeling; anyway – enjoy this weeks choice!

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Midnight Thief by Livia BlackburneMidnight Thief by Livia Blackburne

Expected Publication: July 8, 2014
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Growing up on Forge’s streets has taught Kyra how to stretch a coin. And when that’s not enough, her uncanny ability to scale walls and bypass guards helps her take what she needs. But when the leader of the Assassins Guild offers Kyra a lucrative job, she hesitates. She knows how to get by on her own, and she’s not sure she wants to play by his rules. But he’s persistent—and darkly attractive—and Kyra can’t quite resist his pull.

Tristam of Brancel is a young Palace knight on a mission. After his best friend is brutally murdered by Demon Riders, a clan of vicious warriors who ride bloodthirsty wildcats, Tristam vows to take them down. But as his investigation deepens, he finds his efforts thwarted by a talented thief, one who sneaks past Palace defenses with uncanny ease.

When a fateful raid throws Kyra and Tristam together, the two enemies realize that their best chance at survival—and vengeance—might be to join forces. And as their loyalties are tested to the breaking point, they learn a startling secret about Kyra’s past that threatens to reshape both their lives.

header_thoughtsRight when I came across this novel on a “listopia” list on Goodreads.com I knew I’d be anticipating a copy to fall onto my bookshelves. The title alone gives away an intrigue that only adventure or fantasy novel do. Secondly, I had just finished reading Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas and was itching to see what else was out there that was similar to this type of storyline and characters - Midnight Thief (for obvious reasons) had come up in a search. I was hooked! I love reading about female protagonists in a male dominated world getting along with only her wit, skill and sly personality guiding her. I am a fan of the underdog to say the least. I am definitely also a fan of two unlikely characters being thrown together just to see what kind of disastrous situations arise – Kyra and Tristam have found themselves in exactly this type of scenario and I am utterly captive to see what happens. The curiosity is eating me alive! Midnight Thief definitely is for fans of the Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas, Graceling by Kristin Cashore or even (and I’m assuming cause I haven’t read the book yet) books by Tamora Pierce – who is a great among greats when it comes to strong heroine characters and kick ass adventure! SO I am totally stoked about this upcoming release.

What are you all waiting for today? Leave a comment with your link!

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Top Ten #16: Books that Will Make You Cry

Posted on February 4, 2014 by

Top Ten TuesdayHola! Sorry about not posting last week, I lost track of time and couldn’t get my posts up on time so I decided to start anew this week! With todays “Top Ten Tuesday” we’re looking into books that will make you cry, weep and basically loose control of our emotions; books that when you buy them come with a complimentary box of kleenex.

Now personally I tend to shy away from these books because I honestly don’t like to cry while reading; I like happy, fantasy, adventure books. Books with swoon, weak in the knees romance, and betrayal even, but not tears. Nevertheless I have come across my fair share of books that have made me cry, outright bawl even. With that in mind I hope you enjoy today’s Top Ten Tuesday!

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This list appears in no particular order.

#6: “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” by J.K. Rowling – for obvious reason the Harry Potter books have made my list; loved and cherished characters were killed off like they were yesterdays news! In the Half-Blood Prince, Dumbledore was killed off and I had to stop, re-read and then continue to cry as I tried to push through the aftermath that was displayed in the novel. Even in the movie I cry!

#5: “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” by J.K. Rowling – as the point before states but within the Order of the Phoenix (I think/hope – or I’m gonna have to do a re-read) Sirius Black is killed by Bellatrix Lastrange and he was my ABSOLUTE favourite character – I was heartbroken. And AGAIN even thought I always know its coming in the movie, I weep.

#4: “The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green – the overall subject of this novel gets me! Cancer and at ages so young and when they both find each other to love – it just breaks my heart. I cried a couple times throughout this novel.

#3: “Clockwork Princess” by Cassandra Clare – the ending. Seriously. Yes the epilogue is nice and happy and Tessa gets “her cake and eat it too” but still (I won’t say anymore for those who haven’t read it yet) … I cried when it ended.

#2: “Pushing the Limits” by Katie McGarry – there is this certain part in Pushing the Limits when Noah is talking to his little brother in the foster care centre, it depicts Noah I of choking on his emotions and I just started to cry. It was such a tough, and emotional part in the book where I was SO sad for both of them.

#1: “Release” by M.R. Merrick – here’s another book that near the end just handed me my heart after it was stomped on. Seriously! For those who haven’t read this series I won’t divulge anything else but there is this character that you grow attached too even though he’s sort of annoying and dorky, you can’t help but get attached (like Neville Longbottom) and then BAM! He’s ripped from you and gone … I cried. Fantastic fantasy series but still, it was some serious emotional damage done.

… and there you have it, I can’t even have a full list of 10 books that have made me cry. I don’t know if its because I shy away from them OR if it is really hard to make me cry? (I doubt that, I cry at kleenex commercials sometimes :| lol). What books made it on your list?? Hopefully more than 6 books!

Leave your link in the comments section! Happy Reading BOOK-aholics!

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