Review #336: Uninvited- Sophie Jordan

Title: Uninvited
Author: Sophie Jordan
Series: Uninvited #1
Pages: 384
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Summary: The Scarlet Letter meets Minority Report in bestselling author Sophie Jordan's chilling new novel about a teenage girl who is ostracized when her genetic test proves she's destined to become a murderer.
When Davy Hamilton's tests come back positive for Homicidal Tendency Syndrome (HTS)-aka the kill gene-she loses everything. Her boyfriend ditches her, her parents are scared of her, and she can forget about her bright future at Juilliard. Davy doesn't feel any different, but genes don't lie. One day she will kill someone.
Only Sean, a fellow HTS carrier, can relate to her new life. Davy wants to trust him; maybe he's not as dangerous as he seems. Or maybe Davy is just as deadly.
The first in a two-book series, Uninvited tackles intriguing questions about free will, identity, and human nature. Steeped in New York Times bestselling author Sophie Jordan's trademark mix of gripping action and breathless romance, this suspenseful tale is perfect for fans of James Patterson, Michelle Hodkin, and Lisa McMann
Review: I was very excited to read Uninvited when I heard about it because it sounded very original. I did enjoy the book but I was also left with a ton of questions. Does Davy's brother have the HTS gene? Did her parent pay someone off to change his results? How did it happen with him but not with Davy? Is the HTS gene just a way for the government to control/ instil fear into the population? What exactly is the HTS gene? (This was never fully explained). Where did the HTS gene come from? How was it first discovered? What was the point of the training camp? What happened to those sent to the detention camps? Gah, I have so many questions without answers, I need book two now!
I am really looking forward to see what will happen in the next instalment. Do they all survive? Will they meet other from the training camp again? Will they ever see their families again? I can't wait to get my hands on the second book. I would recommend this to those who want more of a unique read.

About this author

Pseudonym:
Sharie Kohler
Sophie Jordan took her adolescent daydreaming one step further and penned her first historical romance in the back of her high school Spanish class. This passion led her to pursue a degree in English and History.
A brief stint in law school taught her that case law was not nearly as interesting as literature - teaching English seemed the natural recourse. After several years teaching high school students to love Antigone, Sophie resigned with the birth of her first child and decided it was time to pursue the long-held dream of writing.
In less than three years, her first book, Once Upon A Wedding Night, a 2006 Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Nominee for Best First Historical, hit book shelves. Her second novel, Too Wicked To Tame, released in March 2007 with a bang, landing on the USA Today Bestseller's List. 

Review #335: Ruby Red- Kerstin Gier

Title: Ruby Red
Author: Kerstin Gier
Series: Precious Stone Trilogy #1
Pages: 336
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Summary: Gwyneth Shepherd's sophisticated, beautiful cousin Charlotte has been prepared her entire life for traveling through time. But unexpectedly, it is Gwyneth, who in the middle of class takes a sudden spin to a different era!
Gwyneth must now unearth the mystery of why her mother would lie about her birth date to ward off suspicion about her ability, brush up on her history, and work with Gideon--the time traveler from a similarly gifted family that passes the gene through its male line, and whose presence becomes, in time, less insufferable and more essential. Together, Gwyneth and Gideon journey through time to discover who, in the 18th century and in contemporary London, they can trust.
Review: I'm pretty sure I have had this book sitting on my shelf since it was released in 2011 and I have finally got around to reading it. I have read a few time- travel books in my time but this one was really extra special because not only did it have time- travel but it dealt with secret societies and conspiracies. I loved it! I did find it to be a bit slower of a read but only because there was so much information to learn about who is who and the rules and expectations of time- travel. I feel like we won't know who the bad guys are until the end of the series, but I like making predictions about it.
I enjoy these characters just as much as in book one. I feel as though we have just scratched the surface with most of them so I have yet to make any conclusions about them. I don't know who I can trust, but I still want, no I need more.
This is a great sequel to what I know will be an intriguing series. I would recommend this to time- travel lovers.

Blog Tour: Something Forever- M. Clarke

Something Forever by M. Clarke

Series: Something Great #3
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Release Date: August 25th, 2014
A heated moment.Desperate decision.
Life altering choices.
Max and Jenna are forced to test their relationship. Will they be able to embrace the challenges life throws their way?
Secrets can ruin the foundation of a relationship. Will Matthew choose to withhold vital information from Becky that could consume her with doubt about their future?
When it comes to love, Something Great can turn into Something Wonderful, but can it be Something Forever?

Review: I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review. 

I enjoyed the first two books in this series but unfortunately this one didn't do it for me. I felt like all the characters did for the first half of the book was have sex, like every other page people were having sex. I'm not a prude but I was getting bored of all the sex. Plus the author used the word clit so many times that I lost count. The story was told from four different POVs but I found if you only read every other one it would have sufficed, because the two corresponding ons basically told the exact same story but from two different POVs. I also found it very convenient that everyone happen to get pregnant at the same time. Overall I just felt like a lot could have been left out and more depth should have been added.

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Purchase signed copies of M.Clarke/Mary Ting's books

________________________________________________________________

Mary Ting resides in Southern California with her husband and two children. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Writing her first novel, Crossroads Saga, happened by chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother, and inspired by a dream she once had as a young girl. When she started reading new adult novels, she fell in love with the genre. It was the reason she had to write one-Something Great. Why the pen name, M Clarke? She tours with Magic Johnson Foundation to promote literacy and her children’s chapter book-No Bullies Allowed.

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Waiting on Wednesday: Vision- Lisa Amowitz

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases we are eagerly awaiting!

Title: Vision

Author: Lisa Amowitz

Publisher: Spencer Hill Press

Expected Publication Date: September 9, 2014


BLURB:

The light is darker than you think… 

High school student Bobby Pendell already has his hands full—he works almost every night to support his disabled-vet father and gifted little brother. Then he meets the beautiful new girl in town, who just happens to be his boss’s daughter. Bobby has rules about that kind of thing. Nothing matters more than keeping his job.

When Bobby starts to get blinding migraines that come with scary, violent hallucinations, his livelihood is on the line. Soon, he must face the stunning possibility that the visions of murder are actually real. With his world going dark, Bobby is set on the trail of the serial killer terrorizing his small town. With everyone else convinced he’s the prime suspect, Bobby realizes that he, or the girl he loves, might be killer's next victim.

WMy young adult novel BREAKING GLASS is available now 

Amazon, BN, Oblong Books 

The light is darker than you think.

Visit me on the web at: lisaamowitz.com

Breaking Glass on GOODREADS 

Lisa Amowitz was born in Queens and raised in the wilds of Long Island, New York where she climbed trees, thought small creatures lived under rocks and studied ant hills. And drew. A lot.

Lisa has been a professor of graphic design at  Bronx Community College where she has been tormenting and cajoling students for nearly eighteen years. She started writing eight years ago because she wanted something to illustrate, but somehow, instead ended up writing YA. Probably because her mind is too dark and twisted for small children.

BREAKING GLASS which was released July 9, 2013 from Spencer Hill Press, is her first published work. VISION, the first of the Finder series will be released in 2014 along with an unnamed sequel in the following year. LIFE AND BETH will also be released in the near future. So stay tuned because Lisa is very hyper and has to create stuff to stay alive.

Facebook Author page

Facebook Cover Design page

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Release Day Blitz: Something Forever- Mary Ting

Happy Release Day!

Something Forever by M. Clarke


Series: Something Great #3
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance


Release Date: August 25th, 2014

A heated moment.





Desperate decision.





Life altering choices.





Max and Jenna are forced to test their relationship. Will they be able to embrace the challenges life throws their way?





Secrets can ruin the foundation of a relationship. Will Matthew choose to withhold vital information from Becky that could consume her with doubt about their future?





When it comes to love, Something Great can turn into Something Wonderful, but can it be Something Forever?

Purchase for $2.99 for a limited time!

B&N | Google Play | KOBO 

Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU

Google Play | B&N | KOBO
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Amazon CA

Google Play | B&N | KOBO

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Amazon CA 

Purchase signed copies of M.Clarke/Mary Ting's books

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

Mary Ting resides in Southern California with her husband and two children. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Writing her first novel, Crossroads Saga, happened by chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother, and inspired by a dream she once had as a young girl. When she started reading new adult novels, she fell in love with the genre. It was the reason she had to write one-Something Great. Why the pen name, M Clarke? She tours with Magic Johnson Foundation to promote literacy and her children’s chapter book-No Bullies Allowed.

Website † Facebook † GoodReads † Twitter † Instagram † Pinterest 





________________________________________________________________








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Review #334: Opalescent- Sarah Elle Emm

Title: Opalescent
Author: Sarah Elle Emm
Series: Harmony Run Series #1
Pages: 400
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Summary: Still enslaved in a mixed-race zone within the United Zones of the Authority, Rain Hawkins is part of a secret resistance preparing to take on the tyrannical President Nicks before plans to kill the mixed zones across UZTA are executed. When unsettling dreams and a mysterious voice begin to haunt the dark nights, Rain fears someone more powerful than she has discovered the resistance and their secret abilities. With a known Authority spy on her heels, and her boyfriend, Jabari, suddenly acting strange, Rain doesn't know who to trust and if the voices calling to her are friend or foe. As conditions across all of the zones get worse and the stakes rise, Rain embarks on a quest for answers that will put the people she cares about most in more danger or take them one step closer to the truth and their eventual freedom.
Review: I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review. 
I love this series and I am so grateful that the author sent me this book along with the first book to read and review. I am in love with the storyline it's so unique but also has "familiar" aspects because it has similarities to the holocaust. Plus it is a dystopian which is my favourite, but it had paranormal aspects as well. I did find this instalment to be a tab bit slower but only because there was so much information. The author broke my heart with that ending because we just get a small amount of information that may change everything and then BAM! it's over. 
I have so many questions. What is up with the children's mom? Why have they been kept in the dark? Will a rebellion ever happen? What happened to Nata? GAH I need more!!
Like I previously stated, I love this series! I can't wait for the third book and to continue on this journey. I would recommend this novel to dystopian lovers and those who are intrigued by the events of the holocaust.

About this author

Sarah Elle Emm is the author of the Young-adult fantasy and dystopian, HARMONY RUN SERIES, published by Winter Goose Publishing. (PRISMATIC, May 2012,OPALESCENT, February 2013, CHATOYANT due August 2014, NACREOUS, TBD.) Her debut fiction novel, MARRYING MISSY, an Amazon Best Seller in marriage, was published by Bird Brain Publishing in October 2011. Sarah shares her Southwest Florida photo blog, "Sarah's View from the Bottom," at SarahsViewfromtheBottom.com. Sarah is a graduate of The University of Evansville, she has lived and worked in Mexico, Germany, England, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and has traveled extensively beyond. Her love of journal writing, travel, and multicultural experience have all influenced her novels. Sarah lives in Naples, Florida. When she's not walking the plank on her daughters' imaginary pirate ship, she is working on her latest book.
Official website: SarahElleEmm.com
Facebook.com/SarahElleEmm
Facebook.com/HarmonyRunSeries
Twitter @SarahElleEmm

Review #333: Out of Time- Donna Marie Oldfield

Title: Out of Time
Author: Donna Marie Oldfield
Pages: 268
Rating: 3.4/ 5 Stars
Summary: A superhero, dystopian adventure.
Scarlett Shortt is just an average 18-year-old girl, but then her life takes an extraordinary turn following a road accident. She wakes up to find that the world has twisted beyond recognition – everything is very dark and different now and a bunch of teenagers she’s never met before claim to be her best friends. The group can do amazing things, such as fly, read minds and control electricity, and Scarlett is shocked to learn that she has special powers too.
The reluctant superhero soon finds herself caught up in their mission to make the world a better place and overthrow the evil prime minister, Adam Goulden. Will she learn how to use her powers in time to face their dangerous adversaries and will she ever discover exactly where she is and how she got there?
Out Of Time is the first book in a continuing series.
Review: I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review. When this author approached me with a dystopian with superheroes I was sold. I was very excited to start this novel because dystopians are my favourite and I haven't read any with superheroes before. Now with that being said I didn't enjoy this book as much as I wanted to. It was definitely more superhero than dystopian. Also I found there to be way too much dialogue. Otherwise I enjoyed the story and look forward to the next one.
I found that I didn't really connect with any one character in particular because there were a lot of them. I also liked the small amount of romance in the novel. I am excited to see what is really up with Scarlett and Alex. 
This is an interesting read and I will continue on with the series. I would recommend this to those who enjoy superhero reads.

About this author

Donna Marie Oldfield is a freelance writer who has been writing and editing for 15 years. She has worked for titles such as Heat, The Guardian, The Sun and Now as well as copywriting for a wide range of businesses. She likes cats, pasta, comic books and cake. She lives in the Peak District, England with her husband and young daughter, with a second on the way soon. Out Of Time is her first novel.

Review #332: Panic- Lauren Oliver

Title: Panic
Author: Lauren Oliver
Pages: 405
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Summary: Panic began as so many things do in Carp, a dead-end town of 12,000 people in the middle of nowhere: because it was summer, and there was nothing else to do.
Heather never thought she would compete in Panic, a legendary game played by graduating seniors, where the stakes are high and the payoff is even higher. She’d never thought of herself as fearless, the kind of person who would fight to stand out. But when she finds something, and someone, to fight for, she will discover that she is braver than she ever thought.
Dodge has never been afraid of Panic. His secret will fuel him, and get him all the way through the game, he’s sure of it. But what he doesn't know is that he’s not the only one with a secret. Everyone has something to play for.
For Heather and Dodge, the game will bring new alliances, unexpected revelations, and the possibility of first love for each of them—and the knowledge that sometimes the very things we fear are those we need the most.
Review: I really had a hankering to read this book so I picked it up and read it lol. I really love Lauren Oliver's writing so this was a must for my collection. I really enjoyed reading Panic, I'm pretty sure I would have been out on the first round. I found that reading the stunts didn't seem like they were very action- packed, where as if it were happening it real life I would be crapping my pants. I know this is a standalone but I want more background on the game Panic. Who created it? Who picks the judges? Why are those people picked to be judges? How do they chose the challenges? Also why did this year have more money in the pot? Maybe Lauren Oliver could write a "Rule Book for Panic". How frigging cool would that be? I'd read it.
Despite all of my unanswered questions, Panic was a great read and I want more. Lauren Oliver continually proves herself as an amazing author. Everyone should read this book.

About this author

Lauren Oliver comes from a family of writers and so has always (mistakenly) believed that spending hours in front of the computer every day, mulling over the difference between “chortling” and “chuckling,” is normal. She has always been an avid reader.

She attended the University of Chicago, where she continued to be as impractical as possible by majoring in philosophy and literature. After college, she attended the MFA program at NYU and worked briefly as the world’s worst editorial assistant, and only marginally better assistant editor, at a major publishing house in New York. Her major career contributions during this time were flouting the corporate dress code at every possible turn and repeatedly breaking the printer. Before I Fall is her first published novel.

She is deeply grateful for the chance to continue writing, as she has never been particularly good at anything else.

Review #331: My Ex From Hell- Tellulah Darling

Title: My Ex From Hell
Author: Tellulah Darling
Series: The Blooming Goddess Trilogy #1
Pages: 272
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Summary: Sixteen-year-old Sophie Bloom wishes she’d been taught the following:
a) Bad boy’s presence (TrOuBlE) + teen girl’s brain (DraMa) = TrAuMa (Highly unstable and very volatile.)
b) The Genus Greekulum Godissimus is notable for three traits: 1) awesome abilities, 2) grudges, and 3) hook-ups, break-ups, and in-fighting that puts cable to shame.
Prior to the Halloween dance, Sophie figures her worst problems involve adolescent theatrics, bitchy teen yoga girls, and being on probation at her boarding school for mouthy behaviour. Then she meets bad boy Kai and gets the kiss that rocks her world.
Literally.
This breath stealing lip lock reawakens Sophie’s true identity: Persephone, Goddess of Spring. She’s key to saving humanity in the war between the Underworld and Olympus, target numero uno of Hades and Zeus, and totally screwed.
Plus there’s also the little issue that Sophie’s last memory as Persephone was just before someone tried to murder her.
Big picture: master her powers, get her memories back, defeat Persephone’s would be assassin, and save the world. Also, sneak into the Underworld to retrieve stolen property, battle the minions of Hades and Zeus, outwit psycho nymphs, slay a dragon, rescue a classmate, keep from getting her butt expelled from the one place designed to keep her safe …
… and stop kissing Kai, Prince of the Underworld.
My Ex From Hell is a YA romantic comedy, Greek mythology smackdown. Love meets comedy with a whole lot of sass in book one of this teen fantasy romance series. Compared to Kai and Sophie, Romeo and Juliet had it easy.
Review: I received this book free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. 
So I had no idea what this book was about going into it, I just thought that the title sounded like a funny book. Once I realized that it had a Greek mythology twist I was really excited and then when it was a Hades/ Persephone retelling I was sold. I liked the storyline and how Persephone is now Sophie and how there are other descendants of the gods as well. Also I enjoyed how lots of of the myths were covered: the labyrinth, gorgeous nymphs, dragons, the oracle and lots more. My only issue was that the middle of the book was a bit slow, but it did pick up again near the ending. I'm mad at myself because I was also approved for book two from Netgalley, but I didn't have time to read it before it was archived :( Oh well I'll get my hands on it eventually.
Overall, My Ex From Hell is an entertaining read and I do want to continue the series. I would recommend this novel to mythology lovers. 

About this author

Tellulah Darling
noun

Sassy girls. Swoony boys. What could go wrong?

1. YA romantic comedy author because her first kiss sucked and she's compensating.
2. Alter ego of former screenwriter.
3. Sassy minx.

Writes about: where love meets comedy. Awkwardness ensues.

Tellulah Darling is a firm believer that some of the best stories happen when love meets comedy. Which is why she has so much fun writing YA romantic comedy books. Her books span contemporary, teen fantasy romance, and YA Greek mythology, and range from stand alones to series. For Tellulah, teen romance is the most passionate, intense, and awkward there is – a comedy goldmine. Plus smart, mouthy, teen girls rock.

Review #330: Success: Stories- David A. Taylor

Title: Success: Stories
Author: David A. Taylor
Pages: 210
Rating: 3.5/5 Stars
Summary: Fiction. SUCCESS: STORIES is the 2008 winner of the Washington Writers' Publishing House fiction prize. These stories probe the lives of people caught in an increasingly intertwined world, close to home and abroad. Exploring a human calculus of love, betrayal, and fantasy, this moving collection makes those dramas vivid. "Gritty dialogue, lean prose, layered plotting, and an eye for the perfect detail make these stories a satisfying and engaging read"--Susan Muaddi Darraj. "A book of fine stories"--Richard Bausch.
Review: I received this book free from Goodreads First Reads in exchange for an honest review. 
When I saw I had won this book I was very excited because it sounded very interesting. It was interesting but it didn't meet my expectations. The main thing that bothered me was this book is titled Success, but to me none of these stories were successful, they were all actually rather depressing. Luckily, each story was written extremely well and they were detailed to perfection. The author made it easy to lose yourself in each story and I often found myself wanting more. I had grown attached to these characters in a short time.
I would recommend this book to those who enjoy short stories and anthologies. Also to those who don't mind depressing stories.