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5/31/16

Judging a Book by It's Cover - Vanishing Act

Title: Vanishing Act
Author: Erica Keifer



First Impression:  So this cover intrigues me right off. My first thought is of illusionists and escape artists – so I think a small part of me would actually be disappointed if there wasn’t that element incorporated in this book. However, the title Vanishing Act allows my mind to wander to more serious things, like abuse and captivity. Of course, there are always double meanings, so I can guess that the main character of this novel is going to be breaking the bonds on his/her life, and starting something new. The bi-line reads “In a journey for retribution, lines blur between courage, justice, and revenge.” So perhaps the MC is fighting off the bonds that are within his/her mind due to a past mistake, decision or action. However, the “revenge” indicates that there was a wrong done to them though, so I’m thinking no.


My Prediction: This book is going to be intense either way. Action, whether it is within the mind trying to figure out the next steps, or in fighting the antagonist, is bound to be an edge of your seat kind of ride. I’m really interested and am very likely to pick this book up.


Blurb (from Goodreads):
A fresh start at college is exactly what Kate needs to ease the burden of her family secrets. When she meets the confident and charming Aaron Jackson, she weaves a new history for herself to fit into his seemingly perfect life. But the past refuses to stay where it belongs, causing a rift between their contrasting worlds.

When Ben reappears in Kate's life, she is only pulled deeper into the childhood that she's tried to forget. Driven by the abuse and pain that still lingers within him, Ben seeks Kate's help in making a change. But in this journey for retribution, lines blur between courage, justice, and revenge.

Bound by their shared and damaged youth, Kate is forced to choose sides, and fast. The final act is almost here, and time is running out.

Vanishing Act is a Lingering Echoes novel that can be read as part of the series or as a stand alone story. Fueled by the scars from an experience in foster care that no child should have to endure, Vanishing Act touches on serious issues that can continue to impact abuse victims well into their adult lives. Vanishing Act is an emotional drama with a sweet romance mixed in.
at 1 comment:

5/30/16

Weekly Deja Revu

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Déjà Revu is a weekly review round-up that is open to all book review blogs.
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Contemporary

Fantasy

Paranormal

Romance

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Romance

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Fantasy

Graphic Novel

Horror

Mystery

Non-Fiction

Religious

Romance

Science Fiction

Woman's Fiction

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Romance

Woman's Fiction

OTHER

at 1 comment:

Book Review: The Neverland Wars - Audrey Greathouse

Title: The Neverland Wars
Author: Audrey Greathouse
Genre: YA - Fantasy, Fairytale Retell

Buy Link: http://amzn.com/1634221710

Blurb (from Goodreads):
Magic can do a lot—give you flight, show you mermaids, help you taste the stars, and… solve the budget crisis? That's what the grown-ups will do with it if they ever make it to Neverland to steal its magic and bring their children home.

However, Gwen doesn't know this. She's just a sixteen-year-old girl with a place on the debate team and a powerful crush on Jay, the soon-to-be homecoming king. She doesn't know her little sister could actually run away with Peter Pan, or that she might have to chase after her to bring her home safe. Gwen will find out though—and when she does, she'll discover she's in the middle of a looming war between Neverland and reality.

She'll be out of place as a teenager in Neverland, but she won't be the only one. Peter Pan's constant treks back to the mainland have slowly aged him into adolescence as well. Soon, Gwen will have to decide whether she's going to join impish, playful Peter in his fight for eternal youth… or if she's going to scramble back to reality in time for the homecoming dance.

My Review:
I'm in love with Peter Pan stories.  I can't get enough of the different takes of the classic fairy tale.  I fall into these patterns a lot; Beauty and the Beast is my favorite to read, but I've also done Cinderella, and Red Riding Hood multiple times.

What I Loved:  A popular theme in Peter Pan retells has been that Hook is not the 'bad guy' and Peter Pan is.  I haven't minded these role swaps, and find them a lot of fun, I'm thankful that someone has decided to keep the playful, adventurous Peter Pan in character!   I loved the descriptions of him behaving perfectly youthful and curious, while at the same time showing his burden for the home he loves and the desire to keep it protected from those who wish to use it for their own gain.

Gwen's character was so perfect, even before Peter and Neverland come into play in this book, you can see the internal battle that she faces between wanting to be teenage and enjoy the things teenagers enjoy, while at the same time keeping that carefree freedom that only comes with being a child.  As she does venture into Neverland, that internal battle is even stronger.

Not So Much: Given the title, I thought that there would be more of a 'war' happening, as far as action.  What we have is the tip of a story, an introduction to characters and the promise of more adventure.  I know this, because I verified by checking out Audrey Greathouse's website, but that wasn't until I finished the story, so while now I'm pretty satisfied, while reading I was a little let down about this.

The Verdict:        

I liked this book, but I predict that I'm going to LOVE sequel!  This book is very YA appropriate, and honestly, I'm considering buying the book and putting it into the hands of my 11 year old daughter.

Note:  I received this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
at 2 comments:

5/24/16

Judging a Book by It's Cover - I'll Be The One

Welcome to my very first Judging a Book by Its Cover post. I’m hoping that I get better at this as I do it, but the idea is that I am going to take a look at a cover and try and give my opinion on it, and what the story must be about based on the cover (and the words on the cover). I am doing what I can NOT to read the blurb or any additional information, but once my ‘analysis’ is completed, I will post the blurb at the bottom. I’m hoping this will be fun, and also a break from the post after post of book reviews. Something new. So without further ado…


Title: I’ll Be The One
Author: Hazel James


The cover is bright and beautiful, featuring a sparkler. My thought is that not only is this going to be a perfect summer read – i.e. 4th of July, summer vacation, plenty of time to get in trouble and hang out with friends; but I’m also thinking the sparkler may be indicative of the main characters personality. Or perhaps it is something to do with celebration – the title also has a by-line that says “For better or for worse, in sickness and in health…as long as we both shall (graduate) live.” (So perhaps my summer prediction isn’t quite ON it! ;) ) The colors, however, scream “America” and “Freedom” and “Celebration.” The title “I’ll Be The One” indicates to me that it is likely that this is a romance (without me having to search out the genre). As far as the age group goes – My first guess was YA, but the bi-line makes me think Upper YA, and maybe pushing NA.


I do like the simplicity of this cover. While I do like covers with people on them, I’m also thankful when there are none. That way, instead of giving me a visual on what the author/publisher/cover artist thinks the characters look like, I’m free to decide on my own.

Blurb (from Goodreads):
For better or for worse, in sickness and in health, as long as we both shall graduate.

Rachel Wheaton

The senior Economics project is supposed to teach us about real life. Budgeting. Social classes. Careers. I was supposed to plan it all out with my school husband. I didn't plan on actually falling in love with him, too.

But sometimes real life doesn't go according to plans. Sometimes you have to make hard decisions and sacrifices for the person you love. That's what marriage is about, right?

James Tennyson

I've always known things before they happen. Nothing major, like lottery numbers, but it's been pretty useful for things like playing football and dodging clingy girls. I've never been able to see my future. I didn't think much about it, to be honest.

Until second period, when she walked through the door. 

Falling in love with her unlocked something inside me. Those little things I know? Now they're big things. Life-saving things. So who do I save? And at what cost? I made a vow to her.

For better or for worse, in sickness and in health, as long as we both shall live.
at 2 comments:

5/22/16

Currently TBR

Below are the books 'next up' on my TBR pile!  I recently confessed on my Facebook page that I haven't been completely successful with sticking to only reading the books I have already purchased.  In fact, I've added several new purchases recently, AND  got a book from NetGally, AND accepted a review request.  But as you'll see below, I've fallen into a...story rut....

 First up is the NetGalley Request, because it was the first book on this particular list..and I'm a little OCD about my commitments like that:

The Neverland Wars by Audrey Greathouse


Magic can do a lot—give you flight, show you mermaids, help you taste the stars, and… solve the budget crisis? That's what the grown-ups will do with it if they ever make it to Neverland to steal its magic and bring their children home.
However, Gwen doesn't know this. She's just a sixteen-year-old girl with a place on the debate team and a powerful crush on Jay, the soon-to-be homecoming king. She doesn't know her little sister could actually run away with Peter Pan, or that she might have to chase after her to bring her home safe. Gwen will find out though—and when she does, she'll discover she's in the middle of a looming war between Neverland and reality.
She'll be out of place as a teenager in Neverland, but she won't be the only one. Peter Pan's constant treks back to the mainland have slowly aged him into adolescence as well. Soon, Gwen will have to decide whether she's going to join impish, playful Peter in his fight for eternal youth… or if she's going to scramble back to reality in time for the homecoming dance.
This one will probably be read at the same time since it is an Audible purchase, and I can listen to it at work!

 The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson

Andie had it all planned out.

When you are a politician’s daughter who’s pretty much raised yourself, you learn everything can be planned or spun, or both. Especially your future.
Important internship? Check. 
Amazing friends? Check. 
Guys? Check (as long as we’re talking no more than three weeks).
But that was before the scandal. Before having to be in the same house with her dad. Before walking an insane number of dogs. That was before Clark and those few months that might change her whole life. 
Because here’s the thing—if everything’s planned out, you can never find the unexpected.

And where’s the fun in that?
Here is the review request that I accepted, my first one this year, since I have slowed WAYY down on reading by request and focusing on reading without pressure.  But this was tempting enough to accept.

Dalysian Hope by Jamie Summer

One night that changed everything. 
Sophie Evans is sure about one thing: she’s a normal teenage girl. Until one night her life is turned upside down. 
Attacked in her own apartment and saved by two handsome strangers, she’s thrown into a whole new world. Suddenly dealing with powers she knows nothing about and having half-truths thrown at her from every direction, she realizes that the definition of normal might not fit her after all. 
When Sophie is told that she has to fight in a matter of life and death, she’s left wondering what chance does she really have? And how can she be the only hope of a race she never even knew existed? 
Can Sophie fight the odds stacked against her, or will she lose herself in the process?
Finally we have this beauty I picked up in the May Owlcrate box - and am EXTREMELY excited about, since it falls right into my 'rut.'  If you follow along with my blog at all, you know I recently read Unhooked by Lisa Maxwell as well!

Everland by Wendy Spinale



Forget the story of Peter Pan you know. Because in Everland, the only way to grow up is to survive.
London has been destroyed in a blitz of bombs and disease. The only ones who have survived are children, among them Gwen Darling and her siblings, Joanna and Mikey. They spend their nights scavenging and their days avoiding the ruthless Marauders -- the German Army led by Captain Hanz Otto Oswald Kretschmer.
Unsure if the virus has spread past England's borders but desperate to leave, Captain Hook hunts for a cure, which he thinks can be found in one of the survivors. He and his Marauders stalk the streets snatching children for experimentation. None ever return. Until the day they grab Joanna. As Gwen sets out to save her, she meets a mysterious boy named Pete. Pete offers the assistance of his gang of Lost Boys and the fierce sharpshooter Bella, who have all been living in a city hidden underground. But in a place where help has a steep price and every promise is bound by blood, it will cost Gwen. And are she, Pete, the Lost Boys, and Bella enough to outsmart Captain Hook?
at 2 comments:

5/21/16

Book Review: Reasons I Fell for the Funny Fat Friend - Becca Ann

Title: Reasons I Fell for the Funny Fat Friend
Author: Becca Ann (Cassie Mae)
Genre: Young Adult - Romance, Self Image

Buy Link:  https://amzn.com/B00AY6OT70

Blurb (from Goodreads.com):
It’s stupid to fall for your brother’s ex. It’s even worse to enlist another’s help to win the ex over. But Brody is desperate and Hayley, his partner in American Sign Language, is more than willing to lend him a few tips.

She’s the school’s matchmaker,’ and with her bizarre and positive personality, Brody finds her easy to talk to, even about the most awkward situations. Hayley’s tips seem to be working, but as Brody learns more about his matchmaker, he starts finding reasons to spend time with her, and not the girl he thought he was in love with.

But Hayley isn’t ready to fall for anyone. Labeled the “Funny Fat Friend” within her group, her self image makes it impossible for Brody to share his feelings without Hayley shrugging it off as a joke.

Convincing her Brody can, and did, fall for the “Funny Fat Friend” turns out to be harder than simply falling in love.

My Review:  
After being in the supernatural world for a bit, I decided I wanted something light and fun and normal to read. What better author to turn to than Mrs. Cassie Mae?


What I Loved: This book was exactly what I needed. It was a sweet romance with likable, real characters who were goofy and down to earth. I loved that this story was told from the guys perspective, which is always a little refreshing, despite me wrinkling my nose every time he talked about how badly his bedroom smelled (at least he was aware of it!). Hayley was pretty funny, and a lot cheesy, but I could tell the person she was meant to be right off. I’ve met those people who seem so incredibly self-aware and confident, who are easy to talk to and know how to keep conversations moving, yet have something going on underneath. I could see why Brody would have a hard time understanding her reluctance to believe that he actually liked her.

Not So Much: Part of me is happy that Hayley’s home life wasn’t as bad as I had originally thought, at the same time I kind of felt like that part of the story was a little underdeveloped. It could have been me wishing to get into Hayley’s head (since I’m used to the girls being the narrator) but I kind of wanted more there.

The Verdict:    

As always a great read! There is mild cussing, and there IS non-descriptive sex in this book, so older YA would be my recommendation.
at 3 comments:

5/18/16

Weekly Deja Revu

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Déjà Revu is a weekly review round-up that is open to all book review blogs.

Picture
Picture

Dystopian
Fantasy

Paranormal

Romance



Picture

Contemporary

Paranormal

Romance

Picture

Contemporary

Fantasy


Mystery


Romance

Woman's Fiction

at 1 comment:

5/17/16

Book Review: Onyx - Jennifer L. Armentrout

Title: Onyx (A Lux Novel - Book 2)
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Genre: Young Adult - Paranormal, Romance

Buy Link:  http://amzn.com/1620610116

Blurb (from Goodreads): 
Being connected to Daemon Black sucks…

Thanks to his alien mojo, Daemon’s determined to prove what he feels for me is more than a product of our bizarro connection. So I’ve sworn him off, even though he’s running more hot than cold these days. But we’ve got bigger problems.

Something worse than the Arum has come to town…

The Department of Defense are here. If they ever find out what Daemon can do and that we're linked, I’m a goner. So is he. And there's this new boy in school who’s got a secret of his own. He knows what’s happened to me and he can help, but to do so, I have to lie to Daemon and stay away from him. Like that's possible. Against all common sense, I'm falling for Daemon. Hard.

But then everything changes…
I’ve seen someone who shouldn’t be alive. And I have to tell Daemon, even though I know he’s never going to stop searching until he gets the truth. What happened to his brother? Who betrayed him? And what does the DOD want from them—from me?

No one is who they seem. And not everyone will survive the lies…

My Review:
No sooner did I finish Obsidian then I went and purchased Onyx. While I may have had some character troubles with Obsidian, I was still captivated by this story and wanted to know more about what was going to happen.

What I Loved: The continuing building of heat between Katy and Daemon. I enjoyed Daemon much more in this book than the previous. He was done fighting what were obviously very strong feelings for Katy, and he was in aggressive pursuit. There was a lot more kissing in this book – and boy can Jennifer Armentrout write a good kissing scene!

We learned more about what is going on between Katy and Daemon’s strange connection and what it might all mean. We also are introduced to Blake who is more than he seems.

In Onyx we get a few more twists and turns in the story, while the progress on the relationship front seems to be more the issue here.

Not So Much: Katy is driving me crazy. She is still so obtuse and just wishy-washy. She says things that she desperately wants to believe, but are obviously not true. She has become a horrible friend and really not admirable at all. She lies, and hides things that should be brought to light, and trusts way more information to people outside of her alien circle than she should.



The Verdict:    

Gosh, the romance draws me in. The story is interesting enough…but I’m just a bit perturbed by Katy. Some reviews of the third book indicate that she gets better, but I’m not sure if I’m quite ready to move on yet.

at 6 comments: