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Adorkable by Cookie O’ Gorman

Adorkable by Cookie O’ GormanAdorkable by Cookie O'Gorman
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Adorkable (ah-dor-kuh-bul): Descriptive term meaning to be equal parts dorky and adorable. For reference, see Sally Spitz.

Seventeen-year-old Sally Spitz is done with dating. Or at least, she's done with the horrible blind dates/hookups/sneak attacks her matchmaking bestie, Hooker, sets her up on. There's only so much one geek girl and Gryffindor supporter can take.

Her solution: she needs a fake boyfriend. And fast.

Enter Becks, soccer phenom, all-around-hottie, and Sally's best friend practically since birth. When Sally asks Becks to be her F.B.F. (fake boyfriend), Becks is only too happy to be used. He'd do anything for Sal--even if that means giving her PDA lessons in his bedroom, saying she's "more than pretty," and expertly kissing her at parties.

The problem: Sally's been in love with Becks all her life--and he's completely clueless.

This book features two best friends, one special edition Yoda snuggie, countless beneath-the-ear kisses and begs the question:

Who wants a real boyfriend when faking it is so much more fun?

 


“But why? I don’t get it.”

“You don’t have to.”
“But Becks,” she whined, “I don’t understand. Why her?”
“Nothing to understand really,” he said, smiling down at me. “Sal’s my girl. Always has been.”

Adorkable is one of those books that just LOOKS like it’s going to be, well, adorable. Yet, every time I saw it and what people were saying about it, I thought it was going to be cheesy as hell. So, for as long as this has been out, I have passed it up and never marked it on my TBR. Stupid, really, considering all I’m ever looking for is my next addicting YA contemporary that makes me happy even on the saddest of days.


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So it wasn’t until recently that my good friend, Jen, read it and told me my preconceived notions were not only false, but that it was actually better than one of my favorites. To this, I thought, bring it on. Why not? What do I really have to lose in the grand scheme of things. My most anticipated releases of the year are rolling out at full steam (always spring time and early winter, why is that???) and I’m just reading fun books during the week to pass the time. If I didn’t like it, the worst that would happen is that I get to pick up an anticipated release right after. Not a shabby deal.

So I picked up this book immediately, heavy on skepticism, low on give-a-shit. I truly didn’t expect much. But from the moment I picked this up, I knew it was just what I needed. Light-hearted, funny, heavy on swoon…I really had no complaints. Sure, there was a little cheese factor, I mean, all the best books have a little bit of cheese when it comes to teen romance, right? But there was just something so sweet and special about this book. I can’t even begin to explain it.


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It’s definitely the purest form of ‘first love’, the kind where you pine for your best friend (or, I guess, just your guy friends since that’s how I felt in High School) and just know he couldn’t possibly feel the same about you. Cue the eye roll, I know. But that’s what’s so sweet. How couldn’t it be? Aren’t these sometimes the best forms of YA romance, if done correctly? Well, they are to me. And, even better, we get to add in the ‘fake relationship’ trope and this book just got a whole lot more interesting.


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What starts out as a ploy to get her other best friend, Hooker (sigh), to stop setting her up on blind dates becomes much more real, much quicker. Becks does everything in his power to be the alpha boyfriend, the ‘don’t touch my girl’ boyfriend, the one who is wanted by everyone and yet doesn’t want her to grab anyone else’s attention. I mean, we’ve all seen it, right? Hell, that was my husband and I in High School (though, I’d say we were on a pretty level field of ‘don’t you dare fucking look at my girl/guy, takennnnn’). Totally believable.

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As everyone knows, this is like my favorite thing ever, so I was all SQUEEEEEEEs and EEEEEEEEEs as I read, loving every little look Becks gave Spitz (AGAIN, sigh), every secret emotion he revealed not-so-subtlety. Sally was a moron for not seeing it, sorry, but it’s true. And that might be my largest gripe for the whole book. And, come on, why not just say something!!! What’s he going to do, dump your ass as the best friend he’s ever had since SECOND GRADE?! Not hardly.

“There’s only one thing I know—have always known—that I wanted out of life. And it’s you.”

And, for those of you wondering if this just might suit your fancy enough to be your next ‘mindless YA romance’, here are the only triggers I can think of that people get all fussy about (obviously not me. Girl please, I could care less):

-Girl on girl crime, ie, slut shaming
-An extension of that might be calling other girls names (I think? I can’t remember completely)
-Oblivious to the obvious true love thing they have going on
-I suppose everyone has different opinions on cheesiness, so I’ll say that is one thing
-Jealousy where there shouldn’t be, on her part
-A little back and forth (but honestly, this is my biggest pet peeve and I barely think it applies, that’s up to you)
-Dramatic scene before they make up, like every other book

I mean, I feel like I lost my steam there, forgetting what I was going to say for those of you that get bothered by such things (damn pregger brain), but that just goes to show you how little it bothered me. If you know me, and somewhat agree with me on most things, I imagine most of this doesn’t bother you. But for those of you who do get bothered by slut-shaming and have never read my reviews before, I guess I’d say be very aware of that factor…meaning: don’t blame me, ye be warned.

So, I can’t say I disliked anything about this book. From the moment I met Becks, he stole my heart and I ached for the moment I could pick the story up again just to see how much he loved Sally. It was addicting, heart-warming, and, without a doubt, an instant favorite. And, even though it’s completely cliché….this book was absolutely adorable.


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FRIDAY STARS – Your Weekly Must Knows 02/10/17

FRIDAY STARS – Your Weekly Must Knows 02/10/17

Life:

I have come to realize that my youngest son, Jacob, has an obsession with Ranch Dressing from Trader Joes.  And I kid you not, he eats it on everything.  Spanakopita, hot dogs, corn dogs, meat sandwiches, pizza, bean cheese quesadilla, etc…he puts ranch dip on all of it.  And lately he has been asking to have it with his pasta and chicken.  I try my hardest not to cringe, but *shudders*.  I just have to keep reminding myself that when he was a toddler, he would put chocolate chip cookies in his spaghetti, olives in his ice cream etc.  Seriously lol.  The only different food tendency I have is that I can drink Orange Juice with anything.  Even pasta.  And for some reason that grosses out my husband.  So maybe Jacob doesn’t fall too far from the tree. 🙂  Do you have any weird food tendencies too?

In case you aren’t familiar with our Friday Star Posts, we like to take a look at what’s happened around here in the last week, what’s coming up that we are excited about and anything else that we may have to share!

♥ Enjoy!

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Giveaways:

The Bachelor Auction Launch Day BlitzEnter to win 1 of 10 copies of THE BACHELOR AUCTION by Rachel Van Dyken in Paperback. Enter → here.

 

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guardian of secrets tour Enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card with Guardian of Secrets by Brenda Drake swag pack. International winners will only get $50 GC. Enter → here.

 

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urlEnter to win A copy of Frostblood by Elly Blake & branded nail polish duo in shades of fire and frost. Enter → here.

 

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Just Finished and Loved:

guardian-of-secrets-brenda-drakeGuardian of Secrets (Library Jumpers #2) by Brenda Drake Jen’s Review

5 Stars! I laughed, I fell in love, I sobbed and I closed the book with the hugest smile on my face!

The story continues!  In the first book, Thief of Lies, Gia Kearns would rather fight with boys than kiss them. That is, until Arik, a leather clad hottie in the Boston Athenaeum, suddenly disappears. While examining the book of world libraries he abandoned, Gia unwittingly speaks the key that sucks her and her friends into a photograph and transports them into a Paris library, where Arik and his Sentinels-magical knights charged with protecting humans from the creatures traveling across the gateway books-rescue them from a demonic hound.
Jumping into some of the world’s most beautiful libraries would be a dream come true for Gia, if she weren’t busy resisting her heart or dodging an exiled wizard seeking revenge on both the Mystik and human worlds. Add a French flirt obsessed with Arik and a fling with a young wizard, and Gia must choose between her heart and her head, between Arik’s world and her own, before both are destroyed.

 

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frost-blood-elly-blakeFrostblood (Frostblood Saga #1) by Elly Blake Chelsea’s Review

5 Stars!  The first chapter broke my heart immediately making it clear from the start that the author didn’t mind getting her hands dirty. I like that. I like that a LOT, and, even more than that, I respect it immensely.

Seventeen-year-old Ruby is a Fireblood who has concealed her powers of heat and flame from the cruel Frostblood ruling class her entire life. But when her mother is killed trying to protect her, and rebel Frostbloods demand her help to overthrow their bloodthirsty king, she agrees to come out of hiding, desperate to have her revenge.

Despite her unpredictable abilities, Ruby trains with the rebels and the infuriating–yet irresistible–Arcus, who seems to think of her as nothing more than a weapon. But before they can take action, Ruby is captured and forced to compete in the king’s tournaments that pit Fireblood prisoners against Frostblood champions. Now she has only one chance to destroy the maniacal ruler who has taken everything from her–and from the icy young man she has come to love.

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under-rose-tainted-skies-louise-gornallUnder Rose-Tainted Skies by Louise GornallChelsea’s Review

4.5 Stars!  Finding an authentic novel that not only shows you a deep, introspective look at a mental illness, but also lets you see that people understand, that people can be kind, that falling in love is a possible thing, no matter the restrictions or stipulations, is so very rare, and it’s just as captivating as any other love story. I find that fantastic and just plain beautiful.

Norah has agoraphobia and OCD. When groceries are left on the porch, she can’t step out to get them. Struggling to snag the bags with a stick, she meets Luke. He’s sweet and funny, and he just caught her fishing for groceries. Because of course he did. 
Norah can’t leave the house, but can she let someone in? As their friendship grows deeper, Norah realizes Luke deserves a normal girl. One who can lie on the front lawn and look up at the stars. One who isn’t so screwed up.
Readers themselves will fall in love with Norah in this poignant, humorous, and deeply engaging portrait of a teen struggling to find the strength to face her demons.

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2.5 Stars:
Wintersong by S. Jae Jones → Jen’s Review

 

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Reading Next:

love-story-lauren-layneLove Story (Love Unexpectedly #3) by Lauren Layne

When Lucy Hawkins receives a job offer in San Francisco, she can’t wait to spread her wings and leave her small Virginia hometown behind. Her close-knit family supports her as best they can, by handing over the keys to a station wagon that’s seen better days. The catch? The cross-country trip comes with a traveling companion: her older brother’s best friend, aka the guy who took Lucy’s virginity hours before breaking her heart.
After spending the past four years and every last dime caring for his sick father, Reece Sullivan will do just about anything to break free of the painful memories—even if it means a two-week road trip with the one girl who’s ever made it past his carefully guarded exterior. But after long days of bickering in the car turn into steamy nights in secluded motel rooms, Reece learns that, when it comes to Lucy, their story is far from over. And this time, they just might have a shot at a happy ending.

 

 

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Upcoming Releases:

the valiant lesley livingston The Valiant (The Valiant #1) by Lesley Livingston   (Releases 02/14)

Fallon is the daughter of a proud Celtic king and the younger sister of the legendary fighter Sorcha. When Fallon was just a child, Sorcha was killed by the armies of Julius Caesar.
On the eve of her seventeenth birthday, Fallon is excited to follow in her sister’s footsteps and earn her place in her father’s war band. She never gets the chance.
Fallon is captured and sold to an elite training school for female gladiators—owned by none other than Julius Caesar himself. In a cruel twist of fate, the man who destroyed Fallon’s family might be her only hope of survival.
Now, Fallon must overcome vicious rivalries, deadly fights in and out of the arena, and perhaps the most dangerous threat of all: her irresistible feelings for Cai, a young Roman soldier and her sworn enemy. 

 

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love-story-lauren-layneLove Story (Love Unexpectedly #3) by Lauren Layne  (Releases 02/14)

When Lucy Hawkins receives a job offer in San Francisco, she can’t wait to spread her wings and leave her small Virginia hometown behind. Her close-knit family supports her as best they can, by handing over the keys to a station wagon that’s seen better days. The catch? The cross-country trip comes with a traveling companion: her older brother’s best friend, aka the guy who took Lucy’s virginity hours before breaking her heart.
After spending the past four years and every last dime caring for his sick father, Reece Sullivan will do just about anything to break free of the painful memories—even if it means a two-week road trip with the one girl who’s ever made it past his carefully guarded exterior. But after long days of bickering in the car turn into steamy nights in secluded motel rooms, Reece learns that, when it comes to Lucy, their story is far from over. And this time, they just might have a shot at a happy ending.

 

 

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You can check out the rest of the books that we can’t wait to be released → HERE

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Under Rose-Tainted Skies by Louise Gornall

Under Rose-Tainted Skies by Louise GornallUnder Rose-Tainted Skies by Louise Gornall
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

At seventeen, Norah has accepted that the four walls of her house delineate her life. She knows that fearing everything from inland tsunamis to odd numbers is irrational, but her mind insists the world outside is too big, too dangerous. So she stays safe inside, watching others’ lives through her windows and social media feed.

But when Luke arrives on her doorstep, he doesn’t see a girl defined by medical terms and mental health. Instead, he sees a girl who is funny, smart, and brave. And Norah likes what he sees.

Their friendship turns deeper, but Norah knows Luke deserves a normal girl. One who can walk beneath the open sky. One who is unafraid of kissing. One who isn’t so screwed up. Can she let him go for his own good—or can Norah learn to see herself through Luke’s eyes?

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Some books have flare, have that cover and synopsis that draws you in the moment you lay eyes on it. You know you want to read it, you know it’s a genre you are absolutely obsessed with, but it’s also a genre that makes it difficult to gauge what’s going to be good, and what’s going to be a pile of wasted potential. And under those breathtaking covers and beautiful synopses, you expect (and hope) to find a spellbinding novel, the same level of awesomeness the outside of the book promises…but you almost always end up disappointed, because nothing is ever as good as you wish. But I can promise you-this isn’t that book.

A side effect of worrying about everything and everyone; I cry at least once a week over things that shouldn’t concern me.


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It may not be for everyone. And, hey, you might even find it repulsive. I can only assure you one thing-this book feels wholly authentic, and I find that to be one of the hardest things to get past these days. Finding an authentic novel that not only shows you a deep, introspective look at a mental illness, but also lets you see that people understand, that people can be kind, that falling in love is a possible thing, no matter the restrictions or stipulations, is so very rare, and it’s just as captivating as any other love story. I find that fantastic and just plain beautiful.

I just want to have proof that I can think straight, that I am more than the girl who believes that odd numbers will cause a catastrophe.


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This story felt so unique to me. I know, I know, mental illness books have been handled well before and so have realistic fiction-gasp!-but the depth to this story…it touched me. And, even more than that, the romance was handled so delicately. I never once felt forced into their relationship. I never once felt uncomfortable (well, aside from when Norah felt uncomfortable). And seeing Luke’s journey from clueless, to informed, to understanding, helpful love interest was a true transformation-and, frankly, also realistic.

Perfection is a feeling; you’ll know it if you’ve ever questioned the competency of your penmanship before writing on the first page of a new notebook.

He didn’t understand-not at all. He said he did. He really wanted to…but he didn’t truly understand until it all fell apart, until he saw how horrifying it was for Norah, how terrifying each and every day was for her if things didn’t go just as she needed them to. He didn’t understand-not at all…but he figured it out, for her.

“Do you need some help?”
I’m drenched in shadow, and boots with steel toecaps take three steps onto the porch. Three steps. That’s awkward. He leaves his back leg trailing behind. I wish he would bring it forward and make it four steps even. My eye twitches.


*This did not happen…but they did hang out on the bed and it was so cute so I had to use one of these!*

Look. Nothing goes perfect in this story, and that’s frankly the best part. Life doesn’t come wrapped up neatly in a perfect little bow, and not everyone gets their happily ever after. It takes work. It takes trust. It takes friendship….and it takes a strong support group surrounding you, people who will stand by your side no matter how tough life gets, and I just loved that about this story. I even felt like there was quite a bit of tough love in this story-Norah’s therapist didn’t let her off the hook, ever, and she constantly tried to push her out of her comfort zone.

It’s possible I’ve ingested enough of my own fingers to call myself a cannibal. They’re so chewed I have trouble straightening them. I very much doubt every girl my age does this. This is perhaps bordering more on my unhealthy levels of panic.

Funny, witty, wholly gripping, and with an adorable romance that stole my heart and took my breath away, this story sunk its claws into me from the moment I started it. I saw this book and just knew it was going to be special…and for once? I was right. It’s refreshing to pick up a story and feel not only giddiness, happiness, elation, true love…but also a life altering reality that many people live through every day. To read about something that hinders someone else’s life to the point of almost ruining it, to read about them and the support they receive but also how hard it still is for them. It broke my heart in the best possible way… and patched it back up again.

I hope others will find the same love and enjoyment from this book as I did, but if not, I’ll cherish it all by my lonesome-and I won’t feel the least bit guilty about it.

View all my reviews

BOOK REVIEW – Wintersong by S. Jae-Jones

BOOK REVIEW – Wintersong by S. Jae-JonesWintersong by S. Jae Jones
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

All her life, Liesl has heard tales of the beautiful, dangerous Goblin King. They’ve enraptured her mind, her spirit, and inspired her musical compositions. Now eighteen and helping to run her family’s inn, Liesl can’t help but feel that her musical dreams and childhood fantasies are slipping away.

But when her own sister is taken by the Goblin King, Liesl has no choice but to journey to the Underground to save her. Drawn to the strange, captivating world she finds―and the mysterious man who rules it―she soon faces an impossible decision. And with time and the old laws working against her, Liesl must discover who she truly is before her fate is sealed.

Review:

Oh no, no, no.  Wintersong was not the book for me.  I unfortunately found myself uninterested, so I easily put the book down quite a few times.  Then it took me days to force myself to pick it back up again.  Which made me SO sad, because Wintersong was one of my most anticipated releases of 2017.  *sigh*  So while I have a myriad of reasons why this book and I didn’t work out, here are my top ones:

✮ Labyrinth Let Down:

No tricks.  No cheating.  No taking away my memories.  No playing with time.  The Goblin King had broken his promises already.

I loved that movie, and I honestly have no clue how many times I watched it.  So when I heard that parts of this book were inspired by Labyrinth, I was excited.  Unfortunately, the parts that were reminiscent of the movie Labyrinth, were pale in comparison. The movie was captivating, enchanting and so unique to me.  And this book simply fell flat.  Whether it was the characters, the Underground, similar moments etc, none of it came alive.

✮ Too Much Music For My Taste:

Despite the anger and rage in its notes, the key was C major.  The shape of the first movement was there now, with most of its supporting structure fleshed out.  I played it on the klavier to hear it in full, but I could not adequately convey both the main part and the accompaniment with just two hands.

Just so you know, I love music.  I’ve played the piano since grade school, and I’m one of those people who loves to play by sheet music or even by sound.  And I also have music playing in the background all the time, it’s such a huge part of my life.  But there were too many parts of this book that drowned in music.  We would hear paragraph after paragraph about composing music, playing music, her brother and music etc etc.  It was overwhelming.  I wanted to skim those parts, but they made up such a huge portion of the story, so I couldn’t.

✮ Repetitive Words:

So many phrases and words were spoken again and again.  It become frustrating and annoying.  We heard time and again how she wasn’t beautiful, how she called the Goblin King – mein Herr or Der Erlkönig and even the austere young man, how they would think similar phrases countless times etc.  It grew tiresome.

✮ Couldn’t Connect Or Care For The Characters:

His eyes meet mine.  It is the austere young man who looks at me with a question in his gaze.

I tried my hardest, but I could never feel their emotions.  I wanted to feel their plight, to feel their conflict of emotions, but instead I felt nothing.  Like when Leisl’s (aka Elizabeth) struggled to find her sister, I never once felt her shock, sadness, disbelief, anger, or whatever emotions she felt.  And the same goes to when we were told that the Goblin King was showing this side and now that side of himself, I didn’t feel any of those emotions radiating off of him.  Nothing came across to me the way I hoped it would.

✮ The Romance I Couldn’t See:

“And what did I promise?” I whispered.
The Goblin King chuckled, and the sound rippled through my body.
“A wife, Elisabeth.  You promised me a bride.”

The final nail in the coffin for me, was that I never felt their pull to one another.  I understood their past and history, but I never saw why one wanted the other.  Well beside their common love of music.  I wanted to feel their passion, their chemistry, but instead I felt nothing.

“What will happen to you if I win?” I whispered.
A smile crossed his lips, but the corners were downturned, more sad than satisfied.  “You know,” he said.  “You’re the only one who’s ever asked.”
Then he vanished in a swirl of wind and dead leaves.

So I closed this book devastated.  Because I loved the idea that for the first half of the book, we were given a little reminiscence here and there of Labyrinth.  But Wintersong just didn’t work for me.  I will say that the writing is done beautifully.  Her words would flow so eloquently, and I hoped that would be enough to suck me back in, but alas it didn’t work out like that.  My opinion seems to be in the minority, so here’s hoping you can fall for this book where I couldn’t.

*ARC kindly provided by A Thomas Dunne Book for St. Martin’s Griffin via a Goodreads Giveaway in exchange for an honest review*

BOOK REVIEW+GIVEAWAY-Frostblood (Frostblood Saga #1) by Elly Blake

BOOK REVIEW+GIVEAWAY-Frostblood (Frostblood Saga #1) by Elly BlakeFrostblood (Frostblood Saga #1)
by Elly Blake
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

The Frost King will burn.

Seventeen-year-old Ruby is a Fireblood who has concealed her powers of heat and flame from the cruel Frostblood ruling class her entire life. But when her mother is killed trying to protect her, and rebel Frostbloods demand her help to overthrow their bloodthirsty king, she agrees to come out of hiding, desperate to have her revenge.

Despite her unpredictable abilities, Ruby trains with the rebels and the infuriating—yet irresistible—Arcus, who seems to think of her as nothing more than a weapon. But before they can take action, Ruby is captured and forced to compete in the king’s tournaments that pit Fireblood prisoners against Frostblood champions. Now she has only one chance to destroy the maniacal ruler who has taken everything from her—and from the icy young man she has come to love.

Vivid and compelling, Frostblood is the first in an exhilarating series about a world where flame and ice are mortal enemies . . . but together create a power that could change everything.

*I partnered with Little, Brown to share this giveaway*

Review:

Frostblood is one of those books that you see and you know you just have to read it. If not from the cover alone (umm, hello pretty cover), then by the promising synopsis. I first saw this book back in early winter-it popped up out of nowhere and stole my heart before I even read it. It was a case of love at first sight, and I knew nothing would do until I had this book in my hands.

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And, finally, riiiiight before it was about to come out, I got the opportunity from Little, Brown to receive a (again, GORGEOUS) finished copy to enjoy. And enjoy I did. There wasn’t one moment where I wasn’t fully engrossed in this story. From page one on, I was hooked. I honestly am just the easiest person to please with YA fantasy-give me a young tortured male with a heart made of ice (pretty much literally and figuratively), a hate-hate relationship…and I. Am. SOLD.

“She’s not yours to name.”
“She’s mine in spirit now that we’ve had an adventure together. And her name suits her. She’s soft and yellow, like butter.”
He made a disgusted sound. “If we all had names to suit us, you’d be called Thorn in My Backside. Or Plague of the Gods.”
I prickled at his scathing tone. “And you’d be Miserable Blockhead.”
“Is that the best you can do?”
“Give me time. I’m half frozen.”

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This book was clearly no exception. The first chapter broke my heart immediately-I mean whyyyyy-making it clear from the start that the author didn’t mind getting her hands dirty. I like that. I like that a LOT, and, even more than that, I respect it immensely.

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I’m not above setting a heavy precedent-it gives a book fire, passion, a reason to fight-and I’ve always loved that. Ruby is a Fireblood, a hunted people that can produce, you guessed it, fire, and who are immensely hot to the touch. Hunted by Frostbloods, the rare Firebloods who have not been found (and executed or sent to compete for sure death) yet are forced to hide, to keep themselves scarce.

“You speak as if I’m as heavy as an ox,” I said. “Last week I was a bundle of sticks.”
“You’re still too thin.”
“Perhaps if I gain some weight, you won’t call me a stick anymore.”
“You may hope to one day be a branch.”

Ruby is in hiding with her mother in a village, not able to practice her craft or live freely as she’d hope. One thing leads to another, and Ruby is saved from a certain death after being captured by the Frostblood king’s guard…by none other than Frostblood rebels-the infuriating Arcus being one of them.

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I must say, I ADORED Arcus. He was moody, wounded, but loyal to all those around him and Ruby’s biggest ally. Well…eventually…but he was always a driving force in helping her train, in helping her become the best she could be.

“And my touch threatens that somehow?”
“In a way. I brought you here to prepare you for a huge task,” he said, dipping the cloth in the water and touching it to my cheek again. “An enormous weight rests on your shoulders.”
I sighed, irritated at the reminder of what made me truly important. I wanted to mean more to Arcus than a way to melt the throne.
“And now I wonder if I can let you go,” he added quietly.

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After seeing who Ruby is, how fiercely she wants to help, he starts to [secretly] fall for her, starts doing everything in his power to change what the rebel group wants from Ruby, to find literally any other way…because their plan leads to nothing but suicide.

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I just loved how antagonistic these two were towards each other and how they slowly began to find solace in one another-it was sweet, slow-burning, and the way he wanted to protect her, even when he didn’t like her, melted my [not so] icy little heart. And the fact that the rebel plan included him not leaving her side? Come on. Just…come on, *sighs* I lubbs him. I really do.

“Who else is there?” He asked. “What Fireblood will do this but you?”
“What if I destroy the throne? When it’s all over, are you just going to”-I waved a hand-“disappear into the air like mist?”
“From the time we leave the abbey until you’re safely back again, I’ll protect you with my life.”

So, you know, once again I feel like I’m out on a limb here, by myself, loving a book that’s absolutely wonderful all by myself. I don’t get it!!! What isn’t to like?? Swoony boy. Loyal boy. Fierce boy. Fierce girl. Mortal enemies. Enemies-to-lovers. Perilistic ending. Tons of [male] (male male male-NEED ANY MORE HINTS?) sacrifice. Tons of win. You people are crazy…but that’s okay. This book is wonderful-and I will proudly display this beauty on my shelf forever.

 

Bonus Content:

You can read the first chapter HERE!

Are you Frostblood or Fireblood? Take the quiz!

Download a GIF version of the cover – watch the blood drip down (look below)!

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Giveaway:

Where Flame And Ice Are Mortal Enemies: Pick a side!

One (1) winner will receive:

  • a copy of Frostblood
  • branded nail polish duo in shades of fire and frost

 

url

Giveaway open to US addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

About The Author:

elle blakeElly Blake loves fairy tales, old houses, and owls. After earning a degree in English literature, she held a series of seemingly random jobs, including project manager, customs clerk, graphic designer, and reporter for a local business magazine before finally landing on her current job as a library assistant. She lives in Southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids, and a Siberian Husky mix that definitely shows f=Frostblood tendencies.

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