Category: Review (Page 96 of 297)

BOOK REVIEW: Blue Skies by T.L. Martin

BOOK REVIEW: Blue Skies by T.L. MartinBlue Skies by T.L. Martin
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

All Blue Everest wants is the wide open sky above her head and the soft earth beneath her feet. And maybe to spread a little love where she can. When she gets the opportunity to live with a father she’s never met and to enroll in public school for the first time, she brings her optimistic and free-spirited nature with her.

But it’s not long before she meets her polar opposite, Joshua Hunt, whose hard edges resist every smile she sends his way . . .

Hunt’s never met a girl who smiles so easily. It can’t be normal. Combine that with the flowers in her hair, constant daydreaming, and a knack for sticking her nose where it doesn’t belong—and he wants nothing to do with Blue Everest. He’s got enough going on without her distractions, and everything, everyone, he cares about is depending on him to stay focused.

Blue’s ready to go wherever the wind takes her, and Hunt’s determined to steer his own ship. But sometimes the wind changes course, pulling two people into a rough and devastating storm that can crush the strongest of hearts. And sometimes, it takes more than you ever thought you were capable of to get back to blue skies.

CONTENT WARNING: contains sex, profanity, and sensitive subject matter, including addiction and suicide.

Review:

Blue Skies was a story filled with hope, love, family, secrets, hurt and trust.  The writing had this calming effect, even though you were taken on a sea of emotions.  So if you’re a fan of opposites attract and YA books that are seductive and hot, then definitely add this one to your tbr!

So often we don’t see—let alone feel—the magic in the moments we’re making until we’re old enough to pause and view them as memories.

Blue was going to be staying with her dad, who she had never met or even knew existed until now.  I was beyond nervous for Blue and had no clue what to expect, just like her.  Not only was she meeting her dad for the first time, but his wife and stepdaughter too.  And to top it all off, she was going to public school where she knew no one.  What unfolded was a beautifully slow, methodical tale of family, love and the journeys we face.

I don’t know how so much intensity could be locked inside one person—the kind of intensity that sucks the oxygen from my lungs. He’s like the night sky just before a tornado hits: heavy and quiet all at once, whispering secret, dangerous promises and threatening to erupt at any moment.
But I don’t want to stop it.

I adored Blue!  She was a hippy girl who was kindhearted and saw the world for all of its sunshine and happiness.  She had so much hope and love in her heart.  And I loved that Blue took journeys in the most optimistic of ways.  She was a breath of fresh air in YA, and someone that could help others find the good in their lives.  So Blue was carefree, yet thoughtful of those around her.  But right from the start, she saw a boy out her new bedroom window.  And he was one that was going to completely change her world.

He’s so certain the universe has sewn him together with dark, misshapen parts. But I’m looking, I’m always looking, and these aren’t the actions of a sick or corrupted soul.
His scare tactics won’t work on me.

Joshua Hunt lived in the guesthouse of her father’s home, and we also got to hear the story from his pov. I loved Joshua.  He was all rugged, thunderclouds and seemed to have a wealth of secrets.  He was haunted by his past and present, so Joshua had this cold exterior and kept everyone at arms length away.  And while he was attracted to Blue. he needed to keep his focus on school.  He didn’t want to be bothered with distractions.  But Blue had this way of pulling him out of his shell.  So as he started to share little pieces of his life with her, oh my heart.  Even though it wasn’t much, it felt like the world to me.

“What are you doing?” I breathe even though his body tells me everything. I want to hear it in his voice.
A muscle twitches in his jaw, and his strong grip clutches the back of my neck. “Something I’ve wanted to do for too damn long,” he rasps, his lips almost brushing mine. But then he stops. Shuts his eyes. “Tell me it’s okay, Blue. Tell me to kiss you.”
My heart thumps. My knees sway.
“Kiss me.”

I loved watching Blue and Joshua in and out of school.  Being the new girl, and different at that, my heart hurt watching her be bullied.  But then there was Joshua, silently watching everything unfold.  And when he was protective or thoughtful of her?!  Sigh. I’m a huge sucker for those types of moments.  And later on when things became physical, you guyyyysssss, it was deliciously seductive and oh so hot *fans face*!

He tears his lips from mine, dragging them down my throat, “So . . .”—my collarbone—“fucking . . .”—my shoulder—“perfect.” Then he returns to my mouth.
A deep shiver chases my spine.

Blue Skies was an emotional tale about first love and family.  While I wanted to rush or fast forward a few things in the latter half of this story, I understand that that was not how Blue and Joshua worked. And looking back, there are so many things I didn’t even touch upon.  One being how we got to watch the relationship between Blue and her father, Tim, develop. Tim was one of my favorite characters in this book, besides Blue and Joshua. So I loved that this book was also about family, and watching how one grows and blends together. With first love and opposites attract, I really enjoyed this book!  I’ll definitely be looking into Martin’s other books!

For every jagged edge he gives me, I give him some of my softness in return. He nips my lower lip, and I gently lick his. He fists my hair, and I glide my fingertips down his tense back.

BOOK REVIEW: Unchosen by Katharyn Blair

BOOK REVIEW: Unchosen by Katharyn BlairUnchosen (Katharyn Blair)
by Katharyn Blair
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

For Charlotte Holloway, the world ended twice.

The first was when her childhood crush, Dean, fell in love—with her older sister.

The second was when the Crimson, a curse spread through eye contact, turned the majority of humanity into flesh-eating monsters.

Neither end of the world changed Charlotte. She’s still in the shadows of her siblings. Her popular older sister, Harlow, now commands forces of survivors. And her talented younger sister, Vanessa, is the Chosen One—who, legend has it, can end the curse.

When their settlement is raided by those seeking the Chosen One, Charlotte makes a reckless decision to save Vanessa: she takes her place as prisoner.

The word spreads across the seven seas—the Chosen One has been found.

But when Dean’s life is threatened and a resistance looms on the horizon, the lie keeping Charlotte alive begins to unravel. She’ll have to break free, forge new bonds, and choose her own destiny if she has any hope of saving her sisters, her love, and maybe even the world.

Because sometimes the end is just a new beginning.

Thank you Katherine Tegen Books/Harper Collins for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

We lived in a world that predicted our doom at least twice a week. We had shows about it; people stood on street corners, screeching about the end. We were so ready for the fall of mankind. But, when it actually came—we didn’t see it coming.

Unchosen, by Katharyn Blair, was a super pleasant surprise, and I mean that in the best way possible. While the synopsis had made it sound like it was everything I wanted in a book, I was scared the execution wouldn’t live up. But I am so happy to write that it absolutely did for me.

Unchosen is a standalone novel, focusing on Charlotte Holloway. Charlotte is the middle child, with her older sister Harlow being a badass leader of a group of survivors. Vanessa, the youngest child, is a talented gymnast and is also the Chosen One, who supposedly, according to legend, can end the curse that has spread through humanity.

I’m not usually the biggest zombie book fan, though I certainly don’t shy away from them if it sounds interesting enough. I liked how different this book is. The zombies aren’t totally mindless, and the way it’s spread—through eye contact—was totally unique. So while it is a dystopian book in some senses, it’s also partially a pirate book, as after being taken as prisoner, Charlotte begins an adventure on the open seas trying to keep her secret while figuring out how to save those she loves.

“And you can stop calling me princess, you know.”

“You would prefer ‘Chosen One’?” he asks. His eyes are sunset-tinted in the glow of the fire, and they bore into me. It’s a joke, but it’s also not.

There’s a lot of wonderful characters in this book, but I definitely attached to those who Charlotte teams up with once she is captured and is trying to find her way back to her family. But I especially loved Seth, the defacto leader of this group of pirates. I loved how serious he was, but then a light or caring side would show up and sweep me off my feet.

“So, I’ll just ask, then,” he murmurs. I’ve never heard his voice this soft before. It’s like fingertips threading through my hair. It’s the heat of a fire on freezing skin. He leans in, and I shut my eyes as his breath slips over the dip in my shoulder.

“Please, Charlotte.” His beg is no more than a whisper. “Never…never do that again.”

This book was so many things: scary, funny, emotional and thrilling. It had so many wonderful characters, was well-paced and totally intriguing. I had a hard time putting it down and loved how everything came together at the end.

You will not choose my end, for this heart is mine.

TW: Death, Gore, death of a child (off page but mentioned), language

 

 

BOOK REVIEW: The Perfect Guests by Emma Rous

BOOK REVIEW: The Perfect Guests by Emma RousThe Perfect Guests by Emma Rous
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

1988. Beth Soames is fourteen years old when her aunt takes her to stay at Raven Hall, a rambling manor in the isolated East Anglian fens. The Averells, the family who lives there, are warm and welcoming, and Beth becomes fast friends with their daughter, Nina. At times, Beth even feels like she's truly part of the family...until they ask her to help them with a harmless game--and nothing is ever the same.

2019. Sadie Langton is an actress struggling to make ends meet when she lands a well-paying gig to pretend to be a guest at a weekend party. She is sent a suitcase of clothing, a dossier outlining the role she is to play, and instructions. It's strange, but she needs the money, and when she sees the stunning manor she'll be staying at, she figures she's got nothing to lose.

In person, Raven Hall is even grander than she'd imagined--even with damage from a fire decades before--but the walls seem to have eyes. As day turns to night, Sadie starts to feel that there's something off about the glamorous guests who arrive, and as the party begins, it becomes chillingly apparent their unseen host is playing games with everyone...including her.

Thank you to Penguin Random House for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

No one had explained what was expected of me here; I didn’t even know how long the arrangement might be for. All Caroline had said was “You can be a companion for their daughter for a while, until I’m ready for you to move in with me.”

The Perfect Guests is the sophomore effort of Emma Rous. I really enjoyed her first novel, The Au Pair, and was excited to see she had a new book coming out. The synopsis got me right away, as I love nothing more than a secluded manor.

The book follows two perspectives: Beth Soames, a 14-year-old girl in 1988, who after the death of her parents is placed with the Averell family, who live in Raven Manor. The Averells have a daughter, Nina, who could use a sister-like figure and the girls develop an interesting bond.

“You are cordially invited to play a game at Raven Hall…”

The second perspective is Sadie Langston, a struggling actress who is invited to Raven Hall in present day to participate in a murder-mystery dinner over the course of a weekend. Of course, nothing is what it seems and strange things quickly start occurring.

I wasn’t really part of their family; I’d only ever been a guest.

I know it happens a lot in thrillers these days, but I thought the jumping between timelines really benefited this story. Because when everything comes totally together at the end, it just all makes sense. I really enjoyed reading things from both Beth and Sadie’s perspectives, as it felt like two totally different thrillers that then came together.

What if I wasn’t picked for this job at random? What if someone invited me here because of the connection between this house and my mother?

Emma Rous has cemented herself as an author I will certainly continue to read with excitement in the future. Her books are quickly paced but keep me on the edge of the page, needing to know what’s going to happen next. Overall, I was super happy with this book and felt everything came together as it needed to. 4/5 stars.

BOOK REVIEW: Dating Makes Perfect by Pintip Dunn

BOOK REVIEW: Dating Makes Perfect by Pintip DunnDating Makes Perfect by Pintip Dunn
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

The Tech sisters don’t date in high school. Not because they’re not asked. Not because they’re not interested. Not even because no one can pronounce their long, Thai last name―hence the shortened, awkward moniker. But simply because they’re not allowed.

Until now.

In a move that other Asian American girls know all too well, six months after the older Tech twins got to college, their parents asked, “Why aren’t you engaged yet?” The sisters retaliated by vowing that they won’t marry for ten (maybe even twenty!) years, not until they’ve had lots of the dating practice that they didn’t get in high school.

In a shocking war on the status quo, her parents now insist that their youngest daughter, Orrawin (aka “Winnie”), must practice fake dating in high school. Under their watchful eyes, of course―and organized based on their favorite rom-coms. ’Cause that won’t end in disaster.

The first candidate? The son of their longtime friends, Mat Songsomboon―arrogant, infuriating, and way too good-looking. Winnie’s known him since they were toddlers throwing sticky rice balls at each other. And her parents love him.

If only he weren’t her sworn enemy.


Review:

Dating Makes Perfect was beyond adorable and so much fun! With a story line that played out like I was watching a movie, characters that leaped off of the pages and moments that made my heart beat faster, this book easily became an instant favorite! If you love enemies to lovers and young adult, then you’ll definitely want to add this one to your tbr!

My breath catches. What is he doing? He wouldn’t kiss me, like he threatened. Would he? No way. But he’s so close…
He leans even farther—and then plucks the notebook right off my lap.
Right. That’s what he was going for. The notebook.

Winnie’s parents expected their twin daughters, Ari and Bunny, to already be engaged within their first year of college. Their no dating rule in high school completely backfired on them. In hopes of fixing their mistakes, they let Winnie know she’ll be the first Tran daughter to date in high school. Yet with some rules. One….her parents get to determine when and where the dates happen. Two…..they get to decide who she dates. And her first date will be with family friend, and arch nemesis and sworn enemy for life, Mat.

Fueled by a sudden clarity, I reach out and touch his sleeve. I want to take back my words. I want to get past our sniping. I want to be friends again.
Before I can say anything, he rips away his arm and takes off.

I loved Winnie! From how bold she could be to even her thoughts, I so wish she could be my bff! But my heart hurt for her anger and pain towards Mat. One day in middle school he just decided not to be her best friend anymore. And four years later she still carried that pain in her heart. Thankfully Winnie had creative outlets for it, like shooting a drawing of him with her nerf gun lol. Or getting back at him with her art project, she was so smart and creative! I was beyond grateful she had her bestie Kavya, who she could pour her heart out to, since her sisters were away at college. But ironically the one who always seemed to be around, even if she didn’t want him to be, was Mat.

Mat’s smug, annoying face comes into focus. He leans over, so close that his hot breath caresses my skin.
“Gotcha,” he says very, very softly.

I have a confession, I was obsessed with Mat Songsomboon. Yes he could be a complete jerk and his words stabbed Winnie’s heart at times. But even while he hurt her, I loved him with my whole heart. So when he messed with Winnie? Ohhhh it made me love him even more *covers face with hands*. You see, he also teased her and it was in this playful, seductive and hilarious way. It made him impossible to hate. Especially when his words and actions mesmerized me. Mat was infuriating while also being sexy. And while I went back and forth of does he or does he not want her, it left me desperately wanting to know his every single thoughts. Especially during the moments he was thoughtful and protective of Winnie. If you love complicated males, you’re going to love Mat!

He takes a shaky breath. “I’m proving that one thing has nothing to do with the other. For example, you could kiss me right now. And I’d let you. In fact , I’d kiss you back. But that wouldn’t change my feelings toward you. I’d still loathe you just as much as I did before.”
I narrow my eyes. Because I don’t believe him.

The dates that Winnie went on?! I was OBSESSED! Winnie’s mom tried to recreate moments from favorite movies and it was epically hilarious! From How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (my favorite movie!), to Pretty Women, to My Best Friend’s Wedding and so many more, I loved how it made this story play out! And while Mat and Winnie could be so cute and playful together, when they weren’t trying to knock the other one down. There were also sentimental moments that melted my heart and emotional ones that cut me to the core. Both of their pain was so palpable and while they knew each other inside out as kids, it wasn’t the same now that they were in their teens. There was a lot of healing for them to do, but in the meantime neither could deny the chemistry that was there.

“You want me to say that you’re stunning? That I wish I could take a photo, so that I can look at you all day? That the material is soft and touchable— and as skimpy as it is, it still covers way too much?” His eyes are black and furious and mesmerizing. I couldn’t look away if I tried. “Yeah, I could’ve said all that. No doubt, that’s what Taran’s going to be thinking. But I didn’t, because I have too much respect for you. Even after everything we’ve been through.”
“You’re lying,” I croak.
He raises an eyebrow.

Dating Makes Perfect swept me away and will stay with me for a long time to come! Not only did I smile from beginning to end, but I couldn’t help crying too. These characters reached so easily into my heart and that ending was oh so perfect! I loved Winnie’s family, I loved Winnie and Mat and I loved even more watching how everyone’s story played out! Pintip Dunn wrote an addictive story filled with romance, charm, humor and heart and I can’t wait to devour the rest of her books!

PS I highlighted soooo many favorite moments in this book….here are a few more quotes I love with my whole heart…..

I peek at him. The sun’s on its descent, dappling his face with shadows. I have the strangest sensation that he’s not the boy I’ve hated all these years. It’s almost as though he were someone new and yet familiar…
“Why?” he whispers.
A live wire stretches between us. From his hands to my hands. From his lips to my lips. I desperately want to close the distance between us. To see what sparks we could produce if skin pressed against skin.
But I can’t.
I don’t know why I’m defending him, but every minute we spend under these stars brings him closer to the boy he used to be. The boy my heart wants to protect.
“You’re such a dork.” I raise my hand to smack him, and he ducks out of range.
“No touching, remember?” he says, his eyes bright.
I shake my head, pretending to be exasperated, but I can’t quite stop my lips from curving.
You’re not the person I thought you were.
Eight words. A simple sentence. One that’s not even intrinsically unkind, if you take it word by word.
How can they hurt so damn much?

BOOK REVIEW: My Clarity (My Clarity #1) by M. Clarke

BOOK REVIEW: My Clarity (My Clarity #1) by M. ClarkeMy Clarity (My Clarity #1)
by M. Clarke
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Still reeling from the death of her father, Alexandria hopes to find both independence and reprieve from her grief by heading off to college. However, life throws her a serious curveball when she discovers that her roommate isn’t quite the person she imagined.Smoking, tattoos, and street racing for fast cash are Elijah’s only interests. A harsh life has made him apathetic and indifferent, until Alexandria enters his life. When their paths cross, turmoil abounds.An inevitable encounter, an undeniable attraction, and an unexpected chance at love-will it be enough?


Review:

My Clarity was an emotional tale of love, friendship and perseverance.  The story unfolded so seamlessly and I loved that we got to hear both of their voices.  If you’re a fan of new adult romance that is sexy and sweet, then take a look at adding this one to your tbr!

Gasping for air, tears filled my hands and I couldn’t stop them from flowing. My body trembled, and I reached for something to lean on, but there was nothing there. – Alex
Death had punctured a hole that couldn’t be mended. How do you get past this? – Elijah

The prologue drew me in right from the start.  And before I knew it, I had tears streaming down my face.  Alexandria’s past was heartbreaking and it gutted me to the core.  It was amazing how within a few pages, her pain became mine.  Thankfully we then jumped ahead three months, when Alex was heading off to college.  She was taking over her cousin Jimmy’s room but her roommate was not what she expected.  With a play on names, she ended up with a tall, dark, gorgeous, tattooed guy that had a vast sea of secrets.

I’d known he didn’t like me when we first met, but I thought he would at least have the decency to be nice to me. My heart twisted painfully at his words. What a great start.

I absolutely loved Alex.  While she could be so innocent, she was also kind and had the hugest heart ever.  She was still drowning in her grief and it pained me that even her relationship with her mom was strained.  But even when she was emotional, her thoughts still held logic.  She had such a good head on her shoulders…..well except when it came to Liam. They were dating and I wasn’t the hugest fan of him. I got why she kept him around, and you’ll find out too, but I wanted more for her.  So when she found out her roommate was a guy, and one who partied and went through women like water, I was just as nervous as she was.  But I loved watching her grow and stand up for herself, and a lot of that had to do with Elijah.

I didn’t understand the hold she had on me. And I didn’t like it one bit.

I was infatuated with Elijah!  He had the highest walls ever, so of course he came across as a total douchebag.  It didn’t help that he could run hot and cold with Alex.  But he had a tragic past and was haunted, jaded and everything in between because of it.  Tortured doesn’t even begin to describe Elijah.  But there was this other side to him too, where he could be seductive or oh so funny when he was playing dirty.  He also listened to Alex and understood her grief.  So as he become protective of her I couldn’t stop smiling!  He had this soft side to him that the majority of the world couldn’t see.  But we got to, and it was everything.

Lowering his head and brushing his lips against my ear, accentuating one word at a time, he murmured, “You. Are. Better.”

Elijah and Alex were definitely attracted to each other, but they were roommates and didn’t want to ruin that.  So as they figured out how to live with one another, so many of their moments were beyond adorable.  But there were also moments that held pain, heartache and secrets.  And they both made mistakes, they each had so much to learn and grow as the story unfolded.  But you guys, the moments Alex got Elijah or Elijah was nice to Alex my heart soared.  They didn’t have an easy path, but I loved watching every minute of it.

I couldn’t look at her. If her eyes gave me permission to do what I wanted to do, I wouldn’t stop. Walking away was the only way I could maintain control, but she stopped me.
“Elijah, did you ever love anyone like that before?” she asked softly, still looking overcome, still planted against the cabinet as if glued there.
“No. Goodnight, Freckles,” I said and went to my room.

My Clarity was an emotional tale that pulled at my heart.  There is so much I’m not even touching on…..karaoke, street racing, milk and cookies, school, work and so much in-between.  This story was so full of life and the side characters rounded out this story perfectly, I loved their friends Seth and Lexy.  And with an epilogue that jumped 5 years into the future, oh my heart was so happy to see where characters ended up.  I’m so thankful I picked this book up, it’s exactly what I needed.

“I’m going to give you a hug now since friends hug after they make up.”
He embraced me before I had time to register what he had said. I sucked in air when my body pressed against his. God he felt so good. I needed him off me.

PS I loved how he called her freckles.

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