E-ARC Review: Crash Into You (Pushing the Limits # 3) by Katie McGarry

E-ARC Review: Crash Into You (Pushing the Limits # 3) by Katie McGarry

Posted by Nina L. on 12:00 PM in contemporary, E-ARC, Katie McGarry, Pushing the Limits, review, YA,

Author: Katie McGarry

Release date: November 26th 2013

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Series: Pushing the Limits # 3

Age Group: Young Adult

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | The Book Depository 

Add to your library: Goodreads

The girl with straight As, designer clothes and the perfect life—that's who people expect Rachel Young to be. So the private-school junior keeps secrets from her wealthy parents and overbearing brothers…and she's just added two more to the list. One involves racing strangers down dark country roads in her Mustang GT. The other? Seventeen-year-old Isaiah Walker—a guy she has no business even talking to. But when the foster kid with the tattoos and intense gray eyes comes to her rescue, she can't get him out of her mind. 

Isaiah has secrets, too. About where he lives, and how he really feels about Rachel. The last thing he needs is to get tangled up with a rich girl who wants to slum it on the south side for kicks—no matter how angelic she might look. 

But when their shared love of street racing puts both their lives in jeopardy, they have six weeks to come up with a way out. Six weeks to discover just how far they'll go to save each other.(via Goodreads)

I received an e-copy of this from Harlequin TEEN through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Reading Crash Into You became my medicine for the week. I'm so busy with school and with what little time left for me to read and blog, I immediately started this one. I was sorta scared of reading this since a lot of bloggers have expressed how this became their favorite in the series and how they love Isaiah more than Noah. Yes, pressure. But I forgot those things when I started to read this.

Isaiah's voice was loud and clear in my ears that I can actually feel the emotions swirling through his words. As much as I love Noah, Isaiah's character was much more dwelled upon throughout the story. That's why I felt him more. Sure, I cried through Noah's battles but there was something about Isaiah that stirred up my emotions in a very different way. Not that I'm saying I love this more than PTL. In Pushing the Limits and Dare You To, Isaiah was only a minor character and I only saw him as how the characters see him. But I knew there's more to the piercings and tattoos. Isaiah was really a softie guy. No kidding. He grew up pretty much protecting himself that's why he had that urge to protect Rachel too. Yeah, he's sweet too. Sometimes, too sweet that I can practically see red ants curling around them. 

Just like with PTL and DYT, this has a dual POV. I was confused at first because Rachel's name wasn't written when it was her POV to be read already. The first few words of the sentence were all capitalized as to shift the POV. I can say that Rachel too, was very different from Echo and Beth. Not in a bad way, of course. Rachel was both weak and strong. She was weak because she let her family control her life and she was also strong because she was able to fight for her life. Her position in the family was one of the worst I can think of. Her family reminded me My Sister's Keeper. They might not be the same in all angles but both families were losing their battles with a disease. When a family member is diagnosed with a terminal disease, it can either break or make a family. It was the former with Rachel's family. They kept on a facade that went on for far too long until Rachel cannot take it anymore. I guess her being reckless was actually a blessing in disguise. 

Isaiah and Rachel's chemistry was ultimately hot. Given that it was Rachel's first kiss and all. It made the reading experience more pure and real. What I love about the two of them was the way they don't try to conceal the other's pain through words. Just through hugs or holding one's hand. Seriously, pure love. And they were also honest about each other. Their love of cars was also cool. They remind me of Kiara and Carlos from Rules of Attraction. 

Again and again, I love the minor characters. Logan, sheez! I love that guy from DYT. I'm so glad he was present in here. There's also Abby, Ethan and West. But it was West who now captured my interest. He really has a story to tell. Not that Abby and Ethan do not have but West seemed more interesting for me. It can be a good change of direction having the rich guy falling for the broken girl.

Yes, Katie McGarry's books are all about broken people who help each other heal in a wholesome way. It was somewhat cliche already but her writing really did it for me. Though there was something missing in here. Isaiah and Rachel have the chemistry. But it was the story all along. A lot of issues were involved. Their problem with Eric, Isaiah's Mom and Rachel's family. I know the center was the problem with Eric but I felt like that the issues with their families have a greater pull on them. Yet I cannot argue since it was through Eric that they met. I just wished the issues were balanced out. I'm no expert but that's how I felt.

Crash Into You is a great story of finding hope and love through the strangest place. It's sexy and sweet. It will push your adrenaline rush to the top. And of course, it'll make you feel love through the Isaiah and Rachel.

  About the Author

KATIE MCGARRY was a teenager during the age of grunge and boy bands and remembers those years as the best and worst of her life. She is a lover of music, happy endings, and reality television, and is a secret University of Kentucky basketball fan.

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E-ARC Review: The Weepers

E-ARC Review: The Weepers

Posted by Nina L. on 12:00 PM in E-ARC, post-apocalyptic, review, Susanne Winnacker, YA,

Author: Susanne Winnacker

Release date: May 15th 2012

Publisher: Marshall Cavendish

Series: The Other Life # 1

Age Group: Young Adult

Genre: Post-Apocalyptic

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | The Book Depository  

Add to your library: Goodreads

3 years, 1 month, 1 week and 6 days since I’d seen daylight. One-fifth of my life.

Sherry and her family have lived sealed in a bunker in the garden since things went wrong up above. Her grandfather has been in the freezer for the last three months, her parents are at each other’s throats and two minutes ago they ran out of food.

Sherry and her father leave the safety of the bunker and find a devastated and empty LA, smashed to pieces by bombs and haunted by ‘Weepers’ - rabid humans infected with a weaponized rabies virus.

While searching for food in a supermarket, Sherry’s father disappears and Sherry is saved by Joshua, a boy-hunter. He takes her to Safe-haven, a tumble-down vineyard in the hills outside LA, where a handful of other survivors are picking up the pieces of their ‘other lives’. As she falls in love for the first time, Sherry must save her father, stay alive and keep Joshua safe when his desire for vengeance threatens them all. (via Goodreads)

I received an e-copy of this from Marshall Cavendish through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book lies in between post-apocalyptic and sci-fi. From the start, I thought it was purely post-apocalyptic but after knowing what happened, I realized it's more of sci-fi. So really, it's in between.

The over-all atmosphere of the story was really frightening. Living in a bunker without knowing what have happened outside was a bit overwhelming. I'd go crazy if I was Sherry. I won't know if my friends were okay. Or if the country is still alive. Maybe the worst that I can think of will be if our family will be the only living human beings by then. Utterly unthinkable and scary. Add to that the thought that you do not really know what you're up against at!

The outbreak of the rabies forced them to stay there. You think it's the usual rabies? Hell, no. It's different. I'd say that I'll be happy with zombies at least I know how to kill them easily. But with those mutated creatures, I can't even imagine how to kill them. It was scary to even see them. You'll see a glimpse of the person they once were but you'll also see the monster they have become. The process of how humans get to be those monsters pretty much is the same with how-to-become-a-zombie. You'd get bitten and that's it. Or that's how much I understood it anyway. The reason for the growth of the rabies was a little hypocrital for me. Some scientists think that they're the best and they can't get enough of inventing new things. They won't stop till they discover something deadly. And how they act upon their mistake was unforgivable. That was their fault, right? Why do they have to do that. Evilness at its best.

I can say that despite how helpless Sherry and Joshua were, they still found that light ahead of them. They're both stubborn and I think they suit each other well. They'll be great partners for the sequel! I can't wait to know what's gonna happen next. Though they were already in chaos, they found love. Rihanna's song, We Found Love In A Hopeless Place can be their theme song. I actually love how their relationship grew from strangers to lovers even if they don't have the most normal environment.

I love the premise. I enjoyed reading it. But Sherry counting years, months, weeks, days and hours was a little out of normalcy. Maybe she was able to count that much because of desperation. Though I swear it was really bothersome for me. Sherry kept on counting. And I didn't even know how can she count hours when it wasn't obviously stated that she had a watch! Or did she? I don't know. But still, she was already in a lost world and all she did was count. Seriously bothering. And out of place for me.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed The Weepers just as much. It had a realistic feel of how will it be if you were in such a dire situation. Survival instincts were tested. Trust and loyalty were formed in such a hopeless world. And rights as human beings were put in fire. More killings will surely be present in the sequel as Sherry and the others will hunt down their real enemy.

About the Author

Susanne Winnacker studied law before she became a full-time writer. She lives with her husband, a dog and three bunnies in Germany. She loves coffee (in every shape and form), traveling and animals. 

When she isn't writing, you can usually find her in the kitchen, experimenting with new vegan dishes.

Her YA thriller IMPOSTOR will be published on May 28, 2013. It has been optioned for TV by Warner Brothers!

 Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter

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Waiting for Romeo Blog Tour: Review + Giveaway

Waiting for Romeo Blog Tour: Review + Giveaway

Posted by Nina L. on 12:00 PM in 5-star, blog tour, contemporary, Diane Mannino, Giveaway, NA, review, romance, Romeo,

Welcome to my stop for Waiting for Romeo blog tour!

Tour Schedule!

Author: Diane Mannino

Release date: November 15th 2013

Publisher: Self-Published

Series: Romeo # 2

Age Group: New Adult

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Tour organized by: Irresistible Reads Book Tours

Purchase: To Be Updated

Add to your library: Goodreads

Heartbroken by the one guy she simply couldn’t resist, Emilia King is determined to move on. But Logan Prescott is also determined… determined to win her back. He lost the only person who truly mattered to him and now he’ll do whatever it takes to convince Emilia to give him a second chance.

While their attraction to each other is undeniable, the obstacles they’re forced to confront may be too much. And just when it seems their love for each other is a bond that knows no bounds, Emilia faces her worst nightmare.

With her newfound inner strength, Emilia realizes fighting to be with Logan is her only hope…and waiting for him may ultimately determine not only their future together, but her own destiny. (via Goodreads)

This contain spoilers from Running from Romeo so don't read this if you haven't read that! And there might also be possible spoilers for Waiting for Romeo.

Since I had finished Running from Romeo, all I ever want to do was to read the sequel. When I received the review copy, I immediately sent it to my Kindle and started reading it right away. I didn't stop till I was finished. See? I'm that hooked!

Just when I thought it couldn't get any better. Oh hey, hold that thought! I know Diane has the talent and that Waiting for Romeo will be explosive. Well, it totally was. Diane's writing was so easy, simple and powerful. 

Waiting for Romeo started a few weeks after Running from Romeo. So yes, it left us hanging with Emilia catching Seraphina and Logan in an unlikely behavior and with Logan being all that drugged-up guy. It was heartbreaking. TOTALLY WAS. Imagine yourself surprising your boyfriend then it turns out you're the one being surprised with him being back in his old ways when he promised he won't. Ever. Again. I swear I want to throw my Kindle. And it bothered me everyday thinking what's going to happen to Emilia and Logan. Just as I mentioned in my review for RfR, I wholeheartedly love those two! So even if it was heart-wrenching, I was hoping for the best for them. 

Now going back to WfR, three weeks have passed since the "incident" happened and neither Emilia nor Logan can call it quits. Emila might be putting up distance but she sure knew that it wasn't even really an option. She knew it in her heart that it'll always be Logan. I actually liked how Emilia was so firm in her decision not to take Logan immediately that it even made me dislike Logan a few times. He was so persistent to the point that it was annoying. Seriously. Why cannot he respect Emilia's decision? Then I realized that Emilia wants Logan to win her back anyway. You know, deep inside, Emilia wanted that. Of course, she wouldn't actually acknowledge it. She'll deny it all along because she doesn't want to get hurt. Again. But love works in mysterious ways and she just can't run away from it. I love her plan with Logan. Though I guess her plan was really just a bonus because she knew she'll be taking Logan back anyway. Maybe some of you will think that it was so unwise for her to be back with Logan even after what happened. But you see, it's different when you're in love. Emilia felt worse without Logan than being with Logan. I know you have to be rational but there will always be bumpy roads in a relationship. Emilia realized that she'd rather take the chances than regret it and she also saw how Logan was so so so sorry. And despite me getting annoyed with Logan at times, I am so thankful he was that persistent. Even then, I knew their love will still be put into tests. 

Emilia and Logan grew closer. Just when they were learning things about each other, I learned too. What happened to Emilia when she was a kid was really unforgivable. It was nasty. But it was because of Logan that she learned how to come out of her shell and be brave. It was so evident on how her character grew from that strong yet fearful girl in RfR to this brave woman in WfR. She probably won't ever take back Logan if she didn't grow here. I have a fluttering feeling in my heart knowing how much Emilia have gone through and yet she's still standing strong. Of course, Logan too changed. And hey, with him always following and taking care of Emilia, I've learned what he was doing when he wasn't on a scene. I felt his presence anywhere. I saw how he was that changed man when he met Emilia. I can't even blame him for what happened. Things happen but that doesn't mean we'll be back there again. I just love Logan, okay?

I hate to dislike characters but I sorta want to punch Bryn. I know she was just looking out for Emilia but I wish she could have let her choose for her life. She forced Emilia in a lot of things. Honestly, it was a little unhealthy already. But hey, I understood her so we're still good! 

I'm not yet finished because there's still more! Just when Emilia and Logan thought they'd be happy living with each other already, things happened. Let me just say that it involved Sebastian and Seraphina. I want to slap those two. So evil. But there was more. There was a twist in the latter part and I'm pretty sure you won't want me to say it. I sorta saw that coming. I know! I'm such a guarded person so I observe every character with scrutiny. I always think of why this character is doing this or that. And really! I got the vibe from that character. Creepy!!!

Yet, the story ended on a good note. I'm hoping to read more about these two in the future. I want to see Emilia walking down the aisle. Heee. Just thinking about it makes me smile.

Before I forget, thank you Diane for including me in the acknowledgements! You know you always have my support, lovely lady! I've told you this already but I definitely love your writing style and I'm pretty sure you'll go a long way. And of course, I love you! ;)

Waiting for Romeo is an amazing follow-up for Running from Romeo. Easy to read, explosive twists, powerful writing and a love that goes beyond! 

         About the Author 

DIANE MANNINO graduated from University of Maryland, College Park with a degree in English Literature. She is a former writer for Museum and Arts Washington and Star Magazine as well as several television shows, including, Inside Edition, American Journal, and E! News Daily. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two beautiful daughters. Running from Romeo is her first novel and she is currently working on the sequel.

 Website  | Facebook  | Goodreads | Twitter 

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Dead Dreams Blog Tour: Review + Dream Cast + Giveaway

Dead Dreams Blog Tour: Review + Dream Cast + Giveaway

Posted by Nina L. on 9:00 PM in 3-star, blog tour, dream cast, Emma Right, Giveaway, mystery, psychological, review, thriller, YA,

Welcome to my stop for Dead Dreams blog tour!

Tour Schedule!

Author: Emma Right

Release date: October 2013

Publisher: Self-Published

Series: Dead Dreams # 1

Age Group: Young Adult

Genre: Psychological Mystery Thriller
Tour organized by: Itching For Books

Purchase: Amazon

Add to your library: Goodreads

Eighteen-year-old Brie O’Mara has so much going for her: a loving family in the sidelines, an heiress for a roommate, and dreams that might just come true. Big dreams--of going to acting school, finishing college and making a name for herself. She is about to be the envy of everyone she knew. What more could she hope for? Except her dreams are about to lead her down the road to nightmares. Nightmares that could turn into a deadly reality.(via Goodreads)

Review

Dreams have two different meanings. First are your wishes and aspirations in life and the other one is the one we have when we're asleep. Dead Dreams both manifest the two meanings. It was actually interesting to have those two intertwined somehow.

I read that Brie was eighteen but the moment I read from her, I didn't feel she was. I thought she was already a college graduate and that she was just naive, you know? Sure, her compelete lack of judgment and reason made her a clueless eighteen-year-old-girl but her actions itself were like of an adult. Though she was really careless. How can she not run a background check on Sarah? It was true that it wasn't on top of her priority list but come on! You won't just let anyone stay in your apartment right? And from the first moment she met her, didn't she feel weird already that this total stranger was telling her a piece of her family issues? Really doubtful. I know it's a thrill to tell your story to a stranger but it's really weird that Sarah gave those information to Brie. Well, maybe they're not all true anyway. Another thing were the dreams she had. Cannot she feel that she's about to be doomed with what she's doing? Some dreams are recollections of our life but some really are warnings. Why can't she be a little intuitive? Honestly, it's weird to say that Brie was an eighteen-year-old girl. Her voice wasn't that convincing to me in all aspects as an eighteen-year-old. I have a lot of my suspicions but I'm waiting for the next book!

Sarah was actually suspicious. Again, I wonder why Brie never really looked her up. She was that blind for the money. She was eighteen. An ambitious one for that matter. She wanted to be an adult and work her way through acting school with her own effort. Those are her dreams. Sarah's appearance screamed secrets. It was a bit inappropriate that she'd share apartment with Brie. Maybe she was really hiding from her Uncle and Brother, but wouldn't she have chosen a more secluded place and not some place like Brie's? I knew there was a connection to her and at the end of the book, it was confirmed somehow though not in concrete details yet. Yes, more questions!

  

Pastor Perry was amusing. I actually thought that this book has a religious touch because of the dreams that he recounted. Yes, I'm referring to Bible dreams! He dreamt stuff that's going to happen. Bad ones actually. I guess we'll know more in the second book as to why his dreams did happen. Just like premonition.

The mystery was really interesting. It kept me guessing and since this is a series, I have more guesses as the story went on. It was fast-paced and entertaining. Though I wish that somehow, there was something big happening at the end or whatever. It kinda felt flat. Sure, something happened. But isn't that kinda expected with what everything's going around Sarah and Brie?

Dead Dreams is a fast-paced mystery novel with a touch of dreams. Lies, trust and loyalty were tested. And I'm pretty sure they'll be tested more in the sequel.

Dream Cast

I actually have a struggle imagining the characters here because their descriptions weren't given in the first few pages. Forgive me if I'm wrong with that. So I pictured the actresses and actors I thought would be good to play the role. 

Emma Roberts as Brie

I told you, Brie never really made an impression as an eighteen-year-old girl to me. I immediately thought of Emma Roberts because she can pretty well act that way. Her acting really is believable and I practically pictured her as my Brie.

Blake Lively as Sarah

You know those blonde girls who are so mysterious that you don't know which side of them is true? Yes, Blake Lively lives up to that description. And honestly, she really has the taste and elegance of Sarah.

Hank Azaria as Pastor Perry

You do know that this man is the bad guy in Smurfs, right? Anyway, I instantly thought of him when I read about Pastor Perry. Seriously? He looks like a Pastor! He can practically portray a Pastor. It's his face! Pastors have that kind of aura. And he definitely have that one although he isn't a Pastor.

Vince Vaughn as Jim

He looks like an ex-cop right? He has that vibe of being a detective and all business-like. Explanation done.

Jeremy Irvine as Keith

I sorta have a crush on this guy so yeah, I'm a little biased. But actually, he can be a great Keith. It's in his looks, acting and voice. I know, weird. I heard him speaking Keith's lines! 

About the Author 

Emma Right is a happy wife and homeschool mother of five living in the Pacific West Coast. Besides running a busy home, and looking after too many pets, she also enjoys reading aloud to her children and often has her nose in a book. Right was a copywriter for a major advertising agency during her B.C. years. B.C.meaning “Before Children,” which may as well have been in the B.C.era, as she always says.

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E-ARC Review: The Iron Traitor by Julie Kagawa

E-ARC Review: The Iron Traitor by Julie Kagawa

Posted by Nina L. on 12:00 PM in 4-star, E-ARC, fantasy, Julie Kagawa, review, YA,

Author: Julie Kagawa

Release date: October 29th 2013

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Series: The Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten # 2

Age Group: Young Adult

Genre: Fantasy

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | The Book Depository 

Add to your library: Goodreads

In the real world, when you vanish into thin air for a week, people tend to notice. 

After his unexpected journey into the lands of the fey, Ethan Chase just wants to get back to normal. Well, as "normal" as you can be when you see faeries every day of your life. Suddenly the former loner with the bad reputation has someone to try for-his girlfriend, Kenzie. Never mind that he's forbidden to see her again. 

But when your name is Ethan Chase and your sister is one of the most powerful faeries in the Nevernever, "normal" simply isn't to be. For Ethan's nephew, Keirran, is missing, and may be on the verge of doing something unthinkable in the name of saving his own love. Something that will fracture the human and faery worlds forever, and give rise to the dangerous fey known as the Forgotten. As Ethan's and Keirran's fates entwine and Keirran slips further into darkness, Ethan's next choice may decide the fate of them all. (via Goodreads)

I received an e-copy of this from Harlequin TEEN through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I knew it. The ending was definitely not a surprise. So I wasn't really disappointed that it was sort of a cliffhanger. Yes, just sort of.

Since this series is seen through Ethan's POV, I cannot for the love of Faeries understand Kierran's will to save Annwyl. Fine, I get it. But the things he did in this book were really reckless and out of control. Reminds you of someone? Yes, Kierran really is the son of Ash. He'd also do anything just to make sure his special someone is safe. But since I wasn't reading through Kierran's POV, he annoys the hell out of me. How can he just do those things without asking first his parents? Knowing Ash and Meghan, I'm pretty sure they'll help him to no end. He did things even if he knew it'll endanger the people around him especially his friends and family. But yes, I cannot fully understand him since I don't know his thoughts. I just wish he'd see more light in the next book. I swear, there were times when I was also scared of him. He really had the vibe at some point!

I really pity Ethan here. He never really wanted to be involved with the Feys. You know what, I now appreciate The Lost Prince more. I felt that I was reading a romance novel with that one but really, that's all there is to Ethan's life. He was supposed to have a normal life with his girlfriend, Kenzie. But that all changed. And now, he's in trouble more than he ever thought of.

I have to say that I'm so impressed with Guro. I'm a Filipino myself and I really can tell you that old people have a lot of beliefs. What I know isn't even half of what they believe in. So I'm not weirded out with what Guro was doing. 

I gotta say that it really wasn't Kierran's fault that a war is about to happen. Come to think of it, the danger started with Ash's journey on The Iron Fey series. The Oracle had already warned Ash and Meghan but they didn't bother. They were willing to take the risk. Kierran's love life was only an add-on so as to fire up that prophecy. Everything just happened and some things followed then. 

As usual, Kagawa's writing was superb. Really, I don't think I should even tell you how wonderful her writing is. I'm pretty sure you guys can attest to that. 

The Iron Traitor is a great follow-up to The Lost Prince. More adventures happened, more danger in tow and more love is in the air. But seriously, you'll enjoy this more than the first book. The story has spiced up in all levels!

About the Author

Julie Kagawa, the New York Times bestselling author of the Iron Fey and Blood of Eden series was born in Sacramento, California. But nothing exciting really happened to her there. So, at the age of nine she and her family moved to Hawaii, which she soon discovered was inhabited by large carnivorous insects, colonies of house geckos, and frequent hurricanes. She spent much of her time in the ocean, when she wasn’t getting chased out of it by reef sharks, jellyfish, and the odd eel.

When not swimming for her life, Julie immersed herself in books, often to the chagrin of her schoolteachers, who would find she hid novels behind her Math textbooks during class. Her love of reading led her to pen some very dark and gruesome stories, complete with colored illustrations, to shock her hapless teachers. The gory tales faded with time, but the passion for writing remained, long after she graduated and was supposed to get a real job.

To pay the rent, Julie worked in different bookstores over the years, but discovered the managers frowned upon her reading the books she was supposed to be shelving. So she turned to her other passion: training animals. She worked as a professional dogtrainer for several years, dodging Chihuahua bites and overly enthusiastic Labradors, until her first book sold and she stopped training to write full time.

Julie now lives in Louisville, Kentucky, where the frequency of shark attacks are at an all time low. She lives with her husband, two obnoxious cats, one Australian Shepherd who is too smart for his own good, and the latest addition, a hyper-active Papillon.

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