Book Review: Pretty Little Lies by Jennifer Miller

Pretty Little Lies
Pretty Little Lies #1
Author: Jennifer Miller
Reading Level: New Adult/Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Comedy Romance
Review Source: Author
Available: Amazon


Summary: (from goodreads) A little lie can change the course of everything. . .

Like every other eighteen-year-old in love, Olivia has dreams of spending forever with the love of her life. Luke is all she’s ever wanted – until she overhears something she was never meant to. In a matter of seconds, Olivia’s heart is shattered. Olivia handles it the only way she knows how - she runs- leaving behind her family, friends and the boy she loves.

Seeking comfort and an escape, Olivia finds it in resident bad boy Deacon. He’s everything Luke isn’t – and that’s fine with Olivia.

Now, seven years later, Olivia is older, wiser and headed back to Chicago looking forward to a fresh start and reconnecting with her best friend Pyper. What she doesn’t expect, is to come face to face with the boy she left behind and discover that even though she may have left, her feelings for him didn’t.

Can Olivia put aside the pain in her heart and trust Luke? Will the ties to her past ever let her go, or will she continue to let her life be affected by pretty little lies?


Pretty Little Lies is one you can add to your TBR pile this summer. It's has all the right ingredients for a perfect beach read such as super sweet love story, great fashion tips, characters that will capture your interest and just enough drama to balance the story out plus having you laughing out loud.

Cover: 
The cover is very sweet to look at. Its shows that even though on the outside everything looks sweet the inside can be deceiving. 

Romance: 
Let me tell you how awesome the romance was in Pretty Little Lies, it showed the pretty and uglier side of love. But once the pretty side make its encore, it was full of intense passion and a swoon worth man you couldn't get enough off. Olivia got burned when younger and ends up making a real bad life choice because of that and pays for it well, but luck or fate will guide her back and truths or lies will be uncovered. Luke will stop at nothing to make sure that happens. 

Humor:
Speeding Dating - It will leave you in stitches. Its one of many situations that Pyper, Olivia's best friend convinces them to try out. 

Something I loved:
Every chapter starts off with the cutest and funniest fashion tips. That was an extra detail that really captured my attention. 

Would I recommend it:
100% yes. If you are of age to read something a little more mature than YA and can understand passion, then you will gobble this book up quickly. 

Favorite Character: 
Luke hands down, he is just so determine to win Olivia back that you just can't help but fall for him and hard. If only guys like him really did exist in this world, lol. 

Saucy Parts:
Ha! If you have read what I have said so far, then you know there is some sizzling saucy parts in these pages. It will have your grandmother blushing. Luke and Olivia will heat it up and then some. 


Waiting on Wednesday: Forgiving Lies by Molly McAdams



"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.


Forgiving Lies
Forgiving Lies #1
Author: Molly McAdams
Release Date: October 29th 2013
Publisher: William Morrow & Company
Available: Amazon

Summary: (from goodreads) A matter of secrets... 
Undercover cop Logan "Kash" Ryan can't afford a distraction like his new neighbor Rachel Masters, even if she's the most beautiful woman he's ever seen. To catch a serial killer, he needs to stay focused, yet all he can think about is the feisty, long-legged coed whose guarded nature intrigues him 

A matter of lies... 
Deceived and hurt before, Rachel would rather be a single, crazy cat lady than trust another guy, especially a gorgeous, tattooed bad boy with a Harley, like Kash. But when his liquid-steel eyes meet hers, it takes all of Rachel's will-power to stop herself from exploring his hot body with her own. 

A matter of love... 
As much as they try to keep it platonic, the friction between them sparks an irresistible heat that soon consumes them. Can Kash keep Rachel's heart and her life safe even as he risks his own? Will she be able to forgive his lies ... or will she run when she discovers the dangerous truth?

I will read anything written by Molly. So this new series will definitely be on my TBR come October.  

Book Blast: Made To Forget by Samantha LaFantasie




There’s something that lies within my memory. Hidden in the dark. Something that can kill me and those that I love. But I was in an accident, covered in mystery and deception. And my memory…was lost. There are those who want me to remember. I don’t trust them.  And those I do trust…are fighting for me to forget.

Elsabetha Ellery wants to get her memory back, even if it kills her.

After waking up in a hospital with no memory, Elsabetha quickly learns those who claim to be her friend are anything but. And those who are her true friends keep themselves unseen.

Stuck with piecing together her broken memories alone, Elsa struggles with having faith in those she trusts and heeding the warnings of the dangers in recovering her memory. Ignoring them, she faces heavy consequences. Ones she doesn’t see until it’s too late, and a life is lost.


Amazon | B&N | Kobo








A Kansas native, Samantha LaFantasie spends her free time with her husband and three kids. Writing has always been a passion of hers, forgoing all other desires to devote to this one obsession, even though she often finds herself arguing with her characters through much of the process. She’s primarily a fantasy writer but often feels pulled to genres such as sci-fi, romance, and others.
Among her writing credentials, she’s a board member of the Kansas Writer’s Association and has founded her own critique group, lovingly named, The Fighting Hamsters.
Samantha loves to take time to enjoy other activities such as photography and playing her favorite game of all time, Guild Wars 2.


  
Want more from Samantha? Keep up with her at any of her digital hangouts.





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Book Review: The Truth About You & Me by Amanda Grace

The Truth About You & Me
Author: Amanda Grace
Reading Level: YA
Genre: Contemporary/Coming of Age
Release Date: September 8th 2013
Review Source: NetGalley/Flux
Available: Amazon


Summary: Smart girls aren't supposed to do stupid things.

Madelyn Hawkins is super smart. At sixteen, she's so gifted that she can attend college through a special program at her high school. On her first day, she meets Bennet. He's cute, funny, and kind. He understands Madelyn and what she's endured - and missed out on - in order to excel academically and please her parents. Now, for the first time in her life, she's falling in love.

There's only one problem. Bennet is Madelyn's college professor, and he thinks she's eighteen - because she hasn't told him the truth.

The story of their forbidden romance is told in letters that Madelyn writes to Bennet - both a heart-searing ode to their ill-fated love and an apology.


The Truth About You And Me is a story, written in letter form, told by Madelyn, a sixteen year old girl who falls in love with her college professor, twenty six year old Bennet. Madelyn is in a special program at her high school that allows her to take college classes. She is the smart, safe girl her parents push her to be. And then she meets Bennet her first day at college. She falls in love with him, and although he respects that he is her professor he thinks she's eighteen. And so begins the impossible relationship between them. The story is told by Madelyn, as a letter she is writing to Bennet about what happened, and why.

Although we know the outcome from the beginning this still was a very interesting read. I was very absorbed by the story. I wanted to see what happened between Madelyn and Bennet. I both liked and disliked the main character, Madelyn. I think knowing she was sixteen really put my mind into stereotype mode and I thought "she's really young, and immature." She did seem mature at times, but the way she handled things were in a way a teenager would handle it. I also felt bad for her, I can't imagine having parents push and push and push me to do better and strive for better. I wasn't too happy with the ending, yet I wasn't too disappointed with it. I felt like they should have had more complicated consequences.

This book kept me interested the entire time. It is a taboo subject and I was engrossed. I am not sure if I've ever read a book in letter form, and I have to say that I really loved it. Amanda Grace's writing was great! If you're looking for an interesting, fast read that will keep you glued from start to finish then read The Truth About You And Me.


Top Ten Tuesday: Best or Worse Beginnings/Endings in Books!



Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. This meme was created because we are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. We'd love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

Each week we will post a new Top Ten list complete with one of our bloggers’ answers. Everyone is welcome to join. All we ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND post a comment on our post with a link to your Top Ten Tuesday post to share with us and all those who are participating. If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment.


Top Ten Best or Worse Beginnings or Endings in Books!

  • Best Ending: Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer - Who didn't love the ending when Edward was finally able to go inside Bella's head and see everything. Plus the last word written in the book is perfect - perfect piece of Forever.
  • Best Ending: If I Stay by Gayle Forman - The plea from Adam at the end just grabs your heart and doesn't let it go - I'll let you go. If you stay.
  • Best Ending: Opal by Jennifer L. Armentrout - The ending crushes you but it was epic and to see Daemon promise that he will come back for Katy, UGH, just Epic!
  • Best Ending but also Worst Ending: Stealing Harper by Molly McAdams - Yes I know, what is up with choosing best and worst for this one. Well the ending was expected since this book was the story told in Chase's POV following Taking Chances in Harper's POV. So we knew what was coming but doesn't mean I could handle it again but even knowing that Molly executed the ending that she was the first author and book to make me cry ugly tears ever. LOVE THIS STORY even though what happens sucks royally!
  • Best Ending: Lover at Last by J. R. Ward - it was a long time coming but Qhuinn and Blay finally get their happy ever after and what en ending with a proposal and a dance to “Don’t Stop Believing” in front of everyone. KUDOS!!!
  • Best Ending: Divergent by Veronica Roth - You can feel the loss when you read the ending and what Tris feels. It hits your inner-core. "I am no longer Tris, the selfless, or Tris, the brave. I suppose that now, I must become more than either." - Cant wait to see Divergent on the big screen, I love this serious HARD!!!







  • Best Beginning: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi - I listen to the audio of Shatter Me and to listen to Julia say detail by detail how long she has been isolated was awesome. 
  • Best Beginning: Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton - When a book starts off with RUN, that's exactly what you end up doing with the pages, you end up devouring the pages of this book. So intense and something that had not been written before.


  • Worst Ending: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins - The ending was so anti-climatic after being such a powerful story. It felt rushed and boring. Plus she didn't end up with who I wanted, lol. I wonder how they will act this ending out in the movie version. 
  • Worst Ending: Requiem by Lauren Oliver - Once again a case of the rushed ending and leaving a million things unresolved and it was upsetting after reading such an exciting dystopian story. I thought my book was broken and missing pages.  
  • Best Ending but also Worst Ending: Stealing Harper by Molly McAdams - Yes I know, what is up with choosing best and worst for this one. Well the ending was expected since this book was the story told in Chase's POV following Taking Chances in Harper's POV. So we knew what was coming but doesn't mean I could handle it again but even knowing that Molly executed the ending that she was the first author and book to make me cry ugly tears ever. LOVE THIS STORY even though what happens sucks royally!

Book Review: SYLO by D. J. MacHale

SYLO
The SYLO Chronicles #1
Author: D. J. MacHale
Reading Level: YA
Genre: Dystopian
Released: July 2nd 2013
Review Source: Razorbill
Available: Amazon
SYLO Excerpt by Penguin Young Readers Group


Summary: (from goodreads) Does Tucker Pierce have what it takes to be a hero when the U.S. military quarantines his island?

Fourteen-year-old Tucker Pierce prefers to fly under the radar. He’s used to navigating around summer tourists in his hometown on idyllic Pemberwick Island, Maine. He’s content to sit on the sidelines as a backup player on the high school football team. And though his best friend Quinn tells him to “go for it,” he’s too chicken to ask Tori Sleeper on a date. There’s always tomorrow, he figures. Then Pemberwick Island is invaded by a mysterious branch of the U.S. military called SYLO. And sitting on the sidelines is no longer an option for Tucker, because tomorrow may never come.

It’s up to Tucker, Quinn, and Tori to uncover the truth about the singing aircraft that appears only at night—and the stranger named Feit who’s pushing a red crystal he calls the Ruby that brings unique powers to all who take it. Tucker and his friends must rescue not just Pemberwick Island, but the fate of the world—and all before tomorrow is too late.

#1 New York Times bestselling author D.J. MacHale brings his brilliant plotting and breathless pacing to SYLO, the first in this ultimate end-of-the-world adventure trilogy.


​​A true storyteller, Mr. MacHale composes a tale within SYLO that reiterates his stance as a top author in today’s literature industry. Filled with his usual suspense and emotional action scenes, a unique world is built to fully capture the reader’s imagination. Also you never seem able to take a break from this book it’s just so fast paced. The writing style makes it seem like a breeze when transitioning between points in the story. The characters also attribute to the illustrious plot by being dynamic and having relatable personalities.

​Which brings us to the fantastic plot that is sure to be the next big feature film. Right from the start we jump into the action with some horror and intrigue. All being the catalyst for a suspenseful roller coaster of mystery. Main character Tucker Peirce finds himself mystified by sudden happenings in his small town Pemberwick Island. Not much of a go-getter Tucker is thrust in to unimaginable circumstances when the government quarantines his town for unknown reasons. This sends Tucker on a search for answers with his best friend, but what they don’t know is that the truth could end life as they know it. SYLO embodies what truly makes young adult novels great. Basically a coming of age story mixed with a little dystopian, SYLO checks off all the boxes when it comes being. So don’t wait for the movie, definitely read this book as soon as possible.


Book Review: Whispering Hills by Taryn Browning

Whispering Hills
Whispering Hills #1
Author: Taryn Browning
Reading Level: YA
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Released: March 19th 2012
Review Source: Author
Available: Amazon


Summary: (from goodreads) Life and death, love and hate, friends and enemies...

For as long as she can remember, 17-year-old Alexis Forbes can hear the thoughts of others. Most recently, she is disturbed by the dark, unfamiliar voice of a frightening killer: callous, cunning, charismatic…and dead.

She hears his every sinister thought. But she can’t tell anyone. No one would believe her. Alexis is suddenly being haunted by a terrifying past she doesn’t remember, and a ghost with a serious score to settle. Even Chance, the gorgeous new guy she’s falling for, has his own ghostly secret. He’s definitely not like any guy she’s ever met. Alexis soon discovers she has a connection to the dead and it runs much deeper than she could ever imagine. And if the sociopathic entity has his way, she’ll finally be sentenced to the fate she escaped thirteen years ago.


I LOVED LOVED LOVED this book right from the beginning to the very end. I couldn't put the book down. I loved the author Taryn browning. She wrote this book so well and I felt like I was one of the characters in the story. When I went to bed at night I couldn't wait to pick it up in the morning to read some more or to try and finish it. 

Alexis Forbes the main character is just a normal high school student just trying to make her way through high school but she isn't any normal student. She can hear voices that are coming from people around her. So she can never escape these voices ever. Alexis all of a sudden starts hearing this voice that keeps describing way he is going to kills somebody and somebody will disappear. So when she hears these voices she looks around the school or out in public to see if it is anybody around that she is hearing. But she can't run and tell the cops that she is hearing a voice saying he is going to kill a girl and throw her in the lake. They would just think she was one loony girl. Then one day this handsome gorgeous dream guy shows up to school and his name is Chance. He starts talking to her and all the girls around her are practically falling over him and wanting him to ask them out to a school dance or out to dinner but the one girl that keeps his attention is Alexis. When Alexis is around him she realizes that she can't hear his voice and it makes her feel so much better and it becomes a mystery why she can't hear his voice. Chance is this mystery guy that has a secret and Alexis is a girl that can hear voices and the killer is telling her that he has something to settle with her but she doesn't know what he is talking about.Plus Alexis feels like she has something that happened to her in her life and can't figure out what it really is. 

 I really want to give you more details of what happens in this book but I don't want to give it all away. Sorry to have such a short review but I want you to read this and fall in love with it like I did. It has the perfect theme, characters and ending ever. You don't know how hard it is to write this review and not be able to tell you everything of this book. So go and read this book and see how wonderful this whole book is. I promise you will love it like I loved it.


It's Monday! What Are You Reading? + OUaT & RCE Recaps!


It's Monday! What are you reading is hosted by One Persons Journey Through a World of Books. Each week we spotlight the books we are reading, planning on reading or just finished reading.


Finished
Currently Reading:
Next in Line:
  • From Gods by Mary Ting - Yara
  • The Bitter Kingdom by Rae Carson - Andy
  • Catherine by April Linder - Heather
  • Entangled By Amy Rose Capetta - Deitre
  • Motocross me by Cheyanne Young - Tiffany
  • Roomies by Sara Zarr, Tara Altebrando - Bianca
  • Geoducks are for Lovers by Daisy Prescott - Leydy

Note: Next In Line books are subject to change.

Tell Us What You Are Reading or Just Finished! 
Comment Below!!


Once Upon a Twilight Recap!





Stacking the Shelves: 7/28/13 + Giveaway



Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews

For Review:

Purchased:


As a treat with today's Stacking the Shelves one of OUaT's alumni is offering a box of books so she can make space in her shelves. The books she will include in the box for 1 winner are pictured below. This giveaway is for US only. Read terms & condition in the rafflecopter. Good Luck!


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Book Review: Forever Too Far by Abbi Glines

Forever Too Far
Too Far #3
Author: Abbi Glines
Reading Level: New Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Released: June 9th 2013
Review Source: Purchased
Available: Amazon


Summary: (from goodreads) Rush promised her forever... but promises can be broken.

Torn between his love for his family and his love for Blaire, Rush has to find a way to save one without losing the other. In the end one has to be more important. Letting go isn’t easy.

Blaire believed in her fairytale... but no one can live in a fantasy.

Her love for Rush and desire to have a family keep her believing that they can find a way for this to work. Until she has to make the right decision for her and the baby. Even if it breaks her heart.

Can they find the forever that they both want or has it all just gone... too far?


Rush & Blaire's story has been an absolute joy to read. I'm sad that their story is coming to an end, but I'm glad Glines decided to end their journey here.

Rush and Blaire are finally in a good place, with a baby on the way they are just enjoying each others company without any drama. That soon takes a turn south when Dean, Rush's father pleads with him to go back to L.A with him so he can somewhat tame Nan because she's causing all types of destruction since she found out Kiro is her father. Will Rush always have to come to Nan's rescue or will he finally learn his lesson and put Blaire first? It's not easy when you have to decide between your family and the love of your life.

A lot of people were put down by Nan's character as was I but I kind of understood where she was coming from. She's never had the love of a father, but she did have Rush to fall back on. Now Rush is off to start a family of his own so she feels lost. The fact that she was extremely spoiled and got everything she ever wanted makes her rebel more and seek attention. She's a very selfish character but at times I felt sorry for her.

We did get to see a lot of secondary characters that I wish played a bigger role. I'm sure there are books about their own stories coming up because Glines left a lot up in the air when it came to a few of them.

If you are a fan of this series Forever Too Far will not disappoint. We get plenty of swoon worthy moments with Rush, heart break, and a few surprises. A completely perfect way to end Rush and Blaire's story.


Book Review: After the Rain by Karen White

After the Rain
Author: Karen White
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Chick Lit/Romance
Released: December 31st 2012 (reprint)
Review Source: NAL Trade
Available: Amazon


Summary: (from goodreads) From “one of the best new writers on the scene today” (The Huffington Post) comes the sequel to Falling Home, a novel set in the picaresque town of Walton, Georgia, where one woman is about to discover that the best journey is the one that brings you home.…

Freelance photographer Suzanne Paris has been on her own since she was fourteen—and she has no intention of settling down, especially not in a tiny town like Walton, Georgia. She’s here to hide out for a little while, not to form connections. Her survival depends on her ability to slip in and out of people’s lives, on never staying in one place for too long.

But no one in Walton plans on making things easy for Suzanne. For one thing, it’s a town where everyone knows everyone else—and they all seem intent on making Suzanne feel right at home. For another, Suzanne can’t help but feel drawn to this tight-knit community—or to the town’s mayor, Joe Warner, and his six kids. But Suzanne can’t afford to stick around, even if she’s finally found a place where she belongs. Because someone is looking for her—someone who won’t stop until her life is destroyed…

CONVERSATION GUIDE INCLUDED


I was all excited about starting this really great book by Karen White. I sat down and just couldn't wait to read it because the back of the book sounded like my type of book that I would read. Right from the beginning it was really good about the main character Suzanne Paris who is a freelance photographer decides to runaway from her life back home and wants to move to a little place but not to make roots there and not fall in love with anybody because she is just passing through and is hiding from a certain someone that won't stop looking for her until her life is destroyed. After I got more into the book it felt so familiar and then I remembered reading a book about this same situation but it was called Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks. 

I am not saying I didn't like the book I loved it because Safe Haven was a really great book also. But reading another book about the same thing happening to the main character that happened in another book was kinda hard for me to read that book and not think about the other book. The main character Suzanne doesn't want to get close to anybody or fall in love with anybody. Until she meets a handsome mysterious guy named Joe Warner that has 6 kids because his wife passed away. But Suzanne just wants to hide for a little bit and then get out because she doesn't want to make any friends. I finished the book and loved it but just wish it had a bit of a different story then Safe Haven. So when you read it try not to think about that book and try to think about this book and love the story and the characters. Sorry this review is so short but I tried my best but all I wanted to write about was Nicholas Sparks Safe Haven instead of this book. But take a chance and read it. If you didn't read that other book then you will love this book.


Book Review: Dark Nebula by W. J. May

Dark Nebula
The Chronicles of Kerrigan #2
Author: W. J. May
Reading Level: YA
Genre: Paranormal
Released: December 15th 2012
Review Source: Author
Available: Amazon


Summary: (from goodreads) Leery from the horrifying incident at the end of her first year at Guilder Boarding School, Rae Kerrigan is determined to learn more about her new tattoo. looks Her expectations are high, an easy senior year and a happy reunion with Devon— the boy she’s not supposed to date. All hopes of happiness fade into shattered dreams the moment she steps back on campus.

Lies and secrets are everywhere, and a betrayal cuts Rae deeply. Among her conflicts and enemies, it appears as if her father is reaching out from beyond the grave to ruin her life. With no one to trust, Rae doesn’t know where or who to turn to for help.

Has her destiny been written? Or will she becomes the one thing she hates the most-- her father’s prodigy.


Dark Nebula is the second book in the Chronicles of Kerrigan Series and I was super excited to hear that Dark Nebula had been released. After Rae of Hope I immediately fell in love with all the characters and couldn’t wait to hear more about them and their amazing tatu’s. All I have to say is that W.J. May did it AGAIN! This story was simply awesome!! It grabbed me from the very beginning till the very end and I couldn’t help but wonder after every page what would happen next.

In this book all the other characters come back and I enjoy reading about them and how they are learning their tatu’s and how to use them. But, we meet some new and interesting characters that just thicken the plot. One new character I really liked was Reece. He’s just a human!! No tatu, nothing! But there’s something special about him and I really hope we get to learn more about him in the future. In this story I felt like Rae was a bit more mature, cautious and playing by the rules. She is still trying to show everyone at Guilder that she’s “good” and in no way “bad” or the prodigy of her father’s. Which is a job all in its self besides learning her new tatu. I wish I would have read a little more of Molly in this story though. Besides Rae being my favorite character. She’s just so different from Rae and being as their best friends they are perfect together and I just love the combo of their friend the author created and hope that she stays in that position throughout the series.

The book cover is simply perfect. You see Rae a bit more confident and a lot more powerful. I love when book covers have the main character pictures on them. I think I’ve mentioned this before!

The story line in this book was suspenseful to the max. During those fighting scenes, I was biting my nails wondering what would happen next and trying to guess at it. But of course I was always wrong. W.J. May did a fantastic job with keeping the romance between Rae and Devon, although it was a bit patchy at times. Those little times when they were together, It was bitter sweet. Especially since they are not allowed to date. The suspense was killer but all worth it.

Overall the book was great. It maintained a great pace of not to slow but not too fast. It was a page turner with plenty of mysteries and suspense to keep you up at night and although this is a YA book, I believe any person of any age would really enjoy this paranormal series. I highly recommend it.


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