Book Review: Taken by Chance by Erica Cameron & Lani Woodland

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Taken by Chance
Laguna Tides #1
Authors: Erica Cameron & Lani Woodland
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Released: May 5th 2015
Review Source: Author

A single chance encounter can change your life…

Despite being the son of Hollywood’s hottest director, Dare Andrews has managed to steer clear of the paparazzi for seventeen years. But when his ​ex-​girlfriend sells a tell-all interview to the tabloids, he’s suddenly hounded by fans and reporters alike. Dare is getting cynical fast, so he’s unprepared to meet a glass-half-full girl like Chance. And unprepared for the consequences after he helps her save face. Pretending to be the new guy in her life was easy enough when she was being dumped by her boyfriend, but the lie backfires.

What started as a random act of chivalry becomes something deeper as Dare and Chance find themselves trapped in their charade. The problem is that the more Dare gets to know Chance, the less fake their relationship feels. But secrets they both keep threaten their future, and with new storm​s​ overhead, will Chance’s lessons in optimism be enough to help Dare find the silver lining?​

This book had a such a cute story that could leave you with the impression that it could be a successful pre-teen movie. I had a smile plastered on my face during the majority of this book. Not to say it doesn’t have its heavy, trying pieces.

Dare Andrews, the son of a highly successful Hollywood director who was sold out to his limelight hungry ex-girlfriend, stumbles upon Chance, unbelievably optimistic girl with lots more blurry corners than anyone could imagine at an airport. Dare was there to pick up his mother and sister, as they were making the move from Miami to California, and Chance was there to met her boyfriend of three years only to find he had broken up with her over e-mail. Dare swoops in to make sure Chance doesn’t get the humiliation of a lifetime - and so begins a wonderfully deceiving relationship.

See, Dare needs someone to make him look good since his ex sold lies to the tabloids and Chance feels the need to repay Dare for his kind act of swooping in and preventing a lifetime of embarrassment. So they agree to “fake date.” Then only to find out they will be attending the same school. Eventually the lines between friendship and “fake relationship” blur and they’re being a couple even when no body's watching.

Both of these characters are extremely likable. Dare has a compassionate and caring attitude while Chance is extremely generous and independent. Apart from that, I didn’t find anything to make them extraordinary. Also, the development of other characters seemed to take too long for me. I was able to find out almost everything about Dare within the first few chapters, but as far as his sister’s secrets go, it took a while; same for Chance. The blurry parts of their lives were kept quite blurry for a while. Also, toward the last third of the book, there was a twist that just really reminded me of the end of “The Beginning of Everything” by Robyn Schneider.

At the end, though, it was a fun book with an interesting plot and likable characters. A fun read, for sure.

Cover Reveal: Taken By Chance by Erica Cameron & Lani Woodland

We are so stoked about this cover reveal for Taken By Chance by Erica Cameron and Lani Woodland!

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Taken By Chance
Author: Erica Cameron & Lani Woodland
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary
Publisher: Self-Published

A single chance encounter can change your life…

Despite being the son of Hollywood’s hottest director, Dare Andrews has managed to steer clear of the paparazzi for seventeen years. But when his ​ex-​girlfriend sells a tell-all interview to the tabloids, he’s suddenly hounded by fans and reporters alike. Dare is getting cynical fast, so he’s unprepared to meet a glass-half-full girl like Chance. And unprepared for the consequences after he helps her save face. Pretending to be the new guy in her life was easy enough when she was being dumped by her boyfriend, but the lie backfires.

What started as a random act of chivalry becomes something deeper as Dare and Chance find themselves trapped in their charade. The problem is that the more Dare gets to know Chance, the less fake their relationship feels. But secrets they both keep threaten their future, and with new storm​s​ overhead, will Chance’s lessons in optimism be enough to help Dare find the silver lining?​

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After a lifelong obsession with books, Erica Cameron spent her college years getting credit for reading and learning how to make stories of her own. Erica graduated with a double major in psychology and creative writing from Florida State University and began pursuing a career as an author.

Erica is many things but most notably the following: writer, reader, editor, dance fan, choreographer, singer, lover of musical theater, movie obsessed, sucker for romance, ex-Florida resident, and quasi-recluse. She loves the beach but hates the heat, has equal passion for the art of Salvador Dali and Venetian Carnival masks, has a penchant for unique jewelry and sun/moon décor pieces, and a desire to travel the entire world on a cruise ship. Or a private yacht. You know, whatever works.

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I became an avid reader in elementary school, when I first discovered the Babysitters Club and Sweet Valley Twins series. In sixth grade, I began writing plays and recruiting (with force when necessary) my friends to act them out. Most of these early works were inspired by She-Ra, the epitome of girl power to my young self.

I have a hard time enjoying any book without at least a little romance in it. I live in Southern California with my husband, our two children and a large collection of board games. I have worked as a spot-welder, babysitter, janitor, photographer, gymnastics coach, and movie extra. I enjoy bonfires at the beach, hole-in-the-wall restaurants, speed talking, chocolate as a cure-all, and the word "precisely."

Book Review: Amazon Burning by Victoria Griffith

Amazon Burning
Author: Victoria Griffith
Reading Level: New Adult
Genre: Murder Mystery
Released: October 1, 2014
Review Source: Astor + Blue Editions

When 22-year-old aspiring journalist, Emma Cohen, is forced to flee the comforts of her NYU student life, she maneuvers an internship from her father at his newspaper in Rio de Janeiro. There, Emma is immediately swept into a major news story--and a life-threatening situation--when a famous jungle environmentalist, Milton Silva, is mysteriously murdered.Emma must now enter the Amazon rainforest with her father to investigate; both awed by the enormity and beauty of the Amazon, and appalled by its reckless destruction. Not only will Emma have to brave the primal world of the Amazon, she must fight to survive the kidnappers, villains, corrupt activists, and indigenous tribes that lay in wait along the ever-twisting trail of the murder case. Stretched to the brink, it s up to Emma, her father and the dreamy news photographer, Jimmy, to unravel the mystery and live to tell the tale. Amazon Burning by Victoria Griffith is a spectacular debut Young Adult novel. Griffith's powerful rendering of the Amazon rainforest forms the perfect, wildly exotic backdrop for this extraordinary tale of a young urban woman coming of age in the midst of intense conflict.

I have to admit that this was a little hard for me to review. I really liked the idea and premise of the book and I wish I could say that the story caught me from the very beginning, but something just didn't quite fit for me.

I felt that some of the words were forced into it and I also felt like there were scenes that rushed a little and I would've liked to have stayed in them longer. Some of the chapters were cut off too short and I felt like I needed a little more to the story.

There were things that I did enjoy about the book. I had never read something where the setting took place in the Amazon. You can definitely tell that Griffith has spent some time there because it showed in her writing. I also liked the main character Emma because she reminded me of a friend of mine. She was easily likable and was complex.

Overall, I wasn't a huge fan of the book, but that doesn't mean you wont be. Again, I loved the setting and the character Emma, but the writing just wasn't there for me.

Book Review: Stronger by Lani Woodland

Stronger
Author: Lani Woodland
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Science Fiction
Released: August 24, 2014
Review Source: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

It's been said, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. In the aftermath of an alien invasion, the old saying became literal.

When the aliens attacked Earth, their bombs changed our atmosphere. Through DNA manipulation, humanity survived, but exist now as two distinct classes of people: the Valudis who heal and gain strength from every hurt, and the weaker Debilii, for whom the slightest injury can be fatal. The Debilii are servants for the Valudis, who in turn act as warriors and protectors. And ruling over them all are the alien Orions who decided they liked Earth enough to stay.

Despite being born a Debilii, Lexie Hake bravely joined the resistance to free Earth from the Orions. When several run-ins with Bryant, a handsome Valudis, bring her secret activities to the aliens’ notice, the whole rebellion is put at risk. Lexie is forced to take a more active role in overthrowing the Orions. ‪She might be Earth’s last chance at freedom, and if she fails, the Orions’ ruthless reign may never end.

After reading Ender's Game last summer, I've been on the look out for a really good Young Adult Science-Fiction...and I think I've found it. Stronger had everything I was looking for in a novel where aliens have taken over the planet and only a strong character like Lexie could save everyone.

It was a little confusing at first remembering who the Debs, Vals, and Orions were. You're front loaded with a lot of information at once and it took me awhile to sort out who was who and I had a lot of questions on why Lexie was being treated the way she was. A few chapters in though, it was like second nature. You really became one of the rebels fighting with Lexie against the Orions. Valudis was another character that was well thought of and helped add to the suspense of the story. I think Woodland did a great job of characterization with all of her characters.

Woodland did a great job of not only character, but setting building too. It was easy to create an image of the world that she built. It wasn't too far out there for a Science-Fiction, which was was good, because it was easy to keep track of where everything was.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. Science-Fiction isn't my favorite genre to read for YA, but I think Woodland's writing and world building made it an easy read. I would recommend this to older and younger teens.

Blog Tour: Indelible Kick-Off Review + Giveaway

Hi Everyone! Today we kick off a great tour for Lani Woodland's book Indelible. Indelible is the second book in the Yara Silva Trilogy. Intrinsical is the first book in the trilogy. This tour will run from September 5th until September 30th. Each blog participating will have to post during the tour. One will be a review and the other a fun post of some sort. Also some blogs will be doing book giveaways and the rest bookmark giveaways. 

Today I will start the tour with my review for Indelible plus after the review you can enter for your chance to win both books in the Yara Silva Trilogy. Indelible releases September 27th. On September 27th, release day we will hold a live chat with Lani right here on the blog. So mark your calenders and join us. 

Indelible

Yara Silva Trilogy #2
Author: Lani Woodland
Pages: 416 Hardcover
Reading Level: YA
Release Date: September 27th 2011
Publisher: Pendrell Publishing
Available: Amazon / Barnes & Noble

Summary: (from Amazon) Yara is beginning to understand just how much her life will change now that her Waker abilities have emerged. She has come to terms with the fact that seeing ghosts is part of her life, but she isn t ready to let being a Waker dictate her choices. All she wants is a ghost-free senior year with her boyfriend, Brent, and her best friend, Cherie. But Yara soon discovers that there are more dark secrets in her school s history than just the curse she broke. While an angry ghost makes Yara question everything she thought she knew about spirits, she and Brent learn that there are long reaching consequences to last year s adventures. As new enemies emerge and old ghosts resurface, Yara finds herself in the center of another deadly mystery, and this time she has to contend with the living as well as the dead.

* This review will be spoiler free from Indelible but may include spoilers for those who have not read Intrinsical yet. You have been warned. *

Oh Lani you know how to win my heart over with your books. You always begin reading sequels worried that they won't live up to the first book in the trilogy. Then the second book begins and what a take-off. You completely forget about the quality of the first and begin judging the greatness of the second on its own level. Lani tells a story how I like, that you hurry to turn the page to know what's written on the next. Her characterizations are excellent. You embrace each character and love or hate them depending on their portrayal in the book. She carefully balances each emotion well,  so one doesn't overpower the other. It just pleases me to see how much more Lani has strengthen with her writing. She has done her homework and Indelible is our reward. 

Indelible is the continuation of Yara Silva story. Yara is now starting her senior year at Pendrell after being all summer in Brazil with her Grandmother Vovo. She is happy to be back and see her friends and her boyfriend Brent once again. Best part about being back is that Thomas the evil spirit that cause all the ruckus last year is safely put away. So they can now live normal lives, except Yara is still a Waker and that won't ever change. So of course she will continue to see spirits everywhere she goes. Yara just ignores them as a temporary solution  instead of helping them find their peace like her grandmother has taught her. 

Yara discovers one day at Pendrell that Thomas was not the only bad spirit at school. It turns out their is a long history dealing with the founder of Pendrell and his wife and family. Yara gets tricked into the deception and now she has a angry ghost looking to get her. All this while trying to figure out why Brent is becoming ill by the minute. Seems that Yara & Brent will have to deal with last years ramifications. This is not the senior year Yara dreamed of that for sure. Will Yara finally come to terms and use her Waker knowledge or will she hide in a corner and let her friends and family suffer from her choices. 

Indelible is the second book in the Trilogy. If you haven't read Intrinsical, I strongly suggest or more like plead that you pick up Intrinsical first and also Indelible. Even better for those who haven't read either because now you don't have to wait for the second book, you can read them both back to back. For those that did read Intrinsical  be prepared to blown away with Indelible. With October right around the corner, this is a great book or Trilogy to begin. Those Ghost will surely give you some chills. 

Now begins the wait for Inevitable next year. What will take place with Yara and Brent and lets not forget the amazing Vovo. 

So there you have my review, now go out there and Pre-order it today. Remember to follow this tour daily. There will be more reviews, interview and some fun post from Lani. Then on release day turn back here when we host a live chat with Lani and talk about her books and characters. CLICK ON THIS LINK to follow each tour stop. Tomorrow's stop is Most Important Letter blog with a character Interview with Yara.

To Enter: (I am awarding one reader with Intrinsical and Indelible)

• Fill out this FORM
• Giveaway runs till the end of the tour 9/30 (EXTENDED TO 10/11)
• You will need to be a follower of Lani's blog and her Twitter
• No Po Boxes
• For US residents only 

Intrinsical Book Review

Intrinsical 
Author: Lani Woodland
Pages: 298 pgs
Reading level: YA
Published: August 17th 2010

What a great book to read just as October is starting. If you like to read a book that is fast paced and just when you think you know how it will go, it changes, then read Intrinsical. Starting from Chapter 1 until the last Chapter, you are on a thrilling roller coaster. Lani gives us such precise details, one second you are just in love while the next minute you feel hate towards the bad guy. The back story is also amazing, without it the book would be missing its character. I call this book the Diamond in the ruff. So many new titles that every one's been talking about have been released while this stellar book that wasn't known also comes out, I have a feeling it will becomes as popular and grown rank very quickly just like the most talked about books. Plus how Beautiful is that cover!

The story is written in Yara point of view, she is from a  family of Wakers. One thing about Yara, she feels embarrassed and hopes she does not become a Waker. Yara stays in a boarding school instead of moving back to Brasil with her family. This is when everything goes south. Pendrell is know for the Pendrell Curse. Every 2 years a student dies. Yara meets Brent because she saves him from a horrible mist. That's when Yara realizes she is becoming what she has dreaded the most. We have a love/hate relationship with Brent, but you must read to figure out why. Yara's Best-friend Cherie and her boyfriend Steve are great supporting characters. The setting of where the book takes place Lani describes it so enchanting, I would love to visit the Orange groves myself. So if you are ready to read a story filled with mystery, romance and friendship plus Ghosts, then grab yourself a copy today. P.S. Did you notice the main characters name has a resemblance to mines, how could I not read this book.

Synopsis: Sixteen-year-old Yara Silva has always known that ghosts walk alongside the living. Her grandma, like the other females in her family, is a Waker, someone who can see and communicate with ghosts. Yara grew up watching her grandmother taunted and scorned for this unusual ability and doesn't want that to be her future. She has been dreading the day when she too would see ghosts, and is relieved that the usually dominant Waker gene seems to have skipped her, letting her live a normal teenage life. However, all that changes for Yara on her first day at her elite boarding school when she discovers the gene was only lying dormant. She witnesses a dark mist attack Brent, a handsome fellow student, and rushes to his rescue. Her act of heroism draws the mist's attention, and the dark spirit begins stalking her. Yara finds herself entrenched in a sixty-year-old curse that haunts the school, threatening not only her life, but the lives of her closest friends as well. Yara soon realizes that the past she was trying to put behind her isn't going to go quietly.

Stay tuned for The Halloween Spooktacular giveaway all the month of October, there will be a Intrinsical Giveaway and Author interview from Lani. You wont want to miss it.