Book Review: By Your Side by Kasie West

---

By Your Side
Author: Kasie West
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary
Release Date: January 31st 2017 
Review Source: Purchased

In this irresistible story, Kasie West explores the timeless question of what to do when you fall for the person you least expect. Witty and romantic, this paperback original from a fan favorite is perfect for fans of Stephanie Perkins and Morgan Matson.

When Autumn Collins finds herself accidentally locked in the library for an entire weekend, she doesn’t think things could get any worse. But that’s before she realizes that Dax Miller is locked in with her. Autumn doesn’t know much about Dax except that he’s trouble. Between the rumors about the fight he was in (and that brief stint in juvie that followed it) and his reputation as a loner, he’s not exactly the ideal person to be stuck with. Still, she just keeps reminding herself that it is only a matter of time before Jeff, her almost-boyfriend, realizes he left her in the library and comes to rescue her.

Only he doesn’t come. No one does.

Instead it becomes clear that Autumn is going to have to spend the next couple of days living off vending-machine food and making conversation with a boy who clearly wants nothing to do with her. Except there is more to Dax than meets the eye. As he and Autumn first grudgingly, and then not so grudgingly, open up to each other, Autumn is struck by their surprising connection. But can their feelings for each other survive once the weekend is over and Autumn’s old life, and old love interest, threaten to pull her from Dax’s side? 

At a Glance: 

Locked in a library? Sold!

Cover:

Kissing. Sold! (I’m a big fan of kissing in books.)

Action:

Definitely no action. Definitely a swoon-worthy book. 

Romance:

Obviously there’s romance, there’s people kissing on the cover. And boy does Kasie West know how to turn on the swoon! 

Something I loved:

While I have made it clear that I love the romance and the kissing in this book, I also love how she gives her characters in depth, “flaws”, something that makes them real and relatable. Autumn and Dax are both living through their own shadows which helps bring them closer together. 

Something I didn’t like:

It ended...?

Would I recommend it?

Absolutely! Kasie West is one of my top favorite YA authors, her books never fail. Check out By Your Side, P.S I Like You, The Fill-in Boyfriend, The Distance Between Us, and everything else by her. I seriously cannot get enough of her work! 

Book Review: Secrets, Lies, and Scandals by Amanda K. Morgan

---

Secrets, Lies, and Scandals
Author: Amanda K. Morgan
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Mystery
Released: July 5th 2016
Review Source: Simon Pulse

Nothing ruins summer vacation like a secret…especially when it involves a dead teacher.

Ivy used to be on top of the social ladder, until her ex made that all go away. She has a chance to be Queen Bee again, but only if the rest of the group can keep quiet.

Tyler has always been a bad boy, but lately he’s been running low on second chances. There’s no way he’s going to lose everything because someone couldn’t keep their mouth shut.

Kinley wouldn’t describe herself as perfect, though everyone else would. But perfection comes at a price, and there is nothing she wouldn’t do to keep her perfect record—one that doesn’t include murder charges.

Mattie is only in town for the summer. He wasn’t looking to make friends, and he definitely wasn’t looking to be involved in a murder. He’s also not looking to be riddled with guilt for the rest of his life…but to prevent that he’ll have to turn them all in.

Cade couldn’t care less about the body, or about the pact to keep the secret. The only way to be innocent is for someone else to be found guilty. Now he just has to decide who that someone will be.

With the police hot on the case, they don’t have much time to figure out how to trust each other. But in order to take the lead, you have to be first in line…and that’s the quickest way to get stabbed in the back.

At a Glance:
Oh, hey! This book reminds me of How to Get Away With Murder? Don't you think?

Cover:
I love red, black and white... just like the book. I really like the cover. It's simple, yet mysterious and it's gives you that vibe of a thriller book. Such a great cover.

Action:
This is a thriller book, filled with mystery... not much of a packed action. Yet these five characters will have you on edge ;)

Romance:
Not really. There are fiver characters, we all get to know them in third person. Each have their own voice but no romance.

Something I loved:
I really enjoyed that fact that I was able to distinguish each characters. Usually when there is more than two perspective, things begin to blur. Not with the way Amanda wrote this book. She was able to give a voice to each of the characters, even if it is in third person. They were all witness to their awful teacher and they each told their story.

Something I didn’t like:
Even though the story is suspenseful, the ending is a bit predictable. Yet, I was able to enjoy the story no matter what. Then again, we learned what REALLY happened and you get the, really??? Nothing bad but boy, this could've saved them a lot of trouble.

Would I recommend it?
Despite the ending, I really enjoyed this story. Secrets, Lies, and Scandals is similar to How to Get Away With Murder with a touch of Pretty Little Liars, so if you are a fan of the shows, then you should definitely give this a try. Any fans of mysteries, thrillers, and/or suspense would enjoy this read.

Audiobook Review: Bloodline by Claudia Gray

---

Star Wars: Bloodline
Author: Claudia Gray
Narrator: January LaVoy
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Science Fiction
Released:  May 3rd 2016
Review Source: Library

From the New York Times bestselling author of Star Wars: Lost Stars comes a thrilling prequel to Star Wars: The Force Awakens, set roughly six years before the events of the film.

At a Glance:
Hello, Star Wars? Give me everything that is Star Wars related! Plus, I love Claudia's writing. This is the best of both world.

Cover:
I love Princess Leia, she is a badass heroine. Having her on the cover makes this cover stand out. Not only is she on the cover, but Daddy Darth Vader... Yeah, this is definitely an eye catcher.

Action:
Again, Star Wars... Just like the Star Wars movies, Bloodlines is packed with actions, deceptions, twist and full of HOLY SKYWALKER. Which is perfect because it's a perfect balance to the politics this book covers. And the book does a fantastic job to keep you awake. It's very full of life. Also, whomever is not a Star Wars, must be brainwashed. Just wanted to point this out ;)

Heroine/Hero:
Come on guys, Princess Leia is not just a great looking gal, but one of the Rebel Alliance’s greatest leaders! She is fearless, dedicated to her people and most of all a person that puts other before herself. This is why we love her. She has thought us to stand up to our beliefs, no matter the consequences. I love her for this and she is the perfect example to describe a heroine.

Romance:
Leia and Han.... that is all!

Something I loved:
The glimpses we get into Han and Leia's relationship! Totally adorable! However, what I loved the most is the tie-ins between the start of the New Republic and The Force Awakens. It's like putting the missing piece to a puzzle. I loved how it was not an easy transition for Leia. She struggled and doubled herself. Yet, at the same time she believed in herself. Like any other human being should. Even though we are scared or doubting ourselves, we should always push ourselves. In Bloodline, we see Leia's growth and mature into the women we always knew she would become, and did.

Something I didn’t like: 
The wait for the next book of this series. Hopefully, Claudia will write it because she is by far my favorite author of the Star Wars stories.

Favorite Quote:
“Do you have any idea how much I love you?” “Yeah, I’d say I have a pretty good idea.” Leia mock-punched him in the arm, and Han chuckled. “C’mon. You know I love you, too.” “Yes,” she said as she tilted her mouth up for a kiss. “I know.” —”

Would I recommend it?
Heck YES!! Claudia Gray does not disappoint. She delivered an outstanding story. As for the audiobook, the voices are great and the narrators brings a vivid image while listening. It's a great distraction and way to "read" this book. You won't regret it. Claudia is by far the best when it comes to telling a Star Wars story.

Book Review: Scorched by Jennifer L. Armentrout

---

Scorched
Frigid #2
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Reading Level: New Adult
Genre: Romance
Released: June 16th 2015
Review Source: Purchased

Sometimes life leaves a mark…

Most days, Andrea doesn’t know whether she wants to kiss Tanner or punch him in the gut. He is seriously hot, with legit bedroom eyes and that firefighter body of his, but he’s a major player, and they can’t get along for more than a handful of minutes. Until now.

Tanner knows he and Andrea have had an epic love/hate relationship for as long as he can remember, but he wants more love than hate from her. He wants her. Now. Tomorrow. But the more he gets to know her, the more it becomes obvious that Andrea has a problem. She’s teetering on the edge and every time he tries to catch her, she slips through his fingers.

Andrea’s life is spiraling out of control, and it doesn’t matter that Tanner wants to save her, because when everything falls apart and she’s speeding toward rock bottom, only she can save herself.

Sometimes life makes you work for that happily ever after…

Cover:
One word. Gorgeous. I love the fiery red hair, draws my attention right in.

Action:
Well this was a contemporary romance, so physical action was nonexistent, but the action Andrea took on her life after everything started to unravel was very empowering, took strength not many people can find in time.

Romance:
From the  very beginning you knew these two had a deep attraction to one another but both refused to see it. Instead they just bickered like old lovers at war.

Something I loved:
I know there’s a bajillion books I haven’t read out there, so saying this I could be completely wrong, but there hasn’t been many New Adult books out there that deal with a heavy subject of mental illness. The story might not have been “refreshing,” but it was good to see everyone’s story being told. You can find someone to relate to, or to someone that helps you see your own darkness.

Favorite Quote:
“We were a disaster in the making, and as I slid down his body, I couldn’t stop myself. Neither of us could stop.”

Quick-fire Book Review: The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly by Stephanie Oakes

---

The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly
Author: Stephanie Oakes
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary
Released: June 9th 2015
Review Source: Dial

  

With a harrowing poetic voice, this contemporary page-turner is perfect for fans of Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak, Julie Berry's All The Truth That's in Me, and the works of Ellen Hopkins.

The Kevinian cult has taken everything from seventeen-year-old Minnow: twelve years of her life, her family, her ability to trust.

And when she rebelled, they took away her hands, too.

Now their Prophet has been murdered and their camp set aflame, and it's clear that Minnow knows something—but she's not talking. As she languishes in juvenile detention, she struggles to un-learn everything she has been taught to believe, adjusting to a life behind bars and recounting the events that led up to her incarceration. But when an FBI detective approaches her about making a deal, Minnow sees she can have the freedom she always dreamed of—if she’s willing to part with the terrible secrets of her past.

The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly is a hard-hitting and hopeful story about the dangers of blind faith—and the power of having faith in oneself.

Cover:
When I first saw the cover of this book at ALA, I wasn’t sure if this book would be ideal for me. I love pretty covers, and well this one doesn’t really stand out. However, after speaking to a publicist she actually recommended me to read this book. So why not? Right? And I was glad I did!

Action:
The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly is not really an action novel. It is more of a mystery book - as in why strange things occurred to Minnow. Also, the Kevinian cult.

While reading the book, the story actually reminded me of this NCIS episode. In which a girl was raised to loved a man whom claimed to be chosen from a god to lead her and many to the light. This man actually just took advantages multiple young girls and had babies with them. This just gives you an idea of what the book is about. However, Minnow was a bright young lady and she didn’t go down without a fight. It was indeed a very interesting story to read and it was well-written.

Romance:
There is romance, however, with what Minnow has been through I actually respected her decisions. Sometimes life isn’t as pretty as we hope it would be. We have to make sacrifices and hope for the best.

Something I Loved:
I loved Minnow. She is a strong person. A person that has been through so many tough situations. I really admired her as an individual. Her hope and wanting more from life is something someone in her stage wouldn’t even think about.

Favorite Quote:
“Jude taught me what love was: to be willing to hold on to another person's pain. That's it.”

Book Review: Taming Lily by Monica Murphy

---

Taming Lily
The Fowler Sisters #3
Author: Monica Murphy
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Romance
Released: July 7th 2015
Review Source: Bantan | Edelweiss

I’m in trouble. Again. And instead of facing my problems head on, I’ve run away. Far away this time, and no one can catch me—not my two younger sisters, Violet and Rose, not my father, my grandmother, or that witch Pilar who wants to take control of my family’s cosmetics company. Now I’m in Hawaii, enjoying the sun and the sand and water, where nobody knows the hot mess known as Lily Fowler. And I’m loving every minute of it.

But someone is watching me. Following me. He’s gorgeous. And soon we’re talking, and against all my instincts, I reveal bits and pieces of myself to Max. It feels good, though I know he can’t be the man for me. These sudden feelings we share are way too complicated, too fraught, too intense.

Then everything explodes and I’m forced to return home. My intentions have always been true, but now everyone’s mad at me. I don’t know who to turn to anymore . . . except to Max. He’s who I want to trust. But I’m not so sure I should. Maybe it’s worth the risk—and what-ifs be damned. . . .

** This is an Adult romance novel recommended for ages 18+ due to sexual content and mature subject matter.**

Cover:
I’ve loved all the covers from the Fowler Sister Series. I definitely cannot wait until I have all three on my shelf together. You can even tell by the cover how much of a dominating personality Lily has.

Action:
HELLO! The action in this book was off the CHARTS (as in sexy time action). Max and Lily’s sexy time was definitely the best out of all three of these books. Man Monica Murphy, my fingers were feeling the heat radiating off the pages while reading these two.

Romance:
With intimacy aside, I kind of felt that there wasn’t much romance. Max and Lily both tried to keep their new sexual relationship just that, sexual. So any time one wanted to try and break a little wall down the other got defensive or downright rude, so I wasn’t feeling the romance between the two, the heat definitely though.

Something I loved:
I loved part of the ending that I obviously I won’t divulge because hello spoilers, but definitely satisfying moment after reading the three books.  And seriously the action in this book, off the charts.

Favorite Quote:
“It’s the way he believes in me. Encourages me. Supports me when I need it and steps back when my freedom is necessary.”

Book Review: P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han

---

P.S. I Still Love You
To All the Boys I've Loved Before #2
Author: Jenny Han
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary | Romance
Released: May 26th 2015
Review Source: Purchased

Lara Jean didn’t expect to really fall for Peter. She and Peter were just pretending. Except suddenly they weren’t. Now Lara Jean is more confused than ever. When another boy from her past returns to her life, Lara Jean’s feelings for him return too. Can a girl be in love with two boys at once?

In this charming and heartfelt sequel to the New York Times bestseller To All the Boys I've Loved Before, we see first love through the eyes of the unforgettable Lara Jean. Love is never easy, but maybe that’s part of what makes it so amazing.

Cover:
I absolutely adore the cover to PS I Still Love You, just as much as I loved To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before. I love seeing what would be Lara Jean’s room and her hair in those cute hairdos she’s always talking about. The covers feel personal, getting a glimpse into our fictional characters life, they’re perfect.

Action:
Well this isn’t an action book, BUT Peter did take some action towards a certain situation, and well that was perfect for him to do.

Romance:
Lara Jean is a sucker for romance. Everything started after her younger sister, Kitty, had mailed her secret love letters she would write towards the boys she would fall for. One thing led to another and a fake relationship with Peter, a recipient of the lover letters, became something real. Then another past crush comes into the picture and things get muffled. Those boys may be young, but they really know how to say the right things sometimes. *Swooning Shannon*

Something I loved:
I love that Lara Jean sticks to her guns, she may fall in love a lot, but she is never willing to just hand her heart completely over, which sometimes gets her in a pickle. She’s guarded and tough, and completely in love with love. Though my absolute favorite thing from these books is Kitty (sorry Lara Jean, I do really love you).  She’s witty, conniving, way too smart for her again, and has excellent taste in television shows.

Favorite Quote:
“Sometimes I like you so much I can’t stand it. It fills up inside me, all the way to the brim, and I feel like I could overflow. I like you so much I don’t know what to do with it. My heart beats so fast when I know I’m going to see you again. And then, when you look at me the way you do, I feel like the luckiest girl in the world.”

Book Review: All the Right Places by Jenna Sutton

---

All the Right Places
Riley O'Brien & Co. #1
Author: Jenna Sutton
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Released: June 2nd 2015
Review Source: Berkley

The first in a brand new contemporary romance series starring the men and women who are determined to keep the billion-dollar denim dynasty, Riley O’Brien & Co, on top, but aren’t about to let success stand in the way of love…

Amelia Winger is a small-town girl with big dreams of becoming a successful designer. So when she gets a gig designing accessories for denim empire Riley O’Brien & Co., it’s a dream come true. Amelia can handle the demanding job, but she isn’t quite prepared for sexy CEO Quinn O’Brien. She’s doing her best to keep things professional, but the attraction sparking between them makes it personal. And so does the secret project she's working on behind his back...

Quinn’s not interested in the new accessories, but he is interested in the woman designing them. Amelia is smart, sexy, and talented, and he hasn’t been able to stop thinking about her since they met. Mixing business and pleasure isn’t wise, but that doesn’t stop him from coming up with excuses to spend time with her. He thinks he understands the risk he’s taking when he gets involved with Amelia. But he doesn’t know he’s risking a lot more than his heart.

Cover:
Just look at the cover! It is gorgeous. It screams romance. The couple on the cover are sharing a hug. The woman is giving us a smile. She seems happy. If you’re a sucker of cover, then you will be like me by saying, “I need to read this book”. How could you pass on this book after looking at the cover?

Action:
This is not really of an action book. But the pace of this book is right on point. It doesn’t move to fast, not too slow, it's just right. Which is great on a debut! Bravo!

Romance:
I loved Quinn and Amelia's relationship. Their story is very believable. Which is something I look while reading a romance story. Their chemistry... these two were a perfect match. I adored how they complimented each other beautifully.

Something I loved:
It is interesting to see how two people start their relationship based on work. The “mixing business and pleasure isn’t wise”. Sure, it’s not wise, but one cannot win in the war of love. You know what I mean? You put all your thoughts and tell yourself not to fall in love. But the heart does what it wants and one just needs to follow. I just loved reading about these two, seriously they had me swooning. And their intimate moments… *fan self*

Favorite Quote:
“I think you might be my Kryptonite”.... 
“Well, you definitely felt like Man of Steel just a few seconds ago”.

Blog Tour: Nowhere But Here | Katie McGarry | Review | "Fears" | Giveaway

Today I'm excited to be a part of Katie McGarry's Nowhere But Here blog tour. 

Nowhere But Here was AMAZING! Highly recommended. Keep reading as I'll share details about McGarry's latest release and her exclusive post about "FEARS". 

---

Nowhere But Here
Thunder Road #1
Author: Katie McGarry
Reading Level: Young Adult (mature)
Genres: Contemporary Romance | Motorcycles
Released: May 26th 2015
Review Source: Harlequin Teen

An unforgettable new series from acclaimed author Katie McGarry about taking risks, opening your heart and ending up in a place you never imagined possible

Seventeen-year-old Emily likes her life the way it is: doting parents, good friends, good school in a safe neighborhood. Sure, she's curious about her biological father—the one who chose life in a motorcycle club, the Reign of Terror, over being a parent—but that doesn't mean she wants to be a part of his world. But when a reluctant visit turns into an extended summer vacation among relatives she never knew she had, one thing becomes clear: nothing is what it seems. Not the club, not her secret-keeping father and not Oz, a guy with suck-me-in blue eyes who can help her understand them both.

Oz wants one thing: to join the Reign of Terror. They're the good guys. They protect people. They're…family. And while Emily—the gorgeous and sheltered daughter of the club's most respected member—is in town, he's gonna prove it to her. So when her father asks him to keep her safe from a rival club with a score to settle, Oz knows it's his shot at his dream. What he doesn't count on is that Emily just might turn that dream upside down.

No one wants them to be together. But sometimes the right person is the one you least expect, and the road you fear the most is the one that leads you home.

Cover:

I love every inch of that cover. From the font to the color palette used. I'm glad the cover 

actually matches the story with the motorcycle. So happy its not another cover with a girl and a guy kissing or hugging. This cover just pop for me.  Wouldn't you agree?

Action:

Yes plenty of action throughout the book. We are dealing with motorcycle clans that are rivals. Your heart will be hurt and also filled with love during all the highs and lows. Kept me at the edge of my seat most of the time.

Romance:

With a guy named Oz, you know there has got to be some really delicious romance in this book. I like how Emily and Oz build but fight it also. Will have to read to see how they end up. Lots of pieces to be picked up and they both will need each other. 

Something I loved:

I really loved how Emily started to accept her father side of the family and the relationship that develop with her snarky grandmother. Will fill you with joy but have tissue on hand. 

Favorite quote: 

“This is your family … If you learn to love us then you will forever have our love in return.”

---

FEAR written by Katie McGarry

Let’s get one thing straight. I hate funeral homes. Hate. I hate the smell of them. I hate the look of them. I hate the thought of them. Hate. And what I hate more than funeral homes are dead things. Dead bugs. Dead dried-up worms on the sidewalk. Roadkill. And since that ill-fated stroll in the woods at the age of eight when I fell into a hole and spent the night with a corpse, I hate dead people’s bodies. --From Emily NOWHERE BUT HERE

I one million percent empathize with Emily on the above statement. Emily, the seventeen-year old main character in my newest Young Adult novel, NOWHERE BUT HERE, is terrified of dead bodies. Honestly, though she isn’t quite aware of it at this point in the story, what Emily is really scared of is death.

And for a long period of time, so was I.

As a young child, I refused to walk into a room where there’s a dead body. It sent chills down my spine, caused my hands to become cold and clammy, and my stomach would churn.

On the occasion I had to go to a funeral home, my parents would often sit me in a chair outside the viewing room and I would wait impatiently, imagining all of the horrible things that might happen if we didn’t leave the funeral home that moment. To be honest, I was imagining Walking Dead episodes at least thirty years before the show ever aired. But in my head, I ran screaming when a zombie appeared and never did I even think about fighting back.

In NOWHERE BUT HERE, Emily travels to Kentucky and visits with her estranged biological father because of news of a death. Due to unforeseen circumstances, what was supposed to be a quick trip ends up with her staying longer, and it also causes her to be staying with her grandmother—a woman who is dying of cancer.

Dying.

For Emily, this almost terrifies her as much as being inside a funeral home. Why? Emily likes her world neat and orderly and she likes to understand what’s going to happen at all times. She doesn’t like the unknown and that is exactly what death is…an unknown.

Emily’s grandmother, though, teaches Emily a valuable lesson. She shows Emily that there is life in dying. Olivia doesn’t get wrapped up in what’s to come, she’s more concerned with living her best life that day, that hour, that minute. Soaking up as much time as she can with the people she loves.

As Olivia put it to Emily “I’ve fought a good fight and lived a great life. God calls us all home at some point.”

Dying is very much a part of living. It is not something to be feared as much it is a reminder that we should enjoy every minute we have now. That time is a gift that should never be squandered.

Emily in NOWHERE BUT HERE faces her fears and comes out learning how to love with her whole heart and how to fight past her fear of the unknown.

---

Now thanks to the good folks over at Harlequin Teen, we have one finished copy of Nowhere But Here to give one lucky reader.

a Rafflecopter giveaway