YA Book Addict: July 2014

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY #73: The Girl at Midnight (The Girl at Midnight #1) by Melissa Grey

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

For readers of Cassandra Clare's City of Bones and Leigh Bardugo's Shadow and Bone, The Girl at Midnight is the story of a modern girl caught in an ancient war.

Beneath the streets of New York City live the Avicen, an ancient race of people with feathers for hair and magic running through their veins. Age-old enchantments keep them hidden from humans. All but one. Echo is a runaway pickpocket who survives by selling stolen treasures on the black market, and the Avicen are the only family she's ever known.

Echo is clever and daring, and at times she can be brash, but above all else she's fiercely loyal. So when a centuries-old war crests on the borders of her home, she decides it's time to act.

Legend has it that there is a way to end the conflict once and for all: find the Firebird, a mythical entity believed to possess power the likes of which the world has never seen. It will be no easy task, but if life as a thief has taught Echo anything, it's how to hunt down what she wants . . . and how to take it.

But some jobs aren't as straightforward as they seem. And this one might just set the world on fire.

Expected publication: April 28th 2015

I like the sounds of everything about this book. In the past it would probably be something that I would have bypassed and maybe would have picked up eventually, but I've really tried to broaden my reading lately by reading books other than contemporary and realistic fiction.

What book are you patiently waiting for the release of?

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

REVIEW: Searching for Sky by Jillian Cantor

Sky and River have always lived on Island, the only world they’ve ever known. Until the day River spots a boat. Across Ocean, in a place called California, Sky is separated from River and forced to live with a grandmother she’s just met. Here the rules for survival are different. People rely on strange things like cars and cell phones. They keep secrets from one another. And without River, nothing makes sense. Sky yearns for her old life where she was strong and capable, not lost and confused. She must find River so they can return to Island, but the truth behind how they ended up there in the first place will come as the biggest shock of all.

My Thoughts:

On Island, I never questioned my place in the world, where I belonged, where I'm supposed to be. Now I am a girl without a place. It's worse than hunger--it's the saddest, most lonely thing i've ever felt.

I read a huge amount of books, and there are times when I can feel like I'm just reading the same scenarios from one book to the next with a few differences here and there. When I read the synopsis for Searching for Sky, I was intrigued, but not so much that I thought I would race to buy it immediately on release. Then I got sent a copy for review. And even then, I didn't jump right into it. What a mistake that was!! Searching for Sky is such a moving and heartfelt story. It's originality was a complete standout and the delivery was fantastic.

Sky and River have lived on Island for the past fourteen years. They have only each other to rely on and they do everything together. But one day River spots a boat in the distance. A boat that will come to their rescue and take them from Island, across ocean, to California and a life that is so incredibly foreign to them.

That's all I want, just to hear the whisper of the ocean, to feel the water against my toes, dancing there, a memory of what once was. There is still so much I don't know, I don't understand. But what I do know is this: the ocean heals and it soothes. The water is home.

Imagine being thrust into a world that is so completely alien to you. A world where you understand nothing of the modern comforts and day to day existence. Imagine how confusing this world would be. Phones, televisions, cars, shoes, clothes, food... All of these things are strange and new.

My heart broke for these two characters. I cried tears for their frustrations. When Sky and River are separated, Sky goes to live with a Grandmother that she has no recollection of. Not only dealing with trying to work her way through this modern world, she also has to learn how to accept the love and affections of a woman who is a stranger to her. And along the way she learns a whole host of things that will have her questioning this new life of hers as well as everything she knows of her past. Since this story is told from Sky's point of view, we really get to experience her struggles first hand. And while I was completely taken in with Sky and her story, but when River re-enters her life, and we learn how he has been spending his time, my heartbreak was taken to a whole new level, along with the pacing and escalation of the story.

But now, I see it exactly the way he understood it then, River and me, our edges overlapping, connecting, entwined. That's the way we're supposed to be. Without him, I am lost, empty. just a circle, a deep, empty hole.

The unbreakable bond between Sky and River was so beautiful. The love and affection that they have for each other, even when it's put to the test. I can't even imagine how hard it would be to be separated from the person who makes sense of everything for you. The portrayal of Sky's emotions was done so well.

Ben sees me I think. He actually sees me.

I have to make mention of Ben. He is the neighbour of Sky's Grandma, and he is beyond special. He understands Sky when everyone else seems not to. He accepts her difficulty to adjust and her reluctance to lose who she has been for the last fourteen years. He was caring and protective, and I adored him!!

For the most part, this is not a book that is fast paced and full of action. If that's what you need in a book, then you will be sorely disappointed with this one. What it is, is a story of deep and beautifully portrayed emotion and heartbreak. Searching for Sky gave me so much more than I expected. I can guarantee that I will be recommending this book to everyone. I will without doubt be rereading it again and again and I will also be picking up anything and everything that Jillian Cantor has written in the past and everything that she writes from this day forward.

5/5 Emotional and Heartbreaking Stars

Paperback very kindly provided by Bloomsbury Australia for review.

Monday, July 28, 2014

RELEASE DAY LAUNCH - EXCERPT & GIVEAWAY: His Reverie by Monica Murphy

We are so excited to bring you the Release Day Launch for Monica Murphy's HIS REVERIE!! HIS REVERIE is a Young Adult Contemporary Romance you will not want to miss!

iBooks l Kobo l Barnes & Noble l Amazon

ABOUT HIS REVERIE:

I knew from the moment I first saw her she was the one. The only girl I could ever want.

The only girl I could ever love.

She is light.

I am darkness.

She is innocent.

I’ve done too much.

She is good.

I am bad.

She is my every dream.

I should be her every nightmare.

We come from different worlds. She’s…perfect. And I’m…

Not.

Somehow she wants me anyway. So we’ll grasp at what we can. We’re going to make this summer count. She’s my secret. And I’m hers.

The problem with secrets is they never last for long. And when others discover we’re together, they’ll do whatever it takes to keep us apart. All I know is: I won’t let them.

Because Reverie Hale? She’s mine.

HIS REVERIE Excerpt:

“Thirsty?”

I jump at the sound of a soft female voice, my hand jerking so the hose splashes me right in the face. Muttering a curse, I drop the hose and reach out blindly, wrenching the faucet off with one hand as I swipe at my eyes with the back of the other. I hear the girl laugh and I whirl around, fully prepared to find some bratty preteen Hale daughter mocking me.

But she’s not a preteen. Not even close. More like around my age. She’s tall and slender, her long blonde hair falling far past bared tan shoulders. She’s wearing some sort of sundress or whatever you call it and she’s pretty much covered since it hits just above her knees though her arms are exposed since the dress is sleeveless. The sun catches her just right though, shining through the thin fabric of her skirt so I can see through it.

My gaze drops and all I can see is long, long legs through the shadowy fabric. Damn. Those sexy legs are endless. She clears her throat, like she knows exactly where I’m looking and what I’m thinking and I jerk my gaze up guiltily to meet hers, feeling like a jackass.

That’s when I notice her eyes are blue. As blue as the sky above us, and she’s so damn pretty, with delicate features and pink, pink lips, that I can’t seem to form words.

“Who are you?” she asks curiously. Her voice washes over me, sweet and melodic and now it’s my turn to clear my throat to get the lump out so I can freaking speak.

“Who are you?” I ask back like an idiot.

She smiles shyly and my entire body reacts, a bolt of electricity seeming to go through me. “I asked first.”

“Are you Hale’s daughter?” If she is, that sucks because holy hell she’s hot but yeah.

She’s completely untouchable if she’s a Hale.

About Monica Murphy:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Monica Murphy is a native Californian who lives in the foothills below Yosemite. A wife and mother of three, she writes New Adult and contemporary romance for Bantam and Avon. She is the author of One Week Girlfriend and Second Chance Boyfriend.

Website l Twitter l Facebook l Author Goodreads l HIS REVERIE Goodreads l Amazon author page

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, July 27, 2014

RELEASE EVENT & GIVEAWAY: Four Houses by Victoria Scott

A frightened girl.

An empty field.

Four houses.

Which house would you choose?

FOUR HOUSES is a dark short story told in an unusual format that leaves readers wondering how they'd react if found in the same situation as seventeen-year-old Maddy.

Purchase: Amazon l B&N l iTunes

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY #72: Suspicion by Alexandra Monir

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

Mysterious. Magnificent. Creepy. Welcome to Rockford Manor.

"There's something hidden in the Maze." Seventeen-year-old Imogen has never forgotten the last words her father said to her seven years ago, before the blazing fire that consumed him, her mother, and the gardens of her family's English country manor.

Haunted by her parents' deaths, Imogen moves to New York City with her new guardians. But when a letter arrives with the news of her cousin's untimely death, revealing that Imogen is now the only heir left to run the estate, she returns to England and warily accepts her role as duchess.

All is not as it seems at Rockford, and Imogen quickly learns that dark secrets lurk behind the mansion's aristocratic exterior, hinting that the spate of deaths in her family were no accident. And at the center of the mystery is Imogen herself--and Sebastian, the childhood friend she has secretly loved for years. Just what has Imogen walked into?

Combining a fresh twist on the classic REBECCA with a spine-tingling mystery and powerful romance, SUSPICION is an action-packed thrill ride.

Expected publication: December 9th 2014

That opening line of the synopsis grabbed me immediately! I can't wait to read this one!!
What book are you patiently waiting for the release of?

Monday, July 21, 2014

ARC REVIEW: Some Boys by Patty Blount

Some boys go too far. Some boys will break your heart. But one boy can make you whole.

When Grace meets Ian she's afraid. Afraid he'll reject her like the rest of the school, like her own family. After she accuses the town golden boy of rape, everyone turns against Grace. They call her a slut and a liar. But...Ian doesn't. He's funny and kind with secrets of his own.

But how do you trust the best friend of the boy who raped you? How do you believe in love?

A gut-wrenching, powerful love story told from alternating points of view by the acclaimed author of Send.

Expected publication: August 5th 2014

Pre-Order: Amazon l B&N

My Thoughts:

Some girls say no. Some boys don't listen.

I have wanted to read a Patty Blount book for the longest time. I simply love realistic fiction. I love that I can take what I'm reading and compare it with things I know, have seen, or heard. I can relate, even if it's just in some small way. I don't usually read reviews before I read a book, but a blogger that I like posted a non spoilery review and I knew that I had to read Some Boys immediately.

"The worst thing, the very worst thing that can ever, ever happen to a girl happened to me, but I'm still here. And I think it can't ever get worse than that, right? It just can't."

"Only it does. Every damn day it does."

Grace Collier has lived through the worst night of her life. Some Boys opens up thirty two days after the party in the woods that completely blew her world apart. The night that she was raped by the town's golden boy Zac. Zac is king of the school. He speaks and people follow. They do exactly what he wants, when he wants. He has all the girls falling at his feet. Zac doesn't need to force anyone to be with him. The word no is completely foreign to him, because nobody ever says it to him. Until Grace Collier. But who will believe her word over Zac's?

Insults. Shoves and elbows. Whispers and giggles. Comments loud enough to hear. Slut. Liar. Bitch.

Grace is tough and strong and fierce. After the rape, she is subjected to constant taunts and bullying. They follow her everywhere, but she refuses to run and hide. She knows what happened and she vows that everyone else will know too. Even though she is vulnerable, lonely and scared, she just doesn't back down from what she knows is right. Right through the whole book, Grace showed time and again so many amazing qualities. She is a character that was impossible to empathise with.

Grace had a thing for Ian well before that night. Now paired with him during summer break to clean the schools lockers, they will be forced to face a lot more than their feelings for each other. You see, Ian is Zac's best friend. That's where his loyalties lie, because your best friend will always tell you the truth. Right?

After all that's happened to me, after all the times and creative ways I've been hurt, how can one boy get me to believe in fairy tales.

Ian had me twisted in all kinds of knots. I liked him, I loved him, then I wanted to shake him and yell at him. My head and my heart was all over the place. I'm really glad that this was told in dual points of view so that I could get a first hand look at Ian's struggles. I'm not sure that I could have liked him as much otherwise. Through Grace's eyes, we get to see the boy that she likes. The boy that she wants to date. The boy that she puts her trust in. We also see the boy that lets her down on more than one occasion. But, there is another side to that, and that's Ian's side. He really wrestles with where to put his faith, and understanding exactly what the truth is. I really admired him for listening to the little doubts in his head and fighting with himself to understand the real events of that night.

One thing that really disturbed me was the lack of support from the teachers at Grace's school. They continually allowed the constant, vicious, and cruel bullying to go on, right under their noses. Enabling is a form of bullying in itself. I desperately wanted one of them to stand up and put a stop to what Grace was enduring on a daily basis.

The romance between Grace and Ian is second to everything else in the book, but also a constant, because of the amount of time that they spend together. It's really clear that they both like each other, but there is so much holding things back from progressing between them. And because of all that, I felt that it moved with perfect pacing. As things developed it was incredibly believable.

I can only imagine how tough it must be to write a book that contains such a difficult subject matter, because it's hard reading it. But, it's something that needs to be talked about. Rape is something that occurs in our society on a daily basis. Male, female, young, old, how you dress, reputation, drunk, sober... it makes no difference. NO MEANS NO!!!

I'm a real f**king prize. She deserves more than me. She deserves a warrior like her.

4.5/5 Strong Grace Stars.

Saturday, July 19, 2014

REVIEW: The Witches of the Glass Castle by Gabriella Lepore

Sixteen-year-old Mia's life is turned upside down when she uncovers her family secret—that she and her brother Dino are witches.

Seeking refuge in an ancient castle, the siblings begin down a path that will change their lives forever. Suddenly thrust into a world where handsome warriors command the power of nature and peoples thoughts and actions can be manipulated at will, Mia and Dino struggle to navigate their own allegiances and do what they know to be right, even when everything around them seems beyond their control.

My Thoughts:

"Take a look around. These are your brothers and sisters. United as Arcana."

This book came highly recommended to me by a friend over on Instagram who was hosting a read-a-long, so I decided to jump on board and give it a go. I had one of Gabriella Lepore's other books on my Kindle, but hadn't managed to get around to it yet, so I was excited at the opportunity to read something of hers.

Mia and her brother Dino have their world rocked, when out of the blue they learn that they are both witches and are sent to Glass Castle for the summer to develop their abilities. Whilst Mia seems to take it all in stride, Dino struggles with it right from the very first.

Dino was a character that I found a little bit hard to like. He was incredibly harsh at times and I just couldn't understand why. It is revealed to us part way through the book, but I think I could have liked him better if I had known his reasons a bit earlier in. I think his storyline was the one that I enjoyed the most though. He is faced with the toughest of choices and the much darker path, which was the most exciting aspect of the story for me.

I liked Mia, even though there were times that she came across as quite young and vulnerable for her age. I liked her willingness to embrace the changes in her and to take the initiative to learn more and understand it.

And then she saw him. Another form of unspoilt nature, astonishingly beautiful in a way that she had never known before. It was Colt.

The romance between Mia and Colt didn't have me on board from the beginning. Colt is very short and abrupt with Mia and there were definitely no warm and fuzzy moments between them in the beginning. But I think Mia was a bit like me, in that she was intrigued by Colt. I wanted to understand him better I think. He is very cocky and self assured and has no problem telling everyone how great he is. Colt is a hunter and he has no room for love. But occasionally there would be a little moment where I could glimpse that Mia was affecting Colt and he wasn't quite sure how to deal with that. It was those vulnerable moments that kept me wanting to learn more about him. And by the end of the book, I was quite invested in the progression of their feelings for each other.

A moonbeam came through the open window, catching the blade with a deadly glint. And then, Colt struck.

I must confess that I haven't read a whole lot of books based around witches, but I think I would have liked a bit more insight into Mia and Dino's emerging abilities and a bit more of the witchy side of things. Spells and potions and such. But in saying that, it didn't detract from the story because there was always quite a bit going on.

The Witches of the Glass Castle was an enjoyable read that kept me entertained throughout. I'm really glad to hear that there will be a sequel and look forward to seeing how things progress with Dino and Mia's abilities and how Colt deals with this thing called love.

3.5/5 Witchy Stars.

COVER REVEAL: Finding Us (Jade, #6) by Allie Everhart

After the events of last year, Jade and Garret are anxious to get a fresh start in a new town and a new college, far away from the people who tried to tear them apart.

But soon after moving, their relationship problems begin. Jade finds out Garret hasn’t been completely honest with her. And knowing he’s been keeping secrets drives her back to old habits. Garret begins to worry when he sees Jade reverting back to the girl he met last year and yet he continues to hide things from her, thinking it’s for the best.

Jade and Garret thought they’d be safe in a small college town but they start to question their safety when a crime occurs in their neighborhood. And the more they investigate it, the more suspicious it becomes. Was it just a random crime or were they the intended victims?

It’s a turbulent start to their new life together. But this is just the beginning. Plans are in the works behind the scenes and Jade and Garret have no idea what’s in store for them.

Note to Readers - BIG Change for Jade #6!

In this latest installment of The Jade Series, readers will finally hear from Garret! Finding Us is written from both Jade’s point of view and Garret’s point of view.

Allie Everhart writes about dating, love, and romance. She’s also a freelance writer for magazines and websites. Before freelancing, she was a book editor for a publishing company where she worked on several NYT bestselling nonfiction books. She loves to read as much as she loves to write. And when she’s not reading or writing, she’s outside running, which is when she gets her best book ideas.

Website l Facebook l Twitter l Goodreads

The Jade Series

The Jade Series is a New Adult Romance that follows the relationship of Jade and Garret in their first year of college.

In Choosing You, (Jade 1), Jade and Garret meet on Jade’s first night at Moorhurst College and despite their strong attraction to each other, they’re not allowed to date because of the strict rules that control Garret’s life.

In Knowing You, (Jade 2), Garret breaks the family rules and begins dating Jade. Their relationship grows deeper but issues from Jade’s past complicate matters.

In Loving You (Jade 3) shows Jade and Garret growing closer as a couple but also hints at the trouble that lies ahead.

In Promising You (Jade 4), in which a new challenge emerges for Garret that could interfere with the future he wants with Jade.

Originally, book 4 was the end of the series, but fans wanted more of Jade and Garret, so Allie recently published Forever You, an all-new, full-length follow-up book to The Jade Series.

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY #71: My Heart and Other Black Holes by Jasmine Warga

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

Sixteen-year-old physics nerd Aysel is obsessed with plotting her own death. With a mother who seems scared of her, classmates who whisper behind her back, and a father whose violent crime rocked her small town, Aysel’s ready to turn her potential energy into nothingness.

There’s only one problem: she’s not sure she has the courage to do it alone. But once she discovers the website Smooth Passages and its section called Suicide Partners, Aysel’s convinced she’s found her solution. Better yet, a boy with the username FrozenRobot (aka Roman), who’s haunted by a family tragedy, is looking for a partner.

But as their suicide pact starts to become more concrete, Aysel begins to question whether she really wants to go through with it. Ultimately, Aysel must choose between wanting to die or trying to convince Roman to live so they can discover the potential of their energy together. Except that Roman may not be so easy to convince.

This is a gorgeously written and compulsively readable debut novel about the transformative power of love and acceptance.

Expected publication: February 10th 2015

This book sounds so full of darkness but with the possibility of hope. I don't think I've read a book that sounds quite like this one before.

What book are you patiently waiting for the release of?

Monday, July 14, 2014

REVIEW: Poppy by Mary Hooper

England, 1914. Poppy is fifteen, beautiful and clever, but society has already carved out her destiny. There's no question of her attending the grammar school - it's too expensive and unsuitable for a girl. Instead, Poppy will become a servant at the big house. And she'll 'keep out of trouble'. But Poppy's life is about to be thrown dramatically off course. The first reason is love - with someone forbidden, who could never, ever marry a girl like her. The second reason is war. Nothing could have prepared her for that. As she experiences what people are capable of - the best of humanity and the very worst - Poppy will find an unexpected freedom and discover how to be truly her own person.

My Thoughts:

The war dominated everything; it was all anyone ever talked about. People speculated about how long it would last, how many would be dead by the end of it, and what it was costing the nation.

I actually read this book some months ago and for some reason I thought that I had posted a review already. I think that comes with having such a huge reading list. I sometimes confuse myself!! Anyway, I actually read this book on what is Anzac Day here in Australia. I thought that was really appropriate since that's the day where we honour the amazingly brave and dedicated men and woman who have served our country, and this book is based during times of war. I was also really taken in by the cover, and I've not read a lot of historical fiction before, so Poppy had me incredibly excited.

Fifteen year old Poppy works as a chambermaid for a family whose social status is way above that of her family. But when an opportunity presents itself to train as a VAD nurse, Poppy sees it as her chance to do something of greater good, and jumps at the opportunity. Stepping completely outside of her comfort zone will reveal strengths even Poppy didn't realize that she had.

Having not read anything by Mary Hooper previously, I have to say that I was really impressed. Poppy dealt with some rather sensitive issues in relation to war. There was a very large focus on the injuries sustained whilst serving your country. And since Poppy is training as a VAD nurse, we get to see a lot of injured returned serviceman and see the effects that those injuries have on them and their state of mind, as well as the effects that dealing with the wounded has on the nurses. There is also a large emphasis placed on the mental impact that war has on the soldiers.

"Do you know what the Tommies call us VADs?

"No. Do tell!" said Poppy.

"Very Adorable Darlings."

Poppy is a young, sweet and fairly sheltered girl when we first meet her. And I don't think that's the case by the end of the book. I really enjoyed her growth. She becomes so much better educated in the impact of war. Her views evolve through a whole range of changes as she sees first hand the tragedy of war. She's actually an incredibly strong character. Being only fifteen and seeing the things that she does, having hands on care of these victims of war. It really does take someone special to deal with that.

There is a touch of romance throughout the book. Poppy is rather taken with her previous employers son, Freddie, and he seems to be with her as well. His one drawback for me, was that he failed to be able to standup and say what he wanted. He seemed to lack a bit of backbone when it came to Poppy and his family, and so I found myself questioning his intentions at times. However, in saying that, the time that he did spend with Poppy, he was rather sweet and caring.

Despite the seriousness of the subject matter, Poppy was a book that was really easy to became completely engaged in. It was also quite a quick read as well. I'm really excited to see that there will be a sequel, which is set to be published in 2015 titled Poppy in the Field. My first delve into the writing of Mary Hooper, will definitely not be my last!!

Sometimes she felt she couldn't bear another moment of this war.

4/5 Thought Provoking Stars.

Thank you so much to Bloomsbury for providing me with a copy for review.

Sunday, July 13, 2014

STACKING THE SHELVES #19

Stacking The Shelves is a meme hosted by Tynga’s Reviews. It is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

*****

Purchased

I had the opportunity to visit two different used books stores this week. I'm amazed at the number of series that I've been able to collect for $1 and $2 a book.