Book Review: Shredded (Extreme Risk, #1) by Tracy Wolff

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Format: Kindle

Publishers: Flirt

Published: 4th February 2014

Pages: 304

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance

Main Characters: Ophelia, Z
Date Read: 13th June - 17th June 2015

Rating Given:

Synopsis:In this intense and exhilarating New Adult series debut, a hotshot snowboarder and a vulnerable rebel with a cause try to let go of the past—and find a future in each other.
Twenty-one-year-old professional snowboarder Z Michaels is the bad boy of Park City, Utah. He’s always had his pick of any girl in town—and on the competition circuit. But underneath his cool exterior is a young man in turmoil, trying to take the edge off tragedy by overindulging in sex and shredding the slopes. In fact, Z’s reckless behaviour is a thinly veiled attempt to blunt his emotional suffering with physical pain.
Ophelia Richardson isn’t like any girl Z has ever met. Though she’s from New Orleans high society, she’s no Southern belle—and she’s not shy about being miserable in frozen, godforsaken Park City. But laying low is her only option after her ex, a rich boy who couldn’t take no for an answer, nearly killed her in a jealous rage. Following that terrifying encounter, the last thing Ophelia needs is a boyfriend—especially one as rich and arrogant as Z. But Ophelia soon discovers that he isn’t what he seems. If anything, Z may be even more damaged than she is.
Tormented by their pasts and feeling alone in the world, Z and Ophelia find a connection unlike any they’ve ever known. But with Ophelia hiding the details of her life in Louisiana and Z’s death wish reaching terrifying new heights, their relationship seems to be going downhill before it even begins—unless they can find the strength in each other to trust, grow, and love again.

 I received a review copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

What you can see of the guy I would say is a pretty good match to the male character Z which is good however, I do feel like it's a photoshopped body as it just doesn't look real enough for me. I love the use of simplistic colours as it makes the cover pop.

For me this book was a bit hit and miss for me as there was times when I was really enjoying it so much so I didn't want to put it down but then there was a lot of times when I just rolled my eyes at how unbelievable it was. The setting was great with the way in which it was written I was able to visualise the location. I loved the sport side of the story even if there was some terminology that I didn't understand I was still able to read between the lines and picture what was happening. I think what really let me down was I was thinking one thing was going to happen but in the end something else entirely happened which when reading back it didn't feel like it flowed as what the characters where thinking and then what they admitted didn't really match. Sometimes I could feel the chemistry between the two main characters but for the most of the time I just didn't get them as for me it all felt out of character. For me this book was a little too dark for me as the characters hardly seemed happy and yes I get they've both had difficult pasts so they're not going to be happy all the time but it would've helped me get through the book if they where happy at least a little bit more than what they where. The last half of the book was what really pulled the rating down for me as things happened that I felt was unforgivable. I also felt the ending was rushed and then the cliff hanger didn't even have anything to do with the two main characters so for me there was no real ending as in the end I don't believe Z and Ophelia whereas solid as what they make out to be.

Not a huge fan of the two main characters but the secondary characters where a lot more likeable. Ophelia was pretty annoying through out the book but what she did near the end really put me off her character. Z was like two completely different people as in the being he was a jerk and just a train wreck that I just can't stand which is probably why I found it hard to like him. Towards the end he came across as a sweet and caring person but by the end the damage was already done for me. Ash, Luc and Cam where far better than the two main characters so I'm glad they will get their own books but I'm scared that I'll end up hating them if I read their books.

Overall for me the two main characters let this book down so much so that I'm not sure if I can carry on with the series.

Book Review: The Substitute (The Wedding Pact, #1) by Denise Grover Swank

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Format: Kindle 

Publishers: Indie

Published: 21st January 2015

Pages: 350

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy

Main Characters: Megan, Josh
Date Read: 8th June - 13th June 2015

Rating Given:

Synopsis:The first book in a humorous contemporary romance fromNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Denise Grover Swank. Megan Vandemeer meant to tell her parents about her broken engagement, but a month and a half later she finds herself boarding a plane home to her wedding. Having stretched avoidance to its limits, it's time to come clean--a terrifying prospect since her mother is sure to blame her rather than her cheating, emotionally frigid ex. A couple of drinks and two Dramamine later, Megan finds herself spilling her sob story to the tall, dark, and handsome stranger in the seat next to her. With only one week left to save his business, Josh McMillan boards a plane to Kansas City in a last-ditch effort, leaving the details to chance. An unexpected answer is delivered in the form of the beautiful brunette beside him. Though she’s completely loopy, her honesty, openness, and humor charm him. So when she passes out before landing, he helps her off the plane--a good deed that leads to a colossal misunderstanding. Her parents assume he’s her fiancé. In a twist of fate, the mix-up might help Josh save his business, so he plays along, figuring he can help Megan too. All he has to do is stage a public break up convincing enough to appease her mother. Josh is only supposed to be a substitute groom, but the more time he and Megan spend together, the more their pretend engagement starts to feel real…and the less they want to break it off. Can a relationship that began as a farce turn into happily ever after?

I had wanted this book as soon as it came out as there was just something about that blurb that drew me in and I wasn't disappointed...

I love this cover its cute and it also is in keeping with the story which I love. I love the softness of the cover as it gives it a romantic feel to it. For the first time it actually wasn't the cover that drew me to this book but being a beautiful cover did help.

From the very first page I was in love with book and it didn't stop there the whole book was a breath of fresh air. I haven't read many books that are romcoms but after seeing what this one had to offer I know I will read more from that genre. It was such a light hearted, fun and romantic book that was a refreshing change from all the angst ridden books that I have read recently. The Substitute's setting was set over a few days so I was a little surprised with how much I didn't care about the insta-love because of the way it was written I was able to get swept away with the whole story. The chemistry between Megan and Josh was undeniable they sizzled but they also had a great banter going on as well. As well as the romance there was some family issues in their but with all the humour it didn't feel like it dragged the book down as I was literally laughing out loud in every chapter. I do think that maybe the ending was a little rushed but I was able to forgive it as I loved everything else about the book plus I do hope that we get a bit more from this couple in the next two books just to see how they are getting on.

I pretty much loved every single character in this book except a couple. Megan was a great female character even though she did came across as a bit of a push over I was able to forgive this once we actually met her mother. I loved Josh from the very beginning because even though he was hiding a lot of things he still came across as a sweet guy and very romantic. My favourite character in this book and maybe out of all the books I've read has to be Megan's Grandmother as she was hilarious every page that she was on she stole the page especially one particular scene where she is doing yoga in the nude when Josh walks in on her it was the funniest thing I have ever read.

Overall this was the funniest and most sweetest book I have read ever! I have now read a few of Denise Grover Swank's books and this one has to be my favourite and I can't wait to continue with this series, I just hope it's as good as this one.

Waiting on Wednesday - Never Never by Brianna Shrum

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

Here's this week's book I can't wait for...

Never Never by Brianna R. Shrum

Expected Publication: 22nd September 2015

Synopsis:James Hook is a child who only wants to grow up.
When he meets Peter Pan, a boy who loves to pretend and is intent on never becoming a man, James decides he could try being a child—at least briefly. James joins Peter Pan on a holiday to Neverland, a place of adventure created by children’s dreams, but Neverland is not for the faint of heart. Soon James finds himself longing for home, determined that he is destined to be a man. But Peter refuses to take him back, leaving James trapped in a world just beyond the one he loves. A world where children are to never grow up.
But grow up he does. 
And thus begins the epic adventure of a Lost Boy and a Pirate.
This story isn’t about Peter Pan; it’s about the boy whose life he stole. It’s about a man in a world that hates men. It’s about the feared Captain James Hook and his passionate quest to kill the Pan, an impossible feat in a magical land where everyone loves Peter Pan.
Except one.

This sounds really good plus I haven't read many of retellings about Hook so I'm really excited about this one.




What are you waiting on? 

Book Review: Love Story by Jennifer Echols

 

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Format: Paperback

Publishers: MTV Books

Published: 19th July 2011

Pages: 243

Genre: YA, Contemporary Romance, 

Main Characters: Erin, Hunter
Date Read: 2nd June - 11th June 2015

Rating Given:

Synopsis:She's writing about him. He's writing about her. And everybody is reading between the lines.. 
For Erin Blackwell, majoring in creative writing at the New York City college of her dreams is more than a chance to fulfill her ambitions--it's her ticket away from the tragic memories that shadow her family's racehorse farm in Kentucky. But when she refuses to major in business and take over the farm herself someday, her grandmother gives Erin's college tuition and promised inheritance to their maddeningly handsome stable boy, Hunter Allen. Now Erin has to win an internship and work late nights at a coffee shop to make her own dreams a reality. She should despise Hunter . . . so why does he sneak into her thoughts as the hero of her latest writing assignment?
Then, on the day she's sharing that assignment with her class, Hunter walks in. He's joining her class. And after he reads about himself in her story, her private fantasies about him must be painfully clear. She only hopes to persuade him not to reveal her secret to everyone else. But Hunter devises his own creative revenge, writing sexy stories that drive the whole class wild with curiosity and fill Erin's heart with longing. Now she's not just imagining what might have been. She's writing a whole new ending for her romance with Hunter. . . . except this story could come true.

I have had this book sat on my shelf for quite some time now and I have only now gotten to it but now I'm wishing I left it a little bit longer...

This is such a sweet cover that I would have liked but because I don't feel it matches the overall story being told.

I had high hopes for Love Story as I had previously read Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols and adored it but Love Story for me was a bit of a let down. It was so hard to get into this book as it was hard to have any empathy for either of the characters. There was so much hypocrisy in Love Story I found myself rolling my eyes though out. There was a couple of moments when I thought it was going to pick up in the middle of the book but in the end it just fell flat. The romance side of the story was unbelievable as there was no real spark between the main characters plus for most of the book they couldn't stand one another and then all of a sudden they where in love. As for the ending it was far too rushed with no real answers plus I didn't believe in that ending.

I don't think there was one character that I really warmed to and the one that I liked the most wasn't even in it that much. Erin started off ok but as soon as Hunter came on the scene she started to get more and more annoying. Erin came across as a spoilt rich kid even though she was cut off, she was also very selfish as long as she got what she wanted it didn't matter about anyone else. Hunter was also a character that I didn't like as he was such a jerk we did get a better understanding of why he acted the way he did in the end but I just couldn't forgive him in the end.

Overall this book just wasn't for me but that isn't going to stop me from reading more books from Jennifer Echols as I know that she has great books waiting for me to read if Going Too Far is anything to go by.

Book Review: Personal Assets (Texas Nights, #1) by Kelsey Browning

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Format: Kindle

Publishers: Carina Press

Published: 26th August 2013

Pages: 230

Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, 

Main Characters: Allie, Cameron,   
Date Read: 2nd June - 8th June 2015

Rating Given:

Synopsis:Sex therapist Allie Shelby has the professional credentials, but she could use a bit more practical experience. Finding the right man to bring out her inner bad girl is tough in a population-challenged Texas town. So when sinfully sexy Cameron Wright rolls back into Shelbyville, Allie wastes no time inviting him to join her in some hands-on research.
Cameron has come home to fulfill his dream of restoring classic cars. Back in high school, he knew the town princess, Allie Shelby, was way out of his league. Today he has even less in common with Allie, so he's shocked as hell when she propositions him. Still, he's only human, so he accepts her offer—and with each encounter, she shows him another, wilder side. Before long, he's thinking about more than just sex.
But while her personal life heats up, Allie's business is about to crash and burn. And she has to convince Cameron that she's one princess who's not looking for a prince to ride to her rescue.

 I received a review copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I kind of like this cover as it does look like it could have been taken from a scene out of the book apart from the models who I just don't see as Allie and Cameron. I love the colours as it makes the cover look bright and I especially love the composition of the title as it makes a change from the usual horizontal title.

I thought I would have a look at some of the books I had on netgalley for a while and thought I would give this one I try, I have no idea why it took me so long to get to it as this was my kind of read: Romance, hot, sweet and funny all thrown into one book. I pretty much enjoyed this book from the moment I started it and it had me laughing out loud through out as I don't read enough of those kind of books. Personal Assets was different to any other book that I have read which I felt was a refreshing change. I loved the chemistry between Allie and Cameron as it sizzled of the page but they also had great banter. There was times when they annoyed me especially Cameron as one minute he didn't seem to like her then all of a sudden he couldn't get enough of her. I also loved the secondary romance in this book as it was so sweet and it showed that you can still find love when your older. I liked the ending but for me it was a little too rushed but apart from that it was a cute ending.

I loved pretty much all the characters apart from a couple that wasn't nice at all. Allie was a great character she was fun, strong and independent which is always nice to see. Cameron is another great character even if he was a little bit too grumpy to begin with he soon came around. I loved seeing Cameron's brother Jamie and Allie's friend Roxanne they where great additions to the story and I'm so pleased that they are getting their own book which is next! I also loved Cameron and Jaime's mum Emmalee she was so sweet and I felt she really grew as her own person throughout the story.

Overall, what a great start to Texas Nights and I for one can't wait to read more from Kelsey Browning.

Book Review: A Secret to Keep by Railyn Stone

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Format: Kindle

Publishers: 5 Prince Publishing

Published: 4th June 2015

Pages: 334

Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, 

Main Characters: Sloane, Gates 
Date Read: 24th May - 30th May 2015

Rating Given:

Synopsis:Keeping secrets is a horrible way to live. Sloane Davis should know. She's kept her son a secret from his father for almost a year. 
Now, her worst nightmare is coming true. Her ex is re-entering her professional life in the midst of the biggest project of her career. She's about to come face to face with the only man she's ever loved - her son's father. 
Gates McCall is a brash man. He hasn't always been this way, but when Sloane walked out on him, something inside him broke. When his company's newest acquisition brings the two of them together once more, little does he know seeing her will bring back a flood of memories, feelings, and an unexpected surprise.

I received a review copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I adore this cover, everything about it has me drawn to the book I just wish the story lived up to the cover. It's so cute with the parent and child holding hands it looks so sweet but what really drew me in is the stunning colours as well as the location.

In the beginning I wasn't a fan yet there was something that had me hooked and I really don't know why because for me the story was a huge let down. When I read the blurb on netgalley I thought it sounded intriguing but when I read more and more I found the secret to be rather vile in her circumstances as if she had kept the baby a secret and the father was a horrible and/or a dangerous person then yes I could understand keeping the baby a secret but no the father seemed an ok person yes he worked a lot and his father wasn't nice it doesn't mean he would be the same she should have given him the chance to be a father. There wasn't much happening in most of this book it was all about the secret which I felt it dragged for a bit longer than necessary. There was some moments in the book when I thought it was cute and I could see the chemistry between the main characters but in the end I found her secret to be unforgivable yet he seemed to get over this a bit too quickly. The ending was quite cute but in the end this book just wasn't for me.

I really liked some of the secondary characters but the two main characters weren't all that. Sloane was one of my least favourite characters as she was selfish, a hypocrite and a huge liar. I just couldn't warm up to her character and I definitely couldn't forgive her transgressions. I wasn't too sure about Gates through out all of this book because he could be quite mean yes he had every right to be angry but some of the things he did I almost ALMOST felt sorry for Sloane but there was some chapters that he seemed so nice that I felt sorry for him, I think it helped that it was told from alternating points of view to get a better understanding of Gates. I loved both Gates and Sloanes friends and family as they where there for them and told them when they where being stupid.

Overall there was moments that I thought I was going to enjoy it but for the most part I could not get over the whole secrecy.

Waiting on Wednesday - Lock & Mori by Heather W. Petty

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

Here's this week's book I can't wait for...

Lock & Mori (Lock & Mori, #1) by Heather W. Petty

Expected Publication: 15th September 2015

Synopsis:In modern-day London, two brilliant high school students, one Sherlock Holmes and a Miss James "Mori" Moriarty, meet. A murder will bring them together. The truth very well might drive them apart.
Before they were mortal enemies, they were much more.
FACT: Someone has been murdered in London's Regent's Park. The police have no leads.
FACT: Miss James "Mori"Moriarty and Sherlock "Lock" Holmes should be hitting the books on a school night. Instead, they are out crashing a crime scene.
FACT: Lock has challenged Mori to solve the case before he does. Challenge accepted.
FACT: Despite agreeing to Lock's one rule--they must share every clue with each other--Mori is keeping secrets.
OBSERVATION: Sometimes you can't trust the people closest to you with matters of the heart. And after this case, Mori may never trust Lock again.

I only found out about this book yesterday whilst looking for new W.O.W books I stubbled across it and after reading that blurb I am so excited for a different take on Sherlock Holmes.



What are you waiting on?

Book Review: Redesigned (Off the Subject, #2) by Denise Grover Swank

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Format: Kindle

Publishers: Indie 

Published: 10th June 2013

Pages: 295

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance, 

Main Characters: Caroline, Reed  
Date Read: 20th May - 24th May 2015

Rating Given:

Synopsis:
While fashion design major Caroline Hunter may have been born economically unlucky, in college, she’s been lucky in love. Until her senior year at Southern University. She’s gone from a serious long term boyfriend to a string of crappy dates.
Then she meets mathematics grad student Reed Pendergraft.
Reed is everything she’s not looking for. Serious. Headed for a low paying university job. Boring. Caroline spent the first eighteen years of her life wondering where her next meal was coming from. She sure wasn’t getting trapped in that life again with a man living on a professor’s salary.
An encounter with Reed in a club proves she might have pegged him wrong. He brings out a lusty side she never knew she had. But just when she’s about to give in to her hormones, Reed makes a fool out of her. 
When she shows up for the first committee meeting for Southern University’s Fall fashion show, a fundraiser for underprivileged kids, Caroline’s horrified to discover the insufferable Reed is the committee chairman. While she refuses to tolerate his totalitarian rule of the committee, she’s not sure she’ll survive the month with her heart—and her pride—intact. Just when she thinks she has everything figured out, she finds that her entire life has been redesigned, thanks to Reed Pendergraft.

After reading the first book in the Off the Subject series I just had to get the next one and I'm glad I did as I thorouly enjoyed it although not as much as the first one.

I really don't like this cover as it just doesn't quite sit right with me I don't know what it is that I don't like about I just don't. I do like that it has a similar feel to the cover as the first and second one so that it ties in with the series. I am pleased that there is new covers for this series and they are so much better than this one.

When I first started this book I wasn't too sure I was going to like it as it started off a bit too shallow for my liking it wasn't until things became clear as of why Caroline was the way she was that I was able to forgive the shallowness. Everything else I liked about this book especially when Caroline let her guard down and the romance was sweet as well as hot I loved Caroline and Reed together as they brought out the best in each other. I loved that it wasn't just about romance but also family and the struggles and hardships that families go through it made it a little deep which was much needed. The ending was a great wrap up to the story and has made me excited for the last book.

I liked most of the characters with only one character that I took awhile to warm up to. Caroline was my least favourite character in this book as like I said earlier in the review she was far too shallow for my liking I mean who only dates rich guys even if they don't like them that just annoyed me. I did start to understand where she was coming from but it was the softer side that made me warm to her. I loved Reed he was such a sweet guy which I'm surprised I liked as much as I did as I usually prefer the reformed bad guys but that wasn't Reed he was a nice geeky guy that would do anything for anyone. I loved that we got to see more from Scarlett and Tucker. I really liked Lexi and I'm glad hers is the last book as I would like to find out more about her.

Overall I really enjoyed this book just not as much as the first book After Math.

Book Review: World After (Penryn & the End of Days, #2) by Susan Ee

May contain spoilers from the first book

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Buy: Amazon UK | Amazon US | Book Depository

Format: Paperback 

Publishers: Hodder & Stoughton

Published: 21st November 2013

Pages: 314

Genre: YA, Urban Fantasy, Dystopia

Main Characters: Penryn
Date Read: 3rd May - 23rd May 2015

Rating Given:

Synopsis:In this sequel to the bestselling fantasy thriller, Angelfall, the survivors of the angel apocalypse begin to scrape back together what's left of the modern world.
When a group of people capture Penryn's sister Paige, thinking she's a monster, the situation ends in a massacre. Paige disappears. Humans are terrified. Mom is heartbroken.
Penryn drives through the streets of San Francisco looking for Paige. Why are the streets so empty? Where is everybody? Her search leads her into the heart of the angels' secret plans where she catches a glimpse of their motivations, and learns the horrifying extent to which the angels are willing to go.
Meanwhile, Raffe hunts for his wings. Without them, he can't rejoin the angels, can't take his rightful place as one of their leaders. When faced with recapturing his wings or helping Penryn survive, which will he choose?

I was sent a review copy by the publishers in exchange for an honest review.

I love this cover just as much as the first book and I especially love that it ties in with the first book but with different wings. I liked that they have used different wings as these remind of the wings that Raffe has. I love the overall effect of this book as it makes it stand out even when there is not much on the cover.

After finishing the first book Angelfall I couldn't wait to continue on in the series however for me this second book disappointed me. I couldn't get into it like I did the first book and even though there was a lot going on it still didn't capture my interest. It took me ages to get through World After as I just didn't feel as though I wanted to continue on with it but I'm glad I did because the last half of the book started to grab me just like Angelfall did. The last half of the book just seemed to come together nicely with twists and turns that I didn't see coming the action in this half of the book had me on tenter-hooks. There was even a little more romance than there was in the first book which I loved. Once I had finished the book I got very excited to see how this series is going to end and I can't wait to get my hands on End of Days if its anything like Angelfall and the end of World After it's going to be epic!

I didn't have the same feelings towards the characters in this book although there was a few that I still loved. Raffe wasn't in most of the book but what little we did see I loved as I feel like we got a better understanding of why he is the way he is. Penryn showed a different side to her that I hadn't seen before and I didn't like it but apart from that she was her kick ass self. I seemed to warm a little more towards Penryn's mother as she seemed more sympathetic towards Paige which surprised me especially when she called Penryn out for her behaviour towards her sister. We got to see a little more of Paige in this book which was nice to see although I felt so sorry for what was done to her.

Overall the first half didn't do anything for me but I'm glad I kept with it as by the end I started to fall in love with the series again.