Waiting on Wednesday - Beautiful Oblivion by Jamie McGuire

"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...

Beautiful Oblivion (Maddox Brothers, #1) by Jamie McGuire

Expected Publication - 1st July 2014

Synopsis:
The Beautiful Disaster and Walking Disaster phenomenon continues in the first heart-pounding new adult romance in The Maddox Brothers series.
Fiercely independent Camille "Cami" Camlin gladly moved on from her childhood before it was over. She has held down a job since before she could drive, and moved into her own apartment after her freshman year of college. Now tending bar at The Red Door, Cami doesn’t have time for much else besides work and classes, until a trip to see her boyfriend is cancelled, leaving her with a first weekend off in almost a year.
Trenton Maddox was the king of Eastern State University, dating co-eds before he even graduated high school. His friends wanted to be him, and women wanted to tame him, but after a tragic accident turned his world upside down, Trenton leaves campus to come to grips with the crushing guilt. 
Eighteen months later, Trenton is living at home with his widower father, and works full-time at a local tattoo parlor to help with the bills. Just when he thinks his life is returning to normal, he notices Cami sitting alone at a table at The Red. 
As the baby sister of four rowdy brothers, Cami believes she’ll have no problem keeping her new friendship with Trenton Maddox strictly platonic. But when a Maddox boy falls in love, he loves forever—even if she is the only reason their already broken family could fall apart.
In the first installment of the Maddox Brothers books, readers can experience the rush of reading Beautiful Disaster for the first time, all over again.

I have only just jumped on the Beautiful Disaster and Walking Disaster bandwagon and I am now eager for more. I loved Trent in Walking Disaster so I am even more excited as his is the first Maddox brother!

What are you waiting on?

Book Review: Out of Control by Sarah Alderson

(Click image to take you to Goodreads)

Format: PDF (earc)

Publishers: Simon & Schuster UK

Published: 22nd May 2014

Pages: 320

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary Romance, Thriller

Main Characters: Liva, Jay

Date Read: 18th April - 26th April 2014

Rating Given:

Synopsis:When 17 year old Liva witnesses a brutal murder she’s taken into police custody for her own protection. But when the police station is attacked and bullets start flying it becomes clear that Liva is not just a witness, she’s a target.
Together with a car thief called Jay, Liva manages to escape the massacre but now the two of them are alone in New York, trying to outrun and outwit two killers who will stop at nothing to find them.
When you live on the edge, there’s a long way to fall.

He is blown instantly backwards, the force of the bullet throwing him several feet across the room. Gunfire detonates all around. But I don’t notice. I’m just staring at the body of the cop, lying on the floor not fifteen feet from me, his face no longer recognisable as a face, just a crater foaming with red, with shards of white poking out of it.

Out of Control was my Waiting on Wednesday post a couple of weeks back and when Sarah Alderson had noticed she kindly offered me a copy as a thank you, which I am so grateful for as it was a great book.

I love this cover and was the second thing that drew me into the want of having this book. It looks different to any book cover that I have seen before with its vivid colours and different style of font. I feel like it is one of the most eye catching covers that I have seen in awhile.

As soon as I started this book I was hooked as I haven't read anything like it before and there was a lot of action happening but it wasn't too over powering. I loved that I never knew what was going to happen next which sure kept me guessing throughout the book with some shockers that I was not expecting. The added romance to this book that I wasn't actually expecting but I am glad of it as I do love romance in the books I read. With Out of Control being set within a day or two it was surprising how believable the romance was as in some books it feels rushed but not in this case as it was more of a grower. I would have liked a bit more in the romance department as I didn't feel like there was much closure for them. I think this is because the ending didn't feel like 'The End' as for me there seemed to be a couple of unanswered questions which is why I couldn't give it the full 5 out of 5 that I was going to give it until the end.

‘Why are you here?’ I ask, still reeling from shock but trying not to show it. Seeing him again has sent my pulse rate rocketing, even as my stomach folds over on itself. It’s not just the surprise of seeing him, it’s the fact that I wanted to be mad at him, expecting to be, but I find I'm not. I’m relieved. So relieved I could cry.

I loved all the characters even though I wasn't quite sure who Liva could trust. I didn't think I was going to like Liva as at the beginning she seemed a bit annoying as she seemed to be one of those weak characters that no one likes but this wasn't the case and after everything she went through anyone would understand the way she was at the beginning. She was really smart and knew how to hold her own which really surprised me but in a good way. Jay was great and like Liva I had a different idea of who he was at the beginning where he came of as a bad boy he was actually just misunderstood and he had me laughing out load at times too. There was a couple of other secondary characters that I liked mainly Yoyo he was great especially the dance scene.

Overall this book was great and if it wasn't for the ending it would have been amazing.

My mind chugs desperately, trying to piece together all the events of the last thirty or so hours, probing to see where the fear has gone. I come up empty. There’s no more fear. Gently it tests to see what else I'm feeling. Am I still numb? No. There’s an unrelenting pain in my chest, like a bullet has tracked a path right through me, and lodged in my heart. There’s hurt and grief and guilt and regret thrown into the mix too. 

Book Review: Recklessly Royal (Suddenly, #2) by Nichole Chase

(Click image to take you to Goodreads)

Format: Paperback

Publishers: Avon Books

Published: 25th March 2014

Pages: 384

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance

Main Characters: Cathy, David

Date Read: 18th April - 23rd April 2014

Rating Given:

Synopsis:Catherine has spent her life being the perfect princess. She’s kept her hands clean, her head down, and most importantly—men at arm’s length. After all, most men are after only one thing, and for Cathy there’s a lot more at stake than her bed; she has to worry about the fate of an entire nation. But at the rate she’s going, Cathy is afraid she’ll give the Virgin Queen a run for her money. She is tired of waiting for someone good enough to come along. She has a plan, and it all hinges on seducing the one man who seems utterly unimpressed by all things royal. The one man she is tempted by more than any other . . . 
When David arrives at the royal wedding of his friend, the newly ordained Duchess Samantha Rousseau, he expected to feel uncomfortable and out of his element, but he wasn’t prepared to be targeted by Prince Alex’s gorgeous younger sister. With Cathy’s giant blue eyes, killer figure, and sense of humor, it won’t take long before he gives in. But when he finds out just how innocent the crown princess really is, will he play the part of knight in shining armor or the dashing rogue?

"But if we date-even just one date to the movies, or a quick lunch in a hospital cafeteria, you're going to become tabloid fodder. Strangers meet and decide to date all the time. People have one-night stands all the time. Couples break up all the time. But with me? Or anyone in my family? All of that makes front-page news.” 

After reading and loving Suddenly Royal I couldn't wait to read the next one in the series Recklessly Royal, although I was scared that I wasn't going to enjoy it as much but I did love it and only a smidgen less than Suddenly Royal.

I have the same feelings with this cover as I did with Suddenly Royal that I wasn't a huge fan until I actually read the book so now when I see the cover it makes me smile as I know the scene in which it was referencing. I love the colours that have been used especially the pale blue it looks beautiful in the background.

As soon as I started this book I knew I was going to fall in love with it especially as we got t see a little more of Sam and Alex. Like Suddenly Royal this book had me laughing out loud especially one of the scenes involving the bachelorette party it was so funny. There was also some sad moments that nearly had me in tears but when it comes to these books I don't care if they make me cry it just shows me how talented the author is when they can get me so involved into a book. I loved the way in which the romance grew even though they had instant chemistry it was nice to see where it went during the book. They had great banter with one another as well as some sweet and tender moments that made me feel like they where destined to be together. As well as romance there was also the love of family and friends which was so sweet to see. I loved the ending but the epilogue I adored but am not going to spoil anything by telling you what happened just that it had me smiling like an idiot!

“I stared down into his handsome face while my mouth gaped like a fish. Oh my good God. No wonder I had thought he was a stripper. I had asked him to take his clothes off. If I had been alone I would have beat my head against the wall. An image of Sam stopping his hands fluttered through my mind and my cheeks heated. I really had told him to take his clothes off.” 

With most of the characters being in the first book I was able to get an instant liking to them and the more we got to know about each of them the more I thought they where great characters. Cathy was such a sweetheart as she was so selfless even when she should have been selfish but I did love the way in which she grew into herself. I loved David from the moment we met him in Suddenly Royal and that love only grew when we got to see even more of his caring side as well as his mischievous side, the only thing was I preferred Alex over David. We got to see a lot of Max in this book which has got me very excited for his book as I loved him he was so funny, protecting and even sweet, I think Alex might have a run for his money in favourite ever male lead!

Overall the second book in the Suddenly series is amazing just not as much as Suddenly Royal but I think that had more to do with missing Alex!

“There was something special about the way his eyes met mine, the way his hands felt on my skin. It hit me like a ton of bricks when I realized that it was because he saw me, the woman, not the princess. I never thought that would happen, and the feeling was intoxicating.” 

Waiting on Wednesday - Black Ice by Becca Fitzpatrick

"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...

Black Ice by Becca Fitzpatrick

Expected Publication - 7th October 2014

Synopsis
Sometimes danger is hard to see... until it’s too late. 
Britt Pfeiffer has trained to backpack the Teton Range, but she isn't prepared when her ex-boyfriend, who still haunts her every thought, wants to join her. Before Britt can explore her feelings for Calvin, an unexpected blizzard forces her to seek shelter in a remote cabin, accepting the hospitality of its two very handsome occupants—but these men are fugitives, and they take her hostage. 
In exchange for her life, Britt agrees to guide the men off the mountain. As they set off, Britt knows she must stay alive long enough for Calvin to find her. The task is made even more complicated when Britt finds chilling evidence of a series of murders that have taken place there... and in uncovering this, she may become the killer’s next target. 
But nothing is as it seems in the mountains, and everyone is keeping secrets, including Mason, one of her kidnappers. His kindness is confusing Britt. Is he an enemy? Or an ally? 
BLACK ICE is New York Times bestselling author Becca Fitzpatrick’s riveting romantic thriller set against the treacherous backdrop of the mountains of Wyoming. Falling in love should never be this dangerous…

I never knew there was a new book from Becca Fitzpatrick until a couple of weeks ago when I saw it in someone else's WOW, but now I know about it the more excited about it I get!

What are you waiting on this week?

Book Review: Suddenly Royal (Suddenly, #1) by Nichole Chase

(Click image to take you to Goodreads)

Format: Kindle

Publishers: Avon Books

Published: 26th November 2013

Pages: 400

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance

Main Characters: Samantha, Alex

Date Read: 29th January - 31st January 2014

Rating Given:

Blurb:

Samantha Rousseau is used to getting her hands dirty. Working toward a master’s degree in wildlife biology while helping take care of her sick father, she has no time for celebrity gossip, designer clothes, or lazy vacations. So when a duchess from the small country of Lilaria invites her to dinner, Samantha assumes it’s to discuss a donation for the program. The truth will change the course of her life in ways she never dreamed.

Alex D’Lynsal is trying to keep his name clean. As crown prince of Lilaria, he’s had his share of scandalous headlines, but the latest pictures have sent him packing to America and forced him to swear off women—especially women in the public eye. That is, until he meets Samantha Rousseau. She’s stubborn, feisty, and incredibly sexy. Not to mention heiress to an estate in his country, which makes her everyone’s front-page news.

While Sam tries to navigate the new world of politics and wealth, she will also have to dodge her growing feelings for Alex. Giving in to them means more than just falling in love; it would mean accepting the weight of an entire country on her shoulders.

“Are they donating money to the programme?"

"No." I let that rattle around their heads for a minute. "Apparently I'm royalty." You could've heard a pin drop because I was pretty sure they had both stopped breathing. "Go figure, right?”

I had seen this around on Goodreads and I thought it sounded like something I might like so I brought it of Amazon as it was really cheap and I am so glad I did as I thought it was an amazing book.

 The cover didn't really grab me at first as I felt it was a bit simple but when I read the book the cover reminded me of a scene so naturally I felt different about the cover and it makes me smile thinking about that scene.

I can not begin to describe how much I adored this book and it definitely moves to the top of my favourite ever books which I think is going to be hard for any other book to overtake this one that's for sure. From the very beginning I was captivated by the world that Nichole Chase created and I was also captivated by the characters. Other books have made me laugh but nowhere near like how I was laughing in this book as it had me in stitches. As well as being a very funny book it was also a sad book and I was in floods of tears it was so moving and very beautifully written. The attraction between Alex and Samantha was great to see develop and from the moment they shared the same pages I wanted no I needed them to be together as they had great chemistry but what was nice to see was they had a great friendship. I loved the ending as it was so beautiful and again had me in tears but for happiness this time but also this is a part of a series so I have a feeling we will get to see more of Alex and Samantha.

“Alex landed on my carefully laid trap. "Pay up Prince Yummy." The nickname burst out of my mouth as I mentally screamed in slow motion, trying to stop my lips from uttering the words.”

Every character in this book I loved they where all brilliantly written I could imagine them very clearly. Samantha has to be one of my favourite female characters ever as she was funny, strong and independent who would do anything for the people she loved even if that meant she would be hurting herself. When she found out about her Royal background I felt she handled it really well and with a lot of dignity especially the way the media treated her. As for Alex (or as it was said many times Prince Yummy) I loved him from the very first moment we met him he was charming, funny and fiercely protective for me he could do no wrong especially in his very sweet moments that had me swooning. I'm not going to mention all the characters as we could be here all day as I loved everything about them all but I will say is watch out for Chadwick he is hilarious.

Overall this is an amazing book that enchanted me from the very beginning until the very end and I already can't wait to read it again!!

“You're not just anything." His voice rose a little and he snapped his mouth shut for a minute. He pulled out of the parking lot and headed toward the city. "Y're not just anything. Even 'just Sam' is something special.”

Showcase Sunday #81

Showcase Sunday is a weekly Meme that I am taking part of. This weekly meme is hosted by Vicky over at Book, Biscuits and Tea.

Click images to take you to Goodreads.

Physical Books

  

I received these three books for Easter from my lovely Mum. I have read Suddenly Royal on my kindle a couple of months ago but I wanted a copy for my book shelves. Looking forward to reading the other two books although I can't remember what happened in the Dark Divine books before this one.

Free Kindle Books

 

I still need to read the book before Fire into the Darkness but with this one being free I just had to get it. I must admit the only reason why I got Freaking Freak (apart from being free) was the stunning cover!

Review Kindle Books

  

  

All but one of these books was from Netgalley. Out of Control was a review copy from the lovely author Sarah Alderson who after seeing my Waiting on Wednesday post asked me if I wanted a copy and I of course jumped at the chance.

Thanks to...

Mum

Netgalley

Sarah Alderson

What did you get this week?

Book Review: Walking Disaster (Beautiful, #2) by Jamie McGuire

Format: Paperback

Publishers: Simon & Schuster UK

Published: 16th April 2013

Pages: 432

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance

Main Characters: Travis, Abby

Date Read: 9th April - 13th April 2014

Rating Given:

Blurb:
How much is too much to love?
Travis Maddox learned two things from his mother before she died: Love hard. Fight harder.
In Walking Disaster, the life of Travis is full of fast women, underground gambling, and violence. Just when he thought he was invincible, Abby Abernathy brings him to his knees.
Every story has two sides. In Jamie McGuire's New York Times bestseller Beautiful Disaster Abby had her say. Now it's time to see the story through Travis's eyes.

“One of these days you're going to fall in love, son. Don't settle for just anyone. Choose the girl that doesn't come easy; the one you have to fight for, and then never stop fighting. Never” 

I bought Walking Disaster back when it was released over here in the UK without reading the first one and without reading the blurb. When I found out it was the same as Beautiful Disaster but from Travis's POV I was put of reading it, however as soon as I read Beautiful Disaster I knew it wouldn't take me long to pick up Walking Disaster and on the plus side I loved it maybe even more than Beautiful Disaster.

I'm not a huge fan of this cover and the only reason is because I much prefer the American version so for me this one is a bit of a let down. I do like that it's in keeping with the first book though.

As soon as I started to read Walking Disaster I knew that I was going to love it as it was the same as Beautiful Disaster yet different at the same time. I loved that we got to see some of the same scenes from Beautiful Disaster but in Travis's POV as I felt we understood more about what on earth he was thinking about and even better we find out why Travis calls Abby Pigeon. There was also some great new scenes that we didn't get in BD but I did know when some of my favourite scenes in BD was missing which is the only thing I can think of from being perfect. I felt more involved in this book this time around and I think that has to do with the fact the build up of the story was in BD. What I loved the most was that we got to see a different ending in WD by going further into the future which I am always a fan of books that do that.

“A toast” I yelled, climbing onto a chair. On my way to the top, I stole someone’s beer and held it out in front of me. “To douche bags!” I said gesturing to Brad. “And to girls that break your heart.” I bowed to Abby. My throat tightened. “And to the absolute fucking horror of losing your best friend because you were stupid enough to fall in love with her. ” 

I thought I would have the same views on the characters as BD but surprisingly I never. The only character that I had similar feeling as BD was Travis but even he was so much better this time around which is most likely because we knew how he was feeling and he seemed so much sweeter because of it. Abby went down in my estimations in this book but  I guess that has more to do with knowing how she kept hurting Travis. I thought I would like Shepley more this tim around but if anything he got on my nerves even more as to me he felt a bit too selfish. I loved that we got to see more of Travis's brothers especially Trent they where great and has me very excited for their own books.

Overall this book is one of my new favourites even more than Beautiful Disaster which I didn't think was possible.

“I took a deep breath, and shut the bedroom door behind me. Even though we'd put each other through hell, we'd found heaven. Maybe that was more than a couple of sinners deserved, but I wasn't going to complain.”