Saturday, October 31, 2015

Stacking the Shelves (167)

Stacking the Shelves is a meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews where bloggers share what books they got throughout the week!

From Barnes and Noble 
The ebook for this one was on sale for only $1 and I could not pass up the deal! I normally don't buy ebooks, but I have been dying to read Pucked ever since finishing The Deal by Elle Kennedy. I just need more hockey players in my life! 


That's it for me! What did you all add to your shelves this week? 

Friday, October 30, 2015

Book Review: Last Hit by Jessica Clare and Jen Frederick

Last Hit (Hitman #1)
By Jessica Clare and Jen Frederick
Release Date: November 30, 2013
Source: Publisher
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
Nikolai 

I have been a contract killer since I was a boy. For years I savored the fear caused by my name, the trembling at the sight of my tattoos. The stars on my knees, the marks on my fingers, the dagger in my neck, all bespoke of danger. If you saw my eyes, it was the last vision you’d have. I have ever been the hunter, never the prey. With her, I am the mark and I am ready to lie down and let her capture me. Opening my small scarred heart to her brings out my enemies. I will carry out one last hit, but if they hurt her, I will bring the world down around their ears.

Daisy 

I've been sheltered from the outside world all my life. Home-schooled and farm-raised, I’m so naive that my best friend calls me Pollyanna. I like to believe the best in people. Nikolai is part of this new life, and he’s terrifying to me. Not because his eyes are cold or my friend warns me away from him, but because he’s the only man that has ever seen the real me beneath the awkwardness. With him, my heart is at risk... and also, my life.


I was SO excited to read this book. I mean, it's a story about a hit man falling for a naive, inexperienced girl. I was imagining a kind of Jason Bourne story with a little bit of James Bond mixed in. Sadly, I was not at all into this romance and thought it was more creepy than romantic. 

Daisy has lived a completely sheltered life, having no freedom to actually live because her dad is terrified that her mother's killer will come after them next. She finally decides enough is enough and leaves home and finally faces the real world. Nikolai is a contract killer and shows no mercy to his victims. When he sees the innocent Daisy while on one of his hits, he can't help but watch her with desire. Soon, Nikolai finally gives in and inserts himself into Daisy's life. Daisy is not used to someone as hard-edged and serious as Nikolai, and while the whole relationship absolutely terrifies her, she can't hide the heat she feels when he's around…

Ugh. That's what comes to mind when I think of this couple. I had some SERIOUS problems with them. First, Nikolai seemed like he was 40 years old when he was supposed to be in his early 20s. He was so flat and I did not at all care for him. He was just way to serious and I had a hard time picturing him in my head, so I couldn't get into Daisy's attraction for him. As for Daisy, her whole persona was the fact that she lived a sheltered life and is naive and inexperienced. This background, though, made her seem very juvenile to me and I wasn't a fan. Her super young personality did not mesh well with Nikolai's older personality and I just didn't really feel anything between them. 

While I thought that this book would at least have some really enticing suspense, that fell flat for me as well. The "action" parts of Nikolai killing his subjects didn't have enough action for me and the time line near the end when something important happens with the people of Nikolai's past didn't make sense and seemed to go by too fast. Overall, I wasn't impressed with the "hit man" aspect of this novel. 

While I had very high expectations for this book, I was severely disappointed. I did not like the main couple at all and their romance and heat fell very flat for me. There was just no spark and Nikolai came off more creepy than protective. Also, I needed more suspense and action to really get me into this story. In the end, I was not at all impressed with Last Hit, but I may pick up book two to see if I get what I wanted from this one.



Thursday, October 29, 2015

Release Week Blitz: Surviving Ice by KA Tucker

Surviving Ice - RWB banner

We are so excited to bring you the Release Week Blitz for K.A. Tucker's SURVIVING ICE! SURVIVING ICE is a standalone romantic suspense novel and is the fourth book in K.A. Tucker's Burying Water Series, published by Atria, an imprint of Simon & Schuster. Grab your copy today!

Surviving Ice - Cover



The USA TODAY bestselling author of the Ten Tiny Breaths series and Burying Water—which Kirkus Reviews called “a sexy, romantic, gangster-tinged page-turner”—returns with a new novel packed with romance, plot twists, and psychological suspense. Ivy Lee, a talented tattoo artist who spent the early part of her twenties on the move, is looking for a place to call home. She thinks she might have finally found it working in her uncle’s tattoo shop in San Francisco. But all that changes when a robbery turns deadly, compelling her to pack up her things yet again. When they need the best, they call him. That’s why Sebastian Riker is back in California, cleaning up the mess made after a tattoo shop owner with a penchant for blackmail got himself shot. But it’s impossible to get the answers he needs from a dead body, leaving him to look elsewhere. Namely, to the twenty-something-year-old niece who believes this was a random attack. Who needs to keep believing that until Sebastian finds what he’s searching for. Ivy has one foot out of San Francisco when a chance encounter with a stranger stalls her departure. She’s always been drawn to intense men, so it’s no wonder that she now finds a reason to stay after all, quickly intoxicated by his dark smile, his intimidating strength, and his quiet control. That is, until Ivy discovers that their encounter was no accident—and that their attraction could be her undoing.

A soft meow catches my ear. The resident tabby cat—a whore who hops from one villa to the next, sharing her affections without discrimination—struts across the thick balcony wall to me, her tail curling in the air as she approaches. I stroke the soft patch of fur beneath her chin and listen to her purr while I begin to mentally prepare myself for my return to California. 
It’s been almost five years since I last stepped foot on American soil. Soil that once brought me purpose, love, and determination. Then pain, weakness. 
Disgrace.
What will it bring me now? 
My hand drops from the cat’s chin, deciding I’ve given her more than enough. She leans forward, head-butts my arm— allowing me a chance to reconsider, to show her the kind of love that I am no longer capable of—before giving up and scuttling away.
With a sigh and one last glance over the peaceful blue waters, I flick the cigarette butt that sits mashed up on the railing and venture back inside to where an olive-skinned Grecian beauty is sprawled across my bed. She’s the smoker, and an unexpected outcome of last night, while I enjoyed a quiet solo meal by the water. A curvy, sensual woman, much like the tabby cat, stalking in to impose herself on my life. Except her affections weren’t as easily dismissed, wearing away at my defenses over the hours with throaty laughs and wandering fingertips.
Manipulating my loneliness.
I rarely succumb to it, but last night, I did. 
I also must have had too many glasses of that pricey limnio, because I don’t usually end up in my own bed with a prostitute.
I slide a hand back and forth over the smooth skin of her hip until she stirs with a small groan. Eyes as blue as the Aegean Sea below us flutter open to meet mine. Her plump natural lips—that were wrapped around my cock with such expertise last night—curl into a smile. “Good morning, American,” she purrs in her thick accent, reaching for me. “You want more, don’t you?”
Had I not just received that call from Bentley, I probably would have taken her again. But minutes within getting news of my next assignment, my mind is already shifting focus, shutting down my weak human urges, preparing the rest of me for what is to come.
I quash her efforts for a repeat by filling her groping fingers with her crimson dress. “You can let yourself out.”
“But . . . last night was . . .” She stumbles over her own surprise. “Will I see you again?”
There’s no use pretending that either of us is something we’re not, that we will be more to each other than we were for a few paid hours last night. So I don’t bother answering, leaving her on my bed to head to the bathroom, feeling her anger blazing into my back.


Surviving Ice - RDL teaser


And don’t miss the previous titles in the Burying Water Series!
burying-water-9781476774183
BURYING WATER

becoming-rain-9781476774206


BECOMING RAIN



 

chasing-river-9781476774237_lg


CHASING RIVER




Surviving Ice - RWB teaser 2
       
About the Author
Born in small-town Ontario, K.A. Tucker published her first book at the age of six with the help of her elementary school librarian and a box of crayons. She currently resides in a quaint town outside of Toronto with her husband, two beautiful girls, and an exhausting brood of four-legged creatures.      
    

Website ** Twitter ** Facebook ** Novel Goodreads ** Author Goodreads **

YouTube ** Pinterest ** Instagram

 
Giveaway
InkSlinger PR Blogger Banner - New

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Waiting on Wednesday (215)



This is a meme hosted by Breaking the Spine where every Wednesday bloggers highlight a book that they are eagerly anticipating the release of!

Summer Days and Summer Nights
By Stephanie Perkins
Release Date: June 14, 2016
Maybe it's the long, lazy days, or maybe it's the heat making everyone a little bit crazy. Whatever the reason, summer is the perfect time for love to bloom. Summer Days & Summer Nights: Twelve Love Stories, written by twelve bestselling young adult writers and edited by the international bestselling author Stephanie Perkins, will have you dreaming of sunset strolls by the lake. So set out your beach chair and grab your sunglasses. You have twelve reasons this summer to soak up the sun and fall in love.

Featuring stories by Leigh Bardugo, Francesca Lia Block, Libba Bray, Cassandra Clare, Brandy Colbert, Tim Federle, Lev Grossman, Nina LaCour, Stephanie Perkins, Veronica Roth, Jon Skovron, and Jennifer E. Smith.


-----------------------------

While I still have not read My True Love Gave to Me, the Christmas edition of this book, I flipped out when I saw that there was a summer version coming out next year. I mean, Stephanie Perkins is the editor of the book, so I know it's going to be amazing. Also, there are so many amazing authors whose works are going to appear in this book. Cassandra Clare? Jennifer E Smith? Nana Lacour? I mean, seriously! Can you get more awesomeness in one book? I, for one, cannot wait to experience it for myself! 

Monday, October 26, 2015

Book Review: Power Play by Tiffany Snow

Power Play
By Tiffany Snow
Release Date: July 30, 2015
Source: Publisher
THIS KIND OF BUSINESS CAN ONLY BE PERSONAL
Sage Reese lives for her job. More precisely, she lives for her debonair boss, Parker Andersen. Sage handles everything for Parker, even as she fantasizes about the one thing that isn't in her job description: him. But when a high-stakes account crosses the line from shady to deadly, a tough cop starts giving Sage the attention she wishes Parker would . . .
Detective Dean Ryker couldn't be more different from Parker. While Parker wears expensive suits like a second skin and drives a BMW, Ryker's uniform is leather jackets and jeans . . . and his ride of choice is a Harley. While Parker's sexiness is a reserved, slow burn, Ryker is completely upfront about what-and who-he's after. And Sage tops his list.
Now, as Ryker digs deeper into the dark side of Parker's business, Sage finds herself caught between two men: the one she's always wanted - and the one who makes her feel wanted like never before . . .
I have never heard of Tiffany Snow, but this book sounded too good to pass up. Recently, I've been loving stories of women working for very domineering bosses, only to fall for them, so I couldn't wait to see how Sage's professional relationship with her boss crossed over into not-so-professional. Oh, and throw in a hot cop who starts showing interest in her too and I knew I had to read this story. 

Sage Reese's life is her job and every relationship she's had has failed because of her commitment to her work. Well, her commitment to her boss Parker Anderson. When he calls, Sage comes running to his side. Spending so much time working for Parker, Sage can't help but fantasize about the demanding, yet oh so attractive man. But the moment detective Dean Ryker walks into Parker's office, Sage's safe life is thrown upside down. Now, Sage realizes Parker's business may not be so legal or safe and the sexy cop makes it no secret he's interested in Sage. As Ryker investigates Parker's business, Sage finds herself caught between two very different, yet completely irresistible men. 

Holy moly. I did NOT expect to love this book so much. Seriously, it had everything I love in my romances. There were brooding, demanding, hot men, some serious danger and suspense, and a sassy heroine. Sage is so relatable and I absolutely loved how she could hold her own with the demanding Parker and the playfully seductive Ryker. And boy did she have her hands full! First, she was stuck between ex-best friends (Ryker and Parker) who both started showing interest in her. Then, throw in some Russian gangsters who are threatening her life and she has A LOT to deal with. 

I know some people don't like love triangles, but this one was an absolute killer and I was OBSESSED. I loved both Ryker and Parker for individual reasons and I felt so bad for Sage for having to choose between them. There was already bad blood between them because they used to be best friends but broke apart because of a girl. Now, history is repeating itself and they're fighting over a woman again. There are moments where Sage utterly hates both of them and moments where she wants to throw herself into their arms and absolutely devour them. I loved how maddening both men were but also how much they truly cared about Sage. Parker and Ryker did so much to protect Sage from the dangers they were facing even when she wasn't sure who she could really trust. They were there for her and definitely weren't shy about lending a shoulder for her to lean on…

Gah, this book. I died with that ending and seriously want the second book! What's going to happen to Sage? What's going to happen to Parker's business? She did choose a man in the end, but I'm not so sure how sound that decision was…and since I loved both men it made me both happy and angry at the same time. Ugh! Stinkin' love triangles that just pull at my heart! If you love a book that has a relatable main character, some dangerous suspense, and irresistibly hot men, you have to pick up Power Play!

Saturday, October 24, 2015

Brand New Design!


I have had the same design for what feels like forever. I was looking at some of my favorite blogs and came across Harlequin Junkie's blog and fell in love with the graphics and fun colors. I decided it was time for a change, so I have a completely new header! 



I originally wanted a turquoise watercolor background and LOVED how it looked, but all of my posts' text has a white background because of when I copy and paste certain information from other posts/Goodreads. I had started to individually change every post, but with over 1,800 posts, that got old pretty fast. So, I decided to opt for a white background and I actually really love how it looks! 

What do you guys think? Do you like the new header? Let me know what you all think! 

Waiting On Wednesday (207)

This is a meme hosted by Breaking the Spine where every Wednesday bloggers highlight a book that they are eagerly anticipating the release of! 

See Me
By Nicholas Sparks
Release Date: October 13, 2015
Colin Hancock is giving his second chance his best shot. At 28, he's focused only on walking a straight line - getting his teaching degree, working out at the gym religiously, and avoiding all the places and people that proved so destructive in his earlier life. The last thing he's looking for is a serious relationship. But when Maria Sanchez crosses paths with him on a rainswept night in North Carolina, his plans are upended in a way that will rattle the foundations of his carefully structured life. As for Maria, the hardworking lawyer and daughter of Mexican immigrants, Colin will challenge every notion she's ever had about herself and her future, making her question what truly makes her happy.

Before the couple has a chance to envision what a life together might look like, however, menacing reminders of events in Maria's past begin to surface. And as the threat of violence begins to shadow her every step, she and Colin will be tested in increasingly terrifying ways. Will demons from their past destroy the tentative bonds they have forged, or will their love protect them, even in the darkest hour?

SEE ME is a story of obsession, reinvention and a love that defies every expectation, reminding us that destiny often rests in our own hands-even in matters of the heart.


----------------------------------

NICHOLAS SPARKS HAS A NEW BOOK. Someone pinch me. First off, I have to address the horrendous cover. I mean, who thought that was pretty?!? There was a fan vote between two covers for this new book and I thought they were both horrible. This one is just soblah. It doesn't even go with the last 4 books he's releasedwhy change the design now?? Ugh. Putting my dislike of the cover aside, I cannot wait to read this new book!! This one sounds like it will have an intense romance and some intense drama to test that romance. I need this book now!!! 

Stacking the Shelves (166)

Stacking the Shelves is a meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews where bloggers share what books they got throughout the week!

Bought
I have heard amazing things about this series and since I was seeing both authors at Books By the Banks last weekend, I knew that it was about time I read the books. Sadly, my copy of Doon didn't arrive until after the event, but it did finally come and I cannot wait to read it! I also bought the second book in the series at the event, so I can't wait to read them both! I also picked up a copy of Let's Get Lost to have Adi Alsaid sign it! 

From Publisher

SO MANY ROMANCES! I am definitely excited for the variety of romances that arrived for me this week. I got sports, suspense, historical, AND motorcycle romances this week and they all look so good! 

From Secret Sister

I got yet another AMAZING package from my OTSP Secret Sister! She sent me In Real Life by Jessica Love and I freaked out when I saw it among all of the candy in the package I received. This book looks so good and it doesn't even come out until next year! I am so thankful to my secret sister for sending me the book! She also sent me an adorable owl, a ton of my favorite candy, and adorable pumpkin lights! How awesome was my package? Thanks again!!! 


That's it for me! What did you all add to your shelves this week?? 

Friday, October 23, 2015

My Favorite Booktube Channels


I love both the blogging community and the booktube community so much. There are books that are widely loved by each community and it's interesting to see what's popular with which crowd. I started regularly booktubing about 6 months ago, right after I graduated from college. When I started my channel, I quickly found other booktube channels that I fell in love with. I thought I'd share my favorites! 

I think that Jesse was one of the first booktubers I ever watched and I love his personality and enthusiasm for books. Jesse is always SO EXCITED and he shares a lot of YA books that I don't normally gravitate towards but really want to try out. He's awesome!

Regan is another booktuber that I have been following since I discovered booktube. I love her videos so much and how she has quite an interesting taste in books. She loves the typical fantasy book, but she also loves historical books and I always want to read the books she talks about. And, could her shelves be any more gorgeous? 

Raleen is also a super awesome booktuber who is just, well, awesome. I love the same books she does and I love how she has a mix of YA genres. She also sprinkles in some adult books, which I love seeing on booktube since I also love reading both YA and adult books. Oh, and her videos about working in a bookstore are so much fun! 

Hailey is also one of my favorites, mostly because she incorporates some New Adult into her channel among her YA reads. I LOVE Colleen Hoover and Hailey has been reading some CoHo and other NA authors and I love hearing her thoughts on those books!


Last, but certainly not least, is Kat. Kat is so cool and I love so many things that she loves. She is just so passionate about books and tells it how it is. Plus, she's been obsessed with Carry On lately and makes me want to read it so much more just to see why she loves it (pretty sure she's read it three or four times since it came out two weeks ago…). And just look at her bookshelves! They are so pretty! 



And those are my favorite channels! Do you guys watch booktube? Who are your favorite booktubers? I'd love to hear who I should check out next! 
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...