Book Review (ARC)~Get Real by Tellulah Darling

Title: Get Real

Author: Tellulah Darling

Series: Get REal #1

Publisher: Te Da Media

Pub Date: September 26th 2015

Format: ebook

Pages: 358

Genre: New Adult, Fantasy, Contemporary

Links: Goodreads ~ Amazon/B&N ~ Book/Author Site

Synopsis: Get Real is a romantic comedy, urban fantasy whirlwind with sass, sex, and swoon, set in the world of “Cadabras"–humans with magical powers.

Francesca Bellafiore is a good Jewish girl, living up to family expectations that she use her magic to heal others. Underneath, she’s a wannabe badass with her heart set on becoming a detective and solving magical crimes. But nice girls don't disappoint their moms.

Party boy Rafael Muñoz does everything possible to publicly disappoint his high profile father. Privately, it's a different story. His carefully crafted bad boy reputation masks the fact he’s a master illusionist, forced into solo covert ops. The role is wearing thin and Rafael longs to be part of a team.

When Francesca meets Rafael at a friend's party, she's taken by the sexy stranger. Until he speaks. Beautiful plumage doesn't compensate for spectacular ego. Rafael finds Francesca's sweetness a turn-on. For about five minutes. Judgmental golden girls are more trouble than they're worth. Then a terrified girl with reality warping powers, locked and loaded on their destruction, whisks the pair to Manhattan. Francesca and Rafael are caught in a web of magic, minions, secrets, and enough sexual tension to power NYC. Desperate to prove themselves, their only chance to save the city and survive is to team up, trust each other–and maybe even fall in love.

Provided they don't kill each other first.

Rating: 2/10

Source: Netgalley. Thank you to the author and publisher.

Cover Talk: I love the cover! It's so fun and sexy and instantly catches your eye!

*Be ready for a long negative review featuring Infinite reaction GIFs*

My Thoughts: Let me just start by saying I love Tellulah Darling! I have read all her books and I have loved all of them! In fact The Blooming Goddess trilogy is one of my all-time favorite book series ever and I'm even planning on rereading it after I finish rereading The Mediator series. I love Tellulah Darling's witty writing and amazing characters! And she herself is such a nice person! So when I got Get Real from NetGalley I was ecstatic! I mean Tellulah Darling is one of my favorite authors! I would buy her books without reading the synopsis. So I was expecting another amazing book that would blow my mind. Sadly, I was highly disappointed with this one. It's not just that I had my expectations up high. This book just didn't seem like it was written by her. No honestly, I had to check a couple of times while reading to see if this was actually by Tellulah Darling or I had misread the name. Now this does not mean I don't like her books anymore or that I would stop reading them. I still trust her and I'm pretty sure she'll soon come up with something I will love. But unfortunately, this one wasn't for me. And now I'll tell you why.

Story: Oh wow, I finished the book a couple of hours ago and I can tell you I have no idea what just happened. I don't understand the world of Cadabras at all. I didn't get the "powers" and the whole Minna business just whooshed over my head. I seriously had no idea what was going on most of the time and I had to reread pages to kinda get a clue of what was happening. I don't know if it was my fault or that the world building wasn't that good. I mean, I seriously did not understand what happened in more than half of the book. If you ask me to give you a summary, I wouldn't be able to tell you what went down. It was all so weird and confusing that most of the time I had this expression on my face:

Writing: Again, the writing was so weird. I didn't understand most of the phrases and dialogues. Now I admit that English isn't my first language but I can assure you I understand it better than my first language. But I didn't understand much of it in this book. At first I really tried to get the meaning, I reread and tried to figure out what was being said. But I got tired of it and then if I didn't understand something, I let it be. Which I guess caused most of the book to be incomprehensible to me.

Also, there wasn't a lot of difference between Francesca's and Rafael's chapters. I sometimes forgot who's chapter I was reading and who's voice I should have in my mind. As I said before, the world building wasn't good and I had a hard time picturing anything in my mind.

Characters: None of the characters was at all memorable or likable. Most of them were annoying or boring. I really did not like Francesca at all! She was whiny and mean and irritating. She made me so angry! I was okay with her at first. I mean people change over the course of a book. And she did in some ways. But none of them were good! She just became ever more irritating! To the point where I just wanted her to leave. She frustrated me so much!

Rafael wasn't any better either. He was tolerable but annoying and even though I tried liking him, I just couldn't. I do prefer him to Francesca. At least he wasn't as stupid as her. But he wasn't at all memorable. Just like the rest of the characters in the book. I still don't understand Minna at all except that she made me go

many times. I don't really remember the rest of the characters much so I can't say anything about them.

Romance: Romance was the only thing about the plot I understood. Do I ship them together?

They were not good for each other. Not only did Rafael deserve better, I just didn't feel any chemistry between them. There was no build up, no get-to-knows, no friendship. Just a lot of sexual tension, And that never works for me. Both of them were just very frustrating and annoying.

Overall: I'll say it again, I love Tellulah Darling. I'm not saying this because I feel bad for writing this review (which I kinda do) but because I don't want to keep you from her other amazing books because of this review. Seriously, go check them out! And if Get Real interests you, then check this out too. Maybe you'd like it better than I did. But I personally wouldn't recommend this book. It just wasn't for me.

About The Author:

Website~Twitter~Goodreads~Facebook

Tellulah Darling
noun
1) YA & New Adult romantic comedy author because her first kiss sucked and she's compensating.
2) Firm believer that some of the best stories happen when love meets comedy and awkwardness ensues.
3) Sassy minx.

Both a hopeless romantic and total cynic, Tellulah Darling is all about the happily-ever-after, with a huge dose of hilarity along the way. Her romcoms come in a variety of heat levels and flavors; straight up romantic comedy, shaken with Greek mythology or stirred with urban fantasy.

Sassy girls. Swoony boys. What could go wrong?

Extras:

My reviews of:

• Sam Cruz's Infallible Guide to Getting Girls
• My Ex From Hell
• My Date From Hell
• My Life From Hell

Book Review~Primordial Dust by Sarah Daltry

Title: Primordial Dust

Author: Sarah Daltry

Publisher: Self-published

Pub Date: June 29th 2014

Format: ebook

Pages: 234

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult, Adventure

Links: Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ Book/Author Site

Synopsis: A princess, trained to behave. An assassin, betrothed to her. A thief, whose eyes she dreams of at night. A kingdom at war, torn apart by the suppression of magic and truth, as well as family secrets that threaten to destroy decades of peace.

Questions of loyalty, of morality, and of free will culminate in a fantasy novel about forging one’s own path and choosing one’s own destiny.

Rating: 8.5/10

Source: Given by the author in exchange of an honest review.

My Thoughts: I don't usually read fantasy. That is why I went into this book without any expectations. I was pleasantly surprised though, with this book. I really enjoyed going on this adventure with Alondra.

Story: The author has created such a great atmosphere that you are transported into the world of this book when you start reading it. I could easily imagine the surroundings, Anara and the other places. The story is really good and very interesting! There were a lot of twists I didn't see coming. It is very engaging and keeps the reader guessing about what will happen next. Often times I found myself thinking about the book when I wasn't reading it. It has a good mystery that keeps you reading.

Characters: There were some good characters and some bad ones. But all of them were very well-written! Though I did not agree with Alondra on a lot of things, I did feel connected to her and understood her thoughts and reasons. She was naive but her naivety was real and believable. I like how she understood her weaknesses and acknowledged her mistakes instead of denying them. Seamus was such a sweetheart! SEAMUS WAS SUCH A SWEETHEART! I don't know what else to say about him, I loved him! I wish I could have gotten to know him better, go into his head for a little while, but this book was about Alondra. Though we do see a lot of him too.

Tevlin was an awesome, devilish villain! His backstory and connections, I did not see any of that coming at all! I was very surprised with his character. I don't think I should say anything more lest I spoil the book for you. But yeah, his character, and the minor characters, were all written very excellently.

Writing: As I wrote before, the book is very well-written! The writing is so engaging that it transports you into the world of the book and into Alondra's head.

Overall: If you like to read fantasy, adventure books I would highly recommend Primordial Dust! It has an awesome plot, great writing and well-written characters. I'm sure it won't disappoint!

About The Author:

Sarah Daltry writes about the regular people who populate our lives. She's written works in various genres - romance, erotica, fantasy, horror. Genre isn't as important as telling a story about people and how their lives unfold. Sarah tends to focus on YA/NA characters but she's been known to shake it up. Most of her stories are about relationships - romantic, familial, friendly - because love and empathy are the foundation of life. It doesn't matter if the story is set in contemporary NY, historical Britain, or a fantasy world in the future - human beings are most interesting in the ways they interact with others. This is the principle behind all of Sarah's stories.

Sarah has spent most of her life in school, from her BA and MA in English and writing to teaching both at the high school and college level. She also loves studying art history and really anything because learning is fun.

When Sarah isn't writing, she tends to waste a lot of time checking Facebook for pictures of cats, shooting virtual zombies, and simply staring out the window.

Visit Sarah online at:

Website: http://sarahdaltry.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SarahDaltryA...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SarahDaltry
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sarahdaltry/boards/
Tumblr: http://www.tumblr.com/blog/sarahdaltry

Extras:

~My Dream Cast~

Alondra

Seamus

Tevlin

Book Review~MARY: The Summoning (Bloody Mary #1) by Hillary Monahan

Title: MARY: The Summoning 

Author: Hillary Monahan

Series: Bloody Mary #1

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Pub Date: September 2nd 2014

Format: ebook

Pages: 256

Genre: Horror, Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Supernatural, Mystery

Links: Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ Book/Author Site

Synopsis: There is a right way and a wrong way to summon her. 

Jess had done the research. Success requires precision: a dark room, a mirror, a candle, salt, and four teenage girls. Each of them--Jess, Shauna, Kitty, and Anna--must link hands, follow the rules . . . and never let go. 

A thrilling fear spins around the room the first time Jess calls her name: "Bloody Mary. Bloody Mary. BLOODY MARY." A ripple of terror follows when a shadowy silhouette emerges through the fog, a specter trapped behind the mirror. 

Once is not enough, though--at least not for Jess. Mary is called again. And again. But when their summoning circle is broken, Bloody Mary slips through the glass with a taste for revenge on her lips. As the girls struggle to escape Mary's wrath, loyalties are questioned, friendships are torn apart, and lives are forever altered.

A haunting trail of clues leads Shauna on a desperate search to uncover the legacy of Mary Worth. What she finds will change everything, but will it be enough to stop Mary--and Jess--before it's too late?

Rating: 8/10

Source: Netgalley

My Thoughts: I have tried to write this review 3 times now but I can't seem to find the words to explain how I feel about this book. This is my fourth and last try, I hope I can get my meaning across.

Story: Honestly, I should have seen the friendship drama coming. It says right there in the synopsis "friendships are torn apart". In fact I was pretty sure it was going to be like this. But still I had hope that maybe I would be wrong. Sadly, I wasn't. And a lot of the book is spent on this friendship drama. Which annoyed and bored me very much! Don't get me wrong, maybe some of you might even like the friendship drama, but it just wasn't for me. I signed up for good horror not contemporary drama. 

Other than loads and loads of friendship dramas there are also many scary parts. And most of them made my heart beat like crazy! Bloody Mary's description was perfect! It was, as Tsunami said, "as horrible, blood-drenched, revolting and deformed as possible". Sometimes the description was so creepy, it made me shudder! The scenes with Bloody Mary in them were definitely my favorite ones to read because they were so scary and good!

I really liked the mystery behind Bloody Mary. I have to say I was kinda expecting that twist in the end but still it was interesting to read Bloody Mary's history and I very much liked reading her letters. It made me feel closer to her and I was able to feel sorry for her. 

Characters: Would it be weird if I said Bloody Mary was my favorite character? Yes? Well she was and I can't help that. The main characters of the book, though, are Shauna, Jess, Kitty, and Anna. *sigh* I'll be honest, I did not like these characters AT ALL! I could tolerate Kitty and Anna well, they seemed okay. But Jess and Shauna?! Ugh! Which sucks really because Shauna is the protagonist, the narrator. I was in her head and I couldn't stand her. She did not act natural. One time she is calm while everyone is panicking, the next she goes crazy. Sometimes she is so smart that she understands things in a second, which was very unbelievable. I mean when someone is falling through a window in front of you the first thing that happens is that either your mind goes blank or you realize you have to rush to save that person. I'm pretty sure you can't figure out Mary's motives while standing there watching your friend fall. And then the other times she is so dim that she doesn't get even the most obvious things. I mean that Jess thing, I saw it coming from a mile away! She right-out told Shauna what she was going to do and still Shauna was surprised! Sometimes she acted like a grown-up instead of a teenager, I would know since I am a teenager. Instead of worrying about the matters at hand she worried about useless stuff which made me so angry! She kept badmouthing and then defending Jess. And Jess is supposed to be her best friend...

Oh and talking about Jess, she is such a narcissistic, little, know-it-all! She got on my nerves! If she were my friend I wouldn't let her boss me and everyone else around. She is manipulative and a liar. Shauna says this herself. And yet she keeps forgiving her. She says "Jess messes things up but she makes up for them." I never once saw Jess making up for her messes. I just really didn't see Shauna and Jess as best friends. They could have been casual friends but I never saw that bond that exists between best friends. Their friendship just wasn't believable. And Jess was ccrrraaaazzzyyyy!!

Kitty and Anna were probably the best ones out of the four girls. They seemed like real people. Their reactions were natural, like mine would have been, and I liked them much better than Shauna and Jess.

Writing: As I said, Bloody Mary's description was great and the scary scenes were really good! But in terms of characters, I did not like the writing much. It was like instead of showing the characters' personalities, the writer was telling us. There was some showing too but it was very late into the novel. I wish she wouldn't have wrote their personality traits as if the reader is too dumb to understand. If she had shown the characters as they were, with their actions and dialogues, I would have figured out their personalities myself. 

Sequel: This book is the first one in a series. Am I going to read the next book? I don't exactly plan on it but if it comes by and I have the time then maybe I'll check it out.

Overall: This book was a mix of two extremes for me. While I loved the Bloody Mary scenes, the friendship drama bored me a lot! I do realize though that other people might not have this problem with the book. So though I'm not going to particularly recommend it, I won't advise against reading it either. So the choice is yours.

About The Author:

Hillary Monahan is Eva Darrows is also an international woman of mystery. Holed up in Massachusetts with three smelly basset hounds, she writes funny, creepy things for fun and profit.

Book Review~A is for Abstinence by Kelly Oram

Title: A is for Abstinence

Author: Kelly Oram

Series: V is for Virgin #2

Publisher: Bluefields

Pub Date: May 12th 2014

Format: ebook

Pages: 204

Genre: Romance, Contemporary, New Adult

Links: Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ Book/Author Site

Synopsis: Six-time Grammy Award-winning musician Kyle Hamilton has it all—money, fame, talent, good looks, and a job he loves. His only regret in life: walking away from a certain notorious virgin because he was too prideful, stubborn, and even afraid to give her the only thing she asked of him—his abstinence. 

Four years and a broken heart later, Kyle realizes that sex isn’t everything, and he suddenly can’t stop thinking about the girl that got away. Virgin Val Jensen got under his skin like no one else ever has. He wasn’t ready for her then, but things are different now. He’s grown up, he’s learned a few things, and he’s finally figured out exactly what he wants, or, rather, who he wants. 

Kyle Hamilton wants a do-over, and this time he’s willing to do—or not do—whatever it takes.

Rating: 10/10

Source: ARC given to me by the author in exchange of an honest review.

Cover Talk: I love how this cover has the same theme as the one for V is for Virgin! Kyle is not like the one I imagined but he's not so bad. I like this cover.

My Thoughts: 

I loved this book! As much as I loved V is for Virgin, if not more! Kyle & Val were beautiful! I hardly ever cry over romantic scenes but I cried over them in this book! Kyle & Val are my OTP <3

The story wasn't suspenseful or mysterious but it was interesting enough that it would keep your attention and simple enough that you could relax while reading it.

The characters were great! They were very real. The dialogue was very real. Their personalities were ones you could relate with.

I loved how emotions were shown in this book. The different relationships and how they were portrayed. The author broke the stereotypes and made her characters and their relationships with each other unique but also something people could relate to.

There were a lot of steamy scenes! And boy did I love those! I loved reading the book from Kyle's POV! I liked getting to know more about him and getting into his head!

I love Ms Kelly Oram's writing! It is very fun to read! She writes descriptions, emotions and dialogues really well so it is very easy for the reader to imagine the surroundings and feel the emotions the characters are feeling.

I would maybe someday re-read this book because I love Kyle & Val. I'm very sad that I won't get any more of their story.

But the ending was perfect! And I could always imagine what would happen next ;)

I highly recommend this book, and V is for Virgin, for anyone who likes contemporary romances and YA and NA! Both of these books are amazing! And if you like these then check out her other books as well because Kelly Oram is a great writer and her books never disappoint!

About The Author:

Kelly Oram wrote her first novel at age fifteen–a fan fiction about her favorite music group, The Backstreet Boys, for which family and friends still tease her. She's obsessed with reading, talks way too much, and loves to eat frosting by the spoonful. She lives outside of Phoenix, Arizona with her husband and four children.

Book Review~Her Secret Whispers (The Whispers #3) by Joanna Mazurkeiwicz

Title: Her Secret Whispers

Author: Joanna Mazurkiewicz

Series: The Whispers #3

Publisher: CreateSpace

Pub Date: March 1st 2013

Format: ebook

Pages: 300

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Paraormal, New Adult

Links: Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ Book/Author Site
Reviews of previous books: The Whispers of the Sprite ~ The Dark Night Whispers

Synopsis: When Niamh McDonald opened her eyes in the dark cave, she didn’t expect to be a prisoner so far away from home. She didn’t expect to be rescued either.

Niamh was kept in the darkness, not knowing what creature has captured her. Then her life spins out of further control as she discovers her family from California have been lying to her all this time – she’s adopted.

Niamh returns to California, shocked and traumatised. She cannot forget that she is adopted. And then, out of nowhere, a stranger visits her to tell her she isn’t human.

Niamh cannot take any more surprises, so she decides to go back to her place of birth – Wales. She needs her questions answered. Her life transforms further as she finds that Sprites have existed throughout centuries and she is not the only one who can see them.

So why is she connected to Ania, the scrawny Russian girl who rescued her from the dark cave?

Rating: 7/10

Source: Provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Joanna for giving me a chance to read & review your book. :)

My Thoughts:

The Good: I really really like the story! It's interesting and different and I like the whole mystery aspect of it. It is well thought-out and sometimes the suspense really had me reading fast, eager to know what will happen next.

The writing isn't that bad either. It is easy to create pictures in your mind with how the author has described things in the book and it isn't boring either.

A major part of the reason I gave this book 3 stars (on Goodreads) is the story. Because that is what made me finish the book. The protagonist was a very annoying one and I did abandon this book once. But the story got me reading again.

The Bad: The characters. Ugh, the characters! In my previous reviews I've said Ania was annoying. Well she was nothing compared to Niamh! OhmyGod this girl made me so angry! In the beginning I liked her. She reminded me of Beth (from Dare You To) and I really thought she was going to be a strong and smart character. Boy was I wrong! She is as reckless and stupid as her sister, if not more. She got on my nerves like anything!

This is the first time I've ever wanted to hit a character with their own book. For example, there is a scene in the book where Gerald, the love interest, and Niamh are being chased by someone. Gerald tells her to disappear using magic and while helping her do so he's standing very close to her. So when Niamh is finally back safe what she's worried about isn't if Gerald is safe or not. But she's angry that he didn't kiss her. DIDN'T KISS HER!! Niamh sweetheart, you both were being chased my potentially dangerous people. I don't think kissing would have been on anyone's mind at that point.

There are plenty more scenes that got my eye rolling and that made me want to beat up Niamh in frustration but I think you get my point so I won't list them.

Another thing that annoyed me was the insta-love. It was fine between Ania and Gabriel because with Ania's personality it wasn't hard to believe that she would fall fast. But throughout the book it is mentioned that Niamh's heart is guarded and she has built walls around her etc etc. But not only is no reason given for her being so guarded, she instantly falls for Gerald and I can see no reason why besides that he's gorgeous. And if that's the reason then I must be in love with a lot of people! And half of them live across the world! I just feel like there wasn't any reason given for Niamh being in love with Gerald. Or maybe she just falls for people based on their "ebony eyes"...

Like the other books, there was a tad bit repetition but it got better as the book progressed.

Overall: I wouldn't particularly recommend this book but if you have started the series then go ahead. Who knows, maybe you will like it better than I did... The story, undoubtedly, is really good. I just wish Niamh wasn't that annoying . Then I would have been able to enjoy the book better. I would like to read the next book though. See how everything turns out.

About The Author:

Joanna Mazurkiewicz was born in Poland. She moved to United Kingdom when she was only nineteen and just finished high school. She had aspired to be a writer upon completion of the Harry Potter series but also enjoyed reading books like ‘Gone with the Wind’, ’Animal Farm’ and ‘The doll’. She graduated from Swansea University with a bachelor degree in American Studies. While studying in the UK she made a decision to start writing fiction in English. 
The “Whispers of the Sprite” is her first debut novel and she is currently working on other projects. Joanna lives in Cowbridge, a small town in South Wales near Cardiff with her boyfriend Bruce. She enjoys cycling around Welsh countryside some of which has become the settings in her first series. 

Book Review~His Black Wings by Astrid Yrigollen

Title: His Black Wings

Author: Astrid Yrigollen

Publisher: Self-published

Pub Date: November 2012

Format: ebook

Pages: 364

Genre: Fantasy, YA, Romance

Links: Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ Book Site

Synopsis: "Beauty and The Beast" meets "Jane Eyre..."

Claren Maidstone has been forced to flee her childhood home after the death of her parents and a vicious assault from a sadistic young man who intends to marry her. Claren changes her identity and finds employment as an assistant to the handsome Fredrick Lowood, a generous yet mysterious benefactor. However, she soon finds out his generosity comes at a price. Fredrick wishes for Claren to befriend his disfigured son who resides in seclusion at their estate, Westwind.

Fredrick Lowood knows what the history books do not teach, that the Grand Council built this new world of peace and beauty on hidden blood and greed. He has plotted for years to bring down the family that enslaved his own people. Suddenly, he has the last living heir in his grasp.

Etrigan Lowood rejects the world that forces him to hide. He is powerful, plagued with a terrible dark beauty: WINGS. It is these wings that carry him out only at night to watch the unwanted intruder in his home. A creature of refined instinct yet little social grace, he is strangely captivated by Claren but knows nothing of how her family's dark past is intertwined with his own . Through their blossoming friendship, Etrigan realizes he still retains his human heart and yearns for Claren's love.

Kurten Wandsworth is the only son of the Mayor of St.Marhen. Kurten lives his life fueled by cruelty and lust. Whatever he wants he takes and he wants Claren to be his wife even it if kills her. Scarred by Claren he hunts her down mercilessly until he can set a trap which she will never be able to escape from.

Trailer:

Rating: 9/10

Source: A digital copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much Astrid for giving me a chance to read and review your awesome book!

Cover Talk: I love the cover! I love how the characters are drawn in anime style because it gives the cover uniqueness. And it is very much like I imagined Claren & Etrigan to be.

My Thoughts: I loved this book!! I loved this book so much!!

But I must warn you, my review is not going to be so... 'professional'. I'm having a blogger's block, plus when I read the book I was so engrossed in it that I didn't take any notes. So this will just be me rambling about how much I loved this book.

I started this book at night and I spent my night and most of my morning finishing more than half of the book. And this is how I looked in the end:

I'm not even kidding! I could have taken a picture of myself and shown it to you all but I would've scared you then. Plus I was just too tired to take a picture.

Anyway, from the first page I was hooked! What first appealed to me was the writing. The writing was amazing! It reminded me a little of Jane Austen's... but maybe that's because the only book I've read set in the time period of balls & gowns is Pride & Prejudice. And, even though this was set some time in the future (or that's what I felt), everyone and everything had gone back to the Victorian era. The writing style was really interesting and there was not a moment during the whole book when I found it boring.

The story was really good! The way the author built up the suspense, told the secrets little by little, kept the reader guessing. It was awesome! And the world she built, it was all really real. Like I could see it happening. She really did a great job with the story!

My second favorite thing in the book were the characters, especially Claren. Claren was a strong and independent girl and I saw myself a lot in her. The way she thought was very much like the way I think. She was smart and witty and I loved reading her thoughts! I loved Fredrick! He was such a nice man! I felt sorry for all he had to go through but he had a nice heart and I liked him a lot! I loved Etrigan! He was the most adorable thing ever! Sometimes I wanted to crawl into the book and give him a big hug! He made my stomach flutter and he was really cute! Kurten was one of those characters you just wanted to kill. He was evil. And I did not feel sorry for him at all. I think the book summarizes him perfectly in these words:

Sometimes people become mean because of horrible experiences. It’s a gradual process that hardens
their hearts and minds and forces them to develop a thick skin. In order to survive they must adapt to their harsh surroundings. They in turn become mean. This was not the case with Kurten. Kurten Wandsworth as the favorite and only child in the household was, from the beginning a spoiled, headstrong, bully.

The side characters were likable too. I loved Horace and Dekker! They were so funny and cute! I really liked Mrs. Whitby too.

The only thing that bothered me was the change between first person and third person. At first it was OK when Claren's part was in first person while the other character's were in third person but in the end, during Claren's part, the author kept switching between first & third person which got kinda confusing. I think it would've been better if the whole book would've been written in third person.

Overall, I loved this book! The romance was really sweet, the story was amazing, the writing was awesome and I'd highly recommend it!

Favorite Quotes:

“The most absurd thing of the whole affair was that we were never engaged. He just started showing up Sunday after Sunday and now expected to marry me. I never went out alone (or chaperoned) with him anywhere, I never even smiled at him. If that is all it takes to be engaged then I could have been married off to a hedgehog if it showed up every Sunday.” 

“Sometimes people become mean because of horrible experiences. It’s a gradual process that hardens their hearts and minds and forces them to develop a thick skin. In order to survive they must adapt to their harsh surroundings. They in turn become mean.” 

“Real love, you cowardly miscreant, is never intimidated, never frightened and is forever.” 

About The Author:

Astrid Yrigollen is a vegetarian hoping to go vegan, residing in Marin County, California with her husband, cats and her Debelius Reef Lobster. She is anxiously awaiting the newest member of their family, a dog. Lover of all things anime, she is naturally learning Japanese, her third language. Astrid is a collector of Volks Super Dollfies and is the founder of California Coast Ball Jointed Doll Convention which she co-chairs with her husband. AstridYrigollen.com HisBlackwings.com

Book Review~Beautiful Disaster & Walking Disaster by Jamie McGuire

Title: Beautiful Disaster. Walking Disaster.

Author: Jamie McGuire

Series: Beautiful #1 & 2

Publisher: Atria Books

Pub Date: BD:May 26th 2011. WD: April 2nd 2013

Format: ebook

Pages: BD: 310. WD: 433

Genre: Romance, New Adult, Contemporary

Links: Goodreads: BD WD ~ Amazon: BD WD ~ Book/Author Site

Synopsis: 

BD: INTENSE. DANGEROUS. ADDICTIVE.

Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn’t drink or swear, and she has the appropriate number of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance from the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University’s Walking One-Night Stand.

Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby wants—and needs—to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the ultimate college campus charmer. Intrigued by Abby’s resistance to his appeal, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis’s apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match.

WD: Finally, the highly anticipated follow-up to the New York Times bestseller Beautiful Disaster. 

Can you love someone too much?

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. But just when he thinks he is invincible, Abby Abernathy brings him to his knees.

Every story has two sides. In Beautiful Disaster, Abby had her say. Now it’s time to see the story through Travis’s eyes.

Rating: BD: 8.5/10. WD: 6/10. Overall: 8/10

Source: Netgalley.

My Thoughts: I read Beautiful Disaster last year but I didn't write a review because I was very confused about my feelings about the book. I'm still just as confused, if not more, but I need to get this off my chest so here goes...

I enjoyed the story. Honestly, I liked Beautiful Disaster better than Walking Disaster. Maybe because it was from a girl's POV and I could understand it better? Anyway, I enjoyed reading it but it wasn't a story that would stay with me. Which is why I had forgotten most of it by the time I read Walking Disaster. Which leads to my first problem: Jamie McGuire did not tell the details in Walking Disaster which had already been mentioned in Beautiful Disaster which sometimes caused confusion for me. I felt like I had to read Beautiful Disaster along with Walking Disaster to understand the story better. I think writing one book with alternating POVs would have been better.

The writing was pretty good. It kept me interested and I didn't wander off in my thoughts, which is always a good thing. But then again, it wasn't one that would leave an impression on me. And I found the writing in Beautiful Disaster better. I think I got much more emotionally invested in the first book than the second one.

I'm very confused about my feelings toward the characters. I'm not sure whether I liked them or not. I really don't have anything to say about them. In Walking Disaster I didn't even care about them. 

Another reason I didn't like Walking Disaster was because of the Epilogue. It was so unrealistic, and wasn't needed at all. Firstly, with such a dysfunctional relationship, it would've been more realistic if Abby & Travis would've ended up divorced. Secondly, seriously? Seriously? *SPOILER ALERT* FBI? Unrealistic much?

So all in all, I'm not sure how I really feel about this book. I liked the story. But then again, I'm not sure I liked it enough to recommend it to anyone. Maybe I'd recommend Beautiful Disaster but advice you to skip Walking Disaster.

Favorite Quotes:

“To douchebags!" he said, gesturing to Brad. "And to girls that break your heart," he bowed his head to me. His eyes lost focus. "And to the absolute fucking horror of losing your best friend because you were stupid enough to fall in love with her.” 

“I knew the second I met you that there was something about you I needed. Turns out it wasn't something about you at all. It was just you.”

About The Author:

Jamie McGuire was born in Tulsa, OK. She was raised by her mother Brenda in Blackwell, OK, where she graduated high school in 1997. Jamie attended the Northern Oklahoma College, the University of Central Oklahoma, and Autry Technology Center where she graduated with a degree in Radiography.

Jamie now lives in Enid, OK with her three children and husband Jeff, who is a real, live cowboy. They share their 30 acres with four horses, four dogs, and Rooster the cat.

Books published by Jamie include the Providence trilogy, and The New York Times best seller Beautiful Disaster, a contemporary romance. When she’s not writing, Jamie spends her days letting her four dogs in and out.

Book Review (ARC)~Timeless by Michelle Madow

Title: Timeless

Author: Michelle Madow

Series: Transcend Time Saga #3 (Final)

Publisher: Dreamscape Publishing

Pub Date: November 20th 2012

Format: ebook

Pages: 205

Genre: YA, Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal

Links: Goodreads ~ Pre-Order ~ Book/Author Site

Synopsis: IT'S A RACE AGAINST TIME.

In Remembrance, Lizzie and Drew changed the course of fate so they could be together. 

In Vengeance, Chelsea set fate back on its original, deadly path. 

Now, strange things keep happening to Lizzie. Things that are omens of darkness to come. A curse has doomed her to die an early death, just as she did in her past life. To make things worse, even if she can figure out who cast the curse, it's irreversible. There's only one option left for her to save herself. It's crazier than anything she's heard yet, and to do it, she'll need Drew and Chelsea's help.

Because to make things right, they must go back to when it all began …

Trailer: 

Rating: 9/10

Source: I received this book be the author in return for an honest review. Thank you so much Michelle!

Cover Talk: I like the cover, but I wish it would've been like the previous two. I love it when a series have similar covers (as in not exactly the same but the same theme or color scheme), like Remembrance and Vengeance had. It shows that the books are from the same series. This cover is too different.

My Thoughts: When I received the book I was like:

Then I realized I was having my exams and I was like:

But I couldn't control myself so I read a little every night, and spent the whole next day like this:

But it was so worth it!! I loved this book! It had me hooked from the first page and if I wouldn't have been having my exams, I would've read this book all in one go!

I think this was the perfect finale! It had suspense, adventure, romance and even a little bit horror. I loved every moment of it!

The writing was, as usual, great. I really like Michelle's writing. She doesn't over do descriptions and keeps everything fresh and entertaining.

I really liked how I got to learn more about Chelsea's and Lizzie's friendship. It made me understand Chelsea much better. And she isn't that much of a bad person.

And how can I forget Drew?! Oh Drew...

We get to see more of Drew's family in this book. But I don't think there was much of Drew in the book. I wish I would've gotten a chance to read more about him, or more of his scenes.

Also there weren't many romantic scenes in the book either. And I know that it's me, not the book, but I would've liked more romantic scenes too. I love me some romance ♥

You know how Jane Austen said "If a book is well written, I always find it too short." That's exactly how I feel about this book. I really didn't want it to end. This book, and the series. But sadly they did...

*sniffing* Well all in all, it was a great book. The only reason I gave it a 4.5 was because it didn't have more of Drew or romance in it. But that's just me...

If you have read the previous books, let me tell you, you are going to LOVE this book!

And if you haven't, then what are you waiting for?! Go and buy them! They are wonderful!

Favorite Quotes:

His grandparents were going to think I was totally pedestrian. “Don’t worry,” Drew said, as if he could read my mind. “They’re going to love you.” “How do you know?” I asked. “Because I love you,” he said, nuzzling his nose into my cheek. “So they have no other choice but to love you as well.”

He kissed me then, sweet and loving, the warmth of his lips making the cold disappear around me. In moments like this, it was only me and Drew, and nothing could touch us. If only those moments could last forever.

About The Author: 

In the fall of 2008, Michelle saw Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” music video for the first time. She thought up a story to go along with the video, and wrote the first chapter as a homework assignment for class. Her classmates and teacher loved it so much that they wanted to know what happened next, so Michelle continued writing, and that story eventually became Remembrance, the first novel in the Transcend Time Saga. She’s so happy to be able to share this series with you, and hopes you enjoy reading it as much as she loved writing it!

Check out her website, www.michellemadow.com, to add her on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and her many other social networking sites.

Michelle lives in Florida, and is hard at work writing more novels for young adults.

Extras:

To read my review of Remembrance click here.

To read my review of Vengeance click here.