Book Review: Seeking Her by Cora Carmack (ARC)

Title: SEEKING HER (LOSING IT #3.5)
Author: Cora Carmack

Published: January 28, 2014

Genre: Contemporary Fiction, New Adult, Romance

Source: ARC from Williiam Morrow Impulse

Goodreads || Amazon || B & N

Jackson Hunt gets his turn in this Finding It prequel novella …

Jackson Hunt hasn't been out of the military for long, but he needs to get a job and find a sense of normalcy if he is going to keep his demons at bay. The job that falls into his lap, though, is anything but normal.

Becoming bodyguard (and babysitter) to spoiled rich girl Kelsey Summers isn't exactly what he had in mind, but it's a chance to travel, to get away. The catch: Kelsey's father doesn't want her to know she's being followed.

She's vibrant and infuriating, exciting and reckless, mysterious and familiar. When Jackson sees her falling into the same patterns he suffered years ago, he decides it's time to stop watching and help her instead. But getting to know Kelsey is more difficult than he thought, especially because the more he knows her, the more he wants her.

"Lust made men do stupid things."

       Personally, I've been a fan of the Losing It series by Cora Carmack ever since I've read its first book. Now, I've been highly anticipating for the release Seeking Her (Losing It, #3.5) because I fell in love with the previous novels. 

      Of course we all knew what happened in Finding It (Losing It, #3)... WARNING: If you haven't read it, read it now before Seeking Her's release! Now, it's Jackson's time to shine and make the readers swoon all over again and go hot with his irresistible charisma. He's personal bodyguard of a very tempting woman. Well, Kelsey Summers is Kelsey Summers the spoiled-rich-kid. She’s gorgeous, vibrant, infuriating, exciting, reckless, and mysterious that will seriously make Jackson crazy.

       What will happen if their worlds clash? What would they do if attraction kept on messing with their heads? When you find "the one" are you willing to give up everything for an unforbidden love? Can you really fight sexual attraction? Can you stop your heart from falling in love? 

      On January 28, 2014... someone will rock your world. So better watch out because you'll never know if he's watching your every move. 

"From now on, I would watch her when I could.
Find her when I'd lost her.
Protect her when she needed me.
That was it. Nothing else."

Book News: Bad For You by Abbi Glines

Sea Breeze #7 ?????

by ABBI GLINES on January 10, 2014

In the coastal town of Sea Breeze, Alabama where it’s always… hot, the local rock band, Jackdown, keeps things entertaining. The lead singer, Krit, especially keeps things interesting. From his pierced and tattooed body to his white blond hair and very dirty mouth Krit is the epitome of a bad boy. And he embraces it.

We were introduced to Krit in Because of Low when he shamelessly flirted with Low and then in Misbehaving we got to see more of him. He wasn’t just the naughty playboy. When he cared about someone he did whatever he could to help them. Even if it meant buying up all their lap dances (don’t ask, just read Misbehaving)

April 1, 2014 I will take you back to Sea Breeze but this time the heat just went up several notches higher.

 Innocence was never meant for the addictive…

 Addiction was something Krit Corbin accepted as part of his nature a long time ago. He decided to embrace it and flip his finger at the rules. Women had always been the number one thing on his list of addictions. He couldn’t get enough. Being the lead singer in a rock band had only made access to his favorite addiction that much easier.

 Being alone was the only thing Blythe Denton understood. The small town minister’s family that raised her hadn’t accepted her as their own. The minister’s wife had always made sure Blythe understood just how unworthy she was of love. When Blythe is sent away to college and given a chance to finally be free of living as an unwanted burden, she looks forward to having peace in her life. Being alone isn’t something that bothers her. She escapes reality in the stories she writes.

However, the ridiculously sexy tattooed guy who keeps throwing parties in the apartment above hers is driving her crazy. For starters, he doesn’t treat her like she would expect a guy with a different woman always hanging on his arm to treat someone as uninteresting as her. She looks nothing like the gorgeous women she sees parading in and out of his apartment, but for some strange reason he keeps showing up at her door.

During a party at his apartment, Krit’s new neighbor comes to the door with her long brown hair pulled up in a messy knot and a pair of glasses perched on her cute little nose. She wants him to turn down the music, but he convinces her to stay.

Krit Corbin may have just found his biggest addiction yet. And Blythe Denton realizes too late that she’s finally been claimed.

BAD FOR YOU

by Abbi Glines

Coming April 1, 2014 from Simon Pulse

Look for the cover reveal next month

Preorder links:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

iBooks

From: http://www.abbiglines.com/2014/01/sea-breeze-7/

Book Review: Misbehaving by Abbi Glines

Title: MISBEHAVING (SEA BREEZE, #6)

Author: Abbi Glines

Published: December 17, 2013

Genre: Contemporary Fiction, New Adult,  Romance

Goodreads || Amazon || B&N

          An unexpected affair leads to mind-blowing harmony in this Sea Breeze novel from New York Times bestselling author Abbi Glines. 

        Jason is sick of living in his rock star brother’s shadow. So when he ships off to Sea Breeze, Alabama, he’s looking for a much deserved escape and a chance to blow off some envious steam. Falling for the local bad girl was definitely not the plan. But as the new duo enjoys some naughty fun in the Alabama sun, Jason learns that even though Jax is the musician in the family, he’s not the only brother who can rock someone’s world.

*Image and synopsis from Goodreads

“I don’t get possessive. I can’t get possessive. I don’t have time for that. You are making me feel that way, and it doesn’t fit into my world. I was trying to distance myself.”

          This book is like the continuity of the love stories of the Sea Breaze gang!

     Badass heroine? Troublemaker? Definitely a major turn on! Jess is feisty, confident, straightforward, compassionate and strong. She's really a contradiction of the heroines in the previous books of the series, however she has the biggest heart and the kindest intentions that despite her unbelievable attitude, she have that side that only Jason Stone can understand. Her dynamic personality is a major turn out in this story. 

         Jason Stone? He always lived in his brother's shadow, but you know what? He's more than just the brother of a rock star. Yes, he can also rock your world, AND yes, he's a freaking sex-god. We had a view of Jason's life back in Amanda and Preston's love story (Just for Now, Sea Breeze, #4), but here in Misbehaving, there's this side of him that not everyone knows. I like his amazing personality that even though the world sees that girl he's in love with is a total disaster, he still wants to protect her because Jason knows that Jess is really worth it. 

           Poor girl meets rich guy? Typical, right? How about we put a twist on it... What will happen if a bad girl meets good boy? Well? Who would have thought that a girl who lives in a trailer park will end up with a Prince Charming? You might think it's cliché but I assure you this book is so much more than Cinderella and Prince Charming. Misbehaving is not just a story of two people in different worlds, it is a tale of craving for freedom, chasing dreams, believing in fate, taking chances and falling in love.

Misbehaving somehow reminded me of the film Pretty Woman starring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts. :)

Jax and Sadie's story is still my favorite in this series. (Breathe, Sea Breeze, #1)

“I had never expected to fall in love, but then, I'd never imagined anyone like Jess. She was one beautiful contradiction. The idea of letting someone else own my heart wasn't appealing. It sounded weak and Foolish. Something meant for the words of a song. I was wrong.” 

Book News & Events: 3 YA Authors Coming To Manila!

TAHEREF MAFI, RANSOM RIGGS AND VERONICA ROSSI are coming here in the Philippines! Thanks to National Book Store for inviting THEM here for a booksigning event! 

Tahereh Mafi is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the SHATTER ME series. SHATTER ME is her first novel. It's not her first time here in the Philippines because she had a book signing here last year. The heart-stopping conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Shatter Me series, Ignite Me, will be published on February 4th.

Ransom Riggs is a #1 New York Times bestselling author. MISS PEREGRINE'S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN is his first novel. HOLLOW CITY, the sequel to Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, hits bookstores January 14th. It's not his first time here either. He was with Tahereh for an unexpected book signing last year.

Veronica Rossi is the author of post-apocalyptic fiction for young adults. Her debut novel, UNDER THE NEVER SKY, is the first in a trilogy. The second book in the trilogy, THROUGH THE EVER NIGHT, debuted in January on the NY Times and USA Today Best Seller Lists. The final book in the series, INTO THE STILL BLUE, is expected to release January 2014.

Veronica Rossi, Tahereh Mafi and Ransom Riggs 
Book Signing Events 
Frequently Asked Questions 
When and where are the book signings? 
April 26, 2014, 2:00 pm, at the Glorietta Activity Center 
April 27, 2014, 2:00 pm, at the Activity Center of Ayala Center Cebu 

When will the registration be? 
Registration opens at 10:00 am on April 26 at the Glorietta Activity Center and 10:00 am on April 27 at the Activity Center of Ayala Center Cebu. Each guest will be asked to fill out the registration form upon arrival. Separate registrations for each event is required should you wish to attend both events. First come, first served. 

Is there a registration fee? 
No. There is no registration fee. 

How many books can I have signed? Is there a limit as to how many people can have their books signed? 
You may have any number of books signed as long as they were purchased from National Book Store, Bestsellers or Powerbooks, and we do not have any preset limit as to the number of people. 

However, although we will take every effort to get as many books signed as possible, depending on the number of attendees, we reserve the right to limit the number of copies per person or limit the number of people in line. First come, first served. 

Can I bring old books or other editions of the books? 
Yes, as long as the books were purchased from National Book Store, Bestsellers or Powerbooks. 

Do I need to buy on-site? 
No. You can buy books before or during the events. 

Can I have other items signed? 
No. Only books will be allowed to be signed by the authors. 

Can we have our photo taken with the authors? 
Yes, you can have your photo with each author when they sign your book. However, we strictly allow only one photo per person for each author. 

How much are the books? 
Veronica Rossi titles: 
Under the Never Sky (Trade Paperback – P349) 
Through the Ever Night (Trade Paperback – P349) 
Into the Still Blue (on sale on January 28) 

Tahereh Mafi titles: 
Shatter Me (Trade Paperback – P329; Hardcover – P599) 
Unravel Me (Trade Paperback – P329; Hardcover – P599) 
Ignite Me (on sale on February 4) 
Unite Me (on sale on February 4) 

Ransom Riggs titles: 
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children (Trade Paperback – P399; Hardcover – P699) 
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children Graphic Novel (Hardcover – P755) 
Hollow City (on sale on January 14) 

Book Review: Nomad by J.L. Bryan

Title: Nomad

Author: J.L. Bryan

Published: July 26, 2013

Genre: Dystopian, Time Travel, 

Sci-Fi

Source: ARC from Author

Amazon|Goodreads|B&N

They took everything: her family, her home, her childhood.

By the age of nineteen, Raven has spent most of her life in the sprawling slums of America, fighting as a rebel against the dictatorship. When the rebellion steals an experimental time-travel device, she travels back five decades to the year 2013. Her plan: assassinate the future dictator when he is still young and vulnerable, long before he comes to power. She must move fast to reshape history, because agents from her own time are on her trail, ready to execute her on sight.

Back to the Future meets Looper meets The Time Traveler’s Wife

This is the first time I’m reading from J.L. Bryan. He didn’t waste any time and told action-packed scenes right from the start of this time-travel dystopian world he created. It was refreshing to think about time travel very deeply. In Nomad, every decision corresponds with a great consequence. Reading about characters talk about the events when interfering with the past makes my head go fuzzy –in a good way. I enjoyed reading about Raven’s struggle to find out what is really her mission, her attempts on seducing Logan (impeccably entertaining, I might add) and advanced technology/weapons she uses that adds to her bad-ass character. The flow of the story was smooth, at the same time, gripping. I would like to read more about Eliad’s story. Hell, I would love to read more about Eliad and Raven’s story or if I’m luck, their love story.

A vastly enjoyable read that dystopian and non-dystopian fans will adore. If you want to see a different point of view regarding changing the past or just want to try out on reading a diverse story, then this is for you!

"The book also made her see war in a new way - not as a clash between good and evil, but a senseless collision of misguided, ignorant people"

Book Review: Hell's Belle by Karen Greco

Title:  Hell’s Belle (Hell's Belle #1)

Author: Karen Greco

Published: July 6, 2013

Genre: Urban Fantasy 

Source: Netgalley

Amazon | Goodreads | B&N

Half-vampire, half-human, Nina Martinez spent most of her life underground as part of an elite secret team of government agents who quietly take down rogue monsters, the human world none the wiser. She moves back to her hometown of Providence, RI to keep an eye on the recent uptick in supernatural activity, and to help run the bar she co-owns with her aunt. 

Her attempt at a “regular” life, not to mention a budding relationship with smoking hot FBI agent Max, is cut short because of a string of ritual murders targeting the city's community of witches. 

But Nina's investigation unearths deadly secrets from her long buried parents. Now the target of supernatural assassins, could Nina be the most dangerous vampire hybrid to ever exist? No wonder she can’t get a date.

*image and synopsis from goodreads*

Bad-ass heroine + hot male hero + unpredictable plot twists = AWESOME NOVEL.

                I really loved this novel. It’s not the first time I read urban fantasy books. Also not the first time I read about a world wherein vampires, werewolves and leprechauns exist but this is unquestionably one of my favorites!

                The idea of Nina and the team, the Blood Ops, working for the Department of Defense is exceptional.  Having an Aunt who is a witch, a vampire for a best friend and another best friend who is a banshee clearly states that Nina’s life is anything but boring.

First, let’s talk about the Bad-ass Heroine. The funny lines and her attempts at being normal at the beginning connected me right away with Nina. She was bad-ass at times and clumsy on the other, which is pretty hilarious. All throughout the book, Nina was discovering more of herself and her parents. She was evolving into an even more kick-ass character.

Let’s get to the hot male hero. A vampire named Marcello(not the hot one I’m talking about) attacked Nina at Babe’s, which our hot male character, Max, saves our heroine. And what do you know, Max is an FBI agent! They’re growing relationship with each other is sweet and gradual.

For the plot twists, well you read that she’s half vampire right? I recommend you read this to know what the other half is.

So for Urban Fantasy fans out there, this book is for you. (If you’re a fan of Vampires, Werewolves, Demons, Banshee, Leprechauns or just looking for a great read about bad-ass characters) Hell’s Belle is absolutely one of the series you should watch out for. I need the sequel like tomorrow! And no, I’m not kidding.

Book Review: Ruined by Jus Accardo

Title: Ruined 
(The Eternal Balance #1)

Author: Jus Accardo

Published: December 30, 2013

Genre: New Adult

Source: e-ARC:Entangled Embrace

Amazon | Goodreads | B&N

Hell is looking for a way to break loose…

Jax lost the genetic lottery. Descended from Cain, the world's first murderer, he's plagued by a curse that demands violence in exchange for his happiness. He left everything behind, including the girl he loved, but thriving on the pain of others is lonely… And it's killing him.

After a series of heartbreaking losses, Samantha put rubber to pavement and headed for college as fast as her clunker could carry her. But she can't outrun her problems. When an attack at school drives her back home, she's thrown into the path of a past—and a guy—she's been trying to forget.

Sam strains Jax's control over his darkness, but running isn't an option this time. Someone—or, something—followed her home from school: a ruthless monster with a twisted plan centuries in the making. Forced together to survive, and fighting an attraction that could destroy them both, Jax and Sam must stop a killer bent on revenge.

“I don’t skulk.”

Turning, he winked. I hated it, but despite the fact that it’d been the night from hell, the quirk of his lip and cure of his cheek sent my heartbeat racing.

“I loom. Much sexier don’t ya think?”

From the Denazen series to the first installment of The Eternal Balance: Ruined, Jus Accardo did it again. She created these wonderfully distinctive characters that you can’t help but adore. Jus made this dark and brooding world with just enough wit that will send you turning the page after the other.

We won’t see man-whores and weak-willed girls that we often read about in New Adult novels, we will see mature characters that were forced to grow up because of their past and what they have to do in order to find balance.

The love between Sam and Jax will make you jealous but at the same time have sympathy for them. Both loved each other, and yet, can’t be together. Despite the troubles and the fate against them being together, there was never a doubt of how deep their love is. Sacrificing for someone you love is easy, but sacrificing being with the one you love is not.

The story evolved beautifully. Every twists and turns (this novel is full of it) blindsided me. I wasn’t expecting half of what happened and THAT is saying a lot. Jax having a demon inside him is just the start of something big. Something that involves his twin brother, Chase. Something that lasted a long time ago. Something to do with Cain and Abel.

“I saw myself mirrored in her eyes. Lost. Alone. Seperated. “

“Ruined.”

Book Review: Sempre: Redemption by J.M. Darhower

Title: SEMPRE: REDEMPTION (FOREVER#2)

Author: J.M. Darhower

Published: December 16, 2013

Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Young Adult,  Suspense, Romance
 || Amazon

     In this thrilling and sexy follow-up to Sempre, two young lovers struggle to keep their relationship intact after they become deeply enmeshed in the dangerous mafia-run crime ring they once tried to overthrow.

    Haven Antonelli and Carmine DeMarco have been through a lot. Haven was taken in by Carmine’s father, and with his family’s help, she escaped a gruesome fate. However, saving Haven from the dark intentions of a mafia family cost Carmine a steep price: he was forced to swear loyalty to them.

     Now, still passionately in love, Carmine and Haven must face the fall-out of Carmine’s forced service, as Haven discovers terrifying secrets about the family that enslaved both her and her mother—and why she matters so much in this intricate web of lies.

*Image and synopsis from Goodreads

“Your heart,” she whispered. “It’s racing.”

“You feel it?” He asked “You hear it?”

“Yes”

“What’s it saying?”

She smiled, her eyes fluttering closed. “It’s saying you love me.”

“I do,” he said. “No matter what. Sempre”

           People always say, “Everything will be okay in the end, if it's not okay, it's not yet the end,” and I assure you that Sempre (Forever #1) is not yet the end of Haven and Carmine’s epic love story. And if you haven’t read the first book, you just missed half of your life. ;)

            I’ve been highly anticipating this book ever since I’ve read Sempre (Forever #1), because I fell in love with its plot and characters (most especially Carmine DeMarco). I mean, hello, who will not fall for an Italian bad boy who will eat thousands of bullets for the love of his life? I love Carmine. Whenever “la mia bella ragazza” comes out of Carmine’s dirty mouth, oh god, I can’t help but swoon! I love that he’s not so perfect, he’s reckless, makes the wrong decisions, drinks his ass out, trusts the wrong people, curses a lot (I mean, a lot, really), but you know what? He’ll do anything for Haven even if it means letting her go.

            The “Principessa della Mafia,” Haven Antonelli learns to make her own choices as she finally find her place in the world.  I love that she never loses hope that someday, she and Carmine will get their happy ever after.

            Sempre: Redemption (Forever #2) points out a new phase in the characters life now that Carmine DeMarco is part of the La Cosa Nostra. The pain, grief, vengeance and hatred took control in the most part of the story that the young lovers needed to spend time apart which is I guess, the story kind of died there, but hell, it was definitely necessary and worth it.

            The love between Carmine and Haven is beautiful, true and real. They are so in love that even though they came from two worlds they formed a new kind of chemistry. (I’m freaking jealous! Jealous as in like I want a Carmine-like-boyfriend right now.) The twists and turns of the story give me feelings I can't put into words. I laugh, I cried, I got angry, heartbroken, hopeless, and I died over and over again because I continue to love the story even more.

            Sempre is not just a simple love story. It is not an average feel-good tale that could not only make you tear apart, but also it is a completely crazy love story that will absolutely make you crave for more. It is a passionate gut wrenching piece that will surely leave you on the edge of your seat, wondering what is going to happen next. 

            It is a story about vengeance and sacrifice on how the families involved fought against the pains of their past. Second chances, when the characters went through different kinds of transformation and personal growth that changed their lives for good. Forgiveness and freedom, when Haven and Carmine let go of the hatred that is stopping them to be together. Hope and redemption, that as they start a new chapter in their lives, everything they’ve been through will help them to be strong enough to overcome the future obstacles. Most of all it is a story of love, a young and sincere true love. A love that is willing to conquer everything and put their lives in danger just to be together. A love that is willing to give up everything and let go of the past. Above all, it is a story about love that no one has ever felt before and will surely last Sempre (forever).

He was her home. He always had been.