Monday: Book recommendation!

Wake (Watersong #1) by Amanda Hocking

Genre:YA Paranormal romance 

Publication date: August 2012

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Pages: ~ 309 

Rating: ★★★★☆

Summary

Fall under the spell of Wake—the first book in an achingly beautiful new series by celebrated author Amanda Hocking—and lose yourself to the Watersong.

Gorgeous. Fearless. Dangerous. They're the kind of girls you envy; the kind of girls you want to hate. Strangers in town for the summer, Penn, Lexi and Thea have caught everyone's attention—but it’s Gemma who’s attracted theirs. She’s the one they’ve chosen to be part of their group.

Gemma seems to have it all—she’s carefree, pretty, and falling in love with Alex, the boy next door. He’s always been just a friend, but this summer they’ve taken their relationship to the next level, and now there’s no going back. Then one night, Gemma’s ordinary life changes forever. She’s taking a late night swim under the stars when she finds Penn, Lexi and Thea partying on the cove. They invite her to join them, and the next morning she wakes up on the beach feeling groggy and sick, knowing something is different.

Suddenly Gemma is stronger, faster, and more beautiful than ever. But her new powers come with a terrifying price. And as she uncovers the truth, she’s is forced to choose between staying with those she loves—or entering a new world brimming with dark hungers and unimaginable secrets

Quick thoughts!!!

It was good. I really enjoyed reading it. I don't think it's the best book of the series but it's worth reading. There are four books in the series. Go read'em because the books are AWESOME!

Sunday: TBR this week!

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman  (French version)
I've been reading this book for quite a while now. I haven't finish reading it yet because I don't read a lot of mid-grade books. Hopefully I'll get to finish it by the end of this week.

Defining moments by Dori Lavelle (Moments #4)
I'm loving this ebook so far! I could've finished it already but I'm taking my time because I don't want this series to end yet. But I'm almost done and I'll post my review on Thursday...hopefully x)

Review: Moments in time by Dori Lavelle

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publication date: 2014

Publisher: Createspace

Read: September 2014

Pages: 386

Rating: ★★★★☆

*I received this copy from the author Dori Lavelle, in exchange for an honest review.*

Summary:

Due to sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18. 

˃ ENTANGLED MOMENTS

A deadly accident can take a life in more than one way.

Four years ago, Carlene Adams made a deadly mistake. A tragic accident derailed the future she'd hoped for, taking the life of the man she'd planned to spend forever with.As a self-imposed penance for her solitary sin, Carlene has given up on every dream she ever had. She has committed to spend every remaining moment trying to make up for that one instance when everything changed.Then she gets a second chance.When Carlene meets Nick Johnson, the single kiss they share awakens the desires she shoved aside for so long. Suddenly she wants more than what she believe she deserves. Will she ever see him again?A thing of fate.Leaving the life she built on regret, Carlene waits for fate to intervene. But just as she begins to believe in a fresh start, she's forced to realize a horrible truth—one with the power to send her second chance crashing before it even takes off.Nick isn't who she thought he was. She isn't the girl he believed her to be, either. Their lives were intertwined even before they met, and if Carlene tells him the truth, she’ll risk tearing them apart—for good.

˃ REKINDLED MOMENTS

The truth will always find a way out.

Carlene Adams' new life has been an illusion, her newfound joy just for rent. The life she craves can't really belong to a girl who is responsible for someone's death.Her greatest fear has been realized. Nick Johnson, her second chance at love, has discovered her true identity and disappeared from her life.She will need to find a way to move on without Nick. But the memories of their time together haunt her relentlessly. As Serendipity's Businessman of the Year, his face is everywhere—in magazines, on the television screen, and behind her eyelids. Soon, rumors about her past cause her life to spin out of control, and she finds herself even further from her dreams.But Carlene is good at hiding from the past. She's done it once before. She can do it again. She can leave her hometown and begin again somewhere new. But she can't move on without telling Nick the truth about the life he thinks she took, and everything that came before.

˃ BITTERSWEET MOMENTS

Can the embers of an old life ignite the flames of a new love?

Six years ago, Melisa Bergfeld’s husband died. As the grief of losing him tore into her, she lost his last gift to her—their unborn child—and her hopes and dreams turned to ashes.Left with a life she no longer wants, she seeks salvation in a homeless shelter. For a while, that’s more than enough.But when a fire breaks out, in walks the man who will try to save her life—if she’ll let him.Florian “Heat” Dane has left behind a trail of broken hearts in his wake, including pieces of his own. For all the girls he’s used to fill the hole in his heart, there has been just one he could never erase from his memories. But when Melisa married his best friend Scott Bergfeld, he knew she would never be his the way she’d been the one unforgettable night they spent together. Now that she’s back in his life, he will do anything to recapture her heart, even if it means giving away his own.Heat still has the power to ignite passion in Melisa, something she both desires and rejects.

My review:

                 "Sometimes in life you have to make things happen yourself."

Book 1 and Book 2 are about Nick and Carlene's love story. Honestly, from the beginning till the end I was intrigued. The story was so good but the problem was it was too short. Everything was happening so fast. There were parts where I wanted to read more about but it ended pretty quickly. However, I still learned a lot about Carlene that made like her character. It's funny because I didn't expect to relate to anyone's character but I did. As for Nick, I loved him from the start. I never really hate him for some particular reason. I never thought he was a bad guy or anything. I was a bit uncomfortable on how he acted with Carlene though. Their story was happening really fast. I don't think it was very realistic. But again, this is a fiction and anything can happen right?

"...Melisa's heart fell deeper into the sea of his love"

Book 3 is about Melisa and Heat. I didn't expect to like their story more than the first two books. But I can tell that after reading this book, I liked it as much as Nick and Carlene's story.  I wasn't a big fan of Melisa but in this book, I learned more about her and her past. It made me connect with her character. Afterwards, I pretty much understood what she was going through. I think she was a very strong woman because she was still living life after what happened with her husband and her baby. Like Nick, I loved Heat from the beginning. I don't know about the others who have read these books but the main male characters are so damn likable! 

I really recommend this series if you're looking for a quick read. It's a contemporary novel so if you want to just relax, these books are perfect for you. Also, check out other books by Dori Lavelle, she's an incredible author and she won't disappoint you. If you enjoyed Melisa and Heat's story, their story continues in Book 4 and it's called Defining Moments. 



About the author
Dori Lavelle, is a mother, wife, and a sucker for happy ever afters and mint chocolate. Give her a great romance novel and a mug of hot chocolate and she'd be one happy woman.
Growing up, Dori read a lot, and when she wasn't happy with a particular ending, she wrote a different one, just for herself. Before long, she was writing stories when she should have been doing homework. The time has come for her to share the stories she cooks up in her head.

You can visit her on her site http://www.dorilavelle.com/ and her blog http://dori-lavelle.blogspot.co.at/

The fourth book of the series is now available. Go visit the author's site for more information.

Betrayal. Lies. Secrets.

How much heartbreak can one heart take?

Melisa Dane has made it through the worst. Her heart was broken, but Florian Dane, better known as “Heat”—and the man of her dreams—returned to mend it. Now, with her family almost complete, Melisa is ready to sit back and enjoy life.

 But fate isn't done with her yet. The perpetual smile on her face freezes when the second man to steal her heart shows up in her life once again. Scott Bergfeld, the husband she buried and grieved for years ago, is not dead, and he comes back bearing secrets.

Heartbroken and confused, Melisa tries to find answers to questions she never thought she'd ask, but what she learns throws her life into turmoil. Soon, cracks start to form in her marriage with Heat. As her heart is torn into two halves—between the man she loved first and the man she married first—she comes dangerously close to having her whole life destroyed again. How many people will end up getting hurt? This time, does she have the strength to make it through?

Other books by Dori Lavelle

Pre-order To Live Again

Pre-order To Love Again

Review: Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance

Publication date: May 2011
Publisher: Jamie McGuire

Read: September 2014

Pages: 416

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Summary:

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.

My review:

Intense? Travis' attitude and actions, yes! Dangerous? Travis is. Addictive? Nope.

I've been wanting to read this book after I read the Crossfire series by Sylvia Day back in January. Like Abbi Glines' Fallen Too Far series, I thought it was a bit too expensive for me at that time. I waited until this month to finally pick it up. I couldn't wait to read it right away. As you might all know I have other books to read but I still chose to read Beautiful Disaster first. 

You can say that I had high expectations on this novel. I read the summary and I thought it was really intriguing. It makes you want to read it in my opinion. Also, I heard  nothing but good things about this book and so I thought this would be a very good read. 

"I'll give you the happy ever after, Pigeon. If you just believe in me, I can do it."

At the beginning, I was really happy with the writing style and I also enjoyed the love, hate relationship that Travis and Abby had. I  found it hilarious and I was really enjoying it.

 Then, Parker appeared in the story and I completely loved him right away. But of course Abby won't end up with him. I was trying to find something about Travis that I liked. He's attractive, he's the mysterious bad boy who has a soft spot. When he started dating Abby, I didn't know how I felt about it at first. I thought I liked them together but the more we learned about Travis' over-protectiveness I got really annoyed. From that moment I was hoping Abby would give Parker another chance and break up with Travis. Usually I don't mind about the man being over-protective but Travis makes me hate it. It was pissing me off and I tried to ignore and forget about it but he kept messing it up. I stopped reading a couple of times because he was really annoying and the fact that Abby still loves him? I was like "Wow. Really?" The thing that I appreciated though is the fact that there weren't a lot of sex scenes. Which was a bit surprising because I was expecting this book to have a ton like in Abbi Glines' books. I also loved the characters who were very close to Abby and Travis. Like, America, Shep, Brazil, Finch and Travis' family. 

Jamie McGuire is an amazing author even though this is the first book I've read by her. I didn't love it as much as the other New Adult books I've read but I didn't hate her writing. I was just annoyed by the main characters. With that being said, it doesn't mean that I don't recommend this book to anyone. You might love the characters and the story so I still recommend this novel if you're a fan of New Adult Contemporary Romance. 

About the author

Jamie McGuire was born in Tulsa, OK. She attended Northern Oklahoma College, the University of Central Oklahoma, and Autry Technology Center where she graduated with a degree in Radiography.

Her 2012 novel, Walking Disaster debuted at #1 on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists. She has also written internationally bestselling contemporary romance Beautiful Disaster, and the Providence™ series. 2013 works include an apocalyptic thriller, Red Hill, a novella, and A Beautiful Wedding™. 2014 works include Beautiful Oblivion, the first in the Maddox Brothers series, and also a #1 New York Times bestseller. Her recently self-published Happenstance novella series is a USA Today bestseller, and is set in her hometown of Blackwell, Oklahoma. Please review her upcoming projects tab for more information on planned releases.

Jamie now lives on a ranch just outside Enid, Oklahoma with her three children and husband Jeff, who is a real, live cowboy. They share their 30 acres with six horses, three dogs, and Rooster the cat.

You can visit her site http://www.jamiemcguire.com/ 

Check out the other books from the "Beautiful" series!

September update

I decided to change my tbr list for this month. I might be insane for reading four books at the same time right now. I guess I just couldn't stop myself.

First of all I won't be reading AngelFall and World After by Susan EE this month. Second of all I don't think I'll finish reading The Darkest Minds because I'm really not enjoying it. I've read over 200 pages and I'm still not intrigued. It's a shame because a lot of readers loved it and I thought I was going to be a fan of it too but I'm not. Third of all I  started reading It's Kind Of A Funny Story and I like it. I'm still currently reading it and I don't know when I'll be finishing the book. I'm stress about school. I'm scared for French class because I haven't been reading a lot of books in French and it's affecting my writing. That is why I'm going to read more French books for the next few weeks. I will take a break on English novels. Although I'm going to finish reading Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire first before I read all of the French books I'm planning on reading. I really liked the beginning of Beautiful Disaster and now I've read over 300 pages and I'm so annoyed and pissed off. My review will be posted as soon as I finish the book so stay tuned. :)

-Rochelle

Review: Misbehaving (Sea Breeze #6) by Abbi Glines

Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance

Publication date: December 2013

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Read: September 2014

Pages: 316

Rating: ★★★★☆

Summary:

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.

My review:

When I heard about this book I was confused. Jason and Jess? I was so annoyed with Jess in the other books and her being with Jason was confusing as hell! But then...I was wrong about her.

"He was a fairy tale. And I didn't live in a storybook."

Story of my life. That quote just caught my attention and I just had to mention it in this review. I completely understood  Jess's feelings and I think that's why I really liked her character in this book. She wasn't perfect. She made mistakes but I knew about her life that nobody but Jason and Rock knew about. She was actually a good person looking for someone who would love and put her first. A man who would treat her right.

I actually find it really entertaining when Jess's mom compares real life relationships to the Gilmore Girls. At first I was confused like when Jason first heard about it. I find his reaction funny.

I love Dewayne. He's such a tease and I find him hilarious. He just makes things more interesting and fun. I'm really glad he's part of the story of everyone and I'm looking forward on reading the book about him and his story.

"When I thought about my future now, Jess was all that I could see, and that was all I needed. I couldn't ask for more."

I love love Jason! He's like a complete package. He's attractive and a GENTLEMAN! But what I like the most is that even if Jess had a bad reputation around town, it didn't stop him from seeing her. He didn't judge her. In fact, he wanted to get to know her and that was just incredible and it made me love him even more.

What I didn't like about this book is that there were parts where I wanted to read more about. Especially near the end. I was actually surprised wen I turned the page and realized it was the last page of the book. Although, overall I'm pleased with the story. 

About the author            

Abbi Glines is the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Rosemary Beach, Sea Breeze, Vincent Boys, and Existence series. A devoted booklover, Abbi lives with her family in Alabama. She maintains a Twitter addiction at @AbbiGlines and can also be found at facebook.com/AbbiGlinesAuthor and AbbiGlines.com.

--->Sea Breeze novels by Abbi Glines

Would You Rather Book Tag by RayKayBooks on Booktube

1. Read only trilogies or stand-alones? Both...Well I really like series when I love the book so much I don't want it to end but some stand-alones are pretty interesting also.


2. Read only female or male authors? Female authors. I only read a few books by male authors and they aren't bad but I enjoy female authors' books more.


3. Shop at Barnes & Noble or Amazon? Well, I live in Canada so we have no Barnes & Noble. We have a bookstore called Indigo and I buy the majority of my books over there. I don't really order online so I choose Indigo.


4. All books become movies or t.v. shows? I think stand-alones should be turned into movies and series should become tv-shows


5. Read 5 pages per day or 5 books per week? 5 books per week x) I'm in a reading slump right now though. 


6. Be a professional reviewer or author? Author...I like writing my own stories.


7. Only read your top 20 favorite books over and over or always read new ones that you haven't read before? Always read new ones that I haven't read yet. 


8. Be a librarian or book seller? Book seller, I'm not a fan of libraries that's one of the reasons why I buy my own books.


9. Only read your favorite genre, or every genre except your favorite? Only my favorite genre xD


10. Only read physical books or eBooks? Physical books...but I don't mind reading ebooks.

Review: Sometimes It Lasts (Sea Breeze #5) by Abbi Glines

Genre: New Adult Contemporary romance

Publication date: August 2013

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Read: September 2014

Pages: 268

Rating: ★★★★☆

Summary:

Cage York has to choose between a love of the game and a love of the girl in this sultry Sea Breeze novel from New York Times bestselling author Abbi Glines.

After waiting for his big break, bad boy Cage York is finally called up to prove his worth in the college baseball arena. But when Cage’s girlfriend, Eva, mourns the sudden loss of her father, it’s not Cage’s comforting arms she runs to, but those of her former fiancé’s twin brother, Jeremy.

Torn between his baseball dream and the girl of his dreams, Cage must prove he’s worthy of Eva’s love, or risk losing her to Jeremy forever

My review:

"No one else for me ever. You're it. You're my always."

The prologue was pretty intriguing. It started with Eva standing in front of a crowd ready to give her speech at her dad's funeral. Then, she said that Cage had been the biggest lie of her life? WOAH. what? So I was really curious on how did that happen because last time I checked Cage and Eva were really in love. When Chapter 1 began, it was seven months ago. The whole thing was pretty long, I kept waiting till the scene where Eva was giving her speech. When that happened I was really happy and relieved.The whole time I was waiting for that moment. I mean when Abbi Glines went back on what happened seven months ago, sure I wanted to know what happened but I found it too long. Some scenes were unnecessary. I love the fight scenes. I like the parts where Cage and Eva argued because it's really interesting to read. When they never fight, that gets a little boring right? Or is it just me?

I honestly prefer the first book of Cage and Eva's story. I had more favorite scenes than this one. However I really like the song Eva wrote about Cage. In fact, it's on YouTube if you want to listen.

I gave this book a 4/5 stars because I enjoyed it despite the long flashback. I'm really happy with Cage's character development. He's a sweetheart and really caring compare to the old Cage who was pretty much a player and a jerk. 

About the author            

Abbi Glines is the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Rosemary Beach, Sea Breeze, Vincent Boys, and Existence series. A devoted booklover, Abbi lives with her family in Alabama. She maintains a Twitter addiction at @AbbiGlines 

 Also visit her on facebook.com/AbbiGlinesAuthor and AbbiGlines.com.

--->Sea Breeze novels by Abbi Glines

                                                       

Review: Just For Now (Sea Breeze #4) by Abbi Glines

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Publication date: October 2012

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Read: September 2014

Pages: 307

Rating: ★★★★★

Summary:
The day Preston Drake figured out that wealthy women paid well for a set of tight abs and a pretty face his life turned around.

The run down rat-infested trailer he had shared with his alcoholic mother and three younger siblings was now only a place he visited to pay the bills and stock the pantry with food. 

He no longer worried about his family starving or living without electricity. The money he made entertaining rich older women more than covered his family’s needs and his own. He had it all figured out. Except…

There was this girl.
She was as innocent as he was tainted.

Amanda Hardy wished her knees didn’t get weak when Preston walked into a room. She hated the fact her heart raced when he flashed his smile in her direction. He had a different girl in his bed every night. He was the kind of boy a smart girl ran from. So, why was she coming up with ways to get close to him? Even when it was obvious he wanted to keep her at a distance.

Maybe her heart knew something the world didn’t. Maybe Preston Drake was more than just a pretty face.

My review:

Before I started reading any novel from the Sea Breeze series, I went to Indigo and bought "Rush Too Far" by Abbi Glines. A girl who worked there told me that she was a big fan and asked me if I read about Preston Drake. I told her "no I haven't" and she said that I should read his book because he's perfect! After reading "Breathe", the first book of the series, I met Preston because of Marcus and I can't say I was a fan. I asked myself if the girl who worked at the store was just joking because Preston wasn't perfect, he was a jerk! 

"She loves you. Do you even know what to do with that?"

I kissed the top of her head. 

"Cherish it like it's the most precious thing on earth," I replied with all sincerity. 

But screw what I just said because I was wrong and the girl who worked at Indigo was damn right. Preston is not just an attractive man but he's a responsible and caring older brother and he can love and respect a woman if he tried. I really felt disgusted with his job but I tried to understand his situation. I guess sometimes when you're desperate for money, you are willing to sell yourself. It sucks and it's nasty but that happens in life. 

"Why me? Why would you pick me?"

The raw emotion in his voice was the only reason I decided to be honest. 

"Because I trusted you. I wanted you. I'd wanted you for a very long time."

I loved Amanda. Preston might not be the right guy for her but Amanda couldn't stop loving him because she saw something in him that nobody saw or understood. I loved that she trusted him and forgave him after everything. Any girl would leave Preston and never ever want to see his face again but Amanda was different. She didn't go back to him because of his pretty face. She loved him and is willing to give him another chance. Everybody makes mistakes and everyone deserves a second chance and I am so happy with how things ended. It was just perfect and I couldn't ask for  anything different. I wouldn't change a thing in this story. 

I recommend everyone who loves New Adult Romance to start reading the Sea Breeze series or any books by Abbi Glines because she writes amazing love stories. 

About the author

Abbi Glines is the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Rosemary Beach, Sea Breeze, Vincent Boys, and Existence series. A devoted booklover, Abbi lives with her family in Alabama. She maintains a Twitter addiction at @AbbiGlines 

 Also visit her onfacebook.com/AbbiGlinesAuthor and AbbiGlines.com.

--->Sea Breeze novels by Abbi Glines

Review: While It Lasts (Sea Breeze #3) by Abbi Glines

Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance

Publication date: July 2012

Read: September 2014

Pages: 267

Rating: ★★★★★

Summary:

But what happens when you land yourself a DUI. And there's only one way Cage can save his baseball scholarship. He has to work in her coach's brother's barn. You know like, sweeping out barns and babysitting  cows. Then he meets Eva and he can't seem to look away. Cage saw something in Eva's eyes and is determined to find a way to past through her walls. Together, they will learn that what they want, and need, may be something they never saw coming.

My review:

"When you came to my room upset the other night, I knew why. I wanted to be the one to hold you while you cried and dealt with the coming change. But you wouldn't let me in. I've never wanted in, Eva. Not until you."

I really enjoyed Cage's attitude towards Eva at the beginning and I liked how Eva responded. It was funny and refreshing. I wasn't really crazy about Cage in "Because Of Low" but I knew he can be very caring and sweet. 

I really felt bad for Eva about what happened with Josh and I'm happy with the way Cage handled it. After he knew about Eva's past love life and waited till Eva admitted it to him, I swear I fell for him. I never thought I could have a huge crush on him. He doesn't really have a good reputation and if I meet a guy like him in real life, I wouldn't get close.  No way. I will just end up having a heartache. But Cage has this other side of him that is so hard to ignore. He might be an asshole for fucking different women every night but he has his reasons. No matter what his reasons are, he still deserves a future with a woman he loves truly. 

From what I read, I really think that Josh and Eva's relationship was perfect and it would've been nice to read their story if Josh didn't die. I couldn't imagine being in Eva's position after hearing that the man you plan on marrying has left and will never return. 

Jeremy, Josh's twin brother was very likable. his relationship with Eva reminded me of Cage and Willow's relationship. It was funny how Cage thought Jeremy and Eva were engaged and the way he reacted when Jeremy made this comment about this girl's appearance. 

After everything, I still think that Cage and Eva's relationship ain't strong and it's still fragile. I think that's why Abbi wrote another book about them or maybe because fans couldn't get enough of Cage and Eva but whatever the reasons, I'm looking forward on reading it. It's called "Sometimes It Lasts" but you need to read "Just For now" before reading it. 

About the author

Abbi Glines is the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Rosemary Beach, Sea Breeze, Vincent Boys, and Existence series. A devoted booklover, Abbi lives with her family in Alabama. She maintains a Twitter addiction at @AbbiGlines 

Also visit her onfacebook.com/AbbiGlinesAuthor and AbbiGlines.com.

--->Sea Breeze novels by Abbi Glines