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Friday, November 28, 2014

Review: MADE by J.M. Darhower

Title: Made
Author: J.M. Darhower
Forever #0.4
Publication Date: October 27, 2014
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Corrado Moretti.

The world knows the notorious Kevlar Killer, but few have ever seen what lies beneath his armor. The abused child. The neglected teenager. The broken man. He always did whatever he had to do in order to survive.

It's kill or be killed.

Throughout his life, he has been there in the shadows, a witness to everything from beginning to end. Bound by loyalty and honor, there's only one thing he would sacrifice it all for: family.

Never get close. Never get attached. It's a lesson that has been brutally pounded into him since childhood, but they're words the DeMarcos make it difficult for him to follow. Through them he finds love and grieves loss, realizing the world isn't quite as black and white as it's made out to be.

Made.
Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter |

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"The circle of life, it's cruel, but it's unavoidable."

Wow. Corrado Moretti was a character that stood out in Sempre and intrigued me to no end. This book was phenomenal! Everything about Corrado's life is completely exposed and you can't help but feel for this honorable man. Made wasn't full of romance and cheesy love lines, which was understandable considering the kind of man Corrado is. This just made every scene between him and Celia that much more meaningful and touching. 

"Only the weak use their fists. The strong use their words."

Made encompasses Corrado's childhood all the way to adulthood. His childhood was tough to read. His family acted like it was normal for someone to be beaten and even killed. Corrado's goal in life was to become 'an honorable man' like his father. You begin to realize quickly that he is one and an even better one than his father who, compared to his other family members, was relatively good. His mother was harsh and unstable. His sister was devious and ungrateful. His father wouldn't get 'Dad of the Year', always absent due to his work with La Costa Nostra, but he did teach Corrado some valuable lessons. Corrado learned early on how to be independent and how to emotionally detach himself from others. At least until he met Celia DeMarco, the daughter of La Costa Nostra's boss.

"I'll cheat the law, I'll cheat my taxes, I'll try my damnedest to cheat death, 
but never... never... will I cheat on you."

Celia is the light to Corrado's dark. She was fierce, protective of her younger brother, Vincent, and extremely curious. I absolutely LOVED seeing how they were as kids, as teens, EVERYTHING. I really enjoyed seeing how nervous Corrado would get around Celia heheh. He had a facade on while working but every time it was just him and Celia, it melted away and all you saw was heart. Corrado was incredibly compassionate, when he allowed himself to be that is. Surprisingly, he can be very amusing with his seriousness haa. But above all, I loved that he never treated Celia like she was 'his property' as some of the other men did and he never took her for granted. I also enjoyed seeing all the pieces come together for Sempre. And seeing young Carmine, Dominic and Haven... oh lord, my heart could hardly stand it. A MUST READ for those who loved Sempre!

"Because without villains, there wouldn't be superheroes."

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Luna Rossa
"I found the one," he whispered into her hair.
"Favorite Sinatra song?"
"Yes," he replied. "But I meant you."
SWOOOOOOOOON.

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So I read Made before reading Sempre: Redemption and noticed that there are some parts that I didn't recall in the first book. 
I still enjoyed it nonetheless but here is the recommended reading order I've seen on GR.

Sempre

Sempre: Redemption

Made
Series prequel. Should be read after Sempre & Sempre: Redemption
(Corrado's story)

Friends (takes place before SempreForever (takes place after Sempre: Redemption)
FREE | Amazon | Kobo |

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Waiting on Wednesday (7)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine
for sharing upcoming releases we're highly anticipating.

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A Darker Shade of Magic
By Victoria Schwab
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Magic, Parallel Universes
Release Date: February 24, 2015
Publisher: Tor Books

Kell is one of the last Travelers—magicians with a rare, coveted ability to travel between parallel universes—as such, he can choose where he lands.

There’s Grey London, dirty and boring, without any magic, ruled by a mad King George. Then there’s Red London, where life and magic are revered, and the Maresh Dynasty presides over a flourishing empire. White London, ruled by whoever has murdered their way to the throne—a place where people fight to control magic, and the magic fights back, draining the city to its very bones. And once upon a time, there was Black London...but no one speaks of that now.

Officially, Kell is the Red Traveler, personal ambassador and adopted Prince of Red London, carrying the monthly correspondences between the royals of each London. Unofficially, Kell is a smuggler, servicing people willing to pay for even the smallest glimpses of a world they’ll never see—a dangerous hobby, and one that has set him up for accidental treason. Fleeing into Grey London, Kell runs afoul of Delilah Bard, a cut-purse with lofty aspirations, who first robs him, then saves him from a dangerous enemy, and then forces him to spirit her to another world for a proper adventure.

But perilous magic is afoot, and treachery lurks at every turn. To save all of the worlds, Kell and Lila will first need to stay alive—and that is proving trickier than they hoped.
 
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The ability to go to a parallel universe of your choice? Yes, please. 
There's also MAGIC, cross-dressing thieves, pirates, royalty and epic magicky fights. 
I have not read a book by Victoria Schwab yet but A Darker Shade of Magic sounds stellar!

Saturday, November 22, 2014

Review: BECOMING CALDER by Mia Sheridan

Title: Becoming Calder
Author: Mia Sheridan
Sign of Love #5
Publication Date: October 5, 2015
+Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes&Noble | Kobo |

From the New York Times bestselling author of Archer's Voice. Becoming Calder is the first part in a two-part romance series. The conclusion, Finding Eden, is available now.

There is a place in modern day America with no electricity, no plumbing, and no modern conveniences. In this place, there is no room for dreams, no space for self-expression, and no tolerance for ambition.

In this place, there is a boy with the body of a god and the heart of a warrior. He is strong and faithful and serves his family honorably. But he dares to dream of more.

In this place, there is a girl with the face of an angel and a heart full of courage. To her family, she is the vision of obedient perfection. But she dares to want that which she has been told can never be hers.

Becoming Calder is the story of good versus evil, fear versus bravery, and the truth that the light of love has always found its way into even the darkest places...From the beginning of time, to the end of the world
**New Adult Contemporary Romance: Due to strong language and graphic sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter |

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"No one should ever stop you from gaining knowledge if you want it."

Becoming Calder is the kind of book that makes you think and appreciate life. Realize how fortunate you really are for having indoor plumbing, electricity, sweets, pencils, paper, freedom. This story was riveting, unique and enlightening. Although I felt the first 50% was slow for my liking, the last 50% was heart-pounding and epic! My heart hurt for both Calder and Eden, for having fallen for each other so intensely but not being able to express it to the world. You witness their growth from children to young adults and how their feelings grew as the story progressed. The burn was wonderful and their love was heart-wrenchingly real.

Calder Raynes is the water bearer in an isolated village called Acadia where everyone has a specific role assigned by the Gods. Even as a young boy, you can see how compassionate and strong he is. I loved all the scenes with his younger sister and those with his best friend, Xander. Both of whom were excellent secondary characters. Calder had always dreamed of being a part of the council, to be of more use to his people and to go out to work in the community.  

Those that live in Acadia follow their leader, Hector Bias whom the Gods 'speak' to. Prophecy foretold that him, along with his future wife, would lead the people of Acadia to Elysium after a great flood. As I continued reading, I started realizing that Elysium was their Heaven and that Hector was essentially leading his own cult. He creeped me out to no end. His character seemed so calm and insightful but he could be incredibly ruthless as well.

"If this is the last piece of heaven I get before I'm dragged down to hell, then I'll gladly take it."

Eden was brought into Acadia when she was a young girl because she was needed to fulfill the prophecy. She was kept in the main lodge with Hector and the other council members but was basically isolated from everyone else. She had no friends. Her education was very limited. She was taught how to play the piano but that was it, no math, no science. The very first time she tries to interact with Calder and his friends was so heart-warming. The spark of the flame.

As they grow older and closer, I wanted to melt in a puddle of goo from their secret meetings and lessons at their spring. They're meant for each other. Though I was annoyed with how weak Eden was at the start, her character growth was phenomenal by the end. Both Calder and Eden are strong in different ways. They fought for their love. You experience so much hope and devastation in this book, it's crazy. I cried so hard in the last quarter of the novel. TISSUES ARE A MUST.

There was a scene with Calder and Xander concerning clothes and shopping in the second half ot the book that was so adorable yet so sad. Their friendship was actually my favorite aspect in Becoming Calder. They were like brothers, going to any length to help the other. But that ending! Oh-em-gee. I don't know how Mia Sheridan does it. Every book in her A Sign of Love series has been extraordinary and this one was no exception.

"As long as we're both under the same moon, we'll always find a way to each other."

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A Sign of Love novels do not need to be read in order and can be read as stand-alones!
However, there are exceptions such as Becoming Calder and Finding Eden which must be read together.

Leo
(Inspired by Leo)

Leo's Chance
Hero's POV novel. Should be read after Leo

Stinger
(Inspired by Scorpio)

Archer's Voice
(Inspired by Sagittarius)

Becoming Calder
(Inspired by Aquarius)

Finding Eden
Second part & conclusion of the Aquarius story. Should be read after Becoming Calder

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Top Ten Sequels I Can't Wait To Get

This week's topic is top ten sequels we can't wait to get our hands on!
Not sure if the list could was for sequels that haven't released or sequels I just haven't bought yet, either way my list has both heh :)

- - - - Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme, hosted by The Broke and The Bookish, where a new topic is given for a top ten list - - - -

Friday, November 14, 2014

Cover Reveal: BECOMING RAIN by K.A. Tucker

Title: Becoming Rain
Author: K.A. Tucker
Genre: New Adult, Romantic Suspense
Series: Burying Water #2
Release Date: March 3, 2015
goodreads

US BUY LINKS
| Amazon | Barnes&Noble | Books-a-Million
IndieBound | iBooks | Blio | Google |

UK BUY LINKS
| Amazon | Barnes&Noble | iBooks | Google
Waterstones | Foyles |

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About BECOMING RAIN:

Luke Boone doesn't know exactly what his uncle Rust is involved in but he wants in on it-the cars, the money, the women. And it looks like he's finally getting his wish. When Rust hands him the managerial keys to the garage, they come with a second set-one that opens up the door to tons of cash and opportunity. Though it's not exactly legal, Luke's never been one to worry about that sort of thing. Especially when it puts him behind the wheel of a Porsche 911 and onto the radar of gorgeous socialite named Rain.

Clara Bertelli is at the top of her game-at only twenty-six years old, she's one of the most successful undercover officers in the Washington D.C. major crime unit, and she's just been handed a case that could catapult her career and expose one of the west coast's most notorious car theft rings. But, in order to do it, she'll need to go deep undercover as Rain Martines. Her target? The twenty-four-year old nephew of a key player who appears ready to follow in his uncle's footsteps.

As Clara drifts deeper into the luxurious lifestyle of Rain, and further into the arms of her very attractive and charming target, the lines between right and wrong start to blur, making her wonder if she'll be able to leave it all behind. Or if she'll even want to.

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Waiting on Wednesday (6)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine
for sharing upcoming releases we're highly anticipating.

My pick for the week is The Secrets We Keep by Trisha Leaver. I love the intrigue of this story, how Maddy could have hid so much from her twin. Just from the blurb I have a feeling my heart will hurt (in the best way possible). Books about moving on from grief always get to me. Can't wait until April!

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By Trisha Leaver
Genre: YA, Conteporary, Mystery, Suspense
Release Date: April 28, 2015

A girl takes over her twin sister's identity in this emotionally charged page-turner about the complicated bond between sisters.

Ella and Maddy Lawton are identical twins. Ella has spent her high school years living in popular Maddy's shadows, but she has never been envious of Maddy. In fact, she's chosen the quiet, safe confines of her sketchbook over the constant battle for attention that has defined Maddy's world.

When—after a heated argument—Maddy and Ella get into a tragic accident that leaves her sister dead, Ella wakes up in the hospital surrounded by loved ones who believe she is Maddy. Feeling responsible for Maddy's death and everyone's grief, Ella makes a split-second decision to pretend to be Maddy. Soon, Ella realizes that Maddy's life was full of secrets. Caught in a web of lies, Ella is faced with two options—confess her deception or live her sister's life.
 
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Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Top Ten Characters I Wish Would Get Their Own Book

This week's topic is to pick our top ten characters we wish had their own book
(minor or semi-main character you'd want a book in their POV). 
A lot of the books I've read are part of a series where secondary characters end up getting their own book anyway *fist pump*.
But here are some secondary characters that I would LOVE to read their story and finally get in their head!
Many of them are from the same series :)

- - - Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme, hosted by The Broke and The Bookish, where a new topic is given for a top ten list - - -

Sunday, November 9, 2014

Review: ADDICTED AFTER ALL by Krista & Becca Ritchie

Title: Addicted After All
Authors: Krista & Becca Ritchie
Addicted #3
Publication Date: October 31, 2014
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Two addicts. One epic love story.

Prepare for the worst.

That's what Lily and Lo try to do when Jonathan Hale schedules an "important" meeting. The problem: after being swept into the public eye and battling their addictions, they're not sure what the worst is anymore.

In a sea of many changes--including Ryke and Daisy living with them--Lily realizes that the best part of her fluctuating hormones might just be the worst.

Her sex drive is out of control.

Loren knows that she's insatiable, but he's not giving up on her. She's too much a part of him. And as he carries more and more responsibility, some of the people that he loves doubt his resolve.

In the conclusion to their love story, Lily and Lo stand side-by-side to fight, one last time, for their happily ever after.
**Due to the 2-year gap between Addicted for Now (Addicted #2) and Addicted After All (Addicted #3), you must read Thrive (Addicte #2.5) and/or the Calloway Sisters spin-off series before reading Addicted After All.

Website | Goodreads (Krista) | Goodreads (Becca) | Facebook | Twitter | Tumblr | Pinterest |

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"He is my soul. I am his. The moment we give up on each other is the moment that neither of us exists."

I can't even use love to describe what I feel for this series because what I feel is beyond it. This story and these characters become a part of you, making you feel every emotion with great intensity. Krista and Becca did a phenomenal job bringing these characters to life. They're real, imperfect and human. When they laugh, I laugh. When they feel pain, I cry. And when they're happy, I  jump up and down, shouting in glee to the world. The Addicted series will forever have a special place in my heart as one of my favorite series of all-time

"A bad day can overturn into a better one. And all we have to do it be with each other."

 Addicted After All wins my heart for giving Lily and Lo the happy ending of all  HEA. They struggled for this. And it was beyond perfect. LILO FOREVER!! Thank goodness we'll see them again in Fuel The Fire and Long Way Down though because I'm not ready to say goodbye for real just yet *silently cries*. 

The tone of Addicted After All felt different from the previous installments of the series and because of that, I found Lily and Loren's growth most evident in this one. It always felt like Lily and Lo, as well as the other couples, were in their own world, isolated from reality. I don't think the previous books had this many secondary/other characters interacting with the main group. It felt like they were finally in the real world, a part of society and surrounded by people. A huge leap for Lily and Lo since isolating themselves to drown in their addictions back in Addicted To You. They've come a long way from the first book. Really, I just want to cry thinking about how far. Lily is still her awkward, adorable self that blushes tomato-red but she's not shying away from conversation, from people. And Lo, oh man Lo, his demeanor has taken a 180 degree turn for the better.

"I will wander with Loren Hale through every moment, good and bad."

The relationships in this series and most certainly in AAA, let me tell you, gold. The bromance between Lo and Connor/Ryke will always be my favorites. Then there's that between Lo and Rose, Lily and Ryke, Daisy and her sisters, even Ryke and Connor for goodness' sake. And that's just those within the main characters! There's also Jonathan and his sons, Greg and his daughters. ALL of these relationships just grew deeper and more significant. Those that were broken were mended. This series shows what true friendship entails. Their love for one another goes beyond blood ties. Whenever the words 'girlfriend', "fiancée", "wife", "husband" or 'best friend' were mentioned, I just wanted to dance and cheer. 

This book crossed the barrier between character and reader. There were some surprising turn of events, both good and bad. The Truth or Dare game made me grin. The flashbacks made me melt. I went through my tissue box. When Connor spoke on behalf of everyone near the end of AAA, I bawled. If there was a bucket by my bed, it would've been filled with my tears. I can't even, you guys. Best and favorite scene EVER. Sorry I'm being so vague, but Addicted After All (and this entire series really) is a book I think you need to dive in head first without any ounce of knowledge. Just know, 'wow' and 'omg' were words I've repeatedly said while reading this book. And for you Raisy and Coballoway shippers, there's a lot of them too! My heart was incredibly satisfied.

"You and me." "Lily and Lo."

Their characters aren't the only ones with superpowers—Krista and Becca Ritchie have proven themselves as a writing super-duo. Their writing continues to improve and impress. Their words painting the most vivid picture. It's like watching the story play out on screen. I cannot wait for the final books in the spin-off series. More Coballoway! More Raisy! MORE LILO! 

If you have yet to read this series, drop whatever you are doing and give it a chance! I cannot recommend this series enough. Remarkable characters, both main and secondary. The Addicted series is full of friendship, bromance, sisterhood and love. There's also lots of silliness, cursing and sexy times. But if you're looking for a story with depth that will take you on one hell of an emotional journey, This. Series. Is. For. You.

PS. #Raisyisalive


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The Addicted Series is split into 4 phases that connect together and span a continuous timeline.
The books don't have cliff hangers so you can start reading them right now!
You won't regret it.

-- Phase 1: (Lily & Lo) --

Addicted To You
Amazon | Barnes&Noble | Kobo |

Ricochet
Amazon | Barnes&Noble | Kobo |
Full-length companion novel (you should read it anyway!)

Addicted For Now
Amazon | Barnes&Noble | Kobo |

-- Phase 2: Spin-offs --

Kiss The Sky
Amazon | Barnes&Noble | Kobo |
(Rose & Connor)

Hothouse Flower
Amazon | Barnes&Noble | Kobo |
(Daisy & Ryke)

-- Phase 3: (Lily & Lo) --

Thrive
Amazon | Barnes&Noble | Kobo |
Full-length companion novel (MUST READ!)
--> My Review <--

Addicted After All
Amazon | Barnes&Noble | Kobo |

-- Phase 4: Spin-offs --

Fuel The Fire —Winter 2015
+Goodreads |
(Rose & Connor)

Long Way Down —Winter/Spring 2015
+Goodreads |
(Daisy & Ryke)