Sunday, June 30, 2013

ARC Review: Phoenix (Black City # 2) by Elizabeth Richards

Phoenix (Black City, #2)
Title: Phoenix
Author: Elizabeth Richards
Series: Black City #2
Number of Pages: 368
Published: June 4th 2013 by Putnam Juvenile
Source: Publisher - ARC paperback
Genre: Paranormal Romance > Dystopia
Reading Level: YA



Ash and Natalie are just starting to build a life together when things in the United Sentry States go from bad to worse. Ash and Natalie find themselves at the center of turmoil when dictator Purian Rose threatens Natalie’s life unless Ash votes in favor of Rose’s Law—a law that will send Darklings and other dissenters to a deadly concentration camp known as the Tenth.

When Ash can’t bring himself to trade Natalie’s life for those of millions of Darklings, her fate is sealed. Enter Elijah Theroux, the handsome Bastet boy Natalie once saved from her mother’s labs, where he’d been experimented on and tortured. It was his venom the Sentry used to create the lethal Golden Haze, the heart of the government conspiracy that led to Black City’s uprising and Ash’s rebirth as the Phoenix, the face of the rebellion. Elijah is back and Ash doesn’t like him; it’s clear he’s taken with Natalie, and Ash fears she may have feelings for him as well.

But Elijah also may have the answer to taking down Purian Rose for good—a powerful weapon called the Ora. Ash, Natalie and Elijah just have to escape Black City undetected to find it. But fleeing the city and finding this weapon (if it even exists) are easier said than done, and the quest could tear Ash and Natalie apart, even pushing them into the arms of others.


This enthralling sequel to Black City is just as absorbing, delicious and steamy as the first book, leaving readers hungry for the series conclusion.
Purchase @ Amazon | B&N | Indiebound | The Book Depository



Check out my review on Black City - Book 1 - HERE

*sigh and dreamy look* This series keeps getting better and better, book by book. If you have not read book one if the series, Black City then I would suggest you do and also be aware there may be some slight spoilers in this review.

Phoenix picks up almost right after Black City ends. Once again the story is being told from both Ash and Natalie's POV. Ash "The boy who rose from the ashes" is now given the name PHOENIX because of the recently attempted execution by the Government and President Rose. Both Ash and Natalie remain within the walls of Black City. They desperately try to give hope to their people and somehow find a way to end this fuming war once and for all. Although the quest for freedom does not come easy for either Ash or Natalie. Things go from bad to worse when President Rose threatens Ash to make a decision between the girl he loves, and his followers, the people of Black City. Ash must now make the right choice. But how can he choose between two things he loves so dearly. With only days left to choose someone new comes into the picture....someone who offers Ash a way out and way to end this war once and for all. But the price of this freedom may be more than anyone saw coming...

From here the story truly begins - Death, Bloodshed, Battles, Lost, an Escape and a LOVE like no other.
PHOENIX has it all!

The EPIC battle to save their world.....begins with a savior; "The boy who rose from the ashes".


Wow, I was blown away by this book. I kept telling myself that this book could not get any better than Black City but boy was I wrong. PHOENIX was immensely fast paced and held my attention throughout the entire book. I read it from cover to cover in only one day. Yeah, it was THAT good! I loved the dual narration between Ash and Natalie. Seeing things happen from both of their POV's. Oh, and the romance between them was better than ever. Although the author throws us a curve ball; there is a "love triangle" introduced into the book. I won't go into this future because I don't want to spoil it for those who have not read, Pheonix. 

Author Elizabeth Richards has captured by heart once again. Her writing style is almost lyrical.  Elizabeth somehow finds a way to make her story "jump off the page" come alive. I felt like I too could feel what the characters were going through; their pain, hurt, loss, loneliness, indecision, and most of all love and to never give up in what they believed in.  

There was never a dull moment. Phoenix is so super action packed and for me this made the book really carry it's own. 

The beginning was heartbreaking and the ending was breathtaking....
AGAIN, I'll say: PHOENIX has it all! This book, this series, IS a MUST read! If you've been procrastinating on whether or not to read this series ...STOP! DON"T THINK! DO! 
I promise you'll never regret it.

 
Totally EPIC! One of the best books I have read. A MUST read!!

Elizabeth  Richards
About The Author: Elizabeth Richards

Find Elizabeth @ 

Elizabeth Richards is an award-winning journalist, who spent her early career reviewing videogames before making the bold (or crazy) move into travel writing, despite suffering from terrible travel sickness.

In her spare time, she ran a successful lifestyle website aimed at teenage girls, where she got to interview many of her favourite bands, go to gigs and basically blag loads of free swag all in the name of ‘research’.

Elizabeth lives in Buckinghamshire, England, with her husband. Black City is her debut novel.


I would love to hear what you think of my review. Leave me a comment. :) 

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Just Joined: Summer Lovin’ Read-a-thon!


The Summer Lovin’ Readathon is a week-long readathon event hosted by seven independent bloggers!

Spend the week reading at your own pace, when and how you want too. There will be daily challenges for awesome prizes and opportunities to get points toward the Grand Prize Packs.
As if that weren’t enough – the week will end with a 24-hr marathon readathon! Twitter parties, mini-challenges, games, prizes given EVERY HOUR, and more chances to get points toward the Grand Prize Packs.

Sign-ups will be open through July 6th. I’m in, are you?!


I'm not sure just yet what books I am going to read. I better start making a list soon. ;)
Leave me a comment if you are going to join in on this read-a-thon. I hope to see YOU there!

Friday, June 28, 2013

Book Highlight: The Plunge by Sindhu S. + Giveaway!




The Plunge by Sindhu S.
Paperback, 238 pages
Published February 13th 2013 by Sindhu S.
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Reading Level: Adult



Love is madness…

When a thirty-something journalist Anjali meets the charismatic Siddharth, she has no intention of becoming romantically involved with him. Anjali is a strong, independent woman, angered by the man’s world she lives in and traumatised by events in her past. She has no desire to fall in love. Anjali is certain that, after months of chatting online, when she finally meets Siddharth the charm will be broken. But she is surprised to find herself attracted to him – and shocked when they fall into bed together on their first date. Seized by new emotions that go against everything she believes in, Anjali is caught in a battle between her head and her heart, between love and self-protection. For the first time in her life, Anjali is at the mercy of her emotions and desires…and as she plunges into an affair with a man she knows little about, she risks losing everything. Set in India, The Plunge is a frank and powerful examination of modern relationships that every woman will identify with. Told with astonishing emotional insight, this debut novel will take your breath away.



About The Author: Sindhu S

Find Sindhu @
Website |  Goodreads | Twitter

Born in 1966, Indian writer Sindhu drew inspiration for 'The Plunge' from her days as a journalist in her home country. She loves writing human interest stories and is drawn to women centric issues.As a child she "had suffered from the ugly duckling syndrome", she says. She quit her job as a school teacher on realising it was beyond her ability to discipline students, and switched over to journalism.She moved to the Gulf (Middle East) six years ago. Currently based in Bahrain, she is currently working on her new book, a non-fiction on relationships, and two more projects, among them a novel set in the Middle East. 


Open internationally!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
          



Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Book Blast: Disneylanders by Kate Abbott + Giveaway ( Win a Disney themed gift pack )


Welcome to the DISNEYLANDERS Book Blast!

Hey gang! Today I am here to tell you all about this amazing new novel. :) I can't wait to read my review copy. It looks like a fun and great summer read. Man...now I REALLY want to go to Disneyland. haha! I have been to Disneyworld plenty of times but never Disneyland. 

Author Kate Abbott new middle-grade novel looks to be a sure-fire winner for ALL ages, even kids are heart.

Disneylanders by Kate Abbott
Paperback, 184 pages
Published May 12th 2013 by Theme Park Press
Reading Level: Middle Grade


Fourteen-year-old Casey Allison, on the brink of starting high school, struggles to find a new identity on her family's annual summer vacation, but with the help of an outgoing boy she meets while waiting in line, she discovers that Disneyland is the one place where her overprotective parents let her have the freedom to grow up.

Casey looks forward to her family's annual summer vacation to Disneyland to escape her anxieties about starting high school. But this summer, her vacation forces her to confront her parents' ancient attitudes, getting dumped by her best friend, an intense crush, and a pack of gum snapping girls who seem intent on ruining her vacation.

Her parents won't accept she's no longer a little kid, but she can't fathom growing up to be like the bra-strap girls who seem to be following her. Worst of all, she fears that in order be accepted as "mature," she'll  have to not only display her underwear but stop going to her beloved theme park. As she explores Disneyland—and her first romantic  relationship—with Bert, the charming high school sophomore she meets, she realizes that she can overcome her real-world insecurities only when she's in the Magic Kingdom.

As Casey and Bert banter in line for rides, they find that confessing secrets they couldn't share with anyone back home lets them both discover their true selves. Although they spend time in Fantasyland,  they confront their real-life issues…Bert's flaky parents, his precocious grandmother, and why he wears a watch that hasn't worked in two years; Casey's ex-best friend, her secret passion for old-school film photography, and her fears about starting a new school and a new life.

By the last fireworks show, after she's been on a wild ride of a summer vacation, Casey rediscovers herself and takes home new self confidence, along with a very important souvenir.


Disneylanders Book Trailer


About The Author: Kate Abbott

Find Kate @
Website | Twitter | Goodreads

Disneylanders is Kate Abbott's first novel. She received an MFA in creative writing from UC Riverside, Palm Desert. Kate lives in Northern California with her husband, son, terrier, and tiny parrots.


One lucky winner will get this awesome Disney themed gift pack from Kate Abbott, including:
Note card set
Mickey Bookmark
A copy of Disneylanders

Must be 13+ to Enter
US Shipping Only
No PO Boxes

Disneylanders Book Blast tour is hosted by:


Monday, June 24, 2013

Blog Tour: Confessions of an Almost-Girlfriend by Louise Rozett | Author Guest Post + Giveaway!

Confessions of an Almost-Girlfriend Blog Tour is hosted by YA Bound Tours.
Click HERE to see the full blog tour schedule!


Today is my stop and the start of the Confessions of an Almost-Girlfriend Blog Tour. I am so super excited to be apart of this amazing tour and I really hope you my readers will enjoy this post. If you have not heard of this book or the series then come check out info on book #1 - here

Be sure to enter the giveaway below to win a signed copy of ANGRY GIRL, a signed copy of ALMOST-GIRLFRIEND, and a $25 iTunes gift card! (US only)


Confessions of an Almost-Girlfriend 
Release Date: 06/18/13
Publisher: Harlequin Teen


Rose Zarelli has big plans for sophomore year—everything is going to be different. This year, she’s going to be the talented singer with the killer voice, the fabulous girl with the fashionista best friend, the brainiac who refuses to let Jamie Forta jerk her around...


...but if she’s not careful, she’s also going to be the sister who misses the signals, the daughter who can only think about her own pain, the “good girl” who finds herself in mid-scandal again (because no good deed goes unpunished) and possibly worst of all...the almost-girlfriend.


When all else fails, stop looking for love and go find yourself.
Purchase/Pre-order: AmazonBarnes & Noble | The Book Depository | Kobo


10 Facts About Confessions of an Almost-Girlfriend

1. My favorite thing about Confessions of an Almost-Girlfriend is Rose's discovery that she may, in fact, be an artist. Ultimately, this gives her strength, and helps her see herself as an independent person, separate from the friends she loves and the guy she thinks she wants to be with.

2. My least favorite thing about Almost-Girlfriend is a copyediting/author oversight on the very first page of the book. Sigh. Can you find it? (Oh, wait—I’m not supposed to point that out to you. Never mind!)

3. Rose and I have something in common. When I was in high school, I was in a production of Anything Goes, and I learned how to tap dance for it. (I had a much better time than Rose did.)

4. There were two things I wanted to do with Almost-Girlfriend. The first was explore the ways in which Rose has grown up. I wanted readers to see it, and I wanted Rose to see it, too.

5. The second was to delve deep into why Regina is the kind of person she is, and I thought it would be interesting to see how Rose’s views shift when she gets some insight into Regina’s life.

6. My favorite scene in Almost-Girlfriend is the Valentine’s Day dance, when Rose is rocking out to “Cherry Bomb” by the Runaways, and when she and Jamie dance together for the first time.

7. I’m most excited about the new character of Conrad Deladdo. He’s got a lot of anger about how he’s treated, and he doesn’t always make the best decisions. But he’s finding his niche and once he’s comfortable with himself, he’s going to be unstoppable.

8. I’m a secret fan of Rose’s mom. I really like Kathleen. I think she’s doing the best she can with a really sad, difficult situation. But she’s human, and she makes mistakes, and sometimes she acts like a teenager herself. If I succeed in getting Confessions made into a TV show, Kathleen is going to be one of the most exciting parts for me to cast. (Vera Farmiga, please!)

9. I’m sort of obsessed with my dog (yes, I’m one of those people), which is why I decided NOT to give Rose a dog. I figured the book would take a very strange turn, and people would begin to wonder why her dog had become the narrator.

10. I would love love love to write books 3 and 4. But an author never knows if she’s going to get that opportunity or not—it’s a numbers game. Keep your fingers crossed—maybe I’ll get lucky and we’ll all find out what happens to Rosie.



About The Author: Louise Rozett

Find Louise @

Louise Rozett is an author, a playwright, and a recovering performer. She made her YA debut with Confessions of an Angry Girl, published by Harlequin Teen. The next book in the series, Confessions of an Almost-Girlfriend, is due out June 2013. She lives with her 120-pound Bernese Mountain dog Lester (named after Lester Freamon from THE WIRE, of course) in one of the world's greatest literary meccas, Brooklyn...and also in sunny Los Angeles. (Being bi-coastal is fun!) Visit www.Louiserozett.com for more info.



One lucky winner will get a signed copy of ANGRY GIRL, a signed copy of ALMOST-GIRLFRIEND, and a $25 iTunes gift card! (US only)


Saturday, June 22, 2013

In My Mailbox # 42+ Stacking The Shelves # 19 - HUGE HAUL Part 3

A weekly meme hosted by The Mod Podge Bookshelf, where we post about all the books we have received whether in the mail, if we purchased it, or got it from our local library.


Stacking The Shelves ( hosted by Tynga's Reviews ) is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!


Today is the final part of my HUGE BOOK HAUL. If you've missed part one or two the links are below:

Huge Book Haul Part 1
Huge Book Haul Part 2


Let's get started... 


Books I have received for Review:
Quarantine: The Loners (Quarantine #1) by Lex Thomas
Quarantine: The Saints (Quarantine #2) by Lex Thomas
A Really Awesome Mess by Trish Cook, Brendan Halpin
Unbreakable (Legion #1) by Kami Garcia
Golden Boy by Tara Sullivan
Everything Breaks by Vicki Grove
Hooked (Hooked #1) by Liz Fichera

Books I have won or was gifted: 

None this week.

Books I have got from the library:  
Dare You To (Pushing the Limits #2) by Katie McGarry

Books I have bought:
Survive by Alex Morel
Sirens (Faithful #3) by Janet Fox 
Stray (Shifters #1) by Rachel Vincent
Rogue (Shifters #2) by Rachel Vincent
Restoring Harmony by Joelle Anthony
Slated (Slated #1) by Teri Terry
The Friday Society by Adrienne Kress 
Lindsey Lost by Suzanne Marie Phillips 



Thank you for stopping everyone! I hope you guys are having a nice weekend. I plan to go out to the pool as much as I can. ;)
I would love for you all to leave me a comment below and leave your mailbox haul link so I can come check it out. Even if you don't blog, leave me comment letting me know what books you have received recently. What do you think of the books I got this week? 

Friday, June 21, 2013

Vote #TeamTristan in the #YACrushTourney!

Happy Friday everyone!

I have been asked by The Bookish Brunette to share this amazing post with you all and ask you to PLEASEEEEEE vote #Team Tristan! Now some of you may not know what the YA Crush Tourney is. If not, here are the full details - Basically it's a competition with several matches between those oh so yummy fictional guys we all know and love, (...and love to read about...!) So today I am here to try and convince you to vote in today's match between Tristan (Grab Your Pole series) and Chase (The Protector series). TRISTAN FTW!! :)


But before you vote....here's more info about the series and it's author and why you should vote for the uber sexy, Tristan.


Shark Bait (Grab Your Pole #1) by Jenn Cooksey - ONLY $0.99 on Amazon!
Published June 15th 2012 by author
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Romance


Previously homeschooled Camie Ramsey is being shoved into the shark-infested waters of public high school, where even helium filled, penguin bespeckled arm floaties likely won’t help keep her inexperienced, fifteen-year old head above water in that rip current of hormones and emotions.

Camie’s worldly wisdom might be severely lacking (i.e., the closest she’s come to being kissed was sitting too close to the TV whilst Jake Ryan leaned in to give Samantha that fateful 16th birthday kiss), but she does understand her only hope for survival is if she’s thrown some kind of “social” life preserver before she sinks like a freaking rock. However, what will her fate be when she endeavors to flag down the only lifeguard on duty, the enormously popular and ridiculously beautiful Tristan Daniels? The most sought after and virtually most unattainable guy in school who not only makes Camie’s heart flatline on a recurring basis, he’s also the one guy who seemingly doesn’t know she exists.

Feeling like an inept piece of chum that could ultimately be swallowed by Jaws, can Camie get Tristan to rescue her from floundering in the treacherous deep, or is she destined to be Shark Bait?

Author's Note:
While the tales themselves are fictional, some of the events and characters are very loosely based in reality and on my experiences—but don’t worry, the names of the characters, most of their unfortunate fashion sense and/or questionable taste in music has been changed to protect the not-so innocent. 
______________________________________________

Due to language and some adult content, this book may not be suitable for readers under the age of 16. 


The Other Fish in the Sea (Grab Your Pole #2) by Jenn Cooksey 
Published April 23rd 2013 by author
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Romance
Purchase @ Amazon


In Shark Bait, readers everywhere met and fell in love with the new girl, Camie Ramsey, and swooned over her sure to be future husband, Tristan Daniels. Now, in The Other Fish in the Sea, the long awaited second installment of the Grab Your Pole series by Jenn Cooksey, Camie and Tristan are back, but so are their friends!

So, find a breathing apparatus and shimmy into your scuba gear, because it's finally time to dive deeper into the lives of the GYP gang, but be warned, it's a big world out there and an even bigger ocean where danger might be lurking around the next corner and realistically, anything could happen.

Shark Out of Water (Grab Your Pole #3) by Jenn Cooksey
Expected Pub: Summer 2013
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Romance


With the Amazon Bestseller Shark Bait, the first novel in the Grab Your Pole series, debut author Jenn Cooksey delivered a fun, snarky, and realistic beginning to a larger story that has found its way into the hearts of readers everywhere. Thus, many were unprepared for what was coming in the second installment of the GYP series, The Other Fish in the Sea, when Cooksey took us on a runaway roller coaster ride of emotion and solidly landed hit after hit, including a brutal sucker punch that left readers around the globe reeling. In Shark Out of Water, the highly anticipated third installment in this humorous yet honest and real coming of age story, we delve even further into the lives of the GYP gang and many questions are sure to be answered, however, are you really ready for what lies ahead in the continuation of their adventure? Well, grab your pole and let’s find out.


About The Author: Jenn Cooksey

Find Jenn @

Jenn Cooksey is a Southern California girl born and bred, however she’s no longer a resident of heaven on earth, but instead she currently resides in the 7th Ring of Hell with her husband, their three daughters, and a goodly number of pets. Aside from her husband, one cat, and three out of five fish, everyone living under the Cooksey’s roof is female. She’s sure her husband will not only be awarded sainthood when he kicks the bucket, but that Jesus will welcome him into heaven with a beer and a congratulatory high-five. Jenn is also of the belief that Bacon should be capitalized and that just being yourself is the best way to go. That is, unless you can be Batman. Always be Batman.


Angela from Reading Angels has written an exquisite post about why you should vote for Tristan. Come check it out HERE.


#YACrushTourney voting page: 

Tristan's Advocate Page: 



 I hope everyone will go and vote for Tristan. If you do leave me a comment below letting me know of simply comment with the words - I voted #Team Tristan!


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