{BlogTour/Giveaway/Review} Chronicles of Steele #1: Raven: Pauline Creedan

Rating: 82%

Series: Chronicles of Steele #1

Genre: Steampunk, Romance, Young Adult, Fiction,

Publisher: AltWit Press

Publication Date: October 28, 2014

Page Count: UNKNOWN

Format: eBook

Source: Xpresso Book Tours

The Book Depository | Barnes & Nobles | Goodreads | Amazon

Synopsis:
Human life has value.
The poor living in the gutter are as valuable as the rich living in a manor.
The scoundrel is no less valuable than the saint.
Because of this, every life a reaper takes must be redeemed.

Raven has lived by this first tenet since she was trained by her father to become a reaper. But since his death, she’s been spending years redeeming the lives she’s taken. By her count, she’s even and it’s time for that life to end. If she settles down and becomes a wife, she might just feel human again. But on the way to the life she thinks she wants, the baron of New Haven asks her to complete a task which she cannot ignore… Just when Raven decides to give up on her life as an assassin, she’s pulled right back in.

About The Author: Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

In simple language, Pauline Creeden creates worlds that are both familiar and strange, often pulling the veil between dimensions. She becomes the main character in each of her stories, and because she has ADD, she will get bored if she pretends to be one person for too long. Pauline is a horse trainer from Virginia, but writing is her therapy.

Armored Hearts, her joint effort with author Melissa Turner Lee, has been awarded the Crowned Heart for Excellence by InDtale Magazine. It is also the 2013 Book Junkie’s Choice Winner in Historical Fiction. Her debut novel, Sanctuary, won 1st Place Christian YA Title 2013 Dante Rosetti Award and 2014 Reader’s Choice Gold Award for Best YA Horror Novel.

Disclaimer: I received a digital copy of this book from Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for an honest review

Who Would I Recommend This Book To?

Fans of The Clockwork Scarab (Collen Gleason), Infernal Devices (Cassandra Clare), Throne of Glass (Sarah J. Maas)

Background & Backstory?

This was actually one of those blog tours that I signed up for, forgot about, and was promptly sent into a blank panic when informed that I was part of the tour. I had intended on procrastinating reading this until Monday (the 12th) on my plane ride to California. As a blogger, I always read one digital and one physical book at a time, and I had finished my digital one sooner than I had expected. So I picked up Raven before I had intended to and am SOOO glad that I did.

What Was My Reaction Upon Finishing?

That LAST page kind of recked it for me.... But the book was good.

Steampunk: 90% | The very first steampunk novel I ever read was actually also an Xpresso Book Tour novel and I fell in love with the genre. I haven't read many since, but would love if you left me some suggestions. The steampunk elements were perfectly executed, not just in the subtle ways characters lived their lives, but were crucial to the plot. What reminded me of the Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare were the human-like automatons and I LOVED the role they played in the story as well as obstacles they provided.

Characters: 80% | If I could smoosh together the cast of Into The Woods and the Throne of Glass Series.... that's who would be in Chronicles of Steele: Raven. Raven seemed a lot like Celaena Sardothien, especially in the way she handled obstacles, plus a reaper is a synonym, of a sort, to an assassin. Celaena is more unapologetic than Raven, but their stubbornness and determination are perfectly matched.

This, of course, makes all of the surrounding character's lives hell. Jack Grant is the captain of the guard, and I couldn't help but draw the parallels between him and Chaol, especially because of his subtle, simmering attraction to Raven and the compassion he showed towards her. I thought Baron Solomon would have a larger role in the book, but the small amount of time we had with him constantly reminded me of Dorian. On the other hand, I envisioned the two witches as the one (played by Meryl Streep) in Into The Woods.
  

Romance: 69% | The romance was next to non-existent in this novel, and I sincerely wish there had been more to contrast Raven's steely personality with passion she felt towards another person. Without spoiling the novel, I will say that her romantic expectations don't follow through, but I wish they had OR that another character would have shown their feelings sooner.

Pacing: 70% | The pacing was a bit odd in the novel because I was interested in what was going on, but every time a new episode occurred, I was a bit bored afterwards. Nevertheless, the very beginning of every chapter were hands-down the best parts of this novel because there was a short passage or phrase in Creedan's beautiful prose that gave you an idea of what the chapter would be about. The moment I read the phrase that's paired with Chapter One, I knew I would enjoy this novel.

Ending: 78% | Chronicles of Steele: Raven, had a nearly flawless ending. The plot's wrap-up was well-done, bittersweet, and satisfying. I could have given the ending 100%.... if it weren't for the VERY last page. There's a conversation between the protagonist and a prominent side character that serves as a verbal montage (of a sort) of the events of the story. It's supposed to supplement the story and make the ending stronger, but what is said between them is hackneyed.

Quotes: 100% | The biggest WOW Factor of Pauline Creedan's writing is her prose. I have SOOO many highlights on my copy of Chronicles of Steele: Raven because of all the phrases that read like liquid poetry.

How Likely Is It That I Will Read Another Book By This Author?

45%
It's unlikely that I will pick up another Creedan book BY MYSELF, but as most often happens, she will probably have another blog tour in a year or so, and I will most definitely sign up for it so I can support her.

Conclusion: Chronicles of Steele: Raven was an intriguing story in a perfectly executed steampunk world, with lovable characters, and relatable conflicts, all told in Pauline Creedan's gorgeous prose.

{Blog Tour+Giveaway+Review} Body Electric: Beth Revis

Rating: 85%
Series: None
Genre: Science Fiction, Romance, Fiction, Young Adult,
Publisher: Scripturient Books
Publication Date: October 6, 2014
Page Count: 482
Format: eBook
Source: Xpresso Book Tours

Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository | Barnes & Nobles

Synopsis:The future world is at peace.

Ella Shepherd has dedicated her life to using her unique gift—the ability to enter people’s dreams and memories using technology developed by her mother—to help others relive their happy memories.

But not all is at it seems.

Ella starts seeing impossible things—images of her dead father, warnings of who she cannot trust. Her government recruits her to spy on a rebel group, using her ability to experience—and influence—the memories of traitors. But the leader of the rebels claims they used to be in love—even though Ella’s never met him before in her life. Which can only mean one thing…

Someone’s altered her memory.

Ella’s gift is enough to overthrow a corrupt government or crush a growing rebel group. She is the key to stopping a war she didn’t even know was happening. But if someone else has been inside Ella’s head, she cannot trust her own memories, thoughts, or feelings.

About the Author: Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter 
Beth Revis is the NY Times bestselling author of the Across the Universe series. The complete trilogy is now available in more than 20 languages. A native of North Carolina, Beth’s most recent book is The Body Electric, which tells the story of what was happening on Earth while the characters of Across the Universe were in space.

What YOU Could Win!!!!

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Disclaimer: I received this book from Expresso Book Tours in exchange for honest review. 

Who Would I Recommend This Book To?

Fans of Exhilarating Science Fiction/Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic novels  with Strong Focuses on Science and Moral Reasoning such as Across the Universe (Beth Revis), Legend (Marie Lu), Partials (Dan Wells), Madman's Daughter (Megan Shepherd), Unwind (Neal Shusterman),  

Background & Backstory

I have a confession to make. I disliked Across the Universe, Beth's debut novel because I felt it was poorly paced, a tad confusing, and I disliked it because I dislike novels about space in general. Looking back, I can see that was a bit harsh, and I signed up for this tour to see if the book could redeem my opinion of Beth Revis. I am so happy to have read this novel and I see Beth Revis and her writing in an entirely new light now.

What Was My Reaction Upon Finishing?

What the frick just happened?

Warning: Whatever you do, do NOT have this book spoiled for you. It relies so much on the plot twists and mind-blowing revelations that it will not be half as enjoyable if it's spoiled. I am trying my best to be vague in this review, but there are so many little pieces of the puzzle that CANNOT be spoiled.

Science Fiction: A common misconception about Dystopian novels are that they are ALL under the umbrella known as Science Fiction. The Body Electric could be classified as a Dystopian novel, but more accurately.... it's Science Fiction. And may I just say.... this was a YA science fiction done right. I've seen Dystopian, Science-Fiction wannabes add a lot of cool technology and try to pass itself off as Science Fiction. On the other hand, books like Ender's Game are obviously Science Fiction with such complex worlds/conflicts, they can hardly be considered Young Adult. 

The Body Electric is a perfect combination of a thrilling, fast-paced world and intricate science fiction. The plot is NEVER slowed, but actually hastened by descriptions of new technology and concepts because they're answers to the mind-fudge that just took place. There were so many questions asked about what it means to be human (an oldie, but a goodie). And about the human brain and what it can do (always fascinating). And so many others that would make me want to live there if the government wasn't corrupt.

Romance: There wasn't a LEGITIMATE romance, in this novel... but there was a guy who insisted that he and the protagonist had been together for a long time. I felt so sorry for Jack because of how much he cared about Ella and her reactions to his feelings. At the same time, it was a wise decision to exclude romance because the plot was captivating enough without it, but the hints of it made the story even better. 

Praise Hafsah & Her Cover Design: I remember reading the "Journey to a Cover" post in September and was fascinated with the entire process. Of course, you won't recognize the significance of the cover until you read the book, but for a few minutes after finishing, all I could do was stare and revel in how perfectly it encapsulated the story. The bees and circuit boards hadn't made any sense, but they do now.... and the silhouette is perfect. 

How Likely Is It That I Will Read Another Book By Beth Revis?

I probably won't pick up A Million Suns or Shades of Earth, but I will definitely put Beth's next book on my TBR because of how much I loved this one.

Conclusion: A brilliantly fast-paced novel with a captivating plot influenced by a future that could be ours.

{Blog Tour+Giveaway+Excerpt} One Song Away: Molli Moran

Series: None

Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult, Fiction,
Publisher: Self-Published
Publication Date: December 1, 2014
Page Count: 200

Goodreads ~ Amazon

Synopsis: She needs a fill-in boyfriend. He needs a favor. It’s the perfect, no-strings arrangement until they both realize it’s too real…

Sophie-Claire Wright’s life is like a bad country song on repeat. She keeps running into her cheating ex, her songwriting career isn’t taking off, and her roommate just kicked her out of their apartment. With nothing to lose, she decides to do the one thing she said she’d never do: she moves back home. She left her small Southern town with big dreams, but now she’s going home with empty pockets.

Life moves at a slower pace in Sophie’s blink-and-you’ll-miss-it hometown, but her well-meaning, matchmaking mama doesn’t have a slow gear. Sophie invents a boyfriend to hold off her mother’s efforts, but she’s out of luck when her mom wants to meet him. Sophie panics until she runs into Jake Cooper. Her high school crush is back in town, too, and when he asks her for a favor, she agrees—on one condition. He says he’ll be her fill-in boyfriend, so it should be simple: introduce him to her family and then “break up” with him after a few weeks.

Sophie is sure she’ll be able to resist Jake this time and that their fake relationship will keep them both away from wagging tongues. Sure, she was in love with him years ago, but that was then. This is now, no matter how great he looks, or how she feels around him. But she didn’t bargain for moments that feel all too genuine. Dates that don’t seem fake. Kisses that leave her shaken and wanting more. And she didn’t count on old feelings resurfacing and complicating their arrangement—which is starting to feel less like acting and more like the real deal.

Soon, Sophie can’t tell which kisses are real or fake, but she knows she’s in deep…and she thinks Jake is, too. When she gets a chance to go back to Nashville and chase her dreams again, she has a choice to make: stay or go? Continue hoping that the life she wants is one song away, or write her own?

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

Molli is a Southern writer who doesn’t consider her day complete if she hasn’t written. She loves coffee and talking fast, things she attributes to being raised by Gilmore Girls. She’s a romantic at heart, and brings that to her books. When not reading or blogging, she can be found obsessing over Doctor Who, cuddling her various pets, or spending time with friends, family, or her girlfriend.

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Excerpt

“I think we should kiss.”

I look up so fast that I’m fairly sure I have whiplash. He gives me an innocent look and I glare at him. “What?” I take my hair out of the ponytail and the freed strands float to my shoulders. “Did you say we should kiss?”

Jake nods, but for some reason, he seems fixated on my hair. My eyes stray to his lips, and I frown. I can’t say I haven’t thought about it. Couples are affectionate and steal kisses. If we don’t hold hands or give each other a quick kiss, we won’t sell this couple thing. And I’ll be on a blind date with Mr. Double Major in Accounting and Boring faster than I can blink.

“O-okay.”

“Okay?” Jake shoots me an unreadable look.

“I said okay, didn’t I?” I stand, hands on my hips. “You’re not making this very romantic at all. You’re a horrible fake boyfriend.” I try to sound teasing, but there’s something in my voice I can’t define. I’m curious and I’m afraid. What if I kiss Jake and I don’t like it? What if we don’t have any chemistry?

What if we do?

There’s a reckless smile tugging at his mouth. “That so?” He takes three steps and he’s in front of me. When I breathe in, I smell his cologne. I’m stretched taut enough to snap in two when I face him.

“Yeah.” I smirk at him, moving closer. “That’s so.” I imitate his drawl. “In fact, you’re—”

Jake covers my mouth with his, and my words go as transparent as smoke. One of his arms is around my waist, and he’s cupping my cheek with the other. His fingers press against my skin, and before I can remind myself this is a bad, bad idea, I step into him and open my mouth. It’s not even worth trying to pretend I’m not just as into this kiss as he is. Not when his hand presses into the small of my back, urging me even closer. Not when his lips move against mine as though he’s the only one who’s ever kissed me.

Since I’m already melded against Jake’s chest, I go all in. I wrap my arms around his neck at the same time I touch my tongue to his, and he makes a very male, very appreciative noise. When he eases one thigh between my legs, I let him tangle us together, because I’ve waited too long for this to do anything else.

I’ve kissed more guys than I can count, but the way Jake kisses me is confident, his hand never leaving my face. It’s a complete turn-on. His mouth is hard and then soft on mine, changing by the second, and I can only go with him and try to hold my own. He bites my upper lip gently and I moan into his mouth. When he turns me, I bump into a chair. It scrapes across the floor, and like dreamers jerking awake, we separate.

His eyes are wide, and in the dim lights left on, the gold and brown in those eyes are battling for dominance. I press a hand to my chest, even though I can already tell my heart is thrumming. I’m out of breath, and I have no idea what to say. I just kissed Coop. And it was…

“That was intense.” His voice breaks slightly on the last syllable. He’s quiet for a few seconds, but then he shakes his head, his face animated. “We’re definitely going to pull off this couple thing.”

Fuck. My. Life. He thought it was all an act? The kiss felt damn real to me. It was intense, like he said. It was hot…and it was all pretend for him. Clearly, I got way too lost in the moment. I’m going to have to find some way of keeping that from happening again.

I nod, quickly gathering my things. “For sure.” I laugh, but it’s an octave higher than normal, and sounds like a needle screeching on a record, to me at least. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Jake.”

Then I run away before he can notice how rattled I am.

So much for keeping my heart out of it.

{Blog Tour+Giveaway+Review} The Silver Sickle: Ellie Ann

Rating: 6/10
Series: None
Genre: Science Fiction, Young Adult, Fiction, Romance
Publisher: Stonehouse Ink
Publication Date: July 2013
Page Count: 289
Source: Xpresso Book Tours
Format: eBook

Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ B&N

Synopsis: The end of humanity will come through the Silver Sickle . . .

Farissa lives every moment with reckless abandon, for it may be her last. Any day now, the alien goddesses will harvest her and take her to the mysterious Silver Sickle, never to return. She’s accepted that. What she can’t accept is this new idea of freedom Zel has planted in her head. She’d give almost anything to be with Zel, but how can she run from her destiny if it means putting the whole kingdom in danger?

Everyone in the desert kingdom believes the goddesses are immortal, but Zel has invented a way to kill them. Now all he has to do is convince Farissa to run away with him and plant a seed of hope in her heart that she’s not destined to die. Little does he know that one seed of hope could change the course of the future.

About the Author: Goodreads ~ Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

Ellie Ann is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller of science fiction, comics, and thrillers.

I was born in the jungles of Thailand, was raised in a small farming village in Iowa, lived in the middle of a Texan desert, and now abide in the Ozarks.
I like writing fairy tales, tall tales, thrillers, science fiction, and am seriously interested in transmedia storytelling.

I’m a creative editor for Stonehouse Ink. I’m a producer of interactive books at Noble Beast.

Come say hi! I don’t bite. Unless I’ve been turned into a zombie.

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Disclaimer: I received this book from Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. 

While I was quite confused in the beginning of The Silver Sickle, I am so glad that I stuck with the book because of it's unique Sci-Fi feel, multiple points of view, and all the unique beings present in the novel. 

Sci-Fi Feel: when people ask me what my favorite genre to read is, I usually respond Science Fiction - because I know it's an umbrella term for Post-Apocalyptic stories and Dystopian novels. Yet, now when I think ant it, there are so few genuine Science Fiction novels I have read. The Silver Sickle is one of them, and it makes me want to read more like it. The best part about it, is that there was a unique premise and plot. I cannot tell you how many times I have come across a novel -that I will label as "Sci-fi"- and then wanted to slap the characters silly because of their cliche lines and actions, as well as the plot because it was like "Been there. Done that" *Hair Flip* The Silver Sickle was so refreshing because I haven't ever read anything like it. Sure, there have been aliens and a protagonist wanting to get away from them, but I simply adored the way Ellie Ann put her own spin into it. 

Multiple Points of View: I had so many issues with this in the beginning. Usually I enjoy them because of the inside looks I get into characters heads, but with so many to keep track of.... it can definitely get confusing. I tend to feel like my connections with them aren't very strong, and I don't get to see them progress and grow. I felt all of these emotions until about 25% because, by then, I had gone through several "cycles" so to speak of each character narrating the story. And when I finished The Silver Sickle, I loved the way it was told, and couldn't have imagined it any other way. 

Unique Beings: This is an aspect that only comes into play with those science fiction novels I was talking ant. The weird, wonderful, crazy, and insane are all in this book. The Cogsmen were so unique - beings that's brains were made from synthetic DNA. They're supposed to be emotionless machines, which kind of reminds me of the movie iRobot. But then they go all A-Wall and start rebelling, and acting totally unlike hat their purpose was for. The aliens were also an interesting aspect of the novel, being around 7 feet tall, with long appendages, antennae, and more. On that note, did I mention the insanely cool sickles that enhanced the battle sequences?

I'm not going to go into detail about the other elements I enjoyed, but I would like potential readers to know that the Silver Sickle is unlike anything else I have ever read with spectacular worldbuilding, with an odd steampunk feel thrown into the mix, and the best part of all was the ending. Without spoiling anything, I wid like to point out how refreshing it was. For once, it didn't feel like there needed to be a sequel. I was of course, like to dive further into this rich world Ellie Ann had created (maybe with a spinoff novel) but everything was wrapped into a lovely package. 

{Blog Tour+Giveaway} Hive Queen Saga (#1 & 2): Janine A. Southard

Series: Hive Queen Saga #1 & 2

Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction 

Publisher #1: Self Published

Publisher #2: Martian Cantina

Publication Date #1: March 13, 2013

Publication Date #2: April 29, 2014

Page Count #1: 250

Page Count #2: 306  

Book One: Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ Barnes & Nobles

Book Two: Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ Barnes & Nobles

Book One Synopsis: **WINNER 2013 IPPY AWARD -- Silver Medal for Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror E-Book**

On a world where high school test scores determine your future, six students rebel. They’ll outrun society as fast as their questionably obtained spaceship will take them.

Rhiannon doesn’t technically cheat the Test. She’s smarter than the computers that administer it, and she uses that to her advantage. She emerges from Test Day with the most prestigious future career possible: Hive Queen.

Gwyn & Victor are madly in love, but their Test results will tear them apart. Good thing Rhiannon is Gwyn’s best friend. Rhiannon can fix this. Queens can do anything.

Gavin is the wild card. Raised off-planet, he can’t wait to leave again... and he’s heard of an empty ship in orbit. The Ceridwen’s Cauldron.

Both Luciano and Alan fit in the system. They don’t need to leave. Only their devotion to Rhiannon spurs them to join the Cauldron’s crew.

Spaceships. Blackmail. Anywhere but here.

Book Two Synopsis: Queen Rhiannon and her Hive have found safety on John Wayne Station, but with no way to pay their docking fees or Victor’s medical bills, their debts are racking up quickly. Thankfully, Gavin gets a job with American Space Ranger M3L-15-A, who’s hot on the trail of dangerous criminals.

The teens move in with their Ranger benefactor, but when they revisit their ship to pick up personal belongings, they realize their Alcubierre tensor jet has been stolen!

If Rhiannon and her Hivemates ever hope to leave, they must find and steal back what’s theirs. But far from home and among strangers, who can they trust? Will they be stuck on John Wayne for the rest of their lives?

About the Author: Goodreads ~ Twitter ~ Website
Janine A. Southard writes and edits speculative fiction in between working on videogame projects. She’s attended more than the average number of universities, which she claims is a FEATURE. (“Oxford educated, but Californian at heart.”) She’s also lived and traveled in Europe, the United States, and Japan. Currently, she lives in Seattle with a husband (and a cat) and sings with a Celtic band.




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Excerpt

Steal back their ship’s engine... or be stuck on this foreign station forever!

Keeping her tone hushed in case a local wandered too close, Rhiannon outlined her plan. “We have seven days till we take back what is ours,” she said. 

There was a small cheer. This, this was what she was made for. She could strategize; she could organize; she could direct her people along the optimal paths.

“Gavin.” Her voice was sure, commanding, and he straightened to a near-military posture. “You’ll have the theatre’s production vehicle, so I’ll need you to be the getaway driver.”

He coughed. “Ah, but, the sheep?”

“You’ll bring the lorry to me after you drop off the sheep, so be sure to pick them up early and to take Gwyn with you. She’ll keep the lambs quiet.”

Next. “Alan.” 

He acknowledged her with a mumbled my lady, overbright excitement turning his hazel eyes almost entirely green. 

“You’ll go along with Gavin and Gwyn to make sure we get all the parts. If the jet’s been dismantled or damaged, determine what to take and what to leave behind. Put the jet in the truck as soon as you have it.”

Trust. “Luciano.” He fixed her with grave, dark eyes. She, the center of his attention. “You’ll keep in touch with everyone. I trust you to be my eyes and ears.”

Luciano went to his knees before her, pressing his forehead to the back of her hand. “I am honored, my lady.”

Soon all four Devoted were on the floor, each bending one knee. “My lady,” they said in eerie unison. 

{Blog Tour+Giveaway+Review} Only With You: Celia Gray

Rating: 7/10
Series: The Jane Austen Academy Series #5
Genres: Romance, Young Adult,
Publication Date: May 4, 2014 
Publisher: Gray Life, LLC
Pages: 
Source: Xpresso Book Tours 
Format: eBook

Goodreads ~ Barnes & Nobles ~ Amazon

Synopsis:Dive into the fabulous, fun lives of six Academy girls as their friendships are tested, torn and ultimately triumph…
Emma has it all – looks, money, and luck. It’s not like she keeps it all to herself – she’s totally committed to helping those less fortunate. AKA, everyone. She invites her heartbroken friend to help with a weekend charity event with an eye to matchmake, but when that friend turns her eye toward the guy Emma wants for herself, how will she choose between friendship and her own feelings?
* * *
The last thing that the girls at the elite Jane Austen Academy need is hot guys to flirt with. But over the summer the school has been sold, and like it or not, the guys are coming. And it’s about to turn the Academy—and the lives of its students—totally upside down…
The Jane Austen Academy series are modern retellings of Jane Austen classics set at a beachside California boarding school.

About the Author:
Website ~ Goodreads ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

Cecilia Gray lives in the San Francisco Bay Area where she reads, writes and breaks for food. She also pens her biographies in the third person. Like this. As if to trick you into thinking someone else wrote it because she is important. Alas, this is not the case.

She’s rather enamored of being contacted by readers and hopes you’ll oblige.


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If I were to sum up Only With You in 10 words or less, those words would be - Light. Hilarious. Sweet. Fun. A Perfect Beach Read. 

Light: There are absolutely no 'deep' moments in this story, the only thing getting close would be that Anne's family lost the Academy, and Emma is actually insecure when she puts on a mask of superiority, confidence, and popularity. Besides that, everything else is a walk in the park in terms of subject matter, which would be perfect after a heavy contemporary novel, or a classic like Les Miserables.

Hilarious: Does this even need to be explained? It's Emma Woodhouse in the 21st century. That means the empire waisted dresses and delicate parisols are traded for form fitting sundresses' low coverage bikinis, and four inch stillettos. Then there is the whole matchmaker aspect of the story because Emma keeps on tryig to bring other happiness when doesn't want it herself -at least romantically. Gray translated this into modern times perfectly, sportscars, smartphones, and all. 

Sweet: Only With You is a retelling of the classic by Jane Austen, Emma. ***Mild Spoiler Alert if you don't know the story Emma*** Inthe story, Emma, Emma realizes that she is in love with her best gentleman friend, Mr. Knightey. It is positivey adorable how Emma tries to make Knight fall for her when he already has for all the years in their friendship. Emma has several trying-on-clothes sessions that end up with waist high piles and the decision to scrap everything and go natural. In fact, she makes quite a fool of herself in front of both Knight and her fest friend Anne, when she strips into just her bra and underwear, prepared to dive into her swimming pool. 

Fun: While some may see it as juvenile, I think the entire retelling is fun read for all ages. I mean....Emma texted her friends in order to set them up with a 911 emergency which she tried to disguise as needing help for her parents charity pet adoption event. The way Gray retells Emma is so fun and carefree, and modernizing it adds an extra perk which is also safe because the story of Emma translated to the 21st century could have easily gone wrong and been portrayed as a chick flick type book. Instead, the knowledge that this is a retelling makes everything even better.

A Perfect Beach Read: The story is only 135 pages, which would make one feel accomplished to have finished a book while at the beach. The plot is very relaxed and easy going, yet still compelling enough for one to read straight through. There are also no heavy duty action scenes or topics which would make it harder to come back to if one went to the water for a few moments, and then came back to resume reading.

Sidenote: I was afraid that because this is the 5th book in the Jane Austen Academy Series, that it would be hard to follow, but Cecelia Gray did a very good job at making sure you understood what was going on, and any other excess information -about Anne, Knight, or their other friends- wasn't too distracting, and didn't impact the my enjoyment or understanding of the story whatsoever.

Conclusion: If you're looking for the perfect quickie this summer, go out and purchase yourself a copy of Only With You, and be prepared to giggle.

{Blog Tour+Giveaway+Review} Assured Destruction: Michael F. Stewart

Rating: 6.5/10
Series: Assured Destruction #1
Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Science Fiction, Computer Science, Young Adult, Fiction,
Publication Date: March 22, 2013
Publisher: Non Sequitur Press
Page Count: 185
Format: eBook
Source: Xpresso Book Tours


Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ Barnes & Nobles

Synopsis: Teenage hacker, Janus Rose, doesn’t care about the moral choices of living multiple lives online, until the real life consequences of her actions enslave her to the local PD’s High Tech Crime Unit, forcing her to become the very creature hackers hate, a spook. 

Jan owes the world nothing. Her father left without a word. #BIGSECRET Her mother has progressive Multiple Sclerosis. And Jan juggles the need to complete homework with the need to keep pizza on the table, running the family computer recycling business. Living in an industrial park with crappy Feng Shui, Jan’s pretty sure that the only one she can depend on is herself. Maybe. And yet, just because she knows how to code, people seem to think they can depend on her to save their butts and solve their crimes.

Jan does take short cuts. She skirts the shadows of what’s right and wrong. But she has to; if she’s not multitasking then she fails out of school, or the family loses the business, or someone dies ... 

It’s a brave new world. Welcome to ASSURED DESTRUCTION.

About the Author:

Website ~ Goodreads ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

After crewing ships in the Antarctic and the Baltic Sea and some fun in venture capital, Michael anchored himself (happily) to a marriage and a boatload of kids. Now he injects his adventurous spirit into his writing with brief respites for research into the jungles of Sumatra and Guatemala, the ruins of Egypt and Tik’al, paddling the Zambezi and diving whatever cave or ocean reef will have him. He is a member of the International Thriller Writers and SF Canada, and the author of the Assured Destruction series, 24 Bones, The Sand Dragon, Hurakan, Ruination and several award winning graphic novels for young adults. His most recent project, The Terminals, has been optioned for television by Sudden Storm Entertainment.

Michael lives in Ottawa, Canada with his wife and four daughters. He tries very hard to keep life an adventure both on and off the page. Please come find me on Goodreads.

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Disclaimer: I received this book from Xpresso Book Tours which does not affect my honest review in any way,

*I'm trying out a new review format where I list the Pros and Cons of the book, so bear with me*

Pros:

• What I loved most of all about Assured Destruction was the concept of a single girl (Janus Rose) taking the hard drives of people, and giving them new lives. She dedicated hours of lives to their Twitter Profiles, Facebook Accounts, and Blogs. Each person is/was supposed to be different, but in actuality, they were an outlet for Jan, and each person was a part of her -as if you had sliced the many sides of her personality in eighths, and gotten each one of her identities. There was the sarcastic and snarky Heckleena, the shy Frankie, and a number of others. 

• I'm not saying that Jan was a lonely, depressed teenage girl by any means, but she definitely wasn't the most social, and her computers (yes, there were multiples, maybe around five or six) were her links to the outside world as well as constant companions during long hours in Assured Destruction when her mother, who has MS, couldn't operate the case register. She even named her computers, and they were a lot like her friends, or babies whichever term floats your boat. 

• *This is a really random detail, but one I highly enjoyed in the book* Jan has to read the book The Bell Jar for an assignment (I'm too lazy to confirm if that is a real book), and write an essay. The book -according to her at least- is extremely dull in the beginning, but what helps her, and hooks her interest in, is that she uses the power of social media to write her report. I'm not saying she steals ideas and plagiarizes, what she does is a lot more clever. As Jan reads, thinks, reacts, questions, and infers during The Bell Jar, she updates all of her secret identity's social media accounts, as if they are the ones reading the book. For example, one person will tweet about a certain scene that happened, another will create a Facebook group about it, then another will create a GIF, and another will post about it on Tumblr.

• Another aspect of this story was the technology. I'm here to tell you that I know hardly anything about computers, except for the basics that any other 21st century teenager should know. I don't know how to hack. I don't know how to create viruses. I don't know how (or have the creativity) to create apps and send them off to the Apple Store to get thousands of downloads. Jannus Rose knows how to do all of that and more. So, Michael Stewart took a risk with that because he used a lot of computer talk. Yet, he did it in a way so that simple minded people -such as myself- could understand exactly what Jan was saying and doing, but it was also complex coding and all of that computer stuff. I sound illiterate, but I truly know nothing about computers themselves.

• That was one epic ending. I don't want to give anything away, but I will say that the it is a nail biter because Jan has to get out of a pretty tough situation. Then, there is her punishment for another thing which kind of gives away the entire first book's plot. My point is.....it is a killer ending.

Cons:

• One issue I had with Assured Destruction was the world building. I'm not saying it was bad, but I was also extremely unclear as to when the story was taking place. If I were to guess, I would say a few years in the future, around 10 at the very latest. Apple/the App Store is still in existence, Twitter, and Facebook are mentioned a lot, and so is Photoshop. Jan also has a single computer -named Gumps- that doesn't have access to the internet, so it isn't so far into the future that people don't know how to operate a computer without internet access. My point is that technology is constantly changing, and social media can become 'in' or 'out' in the span of a week

• Romance. I'm sure there are male authors that can write a good romance, in fact I know there are, like John Green, but the majority of them are romance writing impaired, and Michael Stewart does not escape the what I consider 'normal' tendencies of a male YA writer. I don't know if it was just that I wasn't paying attention, or this was actually true for other readers, but frankly, I was confused with the romance. Stewart attempted to have this love triangle angle going between Jan and these two other guys, and one becomes her boyfriend later, but I am still confused because there wasn't too much differentiation between the two. Needless to say, Jan and What'sHisFace are not my newest OTP.

• Characters: While Jan Rose was a very strong character that could no doubt stand up for herself in nearly any situation, the other characters in Assured Destruction were just "meh". I didn't really connect with them on a deep level, and felt like I didn't really know them as people. The teachers, villains, and even the two boyfriend contenders just sort of drifted together in my mind, and I couldn't distinguish very well between them.

Conclusion: Assured Destruction has a captivating premise, and gives a lot of insight on the technological world that readers ages 10 and up could come to love.

{Blog Tour+Giveaway+Review} How to Say Goodbye: Amber Lin

Rating: 9/10
Genre: New Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Romance
Publication Date: April 7, 2014
Publisher: CreateSpace Publishing
Page Count: 243
Format: eBook
 Source: Xpresso Book Tours
Amazon ~ Barnes & Nobles ~ Goodreads
Goodreads Synopsis: Amy has a secret: no one’s ever held her hand. She doesn’t even know how to hug. Everyone thinks she’s smart, but straight A's are way easier than making friends. Then she meets Dane, a golden-haired surfer whose easy charm and hot touch teach her what she longs to know.

Dane lives for the salty breeze and a sweet wave, because that’s all he has. He’s been on the streets since he was fourteen. A drifter. Homeless. Then he meets Amy. Smart and accomplished, she’s everything he’s not. He wants to be the sort of man who deserves her.

Except that means facing down his past—and that past might very well swallow them both.
About the Author: Website ~ Goodreads ~ Facebook ~ Twitter





Amber Lin is an author of edgy and emotional erotic romance. RT Book Reviews gave her debut, Giving It Up, 4.5 stars and called it “truly extraordinary.”






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Disclaimer: I recieved this book from Xpresso Book Tours and this does not affect my honest review in any way. 

My Intial Thoughts: I have a small confession to make: I facepalmed when I remembered I had How to Say Goodbye to read for this blog tour. It is a new adult, contemporary romance novel, and that is why I was facepalming. First of all, new adult has been a pretty tricky genre for me because it's about adults, but they're still young and naive. I had also never even heard of the term "New Adult" before I started blogging. There was also that whole "Contemporary Romance" aspect of the book. You are probably the one facepalming now because of how ridiculous I sound for actually signing up for this tour when I'm not the biggest fan of the genre. If you have been visiting my blog for a while now, you may know that I have an aversion, and something like a prejudice against books that have pure romance, without the world coming to an end, or an rating disorder thrown into the mix. I had honestly never read a contemporary romance novel that I fell in love with before. I am happy to say that this book was both an ice-breaker and an eye-opener to New Adult, Contemporary Romance novels and I am so happy that I read it.

Premise 6/10: The premise of this book sounds cliche, golden haired surfer boy meets antisocial, straight and narrow girl, they fall in love, and he brings her out of her shell. That is what the plot is about, but the characters are so rich, that no one really notices that their initial circumstances are cliche. And yes, Amy changes immensely throughout the story into someone....hang in there with me....can talk to people. I truly don't know how Amber Lim wrote this book, and convinced me to enjoy it so much, but I guess that's just the mark of a goody storyteller. 

Characters 9/10: May I just say, the characters of How to Say Goodbye are some of the most developed, layered, and deep ones I have ever read. Amy's story, although very unlikely that no one has EVER touched her, is quite sad. In the beginning, Amy is withdrawn from the world, hostile even, and off putting to those who attempt to get close to her. Yet, she changes, and grows into this independent, strong, young woman. It's quite amazing to see her emerge from the wall she had built for herself, to see her develop opinions, learn that she has a voice, and can stand up for herself. All of this happens because of Dane. 

Ah, Dane, I assume if I were to meet him that I would just melt to a puddle and be happy that I had. On the outside, he seemed like such an easy going (I hate this word, but I'm going to to use it) dude on summer vacation without a care in the world but the waves, and the occasional pretty girl to kiss. Yet, he is such a layered and deep person. For some reason, the term "tortured soul" -that would usually be used when describing an artist- comes to mind. 

"He had a multitude of voices, each one offering a new form of cowardice"---40%

Romance 10/10: This is a romance novel, so if I didn't like the romance, it would be impossible for me to love the book. 

Title 5/10: I'm just sitting here, writing my review, wondering why the book is called "How to Say Goodbye". I suppose I could credit the fact that Dane and Amy have a hard time saying goodbye because they both don't want to be left alone and goodbye signifies that they are leaving each other. In one chapter, Dane actually doesn't wake Amy up and say goodbye, but leaves her without a word, which sounds a lot like Just One Day by Gayle Forman, although Amy's reaction is a lot nicer than Lulu. Why this is true, I don't know because you would think Amy would react very badly since she has been left before, yet she automatically assumes that she will see Dane again. 

Feels 8/10: I have a confession to make, I had a major feels attack when it came to this book. It wasn't just the general meaning of "the feels" because it was a wide array of emotion for aspects of the story. I felt empathetic (translation: I actually felt sorry for what could have come across as puny characters) towards both Amy and Dane. And of course, I felt the feels towards their relationship. The way that Amber Lin wrote their "scenes" made it feel just as kissing (and other bedroom activities) should. It was not overly graphic, explicit, or an erotica novel by any means. To describe it, I want you to think of being courted in the 1900s, back then, men actually paid women compliments, and even rejections were flowery. People skirted around taboo topics, and they made romance feel actually romantic unlike just saying, "Yeah, I hooked up with her." Amy and Dane's relationship felt real, and magical, as if I was kissing Dane instead of Amy (which I totally wouldn't mind if that happened). 

Writing Style 6.75/10: While I do think that Lin could have written this book in 1st person, the way she ended up writing it in 3rd would have made it downright impossible unless Lin wrote the bk like Thirteen Reasons Why, with Jay's text in regular font, and Hannah's in italics. From one sentence to the next, she would jump from what was going on in the story, to what Amy thought, to what Dane thought. For example, when Amy and Dane were going out on some of their dates, Dane would start thinking, and then we would get a whole backstory about the last time he had been to their current location, or about how he could never tell Amy the truth...you get the picture. While the information was needed, I still thought it was a little confusing without some sort of transition, like italics would have provided. 

Ending 5/10: I don't think Amber Lin should take offense to my rating for the ending because in the month of April, I haven't enjoyed endings. I don't know why except for the (lousy guess) fact that since I started blogging, my standards have become much higher, and endings are such a pivotal focal point for books with sequels, but especially with standalone novels. In a standalone novel, the end of the story is the end of the tracks, you have run out of things to look at in the time capsule of the character's lives. 

Conclusion: This is a stunning novel that has proved to be a gateway into the New Adult/ Contemporary Romance genre that contains just the right amount of plot, character depth, and a romance that will leave you reeling.