Waiting on Wednesday #12

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is: 

Doon (Doon #1)

by Carey Corp 

Expected publication: August 20th 2013 by Zondervan

Despite outward appearances, Veronica Welling’s life is far from perfect. Her boyfriend is more into her competition, her mom treats her like a meal ticket, and the blond stranger who keeps appearing out of nowhere—well, he’d be darn near perfect, if he were real. After Vee catches her boyfriend cheating, an epic summer in Scotland with her best friend Mackenna Reid seems like the ultimate escape. Neither girl has any clue they’re about to step into a destiny bigger than they could ever imagine.

Through a series of clues left by Kenna’s aunt, Vee and Kenna open a portal and are transported to a thriving kingdom outside of time and place. For Vee, the land of Doon is the fairytale she’s always longed for, complete with the gorgeous blond stranger—who happens to be a flesh and blood prince. But rather than acting like her knight in shining armor, Jamie MacCrae treats her like a leper. Meanwhile, Jamie’s brother Duncan shows obvious interest in Kenna, but she shuts him down, fearing that a “love connection” will prevent her from returning to the modern world.

But the girls’ presence in Doon could break the enchantment that protects the realm. In order to save Doon, the girls must risk everything—life, love, and future—before the kingdom vanishes forever into the mists.

(Summary taken from http://www.doonseries.com/) 

***I can't wait to read this book! It sounds very interesting :) 

What are you guys waiting to read? Please leave me a comment below and I'll make sure to check it out :D Thanks!

Review: Legally Addicted by Lena Dowling

Legally Addicted 
by Lena Dowling
Released Date: Published May 1st 2013 by Escape Publishing
Series:---
Pages: 145
View/Purchase: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N

A fast-moving, high stakes battle-of-the-sexes story with a Hepburn/Tracey flavor (and a hot one-night stand!).

Georgia Murray’s one-night-stand with fellow Sydney lawyer and billionaire property magnate Brad Spencer was supposed to be just that – one-off, fun. Case closed.

But Brad knows something Georgia doesn’t: their lives are about to become entwined in an unavoidable way. The tension smoulders towards ignition point, and Georgia is terrified to find herself contemplating more from Brad, even the possibility of love – a concept with the power to frighten her more than anything else in this world.

(Summary taken from Goodreads)
My Review:

*ARC provided by Netgalley*

Legally Addicted is the story of Georgia Murray,a successful lawyer who has her own past troubles hidden from everyone else. But when Brad Spencer, fellow lawyer and billionaire joins the firm where Georgia is working, the tension between them starts to grow. Interested in one thing only,what Georgia doesn't know is that the more she spends time with Brad, the more difficult is going to be to leave him in the future. I liked the plot of the story, it's catching and full of romance. Georgia was one of the characters that I hat difficulty understanding sometimes, but overall, this story was a great read. The ending was great as well, the author ties everything well together. 
I would completely recommend this story to those that are looking for a fast read/romance story.

My Ratings:

Feature and Follow Friday #16

Feature and Follow

Hosted by Parajunkee and Alison can Read.
Gain new followers and make new friends with the Book Blogger Feature & Follow! or just check out the weekly questions and see what others respond. 

*If you would like to follow me, you can do so by GFC, Bloglovin, Goodreads, or Twitter :) Just let me know if you are a new follower and I will follow back :D 

Question: The #FF is 150 weeks old! And we want to hear from you! What would you change about the hop? What do you like about it? Or just suggest a question to be used for next week!

Answer: Congratulations! :) I really like this meme, it has introduced me to a lot of other blogs and it's fun answering questions along with it. I wouldn't change a thing about it. :) 

What do you guys think? Leave me your response below and I'll make sure to check it out. :) Thanks!

Waiting on Wednesday #12

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Revealed (House of Night #11)

by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

Expected publication: October 15th 2013

The spellbinding eleventh and penultimate installment in the #1 New York Times bestselling vampyre series

Drastically altered after her fall at the end of Hidden, Neferet is now more dangerous than ever—and her quest for vengeance will wreak havoc on humans, as well as Zoey and her friends. Chaos is loosed in Tulsa and the House of Night is blamed. Can Zoey stop Neferet in time to keep her anger from escalating to full-on war? Or will someone else have to step in to take the fall?

The House of Night series is an international phenomenon, reaching #1 on U.S., German, and UK bestseller lists, and remaining a fixture on The New York Times Children’s Series bestseller list for nearly 150 weeks and counting. With more than 12 million copies in print, rights sold in thirty–eight countries to date, and relatable, addictive characters, this series is unstoppable. Now, in the eleventh and penultimate installment of the series, the action is more intense and the stakes even higher as Zoey and her friends battle to protect their school and home from devastating evil—all while balancing romances, precarious friendships and the daily drama of the House of Night's halls. 

(Summary taken from Goodreads)
I'm actually excited for this series to be over already! As much as I love the series, I think it's time for it to end. :) I love the cover!!! Leave me a comment with your WoW post and I'll make sure to check it out. :)
                                                                                                                                  

Cover Reveal: Anti-thesis by Kacey Vanderkarr

Cover Reveal!

Anti-thesis 
by Kacey Vanderkarr
Expected publication: July 21st 2013 by Inkspell


My name is Gavyn.
Liam doesn’t care that I only have one arm. He actually likes my red hair and freckles. I might forgive him for kidnapping me.
My name is Gavyn.
I lost my Liam. I’ve lost them all. And now it’s my job to make sure they don’t show up again. 
My name is Gavyn.
I had a life with Liam, but he couldn’t give me what I need. Then I killed his father. I don’t expect he’ll forgive me for that.
My name is Gavyn.

About the Author:

Kacey Vanderkarr is a young adult author. She dabbles in fantasy, romance, and sci-fi, complete with faeries, alternate realities, and the occasional plasma gun. She’s known to be annoyingly optimistic and listen to music at the highest decibel. When she’s not writing, she coaches winterguard and works as a sonographer. Kacey lives in Michigan, with her husband, son, crazy cats, and two bearded dragons. Visit www.kaceyvanderkarr.com for more information.

Twitter: @kacimari

Blog: www.kaceyvanderkarr.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kacey-Vanderkarr-Young-Adult-Author/128956043852072

ARC Review: Dare You To by Katie McGarry

Dare You To 
by Katie McGarry
Released Date: Expected publication: May 28th 2013 by Harlequin Teen
Series: Pushing the Limits #2
Pages: 462
View/Purchase: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N

Ryan lowers his lips to my ear. "Dance with me, Beth."

"No." I whisper the reply. I hate him and I hate myself for wanting him to touch me again....

"I dare you..."

If anyone knew the truth about Beth Risk's home life, they'd send her mother to jail and seventeen-year-old Beth who knows where. So she protects her mom at all costs. Until the day her uncle swoops in and forces Beth to choose between her mom's freedom and her own happiness. That's how Beth finds herself living with an aunt who doesn't want her and going to a school that doesn't understand her. At all. Except for the one guy who shouldn't get her, but does....

Ryan Stone is the town golden boy, a popular baseball star jock-with secrets he can't tell anyone. Not even the friends he shares everything with, including the constant dares to do crazy things. The craziest? Asking out the Skater girl who couldn't be less interested in him.

But what begins as a dare becomes an intense attraction neither Ryan nor Beth expected. Suddenly, the boy with the flawless image risks his dreams-and his life-for the girl he loves, and the girl who won't let anyone get too close is daring herself to want it all...

(Summary taken from Goodreads)

My Review:


"I told you I loved you in this rain and when you doubt my words, I want you to look at this bottle."- Ryan. 

There is only one word to describe this book and that is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

I absolutely loved this book! In my opinion, this book was better than the first one (Pushing the Limits). At the beginning when I first found out that this book was going to be about Beth, I was a bit skeptical about it. I didn't really liked Beth in the first book, so I didn't know what to think of her in this book. But after reading it, I was not disappointed at all, it really became one of my favorite books.

Beth's strong character in the book brings her trouble when she decides to take the blame for her mom and gets arrested. She feels that she owns her mom, and it is because of that feeling that she is unable to move on. 
Beth is very complex character and I enjoyed reading about her and her life. McGarry does a very good job describing Beth's story and how she evolves throughout the book. I liked how there was humor in the story, it definitely made the whole book interesting to read. 

On the other hand, Ryan came in just at the right time. He immediately changed my perspective on Beth because he was the one that saw her for who she was and he brought out a completely different side of her (the good side). As a baseball player, Ryan is known as a jock in the school, and also seen as the best player around town. But underneath his famous looks and skills, lies a sweet guy with lots of talent for writing. It is because of his dad that he is unable to really do what he wants to do with his life. His story makes him and Beth compatible as they both learn to overcome their family issues as well as their own. 

What begins with a dare, becomes the best dare that Ryan has every made because he got a chance to really see his true abilities and find true love. Apart from the emotional roller coaster, Ryan and Beth's story is realistic and I'm glad everything worked out at the end. 

Overall, this story was FANTASTIC!, from the first chapter to the very end, the author does a very good job connecting everything together, while making it look realistic. The cover fits the story very well (which I loved!). I liked how the story was set up, seeing both Beth's and Ryan's P.O.V, I was able to understand their thoughts and story better. I would most definitely recommend everything one read this book and Pushing the Limits, you will not be disappointed. 

My Ratings:

Book Trailer:

**Check out my review on the first book Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry. 

Feature and Follow Friday #15

Feature and Follow

Hosted by Parajunkee and Alison can Read.
Gain new followers and make new friends with the Book Blogger Feature & Follow! or just check out the weekly questions and see what others respond. 

*If you would like to follow me, you can do so by GFC, Bloglovin, Goodreads, or Twitter :) Just let me know if you are a new follower and I will follow back :D 

Question: School is out! What is your favorite Summer Reading Book? 
Answer: I'm still in school (I still have about 2 weeks left) but I'm not so sure what I'll be reading this summer. I like to read books that I haven't had the chance to read, so I often find myself reading books that have been out for years. Contemporary books are always must read during summer, specially if they have a "summer theme" to them. :) 
*I'm always looking out for recommendations, so if you guys have any recommendation on books that I should read this summer, please leave them down in the comments box and I'll make sure to add them on my to-read list. :) Thanks!!

Waiting on Wednesday #11

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection are:

Sleeping with the Entity by Cat Devon

Expected publication: June 4th 2013 by St. Martin's Paperbacks

She has a sweet tooth and a dream.

Meet Daniella Delaney. She’s all ready to open her shop, Heavenly Cupcakes, in one of Chicago’s sleepier districts. But she’s having a hard time convincing the local business association—namely Nick St. George—that she’s a good addition to the neighborhood. Daniella hopes that her famous red velvet cupcakes will be enough to melt any man’s heart. But Nick is no ordinary man. He’s got fangs.

He has a constant craving...

As leader of the Vamptown clan, Nick has no intention of letting Daniella breathe new life into his old haunts. But something about her leaves Nick hungry…for more. He can’t control her mind like other humans, a trait that makes Daniella irresistible. Could it be that, for the first time in centuries, Nick has met his match? Love is always a force to be reckoned with. But can this vampire have his cake and eat it too?

(Summary taken from Goodreads)

Tumble & Fall by Alexandra Coutts

Expected publication: September 17th 2013 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)

A novel about the end of days full of surprising beginnings 
 
The world is living in the shadow of oncoming disaster. An asteroid is set to strike the earth in just one week’s time; catastrophe is unavoidable. The question isn’t how to save the world—the question is, what to do with the time that's left? Against this stark backdrop, three island teens wrestle with intertwining stories of love, friendship and family—all with the ultimate stakes at hand. 
 
Alexandra Coutts's TUMBLE & FALL is a powerful story of courage, love, and hope at the end of the world.


(Summary taken from Goodreads)


I can't wait to get my hands on this book, it's going to be awesome!!! :D What's on your WoW post? Leave me a comment below and the link. I'll make sure to check it out :D Thanks! 
                                                                                                                                  

Review: Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

Pushing the Limits
by Katie McGarry
Released Date: Published July 31st 2012 by Harlequin Teen
Series: Pushing the Limits #1
Pages: 392
View/Purchase: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N

No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with "freaky" scars on her arms. Even Echo can't remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal.But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible.

Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she'll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again.

(Summary taken from Goodreads)

My Review: 

This book deserves more than five stars! It was simply amazing!

From the beginning to the very end, this book had me hooked from the start. I absolutely love Noah! he is the guy that everyone runs away from, but can't get their eyes off of him due to his god-like looks. Echo on the other hand, is a girl who's trying to find a piece of her life that has been missing for years. The both have problems, and yet they both thought that they were different, but as they go to know each other the sparks between them got them closer together. From the very beginning, I loved how the author was able to pull me in with all the mystery surrounding Noah and Echo. I found myself addicted to the book and couldn't wait to read more of them. This amazing story is very well-written and the plot is just fantastic. The way the book is set up made it easier for me to see both sides the the story; one through Echo and another from Noah's side. Their attraction towards each other wasn't evident at first, but as these two plot a plan to make them both find the solution to their problems, they end up in a mess that will tear everything from them. McGarry does a good job describing the characters and their back story while at the same time focusing on Echo and Noah. One of my favorite characters was Mrs. Collins, she definitely made everything better for both of them and it's because of her that they were able to be with each other in the first place. The ending left me feeling excited, (because things got resolved) and sad (because I wished I could see what happens to them in the future). The ending brings everything together and it works very well. I'm definitely ready to read more of this author, it's going to be awesome! I recommend everyone to read this book, you won't be disappointed. :)

My Ratings:

Book Trailer:

                                                                                                                                 

Feature and Follow Friday #14

Feature and Follow

Hosted by Parajunkee and Alison can Read.
Gain new followers and make new friends with the Book Blogger Feature & Follow! or just check out the weekly questions and see what others respond. 

*If you would like to follow me, you can do so by GFC, Bloglovin, Goodreads, or Twitter :) Just let me know if you are a new follower and I will follow back :D 

Question: Happy Mother's Day! Who is your favorite mom from fiction?
Answer: I had a hard time thinking of a answer, maybe just because I don't usually pay a lot of attention to "mother characters" in the books that I read. But the after thinking of a good answer I came up with two moms that stood out for me. One is Esme of Twilight and the other one will be Megan's mom of The Iron Fey Series. They are both good at protecting their children from evil, specially when one of them is a vampire, and the other was involved with the Iron King. (btw I love the series, it's amazing!)

Who is your favorite mom from fiction? Leave me a comment with your answer or link and I'll make sure to check it out :D

ARC Review: One Night Heir by Lucy Monroe

One Night Heir 
by Lucy Monroe
Released Date: Expected publication: June 18th 2013 by Harlequin
Series:------
Pages: 256
View/Purchase: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N

Only a royal wedding…Bitter life lessons have taught Crown Prince Maksim Yurkovich that duty must come before desire. His country needs an heir, so when he discovers his lover can't have children, he must sever their ties. Only Maks can't resist spending one last night in her bed.

…can avert this royal scandal!

Now he faces the biggest diplomatic crisis of his life. Against all odds, Gillian Harris has become pregnant. Maks's royal reserve masks the heart of a fierce Cossack warrior—one who is not above using their mutual passion to convince a hurt, wary Gillian that she must be his queen!

(Summary taken from Goodreads)

My Review:

*ARC provided by Netgalley*

It was cute, short and romantic

I really enjoyed reading the book, it was short and intriguing. The story is about Gillian Harris, and Prince Maksim Yurkovich, and how they come to terms with each other when it comes to love. Maksim Yurkovich, a prince who is only loyal to his country before anything else is tested when he finds Gillian the granddaughter of a famous reporter. They have an instant connection and the desire that they have for each other ends up hurting them both when the prince finds out that Gillian will not be able to bare a child, an heir to the throne. Determined to keep his loyalty to his country, he finds himself breaking up with her. Devastated after spending the night with the prince. Gillian finds herself unable to stop thinking about him, she tries to move on, only to find out that she is infant pregnant with the prince's baby. Now that the news is out, they'll have to find a way to come together for the good of the country and the new baby on the way. Overall, the story was great, the ending was a bit rushed, at least to my liking, but it was very well-written and the story sucked me in completely. I've read stories with similar plot, but this book was great. The overall theme of the book was the meaning of unconditional love and new beginnings. I'm looking forward to reading more books from the author. 

My Ratings:

Review: The Vampire Stalker by Allison Van Diepen

The Vampire Stalker

by Allison Van Diepen

Released Date: Published June 1st 2011 by Point

Series:----

Pages: 272

View/Purchase: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N

What if the characters in a vampire novel left their world--and came into yours?

Amy is in love with someone who doesn't exist: Alexander Banks, the dashing hero in a popular series of vampire novels. Then one night, Amy meets a boy who bears an eerie resemblance to Alexander. In fact, he IS Alexander, who has escaped from the pages of the book and is in hot pursuit of a wicked vampire named Vigo. Together, Amy and Alexander set out to track Vigo and learn how and why Alexander crossed over. But when she and Alexander begin to fall for each other, Amy wonders if she even wants him to ever return to the realm of fiction.

(Summary taken from Goodreads)

My Review:

I actually loved the description of the book and the cover! That's what told me to get the book. I thought the idea was really good and original. I mean, who hasn't fallen in love with a book character before? But the way that the author started the book and the way she connected the plot was very well executed. The story mainly focuses on Amy, an average high school with a passion for book, specially the books of Elizabeth Howard. She loves the book just as much as her two friends, but what she wasn't expecting to find on her way home was her favorite character come to live. From then on, her adventure starts by helping her favorite character, Alexander, capture the Elizabeth Howard's ultimate villain, Vigo. Although the book's idea was unique, there were times when I felt disconnected with the characters, towards the end it felt rushed, but it all worked out the end. I absolutely loved the ending, it was by far my favorite part of the whole book. It's definitely a book that everyone should try to read, it's not too long, and it's full of mystery and cute moments. I love how it's not overwhelmed with the whole vampire theme, it's certainly a book that a lot of readers can relate to (at least for girls out there, that have fallen in love with their favorite characters). :) 

My Ratings: 

ARC Review: The Temporary Wife by Jeannie Moon

The Temporary Wife 
by Jeannie Moon
Released Date: Expected publication: May 21st 2013 by InterMix
Series:----
Pages: 228
View/Purchase: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N

It was an offer she couldn’t refuse…from a man she couldn’t resist.

Kindergarten teacher Megan Rossi is devoted to being a mother to her best friend’s five-year-old daughter, Molly. When the child was orphaned, Meg became the little girl’s legally named guardian—over the objections of Molly’s wealthy grandparents, the Campbells. Now the Campbells are petitioning for custody, and Meg is faced with a long and expensive legal battle. The last thing she expects is for her former high school boyfriend—and the Campbells’ estranged son—to offer a solution: marriage.

Billionaire software developer Jason Campbell knows his parents don’t have Molly’s best interests at heart—it’s all about control for them. There is one way he can ensure that his sister’s last wishes are honored. He will offer Meg the protection of his name and lawyers until the custody arrangement has been finalized , then he’ll secure his niece’s future with a very generous divorce settlement. Jason’s considered all the scenarios, except one—that the sparks that once flew between he and Meg might reignite a burning passion. And that his confirmed bachelor heart might just melt away from the heat…

(Summary taken from Goodreads)

My Review:

*ARC was provided by Penguin Group via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

I have read many books with similar plots, but what I liked about this book in particular was that it started of differently. Instead of having the characters hating on each other, they put their feelings aside so they could take care of Molly, the five year old that Megan was left to take care off by her best friend Grace. Grace's brother, Jason, sees how his parents are planning to use Molly, he finds a way to get them to stop the custody battle over the girl. His only plan of attack is to get married to Megan and end things once and for all with his parents. Right from the very beginning, it's evident that both Megan and Jason had a past together, but it ended up badly. So now, after all this time without seeing each other, Molly has brought them together, and it becomes easy for them to start to fall in love with each all over again. But that doesn't stop other people from getting in their way of happiness, making them fight just as hard to be together.

Overall, the story was great. I did enjoyed reading the book, but there were times when I wished the author would play out the scenes instead of skipping them and just describing them in later chapters. There were people and problems that were left out the end, so it would have been nice to see them get resolved. I liked the ending, it was sweet and it really went with the whole story. 

My Ratings:

Feature and Follow Friday #13

Feature and Follow

Hosted by Parajunkee and Alison can Read.
Gain new followers and make new friends with the Book Blogger Feature & Follow! or just check out the weekly questions and see what others respond. 

*If you would like to follow me, you can do so by GFC, Bloglovin, Goodreads, or Twitter :) Just let me know if you are a new follower and I will follow back :D 

Question:  Give us a sneak! What are you reading? Tell us about a fun or fail scene in your current read.

Answer: I just started reading The Temporary Wife yesterday, so far it's good. Here's a sneak peek!

"We'll have to sell it. Make people believe that since Grace died, we've taken comfort in each other." He stepped closer and took up a golden lock of hair and let it slide between his fingers. "That our grief brought us back together and..." he leaned in closer and locked his eyes on hers. 

She sighed.

"That we fell in love."

Here is a summary of the book if anyone wants to see what's it about. :D

The Temporary Wife by Jeannie Moon

It was an offer she couldn’t refuse…from a man she couldn’t resist.

Kindergarten teacher Megan Rossi is devoted to being a mother to her best friend’s five-year-old daughter, Molly. When the child was orphaned, Meg became the little girl’s legally named guardian—over the objections of Molly’s wealthy grandparents, the Campbells. Now the Campbells are petitioning for custody, and Meg is faced with a long and expensive legal battle. The last thing she expects is for her former high school boyfriend—and the Campbells’ estranged son—to offer a solution: marriage.

Billionaire software developer Jason Campbell knows his parents don’t have Molly’s best interests at heart—it’s all about control for them. There is one way he can ensure that his sister’s last wishes are honored. He will offer Meg the protection of his name and lawyers until the custody arrangement has been finalized , then he’ll secure his niece’s future with a very generous divorce settlement. Jason’s considered all the scenarios, except one—that the sparks that once flew between he and Meg might reignite a burning passion. And that his confirmed bachelor heart might just melt away from the heat…

***What have you been reading? Leave me a comment below or the link of your FF post and I'll make sure to check it out :D

Review: The Elite by Kiera Cass

 The Elite 
by Kiera Cass
Released Date: Published April 23rd 2013 by HarperTeen
Series: The Selection #2
Pages: 323
View/Purchase: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N

The hotly-anticipated sequel to the New York Timesbestseller The Selection.

Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Iléa.

America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.

Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending.

(Summary taken from Goodreads)

My Review:

*ARC provided by Netgalley*
The Elite was better than I the first book! When I found out that there was going to be a sequel of The Selection I was ecstatic, I couldn't wait for the second book to come out. I fell in love with the cover as soon as it got released, right then I knew that The Elite was going to be awesome! It also had been a while since I read The Selection, so I had to re-read it (just in case), but that made things far more exciting (reading both books back-to-back). From the very beginning,The Elite exceeded my expectations, it was exciting, far more eventful and there were a lot of Maxon and America moments. The author did a good job describing the competition and how America was feeling about it. In The Elite, the girls left are tested on various tests that show if they are truly fit to become a good princess or not. Stakes are higher, and America finds herself in the middle of two guys. Both Maxon and Aspen have what it takes to make America happy,but it is because of that, that she still can't decide who to choose. It's evident that both Maxon and Aspen love American, but it's their actions that really are tested in this book. Overall, the book was well-written, I love the new events in the book and it was far more exciting to read. Now, the reason why this book is rated with 4.5 stars instead of 5, it's because I kept getting frustrated with America with not making quick decision in the book. Just when I though she was going to stay with Maxon,she kept thinking about Aspen. The whenever she was with Aspen, she doubted Maxon's love for her. It was definitely a roller coaster of emotions, but the ending was great. A cliffhanger if you asked me, but it was great. Now I can't wait to read the last book on the series. I can't to see who America ends up with at the end. :)

My Rating:

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Book Trailer:

Book Trailer for The Selection, (the first book in the series) :)

Cover Reveal: Deadly Gamble by Shirley Kennedy

Cover Reveal! 

Deadly Gamble
by Shirley Kennedy

When attractive Kristi Andrews is hired as Assistant Marketing Director at the Parthenon hotel/casino in Las Vegas, she’s focused on succeeding at her new job. But from the very first day, strange events occur: a deadly escalator accident—the strange death of a candle shop owner—a psychic’s warning that the Parthenon is doomed AND IT’S ALL KRISTI’S FAULT.

Shocked and baffled, Kristi must determine if she could be responsible for the mysterious, evil presence that seems to haunt the hotel. She’s aided by a man she’s just met—famous western historical author, Mike Garvey. Attracted to Kristi, Mike goes one hundred fifty years back in time to draw upon his knowledge of old Las Vegas and the Santa Fe Trail. They are the key to a puzzling mystery which Kristi must solve if she wants to save not only the Parthenon but the entire Las Vegas Strip from total disaster. 

About the Author:

Shirley Kennedy wrote and published Regency romances for several years for both Ballantine and Signet. She switched genres to write a wagon train romance. When struck with what she called “a great idea” about a haunted casino in Las Vegas, she was compelled to abandon both Regency England and the Old West to write Deadly Gamble.

Born and raised in Fresno, California, Shirley has lived in such diverse places as Denver; Houston; Torrance, California; Bogota ,Colombia; and Calgary, Alberta, Canada where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Sciences at the University of Calgary. She worked as a computer programmer/systems analyst for several years before she went back to her first love, writing.

Shirley lives close to her two daughters in Las Vegas Nevada. Brutus and Sparky, her two editorial assistants on the furry side, love to nap in the sunshine next to her computer while she produces her next novel.

See Shirley’s web site at www.shirleykennedy.com

Her published books include:

Heartbreak Trail, Camel Press

Three Wishes for Miss Winthrop, Signet

Lady Flora's Fantasy, Signet

The Irish Upstart, Signet

The Selfless Sister, Signet

The Rebellious Twin, Signet

The London Belle, Signet

Lady Semple's Secret, Ballantine