Review: Touching Melody by RaShelle Workman

Touching Melody
 by RaShelle Workman
Released Date: Published May 14th 2013 by Polished Pen Press
Series: Forever First #1
Pages: ebook 
View/Purchase: Goodreads, Amazon,

Maddie Martin's first weekend at college is nothing like she's used to. It's wild, like the wilderness on which the University of Bellam Springs sits. Roped into going to a fraternity party, she literally runs into Kyle Hadley. The boy she's loved since she was nine. The boy she promised all of her firsts to. But that was before his father killed her parents. 

Determined to stay away from him, she throws herself into her music. Practicing piano eases her heavy heart, calms the sadness, and pushes away images of Kyle's face. 

Until it doesn't. 

Her music professor asks her to play a duet for their annual Winter Gala. Doing so means she'll be assured another full ride scholarship. It's an opportunity she can't pass up. 

But Kyle is the other half of the duet. And that means hours and hours of practicing. 

Weeks of seclusion - just the two of them. And it's more than just music. It's passion like Maddie never believed was possible. 

The inevitable happens. She falls in love with him all over again. 

But, will loving him be enough to erase all the hate in her heart for his father? Can she look at him, and not see the evil in his family tree?

And maybe it's all a set up. Maybe Kyle is only pretending to care so he can finish what his father started, and kill her too.

(Synopsis take from Goodreads)

My Review:

When Maddie Martin starts college, she wasn't expecting to find herself face-to-face with her once best friend Kyle Hadley. They had been apart for over seven years, and ever since then, they lost contact with each other. Now that they are attending the same school, they will have to endure seeing each other once again. From the very beginning the premises of the book sucked me in completely, it had potential to be a great story. I liked the concept, but as I was reading the book it became evident that it lacked more details. I felt that the ending was rushed, but it all ended up in a good note and it made up for what it lacked. I enjoyed reading their story though, it was definitely romantic and fun to read. Both Maddie's and Kyle's back stories build up the plot of the story and made it a lot of interesting to read. It was definitely nice to read in both of their point-of-views, it made the story more unique and suspenseful. 

Overall, the story was well-written, although I would have liked to see more interaction between the characters, the ending made up for all of that. The author did a good job tying everything together in the end. I would recommend everyone to give this book a try.

My Rating:

Feature and Follow Friday #20

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: What is your preferred reading format? Hardcover, eBooks, paperback, etc?
Answer: I don't really have a preference. Although I always have my ipad with me, so it is a lot easier to read eBooks there where I can have access to a lot of my books, rather than having to carrying them around with me. 

***What do you guys think? Leave me a comment below and I'll make sure to check it out :) Thanks! 

Waiting on Wednesday #15

"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:

Fangirl

by Rainbow Rowell

Expected publication: September 10th 2013 by St. Martin's Press

A coming-of-age tale of fan fiction, family and first love. 

Cath is a Simon Snow fan.

Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan . . .

But for Cath, being a fan is her life — and she’s really good at it. She and her twin sister, Wren, ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow series when they were just kids; it’s what got them through their mother leaving.

Reading. Rereading. Hanging out in Simon Snow forums, writing Simon Snow fan fiction, dressing up like the characters for every movie premiere.

Cath’s sister has mostly grown away from fandom, but Cath can’t let go. She doesn’t want to.

Now that they’re going to college, Wren has told Cath she doesn’t want to be roommates. Cath is on her own, completely outside of her comfort zone. She’s got a surly roommate with a charming, always-around boyfriend, a fiction-writing professor who thinks fan fiction is the end of the civilized world, a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words . . . And she can’t stop worrying about her dad, who’s loving and fragile and has never really been alone.

For Cath, the question is: Can she do this?

Can she make it without Wren holding her hand? Is she ready to start living her own life? Writing her own stories?

And does she even want to move on if it means leaving Simon Snow behind? 

(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)

***Can't wait to read this book! What are you waiting to read? Let me know in the comment section below and I'll make sure to check it out. :) Thanks!

Teaser Tuesday (7)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Eyes Ever to the Sky 

by Katie French 

When Hugh wakes up in a smoldering crater—no memory, no clothes—a single thought echoes in his head…trust no one. Frightened and alone, with no memory of who he is, he stumbles upon a grisly murder scene and is fatally shot. He wakes, only to find he can heal himself. He has superpowers, and he’s going to need them.

Desperate and bleeding, Hugh stumbles upon fifteen-year-old Cece, who’s got enough troubles of her own. Between caring for her bipolar mother and trying not to get evicted from her run-down trailer, Cece may be the only person struggling as much as Hugh. Drawn to Hugh, Cece finds a love she’s never known. But when the real killer—a man-hunting beast—chooses another victim, Hugh and Cece realize they must unlock the clues to their past if they have any chance at a future. 

My Teaser:

"He woke knowing only pain.
His bones ached like they'd been shattered and glued haphazardly together. His head buzzed like a tuning fork. A bitter taste coated his tongue. He searched for the word and it swam sluggishly up before him. Blood. He tasted blood" - Hugh (Eyes Ever to the Sky, pg 5).

***I'm not sure how I feel about this book so far, but it's getting interesting. :)

What's your Teaser Tuesday? Leave me a comment below with your teaser or link and I'll make sure to check it out. Thanks! 

Freebie Review: Those Nights in Montreal by Beverley Kendall

Those Nights in Montreal 
by Beverley Kendall
Released Date: Published May 6th 2013 by Season Publishing LLC
Series: Unforgettable You #1.5
Pages: Kindle Edition
View/Purchase: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N

An ex is an ex for a reason

To Rebecca Winters, it's not just a saying or the title to a catchy tune, it's a rule she staunchly lives by. Especially since the break up with her ex. What's the point in trying to fix the "unfixable"? Besides, only a girl hell-bent on more heartbreak would go back to the guy who bailed on her when she needed him most. But saying no to Scott is becoming more difficult than surviving the breakup itself. And unfortunately for her, the kind of pressure he's exerting is making her rule all too easy to break.

Scott Carver has given up trying to get over his ex. He's still in love with her and their year apart has done nothing to change that. Yeah, he knows he screwed up. Just how royally, he wasn't aware of until now. So when Becca agrees to give him a second chance, he grabs on to it with both hands. But it's clear the only way things will ever truly be right between them is if he comes clean...about everything. He can only pray the truth doesn't send her running--for good this time.
(Summary taken from goodreads)

My Review:

The novella centers around Rebecca and Scott's relationship. Having ended their relationship a year ago, both are struggling to move on with their lives while in College. For once Rebecca feels the need to move on with her life, she is done crying over the guy that broke her heart. But that doesn't work out because Scott is not ready to move on and he is going to try everything and anything to get her back. At the beginning of the story, Rebecca is angry and conflicted. She mentions having problems with her biological father as well as having problems moving on after ending her relationship with Scott. There are hints at the beginning of the story that tells what happened to them, but the full problem is not revealed until later on in the story. 

From my perspective, I thought that their need for closure is what brings them together. Not only do they have to share a room while spending their vacation in Montreal, but they also have to spend a lot of time together. As Scott works to get her to give him another chance, their friends also try to set them up. What I liked about the novella was how descriptive it was and how much the characters are very relatable. Both Rebecca and Scott have to go through all sorts of scenarios that tests their ability to trust one another and to be able to oversee their pasts in order to create a future. I found the story very compelling and realistic. I enjoyed reading their romantic scenes and the end. Although I know it's a novella, the ending felt too rushed for me. I would have loved to see if other problems got solved in the future. Other than that I'm very pleased with the story and I would recommend it to those that want a realistic yet steamy story. 

*This book can be read as a stand-alone book, it's not necessary to read the first book. 

My Rating:

Feature and Follow Friday #19

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: Share your favorite literary quote. :)

Answer: "I knew the second I met you that there was something about you that I needed. Turns out, it wasn't something about you at all. It was just you"- Jamie McGuire, Beautiful Disaster 

**I loved that quote, and many more of course, but this one really speaks to me and the book is amazing!

-What's your favorite literary quote? Let me know in the comments below or leave me the link of your post and I'll make sure to check it out :) Thanks! 

Review: Waking Up in Vegas by Romy Sommer

Waking Up in Vegas 
by Romy Sommer
Released Date: Published May 9th 2013 by Harper Impulse
Pages: ebook, 182 pages
View/Purchase: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N

What happens in Vegas…

Waking up to the bright lights of Vegas in an unfamiliar penthouse suite, cocktail waitress Phoenix Montgomery finds she’s covered from head to foot in gold glitter and not alone – aside from the empty bottle of champagne, there’s a mystery man in the shower and a huge sparkly ring on her finger!

Stays in Vegas?

There’s no denying Max Waldburg’s demi-god sex appeal but commitment-phobic Phoenix doesn’t do relationships. Only it seems her new husband (agh!) has other ideas…he’s trying to keep that ring on her finger and his wife firmly back in his bed. The only question on her lips is – why? Or maybe, why not?

(Summary taken from Goodreads) 

My Review: 

Waking Up in Vegas is not just another story about two drunk individuals getting married in Vegas. The story evolves around Max and Phoenix, and how they cope with their marriage. As a casino waitress, Phoenix wasn't expecting to get hitched with the handsome stranger that bought her a drink one night. But things turned out for the worst the next morning when she wakes up and finds herself in a hotel room wearing a wedding ring and without any knowledge of who is the handsome men standing in front of her. As people often say, “what happens in Vegas stay in Vegas,” but that isn't the case with with their marriage, because as soon as Phoenix suggests a divorce, Max refuses all because in his country there hasn't been a divorce for over 300 years and he was not about to break that tradition. Angry and confused, Phoenix does the impossible to get him to sign the the divorce papers, but knowing that he wasn't going to sign them, she decides to let him stay with her, with the intend that he will go away eventually. 

But everyone has secrets and Phoenix nor Max are immune to that. Both have secrets to reveal and the attraction between them also grows in time. As they get to know each other, Phoenix will have to learn how to leave everything behind for the man she has grown to love. Being an already beautifully written story, Waking Up in Vegas is not your typical story. What I liked about the story was that Phoenix is a strong leading character, she has a past like anyone else and because of that she has to constantly protect herself from getting hurt. On the other hand, Max is your typical handsome character with a twist. He is not only romantic, but he also believes in a destiny and a happily every after. Which not a lot of guys do, but he makes the story that much romantic and hard to put down. As a reader, I found myself completely lost in the beauty of the setting and the in the characters. There were times when Phoenix's personality did not work in some of the scenes, but knowing where she was coming from made her actions understandable. I really loved the ending, it was cute and romantic. I would completely recommend this story to those readers that love a good romance novel and fairy tale endings.

My Rating:

Waiting on Wednesday #14

"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:

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown

by Holly Black 

Expected publication: September 17th 2013 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Tana lives in a world where walled cities called Coldtowns exist. In them, quarantined monsters and humans mingle in a decadently bloody mix of predator and prey. The only problem is, once you pass through Coldtown’s gates, you can never leave.

One morning, after a perfectly ordinary party, Tana wakes up surrounded by corpses. The only other survivors of this massacre are her exasperatingly endearing ex-boyfriend, infected and on the edge, and a mysterious boy burdened with a terrible secret. Shaken and determined, Tana enters a race against the clock to save the three of them the only way she knows how: by going straight to the wicked, opulent heart of Coldtown itself.

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown is a wholly original story of rage and revenge, of guilt and horror, and of love and loathing from bestselling and acclaimed author Holly Black. 

(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)



**What are you waiting to read? Leave me a comment below and I'll make sure to check it out :) Thanks! 
                                                                                                                                 

Review: That First Kiss by J.C. Valentine

That First Kiss 
by J.C. Valentine
Released Date: Expected publication: June 18th 2013
Series: Night Call #2
View/Purchase: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N

Mercurial and charming, Tate Larson is a rising author and playboy who has a different woman on his arm every night of the week. Focused on his work, Tate has no plans to settle down any time soon. That is until he meets his pretty new assistant, Piper Donovan. 

Desperate to escape the promise of backwater living, Piper ditched her Alabama hometown and never looked back. That was almost two years ago. Now that she is out of a job and her bank account is running on fumes, she’s desperate to find a job, fast. She finds the break she is searching for when she lands a position at Bookish Temptations. A little dancing and a lot of drinks with the girls seem the perfect way to celebrate. After a brief but explosive encounter with a man she was never supposed to see again turns out to be the same man she will be bending over backwards to please, her every instinct tells her to run. But when running means leaving the life she has struggled so hard to create, Piper decides her only option is to continue working for the devastatingly sexy Tate Larson...even if it kills her. 

Unable to deny their growing attraction, they struggle to keep their distance in a relationship that requires anything but. 

*This book is intended for mature audiences.*
(Summary taken from Goodreads) 

My Review:

*Book provided by the author for review*

I enjoyed reading this book, the story is well developed and so are the characters. Piper is definitely someone that knows what she wants, and is not about to let Tate overpower her. The tension in these two characters starts from the very beginning. There is no denying that Tate wants Piper, but he has to learn to overcome his fear of loving someone else. Determined to get a job, Piper ends working for Tate and as they both start to realize just how much they want each other, other people come in their way. As the pair start to realize that there could be something more than just one night stand, they will have to learn to put their past and differences aside in order to be together.

I thought the book was very well-written, and the pace of the story kept me wanting for more. Both Tate and Piper's connection for one another is definitely addicting and I'm gland it all ended up in good note. I also love how the author included an epilogue, it made the whole story come to a good and satisfying end. Although I haven't read the first book, I'm definitely excited to read now. 

My Rating:

Review: One Night With a Billionaire (Novella) by Vicki Lewis Thompson

One Night With a Billionaire (Novella) 
by Vicki Lewis Thompson
Released Date: Published May 21st 2013 by Penguin Group
Series: Perfect Man #1
Pages: ebook, 124 pages
View/Purchase: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N

Melanie, Astrid, and Valerie may be best friends, but they have very different ideas of what kind of man is more fun—one with a pocket full of cash or a guy with spurs on his boots? Growing up on a ranch, Melanie Shaw always assumed she’d end up with a strong, protective cowboy someday. Before she settles down, though, she decides to take a romantic adventure in Paris, a city she longs to explore. But on the first day of her getaway, Melanie winds up in trouble and is rescued by an unlikely stranger—the handsomest Texan she’s ever seen. He may not be a cowboy, but what girl can resist a billionaire who wants to take her on a whirlwind tour of the City of Lights? And when the romance between them heats up, Melanie realizes that she may have found her perfect man where she least expected...
(Summary taken from Goodreads)

My Review:

For a novella, this book was cute, quick and romantic. I absolutely loved the characters, and the setting of the book. I mean who doesn't love Paris? Growing up on a ranch, Melanie Shaw always assumed she’d end up with a strong, protective cowboy someday. But upon arriving to Paris, she suffers an accident that leads her to none other than Drew Eldridge, a wealthy man whose family is very well-known in Texas. Captivated by Drew, Melanie embarks in a journey throughout Paris that will lead their already attraction towards each other into another level. As they start to get close, both of them will realize just how much they are meant to be together. Like I mentioned before, for a novella this book was short and very quick, but everything was described beautifully. I loved the author's writing style as she captures the beauty of the city of love. Melanie is such a strong character, she is humble and full of wonder. Drew is such a gentleman and his attraction towards Melanie is what brings the story to another level. I would have liked to see more of them towards the end, maybe show more scenes to tie everything together, but overall this novella is a must read for those of you that want something quick and romantic at the same time. 

My Rating:  

(4.5/5)

Review: Sleeping with the Entity by Cat Devon

Sleeping with the Entity 
by Cat Devon
Released Date: Published June 4th 2013 by St. Martin's Paperbacks
Series: Entity #1
Pages: 336
View/Purchase: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N

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)

My Review:

*ARC provided by St. Martin's via Netgalley*

Sleeping with the Entity is a sweet and quick romance between Daniella, a cupcake baker, and Nick St. George, a vampire. What I liked about this story is that it has humor in it, and it is very well-written. As a fast paced story, I thought that their romance wasn't fully developed. From the very beginning Nick is compelled by Daniella mainly because she is the only one that he can't control. Apart from their un-denying attracting towards each other, Nick nor Daniella have the slight intention of getting involved. Daniella's only goal is to get her new bakery open and to reconnect with her family. But as their sexual tension increases, so does the danger in their town. A group of vampires has heard about what Nick hasn't been able to do with Daniella, and they will not stop until they get her away from him. One of the things that I really liked about this book is that it has a lot of movie/book/music references that helps the novel create a more fresh take to the vampire world. I do think that it was rushed towards the end. I expected to see more and it was cut out short for me, but overall the story is a fun and quick read. I enjoyed Daniella's and Nick's chemistry, it was humorous and romantic. I do hope the author decides to write more of their story, it would really help bring everything together. 

My Ratings:

                                                                                                                                 

Feature and Follow Friday #18

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: Activity. Spine Poetry: Create a line of poetry with your book spines (take a picture). Not feeling creative?Tell us about your favorite poem.

Answer: Here's what I came up with, I hope it doesn't sound too bad. :)

***What do you guys think? Leave me a comment with your poem, or the link and I'll make sure to check it out :) Thanks! 

Review: Nothing But Trouble by Trish Jensen

Nothing But Trouble 
by Trish Jensen
Released Date: Published April 30th 2013 by Bell Bridge Books
Series: ---
Pages: 150
View/Purchase: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N

He’s gorgeous, rich, sexy, super nice, and head-over-heels for her. So what’s the problem? 

Her psychic best friend predicts that Laura Tanner is due to meet a prince—the man of her dreams. Not a likely scenario for a hard-working bar owner who’s better at karate-chopping rowdy patrons than hobnobbing with the silver-spoon crowd. When Ivy League lawyer Brandon Prince (a prince!) strolls into her bar, Laura admits he’s hard to resist. Brandon quickly realizes that this lovely, funny, take-no-prisoners woman is the special someone he’s always wanted. 

Brandon is an expert at wooing women, and even a tough cookie like Laura can’t help but fall under his spell. Before she knows what’s happening, he’s lured her on a romantic adventure filled with laughter and desire. Dazzled, she begins to believe that she really can have this prince of a man as her own. 

One problem: Brandon’s powerful mother is used to women chasing his family fortune, and she’ll do whatever it takes to keep yet another money-grubbing female out of his life. If a man is everything you’ve ever wanted, how can he also be nothing but trouble?

(Summary taken from Goodreads)

My Review:

From the beginning to the very end, Nothing But Trouble had me laughing, gasping and squealing with excitement. Laura represents the qualities of a strong woman with a hidden past that prevents her from completely trusting men. When her friend tells her that she was going to meet her prince, she didn't know that her prince wasn't far away from her at all. On the other hand, Brandon wasn't looking to start a relationship, but when he and his friend decided to spend the night at the bar, he was surprised to find himself attracted to the very owner. Both Laura and Brandon's relationships starts off full of questions, but there is no denying their attraction for each other. As these two start to slowly get to know each other, they soon find out that there are other things in the way of their happiness that they will have to fix if they want to be together. I really liked the pace if the story, it is very well -written and it just keeps you wanting for more. I love Laura's personality, she doesn't let anyone else overpower her and her love for books/education makes her a strong and independent women that everyone can relate to. Their attraction for one another kept me wanting to know more about these characters and their future together. Overall, the story line was great, and the ending was amazing.

My Ratings:

Waiting on Wednesday #13

"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:

Cold Spell (Fairytale Retellings #4)

by Jackson Pearce

Expected publication: November 5th 2013 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Kai and Ginny grew up together–best friends since they could toddle around their building’s rooftop rose garden. Now they’re seventeen, and their relationship has developed into something sweeter, complete with stolen kisses and plans to someday run away together.

But one night, Kai disappears with a mysterious stranger named Mora–a beautiful girl with a dark past and a heart of ice. Refusing to be cast aside, Ginny goes after them and is thrust into a world she never imagined, one filled with monsters and thieves and the idea that love is not enough.

If Ginny and Kai survive the journey, will she still be the girl he loved–and moreover, will she still be the girl who loved him?

Jackson Pearce, author of the acclaimed SISTERS RED and FATHOMLESS, has returned with a unique vision of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Snow Queen,” one about power and redemption, failure and hope, and the true meaning of strength. 

(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)

***I can't wait to read this book! I absolutely love the cover :) What are you waiting to read? Leave me a comment below telling me your WoW or your link, and I'll make sure to check it out. Thanks! 

Book Tour Review: Holding On and Letting Go by Lucy Kelly

                             

Holding On and Letting Go 

by Lucy Kelly.

Released Date: Published March 10th 2013 by K. Coleman

Series: The Ties That Bind Us #1

Pages: 186

View/Purchase: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N

Is there a way to describe the ties that bind us together? What

happens when one of those ties is unexpectedly severed? Can

everything else remain the same? Will the other ties hold strong?

Two years after her little brother's death, sixteen year old Emerson

Caulfield returns to a home that she spent the last two years missing.

In theory, everything should be the same. Her best friend, Matt,

still lives next door. Her house is in the exact same condition as

they left it. The scenery and hallways haven't changed, yet for

Emerson, everything is completely different. The place may be the

same, but Emerson is most certainly not. She returns home hurt, angry, and miles away from the girl she once was.

The 60,000 word novel alternates between the perspectives of Emerson, who is struggling to keep breathing on a daily basis, and Matt, who wants to have his old best friend back so badly that he is willing to overlook the fact that she has completely changed. Though their friendship and relationship is a major part of the story, it takes backseat to the unique bonds between siblings, what happens when your worst enemy is in fact yourself, and the hardships that come with growing up and changing.

(Summary taken from Goodreads)

My Review:

I absolutely love this book, it has a lot of the elements that make this story a page-turner. From the first page to the very end, I found myself completely immersed in the world of Emerson Caulfield, a sixteen year old whose life has been full of eventful events since the day she was born. Her parents have stopped acting as parents and she has lost her little brother as a young girl. Taken to France by her parents, Emerson leaves everything behind, including her best friend Matt. It wasn't long after that, that she comes back to where everything started and it doesn't take long before her life starts to take her into new a new path. What I like about this book is that the point-of-view changes back and forth between Emerson and Matt. It definitely helped me understand them more and their situations. Every single character in the book has its challenges and problems. I also like how everyone evolves and grows throughout the story. Not only were the characters easy to relate to, but they also had compelling backgrounds. The author does a very good job describing the story and it is also very well-written. There were moments were I found myself attached to the characters and as the story progressed it was very hard to put down. Matt and Emerson's story is one that everyone needs to read, not only is this book full of sweet moments between them, but it is also full of mystery that will leave you wanting to know more. I recommend this story to those that love contemporary young adult novels, full of romance and self discovery.

My Ratings:

                                                                                                                                 

Feature and Follow Friday #17

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: Have you broken up with a series? If so which one and why?

Answer: I always read try to read all the books that I can no matter what, but the first time I saw The Luxe's cover, I immediately wanted to read the book. After reading two chapters of the book, I had to give up reading it all. I lost interest in the book so fast, and to this day I still haven't tried reading it again. 

**What series have you broken up with? Let me know, and I'll make sure to check it out :) 

  

Review: Glamorous Illusion by Lisa Tawn Bergren

 

Glamorous Illusion 
by Lisa Tawn Bergren 
Released Date: Published June 1st 2012 by David C. Cook
Series: Grand Tour Series #1
Pages: 416
View/Purchase: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N

When Cora Kensington learns she is the illegitimate daughter of a copper king, her life changes forever. Even as she explores Europe with her new family, she discovers that the most valuable journey is within. The first book in the Grand Tour series takes you from the farms of Montana through England and France on an adventure of forgiveness, spiritual awakening, and self-discovery.

(Summary taken from Goodreads)

My Review:

Glamorous Illusions will take anyone on a ride full of adventure,mystery, travel, and romance. Taking place in 1913, the story evolves around Cora Kensington, a girl Montana, whose future is about to change as soon as her biological father appears in her life. Not knowing that the father that she thought was hers is not her real father, Cora is immediately thrown into a world of mystery and secrecy. Discovering that she is the illegitimate daughter of the Copper King, she will have to adjust to a new life style all for her parents. As soon as she is told that she will have to take the Grand Tour with her half siblings and their friends, Cora will not only have to fight to gain their approval, but she will also learn to find the importance of what she has and of who she really is. In a world of glamour and richness, Lisa T. Bergren takes readers to a whole new world, full of amazing adventures in the most amazing places in the world. As a lover for all things traveling, I was really excited to read this book. The cover itself completely grabbed my attention, the art represents the book really well. There are only a handful of historical romance books that I've read, but this one has made it to my “all time favorite” shelf. The story is beautifully written,and it captures the feel of the cities very well. I found myself completely immersed in the book. Cora's adventure definitely keeps the reader wanting for more. Her personally is very likable, and she is strong minded (which protects her from her unlikable siblings). I absolutely love Will in the story, he is the only person that Cora can truly trust, and it makes it hard as a reader to see that my favorite characters in the book don't always en up together. But as new adventures unfold, the book suddenly stops with a cliffhanger. Which wasn't my favorite part, but I will definitely read the second book of the series. I can't wait to see what happens next. I would recommend this book to those that love historical books, romance, and for those that love traveling as well.

My Ratings:

Book Trailer: