A Reader's Adventure!

May 17, 2013

Blog Tour: Criminal by Terra Elan McVoy

Title: Criminal
Author: Terra Elan McVoy
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Release Date: May 7, 2013
Received: For blog tour in return for honest review

Summary: Nikki’s life is far from perfect, but at least she has Dee. Her friends tell her that Dee is no good, but Nikki can’t imagine herself without him. He’s hot, he’s dangerous, he has her initials tattooed over his heart, and she loves him more than anything. There’s nothing Nikki wouldn’t do for Dee. Absolutely nothing.

So when Dee pulls Nikki into a crime—a crime that ends in murder—Nikki tells herself that it’s all for true love. Nothing can break them apart. Not the police. Not the arrest that lands Nikki in jail. Not even the investigators who want her to testify against him.

But what if Dee had motives that Nikki knew nothing about? Nikki’s love for Dee is supposed to be unconditional…but even true love has a limit. And Nikki just might have reached hers.

Review: I had read Pure by Terra Elan McVoy and really liked it so I was excited to read Criminal even though I knew it was going to be completely different. I don't normally read books like this, not because I don't like them I just don't find myself drawn to them. But something made me want to pick Criminal up and I am so glad I did.

Criminal is really intense as you can probably tell from the summary, but let me tell you I was unprepared for the emotional roller coaster that Terra Elan McVoy put me through. I alternated from wanting to shake Nikki and give her a hug.

Nikki was the type of character you would expect, needy and naive. But the reasons McVoy gave for her being like that made a lot of sense.

This was a very character driven book and the interactions between Nikki and Dee and Nikki and Bird seemed so realistic it hurt me to think of anyone being in that type of situation.

Overall Criminal is a heartbreaking, character driven novel that will have you flipping the pages to find out what happens.

If you've read Criminal what did you think? Leave a comment and let me know!

Want to win a personalized copy of Criminal? Fill out the form to be entered!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Or if you cannot wait and want to buy it now here are some links!

IndieBound: http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781442421622

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/criminal-terra-elan-mcvoy/1112033695?ean=9781442421622

Check out the rest of the blog tour!

May 15, 2013

Georgetown Academy book 4 Cover Reveal!

I have been reading and reviewing the Georgetown Academy books and so I am super excited to be a part of revealing the cover and synopsis for book four.

So to start out here is the synopsis for book four!

Georgetown Academy, Book Four

When the vice president resigns and Ellie and Taryn’s parents emerge as the frontrunners, the girls find themselves back in the spotlight.

Ellie could not care less about becoming the Second Daughter, but she knows how much the opportunity to make history means to her mother – and women everywhere. With her family taking center stage, Ellie must decide whether she can put her feelings for Gabe on hold - again.

Taryn, so used to captivating the hearts and minds of everyone she meets, is unbothered by the increased media scrutiny. But an inopportune screw-up has her

beholden to an unlikely – and unfriendly – source for help.

Overnight, Evan has skyrocketed from social pariah to Miss Popular. As she and her reluctant parents adjust to her new lifestyle, the last thing she needs is a front-page scandal.

Brinley can’t stop thinking about her Stowe-bound hook-up…until her father’s intern, Patrick, starts flirting. Is it time to abandon her fling now that she has a more appropriate suitor?

With the second highest office in the land up for grabs, everyone is picking sides. But where does the heart lie when duty, truth, and love collide?

Awesome right? I cannot wait to read it.

Now for the COVER, I actually really like the covers of the Georgetown Academy books because they are similar to other books on the market now but are a little different as well. Also I think they really represent the books well, so without further ado here is the cover for Georgetown Academy book 4!

To celebrate, Coliloquy is giving away (1) $50 Amazon gift card, (2) $25 Amazon gift cards and (4) bundle sets (GTA ebooks 1, 2, 3 & 4). The winners will be selected on June 15th (which is the official release day!!).

To enter fill out the rafflecopter form, and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

May 13, 2013

Game. Set. Match by Jennifer Iacopelli

Title: Game. Set. Match
Author: Jennifer Iacopelli
Publisher: Coliloquy LLC
Release Date: May 1, 2013
Received: For review for a honest review

Summary: Nestled along the North Carolina coast, the Outer Banks Tennis Academy is the world's most elite training facility. In this pressure-cooker environment, futures are forged in blood and sweat, and dreams are shattered in an instant.

Penny Harrison, a rising female star, is determined to win the French Open and beat her archrival, Zina Lutrova. But when her coach imports British bad boy Alex Russell as her new training partner, will Penny be able to keep her laser-like focus?

Tennis is all Jasmine Randazzo has ever known. The daughter of two Grand Slam champions, she's hell-bent on extending her family’s legacy and writing her own happily-ever-after...until her chosen Prince Charming gives her the just-friends speech right before the biggest junior tournament of the year, the Outer Banks Classic.

With a powerful serve and killer forehand, newcomer Indiana Gaffney is turning heads. She’s thrilled by all of the attention, especially from Jack Harrison, Penny’s agent and hot older brother, except he keeps backing off every time things start heating up.

With so much at stake, dreams—and hearts—are bound to break. Welcome to OBX: Where LOVE is a four-letter word, on and off the court.

Review: I am going to preface this review by saying that I have never been into tennis. I don't hate it or anything but it never made any sense to me, though I would occasionally watch it if it was on even though I had no idea what was happening. I say this so you will know that even though this book is about tennis players you will enjoy it even if you nothing about tennis.

Moving on... I really liked this book! It was the perfect combination of tennis, romantic relationships, and friendships. Speaking of the tennis; I really liked that part! I learned a lot about tennis, so much so that if I were to watch it I might have some idea what was going on. But like I said knowing tennis is not a big deal, it is more a story of girls reaching for their dreams, it just so happens that their dream is tennis.

The romantic relationships were so well written. There were two primary ones and they were written completely differently which I appreciated. The only real thing they had in common was the fact that the male counterparts are HOT. But my personal choice would be Jack but that's just me. ;)

I liked the rivalry between Indiana and Jasmine. It was realistic and I liked how it was worked on. I also liked the friendship between Indiana and Penny, it was nice to see two girls at different stages in their careers being their for each other.

Having each of the three girls narrate their own chapters added depth and understand to their characters that would not have been attained if it was from one POV.

Overall I recommend this book to people who both like, or don't understand tennis. The friendships and romance will keep you captivated till the end! I personally cannot wait till the next book!

April 18, 2013

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman, Review

Title: Seraphina
Author: Rachel Hartman
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Release Date: July 10, 2012
Received: From the library

Summary: Four decades of peace have done little to ease the mistrust between humans and dragons in the kingdom of Goredd. Folding themselves into human shape, dragons attend court as ambassadors, and lend their rational, mathematical minds to universities as scholars and teachers. As the treaty's anniversary draws near, however, tensions are high.

Seraphina Dombegh has reason to fear both sides. An unusually gifted musician, she joins the court just as a member of the royal family is murdered—in suspiciously draconian fashion. Seraphina is drawn into the investigation, partnering with the captain of the Queen's Guard, the dangerously perceptive Prince Lucian Kiggs. While they begin to uncover hints of a sinister plot to destroy the peace, Seraphina struggles to protect her own secret, the secret behind her musical gift, one so terrible that its discovery could mean her very life.

Review: I had heard amazing things about Seraphina and was totally psyched to read it. I mean high fantasy and dragons? Sign me up! Luckily Seraphina did not disappoint!

I really, really liked this book. I mean the first line is "I remember my birth." Seriously? That line screams how good this book is going to be. Seraphina is part dragon part human and so she is thought of as an abomination. This secret while not controlling the whole plot, is integral to the story.

I loved Princess Glisselda and Seraphina's relationship. It was a fun friendship and I liked seeing the barrier between royalty and commoner be broken down a little. Though honestly the real breaking down of positions was between Seraphina and Prince Lucian Kiggs, but I'll leave you to find that out... Also Kiggs is so cute and is now on my list of book boy crushes.

Another relationship that I really liked was the one between Seraphina and her teacher Orma. Since her dad is a a** it was great for her to have a father figure. Also there is a great scene between Seraphina and Prince Lucian in regard to Orma.

If you know me you know I love reading about the politics and mythology of fantasy worlds and Rachel Hartman does a great job of bringing the back story to life in an interesting way. Also the world building is so well done. I am a sucker for description and Seraphina contained just enough to keep me happy but not so much that it would turn off anyone who does not like it.

Another thing that I really liked is how Seraphina's visions were important. A lot of times if a character has issues with that sort of thing it is just there to make the character weak or be convenient to the plot. But Hartman really used them in an interesting and different way.

I was surprised by the reveal toward the end which is always nice. Thinking back it makes sense though so it was not completely out of left field.

Overall I really liked Seraphina. It was spellbinding and just complex enough. The fact that music was incorporated though it all made me really happy (as a person who plays three instruments I really appreciated it.) And I cannot wait for Dracomania!

March 13, 2013

Georgetown Academy 3 Giveaway!

I recently reviewed the awesome Georgetown academy series and the most recent one has been my favorite so Coliloquy is giving you guys a chance to win a copy!

INTERNATIONAL

Must be 13 years or older

Can win a copy for any device

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck! And check out my reviews of all three books so far!
Book 1
Book 2
Book 3

March 12, 2013

Strands of Bronze and Gold by Jane Nickerson Review

Title: Strands of Bronze and Gold
Author: Jane Nickerson
Publisher: Random House
Release Date: March 12, 2013
Received: From Netgalley
Summary: The Bluebeard fairy tale retold. . . .

When seventeen-year-old Sophia Petheram’s beloved father dies, she receives an unexpected letter. An invitation—on fine ivory paper, in bold black handwriting—from the mysterious Monsieur Bernard de Cressac, her godfather. With no money and fewer options, Sophie accepts, leaving her humble childhood home for the astonishingly lavish Wyndriven Abbey, in the heart of Mississippi.

Sophie has always longed for a comfortable life, and she finds herself both attracted to and shocked by the charm and easy manners of her overgenerous guardian. But as she begins to piece together the mystery of his past, it’s as if, thread by thread, a silken net is tightening around her. And as she gathers stories and catches whispers of his former wives—all with hair as red as her own—in the forgotten corners of the abbey, Sophie knows she’s trapped in the passion and danger of de Cressac’s intoxicating world.

Glowing strands of romance, mystery, and suspense are woven into this breathtaking debut—a thrilling retelling of the “Bluebeard” fairy tale.

Review: I love historical novels so when I heard that Strands of Bronze and Gold was both a historical novel and a retelling I knew I had to read it!

I had never read the story of Bluebeard before reading this book so when I started reading it all I knew was that Bernard was creepy as all get out. I could see how Sophia could find him alluring but I was screaming at her to get away from the first couple chapters.

I think the pre-civil war setting really fit the story. It made Bernard's actions not seem so erratic and more normal for that time. I also adored all the detail that was in the descriptions of the abbey and the grounds. It made me feel as if I was there, which honestly was not always a good thing.

In the beginning I found Sophia to be very vain and silly, but as the novel progressed I came to understand her better and even to admire her for what she had to go through. I also really liked how she felt the needs of others even before her own. I think that showed a lot of growth and courage to do what she did.

I am happy with how the story ended though I am unsure how there would be more books. I will definitely be picking them up though!

Strands of Bronze and Gold is a must read for fans of the classic Bluebeard story and those who like a little creepy with their historical novels.

March 11, 2013

Also Known As by Robin Benway Review

Title: Also Known As
Author: Robin Benway
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Release Date: February 26, 2013
Received: Netgalley

Summary: Being a 16-year-old safecracker and active-duty daughter of international spies has its moments, good and bad. Pros: Seeing the world one crime-solving adventure at a time. Having parents with super cool jobs. Cons: Never staying in one place long enough to have friends or a boyfriend. But for Maggie Silver, the biggest perk of all has been avoiding high school and the accompanying cliques, bad lunches, and frustratingly simple locker combinations.

Then Maggie and her parents are sent to New York for her first solo assignment, and all of that changes. She'll need to attend a private school, avoid the temptation to hack the school's security system, and befriend one aggravatingly cute Jesse Oliver to gain the essential information she needs to crack the case . . . all while trying not to blow her cover.

Review: I am basically convinced that Robin Benway can do no wrong. I liked both Audrey, Wait! and The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May, and June but I have to say that Also Known As is my favorite book by her so far.

If you are a fan of Ally Carter's books then this book is for you! With spies and cute boys what can go wrong? I have to say one of my favorite parts of this book was the secondary characters. Roux and Jesse added so much to the narrative and were so well developed that I missed them when they were absent from the story.

I have moved quite a few times so I could sympathize with Maggie and her trials with going to a new school in the middle of the semester, but I have to say I never had the added pressure of trying not to blow my cover. :)

I really liked how much Maggie's parents were present. In most YA novels the parents are absent and I liked the added dynamic of not just having one hovering parent but two.

I kind of figured out the twist/villain of the novel but I kept changing my mind about who it was so kudos to Robin Benway for keeping both Maggie and me on our toes.

Basically if you like mystery, spies, awesome friends, hilarity, and cute boys then this book is for you.

March 8, 2013

Georgetown Academy Book 3 Review

Title: Georgetown Academy: Book 3
Author: Jessica Koosed Etting, Alyssa Embree Schwartz
Publisher: Coliloquy, LLC

Release Date: January 2013
Received: For review

Summary: The frosty chill that’s settled over Georgetown Academy isn’t just from the winter weather—growing up in the D.C. fishbowl isn’t for everyone, but a break from the Beltway might just restore some sanity.

Ellie Walker’s suffered through a lifetime of scandal in a few short weeks, and now must watch her true love fall for someone else. But will a dose of fresh New England air—and an irresistible newcomer who plays by his own rules—provide the change of pace she so desperately needs?

Riding high after her smashing D.C. debut, Taryn Reyes hatches a plan to cement her relationship with Gabe. But she may get more than she bargained for when she enlists Brooks’ help.

Evan Harnett would do anything to protect her friends. But one moment of weakness, and now she’s on the outs with both Hunter and Ellie. Hot on the trail of a new story, she’s heartbroken to find it leads straight back to Ellie. Can she save her friend and their friendship?

Brinley Madison’s Clinton-esque downfall was bad enough, but between family obligations, protecting her friends, and managing local gossip, will she be able to regain her social standing without losing her peace of mind?

Privileged kids in a posh hotel with nothing to do but scheme and ski—and they thought D.C. was a pressure cooker? One thing’s for sure: what happens in Vermont definitely won’t stay in Vermont.

Review: This was my favorite Georgetown Academy book! It had the exact same style as the first tow with the story and then an interactive part where you follow one girl's story. But the story for this installment was really good!

By the third book the characters have really come to life and I feel like they blossomed in this third book. They were standing up for themselves and making slightly better choices not only for them but about their friends. I also liked the introduction of some new characters into the fray because it added to the story.

The new setting was also a nice change of pace. Yes there was still all that DC politics drama but in a much prettier setting.

I think all of the characters (with the exception of one new one) grew a lot in this book. Especially Brinley, I know it is lame to say of a fictional character but I am really proud of how much she grew over the last three books, she went from being my least favorite character to being one of my favorites. It was a worthy addition to the series.

If you haven't read the first book check out my review here.

March 4, 2013

Interview with Victoria Schwab

Picture from veschwab.wordpress.com

Today I have with me one of my favorite authors Victoria Schwab author of The Near Witch and The Archived!

If you could spend a whole day with Neil Gaiman or a whole year around narwhals which would you choose?

--A day with Neil Gaiman. We'd take tea and talk books and stroll through the woods musing on the seams in the world and it would be as magical as a lifetime of narwhals. Also probably less dangerous, since their horns are very, very sharp.

If you could be best friends with someone from The Archived who would it be?

--Wesley. No question.

Which one of the characters from The Archived would fit in the most in the world of The Near Witch and vice-versa?

--Ooooh. That's a hard one. I can see Dreska working for the Archive, but I'm not sure how any of my Archive characters would fare in Near. Roland, maybe. There's something very old-world about him.

Where did you get the idea for the Coronado?

--I love settings. I always want them to behave like characters. I knew that while I was dealing with a very big world (the Archive, the Narrows, the Outer) I wanted to create the same island-like sensation from Near, so I created the hotel. And because I'm me, I wanted it to be old and creepy and full of secrets.

There are lots of wacky characters in The Archived, was it fun coming up with them? And which non-main character was your favorite to write?

--YES. I love coming up with secondary characters, far more than main characters (I think it's very hard to REALLY get to know your main character). As far as favorites, it's a tie between Roland the Librarian, Nix the blind man up on the seventh floor, and Ms. Angelli, the hoarder.

Will we find out more about the various layers of the world (such as the narrows, the outer, and the library) in The Archived #2?

--Yes. You'll learn more about what makes the Archive tick, and that the system is neither as simple nor as stable as Mackenzie once believed.

Thanks so much Victoria!

Make sure to check out Victoria's amazing books because you will love them!

The Near Witch

The Archived

February 13, 2013

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer Review

Title: Scarlet (Lunar Chroicles #2)
Author: Marissa Meyer
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Release Date: February 5, 2013
Received: For review in return for a honest review

Summary: Cinder returns in the second thrilling installment of the New York Times-bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She’s trying to break out of prison—even though if she succeeds, she’ll be the Commonwealth’s most wanted fugitive.

Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit’s grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn’t know about her grandmother and the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother’s whereabouts, she has no choice but to trust him, though he clearly has a few dark secrets of his own.

As Scarlet and Wolf work to unravel one mystery, they find another when they cross paths with Cinder. Together, they must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen who will do anything to make Prince Kai her husband, her king, her prisoner.

Review: If you have not read Cinder you need to go do that. If the words sci-fi Cinderella retelling don't make you want to read it maybe my review will. Either way if you have not read Cinder I am warning you that this review will contain spoilers for Cinder, not for Scarlet just Cinder.

Scarlet was just as good as Cinder. A lot of the time second books tend to drag and not be nearly as good as the first book. But Scarlet does not fall into that trap. Maybe it is the introduction of a new POV or maybe it is the added cast of characters, but Scarlet manages to stay fresh where others fail.

In case you could not figure it out, Scarlet is a retelling of Little Red Riding Hood. A retelling that will blow your mind with how different it is from the source material. It takes place in the same world as Cinder just in a different country. Scarlet is just as sassy as Cinder but they are different she is less insecure and even more kick-ass if you can believe it. If you fell in love with Cinder then you will like Scarlet. She is sassy and I swear I want her red hoodie.

There are also some other new characters such as Wolf who is not all he seems, and Thorne who I thought was going to be annoying but I really liked getting to know. And don't fret, there are still some of your favorite characters from Cinder such as Iko, Queen Levana (though if you like her *side eye*) and of course Kai.

The two stories of Scarlet and Wolf looking for her grandmother and Cinder trying to escape Queen Levana may seem like they would not come together but they fall in place perfectly and are told through alternating chapters interspersed with chapters about Kai.

Basically if you liked Cinder get ready for even more fun in Scarlet. Also while some questions are answered you will be joined with me in wanting Cress which does not come out till next year.