Before You Go by Clare James

Before You Go by Clare James
My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Publisher: Unknown
Date Published: March 30th 2013
Genre: New Adult Contemporary

First of all, I would never, ever, EVER agree to dance all sultry for my boyfriend. Or at least not at his party. Too many things could go wrong. And that is exactly what Tabby realizes when pictures of her strip dancing are posted all over the place. Only she doesn't remember it.

I'm not all that sympathetic towards her. She put herself in the position to get hurt like that. Should it have happened? No. Should her friends have ditched her afterwards? No. But if she hadn't put herself out there, she may've been spared the hurt.

So she tries to have a one-night stand to get past it all. She can't go through with it. And the guy she was going to sleep with? Yeah... her dad knows him and they meet at a dance show. Talk about awkward.

Noah is cool. He's chill and normal, a good guy really. He has some problems, but every human being does. Tabitha, well, she's just a mess that's slowly being put back together.

Not a bad book. I just didn't like Tabitha. Maybe because she's a little too much like me.

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Synopsis:

Paralyzed by the past and terrified of the future, Tabitha Kelly is broken.
After a public sex scandal at her college, Tabby moves to a new city with a new school, convinced she can start over. But she soon realizes the changes are not enough. Tabby must take action to help her heal and move on from the past.
And though it sounds crazy, she believes a one-night stand is the best way to take back what’s hers. If she can choose where, when, and most importantly, who … maybe she can regain control.
First, she needs a willing participant.
She finds more than that when she meets Noah Adler.
Unfortunately, she can’t go through with it. And when she tries to forget about the plan—and the guy—it becomes impossible.
Noah quickly weaves his way into her new life and her heart. But as he comes dangerously close to discovering her secret, Tabby’s at risk of losing it all.

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Kacii

Wounded by Jasinda Wilder

Wounded by Jasinda Wilder
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Publisher: Unknown
Date Published: December 16th 2013
Genre: New Adult Romance

This book blew me away. It was POWERFUL. It was FIERCE. This was one of the strongest, most compelling books I think I have ever read. It gave me a perspective I have never had before, and it made me think twice about some of my beliefs. Wounded makes you grateful for what you do have, as it is so much more than others.

Wounded starts with the story of Rania, an orphaned girl who looks after her brother and soon to be dead aunt. Her brother runs away at twelve and becomes a soldier with one purpose in mind; kill the Americans. Rania becomes a protestute to survive and feed herself. She loathes herself and what she has become.

Hunter is an American Marine. He has no family except for his best friend, Marcus, who is also a Marine. His girlfriend cheated on him and left him homeless. He understands being alone and in pain more than anyone. And when he meets Rania in Iraq, she's the girl who saves his life.

They learn to communicate and slowly they fall in love as Hunter heals and Rania takes care of him. Over time they grow a bond stronger than anything I've ever read in any silly teen romance. This is honest-to-god love in this story. It will move even the coldest of hearts.

No matter what your opinions are regarding United States involvement in the Iraq war and everything along with it, this book is a must-read. It sheds light on both sides and brings the powerful connection that is humanity to life.

I highly recommend Wounded. It has had a huge impact on me. I will be thinking about this book for years to come. I suggest you pick it up, pronto.

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Synopsis:

War has taken everything from me. My family. My home. My innocence. In a country blasted by war and wracked by economic hardship, a young orphan girl like me has very few options when it comes to survival. Thus, I do what I must to live, to eat, and I try very hard to not consider the cost to my soul. My heart is empty, and my existence brutal.

The one impossibility in my life is love.

And then I meet HIM.

War is hell. It takes a chunk out of a man's very soul to do the kinds of things war demands of you. You live with fear, you live with guilt, and you live with nightmares. If you haven't been through it, there's no understanding it. War leaves no room for love, no room for tenderness or softness. You gotta be hard, closed off, and ready to fight every moment of every day. Lose focus for a split second, and you're dead.

Now the only thing that can save me is HER.

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Kacii

 

Waiting on Wednesday #18

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

                               

Synopsis:

He’s arrogant, domineering, and… To. Die. For.
Hunter is a ruthless killer. And the Department of Defense has him firmly in their grasp, which usually doesn’t chafe too badly because he gets to kill bad guys. Most of the time he enjoys his job. That is, until he’s saddled with something he’s never had to do before: protect a human from his mortal enemy.
Serena Cross didn’t believe her best friend when she claimed to have seen the son of a powerful senator turn into something…unnatural. Who would? But then she witnesses her friend’s murder at the hands of what can only be an alien, thrusting her into a world that will kill to protect their secret.
Hunter stirs Serena’s temper and her lust despite their differences. Soon he’s doing the unthinkable—breaking the rules he’s lived by, going against the government to keep Serena safe. But are the aliens and the government the biggest threats to Serena’s life…or is it Hunter?

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Kacii

Love Me For Me by Kate Laurens

Love Me For Me by Kate Laurens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Publisher: Unknown
Date Published: March 26th 2013
Genre: New Adult Contemporary

Another great read! The New Adult genre is really turning out some stellar books. I loved this book too.

Serena is starting over. No longer is she overweight and letting guys use her body to escape. Now she teaches yoga and is following her dreams, not letting the past control her anymore.

Alex is the perfect, lovable guy. He takes his time with Serena and together they make sparks fly. But when Serena goes home to see her mother who was in a car crash, her past comes back in a whirlwind.

This is a sad story. Well, parts of it are. I love Alex and Serena, they're great together. I don't like the abuse Serena has suffered through. It's horrible. And what's worse is that her mother wouldn't believe her.

I do admire her strength to keep going though. A lot of people who deal with what she had to go through wouldn't be able to hold it together. They would fall apart at the seems, and I think she does a great job of keeping herself together. I think Alex is like an extra dose of glue to keep her together.

A lovely read. Sad pasts, but a great story.

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Synopsis:

A fresh start...

It’s been three years since Serena King learned to say no—no to the boys that were a desperate cry for help, no to the extra weight she put on in self defense, and most of all no to the abuse that has haunted her since she was fifteen. Now a sophomore in college, all she wants is to be normal. The last thing she expects is a guy who can make her want... make her want everything.

A new guy...

Alex Blackthorn is a bundle of contradictions, a sexy dark haired badness who goes slow... deliciously slow. And despite the iron will that has gotten her through the last few years, Serena finds herself unable to ignore the heat that sizzles between them whenever they’re together.

A dark past...

Serena never thought she could be involved in a relationship, but Alex makes her long for things she thought were out of her reach forever. When he finds out her secret... when he finds out what she did to keep herself sane... will he still want her, or he will treat her just like everyone else?

And Alex has a secret of his own.

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Kacii

The Sunday Post #17

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by @Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer. ~this meme was inspired in part by ~ In My Mailbox~ It's a chance to share News. A post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up for the week on my blog.

Recap for This Week:

The Love Game - Review: Monday, May 20th 2013
Off Limits - Review: Tuesday, May 21st 2013
Waiting on Wednesday #17 - Meme: Wednesday, May 22nd 2013
Real - Review: Thursday, May 23rd 2013
The Bet - Review: Friday, May 24th 2013
Stacking the Shelves #17 - Meme: Saturday, May 25th 2013

Upcoming for Next Week:

Love Me for Me - Review: Monday, May 27th 2013
Goddess by Josephine Angelini - Release Date: Tuesday, May 28th 2013
Dare You To - Release Date: Tuesday, May 28th 2013
Waiting on Wednesday #18 - Meme: Wednesday, May 29th 2013
Wounded - Review: Thursday, May 30th 2013
Before You Go - Review: Friday, May 31st 2013
Stacking the Shelves #18 - Meme: Saturday, June 1st 2013
The Sunday Post #18 - Meme: Sunday, June 2nd 2013
Phoenix - Free Day: Sunday, June 2nd 2013

Get Phoenix for FREE on Amazon Kindle on JUNE 2nd

Kacii

Stacking the Shelves #17

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. If you’re anything like me, you are probably hoarding books and even though you are excited about your latest book arrival, it might be a while before you get to review it. Hosted @ Tynga's Reviews.



Synopsis:

Verbally abused by her mother for years, 18 year old Ellie Johnson always believed she would never be loved or wanted by anyone. She focused all of her attention on her grades and getting into the University of Texas to start a new life away from her mother.
The last thing Ellie expected was to fall in love with Gunner Mathews, a starting linebacker for the University of Texas football team and not to mention, her brothers best friend.
Gunner only had two passions in life, football and his grandfather’s ranch, until he falls for his best friends little sister. He will stop at nothing to show Ellie how much he wants her, even if it means he has to move faster than she would like.
Gunner knows they are meant to be together forever, but Ellie keeps denying her feelings out of fear of being hurt again. Every time he gets close to winning her love, something pushes her away again. Will Ellie ever be able to let go of the past and let him into her heart and will Gunner be patient enough to wait for her?
What will it take for them to realize they are all each other have ever WANTED?

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Kacii

The Bet by Rachel Van Dyken

The Bet by Rachel Van Dyken
My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Publisher: Unknown
Date Published: March 26th 2013
Genre: New Adult Contemporary

The first thing I thought after reading this book was that the name made no sense at all. There wasn't a bet. And then I remembered the beginning, before the present day story had actually begun. It was one of those 'Ooooooooh' moments. I didn't get the name until then. I'm still not sure if I think the concept for the name is ingenious or one of those blah ideas that sound good, but turn out bad.

Kacey is one of the protagonists of this story. She's not a bad character. Not particularly interesting, but not completely boring either. Average, I guess. Jake is the most frustratingly ignorant character, and he is the second protagonist. The third and final protagonist is his dear dorky/hottie brother Travis. His dorkiness is adorable. And his hotness is yumtastic.

Jake was sleeping around with prostitutes and strippers. And of course, being the millionaire big dog of a company, well that's just not acceptable. So he bribes his ex-best friend Kacey to 'marry' him. Well, become his fiancé.

Problem numero uno: Jake can't keep it in his pants. Problem numbre deux: Travis is into Kacey and Kacey is trying to get over Jake. The list goes on. Suffice to say, Jake sucks and Kacey has issues and them together just don't work.

My absolute favorite character in this book is Grandma. Now why would a washed-up old bag of wrinkles be the highlight of the story? Because this grandma reminds me so much of my Grammy. She is hilarious, she tells it to you straight, and she acts like she's twenty-one. Her body may be old, but her mind is young. And she is a sneaky, evil, manipulative person as well. But she rocks so much.

The reason I only gave this book three stars is for several reasons. One of those being there wasn't a lot of conflict in the story. And Kacey was really... average. It was kind of dull.

But if you need one good reason to read this I'll give you three. GRANDMA, GRANDMA, and GRANDMA.

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Synopsis:

"I have a proposition for you..."
Kacey should have run the minute those words left Seattle millionaire Jake Titus's mouth. Instead, she made a deal with the devil in hopes of putting her past behind her once and for all.
Four days.
She could do four days!
But she wasn't counting on Jake’s older brother Travis being there to witness their farce of an engagement.
One thing is for certain.
One brother is right for her.
One wants a lifetime.
And one is in league with the devil.
She should have gotten Jake’s signature in blood.

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Kacii

Real by Katy Evans

Real by Katy Evans
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Publisher: Smashwords
Date Published: April 8th 2013
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance

This is another one of those super-duper hot book. Like, HOTT, that kind of hot. And I thought that it totally rocked.

Brooke does physical therapy, of a sort. She may have called it something different, I can't remember. But she used to run all the time. She even tried out for the Olympics. But she tore something in her leg (twice) and now she can't sprint anymore.

Remington, also known as Remy is a super hot boxer dude. He is also super possessive, and totally a pig-headed stubborn GUY. He is also a lot like a human lion. You'll see what I mean when you read the book. The author herself refers to Remy as a lion.

I loved this book. It was super hot, super awesome, and just a really fun read. It wasn't too long or too short, it was perfect. And I actually loved both of the main characters.

Usually I only like one of the characters. But I admired Brooke for pulling herself back onto her feet even though she would never be an Olympic athlete like she had dreamed. She didn't break down and feel sorry for herself. She built up a new life for herself.

And Remy... he definitely has his problems, but that's part of what makes him perfect. And I can relate to finding a song to express my emotions. That's a huge part of him, and I find it amazing that I actually have something I can relate to this awesome character.

This is a must read. You don't have to like boxing or romance to like this book. There's a whole set of elements that make it a worth-while read.

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Synopsis:

A fallen boxer.
A woman with a broken dream.
A competition…

He even makes me forget my name. One night was all it took, and I forgot everything and anything except the sexy fighter in the ring who sets my mind ablaze and my body on fire with wanting…

Remington Tate is the strongest, most confusing man I’ve ever met in my life.

He’s the star of the dangerous underground fighting circuit, and I’m drawn to him as I’ve never been drawn to anything in my life. I forget who I am, what I want, with just one look from him. When he’s near, I need to remind myself that I am strong–but he is stronger. And now it’s my job to keep his body working like a perfect machine, his taut muscles primed and ready to break the bones of his next opponents . . .

But the one he’s most threatening to, now, is me.

I want him. I want him without fear. Without reservations.

If only I knew for sure what it is that he wants from me?

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Kacii

Waiting on Wednesday #17

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



Synopsis:

For twenty-one-year-old Sydney, being in love with Kyler isn't anything new. They'd been best friends ever since he pushed her down on the playground and she made him eat a mud pie. Somewhere over the years, she fell for him and fell hard. The big problem with that? Kyler puts the 'man' in man-whore. He's never stayed with a girl longer than a few nights, and with it being their last year in college, Syd doesn't want to risk their friendship by declaring her love.

Kyler has always put Syd on a pedestal that was too high for him to reach. To him, she's perfect and she's everything. But the feelings he has for her, he's always hidden away or focused on any other female. After all, Kyler will always be the poor boy from the wrong side of tracks, and Syd will always be the one girl he can never have.

But when they're stranded together at a posh ski resort due to a massive Nor'easter, there's nothing stopping their red-hot feelings for each other from coming to the surface. Can their friendship survive the attraction? Better yet, can they survive at all? Because as the snow falls, someone is stalking them, and this ski trip may be a life-changer in more ways than one.

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Kacii

Off Limits by Sawyer Bennett

Off Limits by Sawyer Bennett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Publisher: Big Dog Books
Date Published: April 16th 2013
Genre: New Adult Contemporary

Nix is super hot and a bit of a douche. I can't say I blame him. I can be bitchy and I haven't ever gone through what he has. Nothing close to it. Emily is adorable. In a grown woman kind of way.

Nix is a former marine filled with demons. He harbors guilt and isolates himself from people by focusing on his metalwork and building motorbikes.

Emily is a former first-class snob and bitch. She still struggles getting control over her life. Her parents want her to present an image she doesn't want, and to date the guy they want.

When Emily nearly crushes Nix under her car, and actually ruins his motorcycle, she ends up working for him to pay off the debt.

I want to be the first to say that these two are the most awesome couple in the world! Emily is just... cute, in this weird, clueless girly way. And Nix has a weird sense of humor and he's hotter than the sun.

Love the book. I'm going to read the first one (which I should've done in the first place, but I didn't know there was a first one. I don't think it matters what order you read them in anyway).

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Synopsis:

“There is a vulnerability there, hovering just below the surface. And I want to pick at it until I expose it. Then I want to kiss it."

Two years ago, Emily Burnham, had an epiphany about the shallowness of her life. And she made it her mission to become a different person…a better woman. Out from under the controlling thumb of her mother, Emily is tasting the real world for the first time. And she likes it.

Nixon Caldwell has served his time in the Marine Corps, surviving two brutal tours in Afghanistan. He is back home, surrounded by what he likes best…isolation. It's certainly the best way to avoid confrontation of the consuming guilt that is weighing him down.

When an accident brings Emily and Nix together, he soon learns he is not the master of his own fate. Struggling with his own pain, Nix tries to guard himself against Emily’s charms. He wants her in his bed, but he doesn’t want her in his heart.

Having grabbed life by the horns, Emily wants it all. But is she willing to accept just the small part of himself that Nix is offering? Can she reach the part of his soul that he has deemed to be Off Limits?

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Kacii

The Love Game by Emma Hart

The Love Game by Emma Hart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Publisher: Emma Hart
Date Published: March 29th 2013
Genre: New Adult Romance

Okay, the author for this book is absolutely, positively, a GENIUS. Both ideas, the 'playing the player', and make-the-hot-girl-fall-in-love-with-you-so-you-can-get-in-her-panties concepts by themselves would be cliched. Together, the are the effing BOMB!

The two players in this dangerous game are Maddie and Braden. Braden is the king of players. And he's going to play Maddie right into his bed. Now Maddie? She's going to play the player. Make him fall in love with her and then shatter his heart so he knows how it feels. Only they both sort of end up falling for each other...

I am so freaking in love with this book. The characters had issues, they had originality, and they were out to screw the other person over so bad. It was a awesome. These sorts of books make me mad with glee. I was just laying in bed watching the drama unfold in my mind and it got me so psyched, in the best way possible.

New Adult is one of my favorite genres. This book is a prime example of new adult in all of its awesomeness. An idea: READ IT.

You won't find many other new adult books this wicked.

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Synopsis:

His challenge? Make her fall in love with him.
Her challenge? Play the player.
Until life changes the rules of the game.

Maddie Stevens hated Braden Carter on sight. Arrogant, egotistical, and the playboy of the University of California, Berkeley, he's everything her brother Pearce has taught her to despise. So why, when the girls challenge her to play the player, doesn't she say no? She doesn't know either.

Braden wanted fiery little Maddie the second he laid eyes on her - and he'd do anything to have her, hence why he's agreed to make her fall in love with him. After all, it's the only way he'll get what he wants. Sex.

But, as Braden discovers, there's more to the girl from Brooklyn than he ever imagined - and he can't help but care about the broken girl behind those pretty green eyes.

Maddie finds Braden isn't just a walking erection - he actually has feelings. He can be sweet, funny and his good looks don't exactly hurt. That means trouble - but when her brother Pearce turns up in Berkeley begging for her help, she realises Braden and Pearce aren't so alike anymore.

And maybe, just maybe, they're exactly what each other needs.

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Kacii

The Sunday Post #16

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by @Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer. ~this meme was inspired in part by ~ In My Mailbox~ It's a chance to share News. A post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up for the week on my blog.

Recap for This Week:

Shucked - Book Blitz: Monday, May 13th 2013
Translation of Love - Review: Tuesday, May 14th 2013
Waiting on Wednesday #16 - Meme: Wednesday, May 15th 2013
Coffee and Cockpits - Review: Thursday, May 16th 2013
The Heiresses - Book Blitz: Friday, May 17th 2013
Armed Forces Day - Awesome Day: Saturday, May 18th 2013
Stacking the Shelves #16 - Meme: Saturday, May 18th 2013

Upcoming Next Week:

The Love Game - Review: Monday, May 20th 2013
Off Limits - Review: Tuesday, May 21st 2013
Waiting on Wednesday #17 - Meme: Wednesday, May 22nd 2013
Real - Review: Thursday, May 23rd 2013
The Bet - Review: Friday, May 24th 2013
Stacking the Shelves #17 - Meme: Saturday, May 25th 2013
The Sunday Post #17 - Meme: Sunday, May 26th 2013

Kacii