Deer in Headlights by Staci Hart

Deer in Headlights by Staci Hart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Publisher: Promise Socks Publishing
Date Published: February 14th 2013
Genre: New Adult Fantasy Romance
Source: Author

In this book their are two worlds that live side-by-side; Olympus and the mortal realm. The story starts in Olympus, where Aphrodite is up to bat for the games the Olympians play. The games, where the god for that turn has to go up against all of the other gods in the selected gods' craft. This time it's Dita's turn, and of course her specialty is love. Her first opponent? Apollo, who has a long-standing rivalry with Dita for killing Adonis and Dita turning Daphne into a tree.

Dita chose Lex, an artist and poet with abandonment issues as her player in the love game, and Apollo chose Dean, a screwed up guitarist and singer/songwriter. Dean sleeps with everything that moves, not knowing how to say no, and Lex already has a boyfriend. An impossible match, right?

Each god has a month to make or break the mortal couple. And the winner gets a favor from the other. Apollo is desperate to get a favor from Dita so he can get Daphne back, but Aphrodite never loses. Will Lex and Dean beat the odds and make it? Or will Apollo do the impossible and get his love back?
This book was not what I was expecting.

Just wanted that out there. When I first heard about it, I was like eh, another Greek God book? I have read a lot of them, and I did believe I had seen it all.

I was so wrong.

This book is so many things. Light, fun, fluffy, and at times, heart wrenching. Yes, it is another Greek God/mythology book, but it's different than any others I have read. It was the best kind of surprise.

During a good portion of the book I was torn between rooting for Lex and Dean and between rooting for Apollo. It's a hard choice, and I kept crossing my fingers that Aphrodite would be kind and lose on purpose so Apollo could get Daphne back and hoping that Lex and Dean made it. It was such a struggle.

Despite making me chose sides and bite my nails in uncertainty, it was still a fun, light read. Yes, you got attached to the characters, but you weren't about to tear around the room wrecking things because one of your favorite characters died (I hate that about Mockingjay. That book did a number on me, seriously). It's the perfect book for summer.

Things I loved:
1) The gods - they were fun and silly and serious all at the same time
2) Lex and Dean - they were perfect for each other
3) Aphrodite's forgiveness - in a lot of Greek myths the gods don't forgive easily, so it was nice knowing she had a heart
4) Perry - she is like THE best friend. I'll never look at her the same in mythology. And I love ice cream too ;)
5) The feels - oh my goddess, the feels. Whoa, just wow
6) The cover - it screams Dita to me
7) Heff - he wasn't in the big picture of the book, but I liked what little of him I did see and I hope he becomes a bigger character in books to come

Characters I didn't like:
1) Adonis - he reminds me of those guys who think of their girlfriends as accessories rather than living beings
2) Ares - I guess what he did is expected from him, but still

I honestly can't think of anything I didn't like about this book. It was great. I'm going to have to get started on the next one real soon :)

View all my reviews

Synopsis:

Aphrodite never loses, not when it comes to love.

Immortality has its perks and its downsides. Boredom, for one, is unavoidable, but instead of playing Backgammon, the Greek gods devised a game using humans as pawns. Remember Shakespeare? That was Apollo. Bonnie and Clyde? Aphrodite versus Ares.

Aphrodite is on deck, and she’ll defend her domain of love by using her magic to get the two human players together. Time is not on her side, and she’ll have her work cut out for her as her opponent does everything in his power to keep the players apart.

Game one is against Apollo, who chooses the loner Dean, a rock star who takes dark and brooding to the next level. His band has finally gotten a break, and he can’t screw it up, not for another one night stand, and especially not with his new drummer’s girlfriend. He swore to the band that he’d keep it together, but from the minute he first sees Lex, it takes every bit of willpower he has to stay away. But Dean’s will is nothing for the Goddess of Love, who’s certain she has a fighting chance to win with Lex as her player. The artist and poet is perfect for Dean, if only she can open her heart and find a way to love for the first time.

There’s always more at stake than winning the game when you’ve lived for thousands of years. The Olympians are the original dysfunctional family, surviving eons of love and lust, betrayal and lies, as friends and enemies, through feuds and wars. From the douchebag Ares, who’s forever trying get Aphrodite into bed, to her best friend Persephone, who she can always count on for a hearty helping of bacon on a bad day, the gods will take you on a lighthearted trip as they toy with humans, laugh and fight, lose love and gain power.

The Sunday Post #28

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

Must-Reads for Summer - Post: Monday, June 23rd 2014
Waiting on Wednesday #35 - Meme: Wednesday, June 25th 2014
Don't Even Think About It by Sarah Mlynowski - Review: Thursday, June 26th 2014
Stacking the Shelves #34 - Meme: Saturday, June 28th 2014

Upcoming

Deer in Headlights by Staci Hart - Review: Monday, June 30th 3014
Escaping Reality by Lisa Renee Jones - Review: Tuesday, July 1st 2014
Waiting on Wednesday #36 - Meme: Wednesday, July 2nd 2014
Happy Independence Day - Post: Friday, July 4th 2014
Stacking the Shelves #35 - Meme: Saturday, July 5th 2014

Thanks for stopping by my blog! I know my posts aren't everyday right now, and that's because of a mix of things. If you look around my blog you'll notice 'Under Construction' signs everywhere. That's because I'm fixing up my blog and there will be a lot of changes. It means less posts, but its better than no posts at all.

Also, don't forget to check out my Stacking the Shelves post from yesterday. I have a giveaway in the post (link above) if you'd like to enter for a chance to win a copy of either Deer in Headlights by Staci Hart or if you've already read that one then to get the second book, Snake in the Grass, also by Staci Hart.

Hey, it's a free book. If you don't want it I'm sure someone else will :)




Kacii

Stacking the Shelves #34

 

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. And this I'll be doing every Saturday. Started by @ Tynga's Reviews

I LOVED the first book, Deer in Headlights, and so now I am reading Snake in the Grass. Am-a-zing! Lovin' it :)

 

Synopsis:

The truth changes everything.

It’s round two of high stakes Love Connection on Olympus, and this time, everything has changed.

Ares is on deck, and Aphrodite is nervous, because as much as she loves to hook up with him, she doesn’t trust him as far as she could throw him, which isn’t very far. She never could resist him, not even when every part of her screamed that he was a liar, but after the last game, she’s seeing things in a new light, light that has cast shadows across her entire life.

Ares has a plan to keep Aphrodite, for good this time. He wants to win the game, but he’ll hold back, if that’s what it takes. He’s sitting on a chance that was thousands of years in the making, and he’ll do what he has to do to convince her to stay forever. The only thing that could stop him is the secret that he’s been keeping for eons. If she finds out, it will destroy everything.

Aphrodite picks Kat, a gun toting drag racer, and Ares decides on Dillon, a badass boxer who never loses. Both of their lives revolve around keeping their siblings safe, and they’ve sacrificed everything to make sure things stay that way. They are tough and loyal, fierce and determined, but they become each other’s weakness, even though they fight it, and even though it means danger for Kat and her sister.



I haven't done a giveaway in ages, so I thought I would do a giveaway for this. You can win either one copy of Snake in the Grass or one copy of Deer in Headlights. I realize that you may not have read the first book in the Good Gods series, and you really should start with the first. It's up to the winner to decide. You have one week to enter. Good luck! And may the odds be ever in your favor...
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Also, what do you think of my new blog design? It's amazing, isn't it? I LOVE it! All thanks to Laura at Laura Plus Designs :)







Kacii

Don't Even Think About It by Sarah Mlynowski

Don't Even Think About It by Sarah Mlynowski
My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Publisher: Random House Children's
Date Published: March 11th 2014
Genre: Young Adult
Source: Publisher:

I never finished this book. It seemed so... pre-teen-like. That doesn't make that much sense, but I guess I would compare it to Meg Cabot's style of writing. It was well-written, it was just a little too childish for my tastes so I stopped reading it.

View all my reviews

Synopsis:

We weren't always like this. We used to be average New York City high school sophomores. Until our homeroom went for flu shots. We were prepared for some side effects. Maybe a headache. Maybe a sore arm. We definitely didn't expect to get telepathic powers. But suddenly we could hear what everyone was thinking. Our friends. Our parents. Our crushes. Now we all know that Tess is in love with her best friend, Teddy. That Mackenzie cheated on Cooper. That, um, Nurse Carmichael used to be a stripper.

Since we've kept our freakish skill a secret, we can sit next to the class brainiac and ace our tests. We can dump our boyfriends right before they dump us. We know what our friends really think of our jeans, our breath, our new bangs. We always know what's coming. Some of us will thrive. Some of us will crack. None of us will ever be the same.

So stop obsessing about your ex. We're always listening.

Kacii

Waiting on Wednesday #35

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

 

I've just finished reading Deer in Headlights, and am moving on to Snake in the Grass. First one was sooooo good! And the third one is coming out soon, so I thought I'd share that with all of you :)

 

Publisher: Staci Hart
Release Date: July 2014
Genre: New Adult Fantasy Romance

Synopsis:

Aphrodite knows better than anyone how the heart works. Just don’t ask her to figure out her own.

She’s been away from Olympus for weeks, which wasn’t near long enough for her move on. She has no idea what she’s walking into other than a new competition, this time against Artemis. They’ve never been friends, but now they have more in common than ever, though they’d rather face eat ambrosia straight than admit it.

Artemis can’t help but be smug when she chooses Josie, a private investigator who’s lost more than she’s won. After so much hurt in Josie’s life, Artemis is certain that the human would never risk her heart, especially when Aphrodite chooses Jon. Of all the matches that Aphrodite could make, the last person on the planet Josie would ever want is Jon, her ex who abandoned her without a word.

With Adonis gone and the threat of Ares around every corner, her past presses on her, leaving her more alone than she’s ever been. She can’t help wondering if she’ll ever escape, and how much pain she’ll endure before the whole ordeal is behind her.

Kacii

Must-Read Books for Summer

For some people summer has already begun, even though it does not technically start until June 21st, the summer solstice. Whether you are traveling to exotic lands or just going to the local pool for some time in the sun, there's always a chance to read. Of course, you're going to need some good reading material, right? So here are a few suggestions:

*Books are marked by a (YA) meaning Young Adult, or a (NA) meaning New Adult. Young Adult is generally read by 13-18 year olds, but can be read by anyone. New Adult books are generally meant for college kids, 17-30, but can also be read by almost anyone. Note that NA books usually contain sexual situations and are not appropriate for all readers. Usual recommendation is 17+

Greek Gods & Mythology

 

I had to include Greek gods and mythology in my list of summer reads because I always think about the Greek legends in summer. It helps this year that I am going to Greece, for my second time. I loved it the last time I went for summer, cannot wait again this time round!

 

The Covenant Series by Jennifer Armentrout (YA)

Most people will know Jennifer Armentrout by her Lux series, and maybe her Wait For You NA series. I've got to admit, I wasn't convinced when I first heard about the Covenant series. All of her other works were just so good, how could she have anything else turn out amazing? I have read a good chunk of JLA's books, and I have yet to be disappointed. The covenant series is by far her best to date.

 

Deer in Headlights by Staci Hart (NA)

A newly discovered author for me, and I just recently finished her first book (which I was skeptical about reading)! But so far I have fallen in love with it. There are two major things going on in the book. One, is in the mortal realm where two unlikely people are fighting to fall in love, and two, is in Olympus where the gods are playing a game of puppet master. I cannot wait to see what happens next! Book two, Snake in the Grass, is already out, and sometime in July the third book will be coming out.

Starcrossed Trilogy by Josephine Angelini (YA)

I do really like these books. All three books are already out, so no painstakingly long waiting. There are plenty of gods, myths, and demigods in these books. Mostly demigods and family feuds (think Romeo and Juliet Greek mythology style).

Rocker Romance

 

If you're anything like me, then bad boy rock stars are a must read no matter the time of the year. But they're especially good in summer, when you want the bad boys the most. Shirtless, of course. That's what makes summer so great, right? Shirtless bad boys with tattoos and guitars. Or drums. Or bass. They're all pretty badass and sexy, if you think about it.

 

More than Music by Elizabeth Briggs (NA)

Another new author for me. I recently received an ARC for her book and I freaking LOVE it! The book just recently came out, and it's one of my favorite rocker romance books. It involves geeky rockers (genius!) and a TV show that the band (Villain Complex) competes one to win a record deal and a chance to tour the country.

Runaway Train Series by Katie Ashley (NA)

So I think I discovered this series, hmm, maybe... a year ago? I'm not entirely sure. But since then two full novels and one novella have been published. I still need to read the latest book, Strings of the Heart, and the novella (book 2.5) Music of the Soul. The two books I have read in this series, however, have been AMAZING. I can't wait to read the next ones.

Stage Dive Series by Kylie Scott (NA)

I fell in love with this series when reading Lick, the first book. I loved Mal in the second book, Play. And soon we'll be able to meet Jimmy in Lead (out July 29th) and then Ben in Deep (out December 23rd). It's a great series. The first book is my favorite. Waking up in Vegas married to a sexy rock star? Hell to the yeah!

Royal Rebels

Okay, so I know what you're thinking. Royals? Like Cinderella? I want something a little more... fun for my summer. Yeah, I thought the same thing when I started reading the first book. And yes, I did a whole category for only one trilogy, but whatever. These books kick booty.

 

Suddenly Trilogy by Nichole Chase (NA)

The first book (Suddenly Royal) is so far my favorite. Sam finds out she's a duchess, and everything is like a roller-coaster from there on. Lots of people have compared it to the Princess Diaries. I suppose it is very similar, and that can be positive or negative depending on your view of the Princess Diaries. I thought it was positive, and this book is a lot more mature. The second book (Recklessly Royal), has more sexual content in it than the first. The first is almost upper YA. The third book is Reluctantly Royal, and that comes out August 26th.

Tattooed Bad Boys

Please tell me I don't have to explain this one to you.

Marked Men Series by Jay Crownover (NA)

I love this series. The first book is still my favorite (they generally are). The first book is Rule, and it's the classic story of a sweet girl going for her friend's bad-boy brother. Even if the friend in this book is dead, and even if he's a guy, it's still the same classic story. Then of course there's Jet, which is okay. It's not my favorite, but its not terrible. After Jet is Rome, and that book is pretty sweet. I LOVE Rome and Cora. Next Nash, which was also a pretty badass book. Rowdy is next in the series, and that book comes out October 21st. All of the books are about bad boys who just happen to be tattoo artists (except Rome, he was a soldier and Cora was the body modification expert. A nice twist).

Perfect Chemistry Trilogy by Simone Elkeles (YA)

Gosh, it's been YEARS since I've actually sat down and read this series. Every now and then I'll grab the books from my bookshelf and skim them for my favorite parts, but I haven't actually read them in ages. My favorite book in this series was Rules of Attraction which was actually the second book, not the first, for a change. The first book is called Perfect Chemistry, and is about a bad boy and the clichéd cheerleader falling for him. It's cute. I like Rules of Attraction because Carlos is just... he's got a mouth on him, for one thing. He's one cocky sonofabitch, that's for sure. Kiara is just so perfect with Carlos. And then the third book is about the little brother, Luis (my least favorite of the books), called Chain Reaction. It's a good series.

Ross Siblings Series by Cherrie Lynn (NA)

Not ALL of the books in this series are about tattooed bad boys. But most are. For instance, the first book (Unleashed) is not. I've never read that one. I wonder why... But Rock Me, the second book and probably my favorite is about a yummy tattooed bad boy. As is the novella that comes after it, Light Me up, featuring the same protagonists as in the second book. Leave Me Breathless, the third book, was my second favorite, all because of Ghost. Who isn't technically a Ross. He may as well be. And the last one (I haven't heard of any more being written) is Take Me On, featuring the sister of the Ross family. Getting tattooed isn't her usual MO, but she had a REALLY bad break up. And there ar a ton of novellas in this series. So you won't be bored.

Tortured Souls

Don't ask me why this is appealing. I really don't know. Maybe us girls are just maternal or something. I don't know. But these books are good.

Breakable by Tammara Webber (NA)

The first New Adult book I ever read was Easy. And here is it's sequel, told from Lucas' point of view. It gives you a whole new insight to Lucas. It's kind of amazing, really. You would never know how amazing Lucas really is unless you read this book.

Unfixable by Tessa Bailey (NA)

Not my normal MO for reading. A messed up Willa and an aggressive Shane. It's kind of amazing they don't implode from their chemistry. A really good book. And the broken comes from both sides.

Favorite Summer Series

And to finish this list of recommended summer reading, here is one of the best series' for summer:

Sea Breeze Series by Abbi Glines (Mostly NA)

I have loved this series over the past few years. Starts with Breathe, which is YA. From then on it's closer to NA. And the order goes: Because of Low, While it Lasts, Just for Now, Sometimes it Lasts, Misbehaving, Bad for You, and Hold on Tight. My favorites are While it Lasts and Bad for You. They feature probably the two best bad boys. Don't get me wrong, Preston and Dwayne are most definitely bad boys, but Cage and Krit are all kinds of hot. I have not read Sometimes it Lasts or Misbehaving. It's on my list, but Abby Glines is kind of expensive. I normally don't buy books above $2.99 on my Kindle. The good news is that you technically can read any of the books as a standalone. I would recommend reading all of them, but you are free to choose and pick.

I hope you check some of these books out! What do you recommend for reading during summer? Tell me in the comments below :)





Kacii

The Sunday Post #27

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

More Than Music by Elizabeth Briggs - Review: Tuesday, June 17th 2014
Waiting on Wednesday #34 - Meme: Wednesday, June 18th 2014
Rocked by Taryn Elliott - Review: Thursday, June 19th 2014
Stacking the Shelves #33 - Meme: Saturday, June 21st 2014

Upcoming

Must-Reads for Summer - Post: Monday, June 23rd 2014
Waiting on Wednesday #35 - Meme: Wednesday, June 25th 2014
Don't Even Think About It by Sarah Mlynowski - Review: Thursday, June 26th 2014
Stacking the Shelves #34 - Meme: Saturday, June 28th 2014




Kacii

Stacking the Shelves #33

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. And this I'll be doing every Saturday. Started by @ Tynga's Reviews

Synopsis:

Aphrodite never loses, not when it comes to love.

Immortality has its perks and its downsides. Boredom, for one, is unavoidable, but instead of playing Backgammon, the Greek gods devised a game using humans as pawns. Remember Shakespeare? That was Apollo. Bonnie and Clyde? Aphrodite versus Ares.

Aphrodite is on deck, and she’ll defend her domain of love by using her magic to get the two human players together. Time is not on her side, and she’ll have her work cut out for her as her opponent does everything in his power to keep the players apart.

Game one is against Apollo, who chooses the loner Dean, a rock star who takes dark and brooding to the next level. His band has finally gotten a break, and he can’t screw it up, not for another one night stand, and especially not with his new drummer’s girlfriend. He swore to the band that he’d keep it together, but from the minute he first sees Lex, it takes every bit of willpower he has to stay away. But Dean’s will is nothing for the Goddess of Love, who’s certain she has a fighting chance to win with Lex as her player. The artist and poet is perfect for Dean, if only she can open her heart and find a way to love for the first time.

There’s always more at stake than winning the game when you’ve lived for thousands of years. The Olympians are the original dysfunctional family, surviving eons of love and lust, betrayal and lies, as friends and enemies, through feuds and wars. From the douchebag Ares, who’s forever trying get Aphrodite into bed, to her best friend Persephone, who she can always count on for a hearty helping of bacon on a bad day, the gods will take you on a lighthearted trip as they toy with humans, laugh and fight, lose love and gain power.

I received this book as an ARC through NetGalley. Love it so far, and I can't wait to finish it! And look at that cover. It's lovely. What have you stacked on your shelves recently?



Kacii

Rocked by Taryn Elliott

Rocked by Taryn Elliott
My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Publisher: Rainbow Rage Publishing
Date Published: April 9th 2014
Genre: New Adult Rockstar Romance
Source: Publisher

Rocked is a about a sweet romance and a rock star band, and how they make it big.

Deacon is one of those really big guys that look as ferocious as a grizzly bear but then you realize once you meet them that they're as cuddly as a teddy bear. He is super sweet, and wasn't planning on falling in love, but he doesn't try to run away once he knows what he has.

Harper is determined. She just got out of college and is working for the food company that goes on tour with bands. It's a leg into the business, though she already knew the touring business due to her roadie parents. Now all she wants is to have her own food touring group and she is determined to get it. Falling in love is not in the plan, especially with a rising rock star. Harper has been screwed over by one too many of those.

Together Deacon and Harper find love, even though its not a good time for either of them. Deacon is looking to get signed with his band, and Harper is planning on touring all over the country with the food company until she can get her own company. Their love is strong, but will it survive?

I loved Deacon. I can say that right up. He was such a sweet guy. Harper, on the other hand, was too focused on the future and not on the life she was currently living. Yes, in the end it all works out, but still. She was thinking so far ahead of herself she almost lost what was right in front of her.

The writing was well done and the story flowed nicely. I think I just didn't really like Harper all that much.

Definitely worth reading, if only to meet Deacon. But really, it was just so sweet.

View all my reviews

Synopsis:

Love definitely wasn't on the setlist.Opening for their idols on their first tour, Oblivion is living the dream. Mostly. Frustrated at being shoved out of his mediator role by their new manager, Deacon McCoy loses himself in brutal workouts. He only comes up for air long enough to refuel—and to tease the deliciously cute chef who makes him crave a lot more than what she's offering on her serving plate.

As the child of roadie parents, Harper Pruitt has heard every pickup line twice. To her, musicians are one step above the scraps on her cutting board. All she wants is to get enough experience to run her own catering company, but Deacon and his bottomless stomach are too tempting to resist. He's far from the typical rock star and before long, she finds herself experimenting with him, inside and out of the kitchen.

Apron - and panties - optional.

When Harper sees that Deacon’s dream band with his best friends may be turning into a nightmare, she can't walk away. Deacon's so much more than just a peacemaker and the man behind the bass. But she has her own dreams to chase...even if she's starting to think what she's building with him might be the biggest one of all.

Kacii

Waiting on Wednesday #34

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

 

This week I chose Stay With Me by Jennifer Armentrout as the book I'm waiting for. I read the past two books in JLA's Wait For You series and I loved them. Looks like this one will be another hit!

 

 

Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks

Release Date: September 23rd 2014

Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance

 

Synopsis:

At 21, Calla hasn’t done a lot of things. She’s never been kissed, never seen the ocean, never gone to an amusement park. But growing up, she witnessed some things no child ever should. She still carries the physical and emotional scars of living with a strung-out mother, Mona—secrets she keeps from everyone, including her close circle of college friends.

But the safe cocoon Calla has carefully built is shattered when she discovers her mom has stolen her college money and run up a huge credit card debt in her name. Now, Calla has to go back to the small town she thought she'd left behind and clean up her mom’s mess again. Of course, when she arrives at her mother’s bar, Mona is nowhere to be found. Instead, six feet of hotness named Jackson James is pouring drinks and keeping the place humming.

Sexy and intense, Jax is in Calla’s business from the moment they meet, giving her a job and helping her search for Mona. And the way he looks at her makes it clear he wants to get horizontal . . . and maybe something more. Before Calla can let him get close, though, she’s got to deal with the pain of the past—and some very bad guys out to mess her up if she doesn’t give them her mom.

Kacii

More Than Music by Elizabeth Briggs

More Than Music by Elizabeth Briggs
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Publisher: Elizabeth Briggs
Date Published: June 17 2014
Genre: New Adult Rocker Romance
Source: Author

This has got to be the best rocker romance I have read this year, maybe ever.

More Than Music is told about a geeky, secretly guitar loving girl, and her journey entering the music world as the newbie in a band. Villain Complex, the band, is made up of Maddie's friend Kyle, Hector, and Kyle's older brother Jared. Jared has a tendency of sleeping around, and once he hooked up with the bassist of the band had things went downhill. Now, two days before Villain Complex is to audition on the reality TV show The Sound to compete for a record deal and a chance to go on tour, the bassist up and leaves.

Jared happens to find Maddie playing his guitar in the band's studio. And even better, she's playing his songs. Maddie is offered a chance of a lifetime, if only she'll take the leap of faith and leave her perfectly safe world behind. The one condition to joining the band? Maddie can't hook up with Jared. Sparks have been flying between the two since they met, but when they finally burn, will they bring everything down with them?

I have to say, I was entranced by this book. Maybe because it was so relatable. The geekiness to Maddie was adorable. And the songs were from a variety genre's and ages, you couldn't not know them. It blended so well together, the author really knew what she was doing when she wrote this book. I mean really, geeky rock stars? Genius! But to actually pull it off? It was awesome.

Maddie was a great character, and I could definitely put myself in her shoes. Jared wasn't as relatable, but he made up for it in other area, like being driven, and having reason for wanting to succeed. I loved Kyle and Hector, they fit so well, and Dan was great too. Angel was... well, a bit of a diva, a real prim donna. Overall the characters were fabulous.

I think it was the mix of music that I know and love, and the geeky rock stars that really made this book. The author's writing was fantastic, the story flowed and it was an overall great book. Even Playing Games by Jessica Clare couldn't match just how perfect this book was, and that was a pretty freaking good book. It was probably the closest book to this one.

I can't wait to see what happens next. It'll be a torturous wait for me, but it'll be worth it.

View all my reviews

Synopsis:

Music major Maddie Taylor seems to have her life all figured out. She’s just finished her junior year of college, has a summer internship lined up with the LA Philharmonic, and plans to go to grad school to write movie scores. Only her roommates know she practices guitar every night and secretly dreams of a louder life. But geeky girls like her don't get to be rock stars.

Tattooed singer Jared Cross has a new girl every week, but when he catches Maddie playing one of his songs, she attracts his attention in an unexpected way. His band needs a fourth member for The Sound, a reality TV show competition—and he wants her. Though Maddie refuses to be another notch on Jared’s bedpost, she agrees to risk everything for the chance to be a rock star.

Once on the show, Maddie discovers there’s more to Jared behind his flirty smile, and with each performance their attraction becomes impossible to ignore. When the show pressures Jared to flaunt his player image, they’re forced to keep their relationship secret, but Maddie can’t help but want something real.

As the competition heats up, Jared will do whatever it takes for his band to win, and Maddie must decide if following her dream is worth losing her heart.

Kacii

The Rules by Stacey Kade

The Rules by Stacey Kade
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
 
Publisher: Disney Book Group
Date Published: April 23 2013
Genre: YA Science Fiction
Source: Publisher

Ariane is a mix of human and extraterrestrial, an experiment. But she escaped the labs she came from and is now hiding among normal people, in plain sight, at a high school. She has to keep her head down, because is she is noticed she'll go back to the labs. But a cruel prank puts her in the spotlight, and into the eyes of the police chiefs son, Zane. Now she has a whole other rule to try not to break.

This book wasn't bad. But there are so many like this out right now (Maximum Ride series, Darkness Rising series, and others). I guess this idea for books is just... dragging for me. The idea has been used and reused and now its gone stale.

Don't get me wrong, the book was well written, the story polished, and I did really like Ariane and Zane. It was a good book. But the idea behind it was lacking for me.

View all my reviews

Synopsis:

1. Never trust anyone.

2. Remember they are always searching.

3. Don’t get involved.

4. Keep your head down.

5. Don’t fall in love.

Five simple rules. Ariane Tucker has followed them since the night she escaped from the genetics lab where she was created, the result of combining human and extraterrestrial DNA. Ariane’s survival—and that of her adoptive father—depends on her ability to blend in among the full-blooded humans in a small Wisconsin town, to hide in plain sight at her high school from those who seek to recover their lost (and expensive) “project.”

But when a cruel prank at school goes awry, it puts her in the path of Zane Bradshaw, the police chief’s son and someone who sees too much. Someone who really sees her. After years of trying to be invisible, Ariane finds the attention frightening—and utterly intoxicating. Suddenly, nothing is simple anymore, especially not the rules…

Add to Goodreads

Kacii