Cover Reveal: Until I Break by M. Leighton

Coming May 14th, 2013

Until I Break

In love, sometimes what you fear most is exactly what you need.

Laura Drake is an author.  She writes bestselling paranormal romances that continue to top the charts.  She is sharp.  She is confident.  She is in control.
And she doesn’t exist.

Samantha Jansen is the woman behind the wig, the woman most of the world doesn’t know exists.  She is shy.  She is insecure.  She is nothing like her main character or her alter ego.  She is scarred—deeply scarred—by a past she can’t let go of and a present she can’t make peace with.

Samantha’s dreams are consumed by one man, the broken hero from her books.  Mason Strait is both her wildest fantasy and her most terrifying nightmare.

When Samantha meets Alec Brand, a corporate consultant, it is as though Mason has come to life.  Alec is handsome to a fault, as elegant as he is arrogant, and more intense than any man has a right to be.

Samantha is soon sucked into a world that mirrors the fiction she writes.  Just like her main character, Daire Kirby, Samantha finds herself unable to resist the forbidden lure of Alec.  And just like Daire, she also finds that she is faced with taking a chance on a man who could either set her free or destroy her.

The scale tilts toward destruction when Samantha finds out that Alec is as much a work of fiction as Mason.  And he has scars of his own, scars that could ruin them both.

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON

Review : Fall of Night by Rachel Caine

Fall of Night
Series: Morganville Vampires #14
Author: Rachel Caine
Young Adult Paranormal

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


Thanks to its unique combination of human and vampire residents, Morganville, Texas, is a small college town with big-time problems. When student Claire Danvers gets the chance to experience life on the outside, she takes it. But Morganville isn’t the only town with vampire trouble...

Claire never thought she’d leave Morganville, but when she gets accepted into the graduate program at MIT, she can’t pass up the opportunity. Saying good-bye to her friends is bittersweet, especially since things are still raw and unsettled between Claire and her boyfriend, Shane. 

Her new life at MIT is scary and exciting, but Morganville is never really far from Claire’s mind. Enrolled in a special advanced study program with Professor Irene Anderson, a former Morganville native, Claire is able to work on her machine, which is designed to cancel the mental abilities of vampires. 

But when she begins testing her machine on live subjects, things quickly spiral out of control, and Claire starts to wonder whether leaving Morganville was the last mistake she’ll ever make...

MY THOUGHTS

Fall of Night is the 14th book in the Morganville Vampire series by author Rachel Caine.

I am a huge fan of this series.  I feel connected to Shane, Claire, Eve, Michael and yes Myrnin. There town is complicated and full of suspense and not much down time to just relax.  But that is what makes them the best characters when they have to deal with problems in a vamp run town.

In Fall of Night, Claire travels away to MIT.  She needs to find her way on her own and see what life is like outside of Morganville.  What she finds though is another game of chess being played between scientists, vampires, and undercover organizations.  They are all deadly and they want one thing.  They want the Vampire Gun also know as VLAD that Claire created.  They want it to start the war between humans and vampires and could care less for the reasons and rules that Claire had it built for.  This group of people are wanting to disable the vampires permanently.  The results in the final mock-up of the gun can have serious side effects though for the vampires.

I really enjoyed this installment in the series.  This book is shown with alternating chapters from Shane and Claire.  We get to enjoy Myrnin arriving to rescue them all.  Oliver finds his way into the group as well to help lead the group.  Also Jesse and Pete help the gang out and Jesse does have a deeper role than what we think.  While there is action and suspense with a little bit of sexy times thrown in when needed, it does leave the book left with unanswered questions.  With the way the book ends, you can't help but wonder how they gang is going to make it to the next book.  Is it the Daylight Foundation taking over?  Where is Amelie now when Morganville is having a major war between humans and vamps with the humans being the ones with the upper hand.

I can't wait for the next book and I do hope we will get to read more about Myrnin and how crazy that contraption actually made him.  Is he really going crazy again, or is it all a defense to keep  the humans on their toes?

MY RATING

Very Good! I would recommend this book!

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON

The Weekly Wrap Up (10 & 11)

It's time for the Weekly Wrap Up!

What did you miss this week on My Overstuffed Bookshelf?  Find out below!

(inspired by Smexy Books)

*****

Hello my lovelies!  I missed last weeks wrap up post due to more dental surgery, so this weeks post is two weeks combined.  Lots of things to share so be sure to check them out.  This week I am catching up on some review books that feature humor, love and suspense -- something for everyone.  I have to say that the best ones from the last two weeks is The Dark Duet series by C.J. Roberts. So freaking dark and addictive. Also a special shout out to Anna for the lovely box of books I received today!

REVIEWS

Louder Than Words by Laurie Plissner (2 Martini)
All He Ever Needed by Shannon Stacey (5 Martini)
Pivot Point by Kasie West (5 Martini)
Speechless by Hannah Harrington (3 Martini)
The Buckhorn Legacy by Lori Foster (5 Martini)
The Angel by Tiffany Reisz (3 Martini)
Evidence of Life by Barbara Taylor Sissel (4 Martini)
Need by Todd Gregory (1 Martini)
Captive in the Dark by C.J. Roberts (5 Martini)
Seduced in the Dark by C.J. Roberts (5 Martini)

DISCUSSION POST

Need some humor reading?

CHALLENGE LINK UPS

150+ Reading Challenge for April
Young Adult Reading Challenge for April

Review: Seduced in the Dark by C.J. Roberts

Seduced in the Dark
Series: The Dark Duet #2
Author: C. J. Roberts

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


What is the price of redemption?

Rescued from sexual slavery by a mysterious Pakistani officer, Caleb carries the weight of a debt that must be paid in blood.

The road has been long and fraught with uncertainty, but for Caleb and Livvie, it’s all coming to an end.

Can he surrender the woman he loves for the sake of vengeance? 

Or will he make the ultimate sacrifice?

MY THOUGHTS

Seduced in the Dark is the second book in The Dark Duet series by author C. J. Roberts.

“Once upon a time, Caleb held me captive in the dark, now he used it to seduce me.” 

Breathe. Just calm down and breathe.  Yes, that was my thoughts after finishing this book.  My emotions were all over the place.  My heart had been ripped from chest, stomped on, and put back in my chest bruised and battered.  I cried multiple times and I hoped for the best with every turn of the page.  After Captive in the Dark, I really struggled with my feelings involving Caleb.  I honestly thought there was no way the author was going to redeem him in my eyes to where he could be a potential hero. No way for him to be the white knight for Livvie.  I honestly was worried about reading the second book because of this.  I found myself understanding more about Caleb and his past. 

When you start reading Seduced in the Dark, we are brought to the hospital with Livvie dealing with the aftermath of her kidnapping.  She is in pain and heartbroken that her Master has left her.  She is withdrawn and in her own little bubble of despair.  No one can break through to her until Officer Reed starts investigating further and makes a deal with Livvie.  With flashbacks and Livvie retelling what happened after those first days of torment, we learn what has really happened and how Livvie was able to let Caleb into her heart.

The author did an amazing job of redeeming Caleb for me.  While what he did was horrible and hard to forgive, what he does to try and fix it was what did it for me.  

“Live for me, Kitten. Be all those things you'd never be with me. Go to school. Meet a normal boy and fall in love. Forgive me. It's time for you to go, Kitten. Time for us both, to go.” 

At this point in the book I was an emotional mess.  I couldn't hardly breathe through the tears that racked my body.  I hurt just as much as Livvie did and I didn't think I was going to make it to the end of the book.  Then the author gives you a ray of hope.  We learn that there is more to this story and the reader will need this small hope -- at least this reader did.  I felt the sunshine upon my face again after all the time in the dark with these two characters.  I can't wait until the next book comes out so I can read more.  I crave it as much as Livvie craved her Master in those first days of the hospital.  I have my tissues on hand and I am ready for the dark pain again.

MY RATING

Outstanding book that will stay on my bookshelf for rereading!

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON

Review: Captive in the Dark by C.J. Roberts

Captive in the Dark
Series: The Dark Duet #1
Author: C.J. Roberts

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


Caleb is a man with a singular interest in revenge. Kidnapped as a young boy and sold into slavery by a power-hungry mobster, he has thought of nothing but vengeance. For twelve years he has immersed himself in the world of pleasure slaves searching for the one man he holds ultimately responsible. Finally, the architect of his suffering has emerged with a new identity, but not a new nature. If Caleb is to get close enough to strike, he must become the very thing he abhors and kidnap a beautiful girl to train her to be all that he once was.

Eighteen-year-old Olivia Ruiz has just woken up in a strange place. Blindfolded and bound, there is only a calm male voice to welcome her. His name is Caleb, though he demands to be called Master. Olivia is young, beautiful, naïve and willful to a fault. She has a dark sensuality that cannot be hidden or denied, though she tries to accomplish both. Although she is frightened by the strong, sadistic, and arrogant man who holds her prisoner, what keeps Olivia awake in the dark is her unwelcome attraction to him.

WARNING: This book contains very disturbing situations, dubious consent, strong language, and graphic violence.

MY THOUGHTS

Captive in the Dark is the first part in The Dark Duet series by author C.J. Roberts.
This type of read is not for the weak and it has some (most) scenes that will be disturbing to many readers.

Mind. F-ck.  That about sums it up. Sorry to be so blunt, but after reading this there is not really a better way to express it.  When Caleb watches Olivia from afar, I just knew he had picked his target.  Olivia became the tool he would use for revenge.  When he approaches her the first time, she believes he is her knight in shining armor there to protect her from some pervs trying to mess with her.  What she doesn't know is that her knight is actually the one she should be worried about.

Olivia finds herself kidnapped and thrown into a dark room.  She is blindfolded and scared.  When Caleb enters the room and speaks to her, she knows his voice is familiar but cannot place who it is.  After plenty of struggles, she is finally able to see him when the blindfold is gone. She is shocked at who it is and still frightened.  What Caleb does to Olivia to start her "training" was painful and raw.  You can tell Caleb is not really wanting to hurt her, but he needs to get her to submit to become the slave he needs to get revenge on his enemy.  This not to say that Olivia doesn't fight back.  Oh no. She is a mean little hellcat and she won't take half of what Caleb tries to dish out.

“You're going to pay for that Pet,' he panted. The right side of his face sported an angry red hand print.
I shook out my hand, 'I already have. That was my change.” 

Unfortunately, it doesn't end like Olivia wants it to.  She is whipped, spanked and forced to listen to things she has never experienced before.  Through it all, Olivia ends up feeling like Caleb is still her protector when she needs him.  She sort of gets into the Stockholm Syndrome and I can understand why.

“He was my tormentor and my solace; the creator of the dark and the light within.”

To say that I was getting chills throughout this book is an understatement.  The emotional roller coaster you will go on in this story will shock you.  One minute you will be disgusted by Caleb, then you will be hoping he will be her Knight.  I couldn't believe I found myself thinking of him as a good guy at some points after everything he has done to Olivia.

“Caleb was a strange person, cruel and inhuman; a monster, and yet, at other times, he seemed so capable of something like caring. He made me cry and scream and shake with fear and nearly a split second later he could make me almost believe he wasn't responsible for any of it. He could hold me and make me feel safe. How was that possible?” 

Not a lot of people can handle this type of read.  I was hesitant on reading it because I thought it would be a book that was just "too much" for me.  I admit that I was scared and that fear kept me from reading this book for so long.  I finally got up enough nerve after reading so many 5 star reviews of it.  I decided to put everything on the back burner and just finally sit down and read it.  Now, I can't stop thinking about this book and had to get the review written and posted.  I can't wait to see what will happen after the way the book ended.  I am overcome with the curiosity to find out how Caleb and Olivia are going to proceed from the ending point of book one.  I crave the answers just as Olivia craves a small glimpse of sunlight.

MY RATING

Outstanding book that will stay on my bookshelf for rereading!

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON

Review: Need by Todd Gregory

Need
Author: Todd Gregory

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


On the sultry streets of New Orleans, you can indulge every desire. Even when what you crave is blood.

As far as the mortal world knows, Cord Logan died two years ago. In reality, he stalks the French Quarter, searching for victims. Cord knew that coming back to New Orleans would be risky now that he’s broken with the fraternity of vampires who first claimed him. But a chance encounter with an old friend triggers unexpected desire, and reveals a lethal curse that endangers not just his kind, but all of humanity.

Cord’s quest to break the curse leads him on a journey of carnal self-discovery and deep into the bayous. Here, where magic reigns unchecked, Cord must tap into his dark, unpredictable abilities and all his seductive powers. And if he fails, he’ll have all eternity to regret it…

MY THOUGHTS

I admit that the cover is what caught my interest. (Look into my eyes!) I can't resist the dark and broody brow.  Then the blurb captured my curiosity into thinking this might be something different for me to enjoy in the vampire world.

This was a book that I had to force myself to finish.  There were many points where rolled my eyes and hoped I was getting closer to the finish line. This book was also bogged down by history and setup for the character with tons of narration. Back story can be a good thing, but too much is overkill.  I also need my characters to have interaction and less flashback.  While the story had promise with a good foundation, it was one that was overly done without the bang it needed.

Another thing I want to mention is that this book does fall into the M/M category of paranormal romance.  If this isn't your cup of tea, then please step back and go back to your usual reading.  The sex scenes weren't as sexy as I thought they would be, and at times they seemed to be there for page filler.

This was another case of great cover art luring me in, but the story failed to keep me interested or entertained.  This is not to say it was horrible or not worth a try for some, just not one I would want to read again.

MY RATING

       

I did not like this book at all!

GOODREADS / AMAZON

Review & Excerpt: Evidence of Life by Barbara Taylor Sissel

Evidence of Life
Author: Barbara Taylor Sissel

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


On the last ordinary day of her life, Abby Bennett feels like the luckiest woman alive. But everyone knows that luck doesn't last forever.

As her husband, Nick, and daughter, Lindsey, embark on a weekend camping trip to the Texas Hill Country, Abby looks forward to having some quiet time to herself. She braids Lindsey's hair, reminds Nick to drive safely and kisses them both goodbye. For a brief moment, Abby thinks she has it all—a perfect marriage, a perfect life—until a devastating storm rips through the region, and her family vanishes without a trace.

When Nick and Lindsey are presumed dead, lost in the raging waters, Abby refuses to give up hope. Consumed by grief and clinging to her belief that her family is still alive, she sets out to find them. But as disturbing clues begin to surface, Abby realizes that the truth may be far more sinister than she imagined. Soon she finds herself caught in a current of lies that threaten to unhinge her and challenge everything she once believed about her marriage and family.

MY THOUGHTS

That cover sums this book up for this reader.  Mysterious, suspenseful and determination all in one package of a book. As not a regular reader of mystery/suspense unless it falls within the romance genre, I was pleasantly surprised by this book in the woman's mystery fiction world.  I found myself really getting into the story and not wanting to put it down.

After Abbey's family goes missing after a storm, they are presumed dead.  While it can't be proven, there is always that 1 percent of hope that they are actually alive.  We read about how Abbey has to deal with not knowing and wondering what really happened. While she struggles with finding the answers she needs, the reader also discovers along with Abbey that not everything was as perfect as she thought.  

I really felt for Abbey in this book and wanted to help her figure out the mystery as well.  While it was a little predictable in most of the story, the suspense was enough to keep me interested until the last page.  Not a bad book in my eyes considering I don't usually read these types of fiction.  I am definitely going to keep this author on my radar for future reads!

MY RATING

Very Good! I would recommend this book!

EXCERPT

Abby made a face. Lindsey never passed up an opportunity to remind her parents that she was the better student, the orderly, more agreeable child. “I thought you were going to play pro basketball overseas, travel the world.”

                “Is there a reason I can’t do both?”

                “Nope. You, my darling daughter, can do anything you set your mind to, just like your brother.” Abby ran her fingers lightly down the length of Lindsey’s braid.

“If only I could stay home like my brother.”

“Your daddy has gone to a lot of trouble to plan this trip so he can spend time with you.”

“I know. I just wish it wasn’t this weekend.”

“There are worse sacrifices,” Abby said blithely.

“I have finals next month too. And don’t say it’s not the same.”

“Okay, I won’t.” Abby centered the griddle over the burner.

“will you set the table and call your dad? The French toast’ll be done in a minute.” She could feel Lindsey considering whether or not to push.

Please don’t. It was a prayer, a wish, yet one more in the sea of mundane moments from that morning that would return to mock her. To ask her: How could you? Because she would remember that Lindsey hadn’t pushed; she’d set the table and left the kitchen without another word.

“What about jackets?” Abby followed her husband and daughter through the back door, onto the driveway. Although it was April, it was still chilly, and it would be colder where they were going.

Colder than home.

“It’s supposed to rain,” she said. “Maybe you guys should take your boots.”

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON

Need some humor reading?

Today I wanted to share some books that are written by some fellow bloggers that I follow. I hope you can find one to enjoy and help support some fellow bloggers in their journey!

The Boogie Man Is My Friend: Not A Ghost Story
Author: Kathryn Ann Loving

SUMMARY
It's hard to imagine the unthinkable. Most of the time we are all in denial. How do we prepare for it? Do we know how to protect our children from it? Most parents or guardians will never know...until it's too late. And by then, the Boogie Man is their friend. Kathryn Loving takes you along her journey from being raised in a middle class family with good values to her adventures as a police officer. She shares the insides of her life in the policehood, battling child molesters and evil doers. It's nothing like a super hero story. When all was lost in the sorrow from the countless victim children, God kept her soul. She and her village battled to bring those that preyed on our children to justice. And justice they received. The book is filled with the unexpected. It will wake anyone up to what lurks out there...waiting to pounce...on anyone's children. There is no class or economics when it comes to child predators. The Boogie Man Is My Friend is a book about a heavy subject that most people don't want to explore or even fathom. Loving takes you there...to that dark place... but not without success, solutions, and believe it or not...humor...lots of it. Her cop stories are throughout to make you laugh after you cry. You might be shocked. You might laugh. You might cry. But one thing is for certain, you will be awake. It's real. It's genuine. It's life. It needs to be told.
AMAZON

Holly Daze: Underachiever Extraordinaire
Author: Monica Merrill Mylet, Abbey Fatica

SUMMARY

Holly Daze takes us on an uproarious roller-coaster ride through the last year. Although her name suggests that Holidays are her forte, we learn quickly that if it can go wrong, it will; in the funniest way possible. If it were up to Holly, Valentine's Day would only be celebrated by school children as a form of punishment for missing their homework. Halloween costumes should be store bought, Thanksgiving catered and fireworks most definitely should only be handled by professionals. If you have relatives that visit for Christmas or even the 4th of July, this is for you. Feel free to leave this addition to the Life Well Blogged series out for them to read, too. You'll all be laughing out loud together.
Abbey and Monica have given a voice to all the crazy holiday expectations and failures in Holly Daze; Underachiever Extraordinaire. They have once again gathered hilarious blog posts from stellar bloggers to compile a must read for everyone that is looking back on the past year with both fond memories and shocking tales of celebrations that have gone haywire.
AMAZON

I Just Want to Pee Alone
Author: Various bloggers

SUMMARY
Motherhood is the toughest – and funniest – job you'll ever love. Raising kids is hard work. The pay sucks, your boss is a tyrant, and the working conditions are pitiful – you can't even take a bathroom break without being interrupted with another outrageous demand. Hasn't every mother said it before? “I just want to pee alone!” I Just Want to Pee Alone is a collection of hilarious essays from 37 of the most kick ass mom bloggers on the web. Including: People I Want to Punch in the Throat, Insane in the Mom-Brain, The Divine Secrets of a Domestic Diva, Baby Sideburns, and Rants From Mommyland. Read hysterical essays like: Embarrassment, Thy Name is Motherhood A Pinterest-Perfect Mom, I am Not And Then There was that Time a Priest Called Me a Terrible Mother So She Thought She Could Cut Off My Stroller
AMAZON

APRIL 2013 Young Adult Challenge Link Up

APRIL 2013 YA LINK UP PAGE

Hi all!  This is the post that you can link up your reviews for the Young Adult Reading Challenge for APRIL 2013.  Each month there will be a new link up page and I will be listing each months main link below the challenge button on my bottom right sidebar.  I look forward to reading everyone's reviews and the books you choose!

* This is for your REVIEWS posted in  YA APRIL 2013 only! *

APRIL 2013 -- 150+ Reading Challenge Link Up

APRIL 2013 LINK UP PAGE

Hi all!  This is the post that you can link up your reviews for the 150+ Challenge for APRIL 2013.  Each month there will be a new link up page and I will be listing each months main link below the challenge button on my bottom right sidebar.  I look forward to reading everyone's reviews and the books you choose!

* This is for your REVIEWS posted in APRIL 2013 only! *

Review: The Angel by Tiffany Reisz

The Angel
Series: The Original Sinners #2
Author: Tiffany Reisz

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


No safe word can protect the heart

Infamous erotica author and accomplished dominatrix Nora Sutherlin is doing something utterly out of character: hiding. While her longtime lover, Søren—whose fetishes, if exposed, would be his ruin—is under scrutiny pending a major promotion, Nora's lying low and away from temptation in the lap of luxury.

Her host, the wealthy and uninhibited Griffin Fiske, is thrilled to have Nora stay at his country estate, especially once he meets her traveling companion. Young, inexperienced and angelically beautiful, Michael has become Nora's protégé, and this summer with Griffin is going to be his training, where the hazing never ends.

But while her flesh is willing, Nora's mind is wandering. To thoughts of Søren, her master, under investigation by a journalist with an ax to grind. And to another man from Nora's past, whose hold on her is less bruising, but whose secrets are no less painful. It's a summer that will prove the old adage: love hurts.

MY THOUGHTS

The Angel is the second book in The Original Sinners series by author Tiffany Reisz.

Let me start by saying that I enjoyed the first book titled The Siren.  It surprised me and took me so far out of my comfort zone that I was thrilled to have enjoyed that ride.  When I started reading The Angel though, I was having a hard time getting into that mindset again.  It was dark, edgy and cringe worthy at times.  Certain scenes in this book had me picking my jaw up off the floor with shock.  I think the shock value is what made me give this book a higher rating than what I normally would.  After reading countless romance and BDSM books that are out in the book market today, this one blows them out of the water.  When a story can still shock me after many years of reading them, then the book definitely deserves the higher rating -- whether I thoroughly enjoyed the book or not.

I think the main problem I had with this book was Nora for me.  I just couldn't connect with her like I did in the previous book.  I am not sure exactly why, but again it could have been my mindset at the time of reading.  The writing was amazing and the author did not disappoint with her effortless skill.  Author Tiffany Reisz will bring it all out in a book and most likely when we don't expect it.  I did enjoy the character of Michael.  Soren is still a character I can't bring myself to love.  He is creepy and still on my perv radar.

Overall, the book was amazing with writing and shock value.  Unfortunately I just couldn't get into our main character of Nora.  I am hoping whatever it was that bugged me in this book will resolve itself so I can enjoy the next book in the series like I did the first one.

MY RATING

Okay book, but it left me wanting more!

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON

Review: The Buckhorn Legacy by Lori Foster

The Buckhorn Legacy
Series: Buckhorn Brothers #5
Author: Lori Foster

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)

Emma Clark is back in Buckhorn. Once she was the girl with too much makeup and a bad reputation—and she tried everything she could to get Casey Hudson into bed. He was the cutest guy in town, and the only one who seemed to really care about her.As a hot-blooded teen it was hard for Casey to resist Emma. Now, eight years later, it's impossible. But Emma is doing her best to shut him out—and Casey needs to convince her that the attraction that burns between them isn't just leftover teenage lust, but his real love for a real woman…

MY THOUGHTS

The Buckhorn Legacy is the fifth book in the Buckhorn Brothers series by author Lori Foster.  The main characters featured are Casey Hudson and Emma Clark.

Casey. Oh sweet and sexy Casey.  I have been dying to get to your book in my pile and I finally got to read about you.  I loved the previous books in this series, but Casey's book was the one I was dying to read.  There was just something about that character that drew me in and kept hold of me up until the last page.  Casey is Sawyer's son.  He is also the one that had this reader drooling in anticipation.  Emma was considered the town tramp even though she was young.

Fast forward eight years and and Emma has returned after running away at a young age.  Casey always wondered what happened to her, but he never knew.  In The Buckhorn Legacy we find out what happened and read about the chemistry between the two.  In this book we also get to see the true depth of Casey's heart and feelings.

This was a wonderful conclusion to a great series. I am sad to see it end, but the best certainly came last.  While it is not necessary to read the previous books in the series, I highly recommend that you do to get the full picture of the family dynamics and Casey.

MY RATING

Outstanding book that will stay on my bookshelf for rereading!

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON

Review: Speechless by Hannah Harrington

Speechless
Author: Hannah Harrington

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


Everyone knows that Chelsea Knot can't keep a secret

Until now. Because the last secret she shared turned her into a social outcast—and nearly got someone killed.

Now Chelsea has taken a vow of silence—to learn to keep her mouth shut, and to stop hurting anyone else. And if she thinks keeping secrets is hard, not speaking up when she's ignored, ridiculed and even attacked is worse.

But there's strength in silence, and in the new friends who are, shockingly, coming her way—people she never noticed before; a boy she might even fall for. If only her new friends can forgive what she's done. If only she can forgive herself.

MY THOUGHTS

Can we talk about this cover first to get it out of the way?  I find it hard to believe that the cover department couldn't come up with something other than the boring cover of white that we got.  If I were to see this on a bookshelf at a store, I would pass it over without thinking twice.  Thank goodness I read the summary of this book beforehand and decided to give it a chance.  Truly a good example of not judging a book by its cover.

Moving on from the cover fiasco.  I was actually surprised by this read.  I thought this was going to be a plot that would be juvenile and not my cup of tea.  What we get though is something so good and the writing that actually kept me interested and curious to know more.  The author does a wonderful job at scene set up.  While I admit that the first part of this book was slow and something I had to force myself to get through, by the middle of the book it started to take off.  I ended up enjoying the characters and the plot of the book. Yes there is some angst.  Yes there is a boy involved. Yes there is teen drama and gossip.  The end result though was self discovery, consequences to actions, and characters that fit the story.

I really ended up enjoying this book and I can say that it was much better than expected.  Would I read the story again in the future? Maybe.  It won't be one I will be dying to reread again anytime soon, but it is one I would recommend to read a first time.

MY RATING

Okay book, but it left me wanting more!

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON

Review: Pivot Point by Kasie West

Pivot Point
Series: Pivot Point #1
Author: Kasie West

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


Knowing the outcome doesn’t always make a choice easier . . .

Addison Coleman’s life is one big “What if?” As a Searcher, whenever Addie is faced with a choice, she can look into the future and see both outcomes. It’s the ultimate insurance plan against disaster. Or so she thought. When Addie’s parents ambush her with the news of their divorce, she has to pick who she wants to live with—her father, who is leaving the paranormal compound to live among the “Norms,” or her mother, who is staying in the life Addie has always known. Addie loves her life just as it is, so her answer should be easy. One Search six weeks into the future proves it’s not.

In one potential future, Addie is adjusting to life outside the Compound as the new girl in a Norm high school where she meets Trevor, a cute, sensitive artist who understands her. In the other path, Addie is being pursued by the hottest guy in school—but she never wanted to be a quarterback’s girlfriend. When Addie’s father is asked to consult on a murder in the Compound, she’s unwittingly drawn into a dangerous game that threatens everything she holds dear. With love and loss in both lives, it all comes down to which reality she’s willing to live through . . . and who she can’t live without.

MY THOUGHTS

Pivot Point is the first book in the Pivot Point series by author Kasie West.

When I first saw the cover for this book, it sparked an interest in my mind.  I love that cover and I applaud the cover artist for it.  Then I read the summary and I was definitely interested in reading about Addison.  Then I read the book and can honestly say that I loved it.  I loved the theme, suspense, plot, and characters so much more than I though I would.

Since Addie can see into the future and see which decision she makes will have the outcome she wants.  She is called a Searcher and the name fits the power.  She has to search the outcomes to see which one would be best.  When her parents divorce, she sees one future with her living with her father and one future where she is living with her mother.  In both futures there are love interests and her best friend.  There is also mystery and suspense in each as well.

With each chapter alternating between both outcomes, we get to see the decisions that Addie is going to be forced to make in each one.  The author did a wonderful job of balancing the dialogue and narration without over doing it on either.  The characters were enjoyable and I found myself telling my family 'just one more chapter' before doing something for them.

If you are looking for a fresh and new paranormal read in the young adult genre, then Pivot Point should be your starting point.  I can't wait to see what the author is going to bring us for the second book in the series!

MY RATING

Outstanding book that will stay on my bookshelf for rereading!

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