Review: The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa

Posted in 5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa
Series: Blood of Eden #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: April 30th 2013
Purchase: Ebook • Paperback • Hardcover

In Allison Sekemoto’s world, there is one rule left: Blood calls to blood

She has done the unthinkable: died so that she might continue to live. Cast out of Eden and separated from the boy she dared to love, Allie will follow the call of blood to save her creator, Kanin, from the psychotic vampire Sarren. But when the trail leads to Allie’s birthplace in New Covington, what Allie finds there will change the world forever—and possibly end human and vampire existence.

There’s a new plague on the rise, a strain of the Red Lung virus that wiped out most of humanity generations ago—and this strain is deadly to humans and vampires alike. The only hope for a cure lies in the secrets Kanin carries, if Allie can get to him in time.

Allison thought that immortality was forever. But now, with eternity itself hanging in the balance, the lines between human and monster will blur even further, and Allie must face another choice she could never have imagined having to make.

It’s been foreeeever since I’ve read a YA book, but reading The Eternity Cure has reminded me of just how much I’ve missed YA books, and paranormal ones at that. Although, to be honest, it’s Julie freaking Kagawa, so of course I’d end up loving anything and everything by her!

Anyways, The Eternity Cure was so. freaking. gooooood! I don’t know why I waited so long to read it, especially since I read book one, The Immortal Rules, so long ago. But seriously, Julie Kagawa never ceases to amaze me. I was instantly sucked back into this post-apocalyptic, devastated world she created. I couldn’t stop reading, couldn’t stop flipping the pages, because everything is so heart-pounding, thrilling, and intense. I’d forgotten how much I liked Allison as the heroine–she’s kickass and all around just an incredible heroine for this series.

Allie has left Eden–and Zeke–to go in search of her sire, Kanin, who is in the hands of a psychotic, evil vampire. Kanin is being tortured, and Allie knows she’s running out of time before Kanin turns dark and loses all sense of humanity. Along her journey towards Kanin, she encounters Jackal, who is another offspring of Kanin, and the vampire who also killed her friends. I thought Jackal was a fabulous addition to the set of characters in the Blood of Eden series–he’s bold, he’s crass, and he’s hilarious. He’s not exactly there for comic relief, although he does lighten up the story every time he opens his mouth. Allie pretty much hates him, and the two have a very tenuous relationship–they become unlikely allies in their search for Kanin. Julie Kagawa does a great job in bringing Jackal’s character to life–I didn’t care for him when he was first introduced in The Immortal Rules, but now I can’t imagine Allie going on her journey without him.

So if you’ve read The Immortal Rules, I know what you’re thinking–WHAT ABOUT ZEKE??? For all you Zeke fans, don’t despair! Zeke is THERE! He wonderfully surprises Allie–but I won’t say when or why, just that he does! And while I don’t particularly LOVE Zeke, I was still so, so happy he was there with Allie. They make such a great team together, and he brings out the best out of Allie.

The thing I love most about this series is that despite it being young adult, Julie Kagawa holds nothing back. There’s death, blood, gore, and violence, and all of these things add up to one heart-pounding, fantastic sequel. This series is, without a doubt, one of the few vampire series that doesn’t disappoint.

5 hearts!

Series Order: Blood of Eden series

#1 ~ The Immortal Rules: Ebook • Paperback • Hardcover • Goodreads
#2 ~ The Eternity Cure: Ebook • Paperback • Hardcover • Goodreads
#3 ~ The Forever Song: My Review • Ebook • Hardcover • Goodreads

6Apr2014

Joint Review: Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover

Posted in 5 hearts, 6 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover
Series: Maybe #1 (can be read as a standalone)
Publication Date: March 18th 2014
Purchase: Ebook • Paperback • Soundtrack

At twenty-two years old, aspiring musician Sydney Blake has a great life: She’s in college, working a steady job, in love with her wonderful boyfriend, Hunter, and rooming with her good friend, Tori. But everything changes when she discovers Hunter cheating on her with Tori—and she is left trying to decide what to do next.

Sydney becomes captivated by her mysterious neighbor, Ridge Lawson. She can’t take her eyes off him or stop listening to the daily guitar playing he does out on his balcony. She can feel the harmony and vibrations in his music. And there’s something about Sydney that Ridge can’t ignore, either: He seems to have finally found his muse. When their inevitable encounter happens, they soon find themselves needing each other in more ways than one…

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover, a passionate tale of friendship, betrayal, and romance—and the enchanting music that inspires one young woman to put her life back together.

Alrighty, well the first thing I should say is that I finally have time to post more reviews, and what better way to start than with MAYBE freaking SOMEDAY? *fangirling commences*

So. Colleen Hoover. Is it ever possible for you to write a book that I won’t fall in love with? That my entire heart and soul won’t be invested in? That won’t take me, like, 3-4 days to recover from? No? Okay. Well, that’s fine. I’m totally okay with that. You know why? BECAUSE I FREAKING LOVE YOU, COLLEEN.

In case you couldn’t tell, I loooooooved Maybe Someday. It was probably the worst book Colleen Hoover has written so far, in terms of the amount of heartbreak and anguish. This book nearly killed me. And I loved every second of it. I honestly had no idea how much pain and heartbreak Maybe Someday would put me through. I mean, my first impression of this book was that it was freaking hilarious. Laugh-out-loud funny, and in my opinion, Colleen’s funniest book yet. But… as we get more into the story, more involved in the lives of Sydney, Ridge, Warren, and everyone else, all these layers come peeling away. We get such an in-depth look at all the characters that it felt like I knew them, like I connected with their souls. It was perfect.

As the book progressed, I loved that we slowly got know the very hearts of the characters. Sydney isn’t just a girl whose boyfriend has been hooking up with someone else–she’s a kickass girl who writes awesome lyrics to songs. She incredibly relatable–she’s funny, compassionate, and all around a good person. And Ridge is so much more than Sydney’s neighbor who’s talented at playing the guitar. He’s got to be one of the sweetest characters I’ve ever read. Ridge truly has a heart of gold and I fell in love with him over and over in Maybe Someday.

One thing I should highlight is that you absolutely MUST listen to the Maybe Someday soundtrack while reading this book! It makes an already fantastic experience so much better when you actually listen to the songs as they appear in the book. And can I just say–Griffin Peterson is incredible! I am so, so impressed with the songs he and Colleen created.

Maybe Someday is like nothing I’ve ever read. I don’t want to spoil anything about the book, because it’s just so much better to get the full experience without knowing anything, but the direction Colleen Hoover took the story is so unexpected, but so real, raw, honest, and pretty much… perfect. I couldn’t imagine a better story for Sydney and Ridge.

And don’t even get me started on what Maybe Someday did to my emotions. Jesus H. Christ, it was like a freaking roller coaster. But you know what? I love roller coasters. My heart was going crazy for Sydney and Ridge and everyone, because one second it would be full to bursting from love for everything about this book, but then my emotions would shoot straight down to where tears were in my eyes and my heart was aching so badly. Maybe Someday is far from a simple, easy read. It has so much heart–from the characters to the writing, everything comes off the pages so clearly and with so much emotion.

I’m listening to the songs on the soundtrack right now (Hold On to You is my favorite one, though Maybe Someday is a close second) and I still can’t over the beauty of this book and these characters and these words and these songs and these lyrics. And I probably never will. 5+ hearts!

Hey guys!

I know I haven’t been on this blog for a while now (but look at how successful it’s gotten! so proud of Lacey (‘: ) but I decided to write a post for this book.

I will always come back for Colleen Hoover.

Ahh yes, once again, Hoover has lived up to our expectations, if not exceeded them, with Maybe Someday. My feelings throughout the book? Heartbreak, awe, loneliness, happiness, and of course, sadness because of the 1/billion chance of meeting a guy like Ridge. I read this entire book in one sitting, and honestly it was probably the best 3 hours of my life.

When Colleen said that this book would be accompanied with a playlist, I was so excited to see how it would turn out! Since the main characters are both musicians and end up writing songs together, it feels so much more realistic when we actually get to hear the music. Griffin Peterson sounds amazing as well! The lyrics and his voice go together so well, and he sings with so much emotion that completely fits the songs. Not going to lie though, when I heard the first song, i was a bit skeptical because…well, Peterson didn’t sound like what I thought Ridge would. I grew used to it though, and I’ve actually had the entire soundtrack on repeat for the last week. Yep.

Ridge and Sydney’s situation was a mess. It made me cringe, smile, cry, laugh, and shake my head “no” repeatedly. ALSO- can I just say that Warren (Ridge’s best friend) was absolutely HILARIOUS? One of my favorite moments was when Sydney found out that Ridge was part of a band that was pretty well-known, and she started fangirling wow i COULD TOTALLY RELATE (that actually gave me hope that one day I will meet my favorite band member and we will begin our wonderful relationship and have a happily ever after). Their relationship was so cute and so funny, and I JUST LOVE IT. There was so much meaning in everything that they did, and every lyric that they wrote. This was a book that went from lust to heartbreak to even more heartbreak to love to heartbreak and then to full-on love.

It’s actually really amazing how Colleen Hoover is one of the very few authors that has never written a book that I was disappointed in.
Translation: Go read her books.

Until next time! (6 hearts because why would Colleen Hoover deserve anything less)

Update: Colleen Hoover released a novella about Warren!!

Review • Ebook • Goodreads

31Mar2014

Blog Tour + Early Review & Giveaway: Dazed by Kim Karr

Posted in 4 hearts, Blog Tours, Giveaways, Reviews by Lacey

Title: Dazed
Series: Connections #2.5 (full reading order below)
Release date: April 1st, 2014

Jagger Kennedy never went looking for fame, he just fell into it. After scoring a major modeling contract, his clean-cut good looks and charm catapulted his career. But when his actress girlfriend breaks his heart, he moves to L.A. to try his hand at acting. He’s not looking for love—he just needs to make a change.

Aerie Daniels is a woman in control … until she meets Jagger. Her surprising connection with him leaves her dazed and it’s unlike anything she’s ever felt. But just when she lets her walls fall, she makes a startling discovery about Jagger that breaks her fragile heart into a million pieces.

To keep from losing the woman who’s changing his world, Jagger is willing to give up anything—including his career. But even that might not be enough to regain Aerie’s shattered trust…

DAZED IN GENERAL:

Dazed is a Connections Series Novella but it not necessary to read Connected and Torn prior to reading this. Also it has a beginning, a middle, and an end 🙂

Preorder Links:
Amazon • B&N • iTunes

Dazed was such a sweet and heartfelt novella that fans of the series definitely don’t want to miss. It only took a short while for me to finish Dazed, but I enjoyed every minute of it. I adored Aerie and Jagger’s story! I fell for them from the very first page.

We were first introduced to Jagger, River’s cousin, in the lovely epilogue from Torn. He’s a successful model who moves to LA, and here he meets Aerie, Dahlia’s best friend. I loved their first meeting–they have such great chemistry, and they have a fierce attraction towards one another. Jagger is wonderful–I loved reading about him! He’s gorgeous, charming, down-to-earth, and so adorable with all the little facts he randomly says.

As Dahlia’s best friend, Aerie was someone we always saw as strong and fierce who was always there to support her friend. But in Dazed, we get to see a different side of Aerie. She’s actually a vulnerable girl, due to the scars from her past, but I loved her all the more after learning about her past. She’s hesitant to start anything with Jagger, despite their attraction for each other, but Jagger, with all his charms, is hard to resist. I loved seeing the walls around her heart slowly break down as she spends more time with Jagger. The two of them are so perfect for each other!

I really enjoyed the writing in Dazed. Kim Karr managed to make me feel so much for Aerie and Jagger, and my heart was so invested in their story. The characters emotions come off so clearly from the pages–the passion, the troubled pasts, even some angst.

And guess what? If you’ve been missing some River and Dahlia–look no further! River and Dahlia are featured a lot in Dazed. I was so happy to see more of them in this novella, and I loved Jagger and River’s relationship! The two of them are hilarious and witty together.

Dazed is a compelling novella that fans of Kim Karr need to read! And even if you haven’t read the Connections series, I’d recommend this novella. It’s short and sweet and passionate, and overall a beautiful love story. 4 hearts!

Dreamcast

Reading Order: Connections series

#1 ~ Connected: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Torn: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2.5 ~ Dazed: Ebook • Goodreads
#3 ~ Mended: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3.5 ~ Blurred: Ebook • Goodreads
#4 ~ Frayed: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#5 ~ Flawed: Goodreads (2015)
#6 ~ Perfected: Goodreads (2015)

I live in Florida with my husband and four kids. I’ve always had a love for reading books and writing. Being an English major in college, I wanted to teach at the college level but that was not to be. I went on to receive an MBA and became a project manager until quitting to raise my family. I currently work part-time with my husband and full-time embracing one of my biggest passions—writing.I wear a lot of hats! Writer, book-lover, wife, soccer-mom, taxi driver, and the all around go-to person of the family. However, I always find time to read. One of my favorite family outings use to be taking my kids to the bookstore or the library. Today, my oldest child is in college and my twins are juniors so they no longer go with me on these outings. And although I don’t need to go to the actual store anymore because I have the greatest device ever invented—a Kindle, I still do. There’s nothing like a paperback. So now my four year old and I make dates out of going to the bookstore–it’s time I love and cherish.

I like to believe in soulmates, kindred spirits, true friends, and Happily-Ever-Afters. I love to drink champagne, listen to music, and hopes to always stay young at heart.

Website • Facebook • Twitter • Goodreads

5 signed sets of Connected and Torn paperbacks (open internationally)

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25Mar2014

Release Day Review: Twisted by Emma Chase

Posted in 3.5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Twisted by Emma Chase
Series: Tangled #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: March 25th 2014
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher (Gallery Books) in exchange for an honest review

Falling in love is easy. Staying in love is hard. In this heart-pounding follow-up to Tangled by New York Times bestseller Emma Chase, Kate reveals that there is trouble in paradise, when unexpected circumstances force her and Drew to “renegotiate” their relationship.

There are two kinds of people in the world. The ones who look first, and the ones who leap. I’ve always been more of a looker. Cautious. A planner. That changed after I met Drew Evans. He was so persistent. So sure of himself—and of me.

But not all love stories end happily ever after. Did you think Drew and I were going to ride off into the sunset? Join the club. Now I have to make a choice; the most important of my life. Drew already made his—in fact, he tried to decide for the both of us. But you know that’s just not my style. So I came back to Greenville, Ohio, alone. Well, sort of alone…

What I’ve come to realize is that old habits die hard, and sometimes you have to go back to where you began before you can move ahead.

I loved love looooved Tangled, so of course I was ecstatic to read more of Drew and Kate! And I was excited that their second book would be in Kate’s POV (even though I really missed Drew’s POV). But even though I didn’t love Twisted as much as I loved Tangled, Twisted was still a fun, angsty read that fans of Tangled would enjoy. Kate is just as hilarious as Drew, and I loved reading from her POV!

Kate and Drew have been together for two years. They are blissfully in love… or are they?

Did you think Drew and I were going to ride off into the sunset? Live happily ever after? Join the club. Apparently happily ever after only lasts two years.

Cue the gasps!! Imagine my shock and horror when my beloved couple ever fall apart. They were practically MADE for each other! But that’s what happens when misunderstandings and miscommunication occurs in a relationship. Both parties get hurt, and in this case, Drew and Kate… break up. But wait! Drew and Kate fans, don’t despair. Not all hope is lost! I don’t want to spoil the reason for their breakup, but if you’re scared about going into this book, don’t be. I had complete confidence in Emma Chase that she wouldn’t let me down about her characters, and I was right.

When Drew and Kate break up, Kate is understandably devastated. She packs up and goes home, back to Greenville, Ohio. There, she has the comfort of her family and best friend, but even with them, nothing can replace Drew. She loves him, but he hurt her terribly. I wanted to hug her–but mostly I wanted to smack Kate and Drew so badly! Their breakup could’ve been avoided so easily, but one freaking miscommunication leads to so much pain for the both of them.

Twisted has a completely different feel than Tangled–don’t get me wrong, there’s still the laugh-out-loud humor Emma Chase is so great at, but that’s mostly thanks to Dee, Kate’s best friend, and Billy, Dee’s cousin and Kate’s ex-boyfriend, and not thanks to Drew. I was a little disappointed that Drew is absent from a large part of the story, but I was willing to see where Emma Chase would take the story, so I sucked it up and kept reading. And I’m glad I did.

Emma Chase takes us on a completely different direction than I expected after reading Tangled. I wouldn’t say I wholeheartedly loved the different direction, but by the end, I was proud of how Drew and Kate ended up handling things. This book was slightly predictable, but I’m totally willing to forgive that because of the Kate’s fabulous narrative and Dee and Billy’s hilarious banter. Oh, and Drew’s sweet words…

“I love you, Kate. Everything that’s good in my life, anything that really matters, is only there because of you. If we hadn’t met? I’d be fucking miserable–and probably too clueless to even realize it.”

So for fans of Tangled, Twisted might not live up to the first book, but it’s still well worth the read. It’ll make you ache–both from laughing so much and from Kate and Drew’s heartbreaking breakup.

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.

Reading Order: Tangled series

#1 ~ Tangled: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#1.5 ~ Holy Frigging Matrimony: My Review • Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Twisted: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Tamed: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Tied: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

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20Mar2014

Blog Tour + ARC Review, Excerpt & Giveaway: Destroyed by Pepper Winters

Posted in 3.5 hearts, Blog Tours, Giveaways, Reviews by Lacey

Click the banner to follow the tour!

Title: Destroyed
Series: Stand-alone
Author: Pepper Winters
Genre: Dark (Lighter) / Romance (Grey Romance)
Release Date: March 7, 2014
Tour Organized by: As the Pages Turn

She has a secret.

I’m complicated. Not broken or ruined or running from a past I can’t face. Just complicated.

I thought my life couldn’t get any more tangled in deceit and confusion. But I hadn’t met him. I hadn’t realized how far I could fall or what I’d do to get free.

He has a secret.

I’ve never pretended to be good or deserving. I chase who I want, do what I want, act how I want.

I didn’t have time to lust after a woman I had no right to lust after. I told myself to shut up and stay hidden. But then she tried to run. I’d tasted what she could offer me and damned if I would let her go.

One secret destroys them.

Buy Links:
Amazon US • Amazon UK • Amazon CA • Amazon AU
Smashwords • Barnes and Noble

I thought I could save him.
Just like I could save my daughter.
I was wrong.

Destroyed is my very first Pepper Winters book, and it certainly won’t be my last! Destroyed is intense and crazy and heart-pounding, and had me engaged from start to finish. The main characters, Hazel and Roan, are two extremely flawed people who have so much baggage, and yet they’re perfect for each other. I highly enjoyed reading Hazel and Roan’s story so much–I didn’t LOVE it, but it’s a unique book that’s not easily forgotten.

No one had made me feel like Zel. No one held me hostage like Zel.
She’d successfully done in ten minutes what I’d tried to do in two years.
She brought me back to life.

I loved Hazel and Roan’s relationship… not that they have much of one in the beginning. They are very fierce about one another, but something they’re even more passionate about is keeping their pasts hidden. For Hazel, she keeps quiet about the love of her life–her precious daughter, who is unfortunately very, very sick. I had so much admiration for Hazel for being the most incredible single mother ever. Everything Hazel does, she does for her daughter, and their relationship is so beautiful and precious to read. Roan, on the other hand, is hiding a tragic, scarred past. I don’t want to give anything away, but I will say that Roan’s story broke my heart so much. I honestly couldn’t believe the horrors this poor man went through as a boy. Pepper Winters did a tremendous job painting the picture of Roan’s past. My heart ached so much for him.

I didn’t connect much with either Hazel or Roan, but that doesn’t mean I couldn’t enjoy their story, because I did, very much! I was sucked into their story–there are so many secrets surrounding Roan that had me intrigued. It took me a while to warm up to Roan himself though–he’s every bit the alpha-male you can expect, but his past has such a profound effect on him that he can’t have a relationship with anyone, because he’d be dangerous to him. It’s only until Hazel comes in that the bleak future he always imagined starts to turn into something… better.

I really liked how much Hazel stood up to Roan. He’s not someone who is easily defied, but Hazel can match him and go head to head with him, despite the dangerous aura Roan has. Roan and Hazel don’t have an easy road ahead of them–in fact, their story is one of the most pain-ridden and heartbreaking to read. Destroyed will have you feeling every emotion–Pepper Winters has created such great characters with depth in Roan and Hazel. We get both of their POVs, which I enjoyed immensely.

Despite the amount of pain and ugliness that Roan and Hazel have to overcome to reach a HEA, there’s never a shortage of hope and redemption for them. I loved how much the characters had to work to overcome their pasts and find some semblance of a happily ever after with each other. Despite everything, Hazel and Roan were truly meant to be.

“No matter how you fight me, I will never stop. Every day, I’ll try again and again. Every hour, I’ll touch you, just to prove I’m willing to be everything you need and deserve. You’ll never be free of me because of I can’t live another day without you in my fucking life.”

I can’t say I loved every second of Destroyed, but it was certainly an unforgettable read! It’s dark and gut-wrenching, but there’s also so much hope for Hazel and Roan. I was very impressed with Destroyed, and can’t wait to read more from Pepper Winters!

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.

My eyes flared. “Why on my stomach? A vital part of my anatomy isn’t useable unless you intend to teach me how to dry hump a mattress.” I tried to joke, to dispel some of the tense anxiety between us, but Zel’s lips only twitched. I’d mistaken any sense of relief when she secured the padlock—she hadn’t relaxed at all, shaking with tension.

“I want to do something.”

Fuck. She wanted to touch my back. She wanted to look deeper at the tattoos, see beneath the ink to the lash marks and countless other scars hidden beneath the Ghost designs. –ROAN

Pepper Winters wears many roles. Some of them include writer, reader, sometimes wife. She loves dark, taboo stories that twist with your head. The more tortured the hero the better and she constantly thinks up ways to break and fix her characters. Oh, and sex… her books have sex.

She loves to travel and has an amazing, fabulous hubby (who speaks French—hot!) who puts up with her love affair with her book boyfriends. She loves to hear from her readers so hit her up at pepperwinters@gmail.com

Blog • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads • Pinterest

Pepper is offering up the following goodies below. Giveaway is international and ends at 11:59 PM CST 03/24/2014.
1 x signed copy of Destroyed
2 x signed Destroyed swag packs
5 x eBook copies of Destroyed
2 x eBook copies of Tears of Tess
2 x eBook copies Quintessentially Q
1 x signed swag pack of Monsters in the Dark

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