Review: The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay

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Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay

The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: November 13th 2012
Purchase: Ebook • Paperback

I live in a world without magic or miracles. A place where there are no clairvoyants or shapeshifters, no angels or superhuman boys to save you. A place where people die and music disintegrates and things suck. I am pressed so hard against the earth by the weight of reality that some days I wonder how I am still able to lift my feet to walk.

Former piano prodigy Nastya Kashnikov wants two things: to get through high school without anyone learning about her past and to make the boy who took everything from her—her identity, her spirit, her will to live—pay.

Josh Bennett’s story is no secret: every person he loves has been taken from his life until, at seventeen years old, there is no one left. Now all he wants is be left alone and people allow it because when your name is synonymous with death, everyone tends to give you your space.

Everyone except Nastya, the mysterious new girl at school who starts showing up and won’t go away until she’s insinuated herself into every aspect of his life. But the more he gets to know her, the more of an enigma she becomes. As their relationship intensifies and the unanswered questions begin to pile up, he starts to wonder if he will ever learn the secrets she’s been hiding—or if he even wants to.

The Sea of Tranquility is a rich, intense, and brilliantly imagined story about a lonely boy, an emotionally fragile girl, and the miracle of second chances.

THIS BOOK LEGITIMATELY TOOK MY BREATH AWAY. (The cover is trippy trippy though right?)

Going into this book I already had a pretty positive mindset, I suppose you could say. I just knew that it would be one of my favorite books because of all the wonderful things that Lac said. But when I read the summary, my thoughts kind of wavered and I was kind of skeptical because the summary just didn’t sound really appealing. Just the way it was written, didn’t make me feel like it was going to be my type of book, but I was wrong and this book is amazing.

I’d definitely recommend this book to um… anyone. I feel like it touched all these different characteristics and topics that books usually–okay fine nvm–cover. The entire time I was trying to figure out the person who tried to kill, or sorry, killed Nastya. But it was also amazing, like it always is, to listen to her story and see how her life was before, and how much she changed.

I also cried multiple times in this book. Most of those times were when she was with her family </3 BUT also with Josh and Drew. I love them. I wish I was best friends with Drew and Josh. Like honestly, they can be my protective older brothers. But this book was just lakfjd;alkjdflkajsf so perfect I actually want to re-read it right now.

**IF YOU HAVEN’T READ THIS BOOK YET DO NOT READ THE PARAGRAPH BELOW IT WILL RUIN YOUR LIFE. But if you did read it, then read the paragraph because I’m probably going to blow your mind away, but probably not.**

OHMYGOSH. Also, at the end when Josh asked Emilia what she saw when she died and it said how SHE TOLD HIM HER LAST SECRET AND SHE SAID “YOUR GARAGE” OMFG SHE WASN’T FREAKING LYING. BECAUSE REMEMBER AT THE BEGINNING OF THE BOOK WHEN SHE WAS RUNNING AND FOUND JOSH’S HOUSE AND WAS LIKE, FOR SOME REASON I KNOW THIS HOUSE. OMFG GUYS. SUDDEN REALIZATION AS I WAS PROCRASTINATING. OMG. AND THIS ALSO CONNECTS TO WHAT JOSH’S GRANDFATHER SAID ABOUT HOW WHEN HE DIED HE SAW THE SWING AND HE ENDED UP THERE OR SOMETHING AND MARRYING HIS WIFE. FORESHADOWING AND FLASHBACK MUCH KATJA MILLAY!!?!?

5-hearts

shirley

P.S. This review was supposed to go up 2 months ago…heh. Life and school kind of took over. + procrastination, but that’s always a factor. For example, I’m procrastinating on my homework right now.

Book News, Weekly Recap, & Upcoming Releases! {4}

Posted in Book News by

It’s FOUR!!! *fangirls*

Four quote

Want to see a quote from Allegiant in Tris’s POV? Go here!

Ally Carter’s upcoming book is coming SOON!! AHH!! SO excited for it! It’s the very last Gallagher Girls book, so even though I’m happy to read it, I’ll still end up being sad once it’s over. But while we’re waiting for United We Spy to release, here’s Chapter 1 and 2 on Ally’s blog! And here’s the book trailer:

Jessica Sorensen has told us the release date for the sequel for Breaking Nova is February 4th, 2014! Super excited for it, since I really enjoyed Breaking Nova (read my review here).

And OMG! OMG!! Ilona Andrews has a new snippet for Magic Breaks (Kate Daniels #7)!

Sooner or later you’ll break,” he said.

“Keep hoping.”

“You’re a survivor. Voron put you on the edge of that cliff again and again until he conditioned you to claw onto life. You’ll do whatever you have to do to survive. I’m your only chance of getting out. At first you’ll balk, but with every passing hour my offer will look better and better. You’ll convince yourself that dying will accomplish nothing and you should at least go out with a bang. You’ll tell yourself that you’re accepting my offer just so you could stick that [redacted] sword into my chest and feel it cut through my heart. Even if you die afterward, the fact that I’ll stop breathing makes your death mean something. So you’ll call me. And you’ll try to kill me. Except you’ve been three days without food and that body…” He tilted his head. “That body burns through calories like fire goes through gasoline. You’re running out of reserves. I can put you down with one hit.”

“That’s a cute story.”

He tapped his naked chest over his heart. “This is the spot. Give it a shot, Kate. Let’s see what happens.”

You can read all the snippets so far here.

AND there’s a new snippet for City of Heavenly Fire (The Mortal Instruments #6) by Cassandra Clare! (You can read more stuff on her tumblr.)

a rune, hovering like an angel: a shape like two wings joined by a single bar

What does it mean?? I’m honestly excited for the book, but I have no idea where Cassie is going with the series or how she’s going to end it.

Freebies:

Shadows (Lux #0.5) by Jennifer L. Armentrout is FREE on Amazon! Go get it now!

Shadows by Jennifer L. Armentrout
buy from amazon

The last thing Dawson Black expected was Bethany Williams. As a Luxen, an alien life form on Earth, human girls are…well, fun. But since the Luxen have to keep their true identities a secret, falling for one would be insane.

Dangerous. Tempting. Undeniable.

Bethany can’t deny the immediate connection between her and Dawson. And even though boys aren’t a complication she wants, she can’t stay away from him. Still, whenever they lock eyes, she’s drawn in.

Captivated. Lured. Loved.

Dawson is keeping a secret that will change her existence…and put her life in jeopardy. But even he can’t stop risking everything for one human girl. Or from a fate that is as unavoidable as love itself.

Valkyrie Rising by Ingrid Paulson is FREE too!

Valkyrie Rising by Ingrid Paulson
buy from amazon

Nothing ever happens in Norway. But at least Ellie knows what to expect when she visits her grandmother: a tranquil fishing village and long, slow summer days. And maybe she’ll finally get out from under the shadow of her way-too-perfect big brother, Graham, while she’s there.

What Ellie doesn’t anticipate is Graham’s infuriating best friend, Tuck, tagging along for the trip. Nor did she imagine boys going missing amid rumors of impossible kidnappings. Least of all does she expect something powerful and ancient to awaken in her and that strange whispers would urge Ellie to claim her place among mythological warriors. Instead of peace and quiet, there’s suddenly a lot for a girl from L.A. to handle on a summer sojourn in Norway! And when Graham vanishes, it’s up to Ellie—and the ever-sarcastic, if undeniably alluring Tuck—to uncover the truth about all the disappearances and thwart the nefarious plan behind them.

Deadly legends, hidden identities, and tentative romance swirl together in one girl’s unexpectedly-epic coming of age.

What I reviewed this week:

Cover reveals on the blog:

Dreams of Gods & Monsters by Laini Taylor

Dreams of Gods & Monsters (Daughter of Smoke & Bone #3) by Laini Taylor

The Temptation of Lila and Ethan by Jessica Sorensen

The Temptation of Lila and Ethan (The Secret #3) by Jessica Sorensen

Blog Tours and Giveaways:

Stripped-Release-Event-Graphic_AtoMR-Tours

Stripped Release Event
Win a Kindle Fire! Ends Oct. 7

Fate-Graphic_AToMR-Tours

Elizabeth Reyes 3 Year Anniversary Event
Win Kindle Paperwhites and more! Ends Sept. 22

Kindle-Fire-September

Win a Kindle Fire! Ends Sept. 30

Upcoming new releases (so many good ones!):

Perfect Regret by A. Merideth Walters Finders Keepers by Nicole Williams United We Spy by Ally Carter The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater Unchained by Jennifer L. Armentrout Tell Me by Olivia Cunning Covet by Tracey Garvis-Graves A Little Too Far by Lisa Desrochers Thankless in Death by J.D. Robb Saving Raphael Santiago by Cassandra Clare IfForeverComes2.indd 3-59 by Gretchen McNeil Once We Were by Kat Zhang

Early Review: Where the Stars Still Shine by Trish Doller

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by

Where the Stars Still Shine by Trish Doller

Where the Stars Still Shine by Trish Doller
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: September 24th 2013
Links: Ebook • Hardcover • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher (Bloomsbury USA Children’s Books) in exchange for an honest review

Stolen as a child from her large and loving family, and on the run with her mom for more than ten years, Callie has only the barest idea of what normal life might be like. She’s never had a home, never gone to school, and has gotten most of her meals from laundromat vending machines. Her dreams are haunted by memories she’d like to forget completely. But when Callie’s mom is finally arrested for kidnapping her, and Callie’s real dad whisks her back to what would have been her life, in a small town in Florida, Callie must find a way to leave the past behind. She must learn to be part of a family. And she must believe that love–even with someone who seems an improbable choice–is more than just a possibility.

Trish Doller writes incredibly real teens, and this searing story of love, betrayal, and how not to lose your mind will resonate with readers who want their stories gritty and utterly true.

I’ve never read a book by Trish Doller before, but I was thoroughly impressed. I requested a copy from Netgalley because of the premise and gorgeous cover. And I’m so glad I did because I enjoyed this book so much! It was slow and raw and heartwarming and sweet, and shows so much how you absolutely can find love no matter who you are, what you are, what you’ve done or where you’re from.

Callie was a great narrator. She was real, even though she had been on the run with her mom for twelve years. She’s hesitant about going back into a normal life, but I mean, who wouldn’t if you’ve never had any semblance of a normal life for over a decade? I wanted to feel sorry for her, but she’s a tough girl. She can handle her own, as she’s been doing the past twelve years, even if some things in her past do continue to haunt her. And the fact that she’s so resistant to her father and his family makes it hard for her to see how much they love her. Her new (well, technically it’s ‘old’) family is loving and welcoming, but Callie can’t accept their love. She feels like she’s betraying her mother, whom she still loves. But eventually, her family worms their way into her heart, and Callie knows that she’ll do anything for them, and that they’ll do anything for her. They teach and give her the unconditional love she never really had, and it was so touching and uplifting to read.

Greek culture is a pretty big part of the book, which was refreshing. The town Callie’s father lives in is a Greek tourist-y place, and Callie finds work selling Greek-like souvenirs with her cousin Kat. I never really read books that feature Greek culture, so it was a good kind of different to read about the food, the people, the language. I loved the Greek touch to the book! Made me want to go to Greece, see some Greek boys… *sigh*

Alex Kosta is the older boy Callie meets who she instantly is intrigued with. He’s beautiful but has something inside him that makes her want to know all his secrets, and tell him all her secrets. Their relationship was slow and awkward and bittersweet. I didn’t really connect with Alex, but I still felt he was perfect for Callie. He brought out the best in her, made her feel, and made her fall in love. And Callie is different for him as well. They connect in a way that they never have with anyone else before, and they show each other that love is possible for them both.

Favorite quote:

There are so many maybes in life, but sometimes you just have to put your faith in possibility.

I enjoyed reading this book so much. The dark and gritty balanced perfectly well with the sweet and heartwarming. I definitely recommend it for those who like their books a bit slow but moving. Now I’m really looking forward to reading Trish Doller’s first book, Something Like Normal.

4 hearts
lacey

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

Also by Trish Doller

 

Something Like Normal: Ebook • Hardcover • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
The Devil You Know: Ebook • Hardcover • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

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Promo Event + Guest Post & Giveaway: Elizabeth Reyes

Posted in Giveaways, Spotlight by

Forever-Mine-Graphic_AToMR-Tours

What comes to mind when you hear the name Elizabeth Reyes? Hot guys, Hot romance, and Hot books! In honor of her first book release three years ago, September 6th-17th is everything Elizabeth Reyes! From Forever Mine (The Moreno Brothers, #1) to Abel (5th Street, #4) nothing is left out of this celebration.

During this promotional event, the author will have Noah and Forever Mine both on sale for $.99 cents!

MB-banner

5th Street Banner

Fate Cover

Titles: The Moreno Brothers, 5th Street, and Fate series
Author: Elizabeth Reyes
Genre: Contemporary romance
Age Group: New Adult
Event organized by: AToMR Tours
Elizabeth’s Amazon Page

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FACTS ABOUT THE MORENO BROTHERS SERIES
By Elizabeth Reyes

  • I started writing Forever Mine in the tenth grade. The first seven or so chapters were put away into a drawer for many years. I finally found it one day and decided I needed to finish it.
  • The Moreno Brothers was never going to be a five-book series. In fact, originally it wasn’t going to be a series at all. I was just writing a love story about a high school senior who had two brothers and several friends who falls hard for the new girl in school. One story only.
  • When I finally finished Forever Mine the first time, it was about ten chapters shorter than the final everyone has read. After going back and finishing it, I put it away again because something about the ending just wasn’t doing it for me. I pulled it out again two years later and rewrote the ending.  During this two-year hiatus, I did take it out and tweak here and there so the whole gang was in my head all the time. But then I sat down finalized the ending. Only then, when it was truly done, did I feel completely depressed because I missed my characters. That was when I decided there had to be more.
  • When I decided there would be more, it was The Moreno Brothers for a reason. I was only going to write the stories of the three brothers, until Sofia and Eric’s story started to come to me as all my new stories come to me—relentlessly, at night, and when I’m trying to sleep.
  • Sweet Sofie was supposed to be a 30-40k word short novella. This was when I found out I’m incapable of writing anything short. Consequently I’ve always said I was going to write Moreno Brothers’ holiday novellas, but I’m afraid to even start because I’m certain they will turn into full-length novels!
  • Romero’s story was never supposed to see the light of day. But I tell you once my readers plant the seed the story takes on a life of its own. His story came to me slowly and then just started to snowball and I had to write it. His by far has been the one I was most nervous about putting out there, especially since he is so different from his more proper counterparts in the series.
  • I’ve often mentioned that my muse takes over all the time. This is probably hard to believe, but some of the twists and sudden changes in the plots take me by as much surprise as they do my readers. One perfect example of when my thoughts actually made it into the narrative is when Angel is sitting in his car watching Sarah and the coach talking in the bleachers. Try as he might to stay calm about it he finally starts walking toward them. The very next line after that happens is “He had no idea what he was going to say or do, but even the voice in his head couldn’t stop him.” Okay, that voice? That was me! I sat up straight as I often do when the story starts to write itself thinking WTH!? What’s he gonna do? LOL
  • (Whispers) I actually toyed with idea of having Sofie leave Eric for Brandon. (Dodges tomatoes and eggs from angry Eric loyalists.) But I didn’t!! =D Still, I felt Brandon needed his happily ever after, and that’s why I’ll be giving it to him very soon. Of course, there will be a ton of turmoil, angst, and heart-stopping twists before he gets it. Hey! If he wants it just like all my other guys, he’ll have to take it like a man! 😉
  • Many have mentioned enjoying reading about these second-generation Morenos. There are still quite a few first-generation stories that haven’t been told, but let the record show that the seed has been planted. 😉
  • I still crack up when I read certain scenes in Romero, especially the ones with Manny and Max.

5th-Street-Series-Gio-Quote_AToMR-Tours

giveaway
(3) Kindle Paperwhites – US Only
(2) Audio book sets of The Moreno Brothers Series + Fate – US Only
(2) Audio book sets of 5th Street Series (Abel is not included as it is not on audio yet) – US Only
(1) Signed set of The Moreno Brothers including Fate, the first book in the spin-off series, plus swag – International
(1) Signed set of the 5th Street series plus swag – International
(9) eBook copies of any Elizabeth Reyes title, winner’s choice – International

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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about the author

I write because I must. It’s not a choice or a pastime, it’s an unyielding calling and my passion.”
~Elizabeth Reyes~

Elizabeth continues to answer to her calling on a daily basis. Since releasing her debut novel Forever Mine (Moreno Brothers #1) in 2010 she has now published 10* novels total and fast at work on the next. The excitement her Moreno Brothers, 5th Street, and Fate series have garnered have far exceeded her wildest dreams. It is with as much excitement that she’ll continue to put out books related to these series as well as introduce brand new ones very soon.

Website • Facebook

Additional places to find out more about Elizabeth Reye’s books:

Moreno Brothers Page on her blog with LOTS of excerpts and extras.

5th Street page on the author’s blog. Lots of excerpts and teasers of each book in series.

AToMRTours_mdm

Cover Reveal: The Temptation of Lila and Ethan by Jessica Sorensen

Posted in Cover Reveals by

The Temptation of Lila and Ethan by Jessica Sorensen
The Temptation of Lila and Ethan (The Secret #3) by Jessica Sorensen
Publication Date: October 22nd 2013

On the surface, Lila Summers is flawless: good looks, expensive clothes, and a big, beautiful smile. But a dark past and even darker secrets are threatening to bubble over her perfect façade. She’ll do anything to keep the emptiness inside hidden-which leads her into situations that always end badly. Whenever she hits bottom, there’s only one person who’s there to pull her out: Ethan Gregory.

Ethan set the rules a long time ago: he and Lila are just friends. He doesn’t do relationships. Although his tattooed, bad boy exterior is a far cry from Lila’s pretty princess image, Ethan can’t deny they have a deeper connection than he’s used to. If he’s not careful, he could be in serious danger of becoming attached-and he’s learned the hard way that attachment only leads to heartbreak.

When Lila falls farther than she ever has before, can Ethan continue to help as a friend? Or is he also getting close to falling . . . for her?

What a pretty cover! I’m so happy that Ethan is getting his own book. So excited to read it!

Which reminds me: I really need to read book #2.

lacey

Reading Order: The Secret series

The Secret of Ella and Micha by Jessica Sorensen The Forever of Ella and Micha Jessica Sorensen The Temptation of Lila and Ethan by Jessica Sorensen

#– The Secret of Ella and Micha | Ebook | Paperback | Goodreads
#2 – The Forever of Ella and Micha | Ebook | Paperback | Goodreads
#3 – The Temptation of Lila and Ethan | Ebook | Paperback | Goodreads