DNF Review: Seeker by Arwen Elys Dayton

Seeker
(Seeker #1)
Author: Arwen Elys Dayton
Release Date: February 10, 2015
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Source: NetGalley
Review by: Nahomi

Quin Kincaid has been put through years of brutal training for what she thinks is the noble purpose of becoming a revered ‘Seeker’.

Only when it’s too late does she discover she will be using her new-found knowledge and training to become an assassin. Quin's new role will take her around the globe, from a remote estate in Scotland to a bustling, futuristic Hong Kong where the past she thought she had escaped will finally catch up with her.

1 star out of 5 stars
*I received an eARC of this title from the publisher but it did not influenced this review in any way.*
***This is a Did Not Finish review. Therese are my thoughts of what I read.***

I am so disappointed that I wasn't able to get into Seeker, it sounded so good. I was really excited about getting into a new series full of action and mystery, but it just wasn't meant to be. I got 31% in and I couldn't continue reading for a couple of reasons. The concept is good but as I started reading my initial issue was with the narration. I've read books in third person and sometimes I have issues getting into them but if I'm hooked on the story then I can get over the narration issues. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case here. I found the narration to be confusing, making it hard to follow the story.

The main reason I couldn't continue reading is that even at 31% into the book I wasn't invested in the story. I wasn't connecting with any of the characters. Even after the initial revelation of what was actually happening in the story, I lost interest in what was happening. I tried several times to continue reading but I just couldn't get through it.

Favorite Friday (#25) - Ignite by Sara B. Larson

Have a favorite book? Series? One that you've just read or are currently reading? Favorite Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Books and Swoons where we spotlight some of our Favorite Reads. Everyone is welcome to join. Just enter your information on the linky or leave us a comment!

This week pick is: Ignite by Sara B. Larson.

Alexa remains by the newly crowned King Damian’s side as his guard, ever committed to helping him rebuild Antion and reclaim the hope of Antion's people, despite continuing to harbor a secret love for him. However, when another threat to Damian and his kingdom emerges, and blame is cast on their newly forged allies from Blevon, Alexa knows things are not what they seem. With the fate of her nation hanging in the balance once again, will Alexa be able to protect her king and uncover the true enemy -- before it's too late?

I was so excited when this book came out this year that I downloaded it at midnight on its release date. This is such a great series full of mystery, action, and suspense that I can't wait to get my hands on the final installment!

About the author:

Sara B. Larson is the author of the acclaimed YA Fantasy DEFY that released from Scholastic in January 2014, and the forthcoming sequel IGNITE (December 30th, 2014). She can’t remember a time when she didn’t write books—although she now uses a computer instead of a Little Mermaid notebook. Sara lives in Utah with her husband and their three children. She writes during naptime and the quiet hours when most people are sleeping. Her husband claims she should have a degree in “the art of multitasking.” When she’s not mothering or writing, you can often find her at the gym repenting of her sugar addiction.

Author's links: Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook

I hope you can join us in sharing and talking about some of your favorite reads. Book talk always make me happy. 

What are one of your favorite reads?

Book Promo + Playlist: Blushing by Katie Delahanty

Morning Swooners,

I am so excited to have Katie Delahanty here with us today! Katie is the author of In Bloom and Blushing, The Brightside series. I  LOVED In Bloom (you can see my review here) and I'm so happy to have her here today. Music is an integral part of The Brightside series, and today we get to check out Katie's playlist for Blushing!

Katie:
I can’t write without music—getting lost in a song and letting my imagination run wild is such an important part of the process for me. Here is a compilation of songs (in no particular order) that I was listening to while writing Blushing.

“Love Like This” by Kodaline
Even if it makes me a little sad (a love like Liv&Berk’s better last forever!)…it always puts me in the writing mood.

“Is This How You Feel?” By The Preatures
 Just pure happy…

“From Now On” by Delta Spirit

"Got to My Head” by Waters
Justin might sing this to Liv…

"Almost Lover" by A Fine Frenzy

“Work it Out” by Knox Hamilton
They can work it out…right?

“Love Runs Out” by One Republic
Ryan Tedder writes the best songs…he’s friends with Berkeley, for sure.

“California (Cast Iron Soul)” by Jamestown Revival
My inspiration for Coconut Teaszer’s sound!

Thanks for sharing your playlist with us, Katie. These are such great songs! Check out both In Bloom and Blushing live now. It's such a great series!

My name is Olivia Bloom and I. Am. Engaged.

When Berkeley proposed I thought we’d live happily ever after—we’d plan our wedding and he’d tour with the Brightside while I continued designing lingerie. But instead he dropped a bombshell that turned my life upside down: he’s set to star in a movie with, who else, his gorgeous ex, Christina Carlton. And what’s more? I’ve been erased from the public eye. All anyone can talk about is #Berkstina.

Berkeley wants me to work on set as a costume designer—a dream come true—but there’s a catch; we have to keep our relationship secret. I’m okay with not being photographed, but the sneaking around, the lies, the love scenes; it’s not how I imagined our engagement. I know Berkeley is passionate and driven, but he has so much going on—I don’t know if we can take it. I’m starting to wonder how well I know him.

I love him, but am I ready to drop everything and decide the rest of my life? To become Olivia Dalton?

My name is Olivia Bloom and I. Am. Free.

I left for LA with everything I owned piled into my old Volkswagen and dreams of becoming a costume designer. Little did I know I’d wind up designing for a lingerie company—yeah, not sure how I landed this gig—and taken under the wing of two young Hollywood insiders. The fashion shows and parties were great, but life really got exciting when the seriously hottest lead singer of my favorite band started to fall for me.

How does someone like me, an ordinary girl from Pittsburgh, wind up in the arms of the world’s sexiest rock star—surrounded by celebrities, fashion, and music—and not be eaten alive? Berkeley is everything I've ever dreamed of in a boyfriend, but the paparazzi, the tabloids, the rumors, it's all getting a bit too crazy. My life has become every girl’s dream come true, if only I don’t blink and lose it all…

About the author:

Katie Delahanty is a fashion designer turned novelist. She graduated with a BA in Communication Studies from UCLA and a Professional Designation in Fashion Design from FIDM. Her debut novel, IN BLOOM was published by Entangled Publishing in February 2014 and her second novel, BLUSHING, is due out in early 2015. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband.

Author's links: Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook

Waiting on Wednesday (#97)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Morning swooners!

This week pre-publication "can't wait to read" selection is:

Paradise City by C J Duggan

Expected Release Date: April 28, 2015

Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Goodreads

Synopsis:

There's bound to be trouble in Paradise . . .

When her parents decide a change will be good for her, seventeen-year-old Lexie Atkinson never expected they'd send her all the way to Paradise City. Coming from a predictable life of home schooling on a rural Australian property, she's sure that Paradise will be amazing. But when she's thrust into a public school without a friendly face in sight, and forced to share a room with her insipid, hateful cousin Amanda, Lexie's not so sure.

Hanging out with the self-proclaimed beach bums of the city, sneaking out, late night parties and parking with boys are all things Lexie's never experienced, but all that's about to change. It's new, terrifying . . . and exciting. But when she meets Luke Ballantine, excitingdoesn't even come close to describing her new life. Trouble with a capital T, Luke is impulsive, charming and answers to no one. The resident bad-boy leader of the group, he's sexier than any boy Lexie has ever known.

Amidst the stolen moments of knowing looks and heated touches, Lexie can't help but wonder if Luke is going to be good for her . . . or very, very bad?

I really like C.J. Duggan's Summer series and I can't wait to read what she has in store for us with this new series!

What are you "Waiting on?"

Blog Tour Stop: Review + Giveaway: Rebound by Noelle August

Rebound
(Boomerang #2)
Author: Noelle August
Release Date: February 10, 2015
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Source: Edelweiss
Review by: Jenn

Noelle August has taken the New Adult genre by storm, and readers can’t wait to see what chaos, confusion, and connections arise at the Boomerang offices next.

Adam Blackwood has it all. At twenty-three, he’s fabulously wealthy, Ryan Gosling-hot and at the top of his game in the business world. His life is perfect, until a scandal from his past resurfaces and threatens to knock the tech wunderkind down and throw his company, Boomerang, a hook-up site for millennials, into chaos.

Alison Quick, the twenty-one-year-old daughter of a business tycoon—and the very ex-girlfriend of Boomerang’s former intern, Ethan—has a problem of her own. After nearly flunking out in her senior year of college, she has one chance to redeem herself to her father by proving that she deserves a place in his corporate empire. That means spearheading her father’s plan to sink big money into Adam’s company and launch it into the stratosphere—provided Adam has no skeletons in his closet.

When the two meet, their sizzling chemistry makes it tough to keep things strictly professional. But when Alison discovers Adam’s secret, she knows she should bring it right to her father, who’ll leverage it for his own gain and use it to ruin Adam. The only problem: she’s falling for Adam—hard.

Will earning her father’s approval come at the price of losing her first real love? Or can Adam and Alison leave behind past mistakes and conquer the world—together?

4 stars out of 5 stars

*I received an eARC of this title from the publisher but it did not influenced this review in any way.*

I think that Rebound is absolute perfection. It had me hooked from page one and I couldn't read fast enough. I adore it and I want/need everyone to read it so I can flail and swoon over Adam. I originally started the book with the intention to read a few pages but before I knew it, I was obsessed with it and couldn't focus on my classes until I finished it. Which I did in an afternoon when I should have been studying for finals.

Rebound was such a quick and fun read and I wish I had the time to reread it because I really enjoyed it. Adam and Alison were so fun in getting to know, both together and individually and their UST were off the charts. Noelle August did UST sooooo good and for that, I will forever love them. I legit felt Adam and Alison's attraction and chemistry through the pages and I think that says something for the way Noelle August writes.

Noelle August truly impressed me with this book. I knew I was going enjoy the book after hearing about it but after reading it? LOVE. While it was a little predictable at certain scenes, I just adored it so much that I just overlook it and enjoy it for it is: a fun, quick, and enjoyable read.

I  can't WAIT until Bounce. But in the meantime, go out and buy this book so we can talk and flail and just plain TALK about this book. Trust me, you'll kick yourself for not reading it sooner.

About the author: 

Question: What do you get when friends pen a story with heart, plenty of laughs, and toe-curling kissing scenes? Answer: Noelle August, the pseudonym for renowned editor and award-winning writer Lorin Oberweger and New York Times bestselling YA author Veronica Rossi, the masterminds behind the Boomerang series.

Author's link: Website / Twitter / Facebook

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour schedule:

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http://www.lulofangirl.com                                            2/23/2015

http://www.fiktshun.com                                               2/23/2015

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www.thecovercontessa.com                                          2/23/2015

http://www.libraryofabookwitch.com                        2/24/2015

www.fictionfare.blogspot.com                                      2/24/2015

http://desertdivasbookaddiction.wordpress.com   2/24/2015

http://bumblesandfairytales.blogspot.com             2/24/2015

http://www.supernaturalsnark.blogspot.com         2/24/2015

http://www.booksandswoons.com                              2/24/2015

http://sheheartsbooks7.blogspot.com/                     2/24/2015

http://bookcrush.in/                                                           2/24/2015

https://fandomlybookish.blogspot.com                    2/24/2015

http://www.mereadalot.net                                           2/25/2015

http://www.bookwormbetties.com/                          2/25/2015

http://www.owlalwaysbereading.com                       2/25/2015

literaryetc.com                                                                      2/25/2015

http://lostineverafter.blogspot.ca                                2/25/2015

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Favorite Heroines in Books

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by the wonderful girls at The Broke and The Bookish. Every week the girls come up with a subject and we have to answer them.

Morning Swooners, 

This is one of our favorite Top Ten Tuesdays because Jenn and I love kick ass female characters. All of the heroines below exemplify strong women who persevere through adversity to achieve their goals. They all have different strengths and weaknesses but they are all strong female characters that that aren't afraid to go after what they want. So here's our list of our Top Ten favorite book heroines of all time:

Jenn's pick:

Celaena Sardothien

Sam McKenna

Hermione Granger

Juliette

MacKayla (Mac)

Nahomi's pick:

Mia Mitchell

 Beatrice (Tris) Prior

Alexa Hollen

Harlow

Anna Whitt

That's it for us,what are your top ten favorite book heroines?

Quotes (#96)

This is how we feel in Florida

Morning Swooners, 

I had to poke a little fun at us Floridians after having about the coldest weather we've had this year. I will say I am guilty of turning on the heater *gasps* granted it got downs to the 30 last week. Now we are back to our normal 80 degree weather. And now our quotes for today...

“You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.” 

~Dr. Seuss

“There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.” 

~ Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

“I like the night. Without the dark, we'd never see the stars.” 

~ Stephenie Meyer, Twilight

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” 

~ Eleanor Roosevelt

“You can have it all. Just not all at once.” 

~ Oprah Winfrey

“Dare to live the life you have dreamed for yourself. Go forward and make your dreams come true.”

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Some people see things that are and ask, Why? 
Some people dream of things that never were and ask, Why not? 
Some people have to go to work and don't have time for all that.” 

~ George Carlin

Hope y'all have a great week!

Review: Stupid Boy by Cindy Miles

Stupid Boy
(Stupid in Love #2)
Author: Cindy Miles
Release Date: February 17, 2015
Publisher: The Knight Agency
Source: Xpresso Book Tours
Review by: Nahomi

Brax Jenkins and Olivia Beaumont are the most envied couple at Winston University—but the so-called “virginity dare,” orchestrated by Brax’s old fraternity, almost tore them apart. Now, a new dare is taking shape, and it’s sure to set emotions ablaze--more than ever before.

Winston’s “It Girl” Harper Belle isn’t just president of the Deltas--she’s also a master at keeping her ugly past a secret. So, when the Kappas’ dare hits closer to home for her more than anyone realizes, she devises a competition of her own as payback. Three sorority sisters will seek out a notorious womanizer on campus and--unbeknownst their “mark”--secretly train him to be the perfect boyfriend. Always up for a challenge, Harper targets the biggest player she can find: Brax’s wickedly handsome foster brother Kane McCarthy.

But, Harper discovers there’s much more to Kane than girls, games, and partying. His easy smile belies the quiet, old soul reflected in his deep brown eyes. All it takes is one night, one secret laid bare, and one kiss from Kane to shift Harper’s world on its axis. Suddenly, the girl who’s always walked a straight and narrow path can’t think of anything else except losing control.

5 stars out of 5 stars

I was totally consumed by this story. I started the book thinking, let me read a few pages to get a feel for the story...three hours later I had to force myself to put it down so I could get some sleep. Stupid Boy is a wonderful story and I fell in love with Harper and Kane's story. I was so happy that I was able to catch up with Brax and Olivia from Stupid Girl. It was great having all of these wonderful characters together.

On the surface the story is a little predictable, but once you get deeper into the story there are some major plot twist that left me with my mouth open and keep me wondering what's going to happen next. There is a certain mystery throughout the plot line that kept me hooked and turning pages.

I was totally invested in Harper and Kane's journey individually and as a couple. Harper's character is strong and she keeps it together exceptionally well considering all of the traumatic experiences she's been through. Kane is the opposite of Brax, he is quiet and although he is strong and can defend himself like Brax his personality demands respect. Although everything on the outside screams bad boy he is just a sweetie.

This is just a great story and Cindy Miles does a phenomenal job of portraying these characters and their stories so that the reading feels invested in their story.

Favorite Friday (#24) - The Last Time We Say Goodbye by Cynthia Hand

Have a favorite book? Series? One that you've just read or are currently reading? Favorite Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Books and Swoons where we spotlight some of our Favorite Reads. Everyone is welcome to join. Just enter your information on the linky or leave us a comment!

This week pick is: The Last Time We Say Goodbye by Cynthia Hand.

There's death all around us.
We just don't pay attention.
Until we do.

The last time Lex was happy, it was before. When she had a family that was whole. A boyfriend she loved. Friends who didn't look at her like she might break down at any moment.

Now she's just the girl whose brother killed himself. And it feels like that's all she'll ever be.

As Lex starts to put her life back together, she tries to block out what happened the night Tyler died. But there's a secret she hasn't told anyone-a text Tyler sent, that could have changed everything.

Lex's brother is gone. But Lex is about to discover that a ghost doesn't have to be real to keep you from moving on.

We just read this book and like all Cynthia Hand does it's definitely one of our very favorites. Cynthia Hand does an extraordinary telling this heartbreaking story.

About the author:

Cynthia Hand is the New York Times bestselling author of the Unearthly series with HarperTeen: UNEARTHLY, HALLOWED, RADIANT (an enovella) and BOUNDLESS. Currently she lives in southern California with her husband and two small children. She teaches courses in creative writing at Pepperdine University.usband and three children.

Author's links: Website / Goodreads / Twitter /Facebook

I hope you can join us in sharing and talking about some of your favorite reads. Book talk always make me happy. 

What are one of your favorite reads?

Blog Tour Stop: Review + Giveaway: When Joss Met Matt by Ellie Cahill

When Joss Met Matt
Author: Ellie Cahill
Release Date: February 24, 2015
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Source: NetGalley
Review by: Jenn

In the tradition of New Adult superstar Jessica Sorensen, Ellie Cahill’s debut novel is a charming friends-with-benefits story . . . with a twist!

What if after every bad breakup, there was someone to help “cleanse your palate”—someone who wouldn’t judge you, who was great in bed, someone you were sure not to fall in love with? “Sorbet sex” could solve everything—as long as it never got too sweet.

Joss and Matt have been friends since freshman year of college, meeting one night after Joss is dumped by her boyfriend. After a few drinks, Matt humors her with a proposition: that he’ll become her go-to guy whenever she needs to heal a broken heart. In return, she’ll do the same for him. The #1 Rule: They’ll never fall in love with each other. People scoff at the arrangement. But six years later, Joss and Matt are still the best of friends . . . with benefits.

Through a string of boyfriends and girlfriends—some almost perfect, some downright wrong—Joss and Matt are always there for each other when the going gets tough. No strings. No attachments. Piece of cake. No problem. After all, since they wrote the rules, surely they can play by them. Or can they?

4 stars out of 5 stars

*I received an eARC of this title from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. However, it did not influence this review in any way.*

When I first heard that Liz Czukas was releasing a New Adult novel under a pen name, I rushed to get all the details. I needed to be sure it was on my calendar so I could go out and buy myself a copy. So when I saw that it was up on NetGalley, I couldn't click request fast enough.

When Joss Met Matt hooked me from page one and I instantly loved Joss's voice. I found her to be funny and sarcastic and Matt was my favorite. I loved him and his sense of humor. I so thoroughly enjoyed Joss and Matt's friendship. I thought it was hilarious at how they first became friends and it is everything I am looking for in a New Adult novel. Everyone who knows me, knows that I love the friends to more storyline and this book delivers on it. Their connection and relationship was so well fleshed out that I just wanted them together because they work so well as a team.

My one and only complaint from the book were the "excuses" that Joss was using to keep Matt at bay. To me, it just felt like a way to make unnecessary drama. Other than that, I loved the whole concept of this book. Sorbet sex? Genius.

I 'm super happy about this book and I hope to see more NA from Cahill. I just know that I will read anything that she writes. When Joss Met Matt was a such a quick and easy read and I recommend this title to everyone in the mood for a palate cleanser. (Pun intended)

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the author: 

Ellie Cahill is a freelance writer and also writes books for young adults under the name Liz Czukas. She lives outside Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with her husband, son, and the world’s loudest cat.

Author Links: Facebook / Twitter / Website / Instagram