REVIEW: Boomerang (Boomerang #1) by Noelle August

Boomerang (Boomerang #1) by Noelle August

Publication Date: July 8, 2014

Publisher: William Morrow
Source: Book Purchased by Reviewer

Buy it at: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

My rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

Welcome to Boomerang.com, the dating site for the millennial gen with its no-fuss, no-commitments matchups, and where work is steamier than any random hook-up.

Mia Galliano is an aspiring filmmaker. Ethan Vance has just played his last game as a colligiate soccer star. They're sharp, hungry for success, and they share a secret.

Last night, Ethan and Mia met at a bar, and, well...one thing led to another, which led to them waking up the next morning-together. Things turned awkward in a hurry when they found themselves sharing a post hook-up taxi...to the same place: Boomerang headquarters.

What began as a powerful connection between them is treated to a cold shower courtesy of two major complications. First, Boomerang has a strict policy against co-worker datings. And second, they're now competitors for only one job at the end of the summer. 

As their internships come to an end, will they manage to keep their eyes on the future and their hands off each other, or will the pull of attraction put them right back where they started?

I'm not normally one for New Adult, but I have to admit that I really loved this book. I tend to stick close to the Young Adult genre, but after reading the Under the Never Sky series by Veronica Rossi I decided long ago that I would read anything she writes. So naturally I stalked her at the book launch in Tampa, Florida and got my copy signed the day it released. [Pats self on back!]

We meet Mia and Ethan after a special one night stand. After waking up and realizing that they are both late for a new job in the same area. They decide to share a cab to save time and money. When the cab arrives they realize that they are starting their first day at the same job. How awkward right? The opening scene was definitely a great intro to the story and gave us a feel for Mia and Ethan as characters.

Overall Mia and Ethan were both really fun and likeable. I loved how easy their banter was and how sarcastic they both were with each other. It made them both really fun to read. I especially loved the chemistry between them which was obvious from the first page to the last page. The little bouts of jealousy they both had over the others dates with potential Boomerang clients was especially fun to read. They really were just perfect together and so cute to watch the relationship bloom.

Lorin and Veronica both did great jobs with the character building for each chapter. I definitely love these two working together and can't wait to read the rest of the series with them.

REVIEW: United We Spy (Gallagher Girls #6) by Ally Carter

United We Spy (Gallagher Girls #6) by Ally Carter

Publication Date: July 29, 2014

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Source: Book Purchased By Reviewer

Buy it at: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

My rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

Cammie Morgan has lost her father and her memory, but in the heart-pounding conclusion to the bestselling Gallagher Girls series, she finds her greatest mission yet. Cammie and her friends finally know why the terrorist organization called the Circle of Cavan has been hunting her. Now the spy girls and Zach must track down the Circle’s elite members to stop them before they implement a master plan that will change Cammie-and her country-forever.

Let me start by saying that I'm so sad that this series is finished. It feels like an old fiend that i'm being forced to say goodbye to. For as long as I can remember, I was a Gallagher Girl. Now, I feel like their graduation was also my graduation and now it's time to grow up and say goodbye. I feel unready and unwilling to face this cruel world alone, but I know that the skills i've learned over the years will guide me. Cammie, Bex, Macey, and even Liz will guide me. I've learned so much from them over the years, I just hope that I can make my life as exceptional as they have made theirs.

I feel like their is so much I want to tell you about this final installment of the Gallagher Girls series, but I know that I really can't say much without giving it all away. If only the synopsis gave just a little bit more details. Oh well. Looks like all you get to read from is how it all made me feeeeeeel.

Of course, I can still state the obvious. Like the fact that Zachary Goode is still the swooniest boy ever! And I will pretty much base all of my future boyfriends off of his character. After all, it only takes one word from him to make me swoon every time. Read: Spy (as he points to himself) swoooooooonnnnnnn!!!!

I think that the author, without knowing it at the time, gave us a gift with this series. She gave us a world that is real enough to actually be true! She gave us the hope that their lives could be OUR lives! She gave us a realistic girl with a (possibly) realistic life and a realistic problem that we can all (semi) relate to. Ally Carter probably didn't know it at the time, but she gave us a dream. A dream that could reshape our entire lives just by letting us believe and KNOW that we could be just as good as the Gallagher Girls because deep inside we're ALL Gallagher Girls! Thanks for the great ride, Ally!

REVIEW: Blackbird (Blackbird #1) by Anna Carey~ BEA 2014

Blackbird (Blackbird #1) by Anna Carey

Publication Date: September 16, 2014

Publisher: Harper Teen
Source: ARC received from Publisher at Book Expo America 2014

Buy it at: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

*This book was received from the publisher, but it did not influence this review in any way *

My rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

This twisty, breathless cat-and-mouse thrill ride, told in the second person, follows a girl with amnesia in present-day Los Angeles who is being pursued by mysterious and terrifying assailants.

A girl wakes up on the train tracks, a subway car barreling down on her. With only minutes to react, she hunches down and the train speeds over her. She doesn’t remember her name, where she is, or how she got there. she has a tattoo on the inside of her wrist of a blackbird inside a box, letters and numbers printed just below: FNV02198. There is only one thing she knows for sure: people are trying to kill her.

On the run for her life, she tries to untangle who she is and what happened to the girl she used to be. Nothing and no one are what they appear to be. But the truth is more disturbing than she ever imagined.

First off, I did not like the second person POV. I didn't. I. Just. Didn't. It was just so hard to get into reading. My thought is that the author wanted to give the reader the feeling of actually being in the story, but that is definitely not the feeling I got while reading. Frustration. Frustration is the feeling that I got while reading this book. And yea, at some point I got over it and was able to really enjoy the story, but that annoyed feeling kept creeping up on me,

Second, I was very disappointed with the ending of the book. I had to remind myself that this series is a duology and not a stand alone. There were a few minutes of tantruming at the slight cliff hanger and then just pure hatred at the shocking plot twist that left me feeling completely unsatisfied. Of course, after the initial shock of everything, and much time spent mulling over it, I realized that I actually enjoyed the book way more than I thought I would. I also realized that the sequel is probably going to piss me off...and I just may love it! Hey what can I say, i'm an optimist!

But all sass aside, I really enjoyed the premise of the story. Going through this journey with Sunny (MC) was really interesting. I mean, can you imagine what it must feel like to wake up in the middle of a train track with an oncoming train and only seconds to react. Then, on top of that, you have NO IDEA who you are and you spend all this time trying to simultaneously stay alive while piecing the puzzle back together! Ummm, yea that just doesn't work for me! And as time goes by memories and realizations start to sink in and it's just completely crazy! So i'm happy that Sunny's (not her real name, she doesn't know who she is remember!?) story isn't over just yet. I feel like there's so much more that we need to figure out....and I feel like we need to do it together! So yea, even though it took a bit to get into, it still hooked me!

FAVORITE FRIDAY (#5)~ Star Cursed (The Cahill Witch Chronicles #2) by Jessica Spotswood

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 they spotlight some of their favorite reads. Everyone is welcome to join. Just enter your information on their linky or leave them a comment.

This week's Favorite Read is:

Star Cursed (The Cahill Witch Chronicles #2) by Jessica Spotswood

Release Date: June 18, 2013

Purchase: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Synopsis:

With the Brotherhood persecuting witches like never before, a divided Sisterhood desperately needs Cate to come into her Prophesied powers. And after Cate’s friend Sachi is arrested for using magic, a war-thirsty Sister offers to help her find answers- if Cate is willing to endanger everyone she loves.

Cate doesn’t want to be a weapon, and she doesn’t want to involve her friends and Finn in the Sisterhood’s schemes. But when Maura and Tess join the Sisterhood, Maura makes it clear that she’ll do whatever it takes to lead the witches to victory. Even if it means sacrifices. Even if it means overthrowing Cate. Even if it means all-out war.

In the highly anticipated sequel to Born Wicked, the Cahill Witch Chronicles continue Cate, Maura and Tess’s quest to find love, protect family, and explore their magic against all odds in an alternative history of New England.

Why it's one of my Favorite Reads:

This book! THIS. BOOK, I mean honestly, from the first page it had my heart completely invested in the words that were written. I felt so completely involved in the story. The fear, the joy, the anger, all of it was real to me. And of course it's just a great story! The author did such a good job with this series and out of the three of them, this is my favorite one. The heart break is real, guys!

What's YOUR Favorite Book? Stop by Books and Swoons to share yours :)

FAVORITE FRIDAY (#4)~ Twilight (Twilight #1) by Stephenie Meyer

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 they spotlight some of their favorite reads. Everyone is welcome to join. Just enter your information on their linky or leave them a comment.

This week's Favorite Read is:

Twilight (Twilight #1) by Stephenie Meyer

Release Date: October 5, 2005

Purchase: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Synopsis:

About three things I was absolutely positive:

First, Edward was a vampire.

Second, there was a part of him – and I didn’t know how dominant that part might be – that thirsted for my blood.

And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him.

When Bella Swan moves to the gloomy town of Forks and meets Edward Cullen, her life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. With his porcelain skin, golden eyes, mesmerizing voice, and supernatural gifts, Edward is both irresistible and impenetrable. Up until now, he has managed to keep his true identity hidden, but Bella is determined to uncover his dark secret.

What Bella doesn’t realize is the closer she gets to him, the more she is putting herself and those around her at risk. And it might be too late to turn back.

Why it's one of my Favorite Reads:

So here it is, folks. The one that started a movement. There are so many reasons why I loved this book. First (and most important) is Edward. I mean seriously, Edward, Edward, Edward. That about sums up numero uno. Oh yea, and EDWARD! Haha, but jokes aside, this book took readers to a totally new world. A world that made vampires sexy and lovable, made them human (sort of) and not just monsters. And of course, it made them sparkle (because who doesn't love glitter?!) So yea, it's not your typical "monster" story.

What's YOUR Favorite Book? Stop by Books and Swoons to share yours :)

REVIEW: Four: A Divergent Collection (Divergent 0.1-0.4) by Veronica Roth

Four: A Divergent Collection (Divergent 0.1-0.4) by Veronica Roth

Publication Date: July 8, 2014

Publisher: HarperCollins
Source: Book Purchased by Reviewer

Buy it at: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

My rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

Two years before Beatrice Prior made her choice, the sixteen-year-old son of Abnegation’s faction leader did the same. Tobias’s transfer to Dauntless is a chance to being again. Here, he will not be called the name his parents gave him. Here, he will not let fear turn him into a cowering child.

Newly christened “Four,” he discovered during initiation that he will succeed in Dauntless. Initiation is only the beginning, though; Four must claim his place in the Dauntless hierarchy. His decisions will affect future initiates as well as uncover secrets that could threaten his own future-and the future of the entire faction system.

Two years later, Four is poised to take action, but the course is still unclear. The first new initiate who jumps into the net might change all that. with her, the way to righting their world might become clear. With her, it might become possible to be Tobias once again.

So just when I thought that I was okay with everything that happened in Allegiant and I thought I was finally moving on THIS happens! Seriously, Veronica!? You've just re-opened a barely healed wound! My devastation is real right now!

But of course, so is my love and adoration. With twenty-six letters in the alphabet, I don't think I could ever find the right combination to formulate the words to express my love for Tobias Eaton. His strength and bravery are so beautiful. Even more so because he doesn't see them in himself. He is smart and strong and perfectly brave in everything that he does. He is the ultimate survivor. Veronica does such a beautiful job at expressing all of his emotions behind every decision he makes. You can feel it with him when he speaks, in his movements, in his heart.

He is beautiful in every way! Now come forth readers and adore him with me!

REVIEW: Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Under the Never Sky (Under the Never Sky #1)  by Veronica Rossi
Publication Date: January 3, 2012
Publisher: Harper Collins
Source: Book Purchased by Reviewer
Buy it at: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, IndieBound

My rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

Aria has lived her whole life in the protected dome of Reverie. Her entire world confined to its spaces, she’s never thought to dream of what lies beyond its doors. So when her mother goes missing, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland long enough to find her are slim.

Then Aria meets an outsider named Perry. He’s searching for someone too. He’s also wild - a savage - but might be her best hope at staying alive.

If they can survive, they are each other’s best hope for finding answers.

For some reason nothing about this book really drew me in initially. The cover seemed blah, the synopsis was just ok and the author didn't "sell" it to me when I met her at a signing…but after all of that I still felt compelled to read it when my good friend Jenn at Books and Swoons recommended it to me several times.

So read it I did and of course LOVED it because I love every book that she recommends to me, and now I’m left wondering why it took me soooooo long!?!?!??!?!!?

This book is categorized as a dystopian, but I think it’s got a bit of fantasy in there too so not entirely sure how I would label it just yet. We start off learning about the two the types of people in the world, one being the “Dwellers” that live in pods to protect themselves from the outside world of death and destruction and the other is the “outsiders” where there are tribes that have learned to live among the storms and destruction that occur. This world seems more of the dystopian type. I think the fantasy comes in when we discover that the Aether storms created certain mutations that gave some people “powers.” These powers are pretty much just extremely strong senses, Audiles can hear really well, Scires can smell tempers, and Seers can see extremely far and/or in the dark.

The MC’s were truly a great team in this book. We have Aria, the “Dweller” that lives in the main pod called Reverie. Then we have Peregrine aka Perry who is an “outsider” that was “twice gifted” as being a scire and a seer. Then the supporting characters come along starting with Talon, Perrys’ favorite and only nephew, who was taken by the Dwellers for reasons not fully known until the end of the book (no spoilery waters here folks :o)) and Vale, Perry’s brother and Blood Lord of the Tides. WISH there was more I could say about HIM but I could never form the words without giving everything away so for now I leave you with this: He is so shady!!!!!

Then of course we have Roar, who is Perrys’ best friend and in love with his sister Liv and my favorite, Cinder, the kid with the deadliest power of all. He can control the Aether through his blood. Pretty deadly when you realize that he doesn't even remember doing it!

Now to my favorite part, the swoons!!!

Perry, though a really tough guy, is also such a sweetheart! He saved Aria’s life MORE than once and even did it while he disliked her for “causing the Dwellers to take Talon by saving her.” I love that he fell in love with Aria and I love even more that it wasn't over night! Many books have love stories that happen way too fast, like why did you JUST meet and are already in LOVE!??!?! So yea, big plus to Ms. Rossi for her perfect timing in the love aspect of the story.

Now I would be remiss to not mention that this book is NOT A ROMANCE novel!!! Many people see it for the harsh world that it is. I, however, can pretty much find a love story in anything because that’s what I generally look for. So while this book is not really a love story, there IS a little something going on there.

The only thing I DIDN'T like about the book was the ending. And there was nothing bad about it, honestly. I just wish there was one last quote to finish it. It felt like there should have been a quote, but I’m sure whatever it lacked in this book will be overflowing in the next!

FEATURE: Swoon Thursday (#1) Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

A weekly meme from YA Bound

From the book you're currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding, your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering.

Shout it out on twitter with the hashtag #YABound, post it here in the comments, or grab the adorable button above and share it on your blog. The awesome girls over at YA Bound want to know!

This week my swoon worthy book is:

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

"I guess you're fine with touching." His tone was light but his arms shuddered around her. He shifted them, his hands rubbing her back, sending ripples of heat through her.

"That was my first kiss," she said. "My first real one." He brought his head close, resting his forehead on hers. Blond waves fell around her face, soft against her cheeks, His chest rose and fell as he drew in a breath. "Felt like the first real one for me, too."

BOOK TRAILER: United We Spy by Ally Carter

Hi Swooners!

So our dear friend, Ally Carter, has generously released a book trailer for her latest (and FINAL) Gallagher Girls book, United We Spy...SQUEEEE!!!




Check it out and tell me how much you LOVE it and CAN'T wait for this book to come out already...

3 days and counting!!!




So here it is...

REVIEW: Destroy Me by Tahereh Mafi

Destroy Me (Shatter Me #1.5)  by Tahereh Mafi
Publication Date: October 2, 2012
Publisher: HarperCollins
Source: eBook Purchased by Reviewer
Buy it at: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBookstore

My rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

In Tahereh Mafi’s Shatter Me, Juliette escaped from The Reestablishment by seducing Warner- and then putting a bullet in his shoulder. But as she’ll learn in Destroy Me, Warner is not that easy to get rid of…

Back at the base and recovering from his near-fatal wound, Warner must do everything in his power to keep his soldiers in check and suppress any mention of rebellion in the sector. Still as obsessed with Juliette as eve, his first priority is to find her, bring her back, and dispose of Adam and Kenji, the two traitors who helped her escape. But when Warner’s father, The Supreme Commander of The Reestablishment, arrives to correct his son’s mistakes, it’s clear that he has much different plans for Juliette. Plans Warner simply cannot allow.

Set after Shatter Me and before its forthcoming sequel, Unravel Me, Destroy Me is a novella told from the perspective of Warner, the ruthless leader of Sector 45.

So I have to admit that i'm totally in shock with Warner right now. I just can't believe that he isn't the person I thought he was. He seems so sweet and kind in this novella that it leaves me feeling really, really, REALLY sad for him. Especially now that he's actually in love with Juliette. I mean come on, Warner?! Don't make this more difficult than it needs to be...

We come to learn a lot about Warner in this novella, showing a side of his that we never knew was even there. Turns out he's not as heartless a we thought! It definitely leaves me wondering what is going to happen with him and Juliette. Maybe there is something there after all??? Maybe she's the one to change him and make him a better person. Or maybe not! 

My thoughts? Keep dreaming Warner! Juliette and Adam BELONG together!!!

COVER REVEAL + BOOK RELEASE: The Transfer (A Divergent Story) by Veronica Roth

FOR ALL DIVERGENT FANS.....



This is for you my friends~~~

So i'm sure you've all heard about the four short stories that Veronica Roth will be writing...well here's the cover reveal for the first one, The Transfer...I know, I know...SQUEEEEEEEEE!!!!

This book (and the other three) are all in Four's POV Whoot! Whoot! (xD)

You can find this eBook (only) available September 3, 2013...That's right AVAILABLE TODAY!!!!!

From what i've read in the blogosphere, this novella is most likely a prequel to Divergent...So let the anticipation unfold swooners!!

REVIEW: Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi

Unravel Me (Shatter Me #2)  by Tahereh Mafi
Publication Date: February 5, 2013
Publisher: HarperCollins
Source: Book Purchased by Reviewer
Buy it at: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, IndieBound

My rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

Tick

Tick

Tick

Tick

Tick

It’s almost over

Time for war.

Juliette has escaped to Omega Point. It is a place for people like her- people with gifts- and it is also the headquarters of the rebel resistance.

She’s finally free from The Reestablishment, free from their plan to use her as a weapon, and free to love Adam. But Juliette will never be free from her lethal touch.

Or from Warner, who wants Juliette more than she ever thought possible.

In this exhilarating sequel to Shatter Me, Juliette has to make life-changing decisions between what she wants and what she thinks is right. decisions that might involve choosing between her heart- and Adam’s life. 

Soooooo....OMG! OMG! OMG!!! This book..THIS BOOK!!!!!! I mean there really aren't any words to describe how I feel about this book. To say it left me hanging is an understatement...it left me dead. Dead on the floor. Maybe i'm still breathing, maybe i'm not...I can't even tell right now. Like Juliette, I constantly had to remind myself to just breathe.

Unravel Me picks up where Shatter Me left off, with Juliette and Adam as the new-comers to Omega Point. Omega Point being the "safe haven" for special people like Juliette, people with powers. There are some great strides made with our main characters in this book and there are some not so great strides made. Lets get started!

Juliette: I totally loved that she regressed back to her claustrophobic, paranoid, and self-conscience ways in the beginning (and middle) of this book...ok not the nicest thing to say, but it's for good reason. I would've highly doubted that she could miraculously become a super hero over night. This poor girl has been emotionally abused her whole life! She was locked away and left alone for the world to forget about her. I would be more surprised if she didn't have a meltdown at Omega Point. When we last left off in Shatter Me, Juliette seemed powerful, strong, even understanding and full of confidence about her powers and new life when she arrived at Omega Point, but it seems completely natural for her to lose all of that when she finally settles down and realizes that Omega Point is just a cell. It's underground, full of rules and restrictions. Just like at the asylum. Plus she isn't used to getting so much attention [read: Castle can be a little overbearing at times lol] I did not, however, approve of the fact that she was constantly whining about something. She seemed so completely immature and i'm sure she was just as immature in Shatter Me, but it didn't bother me then...it bothers me now. Maybe that's because I expected her to grow up a little bit and mature somewhat but............I guess I was wrong. Stop whining Juliette and get your $h!t together, girlfriend! We're at War!!!

Kenji: I absolutely LOVED Kenji in this book. In Shatter Me, he was such an insensitive jerk, but he totally transformed in Unravel Me. Getting to know the real Kenji was so awesome. It’s like he went from being a forgettable character in Shatter Me to being a beloved childhood friend.Turns out he's strong, brave, smart, and everything else in between. Which naturally that also makes him super schmexy too!!! (hehe)

Adaaaaaam! I know, I know, I'm biased, but I swear I love my guy!!!! It breaks my heart that him and Juliette are having the “issues” they are having. It’s like, after everything they have been through, they deserve at least a sliver of a happy ending and it just never comes for them…it’s always one thing after the other. He’s such a kind, sensitive, and protective hunk of perfection, that it breaks my heart to see him so sad and beaten down about the situation. Ms. Mafi, you're killing me with this!! I can’t take the emotional distress of it all. Please, please, PLEASE help a sister out and give me the ending I want!!

Warner: OH.MY.GAW. I mean seriously Warner, why did you have to become so darn irresistible?!? I get that you’re all in love with Juliette, but becoming this sweet, charismatic, charming and honest guy is not what I was prepared for. Not that I could EVER take my heart back from Adam (because Adam literally stole my heart <3) but I have to admit that there were a few moments that I may have swayed just a tad and was just as smitten with Warner as Juliette was. Come on, talk about transformations?!?! Plus, HE HAS DIMPLES! So yea, total swoon factor going on Warner!

So here are my emotions, use what little life is left in them and be prepared to hyperventilate at least once while reading this book!!!

QUOTES (#1)

So I thought I'd try something different this week. I'm so addicted to words and the feelings they can elicit that I just HAD to start giving you a list of my favorite quotes.

I mean hey, the best way to get to know someone is by the books they read right? Well, here are some of the quotes from those amazing books I've read to help you get a little bit of a better look into the mind of Lexi :)

"Wonderland was all we had in common, after all; Wonderland was what was denied the two of us. I had denied him his; he had denied me mine." Melanie Benjamin, Alice I Have Been

"'Zach,' I said as I lay there 'Where did you go? When were you looking for me?' I shifted in his arms, looked into his eyes. 'Crazy.' His voice was a whisper against my skin. 'I went crazy.'" Ally Carter, Out of Sight, Out of Time

"'Just so you know Gallagher Girl,' he whispered softly, 'I'm going to kiss you now.'" Ally Carter, Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy

"'I remember everything about you,' says Peeta, tucking a lose strand of hair behind my ear. 'You're the one who wasn't paying attention.'" Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games

"I think...you still have no idea. The effect you can have." Suzanne Collins, Mockingjay

So that's it for today! Hope my little teasers pique your interest to read theses books and love them as much as I have...

Happy swooning :)