BOOK REVIEW | PURE by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Title: PURE (Covenant #2) 

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout (Website | Twitter) 

Publication Date: April 3, 2012

Publisher: Spencer Hill Press

SYNOPSIS

There is need. And then there is Fate. 

Being destined to become some kind of supernatural electrical outlet isn't exactly awesome--especially when Alexandria's other half is everywhere she goes. Seth's in her training room, outside her classes, and keeps showing up in her bedroom--so not cool. Their connection does have some benefits, like staving off her nightmares of the tragic showdown with her mother, but it has no effect on what Alex feels for the forbidden, pure-blooded Aiden. Or what he will do--and sacrifice--for her. 

When daimons infiltrate the Covenants and attack students, the gods send furies--lesser gods determined to eradicate any threat to the Covenants and to the gods, and that includes the Apollyon--and Alex. And if that and hordes of aether-sucking monsters didn't blow bad enough, a mysterious threat seems willing to do anything to neutralize Seth, even if that means forcing Alex into servitude--or killing her. 

When the gods are involved, some decisions can never, ever be undone.

GOODREADS 

Purchase links: Amazon | B&N | iBooks 

It’s been a long time since I’ve picked up a book coming from the YA fantasy genre. I think, the last time I did was when I read Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo and that was like forever ages ago. Reading Pure by Jennifer Armentrout was definitely a great buddy for me in revisiting this genre. Pure reminded me how entertaining YA books can be and and how YA world building/elements can tend to be awesome that you would wish to be living in their world. No matter how tough the story and the rules in their world can get, there’ll always be fun characters that will accompany you in your journey.

How many pages does this book have? 300+ pages, right? But when you read Pure, it’ll feel like you’ve read 500+ pages. There’s just so many stuff happening and there isn’t a dull moment in this book. The pacing of the story was well built-up and truly ensures in keeping up the toes of its readers. There were certain elements and points in this book that were really predictable for me but then it’s just pure entertainment to read how my predictions were translated into the scenes that JLA wrote. JLA’s writing and description or the imagery is so vividly and beautifully written that you’ll feel like being transported into the story or in their world.

MINI BOOK REVIEWS | DAIMON & HALF-BLOOD by Jennifer Armentrout

Title: DAIMON (Covenant Series #0.5)

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout (Website | Twitter) 

Publication Date: May 10, 2011

Publisher: Spencer Hill Press

SYNOPSIS 

"Love in my world usually ended up with someone hearing 'I smite thee!' as she was cursed to be some lame flower for the rest of her life."For three years, Alexandria has lived among mortals--pretending to be like them and trying to forget the duty she'd been trained to fulfill as a child of a mortal and a demigod. At seventeen, she's pretty much accepted that she's a freak by mortal standards... and that she'll never be prepared for that duty.According to her mother, that's a good thing.But as every descendant of the gods knows, Fate has a way of rearing her ugly head. A horrifying attack forces Alex to flee Miami and try to find her way back to the very place her mother had warned her she should never return-the Covenant. Every step that brings her closer to safety is one more step toward death... because she's being hunted by the very creatures she'd once trained to kill.The daimons have found her.

GOODREADS

Purchase links: Amazon | B&N | iBooks

... AND THAT'S HOW YOU KICK OFF A SERIES! This book is really good for a prequel. It's showing its angst already and you kind of just know that it'll be a very awesome series. Daimon immediately sucks you in and makes you want to read more from this book series! Jennifer L. Armentrout knows how to do it and go about teasing her readers. Anyways, people are telling me that there are SOME concepts in this book that are quite similar to the Vampire Academy series - and I can already notice that from this book. But that won't stop me from reading the Covenant series. I seriously can't wait to get started in reading Half-Blood! 

COVER REVEAL | ALL PLAYED OUT by Cora Carmack

Holy smokes I'm so excited to bring you the cover for Cora Carmack's ALL PLAYED OUT! ALL PLAYED OUT is a New Adult Contemporary Romance and is the 3rd book in the Rusk University Series, published by William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins. It is due to be released on May 12, 2015!! If you haven't had a chance to read this sexy, fun series yet, be sure to grab ALL LINED UP and ALL BROKE DOWN!

About ALL PLAYED OUT

First person in her family to go to college? CHECK. 

Straight A’s? CHECK. 

On track to graduate early? CHECK. 

Social life? …..yeah, about that…. 

With just a few weeks until she graduates, Antonella DeLuca’s beginning to worry that maybe she hasn’t had the full college experience. 

(Okay... Scratch that. She knows she hasn't had the full college experience). 

So Nell does what a smart, dedicated girl like herself does best. She makes a "to do" list of normal college activities. Item #1? Hook up with a jock. 

Rusk University wide receiver Mateo Torres practically wrote the playbook for normal college living. When he’s not on the field, he excels at partying, girls, and more partying. As long as he keeps things light and easy, it's impossible to get hurt... again. But something about the quiet, shy, sexy-as-hell Nell gets under his skin, and when he learns about her list, he makes it his mission to help her complete it. 

Torres is the definition of confident (And sexy. And wild), and he opens up a side of Nell that she's never known. But as they begin to check off each crazy, exciting, normal item, Nell finds that her frivolous list leads to something more serious than she bargained for. And while Torres is used to taking risks on the field, he has to decide if he's willing to take the chance when it's more than just a game. 

Together they will have to decide if what they have is just part of the experiment or a chance at something real.

Pre-Order Your Copy Today!

Amazon ** Barnes & Noble ** iTunes

Add ALL PLAYED OUT on Goodreads!

[Year-Round YA and NA Guide: A List of My Most Anticipated 2015 Releases] Q&A with Moriah McStay, Author of Everything That Makes You

Author: Moriah McStay (Website | Twitter) 

Publication Date: March 17, 2015

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

SYNOPSIS

One girl. Two stories. Meet Fiona Doyle. The thick ridges of scar tissue on her face are from an accident twelve years ago. Fiona has notebooks full of songs she’s written about her frustrations, her dreams, and about her massive crush on beautiful uber-jock Trent McKinnon. If she can’t even find the courage to look Trent straight in his beautiful blue eyes, she sure isn’t brave enough to play or sing any of her songs in public. But something’s changing in Fiona. She can’t be defined by her scars anymore. 

And what if there hadn’t been an accident? Meet Fi Doyle. Fi is the top-rated female high school lacrosse player in the state, heading straight to Northwestern on a full ride. She’s got more important things to deal with than her best friend Trent McKinnon, who’s been different ever since the kiss. When her luck goes south, even lacrosse can’t define her anymore. When you’ve always been the best at something, one dumb move can screw everything up. Can Fi fight back?

Hasn’t everyone wondered what if? In this daring debut novel, Moriah McStay gives us the rare opportunity to see what might have happened if things were different. Maybe luck determines our paths. But maybe it’s who we are that determines our luck.

Why is this book included on my list? Initially, the book cover caught my attention which lead me to check out the synopsis of it. Now, I am very curious how this book will be written and how the story will flow. 

GOODREADS 
Pre-order links: Amazon | B&N | iBooks

Q: Before I proceed, I shall ask you first a little bit something about yourself. What’s your favourite food? Favourite color? Favorite TV show? Pet peeve/s?

A: Fave food: Stuffed pizza from Bacino’s in Chicago—spinach, no mushrooms. Fave color: Orange. Pet peeve: Pointless quotation marks on billboard ads.

Q: Who’s your favorite author and what is your favorite book? How did this particular author and book influence you as a person and as a writer?

A: This changes all the time. Right now I love David Mitchell (Cloud Atlas, Bone Clocks) because he’s just a brilliant, awe-inspiring writer. Growing up I read lots of classics, and Jane Austen was probably my favorite. I’m a sucker for a love story.

PH BLOG TOUR | HIS WOUNDED LIGHT by Christine Brae

His Wounded Light 
(The Light in the Wound #2)
by Christine Brae 
Genre: New Adult

SYNOPSIS

The perfect life. 

The perfect marriage. 

The jilted lover. 

Their worlds collide.

Fate intervenes twelve years later and their paths intersect once again. All three will question whether the heart is truly capable of dividing and being divided; each will decide whether it matters who you loved first or who you love last. 

Together they will learn that in the end, there can always only be one.

GOODREADS

Purchase links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Fully Booked

It’s been days already since I’ve finished reading His Wounded Light by Christine Brae and I’m typing in my review just now. Why? Because I have to let everything that happened in this book sink in. Just wow, it totally blew my mind and my emotions away. I actually won’t go into detail with what happened here in this book because I’m quite sure that you’ll want to get a full experience of it once you’re reading it. And I also want you, guys, to experience that same level of happiness, sadness, frustration, regret, pain and everything that I’ve felt while I was reading it. Trust me on this.

Actually, I was really scared to start reading this book. Yes, and I even told Christine about me being scared to dive into this. The Light In The Wound’s ending seems perfect for me already and I’m fully contented with it. But then, Christine has so much to tell about these characters and their lives. So yeah, I was really scared how this one will affect everything because come on… Every Book 2 in a duology, trilogy or series just opens up a whole lot of opportunities to break relationships and let different kinds of drama in.

His Wounded Light is written from the POVs of Alex, Jesse and Isabel which was a great treat for us because we were given the opportunity to get to know more about their deeper thoughts and feelings. The shifting in the POVs was nicely and cleverly done. I notice what you did there, Christine!

THE PROLOGUE. I can’t even, guys! Christine did it again with her “WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED HERE?” kind of prologue! I was even chanting “what the heck what happened to them?” in my mind when I was reading it. My curiosity and emotions were tearing me apart. One part of me wants to carry on reading already and the other half wants to stop first thinking that I can’t handle what’ll happen next.

[Year-Round YA and NA Guide: A List of My Most Anticipated 2015 Releases] Interview with R.S. Grey, Author of The Design

Up until now, I still can't believe that I did this interview with her. I tell you, it's such a surreal experience when you get to interact with authors. Especially with your favorite ones. The feeling just never gets old. I still do the fist pump thing, squealing and fangirling. Oh I may or may not be fangirling really hard when I was emailing and replying to this author's emails. 

Today's a very special day for me and my blog because I'm going to share an interview that I did with R.S. Grey a few weeks ago. R.S. Grey is just one of my favorite authors. No big deal, right? If you've been following my posts in this blog, I'm quite sure you've seen her name appeared more than once. I did book reviews (gave her books such high ratings because I love them) and Waiting on Wednesday features. Should I stop rambling now? Oh okay, just be sure to check out her books because I really and truly recommend those! 

In this blog post, R.S. Grey talks about herself, her upcoming book, her inspiration for Cammie and Grayson (MY GOODNESS!!!) and her playlist when she was writing The Design. She also has a special message to her Filipino readers! Enjoy reading! <3

Title: THE DESIGN 

Author: R.S. Grey (Facebook Page | Twitter) 

Publication Date: March 1, 2015

SYNOPSIS 

Five minutes until the interview begins. 

Fresh on the heels of her college graduation, Cameron Heart has landed an interview at a prestigious architecture firm.

Four minutes until the interview. 

She knows she’s only there because the owner, Grayson Cole, is her older sister’s friend.

Three minutes. 

For the last seven years, Grayson has been the most intimidating man Cammie has ever had the pleasure, or displeasure, of being around.

Two Minutes. 

But the job opportunity is too good to pass up. So, Cammie will have to ignore the fact that Grayson is handsome enough to have his own national holiday. 

One. 

After all, she shouldn’t feel that way about her new boss. And, he will be her new boss.

…

“I’m not scared of you,” I said with a confident smile.

“Perhaps we should fix that, Ms. Heart. Close the door.” 

Why is this book included on my list? I NEED THIS BOOK since that moment I've finished reading THE DUET, last year! During that book, I've been SUUUUUUPER TEASED about Cammie and Grayson's character and my eyes were itching to read this one already. It's that "need to know factor" on what'll next happen to these two! Gahhhd! The Duet basically built everything up for their characters; how the story will flow, how these two characters will be interacting, how they are towards each other and that frick frack chemistry between them! ///dying 

If you're curious about The Duet, better check out my review here. 

GOODREADS

Q: Before I proceed in asking questions about your upcoming book, The Design, I shall ask you first something about yourself. Who’s your favorite author and what is your favorite book? How did this particular author influenced you as a person and as a writer?

A: J.K. Rowling is my favorite author. I’m a huge Harry Potter nerd and I will always look to J.K. Rowling for inspiration. While our genres and styles are vastly different, I love to think I’m using my imagination as much as she did when writing my books.

Q: Have you really dreamed of becoming a writer? Who or what inspired you to become one?

[Year-Round YA and NA Guide: A List of My Most Anticipated 2015 Releases] EXCERPT from BECOMING RAIN by K.A. Tucker

*SCREAMING* I'm so excited for you guys to read this post! It's an EXCERPT coming from BECOMING RAIN by K.A. Tucker and I never thought that I'd be able to snag something from that book that I could feature here on my blog! I'm fangirling really hard over this, especially with that excerpt they gave me! Thank you so much, Ms. K.A. Tucker and Ms. Kelly Simmon of InkSlinger PR! *Hugs and Kisses all the way from the Philippines* 

Title: BECOMING RAIN (Burying Water #2) 

Author: K.A. Tucker (Website | Twitter) 

Publication Date: March 3, 2015

Publisher: Atria Books

SYNOPSIS 

Luke Boone doesn't know exactly what his uncle Rust is involved in but he wants in on it-the cars, the money, the women. And it looks like he's finally getting his wish. When Rust hands him the managerial keys to the garage, they come with a second set-one that opens up the door to tons of cash and opportunity. Though it's not exactly legal, Luke's never been one to worry about that sort of thing. Especially when it puts him behind the wheel of a Porsche 911 and onto the radar of gorgeous socialite named Rain.

Clara Bertelli is at the top of her game-at only twenty-six years old, she's one of the most successful undercover officers in the Washington D.C. major crime unit, and she's just been handed a case that could catapult her career and expose one of the west coast's most notorious car theft rings. But, in order to do it, she'll need to go deep undercover as Rain Martines. Her target? The twenty-four-year old nephew of a key player who appears ready to follow in his uncle's footsteps.

As Clara drifts deeper into the luxurious lifestyle of Rain, and further into the arms of her very attractive and charming target, the lines between right and wrong start to blur, making her wonder if she'll be able to leave it all behind. Or if she'll even want to.

GOODREADS 

Pre-order links: Amazon | B&N | iBooks |Kobo

Why is this book included on my list? In love with the first book of this series and am really curious with Luke Boone's character. Luke's a side character in Burying Water and he's living a very interesting life in that book. I don't know how the cards will play out for his character this time around. Plus, I love the conflict that'll be happening between the two main characters. 

I think, I've been very vocal about it in my social media accounts that my favorite book written by K.A. Tucker is Burying Water. Seriously. I love everything about that book. I'm still in love with it. I totally recommend that book. To know more about it, here's my review for Burying Water. 

“Good night, Luke,” she says, lifting onto her toes to lay a light kiss on my lips. “See you in the morning.” The door shuts and, a moment later, I hear the interior latch. 

Dammit. It’s going to be a long night. “Follow her lead… follow her lead…” I mutter, tossing my suit jacket toward a small table. Missing it completely. My fingers fumble with the buttons on my shirt as I head back to my own room. Stripping off my pants and shirt, I toss my clothes onto a side table and drop down to begin my obsessive nightly regime. Because, fuck, maybe that’ll keep me from heading back out and knocking on her door. 

[Year-Round YA and NA Guide: A List of My Most Anticipated 2015 Releases] March 2015

My March 2015 list is quite balanced with four Young Adult novels and four New Adult novels included in it. Some of the authors in this list are my ultimate favorites *winks at these NA authors* and some are quite new to me.  I can tell that March is going to be a very exciting month for all of us, book nerds. 

I hope this list will be able to help you and introduce you to some interesting books that will be releasing this coming March. And if you know more books that are set to be published on that month, please do comment on this post because I would really love to check those out! 

Title: THE DESIGN 

Author: R.S. Grey (Facebook Page | Twitter) 

Publication Date: March 1, 2015

SYNOPSIS 

Five minutes until the interview begins. 

Fresh on the heels of her college graduation, Cameron Heart has landed an interview at a prestigious architecture firm.

Four minutes until the interview. 

She knows she’s only there because the owner, Grayson Cole, is her older sister’s friend.

Three minutes. 

For the last seven years, Grayson has been the most intimidating man Cammie has ever had the pleasure, or displeasure, of being around.

Two Minutes. 

But the job opportunity is too good to pass up. So, Cammie will have to ignore the fact that Grayson is handsome enough to have his own national holiday. 

One. 

After all, she shouldn’t feel that way about her new boss. And, he will be her new boss.

…

“I’m not scared of you,” I said with a confident smile.

“Perhaps we should fix that, Ms. Heart. Close the door.” 

Why is this book included on my list? I NEED THIS BOOK since that moment I've finished reading THE DUET, last year! During that book, I've been SUUUUUUPER TEASED about Cammie and Grayson's character and my eyes were itching to read this one already. It's that "need to know factor" on what'll next happen to these two! Gahhhd! The Duet basically built everything up for their characters; how the story will flow, how these two characters will be interacting, how they are towards each other and that frick frack chemistry between them! ///dying 

If you're curious about The Duet, better check out my review here. 

GOODREADS

Title: BECOMING RAIN (Burying Water #2) 
Author: K.A. Tucker (Website | Twitter) 
Publication Date: March 3, 2015
Publisher: Atria Books

SYNOPSIS 

Luke Boone doesn't know exactly what his uncle Rust is involved in but he wants in on it-the cars, the money, the women. And it looks like he's finally getting his wish. When Rust hands him the managerial keys to the garage, they come with a second set-one that opens up the door to tons of cash and opportunity. Though it's not exactly legal, Luke's never been one to worry about that sort of thing. Especially when it puts him behind the wheel of a Porsche 911 and onto the radar of gorgeous socialite named Rain.

Clara Bertelli is at the top of her game-at only twenty-six years old, she's one of the most successful undercover officers in the Washington D.C. major crime unit, and she's just been handed a case that could catapult her career and expose one of the west coast's most notorious car theft rings. But, in order to do it, she'll need to go deep undercover as Rain Martines. Her target? The twenty-four-year old nephew of a key player who appears ready to follow in his uncle's footsteps.

As Clara drifts deeper into the luxurious lifestyle of Rain, and further into the arms of her very attractive and charming target, the lines between right and wrong start to blur, making her wonder if she'll be able to leave it all behind. Or if she'll even want to.

Why is this book included on my list? In love with the first book of this series and am really curious with Luke Boone's character. Luke's a side character in Burying Water and he's living a very interesting life in that book. I don't know how the cards will play out for his character this time around. Plus, I love the conflict that'll be happening between the two main characters. 

I think, I've been vocal about it in my social media sites that my favorite book written by K.A. Tucker is Burying Water. Seriously. I love everything about that book. I'm still in love with it. I totally recommend that book. Oopsie, here's my review for Burying Water. 

GOODREADS 
Pre-order links: Amazon | B&N | iBooks

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY | LEAVING AMARILLO (Neon Dreams #1) by Caisey Quinn

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that I or us, readers are eagerly anticipating. Here's my pick this week ...

Title: LEAVING AMARILLO (Neon Dreams #1)

Author: Caisey Quinn (Website | Twitter) 

Publication Date: March 17, 2015

Publisher: William Morrow

SYNOPSIS 

Nashville meets New Adult in Neon Dreams, a dramatic, sexy series from bestselling author Caisey Quinn, about a country band’s rocky road to fame—and the ambition, dreams, and love of the people who make the music.

Dixie Lark hasn’t had it easy. She lost her parents in an accident when she was young and grew up in a ramshackle house on a dirt road in Amarillo with her ailing grandparents and overprotective older brother. Thanks to her grandfather, Dixie learned to play a mean fiddle, inspired by the sounds of the greats—Johnny and June, Waylon, and Hank. Her grandfather’s fiddle changed Dixie’s life forever, giving her an outlet for the turmoil of her broken heart and inspiring a daring dream.

Ten years later, Dixie and her brother, Dallas, are creating the music they love and chasing fame with their hot band, Leaving Amarillo. But Dixie isn’t enjoying the ride. All she can think about is Gavin, the band’s tattooed, tortured drummer who she’s loved since they were kids. She knows he feels the connection between them, but he refuses see her as more than his best friend’s little sister.

Convinced that one night with Gavin will get him out of her system, Dixie devises a plan. She doesn’t know that her brother has forbidden Gavin from making a move on her-a promise he swore he’d always keep . . . a promise that once broken will unexpectedly change the future for Dixie, Gavin and the band. 

GOODREADS 

Pre-order: AMAZON

Aha! I just love the complication between Gavin and Dixie, with Dixie being the little sister of his best friend. That alone will spark up problems and the chemistry of these two characters! I'm excited how this story will flow and how this book will differ from other books out there with premises quite like this one. :)