BLOG HOP & GIVEAWAY: The Best of 2014 - Top Ten

We are almost at the end of this blog bog, in which me and my blogger friends (Ali & Debbie from  Black Heart Reviews, Stephanie & Brenna from No BS Book Review and Liis from  Liis' Bookshelf ) have been sharing our favorite books in various categories. Today, we will present our top/most favorite reads of 2014. Don't forget to enter awesome giveaway at the bottom of this post!

BLOG HOP & GIVEAWAY: The Best of 2014 - Book Covers

Over the last 10 days of 2014, me and my blogger friends (Ali & Debbie from Black Heart Reviews, Stephanie & Brenna from No BS Book Review and Liis from Liis' Bookshelf ) will be sharing our favorite books in various categories. Don't forget to enter awesome giveaway at the bottom of this post!

BLOG HOP & GIVEAWAY: The Best of 2014 - Indie Authors

Over the last 10 days of 2014, me and my blogger friends (Ali & Debbie from Black Heart Reviews, Stephanie & Brenna from No BS Book Review and Liis from Liis' Bookshelf ) will be sharing our favorite books in various categories. Don't forget to enter awesome giveaway at the bottom of this post!

BLOG HOP & GIVEAWAY: The Best of 2014 - Bookmoments

Over the last 10 days of 2014, me and my blogger friends (Ali & Debbie from Black Heart Reviews, Stephanie & Brenna from No BS Book Review and Liis from Liis' Bookshelf ) will be sharing our favorite books in various categories. Don't forget to enter awesome giveaway at the bottom of this post!

BLOG HOP & GIVEAWAY: The Best of 2014 - Audiobooks

Over the last 10 days of 2014, me and my blogger friends (Ali & Debbie from Black Heart Reviews, Stephanie & Brenna from No BS Book Review and Liis from Liis' Bookshelf ) will be sharing our favorite books in various categories. Don't forget to enter awesome giveaway at the bottom of this post!

BLOG HOP & GIVEAWAY:The Best of 2014-Bookboyfriend

Over the last 10 days of 2014, me and my blogger friends (Ali & Debbie from Black Heart Reviews, Stephanie & Brenna from No BS Book Review and Liis from Liis' Bookshelf ) will be sharing our favorite books in various categories. Don't forget to enter awesome giveaway at the bottom of this post!

BLOG HOP & GIVEAWAY: The Best of 2014 - Romance

Over the last 10 days of 2014, me and my blogger friends (Ali & Debbie from Black Heart Reviews, Stephanie & Brenna from No BS Book Review and Liis from Liis' Bookshelf ) will be sharing our favorite books in various categories. Don't forget to enter awesome giveaway at the bottom of this post!

BLOG HOP & GIVEAWAY: The Best of 2014 - NA/Adult

Over the last 10 days of 2014, me and my blogger friends (Ali & Debbie from Black Heart Reviews, Stephanie & Brenna from No BS Book Review and Liis from Liis' Bookshelf ) will be sharing our favorite books in various categories. Don't forget to enter awesome giveaway at the bottom of this post!

BLOG HOP & GIVEAWAY: The Best of 2014 - Young Adult

Hi everyone! Over next 10 days, me and my blogger friends will be sharing our top favorite books in various bookish categories. Check out the schedule and do not forget to enter awesome giveaway at the bottom of this post!

REVIEW: The Morbid and Sultry Tales of Genevieve Clare

The Morbid and Sultry Tales of Genevieve Clare

Written by: J.B. Hartnett

Release date: October 30th 2014

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Purchase: Amazon / B&N / Kobo

STACKING THE SHELVES: December 2014

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks! Hosted by Tynga’s Reviews.

REVIEW: BAD ROMEO BY LEISA RAYVEN

Bad Romeo by Leisa Rayven

(The Starcrossed Series #1)

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release date: December 23rd 2014

Pre-order: Amazon / Kobo / iBooks

LIFE CHANGING READS #1: OUTLANDER SERIES

 LIFE CHANGING READS is occasional blog feature in which I talk about books that recently (or in the past) had a big impact on me and left me in the state of slight addiction in one form or another.

We know it all. Sleepless nights and reading until early morning hours. Sneaking to read your kindle/paperback in work or school. Daydreaming about book characters and being unable to concentrate on something else than the book you are reading at the moment. Hours and hours of chatting with your friends and passionate discussions on book forums. Emotional reactions to all the bad or good that happened to the characters of the novel you are addicted to and the biggest possible book hangover as a result. And most importantly the knowledge that in some way, your life has been altered. Oh yes, I am talking about life changing reads.

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY: 5 to 1

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY: The Raven

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

GUEST REVIEW + GIVEAWAY: Saving Poughkeepsie

Hi everyone! I have Marta's review for you today, as well as ebook giveaway. Keep reading :)

Saving Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia

(The Poughkeepsie Brotherhood #3)

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Purchase: Amazon / B&N

The Gif Tag

I was tagged by lovely Kayla @My Book Muse to do the Gif Tag. 

It looks like a lot of fun so I had to accept :)

Kayla gave me these 6 books to gif:

..

 ..

REVIEW: Stone Cold Touch by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Stone Cold Touch (The Dark Elements #2)

Written by: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Genre: YA Paranormal Romance

Purchase: Amazon / B&N / Kobo 

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY: The Sin Eater's Daughter

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

STACKING THE SHELVES: November 2014

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks! Hosted by Tynga’s Reviews.

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY: Golden Son by Pierce Brown

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

REVIEW: Made by J.M. Darhower

Made (Forever #0.4)

Written by J.M. Darhower

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Purchase: Amazon / B&N

The To-Be-Read Tag!

I have been tagged by lovely Megan from Reading Books Like a Boss blog to share some info about my TBR list. I had a lot of fun filling out all the questions and I hope you will enjoy reading this post :)

Note: by clicking on picture, you will be directed to respective Goodreads page

GUEST REVIEW: Delinquents by The Elizabeths

Long awaited sequel to Innocents (Dusty #1) has been released today. 

Here is Marta's spectacular review.

Delinquents (Dusty #2)

Written by The Elizabeths

Release date: October 23rd

Purchase: Amazon / B&N

REVIEW: Killer Queen by L.H. Cosway

Killer Queen (Painted Faces #2)

Written by L.H. Cosway

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Purchase: Amazon US / Amazon UK 

B&N  / Kobo / iTunes / Smashwords

Synopsis:

Willkommen, Bienvenue, Welcome…

Come inside The Glamour Patch club to see the star of our show, Miss Vivica Blue.

Do you want to read my diary you nosy little devils? Have a glass of champagne (you’ll need it) and get comfortable because you’re in for some crazy shenanigans brought to you straight from the horse’s mouth.

I can be whatever you want me to be: boy, girl, a little bit of both.

If you have a problem with a man in a dress then best be off with you. If males in make-up give you the willies, then I’ll say au revoir and don’t let the door hit you on the way out.

So, who are we left with? Ah, a fine collection of curious souls. I want to tell you a tale of love, because those are the most glorious kind. I want to tell you about real love, a love that transcends labels and gender stereotypes.

The moment I first laid eyes on my Freda I knew that we were kindred. Well okay, I also knew I wanted to get into her pants, but that’s beside the point. My world was a grey place. I was at my lowest ebb. Then she came along and patches of colour began to spring forth. One day the daffodils were yellow and before I knew it, colour was everywhere, lighting up my life.

Love is not about how we appear on the outside, it’s about the soul contained within.

Our story was not a conventional one, but it was ours, and that’s what made it shine.

Killer Queen is a companion novel to L.H. Cosway’s contemporary romance, Painted Faces. It contains scenes that take place before, during and after the original story. It can also be read as a standalone.

THIS BOOK IS RECOMMENDED FOR MATURE READERS AUDIENCES ONLY. HOWEVER, THIS REVIEW ITSELF DOES NOT CONTAIN ANY INAPPROPRIATE MATERIAL.

* 5 STARS * Review:

"We human beings are strange creatures, and that strangeness makes us fascinating."

One of the best feelings ever? Getting back to your most favorite characters whom you completely adore and immersing yourself in their story once again. When I found that L.H. Cosway was writing companion novella to my favorite novel of 2012 Painted Faces, I was ecstatic. Written in Nicholas's POV, Killer Queen is a story about life of drag queen Vivica Blue and sassy Dublin-native Freda - the most unforgettable, complex and in depth depicted bookish couple I have ever encountered in contemporary genre. 

Story in Nicholas's POV was exactly as the man himself - captivating, eccentric and very colorful. This book provides a fascinating insight into the psyche of troubled man with sad past and fabulous performer with constant highs and lows in the present. It is one of a kind story and I adore it to pieces. It will break your hearts and simultaneously lift them up. I cried happy tears, I cried devastated tears, I laughed, I swooned. It was perfect reading experience and I can't recommend this book enough.

Events and characters on the pages of this novel come truly alive through L.H. Cosway's rich and phenomenal writing. Unique settings? Unconventional situations? Intense and emotional tale of love and friendship? You will find it all in this book.

Killer Queen is written in a form of diary entries. Readers get to see not only events from Nicholas' early life and events that that led him to Freda, but also his life in Dublin itself and period after the end of Painted Faces. Yeah, L.H. Cosway has been generous to her fans.

And even though this novel can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend you to read Painted Faces as well. After all, Killer Queen is "only" companion novel. And if you want the full picture, the proper experience, Painted Faces from Freda's POV is a must-read. Moreover, her POV is a blast to read so I can assure you won't regret it!

REVIEW: RED RISING BY PIERCE BROWN

Red Rising by Pierce Brown

(Red Rising Trilogy #1)

Published by: Del Rey

Genre: Sci-Fi / Dystopia

Release date: January 28th 2014

    
      

The Earth is dying. Darrow is a Red, a miner in the interior of Mars. His mission is to extract enough precious elements to one day tame the surface of the planet and allow humans to live on it. The Reds are humanity's last hope.

Or so it appears, until the day Darrow discovers it's all a lie. That Mars has been habitable - and inhabited - for generations, by a class of people calling themselves the Golds. A class of people who look down on Darrow and his fellows as slave labour, to be exploited and worked to death without a second thought.

Until the day that Darrow, with the help of a mysterious group of rebels, disguises himself as a Gold and infiltrates their command school, intent on taking down his oppressors from the inside. But the command school is a battlefield - and Darrow isn't the only student with an agenda.

MY REVIEW:

Wow, what a page-turner! I am impressed. Red Rising is outstanding debut novel by Pierce Brown, phenomenal introduction into new series and my personal new favorite of this year.

I'm not going to provide summary of this book. It would be too long and it wouldn't do this complex story justice. You need to read this book yourself, experience it all on your own without having any knowledge of storyline or spoilers. After all, this is kind of the book that, plot-wise, you should definitely go into blind. But what I can tell you is how this story made me feel, what kind of impression it left on me. And let me tell you, it affected me big time!

Red Rising is one of the most creative and captivating stories I have had the pleasure of reading. Its imaginary took my breath away and heart-stopping situations often left me in goose bumps. Moreover, world building is done perfectly. This great introduction into dystopian society will grab your attention from the first pages of this novel and its twists will keep you anxious and entertained till the very end.

Red Rising is story about death and sacrifice, about big dreams and broken ideals. It is story that most definitely won't let you indifferent. Power, freedom, justice, politics and loyalty. All these topics have been used countless times in the books before. ButPierce Brown gives them new shining, he shows them in his own singular light. And result is awe-inspiring and enthralling.

Most importantly, I can't forget to mention writing style. I absolutely loved how author managed to narrate this novel. It was straightforward, fast-paced and attention-grabbing. There was not a single thing I would not love about it and I can't recommend this book enough to all those who love great storytelling.

This novel shows us one thing. When you live for the dreams of others, you can easily lost your true self in the process. Will that be Darrow's fate? I already can't wait to read next instalment - Golden Son!

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QUICK REVIEW: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Genre: Contemporary YA Fiction

Purchase: Amazon US / Amazon UK / B&N

Synopsis:

Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.

* 3.5 STARS * Review:

"That's the thing about the pain. It demands to be felt."

Bittersweet. Bitter. Sarcastic. Sad. Super sad. Entertaining. Nerdy. Emotional. Feelings-evoking. Depressive. I could go on and on describing this book, its characters and events. But I would never do it a proper justice. You have to read and see yourself.

I expected to be completely wowed, but I think I probably had too high expectations. Yet I liked the writing and realistic bitterness of events in this book. But I have to admit that some parts (dialogues) were over-the-top and seemed artificial and caused that I could not truly fall in love with this book.

Nonetheless, I absolutely understand why this book won Goodreads Choice Award in 2012 and I am more than glad that I finally found courage to read it even though I did not end up loving it.

"The world is not a wish-granting factory."

GUEST REVIEW: Reignite by J.M. Darhower

Hi everyone, Marta is back with her guest review of Reignite, 

sequel to amazing Extinguish by talented J.M. Darhower! Happy reading :)

Reignite (Extinguish #2)

Written by J.M. Darhower

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Release date: October 13th 2014

Pre-order: Amazon US / Amazon UK

Synopsis:

The moment the short-lived apocalypse came to an end, life returned to normal. Mortals continued on with their oblivious existences while the earth healed and flowers again bloomed, the devastation instantly wiped away. It was as if it had never happened.

But it did.

Luce knows. He’s cursed to remember every moment, forced to live with everything he has done. Suddenly finding himself out of confinement, he’s faced with a decision: where to call “home”. Free will turns out not to be the freedom he expects when the only thing he wants doesn’t know he exists.

Serah woke up with no memory of where she came from or who she was before that moment. Struggling to adapt to the world as a mortal, she’s haunted by a set of bright blue eyes that always seem to be watching her. She can’t shake the feeling that he could be her salvation… if only she can remember him before it’s too late.

Lucifer didn’t fall from Grace alone. He’s not the only angel with a grudge, nor is he the only one fascinated by his beautiful mortal.

The road to Hell is paved with good intentions...

Marta's * 5 STARS * Review:

Because time passes, and memories fade, but a beating heart never truly forgets anything. Never.

I had to start this review with a quote from book one, because this quote, people. This quote. The very last line of book one. It just struck me with so much tragedy, hope and closure, all in one. Extinguish blew me away with its brilliance and when the ending is so perfect, it’s always risky when a sequel gets released. It can either be really good or really bad. I can’t lie. I am a sucker for tragedy and the ending of book one was very tragic, but despite that, I am so glad J.M. Darhower decided to give this story a continuation. And I am so glad the lovely Lucia gave me the opportunity to review this amazing story for her blog

Reignite continues right where Extinguish stops, so it feels like you’re still reading Extinguish and it’s amazing. I had missed being in that world. I don’t have to acquaint you all with the story, I’m sure. If you haven’t read Extinguish yet, I strongly urge you to do so and stop reading this review. You can read my review for Extinguish here.

Extinguish taught me the nuances, and showed me the gray area between the black and the white. Reignite told me the story of how it all came to be, and how venturing over to the gray area might push you straight into the black.

“What’s their purpose?”
“To exist, and to love, and to worship.” 

God had Angels and Archangels to work for him, but he created the Earth and humans with the sole purpose of existing, loving and worshiping. He gave them Paradise and assigned the Angels to protect them. The sin that led to Luce’s venture into the gray and black area was envy. What Luce was the most envious of was free will. Humans were free to do as they chose, free to do good or bad. And would you not rather suffer by choice than be happy by force? Luce had always sought out freedom and fought for freedom. He wanted the choice and demanded it. But when he finally got it, he didn't know what to do with it anymore.

Free will. It didn't quite feel as freeing as Luce thought it would. 

The epilogue of the first book kind of gives us an idea of what happens after it all ends. Serah becomes a mortal and her memory is wiped clean, while Luce continues roaming the earth, doing nothing special, except for watching Serah. He is obsessed with Serah’s heartbeat, he follows her around and loves her from afar, until she notices him. And she always notices him.

He once envied the humans because they were given the Earth, but looking at her, he wondered if maybe Paradise was to be found in a person and not a place. 

While Serah’s slate is wiped clean, Luce’s is not. He is left to face his actions, to live with the knowledge that he manipulated Serah, and most importantly, he is left to live without her. While Serah is desperately trying to remember her life, her past and even her name, Luce is trying to forget.

I wish I could forget everything you no longer remember. 

Lucifer has lost his will to fight and has given up on the war. When another war threatens to break out, he no longer fights for himself, but he fights for her.

Luce’s priorities had changed. He wasn't sure when it happened, or even why, but eventually his fight against the world turned into a fight for one soul, a soul that almost got damned for him. 

Why did Eve eat from the forbidden apple? Why did God’s son turn against him? And who can save him? Darhower has given us her own brilliant version of the answers to those questions. Serah had saved Lucifer once from the pits of Hell, but this time she saves him from the darkness inside his soul.

“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things,” Michael said. “Love never ends”. 

I admit, while reading this, I fell victim to the line of thinking that starts with but why doesn't God just…, but I got my answer without having to stalk the author and ask. For the sake of avoiding spoilers, I’m just going to go very cheesy on you and say that God works in mysterious ways.

Once again, I have nothing but praise for this series. The author managed to add so many layers to this fairly short story and had me swooning so bad when I read the epilogue. This is a beautiful and well-crafted story about love and sacrifice. About envy and redemption. About choices and consequences. About an angel falling for a devil. About a devil giving it all up for the angel.

His lips lightly touched hers, barely a kiss, a soft graze, but it ignited something inside of her, rekindling an extinguished flame.

NEW RELEASE REVIEW: Coming Down by Carrie Elks

Coming Down by Carrie Elks

Genre: Romantic Fiction

Purchase: Amazon UK / Amazon US / B&N

Synopsis:

Twenty-eight-year-old Beth Lawrence finally has her life back on track. A job she loves, a wealthy husband and a beautiful home are a far cry from the tragedy that struck when she was nineteen. But now that her past seems firmly behind her, an old flame walks back into her life. Bringing back painful memories of a time she's worked hard to forget, reviving a passion she tried to bury years before.

Niall Joseph is an up-and-coming artist, recently returned from success in America. Volunteering to teach in an inner-city drug clinic, the last person he expects to see is the girl who broke his heart nine years earlier. Working closely together allows their old wounds to heal, forging a deeper connection between them. One that slowly starts to burn.

As she becomes tangled up with a neglected child and her drug-addict mother, Beth finds herself drawn to Niall. But neither of them can anticipate how hard it is to tread the thin line between friendship and desire.

My Beth and Niall: 

My * 5 STARS * Review:

"I lost everything that summer. Including myself."

Beth was lost and broken. Until she met Simon. Older kind man who became her husband and helped her to get her life in order. Her life may lack a passion now, but it's better than chaos, right? But than Beth's former love interest comes back, bringing up painful memories and chaos back to her life... 

If you are fed up with contemporary novels which deal with over-the-top drama and would rather read intense and realistic story focusing on everyday's human's troubles, Coming Down is right for you. In this novel you will find everything. There is romance, steam and emotions. But most importantly, Coming Down is a touching journey of 28-years old woman who is trying to find her true self and meaning of her life.

"How terrible to not know where you belong."

Coming Down is not the cheeriest story. But with topics of drugs and addiction, it is to be expected. Author never simplified harsh difficult reality. She laid it all out there and I loved it. I slowly, but strongly, fell in love with this beautifully bittersweet story and complex characters of Beth and Niall!

And a question time at the end. What makes a really great book stand out among other good books? In my opinion, it is all about small details and in depth depicted characters. Coming Down has it all. If my above words haven't persuaded you to pick this book up, I hope following reasons would.

➤ I loved that story wasn't too angsty. Yes, it was sad and bittersweet but Beth wasn't overly broken or damaged. It was all real. Nothing over the top like so many characters in books these days.

➤ I loved flashbacks to the past which gradually revealed what had happened all those years ago when Beth's life changed in a radical way. They had poetic quality into them and I found them utterly fascinating.

➤ Intimacy has a real meaning in this novel. In the world of quick pleasures and books full of doms, stories by Carrie Elks are lovely refreshing change. Plus this author can write anticipation like none other!

GUEST REVIEW: Jesus Freaks: Sins of the Father

Hi everyone! Please welcome my friend Marta, whose reviews I adore. She graciously agreed to share some of her thoughts and help me with providing reviews of the latest releases for you. Her first guest review is on very intriguing novel by Andrea Randall. 

Happy Reading :)

Jesus Freaks: Sins of the Father

Written by: Andrea Randall

Genre: New Adult Fiction

Purchase: Amazon / Kobo

Synopsis:

Kennedy Sawyer is the valedictorian of her upper middle class, liberal high school.

Roland Abbot is the charismatic, attractive televangelist from New Life Church with a dark past and an illegitimate child.

Ignoring the cautions of her mother and the confusion of her Ivy League-bound friends, Kennedy enrolls at the conservative Christian Carter University where her sights are set on Roland Abbot—her birth father.

Kennedy’s intentions are to learn more about her father than the Bible. However, roommates who are quick to evangelize to strangers, an RA who seems to be hiding something, and friends in the most unlikely places challenge everything she’s ever held as true in the raging battle of us vs. them.

 Marta's * 4 STARS * Review:

I know this book seems like one you don’t think you want to read. I, for one, absolutely love Andrea’s writing, but had doubts about reading her new book. The topic of religion just generally makes people uncomfortable. It does me. I’m not a believer. I try understanding and accepting people that do believe, but I personally just can’t. And it makes me uncomfortable when people talk religion to me (read: preach to me) or blatantly push their beliefs on me. I like Christians just fine and I am perfectly capable of being good friends with them, as long as we steer clear of the religion topic. So yes, you could say I was hesitant to start this book. And the reason why I ended up writing this review is because I don’t want you to be. Trust me on this, guys. This book is not what you think. Whether you’re Christian, agnostic, Muslim, Jewish or atheist, you can get something out of this story. Yes, religion is a huge aspect, Evangelical Christians in particular play a big role, but it’s not that kind of story.

There are a lot of things I can say about religion, and all of them have been said and thought before. This story has proved to be very thought-provoking, which is part of why I gave it 5 stars, but I won’t waste my time on the religion talk. We all have our opinions, beliefs and faith. Life is not about making sure everyone shares the same opinion, belief and faith. Nope. It’s about respecting people, even though they’re different. It’s about respecting their differences and withholding judgment.

Now we are all quick to judge. I won’t believe you if you tell me you never judge. We are quick to call people “weird”, even I am. There were some kids in my neighborhood that didn’t have TV at home for religious reasons. I judged, because, how weird. My Christian friend exclusively listened to Christian music and I judged, because, how weird and why would you. My classmate all of a sudden decided to cover her hair for religious reasons and I judged, because, why would you and what’s the point?

Now back to the story. Evangelical Christians are pretty devote. If you didn’t know that, now you know. They’re devote and there’s a big group that’s also very conservative. Now imagine you’re a regular girl who was raised Christian, but in a very liberal way. Your mom is an activist for women’s rights, your church has a gay bishop and you have a lip piercing. But you’re a Christian, because despite all of that, you do believe in God and go to church weekly. You have a stepdad and you see your biological dad once in a long while because he’s been mainly absent in your life. Your birth father is a celebrity among Evangelists. He is a televangelist and a famous and well-loved preacher.

You’re basically the daughter of the King of Modern Evangelical Christianity. 

Imagine you’re 18, just graduated high school and you got admitted to Yale. Do you go to Yale? Nope. Why? Because you’re kind of lost. You don’t know what to do, what you want, who you are. You want to get to know your biological father better (you’ve been stalking him from afar online) and you want to get to know yourself, but that’s secondary right now. The only way to get close to your father is to join Carter University (aka CU), the strict Evangelical university with God-fearing and Jesus-loving kids. Your father preaches at the New Life Church which is connected to the CU. So you do. You join CU, despite your mother’s protests and jokes about weird Jesus lovers. Imagine suddenly being surrounded by everything you ever judged as weird. They are weird. You are normal. But now you are being judged for your lack of Bible knowledge, for not being baptized as an adult, for cursing, for having a lip piercing (good thing they don’t know that part yet) and for so many things that to you are normal things, but to them is weird. And for the first time in your life, you are the minority. This is what happens to Kennedy as she tries to find herself and her father in an environment that’s so different from her own. She becomes fast friends with a few people, including her roommates, but the internal judging is still there. Both parties, in some sense, think they’re better than the other.

I’ve been walking around thinking that the people around me think they’re better than me in a spiritual sense, and I’ve been doing the same thing back at them. 

The power of this story that Andrea crafted is that it doesn’t preach, it doesn’t try to convince, it just tells and shows that there is no such thing as weird. That it is all a matter of perspective and that they have as much reason to judge us as we do them. Even better; there is no them and us. There doesn’t have to be a distinction. We are all humans and we are all different in our own ways, but there should never be a battle that requires a distinction between them and us.

I know that CU isn’t necessarily what’s “normal” when placed in the scope of the entire United States, but – as Roland so helpfully pointed out – it’s normal for here. 

So if you are afraid of starting this book, because you think you will be spoon-fed Jesus, fear not. That is not what will happen. In fact, the main character is probably much like you and is equally skeptical of the Jesus Freaks as you are. She internally makes jokes about them that will crack you up. I didn’t expect to, but I laughed a lot while reading this. Seriously, it was hilarious. And the main character is just so easy to relate to. Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop. If it weren’t for work, I would’ve finished this story in one day.

QUICK REVIEW: Lead Me Not by A. Meredith Walters

Lead Me Not (Twisted Love #1)

Written by: A. Meredith Walters

Genre: New Adult Romance

Purchase: Amazon / B&N

Synopsis:

In this dangerously sexy novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Find You in the Dark, a straight-laced college student meets a handsome but enigmatic stranger who lures her into an underground club scene, where she finds it difficult to resist temptation

Aubrey Duncan understands loss. She knows what rock bottom looks like, and she is determined to crawl back up to the top after the sudden death of her younger sister. She blames herself for her part in the tragedy, convinced that she could have done something, anything, to help her.

In her effort to gain redemption, Aubrey starts fresh at Longwood University and facilitates an addiction support group, hoping she can support someone else in the way she failed her sister. But what she doesn’t count on is an all-consuming fascination with group member Maxx Demelo, a gorgeous, blond, blue-eyed enigma who hides dark secrets behind a carefully constructed mask. He only reveals what he wants others to see. But Aubrey glimpses another Maxx hidden below the surface—a Maxx who is drowning in his own personal hell.

As Aubrey and Maxx develop an attraction too intense to ignore, he pulls her into the dark underbelly of the city club scene, where she is torn by her desire to save him and an inexplicable urge to join him in his downward spiral. Worst of all, she is beginning to love everything she should run away from—a man who threatens to ignite in her a fire that could burn her alive…

My Aubrey and Maxx:

* No Rating * Review:

I did not finish this book. Stopped at 56%, so no rating this time.

Good girl trying to deal with her loss and rebelious boy heading to destruction. Is Lead Me Not a story about girl trying to save a boy? Or a story about boy tempting girl to join the "dark side"?

Unfortunatelly, I don't have answers to these questions. I couldn't be bothered to stick around long enough to find out. Story didn't grab me, writing didn't stand out to me and I found overall reading experience quite average. I lacked the spark between main protagonists and that is always a bad sign.

Lately, it is very hard to find something unique and out of norm when it comes to oversaturated NA genre. But that is just my personal opinion. However, if you are hardcore NA fan, I suggest to check other reviews, you may end up enjoying this book. 

*Review Copy provided by publisher as an exchange for honest review*

One Favourite Moment: Ten Tiny Breaths series

The prequel novella to the Ten Tiny Breaths series from Trent’s POV, IN HER WAKE, releases September 1st. On this special occasion, I was asked to share my favourite moment from entire series. And to tell the truth, it was pretty straighforward decision on my side :)

REVIEW: SKYGODS BY SARAH LATCHAW

Skygods, sequel to my favourite contemporary romance of 2013 - Hydraulic Level Five (read my review HERE). For a chance to win set of ebooks from Hydraulic series, do not forget to enter giveaway at the bottom of this post!

Skygods (Hydraulic #2)

Written by Sarah Latchaw

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Purchase: Amazon US / Amazon UK / B&N

Synopsis:

Kaye Trilby and her ex-husband, world-famous author Samuel Cabral, vowed to fight for their rekindled love in rain or shine. They didn’t realize they’d be caught in a deluge so quickly.

A near-fatal skydiving accident shows Kaye how her reckless behavior affects the ones she loves. But while she knows Samuel is afraid to lose her again, she isn’t ready to give up the thrill of the wild backcountry.

Something darker is slipping into Samuel’s mind, though. The specters of his past are re-emerging. His polish is deteriorating, just as all of Hollywood braces for his blockbuster book-to-movie adaptation. When he appears on Kaye’s doorstep late one night in a rumpled tuxedo, erratic and agitated, it seems that romance with her ex might be her biggest leap yet. A string of failed relationships has pushed Samuel to the brink, the fall-out leaving him in a dark place—a place where Kaye is powerless to help him. She is reluctantly drawn back into Samuel’s glittering and backbiting world of celebrity, all the while clinging to the steadfast peaks of home.

Can Kaye risk her heart with Samuel a second time? Will they ever find their blue skies?

My Kaye and Samuel:

* 5 STARS * Review:

It is a huge talent when author is able to touch her readers with her words in a powerful way. And Sarah Latchaw has it. Skygods is not your ordinary contemporary romance and Kaye's & Samuel's story touched me like no other.

Skygods is utterly beautiful, captivating and realistic tale of rekindled love, tale of two people finding a way back to each other in spite of adversity. It is sad, but hopeful story which shows us the lenght person would go to, sacrificies person would make for the loved one. Moreover, Skygods is believable, never over-the-top drama-filled novel. And thanks for that. Because nothing can ruin a book as irritating, eye-rolling drama.

Book starts where Hydraulic Level Five ended - with main protagonists trying to mend their long time ago broken friendship. Once again, Sarah Latchaw provoked various emotions in me while reading her book. I adored playful side of Kaye's and Samuel's relationship. I rejoiced at every single happy moment. And my heart broke for Samuel, seeing firsthand how his dark demons were slowly destroying him. Is Kaye strong enough to deal with Samuel's secrets, eccentric behaviour and his stressful life of famous writer?

But it is not only emotions that makes this story so precious to me. It is also in depth depicted characters and admire worthy storytelling skills that will completely drag you into the story. Believe me when I say that I cannot recommend this series enough!

Hydraulic Level Five was my favourite contemporary romance novel of 2013 and I can genuinely say that this sequel secured the same position in the year 2014. I already cannot wait for more from this incredibly talented author!

 Giveaway:

Giveaway of ebook copies of both books in Hydraulic series:

- Hydraulic Level Five by Sarah Latchaw

- Skygods by Sarah Latchaw

For a chance to win, comment on this blog post. 

Do not forget to leave your email so I am able to contact the winner.

I will  pick winner on Friday, August 29th 2014. Good luck!