Sweet Peril (The Sweet Trilogy, #2) by Wendy Higgins

Sweet Peril (The Sweet Trilogy, #2) by Wendy Higgins
Publisher: Harper Teen
Publication Date: April 30, 2013
Amazon / B&N

Anna Whitt, the daughter of a guardian angel and a demon, promised herself she’d never do the work of her father—polluting souls. She’d been naive to make such a vow. She’d been naive about a lot of things.

Haunted by demon whisperers, Anna does whatever she can to survive, even if it means embracing her dark side and earning an unwanted reputation as her school’s party girl. Her life has never looked more bleak. And all the while there’s Kaidan Rowe, son of the Duke of Lust, plaguing her heart and mind.

When an unexpected lost message from the angels surfaces, Anna finds herself traveling the globe with Kopano, son of Wrath, in an attempt to gain support of fellow Nephilim and give them hope for the first time. It soon becomes clear that whatever freedoms Anna and the rest of the Neph are hoping to win will not be gained without a fight. Until then, Anna and Kaidan must put aside the issues between them, overcome the steamiest of temptations yet, and face the ultimate question: is loving someone worth risking their life?

My Thoughts:

Sweet Peril was yet again, another fantastic journey in The Sweet Trilogy. I will try to keep this as spoiler free as possible, but I do recommend reading Sweet Evil (The Sweet Trilogy, #1) as it was one phenomenal book!

The tensions rise in this installment. Anna has to play her role as the daughter of addiction and it was obvious it was difficult for her and with stray spirits watching the neph for the Dukes, she had to be careful. Since the summit where she spoke out, some of the Dukes have been a little suspicious and on edge. Anna knew their was some sort of a greater purpose. Instead of a road trip, Anna and Kope are sent out on a particular mission which was set up by her father. That man is incredible! I mean, he makes things happen! I grew fond of him in Sweet Evil, and in Sweet Peril, I like his character even more.

On their first destination, Kope shows signs of affection for Anna, and her heart is aching something fierce for Kai. I felt bad for Kope. He truly had a good heart and tried to be a gentleman, but Kai was who was in her heart. It was sad how Anna ached and longed for him. I guess he was just as much of an addiction as alcohol and drugs were to her.

The tension was crazy I tell you! Pure crazy! It was like Ms. Higgins dangled the carrot in front of the rabbit, but just high enough it couldn't quite get it. Between the small love triangle (No fear! It was a short spout) the Kai appearances and the not knowing...I was going bananas!

I wanted to kiss my Nook the moment Anna's father told her she was going to California. (If you read Sweet Evil, you'd know why) It was such a huge moment in the storyline and I couldn't have been happier. From that point on, I was in for the haul. Despite the fact that Kai didn't actually appear until about half way, when he did, It was a confetti party here. The story was amped up to a new level and the chemistry got H-O-T! As I said before...Kai turns good girls, bad. Okay, so Anna wasn't turned to a naughty girl by any means. She was just a hormonal teenage girl with a serious crush.

The plot moved forward and there weren't any dull parts and it flowed nicely. Honestly, I didn't want to put the book down. Towards the end there is an island scene that was really informational and one of their fellow neph's loses his life. The scene was bittersweet because it was sad, but at the same time you were proud of how strong this person stood.

This is about good and evil, and even though some of the Dukes had made bad choices, there were a few who had a good heart and tried to right wrongs in their own way. I think in a way that was how Kope's father was too. He let his son, be. I absolutely love this trilogy. I love the world Wendy Higgins created and the strong characters. There is one specific character I have yet to mention, and that is Anna's mom. Wow. She just oozes love and support. Anna hit the jackpot with her. I have a particular suspicion about her but I'm not saying a word. But if you want to guess, be my guest.

Overall, this book was phenomenal. I want more, and I want it now. *stomps foot*

Review: Sweet Evil (The Sweet Trilogy, #1) by Wendy Higgins

Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins
Publisher: Harper Teen
Publication Date: May 1, 2012

B&N / Amazon

Embrace the Forbidden What if there were teens whose lives literally depended on being bad influences? This is the reality for sons and daughters of fallen angels. Tenderhearted Southern girl Anna Whitt was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She's aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but it isn't until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage and her willpower is put to the test. He's the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna. Forced to face her destiny, will Anna embrace her halo or her horns?

 My Thoughts:

Sweet Evil is the perfect title for this book. Good versus Evil. Which way will the scale tip? Anna is a sweet girl, knew she was a little different than her friends. She remembered her birth, and can see emotions as colors. It was an ability to sense others' feelings, their auras. She has a bestfriend, Jay who was a cool character. He introduces Anna to his favorite band, in walks Kaidan, the bad boy drummer. He oozes with lust. He's not the boy next door or the guy you would trust in a relationship. He turns good girls, bad.

Anna discovers the truth of her heritage and the truth behind the mysterious Kaidan. A sudden road trip and an anonymous message, sends these two into unchartered waters for them. Anna peels the tough layers back one day at a time, and Kaidan, his natural instinct to do more than play friends rubs away at Anna's pure-hearted nature.

I absolutely loved this story. This was one I had been itching to read, and I have to say, I am so angry with myself for not reading it sooner!!! What was I thinking!? The internal fight Anna battled to stay true to herself felt realistic. I felt bad for her, but at the same time, I was happy for her, too. She wasn't a prude, and I think that's what made her "Good-Girl" persona believable. The tension between her and Kaidan was electric! I just LOVE these two!

Of course this is a mythological blend, but it didn't feel cliché the least bit. I think Wendy Higgins did a fantastic job with it. I was able to imagine the scenes and feel the emotion between the characters. What really stood out was the fact that she didn't hold back on the heavier, darker side of things, and I appreciate the boldness. It gave the story some zest.

Fans of Angels/Demons/romantic chemistry will enjoy this. I also need to add the action, too. I stayed up late reading this book, and I can say without a doubt that this is a new favorite of mine.

Review: Runes by Ednah Walters

Runes by Ednah Walters

Publisher Firetrail Publishing 
Release- May 7th 2013
Purchase Amazon / B & N

Seventeen-year-old Raine Cooper has enough on her plate dealing with her father’s disappearance, her mother’s erratic behavior and the possibility of her boyfriend relocating. The last thing she needs is Torin St. James—a mysterious new neighbor with a wicked smile and uncanny way of reading her.Raine is drawn to Torin’s dark sexiness against her better judgment, until he saves her life with weird marks and she realizes he is different. But by healing her, Torin changes something inside Raine. Now she can’t stop thinking about him. Half the time, she’s not sure whether to fall into his arms or run.Scared, she sets out to find out what Torin is. But the closer she gets to the truth the more she uncovers something sinister about Torin. What Torin is goes back to an ancient mythology and Raine is somehow part of it. Not only are she and her friends in danger, she must choose a side, but the wrong choice will cost Raine her life.

My Thoughts
Raine Cooper is your normal soon to be seventeen-year old. Despite having a peculiar but loving mother and missing her father who's been gone for three months and presumed dead since his plane went down in Honolulu, Raine enjoys her average, boring life. She has good friends, a hopefully-possible boyfriend and she has her sports. But when the blue-eyed hottie next door moves in, it changes Raine's entire world and everything she thought was normal, is anything but...

Already a fan of Ednah Walters The Guardian Legacy series, I was looking forward to seeing what her newest release would be like. I'm happy to say that Runes turned out to be a fun, sexy and mysterious story that I've come to expect from Walter's work. All her books have this really comfortable ease to them and her characters feel very natural and seem to come to life in my mind. In this book we get a little bit of everything I enjoy in an escape. Mystery, romance, magic and mythology, but not the Greek mythology that I've read so many times in other books, this one is about the Norse myth which I found exciting and fascinating. 

Raine is a wonderful protagonist. She's strong and athletic and I enjoyed her cool nature and feisty spirit, but when she's around Torin, it seems to bring out more of her brighter colors. Despite Torin's gorgeous alluring appeal, he's an arrogant, condescending pain that seems to get right under Raine's skin. I love the sexy playful banter and quick-wit zingers between these two characters. You can feel this intense irresistible force when ever their in the same space. I also really liked Eirik's character. I've always enjoyed childhood-turned-more relationships but this one is kinda bittersweet. While Eirik is the obvious safe and warm choice for Raine, you can tell her heart really isn't in it. I liked that the romance wasn't instantaneous. The attraction was, but it's suppose to. I liked the fact that Raine didn't just fall to Torin's feet. It made the push-pull chemistry much more believable and more grin-worthy entertaining.

There is quite a bit that happens plot wise so I don't want to spoil to much. I tend to never compare books with other books, but I couldn't help feel a Twilight and Immortal Instruments vibe to this one. I didn't really mind it, but some who read this might. With that said, I still thought the story line was a lot of fun. I've never read anything about Norse mythology before so I found myself really falling into the entire history about the Land of Mist, a goddess named Hel, invisible tattoos, Norms, Runes, Reapers, collecting souls and then finally finding out what and who exactly Torin and the others like him are. The mystery surrounding the truth is frustratingly evasive, but it was well worth it come the end. 

All in all, I had a lot of fun with this book. I love the easy-to-sink-into writing style, the characters are well developed, easy to like and connect with, while the story line is incredible intriguing and consuming. This left us on a shocking evil cliify, so I really can't wait to see what happens next in, Immortals! 

Find the author:
Goodreads / Website
                                                                      3.5 Snowflakes

Waiting on Wednesday, #40

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases we can't wait to get our hands on.

Here's my selection for this week...

The Redemption of Callie and Kayden (The Coincidence #2) by Jessica Sorensen

Expected Publication: August 6, 2013

Publisher: Sphere

The dark secret Kayden has kept hidden for years is out. Worse, he's facing charges for battery. The only way he stands a chance against the charges is if Callie speaks up, something he'll never ask her to do.

Callie knows Kayden is going back to his dark place and desperately wants to save him. But saving him means admitting her secrets aloud. Callie and Kayden are stronger than they think, especially when they're together. Together they move forward, face their demons, and finally start to heal from their traumatic pasts.

I read the Coincedence of Callie and Kayden a couple of months ago and absolutely fell in love with both of these characters. I won't complain about the painful cliffy, but I will say it was harsh! I can't wait to get my hands on this second installment to see how Callie and Kayden find a way through the tough times ahead. Sitting at the edge of my seat for this one!!

Sooo, what book are you waiting on??? Be sure to link me up!

Cover Reveal: Steel Lily by Megan Curd

Title: Steel Lily

Author: Megan Curd

Expected release date: Fall 2013

Genre: Dystopian w/ hints of Steampunk

Age Group: Young Adult

Cover Designed by: Mae I Design

 

AVERY PIKE is a commodity. No, more than a commodity. Her existence is guarded at all costs. She’s a water Elementalist, the strongest of her dwindling kind. She creates steam to provide energy to fuel Dome Three: the only thing standing between humanity and an earth ravaged by World War III. No steam, no Dome. No Dome, no life. Or so she thinks. That is, until a mysterious man offers her a way out of having to donate steam. A way to escape the corrupt government of Dome Three. While the offer seems too good to be true, Avery is intrigued. But when she arrives to her new home, she realizes the grass isn’t any less dead on this side of the fence. Instead, the lies are just hidden better. …Which means digging deeper. When Avery enlists the help of her friends to uncover the truth, it may make her wonder if she was better off being a government tool than searching for freedom. Some secrets are better left concealed, but humankind was never meant to live in a cage. And when you can control the most sought after resource, you can learn to control anything…including the fate of your world.

About the Author
Megan began her journey into writing as a college junior during winter finals at the encouragement of a friend. What resulted was Bridger, Megan's first full-length novel. Since then she has written the second book in the series, Traitor, and a stand-alone novel (which will hopefully become a series!) called The Guardian Chronicles: Forbidden. When not writing, Megan enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and Great Dane, aptly named Dozer. She enjoys snowboarding, playing xBox, and crocheting. Music is a huge part of her life and drives her writing. Her favorite bands are Muse, Bon Iver, Florence + the Machine, and The Civil Wars. Megan resides in Kentucky, near two of her writerly tweeps Hope Collier and Beth Isaacs, and swears it's Hope's fault she's living in the land of the banjos, but wouldn't have it any other way.

Follow this Author

Twitter |Facebook | Steel Lily Website

 

Teaser Tuesday, #30



Welcome to Teaser Tuesdays! Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.Anyone can play along! Just do the following: Grab your current read Open to a random page Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!


My Teaser Tuesday is for the following...




Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa

Publication Date: April 30, 2013

Publisher: Harlequin Teen




My Teasers are from page: 26 & 27

"The lesser of the two evils was still evil."

"So I chose the stronger of the two urges, and if it led me right to a pissed-off, psychotic vampire eager to peel the skin from my bones, then i would just have to deal with that bump when I got there."

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Teaser Tuesdays post, or share your ‘teasers’ in a comment here if you don’t have a blog Thanks!

Review: My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Publication Date: June 14, 2012

Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers

A gorgeous debut about family, friendship, first romance, and how to be true to one person you love without betraying another

"One thing my mother never knew, and would disapprove of most of all, was that I watched the Garretts. All the time.”

The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, numerous, messy, affectionate. And every day from her balcony perch, seventeen-year-old Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs her terrace and changes everything. As the two fall fiercely in love, Jase's family makes Samantha one of their own. Then in an instant, the bottom drops out of her world and she is suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?

A dreamy summer read, full of characters who stay with you long after the story is over.

My Thoughts
My Life Next Door is a great YA contemporary that would make an awesome addition to any summer beachside reading list. Huntley Fitzpatrick’s debut novel is full of laughs, heartfelt moments, memorable friendships and just downright good storytelling. Samantha and Jase’s adventure is one I won’t soon forget. Absolutely lovely!!

First off, let me share that as I find my reading choices altering quite a bit, there’s one genre I probably won’t ever grow out of and that’s YA contemporary. I’ve pretty much had my fill of teenage love triangles, shiny vampires, and absentee parents that seem to be formulaic of most YA. So if I’m going to invest my time in young adult, as of late I’d like it to be something completely unique and/or realistically possible. It’s no secret that the YA market is absolutely flooded, so unless an author has an established fan base, any new contender needs to be ready with something different or something that will resonate with their audience. For My Life Next Door the secret ingredient that Fitzpatrick infused in her story was the believability of her characters who shared common problems making them feel relatable.

Jase and Sam have lived next door to each other for years, but have never approached one another in all that time. Jase comes from a loud, full-of-life and large family - we’re talking 8 brothers and sisters total in the Garrett family. This contrasts dramatically from Sam’s quiet existence being the daughter of the Senator who is expected to be polished and on her game at every moment because of the spotlight placed on her family. She’s watched Jase’s family from afar, but because of her mother’s feelings about “Those Garretts,” she’s never had the nerve to engage with them. That all changes one summer night when Jase climbs her terrace and changes Sam’s life forever.

I’d like to commend Fitzpatrick for her ability to infuse a reasonable amount of conflict in her story without running the risk of making it feel overly dramatic or contrived. She created a believable representation of true life for a teenage girl embarking on a life altering summer.

Samantha Reed is the MC in this novel, and I enjoyed meeting this character. She had some tough events happen to her in a few short summer months. Most of it was left slightly unresolved, but that’s okay because to tie her story with a pretty red bow would be to sell her adventure short. I admired the choices she made when it came to how she handled her best friend, Tim and “big incident” involving her mom. She definitely felt the brunt of her choices, but she stood behind her decisions and I applauded that.

Jase was a perfect partner for Samantha. Their maturity levels were truly magnified in how they interacted with each other and the two families involved. I loved them as a couple, but I adored them as individuals. Great character development where these two were concerned.

I’d also like to make a note of how simply enamored I was with little George. He was an absolute adorable addition to the story. I enjoyed his mental frenzy and how tender Jase and Sam handled him. What a cute little kid with such a commanding presence.

On a final note, I have to share how slightly put off I was with Mr. and Mrs. Garrett. For the most part, I can stand aside and realize that adults should be able to make their own choices because it’s up to them to deal with the consequence. I don’t have any issues with people that have a large family and I know it’s not my place to render any judgment left or right in this case. But when it came to the Garrett’s, each addition to their family felt like an “oops we’re pregnant again,” and when even the older children who were suffering the heavy lifting of caring for the little ones, supporting the family business, figuring out how to make their way to college… it just felt irresponsible on the parent’s part and unfair for the kids. That issue seemed to stay on my mind the entire time and I felt bad for the Garrett kids for their parent’s lack of judgment. That is all I want to say on that.

Overall though, I enjoyed My Life Next Door and I will definitely keep my eye out for other novels by this author. Add me to her fan base… I was pleased. :)

4 Snowflakes

Review: Rush by Eve Silver

Rush by Eve Silver 

Publisher-Katherine Tegen Books

Release- June 11th 2013

Pre-Order- Amazon / B&N / Chapters

So what’s the game now? This, or the life I used to know?When Miki Jones is pulled from her life, pulled through time and space into some kind of game—her carefully controlled life spirals into chaos. In the game, she and a team of other teens are sent on missions to eliminate the Drau, terrifying and beautiful alien creatures. There are no practice runs, no training, and no way out. Miki has only the guidance of secretive but maddeningly attractive team leader Jackson Tate, who says the game isn’t really a game, that what Miki and her new teammates do now determines their survival, and the survival of every other person on this planet. She laughs. He doesn’t. And then the game takes a deadly and terrifying turn.

My Thoughts:

Well now, how do I go about explaining the crazy-awesomeness that is this book? 

Rush is a such a bold, inventive, exciting story. The moment I read the first chapter I knew that this isn't like my usual reads. In fact, this was probably one of the most unique books I ever had the pleasure of experiencing, it's completely refreshing. There is a lot going on here plot wise and I'd be lying if I said I understood everything in complete details, but I did get the overall general idea. Now, just a heads up, this is a pretty out-there concept my friends. It may be hard to grasp or even wrap your head around it, but if you keep an open mind, I firmly believe that readers will have a real blast with this book!

Miki Jones, first heard a boy whispering her name while sitting around on an average sunny day at Glenbrook High gossiping with her friends, but when she tries to find the source, no one's there.  Still, the voice keeps whispering her name. Then out of no where, Miki sees a little girl in the middle of the street, the voice pushing her to act quickly, she doesn't think twice before she throws herself on the road and pushes the little girl away before the truck ends up hitting her, along with a guy named Luka, who ran after her. 

When Miki wakes up, she's in a grassy clearing covered with trees and boulders, while a guy named Jackson looms over her accessing the damage before activating her Con-bracelet and preparing her for an ultimate battle. (Yup!)

See, Miki is in a live version game, but it's not really a game, it's actually real life and she and her other team mates, gets 'pulled' through space and time from their original reality, gets sent to the lobby, which is like a holding area and awaits mission instruction. They must complete any missions they are assigned, and for this case, they must terminate an evil alien species called the Drau who have been evading earth far greater then anyone knows and threatening humans life as we know it. It's within the teams survival that will ensure the safety of the entire world. After a successful mission is complete each individual team member gets regenerated back to their normal lives. In till the next time....

Pretty cool concept huh? And the writing? Even better! Kudos to Eve Silver, she must know her games cause this was a pretty intricately detailed story-line with highly entertaining fast paced action sequences that make you feel like your in this world. I loved that it's  based on an idea of gaming complete with point systems- hits/bonus/timelines and life-calculation, or health, in this book. The backdrop is a virtual reality setting, or a world within our world, throwing these characters in an ultimate battle zone ready to fight to the death if need be, but tries to avoid it at all cost. No one wants game over. This is seriously smart, sharp and clever writing with an ingenious imagination. But just to warn you, it's also very evasively written, meaning, we only get pockets of information scattered throughout the book. We know when Miki knows and it can get pretty confusing and frustrating for the both of us. 

Now,  despite the 'every man for themselves' rule, Miki, Luka, Jackson and Tyrone make an unbelievable team! I loved their energy, dedication, good-humor and even though distraction can get you killed, they're all willing to to put themselves out there for the next person.

Miki is a fantastic protag! With all things considering, she takes the news that she's dead but not really dead and must fight extraterrestrial's with no real choice, pretty darn well. She freaks out mind you, but at least she doesn't sit around waiting for her life to be pulled, she demands answers and she gets them.

Jackson is one of those irritatingly gorgeous guys who is impossible, overly cryptic, arrogant, complex, maddening and who is keeping a deep dark secret. So, naturally I simply adored him to pieces. The feisty banter and comical zingers and the push and pull dance between Jackson and Miki was priceless and so utterly adorable. I was very surprised to even find a sweet bubbling romance in a story like this. I mean, when you think guns-a-blazin' and guts-a-splatin', it doesn't normally scream love story included. Read me. So I was very pleased with all the sigh-worthy and grin-to-stupid-grin moments we ended up getting.

Bottom line, I had such a blast with this book. It's such a fun experience, it's wildly original, endlessly entertaining with wicked characters and fantastical writing! Sadly it does leave us on a cliffy and an evil one at that, so I can't wait to see where Silver takes these characters next!! I can see this appealing to gamers, teenage boys or if your like me someone who's looking for a new spin on their sci-fi fantasy escape but still wants some heartwarming romance on the side. More! 

Find the author:
Goodreads / Website

                                                                   4.5 snowflakes

Stacking the Shelves (47)

A weekly meme hosted by, Tynga's Reviews, that features the books we bought, borrowed, were gifted, and were given for review.

Our recap for the week!

Reviews:

The Book of Broken Hearts by Sarah Ockler

The Truth About You and Me by Amanda Grace 

Wednesday's in the Tower by Jessica Day George 

Inception by Teal Haviland 

Giveaways:

Going Vintage by Lindsey Leavitt & Things I Can't Forget by Miranda Kenneally

WinterHaven Fun:

Teaser Tuesday

Waiting on Wednesday 

This week we had an EPIC haul!  I am still in shock over what landed in our hands!  

For Review:

Independent Study by Joelle Charbonneau

Truth or Dare by Jacqueline Green

When You Were Here by Daisy Whitney

The Lucy Variations by Sara Zarr

Game by Barry Lyga

Left Drowning by Jessica Park

All Our Yesterdays  by Cristin Terrill

These Broken Stars by Annie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner

Indelible by Dawn Metcalf

Bought:

Sweet Peril by Wendy Higgins

*Special thanks to Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, Harlequin Teen, Little Brown Books for Young Readers, Amazon Children's Publishing, &  Disney Hyperion* 

Well that's it for us this week!  I hope you had an amazing week as well!  Leave me a link so I can see all your pretties!

 

 

Review: The Book of Broken Hearts by Sarah Ockler

The Book of Broken Hearts by Sarah Ockler

Publisher- Simon Pulse 
Released- May 21st 2013
Purchase Amazon / B & N / Chapters

Jude has learned a lot from her older sisters, but the most important thing is this: The Vargas brothers are notorious heartbreakers. She’s seen the tears and disasters that dating a Vargas boy can cause, and she swore an oath—with candles and a contract and everything—to never have anything to do with one.Now Jude is the only sister still living at home, and she’s spending the summer helping her ailing father restore his vintage motorcycle—which means hiring a mechanic to help out. Is it Jude’s fault he happens to be cute? And surprisingly sweet? And a Vargas?Jude tells herself it’s strictly bike business with Emilio. Her sisters will never find out, and Jude can spot those flirty little Vargas tricks a mile away—no way would she fall for them. But Jude’s defenses are crumbling, and if history is destined to repeat itself, she’s speeding toward some serious heartbreak…unless her sisters were wrong?Jude may have taken an oath, but she’s beginning to think that when it comes to love, some promises might be worth breaking.

My Thoughts:

Jude Hernandez is on a mission. She needs to find a mechanic that can help her and her Papi restore a 60's vintage motorcycle that her dad use to drive back in his glory days.

But, Jude had no clue that the only young mechanic that can be spared is no other then, Emilio.Freaking.Vargas. Rewind back to a 12 year old Jude, as she watches her sister crumble into pieces. The Vargas brothers strikes again, leaving nothing but endless tears and broken hearts in their path. From that day forward, the four Hernandez sisters decided to make a sacred vow, to never get involved with a Vargas boy again. But surely, a Vargas boy helping her fix their Papi's bike is totally different. It's not like history is repeating itself and she'll fall for him....right?

The Book of Broken Hearts is a wonderful heartwarming and heartbreaking story about a family battling against an incurable disease, finding love where you would least expect it and finding yourself at the same time. 

When I'm in the mood for something sentimentally sweet and need a quick light escape to lift me up, I know all I have to do is turn to one of Sarah Ockler's books. She writes some of the most beautiful stories with strong witty characters and an emotional journey that will guarantee to make you smile and pull on your heart strings. 

This story-line touched something very deep inside me. I have a very large family and I'm closed to everyone in it. So to watch a family member suffer such a merciless disease like Alzheimer's really tore my heart in two. To be robbed of the one thing that you desperately want till your very last breath...your memories, is such a heartless and evil way to go. Ockler tackles this issue with a lot of respect and dignity.

Jude Hernandez has a big round heart. She spends all of her time making sure everyone is okay around her. She's the doting daughter, the loyal sister, the best friend and even Emilio's princesa. So it's no surprise when she realizes, come the end, that she may be just as lost as her Papi. When your pulled in so many different directions, it's hard to know what you want in your own life and easy to lose yourself somewhere in the middle. Still, Jude's sisters did have good intentions for warning their baby sister off Vargas men and I thought it was kinda precious how protective they are and how Jude actually feels guilty about liking someone that is suppose to be 'off limits if you know what's good for you'. But I'm glad that she listened to her heart in the end. But what I really loved about this character the most was the bond she has with her Papi and how she takes care of him and what she wouldn't give for him to be happy. It's really touching and refreshing to see how much family means to these characters. 

But this story also has a very amusing and tender love story. Emilio Vargas has that famous gorgeous bad boy image with an overly confident charm complete with dimples that girls swoon over. I, being one of them. He's the kind of guy your scared to get involved with but even more scared to not take that chance. Emilio is good people and understands all to clearly what it means to lose someone you love. I loved their fun banter, witty zingers and chemistry spark. The relationship isn't rushed, it's starts with a gradual pull that leads to the inevitable, which is just the way I like my love stories. 

Bottom line, I really just loved this book. It's a beautiful story that is both emotionally touching but still warm and funny. It captures family unity, sisterly bonds and promises meant to be broken...with no regrets. Ockler got me again!

Find the author:

Goodreads / Website
                                                                    4 Snowflakes

Review: The Truth About You and Me by Amanda Grace

The Truth About You and Me by Amanda Grace
Publisher: Flux
Release Date: September 8, 2013
Purchase: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Smart girls aren't supposed to do stupid things.
Madelyn Hawkins is super smart. At sixteen, she's so gifted that she can attend college through a special program at her high school. On her first day, she meets Bennet. He's cute, funny, and kind. He understands Madelyn and what she's endured - and missed out on - in order to excel academically and please her parents. Now, for the first time in her life, she's falling in love.
There's only one problem. Bennet is Madelyn's college professor, and he thinks she's eighteen - because she hasn't told him the truth.
The story of their forbidden romance is told in letters that Madelyn writes to Bennet - both a heart-searing ode to their ill-fated love and an apology.

My Thoughts:
Wow when I picked this up I didn't expect to feel as connected to the story as I ended up feeling.  I knew the subject manner before hand, but after reading Madelyn's recount of what happened between her and Bennett my heart really just broke in two.

The story is very simple, 16 year old falls for her 26 year old professor. What makes this story unique is Bennett, the professor.  See Madelyn is in an advanced program at her high school so he really doesn't know how old she is, he just assumes she is old enough to be a freshman in college.  I know that he should have asked and yes I realize that even 18 to 26 is a big age gap, but most of my friends have bigger age gaps than that so I didn't mind Bennett wanting her when he thought she was 18.  I really loved his character.  He knew the rules about teachers and students so he made Madelyn a promise, he told her that the minute his course was over and he was no longer her teacher they could be together.  He waited for her like a responsible gentleman.  I loved him for that and I was so proud when he stuck by their agreement.  Madelyn made very bad decisions, but when you are 16 that happens a lot. I wasn't proud of her for keeping it from him, but like I said 16 year olds typically don't make the right decisions.  So when he found out her age after certain intimate situations occurred I completely understood his reaction. It wasn't pretty and Madelyn knew she had it coming.  I only wish she would have told him sooner.

This isn't a pretty story and I thought the ending was brilliant.  I wanted something positive to happen after the disaster of a confrontation and I couldn't have asked for more than what the author gave us.  Again it isn't perfect with a bow, but life isn't always that way.  Half of my heart did want a different conclusion, but after reading the ending I realized that things were meant to be this way.  No one meant to hurt anyone and Madelyn makes that abundantly clear with her letters to Bennett.

I am a fan of Amanda Grace and this was another wonderful addition to her amazing collection of books.  If you want something that is real then I think you will enjoy this title.

3 Snowflakes

Waiting on Wednesday, #39

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases we can't wait to get our hands on.

Here's my selection for this week...

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Champion (Legend #3) by Marie Lu

Publication Date: November 5, 2013

Publisher: Putnam Juvenile

The explosive finale to Marie Lu’s New York Times bestselling LEGEND trilogy—perfect for fans of THE HUNGER GAMES and DIVERGENT!

He is a Legend.
She is a Prodigy.
Who will be Champion?


June and Day have sacrificed so much for the people of the Republic—and each other—and now their country is on the brink of a new existence. June is back in the good graces of the Republic, working within the government’s elite circles as Princeps Elect while Day has been assigned a high level military position. But neither could have predicted the circumstances that will reunite them once again. Just when a peace treaty is imminent, a plague outbreak causes panic in the Colonies, and war threatens the Republic’s border cities. This new strain of plague is deadlier than ever, and June is the only one who knows the key to her country’s defense. But saving the lives of thousands will mean asking the one she loves to give up everything he has. With heart-pounding action and suspense, Marie Lu’s bestselling trilogy draws to a stunning conclusion.

I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one pining with a vengeance for the final installment of Marie Lu's Legend Trilogy. I can't believe how quickly this series is coming to a close!! I've been lucky enough to get my hands on the ARCs for the first two books, so I'm truly hoping my luck hasn't run out. Because there aren't very many series out there that I've conscioiusly made an effort to keep up with, Legend being a HUGE exception, I am very excited to get my hands on the finale to June and Day's adventure. 

Sooo what book are you waiting on???

Blog Tour & Review: Wednesdays in the Tower by Jessica Day George

Winterhavenbooks is excited to take part in the blog tour for Jessica Day George's second installment to the Castle Glower stories. A big "Thank You" to Bloomsbury for allowing us to participate.

Wednesdays in the Tower (Castle Glower #2) by Jessica Day George
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's
Publication Date: May 7, 2013

A castle that is constantly rearranging itself, and a young royal family sworn to protect it... Celie, Rolf, and their beloved Castle Glower are back in this exciting sequel.

Strange things are afoot in Castle Glower: new rooms, corridors, and even stables keep arriving, even when they aren't needed. Celie's brother Bran, the new Royal Wizard, has his hands full cataloguing an entire storeroom full of exotic and highly dangerous weapons, while Celie has her hands full . . . raising the creature that hatches from a giant egg she finds! Will they be able to find out what's making the Castle behave this way in time?

My Thoughts:

Jessica Day George has created a vivid world full of mystery and excitement in this second installment of Castle Glower, in Wednesdays in the Tower.

Princess Cecelia (Celie) has found a new stairway leading to a tower with a peculiar egg nestled at the top. This orange egg was like nothing she had ever seen before. So when she goes to show this new stairway and the egg, it disappears. The castle has a mind of its own. It obviously wants Celie to take care of this egg. She enlists the help of her brother Bran and the journeyman blacksmith, Pague Parry.

Bran (the oldest brother) was newly home from the College of Wizardry nd now instated as the Royal Wizard. He was in charge of the Armor Gallery. New magical weapons are all around and he has his hands full with them but, Celie needs his help.

This was yet again, another magical story mixed with mystery and a new creature that will bring a few laughs. The griffin was very relatable as it reminded me so very much of having a new little puppy. Kids and adults alike will enjoy this story.

This story ends off on a cliffhanger. I like where the story ended. I could envision the world they were in and the final scene as she jumped on Rufus' back. I loved the relationship between the siblings and the action that this provided.

Overall, this was another great escape into a magical world created by the author. I am looking forward to the next book in the Castle Glower series.

About The Author

Originally from Idaho,Jessica Day George studied at Brigham Young University and has been a movie store clerk, a bookseller, and a school office lady before becoming a writer. Jessica lives with her husband, their three young children, and a five-pound Maltese named Pippin who often makes cameo appearances in her books. She is the author of Tuesdays at the Castle, as well as the Twelve Dancing Princesses series, and Dragon Slippers series Visit her website atwww.jessicadaygeorge.com

Teaser Tuesday, #29

Welcome to Teaser Tuesdays! Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.Anyone can play along! Just do the following: Grab your current read Open to a random page Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

 

My Teaser Tuesday is for the following...

Sweet Peril (The Sweet Trilogy, #2) by Wendy Higgins

 

Publisher: Harper Teen

 

Published: April 30, 2013

 

Teasers from ebook page: 239

 

"Bright, glowing joy filled my heart. My eyes welled and I mouthed, "I love you, too."

 

"I pulled him close and breathed him in, feeling him in every pore, letting his love drown out everything else."

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Teaser Tuesdays post, or share your ‘teasers’ in a comment here if you don’t have a blog Thanks!

Giveaway: Going Vintage by Lindsey Leavitt and Things I Can't Forget by Miranda Kenneally

We know some of you are gearing up for the Summer months and what better way to prepare than by stocking up on some beach or pool side reading, right? Well, we have a two book bundle that we thought you might enjoy, so we're giving away our ARC editions of these books. Enjoy!

Going Vintage by Lindsey Leavitt
Published: March 26, 2013
Publisher: Bloomsbury

When Mallory’s boyfriend, Jeremy, cheats on her with an online girlfriend, Mallory decides the best way to de-Jeremy her life is to de-modernize things too. Inspired by a list of goals her grandmother made in1962, Mallory swears off technology and returns to a simpler time (when boyfriends couldn’t cheat with computer avatars).

The List:
1. Run for pep club secretary
2. Host a fancy dinner party/soiree
3. Sew a dress for Homecoming
4. Find a steady
5. Do something dangerous

But simple proves to be crazy-complicated, and the details of the past begin to change Mallory’s present. Add in a too-busy grandmother, a sassy sister, and the cute pep-club president–who just happens to be her ex’s cousin–and soon Mallory begins to wonder if going vintage is going too far.

Things I Can't Forget by Miranda Kenneally

Published: March 1, 2013

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Kate has always been the good girl. Too good, according to some people at school—although they have no idea the guilty secret she carries. But this summer, everything is different…

This summer she’s a counselor at Cumberland Creek summer camp, and she wants to put the past behind her. This summer Matt is back as a counselor too. He’s the first guy she ever kissed, and he’s gone from a geeky songwriter who loved The Hardy Boys to a buff lifeguard who loves to flirt--with her.

Kate used to think the world was black and white, right and wrong. Turns out, life isn’t that easy…

So if these sound like something you'd enjoy reading this summer, be sure to fill out the rafflecopter to win the ARC editions of these novels. Be sure to share with us what summer reads you have lined up so far. :) This giveaway is open to US and Canada Residents. Good luck!

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