Teaser Tuesday, # 59 Sweet Reckoning by Wendy Higgins

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 Reckoning By Wendy Higgings

Publisher: Harper Teen

Publication Date: April 29, 2014

*Teasers are from an Advanced Readers Copy. They may change in the Final Edited Version.

Teaser From EBook Page: 112

"This is right, Kai. We love each other."

He closed his eyes. "I'd do anything for you."

"Just love me," I whispered

Teaser From EBook Page: 184

"Stop!" I pinned him with a serious look. "No more. Get it out of your head, Kai! We are not running. This is happening whether you like it or not. It's time to get your game face on and get ready to kick some ass."

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 with the Walter Boys by Ali Novak

Today WinterHaven Books is participating in the blog tour for My Life with the Walter Boys by Ali Novak hosted by Sourcebooks Fire!

My Life with the Walter Boys by Ali Novak
Publisher- Sourcebooks Fire
Released- March 1st 2014
Pre-Order- Amazon / B & N

Sixteen-year-old Jackie Howard is devastated when her parents are killed in a car accident. She has no one to turn to except for her mom's best friend Katherine Walter. Jackie quickly discovers that Katherine is no stranger to being a mom-she's got twelve boys! And every single one is a handful...Adjusting to life with the Walter boys is not going to be easy, especially when two of them start to show an interest that definitely goes beyond brotherly.

My Thoughts:

After the horrific car accident that killed Jackie’s family and leaving her orphaned, Jackie doesn't have much of a choice but to leave all the comforts of her New York home and move to Colorado with Katherine Walter, her mothers oldest friend and Jackie’s new Guardian. But leaving home to move to a horse ranch is one thing; living with 12 other Walter kids is an entirely new story. One, Jackie isn't sure she’s cut out to handle.

Ha, this was fun! I really enjoyed the concept for My Life with the Walter Boys.  I come from a large family (just not this large) so I understand what its like is when you’re surrounded by chaos, maddening noise and bodies everywhere you turn. So it was really quite amusing seeing how Jackie handles living with 12 boys (well, ones a tom-boy) that range from 5-21 years of age. This was also pretty laid back given the circumstances as to why Jackie had to move in with the Walters in the first place, which was surprising. This still had its heavier moments, but all in all it was a pretty light read filled with lots of drama, some angst and a good old fashion love triangle. But what I loved the most was when the whole family was together. Everyone was such a handful and it was fun trying to see disorganized chaos at its best. Some of the older Walter boys are also pretty intimidating, gorgeous and unpredictable and most of them didn't exactly give Jackie a warm welcome, and proceeded with the practical jokes, snide remarks, bets, rude gestures and even some light sexual comments, but eventually the boys came around causing Jackie to slowly come out of her shell and loosen up enough and start living.

I didn't really have any problems with any of the characters. They all have their own unique personalities, maybe not always likable, but still good people.

My heart really goes out to Jackie. She lost her entire family and feels guilty for being alive when they aren't. She’s come from very prestigious lifestyles, so she’s a rather prim and proper little thing, something that isn't going to work out to well being on a horse ranch with 12 other Walter boys. But what I liked the most about her was that even though the boys might have put her through some hell, she’s a fighter and I liked the sass and fire that came out when provoked. She’s been through a lot but still takes on any challenge, I liked that she’s a survivor and doesn't let anyone walk all over her..or her heart.

I liked all the Boys and Parker. Will, Nathan and Danny were the cool ones, very kind, understanding and supportive. Isaac and Lee were harder to like since they didn't like Jackie very much at first and didn't have a problem showing it.

As for Alex and Cole, well, this is where our lovely love triangle starts. Cole is your typical player. He rules the school. Every guy wants to be him and every girl wants to date him. He’s done a lot of ass-moves in this book which makes him look like a total jerk about ninety percent of the time, but Cole can be smooth and even charming and still has his moments where you can start to see the act slipping and see the real him.

Alex is a cutie-pie, I really liked him and Jackie together. He has a natural goodness to him and I thought it was cute that he geeks out on video games and Star Wars. He has a lot of unresolved issues with Cole given some of their history, but I grew too really like Alex and thought he was a good friend when Jackie needed it the most.

The whole tug-of-war competition between Cole, Alex and Jackie was a little bit ridiculous and immature at times but I have to admit it was still addicting and intriguing to see how it would all play out.

The only really part I didn't care for was the high school gossip blah blah. Every girl at school was either swooning or jealous of Jackie for living with the Walter boys and it didn't take long before I was annoyed at all the eye-rolling drama.

All in all, this turned out to be a decent read. The writing is strong, the story line was a little overwhelming at times but it’s the characters that kept me invested and turning the pages till it’s all said and done. This was an amusing entertaining YA contemporary about family, lost and finding strength in numbers. Surviving means living and it was good to see Jackie with a new family to do just that. Well done, I’m looking forward to reading the sequel. 

Find the author:

Goodreads / Website                               4 Snowflakes

Non-Review: Insanity by Susan Vaught

Insanity by Susan Vaught
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Release Date: February 18, 2014

Never, Kentucky is not your average scenic small town. It is a crossways, a place where the dead and the living can find no peace. Not that Forest, an 18-year-old foster kid who works the graveyard shift at Lincoln Hospital, knew this when she applied for the job. Lincoln is a huge state mental institution, a good place for Forest to make some money to pay for college. But along with hundreds of very unstable patients, it also has underground tunnels, bell towers that ring unexpectedly, and a closet that holds more than just donated clothing....When the dead husband of one of Forest's patients makes an appearance late one night, seemingly accompanied by an agent of the Devil, Forest loses all sense of reality and all sense of time. Terrified, she knows she has a part to play, and when she does so, she finds a heritage that she never expected.

With her deep knowledge of mental illness and mental institutions, Susan Vaught brings readers a fascinating and completely creepy new book intertwining the stories of three young people who find themselves haunted beyond imagining in the depths of Lincoln Hospital

My Thoughts:
In the past few years I have discovered that I love creepy books.  The creepier the better and when I saw Insanity I knew I had to have it.  Unfortunately it didn't quite work for me and I ended up putting it down at 30%.  I know my rule is 50% but I sometimes you just know something isn't going to get an better for you and this was the case for me.

Insanity started out very creepy and at the point I was a very happy reader.  That ended soon after I finished chapter 2. What followed after the prologue felt like a totally different story and honestly if felt like a totally different author.  The writing in chapter one was very choppy and very scattered for me.  I couldn't ever really grasp what was going on.  One minute Forest is running down the hall and the next there are hounds and darkness around her.  I know this place is supposed to be creepy and crazy things are going to happen but I just feel like the author left out a lot of details that I needed to know.  I wasn't creeped out I was just lost.

I had problems with the characters as well.  Forest was really hard for me to connect with.  She seemed very young for being 18 if I hadn't known she was 18 I would have thought she was 15.  I'm not sure if it was her dialogue that made me feel that way or just how she acted overall but it didn't work.  Her part of the story felt very predictable as well.  When Levi was added into the mix I will admit I had an eye roll moment because he felt like every other bad boy out there.  He was fiercely protective of Forest even though she can hurt him with a singe touch.  Just to cliche for me.  I'm not sure where their storyline would have gone since I DNF this book, but I'm pretty sure they found a way to be together.

I have read other reviews that say the POV skips around and I did skim ahead and see this, but I'm not sure if this was a good thing or not.  The part I did read where Forest skips a whole bunch of time seemed very weird and out of place.  I don't know what the author was trying to accomplish and I'm guessing if I had read the whole book I would have found out but I don't want to have to dig through 100 pages of nothing to get that one page of creepy.

I know the author was going for creepy and weird, but there were too many low points that filled up the story.  I really wish the story would have stayed true to the prologue.  It was beyond thrilling and I loved it.  So for now I am going to set this one aside and let it go.

no rating

Review: White Hot Kiss by Jennifer L. Armentrout

White Hot Kiss by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Publisher- Harlequin Teen 

Released- Feb 25th 2014

Pre- Order- Amazon / B & N

One kiss could be the last.
Seventeen-year-old Layla just wants to be normal. But with a kiss that kills anything with a soul, she's anything but normal. Half demon, half gargoyle, Layla has abilities no one else possesses.Raised among the Wardens—a race of gargoyles tasked with hunting demons and keeping humanity safe—Layla tries to fit in, but that means hiding her own dark side from those she loves the most. Especially Zayne, the swoon-worthy, incredibly gorgeous and completely off-limits Warden she's crushed on since forever.Then she meets Roth—a tattooed, sinfully hot demon who claims to know all her secrets. Layla knows she should stay away, but she's not sure she wants to—especially when that whole no-kissing thing isn't an issue, considering Roth has no soul.But when Layla discovers she's the reason for the violent demon uprising, trusting Roth could not only ruin her chances with Zayne…it could brand her a traitor to her family. Worse yet, it could become a one-way ticket to the end of the world

My Thoughts:

Ever since I read the prequel, Bitter Sweet Love, I was hooked in this irresistible world of Wardens and Demon and couldn't wait to get my grabby hands on the first installment in the Dark Elements series,White Hot Kiss! There is absolutely nothing like curing up with a JLA novel. I’m always guaranteed solid entertainment, sensational writing and swoon-worthy romance that Jennifer delivers time and time again. This is one author that I will follow for life!

 

I really can’t believe this outstanding storyline. It feels like I had a good intro into this world after reading the prequel, but there is just so much more to explore and devour in this novel. Jennifer gotz some mad skills when perfecting her worlds. I loved learning about the Wardens and love seeing them phase into gargoyles and ready to kick some serious ass. It’s not usually an element I find in my paranormal escapes and I am completely fascinated by this refreshing lore. But, this installment really focuses on the sinister side to Layla’s heritage, demons, and who better then to give us an intriguing demonic tour throughout the novel, then the most favored Upper Level demon himself, Roth! The Lux books has its Daemon, but the Dark Elements has its own brand of badass and it comes with tattoos, piercing and unusual pets. The moment Roth comes into the picture, we just know it’s going to pierce everything Layla has ever known about her world, specially when there’s been some increase in demonic activity that has been linked to Layla and the deep dark secrets that the Warden’s have been keeping from her.

My favorite part of any JLA book is meeting all of her wonderfully put together characters. She has such a natural ability when crafting the perfect people to tell her stories. Each one of them all has such a unique voice and personal depth that make them complex but compelling in their own ways.

Layla is stuck between two worlds. One that she doesn't want to be apart of and the other she can’t ever really be apart of since she’s a half warden/half demon hybrid.

Because of her demonic side, she can’t phase like other Wardens and can’t have a real relationship because of that whole pesky soul-sucking kiss thing, but she does have an uncanny ability to see into souls and tag demons for the Wardens to take care of after and while Layla is happy to do her part, she still can’t help feeling empty and alone and really struggles with her inner-demon and the rush she feels when taking a soul.

I really loved Layla, she’s smart, strong and so sweet. I loved watching her take action of her own life and grow throughout the story. This life can’t be easy for her, but with a little help from Roth, I think Layla is finally accepting that she’s more then a Warden, she’s a Demon too, but she doesn't have to cause all manners of hell to be one.

I loved Zayne!  We first meet him in Bitter Sweet Love and even then he’s always been such an important force when it comes to Layla and it’s quite clear that they are still very close to this day. But Zayne wasn’t always easy to like. I’m not sure if he’s doing the big bother protective act or if he wants to keep her safe for more personal reasons. Maybe it’s both, but at this point in the story it’s still not clear. Still, Zayne is an amazing character and I loved all the little moments between him and Layla.

But my favorite character would have to be Roth! This guy completely owned this book. I absolutely loved his quirkiness and sometimes awkward social behavior. He’s cocky, infuriating and sexy as hell. Being an Upper Level demon, I wasn't always sure I could trust him, but he made me so want to. The way he was with Layla was hilarious but we also get to see a much warmer and seductive side to him that had me glued to the pages and want to live in those moments a little bit longer.

The only character I didn't care for was Abbott. I found his demanding and strict ways a little too forceful and demeaning. I understand that he was the one who saved Layla when she was a little girl, but he doesn't seem to treat her like his own and always seems to remind her of what she really is even thought she’s being raised as a Warden. I don’t care for double standards or the fact that Layla acts immature and childish because they've never given her a chance to prove what she’s capable of for their own protective but selfish reasons. I believe he cares about her, but he has an awful way of showing it.

I also really liked Stacey and thought she was a good best friend who encourages Layla to live in the moment. I also loved Sam and his random fountain of knowledge. They gave the storyline that amusing touch that balances the book beautifully. I also loved Bambi! 

As for the romance, well it’s not a love triangle yet, but it’s on its way. I’m very conflicted here since I liked both guys. Funny enough, Roth seems the likely choice given they don’t have to worry about having a physical relationship and like-attracts-like. Layla can’t have that kind of connection with Zayne, but I've always been a sucker for forbidden denied love so I’m mighty curious and excited to see how this will all play out.

 

Bottom line, I couldn't love a book more and am thrilled to have a brand new series to love and play in. White Hot Kiss has everything I love in my escape. Great plot twist, unpredictability, heart pounding action, outstanding characters and a huggable romance. I couldn't ask for more.  Loved this book, JLA is freaken unbelievable! MORE!!

Find the author:

Goodreads / Website                                  5 Snowflakes

Review's: Captivate by Vanessa Garden

Captivate by Vanessa Garden
Publisher- Harlequin Teen AU
Released- Jan 1st 2014
Purchase- Amazon 

In a glittering underwater world, nothing is as it seems...For the past twelve months since her parents’ death, seventeen-year-old Miranda Sun has harboured a dark secret — a secret that has strained the close relationship she once shared with her older sister, Lauren. In an effort to repair this broken bond, Miranda’s grandparents whisk the siblings away on a secluded beach holiday. Except before Miranda gets a chance to confess her life-changing secret, she’s dragged underwater by a mysterious stranger while taking a midnight swim.Awakening days later, Miranda discovers that she’s being held captive in a glittering underwater city by an arrogant young man named Marko...the King of this underwater civilisation.Nineteen-year-old Marko intends to marry Miranda in order to keep his crown from falling into the sinister clutches of his half-brother, Damir. There’s only one problem. Miranda is desperate to return home to right things with her sister and she wants nothing to do with Marko. Trying to secure her freedom, Miranda quickly forms an alliance with Robbie — Marko’s personal guard. However, she soon discovers that even underwater, people are hiding dangerous secrets...

My Thoughts:
Our story begins on a midnight swim in Bob’s bay, Australia. Lauren and Miranda are visiting their grandparents and spend every summer at the old holiday shack since they were born. It was the first time in almost a year the sisters spend any real time together or were really speaking to each other since the death of their parents, but before they could clear the air about what really happened on that faithful night, Miranda gets dragged underwater, drugged and taken captive. When she wakes she finds herself in a large bed, in a beautiful room filled with mermaid art, and shockingly discovers she’s under the deep blue sea in an underwater civilization.
Marin city is ruled by the young king, Marko, who is trying to perverse and protect his underwater palace by producing an heir so as to prevent his twisted older brother, Damir from taking over the throne. The only problem is, Marin’s women are barren and no child has been born in eighteen years. So Marko, went along with his sister Sylvia’s, decision to capture a young women from above, make her his queen and bear his child. While this doesn't exactly sit well with Marko, what real choice does he have if he wants to save his diminishing civilization and protect it from his sadistic brother who is obsessed with the idea of cutting up girls legs open and sewing them together to make mermaids tales?

Captivate turned out to be something much different then I originally thought it was. Truth, I thought this was about mermaids, and while it kinda relates to it in a very unusual and nontraditional way, it really isn't a mermaid book after all. But I’m actually glad that this turned out to be something else entirely. The concept is really quite nifty. I liked the idea of a vast civilization deep under the sea, ruled by a firm but kind king and learning about the history and traditions. I also thought it was pretty wicked to have an evil brother who liked to experiment on girls and turn them into mermaids. It’s sick of course, but the conflict and threat was still freaky cool. And even though there is the question between right and wrong regarding Miranda’s captivity, despite her circumstance, like her, I too was mesmerized and curious about this world and couldn't wait to explore more.

Marin is a stunning thriving city complete with built in oxygen vents, trees, plant life and even birds. It’s filled with thousands of people who have either come to the city willingly or been saved as drowning victims.

I really liked Miranda. She’s a feisty little thing that’s full of spunk and fight. Even though everyone seemed to be genuinely kind to her, she never stopped planning her escape. But the more she stayed in Marin, the more intrigued she became and eventually started to have feelings in her new-found friendships and was compelled enough to even want to stay.
Robbie is my favorite character. He was the one who originally took Miranda when she was enjoying her midnight swim with her sister and while he’s really the one to blame, he was just playing the part of the ever loyal guard to his best friend and king and was only doing his duty. His regret and remorse weighed heavily in his eyes and ever gesture. He hates what he had to do and makes sure that Miranda is as comfortable as possible. I liked how understanding, protective and kind he was, and really, he was the only friend Miranda had.
Marko was hard to like at first, but I think it was only because it took so long for Miranda to ‘want’ to get to know him. Understandably of course, but when she finally did we see a side to Marko that I’m sure not even his kingdom sees. He’s an arrogant and overly confident man but can also be playful, tender, sweet and alluring. He makes Miranda feel valued and attractive for the first time in her life. So while the connection may have took awhile to get there, eventually Marko won Miranda’s heart, as it did mine.
I did however have a little issue with how he treated Robbie at one point of the story, but since it worked out in the end, it’s easy to overlook. 

All in all, I rather liked this book. The ideas might be a little far fetched for some, but it’s a solid and unique concept with wonderful world building and back story. Vanessa Garden’s writing is absorbing and smart and the characters are beautifully put together, making me feel invested from minute one. There isn't a love triangle, but it’s well on it’s way of becoming one and since I like both guys, it’ll be interesting to see what happens. The ending was satisfying and quite perfect when you’re looking at it from a redeeming angle. But I also know the story doesn't end here and I’m really looking forward to seeing where Miranda’s story will venture next.

Find the author:

Goodreads / Website                           4 Snowflakes 

Amber's Thoughts...

Since Tina summed Captivate up beautifully, so I am going to add some of my personal thoughts and not get into the storyline itself. (But it was great :) )

First of all...that cover! Love! It's as intriguing as the story itself. This actually was a quick read. Once I started the book, I was easily swept into the protagonists life. When she was taken by Robbie (whom I totally adore!) her emotions absorbed into me and was very believable. The descriptions of Marin were perfect. I was able to imagine the underwater world and the castle Miranda was in. I could picture the room, the garden with the trees and the bird cage as well as the city itself.

While I adored  Miranda, Marco and Robbie, Marco's sister added quite a bit of fuel to the fire. I knew from the get-go she wasn't one to be trifled with. As much as we hate Sylvia and Marco's brother, Damir, I think Sylvia is just as malevolent and is up to no good. I have my theories about her and seriously cannot wait to see where her story goes next.

The relationship between Marco (Swoon) and Miranda began on a resentful and bitter note, but it slowly builds into something wonderful. He seemed to be a loose cannon at first, but after I learned about him and what he's been through I changed my opinion of him. There was a particular scene (which I used a few lines in a previous Teaser Tuesday) that melted my heart. I wanted to jump into those pages and kiss the crap out of him :D

The ending...gosh, I was a bit torn up on that one. The whole time I was reading, I cheered for Miranda and wanted her freedom as much as she did. By the ending I changed my mind. I wanted her to stay wrapped in Marco's arms and have babies with him LOL

I certainly will be awaiting that next book. Where it left off, I know this couple will be together again. And... I am crossing my fingers that Miranda's sister Lauren and Robbie meet and fall in love. (This is just my wishful thinking here)

Overall? Loved Captivate! It was original, mysterious, adventurous with romance, angst and a cast of great characters. I need #2!!!

                                                                      

                                                                         4 Snowflakes