So, I realized something. While I’ve been taking a bit of a bloggy break from Ending Unplanned and gearing up for some BIG ANNOUNCEMENTS TO COME, I’ve still been participating over at YA Bound and totally dropping the ball on sharing the links here. I know, epic fail. But, I’m here now to rectify the situation for anyone who’s been anxious with worry, wondering where I’ve been or what I’ve been up to lately. Hey, it could happen, and if so, the snippets below might give you a clue. . .
(And because I’m impatient, here’s the answer: lots and lots of reading!)
First up, I have links to all the reviews I’ve posted the past few months. The good news is that by waiting for some to share the links here, almost all of the books are available for purchase. Yeah, I totally did that on purpose. . . . Anyway, check them out and then go do some Trick-or-Treating of your own, filling up a cart at Amazon or a bag at Barnes and Noble. Treat Yo Self!
- VANISH by Sophie Jordan
Sophie Jordan’s FIRELIGHT was one of my favorite YA reads last year. The draki paranormal take was fresh, the writing was HOT, and the protagonist Jacinda was beautifully crafted—tough but vulnerable, beautiful but slightly insecure. I’ve been chomping at the bit for the sequel to come out and when given the chance to review the ARC of VANISH, I jumped at it. . . to read the rest of the review, click here
- A BEAUTIFUL DARK by Jocelyn Davies
A BEAUTIFUL DARK has my favorite paranormal creatures of all time—Angels. Oh, how a hot angel boy can make me swoon. And while the three—count ‘em, three—potential love interests in this book kept me slightly unsure of who to root for, Jocelyn Davies provides a plethora of swoon-worthy quotes that just made me happy. . . to read the rest of the review, click here.
- REMEMBRANCE by Michelle Madow
When Michelle Madow approached us to review her debut novel REMEMBRANCE, and then pitched it as Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” music video meets Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, I literally squealed. I am ALL about Regency inspired historicals, romance, and magical realism, and this book proved to have it all. . . to read the rest of the review, click here.
- STARSTRUCK by Cyn Balog
Cyn Balog is one of my favorite young adult authors. Her stories always have the perfect blend of magical realism/supernatural, romance, and wit. The unique spin she puts on paranormal stereotypes and expectations constantly amazes me. I adored FAIRY TALE and swooned at SLEEPLESS, so while I wasn’t sure what to expect with STARSTRUCK, I knew that I was in great hands. . . to read the rest of the review, click here.
- THE JULIET SPELL by Douglas Rees
I love Romeo and Juliet. Like, uber-love. I was obsessed with the play in high school, could recite the old 1970s movie version with the characters verbatim, and went opening night to see the Leonardo Dicaprio version when it hit theaters. So when THE JULIET SPELL became available for review, I jumped on it. And for the most part, I was very happy with the outcome. . . to read the rest of the review, click here.
- VIRTUOSITY by Jessica Martinez
Gayle Forman’s world-of-music based IF I STAY and its sequel WHERE SHE WENT are two of my top five favorite young adult books of all time, so the moment I learned about Jessica Martinez’s VIRTUOSITY, I was twitching to get a copy. But I have to admit, going in I was nervous. Was I was putting too much pressure on this debut, wanting to recreate the feelings and sweeping obsession those other two books inspired? Could this possibly live up to the hype and my admittedly high expectations? Well, I’m very happy to say that all my anxiety was a total wasted effort. . . to read the rest of the review, click here.
- CRAVE by Melissa Darnell
Secrets, lies, hot guys, and forbidden love . . . yep, Melissa Darnell’s CRAVE has all the essential elements of an addicting YA para-romance. It takes one part vampire mythology, throws in equal parts witches and magic, and creates a unique Romeo and Juliet-style, fan-yourself premise. The two main characters, Tristan and Savannah, practically jump off the page, and Tristan’s dual point of view had me melting into a pool of drool. Being inside his head, seeing his reaction to Savannah and learning how he truly felt about her just made me want to curl inside the pages and snag him for myself. Even better, Savannah is a completely lovable and relatable protagonist. . . to read the rest of the review, click here.
- DESTINED by Jessie Harrell
As soon as I saw the gorgeous cover for DESTINED months ago, I emailed Jessie Harrell and practically begged her to move up her publication date. Unfortunately, she couldn’t do that . . . but I was quick to pounce on her offer to review an ARC. See, I have a semi-obsession with Greek Mythology retellings and what I loved so much about DESTINED is the fresh new couple, Psyche and Eros. Not knowing much about their original myth, I was ready to be swept away by their love story and eagerly dove in. . . to read the rest of the review, click here.
Also during my hiatus here, I’ve been collecting swoon worthy quotes from my favorite weekly reads and posting them both on Twitter and at YABound. I love this Meme, and I love seeing the other sexy quotes readers share. Below are the ones I’ve shared the past few months, and be sure to check in every Thursday for the newest ones, sure to have your heart and tummy fluttering.
- I couldn’t stop touching him, couldn’t rip my hands or my mouth away from his skin.–SHUT OUT, SWOON #YABound
- His kiss isn’t even remotely innocent. There’s passion, but there’s also an urgency verging on panic-Lola & the Boy Next Door SWOON #YABOUND
- He wanted to worship her, consume her & make her part of him so that he would never have to be without her.—Sebastian, Ember SWOON #YABound
- He wanted to taste her skin and explore her mind and body to the point they would both be left used up, sated, and unable to think of anything besides each other.—Sebastian, EMBER SWOON #YABound
- A shower of fire and light exploded inside me and I closed my eyes and let the pleasure consume me. -To Kill An Angel SWOON #YABound
- He cups the back of my head & rolls on top of me, his kiss deepening as the weight of him presses me into the ground-UNVEILED SWOON #YABound
- His free hand tangled in my hair as he slid the strap away, grazing my shoulder with his teeth.–The Willows: Haven SWOON #YABound
- But do not ye see how much above me ye are? . . .Ye are an enchantress, a spirit. Almost a goddess, ye seem.-The Juliet Spell SWOON #YABound
- And suddenly he was everywhere; his knee trapping my leg, his lips grazing warm, rough, sensuous -SILENCE (and Patch!) SWOON #YABound
- Beau buried both his hands in my hair and sighed. “Good because I want you too. Now. Forever. Just you.”-The Vincent Boys SWOON #YABound
- The thought of time away from you is torture. I haven’t even left your room and I already miss you. Tonight we’ll talk, and I’ll tell you a story of exactly what I plan to do to you in three weeks–Where You Are (Between the Lines #2) SWOON #YABound
Now it’s your turn. What have YOU been reading lately?
