Review: Silver Heart by Victoria Green

Silver Heart

By: Victoria Green

Pub. Date: July 30, 2013

Publisher: Self

Pages: 290

Source: Author

I received this galley in exchange for an honest review.

There comes a moment in everyone’s life when they must decide which road leads to personal happiness. For Dylan Silver, this is that moment…

For the past twenty-two-years, Dylan has been living in her parents' carefully crafted world, always putting her own dreams on hold to play the role of a dutiful daughter.

So when her best friend coaxes her into a winter getaway to a mountain cabin, she sees it as a chance to forget about the responsibilities waiting for her at home. At least for a little while.

But then her past catches up to her—in the form of sexy snowboarder, Sawyer Carter.

Six years ago, Dylan bid goodbye to the only boy she ever truly loved. Now he's standing right in front of her, bringing up bittersweet memories and igniting suppressed desires as he dares her to be the person she has always wanted to be.

Dylan and Sawyer’s unexpected meeting is a second chance, but will a girl who doesn't believe in fate and taking risks be able to overcome her fears of losing control and finally embrace the life she desperately wants?

Only one thing is certain: after a week in Whistler, Dylan's world will never be the same.

There have been so many New Adult books that have come out in the last year. At first I was all about NA. I couldn't get enough of them. But lately I feel like I've been in a NA slump. Every book I read sounds exactly the same. Luckily that did not happen with Silver Heart. It is one of the best I have read, and it can definitely hold its place among some of the other well known NA stories!

Dylan has always done what her family expects of her, so she never got to be her own person. She graduated college pre-med because that is what her parents wanted her to do and she's even fake dating someone because of them. The amount of control her parents had on her life was sickening. I kept wanting her to stick up for herself and I hated every minute that she didn't!

While at a ski lodge she sees Sawyer, the boy she loved but hasn't seen in years. Sawyer is definitely on my top five book boyfriends. He was so sweet! For me, there is nothing sexier then a man whose been through a lot and is still a good person despite a hard life. I loved every single moment that the two of them were together. You can tell how much they loved and cared for each other and they shared a very hot and romantic connection! I really couldn't get enough of the two of them. I also enjoyed watching Dylan grow as a character. She definitely had a lot of growing up to do!

Sawyer and Dylan were not the only two characters written to perfection. Even the secondary characters were written beautifully. I especially loved Dylan's best friend Maddie. She was so much fun! Maddie found herself a hot Australian while on the ski trip and I would love to read a story about the two of them (hint, hint!). Every character was written in a way that made them realistic and relatable.

Victoria Green created a wonderful story with Silver Heart. The writing was fantastic and everything flowed so nicely together. I can not wait to read what Green comes out with next!  

Cover Reveal: Tone Death by Olivia Rivers

Tone Deaf

Genre: New Adult Romance

Age Group: 16+

Release Date: November 4th, 2013

His world is music…

…Her world is silent.

Ali Blinde was a prodigy destined to become one of the greatest musicians of the 21st century.

Until the brain tumor struck.

Now seventeen, Ali lives in a soundless world where she gets by with ASL and lip-reading. So when she meets Jace Beckett, she thinks he’s her worst nightmare come true. Jace is the lead singer in the wildly-popular band, Tone Deaf, and he’s exactly the kind of success-story Ali hates and resents.

Nineteen-year-old Jace has it all: fame, money, and any girl he wants. Every night on tour brings a new performance and a new girl, which is just what he needs to avoid the pain of relationships.

But when Jace learns Ali is being abused, he reluctantly proposes a solution: Run away with him and his band as they tour the country. With freedom in sight, Ali takes the offer. Immediately, she’s swept into a world filled with wild punk music, wilder musicians, and maybe—just maybe—love.

About the Author:

Olivia Rivers is the author of six novels, ranging in genres from Epic Fantasy to Contemporary Romance. Along with being a writer, she’s a freelance digital artist, a literary agent assistant, and a high school student.  She’s a nerd at heart, and is a hopeless fan-girl for Doctor Who and Arrested Development. Olivia lives in California with a dog who thinks he’s a cat, a cat who thinks he’s a dog, and a kitten who is just generally confused.

Links:

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Amazon Page

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Release Day Launch and Giveaway: Escaping Me by Elizabeth Lee

 Escaping Me

By: Elizabeth Lee

Pub. Date: July 30, 2013

Publisher: Self

Pages: 205

Source: Author/blog tour

I received this galley in exchange for an honest review.

All she wanted to do was forget. Forget the memory of walking in on her boyfriend in the middle of, well, another girl. Forget how she had her entire life planned out. And, forget about being perfect all the time. Unfortunately, she was Whitney Vandaveer and despite the fact that she moved to the middle of nowhere – she couldn't.

He always knew he would never be more than nothing. No job, no money, no future. Cole Pritchett had accepted the fact that he would always be the screw up and he was okay with it. Until he met her.

Here's the thing they quickly found out – sometimes we all need a little help escaping who we think we are.  

Escaping Me is one of those perfect summer reads that you want to devour as fast as you can. The author makes it so easy to fall in love with every character, and that is exactly what happened!

After walking in on her boyfriend cheating on her, city girl Whitney decides to stay with her mom and younger sister in the country for the summer. After spending her life trying to please the men in her life-first her father, then her boyfriend, she believes a summer away is exactly what she needs. What she didn't expect was to fall in love, but that is exactly what happened.

Cole Pritchett moved to this small town after his golden boy cop brother kicked him out and told him he had to get his life together. Cole knows that he has to stop allowing his anger to get the best of him and the fights that he is known for has to stop. His whole life he has believed that he is worthless, just like his parents and he knows he will never have the respectable life he so desperately wants. But when he meets Whitney, he can't help but want to change for the better for her.

We see this same story line over and over again, good girl meets bad boy. But Elizabeth Lee made these characters so original. I loved them! They had this amazing and realistic connection. They both thought the other was hot when they first met, but I liked that it wasn't an insta-love. Their relationship and the problems they both faced just felt so real to me.

Whitney and Cole might have stolen the show (Especially Cole. Not going to lie, I am definitely a little in love with him!) but the secondary characters where written just as good. I loved Whitney's younger sister, Mallory, she was so much fun and Cole's friend Zeke was such a sweetheart. I wouldn't mind getting a story about Mal and Zeke! Then you have Whitney and Cole's exes, Wesley and Meghan. Both of them were just horrible! I wanted to slap both of them in the faces.

I really enjoyed Escaping Me. I thought it was going to be just another NA, so I didn't go in with the highest expectations, but I am so glad that I was wrong! Escaping Me is definitely worth it and I can not wait to read what Lee has for us next!

About the Author:

When I'm not writing or playing the part of wife and mother, you can find me dancing back-up for Beyonce, singing back-up for Miranda, or sunning myself on the beach with a drink in hand.  Here's the thing about being born and raised in a small town—you have a very vivid imagination!  Now, I channel it all to create stories where the girl always ends up with the right guy, first kisses are magical, and a happy ending is just that!

Links: 

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Giveaway:

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Cover Reveal: Secret by Brigid Kemmerer

My blog has been bombed with cover reveals this week and I am even more excited for this reveal because it is for one of my favorite series! Introducing the cover for Secret, Nick's full length novel!

Secret by Brigid Kemmerer

Publisher: Kensington Books
Release Date: January 28, 2014
Goodreads link
ISBN: 0758294379

Nowhere is safe. Not even home…

Nick Merrick is stretched to the breaking point.

Keep his grades sky-high or he’ll never escape his hometown.

Keep his brother’s business going or the Merricks will be out on the street.

Keep the secret of where he’s going in the evenings from his own twin—or he’ll lose his family.

Keep his mind off the hot, self-assured dancer who’s supposed to be his “girlfriend’s” partner.

Of course there’s also the homicidal freak Quinn has taken to hanging around, and the Elemental Guide counting the hours until he can try again to kill the Merrick brothers. There’s a storm coming. From all sides. And then some.

Nick Merrick, can you keep it together?

I really enjoyed Nick's novella, Breathless and definitely recommend reading it before reading Secret. It is a wonderful introduction to Nick's story! Click here to read my review of Breathless. 

About the Author:

Brigid Kemmerer is the author of The Elemental Series, about a family of four brothers who control the elements, and their battle with those who want them dead. Storm, Spark, and Spirit are available now wherever books are sold. To read the novella introducing Nick’s story, be sure to check out Breathless (http://www.brigidkemmerer.com/books/elemental-novellas/breathless/)
available as an e-book only from major e-book retailers. You can learn more about Brigid and the Elemental boys atwww.brigidkemmerer.com.

Where to Buy:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Indiebound | Book Depository

Cover Reveal: Silver Heart by Victoria Green

Today I am so happy and excited to reveal the cover of Silver Heart by Victoria Green. Silver Heart is a New Adult novella that it is being released today! I had the pleasure of reading this amazing story, and it was one of the best NA I have read! Silver Heart is an original take on the NA craze and I am positive that you will fall in love with Sawyer just as much as I have. 

Silver Heart

By: Victoria Green

Publication Date: July 25, 2013

There comes a moment in everyone’s life when they must decide which road leads to personal happiness. For Dylan Silver, this is that moment…

For the past twenty-two-years, Dylan has been living in her parents' carefully crafted world, always putting her own dreams on hold to play the role of a dutiful daughter.

So when her best friend coaxes her into a winter getaway to a mountain cabin, she sees it as a chance to forget about the responsibilities waiting for her at home. At least for a little while.

But then her past catches up to her—in the form of sexy snowboarder, Sawyer Carter.

Six years ago, Dylan bid goodbye to the only boy she ever truly loved. Now he's standing right in front of her, bringing up bittersweet memories and igniting suppressed desires as he dares her to be the person she has always wanted to be.

Dylan and Sawyer’s unexpected meeting is a second chance, but will a girl who doesn't believe in fate and taking risks be able to overcome her fears of losing control and finally embrace the life she desperately wants?

Only one thing is certain: after a week in Whistler, Dylan's world will never be the same.

Silver Heart is being released today, but sometimes Amazon takes a little while to upload ebooks. You can sign up here to get a notification email when it's live! 

Links:

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Silver Heart will be on sale for .99 cents for the rest of the week! Make sure you pick up your copy today!

Cover Reveal: The Mephisto Mark By Trinity Faegen

I am so excited to reveal the cover for Trinity Faegen's third novel in the Mephisto Covenant series, The Mephisto Mark. These covers are always so beautifully done, and this one is no exception. 

The Mephisto Mark: The Redemption of Phoenix

By: Trinity Faegen

Publication Date: September 24, 2013

He’s living on the edge  – she’s completely broken.

Orphaned at six and sent to live with abusive relatives in Bucharest, Mariah learned early in life to box up violent, agonizing memories and put them in permanent mental storage. Now almost nineteen, she has a paying job, a tiny apartment, and a plan to attend university. She loves her independence and is steadily overcoming her past, but when an enigmatic stranger walks into the pub where she works and the trajectory of her life changes yet again, she begins to wonder if she’ll run out of mental shelf space.

The only females unafraid of the Mephisto brothers are the extremely rare Anabo, born without Original Sin. Over one hundred years ago, Phoenix was first to find one, but he made a fatal mistake and she was murdered by his oldest brother and enemy, Eryx. Phoenix soldiered through the next century wrapped up in grief and guilt, his only outlet planning takedowns of those who pledged their souls to Eryx. When one of his brothers brings Mariah to Mephisto Mountain, he’s torn between his instinctive, powerful need to pursue her, and his certainty that he can never have her.

Drawn into the world of the Mephisto, Mariah sees the pain and misery Eryx unleashes on humanity, and the boxes in her mind begin to fly open, one by one. All that keeps her from slipping off the edge is her unlikely, sexually charged friendship with Phoenix. He’s incredibly screwed up; she’s completely broken. It would take a miracle for them to find happiness. Then Eryx brings the war for Hell to a whole new level, forcing Mariah and Phoenix to make a choice that will bind them together for all eternity, or rip them apart forever.

About the Author:

Trinity Faegen is a multi-published RITA winning author who also writes romance as Stephanie Feagan. A practicing CPA who loves travel, books, and smart guys, she lives in the outback of west Texas with her husband and a mean cat. For bonus content and more about the Mephisto, please visit her website at www.trinityfaegen.com. 

Links:

Website

Twitter

Facebook fan page

Author GoodReads

Book GoodReads

Review: The Boy on the Bridge by Natalie Standiford

The Boy on the Bridge

By: Natalie Standiford

Pub. Date: August 1, 2013

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Pages: 248

Source: Netgalley and TLA 2013

I received this galley in exchange for an honest review.

Laura Reid goes to Leningrad for a semester abroad as Cold War paranoia is peaking in 1982. She meets a young Russian artist named Alexei, and soon, with Alexei as her guide, Laura immerses herself in the real Russia--a crazy world of wild parties, black-market books and music, and smuggled letters to dissidents. She must keep the relationship secret; associating with Americans is dangerous for Alexei, and if caught, Laura could be sent home and Alexei put under surveillance or worse. At the same time, she's been warned that Soviets often latch onto Americans in hopes of marrying them and thus escaping to the United States. But she knows Alexei loves her. Right?

As June approaches--when Laura must return to the United States--Alexei asks Laura to marry him. She's only nineteen and doesn't think she's ready to settle down. But what if Alexei is the love of her life? How can she leave him behind? If she has a chance to change his life, to rescue him from misery, shouldn't she take it?

I didn't realize that this book takes place in 1982, which made it so much more interesting. Laura is in Communist Soviet Union, and the government has so much control over it's people, it sickening. Laura has always wanted to go to Russia and learn more about the dark, bloody past of this country, but the college program she is does not allow for anything besides what is government approved. When she meets Alexei (who goes by Alyosha) she learns what life is really like for it's occupants.

I loved the connection between Laura and Alyosha. They were so cute together! Sometimes it was hard to figure out what Alyosha's true intentions were. We learn that many Russians would form relationships with the Americans, hoping that they would get married and be able to move to America. I hated not knowing what Alyosha true feelings for Laura were!

I didn't like how much Laura changed after meeting Alyosha. I understand that she didn't have much time with him since the program is over in a few weeks, but at the same time, I hated that she stopped caring completely about her education. She stopped going to class, doing her work and kept missing curfew. I also hated that Alyosha didn't care that she was doing it either. He should have been more supportive of her education, instead of not caring if she failed.

I absolutely loved learning about Russian history. That country really does have a terrifying past! Learning about the history was my favorite part of this book. Also, the writing and the descriptions were so vivid that I really felt like I was transported to Russia.

The ending was definitely bittersweet for me, but I think it was beautifully done! Despite how it ended, I couldn't help but have a smile on my face when I closed the book.

I highly recommend The Boy on the Bridge. It is a quick read and perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon!

Review: The Truth About You and Me by Amanda Grace

The Truth About You and Me

By: Amanda Grace

Pub. Date: September 8, 2013

Publisher: Flux

Pages: 264

Source: Netgalley

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.

The Truth About You and Me is a letter written by Madelyn to her ex boyfriend Bennet. She loves Bennet but the problem is that she's 16, and he is her 26 year old college professor. He assumed she was 18 or 19 because why would a 16 year old be in his class? He knew he was breaking the rules because he was her teacher, but he had no idea that he was breaking the law.

Through the letter you find out a lot about Madelyn. Despite what she did, you still feel for her. You understand her reasons for not telling him the truth, and you can understand how she got swept into the romance. She really did not realize how much trouble he could be in if anyone ever found out. I think the letter was an interesting way to go instead of writing the story in a traditional way. The reader really gets an inside, personal look at their relationship. Despite knowing how wrong it was, you couldn't help but see how beautiful their love was at times.

I really enjoyed this story but I was hoping for a much bigger climax then what we got. So that was definitely a disappointment, but I am happy with the way the story ended overall.

Review: Nomad by J.L. Bryan

Nomad

By: J.L. Bryan

Pub. Date: July 26, 2013

Publisher: Self

Pages: 214

Source: eARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review

They took everything: her family, her home, her childhood.

By the age of nineteen, Raven has spent most of her life in the sprawling slums of America, fighting as a rebel against the dictatorship. When the rebellion steals an experimental time-travel device, she travels back five decades to the year 2013. Her plan: assassinate the future dictator when he is still young and vulnerable, long before he comes to power. She must move fast to reshape history, because agents from her own time are on her trail, ready to execute her on sight.

Being a big fan of J.L. Bryan Jenny Pox series, I was so excited to read his newest novel, Nomad. Bryan is such a talented writer and he has a way of keeping me completely invested in the story and Nomad was no exception.

I love time travel books but they usually leave me more confused then when I started, but with Nomad I did not feel that confusion that I usually feel. Everything was explained in ways that made it so easy to understand and made it very easy to follow along. The story starts off with a young women named Raven who finds herself in the year 2013. She has no idea who she is or why she is here. I loved learning about who she is and what happened to her right along with her. She quickly learns that she time traveled into the past from fifty years into the future and she has to kill a young man before he turns into the dictator that basically destroys the world.  

From the minute I met Raven I connected with her. She is so easily relatable. She's smart and tough, but also kind and sensitive. I loved watching her make friends and be able to experience things that she was never able to experience in the cold and dark place that the future ends up being. 

I thought the plot was so interesting! I enjoyed seeing how small past events ending up having huge consequences in the future. I really had no clue how this story was going to turn out. I ended up really caring for each and every character and I was just hoping for a happy ending for all of them. And wow that ending. Those last few pages I was literally reading the book at the edge of my couch!

Nomad is a stand alone novel, but I would love to see other stories set in this world. Either way, I am so excited to see what Bryan will come up with next! 

Review: Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan

Two Boys Kissing

By: David Levithan

Pub. Date: August 27, 2013

Publisher: Knoph Books for Young Readers

Pages: 208

Source: TLA 2013

New York Times  bestselling author David Levithan tells the based-on-true-events story of Harry and Craig, two 17-year-olds who are about to take part in a 32-hour marathon of kissing to set a new Guinness World Record—all of which is narrated by a Greek Chorus of the generation of gay men lost to AIDS.

While the two increasingly dehydrated and sleep-deprived boys are locking lips, they become a focal point in the lives of other teen boys dealing with languishing long-term relationships, coming out, navigating gender identity, and falling deeper into the digital rabbit hole of gay hookup sites—all while the kissing former couple tries to figure out their own feelings for each other.

This follow-up to the bestselling Every Day showcases David's trademark sharp-witted, warm-hearted tales of teenage love, and serves as a perfect thematic bookend to David's YA debut and breakthrough, Boy Meets Boy, which celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2013.

After reading last years, Every Day, I became a huge fan of David Levithan and I couldn't wait to read Two Boys Kissing. It was my number one coveted ARC that I was hoping to get at TLA. Not only did I snag a copy, I also got to meet Levithan and he was just as wonderful as I thought he would be!

Two Boys Kissing is essentially about two boys kissing. They want to break the world record for kissing, and so for the next 32 hours, Craig and Harry are going to do just that.  While this is going on there are other stories playing out. There is Neil and Peter, who have been going out for a while and feel very comfortable with each other, Ryan and Avery who just met the night before at a gay prom, and Cooper, who feels utterly alone. All of these stories are being told through the perspectives of a generation of gay man who died from AIDS related complications.

I felt a connection to every single character, which you would think might be hard to do since I don't have anything in common with these teens. I cared deeply for them and I wanted them to be able to get through everything they were dealing with. My favorite couple was Craig and Harry. They broke up a while ago, but have remained friends. They decided to go on this journey together and I was rooting for them to accomplish their goals. I loved how through kissing they were able to become one with each other. They knew what the other needed just through their body language. 

I was a little disappointed at the end. I was hoping for more of a concrete ending, instead of one that was open ended. Other than that I really enjoyed Two Boys Kissing. I think it is an important book for everyone to read because it has a universal message. It doesn't matter if you are gay, straight, bisexual, transsexual or anything else, we all just want the same things-to feel connected to other human beings.

The point of view was what definitely got me. These men suffered and ultimately died because of AIDS and hearing their point of views was beautiful and touching. Reading about their hopes and dreams, their accomplishments and failures, and all the things they never got to do, or will never be able to do again was definitely tear worthy. Some of the things that were said stayed with me long after I turned the page.

The story was so beautifully written and by the fourth page, I was in tears. Levithan has this way of writing that can just touch your soul and break your heart. He truly is a fantastic writer and from here on out, I will read anything that this man writes.

Cover Reveal: No One's Angel by Kelly Walker

No One's Angel by Kelly Walker

Publication date: September 17th 2013

Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance

Tess used to spend more hours than she’d care to admit playing her favorite computer game, using the nickname Angel. She could pretend her life was different, and she could pretend Arion was just a friend. But a girl needs more to keep her warm at night than pixels and she traded her virtual heaven for a real life hell. Now she’s on the run from a past she won’t talk about, and the only place she has to go is the doorstep of the friend she’s never actually met.

When Angel disappeared from their nightly games, it nearly destroyed Arion. He threw himself into work and women, but he can’t help knowing the one night stands will never compare to the angel who haunts his dreams. At first, when she shows up soaking wet and scared-shitless on his doorstep, he thinks his prayers have been answered.

But the more Arion tries to keep Angel close, the more her fear drives her away. If they are ever going to have a chance for a future, they’ll first have to deal with the past that hasn’t forgotten her any more than she’s forgotten it, and Arion will have to learn how to let her go.

No One's Angel is a New Adult (NA) Contemporary Romance and is recommended for mature audiences only due to language and sexual content.

Add it to your Goodreads list!

About the Author:

Kelly Walker was born in Trappe, MD but she now calls Fredericksburg Virginia home. She has an unhealthy appreciation for chocolate, and a soft spot for rescued animals. Her best lessons on writing came from a lifetime of reading. She loves the fantastical, and the magical, and believes a captivating romance can be the most realistic magic of all. Kelly, her husband and her two children share their home with three dogs who walk her, and two cats who permit her to occasionally share their couch.

Author links:

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

This book sounds fantastic and I love the cover! I can't wait to read it. 

Blog Tour: Review & Giveaway: Saved by the Music by Selene Castrovilla

Saved by the Music

By: Selene Castrovilla

Pub. Date: May 17, 2013

Publisher: ASD Publishing

Source: Blog Tour

I received this galley in exchange for an honest review.

The last place fifteen-year-old Willow wants to spend her summer is on a run-down former coffee barge, which her aunt is converting into a floating concert hall. In Saved by the Music, Willow thinks she’s alone until she meets Axel, an older teen who lives isolated from the world on the sailboat docked nearby. An unlikely romance sparks as the two grapple with their darkest secrets and bond through shared pain and laughter. It is a summer where music must do more than just soothe the soul.

I was not expecting to enjoy this story as much as I did. When I read the synopsis, I was intrigued but as I started reading I realized it was going to be like every other book I read where the boy and the girl have secrets they must overcome. I was going to stop reading, but something told me to continue, and I am so glad that I did! Yes, the story has been done before, but Saved by the Music is so beautifully written with many plot twists that I did not see coming.

After Willow's mom chooses her boyfriend over Willow, Willow moves in with her Aunt in Queens. It is there where she meets aloof Axel. It was very hard trying to figure this guy out! One minute he was sweet, the next he was acting weird. When you finally think you understand him, he completely surprises you. I really didn't think I was going to like Axel, but it was hard not too. He is living with a terrifying secret that has completely messed him up, and it is hard not to feel for him and what he holds inside. I am so glad that through their friendship, both of them were able to deal with the things that have happened to them in their pasts.

I loved Aunt Aggie! It is hard to find quality adults in YA, but Aggie was supportive and there for Willow in a way that before Axel, no one ever had before.

I could not turn the pages fast enough to find out what would happen with Willow and Axel. Even though the book was short, just under 200 pages, I cared deeply for these two. Selene Castrovilla can pack a lot of punch in only a few pages and definitely play with your emotions! Saved by the Music comes highly recommended!

About the Author: 

Selene Castrovilla is an award-winning teen and children’s author who believes that through all trends, humanity remains at the core of literature. She is the author of Saved By the Music and The Girl Next Door, teen novels originally published by WestSide Books and now available digitally through ASD Publishing. Her third children’s book with Calkins Creek Books, Revolutionary Friends, was released in April. Selene holds an MFA in creative writing from New School University and a BA in English from New York University. She lives on Long Island with her two sons. Visit her website www.SeleneCastrovilla.com for book excerpts and more information!

Author links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Tumblr | Goodreads

Click here to find out more about the Saved by the Music blog tour!

Giveaway:

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Review: Losing Hope by Colleen Hoover

Losing Hope

(Hopeless  #2)

By: Colleen Hoover

Pub. Date: July 8, 2013

Publisher: Atria Books

Pages: 336

Source: Netgalley

I received this galley in exchange for an honest review.

In the follow-up to Colleen Hoover’s #1 New York Times bestseller Hopeless, the charming and irresistible Dean Holder tells the passionate story that has melted thousands of hearts.

In Hopeless, Sky left no secret unearthed, no feeling unshared, and no memory forgotten, but Holder’s past remained a mystery.

Still haunted by the little girl he let walk away, Holder has spent his entire life searching for her in an attempt to finally rid himself of the crushing guilt he has felt for years. But he could not have anticipated that the moment they reconnect, even greater remorse would overwhelm him…

Sometimes in life, if we wish to move forward, we must first dig deep into our past and make amends. In Losing Hope, bestselling author Colleen Hoover reveals what was going on inside Holder’s head during all those hopeless moments—and whether he can gain the peace he desperately needs.

After reading last year's Hopeless I did not think that there could be another book that could surpass the emotions that I felt while reading it, but then Colleen Hoover did it again. Losing Hope was everything I was hoping it would be and more. It was more than just the same story told in Holder's POV. It was a completely new story and I loved every single second of it! I definitely recommend reading Hopeless first. Losing Hope will mean so much more to you if you do.  And if you haven't read Hopeless, I recommend picking the book up ASAP!

Losing Hope begins the day before Les kills herself, which is something that I was not expecting. Watching that event through Holder's eyes was so sad. My heart was beating so fast. Hoover was able to show us Holder's experiences, feelings, and especially guilt in such a perfect and wonderful way. This poor, poor boy has been through so much. First with having to deal with the guilt he felt for losing Hope, and now with the pain he feels about what happened to his twin sister. He is so complicated and intense and sweet and kind. I couldn't get enough of his voice. I think my favorite parts of the entire story was the letters he wrote to Les in the notebook. They literally were breaking my heart as I read them.

I loved Sky so much in Hopeless but seeing her through Holder's eyes gave me a whole new perception of her. She is so strong and amazing. The way she handled every thing was so commendable. I love the two of them together. They are so perfect for each other in such a realistic way.

Even though I consider Losing Hope a new story and not just Hopeless from a different POV, there were certain scenes that were in both stories and I loved reading it from Holder's POV. I remember reading Hopeless thinking "what the hell is this boy thinking??" and now I finally know!

Losing Hope was absolutely perfect. There really isn't anything about this story that I didn't like. Holder is someone that we have never met in literature before. He is completely unique and it is hard not be in love with him. This is a story that I can see myself reading over and over again. Each time savoring Holder's words. Seriously if you haven't picked up anything from Hoover yet, you are definitely missing out on one talented writer!

Review: Truly Madly Deadly by Hannah Jayne

Truly Madly Deadly

By: Hannah Jayne

Pub. Date: July 2, 2013

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Pages: 272

Source: Netgalley

I received this galley in exchange for an honest review.

Sawyer Dodd has it all. She's a star track athlete, choir soloist, and A-student. And her boyfriend is the handsome all-star Kevin Anderson. But behind the medals, prom pictures, and perfect smiles, Sawyer finds herself trapped in a controlling, abusive relationship with Kevin. When he dies in a drunk-driving accident, Sawyer is secretly relieved. She's free. Until she opens her locker and finds a mysterious letter signed by "an admirer" and printed with two simple words: "You're welcome."

First off-how awesome sounding is the synopsis! I was completely intrigued and couldn't wait to get started with this creepy thriller! The story starts off with a bang and sets the tone for the rest of the story. Sawyer's boyfriend, Kevin was just killed in a drunk driving accident. Everyone thinks they have the perfect relationship, but something is up with Sawyers feelings. She definitely isn't acting like a heartbroken girlfriend should be acting after the love of her life was killed. I wasn't a huge fan of Sawyer. Did I feel bad for her. Of course I did. She's going through a lot. Her parents recently split up, her dad remarried and her mom moved away. Now her boyfriend just died. Can it get any worse for this poor girl?! Of course it can! Now there is a murderer after her and the body count is getting higher and higher. Sawyer gets the sense that someone is watching her, which definitely added to the creep factor of the story! But I also feel that she wasn't developed enough and a little bit annoying. I just wanted her to tell someone about the notes!! I feel like it took forever, and of course when she finally did tell someone, they didn't believe her.

I figured out pretty early on who the killer was, but I enjoyed the little hints leading up to the final moment when the killer and Sawyer meet. That scene was definitely terrifying!  Truly Madly Deadly is a quick read, and while there were some parts that angered me, I think that overall it was a good read. There were also some pacing and tone issues that hopefully will be worked out in the finished copy. I definitely recommend Truly Madly Deadly, especially for fans of YA mysteries like Pretty Little Liars.

3.5 stars rounded up to four.

Review and Giveaway: Dirty Little Secret by Jennifer Echols

Dirty Little Secret

By: Jennifer Echols

Pub. Date: July 16, 2013

Publisher: Gallery Books

Pages: 288

Source: Publisher

I received this galley in exchange for an honest review.

Bailey wasn’t always a wild child and the black sheep of her family. She used to play fiddle and tour the music circuit with her sister, Julie, who sang and played guitar. That ended when country music execs swooped in and signed Julie to a solo deal. Never mind that Julie and Bailey were a duet, or that Bailey was their songwriter. The music scouts wanted only Julie, and their parents were content to sit by and let her fulfill her dreams while Bailey’s were hushed away.

Bailey has tried to numb the pain and disappointment over what could have been. And as Julie’s debut album is set to hit the charts, her parents get fed up with Bailey’s antics and ship her off to granddad’s house in Nashville. Playing fiddle in washed-up tribute groups at the mall, Bailey meets Sam, a handsome and oh-so-persuasive guitarist with his own band. He knows Bailey’s fiddle playing is just the thing his band needs to break into the industry. But this life has broken Bailey’s heart once before. She isn’t sure she’s ready to let Sam take her there again. 

Bailey is an 18 year old fiddle player. Already I am super intrigued! She has spent her life performing with her younger sister in the Bluegrass festival circuit. Now, her sister has a record deal and Bailey is forced to live with her grandfather and it not allow to follow her dreams of playing fiddle in public. I felt so bad for her! It was bad enough that her she is separated from her sister, but now her parents and her sisters record company are stopping her from doing something that she loves. That is just horrible, but I am happy that Bailey is a rule breaker, and even though she was doing it secretly, she kept on playing!

Bailey meets Sam while playing in a Johnny Cash tribute band. Sam is the guitar player and his dad is Johnny Cash. From the first minute you meet Sam you know there is something up with him and his dad, but you don't know what it is. Sam was a very interesting guy and very hard to figure out. He was super talented and so dedicated to his music and it was hard not to admire him. But you never know what his true intentions and feelings were. For someone who wore his heart on his sleeve (something that is mentioned multiple times in the story) his feelings were always clouded by something else. I felt by the end of the story I finally understood him!

I really enjoyed Sam and Bailey together. They had a wonderful connection, even when they were fighting! I think Bailey was the one who wore her heart on her sleeve. She loved so passionately-her sister, her parents, even Sam, even after those people hurt her so much.  I loved Bailey. She was so relatable and honest. I wanted to give her a big, fat hug!

Jennifer Echols writes the best contemporary out there! I am a fan for life.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4

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Review: White Trash Beautiful by Teresa Mummert

White Trash Beautiful

(White Trash Beautiful # 1)

By: Teresa Mummert

Pub. Date: July 16, 2013

Publisher: Gallery Books

Pages: 240

Source: ARC received from publisher in exchange for an honest review

Cass lives a depressing life in a small trailer park in Eddington, Georgia, with her mother and abusive boyfriend Jackson. She works hard to barely make ends meet. But everything changes when Tucker White, the lead singer in the band Damaged, walks into her diner. He tries to show her that there is more to life than the hand she has been dealt, but Cass soon learns that being with Tucker will come at a high price.

I was surprised when I received White Trash Beautiful in the mail, but it looked really good and I started it right away. I ended up really enjoying it. It was a short book, only about 200 pages, but I do wish that the story was longer and a little more fleshed out. The story felt kind of rushed, especially at the end. Despite this, I still loved this story and the characters.

Cass is what people would consider "white trash". She lives in a trailer with her drug abusing mom and her abusive, drug using boyfriend. She works at the local diner to make ends meet and to save up enough money to get out of there. It is while she working that she meets Tucker. Tucker is the lead singer of the band Damaged and the moment that he walks into the diner and meets Cass he is drawn to her. He knows what it's like to not have a home and not have people care about you. He wants to help Cass and get her away from her abusive home.

The two of them have this wonderful connection but I wish in the short amount of time we had with them, that they had a little more of a stable relationship. Cass kept going back and forth with Tucker and it definitely started to get on my nerves. Despite this, I really loved both of these characters. Tucker was so sweet!

Something happens towards the end that I completely wasn't expecting. I even had to re-read it over again to make sure it actually happened. I just couldn't believe it! I am definitely interested to see what will happen in White Trash Damaged, and to see these characters again.