Review: Wild by Alex Mallory

Wild

By: Alex Mallory

Pub. Date: July 8, 2014

Publisher: Harper Teen

Pages: 448

Source: Edelweiss

The forest is full of secrets, and no one understands that better than Cade. Foraging, hunting, surviving— that’s all he knows. Alone for years, Cade believes he’s the sole survivor. At least, until he catches a glimpse of a beautiful stranger…

Dara expected to find natural wonders when she set off for a spring break camping trip. Instead, she discovers a primitive boy— he’s stealthy and handsome and he might be following her. Intrigued, Dara seeks him out and sets a catastrophe in motion.

Thrust back into society, Cade struggles with the realization that the life he knew was a lie. But he’s not the only one. Trying to explain life in a normal town leaves Dara questioning it.

As the media swarm and the police close in, Dara and Cade risk everything to get closer. But will the truth about Cade’s past tear them apart?

I received this galley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Edelweiss and HarperTeen. 

I am a huge fan of retellings, especially Tarzan ones. I love everything that has to do with Tarzan so I was especially excited about reading Wild. While some things didn't work for me 100%, I still really enjoyed the story.

From a very young age, Cade's parents have told him that a deadly virus has wiped out mankind and they are only a few survivors left, them included. They live out in the forest and if they ever come in contact with someone else, they will get infected, so they must always hide and never get noticed. This is the only life Cade knows and the life he is used too. At 17, Cade is still living this life, even though both of his parents died years ago. He's never questioned what his parents told him until he sees Dara and desperately wants to get to know her. While saving her life, Cade gets injured and the authorities are called in. Everybody wants to know who Cade is and where he came from. Cade has spent so many years completely alone, it is very hard for him to open up. But he wants to talk to Dara and wants to get to know her as well.

I really liked the characters of Cade and Dara. They had a very sweet connection and I couldn't help but root for them. So many factors kept trying to tear them apart and I hated that. I thought the ending was so perfect for the two of them. I don't think any other ending would have worked.

I really felt for Cade. His life has been filled with loneliness and lies, all of which could have been avoided. I still don't really understand why his parents did what they did. It was obvious they loved him but I think they did more hurt then good. His mom was definitely a little insane and projected that insanity onto her family.

Wild is a nice, modern retelling and I would definitely recommend this story to others! 

Blog Tour: Melt by Selene Castrovilla

Melt

By: Selene Castrovilla

Pub. Date: August 2014

Publisher: Self

Pages: 328

Source: Blog Tour

Melt is a brutal love story, set against the backdrop of The Wizard of Oz. Sixteen year old “good girl” Dorothy just blew into the small town of Highland Park – where the social headquarters is Munchkinland (Dunkin’ Donuts.) There, she meets Joey – a “bad boy” who tells no one about the catastrophic domestic violence he witnesses at home. Can these two lovers survive peer pressure, Joey’s reputation, and his alcoholism? And then there’s his family's secret – about to be unleashed.

Told in dual first person, Joey's words are scattered on the page - reflecting his broken state. Dorothy is the voice of reason - until something so shattering happens that she, too, may lose her grip. Can their love endure, or will it melt away?

Melt is based on true events. It is both a chilling tale of abuse, and a timeless romance. It will hit you like a punch in the face, and also seep through the cracks in your soul.

 I received this galley in exchange for an honest review.

Selene Castrovilla is one of those authors that I will read whatever she writes. She has such an incredible talent for storytelling, and Melt was no exception. I fell in love with these characters from the very start. My heart broke several times while reading, especially for Joey and the pain that he had to endure. Joey definitely had his issues, including violence and drinking, but he was a sweet, caring person who wanted to love and protect Dorothy with everything that he had. I love how compassionate and patient Dorothy was with Joey, even before she knew what was going on in his home life. She didn't listen to what other people told her about him, and despite others warnings, she got to know him on her own.

Melt definitely had an insta-love connection, which I usually hate. Especially when it is done so unrealistically, but in Melt, it 100% worked. Even Joey and Dorothy said they couldn't understand it, but they felt instantly connected to each other. In real life, there are times when this happens between people, whether it's a romantic connection or friendship connection. So to see it play out so perfectly in this story was very enjoyable.

I loved the writing style of Melt. Dorothy's point of view is clear and pretty normal, but Joey's is scattered and choppy, just like he is. I thought that definitely brought something different to the story. My only real issue with Melt was the ending. I hate stories that just end. You become so invested in the characters, it's nice to know what ends up happening to them.

Melt is a beautifully written story which I highly recommend. I can't wait until this book is officially out so I can add it to my bookshelf!

Review: Blazed by Jason Myers

Blazed

By: Jason Myers

Pub. Date: June 17, 2014

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Pages: 320

Source: Edelweiss

Jamie uncovers life-changing secrets from his past when he’s sent to live with a father he’s never met in this gritty novel from the author of Exit Here. and Run the Game.

Jamie is invincible when he is high. His anger, his isolation, his mom’s manic mood swings—nothing can shatter his glass castle. But one brutal night upends everything, leaving his mom broken and Jamie betrayed.

Sent to live with a father he’s never met, Jamie is determined to hate the man he blames for his mother’s ruin. And he blocks out the pain with drugs, fierce music, and sweet, sweet Dominique. Except the more time Jamie spends at his dad’s, the more his mother’s scathing stories start to unravel. Who is he supposed to believe? And how much will he have to sacrifice to uncover the truth?

 I received this galley in exchange for an honest review. 

What started out as an engrossing and interesting read, ended up being boring and dull. When I first started reading it, I loved Jamie. He’s practically a genius who would do anything for his mom. The love he had and the things he did for her, especially after what she had put him through growing up was admirable. When his mother tries to kill herself, he is sent to live with the father that not only hurt his mother, but wanted nothing to do with his son. Jamie soon starts to learn that not everything his mother told him was true, which leaves Jamie is a very vulnerable place.

Jamie 100% reminded me of Holden Caulfield, which I loved. It’s interesting to see what Holden would say and do in today’s time, and that’s exactly how I felt he would act. Despite being a wonderful son, maybe sometimes to good, Jamie is really a jerk. I would have liked to see him grow as a character and have more redeeming qualities. Because he was such a jerk, I had a hard time connecting with him. But I did feel really bad for him. Most of the time I forgot that Jamie was only 14. He seemed so much older to me.

Towards the second half of the book, I started to feel bored. I felt like I was reading the same story and nothing exciting was happening. Jamie bought new records, Jamie listened to his new music, Jamie recorded a video for his tumbler, Jamie did drugs, Jamie was a jerk. That was the gist of the book. I think I would have been happier if the book was a little shorter.

I liked the concept of Blazed, I think I was hoping for a little bit more though. Overall, I did like the story and will read other books from this author!

Review: Invincible by Alana Albertson

Invincible

(The Trident Code # 1)

By: Alana Albertson

Pub. Date: March 9, 2014

Publisher: Bolero Books

Pages: 157

Source: Netgalley

I’ll be honest with you—I'm no hero. Sure, the media tries to brand every Navy SEAL as some kind of Batman dressed in cammies. There’s even a line in one of our cadences: “Superman is the man of steel, he ain’t no match for Navy SEAL.” You've seen the movies—we’re indestructible, invincible. But that night, the one you read about in the papers … all I really wanted to do was get laid.

One harmless fuck with a Curaçao whore, no strings attached. I picked her out of a lineup—wild, dark hair, long legs and a crooked smile. After she sucked me off, I relaxed back onto the creaky, cum-stained cot, thankful for the blissful moments she gave me when I actually forgot for a second the faces of my buddies who died because I made the wrong call, the tears of the children I couldn't save, and the eyes of the enemies I slaughtered during their last seconds of life.

But before I left, her hazel eyes peered into my soul. She whispered in a distinct Californian accent, “My name is Annie Hamilton. I'm an American citizen. I was kidnapped from a cruise ship five years ago. You're my last hope. Please save me.”

One desperate plea. This wasn’t a Hollywood blockbuster or a New York Times best-selling thriller. I knew that this time there was no room for excuses, no margin for errors. I had one chance to put the cape on and be her hero.

I received this galley in exchange for an honest review.

For a book that is under 200 pages, I was surprised of how much of an emotional punch it created. As soon as I read the synopsis, I requested it, knowing it was going to be a good. I'm really glad I got the chance to read it, it definitely wasn't what I was expecting, but in a good way.

Invincible is a quick read about a Navy SEAL named Patrick and Annie, who was kidnapped five years ago and is now forced to work in a brothel. I know a lot of people have issues with the fact that a Navy SEAL was in a brothel in the first place, but lets be realistic. It happens a lot more then people think. I really liked that this story was told from both their point of views, but I would have liked a little more emotion from Annie. For me she was very one dimensional, and I think so much more could have been done with her character. I loved the way Patrick was written. He definitely isn't perfect, and he doesn't try to be. He's too broken, seen too much, to be any kind of normal. Despite being a SEAL, he doesn't see himself as a hero, but he has a chance now to do the right thing.

If you are in the mood for a quick read, then this is for you. It's definitely more sweet then disturbing, but it works. 

3.5 stars rounded up to 4. 

Review: Don't You Forget About Me by Kate Karyus Quinn

Don't You Forget About Me

By: Kate Karyus Quinn

Pub. Date: June 10, 2014

Publisher: HarperTeen

Pages: 336

Source: Edelweiss

Welcome to Gardnerville.

A place where no one gets sick. And no one ever dies.

Except...
There’s a price to pay for paradise. Every fourth year, the strange power that fuels the town exacts its payment by infecting teens with deadly urges. In a normal year in Gardnerville, teens might stop talking to their best friends. In a fourth year, they’d kill them.

Four years ago, Skylar’s sister, Piper, was locked away after leading sixteen of her classmates to a watery grave. Since then, Skylar has lived in a numb haze, struggling to forget her past and dull the pain of losing her sister. But the secrets and memories Piper left behind keep taunting Skylar—whispering that the only way to get her sister back is to stop Gardnerville’s murderous cycle once and for all.

I received this galley in exchange for an honest review.

Don't You Forget About Me is a very different kind of book then what I am used too. That's not to say I didn't enjoy it, because I did, but at some parts, even the magical aspects felt a little too far fetched for me. In the town of Garderville, nothing is as it seems. The town is a paradise of sorts, once people enter the town they never get sick again. People on the brink of dying enter the town limits and are instantly cured. Nobody understands why, and no one ever questions it. The only downfall is that every four years, teenagers do unspeakable things for no real reason, and people die.

It takes a while before you really understand what is going on in the story. Told in the point of view of Skylar, there are two types of chapters. The first is set in the present time, where Skylar is talking to the reader, and the second type is told by Skylar to her sister Piper about things that happened in the past. I ended up enjoying the past chapters much more. I couldn't really stand Skylar in the present. She's going through a lot though, her sister is probably dead, and her father killed himself, and she takes these pills to calm herself and also make her forget basically everything.

Her "love" interest, Foote was a very interesting character with a very sad back story. Even after the story ended, I was still really confused about him, and what exactly happened to him in the past, and in the present. I would have liked to understand him better.

Don't You Forget About Me is a fast read, even if it did take me 50 or so pages to fully get into him. It was definitely good, and I do recommend it if you are looking for something a little different then what you are used too.  

Review: The Murder Complex by Lindsay Cummings

 

The Murder Complex

(The Murder Complex # 1)

By: Lindsay Cummings

Pub. Date: June 10, 2014

Publisher: Greenwillow

Pages: 400

Source: Edelweiss

Meadow Woodson, a fifteen-year-old girl who has been trained by her father to fight, to kill, and to survive in any situation, lives with her family on a houseboat in Florida. The state is controlled by The Murder Complex, an organization that tracks the population with precision.

The plot starts to thicken when Meadow meets Zephyr James, who is—although he doesn’t know it—one of the MC’s programmed assassins. Is their meeting a coincidence? Destiny? Or part of a terrifying strategy? And will Zephyr keep Meadow from discovering the haunting truth about her family?

I received this galley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Edelweiss and Greenwillow.

What was one of my most anticipated books of 2014 ended up disappointing me, which is always a sad thing. How can a book with the tagline, "She's Trained to Survive, He's Programmed to Kill" not be amazing? But unfortunately, there were more things that bothered me about the story then I liked about it.

One of my problems with The Murder Complex was that I spent most of it confused. I had no idea what was going on. I didn't know who the good guys were, who the bad guys were. I didn't understand the government or the language used. I also didn't like that we never really got any explanation about why the world was the way it was. "The Murder Complex" isn't even mentioned until half way into the book, and by then I already gave up on trying to understand anything. Even after The Murder Complex was explained and we learned how it came to be, I still had so many questions, and no answers.

I did like that the story was told in two different view points, but I didn't think the characters were fleshed out enough. I couldn't stand Meadow. I found her to be annoying and immature. I did like Zephyr though. While he had so many more reasons to complain about his life then Meadow, he never really did complain. Just dealt with his life the best he could. Meadow couldn't see how lucky she was in such a horrible society, and this angered me to know end. Meadow and Zephyr didn't really have any connection and I just couldn't see the attraction between the two. I can understand why Zephyr felt connected to her though. I won't say why here because it is a spoiler. But I really did not understand why Meadow felt a connection to Zephyr. I just wish I understood the characters better.

I think The Murder Complex had a wonderful premise and despite what I have heard others say, I do think the storyline is very original. I am interested to see where this story will go next, so I am excited for the next book. I am also hoping to learn more about the society and the characters in the next book! 

Review: The Truth About Alice by Jennifer Mathieu

The Truth About Alice

By: Jennifer Mathieu

Pub. Date: June 3, 2014

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Pages: 208

Source: Netgalley

Everyone has a lot to say about Alice Franklin, and it’s stopped mattering whether it’s true. The rumors started at a party when Alice supposedly had sex with two guys in one night. When school starts everyone almost forgets about Alice until one of those guys, super-popular Brandon, dies in a car wreck that was allegedly all Alice’s fault. Now the only friend she has is a boy who may be the only other person who knows the truth, but is too afraid to admit it. Told from the perspectives of popular girl Elaine, football star Josh, former outcast Kelsie, and shy genius Kurt, we see how everyone has a motive to bring – and keep – Alice down.

I received this galley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan.

I have never read a more realistic portrayal of teenage life. The slut-shaming that goes in this story is something that so many teenage girls experience on a daily basis, and it just breaks my heart. The Truth About Alice is told in the point of five different students, Elaine, the popular girl, Kelsie, Alice’s former best friend, Josh, a popular guy, Kurt, the school nerd who has a crush on Alice, and then finally Alice. What I found so interesting was that Alice POV was the last chapter. I enjoyed learning about everything through everyone else’s eyes. It brought a lot to the story. 

The rumor is this: Alice had sex with two guys at the same party. Despite Alice saying this isn’t true, no one believes her. Making matters worse, after one of those guys dies in a car accident, everyone blames her. The sad thing is, is that it isn’t just the students who are invested in these rumors, but the parents in this small Texas town are also participating in the gossip. It just goes to show you how shameless people can be.

Kelie and Josh both played a huge role in the rumors and it was interesting to hear their thoughts and reasoning for doing what they did. Usually with books about this same topic, the story is always told by the victim, so the reader never gets the chance to explore the minds of the other characters. This is what I loved so much about The Truth about Alice, finally being able to hear the other side.

Even though we don’t get to hear Alice’s viewpoint until the last chapter, Jennifer Mathieu did a wonderful job getting her side of the story through the other characters. I felt like I knew her already and I thought she was very strong and brave.

The Truth About Alice is a fast read that I really enjoyed. Its Mathieu’s first novel, and I can’t wait for more stories from this truly talented up and coming author!

Release Day Launch: There's Wild, Then There's Wild by M. Leighton

I am so thrilled to bring you the Release Day Launch for M. Leighton's THERE'S WILD, THEN THERE'S YOU!!! THERE’S WILD, THEN THERE’S YOU is a smoking hot contemporary romance in M. Leighton’s The Wild Ones Series, published by Berkley an imprint of Penguin Group.

He’s someone she can’t trust… She’s someone he thinks he knows… Violet Wilson is a wallflower. Shy, serious, and accident-prone, she’s got a bad habit of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The night she’s forced to pose with her friend might just be the worst time of all—that’s when she meets Jet Blevins. She knows better than to get involved with someone like him, but he touches her in ways she never expected, neverwanted before. On the outside, Jet is a typical rocker, an arrogant lead guitarist who unapologetically lives a wild lifestyle. But on the inside, he’s battling demons and using the stage to escape the troubles of his past and the addictions of his present. Until the night he sees Violet standing at the back of the room. She brings his life into focus. She knows his secrets. She’s the girl he can’t forget, and the one thing he craves more than his addiction. But can they ever hope to have a future when their very foundation is nothing but lies?   

Buy Links: Amazon Barnes and Noble iBooks Kobo

 

M. Leighton is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Wild Ones and The Bad Boys romance trilogies. She is a native of Ohio, relocated to the warmer climates of the South, where she lets her mind wander to romantic settings with sexy Southern guys much like the one she married and the ones you'll find in her latest books. When her thoughts aren't roaming in that direction, she'll be riding horses, swimming in ponds and experiencing life on a ranch, all without leaving the cozy comfort of her office. For more about M. Leighton, visit her website at www.MLeightonBooks.blogspot.com or follow her on Twitter@mleightonbooks.   

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Review: Vivian Divine is Dead by Lauren Sabel

Vivian Divine is Dead

By: Lauren Sabel

Pub. Date: June 3, 2014

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Pages: 288

Source: Edelweiss

In this fast-paced adventure set in Mexico, teen celebrity Vivian Divine goes on the run after receiving a death threat, and discovers that everything she thought she knew about her charmed life—and the boy she loves—is a lie.

I received this galley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Edelweiss and Katherine Tegen Books.

Vivian Divine is Dead is a quick pace and interesting story and despite actually having a very serious and sad undertone, it was also a very fun and different kind of story!

Vivian Divine has lived her entire life in the public eye. Her father is a famous director, and her mom, before she was murdered was a famous actress. Since her mom died, Vivian really only has her boyfriend and her bodyguard to keep her company. But then her boyfriend cheats on her with her best friend and she is sent death threats. Her bodyguard sends her to Mexico to keep her safe.

Once is Mexico, her bag with her money and passport are stolen but she gets help from Nicholas. Vivian and Nick hate each other at first, but he helps her anyway. I enjoyed watching their hate grow into something special. Nick was an interesting character. You never really know if you could trust him or not. He definitely wasn't perfect. Vivian seems like she is just a Hollywood princess, but she is so much more than that. She is just a normal teenager who has lost her mother is a horrifying way and just wants the love and attention from her father, who basically ignores her. I felt so bad for her. She really was just trying to survive.

I love the way this book was written. The descriptions were so vivid and I loved reading about rural Mexico and it's culture. We saw good and bad parts of Mexico, and met a wide variety of people, some good, some bad. I really had no clue how this story was going to end, and it really did keep me guessing. The way it ended makes me think there will be a second book, and I am very excited to read it! 

Review: Take Me On by Katie McGarry

Take Me On

(Pushing the Limits # 4)

By: Katie McGarry

Pub. Date: May 27, 2014

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Pages: 544

Source: Netgalley

Acclaimed author Katie McGarry returns with the knockout new story of two high school seniors who are about to learn what winning really means.

Champion kickboxer Haley swore she'd never set foot in the ring again after one tragic night. But then the guy she can't stop thinking about accepts a mixed martial arts fight in her honor. Suddenly, Haley has to train West Young. All attitude, West is everything Haley promised herself she'd stay away from. Yet he won't last five seconds in the ring without her help.

West is keeping a big secret from Haley. About who he really is. But helping her-fighting for her-is a shot at redemption. Especially since it's his fault his family is falling apart. He can't change the past, but maybe he can change Haley's future.

Hayley and West have agreed to keep their relationship strictly in the ring. But as an unexpected bond forms between them and attraction mocks their best intentions, they'll face their darkest fears and discover love is worth fighting for.

I received this galley in exchange for an honest review.

We first meet West in ­Crash Into You, as Rachel's older brother. To be honest, I wasn't the biggest fan of his. You knew he loved his sister, but he was kind of a jerk. But in Take Me On, we see a whole other side of him. He's loyal, and caring, and feels so deeply. Isaiah will always be my favorite Pushing the Limits character, but West is a close second.

After getting expelled from school, West is forced to go to public school, it is here where he gets close to Haley, a girl he's met before when she was about to be robbed. I loved Haley! She was so awesome, and probably my favorite female Pushing the Limits character. Her father recently lost his job, and she and her family are living with her father's half brother, who is basically a horrible man. She used to love kickboxing, even winning a bunch of champions, but has given it up after an incident with her ex boyfriend. But now, after West stuck up for her, she has to help him train for a cage fighting tournament. I loved these two together. They were so sweet, yet tough and totally kick ass.

It was so wonderful getting inside of West's head. On the outside he seems to have it all, a loving family, money, friends, but on the inside he is totally broken. He feels like a failure and he believes himself to be worthless. He does not have a good relationship with his parents and even though he loves his sister, he can't bring himself to see her after her accident. I just wanted to hold him and tell him everything will be ok.

I really loved Jax, a secondary character and Haley's cousin. I really want to know more about him, and I hope we get to see him in future books! There is also a lot more of Abbey, which I really enjoyed! Abbey really is awesome character. Maybe her and Jax can get together in their own book!

Katie McGarry is easily one of my favorite authors! She is so talented and has written yet another wonderful and amazing story!