Review: Winners Curse (The Winner's Trilogy #1) by Marie Rutkoski

WinnersCurse
Title: Winners Curse (The Winner’s Trilogy #1)
Author: Marie Rutkoski
Publication: March 4, 2014 by Farrar Straus Giroux
Reviewed by: Vanessa
Rating: 5 stars
Reason for reviewing: Pleasure
As a general’s daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. But Kestrel has other intentions.
One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction. Arin’s eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him—with unexpected consequences. It’s not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin.
But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined.
Set in a richly imagined new world, The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski is a story of deadly games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart.
VanessaThoughts
Short and Quick: Kestrel is an intelligent strong-willed girl who doesn’t like her options in life and is determined to try to find a way to lead the kind of life she’s dreamt of. Little did she know she’d fall in love with a slave with secrets and a mission of his own.

Favorite Quote: “He lifted her up onto the table so that her face was level with his, and as they kissed it seemed that words were hiding in the air around them, that they were invisible creatures that feathered against her and Arin, then nudged, and buzzed, and tugged.
Speak, they said.
Speak, the kiss answered.”

My Thoughts: I love Kestrel’s character. She comes from wealth and is the daughter of a popular General, but she doesn’t let that change who she is deep down. She is pensive and strong-willed. She is unhappy with her life because she is realizing that her position has boundaries and certain expectations that she does not want to give in to. I love her courageous spirit as well. Especially when she is in a tough predicament towards the end of the book. Her spirit and tenacity makes her a wonderful heroine to read.

Arin……oh Arin. Why oh why must you be so intriguing?! Arin is a quiet guy who does what he’s told by his masters but who secretly has a plan of his own. What could it be? I was definitely intrigued by this character because although he’s quiet and defiant at first you just know he’s going to change people’s lives (in more ways than one).

The supporting characters were great too. I absolutely loved Jess (Kestrel’s best friend) and Ronan, Jess’ brother. Jess is so sweet natured and brings humor and happiness to Kestrel’s life. She is the sister Kestrel never had. Ronan is a flirt with a great heart who, if Arin hadn’t been in the picture, I would have wanted for Kestrel.

Although I’m used to fast-paced books (a la Lunar Chronicles) this book has a slower pace which goes perfect with the mood and serious theme of the book. The world building is wonderful and thankfully not overwhelming. Although it’s a slower pace, it’s definitely not boring! There are twists you really don’t see coming and there are serious scenes that I would not have expected from this book.
A few more of my favorite quotes: • “She saw, yet again, that her friend's compliments were just bits of art and artifice. They were paper swans, cunningly folded so that they could float on the air for a few moments. Nothing more.”
• “Survival isn't wrong. You can sell your honor in small ways, so long as you guard yourself. You can pour a glass of wine like it's meant to be poured, and watch a man drink, and plot your revenge.”
• “My soul is yours,” he said. “You know that it is.”

My reaction to the book in gifs
Beginning:
scarjo_popcorn

Middle:
 butterflies

then….
shocked 2

End:
gasp

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Double Cover Reveal for Molly McAdams!

Two cover reveals for Molly McAdams’ books in one day?! Say whaaaaat?!

TrustingLiam3

TRUSTING LIAM by Molly McAdams

On-sale 6/4/2015

When Kennedy Ryan moves to California, she never expects to come face-to-face with Liam Taylor-the intriguing man she hasn’t been able to forget. Somehow Liam managed to get Kennedy to let down her guard for a single night of passion that ended up meaning more than it was ever supposed to. Accustomed to disastrous experiences with men, Kennedy shields herself before he can break down more of the carefully built control she’s clung to for the last four years. But every time she sees Liam, she feels her resolve weakening.

Liam Taylor has been asked to befriend his boss’s nieces. But what starts out as a reluctant favor ends up leading Liam to the only girl who ever slipped away before morning-a girl he thought he’d never find again. And now that she’s within reach, Liam’s determined to never let her go.

When a secret from her past tests their relationship, will they be able to cling to the trust Liam has worked so hard to build?

ChangingEverything

CHANGING EVERYTHING by Molly McAdams

On-sale 3/3/2015

Paisley Morro has been in love with Eli since they were thirteen-years-old. But after twelve years of only being his best friend and wingman, the heartache that comes from watching him with countless other women becomes too much, and Paisley decides its time to lay all her feelings on the table.

Eli Jenkins has a life most guys would kill for: Dream job, countless women, and his best friend, Paisley, to be the girl he can always count on for everything else. But one conversation not only changes everything between them, it threatens to make him lose the only girl who has ever meant anything to him.

When tragedy strikes his family and Eli is forced to reevaluate his life, he realizes a life without Paisley isn’t a life at all. Only now, he may be too late.

Image Map

So what do you guys think?! Don’t they sound amazing?!!! Yup. We’re excited!

XO!
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Review: Cress (Lunar Chronicles #3) by Marissa Meyer

Cress_Marissa_Meyer
Title: Cress (Lunar Chronicles #3) by Marissa Meyer
Author: Marissa Meyer
Publication: February 4, 2014 by Feiwel and Friends
Reviewed by: Vanessa
Rating: 5 stars
Reason for reviewing: Pleasure
In this third book in the Lunar Chronicles, Cinder and Captain Thorne are fugitives on the run, now with Scarlet and Wolf in tow. Together, they’re plotting to overthrow Queen Levana and her army.
Their best hope lies with Cress, a girl imprisoned on a satellite since childhood who's only ever had her netscreens as company. All that screen time has made Cress an excellent hacker. Unfortunately, she’s just received orders from Levana to track down Cinder and her handsome accomplice.
When a daring rescue of Cress goes awry, the group is separated. Cress finally has her freedom, but it comes at a high price. Meanwhile, Queen Levana will let nothing prevent her marriage to Emperor Kai. Cress, Scarlet, and Cinder may not have signed up to save the world, but they may be the only hope the world has.
VanessaThoughts
Short and Quick: Holy shit balls. Yup. HOLY. SHIT. BALLS. This book has battles in space, in the dessert, on Earth…. everywhere! There’s romance, there’s humor, there’s adventure, and yes…. there’s heartbreak. This book does not disappoint!

Favorite Quote: “He froze, becoming stone still. As the hover climbed the hill to the palace, his shoulders sank, and he returned his gaze to the window. "She's my alpha," he murmured, with a haunting sadness in his voice.
Alpha.
Cress leaned forward, propping her elbows on her knees, "Like the star?"
"What star?"
She stiffened, instantly embarrassed, and scooted back from him again. "Oh. Um. In a constellation, the brightest star is called the alpha. I thought maybe you meant that she's...like...your brightest star." Looking away, she knotted her hands in her lap, aware that she was blushing furiously now and this beast of a man was about to realize what an over-romantic sap she was.
But instead of sneering or laughing, Wolf sighed, "Yes," he said, his gaze climbing up to the full moon that had emerged in the blue evening sky. "Exactly like that.”


My Thoughts: Where do I even begin?! Oh the feels!!! I thought I loved Cinder (the book) but man oh man did this book blow it out of the water! I feel like I can’t put my review into words…. so much happened… so much was brought to light…. so many obstacles were put in the characters paths yet they prevailed! (or have they…)

We begin the book with Cress, a shy and lonely Lunar who was the one that helped Cinder in the first book (she’s the one who reached out to Cinder and told her about Queen Levana’s evil plan). She is incredibly smart but emotionally immature and naïve because of her seclusion (those traits aren’t annoying on her though!). Ahhhh, I don’t want to give too much away but let’s just say she has a budding romance with a certain someone that I just hope realizes her worth before it’s too late!
Cinder’s storyline gets even more intense. She has an inner conflict regarding her Lunar powers and struggles with not wanting to use them but being put in situations where she has no choice but to use them. Her main goal in the story is trying to stop Queen Levana from marrying Emperor Kai but boy is it hard to do with all those darn obstacles getting in the way!
Scarlet and Wolf are just adorbs. Again, there’s heartbreak with them but I hope it gets resolved in the next book! It simply must! *stomps foot*

Captain Thorne…. oh Captain Thorne ♥. I LOVE his humor! His character really evolves in this book. You get to see his strength (both mentally and physically). I love how matter of fact he is and how he doesn’t let life get him down. Even when something seriously bad happens to him (sorry can’t say what….don’t want to spoil it!).
Kai on the other hand…. has annoyed me quite a bit throughout all these books. There are parts of him that I like… but… I want to shake him and tell him to grow some balls! I know he has a tough job but damn…

Overall I’d have to say this is my favorite book of the series! They just keep getting better and better. I can’t wait for the next installment, Winter, coming later this year. There’s also an ‘in between’ book/novella called Fairest (Lunar Chronicles #3.5) that is coming out this month and guess who it’s about…. Queen Levana! Woot woot!

Some more of my favorite quotes:
• “Captain?"
"Yeah?"
"Do you think it was destiny that brought us together?"
He squinted and, after a thoughtful moment, shook his head. "No. I'm pretty sure it was Cinder.”
• “I promise, I will not let you die without being kissed.”
• “Maybe there isn’t such a thing as fate. Maybe it’s just the opportunities we’re given, and what we do with them. I’m beginning to think that maybe great, epic romances don’t just happen. We have to make them ourselves.”
• “But you are crazy.”
“I know.” She lifted a small box from the basket. “Do you know how I know?”
Scarlet didn't answer.
“Because the palace walls have been bleeding for years, and no one else sees it.” She shrugged, as if this were a perfectly normal thing to say. “No one believes me, but in some corridors, the blood has gotten so thick there's nowhere safe to step. When I have to pass through those places, I leave a trail of bloody footprints for the rest of the day, and then I worry that the queen's soldiers will follow the scent and eat me up while I'm sleeping. Some nights I don't sleep very well.” Her voice dropped to a haunted whisper, her eyes taking on a brittle luminescence. “But if the blood was real, the servants would clean it up. Don't you think?”
My reaction in gifs:
Beginning:
(Because I couldn’t wait for this book! And then I started it and so much happened! And then so many feels!)
excited (1)

Middle:
glass-case

End:
There’s a particular scene in the book that gets me giddy and yelling ‘Ohhhh damn!’ for the next book. The last quote above is part of that scene ;)
love this

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Cover Reveal: Losing It: A Collection of V-Cards by 22 Bestselling Authors!

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Losing It: A Collection of VCards
22 Bestselling YA authors reveal what went on behind the curtain in your favorite YA novels! From paranormal to contemporary, this collection features over 200 pages of ALL NEW CONTENT full of deleted scenes, extended endings, and more from the young adult series’ you love. 
In this YA/NA crossover collection all of your favorite heroines are cashing in their VCards! YA just got steamy, sexy, and not afraid to go all the way!


Due to the graphic nature of some content, this collection is recommended strictly for mature readers. 
Stories include excerpts and extended material--ALL NEW CONTENT featuring the following YA novels & authors:
The Grimoire Saga by SM Boyce
The Death Series by Tamara Rose Blodgett
Penny Black Trilogy by Stacey Wallace Benefiel
Dirty Blood series by Heather Hildenbrand
The Mythology Series by Helen Boswell
Stories About Melissa Series by Bethany Lopez
Keegan’s Chronicles by Julia Crane
The Tate Chronicles by K.A. Last
Fragile Creatures by Kristina Circelli
The Spellbound Trilogy by Nikki Jefford
Judgement of the Six Series by Melissa Haag
A Dark Faerie Tale Series by Alexia Purdy
The Double Threat Series by Julie Prestsater
The Elsker Saga by S.T. Bende
Ovialell Series by Tish Thawer
The Runes Series by Ednah Walters
The Cornerstone Series by Misty Provencher
The Waiting Series by Ginger Scott
Forged Series by A.O. Peart
The Arotas Series by Amy Miles
Funeral Crashing Mysteries by Milda Harris
The Wolf Trilogy by M.R. Polish
The Good Girls Have Gone Wild!!
Don’t want to wait? Want a sneak peek NOW behind the curtain with these authors? Request access to the Champagne Room on FB, a private, VIP group where you’ll get excerpts, giveaways, and the dirty details about the VCards we’ve cashed in…in our stories, of course!
Request exclusive access here
*Must be 18 to enter
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Book Blitz Book Tour: The Game by Shawnte Borris

 
 


SYNOPSIS:

Kirsten Backhard is a highly respected senior negotiating executive based in Toronto. She plays with some of the most powerful men in her field. Kirsten is confident, sexy, and hell on heels. She fights with a straight face, doesn’t back down easily, and believes in using her ASSets to get the deal done her way. Kirsten loves toying with the game in a man’s world.

But is every angle of her life this easy to play? One night can easily change everything. What she thinks is all love and fairy tales quickly becomes highly overrated. Will Kirsten be able to overcome? Or will she remain the cool poker player?

Contains crude language, sexual intercourse, and really bad jokes.
 
 
 

Introductions
 
Hey, what’s up? Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Kirsten Backhard. Before you ask, yes, during high school, the boys use to call me “back-her-up-hard.” I think that was why I was popular. It had nothing to do with the fact that I had beautiful breasts or what the football team might have accidentally seen while I was in cheerleading practice.
 
I am from a small community, but let’s face it, I’m way more of a city girl. I was the girl that introduced tampons back in junior high in the girls’ change room. Remember that room? It smelled like socks and had six nonprivate shower stalls with mirrors all over. When you think about it, those rooms were kinda like your first introduction to really bad porn. Anyways, there was always a girl after gym classed who yelled, “Fuck, who has a pad?”
 
Before we get into the really good stuff, I should probably talk about where I came from. No, this will not be an education class on the birds and the bees or sex 101 for those that have a dirty mind. Shame on you. J
 
I came from a middle class family where my father worked in construction and my mother was a bank teller. I have two siblings: my older sister, Marie, who has like four kids or something, and my brother, Derek, who happens to be my older twin and who is hot. Yes, I don’t mind telling you that. You know what comes from a hot brother? That’s right— super hot friends that I might have taught how to french kiss. What? Don’t judge me.
 
We lived in a good community with a crap-load of kids. You could tell that most people that lived on our street were Catholic, and they didn’t get the memo on why or how they ended up with so many kids. As for myself, as soon as that first period came, there was no way in hell I was going to have that, so off to the medi centre it was!
In my last year of junior high, we had new neighbors move in. There was a cute girl named Liz. She had blonde hair and brown eyes. I know, it’s a weird combination. Anyways, she was a runner like me, which meant she also had a killer body. Liz and I instantly became best friends. She is totally my better half, and if I ever decided to go muff-diving, I’m totally calling that bitch up. Liz has a brother named Steve, who ended up being gay no matter how hard I tried to convert him.
 
Today I am…swallowing hard here…thirty-three years old. Yes, I am thirty-three, but my ass and tits show that I’m much younger. Thank God! I hold a senior  executive position at a downtown financial firm. I travel all over the U.S., placing bids on stupid-ass shit for men that are trying to compensate for their small penis. But who am I kidding? I love my job. I love to travel and experience new things. I have no one waiting for me back home, especially not a cat, and I’ll definitely know if I’ll receive a Happy Mother’s Day card in the mail any time soon.
 
My mother recently told me that I should start thinking about settling down and start acting my age. Like seriously? What the fuck? If I had a penis, I guarantee you that this conversation would never happen in a million years. She lives her life by double standards. I, however, do not. I like living my life by my penis, figuratively speaking of course. It has never poked me the wrong direction before, so why start doubting it now? Is it really my fault that it’s always on the prowl?
 
Don’t get me wrong. We have had our fair share of amazing, head-shaking experiences. I think it’s only fair to share some of these adventures with you, so you know how much my mother is off her rocker.
 
P.S. I love you, Mom. <3
 
PURCHASING LINKS:

 
 
 
 
 

EXCERPT:

“First of all, Mother, it is called a sperm bank, not a sperm bar.” I cannot believe I am having this conversation right now. “And where did you get this information from?”

Max looked over at me, smirking.

“Why does it matter where I heard it from? What will people think?” cried my mother.

“F**k! Mom, no one is gonna care where or how I get a baby.” I want to crawl into a hole and die. “Mom, you wouldn’t by any chance be talking to Marie, would you? Is that where all this came from? Did she tell you I’m planning to go to a sperm bank? Or did she tell you I should think about going to a sperm bank?”

“That’s not the point, Kirsten. The point is that it’s time for you to settle down and think about having a family. You need to be more like Marie,” my mom lectured.
“Like Marie? My sister, Marie? The one who wears yoga pants and ponytails everywhere.”
 
 
  




Author Bio:

Shawnté lives in central Alberta, with her husband Ricky of 10 amazing years and together they have two beautiful children. Somehow her husband has managed to trick her into running a cow/calf operation. As much as she fusses about it, she loves it. 

When Shawnté is not sitting at her kitchen table hammering away on her laptop while watching the moose chase her cows across the yard, yes this really happens. Then she is busy attend school activities, community events and chauffeuring children here and there. She is big on playing softball and watching hockey.
When the time comes to relax, you will find her snuggled underneath her down comforter reading on her Ipad. Wait…who are we kidding, if the dishes, vacuuming, laundry or the bathrooms needs a hose down, you’ll always hear her say, “Just after this chapter.” She doesn’t have a favorite author or best story because everyday she falls in love with someone new. 
Shawnté is technology challenged so with the help of Lacy you can find her anywhere. Please go like her page and leave a review/star rating on the books she’s wrote.

Ways to stay connected with Shawnte Borris:

BOOK BLITZ HOSTED BY:
 

#WhatsInMyBookBag Instagram Hop: 1.10.15

Instagram Hop

 

Hi guys!!I It’s Saturday again (yay!) so that means it’s time for another round of #WhatsInMyBookBag link ups! We are super happy with everyone’s pics last week and we absolutely loved seeing all the books and notebooks you guys carry around. We’re definitely looking forward to seeing what you guys will be posting this week. :)

Check out a few highlights below :)

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1. NovelsandNailPolish (top left)
2. Kyliekaemke (Top right)
3. Bookcrastinators (Lower left)
4. AppraisingPages (Lower right)

My pic this week:

ABM_1420925982Today I’m just carrying around my ‘I read YA’ tote along with the book I’m currently reading (and crushing on!), my Filofax, Le Pens, and my project life cards that I use to write down my favorite book quotes as well as decorations in my Filofax.

Want to participate too? Check out the easy peasy rules below!

RULES
• Follow us, your hosts, on Instagram: @BookSoulmates
•Link up your Instagram picture for #WhatsInMyBookBag
Tip: To find the image URL through your phone, go to your Instagram account, click on the image you want to share, then click on the three dots located on the lower right hand side, and click on ‘Copy Share URL’.
• Please visit other participants and like and/or comment on their pictures. Let’s show each other some IG love!

We hope you guys have a lot of fun taking pictures and making new IG friends!

Xoxo!
Vanessa & Isalys

Now let’s get this party started! Post your links below :)

#FridayReads and Weekly Goals 1.9.15

FridayReads_WeeklyGoals
Yup! Totally posting this on Saturday lol.
Hi guys! This is a new feature that we started last week where we share what books we’ll be reading each week starting Friday (I mean really… who doesn’t binge read on the weekends right?!)
 
What I was really able to read last week:
throne of glassCrown of midnight
 
What I hope to read this coming week:

Heir of fireThese broken stars

How about you guys? What are you planning on reading this weekend and coming week?

Xo!

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Book Blits Book Tour: With Love by Shawnte Borris

bookblitz1
 


SYNOPSIS:
 
Her life was all set…she had everything she had ever dreamed of. Promises of forever…. But promises can be broken. Alyson Almon, or Ally as she is called, finds this out in a tragic way. The emotional scars on her heart are ones only she can feel. With a change of location and a makeover she tries to start her life anew. She is drawn to a beautiful wedding and snaps some photos, capturing the love between the bride and her father. Luke McDerment, brother of the bride, is a man who is dealing with his own loss. Their paths cross when he spies her gorgeous photos and the instant attraction is something neither of them can deny.
 
Luke, with the help of his family who also find themselves drawn to this haunted young woman, involve her in a project that throws her right in the middle of this loving, warm family. They have a Gala coming up and Ally is the perfect photographer to capture the moments. Ally is embraced by the family and finds that she needs the love and warmth this family gives so effortlessly. She also finds the attraction to Luke is something she can’t deny.
 
Can they fight the electricity between them and just walk away or will they let fate hand them the happy ending they both desperately need.
 
AddToGR_button

Where to purchase:
 
 
EXCERPT:
 
The next morning sunlight peeked through the opened window. I slightly tossed back my hair away from my face, staring toward the early sunrise. I lay there for a while, closing my eyes and listening to the sound of the ocean waves crashing into the shore.
 
I decided to start the day with a hot shower. While waiting for the water to heat up, I turned on the radio, hoping that it would fill the sound of the empty room in the background, I could hear Brad Paisley singing “Wrapped Around”
 
It felt so good to have hot water flowing over my body. I stood in the shower in a daze. In no time at all, I remembered the first time Sam ever saw me naked.
 
We had been dating for two years, and it was cool, crisp night. We sat in the back oh his truck, watching the northern lights and listening to the radio. That was the first time in my life I felt safe.
 
I had never had anybody look at me like the way Sam did, his warm fingers softly touched the side of my face, staring into my eyes as if trying to gather my every thought.  His lips were silky soft with a slight smell of peppermint gum. His kisses were always light.  His fingers ran down my neck, slightly pulling my hair toward the center of my back.  With his trembling hands, he undid the clasp of my bra ever so lightly. Feeling cool air on my back gave me a slight shiver. Sam looked at me with his steady eyes, “Beautiful.” he whispered.
 
It was so powerful having our naked bodies touch with his fingers trailing over my naked breast.  I gasped to catch my breath, realizing that I was back in the shower. I grabbed the shower curtain for dear life. I NEEDED OUT!!!
 
Ally
 
 

 

Author Bio:

Shawnté lives in central Alberta, with her husband Ricky of 10 amazing years and together they have two beautiful children. Somehow her husband has managed to trick her into running a cow/calf operation. As much as she fusses about it, she loves it. 

When Shawnté is not sitting at her kitchen table hammering away on her laptop while watching the moose chase her cows across the yard, yes this really happens. Then she is busy attend school activities, communi
ty events and chauffeuring children here and there. She is big on playing softball and watching hockey.
 
When the time comes to relax, you will find her snuggled underneath her down comforter reading on her Ipad. Wait…who are we kidding, if the dishes, vacuuming, laundry or the bathrooms needs a hose down, you’ll always hear her say, “Just after this chapter.” She doesn’t have a favorite author or best story because everyday she falls in love with someone new. 
Shawnté is technology challenged so with the help of Lacy you can find her anywhere. Please go like her page and leave a review/star rating on the books she’s wrote.

Ways to stay connected with Shawnte Borris:



BOOK BLITZ HOSTED BY:
 
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Cover Reveal: Black Iris by Leah Raeder

Black Iris
by Leah Raeder

BOOK DETAILS:
Atria Books | 384 pages | ISBN: 9781476786421 | On sale: April 28, 2015 | List price: $15.00 | eBook ISBN: 9781476786438 | eBook list price: $5.99


Black Iris

Isn’t that cover gorgeous?! We just LOVE that color combo!

FIRST CHAPTER EXCERPT:

BLACK IRIS by Leah Raeder

April is the cruelest month, T.S. Eliot said, and that’s because it kills. It’s the month with the highest suicide rate. You’d think December, or even January—the holidays and all that forced cheer and agonized smiling pushing fragile people to the edge—but actually it’s spring, when the world wakes from frostbound sleep and something cruel and final stirs inside those of us who are broken. Like Eliot said: mixing memory and desire, stirring dull roots with spring rain. In the deepest throes of depression, when sunlight is anguish and the sky throbs like one big raw migraine and you just want to sleep until you or everything else dies, you’re less likely to commit suicide than someone coming out of a depressive episode. Drug companies know this. That’s why antidepressants have to be marked with the warning MAY CAUSE SUICIDAL THOUGHTS.

Because what brings you back to life also gives you the means to destroy yourself.

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

It only took one moment of weakness for Laney Keating’s world to fall apart. One stupid gesture for a hopeless crush. Then the rumors began. Slut, they called her. Queer. Psycho. Mentally ill, messed up, so messed up even her own mother decided she wasn't worth sticking around for.
If Laney could erase that whole year, she would. College is her chance to start with a clean slate.
She's not looking for new friends, but they find her: charming, handsome Armin, the only guy patient enough to work through her thorny defenses—and fiery, filterless Blythe, the bad girl and partner in crime who has thorns of her own.
But Laney knows nothing good ever lasts. When a ghost from her past resurfaces—the bully who broke her down completely—she decides it's time to live up to her own legend. And Armin and Blythe are going to help.
Which was the plan all along.
Because the rumors are true. Every single one. And Laney is going to show them just how true.
She's going to show them all.

Connect with the author:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Pre-Order:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble| Books-a-Million|Indiebound

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Review: Scarlet (Lunar Chronicles #2) by Marissa Meyer

Scarlet_Marissa_MeyerTitle: Scarlet (Lunar Chronicles #2)
Author: Marissa Meyer
Publication: February 5th, 2013 by Feiwel and friends
Reviewed by: Vanessa
Rating: 5 Stars
Reason for reviewing: Pleasure
Cinder, the cyborg mechanic, returns in the second thrilling installment of the bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She's trying to break out of prison--even though if she succeeds, she'll be the Commonwealth's most wanted fugitive. Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit's grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn't know about her grandmother or the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother's whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana, who will do anything for the handsome Prince Kai to become her husband, her king, her prisoner.
VanessaThoughts
Short and Quick: A secretive moody handsome guy named Wolf + a feisty stubborn girl named Scarlet who is searching for her grandmother who may or may not have been taken by Wolf sounds like (and is!) a definite win.

Favorite Quote: “I knew they would kill me when they found out, but…” He struggled for words, releasing a sharp breath. “I think I realized that I would rather die because I betrayed them, than live because I betrayed you.” --- *Sigh* <Insert dreamy eyes here> --- Want to know who said it? Nope. Can’t tell you. You’ll just have to read the book. :P

My thoughts: Scarlet is the second installment in Marissa Meyer’s Lunar Chronicle Series and while normally in a series we’d stay following the initial heroine, this book introduces a new one, Scarlet, and a new leading man, Wolf. I was reluctant to read it at first, which is why it’s taken me over a year to pick it up. I got so attached to Cinder (the heroine from the first book) that I was afraid this was going to be a big ol’ let down. I was also afraid Cinder wouldn’t play a role in this book. Boy was I wrong!! What the hell was I thinking!? I should have had more faith in Marissa Meyer. She didn’t let me down the first time with Cinder so why would she let me down now? Yeah, I’m a dork.
Anyhoo! In this book, we get to see different character’s points of view, which normally frustrates me because I hate ‘switching gears’ so many times during a book, however, I thoroughly enjoyed reading everyone’s point of view! Even from the new characters like Wolf and Captain Thorne (who is hilariously vain by the way). Captain Thorne had me smiling and rolling my eyes a lot!
I personally fell in love with Scarlet. She is feisty, strong willed, and has a great heart. Although she may have been a bit gullible when it came to Wolf, she really had no choice. She needed him in order to find her grandmother who was taken from her home in the beginning of the book. They both go on a hell of an adventure together and nearly die a few times, which of course, makes for great reading!
Wolf is an incredible character. He is the epitome of dark and mysterious. His constant inner struggles between his principles, his heart and certain things that haunt him (trying not to spoil it for you guys) make this character a very interesting addition to this storyline. You don’t know whether to trust him, love him, hate him, or punch him! But, Marissa Meyer wrote this character in such a way that you root for him and hope he isn’t who you think he is. I hate to say this, but I’m glad she added a strong leading male character in this book. Poor Kai is such a puss in the first two books. I hope he grows some balls in the next installment. I digress…..
As I said before, Cinder definitely plays a role in this book and we get to see all the crap she has to go through (quite literally at some point… *gag*) after being thrown in prison. We get to learn more about her past and see how she came to be a cyborg. We also learn about certain key players that helped her leave Luna and we also get to see developments in her Lunar ‘tricks’.
All in all the story was great! There are twists you definitely don’t see coming, which I loved of course. This book is definitely a page turner and was so damn good that I‘m just happy I had Cress in my possession when I finished it so I can jump right into the third book!

Other favorite quotes:
• “A relieved grin filled up Thorne’s face. “We’re having another moment, aren’t we?”
“If by a moment, you mean me not wanting to strangle you for the first time since we met, then I guess we are.”  --- hehe! Oh Thorne! I freakin’ love this character!
• “We met less than a week ago and in that time I've done nothing but lie and cheat and betray you. I know. But if you give me a chance...all I want is to protect you. To be near you. For as long as I'm able.”
• “When she had gone, Thorne let out a low whistle. “I know, I know. She seems a little”—crossing his eyes, he swirled both fingers around his ears—“but it’s really part of her charm, once you get to know her.”
And of course, because I ♥ gifs, my reaction to this book in gifs…. because, why not? ;)

Beginning:
Because I was scared it wouldn’t be as good as Cinder
skepticalHerm

Middle:
Because it was damn good and I loved the characters and I didn’t want them to get hurt! And I didn’t want a certain character to turn out to be a dick.
nervous

End: Ahhh!! Can’t wait for Cress!!!
kerm
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