Review: Learning to Breathe by Janice Lynn Mather

Learning to Breathe by Janice Lynn Mather
Release Date: June 26, 2018
Publisher: Simon and Schuster's Children's Publishing
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
Source: ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review

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Sixteen-year-old Indy struggles to conceal her pregnancy while searching for a place to belong in this stunning debut novel that’s perfect for fans of Amber Smith and Sara Zarr.

Indira Ferguson has done her best to live by her Grammy’s rules—to study hard in school, be respectful, and to never let a boy take advantage of her. But it hasn’t always been easy, especially while living in her mother’s shadow.

When Indy is sent to live with distant relatives in Nassau, trouble follows her. Now she must hide an unwanted pregnancy from her aunt, who would rather throw Indy out onto the street than see the truth.

Completely broke with only a hand-me-down pregnancy book as a resource, Indy desperately looks for a safe space to call home. After stumbling upon a yoga retreat, she wonders if perhaps she’s found the place. But Indy is about to discover that home is much bigger than just four walls and a roof—it’s about the people she chooses to share it with.

Review:

In the synopsis the publisher compares Janice Lynn Mather's Learning to Breathe to books by Sara Zarr and Amber Smith, and I believe that comparison is spot on. Learning to Breathe isn't an easy book by any means. There's plenty of heartbreaking moments as well as  times at which I thought it couldn't possibly get any worse for Indy only to be proven otherwise. At the same time, however, Learning to Breathe does offer a breathe of hope, a breath of positivity, because at a core Learning to Breathe isn't about a book falling to rock bottom. No, it's a book about hitting rock bottom, only to climb out and be stronger and better than ever before. 

Learning to Breathe introduces Indy, a teenager hiding more than one secret. All her life, Indy's been the girl everyone talked about. From her body to her family to her choices, everyone seems to have an opinion. From the very first page Indy's voice grabbed me and didn't let me go until the very end. When the story first begins, Indy's at a crossroads. She's forced to leave the person she loves the most, the one who also loves her the most, and go to a new place. She doesn't fell very brave, but it was easy to see that she was. Throughout the course of the story, Indy faces so many hard choices and tough situations, but she always managed to stand strong, and I admired that about her. She was resourceful and smart, more so than many gave her credit for. I loved the relationship between her and her grandmother. It was sweet and thoughtfully developed, and I feel like it was essential to who Indy was. She never wanted to disappoint her grandmother, to let her down, and while I could understand that, there were so many times at which I wish she would've gone to her for help. 

Over the course of the book, a variety of characters are introduced - some good and some bad - and each had an important role to play. The biggest surprise, however, was Crunchy. When Crunchy is first introduced, he doesn't seem like he'll be very important, but I was wrong. Crunchy turned out to be such a sweet and caring individual, and I loved the friendship that resulted between him and Indy. It warmed my heart. I was so happy to finally see someone fighting for her again, some who was willing to do anything to help her. It was so different from the other people in her life. Those individuals...well, they were just terrible. 

Learning to Breathe deals with tough subjects - teenage pregnancy, sexual assault, etc. I thought Janice did a wonderful job of handling each topic. Indy's story is an important one, because there are girls like her out there, girls who no one will listen to, girls that need our help, and I hope this book will open people's eyes to this. Some people have said that the ending was a bit too ideal, and while I somewhat agree, I was happy with where it left off.

In all, Learning to Breathe is a heartbreaking and gripping read, perfect for fans who love hard hitting YA contemporary. This may be my first book by Janice but it certainly won't be my last. 

3.5 stars!! 

Review: All of This is True by Lygia Day Peñaflor

All of This is True by Lygia Day Peñaflor
Release Date: May 15, 2018
Publisher: HarperTeen
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Mystery
Source: ARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review
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In this genre-defying page-turner from Lygia Day Peñaflor, four teens befriend their favorite YA novelist, only to find their deepest, darkest secrets in the pages of her next book—with devastating consequences.

Miri Tan loved the book Undertow like it was a living being. So when she and her friends went to a book signing to hear the author, Fatima Ro, they concocted a plan to get close to her.

Soleil Johnston wanted to be a writer herself one day. When she and her friends started hanging out with her favorite author, Fatima Ro, she couldn’t believe their luck—especially when Jonah Nicholls started hanging out with them, too.

Penny Panzarella was more than the materialist party girl everyone at the Graham School thought she was—and she was willing to share all her secrets with Fatima Ro to prove it.

Jonah Nicholls had more to hide than any of them. And now that Fatima’s next book is out in the world, he’s the one who is paying the price...

Perfect for fans of One of Us Is Lying—and told as a series of interviews, journal entries, and even pages from the book within the book—this gripping story of a fictional scandal will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

Review: 

I've been following All of This is True since it was first announced. It sound unique. I mean, a story about a group of teens befriending their favorite author? I haven't seen that before! I was also excited about the mystery. As more details were revealed, the more excited I became. I couldn't wait to dive in! 

The result? All of This is True isn't exactly what I had anticipated, but it's still a juicy and addicting read. I've seen this book compared to Pretty Little Liars several times, and I think that comparison is spot-on. It contains the same addicting, I-can't-get-enough quality of Pretty Little Liars as well as a group of characters that are interesting but not exactly likable.  

One of my favorite parts about All of This is True is the format. It contains interviews, text messages, journal entries, and excerpts from Fatima Ro's book. I wish there were more books like this! Lygia did a wonderful job of bringing everything together, and I loved how she broke everything up. It's hard to describe, but it worked well, as the different medias lined up perfectly. I also appreciated that each character was represented - Miri and Penny through their interviews, Soleil through her journal entries, and Jonah through Fatima's book as well as the girl's portions. 

As I mentioned above, none of the characters in All of This is True are particularly likable. Miri, Penny, and Soleil live incredibly spoiled, opulent lifestyles, and their personalities reflect that. Throughout the book, I couldn't believe some of what they did and said; however, it didn't make me dislike the book. Instead, it made me even more addicted - I couldn't wait to find out what outlandish thing was said or done next. I will say, however, that Penny and Soleil were slightly better than Miri. It was easy to see that Penny just wanted to be loved for who she was not for what she had while Soleil just wanted an honest, healthy relationship with Jonah. I felt for them more so than I did for Miri. Fatima Ro was an interesting character. Some part of me couldn't believe that she would be so willing to hang out with high school students. Yes, she wasn't that much older than them, but it was still odd to think about, especially when you took into consideration her relationship with Jonah. Honestly, sometimes she gave off such a creepy vibe. I don't think I would've been as willing to be her friend as they were. So was the relationship between the four students and Fatima stretched? Slightly. It was hard to believe at times, but at the same time I don't think All of This is True was really aiming for a believable vibe. 

The mystery in All of This is True has been highly talked about; however, I didn't think that it was much of a mystery at times. I know some people have said that they thought the big twist was shocking, but I figured it out pretty early on in the book. It was hard to not see that there was more to what was going on than what was said. Sometimes I don't mind figuring out the twist early on in a book if there's still a good build up to the reveal, but that wasn't exactly the case here. I wish that there had been more twists and turns to it all, more oh-my-goodness moments.  Instead of a mystery, I feel that All of This is True focused primarily on the relationship between the four students and Fatima. I did find in interesting, and I appreciated seeing the start of the relationship, the build up to the end, and then the falling out. I also liked that all three girls had such differing opinions on it all - Miri was an absolute Fatima fangirl to the end while Penny and Soleil were done with Fatima. It was interesting to see how each girl viewed what had happened so differently. 

I was also slightly disappointed by the ending. I wish more details had been given, because I felt as if things were finally getting truly good. I couldn't believe that it ended where it did. 

In all, All of This is True wasn't everything that I had expected, but I still enjoyed reading it. If you love Pretty Little Liars, I think there's a high chance you'll like this one as well. 

3.5 stars!! 

Review: August and Everything After by Jennifer Salvato Doktorski

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August and Everything After by Jennifer Salvato Doktorski
Release Date: May 1st, 2018
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary

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One last summer to escape, to find herself, to figure out what comes next. Fans of Sarah Dessen and Jenny Han will love this contemporary, coming-of-age romance.

Graduation was supposed to be a relief. Except Quinn can’t avoid the rumors that plagued her throughout high school or the barrage of well-intentioned questions about her college plans. How is she supposed to know what she wants to do for the next four years, let alone the rest of her life? And why does no one understand that it’s hard for her to think about the future—or feel as if she even deserves one—when her best friend is dead?

Spending the summer with her aunt on the Jersey shore may just be the fresh start Quinn so desperately needs. And when she meets Malcolm, a musician with his own haunted past, she starts to believe in second chances. Can Quinn find love while finding herself?

Review: 

August and Everything After seemed like the perfect start-to-summer read. I mean, a Jersey Shore setting, summer romance, and adventure? I don't think it can get much more summery than that! It also didn't hurt that I've enjoyed Jennifer's previous books - How My Summer Went Up in Flames and Famous Last Words are perfect poolside reading material! 

As it turns out, August and Everything After did put me in a summery mood; however, it also brought way more heart and emotion to the table than I had anticipated! 

At its heart, August and Everything After is a book about growing up, making the hard decisions in life, and learning to love not only other people but also yourself. When the book first begins Quinn   is in a state of constant indecision. She doesn't know what to do now that she's graduated, and she doesn't know how to express that to her overly driven mother and sister who think college is the only option out there. 

I found Quinn's voice to be realistic and I feel that it will appeal to readers who are in the same position as Quinn, having one monumental era come to an end and not knowing what to do next. I felt for Quinn. It's hard making the big choices after high school (been there, done that!), and it's even harder when you're still dealing with the pain of losing someone you loved. What I admired the most about Quinn, however, was how willing she was to take chances. Yes, sometimes they led to incredibly embarrassing moments (i.e. fire rescue disaster) or even heartbreak, but they also led to some great growth - moments in which I was yelling "Go Quinn!" 

I also LOVED the aunt-niece dynamic here! Aunt Annie and Quinn were two peas in a pod. I liked that Annie and Quinn both helped each other out over the course of the summer. Annie helped Quinn see that it's okay to make mistakes and take chances, but they should never stop you from growing, for reaching for more. On the other hand, Quinn helped Annie see that just because something ended, it doesn't mean that it has to be over over. Their relationship was honest and heartwarming, containing plenty of "aww" moments as well as "oh darn." 

Now for the part that I'm iffy about: Malcolm, the sexy misunderstood musician. I think we've all encountered Malcolms in our lives - boys who we know are nothing but trouble but couldn't resist simply because of how swoony they were. On one side, I liked Malcolm. He played a huge role in Quinn's summer, helping her make some big decisions. He also was pretty irresistible. I can understand why Quinn why was so taken by him. He had that sexy musician charm for sure, and he used that to his benefit.  On the other hand, I felt that their relationship was unhealthy. I didn't like that Quinn took on the savior role here, always feeling as if it was up to her to keep Malcolm's sobriety in check. That's a hard role for anyone, especially someone who is already facing a lot in their own life. There were so many moments in which I wished I could reach through the book and knock some sense into Quinn, to tell her that she it wasn't solely up to her, that it wasn't okay that he was always making such weak promises. I will admit that sometimes their back-and-forth relationship grew old; however, I appreciated the end result. I won't say too much, but Jennifer did a great job of wrapping it up. There were some shaky "oh my goodness" moments, but I couldn't have been happier by the end. 

Overall, August and Everything After is a relatable read, perfect for the summer! While it isn't my favorite book by Jennifer (How My Summer Went Up in Flames remains my favorite), it still demonstrates how great Jennifer's contemporaries are. I can't wait to read more by her! 

3.5 stars!!  

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Review: Blood & Lace by Trinity Scott

Blood & Lace (A Dark Net Novel, #1) by Trinity Scott
Release Date: March 26, 2018
Publisher: Pocket Star
Genre: Adult, Romance
Source: ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
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A Boston crime reporter teams up with a hot FBI agent to find her missing sister but the closer they work together, the harder it becomes to keep their relationship strictly professional in this steamy and suspenseful romance.

Chloe Sterling needs a break. A relentless crime reporter for The Boston Times, she’s dedicated her entire life to the pursuit of the truth no matter the cost. But when she gets suspended for bending the rules one time too many, she decides to take a much-needed vacation and visit her twin sister Eden in Los Angeles.

But when Chloe arrives and finds her sister missing, her reporter’s intuition kicks in. Although local law enforcement believes she’s run off with an ex-boyfriend, Chloe knows better: something is seriously wrong and if the cops aren’t going to find Eden, Chloe’s going to do it herself.

That’s when Special Agent Gage Pierce steps in.

A programmer who singlehandedly stopped the largest human trafficking ring known to date, Gage’s expertise is just what Chloe needs to track down her sister. But since he plays the strong and silent type, Chloe finds herself putting just as much effort into cracking him as she does into cracking the case. As the two work together and get closer to finding Eden, their feelings for each other intensify. With the clock ticking and time running out, will Chloe and Gage be able to rescue Eden in time and also continue their blossoming affair? Or is it lights out forever?

Review:

I've been dying to read Blood & Lace ever since I read the synopsis. It was giving me major Criminal Minds vibes, and that's something I can never resist. 

The result? Intense, dark, and romantic, Blood & Lace delivered the exciting thriller I had anticipated. 

What I Liked: 

1. The Mystery - As soon as Chloe arrives in LA, you can tell that something is amiss. There's a definite chill in the air, a sense of eeriness that quickly envelopes you. Chloe soon discovers that her sister is missing and she knows deep down it's not by choice. There had to have been foul play, there's no question about it. The only problem? No one will believe her. Trinity delivered a twisty, heart stopping mystery here. There were so many times that I thought I had everything figured out only to be proven wrong. I also enjoyed that we were in the dark just as much as Chloe was. She had no idea what her sister had been up to - that she had been turning to work outside of modeling - so to uncover those clues and secrets right along with her was exciting to say the least. 

2. The Romance - There's attraction in the air as soon Chloe and Gage meet; however, both know that it isn't the time or the place for it. I enjoyed the will-they-or-won't they aspect of their relationship. There were so many times I thought they would finally give in, finally take that one last step; however, even though it took some time and a heck of a lot frustration on their part, I enjoyed the build up. I liked seeing them swift from unlikely partners to friends to something more. It added an extra layer to their relationship. 

3. The Number of Suspects - It seemed like everywhere Chloe and Gage turned their was a new shady person to be found. I found the suspects to be interesting. For instance, the promiscuous photographer? Did he truly have a quick, no-feelings-hurt fling with Chloe's sister? Or was there more drama to be found? Or the producer...he seemed to have a motive as well. 

4. The Characters - Chloe and Gage were easy to like. Chloe was calm and cautious yet she had an intense amount of determination to her. My heart broke for her the longer her sister went missing. You could tell it was eating her up, especially knowing that there had to be foul play involved, and I also liked that Trinity took us through the many emotions of a loved one's disappearance. The dread, the questioning, the regret - all were expressed and greatly added to the narrative. Gage, on the other hand, is the reluctant good guy. He knows he should help Chloe, but he also feels that getting too close to her will cause him nothing but trouble. I loved how protective he was of Chloe, but I also liked that he gave her space, allowing her to make her own choices as long as they weren't too dangerous. 

What I Didn't Like 

1. Mixed Pacing - Occasionally this book lost its steam. It would be going good for a while, and then suddenly, it would become slightly boring. Usually, it recovered quickly, but there were certain times where I came close to losing interest. 

2. The Ending - There was A LOT going on in that last chapter. I knew that it was setting up for the next book, but at the same time I was wishing it would slow down a little bit. There wasn't a lot of time to process one big revelation before the next one was dropped. 

Overall, Blood & Lace is perfect for fans of romantic suspense. I look forward to seeing what Trinity has in store for us next. 

3.5 stars!! 

Review: Zombie Abbey by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

Zombie Abbey by Lauren Baratz-Logsted
Release Date: April 3, 2018
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Genre: Young Adult, Historical
Source: ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
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1920, England

And the three teenage Clarke sisters thought what they'd wear to dinner was their biggest problem…

Lady Kate, the entitled eldest.
Lady Grace, lost in the middle and wishing she were braver.
Lady Lizzy, so endlessly sunny, it's easy to underestimate her.

Then there's Will Harvey, the proud, to-die-for―and possibly die with!―stable boy; Daniel Murray, the resourceful second footman with a secret; Raymond Allen, the unfortunate-looking young duke; and Fanny Rogers, the unsinkable kitchen maid.

Upstairs! Downstairs! Toss in some farmers and villagers!

None of them ever expected to work together for any reason.

But none of them had ever seen anything like this.

Review:

Lauren Baratz-Logsted's books are typically very hit-or-miss for me. Sometimes I enjoy them while other times they simple aren't my cup of tea. I couldn't resist Zombie Abbey, however, as I wanted to see what a zombie flavored Downtown Abbey book would be like. 

As it turns out, I was pleasantly surprised. It was a quirky read, relying on early dramatics, humor, and zombie gore to drive the story forward. 

Zombie Abbey contains a surplus of perspectives - the sisters, the suitors, the staff, even the animals! It was interesting, and it tended to keep me on my toes. I never was quite sure who was going to be next! Some characters I liked better than others. The sisters, for instance, were an incredibly mixed bag. Kate, the eldest, was insufferable in most respects. I couldn't believe how selfish as well as entitled she acted, but I did enjoy seeing what would come out of her mouth next - it kept becoming more and more outlandish! Grace, the middle child, was my second favorite character. She was the complete opposite of Kate - kind and selfless. I enjoyed seeing her unexpected friendship with one of Kate's suitors unfold. Lizzy, the youngest, was by far my favorite. In some ways, she's the black sheep of her family - no one truly understands her and they also underestimate her. However, as the book progresses, she becomes the unexpected hero. I loved seeing her take on a bigger role, and I was cheering her on the whole way - I wanted her to prove her family (especially Kate!) wrong. The male suitors also provided laughs as well as heart. I appreciated how different they were. Also, Will Harvey? I. LOVED. him. 

The plot in this reminded me slightly of Scary Movie. People keep dying and/or disappearing, but no one really wanted to take it seriously.  They were too worried about their own lives! The Clarke family chalks it up to the villagers overacting - how can someone who is dead possibly come back to life? However, as the novel continues and the zombies get closer, the Clark family and their guests start to see just how serious it is. There were so many times at which I wanted to yell "Take it more seriously, it's not a joke," as I couldn't believe they just didn't have a care in the world, continuing on with their parties and hunting even though multiple people were missing. It was nutty!I also appreciated that no one was ever "safe;" there were some exciting twists that happened as the death total kept rising. I liked the little romances that popped up. None were incredibly well developed, but they still added a fun, romantic quality to the book. 

Now for the few problems I had with Zombie Abbey. For one, I wish it was more developed. I had so many questions about the zombies, the unexpected cousin, etc. I wanted to know where the zombies had originated from and whether or not they were only in their area or others. Secondly, the transitions between POVs was sometimes choppy. A couple of times it took me a few seconds to realize who was talking, because it jumped so quickly. Last, I wish the ending had more resolution. In some respects, I did think it fit the story well, but as someone who loves resolution, I wish there had been more to it. 

Regardless, Zombie Abbey is an eccentric little book. I'll be honest: it's not going to be for everyone; however, I think it will find its place with readers who love an interesting take on historical fiction (think My Lady Jane). 

3.5 stars!! 

Review: The Summer of Broken Things by Margaret Person Haddix

The Summer of Broken Things by Margaret Person Haddix
Release Date: April 10, 2018
Publisher: Simon & Schuster's Books for Young Readers
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
Source: ARC provided by publicist via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
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From New York Times bestselling author Margaret Peterson Haddix comes a haunting novel about friendship and what it really means to be a family in the face of lies and betrayal.

Fourteen-year-old Avery Armisted is athletic, rich, and pretty. Sixteen-year-old Kayla Butts is known as “butt-girl” at school. The two girls were friends as little kids, but that’s ancient history now. So it’s a huge surprise when Avery’s father offers to bring Kayla along on a summer trip to Spain. Avery is horrified that her father thinks he can choose her friends—and make her miss soccer camp. Kayla struggles just to imagine leaving the confines of her small town.

But in Spain, the two uncover a secret their families had hidden from both of them their entire lives. Maybe the girls can put aside their differences and work through it together. Or maybe the lies and betrayal will only push them—and their families—farther apart.

Margaret Peterson Haddix weaves together two completely separate lives in this engaging novel that explores what it really means to be a family—and what to do when it’s all falling apart.

Review: 

The Summer of Broken Things is a heartwarming YA contemporary about how one summer can change everything.  

What I Liked: 

1. The Dual POV - The Summer of Broken Things alternates between Kayla's and Avery's POVs. Margaret did a great job of switching between them, and I liked how they both sounded unique. Kayla's reflected her upbeat, bubbly personality while Avery's reflected her moodiness. 
2. The Characters - Kayla and Avery couldn't be any more different. Avery's always had everything in life handed to her, and her personality shows that. She's temperamental, needy, and selfish, and if she doesn't get what she wants...well, you don't want to be near her. At first, I couldn't connect with Avery. I couldn't believe some of the things she did and said, especially to her father and Kayla. As the book progressed, Avery did begin to grow and mature and I started to like her a bit more. Kayla, on the other hand, hasn't come from much, but what her family doesn't have in money they've made up for in love. I loved the relationship between Kayla and her mother and her grandparents. It was so incredibly sweet, and after seeing Avery's unhealthy relationship with her own family, it was a refreshing alternative. Over the summer, Kayla also experiences some big changes - she learns to be more than just that "butt girl," and she embraces her body. I loved seeing her find her place in her new environment. I also loved Avery's dad. He was such a saint, and it was sweet how much he wanted to give Kayla and Avery a perfect summer. 
3. The Setting - The Summer of Broken Things takes place in Spain for the majority of the story. I appreciated that Margaret included bits about Spain's history within the book - some things even shocked me, I couldn't believe I didn't know them - and I loved the descriptions she included. They were so summery and bright, painting a vivid picture. I also appreciated how she intertwined pieces of Spanish into the book through Kayla and Avery's spanish class. 
4. The Meaning of "Family" - Margaret does a great job of addressing all the definitions that the word family can take on, and while I won't talk to much about this fact to avoid potential spoilers, I really enjoyed this aspect. Honestly, I think it was my favorite part of the book, especially when it came to the growth and understanding Kayla and Avery experienced because of it. 
5. The Ending - At first, I couldn't believe that was it. I so badly wanted more, but after thinking about it for a few hours, I've decided I really liked it. It's open-ended, but at the same time, it gives the kind of conclusion that I hoped for from the beginning, one of positivity and hope for the future. 

What I Didn't Like: 

When it comes down to it there's nothing specific I didn't like. I found The Summer of Broken Things to be an fast-paced, enjoyable read; however, I did sometimes with it would've been more unique. I feel like I've read lots of books like this before - learning there's more to life than money, becoming friends with the person you least expect - and while Margaret did give it a fresh set of eyes through the topics she used, I do wish there was a bit more "zazz." 

Regardless, The Summer of Broken Things is still a book I would recommend, especially to those who love contemporary YA. I look forward to reading more by Margaret in the future. 

4 stars!! 

Blog Tour: Road to Eugenica by A.M. Rose (Review & Giveaway!)

Road to Eugenica by A.M. Rose 

Release Date: February 5, 2018

Publisher: Entangled Teen

Genre: YA, Time Travel, Romance

Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

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Two dimensions - And the girl who connects them.

Yesterday, Drea Smith couldn’t do anything spectacular—even walking and texting at the same time was a challenge. But today, she suddenly has more answers than Google, can speak and understand numerous languages, and she can fight. Like a boss.

Super freaky.

Drea has no idea where her encyclopedic knowledge has come from, but she’ll take it when she discovers someone out there knows her secret and wants her badly. And that they’ve been searching for her since she was born.

Since she was created.

With the help of her best friend Dylan, who just wants to keep her safe, and Maddox, a mysterious new boy who is prepared to get her answers, Drea will have to push her new skills to their limit as she uncovers nothing is quite what it seems.

As she uncovers…Eugenica.

Review: 

Road to Eugenica has been high on my wish list ever since I first heard about it. I love the cover and the tagline is 100% attention-grabbing. Plus have I ever been able to resist a debut? The answer: no! 

The result? I liked but didn't love Road to Eugenica. I thought the premise was strong and the characters likable as well as interesting; however, I wish there had been more development. When it came to the romance, world building, and plot development, I was left feeling....underwhelmed. 

Drea is a fun character. I found her to be feisty as well as likable. I loved seeing how passionate she was when it came to photography. Plus the photography hobby brought about a lot of drool-worthy descriptions of California. I also appreciated her connection to her father. It was sweet and well developed - I wish there had been more scenes between them. Dylan, Drea's best friend, was another great addition. He seemed like such a great guy; however, I did hate how  seemed to be stringing Drea along. There was so many times I wanted to scream, "just admit your feelings!" Maddox, the new guy on the scene, was one character I just couldn't bring myself to like, though. There was something just so incredibly off about him, and he was also a hard character to get a grasp on. I couldn't tell if he was a bad guy, or a good guy, and honestly, his actions made little to no sense. He was a big question mark. 

The premise is what originally appealed to me. I love books where an ordinary person suddenly becomes extraordinary, especially when there seems to be bad guys lurking around every corner, and that's exactly what I got here. It was interesting to see Drea go from being the scared and average teenager to someone who could speak several languages, hack into email accounts, and fight off men twice her size. Those scenes were actually some of my favorites! 

However, while I enjoyed the premise and some of the development that came with it, more times that one I was left feeling underwhelmed. I wanted more - more world building, more of what Eugenica is, more about Drea's mom and the secrets she seems to posses, more on Maddox and Dylan, more on that green-eyed man.  Over the course of the story, I kept waiting and waiting for big reveals to happen, for everything to suddenly become crystal clear, but that never seemed to occur. Yes, we got snippets of info here and there, but it just didn't feel like enough - even at the end, I was left thinking, "wait, what just happened?!" Also, I didn't completely like the romance. Drea's feelings seemed to be all over the place - one minute she loved Dylan, the next she seemed to be infatuated with Maddox and hating on Dylan, and the next she was gaga over Dylan again. It was incredibly inconsistent. I'm all for multiple love interests and crushes, but here it just didn't work well. I couldn't "get" Drea's reasoning sometimes, and it didn't help that I thought Maddox was creepy from the get go. 

Despite these aspects, Road to Eugenica is a promising start. I have hope that the sequel will dive deeper into the world and give more answers. 

3 stars!!

About the Author:

A.M. Rose is the author of Road to Eugenica, and writer of young adult novels of all genres as long as they have a hint of romance, the drinker of too much coffee (with way too much coconut creamer), and lover of all carbohydrates.

Currently, she lives in Houston, TX with her three boys (yes, her husband is in that count) and three cats. When she isn’t writing about swoony boys or ways for her MC to get into trouble, she is an avid reader, critiquer, (is that even a word?) and trampoline enthusiast.

A.M. Rose is a graduate from San Diego State University with a BA in Communication and a minor in underwater basket weaving. (Okay, maybe not the basket weaving part.)

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Blog Tour: Thrive (Guardian Protection, #2) by Aly Martinez (Review!)

Thrive by Aly Martinez (Guardian Protection, #2) 
*While Thrive is the second book in the Guardian Protection series, it can be read as a standalone.* 

Synopsis:

Technically, you aren’t supposed to fall in love with your best friend’s girl.

When I was nineteen years old, I was faced with a choice that changed my life.

Keep the safety of what I already knew or risk losing everything with the young, hotheaded soldier who stole my heart.

I chose the wrong man, and for seventeen years, I paid in tears, blood, and shattered dreams for that decision.

Now, there’s a man in my house, holding a gun to my head on the order of my ex-husband—given from his prison cell.

That hotheaded soldier I was too afraid to choose? He’s now a six-foot-three wall of muscle who works at the country’s most premier bodyguard agency. I’ve always wanted him, but now, I’ve never needed him more.

It’s the call I’m terrified to make.

I’m sure he still hates me… Even though I’ve never stopped loving him.

Review: 

I've always heard wonderful things about Aly Martinez's books so when Thrive, the latest in her Guardian Protection series, appeared on my radar I decided to give it a try. I always love a good second chance romance, and Thrive looked like it would fit the bill quite nicely. 

The result? Equal parts thrilling and swoony, Thrive shows just how wonderful and life-chaning second chances can be.  

What I Liked: 

1. The Main Characters - Thrive introduces Lark and Mira, former best friends turned enemies. I liked Lark from the start. Fiercely protective, charming, and slightly arrogant, Lark is the typical alpha hero. He's such a wonderful father as well as "guardian," and I loved seeing him kick a$$ for the ones he loved. I could also easily understand/feel his confusion and hesitation with having Mira back in his life. When she left him he had hit rock bottom, and it took a lot of years to repair the damage. If I was him, I would've felt the same way - wanting to help but being afraid to let that person in again. On the other hand, it took me while to warm up to Mira. I didn't particularly like how she ended things with Lark. Yes, I could understand her reasoning behind her decision, but I was always 100% team Lark so I wanted him to be the end game. However, I liked her more and more as time went on. She's not the timid girl she was all those years ago. She's turned into real spitfire, and I came to adore her sassy and fiery personality. It was fun to see her get so passionate about her bars and so ready and willing to give everything up to open a new one. It was also interesting to see her deal with Lark. Like Lark, Mira was scared to let him in again - she had her reasons for letting him go, and even though they made sense to her at the time, she's had regrets ever since. 

2. The Romance - As mentioned before Thrive is a second chance romance. What I really liked here was that Aly included pre-fallout scenes as well as post-fallout. The pre-fallout scenes really helped to solidify the bond between Lark and Mira. They had such an easy, carefree air around them when they were together, and I could see from the start that they were meant to be. The post-fallout scenes had a rough start - both Lark and Mira had their reservations. However, I loved seeing them began to work together again, falling in love in the process. It was never simple and easy, and it made it all the more realistic, in my opinion. Plus, I loved the banter between them! 

3. The Mystery/Thrill - Mira first invites Lark back into her life when several men break into her house, kidnapping her roommate/best friend and giving her close to a million dollars to launder. Mira's convinced her ex-husband/Lark's former best friend is behind it; however, she doesn't know how to "fix" the problem. How can she save her best friend? When this problem was first introduced, I thought it would be very cut-and-dry, but as it turned out, there was a lot more layers than I could have ever predicted. Some of the big revelations towards the end truly shocked me. I felt so bad for Mira, but I also give Aly props for keeping me on my toes! 

4. The Team at Guardian Protection - The guys at Guardian Protection are such a wonderful crew! Johnson was one of my favorites - I loved how he get Lark to accidentally admit his feelings for Mira. I also liked how they were so protective of one another. When one person needed to fight for something/someone, they all went in. I can't wait to learn more about them. 

What I Didn't Like: 

1. A "Connection" - So I liked Thrive overall. The romance was sexy. The characters were interesting and likable. The stakes were high. However, I never felt a huge connection to the story. Yes, I wanted to know how it ended, but I was never racing through, dying to know what would happen next. I just wasn't feeling a huge spark here - there was something missing and I'm not sure what it was exactly. 

Regardless, Thrive is suspenseful and romantic addition to the Guardian Protection series, and while it may be my first book by Aly, it certainly won't be my last. 

3.5 stars!!

Add Thrive to Goodreads

Buy Links: 

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The previous book in the Guardian Protection Series: 

SINGE is the first book in the Guardian Protection Series and is FREE in KindleUnlimited

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU

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AUTHOR INFORMATION:

Originally from Savannah, Georgia, USA Today bestselling author Aly Martinez now lives in South Carolina with her four young children. Never one to take herself too seriously, she enjoys cheap wine, mystery leggings, and baked feta. It should be known, however, that she hates pizza and ice cream, almost as much as writing her bio in the third person. She passes what little free time she has reading anything and everything she can get her hands on, preferably with a super-sized tumbler of wine by her side.

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Billionaires, Bosses, and Romance!

The Billionaire's Unexpected Baby (Winning the Billionaire, #2) 
by Kira Archer 

Synopsis/Cover Image from Publisher's Website: 

One minute, pregnant Leah Andrews is throwing up over the side of a yacht and the next, she's married to party boy Brooks. It's an arrangement born of sheer desperation to save her job, but now the tabloids are all over them, their friends are running a pool betting on whether they'll actually stay married until Baby Day, and worst of all, she and her new husband might just be falling for one another. But they belong in opposite worlds. It'll never work.

Billionaire app developer Brooks Larson lives his life on the light side. Until he tries to play hero and claims to be Leah's husband. Now he's up to his ears in Lamaze classes, baby powder...and unexpected marital bliss. But he'd make a rotten husband and horrible father. Leah and the baby deserve so much better. Add in major baby daddy drama and the whole situation is the worst idea EVER. But sometimes those bad ideas might just be the best ones...

Review: 

I always love a good fake marriage romance. Thankfully, Kira Archer's THE BILLIONAIRE'S UNEXPECTED BABY fit the bill perfectly! 

After reading 69 Billion Things I Hate About You this past fall I couldn't wait to see who would be paired up next, and honestly, I thought Leah and Brooks were an excellent next choice. Leah is strong, sassy, and fiercely independent while Brooks is the carefree billionaire playboy.Their banter was on point and their romance was steamy as well as sweet. I also liked how The Billionaire's Unexpected Baby showed that first impressions can sometimes be deceiving. When Brooks was first introduced in 69 Billion Things I Hate About You, I didn't think too much of him. Yes, he was hilarious and charming, but he also  gave off a no-relationship/can't-be-serious vibe. This book shows that he does wants to be seen as serious and smart as well as someone who can be in a successful relationship. Plus I loved that his parents were included as well. As the characters said in the book, they are relationship goals.  lus I loved that his parents were included as well. As the characters said in the book, they are relationship goals for sure. 

The Billionaire's Unexpected Baby also had some exciting baby drama. It was fun not knowing much about the baby daddy at first and I loved that there was an unexpected connection between Brooks and the dad. It also brought a rivalry about, which caused some good drama and good laughs. 

Overall, Kira Archer's The Billionaire's Unexpected Baby shows that second books don't always fall into a sophomore slump, as The Billionaire's Unexpected Baby is even better than the first. I can't wait to see which pairing is up next! 

4 stars!!

The Billionaire's Unexpected Baby is now out!

Source: Publisher

Buy Links: 

Amazon | BN | Kobo | iBooks  

Author Links:

Bargaining with the Boss (It Happened One Night, #1)
by Jennifer Shirk 

Synopsis/Cover Image from Publisher's Website: 

Kinsley just wanted to have some fun for a change. Then she wakes up in a stranger’s bed, with her bridesmaid dress on backward and a hazy memory of what happened at her friend’s wedding. With a quick escape, she can get back to her predictable life. But then she meets her new boss—the same guy she’d woken up next to—and seeing him with a clear head doesn’t make him any less attractive.

Mixing business with pleasure has never been Damon’s style, and easily avoided, but the hotel he just bought comes with an unexpected perk—its manager. “Sensible” Kinsley today is as alluring as “impulsive” Kinsley was the night before, and she talks him into a deal. If she can turn around the hotel by the end of summer, he won’t tear it down to put up more profitable condominiums.

Their plan is simple…until falling for each other becomes more than they bargained for.

Review: 

After Sabine Durrant's Lie With Me I needed something sweet and fluffy, and I thought Jennifer Shirk's Bargaining with the Boss would be the perfect choice. As it turns out, I was one hundred percent correct! 

Throughout the entirety of Bargaining with the Boss I was grinning from ear to ear! It's downright adorable. 

Kinsley and Damon have a "rough" start - a start that I found endearing as well as hilarious. Goodness, I wouldn't have wanted to be in Kinsley's shoes. I felt that their start also helped establish who they were. 

Kinsley has always been the good girl and a rule follower; however, after being told she's boring she tries to bring some excitement to her life with a one-night fling. The result? It's an utter disaster. I found Kinsley to be charming and likable. I especially loved that she was a bookworm. Plus as someone who's been called boring before, I could definitely relate to her need to prove her haters wrong. Damon, on the other hand, is mischievous, charming, and kind-hearted. He always had the ability to get Kinsley going with his teasing, which I found hilarious. 

I also loved the build-up between Kinsley and Damon. It felt natural and never rushed. Plus they had some great banter! Besides the romance I enjoyed the focus on families and friendships. Both Damon and Kinsley deal with some change, and I thought both situations brought about a lot of heart and development. The NJ beach setting was also a lot of fun. 

Overall, Jennifer Shirk's Bargaining with the Boss is simply adorable! I can't wait to see which couple is featured next. I'm hoping for Kinsley's brother and best friend! 

3.5 stars!!

Bargaining with the Boss is now out! 

Add on Goodreads! 

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Besting the Billionaire by Alison Aimes

Synopsis/Cover Image from Publisher's Website: 

Billionaire Alexander Kazankov always wins. But he didn’t count on high-heeled, drop-dead sexy Lily Bennett getting in the way of his latest deal. She’s a distraction he doesn’t need, not when he’s so close to making things right for his family.

Lily may walk and talk like a Southern piece of fluff, but she’s been underestimated before. She's determined to succeed—and no entitled, arrogant asshole, especially the too-gorgeous-for-his-own-good-kind, is going to get in her way.

Oil meet water. Gasoline meet spark. It’s all out war as these two enemies go toe-to-toe in an ugly, take no prisoners battle to prove they’re the right choice to be CEO of the same company. All too soon playing dirty in the boardroom leads to playing even dirtier in the dark. It’s destined to end in personal and professional disaster. So why the hell can’t they stop?

Review: 

I've never read anything by Alison Aimes before; however, as soon as I heard about Besting the Billionaire I knew I had to give it a try. The synopsis sounded exciting, and I always tend to like Entangled's billionaire books. 

Besting the Billionaire is a feisty and sweet enemies-to-lover romance. While I never loved it, I did really enjoy it. 

Besting the Billionaire introduces Alexander and Lily, a billionaire and a housewife-turned-CEO respectively. Alexander and Lily are more similar than they'd ever admit. They're headstrong, determined, and ambitious, and they'll do anything to win the game. Out of the two Alexander was my favorite. I always adore a  billionaire with a secret soft side. 

The romance in Besting the Billionaire was hot, hot, hot! Lily and Alexander had fantastic chemistry. I also enjoyed the mystery that popped up. It kept me intrigued, wondering who was behind all the harassment. 

I had two small problems with Besting the Billionaire. For one, I liked the characters but I could never connect with them. Secondly, Besting the Billionaire lacked a "can't-get-enough-of-this" spark. 

Regardless, Alison Aimes's Besting the Billionaire is yet another fun billionaire book. 

3 stars!!

Add on Goodreads! 

Buy Links: 

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Author Links: 

Website | Twitter | Facebook