"Crave" by Teresa Mummert

I was super excited when I heard that Teresa Mummert would be writing a Vampire novel; I love her writing and her male characters are usually to die for - while this is the case with Crave's male protagonist, Elijah, as well - and in this case quite literally, the novel itself unfortunately didn't quite manage to suck me in (no punk intended, I think ;-)).

I loved the general ideas of - and in - the story, and that the author took the chance to dive into a different genre than she did for the other books I had previously read by her. And I really enjoyed the love story developing throughout the novel, with all its ups and downs, because let's face it - love isn't always a walk in the park, and sometimes tragedy and danger lurk around the corner, waiting to beat you down. However, the story couldn't really... convince me. I can't say what it was, but something felt off - there were several times when I felt like I had missed out on something, despite not having skipped any chapters, or even pages or paragraphs, which is why I can only give this book a 3.5; can't wait for my next Mummert read though!

All I craved was one night to forget about the tragic murder of my brother Marcus. Elijah Malakai seemed like the perfect person to take my mind off everything my family had endured. He was a hunter and for the first time in years, I felt safe. 

But Elijah had his own tragic past. As his secrets unraveled, my world was thrown into turmoil once more. 

I had to decide whether or not Elijah was worth the pain his past would bring and if I was strong enough to stand by his side and fight.

Teresa Mummert grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania where she began dating her husband when they were only sixteen years old. They married at eighteen and soon moved to Louisiana as her husband began his military career. They are the proud parents of four children that they are raising in Georgia. 

Teresa began writing when her husband deployed to Afghanistan as a way to cope with him being away at war. She soon became a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. Her work includes the word of mouth bestselling White Trash Trilogy which landed her a three book publishing deal with Simon & Schuster. She has also written the New York Times and USA Today bestselling novel The Note and the USA Today bestselling novel Safe Word. Other novels include Perfect Lie, Pretty Little Things, the Honor series, Rellik, The Good Girls, Something Wicked, Crave, The Death of Lila Jane, Hollow (Hollow Point #1), and the USA Today bestselling novel Sweet Nothing co-written with Jamie McGuire.
Future releases include Hellion (Hollow Point #2), Shameless, Defending Her Honor (Honor Series), Cruel, Depravity, When the Memories Fade, Weeping Willow, Paper Doll, The Deep, Before the Devil Knows You're Dead, Rocked, Before I Wake, Fall to Pieces, Ash & Dust, and Victim. She also has a Middle-Grade children's novel coming out soon titled The Seeker under the pseudonym T.S. Mummert. 

Visit Teresa Mummert on her website || goodreads || facebook || twitter || instagram

Find Crave on goodreads || amazon US || amazon UK || amazon DE

Read my reviews of other novels by Teresa Mummert: The Death of Lila Jane || The Good Girls || Rellik || Sweet Nothing

*** I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review! ***

"A Sudden Crush" by Camilla Isley

A Sudden Crush by Camilla Isley is the adult fairytale you didn't know you'd been waiting for; it's like having your favorite Disney princess finding herself in the best episode of Lost, all wrapped in some Robinson Crusoe and sprinkled with some Jungle Book and a lot of fairy dust. It is safe to say that Camilla Isley is most definitely romantic comedy royalty. Her writing is catchy and even in the story's most dire moments, you will find yourself wiping away tears of laughter.

While I have to admit that I, at times, really had trouble bonding with the novel's characters, I can't deny that it strangely enough didn't bother me at all to not be clicking with the main characters on an all too emotional level. Why? - Easy. Because the story itself was so well written and playing out like a movie in front of my eyes, I didn't need to have the hots for the leading man, or bff-status with the female protagonist, to be enjoying it. A Sudden Crush just is the kind of book that you pick up, immediately enjoy and don't want to put down, because it can entertain you for hours. And it will have you wanting a pet-monkey!

A Sudden Crush is an overall great read, which you should definitely be adding to your summer reading list!
(Okay, yes, I did read it in January/February and it was a great read to keep me warm while cuddled up in bed, sick, but this really would be a great beach-read! Not that you can't read it any time of the year! ;-) )

4/5!

B L U R B

Joanna Price is a city girl with the perfect life. She loves her job as a book editor, she just married Liam, high profile bestselling author and the man of her dreams, and she’s headed to the Caribbean to enjoy two weeks of paradise for her luxurious honeymoon.

Connor Duffield is a gruff, grumpy rancher from the Midwest. He is a country boy who has a no-nonsense approach to life, more scars than he’d like to admit, and he hates city girls.
So it’s just a misfortune they have to sit next to each other for a six hour plane ride. Even more so when their flight is caught in the perfect storm and Joanna wakes up stranded on a desert island with Connor, the very man she hoped she would never have to see again.

Why are they alone on this forsaken island? What happened to Joanna’s husband?

When her dream honeymoon turns into a hilarious tropical nightmare, Joanna’s first thought is survival. However, she and Connor will quickly discover just how boring paradise can be. As the days turn to weeks, and then months, this mismatched pair will have to learn how to coexist and how to resist the sparkles of an attraction they weren’t prepared to feel.

When they are finally rescued will Joanna’s marriage be saved as well, or will the life she knew and loved be in ruins?

Hi! I’m a writer of romantic comedy, cat’s lover, coffee addict, and shoes hoarder.
Besides writing, I love reading (surprise, surprise), cooking—and eating—especially pasta, going to the movies and obviously ordering a gigantic bowl of popcorn, and watching too much bad TV.I understand that mosquitoes play a role in the ecosystem as a part of other animals’ diet, and I don’t want to starve all those frog princes out there, but I could really live without them.

Visit Camilla Isley on her website || goodreads || facebook || twitter || instagram
Find A Sudden Crush on goodreads || amazon || iBooks || B&N || Google Play || smashwords
Read my review of I Wish For You by Camilla Isley 

*** I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review! ***

"The Death of Lila Jane" by Teresa Mummert

Oh. My. Heart.
As much as I hate it when people say something like what I am about to say, I simply cannot not say it... "I CAN'T EVEN! ALL THE FEELS!"
Is it bad that I feel like crying like a baby because the book I've been reading is over?! This book is so absofuckinlutely beautiful, you really should pick it up if you haven't already read it. - Go grab it, add it to your tbr, dive right into it. Whatever. Just... read it. Like, yesterday. Now. ASAP. Fall in love with it, like I have. And while you're at it, please excuse me while I go and die a million fictional deaths because I can't have more of this. This story ending way too soon basically was its only flaw... and even that flaw was a really beautiful - and obviously inevitable - one!

Honestly, I don't know what to say.
Or how to say it.
This.
Simply.
Was.
A.
Stunningly.
Beautiful.
Read.





(Those few words right there? "Stunningly beautiful read!"? That could very well be my review. As in... all you're getting, because it's all there is... I'm still sitting here like an emoji, swooning all heart-eyed!)

And I want more. Lots more.

The Death of Lila Jane is a read that managed to suck me in right from the beginning - it was unputdownable (yes, that is a word!), both when it comes to the style in which Mummert has chosen to tell the story, as well as when it comes to the story itself. There wasn't a single moment of reading time in which this novel made me roll my eyes, or check the time; it had a steady pace, that was neither too slow, nor too fast - following the story of Lila Jane and Kaden never seemed even remotely draggy, and I found myself giggling, teary-eyed, swooning over the hunk of the story and absolutely dreading the end of the book (don't get me wrong, it wasn't a bad ending at all, other than being an end!). The Death of Lila Jane is a beautiful novel, through and through, from page one all the way to the words no reader wants to encounter when loving a book - all the way to "the end". It's a tale of love and loss, of friendship and family, of happiness and sorrow. A book of life and death, of loosing and finding yourself - and your perfect counterpart.
In case you couldn't already tell: I absolutely loved this book!

5/5

 

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Teresa Mummert comes a cautionary coming of age tale.
Lila Jane is spending her summer vacation preparing for high school. She does everything asked of her, but her parents rarely give her credit for her efforts. She decides to sneak out with a friend to attend a local party and shed her little girl image, to become a woman once and for all. What starts out as a fun escape soon escalates into a life on the run with a boy she barely knows.  

 

Teresa Mummert grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania where she began dating her husband when they were only sixteen years old. They married at eighteen and soon moved to Louisiana as her husband began his military career. They are the proud parents of four children that they are raising in Georgia.
Teresa began writing when her husband was deployed to Afghanistan as a way to cope with him being away at war. She soon became a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. Her work includes the word of mouth bestselling White Trash Trilogy which landed her a three book publishing deal with Simon & Schuster. She has also written the New York Times and USA Today bestselling novel The Note, the USA Today bestselling novel Safe Word, Perfect Lie, Pretty Little Things, the Honor series, Rellik, The Good Girls, Something Wicked, and the USA Today bestselling novel Sweet Nothing co-written with Jamie McGuire.
Future releases include Crave, Cruel, Depravity, The Death of Lila Jane, Hollow, Weeping Willow, Paper Doll, The Deep, Before the Devil Knows You're Dead, Rocked, Before I Wake, Fall to Pieces, and Victim. She also has a Middle Grade children's novel coming out soon titled The Seeker under the pseudonym T.S. Mummert.

Visit Teresa Mummert on her website || goodreads || facebook || twitter || instagram

Find The Death of Lila Jane on goodreads || amazon US || amazon UK || amazon DE

Read my reviews of other novels by Teresa Mummert: The Good Girls || Rellik || Sweet Nothing

*** I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review! ***

"Firsts" by Laurie Elizabeth Flynn

When I first read the plot, Firsts sounded like a really exciting young adult novel about growing up and making mistakes. Getting into a steady reading flow was a little hard for me at first though - for some reason, it was difficult for me to really warm up to the characters, but once I had found a good pace, I became really curious about the main character, her motives and her story. The way the novel started out promised a story similar to Easy A, just that Mercedes Ayres, this book's main female character, wasn't just faking it - she was... actually shagging it. While the feeling of the plot resembling Easy A's remained for a while, it also soon became clear that Firsts went a little deeper - that a girl doing boys (or, indirectly, kinda, other girls) favors wasn't all there is.


At some point, Laurie Elizabeth Flynn lost me. I am not sure at what part of the story it happened, but at some point the story's pace started dragging a bit in my eyes, and I lost interest. Since I, however, am not one to easily give up on a book, I asked myself what I was having problem with - if it had been the story, the writing, a specific character, or just something that had been said along the way that didn't add up in my head. Reading on despite my momentary dislike, I discovered that it was probably my own age that was impacting just how enjoyable I was finding the read, so I tried to finish the novel with my fifteen to sixteen year old self in mind - and I am sure she would have loved the book a lot more than I have now, the only thing to irritate both twentyfour year old me, as well as fifteen and a half year old me, would have probably been the pace.


Towards the end of the novel, Flynn managed to pick me back up and we got back on the same page - towards the end, the novel became more interesting again, the story deeper and thus more exciting, more catching. Personally, I think there was a part of the novel that was just too... long; it dragged on for a while, which was a little disruptive - but disregarding that, Firsts was a fun read, suitable for a younger audience - but not too young, due to the topics it deals with (I'd recommend this read for 15-16 year olds, but it obviously depends on the respective teenager!).

3,5/5

Seventeen-year-old Mercedes Ayres has an open-door policy when it comes to her bedroom, but only if the guy fulfills a specific criteria: he has to be a virgin. Mercedes lets the boys get their awkward, fumbling first times over with, and all she asks in return is that they give their girlfriends the perfect first time- the kind Mercedes never had herself.

Keeping what goes on in her bedroom a secret has been easy- so far. Her absentee mother isn’t home nearly enough to know about Mercedes’ extracurricular activities, and her uber-religious best friend, Angela, won’t even say the word “sex” until she gets married. But Mercedes doesn’t bank on Angela’s boyfriend finding out about her services and wanting a turn- or on Zach, who likes her for who she is instead of what she can do in bed.

When Mercedes’ perfect system falls apart, she has to find a way to salvage her reputation and figure out where her heart really belongs in the process. Funny, smart, and true-to-life, FIRSTS is a one-of-a-kind young adult novel about growing up.

Laurie Elizabeth Flynn writes contemporary fiction for young adults. Her debut, FIRSTS, will be published by Thomas Dunne Books/St Martin’s Press in 2016.

Laurie went to school for Journalism, where the most important thing she learned was that she would rather write made-up stories than report the news. She also worked as a model, a job that took her overseas to Tokyo, Athens, and Paris.

Laurie now lives in London, Ontario with her husband Steve, who is very understanding when she would rather spend time with the people in her head. Laurie can mostly be found writing happily at her desk, with the world’s most spoiled Chihuahua on her lap. Laurie drinks way too much coffee, snorts when she laughs, and times herself when she does crossword puzzles.

Laurie is represented by the amazing Kathleen Rushall of the Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.



Visit Laurie Elizabeth Flynn on her website || goodreads || instagram || twitter
Find Firsts on goodreads || amazon US || amazon DE || amazon UK

*** I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review! ***

"My Soul to Keep" by Kennedy Ryan

Oh my... I can't even; this book is so damn beautiful, inside and out, I can't wait to get my hands onto one of those paperbacks!

This wasn't my first read by Kennedy Ryan, and what I had previously read by her was great, but this... this is amazing! It's one of those books that you can't put down because you want to know what'll happen next, but at the same time you don't want to finish reading it, because you don't want it to end.

Like, ever.

And just when you think you know what'll happen next, or how the book will end, Kennedy Ryan throws a twist your way that will be catching you off guard. Unfortunately I feel like this will be one of my shortest reviews, because... all I can say is... go get a copy and get reading, because you're missing out if you won't! Honestly, if I could, I'd love to make this a 6-star review!

(You have no idea how hard it is to keep this review spoiler-free!)

My Soul to Keep is a story of loss, love, struggle and intrigues, friendship and family. It shows you how much you can achieve if you just believe in yourself, if you don't let your past drag you down and define you, and if you surround yourself with people that support you – people that matter.

It's a book that had me in tears with its first chapter, but that had me giggle and laugh just as much as it made my heart feel heavy. It contains the perfect balance to make the story seem possible and real, despite being a rockstar romance; and, most importantly, neither Rhyson nor Kai are perfect – both of them are deep, raw, vulnerable and human – My Soul to Keep doesn't deliver a damsel in distress and an uber-hero, but two people that are – despite, or maybe because of their respective baggage – finding themselves in each other.

It is no secret that I fell in love with the book's cover when it was revealed, and the blurb easily caught my interest. Knowing Kennedy's writing I knew I'd be in for a treat, but I honestly hadn't expected to love the book quite as much as I did, do, and will once I am re-reading it as soon as I have a paperback. My Soul to Keep is amazingly well written, introduces characters that you can't help but fall in love with, and will definitely keep you craving more... bring on part two!

6/5 ;-)

amazon || signed paperbacks || goodreads

 [as previously mentioned, my internet access if very limited at the moment... blurb, author info, more links as well as graphics to follow once I am back to being better connected <3]

*** I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review ***

Currently Reading

Ultimate Temptations by K.A. Robinson, writing as K. Anne
ARC, currenlty at 90%

Release Date: July 14th, 2015
Cover Reveal Post

Ella Wilkins only wants one thing out of life—to graduate from high school and escape her hometown where everyone knows her and the dark cloud surrounding her family.
Everything is going according to plan until two new students show up at her school. Asher and Cain, identical twin brothers, take an interest in her, and she can’t help but wonder why two gorgeous brothers would want anything to do with a social outcast like her.

As she gets closer to the brothers, she’s torn between the two. Asher’s kindness pulls her in and comforts her while Cain both tempts and infuriates her with his sarcastic and devious ways.

When she learns who they truly are—or rather, what they are—things start to get a little tricky.

Ella might not know it, but she is the key to winning the ultimate battle between heaven and hell. Both realms want her, and neither is willing to let her go.

She’s torn between the ultimate temptations of heaven and hell. Which side will she choose?

-> find Ultimate Temptations on goodreads <-

---

Grey by E L James
currently at about 55%

See the world of Fifty Shades of Grey anew through the eyes of Christian Grey.

In Christian's own words, and through his thoughts, reflections, and dreams, E L James offers a fresh perspective on the love story that has enthralled millions of readers around the world.

Christian Grey exercises control in all things; his world is neat, disciplined, and utterly empty—until the day that Anastasia Steele falls into his office, in a tangle of shapely limbs and tumbling brown hair. He tries to forget her, but instead is swept up in a storm of emotion he cannot comprehend and cannot resist. Unlike any woman he has known before, shy, unworldly Ana seems to see right through him—past the business prodigy and the penthouse lifestyle to Christian’s cold, wounded heart.  

Will being with Ana dispel the horrors of his childhood that haunt Christian every night? Or will his dark sexual desires, his compulsion to control, and the self-loathing that fills his soul drive this girl away and destroy the fragile hope she offers him?


This book is intended for mature audiences.

-> find Grey on goodreads <-

"Team Tomás" by Ally Adams

Mmmmh, Tomás - mi corazón.
"I'll remember [you] until my dying breath", too.

Yellow Card, Red Card, V-Card... wait, what?! - Here comes [no pun intended... *cough* ...] your sensual latin lover number one, Tomás Carrera. On a motorcycle. And with an accent. I guess I can't be sure if my reading devices kept overheating because of the weather, or if it was Tomás!

Either way, you're in for a big treat.
The story of Alice and Tomás is heartwarming, yet also heartbreaking, and not to forget heart-mending, while Tomás himself is sexy, steaming, and sensual, without being all too smug about it.

Team Tomás is definitely different from Team Lucas, part one in the Saints series, but I love it just the same. Personally, I have never been the biggest fan of soccer, and I had never thought I would ever fall for boys who play with balls, but thanks to Ally Adams I will most probably be adding a whole team to my list of book-boyfriends... and speaking of the team - I really hope we'll get a book about The Russian, who seems really fun and entertaining, and I honestly cannot wait for the next installment in the series, in which we will be meeting German Nik up close and personal. But I am getting ahead of myself here...

While the story of Tomás and Alice is one that isn't off to the best and easiest start, bearing conflict and obstacles, it is certainly a very hot one - yet, the outside world is not forgotten, and the novel also beautifully underlines the importance of both family and friendship.

Full of interesting, well-developed, fun-to-meet characters and a great story all around, Team Tomás is a book I am sure you will not be disappointed in - especially if you've enjoyed reading Team Lucas! As I have mentioned before though, Team Tomás is very different from the first book in the series, and it was amazing to see how diverse Ally Adams's writing is. She has managed to publish two books on the same day, not only written from different point of views that are very easy to tell apart, but also setting extremely different tones and creating explicitly dissimilar atmospheres. I am looking forward to seeing what places Ally's future writing will take us, and what characters she will be giving us the pleasure of meeting.

5/5!

[&& yet another book to add to the list of have-to-have-paperbacks (;]

"I'll remember, until my dying breath."

Tomás Carrera didn't expect Alice Peterson to rock his world.

Growing up with a single mom and as the eldest of five siblings, Tomás has had to be resonsible all his life. Now his super star soccer status has provided for his family and allowed him to let his hair down... and that's just what he's doing.

Signed to the Santa Ana Saints, Tomás is catching up for lost time with fast women, a fast Ducati motorcycle and a bevy of adoring fans. That is, until he loses his heart to Alice and is torn with wanting her and his independence. 

Next in the series: Team Niklas

Ally Adams is a journalist who lives in coastal Victoria, Australia, with her husband and furry friends.

She is a literature major, romance reader and writer.

Team Lucas Review || Team Lucas Blog Tour (including an exclusive Q&A with Ally Adams)
Team Tomás Cover Reveal
Team Lucas on goodreads || amazon US || amazon UK || amazon AU || amazon DE
Team Tomás on goodreads || amazon US || amazon UK || amazon AU || amazon DE

Ally Adams on goodreads || facebook || twitter

Atlas Productions website || on facebook || twitter

*** I was generously provided with an ARC by the author, in exchange for an honest review! ***

"Candlelight" by Stacy McWilliams

My head is honestly all over the place with this one.

Candlelight is Stacy McWilliams's paranormal début novella, introducing readers to the world and characters she has created for her upcoming Ember Saga series. The story of Candlelight is very interesting and original, and I felt drawn in by her characters and their story - I got curious and wanted to know more and more, but unfortunately I at times felt like what was being told was merely skimming the surface. My old English teacher's (as in no longer mine, not old as in... old - though I suppose she isn't the youngest anymore (; ... sorry Mrs H.!) saying, "Dig a little deeper, little creeper!", came to my mind a couple of times as I occasionally felt like I was missing out on something - on what, I couldn't tell - it was but a nagging feeling that kept coming back to me every now and then. 

What I definitely did like were the characters McWilliams has created - especially Nate, the protagonist. He is very interesting to follow, and his emotions were something that were touched on a deeper basis, enabling the reader to dive a little more into the story.

I understand that this is a novella and is thus, more or less, automatically restricted in length - yet I had hoped for just a little bit more. As this novella is a prequel to a novel yet to be released, I would have hoped for a little more backstory on 'who', and especially 'what', the main characters are [note: it is paranormal, and thus a world created by the author, unique to her story], and not 'just' the lead up to the situation that will be the main focus in the next installment. 

I would recommend this book to younger readers especially (YA, not kids). 

If you are looking for a quick, easy and fun-to-read paranormal story, which holds a hint of romance - but also enough of demonic ways - then this could be your choice of evening entertainment. McWilliams has a very unique writing style, which might take a little bit of getting used to - at the same time it creates a rather one-of-a-kind reading flow, which sets the pace for the novella and conveys the age of the main characters.

3.5/5 luminous stars - and I am looking forward to the full-length novel, hoping that it will quench my thirst for a deeper dive into the story!

Life was full of nothing but darkness for Nathan Stevenson until Jasmine appeared in his life. She brought his innermost desires to the surface. She burned her way through to his heart to become embedded in his soul. He knew she was dangerous, but would she break down his wall as he dreamed of her touch and fought against the impulse to protect her? Would their love be enough to defeat his demons? Was he strong enough to resist her, or would her light burn irrevocably?

Hi there!

I am a mum to two amazing little boys. I have been writing for the past five years and will be finished with my book in the next week before it flies off to my editor. :)

I am happy, trusting and enjoy a cheeky wine and gossip with my girls.

I enjoy watching lots of different TV shows and I love reading. :)

That's all, folks. ;)

Visit Stacy McWilliams on goodreads || facebook || twitter || instagram

Candlelight on goodreads || amazon US || amazon UK || amazon DE

Escaping Demons (Encountering Demons #1) on goodreads

*** I received an unedited ARC from the author, in exchange for an honest review! ***

"Undertow" by Michael Buckley

Wow! I really hope there'll be a sequel, or at least a novella telling a future tale (more about which one I'd like that to be later)! 

Undertow by Michael Buckley was so much better than I had expected! 
Having read the blurb I started reading the book with mixed feelings, not sure if I was going to like it or not - but I was soon shown that giving everything a chance is really worth it, because I instantly fell in love with the characters and the story. 

In the beginning, Undertow reminded me a lottle (little/lot) of the tv-show Star-Crossed, which is "About an epic romance between a human girl and an alien boy when he and others of his kind are integrated into a suburban high school 10 years after they landed on Earth and were consigned to an internment camp" (imdb.com). Undertow does have some romance between a human girl and an Alpha, "a five-nation race of ocean-dwelling warriors". It does have a camp on the shore, in which the Alpha are forced to stay. And there is a group of adolescent Alpha that are supposed to be integrated in the local high school, with a group of red-shirts violently trying to keep that from happening. But that's where the similarities end - and saying it's the same would be like arguing that after having read Romeo and Juliet, you can never read another lovestory, because each and every one of them is a rip-off - which is, quite obviously, far from the truth. But if you were to ask me whom (aka fans of what) I'd recommend the book to, I'd be confident to say that it could be described as a Star-Crossed meets Avatar meets Romeo and Juliet and Warm Bodies, meets Animal Farm, The Outsiders and Freedom Writers kind of story. It has a little bit of all of them, yet is a completely different, unique story. 

A different and unique story, that is very interesting and never gets boring - Undertow was, despite being far from my "usual", an absolute page-turner, and I already feel like giving it a re-read. Its characters are very well developed, have their ups and downs and aren't faultless, which makes them very real - even those, that are creatures made up by Buckley's imagination. And OMA (Oh My Alpha!), Fathom - BIG SIGH! While I'd love to meet all the Alpha, because each one of the characters introduced in this novel is so unique, I'd say "nevermind meeting them" if I could only meet Fathom. He is such an interesting characters, who goes through so much character development, yet stays true to himself and never loses his ways, he'd be a must-meet if only he was real. 

This YA novel is as cute as it gets, with just enough drama, tragedy and battle to not make it sappy - and still interesting to boys and girls alike. A love-triangle is no stranger to this story, but the one portrayed in Undertow is an unresolved one to the very end. While this is somewhat refreshing, it was also a little frustrating and disappointing, as I was - of course - shipping a certain pairing throughout the book... and that's where my wish for a sequel, or at least a novella, comes in. I would absolutely love to see what happens to Lyric Walker and her family after the end of the book, and, even more so, if Fathom and Lyric, and Arcade, will ever meet again - I would love to see which pairing would be endgame (pssssht, it'd totally be Fathom and Lyric if I had it my way!). 

Undertow is a beautiful tale illustrating the importance of respect, acceptance and tolerance, and that we shouldn't fear the unknown. It emphasizes that your voice matters, no matter how small or unimportant you might feel - each and every one of us can make a difference, as long as we dare to stick up for what we believe is right. 

I feel like men - male authors - are extremely underestimated when it comes to YA novels. I mean, yes, they are out there, but their books rarely create as much of a hype as a female author's; maybe it's just me, but they don't create much buzz and seemingly draw in less readers. Which is an absolute shame! This book, for one, was amazing, and in my opinion enjoyable for both male and female readers alike. I really loved Undertow and will definitely be purchasing a physical copy for myself, as well as some as gifts in the future. 

5/5!

First, we feared them. Then we fought them. Now they might be our only hope.

Sixteen-year-old Lyric Walker’s life is forever changed when she witnesses the arrival of 30,000 Alpha, a five-nation race of ocean-dwelling warriors, on her beach in Coney Island. The world’s initial wonder and awe over the Alpha quickly turns ugly and paranoid and violent, and Lyric’s small town transforms into a military zone with humans on one side and Alpha on the other. When Lyric is recruited to help the crown prince, a boy named Fathom, assimilate, she begins to fall for him. But their love is a dangerous one, and there are forces on both sides working to keep them apart. Only, what if the Alpha are not actually the enemy? What if they are in fact humanity’s best chance for survival? Because the real enemy is coming. And it’s more terrifying than anything the world has ever seen.

Action, suspense, and romance whirlpool dangerously in this cinematic saga!

New York Times bestselling author Michael Buckley was born in Akron, Ohio. He tried his hand as a stand-up comic and lead singer for a punk rock back before attending Ohio University. After graduating with honors he moved to New York City to be an intern on the Late Show with David Letterman which led to stints developing programming for Discovery Networks, MTV, MTV Animation and Klasky Csupo (producers of Nickelodeon’s Rugrats). Today he lives in Brooklyn, New York with his wife, Alison, and their son Finn.

Undertow on amazon hardcover || ebook || goodreads

Michael Buckley on goodreads || twitter || instagram

*** I was generously provided with an ARC through NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review ***

"Retribution" by Mandy Lou Dowson

Retribution by Mandy Lou Dowson, which released today, is a very well written and thoroughly thought-through, masterminded story... but for my taste, it is almost TOO thought through. It held no surprises or plot twists before I was about 96%, according to kindle-status, in – and then it was only a short-lived surprise, as the book ended on a cliffhanger. I do understand the purpose of one – drawing the reader in for the next installment – but I honestly am not sure if I will be able to give the story another chance. I did like the end, but that unfortunately didn't make up for the disappointment I had felt towards the rest of the book. It's lack of surprising elements just made it a mostly boring read to me, and there was more than one occasion on which I debated giving up on reading the whole book, the only thing that kept me going being the great writing and hope for some twists and turns that would catch my interest - because the story itself could be interesting, it just, to me, didn't sell. Part of that was due to, unfortunately, not being able to connect with the characters, no matter how hard I tried. Braxton Alexander is hot, dark, dangerous and has an interesting back-story – consequently, he should absolutely be my kinda book-man, but even he was lacking something to keep me interested. I did, however, like the various points of views the reader gets to have a look at the story from, but I do believe a first-person narrative would have made it easier to connect with the characters emotionally, and thus with their stories. 

That being said, I do think the book was really well written, and I do believe it's based on a really interesting idea that could make for a great story - I just wasn't convinced of the book as a whole. To me, it was lacking something crucial (twists, turns, surprises - something that wasn't given away too soon and couldn't be foreshadowed from the beginning) - but I am rather confident that the next book will be a better package, as the cliffhanger of Retribution holds the promise of a bumpy ride.

3.5/5

Title: Retribution

Author: Mandy Lou Dowson

Genre: Dark Romance

 Release Date: May 4, 2015

Synopsis

Three people irrevocably linked. 

A remorseless killer. 

A shady businessman. 

A woman caught in the cross-fire.

Braxton Alexander is a beast without remorse; a vessel filled with hate. Imprisoned for the murder of the one girl who loved him, now he is free, and hell bent on taking all of his pent up rage out on one person in particular.

Brycen Cole knows he must stop Braxton from taking everything he has and turning it to ash.

Gemma Woods has loved Brycen for years, but ever so slowly the happiness she once felt in the arms of her lover has turned to fear and resentment.

Braxton has one goal, one thought, and one mission – destroy Brycen Cole, by any means necessary. 

He will not stop. 

He will not fail. 

Like a juggernaut, he will keep coming, destroying everything in his wake.

Brycen runs a successful corporation and provides a lot of pay-checks; he also has a shady past and a dark talent for hiding things.

Gemma spots the wolf in sheep’s clothing but cannot stop gravitating towards him again and again.

What happens when the lines between good and evil become blurred? 

What happens when the one you love is the one you should fear?

What happens when the one you fear becomes the only one you can trust?

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Links to Buy

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Author Bio

Mandy Lou Dowson was born and raised in a small town in Ireland, in 1983, and at this stage in life, she's pretty sure the town won't let her leave. Family is a huge deal to Mandy. She has three wonderful children (most of the time), and two Siberian Huskies who are each as naughty as the other – in fact, she's sure they egg each other on in silly cartoon voices when nobody is looking.

~

“Climb out the window and get covered in mud.”

“No, I did it last time. You do it!”

“R'uh, r'oh, here SHE is. Shhh.”

~

When she's not writing, reading, or plotting her next book -- or, you know, world domination – , she likes to relax with a few glasses of wine and some karaoke. You can usually find her procrastinating on social media of some sort, chatting to fans and talking nonsense.
 

Mandy started reading at quite a young age and her appetite for the written word has only increased with time. It would not be at all surprising to find her reading anything and everything from shampoo bottles to Edgar Allan Poe.
 

She is the author of three different genres of romance books. The Moon Bound series, which is in the Paranormal Romance genre, and is gathering rave reviews, and the Taboo series, which is Contemporary with a hint of the forbidden, the first of which has gathered very mixed reviews across the board, from one extreme to the other.

She has also made a foray into Dark Romance recently, with her first title in the genre, Retribution, releasing in Summer 2015.

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*** I received an ARC through Give Me Books in exchange for an honest review. ***