Mystic City by Theo Lawrence

For fans of Matched, The Hunger Games, X-Men, and Blade Runner comes a tale of a magical city divided, a political rebellion ignited, and a love that was meant to last forever. Book One of the Mystic City Novels.
Aria Rose, youngest scion of one of Mystic City's two ruling rival families, finds herself betrothed to Thomas Foster, the son of her parents' sworn enemies. The union of the two will end the generations-long political feud—and unite all those living in the Aeries, the privileged upper reaches of the city, against the banished mystics who dwell below in the Depths. But Aria doesn't remember falling in love with Thomas; in fact, she wakes one day with huge gaps in her memory. And she can't conceive why her parents would have agreed to unite with the Fosters in the first place. Only when Aria meets Hunter, a gorgeous rebel mystic from the Depths, does she start to have glimmers of recollection—and to understand that he holds the key to unlocking her past. The choices she makes can save or doom the city—including herself.  

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1vkvluk

My Thoughts:
5/5 Stars

 

After finishing this book I thought to myself... "This Author is a genius."

I honestly have not read a more intriguing, unique, captivating Young Adult book since the Hunger Games. It was everything I look for in a book and more. There were magical elements that take you to a new place and let's you escape reality. There was also a pretty intense forbidden romance.

 

I was sucked in from page one and didn't want it to end. The twists and turns had me on the edge of my seat and the secrets/lies held me captive. Hunter was definitely my favorite character in the book. I loved how he had to remind Aria of the love they once had. Together they had to trust one another and go against everything they stood for to save the world they live in. It was an Amazing love story that brought so much to the table!

 

I can't wait to get my hands on book 2 and see what happens next.

Natural Love by S. Celi

My whole life, I wanted one thing: to be the perfect son.

Growing up, I did everything my father required. Straight A’s in school. Perfect manners. I forced myself to live up to his standards--standards that pushed the Chadwick family name to the highest rungs of society.

Over the years, we climbed so high that my father hoped we’d never fall.

If only he’d been right. With each successful year, the Chadwick family skeletons grew bolder and darker. Every lie threatened to undo us.

The secret Avery Jackson and I shared was the worst one of all.

She was the one person I shouldn’t love--the one person I couldn’t love. But I did. I loved Avery Jackson. I wanted her, even though a romance with her threatened everything.

It all felt so natural.

And that was exactly the problem.

Amazon Link-  http://amzn.to/1sSzIMr

 

My Thoughts:
4/5 Stars

 

I sat down to read this one and found myself so consumed that I ended up reading the whole book in one sitting. Forbidden romances are my favorite and this one did not disappoint. 

  

Avery & Spencer come from a well known, wealthy family. They are taught to always present themselves in a respectable manner and never let others see their flaws. Most importantly though, they are step siblings tangled in a forbidden romance. They know that their attraction towards one another is wrong, but their emotions take over and rules get broken.

 

The story is told from Spencer's perspective and while I'm not a huge fan of the male's POV, it worked wonders in this story. I found myself intrigued by his thoughts and feelings. He is so torn, yet so dead set on what his heart truly wants. He tries to keep Avery at arm's length for a while, but slowly gives in to temptation. Their romance is forbidden so obviously it is passionate, secretive, romantic, and suspenseful. I was just waiting for them to get caught and have to explain what really was going on.

 

While I enjoyed this book a lot I would have loved to see the story unfold quicker... The secrets to be revealed and the intense ending we got to go into more detail so we could really feel the emotion. I felt as though it was hard to connect because a huge plot point occurs then we are left with just one chapter to wrap it all up. I definitely think this had major potential to be an emotional, heart wrenching ending that left me thinking HOLY 5 stars, but sadly I was left thinking, What? That's all we get?

All in all, I definitely recommend this book to everyone who believes that love can surpass all.



The Coincidence of Callie & Kayden by Jessica Sorenson Review

From the bestselling author of The Secret of Ella and Micha comes a mesmerizing novel of fate, friendship, and the healing power of love . . .

THE COINCIDENCE OF CALLIE & KAYDEN

For Kayden, suffering in silence was the only way to survive. If he was lucky, he could keep his head down, do as he was told, and make it through the day. But one night it seemed like his luck-and his life-might finally end . . . until an angel named Callie appeared just in time to rescue him.

Callie has never believed in luck. Not since her twelfth birthday when everything was taken from her. After the worst was over, she locked up her feelings and vowed never to tell anyone what happened. Now, six years later, she continues to struggle with the painful secret that threatens to consume her.

When fate lands Kayden and Callie at the same college, Kayden is determined to get to know the beautiful girl who changed his destiny. Quiet and reserved, Callie still fears letting anyone else into her world. But Kayden is certain that Callie has come back into his life for a reason. And the more he tries to be a part of her life, the more he realizes that, this time, it's Callie who needs to be saved . . .

Amazon Link- http://amzn.to/1Hqz8Mn

My Thoughts:
5/5 Stars

I was stuck in a book rut and came across this book in the store. I couldn't be more pleased that I did! It was everything I was craving in a book and more. The story was gritty, emotional, romantic, mysterious, and just plain addicting!

 

It was about a guy named Kayden and a girl named Callie. Both characters were broken with deep set, emotional damage. Both held their hurt inside and both were afraid to reveal their darkest secrets. Eventually though, the truth needed to be set free and when it was, it caused a whirlwind of changes.

 

Talk about an emotionally intense story packed with twists and turns. The whole time I was on the edge of my seat begging for answers. I wanted to know what their secrets were. With each page I was captivated and sucked into the character's world. When the secrets were revealed my heart about exploded. It hurt for Callie and Kayden. I just wanted them to find happiness within one another and shut out the rest of the world.

 

The ending was not what I expected... It was a cliffhanger that leaves many things up in the air. I would have liked to have more answers before the end, but I guess I will just have to read the next book to find out what happens.

 

I highly recommend this read to all readers looking for a read with substance, that will pull out tons of emotion.



The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin Review

The truth about Mara Dyer’s dangerous and mysterious abilities continues to unravel in this gripping sequel to the thrilling The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer.
Mara Dyer once believed she could run from her past.

She can’t.

She used to think her problems were all in her head.

They aren’t.

She couldn’t imagine that after everything she’s been through, the boy she loves would still be keeping secrets.

She’s wrong.

In this gripping sequel to The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, the truth evolves and choices prove deadly. What will become of Mara Dyer next?

 

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1uUWG6m

 

My Thoughts:
5/5 Stars

 

Wow! What an emotional roller coaster ride... To say this one was a mind f* is an understatement. My heart just broke for Mara. Her family still thinks she is crazy. They don't believe anything she says. She spends time in a mental ward and has to act like everything is fine to be released. Once released she finds herself tangled in more danger and eventually a seat at a daily therapy retreat. Noah is once again by her side and refusing to do anything, but protect her *swoon*. Together they try to piece together the nightmares, freaky dolls, charms, hallucinations, and the past to present relation.

 

This book is everything a sequel should be. You get answers to questions and there is true development in the storyline. It's like reading a book for the first time all over again. Nothing felt repeated or lacking in importance. Each and every word came together to form a hauntingly, emotional, beautiful read.

 

This is YA read, but edged on the adult side. The sexual tension has progressed to actions and the romance is actually quite yummy. Noah will always be one of my favorites and this paranormal series will always be on my top reads list!



Crow's Row by Julie Hockley Review

For college student Emily Sheppard, the thought of spending a summer alone in New York is much more preferable than spending it in France with her parents. Just completing her freshman year at Callister University, Emily faces a quiet summer in the city slums, supporting herself by working at the campus library.

During one of her jogs through the nearby cemetery while visiting her brother Bill’s grave, Emily witnesses a brutal killing—and then she blacks out. When Emily regains consciousness, she realizes she’s been kidnapped by a young crime boss and his gang. She is hurled into a secret underworld, wondering why she is still alive and for how long.

Held captive in rural Vermont, she tries to make sense of her situation and what it means. While uncovering secrets about her brother and his untimely death, Emily falls in love with her very rich and very dangerous captor, twenty-six-year-old Cameron. She understands it’s a forbidden love and one that won’t allow her to return to her previous life. But love may not be enough to save Emily when no one even knows she is missing.

 

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1GMfDxI

 

My Thoughts:

5/5 Stars

 

Yes, Yes, Yes! If you like a darker read with danger and sexual tension.... This one is for you!

Emily comes from a wealthy family, but insists on living with the lower class and blending in as much as possible. She lives in a dingy apartment and wears old clothes. Her Walkman is her best friend and her jogs are her escape.

 

When she jogs into the wrong part of town though, and comes face to face with Cameron, her world is turned upside down. He tells her firmly to stay away, but she pushes her luck and ends up witnessing a murder. She is taken to an unknown place and fears for her life... However when she gets there, secrets are unveiled and she comes to realize that maybe Cameron isn't all bad.

 

Crow's Row is one that pulled me in from page one. I had a hard time putting it down and found myself wanting to tell everyone about it. The romance is not a love at first sight kind of thing... It is more like a slow, seductive dance. As the book progresses, feelings do as well.

 

I literally loved every character in this book... I felt connected to them and found myself intrigued by their stories just as much as the leads. Cameron though.... He was my FAVORITE! He was dangerous, dark, mysterious, and protective. He was a book boyfriend that everyone should experience!

Crash Into You by Katie McGarry Review

From acclaimed author Katie McGarry comes an explosive new tale of a romance forged in the fast lane 

The girl with straight A's and the perfect life—that's who people expect Rachel Young to be. So the private school junior keeps secrets from her wealthy family…and she's just added two more to the list. One involves racing strangers down dark country roads in her Mustang GT. The other? Seventeen-year-old Isaiah Walker—a guy she has no business even talking to. But after the foster kid with the tattoos and intense gray eyes comes to her rescue, she can't get him out of her mind. 

The last thing Isaiah needs is to get tangled up with a rich girl who wants to slum it on the south side for kicks. But when their shared love of street racing puts their lives in jeopardy, Isaiah and Rachel will have six weeks to come up with a way out. Six weeks to discover just how far they'll go to save each other.

 

 

Amazon Link- http://amzn.to/1wCHEq4

 

My Thoughts:
3/5 Stars

 

Crash Into You was about a well off girl falling for a boy in the system, with a mom who just got out of prison. Their paths cross when they end up at an illegal street race and are forced to run from the police together. They find themselves with big problems, owing a bad guy a lot of money. Isaiah wants to take care of the debt on his own, but Rachel insists on doing her part. As much as he wants to tell her no and push her away, he can't help but to be sucked into her and an unexpected romance. Together they build a forbidden relationship around secrets and cars.

 

This was a darker read. There was tons of danger and suspense. It was a page turner for sure, but I don't think it was as good as the others. While they brought out a lot of emotion this one lacked connectors. I wanted to connect to Rachel, but something kept me at arms length. Maybe it was the fact that she was fearless one minute and collapsing with a panic attack the next... It was hard to follow her illness and what triggered it exactly. If there was more consistency I think I would have felt more emotion towards her and maybe loved the book even more. However, the romance in this book and the twists and turns made this book a 3 star read!

 

I enjoyed the story and found myself addicted to Isaiah, but definitely craved more when it came to emotion.



Holiday Giveaway

We want to wish you an early Merry Christmas!!!
Below you will find a fabulous Holiday Giveaway with tons of great prizes....

One lucky winner will win all of these items...
 Two Signed Paperbacks/Swag from Helena Hunting, One Signed Paperback from Kim Holden, One Signed Paperback/Swag from Alexis Anne, One Unsigned Paperback from Author Nina Levine, & Swag from Ren Alexander, Author <3

 

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HUGE THANK YOU THE AUTHORS THAT MADE THIS GIVEAWAY POSSIBLE!