Cloudy Jewel by Grace Livingston Hill

A older woman who never had a family of her own cared for others her entire life, until two unexpected people came and cared for her.

Goodreads blurb;

“Gentle Julia Cloud has devoted her life to caring for others. After her invalids mother’s death, she is without financial means to live on her own. Having just rejected her cruel and selfish youngers sister’s offer to come live with her-she is forced to thinking of a bleak future. Then out of the blue her niece and nephew appear to proposition her into joining them in a new exciting adventure. Through her new adventures and experiences more love and happiness than she could ever imagine.”

This book was heartwarming and refreshing to read. It reminded me heavily of Aunt Cretes Emancipation but more fleshed out, kind of what would have happened if the book was longer. I truly enjoyed the love the niece and nephew showered on Cloudy Jewel but more so how they appreciated, loved, and truly listened to her opinions. If Julia’s opinion was set on something, the niece and nephew might not understand, but they love and respect her so much they will respect and never go against it. Even if they do go against it, soon enough they would be back home apologizing. It was an easy read and was heavy with christian/religious undertones as well as main topics. Definitely recommend reading and will read it again.

July Releases

here are the this month's new releases

July 4th

Blurb:

Swim. Eat. Shower. School. Snack. Swim. Swim. Swim. Dinner. Homework. Bed. Repeat.

All of Maggie’s focus and free time is spent swimming. She’s not only striving to earn scholarships—she’s training to qualify for the Olympics. It helps that her best friend, Levi, is also on the team and cheers her on. But Levi’s already earned an Olympic try out, so she feels even more pressure to succeed. And it’s not until Maggie’s away on a college visit that she realizes how much of the “typical” high school experience she’s missed by being in the pool.

Not one to shy away from a challenge, Maggie decides to squeeze the most out of her senior year. First up? Making out with a guy. And Levi could be the perfect candidate. After all, they already spend a lot of time together. But as Maggie slowly starts to uncover new feelings for Levi, how much is she willing to lose to win?

July 11th

Blurb:

The unforgettable characters from Ink and Bone and Paper and Fire unite to save the Great Library of Alexandria from itself in this electrifying adventure in the New York Times bestselling series.

Hoarding all the knowledge of the world, the Great Library jealously guards its secrets. But now a group of rebels poses a dangerous threat to its tyranny....

Jess Brightwell and his band of exiles have fled London, only to find themselves imprisoned in Philadelphia, a city led by those who would rather burn books than submit. But Jess and his friends have a bargaining chip: the knowledge to build a machine that will break the Library’s rule.

Their time is running out. To survive, they’ll have to choose to live or die as one, to take the fight to their enemies—and to save the very soul of the Great Library.... 

Blurb:

The Circle is hers.

But Avery West has lost everything else: her mother, the family she’d just found, and the one boy she trusted. In their place are unfathomable power, a staged relationship that makes her question every real feeling she’s ever had, and a mission to find the cure to the virus that’s made her own blood a weapon.

Then disaster strikes, turning Avery, Stellan, Jack, and Elodie into the most wanted people in the world. To clear their names and the growing rift between the families of the Circle before the world dissolves into World War Three, they’ll have to make a desperate, dangerous final race for Alexander the Great’s tomb. What they will find inside will mean the world’s salvation—or destruction.

Avery will have to decide how much she’s willing to sacrifice—for the world, for family, and for love—in this thrilling conclusion to the Conspiracy of Us series. 

July 18th

Blurb:

In modern day New York, magic is all but extinct. The remaining few who have an affinity for magic—the Mageus—live in the shadows, hiding who they are. Any Mageus who enters Manhattan becomes trapped by the Brink, a dark energy barrier that confines them to the island. Crossing it means losing their power—and often their lives.

Esta is a talented thief, and she's been raised to steal magical artifacts from the sinister Order that created the Brink. With her innate ability to manipulate time, Esta can pilfer from the past, collecting these artifacts before the Order even realizes she’s there. And all of Esta's training has been for one final job: traveling back to 1902 to steal an ancient book containing the secrets of the Order—and the Brink—before the Magician can destroy it and doom the Mageus to a hopeless future.

But Old New York is a dangerous world ruled by ruthless gangs and secret societies, a world where the very air crackles with magic. Nothing is as it seems, including the Magician himself. And for Esta to save her future, she may have to betray everyone in the past. (less)

July 20th

Blurb:

It's ten years later, and we're still living separate lives. While I know she isn't comfortable with my lifestyle after everything she’s been through, I can't be without her anymore.

I need her.

She's my wife.
She's my heartbeat.
She's my next breath.
She's my everything.

I want to know every detail of her life. I want to be part of it all. I want to work as hard to get there as she did to get here. 

She's always been my girl—even at the age of eight. As I face her now, there's no doubt she'll be mine until I draw my last breath as I will be hers. 

It's time for our forever to begin.

July 25th

Blurb:

A darkly irresistible new fantasy set in the infamous Gomorrah Festival, a traveling carnival of debauchery that caters to the strangest of dreams and desires.

Sixteen-year-old Sorina has spent most of her life within the smoldering borders of the Gomorrah Festival. Yet even among the many unusual members of the traveling circus-city, Sorina stands apart as the only illusion-worker born in hundreds of years. This rare talent allows her to create illusions that others can see, feel and touch, with personalities all their own. Her creations are her family, and together they make up the cast of the Festival’s Freak Show.

But no matter how lifelike they may seem, her illusions are still just that—illusions, and not truly real. Or so she always believed…until one of them is murdered.

Desperate to protect her family, Sorina must track down the culprit and determine how they killed a person who doesn’t actually exist. Her search for answers leads her to the self-proclaimed gossip-worker Luca, and their investigation sends them through a haze of political turmoil and forbidden romance, and into the most sinister corners of the Festival. But as the killer continues murdering Sorina’s illusions one by one, she must unravel the horrifying truth before all of her loved ones disappear. 

Blurb:

In this new contemporary from YA star Kasie West, a girl who wins the lottery learns that money can cause more problems than it solves, especially when love comes into the picture.

Maddie doesn't believe in luck. She's all about hard work and planning ahead. But one night, on a whim, she buys a lottery ticket. And then, to her astonishment --

She wins!

In a flash, Maddie's life is unrecognizable. No more stressing about college scholarships. Suddenly, she's talking about renting a yacht. And being in the spotlight at school is fun... until rumors start flying, and random people ask her for loans. Now, Maddie isn't sure who she can trust.

Except for Seth Nguyen, her funny, charming coworker at the local zoo. Seth doesn't seem aware of Maddie's big news. And, for some reason, she doesn't want to tell him. But what will happen if he learns her secret?

With tons of humor and heart, Kasie West delivers a million-dollar tale of winning, losing, and falling in love. 

Jefferson’s Sons by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Jefferson’s Sons by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Goodreads Blurb: The untold story of Thomas Jefferson's slave children

Beverly, Harriet, Madison, and Eston are Thomas Jefferson's children by one of his slaves, Sally Hemings, and while they do get special treatment - better work, better shoes, even violin lessons - they are still slaves, and are never to mention who their father is. The lighter-skinned children have been promised a chance to escape into white society, but what does this mean for the children who look more like their mother? As each child grows up, their questions about slavery and freedom become tougher, calling into question the real meaning of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

Told in three parts from the points of view of three of Jefferson's slaves - Beverly, Madison, and a third boy close to the Hemings family - these engaging and poignant voices shed light on what life was like as one of Jefferson's invisible offspring.

My Thoughts: I found this book in the youth section of my library and I was a little shocked that this type of book would be in there. After reading the book there is nothing graphic in the book that young readers should be aware of but personally I think the subject of discussion was too mature. Overall I really liked the book, I liked the point of view was from Jefferson’s slaves side.

The Walking Land by Callie Bates

“Lady Elanna Valtai is fiercely devoted to the King who raised her like a daughter, but when he dies under mysterious circumstances, Elanna is accused of his murder and must flee for her life.

Returning to the homeland of magical legends she has forsaken, Elanna is forced to reconcile with her despised, estranged father, branded a traitor long ago. Feeling a strange connection to the natural world, she also must face the truth about the forces she has always denied as superstition powers that suddenly stir within her.

Elanna has no choice but to lead a rebellion against the kingdom to which she once gave her allegiance. Trapped between divided loyalties, she must summon the courage to confront a destiny that could tear her apart.”

I got this book as a part of an ARC giveaway at bookcon. I didn’t know anything about the book or the author, I simply looked at the cover and I knew it was something I would like. I have to say the cover did the book complete justice.

  

I’m hoping that the final edited and printed version of this novel does not change all that much. When I first started reading the book it reminded me of a Court of Thorns and Roses. A girl with hidden potential kept away and taken by the enemy. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it and then I found myself unable to put it down. It reminds me of the Pixar movie “Brave”, full of folklore and old world history and magic. It was a fast read and I’m really hoping there is another book in the series, but if there isn’t then I’d be content as well. I just love the characters, their development, and the hidden secrets and plot twists along the way. Definitely a good summer read that can be devoured in about two days at the beach.

The Dark Prophecy (trials of Apollo 2) by Rick Riordan

Blurb:

Zeus has punished his son Apollo—god of the sun, music, archery, poetry, and more—by casting him down to earth in the form of a gawky, acne-covered sixteen-year-old mortal named Lester. The only way Apollo can reclaim his rightful place on Mount Olympus is by restoring several Oracles that have gone dark. What is affecting the Oracles, and how can Apollo do anything about them without his powers?

After experiencing a series of dangerous—and frankly, humiliating—trials at Camp Half-Blood, Apollo must now leave the relative safety of the demigod training ground and embark on a hair-raising journey across North America. Fortunately, what he lacks in godly graces he's gaining in new friendships—with heroes who will be very familiar to fans of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians and Heroes of Olympus series. Come along for what promises to be a harrowing, hilarious, and haiku-filled ride. . . .

My thoughts:

I love Rick Riordan's books. i have read every single book he has ever written. His books a funny,entertaining, and action pack. i love that you never know what you will read when you turn the page. you think that it is going one way but  it is actually going another. I love his spin that he puts on mythology. when i found out that Apollo was getting his own spin off i was excited. we already met Apollo in Percy Jackson and the Lost Hero series. this book takes place 6 weeks after the first book left off. at first the book was a little slow but eventually  you will not be able to put it down. so old characters will be coming back. At the end of this book there will be a new prophecy tat will set the pace for the rest of the books to come. Now, my only complaint (i will most likely say this with every review in this series) is that if you did not read Percy Jackson or the Lost Hero series you may end up a little confused by some of the references. The author does a decent job of giving a description of the old charters but i like the full history.otherwise i can not wait till the next book.

The Villains Trilogy by Serena Valentino

The Villains Trilogy by Serena Valentino

Fairest of All: A Tale of the Wicked Queen

Goodreads Blurb: The tale of the young princess and her evil stepmother, the Wicked Queen, is widely known. Despite a few variations from telling to telling, the story remains the same—the Queen was jealous of the girl’s beauty, and this jealousy culminated in the Queen’s attempt on the sweet, naive girl’s life.

Another tale far less often spoken of is the one that explains what caused the Queen to become so contemptuously vile. Still, some have attempted to guess at the reason. Perhaps the Queen’s true nature was that of a wicked hag and her beautiful, regal appearance a disguise used to fool the King. Others claim that the Queen might have hated the girl for her resemblance to the King’s first wife. Mostly, the Queen is painted as a morally abhorrent woman who never loved another being during the course of her miserable life.

In fact, the theories about exactly what cause the Queen’s obsessive vanity and jealous rage are too numerous to catalog. This book recounts a version of the story that has remained untold until now. It is a tragic tale of love and loss, and it contains a bit of magic. It is a tale of the Wicked Queen…

The Beast Within: A Tale of Beauty’s Prince

Goodreads Blurb: A cursed prince sits alone in a secluded castle. Few have seen him, but those who claim they have say his hair is wild and nails are sharp--like a beast's! But how did this prince, once jovial and beloved by the people, come to be a reclusive and bitter monster? And is it possible that he can ever find true love and break the curse that has been placed upon him?

Poor Unfortunate Soul: A Tale of the Sea Witch

Goodreads Blurb: The third novel in Serena Valentino's (Fairest of All, Beast Within) "VILLAINS" trilogy, featuring the story of the Little Mermaid from the perspective of the sea witch Ursula.

My thoughts: I’ll admit some of my favorite Disney characters are villains so when I saw Fairest at Barnes and Noble I immediately put I on hold at my local library. I listened to all 3 on audio and found all three to be very interesting. There is one person narrating the story but she does well with changing her voice so you can distinguish which character is speaking. I also like that the three stories somewhat overlap a little but you don’t have to read the three stories in a certain order. I would say these stories are for anyone of any age who loves Disney. There is a fourth one that is to be release in Oct 2017 in my TBR pile.

Love Letters to the Dead by Ava Dellaria

“It began as an assignment for English class: write a letter to a dead person."

Love Letters to the Dead is told in letter format to several deceased persons- from Janis Joplin to Amelia Earhart. It tells a story of a girl named Laurel who needs to accept and write the truth of what happened to her, in order to accept what happened to her older sister, May. Through these letters-she can begin to accept herself as well as the person her sister was.

I never actually intended to finish reading this book. It belongs to my younger sister and I desperately needed a book to read. Therefore, I picked it up, read the description, and thought “eh..this will do”. The main character Laurel is boring and quite frankly annoyed me. For the rest of the story, especially what happens to May, I was trapped. It took my emotions and life experiences and made me look at them face on. My overall thoughts of the book are conflicted though...like I enjoyed it and it made me emotional but I also hated it. Regardless, it reminded me of The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

Taming a Maverick (streling shore 11) by C.M.Owen

Sorry for not having a post out for Monday but i will try my best to get a post up every week from now on.

Blurb:

SALEM 

Just some fun. Just one night of reckless, harmless, wild fun. 

That's what I told myself the night I hooked up with quite possibly the sexiest guy I've ever known. Only, I didn't want to KNOW him. Life is a series of temporary situations, or so it's always been for me. A future revolves around the next move, but I'm still the type to live in the moment on a seldom occasion, consequences be damned. 

Unless that moment happens to be unknowingly landing in bed with my brand new stepbrother. The universe is a mean, twisted jerk. And one consequence is that I have to be around him and get to know him. The worst consequence is the fact that Maverick Sterling, the infamous playboy who can't possibly be tamed, is really hard not to want more of once you've had a taste. So long as I'm not stupid enough to fall in love, it shouldn't be a big deal. Right? 

MAVERICK 

My life has been blissfully simple for a really long time. I have a routine. I have friends. I have family. Yet everyone seems to have less and less time, since they're all sort of trying to be adults or what the hell ever. I blame them for the fact the only girl to ever ditch me without a backward glance is suddenly under my skin. I blame my father for the fact she's a new fixture in my life. Not that I knew that before I got a little overly friendly with my new stepsister. I mean, what are the odds? It shouldn't have been possible. 

But it happened. It figures the one girl I can't get out of my head is the one girl who doesn't want to be with me. At least in my head she's the only girl who doesn't want to be with me, because I tend to be arrogant like that. The point is, now she's everywhere I turn, yet she's marking a line in the sand that she thinks I really won't cross. 

Obviously she doesn't know me at all. 

My thoughts:

If you have read any of the sterling shore book you would or did fall in love with Maverick.Well the wait is over. I am glad the Maverick sill acted the same as he did before in the other books. he was his funny player self that we all love. Mavericks love interest could keep up with him which made the book ten times more enjoyable to read. this book with have you laughing one minute and crying the the next. we will also get to meet new characters that will be getting there own series in the future. i am excited to see what others stories that will be coming out about sterling shore.

When Nobody Was Watching by Carli Lloyd

When Nobody Was Watching: My Hard-Fought Journey to the Top of the Soccer by Carli Lloyd

Goodreads Blurb: From the celebrated star of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team, an inspiring, uplifting, and candid memoir of how she got there.

“If a player trains when nobody is watching, she might be able to do superhuman things when the entire world is watching. Like scoring a hat trick in the first sixteen minutes of a World Cup final, an eventual 5–2 victory over Japan. Or topping off that hat trick with an astonishing fifty-yard strike from midfield, the greatest goal in U.S. soccer history, a shot so audacious that it's surprising to learn that Lloyd had actually practiced it for years with [James] Galanis on an empty field in New Jersey, far from any crowds.” – Grant Wahl, Sports Illustrated

In 2015, the U.S .Women’s National Soccer Team won its first FIFA championship in sixteen years, culminating in an epic final game that electrified soccer fans around the world. It featured a gutsy, brilliant performance by team captain and midfielder Carli Lloyd, who made history that day, scoring a hat trick—three goals in one game—during the first sixteen minutes.

But there was a time when Carli almost quit the sport. In 2003 she was struggling, her soccer career at a crossroads. Then she found a trusted trainer, James Galanis, who saw in Carli a player with raw talent, skill, and a great dedication to the game. What Carli lacked were fitness, mental toughness, and character. Together they set to work, training day and night, fighting, grinding it out. No one worked harder than Carli. And no one believed in her more than James. Despite all the naysayers, the times she was benched, moments when her self-confidence took a nosedive, she succeeded in becoming one of the best players in the world.

This candid reflection on a remarkable turnaround will take readers inside the women's national team and inside the head of an athlete who willed herself to perform at the highest levels of competition.

My thoughts: I have been a fan of soccer since I started playing the game at 8 years old. Carli Lloyd is one of my favorite players on the U.S. Women’s soccer team so I Found out she was going to put a book out I kept it on my radar. When I was little I dreamed of being on the national women’s team but life didn’t pan out that way so I saw this book as a way to see what this players go through to make a team at this level. In this book, Carli doesn’t hold anything back, she goes into detail of what she had to go through with her teammates, her family, herself personally all the good and bad.

The Face on the Milk Carton by Caroline B. Cooney

A fifteen year old girl who is goofing off with her friends discovers she is the missing girl on the milk carton. Skeptical and unsure of her “parents”, she begins to put together information to complete the full picture.

I picked this book up on a whim from a local thrift book shop. It is for middle school/younger teenagers and I was just looking for an easy summer read. I enjoyed the plot and it was entertaining. There was just enough information and thrill to keep the reader entertained, especially when finding out the truth of how she got to her new family. The book was entertaining enough I bought the rest of the books from Thriftbooks. Figured I’d read them and then pass them down the future generations and my younger sister. I would recommend for middle school or freshman/sophomores to read...I'll make another post when I finish the other books.

Jackaby by William Ritter

Jackaby by William Ritter

Goodreads Blurb: “Miss Rook, I am not an occultist,” Jackaby said. “I have a gift that allows me to see truth where others see the illusion--and there are many illusions. All the world’s a stage, as they say, and I seem to have the only seat in the house with a view behind the curtain.”

Newly arrived in New Fiddleham, New England, 1892, and in need of a job, Abigail Rook meets R. F. Jackaby, an investigator of the unexplained with a keen eye for the extraordinary--including the ability to see supernatural beings. Abigail has a gift for noticing ordinary but important details, which makes her perfect for the position of Jackaby’s assistant. On her first day, Abigail finds herself in the midst of a thrilling case: A serial killer is on the loose. The police are convinced it’s an ordinary villain, but Jackaby is certain it’s a nonhuman creature, whose existence the police--with the exception of a handsome young detective named Charlie Cane--deny.

Doctor Who meets Sherlock in William Ritter’s debut novel, which features a detective of the paranormal as seen through the eyes of his adventurous and intelligent assistant in a tale brimming with cheeky humor and a dose of the macabre.

My thoughts: Personally I am not into Doctor Who but super into Sherlock Holmes. When I read the description that the story line is Sherlock based with some paranormal I thought of Supernatural. I read this story in about a day because it’s fast paced/I was excited to read it. I would recommend this story to anyone who likes Sherlock and/or crime mysteries.

Heartbreak for Two by Maysie Greig

I actually found this book at a local thrift bookstore. When I went to add it to my “To-read” list on Goodreads, there was no book listed, so I had to make my own entry. There was a different titled that it was published in England and there is no entry for that title either.

Goodreads blurb;

“When Jacqueline Brooks was detailed to chauffeur Major Wilson’s car, it was poetic justice. Major Wilson was the son of her late father’s chauffeur. Then Roderick Tresmond, son of Lord Mandon asked her to marry him. Simply by explaining that he was not in love with anyone else at the time and it would be a “suitable” marriage. Having accepted a proposal by one of these men she was faced with a decision of choosing a man she thought she loved and the man who needed her. Maysie Grieg’s story of Jackie’s disillusionment and love in wartime England is told with poignant tenderness”

This book was a good hearted light read, it reminded me of a movie one would see from the 1940/50’s. It’s based in World War II London during the London blitz. It was an easy read, predictable outcome, but definitely an easy summer-book-at-the beach type. Definitely would recommend to the hopeless romantic or historical pieces.

Tomb of Khan ( Assassin's Creed: Last descendant 2) by Matthew Kirby

Sorry for posting so late in the day. I want update everyone on a post that i put out a couple of weeks ago. For the June releases i told you that Xander book 2 will be out on the 25th. well that dat has been changed to July 20th. now into the review:

Blurb:

In "Last Descendants," Owen and a group of other teens located the first piece of an ancient and powerful relic long considered a legend-the Trident of Eden. This piece was sought by the Brotherhood of Assassins and the Templar Order, but before either organization could take the piece, it was stolen by an unknown, third party. The tenuous relationship between Owen and the teens fractured, with some taking sides with the Templars, and others with the Assassins.
"Last Descendants" book 2 picks up weeks after the events of book 1. There are still two pieces of the Trident of Eden to find, and both groups are determined to not repeat their mistakes. The next piece is said to have been buried with Mongol Warlord Genghis Khan, whose tomb has never been found. Now the teens on either side of the conflict will have to go deep into simulations in war-torn Mongolian China in a race against time to discover the next piece, and ensure their safety, before the others.

My Thoughts:

I was really excited to read this book but it was not as good as the first one. they left you with such a cliffhanger last time i thought that is where they would pick up. turns out that they started a couple of week after for the last book ended. this was definitely a fast moving book but it could have been better. I did like that they bring in the video game characters to the book but still keep the book different as well. the ending to this book was super surprising to me and i can not wait to read the next one when it comes out.

The Thousandth Floor by Katharine McGee

The Thousandth Floor by Katharine McGee

Goodreads Blurb: NEW YORK CITY AS YOU'VE NEVER SEEN IT BEFORE.

A thousand-story tower stretching into the sky. A glittering vision of the future where anything is possible—if you want it enough.

WELCOME TO MANHATTAN, 2118.

A hundred years in the future, New York is a city of innovation and dreams. Everyone there wants something…and everyone has something to lose.

LEDA COLE’s flawless exterior belies a secret addiction—to a drug she never should have tried and a boy she never should have touched.

ERIS DODD-RADSON’s beautiful, carefree life falls to pieces when a heartbreaking betrayal tears her family apart.

RYLIN MYERS’s job on one of the highest floors sweeps her into a world—and a romance—she never imagined…but will this new life cost Rylin her old one?

WATT BAKRADI is a tech genius with a secret: he knows everything about everyone. But when he’s hired to spy for an upper-floor girl, he finds himself caught up in a complicated web of lies.

And living above everyone else on the thousandth floor is AVERY FULLER, the girl genetically designed to be perfect. The girl who seems to have it all—yet is tormented by the one thing she can never have.

Amid breathtaking advancement and high-tech luxury, five teenagers struggle to find their place at the top of the world. But when you're this high up, there's nowhere to go but down....

My thoughts: This book to me is a mix of Gossip Girl and Pretty Little Liars with some futuristic tendencies. There are multiple story lines taking place at once so you will never be bored while reading this. The biggest shocker to me was the ending of this book. The story did “end” but left plenty of room to continue for a sequel and I can’t wait to get my hands on The Dazzling Heights.

Once and for All

I’m an avid Sarah Dessen reader and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on (and signed!) at Bookcon. I’m always nervous about reading the new book from a favorite author, silently hoping it lives up to what I’ve built up in my head. Well let me tell you, it definitely did!!

This entire book felt real down to the cynicism and critiquing of the weddings from Natalie and William, to the realistic view of today’s dating from Ambrose, to how prevalent and worldwide school shootings are and how much they impact the families and loved ones of victims.

The book touched on the sensitive topic of losing a loved one, especially a walk-in-the-sunset love, at a young age and how it is hard to find oneself afterwards. It shows a mature understanding and hopefully a reassurance to any young reader who can gone through such a thing, that you will love and find yourself again.

Once and for All felt more mature than other Sarah Dessen books and I think that’s good because her readers are getting older.

Definitely recommend this book, and all of Sarah Dessen’s other books, to YA readers.

The Hooker and the Hermit (rugby 1) by L.H. Cosway & Penny Ried

Blurb:

Blogging as *The Socialmedialite*
April 22
LADIES AND GENTS! I have an announcement!

You know that guy I featured on my blog a few months ago? The really, really hot Irish rugby player who plays the position of ‘hooker’ in the RLI (Rugby League International)? The one with the anger management issues, the body of a gladiator and the face of a movie star? The one with the questionable fashion choices leading me to ask whether he was the lovechild of a leprechaun and a hobbit? Ronan Fitzpatrick? Yeah, that guy.

Well, I have a confession to make…

THE HERMIT

Annie Catrel, social media expert extraordinaire at Davidson & Croft Media and clandestine celebrity blogger, can make anyone shine in the court of public opinion. She is the Socialmedialite, anonymous creator of New York’s Finest and the internet’s darling. Virtual reality is Annie’s forte, but actual reality? Not so much.

THE HOOKER

Ronan Fitzpatrick, aka the best hooker the world of rugby has seen in decades, despises the media—social or otherwise. The press has spun a web of lies depicting him as rugby’s wild and reckless bad boy. Suspended from his team, Ronan has come to Manhattan to escape the drama, lay low, fly under the radar. Only, Ronan isn’t easy to overlook, and he can’t escape the notice of the Socialmedialite…

THE PLAN

When Ronan is sent to Davidson & Croft Media to reshape his public image, he never expects to cross paths with shy but beautiful Annie, nor does he expect his fierce attraction to her. He couldn’t be happier when her boss suggests pairing them together.

What lengths will Annie take to keep her virtual identity concealed? And what happens when the hooker discovers who the hermit really is? 

My thoughts:

So every on of the bloggers that i follow has talked about this book. so i decided that i should finial read it.I really don't see what the hype was really about it was just another typical romance book. i felt that it was not worth the hype. there were moment that made you feel sucked in but not enough to want you to keep reading. normally, i can read a book it less than two days. this book took me a week. now there are two other books out in the series but i don't think that i will be reading them because just because i don't fell that they would be good. overall it was an average book.

Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco

Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco

Goodreads Blurb: Seventeen-year-old Audrey Rose Wadsworth was born a lord's daughter, with a life of wealth and privilege stretched out before her. But between the social teas and silk dress fittings, she leads a forbidden secret life.

Against her stern father's wishes and society's expectations, Audrey often slips away to her uncle's laboratory to study the gruesome practice of forensic medicine. When her work on a string of savagely killed corpses drags Audrey into the investigation of a serial murderer, her search for answers brings her close to her own sheltered world.

My thoughts: I have a weird obsession with Jack the Ripper, can’t explain why but I find his history fascinating.  I am also a fan of James Patterson who has a hand in this book so those two factors caught my attention. I love how Kerri put her twist on the “monster” jack the Ripper and I was completely blown away but the ending of this story, I had to read it out at least 3 times to make sure it was actually happening. The sequel Hunting Prince Dracula comes out later this year but the wait for me won’t be too bad because I scored the ARC at BookCon this year!

I Was Here by Gayle Forman

Goodreads blurb;

“When her best friend Meg drinks a bottle of industrial-strength cleaner alone in a motel room, Cody is understandably shocked and devastated. When Cody travels to Meg’s college town to pack up the belongings left behind, she discovers that there’s a lot Meg never told her. About her roommates, Ben McAllister, and about an encrypted computer file that Cody can’t open. Until she does and suddenly everything Cody thought she knew about her best friend’s death gets thrown into question.”

I went to Emily’s house one day and she had gone through her To Be Read books to look and see if she was still interested in them. This book was in the pile she was going to donate. I picked up this book, read the description, and much like Love Letters to the Dead I thought, “Eh...this will do”. There are a few moments where I was disappointed, such as the romance aspect of the novel, but for the most part I enjoyed it. The characters were fleshed out and the plot was solid but I overall enjoyed how Forman handled the topic of suicide. It came from more of an understanding and mature standpoint. That Cody didn’t see “warning signs” or that she was depressed, but that’s how it is. There isn’t a neon sign pointing to you saying “Ayo, I’m depressed, what’s up?”. It stays bottled up on the inside and often doesn’t show on the outside.

Overall, it took me about a day to read the book. There were moments that I could not stand, especially Cody and her immaturity, but for the most part I enjoyed it. It could be triggering for some, so be mindful and read other reviews before deciding if it’s for you.

When It's Real by Erin Watt

Blurb:

Wealth, fame and a real-life romance she never expected—seventeen-year-old Vaughn Bennett lands it all when she agrees to become a pop star's fake girlfriend in this smart, utterly addictive novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author duo Erin Watt  

Under ordinary circumstances, Oakley Ford and Vaughn Bennett would never even cross paths. 

There's nothing ordinary about Oakley. This bad-boy pop star's got Grammy Awards, millions of fangirls and a reputation as a restless, too-charming troublemaker. But with his home life disintegrating, his music well suddenly running dry and the tabloids having a field day over his outrageous exploits, Oakley needs to show the world he's settling down—and who better to help him than Vaughn, a part-time waitress trying to help her family get by? The very definition of ordinary. 

Posing as his girlfriend, Vaughn will overhaul Oakley's image from troublemaker to serious artist. In return for enough money to put her brothers through college, she can endure outlandish Hollywood parties and carefully orchestrated Twitter exchanges. She'll fool the paparazzi and the groupies. She might even start fooling herself a little. 

Because when ordinary rules no longer apply, there's no telling what your heart will do…

My Thoughts:

Another hit for Erin Watt! Every book that i have read by her have kept you on your toes. I really enjoyed that both of the characters went through different struggles but you could still relate to each one of them. when you read her books you feel that you are standing right there in the book. I wish that we could have found out more about something that happened in the book. you will not be able to put this book down. if ever get a chance to read one of Erin's books you will love them.

Falling Down is Free for a limited time!!!!!

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´✶ (¸.•`✯ FALLING DOWN

🎶 THE ROCKSTAR SERIES (BOOK 1) 🎶

AMAZON:
US: http://amzn.to/2c6b6Cz
UK: http://amzn.to/2cRKClz

BN: http://bit.ly/2rQEcx5

iTunes: http://apple.co/2r4FXFA

Kobo: http://bit.ly/FDKobo

Blurb:

I was twelve when I started crushing on him.

I was seventeen when I met him by chance and our connection was made.

Now here I am, twenty-three, and I’m one of the two actresses in the video for his band’s latest single.

Jesse Kingston is a tall, dark, and gorgeous temptation I’m finding hard to resist. It ends up not being as simple as doing a job and going home. It can’t be when he continually makes his presence known with his not-so-innocent touches and sexy words. There is no avoiding him and after spending so much time with him, I’m not sure I want to.

So, when he proposes a weekend together, knowing I should say no, I throw caution to the wind and instead I say yes. I’m going to ignore the warning signs and do what I normally wouldn’t--I’m going to give in to my desire. I’m going to indulge my fantasies and give this sexy rocker what he wants and something he won’t forget--me.

The only question is: Is one weekend going to be enough? Will our time end up changing this bad boy? Or will it end up changing me?

DISCLAIMER This book contains remnants of a teenage crush. A straight-laced Hollywood actress. A sexy bad boy rockstar. Rockers who live and breathe sarcasm and sexual innuendos. Explicit wild monkey sex and dirty talk. Graphic language, frequent dropping of the F bomb, career changes, bossy parents, panty ripping, and rock n’ roll. Not for the faint of heart.

HEAT LEVEL: WHITE HOT.

Bookcon Afterthoughts

As many avid readers know, this past weekend was Bookcon in New York. It was amazing. It was great getting to meet individuals who are as passionate of reading as I am. Also, I was able to get a ticket to meet, one of my favorite authors, Sarah Dessen!! She was definitely sweet and down to earth. Other than that I wasn’t able to meet any other of my favorite authors, besides a few ARC/Galley giveaways that were signed by the author. Only downside was being stuck in a mob-like-group of three hundred people when I was trying to just get to the other side and having to push my way out. Also, getting up at 3 and 4 am was not a highlight, but definitely a bonding moment with my friends/fellow bloggers Emily and Leah.

Make sure to check our Instagram soon to see our individual hauls from this weekend!

Bookcon madness

Well bookcon was a success this weekend. I got to meet all of my authors that I wanted to. Super happy about that. I meet people from all over the world and from other states. So much swag but who does not love swag. The only thing I didn't like was have to wake up at 3 in the morning to get there but it was worth it. I had an amazing time and if you ever get the chance to go to bookcon go.

Pirates! by Celia Rees

Pirates! By Celia Rees

Goodreads Blurb: Nancy Kington, daughter of a rich merchant, suddenly orphaned when her father dies, is sent to live on her family's plantation in Jamaica. Disgusted by the treatment of the slaves and her brother's willingness to marry her off, she and one of the slaves, Minerva, run away and join a band of pirates.

For both girls the pirate life is their only chance for freedom in a society where both are treated like property, rather than individuals. Together they go in search of adventure, love, and a new life that breaks all restrictions of gender, race, and position. Told through Nancy's writings, their adventures will appeal to readers across the spectrum and around the world.

My thoughts:  I personally have a high interest in pirates, even before the Pirates of the Caribbean came out. This particular story interest me because two girls from different backgrounds are in a sense forced into piracy in order to find freedom. From the start of the story Nancy is constantly bouncing from one problem, one danger to another. What I also found interesting is the story also talks about how some people became pirates because there ship was captured by pirates and it was either join to die BUT some ended up staying because of the profits and chance to see the world.

The Enchanted Barn by Grace Livingston Hill

 Shirley Hollister is the oldest sibling who is the caretaker and provider for her family and sick mother. With these responsibilities, she never became pessimistic but remained humble and loving. When the lease on their city home comes to an end- Shirley is forced into looking for other accommodations for her family. When she least expects it she finds a Barn 10 minutes out of town, that will fit her family perfectly. When locating the barn’s owner, she finds rich and loving Sidney Graham. Slowly he turns the barn into a real home, but without Shirley’s permission. When revealed- their true hearts are shown as well.

Growing up, my mother always told me of this book. So when I recieved the shipment of Grace Livingston Hill novels, I made sure to read it first. The description I gave makes it sound as if it is only a romance novel, but I assure you there is adventure and excitement in it as well. I honestly couldn’t put it down and read it in one day. I highly recommend it.

June release

Below is all of the books that i think will be good for the month of June:

June 6th 

Blurb:

Caroline Oresteia is destined for the river. For generations, her family has been called by the river god, who has guided their wherries on countless voyages throughout the Riverlands. At seventeen, Caro has spent years listening to the water, ready to meet her fate. But the river god hasn’t spoken her name yet—and if he hasn’t by now, there’s a chance he never will.

Caro decides to take her future into her own hands when her father is arrested for refusing to transport a mysterious crate. By agreeing to deliver it in exchange for his release, Caro finds herself caught in a web of politics and lies, with dangerous pirates after the cargo—an arrogant courier with a secret—and without the river god to help her. With so much at stake, Caro must choose between the life she always wanted and the one she never could have imagined for herself.

From debut author Sarah Tolcser comes an immersive and romantic fantasy set along the waterways of a magical world with a headstrong heroine determined to make her mark. 

Blurb:

As bubbly as champagne and delectable as wedding cake, Once and for All, Sarah Dessen's thirteenth novel, is set in the world of wedding planning, where crises are routine.

Louna, daughter of famed wedding planner Natalie Barrett, has seen every sort of wedding: on the beach, at historic mansions, in fancy hotels and clubs. Perhaps that's why she's cynical about happily-ever-after endings, especially since her own first love ended tragically. When Louna meets charming, happy-go-lucky serial dater Ambrose, she holds him at arm's length. But Ambrose isn't about to be discouraged, now that he's met the one girl he really wants.

Sarah Dessen’s many, many fans will adore her latest, a richly satisfying, enormously entertaining story that has everything—humor, romance, and an ending both happy and imperfect, just like life itself. 

June 13th

Blurb:

The companion novel to Assassin’s Heart—an action-packed fantasy that Printz Award winner Laura Ruby said “will keep you turning the pages all night long”—Thief’s Cunning picks up eighteen years later and follows Allegra Saldana as she uncovers the secrets about the line of killers she descends from.

Allegra has always had to look over her shoulder. As the niece of the infamous assassin Lea Saldana, Allegra is used to hiding from people who want her dead. Once the strongest clipper family in the Kingdom of Lovero, the Saldanas—or what’s left of them—are now the most hunted. Their number one enemy is the Da Vias, whose thirst for retaliation is almost two decades in the making.

But lately Allegra’s getting fed up with everything being kept from her—including her parents’ identity. When she finally learns the truth about her family, though—that she’s a Da Via—her world crumbles. Feeling betrayed by the people she trusted the most, Allegra turns to Nev, a Traveler boy whose presence makes her feel alive in ways she’s only dreamed of.  But getting caught up in Nev’s world has consequences Allegra never saw coming.

In this dark and enthralling fantasy that fans of Sarah Maas and Leigh Bardugo will devour, one girl must decide if she’s destined to pay for the wrongs of her family’s past—whether Saldana or Da Via—or if the future is hers for the taking. 

June 16th

Blurb:

Cleo Hill is a married woman, in love with a man she's never really known—her husband, whom she hasn't seen in eleven years.

Paxton "Torch" Hill is a Notorious Devil, a man who's been wrestling with his personal demons since before he knew the horrors of war.

When a threat against his club means danger could be lurking around his estranged wife's door, Paxton is determined to protect her. Yet, one look at the woman he left behind, and he knows his plans are about to change. 

The past is not an easy thing to forget, especially not for a woman scorned. While Cleo isn't the innocent catch he once knew, there's something about that rough and ready man she's not sure she can deny.

After all—they promised each other forever. 

INCLUDES BONUS SHORT STORY - ROUGH & SHAKEN

June 20th

blurb:

Sang Sorenson’s father abandoned her and her sister, leaving them to fend for themselves for months. He’s returned, and finds Sang is missing. He demands she return. Right now.

Will he call the police if she doesn’t?

Her Academy team doesn’t want to risk losing her ghost status and she doesn’t want to put them in danger, so she reluctantly returns home, but is comforted that she will still be monitored by them.

But the second she opens the door, she discovers her father has made changes that will affect her entire future. His decisions will make them a normal family.

Normal is no longer what Sang wants. It would kill her Academy career before it ever started. Not to mention it would end the special, new, and still-fragile relationships with the guys.

Sang struggles with her family, her identity, and where she truly belongs. Now that the entire team knows about their romantic relationships with her, tensions are mounting, tearing the team apart from the inside.

Only, Dr. Green isn't going to lie down and roll over by playing by the rules. Not anymore. Not while Sang is at risk.

His heart can’t take leaving her in that house one more minute. He needs her. They all do.

The Academy: Worth Risking All

June 25th

Blurb:

It's ten years later, and we're still living separate lives. While I know she isn't comfortable with my lifestyle after everything she’s been through, I can't be without her anymore.

I need her.

She's my wife.
She's my heartbeat.
She's my next breath.
She's my everything.

I want to know every detail of her life. I want to be part of it all. I want to work as hard to get there as she did to get here.

She's always been my girl—even at the age of eight. As I face her now, there's no doubt she'll be mine until I draw my last breath as I will be hers.

It's time for our forever to begin. 

June 27th

Blurb:

An unforgettable tale of two friends on their Grand Tour of 18th-century Europe who stumble upon a magical artifact that leads them from Paris to Venice in a dangerous manhunt, fighting pirates, highwaymen, and their feelings for each other along the way.

Henry “Monty” Montague was born and bred to be a gentleman, but he was never one to be tamed. The finest boarding schools in England and the constant disapproval of his father haven’t been able to curb any of his roguish passions—not for gambling halls, late nights spent with a bottle of spirits, or waking up in the arms of women or men.

But as Monty embarks on his grand tour of Europe, his quest for a life filled with pleasure and vice is in danger of coming to an end. Not only does his father expect him to take over the family’s estate upon his return, but Monty is also nursing an impossible crush on his best friend and traveling companion, Percy.

Still it isn’t in Monty’s nature to give up. Even with his younger sister, Felicity, in tow, he vows to make this yearlong escapade one last hedonistic hurrah and flirt with Percy from Paris to Rome. But when one of Monty’s reckless decisions turns their trip abroad into a harrowing manhunt that spans across Europe, it calls into question everything he knows, including his relationship with the boy he adores.

Witty, romantic, and intriguing at every turn, The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue is a sumptuous romp that explores the undeniably fine lines between friendship and love.