ARC Review: Secret for a Song by S.K. Falls

Title: Secret for a Song
Author: S.K. Falls
Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult
Source: Patchwork Press via NetGalley
Goodreads | Amazon

Saylor Grayson makes herself sick. Literally.

She ate her first needle when she was seven. Now, at nineteen, she’s been kicked out of college for poisoning herself with laxatives. The shrinks call it Munchausen Syndrome. All Saylor knows is that when she’s ill, her normally distant mother pays attention and the doctors and nurses make her feel special.

Then she meets Drew Dean, the leader of a local support group for those with terminal diseases. When he mistakes her for a new member, Saylor knows she should correct him. But she can’t bring herself to, not after she’s welcomed into a new circle of friends. Friends who, like Drew, all have illnesses ready to claim their independence or their lives

For the first time, Saylor finds out what it feels like to be in love, to have friends who genuinely care about her. But secrets have a way of revealing themselves. What will happen when Saylor’s is out?

Review by Nara

Stacking the Shelves [9]

Hi, Chantelle here and it's that time of the month again for me to Stack the Shelves with the books that I received, borrowed or bought this month!

Book Discussion: Speechless by Hannah Harrington

Title: Speechless
Author: Hannah Harrington
Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
Goodreads | The Book Depository | Amazon

Everyone knows that Chelsea Knot can't keep a secret

Until now. Because the last secret she shared turned her into a social outcast—and nearly got someone killed.

Now Chelsea has taken a vow of silence—to learn to keep her mouth shut, and to stop hurting anyone else. And if she thinks keeping secrets is hard, not speaking up when she's ignored, ridiculed and even attacked is worse.

But there's strength in silence, and in the new friends who are, shockingly, coming her way—people she never noticed before; a boy she might even fall for. If only her new friends can forgive what she's done. If only she can forgive herself.

Review by Nara

ARC Review: Outcast by Adrienne Kress

Title: Outcast
Author: Adrienne Kress
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal Fantasy
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
Release Date: June 4, 2013
Goodreads | Amazon

After six years of “angels” coming out of the sky and taking people from her town, 16-year-old Riley Carver has just about had it living with the constant fear. When one decides to terrorize her in her own backyard, it’s the final straw. She takes her mother’s shotgun and shoots the thing. So it’s dead. Or … not? In place of the creature she shot, is a guy. A really hot guy. A really hot alive and breathing guy. Oh, and he’s totally naked.

Not sure what to do, she drags his unconscious body to the tool shed and ties him up. After all, he’s an angel and they have tricks. When he regains consciousness she’s all set to interrogate him about why the angels come to her town, and how to get back her best friend (and almost boyfriend) Chris, who was taken the year before. But it turns out the naked guy in her shed is just as confused about everything as she is.

He thinks it’s 1956.

Set in the deep south, OUTCAST is a story of love, trust, and coming of age. It’s also a story about the supernatural, a girl with a strange sense of humor who’s got wicked aim, a greaser from the 50’s, and an army of misfits coming together for one purpose: To kick some serious angel ass.

Review by Nara

Review: Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Title: Gone Girl
Author: Gillian Flynn
Genre: Adult Mystery Thriller

Goodreads rating: 3.97 out of 5.00 (206, 200+ ratings)
Goodreads choice WINNER 2012 (link)
Book depository

Marriage can be a real killer.

On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne’s fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick’s clever and beautiful wife disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn’t doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife’s head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media—as well as Amy’s fiercely doting parents—the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he’s definitely bitter—but is he really a killer?

As the cops close in, every couple in town is soon wondering how well they know the one that they love. With his twin sister, Margo, at his side, Nick stands by his innocence. Trouble is, if Nick didn’t do it, where is that beautiful wife? And what was in that silvery gift box hidden in the back of her bedroom closet?

Review by Chantelle

2013 Netgalley Knockout

We're joining the 2013 Netgalley Knockout!

Because of mid year exams, Nara and I have been quite behind with reviews, and by Nara and I, I mean just me because Nara is super organised and efficient with writing reviews. Anyway, point is, is that being part of the 2013 Netgalley Knockout seemed like a great incentive to start reading all those egalleys that are so very tempting to request before I'm officially black listed by Netgalley. Without further ado, this is the plan!

Review: Perception by Lee Strauss

Title: Perception (Perception #1)
Author: Lee Strauss
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Mystery
Source: All Night Reads via NetGalley
Goodreads | Amazon

Eternal Life is To Die For.
Seventeen year old Zoe Vanderveen is a GAP—a genetically altered person. She lives in the security of a walled city on prime water-front property along-side other equally beautiful people with extended life spans.

Her brother Liam is missing.

Noah Brody is a natural who lives on the outside. He leads protests against the GAPs and detests the widening chasm they’ve created between those who have and those who don’t. He doesn’t like girls like Zoe and he has good reason not to like her specifically.

Zoe’s carefree life takes a traumatic turn. She’s in trouble and it turns out that Noah, the last guy on earth she should trust, is the only one who can help her.

PERCEPTION is a (SF/mystery/romance) Young Adult novel that takes place in the not-too-distant future in a world changed by climate extremes, natural disasters and impending wars, and where scientific breakthroughs cause class divisions—both financially and philosophically. It explores the clash between faith and science and how differences can separate us as enemies or ally us together. And in some cases, even in the midst of betrayal and personal crisis, there’s room to fall in love.

Review by Nara

ARC Review: This Northern Sky by Julia Green

Title: This Northern Sky
Author: Julia Green
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
Release Date: 4 July, 2013
Source: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc (UK&ANZ) via NetGalley
Goodreads | The Book Depository | Amazon

Kate's parents are taking her on holiday with them to a cottage on a remote island in the Hebrides. Kate can't imagine anything more boring. But underneath her sulkiness, Kate is scared. Her parents have been fighting and she knows that for her parents this holiday is make or break. Once at the cottage, Kate escapes - outside, anywhere. And there she meets the warmth of the islanders, who are prepared to accept her and to listen to her. And possibly fall in love with her . . .

Review by Nara

THE MASSIVE SALE HAS BEGUN

As I'm sure most of you know, the book depository is holding an incredible sale.

100 books, 100 offers, 25 hours

That is one offer every 15 minutes people!!!
I would definitely recommend checking it out.

Just click on the book depository image on the right side bar

Advice: make sure you're logged in, with bank details on the ready because these offers sell out pretty quick.

There's a huge variety of books on offer, most of the time, the discounts go up to 70%. From our experience last year, the books aren't always young adult (which let's be honest, is the only reason we're there for the sale), but it's still worth having a look.

While you're here, we've got an absolute tonne of GIVEAWAYS happening at the moment, so please check them out :) (Again, right side bar)

(INT Giveaway) Romancing the RA Book Blitz

Romancing the R.A. (Campus Romance #1)

by Ashelyn Drake

Release Date: 05/28/13

Summary from Goodreads:

Noelle Buckman is looking forward to making a fresh start in college, one that doesn’t involve immature high school boys. The second she steps on campus for freshman orientation, she can sense the possibilities. Especially when she spots Andy, a resident advisor who’s not just hot but also thoughtful enough to open doors for a girl. 

And Andy has his eye on Noelle. Even when her nerves take control and she thinks she comes off as a hillbilly with no direction, Andy can see what she’s really like and he’s more than a little interested.

But orientation is less than two full days and there’s an entire summer between Noelle and Andy. Will her attempt to romance the R.A. be as short-lived as college orientation?

ARC Review: Spartan Frost by Jennifer Estep

Title: Spartan Frost (Mythos Academy #4.5)
Author: Jennifer Estep
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal Fantasy
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
Release Date: 25 June, 2013
Goodreads | Amazon

I’m Logan Quinn, the deadliest Spartan warrior at Mythos Academy. At least I was — until the day I almost killed Gwen Frost.

Professor Metis and Nickamedes say that I’m fine, that Loki and the Reapers don’t have a hold on me anymore, but I can’t risk it. I can’t risk hurting Gwen again. So I’m leaving Mythos and going somewhere far, far away.

I know Gwen wonders what’s happening to me, whether I’m safe. I can’t tell her, but this is my story

Review by Nara

Blog Tour: Fall for Me + Sacrifice by K.A. Last + INT Giveaway!

We're excited to be taking part in our first blog tour! Chantelle will be reviewing Sacrifice and Nara will be reviewing Fall For Me! Keep reading as there is an international giveaway!

Review: Ten Tiny Breaths by K. A. Tucker

Title: Ten Tiny Breaths (Ten Tiny Breaths #1)
Author: K. A. Tucker
Genre: New Adult Contemporary

Goodreads rating: 4.38 out of 5.00 (7, 800+ ratings)
Goodreads | Book Depository

Kacey Cleary’s whole life imploded four years ago in a drunk-driving accident. Now she’s working hard to bury the pieces left behind—all but one. Her little sister, Livie. Kacey can swallow the constant disapproval from her born-again aunt Darla over her self-destructive lifestyle; she can stop herself from going kick-boxer crazy on Uncle Raymond when he loses the girls’ college funds at a blackjack table. She just needs to keep it together until Livie is no longer a minor, and then they can get the hell out of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

But when Uncle Raymond slides into bed next to Livie one night, Kacey decides it’s time to run. Armed with two bus tickets and dreams of living near the coast, Kacey and Livie start their new lives in a Miami apartment complex, complete with a grumpy landlord, a pervert upstairs, and a neighbor with a stage name perfectly matched to her chosen “profession.” But Kacey’s not worried. She can handle all of them. What she can’t handle is Trent Emerson in apartment 1D.

Kacey doesn’t want to feel. She doesn’t. It’s safer that way. For everyone. But sexy Trent finds a way into her numb heart, reigniting her ability to love again. She starts to believe that maybe she can leave the past where it belongs and start over. Maybe she’s not beyond repair.

But Kacey isn’t the only one who’s broken. Seemingly perfect Trent has an unforgiveable past of his own; one that, when discovered, will shatter Kacey’s newly constructed life and send her back into suffocating darkness.

Review by Chantelle

Spontaneous Midsummer's Eve Giveaway Hop + Jen Minkman Author Interview (INT)

‘I walk toward the sea. The endless surface of the water extends to the horizon, whichever way I look.

Our world is small. We are on our own, and we only have ourselves to depend on. We rely on the Force deep within us, as taught to us by our forefathers.

If I were to walk westward from here, I would come across a barrier – the Wall. Behind it, there are Fools. At least, that’s what everyone says.

I have never seen one.’

Leia lives on the Island, a world in which children leave their parents to take care of themselves when they are ten years old. Across this Island runs a wall that no one has ever crossed. The Fools living behind it are not amenable to reason – they believe in illusions. That’s what The Book says, the only thing left to the Eastern Islanders by their ancestors.
But when a strange man washes ashore and Leia meets a Fool face to face, her life will never be the same. Is what she and her friends believe about the Island really true?

Or is everyone in their world, in fact, a Fool?

ARC Review: The Island by Jen Minkman

Title: The Island
Author: Jen Minkman
Genre: Dystopian, Young Adult
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
Release Date: June 1, 2013

Goodreads rating: 3.48 out of 5.00
Goodreads | Amazon

‘I walk toward the sea. The endless surface of the water extends to the horizon, whichever way I look.

Our world is small. We are on our own, and we only have ourselves to depend on. We rely on the Force deep within us, as taught to us by our forefathers.

If I were to walk westward from here, I would come across a barrier – the Wall. Behind it, there are Fools. At least, that’s what everyone says.

I have never seen one.’

Leia lives on the Island, a world in which children leave their parents to take care of themselves when they are ten years old. Across this Island runs a wall that no one has ever crossed. The Fools living behind it are not amenable to reason – they believe in illusions. That’s what The Book says, the only thing left to the Eastern Islanders by their ancestors.
But when a strange man washes ashore and Leia meets a Fool face to face, her life will never be the same. Is what she and her friends believe about the Island really true?

Or is everyone in their world, in fact, a Fool?

Review by Nara

Book Discussion: Point of Retreat by Colleen Hoover

Title: Point of Retreat (Slammed #2)
Author: Colleen Hoover
Genre: Young Adult, Chick-lit
Source: Atria Books via NetGalley
Goodreads | The Book Depository | Amazon

Hardships and heartache brought them together...now it will tear them apart.

Layken and Will have proved their love can get them through anything; until someone from Will's past re-emerges, leaving Layken questioning the very foundation on which their relationship was built. Will is forced to face the ultimate challenge...how to prove his love for a girl who refuses to stop 'carving pumpkins.'

 Review by Nara

(INT GIVEAWAY) Rylee Adamson Series Book Blitz

Title: The Rylee Adamson Series
Author: Shannon Mayer
Genre: Paranormal Urban Fantasy Romance, New Adult

Priceless (Book One)
Purchase Links:
Goodreads | Amazon

“My name is Rylee and I am a Tracker.”

When children go missing, and the Humans have no leads, I’m the one they call. I am their last hope in bringing home the lost ones. I salvage what they cannot.

I’m on the FBI’s wanted list.

I have a werewolf for a pet, a Witch of a best friend, and have no need for anyone else in my life.

But when a salvage starts to spin out of control, help comes from a most unexpected direction. One that is dangerously dark, brooding, and doesn’t know a thing about the supernatural.

One whose kisses set me on fire.

ARC Review: Beautiful Goodbye by Nancy Runstedler

Title: Beautiful Goodbye
Author: Nancy Runstedler
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Release Date: July 27, 2013
Source: Dundurn via NetGalley
Goodreads | The Book Depository | Amazon

Maggie's life has been anything but easy lately. So when her best friend Gillian discovers a Ouija board in the attic, it's a welcome relief. While they'd rather be at the mall than babysitting Maggie's brother Cole, the girls figure it will be a fun way to spend a Saturday — asking questions about boys and other teenage dilemmas. After all, it's just a game. Or is it?

Thinking nothing could possibly go wrong, the kids dive in, eager to test the new game, but discover the board will change their lives in ways they couldn't have imagined. The trio ends up with more than they bargained for and are thrust into a whirlwind journey. One from which they might never return, if they aren't careful.

Review by Nara

ARC Review: Georgetown Academy Season One (Books 1-4)

Title: Georgetown Academy Season One
Author: Jessica Koosed Etting and Alyssa Embree Schwartz
Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult, Drama
Source: Publisher
Goodreads | Amazon (Book One)

Meet Ellie, Brinley, Evan, and Taryn — Four sophomores at Georgetown Academy, D.C.’s most exclusive private school, where among the exclusive parties and perfectly manicured lawns, student life seems drama-free. But everyone always has something to hide.

THE IT GIRL NEXT DOOR
Everyone wants a piece of Ellie Walker and her Senator mom, but Ellie’s always been happy to cede the spotlight. Kind-hearted, sweet, and half of G.A.’s perfect power couple, Ellie has it all…until her ex-boyfriend, Gabe, moves back to town and turns her world upside down leaving her to choose between love and loyalty.

THE DC PRINCESS
Brinley Madison, of those Madisons, relishes her family’s status as the ultimate D.C. insiders. While her political strategist father plays kingmaker, Brinley maneuvers behind the scenes in school and at home. Brinley knows better than to keep a secret that could hurt her family, but sometimes desire turns to addiction, putting the family reputation at risk.

THE OUTSIDER
Evan Hartnett doesn’t have the typical pedigree of a G.A., student. In fact, she has no pedigree at all. Her academic scholarship may get her access to the classroom, but she’s still on the outside looking in…until a series of unexpected boyfriends rocket her to national attention.

THE CALIFORNIA GIRL
Taryn Reyes’ laid-back, bohemian vibe doesn’t exactly mesh with her new surroundings, but she’s remarkably secure and unconcerned. But after her first run-in with D.C.’s dirty politics, she finds out that keeping her integrity and her heart intact may be harder than she thinks.

Review by  Nara

Waiting on Wednesday [8]

Time for Nara's monthly Waiting on Wednesday Post! This time will be for books that will be released in July. Here they are:

Chantelle's Review: Sea of Tranquility By Katja Millay

Title: The Sea of Tranquility
Author: Katja Millay
Genre: Young Adult

Goodreads rating: 4.68 out of 5.00 (4, 000+ ratings)
Goodreads link | Book Depository

Full of rage and without a purpose, former pianist Nastya Kashnikov wants two things: to get through high school without anyone discovering her past and to make the boy who took everything from her pay. 

All 17 year-old Josh Bennett wants is to build furniture and be left alone, and everyone allows it because it’s easier to pretend he doesn’t exist. When your name is synonymous with death, everyone tends to give you your space.

Everyone except Nastya, a hot mess of a girl who starts showing up and won’t go away until she’s insinuated herself into every aspect of his life. The more he gets to know her, the more of a mystery she becomes. As their relationship intensifies and the unanswered questions begin to pile up, he starts to wonder if he may ever learn the secrets she’s been hiding or if he even wants to.

The Sea of Tranquility is a slow-building, character-driven romance about a lonely boy, an emotionally fragile girl, and the miracle of second chances.

Review by Chantelle

2013 PANACEA CANDIDATE 

(INT GIVEAWAY) The Nevermore Trilogy by Shannon Mayer Book Blitz

Title: The Nevermore Trilogy
Author: Shannon Mayer
Genre: Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, Adult
Purchase Links:
Goodreads | Amazon| iTunes | Kobo | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords

***This trilogy version contains all THREE installments of The Nevermore Trilogy. This Series is meant to be read in sequential order as the books are NOT stand alone.***

Review: Department 19 by Will Hill

Title: Department 19 (Department Nineteen #1)
Author: Will Hill
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult
Source: HarperCollins UK via NetGalley
Goodreads | The Book Depository | Amazon

Jamie Carpenter's life will never be the same. His father is dead, his mother is missing, and he was just rescued by an enormous man named Frankenstein. Jamie is brought to Department 19, where he is pulled into a secret organisation responsible for policing the supernatural, founded more than a century ago by Abraham Van Helsing and the other survivors of Dracula. Aided by Frankenstein's monster, a beautiful vampire girl with her own agenda, and the members of the agency, Jamie must attempt to save his mother from a terrifyingly powerful vampire. "Department 19" takes us through history, across Europe, and beyond- from the cobbled streets of Victorian London to prohibition-era New York, from the icy wastes of Arctic Russia to the treacherous mountains of Transylvania. Part modern thriller, part classic horror, it's packed with mystery, mayhem, and a level of suspense that makes a Darren Shan novel look like a romantic comedy.

Review by Nara

ARC Review: Ink by Amanda Sun

Title: Ink (Paper Gods #1)
Author: Amanda Sun
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Release Date: July 5, 2013 (UK)  June 25, 2013 (US)
Source: Harlequin (UK) Ltd via NetGalley
Goodreads | The Book Depository | Amazon

I looked down at the paper, still touching the tip of my shoe. I reached for it, flipping the page over to look.

Scrawls of ink outlined a drawing of a girl lying on a bench.

A sick feeling started to twist in my stomach, like motion sickness.

And then the girl in the drawing turned her head, and her inky eyes glared straight into mine.

On the heels of a family tragedy, the last thing Katie Greene wants to do is move halfway across the world. Stuck with her aunt in Shizuoka, Japan, Katie feels lost. Alone. She doesn’t know the language, she can barely hold a pair of chopsticks, and she can’t seem to get the hang of taking her shoes off whenever she enters a building.

Then there’s gorgeous but aloof Tomohiro, star of the school’s kendo team. How did he really get the scar on his arm? Katie isn’t prepared for the answer. But when she sees the things he draws start moving, there’s no denying the truth: Tomo has a connection to the ancient gods of Japan, and being near Katie is causing his abilities to spiral out of control. If the wrong people notice, they'll both be targets.

Katie never wanted to move to Japan—now she may not make it out of the country alive.

Review by Nara

Waiting on Wednesday [7]

Hi! And welcome to Chantelle's post for Waiting on Wednesday, where I'll be spotlighting my most anticipated releases over the next month! So without further delay,

This month, I am going completely crazy waiting for...

ARC Review: The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau

Title: The Testing (The Testing, #1)
Author: Joelle Charbonneau
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian Fantasy

Goodreads rating: 3.93 out of 5.00 (500+ ratings pre-release)
Goodreads | The Book Depository | Amazon

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Isn’t that what they say? But how close is too close when they may be one in the same? 

The Seven Stages War left much of the planet a charred wasteland. The future belongs to the next generation’s chosen few who must rebuild it. But to enter this elite group, candidates must first pass The Testing—their one chance at a college education and a rewarding career.

Cia Vale is honored to be chosen as a Testing candidate; eager to prove her worthiness as a University student and future leader of the United Commonwealth. But on the eve of her departure, her father’s advice hints at a darker side to her upcoming studies--trust no one.

But surely she can trust Tomas, her handsome childhood friend who offers an alliance? Tomas, who seems to care more about her with the passing of every grueling (and deadly) day of the Testing. To survive, Cia must choose: love without truth or life without trust.

Review by Chantelle

Amazing Giveaways over at Live To Read!

150+ books up for grabs AND it's International!!!
The button is in the right side bar, so click it to go check it out :)

Armchair BEA: Introductions

So, we're probably a bit slow on the uptake but we have decided to join Armchair BEA! Woooo! So this first post is the introductory post where we do a self-interview. Here we go:

Stacking the Shelves [8]

Time for Nara's monthly Stacking the Shelves post! This time will be books from the month of May!