Book Review: King of Sin

King of Sin (Las Vegas Syndicate #1) by Michelle St. James 

Maxwell Cartwright just wants to have fun.

At least that’s what he tells himself as he works his way through every showgirl and high roller room in Vegas, burning through his trust fund and trying to forget the betrayal of his old friend Jason Draper.

Then Nico Vitale, head of the Syndicate, mentions the one thing that might prompt Max to action.

Max's best friend, Abby, may be in grave danger.

Abby Sterling is finally in control.

Breaking free of an abusive father wasn’t easy, but hard work, a college degree, and a job in the executive offices of her childhood friend Jason Draper’s casino has her feeling like she’s free of the past.

But maintaining her friendship with both Max and Jason isn’t easy when the two men won’t even speak to each other, and things get even more complicated when Abby’s relationship with Max heats up in surprising ways.

As Max’s ties to the Syndicate deepen, he crosses his long held line with Abby, taking her to bed in spite of his promise never to risk their friendship.

Now Max is in over his head, with the Syndicate, Jason Draper, and the woman he’s loved his entire life. The only way out is to infiltrate Jason Draper’s DarkNet poker game — and save Abby from becoming collateral damage.

Kindle Edition, 285 pages

Published January 19th 2018 by Blackthorn Press

Meow . . . Meow . . . Meow

In a new series set in the Mob boss world, but now Las Vegas bound. The city that never sleeps, gambling is the only way to win and sex is always a bonus. 

For Max, he's got the playboy attitude. But that is just the surface of Max Cartwright, underneath that he's fighting an internal battle. 

Abby rise above all the hardship and she's got a fairly decent life that she made for herself. But something is missing in her life.

What we see in King of Sin is the Syndicate trying to rebuild the world, tear down the corrupted world. They need Max because only he can bring down the corrupted.

And protect Abby Sterling.

This is a great start for a new series, I enjoy every part of the story and I love the best friends triangle.

That ending was a big big cliff hanger, darn you Michelle! 

Review: Edge of Regret

Edge of Regret( Love on the Edge #7) by Molly E. Lee

Leading man on the new E.D.G.E. series reality show? Check.

Stunt-double for the star in the latest, multi-million-dollar funded military movie? Check.

Work with a sexy female military expert? Holy hell, check.

When I signed on to do stunts for Hollywood’s eagerly awaited war-thriller, I thought it would be like every other gig—go in, try not to get killed, and leave with a fat check and an adrenaline rush. This time? Not so much.

Mackenzie Patterson is the on-set expert. She knows topographical layouts, government lingo, speaks four languages, and is one of the best explosive disposal leaders the Air Force has ever seen, so she’s more than qualified.

She’s also the woman who turned my teenage heart to ash.

I can’t ignore the darkness that has appeared in her eyes, or the urge I have to take it away.

Quitting isn’t an option, but the more I see her, the more I want to make her mine. And that can never happen because our past is twisted with heartbreak, hate, and regret.

Every second I spend with her is a battle between holding on to the anger in my heart—and giving in to the love that never left. 

Published (first published June 20th 2017)

MEOW . . .  MEOW . . . MEOW

Edge of Regret is a powerful love story that got my heart racing. Reading Wade and Mackenzie's story is like none others from Molly usually writing. At first I thought we were diving into an High school sweetheart romance, but then it was just the beginning of where Wade and Mackenzie started and the shattered hearts begins.

Fast forward to 10 years, Wade is the thrill rider, risk your life stunt man. Mackenzie joined the Air Force, became the best expert on the job until tragedy happens. Now Mackenzie is force to take time off but meanwhile jumped onto a movie project.

Neither one of them expected to run into each other again, not after what happens the last time they came across one another. Both of them live in regret, Mackenzie more so than Wade, however when Wade realizes just how much Mackenzie needed him to pick up the pieces and hold her together. He was right there.

For Edge of Regret deals with choosing a path, making a decision not based on your heart but your head.

I give this Five Cat Paws; I adore Molly's writing and this one stood out from all her other Love on the Edge characters. Edge of Regret is about finally following your heart and not your head, taking care of the one life you have and spending it with the love of your life.

Book Review: Edge of Bliss

Edge of Bliss (Love on the Edge #4) By Molly E. Lee

I never knew how perfect life could be until Blake Caster was finally mine.

Chasing storms with her only doubles the passion and the rush, but as we travel down tornado alley at the start of the season, we run into more than our fair share of nonweather-related trouble.

My past on the alley catches up to me in a bad way and with each captured storm, a wedge is driven between us. The harder I try to hold on to Blake, the faster she is slipping away.

Add to that an unexpected call from her ex, new pressures from the reality show filming our every move, and a job offer Blake may not be able to pass up, and my perfect life is on the same chaotic path as the storms we chase.

All I want to do is make her mine—forever—but one trip down tornado alley might be our last.

Expected publication: December 14th 2016

MEOW . . . MEOW . . . MEOW

Okay honestly I love Dash and Blake together, even the first book on them had this fire you couldn't burn out. Molly brought that again, with this book but now we're seeing Blake and Dash on Tornado Alley.

This book possess some inner thoughts of how both Blake and Dash feels towards one another, while Dash has some BIG PLANS. Blake still can't believe that Dash is all her and she is all his, but the abusive relationship she had with Justin certainly does give some weight on her shoulders.

However Dash's previous single life has come into light, and while he wasn't the type to sleep around, he certinaly was the guy that everyone wanted. Blake starts to feel insecure but Dash always reminds her that he doesn't want anyone but her.

While Blake is still having self-doubt about herself, I think it's natural for her to feel that after the toxic relationship she had for several years. As far for Dash, his big plans seems to derails but while it kept being derails, he finds that being on Tornado Alley he had hoped that it would be a good run.

The network wants up close and personal dangerous stuff, but they would take the romance between Blake and Dash anytime over watching a howling, twirling black form but Dash knows that he wants to make sure that it's the team's spotlight and not his relationship with Blake.

Their relationship are put to the test, whether it's on Tornado Alley, or something back home. In the end they make their biggest decisions EVER.

I give this five Cat Paws, this book certainly deliver where and how things are going with Blake and Dash. I must say things are going very well. Now my only question lingers "Will we ever seen Blake and Dash again?"

Book Review: Family Jewels

Family Jewels (A Rose Gardner Investigation #1) By Denise Grover Swank

The first book in the Rose Gardner Investigation series, a spinoff of the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today best selling Rose Gardner Mystery series.

Trouble always comes to those who court it. Rose Gardner’s ability to see glimpses of the future has gotten her into hot water time and again, but so have her curiosity and her sense of daring. Those very qualities helped her defeat the most powerful man in Arkansas—a man so adept at hiding his crimes there was no way to defeat him inside of the law—but her success came at a steep personal price. Now she’s throwing herself into her landscaping business, trying to live a life that’s as orderly as one of her gardens.

Rose’s best friend, Neely Kate, is struggling with her own losses, so when she suggests they help a local man find a missing necklace, Rose agrees. It’ll give both of them a welcome distraction, and besides, it’s a simple investigation. What harm could befall them? But things that should be simple rarely are. In seeking out the necklace, Rose and Neely Kate find themselves in the thick of a power struggle in the Fenton County underworld, one that could dethrone Rose’s friend James Malcolm, the surprisingly moral king.

The last thing Rose should do is court more trouble, but she’s not the type to step away from a friend in need—and she’s also not so sure she wants an orderly life.

Expected publication: November 29th 2016 by DGS

MEOW . . . MEOW . . . MEOW

HOW EXCITING!!!! I'm an die hard fan of the series when it was formerly known as the Rose Gardner Mysteries. But now I think this became an more "Mature" book of Rose, sure she's dealing with some nuptials but at the same time she's truly discovering who she is.

But honestly I think when Rose played the role of Lady, I think that is her persona, she just has to find a way to bring Lady into the daytime.

It seems that both Neely Kate and Rose are trying to move on, but the past always seems to come up. Now let's talk about Rose's love life, her heart opens up to everyone it's a trait of her and while she not with Mason (anymore) I'm not sure how I feel about the recent romance that stirring.

There was even a moment between her and James Malcolm that was shocked me, I didn't think that there was something more between them. To be honest I'm not sure I want her with Malcolm only because he lives on the side of crimes and her involvement with crimes is what split up her and Mason.  I still hope for a reunion for Mason and Rose,

As far as Neely Kate, she is for sure ready to move on but again she wondered what happen to Ronnie because she's been trying to be officially "divorce" to him but he's disappeared. Did JR Simmons or even Kate Simmons have a role in that?

I like that Neely Kate is wanting to put her and Rose's investigation skills to the test but now the trouble lies where they are being dragged back to Skeeter's world. How can they be consider serious investigators when they are in the world of Skeeter Malcolm.

I'm happy that Joe and Neely Kate finally have a relationship but god darn it JOE!!! WHY do you insisted on keeping things from her?

I give this 5 Cat Paws, as usual I love Rose, now I love her even more with she and Neely Kate being the single women with an "I take no crap from no one" attitude. Can't wait to read the EXPOSE Novellas and the next investigation, maybe Mason will have an appearance?

Strap in your heels, Sparkles Investigation is coming. 

No really I hope Rose can get Neely Kate to come up with something much more serious.

Book Review: Disruption

Disruption (Disruption #1) by Jessica Shirvington

The heart-stopping first chapter in bestselling author Jessica Shirvington's Disruption series.

What if a microchip could identify your perfect match?

What if it could be used against you and the ones you love?

Eight years ago, Mercer Corporation's M-Bands became mandatory. An evolution of the smartphone, the bracelets promised an easier life. Instead, they have come to control it.

Two years ago, Maggie Stevens watched helplessly as one of the people she loved most was taken from her, shattering her world as she knew it. Now, Maggie is ready. And Quentin Mercer - heir to the M-Corp empire - has become key to Maggie's plan.

But as the pieces of her dangerous design fall into place, could Quentin's involvement destroy everything she's fought for?

In a world full of broken promises, the ones Maggie must keep could be the most heartbreaking.

Paperback, 416 pages
Expected publication: October 4th 2016 by HarperCollins (first published April 1st 2014)

MEOW . . . MEOW . . .MEOW 

In a world where your perfect match is found through a microchip, but for Maggie her perfect match is specialty engineered in order to get into the heart of the Mercer Corporation in search of her father.

What's interesting about Maggie as a character that she willing to risk everything just to find her father, but when loose pieces are involved she finds it harder to be reckless not that it's had stop her before.

While the pace of the book was gradual, I liked it. There were moments that I liked when Maggie started showing more of an interest into Quentin because she needs him just like he does. But Quentin's reasons were much more greater because he stands to lose almost everything he knows until the truth was finally revealed.

I have to be honest when the ending came through, I was shocked I did not expect to see that happen even more so when Maggie starts losing everything too.

Now there was clearly no romance between Quentin and Maggie, it was slow and just kind of a spur of a moment kind of thing. But still no fireworks. But in the end it's seem that Maggie is starting to see beyond her mind it was a little too late but Quentin made it very apparent that he had started to have feelings for her.

When Maggie was in the Mercer Household, I have to say that she was playing in the lion's den and that is a very dangerous situation in itself. In the end of the book it had clearly showed that nothing goes undetected but now where does Maggie's plan go from here?

I love the idea from many years ago when I learned about this book and I still love the idea even years later and finally getting a chance to read it.

I give this an 4 Cat Paws UP, that ending was pretty intense and shocking it was probably one of the best cliff hanger I've read so far. I can't wait to see what happen in the second book.

    

Book Review: A Brit on the side

 A Brit on the Side (Calder Castle #1) By Brenda St John Brown

Bea’s English escape plan:
• Work in a real British castle
• Quality time with bestie
• Figure out what spotted dick really is
• Fall for bestie’s older brother. Hard.

Bea Gillespie would rather do anything than teach summer school math two classrooms down from her ex-fiancé. So when her best friend, Scarlett, invites her to England for the summer to work in her family’s castle-turned-hotel, she jumps at the chance.

Now Bea’s an ocean away from her problems at home, but she’s got a bigger one. A British one. Scarlett’s older brother, Jasper, is at Castle Calder for the summer, too. And he’s as sexy and smart as Bea remembers. Two years ago Jasper came stateside, and he and Bea shared a hot weekend. But that’s all it was — a weekend. One she purposely didn’t tell Scarlett about.

It didn't feel like much of a secret until now. As Bea falls for Jasper, what started off as a fling begins feeling more and more like the kind of thing you’d gush about to your best friend. If you hadn’t been lying to her all along. 

Kindle Edition

Expected publication: August 15th 2016 (first published August 3rd 2016)

MEOW . . . MEOW . . . MEOW

A Brit on the side is about Bea who had one of the best experience of her life with a Brit several years ago and now she and her roommate are traveling to the UK to start their summer adventure. But that summer adventure didn't include to see her roommate's hot sexy Brit brother there as well. 

The very same Brit a few years ago . . . 

With Bea, I'm surprise on how little she sees herself. But with jasper, I think he would help see her true self and be just her.

Jasper, apparently is your version of hot, sexy, geeky and a Brit. Although he's only at Calder castle to work on his research, he's doing much more than research. When he sees Bea, that attraction is still there.

The fire is still there, after all these years. 

Troubles run and causes major drift for Bea. Although she didn't expect to feel the way she does, how can you control your heart? 

I give this four Cat Paws; For the most part this was an enjoyable book. I do kind of wish there was more romance between Bea and Jasper considering this was about them reminiscing. 

Book Review: The Subsitution

The Substitute (The Wedding Pact #1) by Denise Grover Swank

The first book in a humorous contemporary romance from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Denise Grover Swank.

Megan Vandemeer meant to tell her parents about her broken engagement, but a month and a half later she finds herself boarding a plane home to her wedding. Having stretched avoidance to its limits, it's time to come clean--a terrifying prospect since her mother is sure to blame her rather than her cheating, emotionally frigid ex. A couple of drinks and two Dramamine later, Megan finds herself spilling her sob story to the tall, dark, and handsome stranger in the seat next to her.

With only one week left to save his business, Josh McMillan boards a plane to Kansas City in a last-ditch effort, leaving the details to chance. An unexpected answer is delivered in the form of the beautiful brunette beside him. Though she’s completely loopy, her honesty, openness, and humor charm him. So when she passes out before landing, he helps her off the plane--a good deed that leads to a colossal misunderstanding. Her parents assume he’s her fiancé. In a twist of fate, the mix-up might help Josh save his business, so he plays along, figuring he can help Megan too. All he has to do is stage a public break up convincing enough to appease her mother.

Josh is only supposed to be a substitute groom, but the more time he and Megan spend together, the more their pretend engagement starts to feel real…and the less they want to break it off. Can a relationship that began as a farce turn into happily ever after?

Paperback, 350 pages

Expected publication: January 21st 2015 by DGS 

Review

Facing the inevitable Megan Vandemeer must fly back home for her wedding . . . A wedding that should hve been called off long ago. She should have just called it off but she didn't now she'll have to face the music.

Josh McMillan is at the brink of losing his family company, he's on his way back Kansas city to make one more attempt to save the business

What he didn't expect was to sit next to a women that has her own problems that he felt that he needs to comply to help her in any way he can. However helping Megan prove to be a lot more than he bargain for.

I give this an 4.5 Cat Tails Up, I love the instant love connection and the fact that both Megan and Josh has no idea in what to expect upon arriving to the wedding day.

MEOW . . . MEOW . . . MEOW

Wow talk about a humorous romance, Josh had no idea what was in store for him and Megan is about to give him the ride of his life.

Megan feels a little bad that she dragged poor Josh into her problems but sometimes fate works in strange way where she might just need him for everything as well the same in reverse. When Josh meets Megan's family at the airport he's just been offer the biggest opportunity to save his business but how to get what he's want and help Megan get through a wedding that going to happen no matter what.

But during the first twenty-four hours changes everything between them.

What I like about The Substitute was the fact that two random people both having their own set of issues that led to them to take one risk with each other.

I love Josh, he was the most sincere book character I have ever read he had his ups and downs but meeting Megan was probably the best thing that could ever happen to him.

Megan should be glad that she dumped Jay because if she had kept her relationship with Jay, then she would have never ended up sitting next to Josh. Also Megan need to grow a backbone! UGH it bothered me that she was such a pushover and her mom basically destroyed everything for her like switching out the wedding dress.

That was a wrong move mother.

Blair is one tough chick, I think she often lets her attorney side overtake her softer side that she has with her friends but even after all the digging around Josh still wouldn't turn away from Megan. But im glad that she saw past what Josh "profile" and accepted that he truly does love Megan. 

It was sad to hear about Megan's mother dark story that made her who she became the perfect knickers. Grams really did the right thing by telling Megan about it and why she never saw her aunt heather again after that one week but it was also very sad that Megan's mother didn't talk to her sister ever again after what had happen but now Megan mother will always live with the guilty of not having one more chance with her to talk. 

Megan and Josh pulled through the wedding, and they couldn't be more happier to be married to one another and being Mrs and Mr. McMillan. 

The one other thing that made it special to the characters is the spot out at the campground, being cast under a skylight of stars. That is the most perfect place to go to when trying to get away from all the drama. I love it when Josh said "our spot" toward the end where everything was jut about to get destroyed and Megan heart must have skipped a beat when he said that. 

Book Review: So I Married a Werewolf

So I Married a Werewolf (Seattle Wolf Pack #3) By Kristin Miller

Carter Griffin, enforcing officer for the Seattle Wolf Pack, has a problem. He's been offered the promotion of his dreams…if he can find a wife to prove he's over his playboy ways. But Carter's already walked the matrimonial road and bought the stinkin' T-shirt. Besides, a werewolf only gets one fated mate. Been there, done that.

All werewolf dog trainer Faith Hamilton wants to do is earn enough green stuff to put her younger brother through college. Okay, okay, so she also totally wants Carter, her sexy next-door neighbor, to look at her as more than a friend. It's too bad size 12 and plain isn't his type. At all.

The two friends strike a deal to help one another out. They must face a variety of challenges from a psycho ex-girlfriend to a Yorkie with a shoe fetish...and that pesky problem of only having one-fated mate in a lifetime. Will a relationship ruin their friendship…or spark a love neither anticipated?

 ebook, 260 pages

Expected publication: July 28th 2014 by Entangled: Covet 

I received this book via Netgallery,

Review

Carter Griffin is ready for the promotion of his life, but there's one little catch and a little white lie that he spew to his commanding officer and pack mates. He must be in a stable relationship . . . almost ready to claim his fated mate in holy matrimony.

But Carter been there and done it, but his fated mate died and is been told that werewolves cannot have more than one fated mate. Or can they?

Faith Hamilton hadn't found her fated mate yet and is waiting for the right guy to come, but when Carter her best friend and neighbor has himself in a pickle she offered to help. 

A Proposition of marriage & Friends with Benefits

Can Carter and Faith keep with the charades that they're suppose to be madly in love with each other or will this proposition of a fake love be known?  

I give this a Four Cat's Tails Up, Perhaps it is possible to have more than one luminary in one werewolf's lifetime I love the twist of the luminary concept that Kristin gave to Carter's story while Faith was just someone waiting for her Fated Mate to come along, maybe he was next door all this time.  

Meow . . . Meow . . . Meow

I've been a BIG BIG fan of Kristin's Seattle Wolf Pack books since Gone with the Wolf came out and into my life, I love how she continue to bring in new and familiar characters and giving them a story. While I didn't know Carter from any of the other books, or any hint that there's be a Carter story but now I can see why Carter needed a story of his own. 

We're so used to having our male werewolves find their luminary but I never thought of it the other way around where they did find one but had died. This was a twist in the story and having to watch Carter move on as well living as a lone wolf as well developing the playboy image for the last couple years.

The one thing I wish I knew was how Carter's luminary died, each time he thought about his fated mate and their ups and downs I still kept on wondering what had happen to her, What did happen to her? That question still lingers in my mind. 

Now Faith is a spunky girl who's a blogger so already right there I can relate to her however she's a doggie blogger and trains dogs for a living and that where we fall out of context. Anyways she's actually Carter's next door neighbor and have always secretly has a crush on him. In Faith's story she already a turned werewolf which makes her different from the other female characters we met.

Ready for a Game of CHARADES . . .

These two opted to play a role that they were madly in love and ready for marriage however they're both just friends RIGHT? But when they spontaneously get married to prove Carter's work friends and pack mates that he was serious things gets a little complicated between Faith and him. Confused about their feelings towards one another and playing this role that they're married when really they just did because Carter just wanted to earn that promotion points that he "thinks" deserve.

The ending had Faith and Carter both seeing different sides of each others or well a different side of Carter, 
Like I didn't think Carter would be that controlling boyfriend/husband/friend but he is then realizes his mistake and secretly planned to confront Faith at the ceremony for his promotion.

Carter apologize to Faith in wolf form and still got the promotion he wanted but also a second chance with Faith to set things right in their relationship. The pack forgave him of his lies that he created in order to get the promotion but they also saw that he found his second fated mate.

Be sure to check out my review of Gone with the Wolf here and Four Weddings and a Werewolf here

Book Review: Business as Usual

Business as Usual (Off the Subject #3) by Denise Grover Swank

Lexi Pendergraft has given up on finding love after a disastrous encounter with her last boyfriend. Instead, she focuses on two things: One, setting up a summer program for underprivileged middle-school aged students. And the second, getting to the bottom of her brother Reed’s recent strange behavior. His secret is destroying his relationship with his fiancée Caroline, and Lexi will do anything to help him save it. Especially after he gave up his dream to give Lexi a chance at a semi-normal college experience, something her parents threatened to steal from her after her rape a year ago.

Ben Masterson is determined to make it through his final semester of his senior year at Southern University. After recently losing his full ride scholarship, he’s suffering from sleep deprivation while trying to keep up with his mechanical engineering courses and working three part time jobs. He thinks he’s lucked out getting a job in the university math lab. The only problem is his boss—Reed Pendergraft.

As part of a role in a community theater play, Lexi wears a black wig and feels a confidence she hasn’t experienced in over a year. When she wears it to a bar close to the theater, she doesn’t think Ben, a bartender there, recognizes her. While Ben’s intrigued about what she’s up to, he’s smart enough to stay far away from his overprotective boss’s sister. Until fate forces him to help her, but why won’t she tell him her real identity?

Paperback

Expected publication: April 10th 2014 

I receive an ARC to review Business as Usual  . . . I do not own this book

Book Review

Lexi's life turns upside down when something horrid happen and she doesn't get justice and instead she has to hide. She has to create a new identity in order to protect herself but also regain herself as a person when she believe she was stripped, tainted, and humiliated by one person.

Ben had the ideal life, he had the scholarship, the will to succeed, and graduate in time but then one selfish person was deem to destroy everything he works hard for and that person did destroy his life. Now Ben has to work extra time and basically lose all of his social life because he want to finish what he started before that one person destroy it.

Both Ben and Lexi both have something to redeem themselves but can they do it alone or will they need to redeem themselves by helping each other.

Business as Usual present two unlikely people who seem to have the perfect life however when you get deeper into their lives, not everything is as it seems.

Denise created two halves of a story that make mending a love story works, a hidden identity behind the mask that both characters wears. ~ 4.5 Cat's Tails Up review


MEOW . . . MEOW . . . MEOW

I've only read a few books by Denise and each one that I read were different themes/characters/series, now reading a whole different book by her isn't a surprise to me that I love it. Business as Usual has a unique set of characters with their own demons to fight against. 

They're not driven by their demons, they're reminded of their demons and the after-effect that lingers with them, both Lexi and Ben have something to redeem themselves for and that's why their relationship just might work because it's about redeeming but also finding themselves again.

Lexi had her life taken away when a guy essentially held her against her will and tainted her in such a way that even when she was willing to make a stand, she couldn't because the guy was made of money and money always sweep things under the rug. But Lexi still has the lingering thought of "Did I give up to easy?"

Ben has always been on the right track, but he's made some decision and during one of his certain female fling that ends up labeling him something that he thought he would never be accuse of . . . a Rapist. 

Ben and Lexi eventually come across each other and both have some sort of chemistry between each other that makes each of them forget their demons and focus on the now and the future TOGETHER.

I love how Ben was the one that quickly fell in love with Lexi first rather than the other way around, he didn't care what her demons were or how over-protective her brother was he was interested in HER and he wanted to know her.

Lexi was very self-conscious even after the Ben knew who she was in her black wig that she wore, but she still remains that way through their time together because she didn't know if anyone else could provide that comfort and protection that her OVERLY-PROTECTIVE brother have done. 

The Cat's Meow

Man I've really been lacking on some of my meme posts that I was determine to do once a month but as you know January came then February came.

Some of my books that have been added to my shelf are books that I have won, Ive won pretty much every month this year So 2014 is starting out good

Defy by Sarah B Larson curtsey of Rockstar Book Tours and Scholastic Press



ARC Resistance by Jenna Black curstsey of Tor Book



ARC The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski curtsey of Bekka from Great Imaginations

Omens by Kelley Armstrong the paperback version curstsey of Kelley Armstrong

 

All the while I brought in my new book shelf that been sitting on the porch, its got 6 shelves and I can place two books deep so I was able to shelf more books than I could with the 3 shelf bookcase. So now my top shelf of my 3 shelf is now stock with books that I have won. It's getting full but I'll never stop wanting more and I can separate that from my other books.

Book Review: Fire & Blood

Fire and Blood (Fire and Blood #1) By Victoria Scott

A modern day thrill ride, where a teen girl and her animal companion must participate in a breathtaking race to save her brother's life—and her own.

Tella Holloway is losing it. Her brother is sick, and when a dozen doctors can't determine what's wrong, her parents decide to move to Montana for the fresh air. She's lost her friends, her parents are driving her crazy, her brother is dying—and she's helpless to change anything.

Until she receives mysterious instructions on how to become a Contender in the Brimstone Bleed. It's an epic race across jungle, desert, ocean, and mountain that could win her the prize she desperately desires: the Cure for her brother's illness. But all the Contenders are after the Cure for people they love, and there's no guarantee that Tella (or any of them) will survive the race.

The jungle is terrifying, the clock is ticking, and Tella knows she can't trust the allies she makes. And one big question emerges: Why have so many fallen sick in the first place?

Hardcover, 320 pages

Expected publication: February 25th 2014 by Scholastic Press 

I've received an ARC copy from Scholastic, this marks my very first ARC book that I got from an publisher. I was jumping up and down when I open the package, because I had no Idea what to expect. 

Review

It started with a little blue box . . . then a small device and a challenge

What would you do if you had the chance to save someone you love? That you could give that loved one a cure.

Tella's life been pretty sheltered, unaware about Brimstone Bleed but the last thing Tella is going to do is turn down this opportunity to save her brother.

Her first task . . . choose a Pandora that will help assist you during the race, which includes four different ecosystems, Jungle, Desert, Sea and Mountains. This race will last three months and in the end the grand prize will be a CURE.

Tella will up against a hundred other contenders and all of them will do anything to get to the winning prize, it's a life or death game. So who can Tella trust?

Can Tella survive the Brimstone Bleed race?

This is by far the best book I've read! I give this bundles of kittens, they're so PURRFECT! it doesn't fit to my 5 Cat Tails Up rating it's better than that. 

Meow . . . Meow . . . Meow

Considering that Fire and Blood is one of my 2014 TBR Pile, I was in awed that I actually got an paperback ARC copy from the Publisher! That mark a huge milestone for me as a blogger, perhaps I'm going in the right direction. 

Fire and Blood is some what similar to hunger games (please note I'm not comparing the books, just the theme) and I can't compare HG to Fire and Blood because I've never read the books of the HG but I've seen the movies. 

Tella received a little blue box that contains a mysterious device stating about the Brimstone Bleed Race . . . the prize? A Cure for any type of illness. At first Tella thought someone was playing a joke but her father was complete enraged, maybe it's the real deal?

The first task is to choose an egg that will be the contender "Pandora" throughout the race they will assist the contender at anytime, each contender will have their own and unique Pandora. 

For a couple pages of this book, I was wondering well what is the Pandora? or What is it beside this little egg? Well Tella begins naming it considering you're alone in a jungle, with no one but the egg you can't help but talk to the egg. 

The EGG HATCHED!!!!

Meet MADOX!!!! 

Tella's Pandora! You won't believe what he can do but I'm not going to tell, so you'll have to read the book.

Now it's a Tella and Madox journey from here on out and they come across some friendly people and some not so friendly, You wonder how can you trust anyone? They're all after the same thing and you know not all will survive or win.

While Tella joined a small group, in the small group she meets Harper, Caroline, Dink, Levi and Ransom (brothers), and Guy. A friendship is form within the group as well the Pandora to the contenders. However some see their Pandora as slaves. Not everyone has good intentions when entering this race.

The first event has ended, numbers are diminish, prepare for the next event where Tella and the small group will face the desert. 

Remember the contenders must faced four ecosystems, the contenders survived the Jungle and a few days rest before venturing off to the desert. Before starting the next race there are small prizes that the Brimstone Bleed presents, a temporary cure and a chance to leave the race. 

Seventy-eight remains . . .the race get even more dangerous.  

MEOW . . . MEOW . . . MEOW (Cont.)

Now let's MEOW about the group Tella decided to join, sometimes you need allies rather than enemies and for good reasons. One of the not so friendly contender Titus have eyed Tella since the beginning, he believes that she'll lead him to win the race. 

Harper is your average popular girl in school gal, Tella sort of bumps head against her but Tella better off doing what she says rather than against it. 

Caroline and Dink have been together since the beginning of the race, they act like brother/sister but more like mother/son relationship. No one really questioned them because they are the most scared Contenders than every one else.

The brothers Levi and Ransom, just lighten the mood . . . they are the type of guys to be around in situations like they are in now. But sadly one of them does not survive when so close to the end of the first part of the race. Also their Pandora are pretty cool, makes me want one of each.

Guy, I secretly think he has a thing for Tella, but being in a race you can't really think about that. But Tella does even though she in the race for her brother's life, she can't help but think just how hunky Guy is. 

But Guy has a secret . . . although he knows the back story about the Brimstone Bleed which some might but I thought he knew a little too much. That's why he remains so mysterious and so secretive, and I like mysterious guys. 

I can't wait for you guys to read Victoria's new book Fire and Blood, her concept is fresh, new and very thrilling. You will have a restless night reading this book because you won't be able to put it down! 

Fire and Blood will be released by Scholastic Press, February 25th 2014

Follow Victoria on Twitter
Facebook
her blog
 and Follow Fire and Blood Fans on Twitter

Book Review Olivia Twisted

Olivia Twisted by Vivi Barnes

Olivia

He tilts my chin up so my eyes meet his, his thumb brushing lightly across my lips. I close my eyes. I know Z is trouble. I know that being with him is going to get me into trouble. I don’t care.

At least at this moment, I don’t care.

Tossed from foster home to foster home, Olivia’s seen a lot in her sixteen years. She’s hardened, sure, though mostly just wants to fly under the radar until graduation. But her natural ability with computers catches the eye of Z, a mysterious guy at her new school. Soon, Z has brought Liv into his team of hacker elite—break into a few bank accounts, and voila, he drives a motorcycle. Follow his lead, and Olivia might even be able to escape from her oppressive foster parents. As Olivia and Z grow closer, though, so does the watchful eye of Bill Sykes, Z’s boss. And he’s got bigger plans for Liv…

Z

I can picture Liv’s face: wide-eyed, trusting. Her smooth lips that taste like strawberry Fanta.

It was just a kiss. That’s all. She’s just like any other girl.

Except that she’s not.

Thanks to Z, Olivia’s about to get twisted.

Kindle Edition, 352 pages

Expected publication: November 5th 2013 by Entangled: Teen

I've receive a eARC from entangled Publishing

Review

Olivia has always thought she was alone, that no one wanted her but then it seems that another door opens however she didn't expect this. Her foster parents are two complete opposite, and her foster mother barely make any contact while her foster father attempt to make this one happy family. What a mess up life.

Z has always lived on the edge, manage his way through life but now the game has changed when Olivia enters the computer classroom. Working under a hacking organization, he has to recurit Olivia the talented hacker in disguise but when he starts developing feelings for her and see her side, all he wants to do is find her happy ending.

I really like this book, especially when recalling it as Twisted Olivia don't know how I could switch the title up both Vivi Barnes and I had a laugh over it. This book has originally and it's Vivi's first full length novel, living on the edge and living under the rules where all you want to do is free free.

I'm giving this a Four and a half Cat's Tails Up, with it's originality and contemporary romance I couldn't put it down once I started reading it.

Meow . . .  Meow . . . Meow

This is a super late review, I can't tell you how late but when school was in session I had very little time to read much less writing a review. I think my process of reading and reviewing take twice as long when I'm in school so I'm sorry that it's late. 

I like Olivia from the beginning, she want to be accepted into a family although she did feel that way with one family but due to circumstances she had to be move to another foster home. She had a very oddball of foster parents, they are by some level wealthy but their dynamic of being a family was strange. 

Olivia first day in a new school didn't start off good because of mix-up and such, so when she enters the computer class most people glance at her then look the other way except for one person Z. 

Z has told himself to never fall for anyone ever again after his last serious but not serious relationship that when whack. But when he laid eyes on Olivia, he's curious about her not just by her own spunk but her talents. 

The danger that Olivia and Z comes across are business and their own heart, it sadden me when Z in retrospect lead Olivia on but just as Olivia's feeling deepen for Z he's pulling away keeping her at a distance. 

After awhile Z helps Olivia or well does the hunt on his own finding relatives that way Olivia could at least get her happy ending or a better life than what was going on in her recent foster home. 

But the hacking business that Z is into, he also brings Olivia into it only to want her out of it when Bill the head guy the one that runs everything at the Monroe house threatens Z through Olivia. 

The ending was OMG, heart racing and gut-wrenching that I didn't know if everything was going to be okay in the end. But Olivia found a new life living with her grandfather and Z or should I say Jack finally got out of Monroe house and attends the same school Olivia is in now. Their love will never falter.