I’ve become an expert at avoiding things that could hurt me—which means I will figure out how to stay away from Marco Leone.
Seventeen-year-old Frankie Devereux would do anything to forget the past. Haunted by the memory of her boyfriend’s death, she lives her life by one dangerous rule: Nothing matters. At least, that’s what Frankie tells herself after a reckless mistake forces her to leave her privileged life in the Heights to move in with her dad—an undercover cop. She transfers to a public high school in the Downs, where fistfights don’t faze anyone and illegal street racing is more popular than football.
Marco Leone is the fastest street racer in the Downs. Tough, sexy, and hypnotic, he makes it impossible for Frankie to ignore him—and how he makes her feel. But the risks Marco takes for his family could have devastating consequences for them both. When Frankie discovers his secret, she has to make a choice. Will she let the pain of the past determine her future? Or will she risk what little she has left to follow her heart?
I haven't read anything by Kami Garcia before. I added this to my tbr because it sounds really good.
Publication Date: August 23, 2016
Page Count: 243
Published by: William Morrow Paperbacks
Source: eArc from Publisher for Review
Synopsis from Goodreads:
After her first love was ripped from her grasp four years earlier, Charlie Easton was sure she would never be able to trust anyone with the shattered pieces of her heart again. That is, until Deacon Carver forces himself into her life, and makes those pieces swirl in chaos. But Charlie doesn't know how to let him in… until a stranger stumbles upon a notebook filled with her innermost secrets, and shows her how.
Deacon Carver is known for sleeping his way through the town of Thatch, as well as the surrounding cities—something he used to take pride in. But that persona has haunted Deacon ever since he decided to leave that life behind for the girl he wants more than anything: Charlie Easton.
But when another girl falls into Deacon's life, allowing him to be himself without judgment for his past, will their conversations hinder his relationship with Charlie … even if he's never seen her?
I binge read this series, and maybe it was too much for me to take in. I had a few ups and downs while reading, but in the end, I thought this story was just okay. From the beginning I didn't like Deacon's antagonistic behavior towards Charlie. He honestly had no idea what was really going on with her. I felt sorry for Charlie because she was just trying to get on with her life after struggling for a few years. She really didn't deserve the attitude from Deacon.
Charlie was introduced in the first book in this series, but it wasn't until this book that I fully realized what life was like for her. Getting her POV really helped me understand her better. Deacon was one of those characters that you want to like, but you're never really sure about. I felt like things could go sideways with him at any moment, so it was hard for me to believe in him.
When they started spending time together, Charlie didn't know what to make of Deacon's changing behavior towards her. As the story progressed, I was never sure if the whole truth would ever come out, and if Deacon could overcome his prejudice towards Charlie.
I'm trying not to be disappointed in this story. I didn't really love it, but it wasn't ALL bad. I think Charlie's son, Keith, may have been the saving grace. He was too cute.
SPOILER: Once again, the plot holes just about did me in. (There's a HUGE issue that was never directly addressed - Ben was an only child, and his parents were devastated when he died. But not once did anyone think to tell his parents that he had a son. I don't know how something like that was overlooked.)
This is another Molly McAdams book that will definitely have your emotions all over the place.
Publication Date: February 9, 2016
Page Count: 384
Published by: William Morrow Paperbacks
Source: borrowed from library
Synopsis from Goodreads:
He promised to wait for her.
She told him he was wasting his time.
Not waiting for him ended up being the biggest mistake of her life.
When they were younger, Knox Alexander swore to Harlow Evans that he would wait for her to turn eighteen so they could be together. But that was three and a half years away, and Harlow couldn’t ask him to give up all the fun and thrills of going away to college for her. As the years passed, Knox remained a constant in her life—whether she liked it or not—but when her eighteenth birthday came around, Harlow’s heart belonged to someone else.
Every day for the last four years, Harlow has been haunted by that fateful choice. And though he may appear unaffected by what happened in their past, Knox has always tried to fill the void Harlow left. But when he comes stumbling back into her life and refuses to leave, will Harlow finally let him into her heart…?
To say this was another angsty and emotional story from Molly McAdams would be an understatement. Just wow. This book was twisted and disturbing, which made it very difficult to read.
I feel really bad about saying this, but it was hard for me to summon the correct amount of sympathy for Harlow. There was just something that was holding me back because I couldn't connect with her. Don't get me wrong, because I don't think she deserved anything that happened to her. She was in a crappy situation with her piece of shit husband, and I desperately wanted her to have a better life.
I liked Knox because he seemed to be a real stand up guy and a loyal friend. He's the kind of guy that would have been everything to Harlow if she had just let him. After Harlow broke his heart, he wouldn't let another girl get close to him. He spent his time working, hanging with his friends, and sleeping around. And he did a lot of sleeping around, which I didn't like. But once he saw Harlow as an adult, I knew he would do anything to protect her.
Knox's best friends, Graham and Deacon, made me angry with they way they treated Knox and Harlow early in their relationship, and then again when Knox and Harlow reconnected as adults. I was so happy when they became overprotective and big brotherly once they realized what Harlow had been through with her husband.
There were a few plot holes in this story, and you'll have to suspend your common sense a few times, but this turned out to be a pretty good book. Molly McAdams managed to deliver another angst filled story that had my feelings bouncing all over the place.
My rating: 3 stars
Official Song
They Don't Know About Us by One Direction
"People say we shouldn’t be together
We're too young to know about forever
But I say they don’t know what they're talkin’ about
'Cause this love is only getting stronger
So I don’t wanna wait any longer
I just wanna tell the world that you're mine, girl"
"They don't know how special you are
They don't know what you've done to my heart
They can say anything they want 'cause they don't know us"
Expected publication: October 11th 2016 by Razorbill
Synopsis from Goodreads:
Sierra's family runs a Christmas tree farm in Oregon—it's a bucolic setting for a girl to grow up in, except that every year, they pack up and move to California to set up their Christmas tree lot for the season. So Sierra lives two lives: her life in Oregon and her life at Christmas. And leaving one always means missing the other.
Until this particular Christmas, when Sierra meets Caleb, and one life eclipses the other.
By reputation, Caleb is not your perfect guy: years ago, he made an enormous mistake and has been paying for it ever since. But Sierra sees beyond Caleb's past and becomes determined to help him find forgiveness and, maybe, redemption. As disapproval, misconceptions, and suspicions swirl around them, Caleb and Sierra discover the one thing that transcends all else: true love.
What Light is a love story that's moving and life-affirming and completely unforgettable.
Publication Date: November 4, 2014
Page Count: 320
Published by: William Morrow Paperbacks
Source: borrowed from library
Synopsis from Goodreads:
Grey and Ben fell in love at thirteen and believed they’d be together forever. But three days before their wedding, the twenty-year-old groom-to-be suddenly died from an unknown heart condition, destroying his would-be-bride’s world. If it hadn’t been for their best friend, Jagger, Grey never would have made it through those last two years to graduation. He’s the only one who understands her pain, the only one who knows what it’s like to force yourself to keep moving when your dreams are shattered. Jagger swears he’ll always be there for her, but no one has ever been able to hold on to him. He’s not the kind of guy to settle down.
It’s true that no one has ever been able to keep Jagger—because he’s only ever belonged to Grey. While everyone else worries over Grey’s fragility, he’s the only one who sees her strength. Yet as much as he wants Grey, he knows her heart will always be with Ben. Still they can’t deny the heat that is growing between them—a passion that soon becomes too hot to handle. But admitting their feelings for each other means they’ve got to face the past. Is being together what Ben would have wanted . . . or a betrayal of his memory that will eventually destroy them both?
I read Molly McAdams purely for the drama and angst. I can admit that. I think I'm pretty sure I know what to expect from her - love triangles, plot twists, plot holes, and no character is safe from anything. McAdams is predictably unpredictable. And sometimes, that's just what I'm in the mood to read.
The characters this time around? Barely tolerable. I found Grey to be annoying. Oh, that's so bad, but so true. I could have done without her. I liked Jagger. I maybe even love him. Strong and silent with the added bonus of suffering and pining after someone who can never be yours. Oh yes, crank up the angst. Let's not forget to mention Ben, who I didn't like for some reason. And that was BEFORE the bombshell. So, yeah, I could have done without him, too. Jagger's mother and sister were just props in this story, and they only served to add drama.
A few other things bothered me about this story. I didn't like that every decision Jagger made was based on what Grey was doing. He followed her around like a lost puppy, and I would have appreciated him more if he had a life for himself. I also couldn't understand how Grey graduated college, was supposed to be smart, and yet had zero life goals and career plans. I don't know what her major was in college, but why go back to your hometown if it can't support your profession?
You know what? This book was just okay. It had plenty of problems, like the dual POV being a bit of a mess, but I still finished it (and went on to read the next 2 books in the series.)
My rating: 3 stars
Official Songs:
I Loved You First by One Direction
"I've been waiting all this time to finally say it
But now I see your heart's been taken
And nothing could be worse
Baby, I loved you first"
I Wish by One Direction
"'Cause I got three little words
That I've always been dying to tell you"
Expected publication: October 11th 2016 by Delacorte
Synopsis from Goodreads:
Perfect for fans of Jennifer L. Smith and Huntley Fitzpatrick, you'll love this funny and sweet contemporary romance about a Southern girl ready for a ho-hum summer until she meets the boy of her dreams who happens to be an international pop star.
Sometimes love stories go off script.
Another sultry Georgia summer is about to get a lot hotter. Dee Wilkie is still licking her wounds after getting rejected by the precollege fine arts program of her dreams. But if she'd gone away, she wouldn't have been around to say yes to an unbelievable opportunity: working on the set of a movie filming in her small Southern town that just happens to be starring Milo Ritter, the famous pop star Dee (along with the rest of the world) has had a crush since eighth grade.
It's not like Dee will be sharing any screen time with Milo—she's just a lowly PA. And Milo is so disappointingly rude that Dee is eager to stay far away from him. Except after a few chance meetings, she begins to wonder if just maybe there's a reason for his offensive attitude, and if there's more to Milo than his good looks and above-it-all Hollywood pedigree. Can a relationship with a guy like Milo ever work out for a girl like Dee? Never say never. . .
This was so cute and adorable! I couldn't wait 'til closer to the release date to read this. I was in the mood for cute and light, and this arc was calling my name... so I read it in one sitting. This is light and fluffy and geared towards a younger audience (says the 47 year old who really liked this book.)
I'm excited to tell you about the Sales Blitz for Katie McGarry’s NOWHERE BUT HERE! NOWHERE BUT HERE is a Young Adult Contemporary Romance and is the first book in Katie McGarry’s Thunder Road Series, published by Harlequin Teen. It is on sale for $2.99 right now until August 15th! Be sure you grab your copy today at this amazing price!!
About NOWHERE BUT HERE:
An unforgettable new series from acclaimed author Katie McGarry about taking risks, opening your heart and ending up in a place you never imagined possible
Seventeen-year-old Emily likes her life the way it is: doting parents, good friends, good school in a safe neighborhood. Sure, she's curious about her biological father—the one who chose life in a motorcycle club, the Reign of Terror, over being a parent—but that doesn't mean she wants to be a part of his world. But when a reluctant visit turns to an extended summer vacation among relatives she never knew she had, one thing becomes clear: nothing is what it seems. Not the club, not her secret-keeping father and not Oz, a guy with suck-me-in blue eyes who can help her understand them both.
Oz wants one thing: to join the Reign of Terror. They're the good guys. They protect people. They're…family. And while Emily—the gorgeous and sheltered daughter of the club's most respected member—is in town, he's gonna prove it to her. So when her father asks him to keep her safe from a rival club with a score to settle, Oz knows it's his shot at his dream. What he doesn't count on is that Emily just might turn that dream upside down.
No one wants them to be together. But sometimes the right person is the one you least expect, and the road you fear the most is the one that leads you home.
From Oz's Point of View. Set up: Emily has been separated from her parents and after a long night of worrying, her emotions and exhaustion catch up to her and it causes Oz to have his first fluttering of emotion for Emily.
WIND BLOWS IN FROM THE NORTH AND A FEW pieces of Emily’s dark hair sweep across her face. One minute Emily’s a bright flame, then a gust snuffs out her light. Her body sways like a top at the tail end of a spin and I lunge forward.
Emily’s knees give out and her eyes roll back into her head. I catch her inches before she crashes onto the porch. She’s light as I swing her into my arms and her head circles onto my shoulder, reminding me of one of those rag dolls Violet used to play with when we were kids.
“Emily!” Eli’s on top of me, attempting to yank her out of my arms. “Open your eyes.”
Her eyelids flutter, but remain closed as her hand limply clutches my shirt. Eli rams his arms underneath mine and he makes Emily a rope in a tug-of-war. I should let her go. I should want to let her go, but then Emily goes and screws it up for me. “Oz.”
It was a damn whisper, but I heard my name on her lips and so did Eli. His eyes flash to mine and Cyrus’s words repeat in my mind. That girl trusts you. And screw us both for that.
“She’s exhausted,” I say. “Hasn’t slept at all tonight.”
Eli’s expression hardens as he glares at me. I’ve seen Eli throw a coma-inducing punch for less defiance and I readjust the sleeping girl in my arms. A reminder if he decks me now, he’ll be putting his daughter at risk.
Temporarily surrendering, Eli cups Emily’s face in his hands and angles her toward him. “Emily, please open your eyes.”
She does. It’s barely a crack and they’re completely glazed.
“Everything’s going to be okay,” Eli affirms.
“I want my mom and dad,” she mumbles.
“You’ll see them tomorrow.” Eli pushes a strand of hair from her cheek. “You’re safe here. I promise.”
She rejects Eli by curling into me. Her head fits perfectly in the crook of my neck and I loathe the wave of protectiveness that rumbles through my body. Emily’s fingers tighten their grip near my shoulders and the impulse is to shield her from the guys gawking at this intimate scene. Yeah, this is club business, but Emily never asked for any of this.
Katie McGarry was a teenager during the age of grunge and boy bands and remembers those years as the best and worst of her life. She is a lover of music, happy endings, reality television, and is a secret University of Kentucky basketball fan.
Katie is the author of full length YA novels, PUSHING THE LIMITS, DARE YOU TO, CRASH INTO YOU, TAKE ME ON, BREAKING THE RULES, and NOWHERE BUT HERE and the e-novellas, CROSSING THE LINE and RED AT NIGHT. Her debut YA novel, PUSHING THE LIMITS was a 2012 Goodreads Choice Finalist for YA Fiction, a RT Magazine's 2012 Reviewer's Choice Awards Nominee for Young Adult Contemporary Novel, a double Rita Finalist, and a 2013 YALSA Top Ten Teen Pick. DARE YOU TO was also a Goodreads Choice Finalist for YA Fiction and won RT Magazine’s Reviewer’s Choice Best Book Award for Young Adult Contemporary fiction in 2013.
Expected publication: September 27th 2016 by Greenwillow Books
Synopsis from Goodreads:
After a harrowing journey across the country, Leah Westfall and her friends have finally arrived in California and are ready to make their fortunes in the Gold Rush. Lee has a special advantage over the other new arrivals in California—she has the ability to sense gold, a secret known only by her handsome best friend Jefferson and her murdering uncle Hiram.
Lee and her friends have the chance to be the most prosperous settlers in California, but Hiram hasn’t given up trying to control Lee and her power. Sabotage and kidnapping are the least of what he’ll do to make sure Lee is his own. His mine is the deepest and darkest in the territory, and there Lee learns the full extent of her magical gift, the worst of her uncle, and the true strength of her friendships. To save everyone, she vows to destroy her uncle and the empire he is building—even at the cost of her own freedom.
The second epic historical fantasy in the Gold Seer trilogy by Rae Carson, the acclaimed author of The Girl of Fire and Thorns.
I feel weird doing a WoW for this book since I haven't read Walk on Earth a Stranger yet. At least I bought it... and I intend to read it soon so then I can read Like a River Glorious!!
Publication Date: May 2016
Page Count: 274
Source: Amazon Kindle
Synopsis from Goodreads:
Tall, dark, and handsome is an understatement when it comes to John Day. With rugged good looks, his ever present plaid shirt, and a dog named Babe, John is a modern alpha male lumberjack.
After his favorite neighbor rents out her beach cabin for the winter, John finds himself playing fireman and tour guide to Diane Watson, a beautiful brunette with her own messy past and recent battle scars.
Will he be ready to fall in love? Or will he go back to his old, flirty ways?
Hold onto your heart as John Day tells his story in this male POV contemporary adult romance/romantic comedy.
Ready to Fall is the first novel in the Wingmen series, a spin-off from Modern Love Stories. Each book is a standalone with no cliffhanger.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I downloaded Ready to Fall, but it turned out to be quite an enjoyable romance. It was a pretty simple story without a lot of conflict, which made it a quick and easy read. I found John and Diane to be very likable, both alone and together, and I enjoyed reading about their relationship. I really loved the banter and dialogue between them! This was written from John's POV, and while this was different and refreshing, it also kept throwing me for a loop. It was only every now and then that this aspect wasn't working for me because it didn't feel like a male action or response. But this small issue didn't really take away my enjoyment of the book. Overall, this was a sweet contemporary that deserves a solid 4 stars. I'll definitely have to check out this author's other books.
Expected publication: September 6th 2016 by Imprint
Synopsis from Goodreads:
Cody has always been proud of being a One. She and her boyfriend James were two of the lucky babies from the 1% of the U.S. population that were randomly selected to benefit from genetic engineering. Now, she and the rest of The Ones are excelling. They are healthy, beautiful, and talented. They aren't otherworldly, just perfect. And to some, that's not fair. The Equality Movement, capitalizing on the growing fear and jealousy, gains political traction and actually outlaws their existence. Society shows its darker side as The Ones are marginalized. The line between right and wrong blurs in the face of injustice and Cody becomes closer to a group of radical Ones intent on fighting back. James begins to fear just how far she is willing to go for the cause.
I really want to read this because it sounds interesting.... but why does it have to be a series????? I get so tired of trying (and failing) to keep up with series. I just don't have the attention span for series.
About Katie McGarry:
