Waiting For Wentworth

Waiting On Wednesday (208) Blackhearts by Nicole Castroman

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly anticipating.

Wednesday has become my favorite day of the week because I get to share the books that I am super excited about and can't wait to read.

Blackhearts by Nicole Castroman

Expected publication: February 9th 2016 by Simon Pulse

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Blackbeard the pirate was known for striking fear in the hearts of the bravest of sailors. But once he was just a young man who dreamed of leaving his rigid life behind to chase adventure in faraway lands. Nothing could stop him—until he met the one girl who would change everything. This is their story.

Edward "Teach" Drummond, son of one of Bristol's richest merchants, has just returned from a year-long journey on the high seas to find his life in shambles. Betrothed to a girl he doesn’t love and sick of the high society he was born into, Teach dreams only of returning to the vast ocean he’d begun to call home. There's just one problem: convincing his father to let him leave and never come back.

Following her parents' deaths, Anne Barrett is left penniless and soon to be homeless. Though she’s barely worked a day in her life, Anne is forced to take a job as a maid in the home of Master Drummond. Lonely days stretch into weeks, and Anne longs for escape. How will she ever realize her dream of sailing to Curaçao—where her mother was born—when she's stuck in England?

From the moment Teach and Anne meet, they set the world ablaze. Drawn to each other, they’re trapped by society and their own circumstances. Faced with an impossible choice, they must decide to chase their dreams and go, or follow their hearts and stay.

Does anyone else think this sounds awesome??????? I want to read it now!!

What are you waiting on this week?

Made of Stars by Kelley York

Publication Date: October 1, 2013
Page Count: 320
Published by: Entangled: Teen

Synopsis from Goodreads:

When eighteen-year-old Hunter Jackson and his half sister, Ashlin, return to their dad’s for the first winter in years, they expect everything to be just like the warmer months they’d spent there as kids. And it is—at first. But Chance, the charismatic and adventurous boy who made their summers epic, is harboring deep secrets. Secrets that are quickly spiraling into something else entirely.

The reason they’ve never met Chance’s parents or seen his home is becoming clearer. And what the siblings used to think of as Chance's quirks—the outrageous stories, his clinginess, his dangerous impulsiveness—are now warning signs that something is seriously off.

Then Chance's mom turns up with a bullet to the head, and all eyes shift to Chance and his dad. Hunter and Ashlin know Chance is innocent...they just have to prove it. But how can they protect the boy they both love when they can’t trust a word Chance says?

I really loved this book. So much that after I finished reading I couldn't get my thoughts together enough to write a proper review. As I'm writing this now, I remember having all sorts of feelings going on while reading. The writing was beautiful. The characters were memorable. The story was tragic and sad and unexpectedly moving, with an ending that broke my heart and made me cry.

Made Of Stars was told in alternating POVs from half siblings Hunter and Ashlin. The siblings spend summers with their father, which is where they first encounter Chance. The 3 friends reconnect every summer, but this year it's different. Things have changed - Hunter and Ashlin are older and more mature and are now willing to act on their feelings. Chance is different this time too, and Hunter and Ashlin soon come to realize they never really knew Chance at all.

Hunter and Ashlin had complicated feelings for their friend, Chance. They both knew the other loved him, but there was never really any sort of rivalry for his affections - it was almost as if they were willing to share him so they could continue being around him. That may sound odd, but love doesn't always make sense.

As much as I loved the story, I didn't exactly like the twisty, sad, and abrupt ending. I was left hanging with my feelings and wanting more resolution. All this time later, and I'm still wondering what happened to these characters that I had come to love.

Despite the ending, Made Of Stars was still a really great book that I highly recommend. Especially if you are looking for an LGBT that's a little bit different.

My rating: 4 stars

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly anticipating.

Wednesday has become my favorite day of the week because I get to share the books that I am super excited about and can't wait to read.

Revenge and the Wild by Michelle Modesto

Expected publication: February 2nd 2016 by Balzer + Bray

Synopsis from Goodreads:

The two-bit town of Rogue City is a lawless place, full of dark magic and saloon brawls, monsters and six-shooters. But it’s perfect for seventeen-year-old Westie, the notorious adopted daughter of local inventor Nigel Butler.

Westie was only a child when she lost her arm and her family to cannibals on the wagon trail. Nine years later, Westie may seem fearsome with her foul-mouthed tough exterior and the powerful mechanical arm built for her by Nigel, but the memory of her past still haunts her. She’s determined to make the killers pay for their crimes—and there’s nothing to stop her except her own reckless ways.

But Westie’s search ceases when a wealthy family comes to town looking to invest in Nigel’s latest invention, a machine that can harvest magic from gold—which Rogue City desperately needs as the magic wards that surround the city start to fail. There’s only one problem: the investors look exactly like the family who murdered Westie’s kin. With the help of Nigel’s handsome but scarred young assistant, Alistair, Westie sets out to prove their guilt. But if she’s not careful, her desire for revenge could cost her the family she has now.

This thrilling novel is a remarkable tale of danger and discovery, from debut author Michelle Modesto.

I found this book when I went looking for something similar to Vengeance Road by Erin Bowman. It doesn't sound like anything I normally read, but it DOES sound really interesting, so I'm going to give it a chance.

What are you waiting on this week?

Vengeance Road by Erin Bowman

Publication Date: September 1, 2015
Page Count: 336
Published by: HMH Books for Young Readers
Source: eArc received from publisher in exchange for an honest review

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Revenge is worth its weight in gold.

When her father is murdered for a journal revealing the location of a hidden gold mine, eighteen-year-old Kate Thompson disguises herself as a boy and takes to the gritty plains looking for answers—and justice. What she finds are untrustworthy strangers, endless dust and heat, and a surprising band of allies, among them a young Apache girl and a pair of stubborn brothers who refuse to quit riding in her shadow. But as Kate gets closer to the secrets about her family, a startling truth becomes clear: some men will stop at nothing to get their hands on gold, and Kate’s quest for revenge may prove fatal.

I really, really loved this book. It was action packed and so fun to read. There were so many wonderful moments and intriguing characters that kept the story interesting throughout. It was quite enjoyable!

Kate was fierce and full of sass. She had a single minded determination to avenge her father's death, and that is what propelled the entire story. I liked Kate. She was tough and tomboyish and wasn't afraid to stand up to some pretty rough characters. I don't think I have what it takes to survive the way that Kate did, so I can appreciate the effort it took for her to make this journey.

Romance was never part of Kate's plan, so Jesse was a pleasant surprise, especially for me. I liked him. There, I said it. I'm glad he was in the story because he made it more interesting for me. I was worried about how much influence Jesse would have over Kate. But Kate wasn't as impressed with Jesse as I was, and I liked that her plan and actions weren't swayed one bit by him. She made her own decisions and took responsibility when things went bad. I liked that I was able to see a softer side to Kate when she was with Jesse, but being around him didn't make her weak.

This was such a fabulous adventure story. I really wanted to like this book, and I was pleasantly surprised because I liked it SO much more than I thought I would. The story was done so well. There was an awesome protagonist out for revenge, shootouts galore, dead people piling up in Kate's wake, and a small touch of romance. Combine all that with a rugged and harsh landscape in an old time setting, and it makes Vengeance Road a wild ride that is definitely worth reading.

photo LavenderFlowers-24_zpsgdo7vrgr.png

I've never done a review with GIFs before, but I felt compelled to add this as a post script today.

There was a tv show called The Young Riders that aired from 1989-1992 that I loved. Does anyone remember this series, or am I just old?

I saw Jesse as a cross between a young Clint Eastwood and Kid from The Young Riders. Seriously swoony, if a bit rough around the edges. Kate described Jesse as always squinting, so I have a fondness for squinty eyes now. I thought Jesse was pretty awesome, and I liked that he wasn't perfect.

photo tumblr_m86nxqo75P1rcf3weo3_250_zpswdayonwz.gif

Kate reminded me of Louise (Lou) from The Young Riders, who posed as a girl and became a rider on the Pony Express. Lou was shot, and Kid was the only one there to help her. He was quite surprised when he 'discovered' Lou was a girl!

My rating: 4.5 stars

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly anticipating.

Wednesday has become my favorite day of the week because I get to share the books that I am super excited about and can't wait to read.

For the Record by Charlotte Huang

Expected publication: November 10th 2015 by Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Chelsea thought she knew what being a rock star was like... until she became one. After losing a TV talent show, she slid back into small-town anonymity. But one phone call changed everything

Now she’s the lead singer of the band Melbourne, performing in sold-out clubs every night and living on a bus with three gorgeous and talented guys. The bummer is that the band barely tolerates her. And when teen heartthrob Lucas Rivers take an interest in her, Chelsea is suddenly famous, bringing Melbourne to the next level—not that they’re happy about that. Her feelings for Beckett, Melbourne’s bassist, are making life even more complicated.

Chelsea only has the summer tour to make the band—and their fans—love her. If she doesn’t, she’ll be back in Michigan for senior year, dying a slow death. The paparazzi, the haters, the grueling schedule... Chelsea believed she could handle it. But what if she can’t?

Doesn't this sound really good? Music. Band. Cute boys. Sounds cute! Sometimes I need something a bit light to read, and this seems perfect.

What are you waiting on this week?

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly anticipating.

Wednesday has become my favorite day of the week because I get to share the books that I am super excited about and can't wait to read.

Velvet Undercover by Teri Brown

Published October 20th 2015 by Balzer + Bray

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Samantha Donaldson's family has always done its duty for the British Crown. In the midst of World War I, seventeen-year-old Sam follows in their footsteps, serving her country from the homefront as a messenger for the intelligence organization MI5. After her father disappears on a diplomatic mission, she continues their studies of languages, mathematics, and complex puzzles, hoping to make him proud.

When Sam is asked to join the famed women's spy group La Dame Blanche, she's torn—while this could be an unbelievable adventure, how can she abandon her mother, who has already lost a husband? But when her handlers reveal shocking news, Sam realizes she can't refuse the exciting and dangerous opportunity.

Her acceptance leads her straight into the heart of enemy territory on a mission to extract the most valuable British spy embedded in Germany, known only as Velvet. Deep undercover in the court of Kaiser Wilhelm II, Sam must navigate the labyrinthine palace and its many glamorous—and secretive—residents to complete her assignment. To make matters worse she must fight a forbidden attraction to the enemy—a dangerously handsome German guard. In a place where personal politics are treacherously entangled in wartime policy, can Sam find Velvet before it's too late . . . for them both?

A thrilling story of one girl's journey into a deadly world of spy craft and betrayal—with unforgettable consequences.

I didn't read the Born of Illusion series by this author. But this book sounds really interesting, and it was released yesterday, so I don't have to wait for it!

What are you waiting on this week?

Until We Meet Again by Renee Collins

Publication Date: November 3, 2015
Page Count: 336
Published by: Sourcebooks Fire
Source: eArc received from publisher in exchange for an honest review

Synopsis from Goodreads:

They exist in two different centuries, but their love defies time.

Cassandra craves drama and adventure, so the last thing she wants is to spend her summer marooned with her mother and stepfather in a snooty Massachusetts shore town. But when a dreamy stranger shows up on their private beach claiming it's his own—and that the year is 1925—she is swept into a mystery a hundred years in the making.

As she searches for answers in the present, Cassandra discovers a truth that puts their growing love—and Lawrence's life—into jeopardy. Desperate to save him, Cassandra must find a way to change history…or risk losing Lawrence forever.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was quick and entertaining with a plot that was easy to follow. The combination of romance and mystery worked well, and I enjoyed the time travel aspect.

Lawrence was dreamy and romantic and perfect and all that, but he tried too hard to be deep and meaningful. Or rather, the author tried to make him too deep and meaningful, if you know what I mean. I can't even say that he was all that interesting because all he had going for him was his poetry. I suppose he could be called the perfect "book boyfriend." This might make me a bit shallow, but I still found myself liking him. Go figure.

Cassandra was something else. I actually thought she was a moody little brat. I hate to say that about her, but she was selfish and immature and more concerned with herself than anything or anyone else. I tried to like her, really I did, but I felt there was zero development in her character, so it didn't seem as if the events in the story had changed her at all.

This book was beautifully written, but I'm sad about the ending. Yes, it was satisfactory, but it didn't exactly make me happy. It actually left me feeling a bit down. And I know it had to do with that pesky little 100 year difference in time. While I really liked this book overall, there were some parts that were better than others. I liked the paranormal aspect of how 1925 Lawrence was able to exist in 2015. The mob added a dangerous element to Lawrence and Cassandra's idyllic summer romance. And the secret meetings on the beach brought a bit of excitement to their relationship.

If I'm being truthful, this book had a bit too much fluff, and not enough substance. I can live with that though, especially for the escapism that reading offers me. So in the end I enjoyed this book tremendously, and it was just what I needed to read at this time.

4 stars

Title: The Longest Ride

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 2 hrs 8 min

Starring: Scott Eastwood and Britt Robertson

Release Date: April 10, 2015
Genre: Drama, Romance

Storyline: The lives of a young couple intertwine with a much older man, as he reflects back on a past love.

The Good:

Scott Eastwood is super cute and adorable. And easy on the eyes. And every now and then he sounds just like his dad. Did I mention that he's super cute and adorable? Because he is. Super. Cute. Adorable. Scott. Eastwood. Ahem, I thought I was moving on from him, and then I watched Taylor Swift's Wildest Dreams video and my love was rekindled. Oh. My.

Alan Alda (Ira) was really good, and I liked his character. The couple that plays Ira and his wife Ruth when they were younger were awesome. I really loved them. They were so cute! I could have watched them all day.

The Bad:

I didn't really like the female lead, Britt Robertson. She was bland and just didn't seem natural, so it was hard for me to like her character.

If this were a book:

Eeks. I don't read Nicholas Sparks anymore. Not only do I not like the formulaic plots, I can't stand the death that is always present in his stories. My heart and my eyes can only take so much sadness.

Final Thoughts:

I ended up enjoying this more than I thought I would, so that's something. Scott Eastwood was a pleasant surprise. But Ira and Ruth were my saving grace, and the movie wouldn't mean as much to me if I didn't like them so much. They deserve their own movie!

Even if you don't like Nicholas Sparks movies, this is definitely worth watching at least once.

*Movie Reviews inspired by Chick Lit Fridays at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.*

I'm going to finish this review with a bit of eye candy. You're Welcome.