Book Shelf: Faking It (Losing It #2) by Cora Carmack

Mackenzie “Max” Miller has a problem. Her parents have arrived in town for a surprise visit, and if they see her dyed hair, tattoos, and piercings, they just might disown her. Even worse, they’re expecting to meet a nice, wholesome boyfriend, not a guy named Mace who has a neck tattoo and plays in a band. All her lies are about to come crashing down around her, but then she meets Cade.

Cade moved to Philadelphia to act and to leave his problems behind in Texas. So far though, he’s kept the problems and had very little opportunity to take the stage. When Max approaches him in a coffee shop with a crazy request to pretend to be her boyfriend, he agrees to play the part. But when Cade plays the role a little too well, they’re forced to keep the ruse going. And the more they fake the relationship, the more real it begins to feel.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Faking It is Cora Carmack's follow up to her sensational debut Losing It, and once more steals your breath, heart and soul.

Alright. So. I am a serious Cora Carmack fan. Like serious. Carmack's debut novel, Losing It could possibly be my favorite contemporary/NA book ever and while, I admit I didn't love Faking It exactly as much as I loved Losing It, it got pretty close. Carmack's ability as a storyteller is just perfect for me. Sometimes authors do too much, too soon. There's too much going on, the writing is too back and forth and the characters can come on too strong.

Instead Carmack writes likeable, relatable characters and puts them in believable, entertaining situations. Her stories capture you from the beginning and Faking It is no exception, being fun and fresh and very, very addictive.

I love the dual POV that allows me to see both characters thoughts, views and emotions. There's something so fulfilling seeing two characters grow, change and alter both through their own eyes and through the eyes of the person they're growing close to.

I was SO excited to read Faking It. I was very much looking forward to seeing Cade find is own romance, after liking him so much in the first book, yet knowing he was never the one for Bliss. Cade is such a good guy, he really is, but in this book we get to see another side to him as he battles his attraction to Max. I liked that Cora Carmack didn't change Cade drastically, but I loved the little hints of a cheeky and naughty nature to him at times that we see in Faking It. It was down right sexy!

Max. Was. Brilliant! Honestly, she was. I really dug this girl. With her bright red her, 50's pop girl style and snarky quirky tongue, she was such a wild contradiction. All fierce attitude, tattoos and personality, but seeing the vulnerability to her and softness that Cade sees as the book progressed really made me adore her.

Seeing what Carmack does with these two throughout the book is really entertaining. They're so very different and at different points in their lives, but they connect unexpectedly. They're opposites in so many ways, the golden boy and tattooed rocker girl, but go together so well. There's sexual tension and attraction between them from the moment they meet and it just oozes from Carmack's writing throughout the book. I ate it up, I really did. They have a funny kind of relationship, bating one another and considering the ruse they're going through for Max's parents, they're certainly never dull!

Faking It features two great characters and a perfect storyline that is entertaining and quirky from start to finish. Quick, fun and thrilling, Faking It is a contemporary you don't want to miss!

Rating:
Source: I bought.
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Bookworld | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: Contemporary/NA fans, this series is a must read!
Cover: Love it!
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Absolutely!

Blog Tour: Banish by Nicola Marsh-Character Interview & GIVEAWAY! *Closed*

Today the Australian Blog Tour for Banish by Nicola Marsh hits The Rest Is Still Unwritten thanks to the fantastic team over at HarlequinTEEN Australia!

Banish is Australian author Nicola Marsh's debut into YA fiction and I was lucky enough to sit down with the male lead of the series, Ronan and pick his brain---err talk to him.

I also have a paperback copy of Banish to give away to an AU/NZ follower and an ecopy to give away to an INTERNATIONAL fan but more details on that later in the post. In the mean time, let's see what happened when Ronan and I met up.....
_________________________
Hello Ronan, thank you for agreeing to sit down with me for a little chat. I hope Nicola Marsh didn’t have too much of a hard time convincing you considering you guys are good friends and all......


Ronan-how I see him portrayed
by Ben Barnes

So. Excuse me while I collect my thoughts. I’m just taking you all in. Alyssa described it, but she really didn’t do your hair justice. *reaches out to touch and but pulls back at the last minute and
smiles sheepishly* Sorry. Wasn’t meaning to be a stalker-ish fan, but then again being a musician I imagine you get your fair share of female attention, right?

Anywhoo. I suppose we should get to the actual interview part, that is why you’re here after all....

You’re the male lead and love interest in Nicola Marsh’s debut YA novel Banish, how does that make you feel? I’m not gonna break the girl code by disclosing anything, but I do know Alyssa thinks highly of you, anything you wanna say about that?
Nicola’s pretty cool so I’m kinda chuffed she chose me to be the male lead in her YA debut. Not much pressure on me or anything!

As for dating Alyssa, I cop crap from the guys in my band all the time. She’s younger than me. And a teenager. But when it’s right, it’s right, you know? Alyssa is different from anyone else I’ve dated. She’s seventeen going on thirty! I like her maturity. And her quirkiness. And everything about her. She’s amazing. 　

Nawww, looks like someone's crazy about all things Alyssa ;) Describe yourself in 5 words?
Innovative. Driven. Creative. Dedicated. Laidback.

If you asked Alyssa this, she’d probably say: rockgod. Sexy. Hot. Cool. The Best.

(Who am I to argue with a smart girl like that?) 　

Amen to that! You’re a musician…where did this love of music come from?
My dad. I have a lot to thank him for. He’s one of the best dudes on the planet. 　

Playing in a band must be something special? How did you guys manage to form and when do I get you see you guys perform? Haha!
Playing gigs is cool, but what I love most about being in a band is the camaraderie. I get to hang out with my mates and play the music I love. Win-win.

The Dizzy’s are a bunch of my old high school friends. We started hanging out in music class, then after school. Did a few jam sessions in my dad’s garage and the band launched from there. Next stop…record deal?

Better ask Nicola when you get to see us live on stage! 　

*memo to self....chase up Nicola* Why jazz? I mean nowadays everyone is into rock and roll or metal, and hip-hop and pop is all the all the range, but what is it about jazz music that just captures you?
I grew up on the stuff. It’s the only music dad played. All. The. Time! It kinda grew on me after a while and once I started playing sax, jazz is what I naturally gravitated to. It sounds…sultry to me. Really hot. 　

Do you play any other instruments or is the saxophone the only one? Would you WANT to learn to play any others?
I only play sax but if I had the time I’d play trumpet. Or drums. Drummers seem to get all the chicks at gigs. 　

Alright. This is a loaded question, but I have to know.....John Coltrane or Charlie Parker?
John Coltrane, because I identify with him. His father sparked his interest in the sax too. Plus he got to play in THE Dizzy Gillespie Band. 　

Musician, IT guy and computer wiz….do you have any other talents we should know about?
You should’ve asked Alyssa this…she’d probably add ‘making out’ to the list… 　

Looks like next time I have to sit down with Alyssa. I really wanna hear what she thinks now! But moving on....What’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever done for a girl? Or….if you prefer, what’s a romantic thing you plan to do for a girl? *hint* *hint*
I thought writing a song for Alyssa was pretty darn romantic. I’ve never done that before. But look how that turned out. A dead body showing up in my music vid was so not in the plan!

My ideal romantic gesture? Discover her fave city and band in the world, and book tickets to attend a concert there. Would be wicked!

After the events of Banish, what do you see in store for you next?
Alyssa is facing some pretty heavy stuff in her future so I’m looking forward to supporting her through that. But if she stays in Broadwater and doesn’t return to NYC, gotta admit, it’ll put a strain on our relationship. Doing the long distance thing is tough. Plus I hear a rumor if BANISH sells well, I may face some serious competition for Alyssa’s affections in the next installment… 　

*gasp* No! We don't want that! Competition=Not Good. Although, I'm eager to meet the guy that can compete with you in Alyssa's eyes.....

Well, I suppose we should wrap this up. I can't keep you here with me forever, though the thought did cross my mind. Ha! Kidding. Thanks for being a good sport about all this Ronan. If you're ever Down Under drop me a line and we'll hang out :)
Not a problem Though I’ve heard that Nicola Marsh is pretty cool to hang out with too…

Funny, I've heard that too ;)
____________________________
I have to say, it was really fun getting to chat with Ronan, but if you're after more from him be sure to check out Banish on Goodreads or pick up a copy from Booktopia, Bookworld or your local book retailer when it releases on August 1st!

Alyssa has one week to destroy her enemy, save her spirit...and save her soul.

After her ex-boyfriend commits suicide and her mum's alcoholism sparks yet another psychotic episode, seventeen-year-old Alyssa Wood flees her small hometown of Broadwater and heads to New York City to stay with her bohemian aunt — a Wicca High Priestess.

Alyssa revels in the anonymity of a big city and her new life. Her grades climb, she has a new best friend, and a new guy: the sexy geek Ronan — a saxophone player who prefers jazz to pop.

But her newfound peace is soon shattered when she sees a dead body in one of Ronan's music clips — and she's the only one who can see it. Worse still, Alyssa recognizes the body that has been murdered a week forward!

Alyssa doesn't believe in the supernatural...despite her family's Wicca background. So how will she overcome evil when it's closer than she thinks?

As a girl, Nicola dreamed of being a journalist and travelling the world in search of the next big story.

 

Instead, she chose a career in the health industry while honing her writing skills with a daily entry in a "not-so-secret" journal!

Luckily, she had the opportunity to travel but her dream to write was never far from her mind. She worked as a physiotherapist for thirteen years before she tired of saying "I'm going to write a book one day" and actually did it. She started writing late 2001 and found once she started she couldn't stop!

The inspiration for her first novel, THE TYCOON'S DATING DEAL, came from a magazine article on speed-dating and she sold this book in May 2003. It won the CataRomance Reviewers' Choice Award for Best Harlequin Romance 2004.

Nicola currently writes for Harlequin Mills and Boon Romance and Riva/Presents series, Entangled Publishing, Month9Books, Harlequin Teen and Crimson Romance,has published 40 books and sold over four million copies worldwide.

She's a Bookscan, USA Today, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Waldenbooks bestseller, has finalled in several awards including the prestigious HOLT (Honoring Outstanding Literary Talent), Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award, Booksellers' Best, Golden Quill, Laurel Wreath, More than Magic and won several CataRomance Reviewers' Choice Awards.

Nicola loves the hip, vibrant, cosmopolitan vibe of her home city, Melbourne, where she's set the bulk of her novels, highlighting fabulous cultural and food havens like Acland Street (St. Kilda), Brunswick Street (Fitzroy) and Lygon Street (Carlton).

When she's not writing she's busy raising her two little heroes, sharing fine food with family and friends, cheering on her beloved North Melbourne Kangaroos footy team and her favourite, curling up with a good book!

Visit Nicola:
Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

And as promised ONE (1) AU/NZ follower will win a PAPERBACK copy and ONE (1) INTERNATIONAL follower will win an E-COPY of Banish thanks once more to HarlequinTEEN Australia!

BUT!

I also happened to get an extra copy of Banish in the mail so I'M GIVING THAT AWAY TOO! One more AU/ZN follower will get a copy.

That means there's 2x paperback copies for AU/NZ up for grabs and 1x e-copy for INT!

To Enter....

·   Simply comment with a way to contact you!
·  You MUST be a follower to enter--that's my only condition :)
·  Let me know whether your AU/NZ or INTERNATIONAL!
·  Tweet/Facebook or Share for an extra entry!
·  Giveaway runs from today until the 12th of August (two weeks time!) and the winners will have 48 hours to respond to my email before a new winner will need to be chosen  

 

I want to say a BIG THANK YOU to author Nicola Marsh and the publicist over at HarlequinTEEN Australia, Polina for not only making this all possible but allowing me to be a part of the fun! Be sure to check out the full tour schedule if you haven't already or click on the above picture to join the fun!

Monday Madness Giveaway-July 2013! *CLOSED*

It's Monday Madness time again and this month I'm giving away a copy of Transparent by Natalie Whipple. This book was a really fun, enjoyable read and as always, one follower is about to win a copy!


High school is hard when you're invisible.

Fiona McClean hates her family, has had to move to a new school and seems to be completely invisible to the boy she likes. So far so normal, right? But Fiona really is invisible. She doesn't even know what colour her own hair is.

Born into a world where Cold War anti-radiation pills have caused genetic mutations, Fiona is forced to work for her mind-controlling mobster father as the world's most effective thief. When her father announces she must become a murdering assassin, Fiona and her telekinetic mother make a break for freedom. Running to a small Arizonian town, Fiona finds that playing at 'normal life' with a mother on the edge, a brother she can't trust, and a boy who drives her crazy is as impossible as escaping her father.

· You MUST be a follower to enter!
· Giveaway is INTERNATIONAL or wherever The Book Depository ships
· Giveaway will run from today (the 29th of July) until the 12th of August (2 weeks time!)
· Enter by filling out the form below
· Extra entries are available but are in no way necessary by:
+1 Letting me know what you think of Transparent and....
+1 For Tweeting, Facebooking or Sharing!

Fill Out Form To Enter!

Blog Tour: Radiant by Christina Daley-Excerpt & Giveaway

Welcome to the Radiant by Christina Daley Book Blitz!  Today I have an excellent excerpt to share with you as well as a tour wide giveaway. Enjoy!

Mary is part Vietnamese. Carter is a complete jerk. Normally, they don't talk much.

But when Mary's in an accident on the way to school one morning, Carter nearly dies saving her life. The doctors say his chances of living are slim, and Mary's feeling the full weight of survivor's guilt.

However, Carter's back at school in a matter of days, as if nothing had happened. Although, he is a little "glitchy," and he's developed a sudden and intense interest in Mary. She thinks he's suffering from major brain trauma from the accident. Or that he's been possessed.

As it so happens, Carter really is possessed. And the thing controlling him is having the time of its life learning to be human.

Featuring a diverse cast of characters, RADIANT is a funny "paranormal-lite" story about being human, being in love, and being healed.

Add Radiant on Goodreads or buy it on Amazon!

"What about the kid the red car?" Mary asked.
The doctor took off his glasses. "I'm sorry. He didn't make it."
Mary stared at him. "But he looked at me."
Mom and the doctor exchanged concerned glances. Mary looked down at her bandaged hands, trying hard to remember. A lot of details still weren't clear, but she did remember Carter opening his eyes. If only for a quick moment. "Can I see him?" she asked
"I don't know if that's a good idea," Mom said.
"Mom," Mary said. "Please."
Mom's brow wrinkled. Then, she sighed. "We can see if his parents will allow it."
The doctor released her, and Mary left the room with her mother. When they got to the end of the hall, they saw a homely couple speaking with one of the ER surgeons. The woman was crying, and the man clutched her as if he was keeping her from falling apart.
"I'm very sorry Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell," the doctor said.
"We're not the Maxwells," the man said. "I'm Marcos Romero, and this is my wife Linda. We're their housekeepers. Carter's father and stepmother are out of the country right now."
"I see," the doctor said. "Have either of you contacted his parents? Or his mother?"
"I called and left a message for Mr. Maxwell," Mr. Romero said. "Carter's mother past away several years ago from cancer."
Mrs. Romero wailed. From the way she was crying, she might as well have been Carter's mom. Mary wished that she could cry with her. Mom once joked that Mary was born with the tiniest tear ducts in the world, so she didn't cry often. Now, she wished she could drum up a couple tears, if anything to not seem so unsympathetic.

Mary looked at her mother, who nodded. Then, she cautiously approached them. "Excuse me. But I'm Mary. I'm the…what I mean is…." She couldn't find the right thing to say. Mary had always been terrible with words. Especially the sensitive ones needed for things like this.
Mrs. Romero looked at her disheveled school uniform and her bandaged hands and knees.  "You were the girl who was almost hit by the bus," she said.
"Are you all right?" Mr. Romero asked.
Mary nodded. "I am, thank you. But I was wondering if I could see him? Carter, I mean."
"I would advise against that," the surgeon said. "The body…I mean Carter…is not—"
"Please," Mary begged.
The stout couple looked at one another. At last, Mrs. Romero said, "Let her."
The doctor looked at her. At last, he sighed and gestured for Mary to follow him.
Mary was used to hospitals, ever since Mom became a nurse. But she had never seen an operating room occupied. Instruments and equipment were still in the places where the doctors and nurses had left them when they were trying to save Carter's life. At the center was the operating table with a still figure on it, covered with a bloody sheet.
The doctor took part of the sheet. "Are you sure about this?"
No, Mary thought. But she nodded nonetheless.
He pulled the sheet down to Carter's neck.

Mary stared at the broken, pale face of a boy she hardly knew.
"I'll give you a few minutes." The doctor left the room to wait outside.
Mary studied Carter's closed eyes. Maybe when they had opened in the car, it was because of an involuntary spasm. Or maybe she really had just imagined it. Mary bowed her head, once again wishing she could cry now. But all she could offer was a meager, "I'm sorry."
Mary took one last look at Carter as she turned to leave. But she stopped.
A single tear slowly fell from the corner of Carter's right eye.
Mary rubbed her eyes, making sure her vision was clear. Then she looked again.
Another tear escaped from the corner of Carter's eye.
Mary bolted from the room. "He's crying!"
Everyone looked at her like she was a lunatic.
"Mary, calm down," Mom said.
"But Mom, he's crying!" Mary repeated. "He has tears coming from his eyes."
The doctor looked at her curiously. "Are you sure? Maybe the tears came from you?"
Mary frowned. Couldn't he tell she wasn't crying? "You have to check him again," she said.
The Romeros looked at the doctor, like they had seen a glimmer of hope struggling through the sorrow. He sighed and shrugged, but he turned and went back into the operating room.
A tense few minutes passed. Suddenly, the doctor burst from the door, calling for his team. Several nurses rushed in and the door closed again.
Mary and the others hardly breathed, let alone spoke, as they waited in the hall.
Finally, after what felt like ages had passed, the doctor came out again, followed by the undeniable sound of the heart monitor beeping.
Carter was alive.

 
 

Christina Daley made her first book with neighborhood friends when she was four years old. They "wrote" out some semblance of lettering with crayons, cut up a cardboard box for the cover, and bound it all together with clear adhesive tape. It was brilliant.

Quite a few years later, Christina is trying her hand at writing "real" books. She lives in Dallas, Texas, with a pet plant named Herb.

Visit Christina:
Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter a Rafflecopter giveaway  

 

Waiting on Wednesday #42

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking The Spine where you can spotlight an upcoming release that you're eagerly anticipating.

This week I'm waiting on.....  

Alienated by Melissa Landers
Releases on: February 4th 2014
Add on Goodreads!

Interplanetary relations have never been more exciting! The first in a funny, romantic YA sci-fi series.

Two years ago, the aliens made contact. Now Cara Sweeney is going to be sharing a bathroom with one of them.

Handpicked to host the first-ever L’eihr exchange student, Cara thinks her future is set. Not only does she get a free ride to her dream college, she’ll have inside information about the mysterious L’eihrs that every journalist would kill for. Cara’s blog following is about to skyrocket.

Still, Cara isn’t sure what to think when she meets Aelyx. Humans and L’eihrs have nearly identical DNA, but cold, infuriatingly brilliant Aelyx couldn’t seem more alien. She’s certain about one thing though: no human boy is this good-looking.

But when Cara’s classmates get swept up by anti-L’eihr paranoia, Midtown High School suddenly isn’t safe anymore. Threatening notes appear in Cara’s locker, and a police officer has to escort her and Aelyx to class.

Cara finds support in the last person she expected. She realizes that Aelyx isn’t just her only friend; she’s fallen hard for him. But Aelyx has been hiding the truth about the purpose of his exchange, and its potentially deadly consequences. Soon Cara will be in for the fight of her life-not just for herself and the boy she loves, but for the future of her planet.

Thoughts:
February 2014? Really? Really?!?! Nawww, this book sounds sooooo good. I don't want to wait that long! I just LOVE the sound of this book. After falling in love with Jennifer L. Armentrout's Lux series, I'm ready for the great new alien read and this looks like it could be it!


What do you think of Alienated? Does it sound good?
And what are you waiting on this week?

Book Shelf: While It Lasts (Sea Breeze #3) by Abbi Glines

Set in the steamy coastal Alabama town of Sea Breeze, an interconnected group of older teens hook up, break up ...and much, much more. Cage York has a free ride to college for baseball - or he did, until he got in trouble for drink-driving. Now he has to give in to his coach's demands and spend his summer baling hay. No hot babes in bikinis waiting to meet a Southern boy to make her vacation complete. Just him and the damned cows. Oh and an uptight, snarky brunette with the biggest blue eyes he's ever seen.

Eva Brooks planned out her life step by step when she was eight years old. Not once over the years had she lost sight of her goals. Josh Beasley, her next door neighbour, had been the centre of those goals. He'd been her first boyfriend at seven, her first kiss at ten, her first date at fifteen and her first tragedy at eighteen. The moment she'd received the phone call from Josh's mother saying he'd been killed along with four other soldiers just north of Baghdad, Eva's carefully planned life imploded in the worst way possible. Now she has to deal with the arrogant Cage York and his irritating smile.

But as the summer bailing hay rolls by, Cage and Eva learn that what they want (and need) may be something they never saw coming.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

While It Lasts is the 3rd installment in Abbi Glines Sea Breeze series and this time tells of womanizer Cage York and the woman who finally manages to worm her way into his heart in a sizzling, addictive read that will have you breathless.

Abbi Glines continues to explore her characters in her Sea Breeze series with While It Lasts. I'm fast becoming a seasoned Abbi reader and boy do I love her books! Abbi Gline's writing is fun and easy and very, very enjoyable. Every book sucks me in and I find myself eagerly turning pages, very engrossed with the story.

I was so looking forward to this book after Because of Low. The opportunity to see Cage's story was so exciting. He proved to be so interesting in the previous book and I just knew he was going to be more than he seemed. Something Abbi Glines certainly followed through with in While It Lasts.

Cage York is a womanizer and a party animal. He's someone who doesn't apologize for who he is and the things he does. After being caught with a DUI, Cage has no choice but to go to his coach's brothers farm or facing losing his baseball scholarship. Having to work for the summer, Cage expects to be miserable, he certainly doesn't expect Eva. Oh, I love Cage. I really do! Cage really tore my heart out in this book with his unexpected insecurities and his sweet side. Cage has always been a fun, naughty boy but we've never known the other side to him.....until now. Once more told in dual POV, While It Lasts lets us see Cage as we never have before and I definitely enjoyed seeing him fall and then fight for Eva.

When Cage ends up at her fathers farm for the summer, Eva Brooks is still a very shattered young woman. Lost in the past, she has no plans for the future, until bad boy Cage York manages to show her exactly what she is missing....and exactly what she needs. Eva, oh Eva! In the beginning of the book Eva is so consumed by her pain and lost in the past. She's unable to let go of her lost love, but Eva is no great match for Cage. He manages to open her eyes and allow her to be the strong and independent woman she is. I really enjoyed seeing her grow and manage to move on in this book.

The thing I loved most about how Abbi Glines wrote Eva and Cage's relationship was that Eva had actually loved before. She was someone who had been in love and knew what it meant to love. She wasn't some girl experiencing love for the first time, she was a young woman finding love again after experiencing a devastating tragedy. The loss of her fiancé left Eva broken, but over the course of While It Lasts she manages to open her heart again to Cage. To me, the power that comes from this made her relationship with Cage all that more meaningful and powerful. What they have is completely different than what she had with her fiancé, but it's no less important. Eva brings out the best in Cage and sees the parts of him that no one else sees and in turn he makes her feel alive for the first time in a long time and shows her what it means to love inexplicably.

My only issue with this book would be that I felt it ended too soon. Seeing how big and impact Eva and Cage's love had on each other I really don't feel like their story was finished. So in saying that, I think it's excellent that Glines will be giving them a sequel in the future....they deserve it.

Love, romance and endearing friendship, Abbi Glines continues to satisfy with While It Lasts!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Simon & Schuster (Thank you Anabel!)
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Booktopia | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: Abbi Glines fan eat your hearts out, this is one you don't want to miss
Cover: Pretty simple, but still nice.
Will I read sequel/continue with series: YES!

Book Shelf: Transparent by Natalie Whipple

High school is hard when you're invisible.

Fiona McClean hates her family, has had to move to a new school and seems to be completely invisible to the boy she likes. So far so normal, right? But Fiona really is invisible. She doesn't even know what colour her own hair is.

Born into a world where Cold War anti-radiation pills have caused genetic mutations, Fiona is forced to work for her mind-controlling mobster father as the world's most effective thief. When her father announces she must become a murdering assassin, Fiona and her telekinetic mother make a break for freedom. Running to a small Arizonian town, Fiona finds that playing at 'normal life' with a mother on the edge, a brother she can't trust, and a boy who drives her crazy is as impossible as escaping her father.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Transparent by Natalie Whipplie is a delightfully addictive read that features a kick-ass heroine and a fabulous story that will entertain from start to finish!

I have to say....I really enjoyed this book!  I wasn't a hundred percent sure what to expect when going in, but I found it to have a perfectly paced plot and to be featuring writing that was never too over baring. Transparent is a really fun book to read. Natalie Whipple has introduced us to a really interesting world where a large percentage of the population have superpowers and special abilities and Mob like individuals and syndicates rule the society to an extent.

Considering the fact that our main character is basically on the run, Transparent really does features a great heroine, while also having a fantastic cast of minor characters to support the story. They were all likable and relevant in their own way and just added that little something extra to the story in terms of character dynamic. There's a lot at stake for our main character, but this book is also very quirky and fun, with just the right amount of romance and teenage drama to tick all your boxes.

Our heroine in Transparent is Fiona. A syndicate baby who also happens to be invisible....and on the run from her father! I really liked Fiona. There wasn't a single moment in the book where this wasn't the case. Her voice was really easy to follow throughout the story and she had a great personality. Whipple wrote her perfectly making sure she was sassy and brave in her own way, but also had the right amount of vulnerability in her character. Basically, I just loved Fiona and thought she was a great character to follow in this book.

I also really enjoyed the relationship and friendships Fiona develops with Bea, Seth and Brady. Bea and Brady were great new friends to Fiona and while she and Seth may have gotten off to a rocky start, their relationship developed steadily over time in a direction I admit I was expecting but enjoyed reading about none-the-less. They're sweet and endearing and endlessly enjoyable to read about!

As I mentioned, Transparent is perfectly paced, but I'm at a mixed mind when it comes to the ending. It was very exciting and fitting all things considered, but I also felt as though it seemed rushed and came out of nowhere, but that could also have something to do with the fact that I really wasn't ready to say goodbye to the story and the characters--I was having too much fun!

If your a fan of a good action romp or love your characters brave with some superpowers thrown in, Transparent really is the book for you! Or if you're not, then I still recommend adding it to your TBR pile at some point, because it really is too much fun to miss out on!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Hot Key Books (Thank you Sandra!)
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Booktopia | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: Love superheroes? This book is for you?
Cover: I really, really like this cover. When you see the physical copy, you realize a picture just doesn't do it justice!
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Even though this is a stand alone, I wouldn't be against reading my by Natalie Whipple in the future.....

Owl Post #15

Inspired by The Story Siren's In My Mailbox, Owl Post allows us bloggers to showcase the books we've bought, won or received throughout the week and is hosted by Brodie over at Eleusinian Mysteries. We all know that the Owl Post is the fastest way to send and receive mail and they certainly make me happy every time they drop a book off.   Welcome to another Owl Post at The Rest Is Still Unwritten! Hope you've all had a great week in books, I know I sure have!

For Review:

 

From Simon & Schuster Australia.... ** Last week I came home to find an amazing package from Simon & Schuster. I know I speak for many other Aussie bloggers when I say thank you to Anabel for the goodies--it's VERY appreciated!   - Fallen Too Far by Abbi Glines I've actually already got a copy of this that I bought at Abbi's signing in Sydney last month, but I'm still yet to read it. Looks fantastic though. Looks like I'll be giving this copy away, so be on the look out for it!   - Crush by Nicole Williams - Clash by Nicole Williams - Crash by Nicole Williams This is a NA series that looks promising. Hopefully I'll read it one day. Anyone read and liked it??   - Breathe by Abbi Glines Eeeee! This first Sea Breeze novel. Already read, but yet to be reviewed. Love this series so far!!   - Macrieve by Kresley Cole *sigh* So. I'm guessing you've noticed by my past Owl Posts I've been reading [and loving!] this series, well I would have been uber, uber excited to find this, had I not already bought a copy. LOL. Oh, well. Another copy to give away :)   - White Trash Beautiful by Teresa Mummert  With a title like White Trash Beautiful, this book certainly makes an impression. This reminds me of a mix between Breathe by Abbi Glines and Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire. Looking forward to reading it!   ....Thank you once more Anabel--you rock!     From HarlequinTEEN.....   - Banish by Nicola Marsh I'll be participating in the Banish blog tour in two weeks, so I was expecting to receive a copy for review....but two? No. I wasn't expecting that, but I'm pretty sure that the 2nd copy is to give away so stay tuned for that :)   .....Thank you Polina!      That that's me this week. I didn't buy any books. Shocking, right? Anywhoo what did you receive this week?  

 

Book Shelf: The Avery Shaw Experiment by Kelly Oram

When Avery Shaw’s heart is shattered by her life-long best friend, she chooses to deal with it the only way she knows how—scientifically.

The state science fair is coming up and Avery decides to use her broken heart as the topic of her experiment. She’s going to find the cure. By forcing herself to experience the seven stages of grief through a series of social tests, she believes she will be able to get over Aiden Kennedy and make herself ready to love again. But she can’t do this experiment alone, and her partner (ex partner!) is the one who broke her heart.

Avery finds the solution to her troubles in the form of Aiden’s older brother Grayson. The gorgeous womanizer is about to be kicked off the school basketball team for failing physics. He’s in need of a good tutor and some serious extra credit. But when Avery recruits the lovable Grayson to be her “objective outside observer,” she gets a whole lot more than she bargained for, because Grayson has a theory of his own: Avery doesn’t need to grieve. She needs to live. And if there’s one thing Grayson Kennedy is good at, it’s living life to the fullest.

More info on Goodreads.......


Review:

The Avery Shaw Experiment by Kelly Oram is a quick, addictively endearing read that will have you smiling from start to finish!

Oh, did I ever like this book. From the very opening chapter I was drawn into the fun, addictive story Kelly Oram has created with The Avery Shaw Experiment. While it wasn't necessarily a long book, it was very entertaining and enjoyable to read--the perfect way to spend an evening!

The plotline was fresh and funny, and really quirky. Told in dual POV, The Avery Shaw Experiment switches back and forth between main characters Avery and Grayson's POV and featured so many sweet and funny moments that I didn't want to put the book down--honestly, I read it in two short sittings!

Our female lead Avery is sweet and shy, a typical nerd who has a good heart and hidden sass. Avery was a really nice girl to read about. Your typical 16 year old "nerd", it was impossible not to love Avery and truly want the best for her. As she manages to grow in confidence with Grayson's help throughout the book, author Kelly Oram also explores Avery's insecurities in a very believable way.

As Avery's partner in this book, and even the actual Avery Shaw Experiment, Grayson Kennedy proves to be a real sweetie in this book. He may have been a jock and a true guy in so many ways, but in his heart, Grayson was nothing but kindness and good nature, especially where Avery was concerned. From the very beginning, Grayson was nothing but good to Avery; he was always there for her, no matter what she needed and he never treated her in any way wrong. Honestly, he was the perfect guy for her in this book. He was funny, and naughty and knew just what she needed most of the time, whether that was a naughty little joke or a perverted comment, or just a hug. Grayson certainly made me swoon.

Together, Avery and Grayson really were delightful to read about. I felt Oram wrote their relationship very well. Things may seem to come on fast between them, especially when you think from Grayson's POV, but you also have to understand that these two have been in each others lives their entire life....they're only now just starting to explore things. Honestly, their relationship was one of sweet, innocent first love, and it really was an endearing one to witness unfold in such a quirky way!

I really adored the characters in this book. From our two main characters, Avery and Grayson to Avery's "nerd herd" as Grayson calls them, to Grayson's group of friends, they were all really fun to read about and kept a smile one my face the whole time I was reading. Grayson's best friend Owen and Avery's Libby proved to be an unexpected delight with their dynamic. Honestly, I saw these two coming from the beginning, but that didn't make them any less hilarious to read about!

As an enjoyable contemporary novel, The Avery Shaw Experiment hits the nail on the head. From beginning to end it's nothing but fun and entertainment that will truly suck you in. If you're looking for that perfect read to spend an afternoon, then look no further, because The Avery Shaw Experiment is it!

Rating:
Source: Sent by the author for review (Thank you Kelly!)
Format: Kindle ebook
Buy it:  Amazon | Barnes & Noble
My Recommendation: Fans of a feel-good contemporary--this is for you!
Cover: Love it! It's so cute and the yellow just shines!
Will I read sequel/continue with series: So far, this is a stand alone, but I'll happily read more by Kelly Oram

Blog Tour: Ravenhurst by Lorraine Beaumont Book Blitz

Welcome to the Book Blitz for Ravenhurst by Lorraine Beaumont thanks to The Bookish Brunette Tours!

This book/series sounds fantastic and while I haven't had the chance to read it yet, I'm certainly hopeful to get around to it eventually. Oh and just adore that cover!

Katherine Nicole Jamison never imagined when she took a job at a prestigious auction house for the summer, that one moment of impulsiveness could change her life forever. When she "borrows" an ancient amulet she inadvertently sets in motion a series of events which results in her waking up in 18th century England, betrothed to an arrogant, self-centered Earl.

Sebastian de Winter ~ The Earl of Ravenhurst, is a renowned womanizer who always prided himself as being a ladies man, until he is left standing at the altar. His betrothed vanishes into thin air and as if by magic reappears months later. But is she his betrothed?

Ravenhurst ~ a once forgotten legend, locked somewhere within the gloomy confines of this ancient edifice is the key that will unlock the door of time itself. This book contains the first and second book in the series.
Add the Ravenhurst series on Goodreads or buy on Amazon!  
Lorraine Beaumont in her own words: I am the author of the Ravenhurst Series -a time-travel paranormal romance, written with an ensemble cast of characters -Forgotten Time, Shadows of Yesterday, Time to Remember are all available now and the fourth installment Dreams of Tomorrow will be coming this year 2013.

I also write YA/contemporary urban fantasy with a kick-The Gathering Series about Gargoyles. Elyograg, Gargoyle and The Gathering Series Vol. 1 are now available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Visit Lorraine:
Blog | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest  

 

Book Shelf: Indigo Awakening (The Hunted #1) by Jordan Dane

Because of what you are, the Believers will hunt you down.

Voices told Lucas Darby to run. Voices no one else can hear. He’s warned his sister not to look for him, but Rayne refuses to let her troubled brother vanish on the streets of LA. In her desperate search, she meets Gabriel Stewart, a runaway with mysterious powers and far too many secrets. Rayne can’t explain her crazy need to trust the strange yet compelling boy—to touch him—to protect him even though he scares her.

A fanatical church secretly hunts psychic kids—gifted “Indigo” teens feared to be the next evolution of mankind—for reasons only “the Believers” know. Now Rayne’s only hope is Gabe, who is haunted by an awakening power—a force darker than either of them imagine—that could doom them all.

More info on Goodreads....


Review:

Having previously read Jordan Dane’s debut novel In the Arms of Stone Angels, I must admit I had high expectations for this book. The synopsis caught me and considering it was well written, it had all the potential to be a brilliant read. Yet, unfortunately for me, it just fell flat.

As a storyteller, Jordan Dane is very talented. Her writing is flowing and deep and very detailed. Indigo Awakening had all the elements I was looking for; interesting storyline, possibly intriguing characters and plenty of action, but in the end I struggled to connect with the characters and the story and for all her brilliance as a storyteller, in this one instance, Jordan Dane struggled to make me care.

There were times with this book when I would see a little spark that had the potential to flame brighter but ultimately burned out. The mystery and high stakes were there but I felt disconnected from the characters and their plight. The idea of the Indigo children was lost on me and even though the idea was interesting there wasn’t enough explanation and detail to really have me enticed.

The connection shared by the characters was one I liked and even though I emphasized with them throughout the book I never really felt invested in their story. I also didn’t feel the connection and chemistry between them that I wanted to see. Told in various POV’s Indigo Awakening introduces us to various characters that we follow throughout the book. Featuring Lucas Darby an Indigo child and his sister Rayne, as well as Kendra, Raphael and Gabriel other Indigo children the various perspectives did allow us a broad view of the story as well as POV’s from the ‘bad guys” but I never loved the characters.

That’s not to say I didn’t want to, because I did. I really did. I waited to find a moment when I would fall into a rhythm with a character I was reading about but it never came. Rayne was feisty and Gabe was quite interesting, but their relationship and connection came on too strong, too fast and that deterred me. Kendra I could see had incredibly good intensions, but there was just something about her that I couldn’t connect with and Lucas…..well, unfortunately he just did nothing for me.

If I had to pick a character I liked the best, I think I would have to say Raphael. He and his ‘little man’ Benny were insanely sweet and even though they weren’t brother by blood the bond between them was a strong as. They were worth reading about.

Unfortunately this book was just a major disappointment for me. I was hoping for something fierce and brilliant like I know Dane is capable of writing, but this just wasn’t the case with Indigo Awakening. I’ll definitely read more by Jordan Dane, simply because I know of the incredible books she can write, but this one just wasn’t for me……

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by HarlequinTEEN Australia (Thank you Polina!)
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Booktopia | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: While this book wasn't for me, fantasy fans may enjoy this.
Cover: The cover I do like--I think it's awesome.
Will I read sequel/continue with series: No

Owl Post #14

Inspired by The Story Siren's In My Mailbox, Owl Post allows us bloggers to showcase the books we've bought, won or received throughout the week and is hosted by Brodie over at Eleusinian Mysteries. We all know that the Owl Post is the fastest way to send and receive mail and they certainly make me happy every time they drop a book off.

Hello book lovers!

I've become quite slack lately with my Owl Posts, posting them so infrequently--which is silly because I've been getting quite a few books lately. Guess life gets in the way ;) Oh, well. I'm gonna try to get them up every week from now on--hopefully I can stick to that promise.

In the mean time, check out the books I've received lately!


For Review:

From Bloomsbury Australia.....   - Stung by Bethany Wiggins This book was a unexpected surprise, but it sure does sound awesome. Looking forward to getting around to reading this one at some point!   - Transcendence by C.J. Omololu Another surprise but one that sounds good, none the same. Another to add to the never ending need-to-read-eventually list    - The Academy: Game On by Monica Seles More surprises, although in this case I'm not sure if this one is for me. May read it one day.   .....Thank you guys!     From Allen & Unwin......   - Spirit by Brigid Kemmerer LOVE Brigid Kemmerer's Elementals series and I'm sooooo looking forward to the next book. Just know it's going to be to die for!   .....Thank you so much Lara!     From HarlequinTEEN Australia.....   - Ink by Amanda Sun I've been looking forward to this book since the Harlequin Summit a few months, but I'm a bit perplexed by all the not so great reviews it's been getting lately :/ Love the concept of this one--so different. Hope it lives up to my expectations!   ....Thank you Polina, you book goddess you!

From Pan Macmillan.....

- Raven Flight by Juliet Marillier As surprising as it sounds I've never actually read any of Juliet Marillier's books. I've seen them of course, for years, but I've never picked one up. I hope to do so one day in the future. This book is the second book in the Shadowfell series, so I need to get a copy of the first book first :)   .....Thank you guys!     I Bought:  

  - Pleasure of a Dark Prince by Kresley Cole - Demon from the Dark by Kresley Cole - Dreams of a Dark Warrior by Kresley Cole - Lothaire by Kresley Cole - Playing Easy to Get by Sherrilyn Kenyon   As I mentioned in my last Owl Post I've been slowly making my way through the Immortals After Dark series by Kresley Cole, although I'm yet to review any of them, haha! They are a fantastic series to read though--great for someone like myself running out of good PNR books to read.   - The Last Princess by Galaxy Craze I really wanna read this book! It was my WOW way back and when I found out it had finally been released in paperback I HAD to get myself a copy. Now I just have to find time to read it.....   - Fallen Too Far by Abbi Glines I've read a few of Abbi Glines books lately and love them. She writes excellent NA stories and I had to buy myself a copy of this when I attended her signing in Sydney last month to get this book signed too :D   - Faking It by Cora Carmack Eeeeeee! I LOOOOOOVED Cora Carmack's Losing It and I loved Faking It! Yes, I've read this already? How could I not?!?! It was Cade's story! Review to come soon!   - Kiss of Steel by Bec McMaster Bought this on a whim because I've been seeing it a lot lately and it looks pretty good. Plus...the author Bec McMaster is Aussie. Oh, yeah!   - Shadow's Claim by Kresley Cole Cole's spin of series from Immortals After Dark--seeing as I'm reading that series, I figured I needed to get this one too ;)   - The Mage In Black by Jaye Wells The first book in this series is on my TBR list and although I haven't read book one, when I saw that this book was a cheap buy from Whoolies I bought it. I mean, really, it was $1. Nuff said.     I Won:  

    I was super duper, uber excited to win a copy of The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey thanks to Penguin Australia and Michelle from Novels On The Run!!! This book looks sooooooooo fantastic-right up my alley, and I'm looking forward to reading it. I know so many people have given it rave reviews and I can't wait to read it for myself. Thank you SO MUCH Michelle! You are all kinds of awesome!    And that's me! I would love to know what the owls dropped off for you!