Book Shelf: Catching Fire (The Hunger Games #2) by Suzanne Collins

Against all odds, Katniss has won the Hunger Games. She and fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark are miraculously still alive. Katniss should be relieved, happy even. After all, she has returned to her family and longtime friend, Gale. Yet nothing is the way Katniss wishes it to be. Gale holds her at an icy distance. Peeta has turned his back on her completely. And there are whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol - a rebellion that Katniss and Peeta may have helped create.

Much to her shock, Katniss has fueled an unrest she's afraid she cannot stop. And what scares her even more is that she's not entirely convinced she should try. As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol's cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. If they can't prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying.

In Catching Fire, the second novel of the Hunger Games trilogy, Suzanne Collins continues the story of Katniss Everdeen, testing her more than ever before... and surprising readers at every turn.

(Blurb from Goodreads....)


Review:

Catching Fire, is a stunning, suspenseful follow up to Suzanne Collin’s The Hunger Games!

After the lengthy time it took me to begin this series I’ve discovered that I like it very much. More so than I expected and Catching Fire proves to be a stellar sequel in Collin’s fantastic series! As usual with this series, the plotline is intense and heart-racing; filled with twists and turns I’m sure you won’t see coming. The characters are faced with hard truths and difficult choices and are constantly put through the wringer. You have to feel for them and with a massive announcement that sees Katniss and Peeta head back into the Games, there’s never a dull moment. Collins knows how to shock her readers. With her futuristic world vivid and dangerous, Suzanne Collins manages to constantly surprise me with her story direction and quick twists that sees things change drastically.

When starting this book it’s easy to tell straight a way that things have changed a lot since the end of The Hunger Games. Picking up months after the events of the first book, the wins of both Katniss and Peeta have had a drastic impact on the world of Panem. I admit I was surprised to see Collins begin the book here. For some reason I expected it to pick up right when the last left off, but I feel that by writing it in this manner we can see exactly how much things have changed and how big an impact the Games had on everyone. And things certainly have changed—in the biggest of ways!

Katniss is definitely not the girl she was in the first book. I left The Hunger Games adoring her and while I still do, she’s undeniably jaded and hardened as only a victor of the Games could be. Her spirit and fire still remain, as well as all the character that made her such a fantastic heroine, but she’s also plagued by memories of what happened in the games. While her family’s life has improved and their relationship better than ever, her relationship with Peeta is in shambles as well some of the other people she loves. She’s torn between who she is and who she should be and she can’t seem to figure out what to do. She still wants to protect those she loves and with a target on her back and those she loves thanks to her actions at the end of the last Games, this is now more important than ever. The Girl On Fire, is truly the spark that will change everything everyone in the Districts knows and as the novel progresses it’s wonderful seeing her accept and take on her role with the “uprising” as she does.

One of the things that make Katniss so great is that she’s so flawed. In the harsh world she lives in, her constant struggle with herself and her desire to do right by those she loves make her easy to emphasise with. She feels real. In the middle of a Games where everything is on the line, she struggles with the things she must do in order to protect Peeta and she’s plagued by the choices she has to make. She doesn’t want to betray the people she comes to rely on, but what choice does she has when it comes down to her, Peeta or them? It’s really an impossible situation where her survival instincts war with her heart. As the reader, I find it easy to imagine myself in Katniss’s place and it's a horrible thought. There really is no wrong choice. But nor is there a right one most of the time. No matter what she does someone will get hurt and it’s only as she begins to realise this does she see just how important it is to keep fighting against the Capital for something different. Something better. There’s so much growth within her, as an individual and as a leader—someone looked up to and someone relied on.

I can’t deny that I’m well aware of the Peeta/Gale debate and I know I’ll be annoying by saying this....but I just don’t see it. There is no choice in my mind. I know Katniss struggles with the feelings she has between Peeta and Gale, but to me there’s no other option. It’s Peeta; it can only be Peeta. Perhaps it’s because I don’t feel we’ve really seen enough of Gale in these first two books for there to be a love triangle, but to me it’s Peeta she belongs with. She’s spent her whole life knowing Gale. We haven’t seen it, but their history’s there. He’s that strong, powerful friend who she can be herself with and who she feels a spark with, but should she really be with him? I think not.

Peeta has been a constant throughout the series so far. He’s the one she’s been on her journey with, the one she’s relied on, fought with and defended. While their relationship has often been complicated with the authenticity of it always being an issue thanks to the lies they issued to the people of the Capital, there’s no denying that it’s real. Katniss struggles with what she feels and in her situation, who can blame her? It doesn’t seem like things will ever been okay, and with all she’s witnessed it’s understandable that she’s afraid to take that step. Peeta and Katniss are two very different people. She’s independent and self sufficient, while he’s slightly softer and gentle, but I don’t think Peeta’s weak at all. There’s courage in being able to sacrifice yourself for the one you love and for finding the strength to go on simply for another.

He may never be the strongest person out there, or the fiercest, but he’s loyal and honourable and a lot of things Katniss isn’t. Just like she’s so much he’s not. They balance each other out. They need each other in a way I don’t feel Katniss needs Gale. There’s a desperation in her when she imagines life without Peeta. Granted she feels a similar way when she thinks about life without Gale, but there’s a different drive behind that. Everything they’ve been through connects them so strongly that I think the only possible outcome is for Katniss to admit she’s in love with Peeta.

When you look at cliff-hangers and major endings, Catching Fire doesn’t disappoint! The ending of this literally has me scrambling for the next book right now. Collins managed to have me open-mouthed and shocked right to the last page. I cannot believe some of the developments of the this book—it’s outta this world!

Rating:
Source: I bought.
Format: Paperback.
Recommend: Yes!
Recommend borrow or buy: Buy it.
Cover: Again, I don't like it--it just does nothing for me.
Read sequel/continue with series: YES!

Buy it here:

Book Shelf: The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games #1) by Suzanne Collins

Twenty-four are forced to enter. Only the winner survives. In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. Each year, the districts are forced by the Capitol to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the Hunger Games, a brutal and terrifying fight to the death - televised for all of Panem to see.

Survival is second nature for sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who struggles to feed her mother and younger sister by secretly hunting and gathering beyond the fences of District 12. When Katniss steps in to take the place of her sister in the Hunger Games, she knows it may be her death sentence. If she is to survive, she must weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

WINNING WILL MAKE YOU FAMOUS. LOSING MEANS CERTAIN DEATH.

(Blurb from Goodreads....)


Review:

The Hunger Games is an intense, adrenaline packed ride of non-stop action, survival and friendship!

I feel like I’m the last to jump on The Hunger Games train. I’ve planned to read this series for a long time but despite the insane amount of love everyone seems to have for it, I’ve still put it off. However, with the movie’s close release, and with some serious urging from my blogging friends, I felt obligated to finally read it. Who wants to hit me first? I’m kicking myself right now. Why, oh why haven’t I read this before?!? Honestly, I have no clue, as from the very first chapter this spectacularly told story had me completely riveted!

Suzanne Collins has managed to create such an incredible tale of hardship and desperation in such an action packed setting. This book is in a complete world of it’s own, taking root in the very heart of you the minute you start reading! The Huger Games themselves are so intense and captivating. The post-apocalyptic society of Panem, the Districts that inhabit it and especially the Capital are merciless. Pitting 24 young people, a boy and girl from each of the 12 Districts against each every year in a games setting and watching them battle out against each other until only one remains is cruel and unforgiving. Collins crafts her world so wonderfully. I was intrigued by the characters and world even before the Games began, and especially during. Again, Collins vivid descriptions and details within her storytelling completely held my interest. She had my complete attention. I was glued from start to finish as the Games unfolded before my eyes.

Throughout the novel we follow protagonist Katniss Everdeen who selflessly takes her sisters place in the games. It’s inadequate to say I liked Katniss. Honestly, I’m not sure there are words in the English language to accurately describe what I feel for this girl. She is incredible! Simply incredible! If I thought I loved some other heroines, they pale in compassion to how amazing I think Katniss is! I can’t think of a more perfect heroine to read about or follow....and that’s saying a lot. From the very first page it’s evident that Katniss is a strong, independent individual. She is the sole provider for her family and thanks to the loss of her father and the emotional deterioration of her mother it’s up to Katniss to take care of her little sister, the person she loves more than anything. Katniss has had to quickly learn to survive in a harsh world but it’s given her an inner strength and determination that I think helps her most in The Hunger Games.

She’s guarded when it comes to letting people in her life, but even the ruthlessness of the Games doesn’t destroy her in this book. There’s no doubt that they change her; that she’s a different version of herself than when she went into the Games, but that’s to be expected. The harsh life she’s lived allows her to thrive in the Games, and yet she still holds on to the goodness that is purely Katniss in her actions towards the other tributes. In a situation where losing means certain death her kindness and fairness to those who do her no harm despite her current predicament were wonderful to read about. When she should only be looking out for herself, there’s moments where she’s selfless towards others. Her attitude towards Rue, the young girl who reminds her of her sister and even Rue’s counterpart in District 11, Thresh, are testaments to her character in the middle of a situation where all those before her looked out for themselves alone. She’s likable and you’re truly vying for her. Katniss’s intelligence and survival instincts allow her to fare well in the Games and she learns quick, with her rebellious streak and attitude making her a joy to read about.

Being the female tribute for District 12 leaves Katniss paired with Peeta, the male tribute and the two form an unlikely friendship despite the nature of the Games declaring that their will be only one winner. With a range of fantastic characters throughout the novel, from Katniss’s stylists, her mentor Haymitch, her friends and family back home as well as all the colourful other tributes, Peeta is the other character, that as a reader, you come to love. There are many throughout the novel that I feel for and generally care about, but I admit it’s Peeta I also love. The son of the town’s baker, Peeta is a good guy, sweet and honourable through everything. He’s the one Distict 12 has easily dismissed as having a chance, for some good reasons, but Peeta manages to survive the games all while maintaining a sense of honour towards Katniss. He doesn’t have the backbone she does and he doesn’t fair quite as well as some of the other tributes at times, but I quite easily fell for Peeta. It was impossible not to like him. And despite all we came to learn of him in their book, he’s still a bit of a mystery to me, one I’m looking forward to discovering in the rest of the trilogy.

With Katniss and Peeta undertaking something that has never been done in Hunger Games history before, we see the two of them rely on one other in a heavy way for a lot of the book. Virtually strangers before their names were drawn, the lie the two take part in in the hopes of keeping viewers of the Games and sponsors easily had people enthralled with them and swept away into their “romance”. I admit, I was as smitten with them as I’m sure everyone else was, especially seeing, that as the reader, we’re well aware of Katniss’s internal conflict towards Peeta. I’m fairly sure Peeta was truthful about his feelings towards Katniss and watching her develop some of her own left me very satisfied. They were very sweet and I loved seeing them interact. I’m pretty sure I’m Team Peeta. He just caught me.

This is a heart-racing novel. Throughout it, you know of the struggles Katniss will face if she hopes to survive and with her growing friendship and possible romance between Peeta, you wonder just how the two will both manage to survive the Games. Suzanne Collins is a master at keeping her action and danger at the highest of levels and I was on the edge of my seat, desperate to see how they would get out of the dire situation that is The Hunger Games.

Over flowing with adventure, turmoil and heart-stopping action, The Hunger Games is the first in what I can only predict is an outta this world series!

Rating:
Source: I bought.
Format: Paperback.
Recommend: Yes!
Recommend borrow or buy: Buy!
Cover: I hate it. Honestly, it does nothing for the book and does not to it justice at all!
Read sequel/continue with series: Definitely.

Buy it here:

Touch of Power Winners!

Thank-you to everyone who entered by Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder giveaway and to HarlequinTEEN Australia for offering up both books.

The winners were:
-alice_xox and Romi Foster!

Congrats girls! Both winners have been contacted and their details passed along to the publisher. Hope you love your prize!

Waiting on Wedesday #22

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....


Gravity by Melissa West
Releases in: October 2012
Add it: On Goodreads.

In the future, only one rule will matter: Don’t. Ever. Peek.

Seventeen-year-old Ari Alexander just broke that rule and saw the last person she expected hovering above her bed--arrogant Jackson Locke, the most popular boy in her school. She expects instant execution or some kind of freak alien punishment, but instead, Jackson issues a challenge: help him, or everyone on Earth will die.

Ari knows she should report him, but everything about Jackson makes her question what she’s been taught about his kind. And against her instincts, she’s falling for him. But Ari isn’t just any girl, and Jackson wants more than her attention. She’s a military legacy who’s been trained by her father and exposed to war strategies and societal information no one can know--especially an alien spy, like Jackson. Giving Jackson the information he needs will betray her father and her country, but keeping silent will start a war.

Thoughts:
This sounds like a really exciting sci-fi read! I think the idea is really fun, and fresh without giving to much away. Aliens seem to be taking hold of us in recent time and I think this looks to be a fantastic edition to the genre. Can't wait to read it!

What do you think? Will you be putting this on your to-read list?
And what are you waiting on this week?

Blog Tour: Supernaturally Kissed by Stacey Kennedy Excerpt!

Welcome to the Supernaturally Kissed by Stacey Kennedy Blog Tour!

I originally read Supernaturally Kissed in April of last year when it was still published as Stolen Dreams and personally I thought it was a fabulous tale. It was fun and feisty and had a treiffic storyline. I'm dying to read the next book already.

Today I have the pleasure of sharing an experpt with you--one I'm sure will have to very eager for the book but first lets have a little look at Supernaturally Kissed!


Ghosts harass and annoy Tess Jennings to save their souls. Sometimes she helps them. Other times she ignores them. But one ghost will give her no choice.

Kipp McGowen, a cop with the Memphis Police Department, will stop at nothing to gain her help, including using his ghostly charms to seduce her.
Tess must help solve the five year old cold case of Hannah Reid, because solving the case will save Kipp. But a bigger problem presents itself. Tess is falling in love with a ghost. Now she must decide.

Keep Kipp forever or find the killer…


Excerpt:

***WARNING: Please be aware that this excerpt has some mature sexual content and is therefore not suitable for younger readers***


An icy wisp of air swept in behind me, causing my heel to twist as I stumbled. To the other pedestrians striding along the downtown Memphis street, the sensation would be brushed off as a cold breeze.

They were wrong. A spirit lingered here.

“Can you hear me?”

From the intrigue rolling in his voice, he hadn’t expected me to acknowledge him. Shit! I’d already given myself away. A mistake I’d rectify.

Without hesitation, I righted my stance and strode forward with purpose, forcing myself to remain deaf to the voice. If I ignored ghosts long enough, they moved on and searched out someone else who held the same irritating ability, whom I had yet to meet.

Much to my annoyance, the ghost stayed right on my heels and his presence remained strong behind me. The cold air at my back remained a contrast to the warm morning air in front of me. Every hair on my neck stood up and goose bumps pimpled a trail along my skin. If only I could rub them away, but I didn’t dare. Ignoring him would make him go away.

“You can hear me, can’t you?” the ghost asked again.

Spirits were typically harmless, but annoying. I’m dead, what’s going on, why am I a ghost—yada, yada, yada. I quickened my steps and made my way down Peabody Place in hopes he’d leave me alone.

“Wait.”

He sounded desperate, which meant a big headache for me. If I hadn’t worn my damn slingbacks, I would’ve tried to run and hide. But the three-inch Manolos and the tight, tailored gray skirt restrained my movements.

I passed Miss Polly’s Soul Food Café, and the delicious aroma of bacon and eggs drifted along the air. My empty stomach complained. My only thought after I woke had been caffeine. Now I wished I’d grabbed a muffin with my latté at Starbucks. With ten minutes to get to my desk, I couldn’t worry about such things.

My boss, Event Manager Dylan Cobb, would hand me my ass if I stepped into the office a minute late. Sadly, there’d never been a day I didn’t cater to his every need.
I approached Beale Street and sighed in relief, relishing the warmth surrounding me. Not only from the sun above—the spirit’s cold presence at my back had vanished. Pleased my dodge of him had worked, I took a sip of my energy in a cup and smiled. Coffee’s fantastic, the ghost is gone—life is good.

Another block passed under my heels before I reached the historical red-brick building. Randall Marketing, written in black block letters, decorated the striped green-and-white awning.

I opened the door to the office and strode in, greeted by a bubbly voice. “Good morning, Tess.”

“Mornin’.”

“Give me a moment here.” Doris shuffled paperwork around her desk, her auburn curls bouncing on her shoulders. The receptionist had always been messy, yet somehow organized. “There were a few messages on the voicemail for you.” She raised her head and held out the pink slips of paper. “A lovely day today, is it not?”

“Sure is.” So I lied. The ghost hadn’t kicked off my day on a high note. Not as if I’d tell her about my interaction with spirits. My ability to converse with spirits remained on a need-to-know basis, and as far as it concerned me, no one needed to know. I grabbed the messages from her hand. “Did your weekend treat you good?”

“I spent the entire weekend knee-deep in my garden.” Her cocoa-colored eyes lit up. “My best year ever, I’m hoping. You’ll have to come out and have a look-see.”

“I’d love to.” Doris treasured her gardens, so I tried to appear interested, even though my green thumb looked black.

Her smile brightened, but when the phone rang, she waved a goodbye and answered the call. “It’s another beautiful day here at Randall Marketing, how may I direct your call?”

Leaving her behind, I strode down the hall toward my office and sipped my coffee. The warmth slid down my throat and provided an immediate rush to my energy levels. At the third door on the right, I entered my bleak workspace with its pale-blue walls, closed the door behind me and approached the desk. I dropped down into the black leather chair and flipped through the messages. None were urgent enough to worry about now.

I powered up my computer, but a knock at the door had me glancing up. Before I got a word out, the door swished open and I cringed, fully aware of the looming trouble.
Caley, the officer manager and my best friend since the age of four, looked like a typical Barbie. Perfect skin, long flowing blonde hair and a body men drooled over. I might have been jealous of her perfection since I couldn’t pull off her looks even with a makeover—so maybe a little envious—but her appearance had always been a front. She was the devil in disguise.

She scowled, shutting the door behind her with a slam. “Do you mind explaining where you were all weekend?”

“At home.” I batted my lashes. “Why? Did you try to call me?”

She pointed her finger, narrowing her eyes at me. “Don’t you try that shit on me. I called you all weekend and your phone went straight to voicemail.”

“Hmm…” I pretended to ponder. “The battery must have died.” She had enough gall to just come over, but the little hint had been a subtle way of telling Caley to leave me alone.

“Liar.” She plopped down in the seat across from my desk. “Where were you? I wanted to go out.”

“Nowhere. Honestly, I vegged on the couch.”

Caley snorted. “You lead such an exciting life.”

My mouth parted to offer a snappy retort, but a cold wisp of air brushed across my skin, causing my lips to snap shut. Damn! I thought I’d got rid of him.
“Hello.” Caley snapped her fingers in front of my face. “Leave the aliens behind and return to Mother Earth.”

I blinked, trying to force my attention back to her, yet failing. The ghost knelt right beside Caley—not kneeling, of course; more like floating, since ghosts were never able to obtain physical contact with the world around them—and my focus held strong on him, unable to stop myself from ogling. He stared intently, with one crystal-blue eye, while the other was a chocolate color. His strong jaw, the muscles clenching along his cheeks, all spoke of power. But as he ran his hand through his untidy sandy-colored hair, his expression showed playfulness. His black tank top left his arms exposed and muscles upon muscles layered those arms.

“Anyways,” she said, dragging my gaze back to her. “I had to go out with Susanne because you left me high and dry.”

I laughed. Caley’s horny, twenty-year-old stepsister had the body that men chased after. “You did have the option to stay home, you know.”

Her eyes widened. “On a Saturday night?”

“Yeah, you know, get some popcorn, watch a movie and relax.”

She frowned. “If you don’t stop your grandma behavior, your va-jay-jay is going to shrivel up and die.”

The ghost chuckled.

His smooth laugh hit me like a cup of warm cocoa, causing my insides to melt. Nothing amused me. First off, Caley had been so wrong—maybe a little right—but I’d never admit to her accuracy aloud. Second, reacting in such a heated way to a ghost definitely didn’t hit my to-do list today.

“Excuse me.” I spoke not only to Caley, but also to the irritating ghost. “My va-jay-jay is just fine.”

“Well, I’m glad to hear you’ve still got some spunk.” She stood and placed her hands on her hips. “Because we’ve got a double date tonight.”

“A what?” Dear God!

She grinned from ear to ear. “Yes, my dearest Grammy, we’re going out.”

“With who?”

“Two guys I met on Saturday night. You’re coming with me, either willingly or unwillingly, so suck up your hesitations, babe, because saying no isn’t an option.”
“But it’s a Monday night.” Not saying a date didn’t sound like fun. A month had passed since my last attempt at dating—which failed miserably—but a man Caley chose while drunk? No thanks. My sex life might have been as dead as the sexy ghost in front of me, but I’d still search for a way out. “I have to work tomorrow.”

She wagged her finger in classic Caley fashion. “You’re a grandma.”

Most times, I respected her persistent personality. She never backed down, always dreamed big and went for the gold, but her grit hadn’t been all rays of sunshine. Her determination made her annoyingly tenacious. I had to agree or she’d never give up, and getting her out of my office sounded all too good. “Fine. I’ll go with you.”
“Oh, stop looking so pissy. We’ll have fun. Promise. I’ll come to your place at eight.” She opened the door, glanced over her shoulder and winked. “Leave the granny panties at home.”


* * * * *
The day came and went. My head pounded, not because my boss had been as demanding as any two-year-old, which he did often, but because the ghost hadn’t shut up. The past hours, even after I returned home to get ready for tonight,he’d tried his best to gain my attention. Good thing I’m great at tuning people—ghosts—out, or I would’ve caved after hour two.

“I’m not leaving until you admit you can hear me,” the ghost said.

With a flick of my shag-cut brown hair—that actually didn’t give me any trouble tonight—to dismiss him, I strode next to Caley, heading back toward the downtown core. Dressed in my low-riding, dark wash jeans and blue plaid three-quarter-length-sleeve top, tied to leave my midriff exposed, at least I looked half decent while I suffered through the embarrassing blind date.

The ghost’s tone came a little louder and more abrupt. “Dammit, woman! Will you stop ignoring me? It’s annoying.”

I’m annoying him? I nearly laughed at the ridiculous notion, but did not intend to give myself away. I’d held strong for nine hours. Soon, he’d catch the drift and piss off.

Caley knocked my arm. “Will you stop looking so tight assed?”

I glanced away from the sidewalk and smiled at her. “My ass is tight.” Okay, not eighteen-year-old tight, but only twenty-five now, I worked hard to keep things tight.

She chuckled. “You’re…”

“Damn right, you do, sweet cheeks,” the ghost said.

Caley stopped dead in her tracks, which caused me to stumble. “What’s got you blushing?”

I righted my stance, raised my hand to my face and, to my horror, my cheeks were warm. “I’m not blushing. I I I’m hot.”

“Unless you somehow turned into a lesbian and have fallen for your best friend,you’re acting weird.”

“I do love you.” At her widened eyes, I laughed. “But I don’t want you in the sack. Seriously, I’m just hot.”

The ghost’s voice deepened. “Ah, a way to grab your attention, I see.”

The little purr hanging off his tone made my stomach flip-flop. Clearly, I craved some attention and needed to get some in a bad way if I reacted in such a heated way to a non-living person.

I shoved the ridiculous reaction away and focused back on Caley, falling into stride with her. “Who’s the guy I’m hooking up with tonight?”

“He’s just your type.” She wiggled her brows. “You’re going to thank me later.”
“What do you mean my type?” I liked men, all types of them, and I’d never confine my options into a little box. Caley had apparently taped the box shut and shipped the package.

“He’s a pro baseball player and is home visiting his family for a couple days.”
“A pro, huh?” Maybe I had fooled myself into believing I didn’t have a type, because hearing baseball player made my interest rise. Images of skintight white pants and a scrumptious ass filled my mind.

“Yeah, he’s got the looks too.” She nudged her shoulder into mine. “And the money.”
“Women,” the ghost muttered.

I ignored the ghost like the ghost he was, turned onto Beale Street and Coyote Ugly Saloon appeared. A line of people outside meant an hour of waiting. Not as if I thought we’d have to wait. I had Caley with me, after all.

She snatched up my hand, yanking me forward, and hurried her steps. “Brandon,” she called out.

Two men turned toward her, and evidently, Caley knew my type better than I did, since either of the men would have fallen into the fantasy category.
“I’m so glad y’all came,” Brandon said.

Caley gave one of her pageant smiles. “We’re glad you asked us to come.”

“You must be Tess.”

I glanced toward hunk number two. He held the typical all-American look—brown hair, blue-eyed, charming smile, and with his dimple, I suspected he could woo his way into anyone’s bed. Maybe even mine if he played his cards right tonight.
“I’m Trent.”

“Nice to meet you.” I ogled his trim body and handsome face and caught sight of the big white D on his navy-blue hat. “You play for Detroit?”

He nodded. “Both Brandon and I do. We were lucky enough to get a little time off to see the family.”

“Figures, Detroit sucks,” the ghost said.

I smiled, keeping my focus on Trent, ignoring the annoyingly sexy voice by my ear.
“Come on, let’s go get a drink.” Caley wrapped her arm in Brandon’s and approached the bouncer. If one good thing came from her charismatic pushy attitude, she’d always been quite the social butterfly. No one, including me, ever said no to her.
“Did you grow up here in Memphis?” I asked Trent.

“Born and raised.”

Seemed as if he wanted to say more, but Caley interrupted with her typical impatient yell. “Come on, y’all.”

I glanced over my shoulder to find her waving her hands. “We’ve been summoned.”
Trent chuckled.

I strode past the irritated crowd, who didn’t have a Caley in their group to push their way through. Entering the bar, loud country music, accompanied by hoots and hollers, rang out around me. The stench of sweat made my nose crinkle. Caley pointed to a table across the way and I maneuvered through the partygoers, following her.
At the table, Trent held out a stool and gestured for me to sit. He sure played his cards right to a royal flush. I slid onto the stool, and he asked, “What’s your drink?”

“A cold beer sounds great.”

He winked. “My kind of lady.”

The boys headed to the bar. I glanced over at Caley, who bounced up and down on her seat in excitement. “I did good, right?”

I nodded, not at all ashamed to give her props for her choice. “He’s not only sexy as sin, but a gentleman too. You did great.”

The ghost snorted.

I’d forgotten all about him and had hoped he wouldn’t follow me into the bar. Nothing would ruin my excitement now. A long time had passed since I’d met anyone worth meeting. The ghost wouldn’t put a damper on my fun.

Within minutes, Trent and Brandon returned to the table with four beers in hand. I claimed a bottle, took a long sip and sighed in happiness. After the day I had, the beer comforted me. The alcohol refreshed the senses, revived the mood and removed the tension sitting heavy on my shoulders.

Trent grinned. “Looks like you needed a drink.”

I licked the dribble of beer from my lips. “I’ve been craving a beer all day long.” I set the bottle onto the table. “So, tell me, what’s it like to play baseball as a pro?”

I’ve never regretted saying words more in my life. One question led to a twenty-minute conversation I wished I’d never instigated. Caley, the traitor, had vanished onto the dance floor with Brandon, which left me with the pompous stud.

“I’ve grown as a player…” Trent went on.

“This guy is a fucking joke,” the ghost said.

I almost turned my head to nod, but of course refrained. I continued to listen to Trent’s words without truly hearing what he had to say. I merely muttered “yeah” or “cool” when appropriate.

“If I were him, I would’ve skipped the conversation all together and had you back in my bed the moment I laid eyes on you.”

He did not just say that! My stomach leapt up into my throat and my body warmed in places that shouldn’t from a ghost. He’d only said words—not used soft touches to entice me—but the way his voice carried into my soul, the effect had been similar to sweet caresses. “The coach has been pleased…”

The ghost’s tone dropped an octave. “I wouldn’t have wasted the time with small talk. I would’ve used my mouth to learn my way around your luscious curves and used your responses to tell me about the woman you are.”

I squirmed on the stool in an attempt to ignore the soft purr of his voice sending shivers down my spine. I even leaned in further toward Trent and tried to concentrate on his boring conversation.

“After I tasted your sweet skin and saw your desperation for more, I would kiss your mouth until your lips were rosy and swollen. I’d deepen the kiss by tangling my fingers through your hair and holding you close to feel all of me.”

I gulped, crossed my legs and squeezed them tight. He’s a ghost! Nothing that involved him should arouse me. But the pulse between my thighs declared he held the power to make me undone.

“I’d kiss my way along your jaw while I lowered my hand to trail along your stomach. Then I would seek to discover all those little places that make you squirm.”
He ran his finger from below my ear all the way to my nape. His touch forced my eyes closed. A cold shiver danced along my skin to leave goose bumps in its wake. Wild sensations stole my logical mind. My will to ignore him plummeted.

“Tess,” Caley shouted.

I opened my eyes, and after taking a moment to focus, I discovered not only Caley staring at me, but Trent and Brandon too.

She frowned. “What’s wrong with you?”

I shook my head and released the breath stuck in my throat, which came out in a slow wisp of air. “Nothing—I’m fine.”

“I’d lower myself between those luscious legs of yours, tempting you and teasing you. I’d stare into those pretty green eyes of yours until they widened in pleasure.”
“You’re not fine,” Caley retorted. “Your face is bright red.”

“I’d wait until your hips arched toward me and begged me to take you. Then, and only then, would I give you what you desire.”

I grabbed my beer, took a big swig and a couple more. All eyes stared at me with blatant confusion. Part of me wanted to move away, while the other needed to hear more.

“Ah, Tess,” Caley whispered. “Seriously, are you okay?”

I paid my obvious inappropriate behavior no attention. The fantasy the ghost built in my mind needed to have a conclusion. “Yes. Yes. I’m good.”

“I would thrust against you, demanding you react to my intentions. You’d scream out and I would echo the sound with a moan of my own, as I used all my strength to satisfy you.”

Caley chuckled nervously.

I gripped the edge of the table in front of me and held on tight.

“You’d come into your orgasm because I’d leave you with no other choice. But I wouldn’t stop there.” He ran his finger along my exposed lower back and the coldness against my hot skin made me shiver. “Without giving you the chance to recover, I’d flip you over on your knees,” his tone dipped lower, “and fuck you senseless.”
I shot up from my seat, which caused the stool to slam back into the person behind me, who swore in return. “I have to go.”

Caley nodded. “Ah yeah, I think you do.”

Without another word—or a goodbye to the living men or the dead one who had got me all hot and bothered—I bolted from the bar and ran so hard my calves burned, reminding me of the three-inch heels strapped to my feet.

The ghost didn’t follow me and nothing pleased me more. I needed some space, time to return to reality or to pleasure the need out of me—either would do.

Within only a few minutes, I arrived at my condominium, which appeared more like an old textile factory, but inside were renovated modern apartments. The arousal burning inside me hadn’t vanished. The wetness between my thighs was a constant reminder of the ghost’s words.

I ran up the stairs while I took my keys out from my back pocket. At the thick mahogany wooden door, I raised my key pass to the scanner, grabbed the chrome door handle and swung it open.

Just three doors down, I opened the door to my condo before slamming it closed behind me. I didn’t bother to lock the door and did the only thing I thought of now. I sprinted to the bedroom, stripped out of my clothes and finished the fantasy the ghost had built in my mind.
Copyright © STACEY KENNEDY, 2011
All Rights Reserved, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.

Did you enjoy that? Be sure to head here to buy it.

Check out my review here or add it on Goodreads!

About the Author:

Stacey Kennedy’s novels are lighthearted fantasy with heart-squeezing, thigh-clenching romance, and they even give you a good chuckle every now and again. But within the stories you’ll also find fast-paced action, life-threatening moments and a big bad villain who needs to be destroyed. Her urban fantasy/paranormal and erotic romance series have hit Amazon Kindle and All Romance eBooks bestseller lists.

Stacey welcomes comments from readers.

Visit Stacey Kennedy:
Website // Goodreads

Thank-you to Bewitching Book Tours and Stacey Kennedy for putting together this tour! Head here for the complete tour schedule or for more information on Bewitching Book Tours.

Book Shelf: Divergent (Divergent #1) by Veronica Roth

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtueshe can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself. During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really areand where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her. (Blurb from Goodreads....)


Review:

I’m not even sure there are words to accurately describe the brilliance that is Divergent. Veronica Roth’s debut novel is completely compelling and exciting; a dystopian novel in a world of its own! This action packed and driven tale is full of depth and emotion and will sweep you up into a futuristic world so dark, yet enticing you’ll dread ever having to leave!

Divergent was tipped as one of the best books of last year and as someone only just stumbling into the dystopian genre, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I don’t think I’ve spoken to anyone who has had anything negative to say about Divergent, but I was still hesitant. Now, having finished this, I feel as though I wasted an entire year of my life; a year I could of spend reading Divergent! I’m not even sure I’m able to write a review that does this book justice. It’s incredible, simply incredible. It deserves every single bit of praise it has ever received and then some!

From the very first chapter, the world Veronica Roth has created had my attention. Inexplicitly. From the very beginning Tris’s choices and the decisions she faced had my heart pounding and my adrenaline pumping. This happens to me often with books, but never so early on. Divergent is one of those rare books where the world is so cleverly crafted by the author that it takes on an entire life of its own. Every element, every aspect that churns within it is so compelling and there’s such an aura of importance to every choice each of the characters make. Every moment of action, humour, romance and betrayal have the ability to capture you completely in a way that connects you to the book.

Each and every character within this book is exceptional. Colouring the book with individual personality, drives and fears, every individual Tris meets throughout the story will captivate you with their complicated natures and in some cases, devious intentions. From the friends she makes in the Dauntless faction, to the family she leaves behind, they will all spark your interest and make you think about their motivations.

Divergent really explores the complexity of human nature. In a dystopian society divided into 5 factions, individuals are allowed to choose the faction they will forever belong to at the age of sixteen. Choosing between Erudite (the intelligent), Abnegation (the selfless), Candor (the honest), Amity (the peaceful) or Dauntless (the brave), initiates will either remain with their family or transfer and begin a new live with their newly chosen faction. The idea itself is so intriguing, but factor in that nothing is as it seems and things really begin to get interesting. Each faction prides itself on one basic human characteristic, but we as human beings are complex creatures. We are never one thing. We cannot be completely selfless—we simply don’t have it in us, nor can we be always brave and never show fear. In human nature no one is black and white and we all have a little bit of everything in us. It’s these small inconsistencies that make us who we are and when the collective focus is on one driving trait above all others the outcome is an individual so warped with this impossible sense of who they are that they simply can’t function in any other way.

Beatrice Prior is from Abnegation. She’s been taught to think, act and believe certain things; to always put others above herself and to be completely selfless. However this isn’t her. She doesn’t fit in with the members of her faction and when the choice comes to choose, Beatrice makes a choice that will change everything she’s ever known. Becoming Tris, she soon learns of the tough initiation process that will either make her a Dauntless or see her faction-less....forever. Plus, Tris isn’t normal....Tris is Divergent and she has to hide this from her newfound friends and faction or loose them regardless.

Tris has to be one of the best characters I’ve ever heard about! Honestly, I’m totally girl-crushing on her right now. Tris is everything I love in a heroine and it was an absolute pleasure reading about her. Being Divergent makes Tris so much more than what people expect her to be and it’s the flaws she holds and her struggle to define who she is that makes her so relatable and fantastic to read about. Her “voice” within the book is a constant tether to all that it means to be human. She hold so many traits that would make her Abnegation, but she wars with the other part of herself that covets being strong and independent; able to take care of herself and to be seen that way by others. There’s so much growth in Tris throughout this book; from the small, miniscule rebels she makes in the beginning, progressing all the way in length throughout the book to the sacrifices she’s willing to make in the end. The choices Tris has to make and the decisions she chooses were a constant reminder to me of the desperate situation she was in where failing simply wasn’t an option, no matter how hard, how meek things became. Tris found the light and the good in moments that helped shape her and I loved watching every moment of that.

When it comes to talking about Four my initial response is to either swoon or drool, perhaps a bit of both, but I’m going to try to coherently talk about why I love this guy. Upon her arrival at the Dauntless camp Tris soon meets Four and I’d be lying if I didn’t mention that he caught my attention from the get go. However as the novel progressed, every action of his made me fall for him a little bit more and here’s why....Four is tough, fierce and an incredible character. As a Dauntless trainer he’s fearsome and slightly frightening, but underneath he’s a man not afraid to face his fears and who wants to be the best person he can be. As the story evolves you quickly learn that Four isn’t who he appears and while I easily pieced together his true identity, it didn’t lessen the fun of watching it all unfold before my very eyes. He’s had a hard life and towards the end of the book it becomes apparent that he still bares the scars of that life and it’s this vulnerability that helps to add to his complexity. How can someone be so brave and strong, yet be so human and you not love them?

For all her inner strength Tris is still exceptionally innocent. Coming from a faction where physical contact and intimacy isn’t broadcast, Tris has never kissed a boy let alone been drawn to one as she finds herself drawn to Four. At first, she doesn’t understand the small signs in the pit of her stomach that signal her attraction to Four. Having never experienced something like that before, it’s sweet watching their relationship develop from trainer and innate to friends and then eventually to something more. The sexual tension between the two of them is electric despite their experience and every touch, kiss and caress holds so much power.

Brimming with action and adventure, Divergent’s masterful tale of love, betrayal and self discovery will leave you begging for more! The explosive ending will have you breathless and wanting to get your hands on the next book, Insurgent as soon as it’s released!

Rating:
Source: I Bought.
Format: Paperback.
Recommend: YES!
Recommend borrow or buy: Buy it--you need to own this!
Cover: I'm in two minds about the cover. I see good sides to it, but I also don't think it does the book justice.
Read sequel/continue with series: Hell to the yes!

Buy it here:

In My Mailbox #29

Hey guys!

Welcome to In My Mailbox!

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren where we can share the books we bought, borrowed or received throughout the week. For more info on just what it is and how to participate, head here.

Been a couple of weeks since I've done an IMM. For those who don't already know, February marks the start of the school year for us here in Australia. Primary school, high school, TAFE, Uni....we all head back and enrollments tend to take up a lot of time. Honestly, I didn't think I'd survive the last two weeks, lol.

I'm going to try my hardest to make sure I get regular IMM posts up, but you'll have to forgive me if I miss a couple of weeks throughout the year :)

Anyway, let's take a look at what I got!



I Bought:
~The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
~Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
~Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
~Darker After Midnight by Lara Adrian
~A Kiss in Time by Alex Flinn

Yes, I finally bought The Hunger Games boxed set. Been planning to do so, but I made it my mission last week to hunt it down at Big W. It was a good day--I also left with A Kiss in Time which I've been wanting for a while, seeing as I adored Finn's Beastly! Also got the new Midnight Breed book, simply cos I enjoy the series.

For Review:
From Simon & Schuster Australia....
~The Alchemy of Forever by Avery Williams
....(Thank-you so much Caroline!)

From Bloomsbury Australia....
~Stolen Away by Alyxandra Harvey
...(Thank-you so much Bloomsbury!)

From HarlequinTEEN Australia....
~Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter
....(Thank-you Gabby goddess of the books!)

SQUEE! So excited for The Alchemy of Forever and Goddess Interrupted! Loved The Goddess Test so dying to start the 2nd book! I've actually already read Stolen Away and while I'm a fan of Alyxandra Harvey, I didn't love it like I did her past books. It was a nice, easy read though. I also received a cute little make-up case with Stolen Away that isn't pictured, so that was a nice little surprise.



I Won:
~I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter
~Only the Good Spy Young by Ally Carter
~Heist Society by Ally Carter

I was thrilled to discover I won these books from Rachel over at Fiktshun as part of her "Rachel" featured giveaway from her My Reading Pile blog! They're all signed to Rachel, how cool is that? There are some times it pays to share a name with someone! I've never read any of Ally Carter's books, but these may just be the perfect incendtive to finally do so. Thank-you so much to Rachel!!

Annnd....that's my mailbox!
What did you get in yours? I'd love to know!