As You Lay Sleeping by Katyn Duncan Genre: YA Thriller Release Date: February 22nd 2017 HQ Digital Summary from Goodreads: I did it all for you… Cara’s boyfriend is dead. When fingers start pointing at her, she knows she’s in more trouble than she originally thought. Because Cara can see that something isn’t right. As her carefully constructed life begins to crumble, Cara isn’t sure who she is anymore. But maybe that’s exactly what someone wants her to think…
I’ve been writing and reading since I can remember. My fondest memories were pushing mom out of the house to get the latest Goosebumps installment. Even though I went to school and worked in the field of science, my head has always been in the clouds. Outside of writing, I enjoy spending time with my hubs, pup, and sometimes a good rom com.
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Thanks to YA Bound Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review Chameleon by Zoe Kalo! Paloma is taken to a convent to “repent, grow and become a better person”, as the head nun tells her, even though Paloma feels as though she’s being punished. She is dropped off at the convent by her mother, stepfather and her younger half sister, Sara, who is sad to leave Paloma. The reason Paloma is in trouble is because she tried conducting seances to reach her father, who died when she was young. Paloma becomes part of a group of teenage girls that each have a story of their own. She is unsure who she can trust, any of the girls or even the nuns. The story pulled my attention in from the beginning with its suspense, mystery and a promise of the paranormal. The complex characters and layered mystery kept me on my toes! 5 stars for the twists, turns and the interesting setting of this story!
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Thanks to NetGalley and Entangled Teen for the opportunity to read and review Island of Exiles by Erica Cameron! The story begins with a group of desert dwellers racing home to beat the storm that is heading their way. Once home, the main character, Khya, is worrying about her sixteen year old brother, Yorri, who will be facing the Herynshi ritual that will decide whether he has magic or not. So far, Yorri hasn’t shown any signs of magic. The dusty, wind blown world that the author creates with her picturesque words feels real while reading the story. I could almost hear the wind and see the long tunics blowing around the characters’ forms. Tessen keeps trying to get Khya to dance with him and she keeps ignoring him because she’s annoyed at how nonchalant he acts about his skills and strength, but I see Tessen as being humble about them. Yorri finally shows magical skills and is honored, but soon afterward he dies. There is a mystery surrounding his death and it takes a group of trustworthy friends to help solve it. My favorite line in the book, which Khya says to Tessen, “Your determination to get into trouble with me is odd.” Made me chuckle! The group finds so much more waiting for them outside of their community than they could have ever dreamed. My rating – 4 stars for this fantasy fiction set in a dangerous desert and full of charismatic characters!
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Thanks to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the opportunity to read and review Any Boy But You by Julie Hammerle, which is the first book in the North Pole series! In the Minnesota town of North Pole, the town that celebrates Christmas year round, two sporting goods stores are competing for business. The two stores have been owned by the same families for fifty years and have been archenemies for decades. The families are both dealing with their own problems and difficulties among the business competition and within their families. We get to know the main characters, Elena and Oliver, well because of the alternating points of view. I enjoyed reading about the creative ideas that both businesses came up with to help gain customers, such as a North Pole version of Pokemon Go and the seasonal themes of both stores. This cute romantic story earns a 4 star rating from me for a diverse set of supporting characters and a unique setting!
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Configured by Jenetta Penner is about Avlyn who lives in an all out dystopian society that does not allow anyone to choose their careers or future spouses, stilts all emotions and will not allow relationships with anyone that you cared about or knew before you became an adult. Avlyn’s twin brother, Ben, died when he was four years old and she doesn’t understand why. She misses him daily and wants to know what happened to cause his death. Anytime she asks questions about Ben, her foster parents become angry and tell her to not cause problems for the two of them. They do not seem to care about Avlyn at all, once they have completed their duty of raising her. Avlyn is asked to join a rebellion and actually feels like she has been pushed into it at the beginning. She eventually sees more of what is happening in her society and begins to understand that a rebellion is necessary. Configured is a science fiction, action-adventure in a dystopian society with an intense rebellion in the making – 4 stars for originality!
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Thanks to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the opportunity to read and review Guardian of Secrets by Brenda Drake! This second book in the Library Jumpers series is as awesome as the first book, Thief of Lies. The beginning of the book reacquaints us with the characters and adventures that took place in the first book. Gia and her comrades are trying to blend into a regular human lifestyle while continuing the search for the keys. Gia isn’t sure who she can trust and, at times in the story, who is deserving of her trust is unpredictable. Gia also meets someone who she thought was no longer alive. Her heart also goes on a roller coaster ride and back and forth between two guys that she deeply cares for. This story stretches Gia and her capabilities, but she hangs in there and becomes stronger because of it! I rate Guardian of Secrets 5 stars for action, intrigue and a fun fantasy adventure!
SeQuence Aligned (The Heart of the Ocean #2) by Lorraine M.L.M. Genre: YA Fantasy/Romance Release Date: February 1st 2017 Summary from Goodreads: Alessia and Dante’s love has blossomed. Their Sequence of Hearts is sturdier than ever, but the shield that protects Tuscania is weakening and an invasion is imminent. Everyone knows Alessia’s new-found power is the key–especially Alessia. Unfortunately, the energy inside her is unstable and expediting her training could have devastating consequences. But that’s exactly what must be done. Whisked away to a secluded training facility, Alessia is forced to put aside all distractions, including Dante, to fully focus on the Sequence of Peace. But power always comes at a price. When Dante falls deathly ill, Alessia abandons her training to go to him, but she never makes it. Instead, she’s kidnapped and dragged outside the shield where she’s more helpless than she was back on Earth. As the captive of a vengeful madman, Alessia has only her wits and her will to save herself and the world she’s come to cherish.
Alessia Appleton is desperate. She’s desperate to silence the voices inside her head, but being committed to an island asylum has only made them worse. Still, at least there’s the ocean. Water is the one thing that blocks Alessia from hearing the thoughts of those around her. Complete submersion is her only relief. So, when she gets the chance to escape her wardens and the voices, Alessia takes it. She dives into the sea and a giant wave drags her under. When she comes to, one thing is clear–either Alessia’s completely lost her mind, or she’s not on Earth anymore. Instead, she finds herself in a world with two moons, a complex undersea society, a long-lost grandmother, and a drool-worthy young man named Dante Erajion. However, it doesn’t take long for Alessia to realise that a new world comes with all kinds of new rules and new problems. In Zeneshia sequence takes precedence over chance, and Alessia’s arrival has set off the Foretold Sequence of Hearts, shifting the future to a dire series of choices between Life, Love, and Death. Shortlisted for the 2015 Love Stories New Talent Award
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About the Author
Lorraine M.L.M writes young adult romantic fiction. Her love for reading prompted her passion for writing. She loves all genres of romance but has a special and inherent interest in Fantasy/Romance in particular uplifting and thought provoking fiction. Her YA Fantasy/Romance debut novel, SeQuence was shortlisted for the 2015 Love Stories New Talent Award. When she’s not writing, she can be found gazing into the distance thinking about writing. If you would like to keep up-to-date with news of her forthcoming releases, you can sign up here: http://eepurl.com/b-3fXn
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Thanks to YA Bound Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review Distant Horizon by Stephanie and Isaac Flint. Distant Horizon is a science fiction dystopian story with the twist of elemental powers, such as speed, electricity, persuasion and plant manipulation. The community has been told that they need to take a pill daily to prevent a plague that causes delusions of grandeur and volatile tendencies. If you are found to not be taking your daily dose, you will be sent away to reform. The community is hiding a horrific secret and Jenna and her friends get neck deep into the danger. Interesting characters that you can’t be sure are trustworthy or not and the clever problematic society and conspiracy theory angle bring intrigue and suspense to the story – 4 stars!
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Thanks to YA Bound Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review Shadows of the Forest by Emma Michaels! A mystery is surrounding a set of twins. The story begins with their injuries and the brother sacrificing his life to save his twin sister so she can heal and live. This fantastically written story uses beautiful prose to bring “a pocket realm” alive in a forest full of mysterious creatures and their unknown tales. The twins have lived a tragic life and they just want happiness and what’s best for each other and they will sacrifice everything to help the other twin. This heartbreaking, enchanting tale of what it truly means to be family and share unconditional love brought tears to my eyes and warmth to my heart. I give this book 5 stars for dynamic characters and a beautiful setting!
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Thanks to YA Bound Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review Frost by Kaitlyn Davis! Pandora chose being a vampire instead of a Titan that protects humans from supernatural beings. Titans have all the strengths of paranormal creatures without all the bad that goes along with it. Flowing storytelling and concise, but beautifully written, background building pulled me into the story and the mystery, romance and suspense kept me there. Jax and Penelope have a past relationship that either they have to put their all into or completely give up on; all or nothing. The main characters are strong willed and I was rooting for both Penelope and Jax. Even more comes to light and the ending left me wanting to know more about Penelope’s story and the prophecy- 5 stars for this very enjoyable supernatural read!
The Thought Spot 