The Princess and the Fangirl by Ashley Poston

The Princess and the Fangirl (Once Upon a Con, #2) by Ashley Poston

Published by Quirk Books

Published on April 2, 2019

Genre(s): Contemporary, Young Adult, Romance, LGBT, Retellings

Page Count: 320

Source: Publisher and Purchased

Format: ARC and Kindle

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Description:The Prince and the Pauper gets a modern makeover in this adorable, witty, and heartwarming young adult novel set in the Geekerella universe by national bestselling author Ashley Poston.

Imogen Lovelace is an ordinary fangirl on an impossible mission: save her favorite character, Princess Amara, from being killed off from her favorite franchise, Starfield. The problem is, Jessica Stone—the actress who plays Princess Amara—wants nothing more than to leave the intense scrutiny of the fandom behind. If this year's ExcelsiCon isn't her last, she'll consider her career derailed.

When a case of mistaken identity throws look-a-likes Imogen and Jess together, they quickly become enemies. But when the script for the Starfield sequel leaks, and all signs point to Jess, she and Imogen must trade places to find the person responsible. That's easier said than done when the girls step into each other's shoes and discover new romantic possibilities, as well as the other side of intense fandom. As these "princesses" race to find the script-leaker, they must rescue themselves from their own expectations, and redefine what it means to live happily ever after. 

Hello Readers.

I thought that I had reviewed this book on here before. I double checked and was surprised to discover that I had failed to do so. I started it but never finished it. This review is long overdue.

Don't let the delay in review make you think that I did not like this book. I loved this book. This series is so fun and I, not so patiently, await each book. The flow is fantastic. The characters are people that I would be friends with or dislike. Let's be honest here, some characters are just rude and I would not like them one bit in real life. Other ones would probably become lifelong friends. The scenarios are well played out. The book makes you feel as though you are at ExcelsiCon.

I am rating this book Five Blue Books because it was fantastic. Such a great sequel to Geekerella. It was wonderful to visit some old friends and make new ones. Highly recommend.


InkedBookDragon

The God Game by Danny Tobey

The God Game by Danny Tobey

Published by St. Martin's Press

Published on January 7, 2020

Genre(s): Science Fiction, Thriller, Young Adult, Fantasy, Horror, Suspense, Mystery, Adult

Page Count: 496

Source: Publisher

Format: ARC

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Book Description:

You are invited!

Come inside and play with G.O.D.

Bring your friends!

It’s fun!

But remember the rules. Win and ALL YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE.™ Lose, you die!

With those words, Charlie and his friends enter the G.O.D. Game, a video game run by underground hackers and controlled by a mysterious AI that believes it’s God. Through their phone-screens and high-tech glasses, the teens’ realities blur with a virtual world of creeping vines, smoldering torches, runes, glyphs, gods, and mythical creatures. When they accomplish a mission, the game rewards them with expensive tech, revenge on high-school tormentors, and cash flowing from ATMs. Slaying a hydra and drawing a bloody pentagram as payment to a Greek god seem harmless at first. Fun even.

But then the threatening messages start. Worship me. Obey me. Complete a mission, however cruel, or the game reveals their secrets and crushes their dreams. Tasks that seemed harmless at first take on deadly consequences. Mysterious packages show up at their homes. Shadowy figures start following them, appearing around corners, attacking them in parking garages. Who else is playing this game, and how far will they go to win?

And what of the game’s first promise: win, win big, lose, you die? Dying in a virtual world doesn’t really mean death in real life—does it?

As Charlie and his friends try to find a way out of the game, they realize they’ve been manipulated into a bigger web they can’t escape: an AI that learned its cruelty from watching us.

God is always watching, and He says when the game is done.

Hello Readers.

I read The God Game for a buddy read with some of my closest friends. I was sent a copy of it and this was the perfect opportunity to read it. What a book! This one was nothing like I thought it would be. I was drawn into it and could not wait to see what happened next. I have said it before but that truly is a rare thing for me. I read a lot of books and only a small percentage of them grab my full attention. This one did just that. Creepy at moments. Intense. Left me wanting more. 

I am rating this book Four Red Books because I was torn on how to rate it. This would be one of those that I would rate with half books if I had that system. It was not quite a Five but it was more than a Four. I have purchased the other book by this author and look forward to reading it. Recommend.

InkedBookDragon

Currently reading: Queen of Air and Darkness by Cassandra Clare and Leave No Scone Unturned by Denise Swanson

Five Feet Apart by Rachael Lippincott with Mikki Daughtry and Tobias Iaconis

Five Feet Apart by Rachael Lippincott with Mikki Daughtry and Tobias Iaconis

Published by Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers

Published on November 20, 2018

Genre(s): Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Fiction

Page Count: 288

Source: Purchased

Format: Hardback

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Description: Can you love someone you can never touch?

Stella Grant likes to be in control—even though her totally out of control lungs have sent her in and out of the hospital most of her life. At this point, what Stella needs to control most is keeping herself away from anyone or anything that might pass along an infection and jeopardize the possibility of a lung transplant. Six feet apart. No exceptions.

The only thing Will Newman wants to be in control of is getting out of this hospital. He couldn’t care less about his treatments, or a fancy new clinical drug trial. Soon, he’ll turn eighteen and then he’ll be able to unplug all these machines and actually go see the world, not just its hospitals.

Will’s exactly what Stella needs to stay away from. If he so much as breathes on Stella she could lose her spot on the transplant list. Either one of them could die. The only way to stay alive is to stay apart. But suddenly six feet doesn’t feel like safety. It feels like punishment.

What if they could steal back just a little bit of the space their broken lungs have stolen from them? Would five feet apart really be so dangerous if it stops their hearts from breaking too?

Hello Readers.

I purchased this book after a friend kept mentioning it. She thought it was something that I would enjoy. I bought the book and then set it aside to read when I got a chance. Then I did what I seem to always do, I forgot that I had it. This week, I decided to finally read it. 

I am furious with myself about not reading this sooner. I am proud of myself for avoiding the film that released in 2019 prior to reading the book. I am currently watching the movie. Yes, you read that right. I am watching the movie as I am writing the review of the book. I have not wanted to leave these characters. 

I am rating this book Five Blue Books because I am not sure that I could love it more than I do. This will most likely be a book that I reread often. The author has another book coming out in October of this year. I cannot wait to read it! As for Five Feet Apart, I highly recommend.

InkedBookDragon

BLOG TOUR : FOUL IS FAIR

Foul Is Fair 

By Hannah Capin

Published by Wednesday Books

Published on February 18th 2020

Hannah Capin's Foul is Fair is a bloody, thrilling revenge fantasy for the girls who have had enough. Golden boys beware: something wicked this way comes.

Jade and her friends Jenny, Mads, and Summer rule their glittering LA circle. Untouchable, they have the kind of power other girls only dream of. Every party is theirs and the world is at their feet. Until the night of Jade's sweet sixteen, when they crash a St. Andrew’s Prep party. The night the golden boys choose Jade as their next target.

They picked the wrong girl.

Sworn to vengeance, Jade transfers to St. Andrew’s Prep. She plots to destroy each boy, one by one. She'll take their power, their lives, and their control of the prep school's hierarchy. And she and her coven have the perfect way in: a boy named Mack, whose ambition could turn deadly.

Here is an excerpt:

Foul is Fair

"Fierce, vicious, and electric. If books had teeth, Foul Is Fair would have fangs. Capin's language glitters dark and her writing cuts deep. Revenge is a dish best served by this deliciously unapologetic coven." - Laurie Elizabeth Flynn, author of Firsts and Last Girl Lied To

"Capin’s writing will seduce you with its beauty and then, when you least suspect it, slice you to the bone—just like Foul is Fair’s captivating, vicious, entirely unforgettable heroine, Jade." - Layne Fargo, author of Temper and co-host of Unlikeable Female Characters Podcast

“Vicious and beautifully brutal, Foul is Fair gives a sword to every girl who has ever been a victim and makes them a warrior. This book is pulls no punches and will make anyone think twice before uttering the phrase ‘just a girl’. An unapologetic feminist battle-cry that leaves you breathless and thirsting for vengeance.” - Sonia Hartl, author of Have a Little Faith in Me

"Foul is Fair delivers the story of a girl who snatches control back from a world that stole it away, through whatever means necessary. Hannah Capin deftly combines stunningly lyrical prose with the raw power of engulfing fury, sending a message written in blood. In a world where too many are forced into silence, this book roars back." - S. Gonzales, author of The Law of Inertia and Only Mostly Devastated

Buy here: https://wednesdaybooks.com/the-real-deal/foul-is-fair/

Author bio:

Hannah Capin is the author of Foul is Fair and The Dead Queens Club, a feminist retelling of the wives of Henry VIII. When she isn’t writing, she can be found singing, sailing, or pulling marathon gossip sessions with her girl squad. She lives in Tidewater, Virginia.

Author’s Twitter/Instagram: @tldaaollf

P.S. I Like You by Kasie West

P.S. I Like You by Kasie West

Published by Point

Published on July 26th 2016

Genres: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary

Page Count: 336

Source: Purchased

Format: Kindle

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Description: Signed, sealed, delivered…

While spacing out in chemistry class, Lily scribbles some of her favorite song lyrics onto her desk. The next day, she finds that someone has continued the lyrics on the desk and added a message to her. Intrigue!

Soon, Lily and her anonymous pen pal are exchanging full-on letters—sharing secrets, recommending bands, and opening up to each other. Lily realizes she’s kind of falling for this letter writer. Only, who is he? As Lily attempts to unravel the mystery and juggle school, friends, crushes, and her crazy family, she discovers that matters of the heart can’t always be spelled out… 

Hello Readers.

Kasie West is an author that pretty much fell into my lap. I picked one of her books when I had a gift card because I thought it might be a fun read. I knew absolutely nothing about her or her work but I thought I would give the book a shot. I absolutely loved the book and moved on to other ones by the author.

The premise for P.S. I Like You was so great. I was one that would finish assignments and assessments early so I would be sitting there, bored out of my mind. Some teachers allowed us to read when we were done and I was golden in those classes. Some teachers did not allow us to do anything but wait and I ended up with a lot of time on my hands. I used this time to write on the back of the paper or on my desk. I often wrote song lyrics. You can see why this book called to me, right?

The characters were relatable. I would have been friends with some of them in high school. They were fun and approachable. I like the complexity of some. People are usually not one dimensional and this book encompassed. The characters grew and developed beautifully. I cannot stand to read a book with stagnant characters. This story was truly refreshing. 

I am rating this book Four Red Books because some of the mystery component was fairly easy to guess. I figured it out early on but I wanted to see how it was executed. The author did a wonderful job with tying the story together. It was a very enjoyable read. Definitely recommend.

InkedBookDragon

Currently reading: After All by Heidi McLaughlin and Pretty Reckless by L. J. Shen

BLOG TOUR: TWEET CUTE

Tweet Cute 

By Emma Lord

Published by Wednesday Books

Published on January 21st 2020

A fresh, irresistible rom-com from debut author Emma Lord about the chances we take, the paths life can lead us on, and how love can be found in the opposite place you expected.

Meet Pepper, swim team captain, chronic overachiever, and all-around perfectionist. Her family may be falling apart, but their massive fast-food chain is booming ― mainly thanks to Pepper, who is barely managing to juggle real life while secretly running Big League Burger’s massive Twitter account.

Enter Jack, class clown and constant thorn in Pepper’s side. When he isn’t trying to duck out of his obscenely popular twin’s shadow, he’s busy working in his family’s deli. His relationship with the business that holds his future might be love/hate, but when Big League Burger steals his grandma’s iconic grilled cheese recipe, he’ll do whatever it takes to take them down, one tweet at a time.

All’s fair in love and cheese ― that is, until Pepper and Jack’s spat turns into a viral Twitter war. Little do they know, while they’re publicly duking it out with snarky memes and retweet battles, they’re also falling for each other in real life ― on an anonymous chat app Jack built.

As their relationship deepens and their online shenanigans escalate ― people on the internet are shipping them?? ― their battle gets more and more personal, until even these two rivals can’t ignore they were destined for the most unexpected, awkward, all-the-feels romance that neither of them expected. 

Here is an excerpt:

 Tweet Cute

"Tweet Cute delivers in every possible way: a perfect enemies-to-lovers romance, a whip-smart plotline, and endearingly real characters. I devoured it.” - Francesca Zappia, author of Eliza and Her Monsters

"Sweet and fun! An adorable debut that updates a classic romantic trope with a buzzy twist." - Jenn Bennett, author of Alex, Approximately and Serious Moonlight

“A witty rom-com reinvention for the Twitter age, Tweet Cute pairs delicious online rivalry with deeply relatable insights on family pressure and growing up. This fresh, funny read had us hitting ‘favorite’ from page one.” - Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka, authors of Always Never Yours and If I’m Being Honest 

Buy Here: https://read.macmillan.com/lp/tweet-cute/

Author bio:

Emma Lord is a digital media editor and writer living in New York City, where she spends whatever time she isn’t writing either running or belting show tunes in community theater. She graduated from the University of Virginia with a major in psychology and a minor in how to tilt your computer screen so nobody will notice you updating your fan fiction from the back row. She was raised on glitter, grilled cheese, and a whole lot of love. Her sun sign is Hufflepuff, but she is a Gryffindor rising. TWEET CUTE is her debut novel. You can find her geeking out online at @dilemmalord on Twitter.

Again, but Better by Christine Riccio

Again, but Better by Christine Riccio

Published by Wednesday Books

Published on May 7, 2019

Genre(s): Contemporary, YA, Romance, New Adult

Page Count: 373

Source: Purchased

Format: Hardcover

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Description: Shane has been doing college all wrong. Pre-med, stellar grades, and happy parents…sounds ideal—but Shane's made zero friends, goes home every weekend, and romance…what’s that?

Her life has been dorm, dining hall, class, repeat. Time's a ticking, and she needs a change—there's nothing like moving to a new country to really mix things up. Shane signs up for a semester abroad in London. She's going to right all her college mistakes: make friends, pursue boys, and find adventure!

Easier said than done. She is soon faced with the complicated realities of living outside her bubble, and when self-doubt sneaks in, her new life starts to fall apart.

Shane comes to find that, with the right amount of courage and determination one can conquer anything. Throw in some fate and a touch of magic—the possibilities are endless.

Hello.

This book was one that I bought because the premise spoke to me. I thought it would be a fun read. Some books are like that. I buy them knowing that they will most likely just be fun to read. Life is often too serious and it is nice to escape into a fun book. 

I would like to say that this book stayed fun but there were moments where I became so frustated with some of the characters that I wanted to throw the book. So much for the book staying "fun". This was a book where I wanted to reach into it and throttle a person or two. The author created characters that were similar to ones that you may encounter in real life. They were flawed. They were complex. They were real. 

I am rating this book Four Red Books because I truly enjoyed reading it. I didn't want to put it down once I started it. I will be on the lookout for future works by this author. Recommend. 

InkedBookDragon

Currently reading: Lord of Shadows by Cassandra Clare (Yes, I know that is shocking that I am still reading this. It has been a hectic week.)

Dread Nation

Dread Nation by Justina Ireland

Published by Blazer + Bray

Published on April 3, 2018

Genre(s): Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Horror, Young Adult

Page Count: 464

Source: Purchased

Format: Hardcover

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Book Description:

Jane McKeene was born two days before the dead began to walk the battlefields of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania—derailing the War Between the States and changing the nation forever.

In this new America, safety for all depends on the work of a few, and laws like the Native and Negro Education Act require certain children attend combat schools to learn to put down the dead.

But there are also opportunities—and Jane is studying to become an Attendant, trained in both weaponry and etiquette to protect the well-to-do. It's a chance for a better life for Negro girls like Jane. After all, not even being the daughter of a wealthy white Southern woman could save her from society’s expectations.

But that’s not a life Jane wants. Almost finished with her education at Miss Preston's School of Combat in Baltimore, Jane is set on returning to her Kentucky home and doesn’t pay much mind to the politics of the eastern cities, with their talk of returning America to the glory of its days before the dead rose.

But when families around Baltimore County begin to go missing, Jane is caught in the middle of a conspiracy, one that finds her in a desperate fight for her life against some powerful enemies.

And the restless dead, it would seem, are the least of her problems.


Hello Readers.

I had heard about this book long before I read it. I was hesitant because I was not sure how a book of this nature would work. Zombies and the Civil War? What?! Inserting zombies into any real life situation has the potential to just fall apart. I definitely was not sure how one would insert zombies into one of the most intense and important periods in America's history. The room for error was great.
I started this book with some apprehension. Would the author pull it off?

Wow! She did! Beautifully melding the elements together, the author made the story come alive. (Yes, pun intended.) Strong characters. I found myself truly hating some of them and wishing them harm. Other characters warmed my heart and I wanted nothing more than for them to succeed. So many components that could have caused the story to fall apart but they were brought together in such a way that I was blown away.

I am rating this book Five Blue Books because it was such an incredible read. I cannot wait for the sequel! It cannot come out soon enough!  Highly recommend!


InkedBookDragon

BLOG TOUR: I DO NOT TRUST YOU

I Do Not Trust You

By Laura J. Burns and Melinda Metz

Published by Wednesday Books

On Sale Septemnber 11, 2018

Memphis "M" Engel is stubborn to a fault, graced with an almost absurd knowledge of long lost languages and cultures, and a heck of an opponent in a fight. In short: she's awesome.

Ashwin Sood is a little too posh for her tastes, a member of an ancient cult (which she’s pretty sure counts for more than one strike against him), and has just informed Memphis that her father who she thought was dead isn’t and needs her help.

From the catacombs of Paris to lost temples in the sacred forests, together they crisscross the globe, searching for the pieces of the one thing that might save her father. But the closer they come to saving him—and the more they fall for one another—the closer they get to destroying the world.

Here is an excerpt:
I Do Not Trust You



About the authors:

LAURA J. BURNS and MELINDA METZ have written many books for teens and middle-grade readers, including Sanctuary Bay, Crave, and Sacrifice, as well as the Edgar-nominated mystery series Wright and Wong. They have also written for the TV shows ROSWELL, 1-800-MISSING, and THE DEAD ZONE. Laura lives in New York and Melinda lives in North Carolina, but really they mostly live on email, where they do most of their work together.

Series Spotlight: The Lunar Chronicles

A blurb about the series:

The Lunar Chronicles are futuristic retellings of classic fairy tales. In CINDER, a teenage cyborg (half human, half machine) must deal with a wicked stepmother, start a rebellion against the evil Queen Levana, and decide how she feels about a handsome prince. As the series continues, Cinder forges alliances with Scarlet, a spaceship pilot who is determined to solve the mystery of a missing loved one — with the help of a magnetic street fighter named Wolf; Cress, a computer hacker who is imprisoned by Queen Levana; and Winter, a princess who's in love with a commoner, and who discovers that Cinder, Scarlet, and Cress may hold the key to saving her kingdom — and the world.


Hello Readers.

I knew about this series for a while but I avoided reading it. For years, I had people recommend them to me and I was hesitant because of the hype. Let's be honest about it. If a book or series is over hyped, I tend to steer clear of it because I am pretty sure that I will be greatly disappointed. Some of the most popular books out there have disappointed me so much that I will never read them again or did not finish them to begin with. I wasn't sure how this one would be because I was unsure as to how one could combine such very different components and actually succeed. There was so much room for failure here and I did not want to waste my time. Last month, I decided to go ahead and read the copy of Cinder that I had been given. I was pretty sure that I would be giving it away as soon as I read it. There was no way that I would actually like it and keep it.

Hahahahaha. Sorry. I am taking a moment to laugh at myself. I am not one that shies away from admitting that I am wrong when the occasion occurs. Not only did I plow through Cinder with insane speed but I ordered the rest of the books midway into the book. Before I knew it, I was fully enveloped in this series and had to know every detail. Beautifully written. The author combined the old fairy tales with sci-fi and steam punk so expertly that I am in awe. I cannot recommend this series enough.


InkedBookDragon


Books in the Series:

• Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles, #1) - 2012
• Scarlet (The Lunar Chronicles, #2) - 2013
• Cress (The Lunar Chronicles, #3) - 2014
• Fairest (The Lunar Chronicles, #4) - 2015
• Winter (The Lunar Chronicles, #5) - 2015

Additional Books:

• Stars Above (a collection of short stories) - 2016
• The Lunar Chronicles Coloring Book - 2016
• Wires and Nerve, Volume 1 (graphic novel) - 2017
• Wires and Nerve: Gone Rogue,  Volume 2 (graphic novel) - 2018

The Lunar Chronicles Universe of Marissa Meyer

Amazon


*Picture taken from:
http://bookclub.wikia.com/wiki/File:The_Lunar_Chronicles.png
**Blurb taken directly from http://lunarchronicles.universeofmarissameyer.com/books/

Geekerella: A Fangirl Fairy Tale by Ashley Poston

Geekerella: A Fangirl Fairy Tale (Once Upon A Con)

By Ashley Poston

Published by: Quirk Books

Published on: April 4, 2017

Genre(s): Romantic Comedy, YA, Adaptations

Page Count: 337

Source: Purchased

Format: ebook

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Description: Cinderella goes to the con in this fandom-fueled twist on the classic fairy tale romance.

Part romance, part love letter to nerd culture, and all totally adorbs, Geekerella is a fairy tale for anyone who believes in the magic of fandom. Geek girl Elle Wittimer lives and breathes Starfield, the classic sci-fi series she grew up watching with her late father. So when she sees a cosplay contest for a new Starfield movie, she has to enter. The prize? An invitation to the ExcelsiCon Cosplay Ball, and a meet-and-greet with the actor slated to play Federation Prince Carmindor in the reboot. With savings from her gig at the Magic Pumpkin food truck (and her dad’s old costume), Elle’s determined to win…unless her stepsisters get there first.

Teen actor Darien Freeman used to live for cons—before he was famous. Now they’re nothing but autographs and awkward meet-and-greets. Playing Carmindor is all he’s ever wanted, but the Starfield fandom has written him off as just another dumb heartthrob. As ExcelsiCon draws near, Darien feels more and more like a fake—until he meets a girl who shows him otherwise.


Hello Readers.

Fairy tales are a part of our history. They are passed down from generation to generation. Morals and lessons wrapped up in details and scenarios. They stand the test of time and are present in almost every culture. This particular fairy tale, Cinderella has been linked to civilations as early as around 7 BC. It is one of the most loved and has thousands of retellings. I was excited to read this take on it.

I read the blurb on this book and had to buy it immediately. I love a good fairy tale. Add in the nerd culture element and I was all over this. This was beautifully written and captivated my interest. I found myself annoyed when I had to put it down to return to real life. Some of the characters had many dimensions. They developed and grew. Others stayed exactly the same the entire book. There were times where I went off on characters because I was so wrapped up in the story that I felt they had wronged me personally. This book continued in my head anytime I had to step away from it. I love when a book does that!

I am rating this book Four Red Books because it was a wonderful read but there were times where it lagged and times where it felt rushed. I look forward to reading more books in this series. Would definitely recommend.


InkedBookDragon

One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus

One of Us Is Lying By Karen M. McManus

Published by Delacorte Press

Published on May 30, 2017

Genres: Mysteries, Thrillers, YA

Page Count: 368

Source: Purchased

Format: Hardback

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Description: Pay close attention and you might solve this.

On Monday afternoon, five students at Bayview High walk into detention.

      Bronwyn, the brain, is Yale-bound and never breaks a rule. 

      Addy, the beauty, is the picture-perfect homecoming princess. 

      Nate, the criminal, is already on probation for dealing.

      Cooper, the athlete, is the all-star baseball pitcher.

      And Simon, the outcast, is the creator of Bayview High’s notorious gossip app.

Only, Simon never makes it out of that classroom. Before the end of detention Simon's dead. And according to investigators, his death wasn’t an accident. On Monday, he died. But on Tuesday, he’d planned to post juicy reveals about all four of his high-profile classmates, which makes all four of them suspects in his murder. Or are they the perfect patsies for a killer who’s still on the loose? 

Everyone has secrets, right? What really matters is how far you would go to protect them.

Hello Readers.

I ordered a copy of this book after it was recommended to me. I thought that I would give it a chance. It looked like it had promise. I could not stop reading this book! I had to stop because life but I thought about it while I was not reading it. Kept me on my toes. Found myself trying to guess the ending. Some mysteries have a way of exposing their secrets early on. This book was full of little breadcrumbs to lead us through the story but did not give too much away. 

I am rating this book Five Blue Books because it was a geniunely great read. Strong story, likeable characters, relatable, and surprising. It is one that I will be reading again. Will be looking into other works by this author. I strongly recommend it.

InkedBookDragon

Meet Cute by Jennifer L. Armentrout (plus thirteen others)

Meet Cute by Jennifer L. Armentrout (+13 more)

Published by HMH Books for Young Readers

Published on January 2, 2018

Genres: Short Stories, YA, Romance

Page Count:320

Source: Purchased

Format: Hardback

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Description: Whether or not you believe in fate, or luck, or love at first sight, every romance has to start somewhere. MEET CUTE is an anthology of original short stories featuring tales of “how they first met” from some of today’s most popular YA authors.

Readers will experience Nina LaCour’s beautifully written piece about two Bay Area girls meeting via a cranky customer service Tweet, Sara Shepard’s glossy tale about a magazine intern and a young rock star, Nicola Yoon’s imaginative take on break-ups and make-ups, Katie Cotugno’s story of two teens hiding out from the police at a house party, and Huntley Fitzpatrick’s charming love story that begins over iced teas at a diner. There’s futuristic flirting from Kass Morgan and Katharine McGee, a riveting transgender heroine from Meredith Russo, a subway missed connection moment from Jocelyn Davies, and a girl determined to get out of her small town from Ibi Zoboi. Jennifer Armentrout writes a sweet story about finding love from a missing library book, Emery Lord has a heartwarming and funny tale of two girls stuck in an airport, Dhonielle Clayton takes a thoughtful, speculate approach to pre-destined love, and Julie Murphy dreams up a fun twist on reality dating show contestants.

This incredibly talented group of authors brings us a collection of stories that are at turns romantic and witty, epic and everyday, heartbreaking and real.

Hello.

I am a sucker for short stories. I love them. I love how you can sit down and read the entire story in one setting with no real issues. I love that they are often tied up all nice and neatly at the end so I get that closure that I secretly long for. Don't get me wrong. I do enjoy the long novel that draws you in and forces you to live completely out of your world for an extended amount of time but short stories are fantastic. 

I was excited about this book. I have read novels by many of the contributors and I was very hopeful. They did not disappoint. Such a fun read. Some of them draw you deeply in while others just let you watch from a distance.

I am rating this book Five Blue Books because it has a little bit of everything. A wonderful collection. I highly recommend it. 

InkedBookDragon

Kindred Spirits by Rainbow Rowell

Kindred Spirits by Rainbow Rowell

Published by Roadswell Editions

Published on May 2, 2017

Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary, Short Stories, Fiction

Page Count: 41

Source: Purchased

Format: eBook

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Description: When Elena decided to camp out for the next Star Wars movie, she was expecting a celebration, a communion — a line full of people who love Star Wars so much, they have to share it.  

She wasn’t expecting this:  a freezing sidewalk, nowhere to pee, and three nights stuck with a boy who decided not to like her before they even met. 

It’s enough to make a girl leave the line… 

But Elena came here for Star Wars, and it will take more than bad weather and a dumb boy to squash her spirits. 

Hello Readers.

I cannot begin to tell you how much I enjoyed this short story. I related so much to Elena. Her love of Star Wars driving her to step completely out of her comfort zone was relatable and endearing. Love the premise. A beautifully executed story about belonging and not being afraid to march to the beat of your own drum.

I am rating this short story Five Blue Books because it was a truly delightful read. If you have not read any of Rainbow Rowell's work, I suggest you do. Highly recommend!


InkedBookDragon

***NEW RELEASE*** Dawning Ascent (The Pearson Prophecy, Vol. 1) by Jen L Grey

Game of Thrones meets Practical Magic in DAWNING ASCENT, a coming of age fantasy read for adults and young adults alike! Releasing December 7th, Dawning Ascent, by Jen L. Grey Only 99¢ for a limited time! http://amzn.to/2je7WOI #YA #Fantasy #TBR @authorjenlgrey

NeverSea (Echoes of the Lost, #1) by Jenetta Penner & David R. Bernstein

NeverSea (Echoes of the Lost, #1) by Jenetta Penner and David R. Bernstein

Published by Torment Publishing

Published on October 28, 2017

Genres: Teen, YA, Action &Adventure, Sci Fi, Romance

Page Count: 303

Source: Publisher

Format: Ebook

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Description:

Would you risk everything for your happily ever after?

Arya thrives under the limitless blue waters of the NeverSea while Peter soars in the clouds high above—both perfectly designed for this harsh new world.

Stolen from their families, Arya and Peter were experimented on as young kids. Pushed to their breaking points, they escaped, but at a heavy price—Peter abandoned Arya when she needed him the most.

Years later, on a routine patrol, Arya comes face to face with Peter. A chance encounter with Arya's lost love, James, opens the door for Peter, the ousted leader of the Lost Boys, to regain Neverland—a floating settlement now controlled by the heartless witch who took them as kids.

Arya fights to protect the NeverSea while Peter only looks out for himself. Forced together once more, Arya must decide if she can trust him with so many lives at stake.

The Little Mermaid meets Peter Pan in this science fiction retelling of two beloved classics. Readers who enjoyed The Lunar Chronicles will love this epic, young adult series.

Hello Again!

I was hesitant with this book. I was not sure if the combination of the two worlds would work. Combining two dearly loved childhood worlds was a great risk. If executed properly, you have an amazing new look. If done improperly, you leave the readers with a deep sense of disappointment. It is very tricky. Not only did it work but it blended so perfectly that I was left in awe. 

The beginning grabbed my attention. From the first page, I was transported into this amazing story. Beautifully written and captivating. The character development was astounding. Just the right combination of action and romance. It was so much fun picking out original story components. I was filled with a sense of nostalgia.

Thank you to the publisher for giving me a digital copy in exchange for an honest review. I am rating this book Five Blue Books because it had me from the moment I started. Such a great read! Also, the cover is superb. I cannot wait to read the rest of the series. They cannot get into my possession quick enough! I am highly recommending this!

InkedBookDragon

Not Quite Eden (Not Quite Eden #1) by Dominique Kyle

Not Quite Eden (Not Quite Eden #1) by Dominique Kyle

Published by Dominique Kyle

Published on June 26, 2016

Genres: Romance, Contemporary. YA

Page Count: 221

Source: Author

Format: eBook

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Description: Eve isn't one to take things lying down (males please note!). But she never expected to have to step in to save the life of that annoying idiot next door, Adam Quinn. And she only did it because she's reserving the right to kill him herself! 

Adam Quinn and Eve McGinty have been bitter rivals for as long as they can remember. When they both apply for the same job as a trainee car mechanic only one of them can get it, and Eve is finding it hard to convince the misogynistic men who work there of her suitability for the role. Then Eve's younger brother, Jamie, is invited to join the rock band that the irrepressibly flamboyant Quinn and his friends have formed. But unfortunately the members of the band have made some dubious decisions in their eagerness to get a recording deal. When things turn nasty with the local psychopathic night club bouncers and drug dealers, Eve feels she has no option but to step in to prevent her brother being dragged down with the rest of the boys. As the consequences spiral out of control, Eve is forced to spend a lot more time with Quinn than she ever really wanted to.

Hi Readers.

What a surprise! This is one of those books that I thought might just be a fun quick read. It was much more than that. Wonderful growth in story. Fast paced and insightful. 

I love a good coming of age story. Strong characterizations. Loved that they were not perfect and made mistakes. They were flawed and it was beautiful. Human beings are flawed and I find it refreshing when characters reflect that. Some of the characters took a little more time for me to embrace than others. 

Thank you to the author for giving me a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I am rating it Four Red Books because it had a lot going on at times. Overall, it was a great read that was not as predictable as many in its genre. I am intrigued and will most likely seek out the other books in the series. 

InkedBookDragon

The Breathless by Tara Goedjen

The Breathless by Tara Goedjen

Published by Delacorte Press

Published on October 10, 2017

Genres: Young Adult, Horror, Mystery, Fantasy, Paranormal, Gothic, Historical

Page Count: 368

Source: Publisher

Format: Hardback

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Description:No one knows what really happened on the beach where Roxanne Cole’s body was found, but her boyfriend, Cage, took off that night and hasn’t been seen since. Until now. One year—almost to the day—from Ro’s death, when he knocks on the door of Blue Gate Manor and asks where she is.

Cage has no memory of the past twelve months. According to him, Ro was alive only the day before. Ro’s sister Mae wouldn’t believe him, except that something’s not right. Nothing’s been right in the house since Ro died.

And then Mae finds the little green book. The one hidden in Ro’s room. It’s filled with secrets—dangerous secrets—about her family, and about Ro. And if what it says is true, then maybe, just maybe, Ro isn’t lost forever.

And maybe there are secrets better left to the dead.

Hello Readers.

This book completely slipped by me. I am usually pretty on top of book releases. I like to know what books are coming and when they come out. I missed this one and had no idea of its existence until I was sent a copy. I took one look at it and thought that it looked pretty interesting. The cover was eerily beautiful so I figured that I would give the book a try.

Wow! How can this be a debut novel? It definitely does not feel like one. The premise was excellent and the execution was near flawless. I was captivated within the first couple pages. The characters were so rich and multilayered. Nothing can put me off of a book quicker than characters that do not evolve at all. We tend to evolve and adapt to the world around us. It is refreshing when I read about characters that truly progress. Stagnant characterizations annoy me so much.

This novel was one of those that I had to fight with myself about sleeping because I did not want to stop reading. Creepy yet lovely. Complicated. Full of suspense. Sad yet fun. Romantic and heartbreaking. A truly enchanting read.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I am rating this book Four Red Books because it did have occasional moments here and there that were predictable. With that being said, it was a true delight to read. I will be recommending it. 

InkedBookDragon

Kiss Me in New York by Catherine Rider

Kiss Me in New York by Catherine Rider

Published by Kids Can Press

Published on October 3, 2017

Genres: Romance, Young Adult, Contemporary 

Page Count: 200

Source: Netgalley

Format: eBook

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Description: It's Christmas Eve at JFK in NYC.

Charlotte is a British student, waiting for a flight home after the worst semester of her life. Anthony is a native New Yorker, surprising his girlfriend at the airport after three months apart. Charlotte has just been dumped, and Anthony is about to be dumped, right in the middle of the holiday crowd.

Charlotte's flight is canceled when a blizzard blows in, and Anthony can't bear to go home. So, they set out into the city together, clutching a book Charlotte picks up in the airport gift shop: Ten Easy Steps for Getting Over Your Ex. For this one night, they'll focus on healing their broken hearts ... together.

Step-by-step, the two struggle to put the past behind them. But the snow is so enchanting, and the holiday lights are so beguiling, that soon their shared misery gives way to something else. Soon, they're not only over their exes --- they're falling for each other.

Then a subway ride splits them up by mistake. Will they reunite before Charlotte's flight leaves New York forever?

Part Before Sunrise, part Sleepless in Seattle, this delightful story will appeal to anyone who sees the romance in a swirl of snowflakes at the top of the Empire State Building, or anyone who's wondered if true love was waiting at the other end of the airport ticket counter.


Hello Readers!

I am reviewing Kiss Me in New York by Catherine Rider. I was given a free copy of it through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes that may follow below are from the text and are not my words.

I am sure that we all have dealt with bad breakups. It is rare for people to never have one. It is also rare that they go well. The dissolution of a relationship is a death of sorts. You tend to go through the stages of grief. Then one day, you finally realize that you will live. This book deals with that. Two heartbroken people and the quest that they take on to find closure and heal.

To say that I enjoyed this book would be an understatement. It was very good. The characters were relatable. I found myself thinking, "I have been there.". The author's use of New York made it another character in a way. You could look at a map and trace the journey that the characters are a part of.  I could not help but smile at this. This book deals with so much more than just breakups. It deals with self-esteem issues, grief, self-doubt, betrayal, and pain. Like I said, it is definitely something most have endured.

I am rating this book Four Red Books because there were moments where it was predictable. It also had some moments where it drug a little or characters were introduced that weren't exactly necessary. I will most likely read this book again. It was a very fun read and I will be recommending it.


InkedBookDragon

The Temptation of Adam by David Connis

The Temptation of Adam by Dave Connis

Published by Skyhorse Publishing Sky Pony Press

Published on November 7, 2017

Genres: Teen, Young Adult

Source: Netgalley

Format: eBook

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Description: Adam Hawthorne is fine. Yeah, his mother left, his older sister went with her, and his dad would rather read Nicholas Sparks novels than talk to him. And yeah, he spends his nights watching self-curated porn video playlists. But Adam is fine. When a family friend discovers Adam’s porn addiction, he’s forced to join an addiction support group: the self-proclaimed Knights of Vice. He goes because he has to, but the honesty of the Knights starts to slip past his defenses. Combine that with his sister’s out-of-the-blue return and the attention of a girl he meets in an AA meeting, and all the work Adam has put into being fine begins to unravel. Now Adam has to face the causes and effects of his addiction, before he loses his new friends, his prodigal sister, and his almost semi-sort-of girlfriend.


Hello.

I am reviewing The Temptation of Adam by Dave Connis. I received a free digital copy of it from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes that may appear below are from the text and are not my words.

We all have vices. It is part of being human. Anyone that claims to not have a vice of some form is a liar or is completely delusional. This book takes a good look at vices and how they can control people. Some vices even destroy your life. In Adam's case, they can get you thrown out of school and forced into therapy.

I am rating this book Three Orange Books because I could not relate to the main character and that was a serious problem for me. I wish that I could give it a higher rating but I just could not truly connect with it. I am not saying that I don't have vices. I drink more coffee than most people can even fathom. I read more books in a year than many would read in their lifetime. I may reread this book at a later time. I am intrigued as to what the author will write next. He definitely has potential.


InkedBookDragon