Cover Candy 111

@Bunnitaz #lustingforcovers #covercandy

Lusting For Covers a weekly meme, held on Sunday, that allows bloggers to share their current cover obsession with fellow book lovers hosted by TBQ's Book Palace

Cover Candy 110

@Bunnitaz #lustingforcovers #covercandy

It catches my eye but it's not a good looking cover in my opinion.

Lusting For Covers a weekly meme, held on Sunday, that allows bloggers to share their current cover obsession
with fellow book lovers hosted by TBQ's Book Palace

Blog Tour: The Truth About Air & Water by Katherine Owen

@XpressoReads @Katherineowen01 #blogtour #giveaway

The Truth About Air & Water by Katherine Owen 
(Truth in Lies #2) 
Publication date: August 25th 2014
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

Synopsis:

The Truth In Lies Series. READ This Much Is True, book 1 first, although it’s been written as a standalone. Readers say, don’t do that.

“The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong at the broken places.” -Ernest Hemingway ~ A Farewell To Arms

They share an epic love but one moment changes everything. A life together that seemed certain is shattered. One learns you never love the same way twice; the other learns what it means to come home. You only think you know how this love story goes, but do you really know how an epic love can end?

“There are all kinds of love in this world but never the same love twice.”
-F. Scott Fitzgerald

She is living color, and I’ve been in a black-and-white world for far too long without her.
Powerful stuff. It surrounds me. I’ve felt it since I first arrived. The forcefield of her. The magnetism of her. The power she wields over me. I’m alive again because of her, like a dying plant that finally gets some water. I’ve got it bad for this girl.
Reality dawns.
The light comes through the darkness and shines on me.
She’s my water.
-Lincoln Presley

The truth is I breathe with him. He is my air. Raison d’etre.
-Tally Landon

Author’s note: This novel is part of the Truth In Lies series. It can be read as standalone, however, fans of my fiction already are highly recommending that those new to my work, READ This Much Is True book 1 FIRST.

As Lincoln Presley would say, “do as you must, Princess.”

My Review:

Great story. Great characters. Okay so this is suppose to be a standalone book but don't miss out on book one. Reading the first book will help you even that much more to connect to these characters. This is the type of book I like. You know, the kind where you forget that you are reading because you are seeing the book happen (like watching a movie or like a fly on the wall). I'm not going to give any of the story away. You must read it for yourself. I think that you will be pleasantly surprised that you don't see everything coming. How nice it that?! Here's a tip. If you are the type to cry while reading grab your tissues. So what are you waiting for? Go read book 1 This Much Is True.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21849155-the-truth-about-air-water?ac=1

Purchase:

--Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Truth-About-Water-Lies-book-ebook/dp/B00N0NQJY0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412352658&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Truth+About+Air+%26+Water

--B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-truth-about-air-water-katherine-owen/1120196581?ean=9780983570783

--Kobo: www.kobobooks.com/ebook/The-Truth-About-Air-Water/book-axpwqav8fU6LbrV_ZE3U_Q/page1.html?s=WwGCE1hkbEydqnvymWPSjQ&r=1

--Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-truth-about-air-water/id916207424?mt=11

Purchase book 1:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/This-Much-True-Truth-Lies-ebook/dp/B00EH9HUNA

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/this-much-is-true-katherine-owen/1116395071?ean=9780983570769

Book Depository: www.bookdepository.com/This-Much-Is-True-Katherine-Clare-Owen/9780983570769/?a_aid=everyfreechance

Apple: www.bookdepository.com/This-Much-Is-True-Katherine-Clare-Owen/9780983570769/?a_aid=everyfreechance

AUTHOR BIO

Katherine Owen writes contemporary edgy fiction, which translates to: she writes love stories that are contemporary in setting and both edgy and dark. Some readers term her books emotional roller coasters. With her writing, Owen admits she has a fondness for angst, likes to play with a little drama, and essentially toys around with the unintentional complications of love. She contends this began early on when she won a poetry contest at the age of fourteen and appears to be without end. Owen has an avid love of coffee, books, and writing, but not necessarily in that order. She writes both Contemporary Romance and New Adult fiction which includes her bestselling TRUTH IN LIES Series (a series despite despising 'series') beginning with This Much Is True and her latest release, The Truth About Air & Water. The TRUTH IN LIES series is fan-driven. So. There will be a third book about Linc and Tally released in 2015 titled Tell Me Something True. 

About Owen's fiction...This is NOT the light trope stuff. She travels a unique, writerly path and enjoys writing dark and angsty (a "non-word" she is fond of) emotional love stories. She often warns readers to be prepared with: time, tissues, wine, Advil or your drug of choice. And, as her most favored character, Lincoln Presley, would say, "do what you must, Princess."

Author Links:
Goodreads  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/998458.Katherine_Owen
Twitter  https://twitter.com/KatherineOwen01
Facebook  http://www.facebook.com/KatherineOwenAuthor
Website: http://www.katherineowen.net

*This is an ARC review

Cover Candy 109

@Bunnitaz #lustingforcovers #covercandy

Lusting For Covers a weekly meme, held on Sunday, that allows bloggers to share their current cover obsession
with fellow book lovers hosted by TBQ's Book Palace

Cover Candy 108

@Bunnitaz #lustingforcovers #covercandy

Lusting For Covers a weekly meme, held on Sunday, that allows bloggers to share their current cover obsession

with fellow book lovers hosted by TBQ's Book Palace

Cover Candy 107

@Bunnitaz #lustingforcovers #covercandy

I chose this one because I notice it right away but it may take others a second. There is a girl image in the cloud.

Lusting For Covers a weekly meme, held on Sunday, that allows bloggers to share their current cover obsession
with fellow book lovers hosted by TBQ's Book Palace

Cover Candy 105

@Bunnitaz #lustingforcovers #covercandy

Lusting For Covers a weekly meme, held on Sunday, that allows bloggers to share their current cover obsession
with fellow book lovers hosted by TBQ's Book Palace

2015 The 5th Annual Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge

The 5th Annual Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge - Details and Sign Up!

There are multiple levels for participation, like children's books and watching Christmas movies AND theChristmas Spirit Read-a-Thon is back again this year. Keep reading for details!

Details and sign up:

• challenge will run from Monday, November 24, 2014 through Tuesday, January 6, 2014 (Twelfth Night or Epiphany).
• cross over with other challenges is totally permitted AND encouraged!
• These must be Christmas novels, books about Christmas lore, a book of Christmas short stories or poems, books about Christmas crafts, and for the first time...a children's Christmas books level!
• Levels:

            --Candy Cane:  read 1 book

            --Mistletoe:  read 2-4 books

            --Christmas Tree:  read 5 or 6 books (this is the fanatic level...LOL!)

          Additional levels:

            --Fa La La La Films:  watch a bunch or a few Christmas movies...it's up to you!

            --Visions of Sugar Plums:  read books with your children this season and share what you read

          *the additional levels are optional, you still must complete one of the main reading levels above

• The Christmas Spirit Read-a-Thon is back again this year. I'll be hosting once again over at Seasons of Reading and it's a WEEK LONG this year! Monday, November 24 through Sunday, November 30! Details and sign-up can be foundHERE.

• the most important rule?  Have fun!!!
• There is a review linky posted as a page the day the challenge starts.  You will find it at the top of the right sidebar.
• Sign up in the linky (link to your post with your reading list...you can change up your list during the challenge...She just want to be able to stop by to welcome you and see what you plan to read).

One final note:  The giveaway this year will be a first prize of a $10 digital Amazon gift card and a second prize of a $5 digital Amazon gift card. This giveaway is open internationally.

My book(s): 
Married for Christmas by Noelle Adams

Once again kicking off the Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge (the 5TH year, I might add!) at The Christmas Spirit, it's theChristmas Spirit Read-a-Thon...and this year it's a week long. Yay!

Details:

• Read-a-Thon dates: Monday, November 24 at 12:00am CST until Sunday, November 30 at 11:59pm CST (adjust your time zone accordingly)
• You do not have to be signed up for the Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge to participate (but I sure would love for you to join us!)
• I am not requiring that you read onlyChristmas/holiday books during the read-a-thon, but I hope you will pick up at least one holiday tale, even if it's just to read some children's books with your kids or some holiday short stories
• to check in on Twitter, we'll use hashtag #CSreadathon
• as usual, you do not have to have a blog to participate...feel free to link up and check in from Goodreads, Facebook, Twitter, etc.

Cover Candy 104

@Bunnitaz #lustingforcovers #covercandy

Eyeleashes into feather..nice

Lusting For Covers a weekly meme, held on Sunday, that allows bloggers to share their current cover obsession
with fellow book lovers hosted by TBQ's Book Palace

Blog Tour: Fissure by Marilyn Almodóvar

@LynAlmodovar @XpressoReads #giveaway #blogtour

Fissure by Marilyn Almodóvar 

(Chronicles of the Interred #2)
Publication date: May 20th 2014
Genres: Paranormal, Time-Travel, Young Adult

Synopsis:

Baxter Jacobs just survived the worst Sweet Sixteen in history: buried in a coffin, hunted down by assassins, and losing almost everything that mattered to her. She’s ready for some normalcy, but “normal” won’t play any part of this Time Bender’s future.

Now that the immediate threat is over, Baxter learns just how much the English Council expects of the newest Interred. The pressure has her seriously considering her uncle’s offer to take her to New York, especially since she thinks it will keep her Healer, Jack, from overusing his abilities. Knowing the New York Council’s ranks are filled with beings using dark powers, however, makes her hesitate.

Before she can choose, the decision is wrenched from her. Fissures in Time result in a new battle with an old enemy. Someone she thought she’d lost reenters her life, and she’ll discover a web of lies woven into the fabric of Time…lies only she can unravel. Baxter will have to use her growing abilities to try and reveal the truth, even if it forever changes the reality she knows.

There are lies in the fabric of Time only she can unravel.

My Review:
Wow! This book is weird. In a good way. I actually didn't think I would like the book. I have been trying to read books that are different from my normal reading. As you can probably guess it has been a hit or miss process. This one, I am glad to say, was a hit. It gets and  keeps your interests. The characters are good and so is the story. So if you are a person who needs to like the character to get through the book, you are covered. If you are a person who needs good world building told well (not like a textbook), you are covered. In other words...wow

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20705918-fissure

Purchase:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Fissure-Chronicles-Interred-Book-Two-ebook/dp/B00KF2ETRS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1409670531&sr=8-2&keywords=Marilyn+Almod%C3%B3var

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fissure-marilyn-almodovar/1119565642?ean=2940149613618

AUTHOR BIO:

Marilyn Almodóvar is the author of a series of YA paranormal novels. Born in Ft. Huachuca, Arizona, Lyn is a lover of words whose reading tastes range from Victorian novels to the books of Stephen King. Her favorite past-times have always been reading and writing, two activities that let her escape to other worlds.

It was this love that propelled her to choose Theater and French as majors in University, with a minor in English Victorian Literature. Lyn lived for almost a decade in England followed by three years in France before returning home to the States. A self-confessed citizen of the world, she is fluent in English, French and Spanish, with basic knowledge of the Italian language.

Lyn could happily exist breathing the clean air of Narnia, trapped in a cupboard under the stairs with Harry, fighting alongside Captain Jack Sparrow, doing an internship in Torchwood, or traveling around time and space with the Doctor…as long as she can have Mr. Spock, Captain Kirk and Captain Mal as companions.

Lyn currently lives in Central Florida with her French husband, English-born eldest son, and French-born youngest son. Her debut YA Novel, Interred, was be published by Iambe books on 01/22/2013.

Author links:

http://www.marilynalmodovar.com/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5622715.Marilyn_Almod_var

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Marilyn-Almod%C3%B3var/142589622496531?ref=hl

https://twitter.com/LynAlmodovar

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*This is an ARC review
**If you would like to support this blog consider purchasing your books through the links provided. Thank you for stopping by. Comment, share, and Happy Reading!

Blog Tour: Found In Us by Layla Hagen

@LaylaHagen @XpressoReads #giveaway #blogtour 

Found in Us by Layla Hagen
(Lost #2)
Publication date: July 24th 2014
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

Synopsis:

**This can be read as a STANDALONE. The second book in the Lost series tells Jessica and Parker’s story.**

All Jessica wants -as a college graduate — is to be a good girl. She landed the job of her dreams at a museum and is trying to eliminate temptations. No more short skirts (when she can help it). No wild parties. And no men.

She particularly excels at that last thing. . .

Until her path crosses Parker’s. Again. Jessica remembers the last time their paths crossed very well. She was left with a seriously bruised ego. She knows it would be best to avoid him altogether. But the charming Brit makes it hard for her to elude his electrifying pull. He is as irresistible as he is captivating.

And enigmatic.

Because underneath the sleek Armani suit and the sweet British accent that makes her crave his touch, Parker isn’t the perfect gentleman everyone thinks he is.

He’s exactly what Jessica doesn’t want, but desperately needs.
A bad, bad boy.

My Review:

I liked this book. Some times when a book states that it is a standalone it either doesn't carry the theme from the first book well or it is not truly a standalone. This one is. I liked the characters in the first book as was glad that I still connected with them in this one. They weren't stilted characters but still retain likability to me. It is just an all around good love story. I was proud of Jessica. All I have to say is, come on book 3.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20686393-found-in-us?ac=1

Purchase (0.99c for a limited time - graphic attached):

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M2F2F7C

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00M2F2F7C?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/found-in-us-layla-hagen/1119999641

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id902880011

http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/found-in-us

AUTHOR BIO

My name is Layla Hagen and I am a New Adult Contemporary Romance author.
I fell in love with books when I was nine years old, and my love affair with stories continues even now, many years later.
I write romantic stories and can’t wait to share them with the world.
And I drink coffee. Lots of it, in case the photo didn’t make it obvious enough 

Author Links:

http://laylahagen.com/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7520984.Layla_Hagen

https://www.facebook.com/LaylaHagenBooks

https://twitter.com/laylahagen

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*This is an ARC review
**If you would like to support this blog consider purchasing your books through the links provided. Thank you for stopping by. Comment, share, and Happy Reading!

Cover Candy 103

@Bunnitaz #lustingforcovers #covercandy


Lusting For Covers a weekly meme, held on Sunday, that allows bloggers to share their current cover obsession
with fellow book lovers hosted by TBQ's Book Palace

Cover Candy 102

@Bunnitaz #lustingforcovers #covercandy

Lusting For Covers a weekly meme, held on Sunday, that allows bloggers to share their current cover obsession
with fellow book lovers hosted by TBQ's Book Palace

Blog Tour: Her Perfect Game by Shannyn Schroeder

 @SSchroeder_  @tastybooktours #giveaway #blogtour

Her Perfect Game
Hot & Nerdy # 2
By: Shannyn Schroeder
Releasing October 26th, 2014
Kensington



Blurb
Spring break is supposed to be a week of fun in the sun for three childhood friends about to graduate from college. But one of them is ready to get her game on somewhere else…

Charlie Castle is an expert archer and a fierce warrior—in her favorite video game, anyway. But college life was a program she couldn’t quite master. To land a cybertech job without a degree, she’s entering a “hackfest” over spring break—where she also hopes to meet the sweet gamer who’s been flirting with her online. Instead, she runs into the hot guy who walked away years ago, and can’t fight the desire that comes rushing back.

Jonah Best has never gotten over Charlie, whose kisses were always as deliciously creative as her coding. But now that they’re face to face again, he doesn’t know how to admit that her online admirer is really him—or how to convince her that he’s offering her a job for her incredible skills, not her sex appeal. Can Jonah cut through their communication glitches and persuade Charlie that the next level up for them should be forever?

My Review:
This is a short story. In the short amount of pages the author is able to tell a complete story. During spring break we met Charlie and Jonah. The two have a history that they end up facing during this story. I like that it was a back story included. So this is not a novel of insta-love but instead it is one of getting a second chance. If you are looking for a quick romance this is the book for you. It is a one sitting story. I enjoyed it. This is part of a series but absolutely a standalone story.


Link to Follow Tour

Goodreads

Buy Links 

Amazon | Barnes | iTunes

Author Info
Shannyn Schroeder is the author of the O’Leary series, contemporary romances centered around a large Irish-American family in Chicago and the new Hot & Nerdy series about 3 nerdy friends and their last spring break. When she’s not wrangling her three kids or writing, she watches a ton of TV and loves to bake cookies.

Author Links Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads









Excerpt #1: Her Perfect Game – Shannyn Schroeder
The elevator dinged on the fourth floor, and Jonah ushered her out and down the hall. Their steps shushed against the carpet, and Charlie wanted to talk, say something, but she didn’t know what. At her room, she slid the key card in, and as she pushed the door open, she tugged Jonah inside.
“What are you doing, Charlie?”
She wrapped her arms around his neck and breathed in his scent. “I don’t want to be alone.”
Charlie held her breath, waiting for him to push her away, but he didn’t. His arms came around her and stroked her back. Memories flooded her brain. Jonah holding her, touching her, kissing her senseless. She’d give almost anything to have that again, even if it was only for a night. To feel grounded again.
She turned her head slightly and brushed her lips against his warm neck, and his hands paused on her back. She pressed on, though, kissing his jaw and loving the rough feel of the stubble.
“Charlie.”
“Just kiss me, Jonah.”
She didn’t look into his eyes, afraid to know what she’d find, but she knew he wanted to kiss her. If for no other reason, out of sheer curiosity. She kept her eyes closed as she tilted her head.
His lips met hers with tenderness at first. Then they became more insistent, and she softened against him, inviting his tongue into her mouth. His hand reached up and cradled the back of her head, and she wanted more. This heady feeling wouldn’t last the night, but Jonah could give her more.
She tugged at his T-shirt, searching for his warm skin. When her fingers met his flesh, he jerked back. “Charlie.”
But she didn’t stop.
He grabbed her hands. “Charlie.” Then he waited for her to meet his eyes. “We’re not doing this.”
She swallowed hard. His steel gray eyes sparked with lust. She didn’t misread the signs. He wanted her. “Why not? Got a girlfriend?”
“No girlfriend. You’re well passed halfway to drunk. I don’t want you to do something you’re going to regret in the morning.” He grabbed her shoulders and turned her toward the bed. “Get some sleep and we’ll talk tomorrow.”
“What if I don’t want to talk tomorrow?”
He sighed. “Then I guess we won’t.”
She crawled on top of the covers. “Will you stay and talk for a while if I promise not to molest you?”
He glanced to the other side of the room. “Sure.” He scooted the armchair a little closer to the bed.
“There’s room here.” She patted the bed beside her.
He simply shook his head.
“Who is it that you don’t trust—me or you? I already gave my word.”
He laughed and stretched his legs out in front of him. The light from the hall cast him in shadows. Between his dark hair and black T-shirt and jeans, he blended into the dark.
She tucked her hands under her head as she lay on her side to watch him talk. “Tell me about the people you work with.”
Jonah accommodated her again and spoke in quiet tones until she became sleepy and struggled to keep her eyes open. He stood, leaned over, and kissed her head.
“Hey, Best?”
“Yeah?”
“I’d never regret you.”
Another heavy sigh came from him, but she didn’t know how to interpret it. Then she heard the door close with a quiet thunk.


  a Rafflecopter giveaway

*This is an ARC
**If you would like to support this blog consider purchasing your books through the links provided. Thank you for stopping by, comment, share, and Happy Reading!

Cover Candy 101

@Bunnitaz #lustingforcovers #covercandy

Another dress this time into clouds.

Lusting For Covers a weekly meme, held on Sunday, that allows bloggers to share their current cover obsession
with fellow book lovers hosted by TBQ's Book Palace

Cover Candy 100

@Bunnitaz #lustingforcovers #covercandy

Love the wings.

Lusting For Covers a weekly meme, held on Sunday, that allows bloggers to share their current cover obsession
with fellow book lovers hosted by TBQ's Book Palace

Book Blitz: Dead New World by Ryan Hill

 @J_Ryan @XpressoReads #bookblitz #giveaway

Dead New World by Ryan Hill
Published by: Curiosity Quills Press
Publication date: October 13th 2014
Genres: Dystopia, Young Adult, Zombies

Synopsis:

Zombies aren’t mindless anymore.

Before the world fell into chaos, the undead existed only in the imagination. Now, more of them walk the earth than living. Zombies move about freely, while humans entomb themselves inside concrete barricades to stay alive.

All that, while the leader of a powerful cult – known only as Reverend – becomes the next threat to the rebuilding United States. Believing zombies to be God’s latest creation, making humanity obsolete, he wants to give every man, woman, and child the chance to become one. With his combined army of humans and zombies, he may well get his wish.

Best friends Holt and Ambrose went up against the Reverend once. Holt lost a foot and a zombie bit Ambrose…though he survived the virus, only to become a human-zombie hybrid, reviled by the living and unwelcome among the dead. When the Reverend kidnaps the woman Holt loves, the race is on to save her from a fate worse than death.

GOODREADS 

Purchase:

Amazon

AUTHOR BIO:

Growing up, Ryan Hill used to spend his time reading and writing instead of doing homework. This resulted in an obsession with becoming a writer, but also a gross incompetence in the fields of science and mathematics. A graduate of North Carolina State University, Ryan has been a film critic for over five years. He lives in Raleigh, NC, with his dog/shadow Maggie. Ryan also feels strange about referring to himself in the third person.

Author links:

TWITTER 

WEBSITE

FACEBOOK

GOODREADS

Except:

Disgusted with myself, I let go of Nancy and walked, alone and with a heavy heart, to Ambrose’s room. I could see him through the window, asleep on a twin bed.

“Push the red button to talk into the microphone,” Nancy said.

I pressed the red button on the control panel next to the door. “Hey, man, wake up.”

Ambrose slowly stirred from his sleep. “Who is it?”

“Your mother.”

“Ha.” Ambrose stood, draping bed sheets over his white scrubs. The days of being stuck in this small room seemed to have sapped his strength. He leaned against the wall, too tired to stand on his own for long. “Nice to see you on your foot.”

“Funny. I could say the same for you. I hear you got one hell of a hickey. Didn’t your mother teach you to stay away from strangers?”

“I never did mind her like I should have.”

I tried to get a good look at him, but the lack of light made it impossible. “They said most people don’t last a day after being bitten. You’ve made it four. I guess I should congratulate you.” Surviving this awful disease longer than most. What a terrible silver lining. I bet he wished the virus would get it over with and turn him.

“Yeah, lucky me.” Ambrose coughed into his bed sheets. “Maybe they’ll give me a prize, like some bacon or something.”

“What… what does it feel like?”

Ambrose shrugged. “Kind of like being sick. Had a fever at first, then some numbness over part of my body.”

“Is it getting any worse?”

“No.” Ambrose sniffed. “Some parts still feel like me, others… like these gray parts, nothing.” He pointed at his arm where the skin had turned a sickly gray. “They’re dead, I guess.”

Nancy loudly cleared her throat. “We need to get you back to your room. They patrol this place pretty regularly, especially when we have… guests.”

I nodded to her, then turned my attention back to Ambrose. “I have to go. I’m sorry. I wish it was me in there, instead of you.”

Ambrose stepped up to the window. The light from the hallway revealed his face. For the first time, I got a glimpse of what his loyalty to me cost him. I froze, unable to take a breath for a long beat. One of his eyes remained normal, but the other took on that awful redness. Patches of dead skin were all over his face. The guilt rising up seemed almost too much to bear. What kind of hell had I sent my friend to?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*If you would like to support this blog consider purchasing your books from the links provided. Thank you for stopping by. Comment, share, and Happy Reading!

Cover Candy 99

@Bunnitaz #lustingforcovers #covercandy

Love the transparent wings

Lusting For Covers a weekly meme, held on Sunday, that allows bloggers to share their current cover obsession
with fellow book lovers hosted by TBQ's Book Palace

Blog Collabo: Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins

Let's welcome Skylar Finn from Life of a Random

Skylar's Rebel Belle Review:

Harper Price was not an easy person to love.

She wasn’t mean. She wasn’t selfish. It’s just that she was so focused on how things should be that she had a tough time realizing how some people felt or how certain things weren’t working out—she missed a lot.

It was like she was in her own universe most of the time. A planet, forging her way through space and if you were in the same orbit…going the same direction…well, then great. But if you weren’t, you were kind of left behind. Not intentionally, but just because she was so focused on her goals.

Added to that, she was a complete girly-girl. She thought “paladin” was a stupider name than “superhero” (which by the way, NO). She was all in on fashion and make-up. She was super involved in everything in her high school. She was practically perfect.

So it took me a while to warm up to her.

I did warm up to her though. I discovered that she had good qualities like loyalty, stubbornness, determination, and kindness. She had her reasons for being a scary-focused control freak.

The fact that she could kick major butt didn’t hurt either.

I think Hawkins did a good job on the secondary characters as well, especially David, Ryan, and Bee. They were really unique.

David—nemesis & person-who-harper-now-has-to-protect—was…for lack of a better word, quirky. Very, very quirky. He’s a nerd. A nerd who dressed awfully (had to agree with you there, Harper). I mean, WHO WEARS PLAID PANTS (gosh, David). He worked at the school newspaper and wore glasses and a messenger bag. Completely not common in YA. He was snarky. He had another side that he didn’t let show very often.

Ryan (Harper’s boyfriend) was super sweet and understanding and...steady. He was very supportive of Harper in everything she did even though he didn’t always understand her. I really liked him. He also wasn’t an athlete or some such cliche.

Harper’s bestie Bee was a perfect best friend! Hawkins did a great job on their relationship just like she did in Hex Hall. Bee had Harper’s back, and cared about her so much. She wasn’t afraid to tell Harper what she thought which is what all good friendships should be like. :) Bee stepped into the story with flair and materialized as an extremely tall blonde loyal friend. And how often do really tall girls make an appearance? Not often enough.

The whole setting of Rebel Belle is southern. It’s in a small southern town that has southern events. It just portrays the lazy, quaint (different word) feel that almost every small Southern town has. The ones with business featuring hand-painted signs that have been run by the same families for generations. The ones with town squares that have a handful of businesses open and a handful of buildings empty.

It was an interesting choice for this story, but it worked.

The plot wasn’t break-neck fast or full of twists that threatened whiplash. I felt like it had a steadier pace that still had action but that incorporated a lot of history and information into the story.

Learning about what Harper was and about others like her was fascinating. And Harper and David’s relationship (which is heavily hinted at in the blurb) was fun to watch grow and shape into something better.

I didn’t appreciate some parts of the romance though. I felt like Harper didn’t have to shove the fact that she and David were a thing into Ryan’s face like she did. I get it, it’s good to be honest. Get it out there that...well, you’re not that into him anymore. But you don’t have to be full in with the other guy right away. I just wished Harper had given Ryan time to lick his wounds and get over her for just a tiny bit because he did genuinely love her.

That was basically the only real problem I had with the book.

One thing I should probably mention is that Harper “edits out” a lot of swearing and substitutes vegetarian cuss words for different things like “eff” for “fuck” and stuff like that. SO that’s something to consider if you think that would annoy you. Personally, I thought it was nicely unusual.

In the end, Rebel Belle was better than good and not as good as awesome for me. ;) (Try to figure that out. I know, I know. Sometimes I confuse myself.) I would recommend it to readers who love car chases, things that go poof, psycho women, and nice fluffy dresses.

My Rating:

Check out my review of at Life of a Random

Summary of book:
Harper Price, peerless Southern belle, was born ready for a Homecoming tiara. But after a strange run-in at the dance imbues her with incredible abilities, Harper's destiny takes a turn for the seriously weird. She becomes a Paladin, one of an ancient line of guardians with agility, super strength and lethal fighting instincts.

Just when life can't get any more disastrously crazy, Harper finds out who she's charged to protect: David Stark, school reporter, subject of a mysterious prophecy and possibly Harper's least favorite person. But things get complicated when Harper starts falling for him—and discovers that David's own fate could very well be to destroy Earth.

With snappy banter, cotillion dresses, non-stop action and a touch of magic, this new young adult series from bestseller Rachel Hawkins is going to make y'all beg for more.

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