I Breathe, Therefore I Read: June 2013

Thursday, June 27, 2013

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Wednesday, June 26, 2013

No good deed goes unpunished.

Riley Masters learns this the hard way when she finds a wallet and decides to do the right thing. But returning it will cost her much more than she bargains for.

Abandoned by her mother, raised by an indifferent father, Riley has accepted the fact that she would be alone always. She has no idea that a single act of kindness would propel her into a world where creatures that shouldn’t exist guard the human race from the demons that lurk in the shadows. That it will cost her the lives of those she loves while unearthing a destiny she never imagined with a man who is forbidden to love her. She finds passion, romance and the family she’d been searching for her entire life, but at what cost and what is she willing to sacrifice to find answers and happiness?

Octavian Maxwell has always known his place. He is a Caster, a Son of Judgment. His job is to protect the mortal world from the creatures plotting to destroy it. Instead, his world is shattered when a human girl walks into Final Judgment, a girl he has been searching for his entire life, a girl he is forbidden to ever touch. Being with her will break the oath he’s sworn to never love a mortal. But his heart has already found its mate and it refuses to let go.

Final Judgment… a place undetected, a gateway to evil and a legend that will undo everything anyone has ever known about our world.

My Take:

5 Stars

Would I recommend to others: Yes

Appropriate for 14 and under: No, 18+

Language and sexual content: Yes, both

I was given this book as an 'ARC' in return for an honest review. I just finished reading it, overall I think it took me about 10 hours from "cover" to "cover".

Octavian is a Caster, a judge of sorts for Creatures of the Veil. One of the 3 rules passed down from Heaven is to never touch a human. Then in walks Riley and oops, he couldn't keep his hands off her. They are drawn to each other like a moth to a flame, they can't seem to stay away and fall for each other quickly. Everything is stacked against them it seems and just when something gets worked out, another HUGE kink in their plans and lives happen. Both of them are willing to risk anything, except each other, to save the lives of the other. In the background, there's a war brewing between Demons and Angels and it seems the two of them are caught right in the middle, along with Octavian's family and anyone else they love.

****Possible Spoilers****

I loved this story. I couldn't believe the twists and turns it had and would be almost gasping for air as I read about their fight for survival. I was shocked beyond words when learning of "what" Octavian and his family are. I did NOT see that surprise coming. I loved the humor and the wit throughout the book. I was laughing so much through this book at the one liners and sarcastic remarks. And the romance, while there was some sexy parts, they weren't too horrible that someone who didn't want to read them, couldn't skip over them. I just have to say that the parts I read were pretty tastefully done and steamy.

My favorite parts of the book? Octavian's banter with his brothers. The twins absolutely cracked me up to no end. I loved the way his parents treated each other...with reverence and love. Daphne was a very welcomed surprise. I couldn't quit figure out her story, hadn't guessed it, until it was revealed, but I thoroughly enjoyed her part in the story. Honestly though, I can't remember a "favorite part" because I enjoyed the entire book and would end up quoting it in its entirety. Great job, Airicka! Now hurry up with book 2! LOL!

Up Next:

Monday, June 24, 2013

Wide Awake Review

**Sorry I went out of order a little bit. Yesterday I wanted a good book to read and this is the one I picked. Please stay tuned for the review on Octavian's Undoing shortly.

A girl.
A coma.
A life she can't remember.

When Emma Walker wakes up in the hospital with no knowledge of how she got there, she learns that she's been in a coma for six months. Strangers show up and claim to be her parents, but she can't remember them. She can't remember anyone. Not her friends, not even her boyfriend. Even though she can't remember, everyone wants her to just pick up where she left off, but what she learns about the 'old her' makes her start to wish she'd never woken up. Her boyfriend breaks up with the new girl he's dating to be with her, her parents want her to start planning for college, her friends want their leader back, and her physical therapist with the hazel eyes keeps his distance to save his position at the hospital.

Will she ever feel like she recognizes the girl in the mirror?

My Take:

5 Stars!!

Would I recommend this to others: Yes

Appropriate for 14 and under: maybe

Language and sexual content: none/very mild

Oh my goodness! I didn't think I could love a book as much as I loved Shelly's Significance series, but THIS IS IT!!

*****SPOILERS below, continue at your own risk*****

It was touching to me, remembering the place in life the author was in at the time it was written and this touched me even more than the book would have (see her blog for info), if the circumstances were different. This book was so believable and wonderfully refreshing. I struggled with the relationships between Emma and her parents. As a parent, my heart was crying out for the parents as they struggled to get to know their daughter again. But on the other hand, I was frustrated with their efforts (or lack their of), as I felt they went around things all wrong. I'm SO happy things worked out and in Shelly's own way on this one. It made for a great story.

Then there's Mason *sigh*, what a hottie! I love how he was unwaveringly supportive to Emma, his mother and his brother. I loved seeing his determination to set things right with his brother, no matter the cost. And the first meeting between Emma and his mom? I loved it. My favorite part was how flustered he became when he was waiting for Emma to clue in to what was going on. Every girl deserves to be loved and kissed and treated the way that this young man treats Emma. I'm so glad he was there to show her she didn't need to settle back into her own life, with her ex (jerk of a) boyfriend.

Way to go, Shelly, another great story...and did I mention I read it in one afternoon? ♥

Enemy Within Review

Two guys who’ve stolen her heart.
Three races and only one of them worthy.
Countless enemies with insatiable bloodlust for power.
Will one girl's curse ultimately save her?

Half-vampire Brooke Keller barely survived the slaying of her worst enemy, only to learn that Zladislov—the world's most powerful vampire, leader of the vampire world, and her father—wants her dead. However, this time, she's not only fighting vampires but a raging monster within her that endangers what's left of her humanity. And when a deadly disease threatens to take her best friend's life, Brooke tries to convince Kaitlynn to accept a monster of her own: becoming a Zao Duh.

As a former slave to the Pijawikas, Mirko is driven to protect the innocent at all costs, but he has never faced a foe more formidable than Zladislov. And when the Commission bears down on Brooke, Mirko finds the stream of enemies runs deeper than he ever imagined.

My Take:

5 Stars

Would I recommend this to others: Yes

Appropriate for 14 and under: No

Language and sexual content: Yes, would recommend 17+

I do have to admit I was a little lost in the beginning of this book, being as it was a year ago I read the first one, but once I got into it, I couldn't put it down. I knew that I loved the first book, too, so this helped me to keep reading. This story was very fast paced and was over before I knew it.

In the last book, I wasn't a huge Mirko fan, I was rooting for Jaren. However, once I started reading the steamy scenes between Brooke and Mirko, I quickly changed alliegences to Mirko. Man was that boy HOT! Anyway, I loved the storyline and I hated where the book left off. I can't wait for the next book to come out. I have no doubt that it will be just as good as these first two.

Up Next:

Be On Team Caleb: #YACrushTourney2013

Team Caleb from the Significance Series by Shelly Crane

If you didn't already know, this is one of my favorite series EVER written. Please help us support this amazing author and her character, Caleb. Here's how:

Here are some things you should know.

Caleb will be competing on June 24th, so save the date!!

Share, share, share!

There are SO many ways you can help out Caleb!

a. Tweet using hashtags so all your friends can get in on the action! Tweet like a newborn bird! ----> #YACrushTourney2013

b. Post about the tourney with links to the YA Sisterhood blog on Facebook.

c. Change all your profile pictures to the official Caleb banners. (Jeremy Sumpter is ACTUALLY playing Caleb in the movie!)

d. Write a blog post about him or add him to your side bar!

e. Make your own banners and share them with your friends!

f. Just share, share, share! :D

e. Make sure you vote! http://ya-sisterhood.blogspot.com/2013/06/match-12-will-h-2-vs-caleb-7.html

Here are the official banners!

Monday, June 17, 2013

Lover At Last Review

Sorry, I forgot to add this post before the last one...

Qhuinn, son of no one, is used to being on his own. Disavowed from his bloodline, shunned by the aristocracy, he has finally found an identity as one of the most brutal fighters in the war against the Lessening Society. But his life is not complete. Even as the prospect of having a family of his own seems to be within reach, he is empty on the inside, his heart given to another....

Blay, after years of unrequited love, has moved on from his feelings for Qhuinn. And it’s about time: The male has found his perfect match in a Chosen female, and they are going to have a young—just as Qhuinn has always wanted for himself. It’s hard to see the new couple together, but building your life around a pipe dream is just a heartbreak waiting to happen. As he’s learned firsthand.

Fate seems to have taken these vampire soldiers in different directions... but as the battle over the race’s throne intensifies, and new players on the scene in Caldwell create mortal danger for the Brotherhood, Qhuinn finally learns the true definition of courage, and two hearts who are meant to be together... finally become one.

My Take:

5 Stars

Would I recommend this to others: Yes

Appropriate for 14 and under: No

Language and Sexual Content: VERY strong on both counts

I have to be honest and say that this book was a little uncomfortable for me to read. I don't have anything against the gay community, but I have to admit that I didn't necessarily enjoy reading about it (skipped over a lot of these uncomfortable scenes). So why did I give this book 5 stars? Let me explain.

Qhuinn has quickly become one of my favorite of the characters in these books. Why? Because he's the most misunderstood, he's extremely hard on himself, and he's an outcast in so many ways. I honestly wanted to see him happy and in love, even if it was with a man. I loved the storyline and how things are corrected for him in his life. His struggles were very hard to read, for example with Layla and him trying to conceive. I'm pregnant now, so this part was very emotional. I've also had miscarriages, so it brought feelings and emotions back to the surface. In the end though, Ms. Ward pulled out all the stops and made Qhuinn's happy ever after. Because I love this series and the characters so much, I finished this book and I will continue to read the rest of them. I also can't wait to see where she takes things, what with all the new twists in the story and new characters!

***I'm not going to post an up next, as I got out of sequence. Please see previous post for this.***

Winter's Scars Review

Defined by fate
Accused of betrayal
Scarred by fire

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Not all metamorphoses are for the better. Sometimes nature can be cruel.

Evan Winter was the youngest in the family. He was the academic-minded, medical genius who could perform intricate surgical procedures if necessary. He was the logic-driven, golden-hearted kid-brother of Meg and Alik.

Everyone loved Evan. Everyone appreciated his devotion to family and his unconditional faith.

No one could have seen his change coming.
Nothing could have stopped the events as they unfolded.
Now everybody is in shock at what has become of Evan Winter.

My Take:

5 Stars

Would I recommend to others: Absolutely

Appropriate for 14 and under: Yes

Language and sexual content: none/none

I finished this book in only a couple of days, which for me right now is VERY fast. (No time to read lately.)

I am giving this 5 stars and adding it to my favorites list. This series has quickly become one of my favorites, Karen does an amazing job capturing the reader and not letting go of them until the very last page.

This book was the most difficult in the series for me to read. Several of the characters that I've grown to love, are struggling even more than in the previous books. I had times where I wanted to throw my Kindle across the room, but settled for just turning it off and walking away from it.

Just when you think the evil men in the Winter's lives couldn't get any worse, they do something to completely surprise you. And right now, my heart is bleeding for Meg, who still has no memories. All the people that it's effecting, as she's the "glue" that holds everyone together, it's horribly sad to see the family and friends at odds over things that seem so trivial to me. I know Karen is going to correct all that is wrong in the next book, but I'm seriously worried that some of the characters are not going to make it out alive. Even Gideon/Sirus has grown a place in my heart, but I'm scared things won't bode well for him. I'm going to have to stalk the author's page and wait for book 6 as I cannot wait to see what she has in store. Great job, Karen! You are amazing!

Up Next:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12304744-enemy-within

I Breathe, Therefore I Read

Pages

Thursday, June 27, 2013

FREE ebooks today!!

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Octavian's Undoing Review

Monday, June 24, 2013

Wide Awake Review

Enemy Within Review

Be On Team Caleb: #YACrushTourney2013

Here are some things you should know.

Share, share, share!

Monday, June 17, 2013

Lover At Last Review

Winter's Scars Review