Literary Cravings

I have a never-ending need to read. I love a good romance, adventure and drama, be it Adult, NA or YA. As long as a story has those elements I'm content.

Review: Reboot

Reboot - Amy Tintera

Author: Amy Tintera

Published: May 7, 2013 HarperTeen

Source: Edelweiss

 

Literary's Views**************************

 

Reboot lured me with its potential hard hitting adventure and drama. This sounded like a story that would pull me in and not hold back punches. Did it? Yes sir! Reboot was a unique, engaging, dark, gritty adventure that grabbed me and had me questioning everything all the way to the end. Filled with danger, death and conspiracy with complex characters......

 

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Review: The Bet

The Bet - Rachel Van Dyken

Author: Rachel Van Dyken

Published: March 26, 2013 by Hachette

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

 

Literary's Views***************************

 

Jake's crazy proposition was what lured me to reading The Bet by Rachel Van Dyken. The fact that Kacey would even accept drew me into the story right away. Though right of the bat Jack was a total egotistical jerk (which felt that that was Ms. Dyken's intention so I was willing to give him a chance, a slim one) but I really felt for Kacey giving her heart to him. It was quickly known that they had a history between them which brought the underling drama and intrigued me the most. It was clear that Jake and Kacey were best friends and that Jake hurt her in some way. So what happened between them to strain their friendship that much and why would Kacey help Jake in spite of that? With the smooth writing style and all these intriguing questions, I easily got into the story....

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Review: Lick (Stage Dive, #1)

Lick - Kylie Scott

Author: Kylie Scott
Published: July 1, 2013 by Momentum
Source: Publisher via Netgalley

 

Literary's Views*****************************

 

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, right? Well that wasn't the case with Evelyn's trip. Waking up after a wild night parting married to a guy you don't know and to top it off a night you can't remember! That was what Evelyn had to face. With a premise like that I was instantly lured into reading Lick by Kylie Scott. Excited to see how the story would turn out. Plus the name alone got me.

 

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Source: http://www.literarycravings.com/2013/07/book-review-lick-by-kylie-scott.html

Review: One Week Girlfriend: A Novel

One Week Girlfriend  - Monica  Murphy

Series: Drew + Fable #1

Publisher: Random House Digital

Published: January 10, 2013

Format: ebook

Source: Bought

 

 

Literary's Views********************************

 

 

The lure of One Week Girlfriend was defiantly the drama. Why would this famous college football star who could have any girl that he wanted, need a pretend girlfriend for thanksgiving break? The underlining drama called to me and I answered. I was looking for a character driven story filled with intense steamy romance and drama that ensnared me and One Week Girlfriend definitely delivered. I was happily surprised at how much I enjoyed it!

 

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Source: http://www.literarycravings.com/2013/07/book-review-one-week-girlfriend-by.html

Review: Nobody

Nobody - Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Website: Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Publisher: Egmont USA

Published: January 22, 2013

Source: Media Masters Publicity 

 

 

Literary's Views*******************************

 

 

The synopsis of the story really pulled me in. I really enjoyed Jennifer Lynn Barnes Raised By Wolves series so I was really interested in reading Nobody. It focuses on teens called Nobodies. They have ability of not really being seen by anyone including loved ones. They are easily forgotten and with that can come terrible loneliness or the ultimate power.In Nobody we see the double edge sword of both of these scenarios. Claire is oblivious to her power and fighting the loneliness and Nix is brought up to hone his power becoming an assassin. Things really heat up when Nix and Claire's world suddenly collide.I really enjoyed the adventure that Nix and Claire went through. It was so unique and compelling that I was constantly flipping the page to find out what would happen next..........

 

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Source: http://www.literarycravings.com/2013/01/book-reviewgiveaway-nobody-by-jennifer.html

Review: The Edge of Never

The Edge of Never - J.A. Redmerski

Author WebsiteJ. A. Redmerski

Series: The Edge of Never
Publisher: Self Published
Genre: New Adult Romance
Source: Bought

 

Literary's Views****************************

 

After seeing so many positive reviews about this book I have to say that after reading The Edge of Never they were totally right. This book was indeed amazing. I love a good life discovering road trip! The Edge of Never took the idea of road trip to a whole other level and I loved every moment of it. The story was filled with so much adventure and intrigue that I was totally immersed in the story. Camryn and Andrew really brought the story to life for me. Camryn and Andrew were compelling, well-developed characters with intriguing individual personalizes that I enjoyed getting to know.

 

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Review: Fight With Me (With Me in Seattle, #2)

Fight With Me (With Me in Seattle, #2) - Kristen Proby

WebsiteKristen Proby
Series:With Me In Seattle
Publisher:Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Published:December 30, 2012
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Source: Bought

 

Literary's Views************************************

 

Loved the chemistry between Nate and Jules. When they got together it was spicy hot sexiness! There were no doubt the feelings they had for each other from the beginning of the story to the end. Right from the beginning I was thrusted into Nate and Jules steamy romance, which made a great start to the story and what happen to their relationship from there was what kept me interested.Now reading the synopsis I thought that this book was gonna be a no holds bar, drag out fight for love between two strong determined characters. Nate, the strong hot boss not caring about the office policies and fighting to be with Jules anyway. Jules hesitant and resistant of their love because of the risk she was taking with her career on a relationship that she didn’t know would workout in the long run.Don’t get me wrong, Nate and Jules were indeed strong well rounded characters. I Particularly loved when Nate let his alpha male show a bit when ever Jules ran which had me wanting Jules to run more. 

 

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Source: http://www.literarycravings.com/2013/01/book-review-fight-with-me-by-kristen.html

Review: Destiny (Serendipity Series #2)

Destiny (Serendipity) - Carly Phillips

WebsiteCarly Phillips
Series: Serendipity Book 2
Publisher: Berkley
Published: January 3, 2012
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher

 

Literary's Views*************************

 

Destiny, the second book in the Serendipity Series, is about Nash Barron and his romance with Kelly Moss. In the first novel of the series Serendipity we were introduced to the Barron brothers Ethan, Nash, and Dash and I have to say that Nash was my least favorite out of them. So I went into this story a little wary, knowing that I would end up hating him even more or he would end up growing on me.

 

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Source: http://www.literarycravings.com/2012/01/review-destiny-by-carly-phillips.html

Review: Midnight Reckoning

Midnight Reckoning (Dark Dynasties #2) - Kendra Leigh Castle

WebsiteKendra Leigh Castle
Series: Dark Dynasties #2
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Published: January 1, 2012
Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance
SourceNetgalley

 

Literary's Views***************************

 

I didn't know what to expect with Midnight Reckoning but I was pleasantly surprised A werewolf and vampire falling in love? This story was filled with drama and excitement, two elements I love in a story. Would the characters capture my interest as well? A question that lead me to pick up the book to find out.

 

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Source: http://www.literarycravings.com/2012/01/review-midnight-reckoning-by-kendra.html

Review: Epic Fail

Epic Fail - Claire LaZebnik

WebsiteClaire LaZebnik
Publisher: Harper Teen
Published: August 2, 2011
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher

 

Literary's Views******************************

 

A modern remake to the classic Jane Austen Pride and Prejudice. Now I had to read this to see how Ms. LaZebnik handled bringing one of my favorite stories by Jane Austen into the 21 century. Would I like the changes and similarities? Yea curiosity got me to read this.

 

What Worked

 

The story of Elise and her sisters was so engaging I couldn’t put it down; watching how they navigated their new lives changed and evolved in sunny star studded California. Things happened in a constant steady pace capturing and holding my attention through the whole story. 

 

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Source: http://www.literarycravings.com/2011/08/review-epic-fail-by-claire-lazebnik.html

Review: Serpent's Kiss (Elder Races Series #3)

Serpent's Kiss - Thea Harrison

WebsiteThea Harrison

Series: Elder Races Book #3
Publisher: Berkley
Published: October 4, 2011
Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance
Source: Publisher

 

Literary's Views***********************

 

I’m really enjoying Thea Harrison’s Elder Races series and with Serpent’s Kiss I’ve added it to the list. The focus of the story is turned to Wyr sentinel Rune and the mysterious vampire queen Carling.

 

When I found out that Rune and Carling were paired together I didn’t really see it at first but you know the saying “opposites attract” and Rune and Carling totally did in Serpent’s Kiss. Their chemistry was sizzling from the beginning. 

 

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Source: http://www.literarycravings.com/2012/03/review-serpents-kiss-by-thea-harrison.html

Where Demons Fear to Tread

Where Demons Fear to Tread - Stephanie Chong

WebsiteStephanie Chong 
Series: The Company of Angels Book 1
Publisher: Mira
Published: August 23, 2011
Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance
SourceNetgalley

 

Literary's Views**************************

 

First Impressions

 

A guardian angel and an arch demon fighting over the soul a movie star then accidentally fall in love, with each other. Yes please. Really wanted to see how this would play out for them all.

 

What Worked

 

I enjoyed the battle of wills between Serena (Guardian Angel) and Julian (Arch Demon). Seeing which one would ultimately succumb to the other did bring some sparks to the page. It had me turning the pages to find out what would happen.

 

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Source: http://www.literarycravings.com/2011/08/review-where-demons-fear-to-tread-by.html

Review: Ecstasy in Darkness (Alien Huntress)

Ecstasy in Darkness - Gena Showalter

Author: Gena Showalter
Publisher: Pocket Star
Published: October 26, 2010
Source: Library 
GenreAdult Romance

 

Literary's Views*********************

 

WHAT WORKED

 

  • The Romance- Exciting, fast paced and enticing. Watching Ava and McKell fall into passionate lust then passionate love was such a joy.
 
  • The Drama – Loved all the obstacles that Ava and MacKell had to face, with their romance as well as with themselves. Making this not an easy romance as well as the kick ass villains.
 
  • The Villains- As dangerous and devious as villains need to be. They brought the real mayhem and danger, plus a whole lot of revulsion.

 

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Source: http://www.literarycravings.com/2011/07/review-ecstasy-in-darkness-by-gena.html

Review: Lord of the Vampires (Royal House of Shadows Series #1)

Lord of the Vampires - Gena Showalter

WebsiteRoyal House of Shadows 
Series: Royal House of Shadows Book 1
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: August 23, 2011
Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance
Source: BEA

 

Literary's Views*****************************

 

I’m a total fan of Gena Showalter’s work so I had to read Lord of the Vampires to see what crazy place she would send me next.


WHAT WORKED 

 

  • An intense, complex world which drew me in and held my attention through the story. Nicolai and Jane’s story had a world wind pace filled with action and danger at every turn, which some could see as boarding on rushed I don’t.



  • The mystery was an enigma; would Nicolai receive his memory back? How did he lose it in the first place? How did Jane fall into everything and how things would turn out for her as well as Nicolai in the long run was not as predictable as I thought it would be. Though these questions may seem easily predictable, the way Ms. Showalter arranged things really had me in the dark about how it would turn out in the end.
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Source: http://www.literarycravings.com/2011/08/review-lord-of-vampires-by-gena.html

Everneath

Everneath - Originally Reviewed on Literary CravingsImpressionsHow far would you go to get your old life back? See your friends, loved ones and the love of your life? Are you willing to sacrifice everything just for time to say goodbye? Nikki has to tackle just that with the crazy turn of her life returning from Everneath. Would the life she left behind still be there? With that interesting synopsis I was really interested to read Nikki’s story.ThoughtsThe plot was interesting from the beginning. It was a fresh new take on the Mythology of Persephone and Hades (more so Persephone). I really like that Brodi Ashton strayed from the original story, creating a whole new world and beings but keeping similar elements to with the mythology to tie it all together. Nikki's story was a unique one and I enjoyed reading how it unfolded.At first I thought the story would be predictable since it was based off the Persephone’s story well. But with the new take on the story it took on a whole new persona and so what happen next became a true mystery and the decisions that Nikki would ultimately have to make made the story very intriguing.What l like most in a story is that the action is high, consistent and able to capture my attention and hold it throughout the story and this story had some of those qualities. Within each chapter something interesting happened to further the story, in a smooth pace that didn't leave me confused. I enjoyed the duel stories of the past and present, which allowed me to truly understand what was happening and the reasons behind it.I found myself enjoying Jack and Nikki’s sweet romantic past and how it bloomed from friendship to romance to being estranged. The intense underlying attraction between Nikki and Cole added drama and the question of who Nikki would ultimately end up with.I would have loved to read more of the secret world of Everneath with its wonders and dangers. There was a lot of alluding to its importance and power but I only saw a piece of it in the beginning and would have love to see more interaction with the two worlds.CharactersNikki, while not an amazing character, I did like her and found her to be a relatable character that I could identify with. At times she had me questioning her actions and I felt that she was acting selfishly but that’s what made her relatable and realistic, so respect that.Jack had potential for me to really like him as a character. I really liked getting to know him as Nikki's story unfolded and their relationship developed. At first I didn't like him because of his past action towards Nikki but he slowly grew on me.Cole was my favorite. He was an intense, complicated character. Though viewed as the bad guy I didn't totally see him as that. I saw him as someone who understood the hand he'd been dealt and went after what he wanted. I enjoyed him, his snide remarks and the added complications that he brought to the story, making it more exciting.OverallOverall I enjoyed Everneath by Brodi Ashton and the story it told. It was compelling and unique. While that the story could have divulge into the Everneath more, I enjoyed the plot and characters and I feel that this is just the beginning.Yummy Read

Wildefire

Wildefire - Karsten Knight First ImpressionsEverybody has problem in their lives, especially family problems and Ashline is no exception. Though her life quickly turns a bit more complicated then she expected, leaving many questions in need of answers. With this story I wanted something wild and different, filled with action, romance and mystery. And it was answered.What WorkedThe Pacing: I enjoyed how it didn’t take forever and a day for things to happen, from the first chapter things started with a bang capturing my attention.The Mystery: There were many interesting questions raised within the story raging from who Ashline and friends really were? What is their true purpose? Why? And many more. I liked how some were answered keeping me somewhat satisfied yet wanting more. The Action: Like the pacing it was instant, grabbing a hold and not letting go. I enjoyed how there was action from beginning and throughout the story. The Developing Romance: Ashline and Colt’s growing romance was just that, growing. No instant love here, instant attraction yes. Totally refreshing.The Lore: Love, loved, loved how the different mythologies were showcased and how they interconnected making things way more interesting. Could Have Been BetterWhile the writing style was clear and understandable I only had one gripe and that was the transition between one scene to the next. It left me a bit confused for a minute and had me backtracking to understand that it was a scene change. A clearer indication would have made it smoother for me. CharactersThey were all realistically dynamic as well as interesting. Bringing different things to the plate making for a better story. Ashline: Relatable, Interesting, Secure. Ashline had a strong secure voice and I enjoyed reading her story through her eyes. There were questions raised and she wasn’t afraid to find answers. Eve: Crazy, Psychotic Sister: Really enjoyed her crazy psychotic ways. Nobody was safe. Colt: Sexy, Mysterious Romantic Wilderness Guy. He kept Ashline on her toes with his involvement.Jackie: The lovable, reliable best friend. Everyone needs a best friend like her, seriously. Rolfe: Humorous Surfer Dude: He made me laugh with basically everything that came out his mouthRaja: The Standoffish Beauty Queen. Even though she was a bit standoffish in the beginning I warmed up to her in the end. Ade: The Silent Reliable One: He’s the person you want on your side in practically any situation.Lily: The Quite One. Not much to say about her since she was quite. But you know what they say about the quite ones. Serena: The Knowing One. She was the girl with the answers, answers that lead to more questions. OverallWildefire was just that a wildfire. Filled with a multitude of lore, mystery , drama and romance. I really enjoyed the beginning of Ashline and her friends journey which from what I’ve read so far should be epic. How things ending left me filled with shock and anticipation. I look forward to what Karsten Knight has in store for us.