Guest Review: My Life Next Door from She's Got Books On Her Mind

Welcome to Adriana from, She's Got Books On Her Mind. Adriana has been bogging since September of 2011.

"One thing my mother never knew, and would disapprove of most of all, was that I watched the Garretts. All the time.”

The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, numerous, messy, affectionate. And every day from her balcony perch, seventeen-year-old Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs her terrace and changes everything. As the two fall fiercely in love, Jase's family makes Samantha one of their own. Then in an instant, the bottom drops out of her world and she is suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?

A dreamy summer read, full of characters who stay with you long after the story is over.


Samantha has been watching the Garrett family ever since they first moved next door ten years ago. She's never told anyone this little secret of hers. Her mother who looks next door and only sees the irresponsibility in having so many kids is the last person she wants finding out. She's also never told her sister or even her best friend nor does she plan to. The Garrett's dynamic and way of life is something just so far away from what she's used to. They are so mysterious that she can't help to just admire them from afar. Until that is a member of the Garrett family finds her watching them and brings her into the life she's always wanted to have.

The basis of this book just makes me so utterly happy. It's one of those books that you can't help but get giddy over. Then when you finally get it into your hands and you are able to finally see what it's all about you get that excited feeling all over again. What really got me wanting to read this book and what ended up being my favorite part of the book wasn't the romance - it was Samantha's daydreaming about the Garrett family. When she described the way they were and who they were individually I envied them. I love that "Cheaper by the Dozen" type of family. It's big, you may have struggles, but it's such a great atmosphere and a great life. You always have something going on. It's carefree and I loved it. I loved it even more when I actually met the family especially Jace's little brother George.

I love George... I can just squeeze him! Another person I really loved in Jace's family was his mother. She's got this wise, sweet thing going on. She reminds me of women who were born to be mother's. I've met some people in my life that I can't help but think to myself that they are going to be great mothers. I know that really sounds strange but it's true. Sometimes you just got it and sometimes like Samantha's mom you just plain don't. Her mother... I don't think she ever really saw her kids as her kids. They were more like things that she can use to get ahead. Things to make her look good. She was just bitter really. Well, to a point. She was more... just distant towards Samantha is how I can basically sum her up. She annoyed me to no end especially the way she acted with her "younger man" like she had no sense. Like she was her daughter's age and like she had no morals. 

Samantha and Jase. Not what I expected I have to say. And that isn't necessarily a bad thing. Their romance was very "high school" but in an endearing way. Samantha commented a couple of times on how dreamy Jase was so that's where I get that from. For most of the book I was happy for them and looked forward to seeing their relationship progress. It was a nice little romance. I really didn't like it as much as I'm sure I should have but I was still interested to see what would happen to the couple. And then... it just messed itself up. Samantha started acting... weird. The book had the obvious love conflict added in there but it wasn't described in a way where I felt sorry for them. Samantha was acting like her mother. Like she had no sense... I just didn't feel connected to their relationship in the end. I didn't believe it. Jase didn't act like I expected him to. I was confused to what happened to this lovey couple... It took a turn for the worse and it didn't recover that much for me unfortunately. BUT it's worth reading. The Garrett's are worth it. I did love most of the book just not the last part of it... that sounds bad but trust me it's worth trying. Just based on that cover - it's worth it. 


"Is Jase already going to marry you?" I start coughing again.   
"Uh, No. No, George. I'm only seventeen." As if that's the only reason we're not engaged.
"I'm this many." George holds up four, slightly grubby fingers. "But Jase is seventeen and a half. You could. Then you could live here with him. And have a big family."

Jase strides back into the room, of course, midway through this proposition. 
"George beat it. Discovery Channel is on."  George backs out of the room but not before saying, "His bed's really comfortable. And he never pees in it."


Loved the family aspect of this book. The Garrett family was filled with great personalities and a collective warm quality to them. I wish I was able to read more about them. I wasn't able to connect as much with the romance in the story especially towards the end. I came in more wanting to read about the different families and the clash of those families so that's why I might have not enjoyed the romance that much throughout the book and not liked it all at the end. Romance wasn't as great as I hoped towards the end but the book is still worth a try especially since everyone else raves about it so much.

Thank you to Adriana from She's Got Books On Her Mind, for sharing her review of My Life Nextdoor. You can contact Adriana over at her awesome blog

Lost In You by Heidi McLaughlin Book Tour & Giveaway

Ryan Stone is a less than average teenager. He doesn’t have fancy clothes. He doesn’t carry around the latest smartphone and he definitely doesn’t have an MP3 player. Instead, he goes to school, does his chores and dreams of a new life away from Brookfield where he’s expected to follow in his blue collar family’s footsteps.

Hadley Carter is America’s Pop Princess. A successful recording artist living her dream with a sold out tour and a handful of Grammy’s there isn’t much that she wants for, except love. But finding love on the road is near impossible when all she longs for are romantic dinners, a nighttime stroll on the beach and holding hands with someone who isn’t going to exploit her.

When a chance encounter introduces Ryan to Hadley, will he be like her adoring fans looking for a way in, or will it be Hadley who pursues Ryan even though it might cost her the only career she's known.


Hadley is beautiful, down to earth and lives for her fans that made her the successful music celebrity that she is today. So when her tour stops in Jackson, she never expected her life to change forever.

After winning a radio competition, Ryan is dragged along to the Hadley concert with best friend Dylan. Ryan doesn't even own a radio, brought up by devout religious parents with an abusive father. He's never had a girlfriend, he's never been kissed. So when he meets the pop superstar backstage at her concert, he has no idea who Hadley is.

The two are from completely different worlds, she is loved by millions and has never needed to go without. Ryan's parents barely recognise his presence and his only real friend is Dylan. The biggest difference? Hadley is 22... Ryan is only 17 and still in high school.

They can't help but gravitate towards one another, neither wanting to walk away from the forbidden relationship. Hadley knows that she is waking in dangerous ground, one whisper and her career would be damaged beyond repair.

Why does loving someone so right, feel so utterly wrong?

Ryan and Hadley had an instant connection, instant warmth and electrical currents upon contact. He's shy and retiring, she lives in the spotlight. He's underage, but she still cautiously pursues him. It's the ultimate forbidden love.

I enjoy Heidi McLaughlin's simple story lines. Her characters aren't complex, so it takes nothing away from the book itself. She has almost created her own genre of fantasy romance, minus the supernatural element. Situations that are unrealistic, so the reader can invest in her novels and enjoy being taken on a journey.

Like a Harlequin novelist of the young adult generation, always well written and heartwarming endings.

Goodreads
Lost In You
Written By Heidi McLaughlin

Expected Publication May 2013
348 Pages

My grandma once told me that I can do anything I want, so I am. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, I now live in picturesque Vermont, with my husband and two daughters. Also renting space in our home is an overhyper Beagle/Jack Russell and two Parakeets. During the day you'll find me behind a desk talking about Land Use. At night, I'm writing one of the many stories I plan to release or sitting courtside during either daughter's basketball games. I'm also an active reviewer on The Readiacs - a site I own with my best friend.

You can contact Heidi via Her Website  Facebook  Goodreads  Or Follow Her On Twitter


Check out the Facebook page HERE for prize giveaways to celebrate the release.

Shudder by Samantha Durante Cover Reveal

It's only been three days, and already everything is different.

Paragon is behind her, but somehow Alessa's life may actually have gotten worse. In a wrenching twist of fate, she traded the safety and companionship of her sister for that of her true love, losing a vital partner she'd counted on for the ordeal ahead. Her comfortable university life is but a distant memory, as she faces the prospect of surviving a bleak winter on the meager remains of a ravaged world. And if she'd thought she'd tasted fear upon seeing a ghost, she was wrong; now she's discovering new depths of terror while being hunted by a deadly virus and a terrifying pack of superhuman creatures thirsting for blood.

And then there are the visions.

The memory-altering "stitch" unlocked something in Alessa's mind, and now she can't shake the constant flood of alien feelings ransacking her emotions. Haunting memories of an old flame are driving a deep and painful rift into her once-secure relationship. And a series of staggering revelations about the treacherous Engineers - and the bone-chilling deceit shrouding her world's sorry history - will soon leave Alessa reeling...

Goodreads
The second installment in the electrifying Stitch Trilogy, Shudder follows Samantha Durante's shocking and innovative debut with a heart-pounding, paranormal-dusted dystopian adventure sure to keep the pages turning.



Samantha Durante lives in Westchester County, New York with her husband, Sudeep, and her cat, Gio. Formerly an engineer at Microsoft, Samantha left the world of software in 2010 to pursue her entrepreneurial dreams and a lifelong love of writing. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania's Jerome Fisher Program in Management & Technology, Samantha is currently working full time for her company Medley Media Associates as a freelance business writer and communications consultant. The Stitch Trilogy is her debut series. Learn more about Samantha at www.samanthadurante.com

The Sun Dwellers by David Estes

With those she's closest to dying around her, Adele embarks on a secret mission to the Sun Realm to assassinate the President. Along the way she'll uncover secrets about her relationship with Tristan that she might not be ready to face.

Tristan has a secret, too, one that's been eating him up inside ever since he met Adele. Will he reveal all, and risk the loss of friendship and love at a time when he needs it the most?

At the same time, Adele's mother, General Rose, must lead her soldiers into battle to face the sun dweller army in the hopes of holding them off until Adele can complete her mission. Can she outlast the strength of President Nailin's elite fighting force?

There's only one truth in their world: someone must die.


The Sun Dwellers continues the story of the continued war between the Star and Moon dwellers. There is a ceasefire, while Adele and Tristan have been entrusted to kill president Nailin in the Sun realm. It's a suicide mission, which the group of friends and soldiers know, they may never achieve.

Adele's mother, General Rose is a leader among the Star dweller army, and leader of The Resistance. Having lost her father and her sister maimed, she has no other choice than to succeed in her mission, kill the president and ensure a fair and just realms for future generations.

Tristan is holding onto a secret so incredible, that the group may not even believe him. Apart from best friend Roc, he's never told a soul. A secret that can change society. A secret that was responsible for his mother's disappearance.

With the Sun Dwellers festival approaching, the group sneak into the city. The end goal? To reach the presidential palace, kill the president and stop the bombing of the lower realms before the cities are wiped out.

I assumed this was the last in The Dwellers series, thankfully I was wrong. This series is utterly brilliant. Fans of the Hunger Games will inhale these books, just as I did. Fresh and unique, never a dull moment. Absolutely brilliant. Only a matter of time before the series is adapted for the big screen.

Goodreads
The Sun Dwellers
(The Dwellers: Book Three)
Written By David Estes

Published: 30 / 11 / 2012
370 Pages

Dahlia by Christina Channelle Review & Giveaway

Please scroll down for our massive Blood Crave giveaway

What would you do if your dreams were more than just dreams?
 

When you knew in the depths of your soul that you were unlike the rest?

For seventeen year old Dahlia Winters, this is her truth. Her coping mechanism is to simply forget and deny the strangeness that is her life. Orphaned, her past remains a mystery. Now residing with a foster family, she finally feels normal, or attempts to. Yet, dreams continue to torment her. Not only consumed by visions of miraculously healing wounds, but of a lust for something she should never naturally crave.

Then a green eyed stranger enters her life echoing her inner thoughts and voicing warnings about others wanting to harm her. He knows things about her that no one should possibly know, and he awakens her in ways she never expected.

This leads Dahlia to discover who she really is, for she is more than just human. With this new found knowledge, and the elements suddenly fighting against her, she finds it hard to trust anyone. And as she finally awakens and comes to grips with the power she possesses, she fights to stay alive.

Before the world, as she knows it, ceases to exist.
 


Dahlia has never known her true family or where she came from. She's been the product of a dismal foster care system, but always returning to the orphanage where she was first found. She can't remember anything from the age of five, when she was abandoned by those who were supposed to love her.

Dahlia knows she's not the average teenage girl. She has unexplained scars, the scent of blood smells like an appetizer and she can heal others... And herself. She's being watched, her developing abilities have made Dahlia a target to those who wish her harm, or worse.
When the tall, dark and handsome Grayson claims he can help her understand what she really is, Dahlia knows she needs to accept that she isn't quite... Human. 

Grayson has become obsessed with Dahlia, the girl he was sent to keep surveillance of until she comes into her abilities. He watches her, becoming infatuated by here mere presence. He knows it's a mistake to feel anything for the girl that is essentially a pawn in the battle against the Lapsus and Lamia, Fallen Angels and Vampires.

Dahlia is a unique take on the history or vampires and fallen angels and their abilities. Dahlia is a likeable character, she's been a foster child in the system since the age of five, and can't remember anything of her life before the orphanage. She understands that she isn't like other children, at times she believes she may be mentally ill. You'll find yourself empathizing with Dahlia. She is a lost soul, trying to find her place in the world.

Well paced and unique storyline. I really enjoyed Dahlia and looking forward to starting Fallen Tears, the Blood Crave novella.

Goodreads
Dahlia
(Blood Crave: Book One)
Written By Christina Channelle

Published: 27 / 03/ 2013



Breaking The Reins by Juliana Haygert Cover Reveal

Horses, mansions, tea parties, and lies are twenty-year-old Hannah Taylor’s life. To others, her family and her relationship with Eric is perfect. But she knows the truth. She lives it.

After a fire takes her grandma's life and kills her horse, Hannah's immaculate life spirals out of control. Her father disapproves of her decision to run her grandma’s ranch instead of focusing solely on learning the family business; Animal Control brings her Argus, a mistreated horse that she can't turn away even though she's not ready for another horse; and her boyfriend, Eric Bennett, a world famous polo player, becomes possessive and authoritarian. Despite her best efforts to disguise it, Hannah grows wary of him.

Then, Leonardo Fernandes struts onto the polo scene. A cocky rookie with a messy life of his own, he’s drawn to Hannah and isn’t afraid of showing it, even when Eric makes it clear she is his and he’ll do whatever it takes to keep it that way. Hannah suffers for Eric’s jealousy. The abuse only gets worse when Leo steals the title of best polo player in the world from Eric.


GoodreadsBut the title isn’t enough for Leo. He wants Hannah too, and she can’t deny her attraction to him either. Somehow, she must find a way to break free from abusive Eric before he breaks every bone in her body.

 

While Juliana Haygert dreams of being Wonder Woman, Buffy, or a blood elf shadow priest, she settles for the less exciting—but equally gratifying—life of a wife, mother, and author. Thousands of miles away from her former home in Brazil, she now resides in Connecticut and spends her days writing about kick-ass heroines and the heroes who drive them crazy.


Visit Juliana at Her Website  Goodreads  Facebook  and  On Twitter

Twisted Perfection by Abbi Glines

Life outside of her house was a new experience for Della Sloane. The dark secrets of her past weren’t something she ever intended to share with anyone. They would never understand. No one would ever get close enough to find out. There was always a chance she’d go crazy sooner than they expected…


Woods Kerrington had never been one to be attracted to fragile females. They seemed like too much work. He wasn’t in it for the work just the pleasure. A night full of naughty fun had been exactly what was on his mind when he’d laid eyes on the hot little number that didn’t know how to pump gas and needed some help.

What he didn’t know was she was as fragile as they came.
The carefree girl who spoke her mind and didn’t care what the world thought of her was more breakable than he could ever imagine…

 

Della is a broken girl harboring a tragic past. She has been sheltered by her mother, keep to he confines of their small house, home schooled and hid away from the world. On the advice of her best friend, Della goes out to explore the world on her own. Not long after being on the road, she comes across a guy simply known as Woods. After a one night stand, Della continues on her way, to find her next adventure... And herself.

Della settles in a small town where she finds herself working in a bar. When she begins a casual relationship with the married boss, Della is fired and sent on her way. Luckily weekend bartender Tripp offers her a reprieve, free accommodation in a small, but wealthy coastal town. A Job at the high end country club... And back into Woods Kerrington's life.

I wasn't a fan. I'm slowly warming to new adult novels and enjoyed the Abbi Glines Too Far series, but this book just felt like a re-release of the Too Far novels, abet different characters. Della is broken, Woods is possessive and together they try against the odds to find a future together. It's been done. I was excited for the release of Twisted Perfection, but sadly it didn't live up to my expectations.

Goodreads
Twisted  Perfection

(Perfection: Book One)
Written By Abbi Glines

Published: 20 / 04 / 2013
306 Pages

Chosen At Nightfall by C. C Hunter

Don’t miss this magnificent final chapter in the breathtaking Shadow Falls series. Kylie’s epic journey is about to lead her exactly where she belongs...

When Kylie Galen entered Shadow Falls Camp, she left her old life behind forever and discovered a world more magical than she ever imagined. A place where you’re two best friends can be a witch and a vampire... And where love doesn’t happen the way you’d expect.

When Kylie’s most powerful enemy returns to destroy her once and for all, there’s only one way to stop him, to step into her full powers and make a stunning transformation that will amaze everyone around her. But her journey won’t be complete until she makes one final choice… Which guy to love. Should she choose to the werewolf who broke her heart but will give anything to win her back, or the half fae who ran from their attraction before they had a chance? Everything she’s learned at Shadow Falls has been preparing her for this moment - when her fate will be revealed and her heart claimed forever.


In the final book in the Shadow Falls series, we pick up with Chameleon Kylie having left the Shadow Falls camp to train within the group of Chameleons, led by her Grandfather and Aunt. Kylie has little contact with the outside world, for the fear of the FRU finding them. The group still harbor ill feelings after the deadly testing on chameleons, performed by the FRU.

Kylie is nursing a broken heart, after seeing Lucas promise himself to a fellow were. The wolf had been keeping secrets, but Kylie knows how sorry he truly is. If only there were another way for Lucas to take his seat on the council that oversees the supernatural world.

Derek is still in love with Kylie. She's torn, does she try to find happiness with Derek or spend her life pinning away for Lucas, knowing that he is promised to another? When Mario is seen in the area, Kylie must return to the camp for her own safety. What she doesn't realise is that she may need to fight for her life, for a future she never thought possible.

The Shadow Falls series is fun, light and and an entertaining young adult series. Amidst the death and destruction, it's still light hearted and wholesome and a great series to help readers out of a book funk.

I quite like the series and characters, apart from Kylie, our main female protagonist. Yes, she has it tough, but it would have been nice if she would have stopped flitting between Derek and Lucas and perhaps seen her life as glass half full, rather than half empty.

There are quite a few surprises in store for readers, for fans of Delia, the relationship between Burnett and Holiday and Kylie's love triangle. It does come to a conclusion though, abet a little rushed to neatly package with a pretty red ribbon, but a finale nonetheless.

Goodreads
Chosen At Nightfall

(Shadow Falls: Book Five)
Written By C. C Hunter

Published: 23 / 04 / 2013
413Pages

'Til The World Ends by Julie Kagawa

Please note, 'Til the World Ends contains three seperate post apocalyptic stories by three separate authors. This review only contains The Blood of Eden short story.

 

Dawn of Eden by Julie Kagawa

Before The Immortal Rules, there was the Red Lung, a relentless virus determined to take out all in its path. For Kylie, the miracle of her survival is also her burden-as a doctor at one of the clinics for the infected, she is forced to witness endless suffering. What's worse, strange things are happening to the remains of the dead, and by the time she befriends Ben Archer, she's beginning to wonder if a global pandemic is the least of her problems.... 


The prequel to Julie Kagawa's Blood Of Eden series, tells the tale of the first strain of the Red Lung virus that decimated the population, and introduces us to the Rabids, the human vampire hybrids.

Kylie is a doctor. She is working in a makeshift clinic, trying to offer comfort to Red Lung victims in their final days. When Ben stumbled into her clinic with his injured friend, it was clear the two young men had been attacked by something not quite animal, nothing quite human either.

When the deceased Red Lung victims start rising again, morphed into rotted beastly corpses, the two flee. Ben is trying to make it home to his family farm, keeping Kylie safe from the apocalyptic streets if the new world they are forced to survive.

A story of survival and a tender romance. Those who have read the Immortal Rules, will recognise The Archer's, Ben's family farm, as the one that aided the group searching for Eden. Ideal for those waiting for Eternity Cure to be released or those yet to start the Blood of Eden series.

Goodreads
'Til The World Ends

(Blood Of Eden: Book 0.5)
Written By Julie Kagawa

Published: 29 / 01 / 2013
368 Pages in total for all three stories

The Star Dwellers by David Estes

After rescuing her father and younger sister, Adele is forced to leave her family and Tristan behind to find her mother in the cruel and dangerous realm of the star dwellers.

Amidst blossoming feelings for Adele, Tristan must cast his feelings aside and let her find her own way amongst the star dwellers, while he accompanies Adele's father to meet with the leaders of the moon dwellers and decide the fate of the Tri-Realms.

Will Adele be able to rescue her mother and make it back to the Moon Realm before the President and the sun dweller soldiers destroy her family?

Can Tristan convince the moon dweller puppets of the error of their ways?

Was Adele's lost kiss with Tristan her one and only chance at love?

In her world there's only one rule: Someone must die


Adele and Tawni are now on their way to the Star realm, where it seems the civil violence us being bred. The Star realm is continuing it's annihilation of the Moon realm, considering the city is drowning in extreme poverty, the arsenal seems to be in abundance. The tunnels are the only option to reach the Star realm and the two forge on with enough strength and determination to come through unscathed... Almost.

Tristan has been recruited by The Resistance and his role is simple, convince members of The Resistance and leaders of the Moon realm chapters to cease the beckoning civil war and join forces. His father, the President, hopes to unravel his existsnce with revelations of his own, both cruel and horrific... Tristan isn't the only one who wants to end his fathers life.

Adele can't quite believe her eyes when she wakes up in the Star realm. Not only is her mother alive, but she isn't the polite and softly spoken mother that Adele had always thought she was. Adele's father been telling her that she takes after her mother, suddenly makes sense. How had she never known? But something is amiss at the camp that Adele and Tawni are calling a temporary home, all signs point to a well funded mission that doesn't seem possible.

Adele knows that reuniting her family is the key to survival, survival of the realms, survival of her crumbling world and the survival of the revolution to unite the realms once more.

The Dwellers series is incredible, there is just no other way to describe it. Beautifully written, it's fast paced with a unique storyline. Gritty and dirty at times, the series has the makings of a cult following. 

My only complaint is that it ended in a cliffhanger that will leave you trying to guess what's coming. A slightly awkward set up referring to the next book, when the main characters are sent on an important mission. The execution was a little too predictable and casual. Regardless, this is a brilliant series.

Goodreads
The Star Dwellers
(The Dwellers: Book Two)
Written By David Estes
Published: 30 / 09 / 2013
368 Pages
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