The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay

I'd like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to have a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Title; The Sea of Tranquility

Author; Katja Millay

Publisher; Atria Books

Publication Date; June 4th 2013

Description; I live in a world without magic or miracles. A place where there are no clairvoyants or shapeshifters, no angels or superhuman boys to save you. A place where people die and music disintegrates and things suck. I am pressed so hard against the earth by the weight of reality that some days I wonder how I am still able to lift my feet to walk.

Former piano prodigy Nastya Kashnikov wants two things: to get through high school without anyone learning about her past and to make the boy who took everything from her—her identity, her spirit, her will to live—pay.

Josh Bennett’s story is no secret: every person he loves has been taken from his life until, at seventeen years old, there is no one left. Now all he wants is be left alone and people allow it because when your name is synonymous with death, everyone tends to give you your space.

Everyone except Nastya, the mysterious new girl at school who starts showing up and won’t go away until she’s insinuated herself into every aspect of his life. But the more he gets to know her, the more of an enigma she becomes. As their relationship intensifies and the unanswered questions begin to pile up, he starts to wonder if he will ever learn the secrets she’s been hiding—or if he even wants to.

The Sea of Tranquility is a rich, intense, and brilliantly imagined story about a lonely boy, an emotionally fragile girl, and the miracle of second chances.

Goodreads Average Rating; 4.65

My Rating; 5*s

Will I read anything else by this author? I would love to read anything this author writes in the future.

Would I recommend this book? Yes

Who would I recommend it to? Everybody.

Review; What does one say about a book like The Sea of Tranquillity? Well, I find I have nothing to say, simply because this book has left me speechless. I don't know what to say about this book.
I love everything about this book, every little thing and you can bet I'll never forget it. It's going to be a favourite and I'm going to have to buy my own copy of this book. Or maybe several copies so that I can give some to my friends and force them to read it and fall in love too...

This book is one of those books with all the raging reviews, one of the books that your not sure about, because a lot of the time a book doesn't live up to the reviews.
The Sea of Tranquillity does live up to those reviews.

The characters are amazing. They're real. The kind of characters you wish you knew in real life...well most of them are.
The plot, well you've seen damaged person meets another damaged person before, but you have not seen it the way Katja Millay writes it.

I feel like I'm not doing this book justice and like I'm not forming coherent sentences. Like I can't put into words how amazing this book is, how much of an impact it has.

There are only two things that I feel I need to tell you about this book:
This book is beyond amazing.
You should read this book.

That is all, because if I say anything else I will just be repeating how amazing the book is and it really will become incoherent. Pre-order this book! You won't regret it.

My Ex From Hell (The Blooming Goddess Trilogy #1) by Tellulah Darling

I'd like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for giving me a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Title; My Ex From Hell

Author; Tellulah Darling

Series; The Blooming Goddess Trilogy Book One

Publisher; Te Da Media

Publication Date; April 1st 2013

Description; Sixteen-year-old Sophie Bloom wishes she’d been taught the following:

a) Bad boy’s presence (TrOuBlE) + teen girl’s brain (DraMa) = TrAuMa (Highly unstable and very volatile.)
b) The Genus Greekulum Godissimus is notable for three traits: 1) awesome abilities, 2) grudges, and 3) hook-ups, break-ups, and in-fighting that puts cable to shame.

Prior to the Halloween dance, Sophie figures her worst problems involve adolescent theatrics, bitchy yoga girls, and being on probation at her boarding school for mouthy behaviour. Then she meets bad boy Kai and gets the kiss that rocks her world.

Literally.

This breath stealing lip lock reawakens Sophie’s true identity; Persephone, Goddess of Spring. She’s key to saving humanity in the war between the Underworld and Olympus, target numero uno of Hades and Zeus, and totally screwed.

Plus there’s also the little issue that Sophie’s last memory as Persephone was just before someone tried to murder her.

Big picture: master her powers, get her memories back, defeat Persephone’s would be assasin, and save the world. Also, sneak into the Underworld to retrieve stolen property, battle the minions of Hades and Zeus, outwit psycho nymphs, slay a dragon, rescue a classmate, keep from getting her butt expelled from the one place designed to keep her safe…

…and stop kissing Kai, Prince of the Underworld.

My Ex From Hell is a romantic comedy/Greek mythology smackdown. Romeo and Juliet had it easy.

Goodreads Average Rating; 4.38

My Rating; 5*s out of 5

Would I recommend this book? Yes

Who would I recommend it to? Fans of Greek Mythology, fans of YA...everyone.

Would I read anything else by this author? I already have, and I loved her first book just as much as I loved this one. I will definitely be reading more of her work.

Review; Tellulah Darling has done it again. I loved her last book - Sam Cruz's Infallible Guide To Getting Girls - and I loved this books too, in a completely different way. I always like the stories and the plots, but what I like most is her writing. And how the writing never fails to make me laugh. Tellulah Darling is easily becoming one of my favourite authors. In fact, I think she's already made it to that list.

From the first word of this book I was drawn into this story. I did not want to put it down. And for the most part, I didn't. I just wish the sequel was out already!

Sophie Bloom was most definitely my favourite character in this book.
There's just something about the way Tellulah writes characters, I just always seem to love her characters.
I love the dialogue and I love that the characters aren't perfect but they're geeky and funny and you can relate to them. They're quirky and I like that.

I have tried to read some Greek Mythology books like this before, but most of the time I found that there was too much of an information overload, this is not the case with My Ex From Hell, you get the information you need but it's not dumped on you. Which I found awesome, and so much better. It stopped me from getting bored, as I did with the other books.

What I am trying to say is that I love everything about this book, and that I can't really put that into words. You should definitely buy this book, or add it to your to read list. I hope you love it as much as I do.

Beautiful Bastard (Beautiful Bastard #1) by Christina Lauren

I'd like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for giving me a chance to read this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

Title; Beautiful Bastard

Author; Christina Lauren

Series; Beautiful Bastard Book One

Publisher; Gallery Books

Publication Date; February 12th 2013

Description; An ambitious intern. A perfectionist executive. And a whole lot of name calling.
Whip-smart, hardworking, and on her way to an MBA, Chloe Mills has only one problem: her boss, Bennett Ryan. He’s exacting, blunt, inconsiderate—and completely irresistible. A Beautiful Bastard.

Bennett has returned to Chicago from France to take a vital role in his family’s massive media business. He never expected that the assistant who’d been helping him from abroad was the gorgeous, innocently provocative—completely infuriating—creature he now has to see every day. Despite the rumors, he’s never been one for a workplace hookup. But Chloe’s so tempting he’s willing to bend the rules—or outright smash them—if it means he can have her. All over the office

As their appetites for one another increase to a breaking point, Bennett and Chloe must decide exactly what they’re willing to lose in order to win each other.

Originally only available online as The Office by tby789—and garnering over 2 million reads on fanfiction sites—Beautiful Bastard has been extensively updated for re-release.

Goodreads Average Rating; 3.69

My Rating; 4.75*s out of 5*s

Would I recommend this book? Yes

Who would I recommend it to? Fans of adult romance

Review; Mostly I read this book because I was curious. I'd seen several good reviews, and some bad, I was also aware that this was originally Twilight fan fiction. So, I thought I wasn't really going to like it, but my curious side always wins and so when I saw this title on Netgalley I requested it.
Now that I've read this book I can say that I am glad I did.

I liked the characters. I liked them because Chloe wasn't a stupid childlike character, she actually had a bit of a backbone and because Bennett was also a strong characters, but not stupidly so.
If I hadn't of been so tired I probably would have finished this book last night.
It is an east read. I liked the characters a lot, and bits and bobs in the book had me smiling or laughing slightly.
The characters had great chemistry in my eyes, although I felt it may have dived into the story, and the sex just a bit too quickly, but...that also seemed to suit the story.
The sex scenes were good because the characters did have chemistry, I liked Chloe's love of lingerie and Bennett's love of tearing the lingerie from Chloe.

At first, I was worried about this book, because it's an erotica, and originally a Twilight fan fiction, just like fifty shades was, but this is nothing like fifty shades was, this book was so much more than better. I recommend you pick up your copy to read...if you haven't already.
I will definitely be buying myself a copy of this book in the future!

A Shimmer of Angels by Lisa M. Basso

Review copy received from NetGalley in exchange for honest review. 

Title; A Shimmer of Angels

Author; Lisa M. Basso

Series; Angel Sight Book One

Publisher; Month9Books, LLC

Publication Date; January 29th 2013

Description; Sixteen-year-old Rayna sees angels, and has the medication and weekly therapy sessions to prove it. Now, in remission, Rayna starts fresh at a new school, lands a new job, and desperately tries for normalcy. She ignores signs that she may be slipping into the world she has tried so hard to climb out of. But these days, it’s more than just hallucinations that keep Rayna up at night. Students are dying, and she may be the only one who can stop it. Can she keep her job, her sanity, and her friends from dying at the hands of angels she can't admit to seeing? 

Goodreads Average Rating; 3.69

My Star Rating; 4*s/5

Would I read anything else by this author? Yes, I would. I would like to continue with the series.

Would I recommend this book? Yes

Who would I recommend it to? Fans of Paranormal Romance, YA, and Angels.
Fans of Fallen and Hush, Hush (though even if you didn't like those books you should give this one a try anyway.)

Review; This book started really well for me, I was quite into it from the get go...but then it began to feel like it was dragging on. Then, when we get closer to the end I began to like it again.
This might be because of my tiredness, but I kind of felt the book was repetitive in places, especially with some of Rayna's "issues."

Now, don't get me wrong, because I really did enjoy reading this book, and I would like to continue with the rest of the series, I just feel like I can't love the series, and so am instead in like with this first book.

The Characters;
I felt sorry for Ray, but I couldn't quite connect with her.
I loved Lee, I think there should have been more of him in the book.
There was only one Sally scene, but I quite liked her character because of the eccentric-ness.
Kade. Ah, Kade, I quite liked his character, even if I feel there isn't much to say about him, I just feel like he could become my favourite character.
Cam, I feel there's something more to him, something we don't know yet, and I want to find out what it is, if anything.

The beginning of this book, for me it was good because it started somewhat differently than the other books involving angels that I have read. I was excited for something different in an angel book, and I certainly got that something different.
I also quite liked the writing.

The middle was full of what I'm sure is vital information for the rest of the series, but it was as if we were following a routine, as if she were doing the same things everyday, the only difference was a little more information, so there was a bit where I felt I had to push myself to keep reading. But it got better again, and I started to get back into the story as things started to get a bit more interesting.

The ending makes me want the next book. It was in no way what-so-ever a cliffhanger, but it still made me want to read the next book.

Overall this was an enjoyable book, and I certainly want to read the next book.
Even if it isn't at the top of my to-read list.

Three Stages of Love: Lust by T. C. Anthony (Blog Tour.) Giveaway and Review!

I'd like to thank Smith Publicity, Inc. for my free review copy. 

Title; Three Stages of Love; Lust

Author; T. C. Anthony

Publisher; Createspace

Publication Date; November 28th 2012

Series; Three Stages of Love trilogy, Book One.

Description; Evangeline Chase is standing at the edge of a crossroad. After choosing to be blissfully ignorant for far too long and willfully ignoring what her life has been lacking, fate is about to intervene. When Alexander Mason, a striking and powerful venture capitalist, is introduced as her new boss, Eva is overwhelmed by an intoxicating cocktail of hormones and lust that leaves her struggling to maintain her composure and more importantly, control of her life.

With an undeniable urge to dominate her new boss, her own lust-filled fantasies lead to a transformation that shakes her to her core. But when Alexander challenges Eva to satisfy her carnal urges, she is forced to choose between her career, her desires, and an unconventional and lustful relationship. Consumed by fear and forced to maintain control at all costs, Eva must decide if having it all is worth risking her career, her world, and possibly, love.

Three Stages of Love: Lust is the first book in a suspenseful new erotic romance series that explores the questions that young women have while embarking on their journey through life and love. Eva’s transformation from prim and proper to fun and dominating proves to be one of the most erotically intriguing personal makeovers around. Her passion for her career and life goals ultimately gives way to uninhibited encounters that leave her intoxicated and yearning for more. Eva’s emotional battle between her heart and mind leave her juggling with a desire to have it all and a profound fear of losing everything.

Written to illustrate the average, driven woman’s point of view, Three Stages of Love: Lust tackles the everyday fears and desires that young women have in an intoxicatingly erotic way. A gripping, palpitation-inducing romance full of underlying themes that are extraordinarily relevant to modern women, this enthralling erotic novel by T. C. Anthony is a must-read for women of all backgrounds

My Star Rating; 4.5*s out of 5

Goodreads Average Rating; 3.56

Would I read anything else by this author? I would like to read the next books in the series, so yes.

Would I recommend this book? Yes.

Who would I recommend it to? Fans of Adult Romances and Erotica books.

Review; I quite liked the characters in this book...they were realistic compared to some books. They had flaws! Some of those flaws were slightly annoying, but understandable. But the fact that they weren't perfect, that they seemed like real people, just made me like the characters more.
Even if Eva is slightly annoying on occasion.
The sex scenes were also realistic, especially when compared to some erotica books.
Alexander is my favourite characters in this book, and I'm sure he could become one of my favourite male characters for many reasons. He was realistic, like a lot of other things and people in this book. He was a sex god without being ALL alpha male. Which I find totally awesome, I mean, don't get me wrong, I like alpha male characters, but sometimes they're too alpha. Alexander wasn't perfect, but he was a great character, he had balance. He wasn't just one thing.

This book had me laughing, it had me crying, and it sometimes made me want to scream in frustration.

Personally I felt that some of the exclamation marks could have been cut out, and I found it odd that how much Alexander "giggled" but none the less, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it.

To sum it up; This book is realistic, frustrating, funny in parts, and I quite enjoyed reading it.

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About The Giveaway;

This giveaway is for two e-book copies of T. C. Anthony's Three Stages of Love: Lust. If you win you will be emailed by Sarah Miniaci from Smith Publicity. She will email you a copy of the e-book if you win!
The winners will be chosen randomly!
To enter simply use the RaffleCopter below!



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Whispers In The Dark by Claire Gamblin

This is not a review!

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/271888

This book is written by me. I just thought that I'd advertise it with you guys. It is currently $0.99 which is roughly 62p in Britain.
That is the cheapest the Smashwords will allow me to put it at.

I hope you decide to check it out. :)

Sorry

Hey guys,
It's been over a month since I have posted or written a review. So, I'd like to say sorry for that, and explain that I didn't have time because I was taking part in NaNoWriMo, I promise to try and get some more reviews up now. Even if they're just for Wattpad books, because I've been reading a lot of those lately!
I'll get around to reviewing something soon, and I'll try to start posting more again, but this Christmastime is hectic for me, so I might not get around to anything until the new year! Just a warning!
Thanks,
Claire! :)