Review: In Bed With A Highlander by Maya Banks

Book Stats:
In Bed With A Highlander 
by Maya Banks
(Book #1 of  the McCabe Series)
Source: Purchased
Format: Kindle, 368 pages
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
Publication Date: 8/30/2011
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Romance, Historical, Erotica

Goodreads Summary: Maya's beguiling new trilogy features three unforgettable brothers risking everything to save their clan and their legacy—and surrender their hearts to love. Ewan McCabe, the eldest, is a warrior determined to vanquish his enemy. Now, with the time ripe for battle, his men are ready and Ewan is poised to take back what is his—until a blue-eyed, raven-haired temptress is thrust upon him. Mairin may be the salvation of Ewan’s clan, but for a man who dreams only of revenge, matters of the heart are strange territory to conquer. Though the illegitimate daughter of the king, Mairin possesses prized property that has made her a pawn—and wary of love. Her worst fears are realized when she is rescued from peril, only to be forced into marriage by her charismatic and commanding savior, Ewan McCabe. But her attraction to her ruggedly powerful new husband finds her craving his surprisingly tender touch; her body comes alive under his sensual mastery. And as war draws near, Mairin’s strength, spirit, and passion challenge Ewan to conquer his demons—and embrace a love that means more than revenge and land.

Honestly, even after reading a pretty promising synopsis, I don't know what took over me to jump on reading it right away. I even dropped the book I'm currently reading to see what it's all about. I actually don't know what I was in for, I only read couple of books dated in a historical setting or era. I guess, that was part of the pull, because it was different.
Okay, immediately, the story was in full throttle and I found myself flipping through pages like a maniac. Honestly, I couldn't read fast enough!

I guess you can call this a fluffy read despite the really hot sex scenes. I really thought this was under the genre of comedy because I burst out laughing more than I usually do with adult books. The dialogues we're very different, so that added more humor to it.
I don't know how many times I've face-palmed myself over the things that Mairin did or said because I really did lost count. She was so... innocent but acts like she knows what she's doing. Truly, I was laughing my ass off! It's not hard to like a character when she's just a warm soul yet ever so spirited. I immediately liked her character from the beginning. She does have the sense of royalty in her character with the way she takes care of things but she also snorts like a normal woman. Pay in mind that this was in the times of castles and dungeons where unladylike behavior was frowned upon but she was a woman of her own.

Ewan. I have a hard time saying his name without incessant giggling but I don't know, it just sounds funny to me because in my language, Tagalog, "Ewan" means "I don't know". Anywho, his character wasn't one I warmed up to right away because he was cold but I can't deny the spark he gives to the dialogues. He was as witty as Mairin, so the two find themselves squaring off more than usual. Not to mention, he was a king and she didn't cower on his feet. But I eventually liked him when he showed the other side of him. Shoot, I like my men protective and loving. Ewan became just that.

The romance was not abrupt, even though they we're married initially, it only escalated and gave way to genuine romantic tension. Their relationship had mature roles and needs but sweet all the same, I found myself sighing and awwing.

I liked the other sub-characters. As much as I immediately warmed up to Mairin, I also did with Ewan's son, Crispen. His brothers, Alaric and Caelen. They we're not focused on but I liked them anyway. As well as the others who served their kingdom. They were, as they said, A clan. A family. It really did felt like that.

I was impressed by how much I liked the characters despite the little hateful ones. I wasn't expecting much with this book. To my surprise It did give me enough and more! The story wasn't mind-blowing but it was thoroughly enjoyable. I have to admit, I was hesitant at point to continue because I thought it wouldn't end good. This is my first book from Ms. Maya Banks and I'm for sure going to read more of her work. I think I'll have to read the other one of the McCabe series next because I'm looking forward to Alaric's story!

★★★★

Purchase it on Amazon:

Early Book Review: Pushing The Limits by Katie McGarry

Book Stats:
Pushing The Limits by Katie McGarry
Source: ARC provided from publisher via Netgalley
Format: E-book, 384 pages
Publisher: HarlequinTeen
Expected Publication Date: 7/31/2012
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Drama

Goodreads Summary: "I won't tell anyone, Echo. I promise." Noah tucked a curl behind my ear. It had been so long since someone touched me like he did. Why did it have to be Noah Hutchins? His dark brown eyes shifted to my covered arms. "You didn't do that-did you? It was done to you?" No one ever asked that question. They stared. They whispered. They laughed. But they never asked.  "An edgy romance that pulls you in and never lets go. I was hooked!"-Gena Showalter,  New York Times bestselling author of the Intertwined series. So wrong for each other...and yet so right. No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with "freaky" scars on her arms. Even Echo can't remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal. But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible.  Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she'll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again.

I love me some Contemporary Romance so when I read the synopsis on Goodreads, I just knew I had to read this. See, this book is more than your typical teenage romance. It does play on cliche things but there is mystery beyond what is presented. The romance part itself, was just.... If I let out a dreamy sigh, will that get the point across?

First, We have Echo Emerson. A girl who was once the it-girl, had the it-boyfriend, was in the it-circle, had  a full family until a tragic night during her Sophomore year. The mystery of it is that she cannot remember what happened on her own. She was so emotionally and physically scarred by the experience that her mind shielded her away from the memories of it. She kept to herself and eventually became a loner. Until the last semester of her senior year, she almost found herself in verge of "normality".

Then we have Noah Hutchinson. The bad boy. The stoner. The walking one night stand. But there's more to the boy than the smoke that comes from his mouth or his bad grades in Physics. Once upon a time, he was once your typical "Homecoming King". He had popularity, played for the basketball team and most importantly, a loving home with a beautiful family but all was lost after the fire that took both of his parents. All he was left with was his little brothers but they we're eventually taken from him as well. As graduation nears, he's counting the days where he will get full custody and be with them again but nothing is as simple as it seems...

Through circumstances, those two we're forced to work with each other. Tutoring set up by none other than, Mrs. Collins. The new social services counselor dead set to help both of them. Echo with her memory block and Noah with his fight for himself & his little brothers.As they spend more time together, they find out that they are so much more similar than they have thought. Eventually, an intense attraction builds up between the two and even with their own denials, the fire that has been set cannot be extinguished.

They have both gone through so much and it was hard not to have an instant soft spot for them. So as for character development, my heart just melted into tiny little bubbles of happiness. This book did not disappoint. They grew as individuals and with each other. It was done without any lack of emotional turmoil but done tastefully.

With emotions being said, let me get out the easiest one, and that is ANGER. There's a few things I didn't like but I don't think they we're meant to be liked anyway. I cannot get over the whole "public" friend BS. I'm sorry, her friends we're so worried about her social status rather than her actual needs? They might have meant well but I can't even get past that one except for Lila. Lastly, Echo's parents and Ashley? Well, I'll leave that one for you to find out because I have a few choice words that won't sound too good right now.

But with Anger, there is also LOVE. Love for that everything that's happened because I officially love this book! I shed a tear or two at some emotional points, swooned over Noah and his love for Echo & his brothers, for Echo to find her backbone. I love the fact that this was written in alternating POVs. It confuses readers when they're not done right but in this case, they blended in so smoothly! I can still hear Noah's thoughts in my head right now..... *starts daydreaming. Call me cheesy or hopeless romantic but I would have never thought the word "Siren" could be such a sweet endearment but Ms. McGarry definitely made that work for Noah. Despite the weirdness of it, I loved Echo and Aires' name. So unique and pretty. I loved Isaiah and Beth's character. They're the best sub-characters you will ever get from this book! Maybe, besides Mrs. Collins. Everyone else was... difficult.

The book was simple enough for a contemporary read but the contents we're pretty potent that I'm sure I won't forget about this one anytime soon. In fact, I could use a little bit more of Echo and Noah in my life! Definitely purchasing a paperback copy of my own and I'll make sure to watch out for Ms. Katie McGarry's future work because Pushing The Limits have exceeded expectations.

★★★★

Pre-order yours from Amazon:

Book Review: Chasing Nikki by Lacey Weatherford

Book Stats:
Chasing Nikki by Lacey Weatherford

(Book #1 of the Chasing Nikki)
Source: Purchased
Format: Kindle, 336 pages
Publisher: Moonstruck Media
Publication Date: 6/18/2012
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Goodreads Summary: A broken heart.A troubled past.An unexpected romance that changes everything.Will love and trust be enough to overcome the ultimate test?

Chase Walker used to be a good kid--charming, athletic, and with a bright future ahead, but that was before travesty struck his life, sinking him into deep despair. Caught up in a world of drugs and alcohol, he doesn't notice time slipping away until he's arrested for underage drinking one night.Fed up with watching her son destroy his life, Chase's mom relocates him to live in a small ranching community with his ex-military grandfather. Chase is far from happy about the situation until he meets, Nikki, the cute cheerleader who won't give football players like him the time of day. Chase enjoys a good challenge though and sets out to claim Nikki for his own. He soon discovers she's more than a pretty face--she's a balm to his troubled spirit also. But when tragedy strikes Nikki's life too, suddenly Chase finds himself put to the ultimate test. Can he trust Nikki, and all that she's taught him? Will it be enough?

Chase Walker does pretty much all the teenage "rebellious" or better yet, coping, stuff. Smoking weed, getting shit-faced drunk and on top of that? Getting arrested. Since things turned for the worst, next thing he knows, his mom packed them up to move to his grandparent's old ranch. He never liked spending time there so he figured this was his personal hell, bent to just deal with it the same way he dealt with things back to where he came from. Then you throw in lovable Nikki Wagner into the story. A warm soul tainted with old heartbreak. Of course, he was attracted to her but she sworn off of "guys like him". Macho football players and when I mean players, yes, playing THAT other side of the field. Chase saw Nikki as a challenge and Chase Walker never backs down from a challenge so there goes operation Chasing Nikki....

Although, the "chase" was pretty cute, I'm glad it didn't last too long and that Nikki wasn't playing the hard-to-get role, she just got to know Chase for who he is without going too far when she didn't want to. So with that being said, the pacing was perfect!

If I didn't know better I might have mistaken this novel from Nicholas Sparks and that's saying a lot! Sigh... seeing the beauty of first love and all that jazz you know? Lacey Weatherford really did a number with this! It's a fluffy read but none to be taken lightly at all!

The book has a shocking factor. I honestly don't know how I feel about the epilogue though, maybe it was too sudden for me to see so kind of felt betrayed! But I'm glad things worked out for our Chase Walker. I really wasn't expecting those though! So props.

I loved Nikki's character. She's certainly a reminder of people that surrounds us and the simple little things in life that we take for granted. Especially when you've envisioned them as forever. My heart was hurting for Chase the whole way through his experience. Especially his visit to her Grandmother after her funeral and the letter... oh the letter... I sobbed with him on that one. It brought me back to my own experiences and he was definitely relatable.

This novel is simple enough but it does stand on it's own. I can't wait to read how he got to where he is on the epilogue on the sequel, Finding Chase!

★★★★

If you haven't read this book, I suggest that you do! Buy it from Amazon:

My Book Boyfriend #1: Travis Maddox

Hosted by Missie at The Unread Reader. In honor of my first ever, Book Boyfriend, I chose someone who, 10 or so other books after, still holds the key to my heart. Excuse the cheesiness but man, this is my chance to go all fan-girl! I've been wanting to eversince I read the book...

My Book Boyfriend:

Travis "aka. Mad Dog" Maddox

     from Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

About him:
- Pure bad-ass. Tattooed, drives a motorcycle, a bare knuckled fighter
- Will bust out singing The Rolling Stones' Satisfaction in the cafeteria and turn it into High School Musical
- He was a player before he met Abby
- Very sweet when in love, will do anything to make you happy *sighs
- P&P (Protective and Possessive)
- Very impulsive, the boy could get your name tattooed in a heartbeat!

Quotes that made me swoon:

“I know we're fucked up, alright? I'm impulsive, and hot tempered, and you get under my skin like no one else. You act like you hate me one minute, and then need me the next. I never get anything right, and I don't deserve you... but I fucking love you, Abby. I love you more than I loved anyone or anything ever. When you're around, I don't need booze, or money, or the fighting, or the one-night stands...” 

“You can’t tell me what to do anymore, Travis! I don’t belong to you!” In the second it took him to turn and face me, his expression had contorted into anger. He stomped toward me, planting his hands on the bed and leaning into my face.“WELL I BELONG TO YOU!” The veins in his neck bulged as he shouted, and I met his glare, refusing to even flinch. He looked at my lips, panting. “I belong to you.” 

“You didn’t do anything to me. Since when is sex so life or death to you?”“Since it was with you!"

“It's over. Go home."His eyebrows pulled in. 
"You're my home.”

“I knew the second I met youthat there was something about you I needed. Turns out it wasn’t something about you at all. It was just you.”

Is it hot in here or what?! Travis is played by none other than the model hottie, Nicholas Lemons. He definitely got that bad boy persona in the bag! If you haven't read Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire, I suggest that you do because you are missing out!

You can purchase it here on Amazon:

Who's your Book Boyfriend?

Read my review of Beautiful Disaster on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/317192246

Waiting On Wednesday #1: Flawed

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by BreakingTheSpine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Book Stats:
Flawed by Kate Arelynn
Format: Paperback, 352 pages
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Expected Publication Date: 7/31/2012
Genre: Contemporary, Romance

Goodreads Summary: Sarah O’Brien is only alive because of the pact she and her brother made twelve years ago—James will protect her from their violent father if she promises to never leave him. For years, she’s watched James destroy his life to save hers. If all he asks for in return is her affection, she’ll give it freely.  Until, with a tiny kiss and a broken mind, he asks for more than she can give.Sam Donavon has been James’s best friend—and the boy Sarah’s had a crush on—for as long as she can remember. As their forbidden relationship deepens, Sarah knows she’s in trouble. Quiet, serious Sam has decided he’s going to save her. Neither of them realize James is far more unstable than her father ever was, or that he’s not about to let Sarah forget her half of the pact.

Why I'm anticipating it?

Can you say drama? The book is tackling a taboo which is incest, it's not that I approve but the premise is intriguing all the same. I can't wait to read this! I think I will be reading Flowers In The Attic by V.C. Andrews or Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma, to prep myself!

Add it to your TBR shelf:

 

Pre-order yours on Amazon!

Book Review: Young Love Murder by April Brookshire

Book Stats: 
Young Love Murder by April Brookshire
(Book #1 of Young Assassins) 
Source: Purchased
Format: Kindle
Publisher: Self-Published
Publication Date: 8/24/2011
Reading Level: Mature YA (17+)
Genre: Suspense, Contemporary, Romance 

Goodreads Summary: First love’s a killer, but so is seventeen-year-old Annabelle Blanc. The teenager was raised to be an assassin and taught to never fall in love. She lives for the job until she meets Gabriel Sanchez, the son of her latest target. Wealthy, spoiled and self-indulgent, Gabriel Sanchez is a teenage playboy. Setting his sights on the beautiful Annabelle, he's drawn to the mysterious new girl who's playing hard to get.Gabriel also finds himself drawn into a world of deception, violence and murder. Off-centered for the first time in her life, Annabelle struggles to fight her doomed attraction for the handsome Gabriel. In this gritty, mature YA novel, you'll follow Annabelle and Gabriel in an intense, funny, angry, crazy, rocky and passionate romance. As two worlds collide and they're repeatedly thrown together and pulled apart by fate, will Annabelle and Gabriel overcome betrayals, revenge and heartbreak to find a lasting love?

I should have known that from reading the synopsis, that this was far from a fluffy read. It took me into a really frustrating yet thrilling roller coaster ride of emotions. I probably haven't been this frustrated but  so dead-set rooting for a couple since reading Thoughtless by S.C. Stephens. So, we have Annabelle Blanc. If you got an inner bad girl, then all should go along well with you. But if you're questioning her motives like me, you might not get the full experience of her being an "assassin". I mean, I like that she's a bad-ass but I don't necessarily get the "I'm not a murderer" thing of the story. She does admit she's the necessary evil though. I jus't don't see it as any different as being a killer but hey, I don't know the meaning of the vague word, "justice" either so what the hell?

On the other hand, I adored Gabriel. He's just like a kid after a toy but when he actually gets the toy, he treats her just like treasure instead. He is precious, cocky, annoying but overall, I cannot not swoon over a playboy turned lovesick puppy. Now, these two have great moments together, although most of them turn into psychotic circumstances. I didn't really feel the budding romance at first. As I said, if you think about morals and motives, then you probably won't feel it too. Because their relationship was built on a lie and it developed within a lie. But I can't lie, the sexual tension? It's so there.

But as the story progresses, they also grow up to settle their differences in a manner only THEY understand and they love each other along the way. They are such a volatile couple. It's like they're made for each other but they only destroy each other more and more. This was an angsty type of love. Very much comaparable to relationships like Travis & Abby (Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire) or Kellan & Kiera (Thoughtless by S.C. Stephens). Despite all of the moments I wanted to pull my hair out and smack some sense into both of them. There were a lot of funny and witty banter going on, It makes you forget the "dark" part of the story.

I was thankful for that. It balanced it out. I really laughed out loud at some! I loved Anna's brother, Jackson. The boy was a natural born "brother" who annoys the hell out of his sister but I love how he's protective of her. I can't wait to read his story on the second book. This is the type of romance where the characters go through an emotional adventure, to be lost and to be found. It's a story of revenge and redemption. It's beautiful, if you think beyond the bad. Although I didn't necessarily love this one, I was hooked on to it. I recommend it to anyone who's looking to spice up their YA/Romance/Contemporary shelf!

★★★★

Want to read the book? Purchase it here on Amazon:

Teaser Tuesdays #1: Anna Dressed In Blood

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly book meme hosted by MizB of Should be Reading. Wanna play?

1. Grab your current read and open to a random page.

2. Share two teaser sentences from somewhere on your random pages (but be careful to avoid spoilers!)
3. Share the name of the book and author so inquiring minds know what book to add to their TBR list!

  

“She's my purpose and we're going to save each other. We're going to save everyone. And then I'm going to convince her that she's supposed to stay here. With me.” 

“She’s like Bruce Lee, the Hulk and Neo from The Matrix all rolled in to one.” 

Book Stats: 
Anna Dressed In Blood by Kendare Blake
(Book #1 of Anna)
Pages: 320; Hardcover
Publisher: MacMillan
Publication Date: 8/30/2011
Genre: Paranormal, Romance 

Add it to your TBR shelf!

Purchase it here on Amazon: 

Book Review: The Scorch Trials by James Dashner

Book Stats:
The Scorch Trials by James Dashner
(Book #2 of The Maze Runner)
Source: Purchased
Format: Paperback, 360 pages
Publisher: Random House Children's Books
Publication Date: 9/13/2011
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Sci-fi, Mystery 

Goodreads Summary: Solving the Maze was supposed to be the end. No more puzzles. No more variables. And no more running. Thomas was sure that escape meant he and the Gladers would get their lives back. But no one really knew what sort of life they were going back to.In the Maze, life was easy. They had food, and shelter, and safety . . . until Teresa triggered the end. In the world outside the Maze, however, the end was triggered long ago. Burned by sun flares and baked by a new, brutal climate, the earth is a wasteland. Government has disintegrated—and with it, order—and now Cranks, people covered in festering wounds and driven to murderous insanity by the infectious disease known as the Flare, roam the crumbling cities hunting for their next victim . . . and meal. The Gladers are far from finished with running. Instead of freedom, they find themselves faced with another trial. They must cross the Scorch, the most burned-out section of the world, and arrive at a safe haven in two weeks. And WICKED has made sure to adjust the variables and stack the odds against them. Thomas can only wonder—does he hold the secret of freedom somewhere in his mind? Or will he forever be at the mercy of WICKED?

*This is delayed review, it's been a while since I read the book

I actually loved the first book which is The Maze Runner. I loved it so much, I picked up the second book as soon as I hit the bookstore. So yes, I had high expectations for this one. From where we left off, a lot of things we're still unanswered and wavering through the air. Once again, they're controlled and put to the test by WICKED. It's different this time, knowing they have a certain goal, if they were to actually go on to the "other side". There were adventure, death and betrayals. 

The first book was full of those things, so no shocker there. In the first book, those we're done tastefully but in some parts here, the execution was pretty sloppy. But anyways, I liked the beginning of the book. It was still action-packed. I still loved Min-ho but the others got on my nerves. Especially Teresa. Well, she only got on my nerves because Mr. Dashner, made her character too complicated on this one. I like a little bit of mystery and an element of surprise in my books but it was just too.... confusing! It was still intriguing but it didn't hold my excitement anymore. I could barely put down the first book, but this one, I had to put it down to actually finish it.It was enjoyable enough. I have to admit, I was disappointed though. But that's not going to stop me from reading the closure of the trilogy, The Death Cure and maybe even the prequel which is The Kill Order. Maybe then, my questions will finally be answered and my confusion with the whole series will subside!

★★★

If you want to read the 3rd book also or If you haven't read The Maze Runner or The Scorch Trials, you can purchase them on Amazon:

Weekly Meme: My Book Boyfriend

From Theunreadreader.com 

Here is how My Book Boyfriend works:

1. On Wednesdays, make a post about a fictional boy that totally made you swoon! In your post, make sure you include your book boyfriend’s stats, a picture of what you imagine he looks like and some quotes from him that had you at hello. Credit the book and please include page numbers when you can.
2. Grab the My Book Boyfriend button to include in your post.
3. Be sure to come back here and add the DIRECT link to your post on the Mr. Linky Widget that will be provided here on Wednesdays. 
4. Don’t forget to check out other people’s My Book Boyfriend posts. Everyone that agrees to participate will try to visit others and leave comments. Bloggers love comments.
5. Anyone is welcome to join at anytime, but no one is obligated to participate every week.
6. In your post provide a link back to this My Book Boyfriend introduction post so that other people can find the information about participating.

I am still new in the blogging industry but I've been following blogs before and I've always love reading about their "Book Boyfriends". It's really nice to see other readers swoon over the characters I was also swooning over. Now I have a chance to rave over them with you as well! Starting this Wednesday, I pledge to consistently participate (as much as I possibly can) in this meme! Stay tuned for my first book boyfriend. I already have someone in mind! 

In My Mailbox #1: Isn't It Pretty To Think So? by Nick Miller

Goodreads summary: Jake Reed lives in a straight line. He works. He eats. He drinks whiskey and beer. But like many of this young generation, Jake is directionless. After graduating from college with aspirations to be a writer, he has found himself in a job nobody, not even himself, quite understands: social media manager for a commercial real estate company. He sits at his desk and wonders just how he became the man he is. But after a death in his family, the trajectory of Jake's life is altered. Jake will become unmoored. He will leave behind his life and job, wander through Los Angeles, interact with a cast of interesting characters and then end up at the Sunset House. Towering above Sunset Boulevard, this mansion is where coke dealers and 24-hour revelers mingle with the soon-to-be-famous young actors and DJs. It is here that people come to escape reality, to run from all that they've loved and lost. And it is here, among so much excess, that Jake will try to mend his porous heart.

I recently got the debut novel of Nick Miller called Isn't It Pretty To Think So? from a Goodreads giveaway. It's a 390 page book and I am so happy to have won this novel. I will get to reading it as soon as I get done with my other priority reads and will let you know how it goes!  It was said that if you liked John Green's stories, will truly appreciate this one! So if you're interested, you can buy the novel here in Amazon: