Review: Torrent by Lisa Tawn Bergren

 Torrent (River of Time #3) by Lisa Tawn Bergren

When Gabi and Lia finally learn to surf the river of time, they realize they must make hard choices about life and love in the third and final book in the River of Time series.
Gabi and Lia Betarrini have learned to control their time travel, and they return from medieval Italy to save their father from his tragic death in modern times.
But love calls across the centuries, and the girls are determined to return forever—even though they know the Black Plague is advancing across Europe, claiming the lives of one-third of the population. In the suspenseful conclusion of the River of Time series, every decision is about life … and death.

Publishes in US: September 1st 2011 by David C. Cook
Genre: YA Historical fiction
Source: library
Series? River of Time #3
Deluge (River of Time, #4) out in 2014
My reviews:
Waterfall by Lisa Bergren
Cascade by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Buy it:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble

Author stalk away: ~site ~series

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    I have been so surprised at how much I loved this series, that it was no question that I would read book 3. I don't normally read historical fiction, but I had heard such positive things about this series and saw it on the shelf at my library, it was like fate, meant to be, because I am so glad to take the trip through time with Gabi and Lia and was excited to find a time in my reading schedule for it. 

    It is so good to be back in Gabi's head and in the times, and it touched me even more that now they have the whole family. You get a good sense of what has already happened since they are there with their dad, and everything is new to him. 

    Gabi is amazing and strong as usual, but we get to see even more vulnerability in her in this one. I think that is major character growth because she realizes its okay to ask for help and accept it. 

    I loved the relationship too between her and her parents in this one. There is this balance of respect, deference, and above all love and wanting the best for each other. 

   I will say that for a bit I wasn't too pleased about the seeming appearance of a strange love triangle, but eventually I had to accept that it really did strengthen the plot and ultimately show Gabi what her heart truly desired and a means for her safety. 

    What I longed for even more was the reunion of Marcello and Gabi, as well as Lia and Luka since they have something budding there and I hope it turns into more, but I have to know either way. And boy did I eventually get it. I adore that these two are gentlemen. Yes, I love bad boys as much as the next person, but I also love a man who will put himself out there for their woman, and who will woo her and treat her like a lady. 

    Tomas was a new favorite in this one, and so glad that I got to meet him. He's an excommunicated priest but given work by Rodolfo, and Tomas and Gabi get to know one another. I admire his faith but also how he took Gabi under his wing and helped her see the truth of some things. 

     I know there will be a fourth, but am super pleased with the way that this one ended. It somehow gave me all it could in resolution and what I wanted for the characters. I just really hope that in the next one (and yes, super glad that she decided to write it) that the issue of the plague will be further dealt with. It feels like it has been on the back burner simmering for two books and thought that I would see more resolution or that to be the big conflict in this one, but it wasn't. 

Bottom Line: Good installment in a fun and fast trip through time.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Could you face the black plague to be with the one you love?

Review: Alienated by Melissa Landers

Alienated (Alienated #1) by Melissa Landers 

Two years ago, the aliens made contact. Now Cara Sweeney is going to be sharing a bathroom with one of them.
Handpicked to host the first-ever L’eihr exchange student, Cara thinks her future is set. Not only does she get a free ride to her dream college, she’ll have inside information about the mysterious L’eihrs that every journalist would kill for. Cara’s blog following is about to skyrocket.
Still, Cara isn’t sure what to think when she meets Aelyx. Humans and L’eihrs have nearly identical DNA, but cold, infuriatingly brilliant Aelyx couldn’t seem more alien. She’s certain about one thing, though: no human boy is this good-looking.
But when Cara's classmates get swept up by anti-L'eihr paranoia, Midtown High School suddenly isn't safe anymore. Threatening notes appear in Cara's locker, and a police officer has to escort her and Aelyx to class.
Cara finds support in the last person she expected. She realizes that Aelyx isn’t just her only friend; she's fallen hard for him. But Aelyx has been hiding the truth about the purpose of his exchange, and its potentially deadly consequences. Soon Cara will be in for the fight of her life—not just for herself and the boy she loves, but for the future of her planet.

Publishes in US: February 4th 2014 by Disney Hyperion
Genre: YA sci-fi
Source: Disney Hyperion
Series? Alienated #1. Invaded (Alienated, #2) Expected publication: February 3rd 2015 by Disney-Hyperion

Buy it: 

Author stalk away: ~site ~twitter ~facebook

 4.5 

    I wanted to read Alienated because I love the premise of intergalatic foreign exchange students, and what could def be a budding romance between woman and alien. I was lucky enough for Disney to send me a copy and I eagerly opened and enjoyed. 

    This was an almost in one sitting read, and I was a little grumpy at having to stop when I did, but I will do anything for my little adorable shadows, so alas, Aelyx had to wait. I was drawn in first because of Cara. She is smart and she uses that intelligence to know what is going on in the world, participate in debate, and she has big plans. But I liked her also, because she is just a normal person. She has likes and dislikes, a tough best friend, and she stands up for what she believes is right. This integrity and determination shone through in the book when she stuck by Aelyx side, especially when their friendship formed and she tried making Earth a pleasant experience for him. She had lots of opposition from others shutting her out in the high school to surrounding neighbors and an even bigger organization called HALO who is against any alliance with the L'eihrs (the aliens). Cara is really fiesty and strong and I love that about her. She is a heroine that I fully cheered for because she is the package: determined, smart and a fighter. 

    I also liked it because it gives us perspective from Aelyx as well. What he was thinking, feeling and what drove him. I can't imagine being shoved into a different country much less a different planet and expected to make friends, forge a way for a possible alliance and deal with new foods, sights, and to them, what is dated technology and world views. Alienated is told through 3rd person though, so while we know that Aelyx and two of his friends who are also exchange students but to different places have some sort of plan and that at times it looks like Earth will not be on the positive end of it. But I didn't know what those details were, I just knew when Aelyx was struggling with it or having his motivation to follow through bolstered. 

    The friendship between Cara and Aelyx is awkward at times, but really fun to read about. Their first interaction was even colored by it, but it luckily didn't make any scars. I liked how they talked and got to know each other, and more about the others' planet, species and upbringings. There is definite attraction to start with but it is not mistaken for love at first sight. Theirs is more by degrees. Small touches here and efforts like finding something Aelyx likes to eat, or giving an unexpected gift to Cara that really strengthens things. The romance ended up being really awesome and hot and one that I rooted for. 

    I was shocked but also not if that makes any sense how opposed people were to Aelyx and the L'eihrs. They brought with them cures and they have technology beyond what we could imagine and they want an alliance. Now, I know if this really happened people would be scared and there would be that group of crazies that think it is insane and get vocal and violent about it. We see the extremists focus in and Cara and her family end up having to make some really hard choices. 

    The world building was pretty well done. When we first had Aelyx's point of view a lot of unfamiliar terms were thrown around, but I figured out general context and learned the specifics later on. The L'eihr society seemed really well thought out and planned as to how they were different from foods, preferences, how they evolved differently, their technology, down to how they ingrain their beliefs as well as enforce them. 

    The ending was explosive and made me really want to know what would happen in the next book. 

Bottom Line: Wonderful book about aliens with a slow building but intense romance and a strong female main character.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Would you host an alien exchange student?

WoW, waiting on wednesday

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. I also feature books that may have already released, but I am anxiously waiting to read.

This week, I'm featuring:

The Rules for Breaking (The Rules for Disappearing, #2)

Elston, Ashley *

Anna Boyd almost lost her life to get what she wanted most in the world: freedom.

But just when it seems that her family has finally escaped Witness Protection, the illusion that Anna could resume a normal life comes crashing down.

The deadly man Anna knows as Thomas is still on the loose, and now he's using her as a pawn in a dangerous game with the drug cartel determined to silence her forever. When Thomas and a mysterious masked man capture not only Anna but also her fragile younger sister and her boyfriend, Anna decides it's time to break all the rules-even if it means teaming up with the lesser of two evils.

Anna will do whatever it takes to protect the people she loves and win her life back once and for all. But her true enemies are hidden in plain sight. Before long, Anna will learn that putting her trust in anyone may be the last mistake she ever makes.

Expected publication: May 20th 2014 by Disney Hyperion

What are you waiting on?

Review: Secret by Brigid Kemmerer

Secret (Elemental #4) by Brigid Kemmerer

Nowhere is safe. Not even home…
Nick Merrick is stretched to the breaking point.
Keep his grades sky-high or he’ll never escape his hometown.
Keep his brother’s business going or the Merricks will be out on the street.
Keep the secret of where he’s going in the evenings from his own twin—-or he’ll lose his family.
Keep his mind off the hot, self-assured dancer who’s supposed to be his “girlfriend’s” partner.
Of course there’s also the homicidal freak Quinn has taken to hanging around, and the Elemental Guide counting the hours until he can try again to kill the Merrick brothers.
There’s a storm coming. From all sides. And then some.
Nick Merrick, can you keep it together?

Publishes in US: January 28th 2014 by Kensington Teen
Genre: YA paranormal
Source: Netgalley
Series? Elemental #4

Buy it: Buy on Amazon> Buy on Books-a-Million> Buy on indieBound

Author stalk away: site   twitter   facebook  blog

 

    Ah, yay! Back with the Merricks. It's always a wild ride, and I finish each book saying that the one I just read about is my favorite brother, so I don't think that I can pick. I will just suffice it to say that they are all awesome in their own ways and I love every minute reading about them. I chose to request Secret because I enjoyed the other books in the series, and it is a given that I want to read anything else with them in it. 

    So, Brigid Kemmerer, the author delivers the same breath-taking romance, action, character development and general kick assing that I have come to expect from her, and I love this series more and more as it continues. 

    I will say that I ended up feeling sympathy and relating with someone that I never saw coming in this one and it is thanks to dear ole Quinn. She is so fiesty and I appreciate the time I get in her head in this one. She has such a rough situation at home, and I like the friendship between her and Nick, although I wish they could have seen and admitted how much they were using each other. But I suppose that it all works out, or as my grandma used to say, nothing that wouldn't come out in the wash. 

     And, oh my, we get more Nick and Adam in this one. I love both of these characters, and they are dynamic and hot together. Nick is so thoughtful and protective, and loyal. He is the responsible one, but we get to see him struggling more and more with who he is and how to manage everything and it takes its toll. I hate seeing him in so much pain hiding who he is from his brothers, especially Gabriel, but I can def understand where he is coming from. Although we know that Gabriel loves deeply and they have this bond between him, he is still reckless and says a million things that he shouldn't, things that he doesn't even know cuts so deeply. 

     The pacing is amazing, I read it all in a day, staying up way later than I ever should with two children who wake before 7am reading. I just kept saying, one more chapter until it was over, and I loved every second.

   The ending made me want so much more, and left me with finishing a great book high. It wasn't a cliffie persay, but all of Brigid's books make me eager for the next one so I can learn more about these great characters and spend more time with them. 

Bottom Line: Loved it and will continue to devour anything related to the Merrick brothers.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Quiet boy or bad boy?

Review: Into the Still Blue by Veronica Rossi

Into the Still Blue by Veronica Rossi

The earth-shattering conclusion to Veronica Rossi's "masterpiece" Under the Never Sky trilogy and sequel to the New York Timesbestselling Through the Ever Night (Examiner.com).
Their love and their leadership have been tested. Now it's time for Perry and Aria to unite the Dwellers and the Outsiders in one last desperate attempt to bring balance to their world.
The race to the Still Blue has reached a stalemate. Aria and Perry are determined to find this last safe-haven from the Aether storms before Sable and Hess do-and they are just as determined to stay together.
Meanwhile, time is running out to rescue Cinder, who was abducted by Hess and Sable for his unique abilities. And when Roar returns to camp, he is so furious with Perry that he won't even look at him, and Perry begins to feel like they have already lost.
Out of options, Perry and Aria assemble a team to mount an impossible rescue mission-because Cinder isn't just the key to unlocking the Still Blue and their only hope for survival, he's also their friend. And in a dying world, the bonds between people are what matter most.
In this final book in her stunning Under the Never Sky trilogy, Veronica Rossi raises the stakes to their absolute limit and brings her epic love story to an unforgettable close.

<div align="center">
<a href="http://me24x7.blogspot.com/2014/01/under-never-sky-series-farewell-party.html" title="Under The Never Sky Farewell Party"><img src="http://i40.tinypic.com/2z8rb5x.png" alt="Under The Never Sky Farewell Party" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Publishes in US: January 28th 2014 by HarperCollins
Genre: YA Dystopia/ Scifi
Source: Harper Teen
Series? Under the Never Sky #3

Buy it:  Amazon  Barnes & Noble IndieBound Book Depository

Author stalk away: ~site   twitter   facebook  blog   book trailer

 

    I have wanted to read this one since I fell in love with the first and second books in the series, and I was so happy to get a copy from Harper Teen. 

    Into the Still Blue is one of my most anticipated books, and I was so glad when it was time to read it, and I was not at all disappointed. The characters that I grew to love are back and as awesome as ever. They have learned and grown a lot in the last two books, and I can see it still going on in this one. It was really amazing how they transformed, stepped up and discovered who they were as people, as leaders, friends and as a couple. Aria and Perry are one of my favorite book couples, and even though they have their issues, they end up back at this happy, romantic, and swoony place. Their trust in each other grows so much more in this one, and they are learning to open up and communicate more, which leads them to even higher places in their relationship. I love their moments together, the romantic tension and the hot moments. They are def making up for lost time and facing what could be death and even if they make it to Still Blue, what will certainly be a hard journey, not only physically but emotionally, from the loss of loved ones, to past hurts, and patching up relationships. 

     I also love the interactions between Roar and Aria. Their friendship has come so far, and I like how they support each other, but that things are usually kept light and funny. It brings relief for the tension, but it also shows that friendship between guys and girls is possible, and can be beautiful. 

    Soren, ah Soren. He was surly, but he is the character that I saw the most growth in this book. His sarcasm, and unnessesary remarks also served to make me laugh when Roar was too heartbroken to be his usual boisterous amazing self. 

     The action is amazing as usual, and it was great to see the dwellers and the outsiders learn to trust one another and work together for their common goal--safety and happiness. The pacing is amazing as always. I never wanted to put it down, even when I was sick with the norovirus, I would read until everything went blurry and then picked it back up. I used my day off to rest and read, and this was a perfect companion and way to start the new year. 

     The surprises and twists were enough to make me want to scream. Some really hard stuff happens, and while I understand why it had to happen that way, it still doesn't mean I didn't want it to, and that I didn't have open mouthed shock. There were a few things at the end that I kept waiting and waiting to change, because I couldn't live with the series if it ended in that manner. I know that it is all about testing and trying the characters, and I know they can't just have a lolly-dah this is beautiful third book, but its hard to read about these characters that I love being put through so much physically, mentally and emotionally. There are some twisted bad guys, and they went through unusual lengths to get what they wanted. 

    The ending was fitting for this story, and I got closure. Some characters that I wanted desperately to live unfortunately didn't so I didn't get the complete happily ever after that I wanted, but I do feel like the plot is well wrapped up and resolved. Although I don't want to say goodbye to Aria and Perry. I love them as characters, I love their romance, intense, fiery, but also sweet and savory. 

Bottom Line: Bittersweet ending to a favorite series.

Books similar to :(links go to my review) Under Never Sky, Breathe by Sarah Crossan, The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken,

My question to you, my lovely readers:
How do you feel about end of series?

Vampire Academy Giveaway!

With the movie coming up, I am so excited to offer a copy of Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead!

 Pretty new cover!

Movie Info
In a school of mortal Moroi vampires, their Dhampir bodyguards must guard them from threats both near and far, from evil and immortal Strigoi vampires to vicious classmates and high school politics. One of those high school threats can be seen in the latest movie clip: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1719742/vampire-academy-exclusive-clip-lissas-baby-has-herpes.jhtml 

Check out the Trailer:
http://movies.yahoo.com/video/vampire-academy-theatrical-trailer-002006684.html



-US only
-Fill out Rafflecopter to enter
-Ends on 2/2/2014 11:59 pm EST
-If you win a review on your blog and/or amazon is appreciated but not required.

*If, for whatever reason, the Rafflecopter widget does not appear, you can click on the link where it says rafflecopter giveaway and it will show up, sorry for the inconvenience.

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Giveaway and Guest Post: Eternal Mercury by Elaine Pinter

Can true love survive the boundaries of death?
Eighteen-year-old Chelsee Taylor has been in love with her boyfriend, Max, since they started kindergarten together. She has no idea that high school graduation will be the last perfect day of her life. After a deadly car accident, Chelsee refuses to accept Max's death because she can still feel his presence. No one believes her and she is completely alone. Until Blake Andersen shows up. It's not just that he believes her . . . or even just that he's so understanding . . . . But why is Max's presence so strong when she's with Blake?
Eternal Mercury is two books in one. Book 1, Chelsee's Story, is bittersweet and moving, while Book 2, Blake's Story, is gritty and inspirational.

Read first 4 chapters free here:

http://www.elainepinter.com/

https://twitter.com/ElainePinter

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Elaine-Pinter-Author/330963880341987

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17340292-eternal-mercury

My Playlist for Writing Eternal Mercury

So many of us with the writing bug find major inspiration in music. Just a few words or notes can magically sweep you away to amazing places in your imagination. Just think—each song is created by something so personal to the artist, yet all of us can relate to it as if it were about our very own lives. Here’s how writing and music work for me. It usually starts with a particular scene, like a movie playing in my head, and if it’s a really emotional part, oftentimes a song will accompany it. Once in a while, it will happen the other way—a song will create the scene. Either way, it’s actually really helpful because it gives me another dimension to delve into, helping me pull that idea onto paper so that you can feel it the way I do.

Music was so much a part of writing Eternal Mercury that I mention particular songs. I even went so far as to use the characters’ music preferences to develop their personalities and to show how different they are from one another.

So, here are the songs that I listened to over and over (and over) again while writing this book.

It’s set here where I live and if I even think about taking a drive up the mountain, I hear Daughtry’s “Home.” I can see Chelsee and Max on that beautiful drive together, just listening to the music and enjoying the moment.

Probably the song that spoke to me the most was, “Last Kiss.” I have no idea why, but it’s the original by J. Frank Wilson and the Cavaliers, not the remake by Pearl Jam.

“My Immortal” by Evanescence inspired the funeral scene. The song is beautiful and it captures Chelsee’s emotion exactly.

If Eternal Mercury were made into a movie, I think “Ramble On” by Led Zeppelin should start up just as the movie fades out. It is so Blake.

“You Shook Me All Night Long” by AC/DC made an appearance because it’s a fun rock anthem and I love electric guitar.

Lastly, there are three songs in the book that belong to Blake. The poetry side of me created the lyrics, and in my head, I can totally hear how the music should go, but unfortunately, there is no music-composition side of me. But I guess that just lets you use your imagination, which is as it should be. And there you have it: my Eternal Mercury Playlist.

-5 ebooks Eternal Mercury by elaine Pinter (INT)
-Fill out Rafflecopter to enter
-Ends on 2/23/2014 11:59 pm EST
-If you win a review on your blog and/or amazon is appreciated but not required.

*If, for whatever reason, the Rafflecopter widget does not appear, you can click on the link where it says rafflecopter giveaway and it will show up, sorry for the inconvenience.
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Stacking the Shelves, The Sunday Post

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews,  check it out and sign up  here

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It's a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.

What I read:

Before My Eyes Source: St. Martins via netgalley

Bock, Caroline *

A Little Too Much (A Little Too Far, #2) source; Bought

Desrochers, Lisa *

Torrent (River of Time, #3) source: library

Bergren, Lisa Tawn *

Last Week on the blog:

Uninvited (Uninvited, #1) source: harperteen Review

Jordan, Sophie

And We Stay Source: Random via Netgalley Review

Hubbard, Jenny

Forever (Temptation, #3) Review source: harlequin teen via netgalley

Hopkins, Karen Ann

Infinite (Newsoul, #3) Review source: harperteen

Meadows, Jodi*

• WoW, waiting on wednesday

My week: Kinda yucky. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. But I started a new medicine that will hopefully help with the pain.
The good is my daughter is tracked out and we had some fun time with her.

What are you reading? Any of my books new to you or have you read any of my books? If so, what did you think?
Also, feel free to link up your blog and mailbox post.