Review: Four Seconds to Lose by K.A. Tucker

 Four Seconds to Lose (Ten Tiny Breaths #3) by K.A. Tucker

When a gorgeous young dancer walks through his door, a strip club owner must decide whether to follow his rules or his heart in the third novel by the author of One Tiny Lie and Ten Tiny Breaths.
Owning a strip club isn’t the fantasy most guys expect it to be. With long hours, a staff with enough issues to keep a psych ward in business, and the police regularly on his case, twenty-nine-year-old Cain is starting to second guess his unspoken mission to save the women he employs. And then blond, brown-eyed Charlie Rourke walks through his door, and things get really complicated. Cain abides by a strict “no sleeping with the staff” rule. But being around Charlie challenges Cain’s self-control…and it’s been a long time since any woman has done that.
Twenty-two-year-old Charlie Rourke needs a lot of money, really fast, in order to vanish before it’s too late. Taking her clothes off for men makes her stomach curl but Charlie tells herself that at least she’s putting her acting and dancing skills to good use. And though her fellow dancers seem eager to nab their sexy, sophisticated, and genuinely caring boss, she’s not interested. After all, Charlie Rourke doesn’t really exist—and the girl pretending to be her can't get distracted by romance.
Unfortunately, Charlie soon discovers that developing feelings for Cain is inevitable, and that those feelings may not be unrequited—but losing him when he finds out what she’s involved with will be more painful than any other sentence awaiting her.

Publishes in US: November 4th 2013 by Atria Books
Genre: NA contemp
Source: Atria via netgalley
Series? Ten Tiny Breaths #3
One Tiny Lie by K.A. Tucker my review #2
 Ten Tiny Breaths by K.A. Tucker my review #1

#4 Five Ways to Fall Expected publication: June 24th 2014 by Atria Books Woot--Ben's story!!
Buy it: Amazon | B&N | iBookstore | BAM | Bookish | Indigo | Other

Author stalk away: site 

 

    I wanted to read Four Seconds to Lose because I loved the other books in the series by Tucker and couldn't wait to see who and how she brought the next characters to life and also hoping for another glimpse at how Kasie is doing, since she is still on my mind a lot. And I somehow missed the release date change or I would have read a lot sooner. Because I had down it released the end of this month? But I didn't get the memo, but oh well. 

    I quickly got lost in Cain and Charlie's worlds. While they are two different people, they still have a lot in common, and there is initial chemistry and attraction between the two of them, so it was fun to watch the torture towards what I know is the inevitable as the reader. The banter, the stolen moments, their thoughts and trying to control their attraction to the other all make this perfect storm of angst for me. 

    We know pretty much Cain's history and what makes him like he is because the book starts out with his life and how he feels he failed to protect his sister and that alters the course of his life. We find that Cain truly is a good guy and he keeps the club as legal and straight up as he can and he really invests time and energy and emotion into the girls, especially the ones who are dancing for reasons of a dark past or messes they are in. We find out that Penny was one such girl and that it was the only one who worked for him that he had a relationship with. Things obviously didn't end well there, and he has this heavy weight on his shoulders andhis mind--guilt, pain, responsibility and a vision to help who he can. 

    Charlie is more of a mystery, we know she is hiding, and wants to earn money so that she can get a whole new identity and life, but only as the story unfolds do we realize why. Its a pretty unique twist on why and the details of her past that she so desperately want to escape and I feel for her and can see how she got herself in so deep. Charlie also has never stripped or pole danced at an adult club so we can see her unease and how she gets through it. We get to see Ginger kind of take her under her wing, so she has someone to confide in and work with as she's learning. 

     I did enjoy seeing the characters from the first two, we get a lot of repeat performances, especially the ones that are at Penny's and there is also some time at Storm's house. It was worked in well, and since Charlie didn't know them before if you are just stepping in, you wouldn't be confused I don't think.

      It took a bit for either Cain or Charlie to act on their attraction, but when they did it went from zero to sixty pretty darn fast. This book is darker than the other two, and even though Cain is upfront with Charlie and tells her about what went down in his past, Charlie is more close lipped. And while I understand her reasoning at some point, it got to me and made me mad and hurt for Cain. But it did help the book to come to an exciting conclusion and I don't think that Charlie would have felt safe or things would have made sense otherwise.    

     I will def be continuing this series, and hoping not only for more glimpses at what Kasie is up to, but now Cain and Charlie and seeing how things are for them with things settled down. I am also looking forward to getting a deeper connection with some of the characters that I've met and one that I haven't. 

Bottom Line: Darker than the first two but I loved getting into Cain and Charlie's head and reading their stories and romance.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Would you ever pole dance?

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:

Far From You

Sharpe, Tess *

Of Darkness and Crowns (Goddess Wars, #2) currently reading

Wolfe, Trisha *

Last Week on the blog:

Salvage  my review

Duncan, Alexandra *

White Hot Kiss (The Dark Elements, #1) Source: Harlequin via Edelweiss Review

Armentrout, Jennifer L. *

Hopeless (Hopeless, #1) source: was free on amazon Review

Hoover, Colleen *

Everneath (Everneath, #1) source: library Review

Ashton, Brodi *

Fracture Me (Shatter Me, #2.5) source: bought Review

Mafi, Tahereh

• WoW, waiting on wednesday

My week:

Good, its warmed up a little bit.

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.

Review: Salvage by Alexandra Duncan

Salvage by Alexandra Duncan 

Ava, a teenage girl living aboard the male-dominated deep space merchant ship Parastrata, faces betrayal, banishment, and death. Taking her fate into her own hands, she flees to the Gyre, a floating continent of garbage and scrap in the Pacific Ocean, in this thrilling, surprising, and thought-provoking debut novel that will appeal to fans of Across the Universe, by Beth Revis, and The Handmaid's Tale, by Margaret Atwood

Publishes in US: April 1st 2014 by Greenwillow
Genre: Harper Teen
Source: Sci Fi
Series? Not as I understand

Buy it: Amazon Barnes & Noble IndieBound Book Depository

Author stalk away: ~site Twitter, Amazon.com, and Goodreads.

 

    I wanted to read Salvage I'll admit, the cover caught my eye. Its pretty and the moon being so close to the water and the girl on the beach. I just want to know what it going on. Then I read the synopsis and saw a chance for the main character to totally stand up for women in general on the male dominated planet, and I also wanted to find out how she would fare with her escape. 

   Like me and most sci-fi all of the new words, concepts and world was a little overwhelming, but by Chapter 4 I was learning what everything meant and their slightly different word usage and style. I did like the world building even if it took me a while to really understand. They are on a spaceship and it sounds like something happened on the earth but they still long for it. The structure of their ships heirarchy was maddening, but I totally understand that our society used to be similar as well. Women do not have jobs as mechanics or pilots, instead their value comes from kitchens, livestock care, laundry and most importantly having babies. 

    I didn't connect right away with Ava but by chapter 3, I saw that she did have a spark to fight how things were, learning about the fixes and just the desire to learn more, since women don't learn to read or much math, she learned figuring on her own. We got to see pretty quickly what she was made of when she was set to be a bride for a ship that they hope to negotiate trade with, and she is caught in a compromising situation that broke my heart. Her brother all of the sudden won't talk to her, the Aethers, the other ship kicks her off, and she is going to be exiled. 

     As for the secondary characters I liked Soli and Luck, but wondered at the beginning why so much time was built building these relationships, but then I figured that is the catalyst for her needing to escape and being on Gyre. Then after she escapes, we meet Perpetue and Miyole. They are so accepting and Miyole is a precious, intelligent little girl. It gives Ava purpose, but also Miyole a role model and someone to help her along. 

     The part where they end up in Kalina and the Salts was pretty epic. The things that Ava never thought she would have to do and a strength even more than everything she'd already overcome and faced rises up in her and I really admired her and her willingness to do what needed to be done for her and Miyole. Also, how Ava discovers a kindness in strangers, really shows her that humanity can go both ways, they can do horrible things, but then also beautiful. 

     I am pleased with how the romance was threaded into the book and the resolution. I can't talk much about it, just like I can't talk much about where she ends up after Gyre because I def don't want to give out spoilers, but I saw tremendous character growth in her, as well as surprising twists to the story. 

     Despite the slow for me start, I ended up tearing through Salvage, connecting with Ava, loving the world set-up, as well as hoping for another book about Ava to release soon. But as I understand it is a standalone, so I think there is lots of potential with the great world building and character development that will be lost. 

Bottom Line: For me, took until Ch. 3-4 to get fully into the story then it carried me away.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Would you go deep space if you had the chance?

Giveaway and Interview: Sacrifice by Jennifer Quintenz

Sacrifice by Jennifer Quintenz

Just when Braedyn Murphy thought she understood the danger descending on her little town of Puerto Escondido, a new threat arrives. A cult devoted to Lilith has taken up residence in town, led by a charismatic old woman with more than one secret. When Cassie gets tangled up in the mystery, Braedyn realizes her two worlds are colliding. But if she’s going to stop Lilith and her Daughters from reclaiming this earth, Braedyn might not be able to protect her friends.
As her duties to the Guard become more difficult, Braedyn turns to Lucas for solace. They begin to wonder if now is the time to claim their one night together—knowing that one night is all they may ever have.
Darker forces have their own plans for Braedyn and the Guard. No one ever told Braedyn this battle would be easy—but how much can one girl be asked to sacrifice in order to save the world?

Get the Kindle version of Thrall now at Amazon.com.
Get the print version of Thrall at Createspace.

Get the Kindle version of Incubus now at Amazon.com.
Get the print version of Incubus at Createspace.

How did you get the idea for the story? 

I love incorporating mythology into a contemporary setting, and the myths of Lilith and her offspring are incredibly interesting.  I was always very leery of “succubae” – they always seem to be portrayed as flat-out sex-objects.  So this story is – in part – an attempt to turn that idea on its head, and explore what exactly it would mean for a normal girl to discover that she’s a descendent of Lilith, and now saddled with all that that implies.  She blossoms, yes, but it’s a lethal beauty, and it means she may never be able to be with the boy she loves.  Can she hang onto her humanity as a predator?  I thought there were some fascinating questions to explore with the series.  

Do you have any other works in progress? Any teasers or release dates?

I just released “Sacrifice” which is the third book in this series.  The next is tentatively entitled “Guardian” and I hope it will be out later this year.  Beyond that – yes!  I also write for TV, and I’m working on a new pilot right now... details kind of under wraps, but I’m very excited about it!

What are some of your favorite books? Do you still have much time to read?

“Silver Metal Lover” by Tanith Lee is one of my all time favorites, as is “Ender’s Game” by Orson Scott Card (though I’ve still not seen the movie!  That happens when you’ve got a baby in the house... sigh.)  I love reading.  I try to read as much as I can, but it’s been tough these last few months.  I’ve got so many books to catch up on.  I just got “Divergent” for my kindle, though – so that’s next!

If a fairy godmother told you could be put into the world of your favorite book for 24 hours, which book would you pick and why?

Oooooo – “Silver Metal Lover,” I think.  I’d love to see Silver in person, hear him play, talk with him.  Or... okay, if the world didn’t depend on me being a super-warrior, I’d love to hang out in the zero-gravity of the Battle School for a while.  

Do you need anything to write (music, coffee, etc)? Are there any songs on your playlist- songs that inspired you or that were playing while you wrote?

Coffee!  Good ear plugs and/or white-noise if there’s any audio in the background.  I love music, and many songs inspire me when I’m thinking of ideas (especially the music of Red Delicious, Morcheeba, Cardigans...) but I can’t have it playing while I’m writing... it just derails my brain.  Sigh.  

If you could have any superpower what would you choose?

Flight.  I know, I know.  But HOW AMAZING would it be to fly?!

Besides writing, what do you like to do in your free time?

Wow, I’m about to out myself as a huge(er) nerd.  I love to sew Elizabethan costumes, illustrate kids books, play video games, use my Gocco for printmaking, read, play Settlers Of Catan, watch Sherlock, John Stewart, Supernatural (I’m catching up – I’ve watched 5 seasons in 2 months... yikes), Almost Human, and nap.  I love naps.  

What is one thing you would tell your 15-year old self?

It’s not a race – don’t compare yourself to others, just do what you love doing.  And finish things!  Start stories and finish them.  Every finished story makes you a better writer.  Also, it’s okay to not major in physics.

Lightning round: this or that? 

Vanilla or chocolate? Vanilla

Video or Board Games? Video Games

Summer or Winter? Summer

Edward or Jacob? Edward

Hockey or soccer? Soccer

Ebook or paper? Ebook

Salty or sweet? Salty

Beach or mountains? Mountains

Phone call or email? Email

Early bird or night owl? Early Bird

Dog or cat? Cat

Messy or neat? Neat

Ninjas or pirates? Pirates

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Review: Fracture Me by Tahereh Mafi

Fracture Me (Shatter Me #2.5) by Tahereh Mafi

In this electrifying sixty-page companion novella to the New York Timesbestselling Shatter Me series, discover the fate of the Omega Point rebels as they go up against The Reestablishment. Set during and soon after the final moments of Unravel Me, Fracture Me is told from Adam's perspective.
As Omega Point prepares to launch an all-out assault on The Reestablishment soldiers stationed in Sector 45, Adam's focus couldn't be further from the upcoming battle. He's reeling from his breakup with Juliette, scared for his best friend's life, and as concerned as ever for his brother James's safety. And just as Adam begins to wonder if this life is really for him, the alarms sound. It's time for war.
On the battlefield, it seems like the odds are in their favor—but taking down Warner, Adam's newly discovered half brother, won't be that easy. The Reestablishment can't tolerate a rebellion, and they'll do anything to crush the resistance . . . including killing everyone Adam has ever cared about.
Fracture Me sets the stage for Ignite Me, the explosive finale in Tahereh Mafi's epic dystopian series. It's a novella not to be missed by fans who crave action-packed stories with tantalizing romance like Divergent by Veronica Roth, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, and Legend by Marie Lu.

Publishes in US: December 17th 2013 by HarperCollins
Genre: YA dystopia
Source: bought
Series? Shatter Me #2.5

Buy it: Amazon Barnes & Noble

Author stalk away: site   twitter   facebook  blog 

    I wanted to read Fracture Me because I have loved the Shatter Me trilogy, and even though I didn't used to normally read many novellas, when I read Destroy Me, Warner's story, it completely blew me away. It offered a new perspective on him, and while I couldn't help but hate the things he did, I could completely understand where he was coming from. 

    But I don't really feel like this gave me any of those feels. Sure, I got to see how protective he was over James and a bit of the relationship that I wouldn't have seen otherwise. But. And that is a big but. I don't really feel like I got many other good insights into Adam. Or that it really added much to the series besides another beautiful cover to look at. 

    I loved Adam from Juliette's point of view and thought that ultimately they should be together, and I am unsure if this was supposed to start to shift my loyalties which honestly, were wavering on reading book 1.5 and 2. But this kinda made me doubt what his feelings were, because he didn't really seem to have much faith in her or think of her as strong or a priority. 

    I really wanted to love this one, but unfortunately it didn't deliver for me. 

Bottom Line: Disappointing, didn't give me much on Adam or add to series.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Have you ever switches teams in a book?

Review: Everneath by Brodi Ashton

Everneath (Everneath #1) by Brodi Ashton

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath. Now she's returned-to her old life, her family, her boyfriend-before she's banished back to the underworld . . . this time forever. She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.
Nikki longs to spend these precious months forgetting the Everneath and trying to reconnect with her boyfriend, Jack, the person most devastated by her disappearance-and the one person she loves more than anything. But there's just one problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who enticed her to the Everneath in the first place, has followed Nikki home. Cole wants to take over the throne in the underworld and is convinced Nikki is the key to making it happen. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back, this time as his queen.
As Nikki's time on the Surface draws to a close and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she is forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's queen.

GR
Publishes in US: January 24th 2012 by Balzer + Bray
Genre: YA fantasy
Source: library
Series? Yes. Everneath #1

Buy it: Amazon  Barnes & Noble IndieBound  Book Depository

Author stalk away: ~site ~twitter ~book trailer

 4.5

    I wanted to read Everneath because I have seen it on blogs for quite some time and finally it lined up with a hole in my schedule and being at the library. I am not heavy into the myths, but I do like the idea of having the ties to both underworld and above and the emotions of having to try to find redemption for her disappearance and being okay with or finding a way to stay. The cover has always caught my eye as well, and I am def vain like that sometimes. 

    At first, I was confused a bit because the time frame is jumping around and I am not exactly sure how the Everneath works, and what the Tunnels are as well as what the history was between her and Cole and her and Jack. But this is intentional because the time shifts explain what I needed to know at every turn.

    I liked Nikki's character, she is easy to get along with, and more reserved and quiet, which has always been me so that is my personality. Which part of her reservation is Nikki being emotionless(ish) as she comes back from the Everneath, but she gets her emotion back as she spends more time above. 

    The romance is kinda up in the air for me, because for the most part of the story, I knew that Cole wanted her to be Everliving with him, but otherwise his motives and feelings are kinda unknown to me. Jack is sweet and I would pull for him, but Nikki alludes to something happening between the two so I kinda hold off my feelings because I am afraid that he hurt her. 

     The emotions in this one are pretty powerful. We have Nikki hurt from the issue with Jack, that she forgot a lot while she was in the Everneath with Cole, we have love flying around everywhere, and we have the raw emotion of Nikki losing her mom, who died in a car accident. Nikki's family and friends were hurt because she disappeared and because she wasn't fully connected when she was back because even though she wanted redemption and to say goodbye, she also wouldn't let herself get any closer to them and at an arm's length. 

    The story started getting going and it raced to the end at a breakneck pace. I figured out who I wanted for Nikki, and I think that even though it seems there is a love triangle, I think that one ends up being a non--player although I may be proven wrong as I read more. But the ending, wow, it just cemented my love for this series and the man that won my heart. 

    I will definitely continue this series, and I am so glad that I finally got to it, and I recommend to any of my fantasy or paranormal romance friends because it is a good, emotional and unique story. 

Bottom Line: Characters stole my heart!

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Could you let an immortal feed off of you to escape your emotions?