Immortal Nights by Lynsay Sands

In a sizzling new Argeneau novel from New York Times bestselling author Lynsay Sands, an impulsive rescue pairs a sexy immortal with the woman made to be his for eternity.

Abigail Forsythe’s life hasn’t been easy lately. Still, if there’s one thing guaranteed to take her mind off an empty bank account and abandoned dreams, it’s a naked man locked in a plane’s cargo hold. A very big, incredibly gorgeous naked man. And when instinct prompts her to free him, Abigail must rely on this stranger for survival…a stranger who leaves her thrumming with need every time they touch.

Tomasso Notte knows he’s found his life mate in Abigail. Now he just has to hold on to her. They’re miles from civilization, hunted by his kidnappers. Abigail has no idea of Tomasso’s abilities, or of how intensely pleasurable their unique connection can be. But he’s about to show her, beginning with one wild, hot, immortal night…

Goodreads Summary

I love Lynsay Sands books. The romance is guaranteed to be passionate and hot, the guy is always drop-dead handsome and charismatic, and there is always a bit of humor. Abigail doesn't have the best or easiest life, but she does have a potential life mate naked in a cargo hold (her luck has certainly changed). Abigail frees Tomasso and is treated to old world elegance and devilish charm. Tomasso's enemies are after him and Abigail is caught in the middle.

Abigail's character was amusing. I generally liked her. Tomasso was as handsome as his exotic name. Their relationship is a slow burn with random climaxes throughout the book. The author really developed their relationship well. I thought it was cute how much Tomasso came to care for Abigail and how she fussed over him, too. The plot was well-executed and will keep the reader interested. The love scenes, though a bit unrealistic, were well-written and exciting. 

4 Stars


This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews. COPYRIGHT © 2014 LIVE TO READ

The Swan Riders by Erin Bow

Greta Stuart had always known her future: die young. She was her country's crown princess, and also its hostage, destined to be the first casualty in an inevitable war. But when the war came it broke all the rules, and Greta forged a different path.

She is no longer princess. No longer hostage. No longer human. Greta Stuart has become an AI.

If she can survive the transition, Greta will earn a place alongside Talis, the AI who rules the world. Talis is a big believer in peace through superior firepower. But some problems are too personal to obliterate from orbit, and for those there are the Swan Riders: a small band of humans who serve the AIs as part army, part cult.

Now two of the Swan Riders are escorting Talis and Greta across post-apocalyptic Saskatchewan. But Greta’s fate has stirred her nation into open rebellion, and the dry grassland may hide insurgents who want to rescue her – or see her killed. Including Elian, the boy she saved—the boy who wants to change the world, with a knife if necessary. Even the infinitely loyal Swan Riders may not be everything they seem.

Greta’s fate—and the fate of her world—are balanced on the edge of a knife in this smart, sly, electrifying adventure.

Goodreads Summary

The fantasy world that Erin Bow has created is worth reading the book in and of itself. Although the main protagonist is supposed to be Greta, I felt that Talis's character was expanded and focused upon. She really grew and I found her to be more mature and interesting. Greta's character is as tough, strong, and intelligent as ever. It would be hard for me to imagine being in her position. I liked how fast-paced the plot was; the book was not always easy to put down. The imagery in the novel is vivid and the author has a "flowy" way of rating that I really enjoy.

This novel definitely does not focus on the romance between Greta and Xie. Although their romantic feelings are still implied, it's not the main focus. Elian's character, though not strictly evil, still has a ways to go on the compassion front. His character experiences several intriguing developments over the course of the novel. Overall, this is a must read for those who enjoyed the first book!

4 Stars

This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews. COPYRIGHT © 2014 LIVE TO READ

The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

Natasha: I’m a girl who believes in science and facts. Not fate. Not destiny. Or dreams that will never come true. I’m definitely not the kind of girl who meets a cute boy on a crowded New York City street and falls in love with him. Not when my family is twelve hours away from being deported to Jamaica. Falling in love with him won’t be my story.

Daniel: I’ve always been the good son, the good student, living up to my parents’ high expectations. Never the poet. Or the dreamer. But when I see her, I forget about all that. Something about Natasha makes me think that fate has something much more extraordinary in store—for both of us.

The Universe: Every moment in our lives has brought us to this single moment. A million futures lie before us. Which one will come true?

Goodreads Summary

After seeing so many positive reviews on Goodreads I expected to love this book. I did like the overall plot and summary. The author handled the undercurrent of unease between two cultures that were not so fond of each other (Jamaican American and Korean American). I did like the ending in an overall sort of way. The writing style of the author is pleasant and upbeat. However (you knew this was coming), I did not really like the main characters. Natasha was a bit rough and sort of lawless. I do not think that you understand the world and are "oh so brilliant" as a teenager. Daniel is the perfectionist, which is easier for me to relate to, but he takes it too far. I think the story would have been better for me if I had been more invested in the characters. 

One of my favorite aspects was the book beginning and ending in a single day. I really liked how the author managed to pack so much into one day. It left me with a lot to think about (I probably waste my days). Although it was an emotional day for the two characters, I thought it was a little too emotional. This book started off and ending well for me, but lost me in the middle.

3 Stars

This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews. COPYRIGHT © 2014 LIVE TO READ

Flawed by Cecilia Ahern

You will be punished…

Celestine North lives a perfect life. She’s a model daughter and sister, she’s well-liked by her classmates and teachers, and she’s dating the impossibly charming Art Crevan.

But then Celestine encounters a situation where she makes an instinctive decision. She breaks a rule and now faces life-changing repercussions. She could be imprisoned. She could be branded. She could be found flawed.

In her breathtaking young adult debut, bestselling author Cecelia Ahern depicts a society where perfection is paramount and flaws lead to punishment. And where one young woman decides to take a stand that could cost her everything.

Goodreads Summary

Celestine lives a life that many of us would want to experience for a day. She comes off as perfect in every way and the author writes it in such a way that it is difficult to get mad at her for it. A single mistake can brand someone as an outcast and everyone is always striving to be more and more perfect. When the government could not guarantee world peace there were standards put on how to act and live. I would call this world dsytopian (my favorite genre!). However, everyone makes mistakes and soon it is Celestine and not her unruly sister who is under the radar.

I liked Celestine's character in some ways. She was awfully annoying with her insistence on regimentation (which has its place, but over-done it gets grating) and the ideals of perfection. Now don't get me wrong, I'm a huge perfectionist (it feeds my OCD) and I can appreciate the concept. I wish the author had worked a little more on character and plot development instead of pounding in the idea of perfection. I got it after the first chapter and didn't need the consistent reminder.

3 Stars

This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews. COPYRIGHT © 2014 LIVE TO READ