Review: Wintersong by S. Jae-Jones

Review:

Let's get this out of the way: WINTERSONG had me at Labyrinth. I'm a hue fan of the movie, have watched it countless times, and still quote it regularly. So a book about goblins and a goblin king (y'all know I pictured Jareth, AKA David Bowie the entire time), had me utterly intrigued, and I'm happy to say S. Jae-Jones didn't disappoint me.

Where Labyrinth always left me leaving more what the romance. What WINTERSONG gave me? THE ROMANCE.

*swoons*

Following Liesl down the rabbit hole as she tries to save her sister, Kathe, when Kathe is kidnapped. Now I gotta say, Liesl is a better girl than I am because I was content to let Kathe rot in the Underground (she's annoyingly selfish and vain). But Liesl saves her sister, by offering up herself, and thus becomes 'trapped' in the Goblin King's world where she absolutely flourishes.

I will admit that the beginning of the story was a bit sluggish, but something about S. Jae-Jones' writing and way with words kept me going, and I am so glad I did. This story is completely original and absolutely beautiful.

ABOUT WINTERSONG:

Beware the goblin men and the wares they sell.

All her life, nineteen-year-old Liesl has heard tales of the beautiful, mysterious Goblin King. He is the Lord of Mischief, the Ruler Underground, and the muse around which her music is composed. Yet, as Liesl helps shoulder the burden of running her family’s inn, her dreams of composition and childish fancies about the Goblin King must be set aside in favor of more practical concerns.

But when her sister Käthe is taken by the goblins, Liesl journeys to their realm to rescue her sister and return her to the world above. The Goblin King agrees to let Käthe go—for a price. The life of a maiden must be given to the land, in accordance with the old laws. A life for a life, he says. Without sacrifice, nothing good can grow. Without death, there can be no rebirth. In exchange for her sister’s freedom, Liesl offers her hand in marriage to the Goblin King. He accepts.

Down in the Underground, Liesl discovers that the Goblin King still inspires her—musically, physically, emotionally. Yet even as her talent blossoms, Liesl’s life is slowly fading away, the price she paid for becoming the Goblin King’s bride. As the two of them grow closer, they must learn just what it is they are each willing to sacrifice: her life, her music, or the end of the world.

LINKS: Amazon | B&N

ABOUT S. JAE-JONES:

S. Jae-Jones, called JJ, is an artist, an adrenaline junkie, and the author of Wintersong, forthcoming from Thomas Dunne in February 2017.

Born and raised in sunny Los Angeles, she lived in New York City for ten years before relocating down to Dixie, where she is comfortably growing fat on grits and barbecue. When not writing, she can be found rock-climbing, skydiving, taking photographs, drawing pictures, and dragging her dog on ridiculously long hikes.

LINKS: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Tumblr | Instagram

Tour Schedule:

Week 1:

2/13: The Irish Banana Review - Review

2/14: That Artsy Reader Girl - Mood Board

2/15: Pandora's Books - Review

2/16: Swoony Boys Podcast - This Or That

2/17: Krista's Dust Jacket - Review

Week 2:

2/20: Emily Reads Everything - Q&A

2/21: Quite the Novel Idea - Review

2/22: A Binding Attraction - Makeup Inspirations

2/23: Fiction Fare - Review

2/24: Icey Designs - Quote Candy

Giveaway:

3 Finished Copies of WINTERSONG (US Only)

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Review: Ruthless by Lexi Blake

Title: Ruthless

Author: Lexi Blake

Publication Date: 8.9.2016

Series: Lawless #1

Source: ARC from publisher

Purchase: Amazon

Rating: 4 Stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

The first in a sexy contemporary romance series featuring the Lawless siblings—from New York Times bestselling author Lexi Blake.

The Lawless siblings are bound by vengeance. Riley, Drew, Brandon, and Mia believe the CEO of StratCast orchestrated their parents’ murder twenty years ago to steal their father’s software program. And there’s only one way Riley can find some solid evidence...

Heir to the StratCast legacy, Ellie Stratton hires a new attorney to handle a delicate business matter—and she’s shocked by her attraction to him. Over the course of a few weeks, Riley becomes her lover, her friend, her everything. But when her life is threatened, Ellie discovers that Riley is more obsessed with settling an old score than in the love she thought they were building. And Riley must choose between a revenge he’s prepared for all his life and the woman he’s sure he can’t live without... 

Review:

I’ve always known Lexi Blakes books in other forms – when she co-writes with Shayla Black or as her alter-ego, Sophie Oak. So this was my first Lexi Blake, solo artist book and I was pleasantly pleased by what I found on these pages.

RUTHLESS actually carries over from Blake’s other series, Masters and Mercenaries. In Dominance Never Dies (book 11 in that series) you’re introduced to the family as that is little sister Mia’s book – the Lawless series is all about her hot big brothers, but Mia and her husband do make some appearances. I liked them enough to go back and purchase that book because I wanted more Mia and Case (but that’s a review for another day).

After the murder of their parents at a young age, the Danvers sibling are out for revenge on the people who set them up, which lands Riley smack in Ellie Stratton’s orbit as Ellie’s deceased dad is one of the people who killed Riley’s parents. With a connection like that, I’m sure you can only imagine all the ways this story goes.

And you’re right. I must admit that RUTHLESS is very predictable for the most part. But there were a few curveballs and twists that mildly surprised me which kept this book from becoming formulaic. It may not be ground-breaking material, but it is entertaining. I loved reading it and being introduced to the Danvers family.

I would love to be invited to that Thanksgiving dinner party.

I’m excited to see where Blake takes the rest of this series. If Riley’s brothers are half as hot and smoldering as he is, then I shall be a happy girl.

Review: Hell Breaks Loose by Sophie Jordan

Review:
Ever since that jaw-dropping ending that came with ALL CHAINED UP (book 1), I have bee dying to get my hands on HELL BREAKS LOOSE. And what I really mean is dying to get my hands on Reid.

Sadly it would seem that Grace beat me to him. Sigh.

I have to admit - I love a good kidnapping to romance story. Maybe because everything is so intensified and it gives the hero/heroine limitless time to sit and talk and get to know each other, but storylines where someone is kidnapped and then falls for their rescuer/kidnapper (who is kidnapping them with ulterior motives that don't involve hurting them - no Stockholm Syndrome for this girl, thank you very much) are some of my favorites.

Sophie Jordan is a powerhouse author. She does it all: regency romance, contemporary romance, new adult, young adult, paranormal, fantasy ... There's nothing she can't write and write beautifully. I love all her books, but the Devil's Rock series is a great jumping off place if you've never read her. These books are beyond amazing.

ABOUT HELL BREAKS LOOSE:

Hell hath no hunger like a man let out of a cage . . .

Shy and awkward, First Daughter Grace Reeves has always done what she’s told. Tired of taking orders, she escapes her security detail for a rare moment of peace. Except her worst nightmare comes to life when a ruthless gang of criminals abducts her. Her only choice is to place her trust in Reid Allister, an escaped convict whose piercing gaze awakens something deep inside her. Reid is nothing like her other captors.

He’s tougher, smarter…and one blistering look from him makes her hotter than any man ever has.

Reid spent years plotting escape and revenge . . .years without a woman in his bed. For this hardened felon, Grace Reeves isn’t just out of his league—she’s from another planet, but that doesn’t stop him from wanting her. Escaping Devil’s Rock was tough, but resisting this woman could be the end of him. For a man with nothing to lose, protecting her . . . claiming her as his own, becomes more necessary than his next breath.

LINKS: Amazon | B&N | Indiebound | iBooks | The Book Depository

ABOUT SOPHIE JORDAN:

Sophie Jordan took her adolescent daydreaming one step further and penned her first historical romance in the back of her high school Spanish class. This passion led her to pursue a degree in English and History.

A brief stint in law school taught her that case law was not nearly as interesting as literature - teaching English seemed the natural recourse. After several years teaching high school students to love Antigone, Sophie resigned with the birth of her first child and decided it was time to pursue the long-held dream of writing.

In less than three years, her first book, Once Upon A Wedding Night, a 2006 Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Nominee for Best First Historical, hit book shelves. Her second novel, Too Wicked To Tame, released in March 2007 with a bang, landing on the USA Today Bestseller's List.

LINKS: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Tour Schedule:

Week 1:

7/18: Ex Libris - Review

7/19: Pretty Sassy Cool - Top 10

7/20: The Cover Contessa - Review

7/21: Take Me Away to a Great Read - Mood Board

7/22: Stuck In Books - Review

Week 2:

7/25: The Irish Banana Review - Review

7/26: Krista's Dust Jacket - Review

7/27: I Heart Romance & YA - Clothing Inspirations

7/28: The Book Cellar - Review

7/29: Reads All the Books - Review

Giveaway:

3 Finished Copies of HELL BREAKS LOOSE (US Only)

Blog Tour: His Country Bride by Debra Holt

Review:
I'll be honest - I didn't have high hopes for this one going in, but I think that's why I fell so head over heels in love with HIS COUNTRY BRIDE. From start to finish, this is a sweet, upbeat romance that you can sink into with a cup of tea and just thoroughly enjoy.

Ellie cracked me up on a regular basis. Lucas made me swoon on a regular basis. Those two things alone are enough for me to love a book, but combining them into one steamy couple that constantly challenged and complemented the other sealed the deal for me.

By the end, I was anything buy ready for the end. I hated saying goodbye to these two characters I had fallen for. Debra Holt also provides an assortment of fun side characters that gave additional depth to the story. I'm expecting (hoping?) they'll be featured in other books down the line.

If you want a fun, light read this Spring, look no further than HIS COUNTRY BRIDE.

ABOUT HIS COUNTRY BRIDE:

"Sheriff's Department! Raise your hands above your head and don't move."

She’s a runaway bride who left her two-timing fiance at the altar. He’s a county sheriff determined to keep the peace in his country and leave city girls alone after his own fiance left him for the bright lights of the city. Neither of them planned on running straight into each other...over a burning wedding dress.

Ellie and Lucas planned on never trusting their hearts to love again. When danger follows her from the city, the sheriff must do his duty to protect her. However, it isn’t long before he discovers the real danger may be to his heart. Ellie just might teach him that even a city girl can be a country girl at heart.

LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

BOOK TRAILER:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1V_gRwpbrLg&app=desktop

ABOUT DEBRA HOLT:

Born and raised in the Lone Star state of Texas, Debra grew up among horses, cowboys, wide open spaces, and real Texas Rangers. Pride in her state and ancestry knows no bounds and it is these heroes and heroines she loves to write about the most. She also draws upon a variety of life experiences including working with abused children, caring for baby animals at a major zoo, and planning high-end weddings (ah, romance!).
Debra's real pride and joys, however, are her son, an aspiring film actor, and a daughter with aspirations to join the Federal Bureau of Investigation. (more story ideas!) When she isn't busy writing about tall Texans and feisty heroines, she can be found cheering on her Texas Tech Red Raiders, or heading off on another cruise adventure. She read her first romance...Janet Dailey's Fiesta San Antonio, over thirty years ago and became hooked on the genre. Writing contemporary western romances, is both her passion and dream come true, and she hopes her books will bring smiles...and sighs... to all who believe in happily-ever-after's.

Debra invites you to visit her website at www.debraholtbooks.com. She loves to hear from other aspiring authors or readers via email at debraholtbooks@gmail.com.

LINKS: Website | Twitter | Facebook

Tour Schedule:

Week 1:

4/4: The Irish Banana Review

4/5: Emily Reads Everything

4/6: In Wonderland

4/7: Life According to a Bibliophile

4/8: Emilie's Book World

Week 2:

4/11: Kimberly Faye Reads

4/12: Polished Page Turners

4/13: Books Are Love

4/14: Silk & Serif

4/15: Who R U Blog

Review: Fighting Dirty by Lori Foster

Title: Fighting Dirty

Author: Lori Foster

Publication Date: 2.23.2016

Series: Ultimate #4

Source:  eARC from publisher

Purchase: Amazon

Rating: 3 Stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

With the life he's led and the muscles he's gained, Armie Jacobson isn't afraid of anything. Except maybe Merissa Colter's effect on him. It's not just that she's his best friend's little sister. Fact is, she deserves better. Women pursue him for one night of pleasure, and that's all he wants to offer. Until rescuing Merissa from a robbery leads to the most erotic encounter of his life. 

Good girl meets bad boy. It's a story that rarely ends well. But Merissa is taking matters into her own hands. No matter how he views himself, the Armie she knows is brave, honorable and completely loyal. And as past demons and present-day danger collide, they're both about to learn what's truly worth fighting for…

Review:

I feel like I've been waiting for Armie and Rissy's story since the beginning of the series and after so much waiting and temptation, this book just fell really flat for me.

Rissy came off as desperate; she basically insinuated herself into Armie's life, giving him no choice. And Armie was just ... there. Very placid and not what I expected.

The romance felt like forcing two mismatched puzzle pieces together. You could force them together, but it was obvious they didn't fit. There was no real relationship: Just a suddenly they were together. The whole book felt very meandering and winding, not very streamlined or well-thought out.

This was the book I was most excited about in the series and it was was my least favorite once I actually read it. I'm sad to see this series go out with a limp pop instead of a spectacular finale of fireworks.

Review & Giveaway: Unexpected Rush by Jaci Burton

Title: Unexpected Rush               

Author: Jaci Burton

Publication Date: 2.16.2016

Series: Play By Play #11

Source:  Finished copy from publisher

Rating: 4 Stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

All the Right Moves

For Barrett Cassidy, playing defense for the Tampa Hawks is a dream come true. And now he may have discovered his dream woman. Harmony Evans, once the sweet, gawky teenage sister of his best friend and teammate has grown into a smart, gorgeous woman with moves he finds hard to resist. But he knows he can’t get involved with his best friend’s sister—it’s guy code.

Harmony has always gone after what she wants with single-minded determination, from her independence to her education to her career in social work. She never expected her youthful crush on Barrett to develop into something deeper. And she’s not about to let some ridiculous man rules or her brother stand in her way.

When the chemistry is this combustible, lines tend to get crossed. And when Barrett and Harmony’s secret gets out, it just might be game over...

Review:

There's a reason I shout, "JACI BURTON" whenever a friend wants a sports-romance recommendation. No one combines the heat of competition and chemistry the way Jaci does. I am thrilled and entranced over and over again without fail because dang. Her books are amazing, and the 11th book in the Play By Play series is no second string book.

Old crushes-turned lovers are my favorite trope in romance. I love anytime there is a back story between two characters; to me it gives a stronger foundation and I can truly believe they get the HEA when the book ends.

I love Barret - he's sweet and fun and compassionate and a wonderful balance to Harmony. The two of them have remarkable chemistry. This is one of those books I simply never, ever wanted to end.

Is it time for book 12 yet?!

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Review & Giveaway: Mastered by Maya Banks

Title: Mastered

Author:  Maya Banks

Publication Date: 12.29.2015

Series: Enforcers#1

Source:  ARC from publisher

Rating: 4 Stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

What he wants, he takes with no remorse or guilt.

She stood out in his club like a gem, unspoiled and untouched. A lamb among wolves, she clearly didn’t belong. Drawn to her innocence he watched as she was surrounded by men who saw what he did—but no one but him could touch her. He summoned her to his private quarters. He sensed her fear. He also recognized the desire in her eyes. And he knew she wouldn’t leave before he possessed her. She had no need to know his secrets. Not until he had her under his complete and utter control.

What he wants, she isn’t sure she can give him.

The moment he told her want he wanted, she couldn’t resist. Instinct told her to run, but her heart said stay and walk the fine line between pleasure and pain. Though she wasn’t sure she could ever completely surrender, the primal part of her wanted to try, even knowing this man could break her in ways she never imagined. Because once he possessed her, he owned her and it would be too late to turn back. She can only pray that he doesn’t destroy her in the end.

Review:

I am a huge Maya Banks fan and when I saw that she was delving into a new series, I was 100% on board. If Maya writes it, I reads it. That’s how we were. So when MASTERED landed on my doorstep, I was beyond excited.

Here’s the thing, this book is full of Maya’s telltale awesomeness – hot scenes that will leave you blushing and biting your lip and a cast of characters that sets up a delicious new series.

My problems were with Evangeline and Drake, mostly Evangeline. Drake is a total Dom—controlling and demanding and always in control. Sometimes he was a bit more of an ass than he needed to be, but I was OK with it.

Evangeline was a bit too self-absorbed for me. She had her moments where I genuinely enjoyed her as a character, but I also felt a lot of frustration at her forced naiveté. No one is that ignorant. And while I can allow some leeway because she’s fumbling through this new relationship, she makes some major missteps that I’m still shaking my head over.

But this book ends on a massive cliffhanger that I simply must know the end to, and there is a cast of peripheral characters that you know are going to get their own books later on down the road and I can’t wait to read their stories. That’s why I gave this book 4 stars. Because it’s a hopeful start to a new series by an author I really love.

The lovely people at Sullivan and Partners are letting me give away 1 finished copy of MASTERED. 

US & Canada Only

Winner must be over 17

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Review: Off the Clock by Roni Loren

Title: Off the Clock

Author: Roni Loren

Publication Date: 1.5.2016

Series: Pleasure Principles  #1

Source:  ARC from publisher

Rating: 4 Stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

Overtime has never felt so good…

Marin Rush loves studying sex. Doing it? That’s another story. In the research lab, Marin’s lack of practical knowledge didn’t matter, but now that she’s landed a job at The Grove, a high-end, experimental sex therapy institute, she can’t ignore the fact that the person most in need of sexual healing may be her. 

Dr. Donovan West, her new hotshot colleague, couldn’t agree more. Donovan knows that Marin’s clients are going to eat her alive unless she gets some hands-on experience. And if she fails at the job, he can say goodbye to a promotion, so he assigns her a list of R-rated tasks to prepare her for the wild clientele of The Grove’s X-wing.

But some of those tasks are built for two, and when he finds Marin searching for a candidate to help her check off her list, Donovan decides there’s only one man for the job—him. As long as they keep their erotic, off-the-clock activities strictly confidential and without strings, no one will get fired—or worse, get attached…

Review:

At this point I have what can only be described as a Pavlovian response to Roni Loren books. Someone says, "New Roni Loren book!" and I immediately start salivating and obsessing until said book is in my hands. That's the way it was with OFF THE CLOCK - the first in Roni's new Pleasure Principles series.

Some books take a little bit of build up to get into, but OFF THE CLOCK starts with a gasp and doesn't quit until the end. Any book that has me blushing on the first page is a winner in my book, and chapter one had my cheeks redder than a July tomato - and that was one of the tamer parts of the book.

This book is steamy and hot and will give you shivers in all the right ways. It also does a wonderful job at setting up this new series, subtly introducing characters that I know will have a bigger role further into the series while not losing focus on Marin and Donovan's story. Roni has a great way of bringing new characters into the background, layering them in so they stand out but never take the spotlight off your dynamic duo.

And trust me - Marin and Donavan are nothing if not dynamic. Their story kicks off with them meeting one fateful night in college and then flashes forward a few years to when they are thrown back together. Sparks fly whenever they're around (I practically heard the sizzle with every page turn).

Fans of Roni's Loving on the Edge series already know she can write a solid book with a heaping doze of smexy, bracketed by characters you can't help but adore. If you've yet to discovered the magic that is Roni Loren, consider this your written invitation.

Review: Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye

Title: Hearts In Darkness

Author: Laura Kaye

Publication Date: 5.17.2013

Series: Hearts In Darkness #1

Source:  Gifted ebook from the awesome Krista

Rating: 4 ½ Stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

Two strangers…

Makenna James thinks her day can't get any worse, until she finds herself stranded in a pitch-black elevator with a complete stranger. Distracted by a phone call, the pin-striped accountant catches only a glimpse of a dragon tattoo on his hand before the lights go out.

Four hours…

Caden Grayson is amused when a harried redhead dashes into his elevator fumbling her bags and cell phone. His amusement turns to panic when the power fails. Despite his piercings, tats, and vicious scar, he's terrified of the dark and confined spaces. Now, he's trapped in his own worst nightmare.

One pitch-black elevator…

To fight fear, they must reach out and open up. With no preconceived notions based on looks to hold them back, they discover just how much they have in common. In the warming darkness, attraction grows and sparks fly, but will they feel the same when the lights come back on?

Review:

Bookish friends are the absolute best, am I right? I was texting with the wonderful Krista at Krista’s Dust Jacket, lamenting about the fact that I was suffering from a massive book hangover. Which lead to talking about what she was reading (Hearts in Light). She was raving about this book and I admitted I had never read HEARTS IN DARKNESS – which is a seriously stupid oversight on my part because I know and adore the author, Laura Kaye. Two seconds later an email flashes that Krista gifted me the book.

Of course I started it and devoured it immediately. This book was totally what I needed, so thanks, Krista (and Laura)!

HEARTS IN DARKNESS is a small-ish book, a smidge longer than your usual novella, but that just makes the fact that in 112 and pages Kaye makes me fall in love with and adore Caden and Makenna all the better. This book takes off with a bang and doesn’t quit.

The entire novel spans one night. Now, I can already hear the internal “insta-love” grousing, but hold on a second. I think it’s crucial to remember that Makenna and Caden spend hours trapped together in total darkness with nothing to do but talk to each other. So tally up all that and what does that time equal? Three or four dinner dates? Twelve phone calls? A thousand texts? There’s a beautiful intimacy in that the way their relationship begins and unfolds is because they have nothing to do but be with one another and learn about one another.

HEARTS IN DARKNESS is a freaking fantastic little powerhouse of a book. It’s a superfast read that you won’t want to quit. Thankfully, Krista just introduced me to this book (as I am now telling you about it) and you only have to wait a few days before the sequel, Hearts in Light, comes out.

In the meantime, HEARTS IN DARKNESS is available for your reading pleasure for less than $1. You're welcome. http://amzn.to/1Ufg0Iw

Review: Frozen Tides by Morgan Rhodes

Title: Frozen Tides

Author: Morgan Rhodes

Publication Date: 12.15.2015

Series: Falling Kingdoms #4

Source:  Finished copy from publisher

Rating: 4 ½ Stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

Rebels, royals, and monsters wage war over the Mytican throne in the shocking fourth book of the Falling Kingdoms series, from New York Times bestselling author Morgan Rhodes.

CLEO: Reeling after a bloody showdown in Limeros ending with Amara’s abduction of the water crystal, and a vacancy in the Mytican throne, Princess Cleo must cast aside her feelings and look toward her kingdom with the eyes of a Queen.

MAGNUS: With the kingdom in chaos, Princess Lucia still missing and quite possibly in danger, and a shocking realization about Cleo, the steely prince is once again torn between love and duty, leaving him wondering whether he’s strong enough to rule his people.

LUCIA: The young sorcercess has had her vengeance after the cruel death of her first and only love. Heartbroken and unable to trust anyone, she allies with the awoken Fire god, who also seeks revenge.

JONAS: After escaping death by the skin of his teeth, the defeated rebel—along with a mysterious stranger–leader reunites with Princess Cleo, only to find himself a mere pawn in a dangerous hunt for the elusive Kindred.

KING GAIUS: Abandoned by Melenia and betrayed by his own children, Gaius flees Mytica and sails to Kraeshia, where he attempts to ally with the famously brutal emperor across the Silver Sea.

Review:

I swear, this series just gets better and better with every book. The fact that it’s book 4 and I’m still heavily invested (you guys know I have an issue reading series’), is a testament to the awesomeness that is Falling Kingdoms and Morgan Rhodes.

FROZEN TIDES picks up shortly where Gathering Darkness left off. Without giving away too much of the plot from past books, FROZEN TIDES seriously ups the ante. I loved traveling beyond the shores of Mytica to Kraesha with Amara. Amara completely caught me off guard. Her intelligence and ruthlessness absolutely stunned me in the best ways possible and she is truly set up as a force to be reckoned with in FROZEN TIDES. I can’t wait to see her in the next book!

I have loved watching the evolution of Magnus, Jonas, and Cleo. These three are my absolutely faves (OK, Magnus is #1), and their growth from book 1 to book 4 is incredible. They’ve learned and adapted and persevered and refused to give up.

Fans of Falling Kingdoms are going to be hopelessly entranced by FROZEN TIDES. Rhodes once again bests herself in the storytelling game, weaving a masterful tale of secrets, deceit and love. 

Review: Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

Title: Everything, Everything

Author: Nicola Yoon

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: 9.1.2015

Pages: 240

Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult, Romance, Illness

Series: N/A

Source: ARC from publisher

Amazon

Rating: 4 Stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

My disease is as rare as it is famous. Basically, I'm allergic to the world.I don't leave my house, have not left my house in seventeen years. The only people I ever see are my mom and my nurse, Carla.

But then one day, a moving truck arrives next door. I look out my window, and I see him. He's tall, lean and wearing all black--black T-shirt, black jeans, black sneakers, and a black knit cap that covers his hair completely. He catches me looking and stares at me. I stare right back. His name is Olly.

Maybe we can't predict the future, but we can predict some things. For example, I am certainly going to fall in love with Olly. It's almost certainly going to be a disaster.

Review:

I finished reading EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING months ago and I’m still having a hard time figuring out exactly how I feel about this book. Nicola Yoon managed to intrigue, confound, and amuse me in one fell swoop, and even know, I’m trying to puzzle my thoughts into a review that makes any sort of sense.

Let’s talk about what worked: Madeline is a character you can’t help but love. With the odds severely stacked against her, you have to love how she still keeps her sense of humor and wonder of the world around her despite the entire world seemingly trying to kill her via an allergic reaction.

Madeline’s journey of self-discovery and refusing to let the terms of her illness dictate her life is what I found so inspiring. She was never ready to give up and always looked for hope. She didn’t let her illness define her as a person.

That being said, there a few instances where all reason is completely thrown out the window and it made me roll my eyes a bit. Those bizarre instances aside, EVERYTHING EVERYTHING is a book that will inspire and plant hope in your heart. I expect great things from Nicola Yoon in the future.