Follow Friday #14

Feature & Follow is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee's View and Alison Can Read!

Q: Happy Mother's Day! Who is your favorite mom from fiction?

My favorite mom from fiction would be Natalie Prior from Divergent. She is the mother of Beatrice "Tris" and Caleb, and has lived a double life in a way. The way she went out in Divergent was so epic and inspiring and strong! She would be my choice because I didn't expect that from her; I believed her to be a very docile, soft-spoken wife but in actuality, she can shoot guns and go undercover with the best of them!

Also, like everyone else in the blogosphere, I really agree that Mrs. Weasley from Harry Potter is a pretty sweet mom. She is sort of what I'd imagine as an ideal mom - kind, caring, forgiving, and tolerant (I mean, she does have Fred and George as kids after all, so that's a must for her lol) Also, the way she takes Harry in as her own child - without a care in the world about his past history - speaks volumes about the type of person she is :)

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Review + Excerpt: Dare You To (Pushing the Limits, #2) by Katie McGarry

Ryan lowers his lips to my ear. "Dance with me, Beth."

"No." I whisper the reply. I hate him and I hate myself for wanting him to touch me again....

"I dare you..."

If anyone knew the truth about Beth Risk's home life, they'd send her mother to jail and seventeen-year-old Beth who knows where. So she protects her mom at all costs. Until the day her uncle swoops in and forces Beth to choose between her mom's freedom and her own happiness. That's how Beth finds herself living with an aunt who doesn't want her and going to a school that doesn't understand her. At all. Except for the one guy who shouldn't get her, but does....

Ryan Stone is the town golden boy, a popular baseball star jock-with secrets he can't tell anyone. Not even the friends he shares everything with, including the constant dares to do crazy things. The craziest? Asking out the Skater girl who couldn't be less interested in him.

But what begins as a dare becomes an intense attraction neither Ryan nor Beth expected. Suddenly, the boy with the flawless image risks his dreams-and his life-for the girl he loves, and the girl who won't let anyone get too close is daring herself to want it all....

Overall Thoughts:
Dare You To was better than Pushing the Limits in my opinion. They are both phenomenal books, but Beth was strong and mean-tempered (which I liked), whereas, Echo was more self-conscious and hesitant yet kind. So it all depends on what your preference is!

Dare You To is about a rebellious, dark, aggressive young woman named Beth Risk, who is currently living with her aunt and two best friends, Noah and Isaiah. Because her mom is an alcoholic and drug abuser, Beth has always needed to be like a care-taker for her, instilling into her the necessity of being strong and never letting her guard down. Not to mention the fact that Trent, her mom's boyfriend, physically abuses her mom as well as Beth.

Something happens that causes Beth to end up living in a new area with her Uncle Scott, who used to be like a father figure to her when she was younger, but moved away. She's forced to call a town named Groveton her new home until she graduates high school. Then she meets a boy named Ryan Stone, who's life is seen as utter perfection with his blond hair, wealthy parents, and good behavior. He has trained his entire life to make it to the big leagues as a professional baseball player and has always had his life planned out for him by his parents.

As these two paradoxical human beings get closer, Beth finds her life unraveling as she struggles to understand the concept of love, or rather - the idea of someone loving her. But suddenly, her past life of casual sex, emotional tortures, and abusive relationships begins to catch up to her just as she was starting to cope with her new life as Ryan's one true love.

What I liked about this book:
Beth and Ryan's relationship was so trying and passionate and difficult. They challenged each other in ways no one has ever done before. Also, Beth was tough-as-nails in every single way! She was forced to always automatically become on-guard with everyone she comes into contact with, which has made her suspicious and mean to anyone who showed an interest in her. Whenever Ryan told her he loved her and trusted her, she would continue to tell him, "No, you don't. You can't love me," and be so critical and harsh to herself, which I understand because of her terrible past.

Another thing I found to be so endearing was Beth and Isaiah's relationship. They are so loving of each other, and protective of each other that most of the readers of Pushing the Limits thought that they were together (including me). But in the end, I'm very happy that they each get separate books and partners because they do truly seem best as friends.

What I disliked about this book:
Baseball was actually very much included in this book, sort of as a sub-plot. I know nothing about baseball, so I could have done without it. But I am pleased that it was kept to a minimum and thought that it helped to make Ryan's life story more dynamic and thorough.

Verdict:
Katie McGarry has a remarkable series on her hands!        

The next book in this series is Crash into You, which is Isaiah's book!!!!

5/5 TARGETS!

---

Excerpt:

"Hi. I'm Ryan."

Her long black hair hides her face, but her slim body with a hint of curves catches my attention. Unlike the girls at home, she isn't wearing marked-down designer labels. Nope. She has her own style. Her black tank top shows more skin than it covers and her skintight jeans hug all the right places. My eyes linger on a single rip in them, directly below her ass.

Skater girl turns her head toward me and the drive-thru. "Is someone going to take my fucking order?"

Follow Friday #13

Feature & Follow is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee's View and Alison Can Read!

Q: If you could hang out with any author (living) who would it be and what would you want to do?

I would probably pick Tahereh Mafi because she's hilarious! I've watch tons of interviews on her, and she never fails to make me laugh out loud! Also, while reading Shatter Me, I remember thinking, "I'd love to get inside the mind of the person who wrote this book!" So I wouldn't really care what we'd do... I'd be content to just stare pensively at her from a distance, while she secretly dials 911... whatever I can get lol!

The police said 20 feet, Shae....

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Blog Tour: Review & Giveaway of The Only Exception by Magan Vernon

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**Due to sexual content and heavy subject matter, this book is recommended for ages 16+**

Fiercely liberal Monica Remy prefers to blend in. Despite her tattoos, piercings, and outspoken personality, she transferred to Central to escape—before she finds out that her next door neighbor is the uber conservative governor's son, Trey Chapman.

No matter how hard she tries to avoid Trey, he still finds a way to get under her skin. Monica can’t stand his crisp white shirts or his staunch views on women. But she can’t help counting every freckle on his face and wondering what it would feel like to have him stop talking politics and kiss her.

A class debate project forces the unlikely pair to work together, and the political lines are blurred in late-night make out sessions. But despite their fiery chemistry, Trey’s politics threatens to smother their relationship for good.

Overall Thoughts:
When I had first read the summary, I was automatically intrigued by the whole "suit wearing conservative falls for the wild liberal," idea, but I will admit to being a bit nervous about the whole political edge to the novel (because I know nothing about politics), and am glad to say that the author presented the information in an engaging and easily understood way.

The Only Exception revolves around a tattooed, young woman named Monica Remy who has just transferred schools in an attempt to run away from her disturbingly traumatic past and begin afresh at a new school. In an effort to begin a new life without any distractions, she decides to focus solely on her studies and classes, not on socializing and especially not on the opposite sex. Unfortunately, fate decides to intervene when she meets a certain boy named Trey Chapman, who also happens to be Governor Chapman's youngest son... and her new next door neighbor. Although Monica cannot help but feel an instant physical attraction to Trey, one prominent thing stands in their way: Trey is a true conservative Republican who adorns only dress shirts and matching slacks, whereas, Monica is the complete opposite as a "bleeding-heart" liberal with red hair and piercings.

When the two are forced to work together as partners for a project, they must learn to put aside their opposing political views in favor of working together towards a common goal. But what happens when these physical and political opponents start to feel an ardent connection that is unfamiliar to the both of them, at the same time as when Monica's past starts to catch up to her the closer she gets to Trey?

What I liked about this book:
Firstly, the blurb was a hook, line, and sinker for me! One of my guilty pleasures (less guilty, more pleasure) in books is when the main characters are total opposites but they still fall for each other despite their differences... *sniffles*. So although I know absolutely nothing about politics, I was still intrigued.

Speaking of politics, I was a bit nervous about that aspect of this novel because like I said, it's not my cup of tea. Be that as it may, I'm happy to say that the author presented it in such a way that even if you aren't interested in the political aspects of life, you'd still be able to follow along, as well as understand what they're talking about, and like it!

Another thing I totally adored was Trey! He's not your average "tall, attractive, good-at-everything-and-anything" type of character - he had flaws! Most authors have a tendency of presenting the lead male character as perfection incarnate, with no flaws or ticks or anything! Trey wasn't like that; he had things that needed to be taught to him and he wasn't "the complete package", which I thoroughly enjoyed and found brilliantly refreshing.

What I disliked about this book:
It took me a minute to really care about the characters in a substantial way. I understood them and liked them, but I didn't get completely involved and absorbed into their stories and attitudes until about mid-way through the novel.

Verdict:
Ultimately, this was a satisfying story about how two opposing individuals can overcome a drastic and traumatic past with true love that conquers all.

3 1/2 Targets!

Author Bio:

Magan Vernon is a Young Adult and New Adult writer who lives with her family in the insurance capital of the world. She is in a very serious, fake relationship with Adam Lambert and constantly asks her husband to wear guyliner. He still refuses. She also believes her husband is secretly an alien, disguised as a southern gentleman. 

Contact Info: 

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Giveaway:

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Blog Tour: Review of Seducing the Princess by Mary Hart Perry

Mary Hart Perry’s acclaimed series of romantic Victorian thrillers continues with Seducing the Princess, inspired by the life of Queen Victoria’s youngest daughter Beatrice. Painfully shy and lonely, convinced she is unattractive and unloved, the dutiful Princess Beatrice finally accepts that she will never marry and vows to devote herself to the queen in Victoria's waning years. In fact, her mother has secretly discouraged suitors for Beatrice’s hand. Just when she has all but given up on love and happiness, she meets Henry Battenberg, a dashing nobleman from the Continent who matches wits with the aging Victoria and risks his life and liberty to woo Bea.

But Henry isn't the only man interested in being welcomed into Beatrice's bed. The timid princess has become the target of a cruel plot hatched by her nephew, the madman destined to become the last Emperor of Germany. Wilhelm II sends a ruthless agent, a charming Scot, to seduce the naive princess and spy on the queen. How can the sheltered princess hope to fend off a man capable of murder, and perhaps worse, to get what he wants? But Beatrice is not without her own allies--her older sister Louise and Louise's American soldier-of-fortune and lover, Stephen Byrne. Will Beatrice discover which of the two men pursuing her she can trust, before it's too late? Drama, romance and peril chase the royal family from Buckingham Palace to a storm besieged castle on the Isle of Wight.

Overall Thoughts:
Such a beautifully developed and well thought-out story! The characters and plot will encapsulate you until you're fully immersed in its world.

Seducing the Princess is about the Queen of England's youngest daughter, 27-year-old Beatrice. She's spent the entirety of her life, servicing to her mother's every need and command - never venturing out into the world on her own and pursuing her dreams of her own life, loves, and freedom. As the story begins, readers meet young Beatrice at a point in her life where she has accepted her destiny/role as an "old maid" - never to be married and with a family like she once hoped for.

Then, while visiting Germany for her niece's wedding, she stumbles across the path of a certain blue-eyed, dark-haired man who takes her by complete surprise by showing an extreme interest in her. The gentleman goes by the name of Henry Battenberg, who was also a close childhood playmate to her when she was younger. Through lovely horseback rides in the meadow and evening walks in the garden between the pair, Beatrice finally starts to feel that passion and fire that's been missing from her life for as long as she can remember... she's finally starting to understand the meaning of falling in love.

But what happens when Gregory, a Scottish spy, has been sent to infiltrate the Queen's kingdom, in the hopes of seducing the youngest princess, Beatrice, into marrying him so that he may get close to the Queen herself?

What I liked about this book:
Like I said before, the plot is so well-developed and planned out that every aspect and detail was believable and completely understood. This novel is set in the late 19th century, which could be a total turn-off to some people because terminology and language can be... fickle, to say the least. But, fortunately, this novel provides you with the completely realistic illusion of being inside 19th century England without confusing you with the from-that-time-and-age slang.

Also, even though I couldn't directly relate to Beatrice's situation, I did feel and understand her shy and bashful personality. I found a lot of myself in Beatrice, which was nice. We wallflowers gotta stick together!

What I disliked about this book:
If historical fiction isn't your preference then I wouldn't recommend this book for you because it did have a blend of fiction as well as actual historical facts. But seeing as I like HF, I liked this book as well.

Verdict:
This is not the first book that I've read by Mary Hart Perry, and it certainly won't be the last!

Also, if you haven't read The Wild Princess yet, then you should! It centers around Beatrice's rebellious older sister, Louise. Highly recommend it! (Review) 

4 1/2 TARGETS!

About the Author:

Kathryn Johnson lives in the Washington, DC area with her husband and two feline writing partners, Tempest and Miranda. The author of over 40 novels, she's written under her own name and a variety of pen names, including Mary Hart Perry, Kathryn Jensen, KM Kimball and Nicole Davidson. She also teaches fiction-writing workshops for the renowned Writer's Center in Bethesda, Maryland. And, in 2008, she founded Write by You (www.WriteByYou.com), to coach other writers interested in reaching publication. She has been nominated for the prestigious Agatha Christy Award, and won the Heart of Excellence and Bookseller's Best Awards (sponsored by the Romance Writers of America) in 2011.

Her works in progress include a series of Victorian thrillers inspired by the lives of Queen Victoria's five daughters. The first novel, The Wild Princess, focuses on Princess Louise, who desperately wanted an education as a professional artist, at a time when women were not admitted into art schools. Her personal life becomes complicated when she uncovers a secret about her husband and must help protect her mother from an assassination attempt. The second book of the series,Seducing the Princess, launches April 2, 2013, and features Victoria’s youngest daughter Beatrice. Painfully shy and lonely, the dutiful Princess has promised never to marry and to devote herself to the queen in Victoria's waning years. Just when she has all but given up on love and happiness, she meets Henry Battenberg, a dashing nobleman from the Continent who risks his life and liberty to woo Bea and save both his beloved and the queen from a cruel plot. A third novel, to be published later in 2013, will star Crown Princess Vicky.

Contact Info:

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Waiting on Wednesday #2

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

White Lines by Jennifer Banash

I want to read this book because for some reason, I feel like I'll be able to relate to it. Not literally, but still. 

Unremembered by Jessica Brody

The summary of this book is so unique! It makes you wonder... what would you do if you miraculously survived a fatal plane crash with absolutely no memory whatsoever? Then, to top it all off, some cutie-pie claims to be your lover... yet you don't remember him at all.... You felt the chills to, huh? 

Blog Tour: Review of The Boys of Summer by C.J. Duggan

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It seemed only natural to nickname them the ‘Onslow Boys’. Every time they swaggered in the front door of the Onslow Hotel after a hard week’s work, their laughter was loud and genuine as they settled onto their bar stools. I peeked through the restaurant partition, a flimsy divider between my world and theirs. I couldn’t help but smile whenever I saw them, saw him ... Toby Morrison.

Quiet seventeen-year-old Tess doesn’t relish the thought of a summertime job. She wants nothing more than to forget the past haunts of high school and have fun with her best friends before the dreaded Year Twelve begins.

To Tess, summer is when everything happens: riding bikes down to the lake, watching the fireworks at the Onslow Show and water bomb fights at the sweltering Sunday markets.

How did she let her friends talk her into working?

After first-shift disasters, rude, wealthy tourists and a taunting ex-boyfriend, Tess is convinced nothing good can come of working her summer away. However, Tess finds unlikely allies in a group of locals dubbed ‘The Onslow Boys’, who are old enough to drive cars, drink beer and not worry about curfews. Tess’s summer of working expands her world with a series of first times with new friends, forbidden love and heartbreaking chaos.

All with the one boy she has never been able to forget.
It will be a summer she will always remember. 

Overall Thoughts:

Such a nice, pleasant, and fiery read that realistically chronicles a humanistic change of an awkward girl to an self-assured woman!

The Boys of Summer is about 17-year-old girl named Tess, who has spent her entire junior year of high school as being this shy, nervous, sheepish teenager. Once summer arrives, she's anxious to simply hang out with her two best friends, Ellie and Adam, at the lake, riding their bicycles, or laying out in the welcoming sun. Unfortunately for her, both of her friends have planned something completely different this time around; instead of lounging around, they've decided to get summer jobs at the Onslow Hotel, much to Tess's dismay. After some much-practiced puppy dog eyes and insistent begging, they are able to convince her to step outside of her comfort zone and attempt to try to have fun in an alien environment for once in her life, as an inexperienced employee.

At first, Tess feels like a total fish out of water, but as time progresses, she's able to finally find a certain rhyme and rhythm to her new day-to-day activities that she's never really known before. Suddenly, she finds herself laughing a little more freely; talking with less censorship; and... loving with no restraints. Little does she know, this will become the best summer of her entire life filled with action, thrills, and romance that will force her to abandon her wallflower-tendencies in pursuit of living life to the fullest!

What I liked about this book:

The very first thing I noticed about this book was the fact that the author really captured the voice of a timid, bashful teenager. Instead of some annoyingly false representation of teenagers that was concocted by an adult attempting to capture our feelings, I felt that Duggan's perception and voice was accurate and spot-on.

Also, I found myself really relating to Tess, on a personal level. I've definitely always been the more introverted and passive person that preferred to stay in the background, so it was nice to see Tess be the exact same way.

What I disliked about this book:

During the beginning and middle of the book, there are some instances in which you may or may not completely understand the character's motives, feelings, and/or decisions as much as you'd like. But I'm glad to say that the ending reveals all the answers to the questions you may (or may not) have while reading. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but just so you are aware: Your inquiries will be properly answered in due time.

Verdict:

I definitely recommend this book if you're looking for a sweet yet passionate adult romance!

An Endless Summer (Summer, #2) is the next book in this series!

4 TARGETS!