Review: Collide by Gail McHugh

Title: Collide
Author: Gail McHugh
Series: Collide Series
Genre: New Adult Romance
Pub Date: January 1, 2013
Pages (Kindle Version:) 404

"On the heels of graduating college and trying to cope with her mother’s death, Emily Cooper moves to New York

City for a fresh start.

While harboring secrets of his own, Dillon Parker takes care of Emily through her grief. Knowing he can’t live without her by his side, he’s sweet, thoughtful, and everything Emily has ever wanted in a man.

Until she meets Gavin Blake—a rich and notorious playboy who is dangerously sexy and charming as hell. Emily tries to deny the instant connection she feels, but Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome is not inclined to let go so easily. Recovering from his own painful past, Gavin will stop at nothing to win Emily over. 

This unexpected encounter compels Emily to question her decisions, forcing her to make a choice that will destroy friendships, shatter hearts, and forever change her life."

Agh.

Just so you guys know, this isn't going to be a positive review.

I wanted to love Collide so much. It really had potential to be a great book. Unfortunately, the characters destroyed the book completely for me.

Dillon was an asshole. Like, from the first chapter I knew he was going to be an asshole. This isn't a spoiler in any way, it's pretty blatant to the reader in the first chapter that he sucks.

Obviously, he was created this way to foil Gavin. But here's my issue: Gavin wasn't that great. He was great in the sense that he's charming and oh so in-love with Emily. But he constantly is needing advice from his friends, throughout the whole book. Rarely does he realize he needs to do something without someone telling him

And oh my lord. Emily killed me. I don't want to have a massive spoiler here so this is going to be hard to explain but the girl is absolutely crazy. She is so terrified of being alone and is the most indecisive person I have ever met. Plus she leads on two guys which really isn't cool in my book (unless she truly didn't know who she wanted to be with...but she did so that's why it was so dang frustrating.)  

Olivia, Emily's best friend I really liked. She's outspoken and funny and relatable which I loved. I wish she was the main character instead of Emily because she was much more original and interesting.

The plot and pacing of Collide was decent. I liked that it took place in New York City, as that is one of my favorite places in the whole world. A lot happened in the book which I enjoyed and at a decent pace, but the characters completely ruined the half-way good plot.

The whole book was a miss for me to be honest. I probably won't continue reading this series.

Sorry if this was really harsh. I just wanted to be honest! Hoping you all had a wonderful Easter if you celebrate, and have a nice week!

Cover Art: 6/10 
Characters: 4/10
Plot: 6/10 
Pacing: 7/10 
Romance: 4/10
Overall: 5/10

xoxo

Moon Spell by Samantha Young

Title: Moon Spell
Author: Samantha Young
Series: The Tale of Lunarmorte
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Romance
Pub Date: October 10th, 2011
Pages (Paperback): 436


"Enter a world of fierce wolves, stunning magic and romance...

It’s bad enough feeling different among the human crowd, but feeling different among wolves? 

No one said returning to her pack would be easy, especially after ten years without them, but seventeen year old Caia Ribeiro is unprepared for the realities of the transition. Raised in a world where kids aren’t scared by bedtime tales of the bogeyman but by the real life threat of enemy supernaturals who might come creeping into their community to kill them in their sleep, Caia is used to the darkness; she’s used to the mystery and the intrigue of the ancient underworld war she’s bound to by chance of birth. What she’s having trouble with are pack members treating her with wary suspicion, the Elders tucking secrets behind their backs out of her sightline, and her young Alpha, Lucien, distracting her, with a dangerous attraction, from her decision to uncover the truth.

But as the saying goes ‘the truth will out’ and when it does, Caia will only have so long to prepare herself before the war comes pounding on their door threatening to destroy the safe, secret lives of the wolves… and the girl they protect." (From Goodreads).

I'm torn while reviewing this book. In some ways, I loved it. In some ways, I disliked it.

Samantha Young really is a fabulous writer. Her plots are rich, and her characters are well developed.


I loved the characters in Moon Spell. Caia was relatable, sweet, and didn't fit in the typical YA Romance female stereotype. She made many decisions independently, and was very selfless. She truly aimed to help others beyond herself.


I also liked the connection between the greek gods and the Lykans (the werewolves). It added a bit of depth to the story, so it fell out of the stereotypical werewolf book.

Caia and Lucien's romance was fantastic. I loved it as it was very intense and up-and-down. Many people hate emotional romances were the state of the couple is constantly changing, but I generally enjoy that type of romance. This made the book a bit better in my opinion. Warning, if you are under 16, don't read this book. There is a brief sex scene that may be too vulgar for some readers. Also there is swearing, so if you don't like to read books that contain cussing, I would steer clear of Moon Spell.


My issues with this story is that it felt extremely unfinished. There were many loose strings, and often the plot seemed random. The beginning was really confusing because the characters weren't introduced, rather it delved right into the villains (who I didn't realize were the villains) talking and plotting, but I had no idea who they were talking about.


I did continue with this series, as it was an interesting take on werewolves. I also liked how vampyres and faeries are woven into the story, as it makes it very whimsical and unique. Additionally, the many characters of this story were great.

Cover Art: 7/10 (BEAUTIFUL COVER!)
Characters: 9/10
Plot: 8/10 
Pacing: 5/10 
Romance: 10/10
Overall: 8/10

xoxo,

The Edge of Never by J.A. Redmerski

Title: The Edge of Never
Author: J.A. Redmerski
Series: The Edge of Never Series
Genre: New Adult Romance
Pub Date: November 15th, 2012
Pages (ebook): 391

I love, love, LOVE this book.

It is seriously a fabulous book.

I almost cried at multiple points and my heart nearly beat out of my chest every time that Andrew and Camryn interacted.

This novel epitomizes the saying 'live every second like it is your last.'

Camryn was very relatable, especially for a female lead. She has had a lot of shit to deal with in recent years and basically cannot handle her life, and gets on a bus and just leaves. And she meets Andrew, who is so swoon worthy.

When he is introduced, I'm not going to lie I thought he was a little kid. And by little, I mean early teens. He has a very young, boyish charm, that at first comes across a bit immature.

But once you get to know him further in the book, you can tell her just has a good sense of humor and is very playful. 

Camryn and Andrew's love story is beautiful. They have a special bond that is beautiful described by J.A. Redmerski. They go on a spontaneous journey that has many ups and downs, fights and amends  Nearly every emotion expressed in the novel is felt within the reader as well. 

If you are looking for a book with a plot that will not only surprise you but also tug at your heartstrings, I highly recommend The Edge of Never.


Cover Art: 10/10 (BEAUTIFUL COVER!)
Characters: 10/10
Plot: 10/10 
Pacing: 7/10 (Sometimes a bit fast, rereading was upon occasion needed)
Romance: 10/10
Overall: 10/10

Hopeless by Colleen Hoover

Title: Hopeless
Author: Colleen Hoover
Series: Hopeless Series (Losing Hope is expected to be released July 2013)
Genre: NewAdult Romance
Pub Date: December 19, 2012
Pages (ebook): 391

OH MY LORD. Words cannot express my love for Hopeless.

Obviously everyone has been raving about Hopeless for months, but I just picked it up. I really should've read it earlier.

For a short backstory, I read slammed a month or so back. It was a great read, but nothing compared to hopeless. Colleen is a great writer... she creates realistic characters with intricate backstories. She makes you feel like you are living her stories. They are so raw and filled with emotion that you cannot help but feel everything the characters are feeling.

Back to Hopeless. The main characters, Sky and Dean, who goes primarily by Holder, are incredible. Sky is so relatable...she feels a bit detached from her own life, like so many other teenagers.

Holder....ah, Holder. How do I ever describe him? He's perfect. He's charming with a touch of bad boy, and also extremely protective. He deeply cares for Sky from the moment they meet.

The chemistry between Sky and Holder is incredible. The are made to be together. Holder brings Sky out of her numb state, and Sky calms Holder's temper so easily. They are made for each other, and bring out the best in each other.

This is the type of book where I cannot give a quick plot overview without giving everything away. All I can say is that YOU WILL NOT PREDICT THE MIDDLE/ENDING OF THE BOOK. The whole story is constantly moving and unpredictable, but in a good way. The flawless writing style and unpredictable plot make it physically impossible to put this book down.

If you have not read this book, go buy it right now. This is not a request. This is a demand. It THAT incredible. You will not regret it, I promise.

It is late, and even though I could go ON AND ON about this book for days, I'd rather publish this quickly so you guys can go and buy it and read. My words will never express how beautiful this book is, you really have to go and read it yourself to fully grasp how fabulous it is.

Happy reading everyone!

Cover Art: 10/10
Characters: 10/10
Plot: 10/10 
Pacing: 10/10
Romance: 10/10
Overall: 10/10

xoxo,

Long Time, No Review.

Hi everyone!
I know I have been MIA for like...5ish months... and I am sorry! I have been reading quite a lot, but haven't had time to review. Junior year has been a struggle for me to balance everything.

But I really want to start reviewing again.

I've read some INCREDIBLE books, and I need to talk about them.

I hope everyone has had a great 2013 thus far.

I'll be reviewing "Hopeless" by Colleen Hoover tonight.

Stick with me y'all.

xoxo,

Review: Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

Title: Beautiful Disaster

Author: Jamie McGuire
Series: Beautiful
Genre: New Adult Romance
Pub Date: May 26th, 2011
Pages: 437

"The new Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn't drink or swear, and she has the appropriate percentage of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance between her and the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend America, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University's Walking One-Night Stand.

Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby needs - and wants - to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the most-eligible college co-ed. Intrigued by Abby's resistance to his charm, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis' apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has finally met his match" (From Goodreads.)

I really love this book, for all the wrong reasons.

Let me explain...I loved the powerful emotions in the book, and the way you start to feel those emotions. I loved the characters back stories and how their pasts effect them.

Abby I started off loving, as she was determined to make the most of her life and live beyond her horrible past. Towards the middle of the book, it was almost as if she stopped thinking..she didn't care that she was leading two different guys on and wasn't thinking about the consequences. That sort of frustrated me. 

Travis grew on me, at first I didn't like him all that much, but then I started liking him.

The romance in this book is intense and may trigger those who are reading with abusive pasts. Though Travis treats Abby well, his mannerisms are similar to abusers.

I don't want to give anything away but the ending is happy and a SOLID ending. I am quite surprised that there is going to be a second book because it ended so perfectly/

I liked Abby's best friend America, she's very protective over Abby, just like how I am with my best friend.

Shepley was nice enough, just an average boy though.

If you love an intense romance, read this book! 

Cover Art: 9/10 
Characters: 7/10
Plot: 9/10 
Pacing: 7/10
Romance: 10/10
Overall: 8.5/10

Top Ten Tuesday #2

TOP TEN TUESDAY Freebie (hosted by The Broke and the Bookish)
I'm doing My Favorite YA Contemporary Romances! (In no specific order.)

1) Easy by Tammara Webber

2) Perfect Chemistry Series by Simone Elkeles

3) Amy & Rogers Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

4) The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

5) Reason to Breathe by Rebecca Donavon

6) Such A Rush by Jennifer Echols

7) My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

8) In Honor by Jessi Kirby

9) The Fault In Our Stars by John Green

10) The Summer of Skinny Dipping by Amanda Howells

What do you guys think of these books? I'd love to here what you think. I adore all of these books and have re-read many of them. Definitely my favorite romances out there!