Review: The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller

Hardcover, 336 pages
Publication: February 25th 2020 
By: Feiwel and Friends

Alessandra is tired of being overlooked, but she has a plan to gain power:

1) Woo the Shadow King.2) Marry him.3) Kill him and take his kingdom for herself.

No one knows the extent of the freshly crowned Shadow King’s power. Some say he can command the shadows that swirl around him to do his bidding. Others say they speak to him, whispering the thoughts of his enemies. Regardless, Alessandra knows what she deserves, and she’s going to do everything within her power to get it.

But Alessandra’s not the only one trying to kill the king. As attempts on his life are made, she finds herself trying to keep him alive long enough for him to make her his queen—all while struggling not to lose her heart. After all, who better for a Shadow King than a cunning, villainous queen? 

 I don't even know where to start with this review. I am a huge fan of Trisha Levenseller! She has not let me down with any of her novels and this one by far is my favorite.

Levenseller was able to create two characters who are evil, but lovable at the same time. Both main characters are practically villains in their own way, but yet I could not help myself but root for the both of them. I am also a huge lover of a slow burn romance, which the author did a great job with in this novel. They go from strangers to best friends to lovers-- and I loved every minute of it! They truly were perfect for each other.

I found myself torn with all types of emotions while reading. In one chapter I knew what Alessandra was doing/did is wrong, but I loved her for it. I actually questioned my sanity! What is wrong with me that I am rooting for this girl and loving every sneaky little thing she is doing? LOL! I couldn't help myself. I also loved how ruthless the Shadow King can be, but soft at the same time. The fact that the author can bring that out in me by just a couple of words is a 5 STAR all the way!! Love her writing and will FOREVER be a fan.

I completely lost myself in this book and it has been a long time that I've been able to read a book from beginning to end. THE SHADOW KING has brought out my passion for reading again. I am so happy I was able to snag a copy. It is definitely a MUST-READ for 2020! A Good Choice for Reading! 5 HUGE Stars from me!

SNAG YOUR COPY TODAY!

BARNES & NOBLE │ AMAZON

Black Beating Wings by Alex London Virtual Signing!

Good Choice Reading has teamed up with Barnes & Noble in Oxford Valley, PA to bring you this special virtual signing!

Author Alex London will be visiting their store to talk about his new book, BLACK WINGS BEATING on September 25th!

You can order a signed personalized copy of BLACK WINGS BEATING right here on our website! ;)

PLEASE READ ALL TERMS AND CONDITIONS BEFORE PLACING YOUR ORDER! 

Terms & Conditions

• All books will be signed on September 25th and shipped right after.  

• All books will be shipped priority mail.

• Priority mail for U.S. Readers takes 2-3 business days to arrive. Priority mail comes with free insurance up to $50 and free tracking number. For international readers, Priority Mail takes 6-10 business days. Sometimes a bit longer depending on your country.

• This event ends August 17, 2018. 

• Refunds will be honored until September 17th. After September 17th there are no refunds, as all books have been ordered via the bookstore.

• Good Choice Reading/Alex London are not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged mail. In the event any of the above were to take place, your package is insured up to $50. A claim will have to be filed with USPS.

• International: We have had a couple of incidents where a package has been returned to us due to it not being claimed. In the event that this should take place an additional shipping cost is required in order to re-ship the package. No refunds will be granted as the book was ordered, signed, shipped and reached its destination. It is your responsibility to keep track of your package and claim it. Once the package leaves the United States we no longer have any control over it.

• All packages will be shipped to the mailing address used on your PayPal account or at check out. Please make sure to update your shipping information. If your address differs from the one on your PayPal account/Invoice, please email Events@goodchoicereading.com immediately so that we can update our records.

• Shipping & Handling and taxes will be added at check-out. It will go according to your country and/or the number of books you order.

• Before placing your order there is an option to enter an email address and who you would like the book personalized to. Please double check spelling. If you do not wish to have the book personalized simply leave blank. We will have the author just sign the book with no name.

• Any questions or concerns please email Contact@goodchoicereading.com. By placing an order below you are agreeing to our terms and conditions.

HARDCOVER $17.99

Review: Traveler by L.E. DeLano

Traveler by L.E. DeLano
Paperback, 352 pages
Expected publication: February 7th, 2017 by Swoon Reads

Jessa has spent her life dreaming of other worlds and writing down stories more interesting than her own, until the day her favorite character, Finn, suddenly shows up and invites her out for coffee. After the requisite nervous breakdown, Jessa learns that she and Finn are Travelers, born with the ability to slide through reflections and dreams into alternate realities. But it’s not all steampunk pirates and fantasy lifestyles…Jessa is dying over and over again, in every reality, and Finn is determined that this time, he’s going to stop it… this Jessa is going to live.

Purchase

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

I wasn’t sure what to expect from Traveler. These types of stories can be very “hit or miss” for me, so to be honest, I don’t give them a shot very often. I don’t regret my decision to go ahead with this one.

While there were some aspects of the store that were cliché, I think there was plenty of creativity to make up for it. The premise is fascinating – a girl who finds out she can travel between different realities through reflective surfaces. In different realities there are different circumstances, of course, so there was a lot of pressure on the author to make the alternative realities believable and interesting. I think she did a great job with that, and seeing how different things were for the characters in other realities was one of my favorite parts of the story.

My other favorite part of the story was the dialogue. The banter between the characters was a lot of fun!

I will say that I had to force myself to finish the book, as the last few chapters were a bit lackluster. The epilogue pulled me back in though, and because of that, I might be looking out for the sequel!

Cover: 4 | Characters: 4 | Plot: 4 | Pace: 3 | Creativity: 4

Review: Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller

Daughter of the Pirate King
by Tricia Levenseller
Hardcover, 320 pages
Expected publication: February 28th 2017
by Feiwel & Friends

A 17-year-old pirate captain intentionally allows herself to get captured by enemy pirates in this thrilling YA adventure.

If you want something done right . . .

When the ruthless pirate king learns of a legendary treasure map hidden on an enemy ship, his daughter, Alosa, knows there's only one pirate for the job—herself. Leaving behind her beloved ship and crew, Alosa deliberately facilitates her own kidnapping to ensure her passage on the ship, confident in her ability to overcome any obstacle. After all, who's going to suspect a seventeen-year-old girl locked in a cell? Then she meets the (surprisingly perceptive and unfairly attractive) first mate, Riden, who is charged with finding out all her secrets. Now it's down to a battle of wits and will . . . . Can Alosa find the map and escape before Riden figures out her plan?

Debut author Tricia Levenseller blends action, adventure, romance, and a little bit of magic into a thrilling YA pirate tale.

I am going to be honest and say I hate this cover! I do not think the cover does the story any justice. The only reason I read it was because a friend recommended it to me. I actually skipped it a couple of times thinking it was more of a middle grade novel. I hope they update the cover.

Aside from that, this story was nothing like what I had expected. I jumped into the story expecting it to be a bit childish. I am a huge pirate fan and one thing I love most about pirate stories is the ruthlessness of it all. I love how pirates have no fear and are all pretty much selfish. LOL! For some reason (and it could be because of the cover) I did not expect this novel to be as mature as it is. It turned out to be one of my favorites!

Alosa, your main female character, is so kick-ass! This must be the year for strong female characters. Or maybe I am just doing a great job picking out books filled with them! I found her to be brave, smart, daring, and soft all in one.

Riden, I was torn with him. I found him to be up and down. One minute I really liked him and the next, I couldn’t stand him and thought he was such a baby! But in the end, he got back on my good side. :)

Not only is DAUGHTER OF THE PIRATE KING fast paced, but it’s funny, romantic, and brutal at times. It also has a slight twist of supernatural to it. More so towards the middle/end of the book. I am so happy I gave it a chance. Now to wait for the sequel…. The bad part!

This was a great read!!! A Good Choice for Reading ;)

5 HUGE STARS!

Add to GoodReads

Pre-order today!

Amazon † BN

Review: The Cruelty by Scott Bergstrom

The Cruelty
by Scott Bergstrom
Hardcover, 384 pages
Expected publication: February 7th 2017
by Feiwel & Friends

When her diplomat father is kidnapped and the U.S. Government is unable to help, 17 year-old Gwendolyn Bloom sets off across the sordid underbelly of Europe to rescue him. Following the only lead she has—the name of a Palestinian informer living in France—she plunges into a brutal world of arms smuggling and human trafficking. As she journeys from the slums of Paris, to the nightclubs of Berlin, to the heart of the most feared crime family in Prague, Gwendolyn discovers that to survive in this new world she must become every bit as cruel as the men she’s hunting.

I had high hopes for this book but in the end it just didn’t work for me. The concept of this book was very intriguing; a YA version of the movie Taken but this time the daughter was in search of the father. How cool, right?! Well, sadly, it wasn’t very YA and it didn’t keep the cool factor from start to finish.

The beginning was a bit slow for me; I didn’t feel as though I was connecting to any particular character, though other than our main character Gwendolyn, everyone else was basically side characters floating in & out of scenes when needed. There never seemed to be a growth in Gwendolyn and her “relationship” with “the boy back home” left me scratching my head. The ending did not feel like an ending at all. It was as though the author simply decided to stop writing mid scene…it truly made no sense to me how it ended, especially after everything the character had been through. I’m not certain if there is to be another book but there were so many questions unanswered at the end.

My main problems was Gwendolyn herself, the rate at which the story progressed and the truly lack-luster ending. I had not heard of the controversy with the author prior to reading this so that did not factor into my review of this book. Though this book is geared as YA, I find the content to be quite heavy and would not recommend anyone younger than 17-18 read this as it entails physical/verbal abuse & the reality of human sex trafficking.

Though I am rating this book 3 stars, there were a few quotes that stuck out to me. Here are a few of those quotes:

“Strange to break into a building and find your memories living inside.”

“That’s what war means. Bullets and mistakes you have to live with forever.”

“It’s a new kind of beauty on this stranger: beauty through strength, beauty through fury. It’s frightening and wonderful, and for the first time ever in my life, what I see in the mirror pleases me.”

“But something compels me to stay: If you have the courage for the act, you have the courage to watch the outcome.”

3 Stars!

Pre-order today!

Amazon † Barnes & Noble

NEW: HEARTLESS by Marissa Meyer Virtual Signing!

Pre-order a signed personalized copy of HEARTLESS by Marissa Meyer today!!!

This event is open to U.S. & International Readers! 

 

Long before she was the terror of Wonderland — the infamous Queen of Hearts — she was just a girl who wanted to fall in love.

Catherine may be one of the most desired girls in Wonderland, and a favorite of the yet-unmarried King of Hearts, but her interests lie elsewhere. A talented baker, all she wants is to open a shop with her best friend and supply the Kingdom of Hearts with delectable pastries and confections. But according to her mother, such a goal is unthinkable for the young woman who could be the next Queen.

At a royal ball where Cath is expected to receive the king's marriage proposal, she meets Jest, the handsome and mysterious court joker. For the first time, she feels the pull of true attraction. At the risk of offending the King and infuriating her parents, she and Jest enter into an intense, secret courtship.

Cath is determined to define her own destiny and fall in love on her terms. But in a land thriving with magic, madness, and monsters, fate has other plans.

PLEASE READ ALL THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS BEFORE PLACING YOUR ORDER!! 

Terms & Conditions

This event ends November 1st.

All books will be purchased at Barnes & Noble on release day.

All books will be signed and personalized by Marissa Meyer on November 10th.

All packages will be shipped release week. 

All books will be shipped via priority mail in a padded flat rate envelope or depending on the size of your order, a flat rate box. This also includes a free tracking number and free insurance on your package up to $50.

Your package will be shipped to the mailing address listed on your PayPal account. If this is not the correct address, please email Events@goodchoicereading.com immediately.

Refund policy: returns are allowed as long as the book have not been ordered/signed by the author. Once the books are ordered/signed/personalized we cannot grant any refunds.

Below there is an option to enter your email address and the name you’d like Marissa Meyer to sign in the book. Please double check spelling. The email address provided is the email we will use to contact you should we have any issues or concerns.

GCReading, Barnes & Noble, Marissa Meyer, nor Macmillan are responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged mail. Your package is insured and you will have to file a claim with your local postal office.

If you have ANY questions or concerns, please email Events@goodchoicereading.com or tweet @GCReading for a fast response.

GRAB YOU COPY TODAY!

HARDCOVER

HEARTLESS BY MARISSA MEYER

THIS EVENT HAS ENDED!

Please email Events@goodchoicereading.com with any questions or concerns. 

Review: The Glass Arrow by Kristen Simmons

Title: The Glass Arrow
Author: Kristen Simmons
Publisher: Tor Teen (Macmillan)
Published: February 10, 2015
Hardcover, 334 pgs

GoodReads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The Handmaid’s Tale meets Blood Red Road in Glass Arrow, the story of Aya, who lives with a small group of women on the run from the men who hunt them, men who want to auction off breeding rights to the highest bidder. In a world where females are scarce and are hunted, then bought and sold at market for their breeding rights, 15-year old Aya has learned how to hide. With a ragtag bunch of other women and girls, she has successfully avoided capture and eked out a nomadic but free existence in the mountains. But when Aya’s luck runs out and she’s caught by a group of businessmen on a hunting expedition, fighting to survive takes on a whole new meaning.

First off, I need to point out that I am a huge fan of Kristen Simmons. Her Article 5 novels had me captivated throughout each book and I was actually sad when I realized that they had to end. So when I happened to come across this novel, it easily found its way to the top of my "to be read" pile.

The Glass Arrow is one of the most unique novels I've read in a long time. It is set in a world where women are treated no better than the dirt on the bottom of your shoe. They are in the world to serve as toys for men -- to give them children and then to be thrown aside like trash. Through each of the female characters you meet, it's fascinating to watch how the effects of living in such a world play out. There are some who embrace the life they've been brought into. There are others who would rather die than suffer through it. And then, there's Aya -- who doesn't want to go either way. Aya is determined to get out of the situation, no matter what she has to do. She is determined to find her family and escape.

I adore Aya's character. From the very beginning, she is intelligent, introspective, and a hardcore fighter. While she has moments where she's afraid of what might happen to her, she always fights through the fear in order to accomplish her goals. But all the while, she never stops caring for others. She cares about the mute boy she meets while in solitary confinement. She cares about the girls who are trapped with her, even though they always treat her horribly. And she even cares about her female captor -- always wondering what happened in her life to make her act the way she does.

The Glass Arrow is a very quick read, with even a bit of romance thrown in, that will keep you turning the pages as fast as you can. The concept is new and different, and for that reason alone, you should give it a try. It will be well worth your time!

5 out of 5 stars!

THE LOVELY RECKLESS by Kami Garcia Virtual Signing!

We have another AMAZING virtual signing for you!!!!!

For a limited time pre-order a signed personalized copy of  THE LOVELY RECKLESS by Kami Garcia!!!!

PLEASE READ TERMS & CONDITIONS BEFORE PLACING YOUR ORDER

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

• This event ends September 25th at midnight.
• All books will be purchased at Barnes & Noble on release day.
• All books will be signed and personalized by Kami Garcia during release week.
• All packages will be shipped release week. (We are working on the date/time since Kami will be on tour)
• All books will be shipped via priority mail in a padded flat rate envelope or depending on the size of your order, a flat rate box. This also includes a free tracking number and free insurance on your package up to $50.
• Your package will be shipped to the mailing address listed on your PayPal account. If this is not the correct address, please email Events@goodchoicereading.com immediately.
• Refund policy: returns are allowed as long as the book has not been signed by the author. Once the books is signed/personalized we cannot grant any refunds.
• Below there is an option to enter your email address and the name you’d like Kami Garcia to sign in the book. Please double check spelling. The email address provided is the email we will use to contact you should we have any issues or concerns.
• GCReading, Barnes & Noble, Kami Garcia, nor Macmillan are responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged mail. Your package is insured and you will have to file a claim with your local postal office.
• If you have ANY questions or concerns, please email Events@goodchoicereading.com or tweet @GCReading for a fast response.

I’ve become an expert at avoiding things that could hurt me—which means I will figure out how to stay away from Marco Leone.

Seventeen-year-old Frankie Devereux would do anything to forget the past. Haunted by the memory of her boyfriend’s death, she lives her life by one dangerous rule: Nothing matters. At least, that’s what Frankie tells herself after a reckless mistake forces her to leave her privileged life in the Heights to move in with her dad—an undercover cop. She transfers to a public high school in the Downs, where fistfights don’t faze anyone and illegal street racing is more popular than football.

Marco Leone is the fastest street racer in the Downs. Tough, sexy, and hypnotic, he makes it impossible for Frankie to ignore him—and how he makes her feel. But the risks Marco takes for his family could have devastating consequences for them both. When Frankie discovers his secret, she has to make a choice. Will she let the pain of the past determine her future? Or will she risk what little she has left to follow her heart?

HARDCOVER $18.99

OPEN TO U.S. & INTERNATIONAL READERS

If you would like more than one copy you must change quantity at checkout. 

THIS EVENT HAS ENDED!

NEW: Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo Virtual Signing!

Hey GCReaders!

Today we bring you a very special virtual signing! 

For a limited time only you will be able to pre-order a signed personalized copy of NYT Bestselling & USA Today bestselling author, Leigh Bardugo's CROOKED KINGDOM (or duology set: Six of Crows & Crooked Kingdom). 

EVERYONE who pre-orders a copy, starting today through September 16th, will get a FREE CROOKED KINGDOM tattoo sheet! Yes, international readers as well! 

Please make sure to read the terms & conditions below before placing your order. There is also a FAQ at the bottom of this post. 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

• This event ends September 16th at midnight. 

• All books will be purchased at Barnes & Noble on release day. 

• All books will be signed and personalized by Leigh Bardugo during release week. 

• All packages will be shipped Wednesday, September 28th. 

• All books will be shipped via priority mail in a padded flat rate envelope or depending on the size of your order, a flat rate box. This also includes a free tracking number and free insurance on your package up to $50. 

• Your package will be shipped to the mailing address listed on your PayPal account. If this is not the correct address, please email Events@goodchoicereading.com immediately. 

• Refund policy: returns are allowed as long as the book has not been signed by the author. Once the books is signed/personalized we cannot grant any refunds. 

• Below there is an option to enter your email address and the name you’d like Leigh Bardugo to sign in the book. Please double check spelling. The email address provided is the email we will use to contact you should we have any issues or concerns. 

• GCReading, Barnes & Noble, Leigh Bardugo, nor Macmillan are responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged mail. Your package is insured and you will have to file a claim with your local postal office. 

• If you have ANY questions or concerns, please email Events@goodchoicereading.com or tweet @GCReading for a fast response.

You have TWO options below. 

You can purchase CROOKED KINGDOM to be signed and personalized. 

Or you can purchase BOTH books, SIX OF CROWS & CROOKED KINGDOM duology box set.

You will have to add both books to your cart. 

They will come in this beautiful box set signed and personalized...

THIS EVENT HAS ENDED!

FAQ

What is the shipping cost?

Shipping & Handling is added at checkout and it goes according to how many books are in your cart. Tax is also added at checkout.

Can my books be sent media mail? It’s cheaper.

We only ship Priority mail because this insures that your package arrives 2-3 business days (6-10 weeks international – 1-2 weeks Canada), and comes with FREE insurance up to $50. Also, we are able to put however many items inside your package without risking the post office ripping your package open to view its contents. With Media Mail, we will not be able to add ANYTHING extra to your package. It will have to be strictly the book and book alone. Which means, we will not be able to send you your Crooked Kingdom tattoo sheet. The risk is too high. We’ve had packages in the past sent media mail and some arrived emptied, or ripped open.

I am located international; can I purchase the books?

Yes. This event is open worldwide.

How much is international shipping?

Shipping & Handling varies according to country and the number of books in your cart. All books shipped International are sent priority mail and are insured up to $50. You will be able to track your package. However, once it reaches your country there will be no more tracking information.

Similar Post: 

Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas Virtual Signing

Stealing Snow by Danielle Paige Virtual Signing

The Beauty of Darkness by Mary E. Pearson - NEW VIRTUAL SIGNING

Good Choice Reading & Step Into Fiction have teamed up with Mary E. Pearson & Barnes & Noble (Bensalem, PA) to bring you this AWESOME virtual signing!

I am a HUGE fan of Mary E. Pearson and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this series! 

Starting today through July 27th, you can order a signed or personalized copy of ANY of the books in The Remnant Chronicles Series!

Full details are below. 

>>>>>> PLEASE READ TERMS & CONDITIONS BEFORE PLACING YOUR ORDER <<<<<<

1. - All books will be purchased via Barnes & Noble at Neshimany Mall on August 2nd.
2. - All books will be signed/personalized on August 9th 
3. - All books will be shipped priority mail on August 10th. Priority mail takes 2-3 business days for US orders, and 6-10 weeks for International outside of Canada. 
4. - Shipping priority mail also includes FREE tracking number -- which will be sent directly to the email address you share at checkout, as well as FREE insurance up to $50. 
5. - All packages will be sent to the address listed on your PayPal account. If you DO NOT have a PayPal account, DO NOT worry, PayPal allows you to check out with a debit/credit card. 
6. - If your address is different than what is listed on your PayPal account please e-mail EVENTS@goodchoicereading.com so that we can make the changes. 
7. - Please DOUBLE CHECK Spelling on email and name you'd like Mary E. Pearson to sign your book to. 
8. - Refunds are allowed as long as the book has not been purchased and signed. 
9. - Good Choice Reading, Mary E. Pearson, nor Barnes & Noble are responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged mail. You will have to file a claim at your local P.O. All packages will be insured up to $50.
10. - If you have any questions or concerns please email Events@goodchoicereading.com. 

HARDCOVER

Note: Below there are 6 different options. Three are for U.S. Readers, and the other three are for International readers. The price is different because it includes tax. PayPal does not add tax to international orders, but unfortunately I still have to pay taxes on my end when purchasing the books. 

***Please make sure to choose the correct option or else your order will be refunded.

Any questions or concerns please email Events@goodchoicereading.com

Review: The Killing Jar by Jennifer Bosworth

The Killing Jar
by Jennifer Bosworth
Hardcover, 352 pages
Expected publication: January 12th 2016
by Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Available on...
Amazon † B&N

“I try not to think about it, what I did to that boy.”

Seventeen-year-old Kenna Marsden has a secret.

She’s haunted by a violent tragedy she can’t explain. Kenna’s past has kept people—even her own mother—at a distance for years. Just when she finds a friend who loves her and life begins to improve, she’s plunged into a new nightmare. Her mom and twin sister are attacked, and the dark powers Kenna has struggled to suppress awaken with a vengeance.

On the heels of the assault, Kenna is exiled to a nearby commune, known as Eclipse, to live with a relative she never knew she had. There, she discovers an extraordinary new way of life as she learns who she really is, and the wonders she’s capable of. For the first time, she starts to feel like she belongs somewhere. That her terrible secret makes her beautiful and strong, not dangerous. But the longer she stays at Eclipse, the more she senses there is something malignant lurking underneath it all. And she begins to suspect that her new family has sinister plans for her… 

VIRTUAL SIGNING: The Lunar Chronicles Series by Marissa Meyer + STARS ABOVE!

Hey book lovers!

We have a BRAND NEW virtual signing for you!

Good Choice Reading has teamed up with Barnes & Noble to bring yet another AWESOME virtual signing! 

Author Marissa Meyer will be signing copies of STARS ABOVE at Barnes & Noble at Neshaminy Mall in Bensalem, PA on February 8th, 2016. 

Readers from all around the world (yes, including INTERNATIONAL readers) who cannot make it to the event, here is your chance to purchase a signed/personalized copy of STARS ABOVE, or the complete LUNAR CHRONICLES series. 

Book Highlight: #ForeverforaYear by B.T Gottfred (#Giveaway)

FOREVER FOR A YEAR
By B.T. Gottfred
In stores NOW!

When Carolina and Trevor meet on their first day of school, something draws them to each other. They gradually share first kisses, first touches, first sexual experiences. When they're together, nothing else matters. But one of them will make a choice, and the other a mistake, that will break what they thought was unbreakable. Both will wish that they could fall in love again for the first time . . . but first love, by definition, can't happen twice.

Told in Carolina and Trevor's alternating voices, this is an up-close-and-personal story of two teenagers falling in love for the first time, and discovering it might not last forever.

Review: Rebel Mechanics by Shanna Swendson

Rebel Mechanics 
by Shanna Swendson
Hardcover, 320 pages
Expected publication: July 14th 2015
by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)

A sixteen-year-old governess becomes a spy in this alternative U.S. history where the British control with magic and the colonists rebel by inventing.

It’s 1888, and sixteen-year-old Verity Newton lands a job in New York as a governess to a wealthy leading family—but she quickly learns that the family has big secrets. Magisters have always ruled the colonies, but now an underground society of mechanics and engineers are developing non-magical sources of power via steam engines that they hope will help them gain freedom from British rule. The family Verity works for is magister—but it seems like the children's young guardian uncle is sympathetic to the rebel cause. As Verity falls for a charming rebel inventor and agrees to become a spy, she also becomes more and more enmeshed in the magister family’s life. She soon realizes she’s uniquely positioned to advance the cause—but to do so, she’ll have to reveal her own dangerous secret.

Can we start with the cover? It’s gorgeous! I love everything about it. It’s the first thing that made me want to read it. Beautiful! It also fits the story perfectly!

As for the story itself, I am not sure how I feel about it. I expected a lot more to be honest.

It had a great opening and immediately I fell in love with the idea of Verity falling for a bandit. I sort of knew that they would cross paths again, and my first thought was “now this is going to be a good romance.” Unfortunately, that is not where the story went. In fact, for more than half of the book Verity knows who the bandit really is, but doesn’t say a word. She befriends a group of rebels and right away she puts all her trust in them. Even if she questioned them, or their actions, she still went along with most of their little adventures and becoming a spy for them. There is also a romance that blossoms between Verity and a rebel that, to me, didn’t feel real at all. I wasn’t buying it one bit. There was just no chemistry between the two.

Overall, Rebel Mechanics was interesting enough to keep me reading until the very end, but I wish there was a little more action, some twist and turns that weren’t predictable. I also wish there was a lot more magic involved. But I did like the world Shanna Swendson has created, and the way she would describe certain things. Her writing was great! If there is going to be a sequel I plan on reading it. With the way things ended, I have hope that the story is going to go in a certain direction. *wink wink*

3 Stars!

GET YOUR COPY TODAY!

AMAZON † B&N † Kobo Books † iBooks

Review: Joyride by Anna Banks

Joyride
by Anna Banks
Hardcover, 288 pages
Expected publication: June 2nd 2015
by Feiwel & Friends

Received via NetGalley

A popular guy and a shy girl with a secret become unlikely accomplices for midnight pranking, and are soon in over their heads—with the law and with each other—in this sparkling standalone from NYT-bestselling author Anna Banks.

It’s been years since Carly Vega’s parents were deported. She lives with her brother, studies hard, and works at a convenience store to contribute to getting her parents back from Mexico.

Arden Moss used to be the star quarterback at school. He dated popular blondes and had fun with his older sister, Amber. But now Amber’s dead, and Arden blames his father, the town sheriff who wouldn’t acknowledge Amber's mental illness. Arden refuses to fulfill whatever his conservative father expects.

All Carly wants is to stay under the radar and do what her family expects. All Arden wants is to NOT do what his family expects. When their paths cross, they each realize they’ve been living according to others. Carly and Arden’s journey toward their true hearts—and one another—is funny, romantic, and sometimes harsh.

 I am so torn over this book. I did not hate it, but I did not love it. I think the problem is I jumped into JOYRIDE with high expectations since I loved Anna Banks SYRENA LEGACY series. There were plenty of moments that made me laugh out loud, blush, and want to bite off my nails, but I don’t think the chemistry between the two main characters was there. I liked both of them, a lot actually, but as a couple not so much. I think they would have been great best friends.

I think Arden fell for Carly for all the wrong reasons. He was struggling with losing his sister, and with his life pretty much changing. When he meets Carly he immediately clings to her and the idea of her being his pranking partner. He needed someone, so bad, to take his sister’s place.

Carly is also dealing with some issues. She is constantly working trying to save money to help her parents and brother out, and at the same time continue her education. When she meets Arden she learns to loosen up a bit. Don’t get me wrong, I think they were both perfect for each other, but as best friends.

Aside from that, I did enjoy it. Enough to finish the entire book and rate it 3 stars. One of the things I liked most was how much I laughed while reading. Arden is one funny character!! Loved him!

JOYRIDE was a fast read for me, It's filled with plenty of family drama, suspenseful moments, laughter, and more! I recommend it! Even though I had a slight issue with it, I think a lot of YA/NA readers will love it! A Good Choice for Reading. ;)

3 Stars!

ADD TO GOODREADS

GRAB YOUR COPY TODAY!

AMAZON † BN † KOBO † iBooks

Read-Along: #TheWinnersTrilogy by Marie Rutkoski & Giveaway! (Week Three)

Hey GCReaders!

Welcome to week three of The Winner's Trilogy read-along!

The Winner's Crime is almost here!!!! Squee!

Don't forget to enter the awesome giveaway at the bottom of the post!

Read-Along: #TheWinnersTrilogy by @MarieRutkoski & Giveaway!

Hey GCReaders!

Part two of The Winner's Trilogy read-along!

Don't forget to enter the awesome giveaway at the bottom of the post!

Review: I'll Meet You There by Heather Demetrios

I'll Meet You There
by Heather Demetrios
Hardcover, 400 pages
Expected publication: February 3rd 2015
by Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)

If seventeen-year-old Skylar Evans were a typical Creek View girl, her future would involve a double-wide trailer, a baby on her hip, and the graveyard shift at Taco Bell. But after graduation, the only thing standing between straightedge Skylar and art school are three minimum-wage months of summer. Skylar can taste the freedom—that is, until her mother loses her job and everything starts coming apart. Torn between her dreams and the people she loves, Skylar realizes everything she’s ever worked for is on the line.

Nineteen-year-old Josh Mitchell had a different ticket out of Creek View: the Marines. But after his leg is blown off in Afghanistan, he returns home, a shell of the cocksure boy he used to be. What brings Skylar and Josh together is working at the Paradise—a quirky motel off California’s dusty Highway 99. Despite their differences, their shared isolation turns into an unexpected friendship and soon, something deeper.

Read-Along: The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski & Giveaway! #thewinnerstrilogy

Hey GCReaders!

Welcome to day one in the THE WINNER'S TRILOGY by Marie Rutkoski read-along!

I am super excited to be a part of this read-along since I am a huge fan of this series! Yes, I have read them both and devoured them! Now I am diving back into the both books and sharing my thoughts as I go along.

Read-Along & Giveaway: The Winner's Trilogy by Marie Rutkoski!

Hey GCReaders!

Good Choice Reading has teamed up with a couple of our blogging buddies to bring you all a read-along of The Winner's Curse and The Winner's Crime!

The read-along will be broken down into chapters, and will run from February 3rd - March 31st. We will share and discuss our thoughts on each week's chapters on the TUESDAY of each week. There is also an awesome giveaway sponsored by Macmillan that will run the entire time of the read-along. You could win a signed copy of The Winner's Curse & The Winner's Crime!! There will be tons of ways to enter and double/triple your chances of winning!

We hope you will join us and follow along!

This is one series you DO NOT want to miss out on!

Make sure to follow the HASHTAG #TheWinnersTrilogy on twitter!