[REVIEW] Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgens

Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgens
Published: May 2012
Age Group: Young Adult
Series: The Sweet Trilogy #1

First I'll admit that I'm currently on the mend and needed to read something to keep me occupied. The cover for this story caught my attention and I decided to read it. I have no qualms with this story...nor do I have any utter love for this story. It's an okay story that I used to past the time, a classic 'meh' read.

The story follows the main character Anna and her, shall we say, rocky road to figuring out who she is and what her destiny is. She discovers she's a Neph, one born from a demon and a women but Anna's special, she's born from a demon and an angel (This should have been hint one already that she's the destined one meant for a bigger meaning and is meant to save the world yada yada).  Along the way she meets other Neph's, particularly one Kaiden Rowe, who is obviously her love interest if their first meeting wasn't a big enough clue. Now I don't want to get to in detail of what the story is about because there's a lot of background information into the hierarchy of these demons and what each Neph is expected to do. I'll just sum it up by saying Anna's lived a different life and it's this different life that allows her to be separate from the rest and put her towards the path of righteousness.

Now on to the story overall. I do love a good angsty romance story so I was really excited when this one seemed to be turning out to be a story like that. I'm not sure if Anna's best friend, Jay, was meant to be seen as a rival love interest or if I was blinded by my crush on Kaiden Rowe to not really pay attention but Jay honestly seemed like just a good friend.  His purpose in the story sort of diminished in my opinion because of his role but hey, every hot female lead needs at least one good guy friend.

The storyline was slightly generic. Introducing the one different character that can save the world, cliché cliché. I did like the inclusion of the Dukes of Hell, or more like the Seven Deadly Sins incarcerate since each one represents a Sin and act upon it, with some added Sins. That was interesting and added a new dynamic to the angel tale. But overall it was pretty bland and lacked much originality in my opinion. The story veered towards Anna's attempt at finding acceptance with some group, which I found to be quite interesting. The readers are taken on this journey of her own acceptance of who she is and who she belongs to. She doesn't fit in with the kids from her school (no duh she's a nephilim but that's probably the least of her worries) and when she finds people like her, she tries to fit in and find answers to all the mysteries in her life.

Some parts of the story seemed forced. I don't want to point any out in hopes of trying to make this review spoiler free (am I doing a good job at that?).They seemed to coincidental and seemed to happen at the most opportune moment. I hate when I read a book and get a feeling like that. To me that means the author didn't do a very good job in transitions if I'm left thinking that a certain event didn't really fit or was too perfect for that situation.

I guess this was just another story that I got sucked into because of the cover and the many reviews of people declaring their undying love to a Mr. Kaidan Rowe. Maybe I'm stuck in this funk because I'm waiting, desperately, for some romance novels to come out that I find myself attracted to any mention of a hot guy. Let that be a lesson, hot guys don't always make the story better, although they do help.

 3.5 - 4 cups of tea.

MEH

[COMING SOON TO THE BIG SCREEN] The Maze Runner by James Dashner

I keep posting movie annoucements so why not make it a segment: [COMING SOON TO THE BIG SCREEN]

This update is on the Maze Runner movie adaption. I wasn't aware they were planning a movie but apparently they are.

 

The cast is:

• Dylan O'Brien as Thomas
• Thomas Brodie-Sangster as Newt
• Kaya Scodelario as Teresa
• Will Poulter as Gally
• Ki Hong Lee as Minho
• Blake Cooper as Chuck
• Aml Ameen as Alby

I'm interested to see how this movie is going to be.

The scheduled release date is February 14, 2014. Why Valentines day I don't know...it's not that romantic in my opinion. I'll keep an eye out for the trailer,.

xoxox ♥

[IS THAT A COVER I SEE?] This Man Confessed by Jodi Ellen Malpas

I decided to start a new segment in this blog dedicated to new cover releases called [IS THAT A COVER I SEE?] because that's usually my first reaction at seeing a new cover release.

For the premiere of this segment I give you the cover release of This Man Confessed by Jodi Ellen Malpas.

Goodreads

Is that lace I see? For a wedding dress perhaps?!?!? (Sorry if that was a spoiler alert but ladies, and men too, if you've been reading the series you knew it was bound to happen) It could also be a table cloth or a doily that just happened to be caught on camera...whatever you percieve it to be. I'm so excited for the release of this book! If you haven't read my review on the prequel, Beneath this Man, the second book in the This Man series then go read it now! [review here] And if you haven't read the series, READ THAT FIRST! This is honestly one of my favourite erotica, romance, adult books. A definite must read and ranks in with 50 shades and the Crossfire series for sure.

The release date for this book is July 2, 2013. 1.5 more agonizing months.

For some other information I've posted on this book, click here.

xoxox ♥

[REVIEW] The Elite by Kiera Cass

Published: April 2013
Age Group: Young Adult
Series: The Selection #2

Goodreads

O.M.G. That's it. OMG. This book was absolutely amazing! And its really rare for me to enjoy a second book in a trilogy more than the first but I absolutely loved this.

I had initially declared the series, based off the first book, to be a frivolous story based on the reality show "The Bachelor" with some subtle hints of dystopia lit, enough to make me continue reading for the drama and the intense romance. I enjoyed the fun read. The sequel on the other hand, it's  a whole other story. I found The Elite to be much more complex, and shall I say more sophisticated, then it's prequel. The Elite deals with more political issues. I found the dystopia aspect of the story was much more prominent in it and was a driving force in America's actions. The romance although still there sort of became a sub plot rather than the main plot, which is what I initially thought it would be. I would say half the story is focused on the dystopia part and the other half is focused on the romance. And the romance in this story is mainly on the feelings America has for Maxon. Sorry ladies, Aspen takes a back seat in this book.

Anyone who personally knows me knows that when I'm told to write an essay for school I always end up writing a thesis on some societal issue. Well that might have been a reason I related to this story so much. I would say that dystopia lit in general deals with societal issues and corrupt governments but in The Elite, or the whole series for that matter, the disparity in society is much more present with the castes. The Elite had some scenes in it that really emphasized that point (and made me cry too). The scenes were really real and I was so emotionally into the book because of that.

If I had any cons to the book I would just say that the major climax for this story wasn't that climatic in my opinion. I was expecting much more then what was written. It seemed to predictable for it to happen but it did...not that impressed with that. Also America and Maxon argue throughout this entire story like a bickering married couple. In the first book, Maxon tries everything that he can to woo America, who is eventually wooed. But in the second book, it seems that Maxon is doing everything to lose America (complete 180) and some times I find myself questioning if he even loved her to begin with. The girls also get much more catty, as is for any competition that nears the end. There is much more girl drama and conversations with hidden meanings. I'm still rooting for Maxon and America but I do find myself questioning their relationship.

America seems to demonstrate more of a temper and definitely jealously in this book. I don't blame her. If the guy I liked is choosing to spend time with other girls I would be pretty jealous too.

To further emphasize HOW MUCH I loved this book, I'll just say that when The Elite was released on April 23, I immediately started reading it and also finished it the day of (ot the next morning...) I probably shouldn't have done that because it was during my finals and I still had one exam to write...in the next two days. But I decided that reading The Elite was a better use of my time, and in hindsight that might not have been the best decision but I was so engrossed in reading that I didn't even want to study anymore. As Kiera Cass writes in the acknowledgements "I hope it made you have unbearable feelings that you find yourself tweeting about at 3:00 am" Well Ms. Cass, I definitely found this book to evoke a lot of feelings and I was definitely one of those people that stayed up to 3 in the morning finishing this book. I remember being so excited and having so many questions and comments about what happened that I couldn't sleep. That's what the book did to me. It definitely made me look at this series differently and made it one of my all time favourite series by far.

If that large rant wasn't enough, let me tell you again, GO AND READ THIS BOOK!

BUY 

 

And here's some lovely Lady Antebellum for you to listen to and think about the awesome-ness of this book.

 

[REVIEW] The Selection by Kiera Cass

Published: April 2012
Age Group: Young Adult
Series: The Selection #1

Goodreads

Cover Thoughts: I WANT HER DRESS! Please and Thank you.
Cover Blurb Thoughts: The names are a bit odd... Clearly there's going to be drama in this dystopia book, lovely.

When I first saw this I instantly wanted to read it. It's like when you see something and you become so attracted to it that you can't help being drawn to it. That's what happened. I became so infatuated with this book and I put it on my next book purchasing list. That was in it first came out. Now something happened between the publisher, author and a book blogger that left me feeling unsure about reading this and so The Selection was put to the side and didn't resurface until almost a year later.  Putting all drama aside (ironic cause the book is full of it) I really enjoyed this book.

The book has been referred to as the Hunger Games combined with the Bachelor. I don't see much of the Hunger Games reference. I think they were trying to reference dystopia and at the time the Hunger Games was probably one of the most famous YA dystopia lit out there and so somebody thought "Hey, dystopia. Hunger Games. Okay the Selection is like the Hunger Games."  I mean they have a draw but it's optional and everybody who enters wishes and hopes to be drawn, completely opposite to the reaping in the Hunger Games. Honestly it didn't seem as dystopic as other books. And I understand that with this types of dystopia lit, the emphasis is not on the dystopian world but rather the romance.  In fact when I read this, I didn't feel like I was reading dystopia lit. More like some historical fiction with class divisions, which is really what it is, just a more futuristic modern interpretation of it.

In my opinion, the most dystopia aspect of the book is the caste division.  Each person is split into a caste based on occupation. Caste advancement is hard, not impossible but rarely done, especially if you're jumping more than one caste. It's practically unheard of to go down a caste. Which is the current situation with the main character and her secret lover. She's a Five, born into a family of artists, and he's a Six, born into a family of servants. Clearly marrying him is shunned but doesn't love prevail all? I don't know, I have to keep reading the series!

The story follows America Singer and her (arguable lucky) chance at becoming the next Queen. The only catch, she has to "battle" with 34 girls through a process known as "the Selection" where the last one standing wins the prize, being Queen and marrying the "dreamy" Prince Maxon. The problem is America doesn't want to marry the Prince but rather another hot and dreamy boy named Aspen who's of a lower caste than she is.  There honestly isn't a real battle, more like cat fights and high school drama but that's what you get in The Selection. It's definitely Bachelor driven (at least they got that part right) and after reading this, I questioned my stance in not watching the Bachelor because I seriously really enjoyed this book.

I wasn't keen on the names. America? Not a fan of that name. Aspen? Not a fan of it either. I'll except Maxon, it doesn't bug me as much but that's just a personal opinion. I didn't hate the names enough to hate this book, although it's happened before.

America's life is very relatable, at least to me. She has boy problems, family issues, and then she's thrust into this life that she never really wanted but is a chance of a lifetime for her to become something more than she is. And then in the castle it seems they just do normal things. There really isn't any drastic changes that make it hard for me to put myself in her shoes, so to say. I like America's personality. You can tell she wants to do what's best for her family but she's not willing to give up what she wants. Especially later on in the story when her relationship with Maxon develops more, you can tell she's definitely conflicted between her growing love for him and her past love with Aspen. I'm applaud her for that, although sometimes I'm so frustrated at her indecisions, I still think she's strong enough to not succumb to the norm and pressure and is willing to go through all of the stress in picking the one person she really loves. And it's very nice to watch them both try to woo her.

On to the boys:
Maxon first. In some ways he's in the same situation as America.  Throughout the book he frequently mentions that he has no choice but to go through the Selection and wishes that he can marry for love and hopefully come to love one of the 35 girls. I think that's why he finds such a connection to America.
And then there's Aspen. America's secret lover.
[SPOILER ALERT] After breaking up with her Aspen does end up being drafted and because of that is now a Two instead of a Six. Now what's interesting about this is the only reason he broke up with her is because of their caste difference: at the time she was a Five and he a Six. Now America's guaranteed to be a Three and look at that, her past lover's a Two so they can live happily ever after. I think this definitely plays a new element into this love corner (love triangle is so inaccurate as I've been told). America can choose whichever guy she wants since they're both from acceptable castes. [END SPOILER]
Maxon's seems to be the more conventional type, someone who will hold back if need be, and he does. Aspen is definitely the person who is bold in his actions and will fight for what he wants, which he also does.

This is probably one of my most favourite love corner, drama series. I loved every part of the book and I would definitely suggest it. This isn't everyone's "cup of tea" shall we say so there might be some people who find this horribly written and the drama very cliche but I loved it.

4.5 - 5 cups of tea
BUY

xoxox ♥

PS: The sequel to this, The Elite, will be released April 23, 2013. Who's excited???
PPS: In case anyone was interested in who am I rooting for in this series...

Aspen had his chance. It's Maxon's turn now.

[NEWS] THE REDHEAD SERIES CONTINUES + More lovely news

OH BLESS ALICE CLAYTON!!! She's releasing the third book to the Redhead series this December. I know that's awhile but I wasn't even certain there was going to be a third book so I'm completely ecstatic about this news!

Alice Clayton is probably one of my favourite authors because of the light humour and yet addictive romances in her books. I've read her novels and I love every single one of them. 

Also if you're one of the people saying "I don't have an e-reader so I can't download e-books" well don't worry! Wallbanger and the Redhead series is officially being published into paperback so the whole world can enjoy the lovely, snarky and funny writing by Alice Clayton.

Lastly a Wallbanger movie is in the talks. Eeeek who's as excited as I am? AHHHH What a lovely day!

The Redhead plays her hand by Alice Clayton. Release Date: December 24, 2013

It's going to be a Merry Christmas this year!

And if you're interested the other release dates:

• Wallbanger (rereleased): August 13, 2013
• The Unidentified Redhead (The Readhead Series #1) (rereleased): October 22, 2013
• The Redhead Revealed (The Redhead Series #2) (rereleased): November 19, 2013

xoxox ♥

PS: Due note that although Alice Clayton's writing isn't as explicit as other authors, she still writes adult fiction and some of the material may be mature for some readers. You've been warned. Read at your own discretion.

[RANT] This Man Confessed Excerpt + New Release Date

So it's been more than a month since I last posted. So sorry!!! It's currently finals time which means I'm really busy but I'll try to squeeze in some time to post an occasional entry.

News for today, an excerpt for This Man Confessed, the conclusion to the This Man Trilogy, by Jodi Ellen Malpas was recently posted on her facebook wall.

For anyone interested, voila the link: https://www.facebook.com/JodiEllenMalpas
It's a really good excerpt. Short and sweet. And if you haven't already read the first two installments in the trilogy, This Man and Beneath This Man, I urge you to give it a try, especially if you're a fan of 50 shades and/or erotica in general. Due note that this trilogy does contain mature subject matter. Read at your own discretion

And more news about This Man Confessed. Turns out the release date has been pushed back even further. First we were told Spring 2013. Then that it was going to be released in June (i.e. Summer 2013). Now the new release date is July 2, 2013. Hopefully there won't be any changes (or if any changes that push the date up). I can't wait for this book to be released.

xoxo ♥

P.S. keep a lookout for new book reviews on my two most recent reads: Scarlet by Marissa Meyer and The Selection by Kiera Cass.