Surf & Surrender by Riley Edgewood

Okay so here I am kinda sorta keeping my word on staying up to date with reviews. This next review I promised to do six months ago and like a jerk (again) I had to keep putting it off. So here is a little background on how me and this author met. I went to Apollycon in February this year (because Jennifer) and met several new, kinda new, and old authors. But Riley is the only one who stands out in my mind. She is the sweetest person ever and absolutely gorgeous, but most importantly super talented.  I had never heard of her before and when we walked up to her booth she was super kind and her books looked intriguing so I was like yeah I want one. And so I was like yeah I'll also review this for you. I got home that night and picked up this book but sadly had to put it down. It was by no means bad but more like bad timing because school had just gotten crazy. So finally six months later I picked it back up and this time didn't put it down. So without further ado here is my review.

Cover: This cover is gorgeous. Its eye catching but not gaudy like a lot of books now a days. One thing I really like about the cover is that it literally feels like it can tell you what the book is about just from the picture.

That's all I really have to say about the cover except that maybe that guy is super hot. 

Rating: 3.5/5

Plot: This is where I get lazy and put up a link to goodreads. #reallifestruggles

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24927070-surf-surrender

Basically, Sawyer left Quinn. Quinn heartbroken barely pieced herself back together but then Quinn saves Sawyer's asshole little brother Jess and finds out Sawyer is back in town after fours years. Quinn wants answers so she hunts him down and the rest is spoilers...also on a side note there is stuff going missing from Quinn's jeep which is just a random side thing that is going on throughout the book.

My Opinion: Okay so I really liked this book. It was funny, sexy, dramatic, and had completely swoon worthy lines all throughout. I do have a few minor grievances but nothing that ruins the book. But from here on out there WILL be SPOILERS! So read no farther. You had been warned.

*****SPOLIERS*****

So let me list the things I did't like before I list all the things I do. Sadly this becomes the part where I have to be my super honest, balls to the wall self. 

1. So i mentioned things getting taken from Quinn's car. We find out that it was Jess (the little shit). Which was fine but a bit anticlimactic. I was waiting for the shit to hit the fan but nothing happens. Cops call say they found who stole her stuff and then eventually the entire car. LOL BTW. I was expecting some crazy stalker or something that would involve Sawyer coming to save Quinn but it ended rather quietly. Maybe it me (probably is) but for some reason I was expecting...more. Like that it was Chase. <.< >.> For some reason I got crazy vibes off of him.

2. Quinn was rather quick to accept Sawyer back after leaving her all the time. Like girl put up a little fight. Her dependance on Sawyer seemed unhealthy. I get she is in love but love and trust can only go so far. Especially at the end where I had had enough of Sawyer and how he jerked poor Quinn around. I was hoping she'd find someone better but maybe Sawyer will stop his games and bullshit. 

as another blogger put it:

"Yes, I did fell sorry for Sawyer, but I really wanted to see him working his way back to her harder. I needed to see him crawling. I thought she accepted him back to her life way too easily, before she even got the explanations she needed. Yes she loved him, I get that, but I thought she would be able to have some self respect. Judgy much? Maybe. But it's my personal opinion."

3. Their reason for not being together confounds me. Yes, I understand you're Dad would get sent to jail but what he did was wrong!!! And Quinn was like but you paid be minimal attention so its okay. NBD. Uhhhh...no Quinn very big deal. Quinn is all about being loyal to a guy who stole from her family but has no sense of loyalty to her parents. She treats them like shit. I get the mom is a bitch but seriously everyone has their flaws and no one is perfect. I know what her mom did was wrong but I do believe she loves her daughter. 

That's about all. Those three things really kinda irked me but the romance and sex made up for it. I can also say that this story is pretty predictable which I feel like I say a lot so maybe I just read too much but other people agreed with me. It doesn't make it a bad story, not in the least just don't expect any major twists. This story definitely focuses in on the romance which is something I loved. Speak of here are the things I adored...

1. The whole book except for the three things above.

2. The romance. Yes. Here is a little except which just made this book so amazing because this is something I don't ever see. 

"You didn't wait for me."

"I already told--" 

"I understand why," he says. "I don't blame you. Never will. But the thing is, Quinn, I did. I waited. For you."

I literally felt my ovaries explode. Oh. My. God. And there are plenty more where that came from. This whole book I was either like this:

OR...

Basically sums it up pretty well.

3. Quinn. I loved her and how she stood back up even when her heart was crushed so many times. I don't know if anyone has ever gone through a break up that just destroys you but speaking from experience, Quinn handles it pretty well. The whole sleeping around part maybe not her best move but she survived. Riley literally demonstrates there is a light at the end of a dark ass tunnel. It was heartbreakingly beautiful how Riley describes Quinn's breakup because it was ON POINT! Loved how she handled it. 

That basically is my opinion is an annoying list and babble.

Characters: There are a lot of characters in this book so I'm only going to focus on three and mention one more.

Quinn is the female lead and yeah. I loved her strength and wit. She is absolutely hilarious at points. She has temper tantrum and seems to over think a lot but that makes her more complex. As mentioned above I didn't like how she just let things go with Sawyer and was like its cool bro, i understand. While I do understand, i don't at the same time. Maybe I'm too young but she does question him a little at the end which was nice but I feel like she should have pushed more in the beginning. Her logic was hard to follow at points. Overall, I liked her. She's a pretty cool chick. 

Sawyer is a jerk. I just ugh. I love him and hat him. It confusing. I completely understand how Quinn feels at points. But I don't feel like any of his apologies are sincere. It was like a complicated situation sure but he just kills me with his attitude and way of handling everything. Such a guy. Riley got him on point. But he is mad sexy and sly. Somehow at the end he wormed his way in and I was happy him and Quinn got their fairy tale ending.

Jess is Sawyers brother and I guess in a way the antagonist. Mostly he is just a shitty little brat with an attitude problem that need to get some sense knocked into him and some bullshit knocked out. But at the end he seems like he is on the road to recovery...maybe.

Gianna is the special mention. She is Quinn's BFF and she is my favorite character. Maybe because she is so much like me not just in appearance (shot people) but in attitude too. She loves, supports, and protects her best friend. I adore her so shout out to Gianna!

Overall:

It's a fun light read. I would definitely pick it up. There is a lot of drama, sex, hot guys, pretty girls, and romance. This is not a cliffhanger it all ends nicely. I wish I got to see Brock, Jess, and Quinn's mom develop more but maybe in the future. This was a fun read. Go grab it if you want a book to read on the beach or just something to do. Its great choice. Enjoy guys!!!

As always,

~Cat

Every Last Breath Jennifer Armentrout

Hey guys! Yes I am back! I'm so sorry I've been MIA lately. I really have been so busy with work and school which I know is no excuse but I'm here so don't hate me. I really feel bad I haven't blogged lately because its my way to pay back the authors and spread the word about amazing books. So I'm back with a review of the third book in the dark element series by Jennifer. I loved this series as a whole but this book was absolutely phenomenal. But wait...I'm getting ahead of myself.

Cover:

Rating: 5/5 stars

Plot: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLM2WuvsX4g

Okay so that's the trailer for Every Last Breath but I suggest to not watch it if you haven't read the first two books because its slightly spoiler-ish.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17455817-every-last-breath

Since I'm still super lazy that is a synopsis of the book from Goodreads. I think Goodreads does a great job of describing without spoiling anything because I've run into sites that literally give everything away.

My Opinion: Okay so I literally love almost everything Jennifer puts out in the world but this one just blew me away. I will admit it hasn't knocked any of my top five out of place but its still in the ranking of the top 20. This is such a unique book because of it supernatural content. Gargoyles always seemed really freaky to me...I mean look for yourself...

What the f**k? No. But of course Jennifer has to go and somehow make them sound sexy and badass. Her talent is endless I swear. Then not only does she make stone creatures cool, she has to go out and make super sexy demons with tattoo's and piercing in all the right places. Makes even a nun want to sin...too far? But anyways look for yourself...again...

*wipes drool off face* This book series is HOT. Like seriously do not read this around your parents or grandparents because things get awkward fast. Trust me I have first hand experience with the situation. For example:

"Catherine, why are you drooling so much. Wipe your mouth."

"Oh...uh...uh...sorry Nan...I...I need to...Bye!" *runs to find her own sexy demon and when she comes up empty she goes home and lays in her bed with her cute doggies and wishes she had her own Roth* 

Also #teamroth.

But yeah so basically my honest opinion is if you don't go out and get any of Jennifer's books your stupid and have no taste...to harsh? I really should work on that...

Characters: Layla...she is the protagonist of the story. Her character development is some of the best I've ever seen. She changes from an insecure girl to a beautiful, confident woman. She is taught literally her whole life that she is an abomination and that she should be ashamed of her demon half. She fears herself which is just heartbreaking. Layla has a cool little skill that helps her tag demons so the wardens can hunt them down and send them back to hell. But then Layla meets Roth who pretty much tells her everything isn't so black and white. Just because you're taught something is evil doesn't mean it is and the same for good. Roth tells Layla the the world isn't so black and white, that there are 50 Shades of Grey (I couldn't help myself #sorrynotsorry). But in all seriousness he shows her that things aren't always what they seem. Layla is one of my favorite female protagonists ever. 

Roth...there is only two words I have to describe him...sinfully sexy. But readers come to find out that Roth isn't just good looking...nor is he just another horrible, evil demon. He has a heart and does so much good. He saves Layla and sacrifices himself for her. He is the exact definition of don't judge a book by its sexy, tatted, pierced cover because there is more to him than meets the eye. His love for Layla has no bounds. I really wish there were more guys in the real world like him. You just have to read the book to understand what I mean. As a side note...Cayman who is Roth's best friend...I think...I mean ****SPOLIER**** Cayman snaps Roth's neck at one point...anyways Cayman bring comedic relief and even more life to a book that is just literally alive in your mind and heart.

Zayne...His development was not as obvious as the others because I think Zayne didn't have much developing to do. He was already a good person to start off with. The only development was his relationship and feelings towards Layla. He is the other love interest but since he has a soul Layla can take it and kill him. That never stops him and he always does what he can to help Layla. I liked him and have lots of respect for him. Even if he does turn to stone...still creepy...

Ending: So yeah...The end was kinda left open. I'm not sure if she plans on continuing in that world like Covenant Series and the Return or if she has any other plans. She hinted at a couple of things towards the end that got me wondering. But besides the half open ending, it ended well for our protagonist. Jennifer has this style when you kinda know how its gonna end because I think she like the rest of us loves happy endings and that things always work out in the end. I recommend reading all her books especially Covenant and Lux Series. This is definitely a series you should pick up as well. The ending satisfies and doesn't ruin the whole series like some authors I know...(Veronica Roth) just kidding...kinda...not really...WHY DID SHE HAVE TO DIE!!!??

...

...

...

I regained control of myself. Sorry about that. Here is my final reaction of the series as a whole.

Seriously...pick this book series up. You'll find yourself in love with the characters, story, and author in no time and become a creepy stalker like me and my friends who probably creep her out because we always go to her book signings. I'm not crazy I promise.

~Cat 

In The After Light by Alexandria Bracken

Cover:

Rating: 5/5 stars

Plot: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kRUt92i2PQ

That's the trailer for the first book in the series guys! Anything after this will be slightly spoilerish. I really don't think you should spoil this for yourself because I haven't read such an amazing series since half blood. Seriously. Check out the first book totally worth it.

Now onto In The Afterlight...

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16150831-in-the-afterlight

That's the synopsis since I'm so lazy. Also as a side note sorry I've been gone for a while but college comes first.

My Opinion: Guys...guys...guys....I seriously LOVED this book!!! The ending was satisfying. As usual I found it to be a bit predictable and the slow pace, while was necessary, was painful at times. But anyway onto the love...the originality brought to this story while maintaining its classic dystopian style is amazing. I picked this book up expecting generic YA dystopian and had a pleasant surprise as the story grew more complex and beautiful. The author, Alexandria, treated her to-be YA audience as if they were mature, intelligent people. I truly loved how she hit more complex and in depth ideas. Now this series is in my top 10 favorite series. The whole time reading this I was like:

Characters: Ruby is the best female protagonist. She is confident and mature and independent. Throughout the story she stands by her decisions and doesn't let anyone influence her. She has her flaws and her misguided thoughts while noble were stupid. 

Liam annoyed me a lot. He was very clingy and annoying. He wasn't strong and he was a coward. Ruby was going through so much and he wasn't there for her at all. He was all about himself. I prefer his brother Cole. 

Cole had Ruby's back and taught her to be a strong leader and an even stronger person. That one part broke me. Those who read it understand what I am talking about, those who have not beware.

Ending: The ending without spoiling was amazing. No "happy ending" was given but it was a believable and realistic ending. It had way more power than a boring classic everything is okay ending. Truly one of the top three endings I've ever read. It was so elegant and poignant that I will remember it for a long time. 

Gifs will be added shortly also I will be around more often as school slows down. 

~Cat 

Talented by Sophie Davis

Cover:

Rating: 2.5 (and that's stretching it)

Plot: Block it out. Impossible for Talia Lyons. When you’re a Mind Manipulator, it’s hard enough to block the thoughts of others, let alone your own.

Block it out. The pounding, siren-ready world Talia inhabits as she trains with her fellow Hunters, the country's top-secret covert operatives. The physical demands. The emotional toll.

Block it out. The secrets that Talia’s boyfriend is hiding. Talia’s unbidden feelings of frustration and annoyance toward her teammate, the Casanova of the compound. The wondering why she cares what he thinks.

Block him out. Ian Crane. The man behind the bloodshed marring Talia’s memories of her murdered parents. The man she’s determined to kill.

Block it all out. Focus.

Talented is an emotionally raw Dystopian Romance, about the life of a girl with extraordinary psychic powers, and what happens when a heart is torn between love and rage.

(from Goodreads)

My Opinion: My hopes were high for this book. I started it and quickly became bored. I put it down several times and didn't pick it back up for days. In honesty, I can't pinpoint what went wrong for me. One thing that put a damper on things for me was how we would randomly switch scenes without any sort of notice. One second we are talking to someone, next we are in training. I swear I had whiplash. But a lot of authors make this mistake so I can overlook it but I can't overlook that it took me over two weeks to finish this book. A long time for us book lovers. Maybe I will go back and try again so I can finish the series but I can tell you I won't be doing it anytime soon. The relationships also killed me because of how unusual the characters are and I'm not talking about their 'Talents".

Characters: Talia is so so so so special. Really special. No one like her special, guys. Let me say it 10 more times. Talia is special. In case you didn't get it, Talia is special. That's all we hear about the whole book but we never actually have it explained. You see, they explain her powers which sound awesome but  they never go anywhere with it. Dead end street. Talia, who is so special (there's that word again) and amazing is so utterly not. She whines, makes terrible decisions, and is always in some sort of stupid situation. Her personality is nonexistent. This book was supposed to be about assassins not stupid boys or her hair or how she needs revenge but does nothing to get it. This is a romance novel lovelies not a cool kickass book about killing stuff. But don't get me wrong I wouldn't have minded (because I love me some romance and hot guys) except the romance was predictable and stupid. I just wanted Talia to shut up about how she wants to be normal. Well, honey, you are. So are so very normal and boring. Mission achieved.

Donovan: Hmph. Got what he deserved and then like an asshole got out of it. Oh and his part of the story is so predictable that I guessed within the first few chapters what was going on. That's all I'm going to say.

Erik: Blehhhhhh. That's all.

Ending: The ending really picked up for me, We started to see the plot come out from behind the romance and boy was it good. And then bad. Nothing happened. It was very anti-climatic to me, I was like finally its over!! The story could have been great and it did have some great moments. The idea was great and fun. The missions were interesting but everything else just clouded how good it was. The bad outweighed the good by a lot, And that breaks my heart. Maybe I'll try again in a few months and pick up the second book but until then we'll just have to settle for mediocre book that could've been an amazing book. 

~Cat

Shatter Me Series by Tahereh Mafi

Cover: (First Book)

Rating: 5 stars...if I could I would do more stars it is just that great.

Plot: The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette’s touch is fatal. As long as she doesn’t hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don’t fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war – and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she’s exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior. 

This story has to be one of the only stories, besides Jennifer L Armentrout series and Richelle Mead series, that truly made me breathless and excited. This story makes you laugh, cry, and all those other great emotional things. This book changes you. The lines are so poetic and unique and true that you just never want to stop reading and keeping reading these paragraphs over and over again.

You will be screaming for the next one. 

Characters: So Juliette. She is truly one of the best female leads I have ever read because she is so true and honest and relate-able. I loved her because all these heroine's we read they are strong and amazing and everything is always easy. We never see them cry, mope, break-up! I love when charcters break-up because that makes them real. I'm sorry but how many first relationships ever work out? Not many. And Tahereh shows us a real true girl who has emotions and is afraid. I have a girl crush on Juliette. Seriously. 

(Exactly how I pictured her which is scary.)

Adam is the first male lead and I have to admit, I wasn't sold with him and not to spoil much but she ends up with the guy she was supposed to.

Warner...the other guy and swoon. Bad boy. Like really bad boy. But then you peal layers back and underneath...mmmm. I love him. No lie.

There is NO love triangle in this series. You will understand when you finish because there isn't a triangle but there are two love interests. 

(Hot guys for your viewing pleasure. Neither are exactly what i picture but they are pretty close.)

Ending: Wow. Just wow. All three books will have you grasping out through tears and laughing so hard you pee a little. Kenji makes the book and I will stop myself there because I will just on about Kenji forever. (Notice i didn't mention him in characters because he is just so awesome it would be longer than the whole review if I added him). The ending of the series is satisfying and done well unlike so many books these days. I seriously suggest you guys go get this because it is so epic it deserves a moment of silence everyday. No, seriously. So start reading with no interruptions.

And when you finish you will be like:

Because you can't believe its over and how good it was.

But in all seriousness without my love of gifs READ THIS SERIES OR YOU WILL REGRET IT!

That is all.

Cat

Undone by Shannon Richard

I am not going to deep into detail for this because I wasn't a huge fan of it. I read it months ago and forgot to blog about it due to my crazy college schedule. This story portrays the discrimination towards women and men so well. Because a girl wears short shorts it means she is a ho or if a boy sleeps around he is a stud but if a girl does she is a ho. This story is cute in its romance. Definitely for 16+ due to sexual situations and sex scenes. I definitely think if you are looking for a quick read then this is for you.

3 stars.

Cat's Guide to Survive Bullying: 'Why Me?'