Review: Spies and Prejudice

Spies and Prejudice by Talia Vance

Book: Spies & Prejudice by Talia Vance 

Expected Publication Date: June 11th 2013 by Egmont

My rating: 5/5 Stars

Genre: YA
Source: Netgalley

*This ebook was provided to me by the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Goodreads Summary:

"Fields’ Rule #1: Don’t fall for the enemy.

Berry Fields is not looking for a boyfriend. She’s busy trailing cheaters and liars in her job as a private investigator, collecting evidence of the affairs she’s sure all men commit. And thanks to a pepper spray incident during an eighth grade game of spin the bottle, the guys at her school are not exactly lining up to date her, either. 

So when arrogant—and gorgeous—Tanner Halston rolls into town and calls her “nothing amazing,” it’s no loss for Berry. She’ll forget him in no time. She’s more concerned with the questions surfacing about her mother’s death. 

But why does Tanner seem to pop up everywhere in her investigation, always getting in her way? Is he trying to stop her from discovering the truth, or protecting her from an unknown threat? And why can’t Berry remember to hate him when he looks into her eyes?

With a playful nod to Jane Austen, Spies and Prejudice will captivate readers as love and espionage collide."

My thoughts:

What a fun book! This was my first ARC to read and I was super excited about it. I discovered netgalley recently and requested A TON of books thinking I might get one or two of them... I got twelve. TWELVE. As escited as I am to have all these books, there is no way I will be reading them all right away because I already have other books to read as well! But anyway, this was at the top of my list of my netgalley books so as soon as I finished the Slammed series by Colleen Hoover, I picked this up! And I am so glad I did! This book is the perfect mix of cheese and suspense which, in my opinion, makes it the perfect summery read :)

Things I enjoyed about this book:

-Such a fun read! I enjoyed this book so much. Especially because the series I just finished, although great, was a very heavy, emotional series. I was in need of a fun pick me up book and this was just it! It had its serious moments, for sure, but every time I was forced to had to put the book down, I was left with a smile while I tried to figure out what would happen next.

-Veronica Mars :)  For those of you who have not heard of Veronica Mars, go look it up now. Awesome TV show starring Kristen Bell (my girl crush) as a teen PI. Anyway, when looking into this book, somebody compared it to Veronica Mars which instantly made me request it on netgalley. I was afraid nothing could live up to the awesomeness of Veronica Mars, and while this is not quite it, it is probably the closest I will find. So for all you Veronica Mars fans out there, please read this! 

-A little bit of everything! I really love when authors include a lot of different elements in their books. Some are just light and fluffy and some are just dark and depressing. This book is a good light summery spy mystery with just the perfect mix of emotion. The light, fun part, all the boy drama, the gay best friend, and cool spy stuff, mix in with Berry, the main character, trying to solve her mother's death and give us the perfect beach book!

Things I didn't like about this book:

-The names, these poor girls. The main character's name is Strawberry Fields and her best (girl) friend is Mary Chris Moss. Clearly these were intentional, and part of me finds it funny, but the other part of me just can't get passed the names. Every time I would read over their full names and not just their nick names (Berry & Mare) my mind was drawn away from the book and to their crazy names. It's really the only problem I had with the book. 

-I kind of lost track of what was happening during the ending action scene. I am thinking this is more of a personal issue, because it happens in all action packed books for me, but I couldn't follow exactly what was happening in the "final battle" as I like to think of it. You know, that scene at the end of all actiony-spy-mystery books where all hell breaks loose and some kind of action packed scene happens? I just lose track of what is happening, and then I get lost and just push through hoping it is all explained at the end. Like I said, probably a personal issue, but it still bothers me! If this happens to anyone else, please let me know so I know I am not alone!

Overall: With the exception of their names and my personal issues, I really enjoyed this book and give it 5 out of 5 stars! If you are looking for a good summer mystery type of book, or if you loved Veronica Mars, please read this. You will love it! It was great and took me no time to breeze through. The only times I put it down were for work and sleep. 

Have you read this book? What did you think about it?

Review: The Elite (The Selection #2)

The Elite by Kiera Cass

Book: The Elite by Kiera Cass (The Selection #2)

Published: April 23rd 2013 by Harper Teen

My rating: 4/5 Stars

Genre: YA Dystopian Romance

*DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW IF YOU HAVE NOT COMPLETED THE FIRST BOOK, THE SELECTION* If you would like to read my review for The Selection here.

Goodreads Summary:

"Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Illea.

America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.

Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending"

So just after finishing this book, I looked at the publication date... I am so sad this book just came out because that means I have to wait a really long time for the last one in this trilogy, The One. I had a few small issues with this book, but all in all the story was great so I did my best to ignore my annoyance for the greater good of the story :) Here are the more specific reasons I enjoyed/got annoyed with this book:

Reasons I enjoyed it:

-I really enjoy the overall concept for this series. If you read my review of The Selection, then you know I fell in love with it. It is a dystopian romance, with more emphasis on the romance than the government. Usually in dystopians the main focus is the government, so I was really excited about this. The second book, The Elite has more about the government in it, but not to the point where I feel like we lost the original story. 

-We got to know a lot of the characters better in this book. In the first one, there were 35 girls, the maids, the royal family, and a bunch of other random people like Aspen and America's family. Too many people! In this book there were only 6 girls and we really got to know the main characters more than before. After reading this book I feel like I know the king and queen so much better. I know which girls I like and who I want to see fall in a puddle of mud on national television. *cough* Celeste *cough*. 

-The other thing I am really happy the author did when writing this, is she didn't leave some crazy huge cliff-hanger that leaves me feeling lost at the end of the book. There is enough suspense that I will definitely buy the last book because I really need to know what happens next, and waiting will be torture, but I don't feel so distressed about not having the book I can't function. I HATE that feeling. 

-There's more action in this book! This is what I felt the first book was lacking. And even though some of it is about the government, not all of it is so I really like it! I definitely feel like the first book was setting up this series, but it was really enjoyable so I am okay with it. And now that its picking up more, I love it even more!

Things that annoyed me:

-The characters. I know, I know.. above I mentioned how happy was I was that I got to get to know them all better. And in doing this, it kind of made me dislike some of them. It also made me love some of them, but this is not the point. I kept having to remind myself that most of them are 17 year olds who have no experience with relationships. (Which is totally cool, I didn't have my first boyfriend until I was 19). But now that I am in my mid-twenties, I think a little differently than them and I had to constantly remind myself. So back to the annoying characters.. I just want to smack them! 

--First, America. Make up your mind! You don't get to choose who you want forever, and you don't get both Aspen and Maxon so pick one! One moment she wants to marry him and the next she wants to go home with Aspen. Get you s*** together and decide already. I was constantly confused on who she loved. Indecisive temper-mental girl. 

--Maxon. If you say you want to marry a girl, don't go slut around with all the others. I understand spending time with them, and trying to pick a back up because America can't make up her mind. But if you already know who you want to marry, theres no reason to make out with all of them. Man whore. I get that the rules are a little different when you are basically dating 6 different girls, but still. UGH. 

--Aspen. GO AWAY. I still can't stand Aspen. He makes America join the Selection "for him," then breaks up with her, then tries to get her back and gets upset when she has a hard time choosing. YOU. BROKE. HER. HEART. Don't try to force her to be with you. And definitely don't do it by talking crap about the other guy. At least play fair. 

Overall: I really did enjoy this book and I can't wait for the final book, The One, to come out! Although I really can't stand the characters sometimes, the story is so great that I can overlook it. I just want America and Maxon to end up together!! :)

Did you read this book? What were your thoughts??

Review: The Selection (The Selection #1) by Kiera Cass

The Selection by Kiera Cass

Book: The Selection by Kiera Cass (The Selection #1)

Published: April 24th 2012 by HarperTeen

My rating: 4/5 Stars

Genre: YA Dystopian Romance

Goodreads Summary:

"For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself--and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined"

The Selecton by Kiera Cass is the first book in The Selection Trilogy. This book, to me, is a cross between The Hunger Games and The Bachelor. I actually saw this on goodreads and really agree with it. I know some readers do not like comparing this book to The Hunger Games, so let me explain...

Why I feel it is similar:

-It is a dystopian YA in a setting that was once the US
-The people are divided into different groups (known as castes in this series) based on wealth

-Each cast has a different job they are in charge of, for example: America, out leading lady, is a 5. They are the artists. 

-There is a group of young women drawn at random to represent different areas in the country

-Their competition is broadcast live for the country to watch 

How it is different:

-They are not physically fighting, so nobody dies

-They are competing to be the Princess, not for their lives (big difference)

-One based on romance, on has a romance story intertwined into the big story

-Entering the selection is an option, it's required in The Hunger Games

All in all they have similar basic qualities but the overall plot line is very different. These girls are not fighting for their lives, they are fighting for love. This is what really makes these too books different. 

Things I enjoyed about this book:

-Maxon. I just want to hug this kid! Well, most of the time. He does have one line in here that makes me want to punch him. I don't remember exactly what it was, and I didn't mark it so I cant find it, but It was something along the lines of "Did you forget you are talking to a prince?" Like bro, she's your friend, she can talk to you how ever she wants without you throwing your title in her face. But for real guys, he is one of my (many) book boyfriends... in my mind hes totally my age :)

-Princesses, hello! I am that girl, who always dressed up as a princess for halloween when I was younger. I love The Princess Diaries (the movie, I surprisingly never read the books... I should fix that), I love Disney princess movies, I want to be a princess. In the girly dress up and live in a castle kid of way. I get there is more to the job, but thats not really what I'm in love with here. And I know I'm not alone... How many of y'all wanted to be a princess??

-It's different, I like it. While there are lot of TV shows like this, The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, etc. there really aren't a lot of books with this basic plot line where the girls are competing for the love of one guy. I enjoyed the different topic. It was nice and refreshing, and really enjoyable!

-Unlike other dystopian books, the Selection is actually the main plot of the book. In other dystopian novels that is only the first book. Then the main character realizes how wrong the government and proceed to overthrow it. When I first started reading dystopian nobels, I would go into so many books, such as The Hunger Games, expecting them to be based on the initial thing that brought them in, such as the games in The Hunger Games, or becoming a part of their faction in Divergent. Those books turned out to be so much more, and as much as I loved them, I am really enjoying just reading about the selection. I'm sure somewhere down the way, either in The Elite (The Selection #2) or in The One (The Selection #3), there will be something more to the plot but for now I am really enjoying this :) 

Things I didn't enjoy about the book:

-Aspen. I get that he is important to the story, and without him there would be nothing. But I am NOT a fan. All I can say, is what a d-bag. He makes America join enter The Selection for their future and then breaks up with her. So she does what she has to do to start getting over him. GO AWAY ASPEN. NOBODY LIKES YOU. 

-Other than that I didn't really have anything I didn't like. It ended sooner than I thought it would, but thats because I was expecting to read about the entire Selection. But now the title The Elite makes a lot of sense. (For those of you who have not read the book yet, once the prince narrows down the 35 girls to 10 they are called the Elite). But as mentioned above, I am really enjoying reading about the Selection and not some crazy need to overthrow the government. 

Did you read this book? What did you think about it??

Review: The Goddess Inheritance

You guys, I need summer break NOW. I have been so busy with school, that I couldn't even remember if I had done this review or not. I can't wait for school to be out. Anyway, here is my review for The Goddess Inheritance!

*DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THE PREVIOUS BOOKS*

Book: The Goddess Inheritance by Aimee Carter (Goddess Test, #3)
Published: February 26th 2013 by Harlequin Teen
My rating: 4/5 Stars

Goodreads Summary: 

"Love or life.

Henry or their child.

The end of her family or the end of the world.

Kate must choose.

During nine months of captivity, Kate Winters has survived a jealous goddess, a vengeful Titan and a pregnancy she never asked for. Now the Queen of the Gods wants her unborn child, and Kate can't stop her--until Cronus offers a deal.

In exchange for her loyalty and devotion, the King of the Titans will spare humanity and let Kate keep her child. Yet even if Kate agrees, he'll destroy Henry, her mother and the rest of the council. And if she refuses, Cronus will tear the world apart until every last god and mortal is dead.

With the fate of everyone she loves resting on her shoulders, Kate must do the impossible: find a way to defeat the most powerful being in existence, even if it costs her everything.

Even if it costs her eternity."

Alright guys I LOVED this book! Heres why:

-KATE IS PREGNANT! (This is in the summary so I'm not ruining anything :) And usually I can't stand it when younger characters get pregnant and we have to read about all the changes (like in Breaking Dawn, world's worst book ever). This book is not about her being young and pregnant or her struggle through her pregnancy. It's about her struggle to save her family. Which has pretty much been the same story from the beginning, it just evolved. But I usually don't like pregnancies in books, I'm not sure why, I just don't. But I did not have a problem with this book. I loved it!

-It, like the others in this series, kept me guessing! I cannot predict what Aimee Carter is going to write next, and I love that! I don't mind predictable books as long as they are entertaining but I get really excited when I read one that I cannot predict. It keeps me guessing and I can't put it down!!

The reason I gave if 4 and not 5 stars:

-This is the only problem I had with the book, but I am so tired of Kate sacrificing herself. This part was pretty predictable  but other than that I couldn't guess anything! But come on Kate, talk to your husband and try to solve things, not just giving yourself over to the enemy. Annoying. 

Overall: I really enjoyed this series. I am sad it is over, but really happy at the same time with how it ended. These books sent me on a roller coaster of emotions, but in the end I loved it :) You guys should read this if you have not!

Have you read this book? What did you think?

Review: Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter

So, I finished this book Friday night and have been so busy I have not been able to write the review on it until now! Sorry this is late, but I hope you like it!

Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter

Book: Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter (Goddess Test, #2)
Published: March 27th 2012 by Harlequin Teen
My rating: 5/5 Stars

Goodreads Summary:

"Kate Winters has won immortality.
But if she wants a life with Henry in the Underworld, she'll have to fight for it.

Becoming immortal wasn't supposed to be the easy part. Though Kate is about to be crowned Queen of the Underworld, she's as isolated as ever. And despite her growing love for Henry, ruler of the Underworld, he's becoming ever more distant and secretive. Then, in the midst of Kate's coronation, Henry is abducted by the only being powerful enough to kill him: the King of the Titans.

As the other gods prepare for a war that could end them all, it is up to Kate to save Henry from the depths of Tartarus. But in order to navigate the endless caverns of the Underworld, Kate must enlist the help of the one person who is the greatest threat to her future.

Henry's first wife, Persephone."


**if you have not read the first book, I do not recommend reading any more of this review**

Things I really loved about this book:

-The book didn't take the first 100 pages to retell the story like so many other sequels do. 
I don't like HATE when the author spends the whole first half of the book retelling things we already know. When I really sit and think from their perspective I understand, but I always read series back to back or reread the first few before I read the new ones, so for me the retelling is just annoying and redundant. And in this book, Aimee Carter has done a great job of reminding you of what happend without giving you full descriptions of characters and events that happened in the previous book. It made getting into the story so much more enjoyable :)

-We got to meet Persephone. I'm sure we all saw this coming. She played such an important role in Henry's life that even though you don't like her for leaving Henry you really want to meet her to see for yourself who she really is. And, let me just tell you guys, I had so many different opinions on her by the time this book was over. I would hate her one minute and the next she would be my favorite character. Overall, I think I like her, but I'll let you guys decide for yourselves.

-Super intense emotions. Yeah, this pretty much goes along with what I said above. This book just made me feel so many different things. I really loved how Aimee Carter can completely catch me off guard. She has this story set up, and you think you know whats

Things I did not enjoy about this book:

-Im trying really hard to come up with at least one small critique, but I've got nothing. I loved this book so much. Which is really unusual for me with sequels because I do not normally like them nearly as much as the first book in a series.

-The only thing I was not a huge fan of is something I cannot mention. Basically the entire book I was constantly changing my mind about Persephone. At first I hated her, then I learned more about her and she wasn't so bad, and it just went back and forth until the book ended. But even though I did not like it, it was necessary for the story. So it really doesn't count.

Overall: I LOVED this book. So much. Thats all I can really say. It was just that good.

Did you read this book? What did you think about it?

Feature & Follow Friday (#1)

Feature & Follow Friday is hosted by Parajunkee of Parajunkee's View and Alison of Alison Can Read.  It is an opportunity to gain followers and find new blogs in the book blogging community! You can find more information about it here. This week's featured blog is Dear, Restless Reader. Go check her out!

Here is the question of the week:

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

Hands down.. I would want to hang out with J. K. Rowling. I mean seriously, who would not want to spend time with her?? We would hang out at Hogwarts and drink butter beer all day. It would be awesome. I could pick apart her brain and she can tell me all the awesome info about Hogwarts all the characters that never made it into the books.

Who would you want to spend the day with? Comment below and leave  your blog address so I can follow you back :)

Review: The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter 

Book: The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter (Goddess Test, #1)
Published: 2011by Harlequin Teen
My rating: 4/5 Stars

Goodreads Summary:


"It's always been just Kate and her mom - and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear that her mother won't live past the fall.

Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld - and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.

Kate is sure he's crazy - until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride and a goddess.

If she fails..."

Things I really loved about this book:

-It may have been just me but for the most part I didn't know what was going to happen. I had my theories (I was even right about one thing!) but I didn't know how the book was going to proceed. So of course I HAD to keep reading. I was up until 3 AM the day I started this book because I was so anxious to see what happened next! Then I finished it the next day!
-I know some of you are probably thinking "Amber, this book isn't even 300 pages. Why is that such a big deal?" I love to read, and am willing to drop everything to read a good book, but that fact is.. I am a slow reader

-Greek mythology was a really nice change of pace for me. A lot of the books I read are either your typical chick lit book, or paranormal (vampires) or dystopian. I read so many of these books because I really do love them. But sometimes, I just need something new. And for me this was it! I loved it :)

Things I did not enjoy about this book:

-The main problem I had with this book was that it would skip HUGE amounts of time. Something big would happen and then the next paragraph would be a few weeks later. No tests were mentioned. We just skipped ahead with no warning to a new time period. In the end, I think it made sense. The book does cover 6 months, so to cover that amount of time in less than 300 pages, I get the need for it, now. But as I was reading it drove me nuts!

Overall: I really did enjoy this book. I read it in about 2 days which is saying a lot for me because not only am I a slow reader, but I also have work and school to keep me busy. I have read the iBooks sample of the next book, Goddess Interrupted, already and plan to really get into it tonight!

Did you read this book? What did you think about it?

Divergent Book #3 by Veronica Roth HAS A TITLE

Allegiant. 
by Veronica Roth

I am so excited. I just heard the news from The Book Basement and I could not be more excited! Like, for real, guys..

This was me:

And then...

Here is the video for you guys to watch for yourselves :)

I don't even know what else to say, I'm just so happy!

What did you think??

Waiting on Wednesday (#1)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine. Each wednesday, this meme highlights upcoming books that we are excited about!

Here are the books I can't wait for:

Untitled (Divergent #3) by Veronica Roth


"What if your whole world was a lie?
What if a single revelation—like a single choice—changed everything?
What if love and loyalty made you do things you never expected?

The explosive conclusion to Veronica Roth’s #1 New York Times bestselling Divergent trilogy reveals the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers in Divergent and Insurgent."

Why I am excited: Come on guys, it't the final divergent book!! After finishing Insurgent, I just sat and stared into space for a good 15 min trying to decide what to do next. Ugh, waiting is killing me. And this is all the information they are giving me?? I can't even get a title?? LAME.

Expected Release Date: October 22, 2013

The Heist (O'Hare and Fox #1) by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg


"FBI Special Agent Kate O’Hare is known for her fierce dedication and discipline on the job, chasing down the world’s most wanted criminals and putting them behind bars. Her boss thinks she is tenacious and ambitious; her friends think she is tough, stubborn, and maybe even a bit obsessed. And while Kate has made quite a name for herself for the past five years, the only name she’s cared about is Nicolas Fox—an international crook she wants in more ways than one.

Audacious, handsome, and dangerously charming, Nicolas Fox is a natural con man, notorious for running elaborate scams on very high-profile people. At first he did it for the money. Now he does it for the thrill. He knows that the FBI has been hot on his trail—particularly Kate O’Hare, who has been watching his every move. For Nick, there’s no greater rush than being pursued by a beautiful woman . . . even one who aims to lock him up. But just when it seems that Nicolas Fox has been captured for good, he pulls off his greatest con of all: he convinces the FBI to offer him a job, working side by side with Special Agent Kate O’Hare.

Problem is, teaming up to stop a corrupt investment banker who’s hiding on a private island in Indonesia is going to test O’Hare’s patience and Fox’s skill. Not to mention the skills of their ragtag team made up of flamboyant actors, wanted wheelmen, and Kate’s dad. High-speed chases, pirates, and Toblerone bars are all in a day’s work . . . if O’Hare and Fox don’t kill each other first."

Why I Am Excited: I just found this searching through some upcoming releases, and I can't express how excited I am for this series! I LOVE the Stephanie Plum series by Evanovich, and this sounds awesome! I can't wait to read this new series from her!

Expected Release Date: June 18, 2013

Hotshot by Julie Garwood


"Peyton Lockhart and her sisters have inherited Bishop’s Cove, a small, luxurious oceanfront resort, but it comes with a condition: The girls must run the resort for one year and show a profit—only then will they own it.

A graduate of a prestigious French culinary school, Peyton has just lost her job as a food critic. Out of work and in a bad place personally, a year doing something completely different sounds wonderful.

There are countless challenges and too many people who want to stop the sisters from succeeding. Among them are Peyton’s contentious cousins, who are outraged that they didn’t inherit the resort, as well as a powerful group of land developers who have been eyeing the coveted beachfront property.

It’s soon apparent to Peyton that their efforts are being sabotaged, but she refuses to let the threats scare her—until she’s nearly killed. She calls on her childhood friend and protector, Finn MacBain, now with the FBI, and asks for his help. He saved her life once; he can do it again."

Why I Am Excited: Why not be excited about this? Its got a beach resort, a hot FBI agent, a mystery, and romance! This is for sure my kind of book. I will definitely be reading this when it comes out. This sounds like a perfect summer read :)

Expected Release Date: August 6, 2013

What upcoming books are you guys excited for?