Book Review: The Wanderers by Jessica Miller

The Wanderers by Jessica Miller
Publisher: Jessica Miller
Pub Date: Dec. 6, 2012
ISBN:  9781481171410
ASIN: B00AKC0SL4

Genre: Paranormal, New Adult

My Review:
Here's how I work a lot of the time.  An author, publicist or someone asks me to review a book.  I read the summary, decide I want to review it and then a few weeks later read the book.  I purposely don't re-read the summary because sometimes they tell me too much about the book and I form opinions up front.  So when I started The Wanderers, I had no idea what it was about (I can't seem to remember yesterday, but if When Doves Cry by Prince comes on the radio I can sing every word).  And I liked not knowing.  I went into the book with a clean slate and excited.

The Wanderers did not disappoint.  I was hooked from the first page.  Ella enticed me.  She's a nice girl, she's been through a rough time and she just wants to start over at college.  But there is a family secret and that leads to the start of the buildup of tension in the story.  Then there is college, Ella's best friend Josie who is interesting and Jack and Tristan.  I liked Jack okay, I had a friend like him in college.  But I loved Tristan.  Loved the love-hate relationship Ella had with him.  Even with his faults I knew he had a good heart.

There is a lot of back and forth and Ella could seem wishy-washy at times, but I really didn't feel that she was.  She really was trying to work out her feelings for Tristan, a known playboy which she didn't like yet she was attracted to him.  And Ella is the girl that can make a bad boy into a great man for one woman.  So the love/attraction part of the story is quite intriguing.  But that's not all there is to this book.  I'm not giving any spoilers, but let's say the book did not lack action.  I found it exciting the whole way through. The tension built well and though everything happens fast at the end, I never felt like it was rushed.  The pacing of the book was great, it hooked me and kept me enthralled until the very end.

The paranormal element is great and well-done.  I'm still not sure whether to classify this as New Adult or not, it's not YA because they are in college, but while there is some grittiness to the book, it's not as gritty as what I consider New Adult, but then again I think the true definition of the genre (kids in their late teens, early twenties trying to find themselves and their way in the world) then this does qualify.  Ella, Josie, Jack are all somewhat typical kids in their late teens feeling their way through the college scene, dating and just making up their minds (or not) about life.  So it does work.

Overall this book is stellar and I was so glad the author allowed me to read this and had Reborn (The Wanderers #2) also ready for me to review so I could jump right into reading it.  So I'm reading it now, look for it's review next week.  But if it's anything like The Wanderers, I'm in for  another fun ride that will keep me up late at night to see what will happen next!

My Rating: 5.0/5.0

Summary

What do you do when you learn your family is the one who's holding all the secrets? Secrets that could get you killed...

Ella is looking forward to starting college in the fall with her best friend Josie. She’s looking for a place where she can get away from her overbearing parents and two older annoying brothers. Unfortunately Ella realizes that sometimes the past comes back to haunt you.

Ella soon learns that the man who terrorizes her dreams is in fact real and coming after her.

When one of her classmates is murdered, Ella slowly recognizes this is not some strange coincidence. Ella fears that the boy she’s falling in love with is the one who stalks her dreams and no longer knows who she can trust.

When she finally learns the truth of her family's deepest secret, Ella has to face her demons by taking out one of the people she thought she could trust…before they kill her.

Buy Links

Author Biography (from Goodreads):

I live in a fantasy world and have an over active imagination. But the best part about that is I never stop creating new characters and new stories to share. I love writing and expressing myself in a way that everyone else can enjoy as well. I work in the salon most days, but when i'm not doing hair, I'm writing or reading.

Social Networking Links

Website

Goodreads

Facebook

***I received this book from the author for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any other way except receiving the book for free.  ***

What's Next 3/20

So last week the winner was Sever by Lauren DeStefano.  And I decided to bite the bullet and finally finish this series and I am so glad I did.  Review coming soon, but let's just say I found it to be an exciting and fitting conclusion to a series I have enjoyed.


So let's play this week.  Help me figure out what to read next.  I'm not including review books, these are either from my shelf, on my iPad (Kindle app) or from the library.  Want to participate? Head over to Icey Books and join in!



Dark Witch by Nora Roberts
Source: bought for my Kindle app

Why I want to read: I seem obsessed with catching up on Nora Roberts Trilogies lately. First it was The Inn Boonsboro, and I'm currently finishing up the last book of the In the Garden trilogy on audio. I just enjoy Nora's writing and this one looks an exciting start to her newest trilogy.

About the Book:

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts comes a trilogy about the land we’re drawn to, the family we learn to cherish, and the people we long to love…

With indifferent parents, Iona Sheehan grew up craving devotion and acceptance. From her maternal grandmother, she learned where to find both: a land of lush forests, dazzling lakes, and centuries-old legends.

Ireland.

County Mayo, to be exact. Where her ancestors’ blood and magic have flowed through generations—and where her destiny awaits.

Iona arrives in Ireland with nothing but her Nan’s directions, an unfailingly optimistic attitude, and an innate talent with horses. Not far from the luxurious castle where she is spending a week, she finds her cousins, Branna and Connor O’Dwyer. And since family is family, they invite her into their home and their lives.

When Iona lands a job at the local stables, she meets the owner, Boyle McGrath. Cowboy, pirate, wild tribal horsemen, he’s three of her biggest fantasy weaknesses all in one big, bold package.

Iona realizes that here she can make a home for herself—and live her life as she wants, even if that means falling head over heels for Boyle. But nothing is as it seems. An ancient evil has wound its way around Iona’s family tree and must be defeated. Family and friends will fight with each other and for each other to keep the promise of hope—and love—alive.

Hopeless by Colleen Hoover

Source: purchased for my Kindle app

Why I want to read it:  I love New Adult and everyone raves about Colleen Hoover and this series so why not?


About the Book:

Sometimes discovering the truth can leave you more hopeless than believing the lies…

That’s what seventeen-year-old Sky realizes after she meets Dean Holder. A guy with a reputation that rivals her own and an uncanny ability to invoke feelings in her she’s never had before. He terrifies her and captivates her all in the span of just one encounter, and something about the way he makes her feel sparks buried memories from a past that she wishes could just stay buried.

Sky struggles to keep him at a distance knowing he’s nothing but trouble, but Holder insists on learning everything about her. After finally caving to his unwavering pursuit, Sky soon finds that Holder isn’t at all who he’s been claiming to be. When the secrets he’s been keeping are finally revealed, every single facet of Sky’s life will change forever.

Code by Kathy Reichs and Brendan Reichs (Virals #3)

Source: Library

Why I want to read this book: I love Kathy Reichs and I love the Virals series so I can't wait to get back and see what the gang is up to.

About the Book:

The Virals are put to the ultimate test when they find a geocache containing an ornate puzzle box. Shelton decodes the cipher inside, only to find more tantalizing clues left by "The Gamemaster." A second, greater geocache is within reach—if the Virals are up to the challenge.

But the hunt takes a dark turn when Tory locates the other box—a fake bomb, along with a sinister proposal from The Gamemaster. Now, the real game has begun: another bomb is out there—a real one—and the clock is ticking.



I'm going to stop with three this week.   So what should I read?  You can use the survey for ease but I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments as well.

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Waiting on Wednesday: Nova and Quinton: No Regrets by Jessica Sorenson

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine. So here is my choice, 

Nova and Quinton: No Regrets by Jessica Sorenson
Pub Date: April 15, 2014


I loved Breaking Nova and Saving Quinton.  These novels are gritty and real and can leave you as shattered as the characters so I cannot wait to see where Jessica Sorenson takes us next with these two.

About the Book:

Today is the first day of Quinton Carter's new life. The toxic guilt of his past left him in pieces-but one girl unexpectedly put him back together. Thanks to Nova Reed, Quinton can finally see the world with clear eyes. She's the reason his heart is still kicking behind the jagged scar on his chest. And he would love to have her in his arms every minute of the day . . . but he's not ready yet.

Playing drums in a band and living with her best friends are just some of the highlights of Nova's life. But the best new development? Talking to Quinton on the phone each night. She wishes she could touch him, kiss him, though she knows he needs time to heal. Yet shocking news is on the way-a reminder of life's dark side-and Nova will need Quinton like he once needed her. Is he strong enough to take the final leap out of his broken past . . . and into Nova's heart?


What are you waiting on this week?  Join in Jill's linky by following my link above or just let me know in the comments, you know me, always on the lookout for new books!

Book Tour and Review: The Hungry Family Slow Cooker Cookbook byChristina Dymock

The Hungry Family Slow Cooker Cookbook by Christina Dymock

Release Date: March 11, 2014

My Review:
I really like this cookbook. I have been paging through it for days and love the ease of the recipes.  Most sound absolutely delicious with very little fuss and use ingredients that are found in most kitchens.  And that is what I love. No lengthy grocery list full of things I might use one time, then find out the recipe is something I don't like.  No, Ms. Dymock has written this for the busy and hungry family.  Some of my favorites that will be tried in the near future are Dilly Potatoes, Whatever Veggie Pasta, Spicy Shrimp, Fried Rice (in the crock pot!!), Sweet Chicken Rice Bowls, French Onion Soup, and Dark Chocolate Mini Cakes.  And there are so many more.  I cannot wait to start cooking from this cookbook. And I would have before the tour, but I have been having health problems that have limited anything extra during the day (it's been a lot of leftovers).  But now I think that is past and I can't wait to get busy trying out recipes.

If you like easy and delicious recipes then be sure to check this wonderful cookbook out.  Filled with beautiful pictures and easy-to-read and easy-to-prepare recipes I am sure this will become a family staple.

My Rating: 5/5

About the Book:

 

It's every busy mother's dream-come-true: dinner that makes itself! With the help of your trusty slow cooker and these healthy, easy recipes, like Peppery Cilantro Salmon, Sausage Stew, and Dark Chocolate Mini Cakes, you can put dinner on the table even on the craziest of days. Don't let the whirlwind of life stop you from feeding your family the food they deserve -- delicious, home-cooked meals straight from your slow cooker.

Christina is the author of The Hungry Family, Young Chefs, 101 Things to Do with Popcorn, and the Widow's Mite.  You can also visit her blog.

***I received this book from the author for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any other way except receiving the book for free.  ***

Spring Cleaning Review-A-Thon Goals

So my last review-a-thon was a bust, but this one lasts just a little bit longer and I should be able to participate fully, plus it will give me some time to play with posting reviews from my birthday iPad.  So win-win!  The Spring Cleaning Review-A-Thon is hosted by Nocturne and Romancing the Dark Side so make sure and check them out!

Of course I am hopelessly behind on reviews so this is a great opportunity.  If you want to join in, go to Romancing the Dark Side and sign up.  All the rules are there (and they are pretty simple).  The review-a-thon starts on Thursday March 20th and ends on Monday March 24th.  There is a prize giveaway if you sign up by March 20th and a grand prize giveaway you can be entered in if you complete at least 3 reviews.

So what is my goal?

I'm going with 5 reviews, hoping for more, but knowing me, this is a good goal.  I'll update here as I post reviews next week!

Here are the reviews I managed to write:

1. The Wanderers by Jessica Miller

Book Review:Her Summer With the Marine by Susan Meier

Her Summer with the Marine by Susan Meier

Entangled Red-Hot Bliss

Release Date: March 10, 2014

My Review:
Former brief (meaning one-time) lovers, competitors all through school and they've been apart 10-years when they meet up during difficult circumstances.  All of this make Ellie and Finn's story very, very interesting and Her Summer with the Marine an excellent book to read as spring approaches and it feels like love is in the air.

If I went with what I didn't love about this book, there would be very little to write.  I thought the writing/story was a little choppy at times, but that did not diminish my enjoyment of the story. It may be more a testament to my life while reading the story than the book itself, so don't let that deter you. Honestly I really enjoyed every second of this book.  The characters are fun.  Finn is sexy, one of those men that make women from 12-90 just melt between his looks and his undeniable charm.  Ellie is trying to move through life, make something of a career and deal with the guilt that surrounds her and her Dad's situation.  Plus she's still trying to get over that night 10 years ago with Finn. Their love/hate/amazing attraction relationship is fun and when they finally give into it, it's enjoyable to watch.  Of course there will be that time of difficulty as there is with any romance (have to have conflict) but as with any romance you know they will get their happily ever after, just now how it will happen. 

I have to say there were surprises with this book and I look forward to more books by Ms. Meier.  I can't wait to read more about Finn's brothers who are just introduced in the book but should make things interesting in the future.  I believe this is the first of the Red-Hot Bliss line where the passion is a little hotter than the typical Bliss line and it is.  The heat was just right for me and fit the couple in the book.  It's sexy and fun and romantic all in one.  I like how Ms. Meier went at this romance just a bit different with the lust vs. hate type of relationship and how the couple realizes they really play off each other well.  It was fun to watch every second of their relationship and to see each character grow and surprise me.

If you love your romance then this is definitely a book to try.  The characters will engage you, the small town enthrall you and the storyline will make you turn pages at a fast clip.  Her Summer with the Marine is a book that you shouldn't miss and I am so happy I had the chance to review it!

Oh and this one is $0.99 until March 16th so run out and get it now!

My Rating: 5.0/5.0

Buy Now Links:


About the Book:

Their competition has never been so irresistible

The last person Ellie McDermott wanted to run into after returning to her hometown is Finn Donovan, her high school nemesis and the guy she crossed the line from enemies to lovers with one night years ago. Now ex-military, tattooed, and still sexy as hell, Finn is a complication Ellie doesn’t need—she needs to concentrate on saving her family business.

Finn’s entire life, Ellie was there, going head-to-head with him in every class, bee, and test. So it’s no surprise she’d show up just as he was about to take over her father's struggling business. It is a surprise, though, that his attraction to her is even more explosive than it had been. Acting on their attraction is one thing, but Finn has to turn a profit to save his own family, and nothing—not even love—will get in his way. 

Cover Reveal: Don't Fall by Rachel Schieffelbein

Don't Fall

by Rachel Schieffelbein

Release Date: 2014

Swoon Romance

Summary from Goodreads::

In which a teenage girl endures the over-protective love of her adoptive mother until she falls for a boy who has her wanting to spread her wings, pitched as a contemporary retelling of RAPUNZEL.

Seventeen-year-old Anya leads a very secluded life in a house on the edge of town with her adopted mother. She doesn't go to school, but instead has a private tutor. Her over-protective mom keeps her so sheltered that she doesn't even have a best friend. 

But Anya doesn't seem to mind. She has her books, her photography, and her daydreams, and would do anything to please her mom. Until one day at the library, the only place she's allowed to go, she takes a picture of a beautiful boy.

Before long she's lying to her mom, and sneaking out late at night to meet Zander. But Zander wants more than a secret romance. If Anya wants to be with the boy of her dreams, she will have to risk her relationship with the only other person she's ever cared about.

Swoon Romance wants you to help them decide the cover for Don’t Fall!  They have three lovely cover options for you to choose from.  Please vote below on your favorite cover!

Which cover do you like better?

Option #1

Option #2

Option #3

Poll Maker

Option #1: Designed by Taylor.ink, photograph by Beth Mitchell

Option #2: Photographed and designed by Laura Lanning
Option #3: Designed by Anna Zaffke, photo from Shutterstock.by  Aleshyn_Andrei

About the Author

Rachel grew up in a tiny town in Minnesota. She still lives there, with her husband and their four kids. She coaches high school speech and theater, rides Arabian horses, reads as much as she can, and writes stories.

Author Links:

   

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