ARC Review: Chasing Athens (Marissa Tejada)

Published April 25th 2014 by Musa Publishing

When Ava Martin’s new husband unexpectedly ditches her months after they’ve relocated across the world to Greece, the heartbroken American ex-pat isn’t sure where home is anymore. On the verge of flying back to the States with her tail between her legs, she makes an abrupt decision to follow her gut instead and stay on in Greece. She soon discovers that the tumultuous, culture-rich Mediterranean country is coloring her life in a way no place else can, changing her forever. But is it where she belongs?
Ava’s newfound independence throws her into the thick of Athenian reality, where she has brushes with violent police riots and gets a taste of both the alluring islands and the city nightlife. Despite pressure from her mother, uncertainty over her impending divorce, and unresolved issues with her long-estranged father weighing on her, she’s determined to make it on her own. With the help of two very colorful Greek friends, she laughs and learns while facing culture shock, language barriers and the charm of Mediterranean men, until a life-threatening medical emergency back home in sleepy Ithaca, N.Y., forces her to decide where she truly belongs – and what truly matters. 

PURCHASE LINKS 

Musa * Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Marissa Tejada is the author of the romantic comedy/contemporary romance novel, Chasing Athens. It is part of the Terpsichore contemporary romance imprint from award-winning digital romance publisher, Musa Publishing. 
Marissa is also full-time freelance writer specializing in food and wine, technology and travel writing. She contributes to numerous publications including Fodor’s Travel, Forbes Travel, Wine Enthusiast,IBM Midsize Insider for Reuters and more. She also enjoys blogging for her travel photography blog, my Greece, my travels.
As an award-winning journalist, Marissa has worked across the United States as a television reporter and anchor in Florida, Washington State and Upstate New York. She has also worked in newsrooms in Los Angeles and London and managed high tech PR in San Francisco. Marissa graduated cum laude from the Roy H. Park School of Communications at Ithaca College.
Marissa loves traveling, learning languages, sipping mochachinos and devouring dark chocolate. She currently resides in Athens, Greece.

website | twitter | blog | facebook | google + | linkedin

And now I want to live in Greece! Marissa Tejada gives the reader a beautiful description of Greece through the eyes of an America woman that finds herself suddenly facing divorce. All the warning signs were there but Ava kept making excuses for her hard working husband. Ava could not avoid her marriage issues any longer after Greg comes home unexpectedly and tells her he wants a divorce. 

 What will Ava do now?! Go back home to New York? Continue living her life in Greece? Ava knows deep down that she needs to face her past and find out why her dad left her and never looked back...or did he?!!! Great read! I give this one 4 stars!

Waiting On Wednesday: The Red Queen (Victoria Aveyard)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that is hosted by Jill at

Breaking the Spine

and spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Hardcover, 400 pages
Expected publication: February 10th 2015 by Harper Teen

Mare Barrow's world is divided by blood—those with red and those with silver. Mare and her family are lowly Reds, destined to serve the Silver elite whose supernatural abilities make them nearly gods. Mare steals what she can to help her family survive, but when her best friend is conscripted into the army she gambles everything to win his freedom. A twist of fate leads her to the royal palace itself, where, in front of the king and all his nobles, she discovers a power of her own—an ability she didn't know she had. Except . . . her blood is Red.To hide this impossibility, the king forces her into the role of a lost Silver princess and betroths her to one of his own sons. As Mare is drawn further into the Silver world, she risks her new position to aid the Scarlet Guard—the leaders of a Red rebellion. Her actions put into motion a deadly and violent dance, pitting prince against prince—and Mare against her own heart.From debut author Victoria Aveyard comes a lush, vivid fantasy series where loyalty and desire can tear you apart and the only certainty is betrayal.

I mean seriously?? Read this synopsis and then tell me you are not DYING to get your hands on it??? and is that cover not incredible??? NEED THIS NOW!!!!!! 

YA Bound Book Blitz & Giveaway: Rival Love (Natalie Decker)

Rival Love

by Natalie Decker

Release Date: 08/26/14

Swoon Romance

Summary from Goodreads:Skylar Fletcher is a proud Harris Academy Bulldog! She has everything she’s ever wanted: a perfect boyfriend, great friends, and her dream college waiting for her in the fall. But nothing lasts forever. Skylar's world shatters when her mom decides it is time to move and drags Skylar, kicking and screaming, into Bobcat territory.
At Delmont High School, home of the Bobcats, Skylar has no friends and is often bullied. To make matters worse, her home life sucks thanks to all-star quarterback Caleb Morgan, nephew of her mom's live-in boyfriend.
At first Skylar and Caleb want nothing to do with one another. But they soon discover they're not that different after all--and each is harboring a secret attraction to the other. But can a Bulldog and a Bobcat ever really be more than friends? And are Skylar and Caleb willing to risk everything to find out? Rival Love is a debut young adult contemporary romance from Natalie Decker.

Available from:

About the AuthorNatalie Decker is the Author of Rival Love. She loves oceans, sunsets, sand between her toes, and carefree days. Her imagination is always going, which some find odd. But she believes in seeing the world in a different light at all times. Her first passion for writing started at age twelve when she had to write a poem for English class. However, seventh grade wasn’t her favorite time and books were her source of comfort. She took all college prep classes in High school, and attended the University of Akron. Although she studied Mathematics she never lost her passion for writing or her comfort in books. She’s a mean cook in the kitchen, loves her family and friends and her awesome dog infinity times infinity. If she’s not writing, reading, traveling, hanging out with her family and friends, then she’s off having an adventure. Because Natalie believes in a saying: Your life is your own journey, so make it amazing!

Author Links:

   

GIVEAWAY:

$10 Amazon gift card + ebook of Rival Love (INT)

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Book Blitz Organized by:

I Am A Reader Book Blast & Giveaway: Angels Club (Courtney Vail & Sandra Howell)

Angels Club by Courtney Vail & Sandra J. Howell Hola, Cuties! I’m Jacinda Gonzalez, almost twelve. Although I think I’m pretty nice, not to mention way cool and one of the most knowledgeable people in all things horse, I just can’t make any friends in my new school. The only things flying my way are totally rude insults. The horseback riding therapy farm where I volunteer becomes my perfect escape from mean bullies. And when Angel, a scrawny, muddy American Curly, shows up as rescue, no one but me can see her potential and lovableness, so I take her on as a project horse to get her ready for sale. But, the thing is, I don’t want them to sell her. She’d be so perfect for therapy. So perfect. Now, if only I could prove it. Anyway, Angel’s sugar-candy personality inspires me to be sweet in spite of bad things happening to me. So, of course, I can’t resist the urge to make the world a whole lot brighter. Come on in and see how I do it!  

Purchase your copy from

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * iTunes

 
Book Trailer Angels Club Website

Author Courtney Vail In addition to writing quirky, twisty books for teens and adults, Courtney works from home as a graphic designer and book formatter. She's married to a should-be-famous comedian and has three kids who make her house LOUD and messy and do things like turn her veggie garden into Jurassic Park, but she thoroughly loves her life. She's a member of Authors Selling Books in Western Mass. Courtney is a major sports junky and loves to run, visit amusement parks (and ride all the roller coasters first), skate, cook, and watch standup or anything that cracks her up or makes her heart race or neck tingle. Angels Club is her first novel for kids. It was a blast to write, so maybe her crazy brain and fancy purple pen will find a grand adventure next time.

Website * Facebook * Twitter

  Author Sandra J. Howell Sandy is an avid horse enthusiast and was the first breeder in Massachusetts of the rare American Bashkir Curly horse. Her lifelong passion for Curly horses led her to write two Equine novels, Spirit of a Rare Breed and Saving GiGi. Howell, a college professor, has been a contributing writer, featuring the American Bashkir Curly horse, for Equine journals and magazines. She has been featured on television, radio talk shows and news media, and has received numerous letters from Native Americans thanking her for promoting and advocating for their favored steed. Howell is a founding member of Authors Selling Books of Western Mass and is a member of the Independent Publishers of New England. Her novels are showcased at the New England Equine Affaire and promoted through many Equine organizations.

Website * Facebook

   

   Book Blast Giveaway $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 9/15/14 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Blog Tour, Interview, & Giveaway: Getting By, Where Life Takes You, & Next To You (Claudia Y Burgoa)

Claudia Y Burgoa is a NA contemporary romance author with three amazing novels out right now!

Getting By by: Claudia Y Burgoa
Series: A Knights Tale #1
Release Date: Feb 17, 2014
Buy Links: Amazon | BN

When Emma Anderson arrived at San Francisco International Airport, she regretted accepting the distinction of being the maid of honor to Gaby's--her childhood friend--wedding. It had been years since the last time she set foot in Menlo Park, where her parents had been killed. The rug where she had
been shoving her feelings since that day looked bumpier than a camel's hump. Who could blame her; if she hadn't been selfish they'd still be around. Ever since that fateful day, Emma has been perfecting the knack of Getting By.
Cade's wedding in Menlo Park--a city close to San Francisco-- might be the perfect place for Jake Knight to shake the memories of his ex, Emma Anderson for good. Single, available women galore for an entire week was the perfect medication, one he intended to take three times a day for an entire week to return to his player days. It was a plan the former spy thought flawless until he came face to face with the maid of honor. Jake's perfect retreat turns into a flight, fight or hide week of celebrations.

Where Life Takes You by Claudia Y Burgoa
Series: Life #1
Release Date: Dec 1, 2013
Buy Links: Amazon | BN

BECCA TRENT LIVED HER CHILDHOOD NEXT TO A CRUEL WOMAN—her mom—who lived to torment and neglect her. During her high school years, her mother married; bringing home not only a new husband, but a step sister her same age. The latter took over her Mom's role—making Becca's life miserable. Including stealing Ian—Becca's best friend and boyfriend—Lisa treated her worse than her mother had for the previous fifteen years. A couple years later, thing ended up in tragedy.

Becca buried that part of her life in the deep corners of her psyche, caught between sanity and nightmares. Between therapy, work and her constantly looming past she can't seem to find room to breathe. The memories of her late step-sister, Lisa, are her closest company.

Her best friend, Dan gives her that family love she always lacked. Everything was close to perfect, until everything and everyone from her past came back. Now she's trying to figure out how to survive and keep that bond which seems now to be held together by a thread.

Next to You By Claudia Y Burgoa
Series: Life #2
Release Date: July 1, 2014
Buy Links: Amazon | BN

Him
…I need time. Time to heal those wings and learn to use them…

Was part of the letter Rebecca Trent, Daniel Brightmore’s fiancée and best friend left when she ran away. The person he trusted the most for the past decade disappeared without giving him a second glance. She taught him how to love, believe in family and that everyone deserves a happily ever after. Now he’s struggling between wiping any traces of her from his life and drowning his sorrows away with the help of his new best friends—Don Julio and Jack Daniels.

Her

Rebecca’s past suffocated her to the point of not wanting to continue, her lifeline and the only reason to live began to withdraw from her. She wished it had been her imagination, but heard it loud and clear: “If not, there’s always a divorce, nothing is forever.” This time it became a leave or die situation. Something has got to change—she had to change. Packing light and leaving a letter behind, she takes a journey that can help her find herself through the shards of her painful childhood.

As letters, memories and stories are exchanged, two once inseparable people reconcile what’s left of their relationship. Beyond the confines of everything they built together, they’re left with two lonely people searching for what it means to be whole. Will they find meaning under their bruised psyches or will their pasts get the better of them?

Born on the mystical day of October 30th in the not so mystical lands of Mexico City, Claudia grew up with a childhood that resembled a caffeine-injected soap opera. Seventeen years ago she ventured to the lands of her techie husband—a.k.a. the U.S.—with their offspring to start a new adventure.

She now lives in Colorado working as a CFO for a small IT company, managing her household filled with three confused dogs, said nerd husband, two daughters wrought with fandoms and a son who thinks he’s the boss of the house. To survive she works continually to find purpose for the voices flitting through her head, plus she consumes high quantities of chocolate to keep the last threads of sanity intact.

Learn more about Claudia by checking out her WEBSITE and following her on TWITTER and FACEBOOK. Be sure to add her books on GOODREADS too.

What gave you the inspiration to write this book?

There’s never an specific event, person or story that gives me the idea, suddenly a switch is turned and somehow a story comes to life.

Who is your favorite character in the book?

There’s a tie between Beccal and Rusty ;)

Which came first, the title or the novel?

The novel.

What scene in the book are you most proud of, and why?

I think there’s one where Daniel blows the car and the ending.

Thinking way back to the beginning, what’s the most important thing you’ve learned as a writer from then to now?

Outlining and pulling my weaknesses.

What do you like most about the cover of the book?

I think I like the whole of it.

What new release book are you looking most forward to in 2014?

The Infinite Sea by Rick Yancey & Adultery by Paulo Coelho

What was your favorite book in 2013?

The Fifth Wave & The Signature of All Things.

What’s up next for you?

Standing By (A Knight’s Tale # 2) coming up on Sept. 23rd, 2014. I’m truly excited about it, I love Mitch Knight and I think a lot of readers are going to have a blast with him. A new Sci-Fi Series, hopefully the release will be on December of this year.

Is there anything that you would like to add?

Thank you for the interview, hope you like my books.

Blog Tour Schedule:

Aug 15: Mythical Books: Interview and Giveaway

Aug 16: As You Wish Reviews: Review and Giveaway

Aug 17: WS Mamma Readers Nook: Spotlight and Giveaway

Aug 18: Sarah Elizabethe Boucher: Review and Giveaway

Aug 19: The Books You Read: Review and Giveaway

Aug 20: Books, Authors, Blogs: Spotlight and Giveaway

Aug 21: Book References: Spotlight and Giveaway

Aug 22: Rolling with the Moments: Review and Giveaway

Aug 23: Deal Sharing Aunt: Spotlight and Giveaway

Aug 24: BookHounds: Interview and Giveaway

Aug 25: Curling up with a Good Book: Interview, Giveaway, Review

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Harper Teen Book Blast & Interview: Positive (Paige Rawl)

Hardback, 288 pages
Expected publication: August 26th 2014 by HarperCollins
ARC Provided by Publisher for Honest Review

An astonishing memoir for the untold number of children whose lives have been touched by bullying. Positive is a must-read for teens, their parents, educators, and administrators—a brave, visceral work that will save lives and resonate deeply.
Paige Rawl has been HIV positive since birth, but growing up, she never felt like her illness defined her. On an unremarkable day in middle school, she disclosed to a friend her HIV-positive status—and within hours the bullying began. From that moment forward, every day was like walking through a minefield. Paige was never sure when or from where the next text, taunt, or hateful message would come. Then one night, desperate for escape, fifteen-year-old Paige found herself in her bathroom staring at a bottle of sleeping pills.
That could have been the end of her story. Instead, it was only the beginning. Paige's memoir calls for readers to choose action over complacency, compassion over cruelty—and above all, to be Positive. 

Pre-Order Links:

 Amazon * Barnes & Noble 

Paige was born HIV Positive and bullied severely in middle school because of her HIV status. Her classmates called her cruel nicknames, such as PAIDS. Her soccer coach even made a joke about how her HIV status could help the team. And the school administrators let her down by not protecting her. After leaving her middle school, she decided to take a stand and started to speak out sharing her story. At the age of fourteen, Paige was granted special permission to become the youngest person to ever be certified through the American Red Cross as an HIV/AIDS Educator. She even pleaded to congress in her home state of Indiana and helped pass the Anti-bullying Bill #1423 that was affective July 1, 2013.
All through high school Paige was the guest speaker for the I Need You to Listen, Hear, and Understand Me TOUR that was sponsored by Indianapolis Urban League, Indiana AIDS Fund, Indiana State Department of Health, Marion County Public Health Department, Teen Damien, and United Way. This tour travels through Indiana educating youth at schools and churches about HIV/AIDS. In 2013, this tour also added a bullying tour which Paige has had the opportunity to be the guest for as well. Paige has had the opportunity to travel on a national level while working with many organizations, sharing her story to try and reduce the stigma towards HIV/AIDS.
Paige has also been involved with Project Kindle as a part of Speak Out that travels to schools across the country to educate about HIV/AIDS and for the students to hear stories from personal kids impacted by the disease. Project Kindle also has a camp called Camp Kindle that Paige became involved with in 2010 as a camper and is now a counselor at the camp. This camp is for kids and teens who are infected or affected by HIV/AIDS.
Paige has been treated for her HIV status at Riley Children's Hospital at the Ryan White Infectious Disease Center since her diagnosis. She was named a 2014 Riley Champion. A Riley Champion is someone who is a Riley patient who has inspired communities with their bravery and commitment to help others. They reach beyond their own medical challenges to give meaning to their struggles. Paige also is a Riley Ambassador and travels to different dance marathons, across the state of Indiana, sharing her Riley story. During her freshman year of college, Paige had the opportunity to be apart of the Ball State University Dance Marathon Riley Relations committee.
Paige has been honored numerous times for her involvement in the HIV/AIDS Community. Paige made the list of 5 Female Stigma Warriors Who Will Inspire in 2014 by Stigma Action Network, Top 10 Young Women to Watch in 2014 by the Emma Willard School, and 10 Kids Who Made A Difference in 2013 by Mom.Me. Paige was also selected as one of the 5 Years, 5 Heroes. Five people were selected for their extraordinary contributions to the HIV/AIDS community sponsored by Bristol Myer Squibb. She was given the Excellence Award for her recognition for her contribution in the fight against HIV/AIDS presented by Positive Living, inc. Paige was also selected as one of 5 Seventeen Magazine's Pretty Amazing Finalist in 2013. During her senior year of high school Paige was chosen by her administrators to receive the Outstanding Leadership Award and chosen by her class as Most Likely to Change the World.
Paige has been featured in magazines such as POZ, Seventeen, GLAMOUR UK, Girlfriend (Australia's version of Seventeen), Indianapolis Monthly, and was featured in and on the cover of Scholastic Action magazine. Paige has also been featured in newspapers such as the Indianapolis Star, USA Today, Huffington Post, New York Daily News, Ball State University Daily News, Boston Globe, Indianapolis Recorder, and numerous papers across the country. Paige has also been featured on Nick News with Linda Ellerbee, The Doctors, FOX 59 Female Focus feature, Channel One News World AIDS Day special, and Antibullying PSA sponsored by Kohl's Caring for Kids.
Paige is currently a student at Ball State University, majoring in Molecular Biology. She plans to continue to travel and speak to reduce the stigma towards HIV/AIDS and be an advocate against bullying.

Contact Paige:

Website * Twitter

1. What gave you the inspiration to write this book?

After everything I endured in middle school and once I left and continued out the rest of my eighth grade year by being homeschooled, I decided that I needed to do something. I knew that I didn't want to have to see any kid go through what I went through. I began sharing my story and educating others to reduce the stigma towards HIV/AIDS. I realized that I wanted to get my story out there to help others and writing a book was one thing that came into my mind on how to do that.

2. Which came first, the title or the novel?

The novel came first. I began writing and thought of “Front Paige News” as a pun, playing on the fact that I was once on the front page of the Indianapolis Star (my hometown newspaper), before I arrived at the title POSITIVE.

3. What scene in the book are you most proud of, and why?

I am most proud of the Camp Kindle scene. This camp is like a second home to me and everyone there is like a second family to me. My first year at Camp Kindle made such an amazing impact on my life and year after year I continue to return with no regrets! No matter how many times I read that chapter over, I feel like the magic and details are just coming off of the pages every time. I hope everyone who reads about this wonderful place feels the same way. 

4. Thinking way back to the beginning, what’s the most important thing you’ve learned as a writer from then to now?

The most important thing that I have learned as a writer is that no matter what, if someone feels they have a story that needs to be told then they should not hesitate to get it out there. There is always going to be at least one person who can benefit from hearing your story. 

5. What do you like most about the cover of the book?

I like most about the cover that it shows that I am just a normal teenager. Just by looking at me you can't tell that I am HIV-Positive, demonstrating that HIV doesn't define who I am. HIV does not discriminate and there is no one “face” to HIV. 

6. What new release book are you looking most forward to in 2014?

The book I'm looking forward to coming out actually comes out the same day as my memoir: A Little Something Different by Sandy Hall! This is a romance-type novel, but the story of the two people are told in 14 different point of views from people in their life. It seems like such an interesting approach, plus I love reading young adult romance novels.

7. What was your favorite book in 2013?

It didn’t come out in 2013, but my favorite that I read that year was The Perks of Being A Wallflower.

8. What’s up next for you?

I plan on graduating from college with a degree in Molecular Biology to become a HIV/AIDS Medicine Researcher. I also intend to continue to dedicate my life to educating about HIV/AIDS to reduce the stigma, sharing my story, and advocating against bullying.

9. Is there anything that you would like to add?

Yes, that if I can save just one life through this book, then it'll all be worth it!

Additionally, Paige, in conjunction with MAC AIDS, is in Andrew Jenk’s (MTV’s World of Jenks) documentary about living with HIV around the world (to premiere this Fall). He has documented life for one person with HIV in numerous countries around the world and Paige is the sole representative for the United States.

To learn more about the fight against bullying and HIV please visit Paige Rawl's website. 

http://www.paigerawl.com/home.html

Epic Reads Harper Teen

5 Star Review: Compulsion (Martina Boone)

Hardback, 320 pages
Expected publication: October 28th 2014 by Simon Pulse

ARC Provided by Publisher in Exchange for an Honest Review

Three plantations. Two wishes. One ancient curse.
When loss is all you know, how do you find true love?Beautiful Creatures meets The Body Finder in this spellbinding new trilogy.
All her life, Barrie Watson has been a virtual prisoner in the house where she lived with her shut-in mother. When her mother dies, Barrie promises to put some mileage on her stiletto heels. But she finds a new kind of prison at her aunt’s South Carolina plantation instead--a prison guarded by an ancient spirit who long ago cursed one of the three founding families of Watson Island and gave the others magical gifts that became compulsions.Stuck with the ghosts of a generations-old feud and hunted by forces she cannot see, Barrie must find a way to break free of the family legacy. With the help of sun-kissed Eight Beaufort, who knows what Barrie wants before she knows herself, the last Watson heir starts to unravel her family's twisted secrets. What she finds is dangerous: a love she never expected, a river that turns to fire at midnight, a gorgeous cousin who isn’t what she seems, and very real enemies who want both Eight and Barrie dead.

Pre-Order Links

Amazon * Barnes & Noble 

Martina Boone was born in Prague and spoke several languages before learning English. Her first teacher in the U.S. made fun of her for not pronouncing the "wh" sound right, so she set out to master "all the words”—she's still working on that! In the meantime she’s writing contemporary fantasy set in the kinds of magical places she'd love to visit. 
If you like romance dripping with mystery, mayhem, Spanish moss, and a bit of magic, she hopes you'll look forward to meeting Barrie, Eight, Cassie, Pru, Seven and the other characters of Watson Island.

Website * Twitter * Facebook 

Adventures in YA Publishing * Tumbler 

"Barrie shook her head. Now that she was here, she couldn't leave. Her aunt was undeniably strange,but Pru's features added up to familiarity, to family. And the house, while rundown was magnificent. It was Watson's landing. Lulu's history. Barrie's own history." 

OK...Seriously...this book is I N C R E D I B L E. I saw reviews about this book on Goodreads and could not wait to get my hands on it. I literally read this book in three days and it took my breath away. 

Compulsion is a compelling, emotional debut YA novel set in a Southern Gothic atmosphere and revolves around a young girl whose mother passes away and she is sent to live with her only surviving relative, her mother's sister Lulu in South Carolina. Barrie knows that her mother ran away years ago from her family home but does not know the reason why.

Barrie arrives at the plantation that is also known as Watson's Landing and immediately feels drawn to it. Watson's Landing is one of the first pieces of this amazing story that grabbed me immediately. I am from Alabama so I could immediately imagine the scenery and feel what Barrie was feeling when she first experiences the plantation. I could imagine the trees covered in moss and the river gurgling that surrounds the home. I felt as though I was right there with Barrie as she experienced Watson's Landing for the first time. 

Barrie moves to South Carolina with little information about her history and her family so she immediately begins to investigate and learn about her family. She has heard the stories about Watson's Landing that say it is cursed but doesn't know the details surrounding the myth. She searches the plantation to see if she can uncover any truth to the stories and find out the real reason why her mother left so many years ago and never came back. 

Barrie meets a young man named Eight and learns that he is also a part of the curse that surrounds Watson's Landing. Barrie has always known that she is gifted. She has a gift for finding things that are "lost". She feels drawn to items and is compelled to find the lost items. Little does Barrie know but Eight is also gifted and always seems to know what Barrie is thinking before she even speaks. Barrie and Eight begin to realize that they connected in a supernatural way and that the must work together to uncover the mystery that surrounds their families. I love Eight's character and his immediate need to protect Barrie and care for her. He always seems to be there just when she needs someone. 

So when Barrie first experiences the ancient spirit that cursed her family and lights the river on fire each night she is scared but also curious. She knows that somehow this spirit holds the key to the answers she is looking for. Barrie begins to ask questions and her questions draws the attention of enemies that want to harm both Eight and Barrie. This begins an incredible journey for Barrie and Eight and I was completely absorbed in each and every twist and turn...

"Not only was it strange to have anything lost at Watson's Landing, but also there was something strange about how and where things were lost. Why was the locked drawer the only pull of loss in the library?" 

I just cannot explain how intense this book is. I literally could not put the book down. Each chapter had a new unexpected surprise. The characters are so wonderfully written and just grab you and take hold. Compulsion took me on an intense and emotional roller coaster ride. The southern charm and atmosphere of the book was the perfect setting to go along with the mysteries surrounding Watson's Landing. 

I literally CANNOT wait to read the next book in the series! Fans of YA novels, swoony-worthy romance, and spell-binding mystery are absolutely going to fall in love with Compulsion. 

Martina Boone is a phenomenal writer and Compulsion has been the first book in a while that when I was through reading it....I was literally IN AWE...I wanted more...I wanted more of the amazing characters, the setting, and the mystery. I cannot wait to see what the future has in hold for Barrie and Eight and what other dangers they are going to face in the future.....

**The quotes from this book have been taken from an Advanced Reading Copy and are subject to change when the final book is printed. Please refer to the final, finished copy for exact quotes!**

ARC Review: The Young Elites (Marie Lu)

Kindle Edition, 336 pages
Expected publication: October 7th 2014 by Putnam Books for Young Readers

ARC Provided by Publisher in Exchange for an Honest Review

I am tired of being used, hurt, and cast aside.
Adelina Amouteru is a survivor of the blood fever. A decade ago, the deadly illness swept through her nation. Most of the infected perished, while many of the children who survived were left with strange markings. Adelina’s black hair turned silver, her lashes went pale, and now she has only a jagged scar where her left eye once was. Her cruel father believes she is a malfetto, an abomination, ruining their family’s good name and standing in the way of their fortune. But some of the fever’s survivors are rumored to possess more than just scars—they are believed to have mysterious and powerful gifts, and though their identities remain secret, they have come to be called the Young Elites.
Teren Santoro works for the king. As Leader of the Inquisition Axis, it is his job to seek out the Young Elites, to destroy them before they destroy the nation. He believes the Young Elites to be dangerous and vengeful, but it’s Teren who may possess the darkest secret of all.
Enzo Valenciano is a member of the Dagger Society. This secret sect of Young Elites seeks out others like them before the Inquisition Axis can. But when the Daggers find Adelina, they discover someone with powers like they’ve never seen.
Adelina wants to believe Enzo is on her side, and that Teren is the true enemy. But the lives of these three will collide in unexpected ways, as each fights a very different and personal battle. But of one thing they are all certain: Adelina has abilities that shouldn’t belong in this world. A vengeful blackness in her heart. And a desire to destroy all who dare to cross her.
It is my turn to use. My turn to hurt. 

PRE-ORDER LINKS

Amazon *  Barnes & Noble * Indigo

I write young adult novels, and have a special love for dystopian books. Ironically, I was born in 1984. Before becoming a full-time writer, I was an Art Director at a video game company. Now I shuffle around at home and talk to myself a lot. :)
I graduated from the University of Southern California in '06 and currently live in LA, where I spend my time stuck on the freeways.

Website * Twitter * Facebook

"Some hate us, think us outlaws to hang at the gallows.

Some fear us, think us demons to burn at the stake. 

Some worship us, think us children of the gods. 

But all know us."

The amazing cover of this book is the first thing that caught my attention. I absolutely love the cover. The cover makes me think of power, battles, strength, and perseverance. I love survival stories and of course Hunger Games is one of my most favorite books ever, so when I saw this cover and the name then I immediately wanted to read this book. 

In this dystopian story a deadly illness spreads across the country and those who survive are called malfetto's because the townspeople believe that those who were plagued with the fever were also scarred and given special abilities which in turn made them back luck and abominations. 

Adelina Amouteru is an malfetto. The fever gave her bright silver hair, a scar that stretched all across her face, and took one of her eyes. Adelina's special abilities come from her emotions so only when she is upset or angry is she able to tap into them and use them. She can create illusions and make other people think they are real. 

Adelina is forced to run away from home and she is all alone until she remembers hearing about a group of malfetto's that live together and try to survive. Adelina sets out to find this group, whom are called The Young Elites. 

Enzo is another malfetto whom was born the Prince of the kingdom and was denounced from the throne for being a abomination and his sister took over the crown. Enzo is the leader of the Dagger Society of Young Elites. Enzo recruits and trains other malfetto's in hopes that one day they will take back the throne and bring all the other malfetto's out of hiding and into safety. 

This entire story is about Enzo and Adelina's fight to regain control and fight the Inquisition that wants to kill all malfetto's. I absolutely loved Marie Lu's previous work such as Legend and its sequel but I was not just over the moon about this one. The characters were very complex and I had a hard time connecting with them. The story itself was very confusing to me and I could not grasp the concept of what Marie was trying to portray. The first couple of chapters had some really good, exciting action scenes and then towards the middle of the book I just got lost. Don't get me wrong I still like the whole concept of The Young Elites but this one was just not for me. Fans of Young Adult and High Fantasy will possibly enjoy this and it also had a lot of political aspect intertwined within the story and I just don't love politics so that could have also been the issue with keeping my attention. 

 

**The quotes from this book have been taken from an Advanced Reading Copy and are subject to change when the final book is printed. Please refer to the final, finished copy for exact quotes!**

**I want to say Thank You to Putnam/Penguin for the opportunity to review this  book!!**