Adult Books Giveaway

The majority of the giveaways on this blog have been for young adult books, so it's time for an adult books giveaway!

Down London Road by Samantha Young (ARC)

Body Heat by Susan Fox (Finished copy)

Time Thief by Katie MacAlister (ARC)

All 3 books will go to ONE lucky winner! Giveaway is open to the US only and ends May 8. To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form below. Be sure to read my Giveaway Policy.

In My Mailbox #77

Bought:
Captive by Sarah Fine
Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma
The Girl With Borrowed Wings by Rinsai Rossetti

For Review:
Down London Road (On Dublin Street, #2) ARC by Samantha Young [Thanks to Goodreads & Penguin!]
Prince of Wolves by Quinn Loftis [Thanks to Goodreads & Tantor Media!]
True by Erin McCarthy [Thanks to NetGalley & InterMix!]

Won:
The 5th Wave ARC by Rick Yancey [Thanks to Destination Elsewhere!]
Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers [Thanks to Rebecca & Houghton Mifflin Harcourt!]
Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers [Thanks to Rebecca & Houghton Mifflin Harcourt!]
Icons ARC by Margaret Stohl [Thanks to Little, Brown!]
The Rising (Darkness Rising, #3) ARC by Kelley Armstrong [Thanks to EpicReads!]
The Secret of Ella and Micha by Jessica Sorensen [Thanks to The Story Siren & Hachette!]
The Testing ARC by Joelle Charbonneay [Thanks to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt!]
Unravel Me (Shatter Me, #2) by Tahereh Mafi [Thanks to Bewitched Bookworms!]

Here is the monthly book haul. I started The 5th Wave, and although I'm only about 15 pages in, I understand why everyone has been loving it! :D I need to get more pages read ASAP. Hopefully my reading mood improves real soon.

I have yet to read On Dublin Street, so I'm going to be giving away the Down London Road ARC on Tuesday. Keep an eye out for that! Don't worry, I do plan on reading both books sometime this year. I've heard awesome things about both!

That's it for this month. :)

Review: Time Thief by Katie MacAlister

Title: Time Thief (Traveller, #1)
Author: Katie MacAlister
Pages: 352
Publisher: Signet
Release Date: May 7, 2013

Peter Faa is a member of the Watch tracking down a murderer, and unfortunately, all clues seem to point toward his own estranged family of Travellers. Any of his cousins could be guilty, but which one? They’re all experts in the art of stealing time...

After surviving a lightning strike, Kiya Mortenson is determined to get just one thing in her life right. And if that means taking a job as nanny to five pugs on a campsite in the Oregon wilderness, then so be it. It doesn’t hurt that the job comes with some spectacular male eye candy, including her new boss’s gorgeous grandson. If only she didn’t keep having this strange sense of deja vu...

When Peter discovers his own family is stealing time from Kiya, all bets are off. While she may drive him crazy at times, it’s clear that it’s not just lightning that’s creating some serious sparks between them. And he’s not going to let secrets, lies, or a devious murderer keep Kiya from where she belongs: at his side.

My Thoughts: Time Thief centered around a supernatural group known as Travellers. Travellers can steal time from others and can actually go back in time with however many seconds, minutes, or days they've taken. Stealing time comes at a price, though, and the victims must be given payment in the form of silver, otherwise the Traveller will suffer the consequences. Taking too much time can also lead to death for either victim or Traveller. Both reasons seem to have kept Travellers in check for centuries.

The whole Traveller and time stealing thing was basically simple and easy to understand. Only once you got all the information. And in this book, it was spread throughout the story, which may be why I got a little lost at times. I remember when I was a third into the book there was a conversation between the main characters where one was explaining the time stuff to the other, and while that character was getting it, I was left feeling a bit confused. It didn't affect my enjoyment of the book entirely. But for some reason I still think there was something I missed. I can't quite put my finger on what it was though.

Other than my slight confusion at times, the book was pretty fun! What made it that way were the main characters Kiya and Peter. Kiya was bubbly and quirky. She had a tendency to ramble and had a hard time keeping her mouth shut. She wasn't a mean-spirited person at all, but she was also not the type to back down from a fight. When other characters in the book managed to make her angry, I kind of just wanted to pat her head and say, "There, there." Peter was more of a serious, uptight person. Meeting Kiya threw him off though, and he gained a sense of humor and seemed more talkative than how I assumed he would be under normal circumstances. I did find some of the romantic things he thought and said to Kiya (and vice versa) cheesy, but I realized it suited their relationship, especially considering their personalities.

The other Travellers focused on in this book were the Faa family. They were being investigated by Peter (he's part of the Watch, basically the supernatural police) for murders that have occurred in the area. I think the Faas were always suppose to come off as distant and suspicious and irritating. I can't say I ever liked them, expect one of them who I won't name for possible spoilers. I didn't even like the grandmother. I felt she just stayed in the background while the men in her family did whatever they wanted, and she was too cold and concerned with blood purity. Sad thing was Peter is her grandson. He didn't grow up with them, so it was easy for all of them not to care, but I still felt bad for him. I almost wished things had gone a slightly different route by the end.

Time Thief might not have ended well for everyone; however, it was the ending that Kiya and Peter deserved. Overall, the entire book kept me entertained and laughing here and there. It was easy to get sucked into the story. There's a book two planned that will be focusing on a character introduced in this book, and I can't help but to wonder what will happen next.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Review: Mind Games by Kiersten White

Title: Mind Games
Author: Kiersten White
Pages: 237
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: February 19, 2013

Fia was born with flawless instincts. Her first impulse, her gut feeling, is always exactly right. Her sister, Annie, is blind to the world around her—except when her mind is gripped by strange visions of the future.

Trapped in a school that uses girls with extraordinary powers as tools for corporate espionage, Annie and Fia are forced to choose over and over between using their abilities in twisted, unthinkable ways…or risking each other’s lives by refusing to obey.

In a stunning departure from her New York Times bestselling Paranormalcy trilogy, Kiersten White delivers a slick, edgy, heartstoppingly intense psychological thriller about two sisters determined to protect each other—no matter the cost.

My Thoughts: Mind Games drove me crazy. At first I was intrigued when Fia and Adam met. The story was fast-paced, and it didn't take long for action to happen. I wanted to know where it was all leading. However, once Fia and Adam went their separate ways that's when things started going downhill, and I went from interested to irritated. Why? I mostly blame the characters.

I can't stand when characters are being manipulated and controlled like how Fia and her sister Annie were, so I understand why Fia was always angry and frustrated and explosive. But dear Lord, it wasn't easy reading from her perspective. She made me cranky as heck for the majority of the book. I liked Annie more, even though there were times where she made mistakes that made me facepalm hard.

I hated James. I really don't care if his intentions were good or if he had this grand scheme to end things. None of that mattered to me because all I could focus on was how he treated Annie, the sister of the girl he supposedly cares a lot about. You don't treat family like that. If one of my sisters were to end up with a guy who treated me or any of my sisters like crap, I would tell that motherfucker to go to hell and force my sister to choose between him and us. I was just disgusted with James's treatment of Annie. He came off as such a huge prick.

As for the other "love interest" Adam... He was kind of random and bland. Really, he seemed important to the story, but I felt he was overshadowed by some of the other characters in the end. Although I liked the whole Fia and Adam romance that seemed to be developing in the beginning, I honestly wasn't feeling it at all near the end. I would like to state now that I'm hoping for some Annie and Adam instead. Mwahaha! Hopefully Adam's as good as he sounds.

Okay, I realize this was more of a ramble about the characters than anything else. I couldn't help it. A story can be all over the place and still be a good read to me. But if I find the majority of the characters to be unlikable or unmemorable that's all I'll be able to focus on and that's exactly what happened with this book. If I ever decide to read the sequel to Mind Games, it would only be because I want to find out what happens to Annie. I'm not sure how much I'm going to care when the times comes though.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Review + Giveaway: Under the Light by Laura Whitcomb

Title: Under the Light (Light, #2)
Author: Laura Whitcomb
Pages: 237
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Release Date: May 14, 2013

Helen needed a body to be with her beloved and Jenny needed to escape from hers before her spirit was broken. It was wicked, borrowing it, but love drives even the gentlest soul to desperate acts.

When Jenny returns to her body, she finds that someone has been living her life while she was away. She doesn’t remember being Billy’s lover or defying her family. But now she is faced with the consequences. And Helen, who has returned to warn Jenny—to help her—finds herself trapped, haunting the girl she wished to save.

In this captivating companion novel to A Certain Slant of Light, the love story between Jenny and Billy begins out-of-body—where they can fly and move the stars--and continues into the tumultuous realm of the living, where they are torn away from each other even as they slowly remember their spirits falling in love.

My Thoughts: I remember adoring A Certain Slant of Light and loving the way it ended. However, I did have some lingering questions: What exactly were Jenny and Billy up to while they were away from their bodies? Was Jenny really pregnant? And most importantly, what happened to Jenny and Billy afterwards? When I heard the author was writing a novel about them I was ecstatic! At the same time, I wondered if these questions would be answered at all and if the story would even be as amazing as the first book. Having read it now, though, I realize I had nothing to worry about. 

Laura Whitcomb truly delivered beyond anything I could have ever hoped for in this follow up to A Certain Slant of Light. Under the Light was a dream come true for me. The entire book was just as mesmerizing and breathtaking as its predecessor, if not more. It flowed so well and gave me the same wonderful feelings I had while reading the first book. These were my thoughts as soon as I finished: 'Wow. Could a sequel be any more perfect?' I really couldn't have asked for a better outcome for Jenny and Billy and Helen.

Although this novel focused on Jenny and her relationship with Billy and her family, Helen was also an integral character. She might have had her happy ending, but she ended up coming back to Jenny's world out of guilt. She wanted to make sure Jenny didn't suffer the consequences of her actions while she was in Jenny's body, so protecting and looking after Jenny until her life got back on track became Helen's main goal in the book. It wasn't always easy for Helen to communicate with Jenny though. Some moments I wished she could get through to Jenny quickly, other moments I was relieved she couldn't interfere. Overall, I was just glad Helen was there by Jenny's side to guide her and to witness everything Jenny had to go through to reach her own happy ending.

For me, Jenny and Billy were the stars of Under the Light. Whenever they had moments together, I smiled like crazy. Their interactions with each other were done so perfectly. Once they figured out ghosts had inhabited their bodies, they retraced the steps the ghosts had taken in their bodies. It was great because there was a sweet awkwardness between them. They knew something special had happened, but it was hard for them to understand why they were important to each other. It was very adorable to read. I couldn't get enough.

The questions I mentioned before about Jenny and Billy were addressed, of course, and the answers were unexpected and surprising in a really good way. I loved learning more about their lives, especially Billy's, even though his story broke my heart to pieces. It made me even more thankful that they found each other because the bond they shared kept them both anchored during the hardships they faced. I just LOVED how their relationship developed. It was such a beautiful thing. There's so much more I could say, really. I can't quite find the words, though, to describe how amazing it was to read about them. But I will say that I don't think Jenny and Billy fans will be disappointed at all.

Under the Light was a highly satisfying and emotional conclusion to the stories of Helen, Jenny, and Billy, all of which began in A Certain Slant of Light. It left me feeling happy and content, the way I love to feel when I finish a novel. I honestly wish it never had to end. Not because I thought it needed more, but because I couldn't quite bring myself to let these characters go. I hope fans of A Certain Slant of Light love Under the Light as much as I did. It's a worthy sequel and deserving of all the praise it will no doubt receive.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

P.S. A song that reminded me of this book and that I listened to nonstop while writing this review: Look at the Light by Sin Fang ♥

Reviews: Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren & Recipe for Satisfaction by Gina Gordan

Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren
Release Date: February 12, 2013 / Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

It does not bother me at all that Beautiful Bastard use to be fanfiction. That being said, I found this book to be just an okay read. Even though it didn't take me too long to finish, there were still instances while I was reading where I was wishing the story would hurry up and end.

Beautiful Bastard had its entertaining moments, which I felt were mostly the steamy interactions between Chloe and Bennett. The book featured both of their POVs, and I liked Bennett's more so than Chloe's. Chloe wasn't a character I ever really warmed up to. She was frustraing at times. I'm not saying Bennett wasn't frustrating himself, and I don't mean he was an amazing guy. I just found his chapters easier to get through. I didn't care that much for how their story started off with pretty much no build-up or enough insight. But hey, at least it was straight to the point like the rest of the story.

While I didn't think this book was that memorable, I think readers who are interested in this type of story (a quick-paced, erotic read) might enjoy Beautiful Bastard.

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Recipe for Satisfaction by Gina Gordan
Release Date: January 1, 2013 / Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

I don't think this book is bad. But my reason for the rating is because Recipe for Satisfaction is a story I've read before with just slightly different characters and the main differences being the setting and the characters' careers. A lot of the contemporary romances I've read seem to share the same basic plot. Uptight woman and bad boy, who isn't really as bad as the rumors claim, fall for each other and have the best sex of their lives with each other. But their relationship isn't suppose to be serious, so they are too afraid to admit that they're deeply in love. Complications from their past cause them to argue and fight and break off whatever they had. Someone or something brings them back together, making them realize how wrong they were, and they declare their love for each other and live happily ever after. See? I think everyone knows exactly what I mean.

I know these stories are suppose to be fun and straight to the point. And there have been some I've really enjoyed, but those were mostly the first ones I've ever read. It's not as exciting as it was in the beginning because it's the same story and I already know what's going to happen. I think readers who don't mind that at all and are just looking for a quick romantic read will no doubt have fun with this book.

Review: Levitating Las Vegas by Jennifer Echols

Title: Levitating Las Vegas
Author: Jennifer Echols
Pages: 300
Publisher: Pocket Star
Release Date: May 6, 2013

Nothing up her sleeves...or so she’s been led to believe.

Showgirl Holly Starr is sick and tired of assisting her dad, a celebrity magician, in his Las Vegas casino magic show. As soon as he keeps his promise to her and shares the secrets to his tricks, she can break out on her own. But can she really make it? For years Holly has taken medication to stave off crazy hallucinations that she can levitate objects. Just when she thinks she’s ready to make a career and a life for herself, her medicine—and her luck—run out.

Elijah Brown suffers from a similar delusion—that he can read minds—and he’s out of medicine too. Determined to save himself and his old flame Holly, he kidnaps her and takes her straight to the source, a town high in the Rockies where their medicine is made. What they discover there leads them to suspect their powers are not imaginary after all...and neither is the intense attraction they feel for each other.

They make a pact to stick together as they return to Vegas to confront the people who kept them in the dark so long. But soon they’re pitting their powers against each other in a dangerous world where the nightlife is seductive, domination is addictive, the sex is beyond belief...and falling in love is murder.

My Thoughts: Levitating Las Vegas was such a strange and unpredictable book. It's the first paranormal and the first new adult novel I've read by Jennifer Echols. It's so different from the other books I've read by her and also from other paranormal and new adult novels out there. It's actually not the weirdest story I've ever read, but it's definitely up there.

The main characters were 21-year-olds Holly and Elijah. What happened with them in the beginning was really bizarre that I couldn't tell at first if this book was a contemporary or paranormal or what. Thankfully it became clear afterwards. I liked Holly and Elijah for the most part. When their magic didn't get in the way of their emotions, they were interesting and funny and good together. But I have to admit I never entirely connected with them. The story focused a lot on their magical abilities and what was going on around them and to other characters like Kaylee. It made sense that would be the case since they still had a whole lot to learn and us readers needed to know more about the world in the story. However, when it came down to it, I mostly cared about what happened between Holly and Elijah than everything and everyone else.

Speaking of the other characters, I got frustrated with a lot of them. Especially Holly's parents and everyone else involved with keeping the magical powers a secret. I totally understand why it was necessary to not tell Holly and Elijah the truth, considering what happened to most their age with magical abilities, but it led to MANY moments that made me want to shake and smack the characters. Probably the one character that never ever irritated me in the book and the one I loved the most was Shane. He was a badass! I got angry with the way Kaylee treated him though. I know it was suppose to be funny. I just wish by the end she would have gotten over it because he proved himself to be a great guy.

Even though I got frustrated with the characters and wanted the book to focus more on certain aspects, I still found Levitating Las Vegas to be an engaging read. I had no idea what would happen at the end, and I really wanted to know! That being said, although this book is unique and original, I'm not sure it will be everyone's cup of tea.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Review: Apollyon by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Title: Apollyon (Covenant, #4)
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Pages: 344
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Release Date: April 9, 2013

Fate isn’t something to mess with… and now, neither is Alex.

Alex has always feared two things: losing herself in the Awakening and being placed on the Elixir. But love has always been stronger than Fate, and Aiden St. Delphi is willing to make war on the gods—and Alex herself—to bring her back.

The gods have killed thousands and could destroy entire cities in their quest to stop Seth from taking Alex’s power and becoming the all-powerful God Killer. But breaking Alex’s connection to Seth isn’t the only problem. There are a few pesky little loopholes in the whole “an Apollyon can’t be killed” theory, and the only person who might know how to stop the destruction has been dead for centuries.

Finding their way past the barriers that guard the Underworld, searching for one soul among countless millions, and then somehow returning will be hard enough. Alex might be able to keep Seth from becoming the God Killer… or she might become the God Killer herself.

My Thoughts: I cannot believe the end is almost here. Things are so close to coming full circle. Seeing as Apollyon is the second to last book in the Covenant series, I wish I could have taken my time reading it. But it's pretty much impossible for me to savor these books. I just can't read them fast enough, not when the story is utterly addicting and not when I'm desperate to know what happens next with Alex and Aiden.

What I loved the most about Apollyon is how it's Alex's story with Aiden right there at her side. That's what I've always wanted. Them working and being together without fear of the consequences. And if there's any two people who have proven they would do anything and everything for each other, it's Alex and Aiden. Out of all the characters, I believe they deserve their happy ending the most. They've come a long way and gone through so much that I don't see why they shouldn't have one.

Something I immediately noticed in this book was how much Alex and Aiden have grown. Aiden finally learns to forgive himself for what happened to his parents and Alex, to live in the moment and let loose. It was fun, refreshing, and cute to see him open up. Alex continues to mature more and more. She has patience and is no longer as reckless as she use to be. Without, of course, losing her snarky and outgoing personality. Alex also begins to realize that the war is way bigger than herself and that she can't do it alone. That's another reason why I'm glad Aiden is there for her. He keeps her focused and grounded. These two really do become stronger and better people when they're together.

Love is such an important theme in the series. The characters find hope and strength through love, so it would be wrong of me not to mention the romance that filled the pages of Apollyon. All the intimate moments (and there were TONS) between Alex and Aiden were extremely steamy and satisfying. My favorites were definitely the shower and spring scenes. I couldn't help but to grin like an idiot throughout the book. Really, could Aiden be any more sexy and perfect and wonderful? He had me swooning all over the place. I will be devastated and beyond heartbroken if Alex and Aiden don't get a happy ending together.

The ending of Apollyon wasn't a brutal cliffhanger like Deity. Praise Apollo! It left me feeling calm and hopeful. It's a relief to not feel like I'm going to suffer while waiting for the final book. But I admit, sometimes when I stop to think about what Alex is up against I begin to worry. How is this all really going to end for Alex and those important to her? How much will she be able to accomplish in one last book? Will it be enough? Like I said, I have hope. Deep down, though, I'm afraid. I need more reassurance. I don't think I will even try to predict what will happen next because I know I won't even be close. I'm just going to hold on tightly to the very last lines in Apollyon and pray that those words do come true.

Jennifer L. Armentrout truly has succeeded in keeping her readers guessing and on their toes. Apollyon didn't give us all the answers and might have even left us with more questions. It basically set up what is sure to be a stunning conclusion in the final book of the Covenant series. I'm dying to read Sentinel, but at the same time, thinking about never reading anything new about these characters again makes me want to tear up. But it just goes to show how amazing the story and the characters are if I'm wishing it would never end.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Review: Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

Title: Seraphina
Author: Rachel Hartman
Published: July 2012 by Random House
Pages: 480 Kindle Edition
My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Summary via goodreads:

Four decades of peace have done little to ease the mistrust between humans and dragons in the kingdom of Goredd. Folding themselves into human shape, dragons attend court as ambassadors, and lend their rational, mathematical minds to universities as scholars and teachers. As the treaty's anniversary draws near, however, tensions are high.

Seraphina has reason to fear both sides. An unusually gifted musician, she joins the court just as a member of the royal family is murdered in suspiciously draconian fashion. Seraphina is drawn into the investigation, partnering with the captain of the Queen's Guard, the dangerously perceptive Prince Lucian Kiggs. While they begin to uncover hints of a sinister plot to destroy the peace, Seraphina struggles to protect her own secret, the secret behind her musical gift - one so terrible that its discovery could mean her very life.

*****

Mild spoilers?

Seraphina was an entertaining read; even with it's somewhat rocky opening. I'll get my petty arguments out of the way first. Ms. Hartman opened the novel with mild confusion and a need for more explanation of the Saints and religion in my opinion. After a couple of large info dumps things begin to pick up and from there, I was quickly swept away in the story that I found it hard to put down.

Fans of high fantasy novels should enjoy this enthralling tale of dragons and the new mystical world they live in. Rachel Hartman built a beautifully enchanting world that will confuse the hell out of you and maybe even  turn you off after all the talk of Saints, Heretics, and how their way of life is completely intertwined in their religion. It is a mystical period piece of sorts...  Seraphina herself was a likable enough character after you got over how much she hated herself and her messed up priorities. She's intelligent, but for someone that's suppose to be so alone, she was always surrounded by people who cared about her, even if she was hiding what she is. Not to mention the garden of people she housed in her head. Seraphina has an amazing talent for music that draws people and attention to her.

I had problems with Prince Lucian Kiggs. For a man that is engaged to the future queen, he sure did spend a lot of his time following Phina around, obsessing over her so called bravery, and sharing all these moments with her that one day she comes to the realization that she's in love with the man.

I can say that as I was reading I wasn't as caught up in how absurd this man was until I sat down to write out a review. So I think I have a right to express how this novel could have been amazing, but the disjointedness of it all kind of ruined it. I'll give Hartman the benefit of the doubt with her first published fantasy novel. I'm somewhat invested in the storyline now that I will be purchasing Dracomahia when it's released, but I won't settle for the holes and incompleteness I felt during Seraphina. 

Review: Chasing Mrs. Right by Katee Robert

Title: Chasing Mrs. Right (Come Undone, #2)
Author: Katee Robert
Pages: 170
Publisher: Entangled: Brazen
Release Date: March 25, 2013

It was only supposed to last one night…

Roxanne Stokes doesn’t believe in love. She does, however, believe in the sexy-as-sin stranger who literally knocks her off her feet in front of a nightclub. The chemistry sparking between them takes her breath away, and she’ll do anything to ease the pain in his eyes…until she realizes the handsome stranger is her best friend’s older brother who’s just come home from war.

Ian Walser had no idea the gorgeous woman he slept with the night of his homecoming party was his little sister’s best friend—or that she’d be gone before morning. Roxanne’s touch soothes him in a way nothing else can, and he’s not ready to walk away from that yet. Not when spending time with her gave Ian a glimpse of everything he’s ever wanted.

When his sister unwittingly pushes them together, he sees his chance. But convincing a woman who doesn’t believe in love that she’s his Mrs. Right might be harder than any mission Ian’s undertaken. Good thing this soldier likes a challenge…

My Thoughts: Chasing Mrs. Right is about Ian and Roxanne, two people struggling with their own inner demons when it comes to love and relationships. Ian is still feeling the affects of serving two tours of war and never expects to find someone to keep him grounded. Roxanne has a hard time believing in love after her own experiences with relationships and witnessing all the heartache her mother has gone through. Neither are prepared for the deep, powerful connection they find with each other.

For some reason, I thought Ian would be a bad boy, but he was actually a pretty sweet guy. When Roxanne hurt her leg, he fixed her right up. He cooked for her and did some other things (ahem). It was all very nice. But he never came off as a cheesy, perfect guy, which I liked. Roxanne was a good person too. I understood why she felt the need to keep her distance. Thankfully she wasn't able to do that when it came to Ian, and I'm glad she was quick to realize her feelings. Although I thought their story wasn't anything new, both of them were still easy to like.

Ian and Roxanne's relationship was resolved as expected. There were some things that I wish had been resolved as well like Ian and Elle's overbearing mother, but that was never the focus of the story. And while I'm glad how things ended for Ian and Roxanne, I kind of wish their had been more development between them and that the story had been longer. It all did feel a bit rushed. But I'm not surprised by this because I think these stories aren't suppose to be drawn out. Just hot, light reads with a bit of drama.

Before I end this review, I would like to mention that Chasing Mrs. Right is actually book two in the Come Undone series. I have yet to read the first book; however, it looks like each book can stand on its own. I never got lost or confused when certain things were referenced from the previous story. I did become curious about Elle and Gabe's relationship though, especially after reading the excerpt from Wrong Bed, Right Guy at the end. I think I might have to read the rest of the books in this series when I'm in the mood for another romantic read.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Cover Reveal + Giveaway: Shudder by Samantha Durante

Before I reveal the cover for Shudder, I would like to mention that Shudder is book two in the new adult STITCH trilogy by Samantha Durante. I've read and enjoyed the first book Stitch, and you can read my review HERE.

Shudder (Stitch, #2) by Samantha Durante

Release Date: June 15, 2013

Read the Synopsis:

It’s only been three days, and already everything is different.

Paragon is behind her, but somehow Alessa’s life may actually have gotten worse. In a wrenching twist of fate, she traded the safety and companionship of her sister for that of her true love, losing a vital partner she’d counted on for the ordeal ahead. Her comfortable university life is but a distant memory, as she faces the prospect of surviving a bleak winter on the meager remains of a ravaged world. And if she’d thought she’d tasted fear upon seeing a ghost, she was wrong; now she’s discovering new depths of terror while being hunted by a deadly virus and a terrifying pack of superhuman creatures thirsting for blood.

And then there are the visions.

The memory-altering “stitch” unlocked something in Alessa’s mind, and now she can’t shake the constant flood of alien feelings ransacking her emotions. Haunting memories of an old flame are driving a deep and painful rift into her once-secure relationship. And a series of staggering revelations about the treacherous Engineers – and the bone-chilling deceit shrouding her world’s sorry history – will soon leave Alessa reeling…

The second installment in the electrifying Stitch Trilogy, Shudder follows Samantha Durante’s shocking and innovative debut with a heart-pounding, paranormal-dusted dystopian adventure sure to keep the pages turning.

Samantha Durante lives in Westchester County, New York with her husband, Sudeep, and her cat, Gio. Formerly an engineer at Microsoft, Samantha left the world of software in 2010 to pursue her entrepreneurial dreams and a lifelong love of writing. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s Jerome Fisher Program in Management & Technology, Samantha is currently working full time for her company Medley Media Associates as a freelance business writer and communications consultant. The Stitch Trilogy is her debut series. Learn more about Samantha at www.samanthadurante.com.

To coincide with the release of the cover and synopsis, the author is giving away an ARC of Shudder! This giveaway is international. To enter, just fill out the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

Various ARCs Giveaway #8

I'm giving away the following ARCs...

The Art of Wishing by Lindsay Ribar
Mind Games by Kiersten White
Wasteland by Susan Kim & Laurence Klavan

...to ONE winner! This giveaway is US only and ends April 13. Just fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter. Be sure to read my Giveaway Policy. :)