I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.

Inside Out is the final book of the Off the Map trilogy by Lia Riley about Bran and Talia. After following this couple through an intense few months, I was more than happy to pick up this book and see their relationship through to the end (for better or for worse!). Please note that if you have not read the previous books in this series there may be minor unavoidable spoilers! Talia is living her dream, working for the Peace Corps in Africa....or at least she thought it was her dream. Bran followed his own heart and is working on a ship in the Arctic, defending whales and Mother Nature against poachers. Their relationship is on hold in a sense at the beginning of this book as they are trying to figure out who they are without each other. It's all very confusing to me honestly!

Talia is a strong character. I liked her from the get go. She's innocent, but not to the point of being unbelievable, and she harbors a dark secret - her obsessive compulsive disorder. In this book - and I've been waiting since the beginning - Talia breaks down. We see her disorder in all it's ugly glory. It not only takes her from being a person you relate to but one you empathize with.

Bran <3 I'm not going to lie...I love Bran, BUT he was always a bit on the whiny, clingy, possessive side for me. Yet he also brings out the best in Talia. He compliments her in a way that most couples only dream of. He's the yin to her yang and all that goes with it! When Talia breaks, Bran is there. When she pushes, he pushes back. I LOVE it!!! Bran goes from being a boy to a man in this series and I loved being there to read his growth!

This book like the previous two is ultimately a book about a relationship...a real, honest-to-God relationship between two people. It focuses on not just the beautiful, warm, ooey-gooey parts but also the ugly, sob into your pillow parts. The author I think does an amazing job of showing the good and bad of relationships and that it takes commitment (not just lust) to stay with someone.

Also...I really wanted the Australian landscape back in this book!!! I missed it, but it was nice to see Bran completely out of his element in America. And for Talia, she needed to be here. She was utterly broken during parts of this book and she needed the comforts of home, but also she needed to mend the broken relationships in her life if she was ever going to move on with Bran.

Overall I loved the conclusion to this series and I have to wonder if there will be more from some of the side characters that are introduced later in the book :D I love Talia and Bran, their relationship, their fights, their love...it's all perfect in the sense that no one is perfect! My only complaint (and this is the prude coming out in me) were the sex scenes. I'm one that I can do without them, so be forewarned that this book is a new adult and it does contain some erotic scenes and strong language. So no kiddos!!! I would recommend this for anyone that enjoys new adult contemporary, especially that post-college time ;)

I received an eARC of this book from the publishers via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.

At the Water's Edge by Sara Gruen is a stunning adventure about a young woman who follows her husband and his friend on a quest to find the loch ness monster. I have to say that this book was not at all what I expected and that made it even more enjoyable! Water for Elephants is perhaps one of my all-time favorite reads, or at least it was until I read this one. At the Water's Edge takes on a time set during the end of WWII, in a war ravaged Scotland. Maddie's husband Ellis and his friend Hank are bitter, having been unable to join the war due to health conditions out of their control, and now they are looking for adventure and take Maddie along for the ride.

Maddie is a bit naive at the onset of the book. She was a black sheep as far as society was concerned because of her mother's illness. Her husband Ellis married her and dotes on her. He is her best friend, her confidante. But when Ellis's family cuts them off, Maddie realizes she may not know her husband as well as she thinks, especially when he drags her across the ocean during a war in search of a myth. Maddie's experience on that boat ride shapes her character. She wants to contribute, she wants to make a difference, only if her husband will let her.

Ellis and Hank....I struggled with these two characters. Ellis is outwardly kind, if not a bit spoiled, but his actions towards Maddie from the start of the book had me questioning him. He doesn't take her seriously and treats her more as an adorable pet than a wife. Hank however is easy to like. Yes, he's a spoiled American brat and yes he's selfish, but what you see is what you get. Hank puts on no airs when dealing with Maddie, Ellis, or anyone else he encounters in the book. Also he has a heart where Ellis doesn't!

In addition to these three characters, there are some great characters they meet in Scotland: Anna, Meg, and Angus. Anna is a maid in the inn that Maddie stays at. She gives Maddie a hard time, but in a way that made me love her! Meg is a waitress in the same inn and lives in one of the rooms. She's spunky, believes that Maddie lives a glamourous life and has big plans for her own. Angus is the bar owner. Maddie's first encounter with him cracks me up. He's not a push over and he doesn't take kindly to strangers, especially two American men who could be fighting in the war as he did. I was infatuated with this character from the get go!

I was a bit disappointed in the plot. I was expecting one similar to Water for Elephants where the history was intertwined with the story seamlessly. However in this book, yes the war is going on and yes it affects the characters with air raids and news broadcasts, yet it isn't really a part of the story. The story centers on Maddie and her relationship with Ellis, his obsession with finding the monster, and her desires to contribute in some way. In fact the few times the war is mentioned it comes in the form of news reports and isn't very relevant to the story. It was a lot of info-dumping then on to the main story which was a bit distracting.

Overall though I loved the story! Maddie is a character that grew on me. I went from not quite hating her in the beginning to understanding and loving her in the end. The tension from living in war time was evident in Gruen's writing as the characters' lived in fear daily, carrying a gas mask with them at all times, using black out curtains at night to keep any light in, knowing where the shelters were, etc. It made for an intense read at times! If like me you enjoy historical fiction with a dash of romance, this book is for you!

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.

Cold Mark - the Complete Saga by Scarlett Dawn tells the entire story of Braita Valorn as she navigates the dangerous world of the Mian, first as a slave, then as a Soul. Personally I enjoyed this series from the first page! Falling in love with the dystopian-esque fantasy world created by the author I devoured each novella in just a few hours when they were released. Now they are all in one volume and I enjoyed reading it from cover to cover, Braita's whole story in just under 300 pages.

Braita is a character that grew on me. She's tough, trained as a soldier on her home planet Joyal (basically the planet humans escaped to many years earlier when Earth was no longer inhabitable). She has one friend, Jax, but physical intimacy is outlawed so the most they've ever done is just look at each other, and of course train together in combat. When something devastating occurs, her and Jax are traded to the Mian as slaves. Braita really isn't ready for this brutal world but takes everything as it comes to her. She's courageous in that while she is scared she faces it head on, not letting her fear show!

Then there's the Plumas of the West and of the East. These guys are the heads of Mian society and Braita is bound to one pair through the mark she is given as a slave. These Plumas are interesting in their own rights. Each pair introducing Braita to Mian society and elevating her from her slave status. They care for her, but they also have the power to hurt her the most. It's no wonder she doesn't know who to trust!

The world-building is phenomenal, especially for a novella series! There is a lot of building around the Mian's world but also character development. Not one of the secondary characters falls flat. I was fully invested in each and every person/Mian that Braita encounters throughout the course of the series. And the romance aspect....a little too hot to handle ;)

Overall the saga is a great science fiction, paranormal romance of the New Adult variety. Be forewarned there are some violent scenes, sexual scenes, and scenes of the 18+ crowd. I highly recommend this series to anyone looking for a good New Adult read (you know, one that's more than just about the sex!).

For more information about each novella individually, see my reviews:
Fall | Sink | Stop | Rise | Soar

Don't be afraid of your strengths. Use them, develop them, and never rely on others to keep you safe. -Kellan

Phase Two: Evaluate by [a:Rose Wynters|7033186|Rose Wynters|https://www.goodreads.com/assets/nophoto/user/f_50x66-e0ba3b90c110cd67123d6a850d85373e.png] picks up three days after the events of the first book of this series. Tabitha, her parents, her only surviving neighbor Jayden, her best friend Amanda and her dad, and Sara, the woman they picked up on the side of the road, are all living as comfortably as could be in their situation in the mansion owned by the mysterious Kellan who rescued them from a horde of zombies at Tabitha's house. In this installment, Kellan is teaching them how to use weapons and survive. He takes a raiding party consisting of Tabitha, Jayden, and Amanda's dad back into town for supplies and that's where all the excitement begins in earnest.

"You did good today with your shots," I told him. It was an understatement. Jayden was a natural. He'd hit the bulls eye with each shot.
"Thanks," he replied dryly. "Must be from all of the video games I played when I was younger."
We both laughed, and it felt good. It was nice to think about something normal.

Tabitha is an awesome main character. The entire story is told from her POV and I felt as if I was living things through her, experiencing what she does, and laughing out loud at her inner thoughts. Jayden is your cute next door neighbor that you never had the guts to talk to, but now find you're all of a sudden not just talking, but friends because of a zombie apocalypse....at least that's how it is for Tabitha. I loved reading the progression of their relationship, however I smell a love triangle coming on. In just the first few pages of this novella, Kellan and Jayden are sizing each other up and trying to mark their territory (bad analogy but very true!). And this continues throughout the book, much to Tabitha's dismay. Kellan is such a mystery. No one knows who he is, why he had a mansion with all the supplies he has, or what he may or may not have known about this apocalypse. There's also an addition to their group, Drake. I will say nothing about Drake other than that he is a surprise and I'm not sure if I love this character or if I should be leery of him. I'll let you read and decide.

I so love this series! It's funny, brings tears to my eyes, and makes you cherish all the little things (like having a working bathroom and going to a grocery store for food). After the initial raid in town, the plot jumps forward about three weeks and the rest of the story takes place then, a month after zombies destroyed their world. I will not spoil this story and tell anything other than I loved it, read it in one sitting, and am eagerly awaiting the next book! If you enjoy horror without too much gore, suspense, irony and YA lit, check it out!

I received an eARC of this book from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.

Initial Reaction:



A History of Glitter and Blood by Hannah Moskowitz was a pleasant surprise. I'll admit I had my doubts going in ESPECIALLY seeing so many DNF reviews on Goodreads. I can honestly say having read the entire book I don't know why people gave up! I loved it :D This book is nothing like I've ever read and this made it interesting and kept me on my toes. The book follows the story of three friends (Beckan, Scrap and Josha) as they navigate their way through a war.

As the title suggests the book is a history of the war, or at least it tries to be ;) At the beginning of the book I was slightly confused. The narration had a tendency to head hop, there were sentences that made no sense, and then there was an instance where the author told him/herself off! I didn't understand this! I thought surely it was a mistake and it was distracting to the narrative and quite frankly boring characters.

Then about 25% in I had an "ah-ha!" moment. This history was being written by one of the characters which explained the times in the story when things didn't make sense and as the author of the story wrote more he/she deviated from just the history and it became very similar to a love story! I LOVED this aspect. It was a story about friends who became family and the love they had for one another, what they did for each other, and what happened to each of them during the war.

The story begins with a hunt for Cricket one of the fallen members of their "family." Josha is mourning, refusing to leave his room, while Scrap and Beckan search for just a piece of their friend. You see they are fairies, immortal beings, and cannot die. Every piece of them, even the glitter they shed, is sentient. So begins the story.

I like the characters! Beckan is a strong leading lady. She's the glue of the family and the author's main interest. Scrap will do anything for his "family" even go down into the gnome mines. Josha is hurting and a bit on the selfish side in my own opinion. And Cricket, even though he is dead from the start of the story, his character shows up a lot and plays a prominent role. I fell in love with him and hurt for the friend he left behind.

Overall I enjoyed the story. I feel that if you gave up/DNF the book that maybe give it another go. If you can make it to the ah-ha moment of the book things really start to make sense and the writing gets better as the book progresses showing the progress of the character that is writing the story. I loved the paranormal/fantasy elements of the story as well. It was an interesting take on fairies and gnomes along with other creatures. And the war! Though it plays a large role in the background of the story it is over at the beginning.

Now there is a caveat to my review ;) While this book is billed as a young adult, I do not feel that it is appropriate for that age...maybe 16+. The characters have a very open relationships, along with two of the MCs being prostitutes to get by during the war. It can be graphic as far as the violence goes and there is quite a bit of strong language (the F-bomb being a favorite). Otherwise I enjoyed the book! It's not for the faint of heart and if you give it go, stick with it through at least 25-30% before you decide to DNF....pretty please :D I think anyone that enjoys fantasy, dystopians, and a little romance will enjoy this one. Plus the open ending has potential for more from these characters!

I received an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.

Such a sweet read! A Taste of Sugar by Marina Adair is book three of Sugar Georgia and this time we get the story of youngest brother Jace McGraw and the town’s doctor Charlotte Holden. Charlotte knows she’s missing something, that something being a man, but she’s resigned herself to the fact that fate doesn’t have anyone for her. Then Jace comes back with the news that their secret marriage was never annulled blowing all of Charlotte’s well laid plans out of the water. Jace wants a second chance, one that seems to be heaven sent, but Charlotte’s hesitant. Can he convince her that they are meant to be?

I’m in love with this series! Each book so far has been a standalone, featuring the McGraw brothers and their love interest. You do NOT have to read the books in order to enjoy them. The characters are in the other books but minimally and do not affect the story in this one.

I really like Charlotte, but at the same time I think I yelled at her through a majority of the book to grow a backbone. When it comes to her professional life as a pediatrician, she works her butt off. She’s focused, knows exactly what she wants and how to get it done. BUT in her personal life she’s meek, does what mom and dad tell her too, and while on the outside it looks like she has it put together on the inside she’s a mess!

Jace is a heartbreaker! He’s the youngest McGraw brother (and if you’ve read the series to date) and the run away. He doesn’t come home often, feeling responsible for his parents’ tragic death. On the outside he puts on the persona of cool but that’s far from the case. EVERYTHING he does, he does for the good of his family. He doesn’t think before he acts and takes on all the blame himself.

The story focuses on the relationship between Jace and Charlotte, the one they left behind and the one Jace wants again. But in true Sugar fashion, you can’t have a book with the Peaches! Charlotte’s dream of opening a clinic for youth is about to come a reality if she can secure the funding and she will have to pull out all the stops to do so….that includes using her ties to the Peaches.

Overall the book is a fun, lighthearted read. It can easily be read sitting on the beach in one afternoon or curled up on the couch at night as I did. I love the bits of Southern tradition that is thrown in and of course I love Charlotte and Jace! I think of the series so far this is my favorite. I hope (and pray) that even though the author’s run out of McGraw brothers there will be more from this little town. If you enjoy New Adult, women’s contemporary and a little romance, I highly recommend you check it out!

I received an eARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.

As Red as Blood by Salla Simukka was not at all what I expected. Personally I was expecting a loose retelling of Snow White. Instead what I got was a subpar crime novel about a supposedly ordinary girl who just happens to know a lot about stealth.

Lumikki Andersson is 17, away at boarding school, finishing up her senior year in what she hopes to be a quiet affair. She keeps to herself, is untrusting and when she finds a pile of Euros covered in blood in the photo lab at school she tells no one. Why would she? (Seriously that is how this girl thinks!!!!) I'm not sure I liked her at all. There were a lot of holes concerning her character. For example, how does a teenage girl know all this spy stuff when she admits that she has no special training?! I mean seriously what girl at 17 knows that if she styles her hair differently or stands a certain way than she will be less recognizable?!

Then there's the other characters. They are major part of the story, in fact they are the reason there is money covered in blood in the school lab. All I can really tell you about them is that the two boys come from different walks of life (one is rich, the other not) and both like to party. The girl is also rich and likes to party. Besides that nothing! These characters fell flat, so flat that I can't remember their names or really even be bothered to look them up.

The plot was just okay. There's the mystery of the money covered in blood. Where did it come from? Why did it fall into the other students' hands? Why is it covered in blood? Honestly there wasn't a lot of excitement or intrigue in my opinion.

And honestly I wonder if (and this is a big if) something was lost in translation. This book/series was not originally written in English and if like me you check out Goodreads the reviews written from the original version are all 4 or 5 stars while the English are mostly 3 or less. Why? Well there's a lot of unnecessary adjectives and the dialogue is a bit repetitive.

Overall I nearly DNFed this book several times, but stuck it out. The ending (and by ending I do mean the last 2 chapters of the book) picked up. It was like the plot was stalled throughout the entire book and the the end BAM! it all came together in a nice neat little package. Personally I wouldn't recommend this book, however if you like crime novels and annoying MC maybe you'll enjoy it. If you pick up the book, come back and let me know how you liked it!

I received an eARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.

As White as Snow by Salla Simukka picks up a few months after the end of book one. Lumikki is on vacation in Prague, clearing her mind of all that happened to her and her friends when they tangled with Polar Bear. With only a few days left in her vacation, an older young woman approaches her claiming to be her sister. Confused and a little untrusting, Lumikki decides to investigate the girl's claims and finds herself in a heap of trouble.

So this book is more of what I was expecting out of the first one! It's a mystery/crime novel and I really enjoyed it. It's fast-paced, with lots of suspense. The characters are actually 3-dimensional AND I can tell you all about them :D

Lumikki is regrouping in this book. She's feeling a bit lost after the events that occurred in book one (please note that you DO NOT have to read book one to dive into book two, though it will enhance your reading if you read it first) AND she's nursing a heartbreak which was alluded to in book one as the reason for her cold/standoffish nature. I had a hard time connecting with Lumikki. She's not a very likable character, however the plot and other characters make up for it.

Lenka, the girl claiming to be Lumikki's sister, is twenty and involved in a cult. She's a little messed up in the head and very naive which is why I think Lumikki is drawn to her and her protective nature comes out. Jiri is a journalist doing an investigative report on the cult when he comes across Lumikki. I like Jiri! He's a bit arrogant but he's also passionate about his profession and it comes across in the author's writing.

The plot focuses on two things: one is Lenka really Lumikki's sister and two the cult. It's really is an intense read that I couldn't sit down! I read it in one sitting...it is that intense. I was intrigued as things were slowly revealed to Lumikki. And the author!!! She does an amazing job of giving different POV, revealing information to us the readers and NOT Lumikki, creating a great sense of irony.

Overall I enjoyed this book much more than the first. I was intrigued by the plot and it captured my attention. If you enjoy crime novels and young adult, I highly recommend this one. My only disappoint in the book is that it had all the young adult cliches that annoy me: absent parents (I mean really, do European parents let their teenage daughters go to another country by themselves?!), angsty teen drama which is why it got four instead of five stars.

This book fulfills #11 on the 2015 COYER Summer Scavenger Hunt