Book Review: Nowhere But Here

About the Book

Title: Nowhere But Here

Author: Katie McGarry

Series: Thunder Road #1

Publication Date: May 26, 2015

Genres: Young Adult, Romance, 

Amazon | Barnes and Noble 

An unforgettable new series from acclaimed author Katie McGarry about taking risks, opening your heart and ending up in a place you never imagined possible.
Seventeen-year-old Emily likes her life the way it is: doting parents, good friends, good school in a safe neighborhood. Sure, she's curious about her biological father—the one who chose life in a motorcycle club, the Reign of Terror, over being a parent—but that doesn't mean she wants to be a part of his world. But when a reluctant visit turns to an extended summer vacation among relatives she never knew she had, one thing becomes clear: nothing is what it seems. Not the club, not her secret-keeping father and not Oz, a guy with suck-me-in blue eyes who can help her understand them both.
Oz wants one thing: to join the Reign of Terror. They're the good guys. They protect people. They're…family. And while Emily—the gorgeous and sheltered daughter of the club's most respected member—is in town, he's gonna prove it to her. So when her father asks him to keep her safe from a rival club with a score to settle, Oz knows it's his shot at his dream. What he doesn't count on is that Emily just might turn that dream upside down.
No one wants them to be together. But sometimes the right person is the one you least expect, and the road you fear the most is the one that leads you home.

My Review of Nowhere But Here

As I started Nowhere But Here, I knew it was just the book to fill my Sons of Anarchy void. Thankfully, the Reign of Terror is a legal motorcycle club. The story is about family, instead of murder and mayhem. Emily has no real connection to her biological father except when he visits once a year. When she ends up stuck in her father’s hometown for the summer, she has no choice but to get to know the family she never had the chance to know. 

Of course, my favorite part of Nowhere But Here is the blooming romance between Emily and Oz. The alternating points-of-view allows readers to get the entire picture of Emily and Oz’s story. Nowhere But Here is not just a love story. It is full of adrenaline inducing action especially when Emily could be in serious danger if the Reign of Terror’s rivals, The Riot, find her. The suspense plus the love story really ties the story together and makes the story addicting. 

Emily is a young, sheltered woman who trusts everything her mother has said about her father and his motorcycle club. Even with her sheltered innocence, she manages to be brave, kind, and loyal in the face of dangerous and unfamiliar situations. Oz on the other hand has grown up wanting to be a member of the Reign of Terror just like his father, and has unquestionable loyalty. This bond puts Emily and Oz at odds and makes Oz question following every order handed down. Katie McGarry has a way of writing characters that I could not help but root for them throughout the story. 

Nowhere But Here is only the first book in the Thunder Road series. I, for one, cannot wait to see what the next installment had in store. I have a feeling it is going to be just as action-packed as Nowhere But Here.  I really want to see where some of the other characters end up. 

**Unabridged Bookshelf borrowed this book from the local library**

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Cover Reveal: TAP

TAP by Georgia Cates

Expected Publication: January 11, 2015

A faceless name. That’s all she was when I agreed to play a part in deceiving her. But then the unplanned happened.

We met. And all I wanted from her was a dirty weekend . . . until that wasn’t enough and I longed for so much more.

Lawrence Thorn suddenly means the world to me. And that’s a problem. She’s my business partner’s sister. Forbidden fruit. Pursuing her can mean trouble for me at Lovibond Brewery. But I don’t care.

I yearn for her skin against mine.

I crave her smell on my body.

I want to make her laugh and then hear her moan my name.

And she does for a brief moment in time.

But Lawrence wants more than I’m able to give. And it’s a damn shame because there’s no one on earth I want more than her.

An epic love.

A miserable ending.

Unless it’s not.

 About the Author

Georgia resides in rural Mississippi with her wonderful husband, Jeff, and their two beautiful
daughters. She spent fourteen years as a labor and delivery nurse before she decided to pursue her dream of becoming an author and hasn’t looked back yet.
When she’s not writing, she’s thinking about writing. When she’s being domestic, she’s listening to her iPod and visualizing scenes for her current work in progress. Every story coming from her always has a song to inspire it.
Representation: All questions regarding subsidiary rights for any of my books, inquiries regarding foreign translation and film rights should be directed to Jane Dystel of Dystel & Goderich.

   

I want to hear what you think!

Let me know in the comments

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Waiting On Wednesday: Strange Girl

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we cannot wait to get our hands on.

 I am waiting on:

Title: Strange Girl

Author: Christopher Pike

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Publication Date: November 17, 2015
Genre: Young Adult

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Christopher Pike comes a brand-new fascinating and seductive new novel about a girl with a mysterious ability—but one that carries an unimaginable cost.
From the moment Fred met Aja, he knew she was different. And she was.
Aja had a gift. But her gift came with a price.
After a shocking sequence of events, Fred must look back at their relationship, and piece together all of their shared moments, so he can finally understand Aja’s precious gift…and its devastating repercussions.

Why am I waiting?

All through High School I had an obsession with R.L. Stine Fear Street Books and Christopher Pike. I have not read a Christopher Pike novel in quite some time, but I think Strange Girl maybe the one to make me jump back on the bandwagon. I love the idea of looking back through a relationship to see how the events led up to the event in question. 

What are you waiting on?

Make sure to let me know in the comments

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Book Review: Forged In Stone

About the Book

Title: Forged In Stone

Author: Alyssa Rose Ivy

Series: The Forged Chronicles

Publication Date: June 9, 2015

Genres: New Adult, Fantasy, Romance, 

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The son of darkness is all grown up...
James is a Guardian. He is tasked with protecting the most important person in his world. For eight years he has done his job without complaint, but he has grown tired of living under the shadow of a father who is responsible for the most unimaginable violence and destruction his world has ever known.
Ainsley is at a loss for what to do with her life. She hates her two dead end jobs and the family who betrayed her. She has resigned herself to living one day at a time, but she longs for an escape from her lonely life.
When Ainsley finds James in her bed, their two lives and worlds collide. They may have both found exactly what they need, but the darkness James has been running from his whole life has just caught up.

 About the Author

Alyssa Rose Ivy is a New Adult and Young Adult author who loves to weave stories with romance

and

a southern setting. Although raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to New Orleans for college. After years as a perpetual student, she turned back to her creative side and decided to write. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and two young children, and she can usually be found with a cup of coffee in her hand.

    

My Review of Forged In Stone

Beckoning Light is one of the first review requests I ever had on Unabridged Bookshelf. It is what started my obsession with Alyssa Rose Ivy’s writing. I was ecstatic to see the return of Energo characters. While some of these characters are from a previous series of Alyssa's, you do not have to read them to enjoy the Forged Chronicles. James was a character I always wanted to see where he ended up. While there is more to his story to tell, I liked seeing him with Ainsley. Of course, the glimpses of other characters from the Afterglow series were also most enjoyable. 

James never had it easy and with his father’s betrayal, he does not feel like he belongs as a Guardian for the Essence. James feels like he no longer fits in Energo with the taint of his father’s actions. This drives him to blow off steam in the “regular” world, setting events in motion to meet Ainsley, the girl of his dream housesitting for his best friend, Charlotte. I love the relationship that develops between James and Ainsley. 

This is not a slow burn type of romance, almost immediately the both of them are thrown into danger. As the danger mounts, James and Ainsley grow closer. Ainsley is a girl burned in her past and not quick to trust. Forged in Stone is a story about two broken people finding their way to each other. Even with her jaded view, she gives James a chance and James who believes his is unlovable opens up to the chance.

Alyssa Rose Ivy is my go to favorite author. Even with my mounting To Be Read pile, I always make time for Alyssa’s new books. I am an ARI addict and I am excited to see what happens with James and Ainsley next. 

**Unabridged Bookshelf received this book, in exchange for an honest review**

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Return Once More Blog Tour: Review and Giveaway

Welcome to Unabridged Bookshelf's stop on the Return Once More Blog Tour!  Make sure to check out everything going on during this tour by clicking the banner above. 

About the Book

Title: Return Once More

Author: Trisha Leigh

Series: The Historians #1

Publication Date: September 29, 2015

Genres: Sci-Fi, Time Travel, Young Adult, 

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If you could learn the identity of your one true love—even though you will never meet— would you?
Years have passed since refugees from a ruined earth took to space, eventually settling a new system of planets. Science has not only made the leaps necessary to allow time travel, but the process engineered a strange side effect—predicting your one true love.
If you could save your one true love from an untimely death, would you be able to resist?
Sixteen-year-old Kaia Vespasian is an apprentice to the Historians—a group charged with using time travel to document the triumphs and failures of the past—and she can’t resist a peek at her long-dead soul mate in Ancient Egypt. Before she knows it, she’s broken every rule in the book, and the consequences of getting caught could destroy more than just her new romance.
Or would you have the strength to watch him die?
But when Kaia notices a fellow classmate snooping around in a time where he doesn’t belong, she suspects he has a secret of his own—and the conspiracy she uncovers could threaten the entire universe. If her experience has taught her anything, to changing history means facing the consequences. The Historians trained her to observe and record the past, but Kaia never guessed she might have to protect it— in a race across time to save her only chance at a future.

About the Author

Trisha Leigh is a product of the Midwest, which means it’s pop, not soda, garage sales, not tag sales,
and you guys as opposed to y’all. Most of the time. She’s been writing seriously for five years now, and has published 4 young adult novels and 4 new adult novels (under her pen name Lyla Payne). Her favorite things, in no particular order, include: reading, Game of Thrones, Hershey’s kisses, reading, her dogs (Yoda and Jilly), summer, movies,  reading, Jude Law, coffee, and rewatching WB series from the 90’s-00’s.
Her family is made up of farmers and/or almost rock stars from Iowa, people who numerous, loud, full of love, and the kind of people that make the world better. Trisha tries her best to honor them, and the lessons they’ve taught, through characters and stories—made up, of course, but true enough in their way.
   

My Review of Return Once More

As someone who loves History and would give up almost anything to be able to observe historical events as they unfold, Return Once More is my dream novel. Many interesting historical events are discussed or even witnessed during the course of this novel. I loved each of them, but the ones set in Ancient Egypt are my favorite as it is my favorite thing to learn about when it comes to human history. Trisha Leigh did outstanding research when it came to presenting these events in historical detail with accurate depiction even in the middle of a fictional story. 

Usually with Science Fiction especially those involving time travel confuse me or they are overly scoped out with rules and depictions that the reader has to understand to fully relate it to the story. Thankfully, while there are consequences for affecting the past, there is still enough wiggle room for the reader to enjoy each of the observations back in time. Trisha Leigh concentrates more on the story of Kaia and her friends then the science behind everything. 

As a character, I loved Kaia. She was full of risk taking just to see her one true companion, even if it mean the possibility of never having a proper future as an official Historian. When she discovered others are tampering with the past instead of observing, she readily jumps into action to preserve the past to preserve the future. This bravery is what I really loved about her, and I cannot wait to read more of Kaia’s story and see how the future plays out. 

Trisha Leigh has started possibly my newest addiction. I love The Historian series, and I cannot wait to see what happens in the next one even if this one leaves on a bit of dramatic cliffhanger (but not a cliffhanger that had me upset enough to want to throw my kindle.) I hope to see another The Historian’s novel from her very soon. This series is a great read for historical and science fiction fans alike. 

**Unabridged Bookshelf received this book, in exchange for an honest review**

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Trailer Reveal for Oblivion

Today is the day! We finally get to watch the amazing trailer for Oblivion!

About the Book

Title: Oblivion

Author: Jennifer Armetrout

Series: Lux #1.5

Publication Date: December 1, 2015

Genres: Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance, 

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo

Experience the epic love story of OBSIDIAN as told by its hero, Daemon Black…

I knew the moment Katy Swartz moved in next door, there was going to be trouble. Lots of it.

And trouble’s the last thing I need, since I’m not exactly from around here. My people arrived on Earth from Lux, a planet thirteen billion light years away. Plus, if there’s one thing I know, it’s that humans can’t be trusted. We scare them. We can do things they only dream about, and honestly, we make them look weak as hell. ‘Cuz they are.

But Kat is getting to me in ways no one else has, and I can't stop myself from wanting her—or wanting to use my powers to protect her. She makes me weak, and I’m the strongest of our kind, tasked with protecting us all. So this one simple girl…she can mean the end for us. Because the Luxen have an even bigger enemy—the Arum, and I need to stay on my game.

Falling for Katy—a human—won't just place her in danger. It could get us all killed, and that’s one thing I’ll never let happen...

About the Author

# 1 New York Times and # 1 International Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West
Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing, she spends her time reading, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki.
Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her book Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture and her Covenant Series has been optioned for TV. Her young adult romantic suspense novel DON’T LOOK BACK was a 2014 nominated Best in Young Adult Fiction by YALSA.
She also writes Adult and New Adult contemporary and paranormal romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.    

TRAILER FOR OBLIVION!!!

(or view on YOUTUBE)

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Life After The Undead Book Blitz: Excerpt and Giveaways

Welcome to Life After the Undead Book Blitz!  Today I have an excerpt and two YES TWO giveaways for you today!

About the Book

Title: Life After the Undead

Author: Pembroke Sinclair

Publication Date: October 27, 2015

Genres: Young Adult, Zombie,

Purchase: Amazon

Seventeen-year-old Krista must quickly figure out how she’s going to survive in the zombie-destroyed world. The one advantage humans have is that the zombies hate humid environments, so they’re migrating west to escape its deteriorating effects. The survivors plan to construct a wall at North Platte to keep the undead out, and Krista has come to Nebraska to start a new life.
Zombies aren’t the only creatures she has to be cautious of—the other survivors have a dark side. Krista must fight not only to live but also to defend everything she holds dear—her country, her freedom, and ultimately, those she loves.
Join Krista in her quest to survive in this thrilling apocalyptic novel by Pembroke Sinclair.

About the Author

Jessica Robinson is an editor by day and a zombie-killer by night (at least in her books). Since the
first time she watched Night of the Living Dead, she has been obsessed with zombies and often thinks of ways to survive the uprising. In addition to her nonfiction book, under the pen name Pembroke Sinclair, she has written YA novels about zombies and the tough teens who survive the apocalyptic world. She has also written nonfiction stories for Serial Killer Magazine and published a book about slasher films called Life Lessons from Slasher Films.
   

Excerpt From 

Life After the Undead by Pembroke Sinclair

PROLOGUE

I will never understand peoples’ fascination with the apocalypse. Why would you waste so much time and energy worrying about something you can’t change? Besides, most of the time, it never comes to fruition, anyway. Remember Y2K? I don’t. I was too young, but I’ve heard stories. What a hullabaloo that was. People were so afraid of computers failing and throwing society back into the Dark Ages, they stockpiled supplies and moved into the wilderness so they could get away from technology. Why would they move to the wilderness? If technology was going to fail, wouldn’t they be just as safe in a city? I guess they were afraid when it did, everyone would go crazy and start killing each other. Either way, it didn’t happen. I wonder how those people felt afterward.

Then there was the whole 2012 scare. This one was supposedly based on an ancient prediction, so you know it was reliable. Are you kidding? Even the Mayans didn’t believe their own ancestors’ “vision.” What happened was there had been a tablet that had the Mayan calendar carved into it. The end was broken and faded, so no one knew what it said. Our culture, being the pessimistic lot we are, automatically assumed it was an end-of-the-world warning, but, again, nothing happened on December 21, 2012. Christmas came and went, and I think everyone everywhere, even the skeptics, had a little something more to be thankful for. Life went on as usual, and all those doomsayers faded into obscurity.

The day the world did end was pretty nondescript. By that I mean there was no nuclear explosion or asteroid or monumental natural disaster. There weren’t even any horsemen or plagues to announce the end was coming. The world ended fairly quietly. I couldn’t even give you a date because it happened at different times depending on where you were. It was never predicted, and I’m sure a scenario no one even considered. Who really thinks the dead are going to rise from the grave and destroy the majority of the population?  No one but Hollywood, and we all know those are just movies, but that’s exactly what happened. Those of us who survived were left wide-eyed, mouth agape, trying to figure out what to do next.

There were a few who were able to pull their heads out and organize those left behind. They made sure the populace had food, shelter, and protection. They were saviors, the United States’ heroes. Life wouldn’t have gone on without them, and it was pretty difficult those first few years after the zompocalypse.

Sometimes it’s difficult for me to remember what life was like before the rise of the undead. I was a teenager, though I hesitate to say normal. I wasn’t deformed or anything, but my classmates thought I was strange. I had a fascination with the dark, the macabre, although I wasn’t a Goth or Emo. I read books and magazines about serial killers. I didn’t idolize them or want to be like them—hell no—I was fascinated with how evil and black a human’s soul could get.

I wanted to be a psychologist and work with the criminally insane, maybe figure out why they did what they did. Apparently, when you’re fifteen, your friends think you’re weird if you have desires to help someone other than yourself. While they were worried about becoming popular and getting the right boyfriend, I tried to figure out how to make society better.

Of course, those dreams will never come true. Society doesn’t exist. Everything I once held dear is gone. I lost my parents to the horde, like a lot of kids. Unlike some of the others, mine weren’t taken by surprise or in some freak accident. They were taken because of their own stupidity. Some days I miss them a lot, but others I believe they got what they deserved. I might sound callous and uncaring, but what about them? Why would they abandon their fifteen-year-old daughter? It used to keep me up at night, trying to find the answer to that question, but I’ve given up asking it. No reason wasting time on things that could’ve or should’ve been.

As I stare out the passenger side window of the semi, I’m reminded how bleak the future has become. The truck rolls down a once heavily traveled highway that has been reduced to a cracked trail. Gas stations and towns dotting the landscape have been abandoned and are crumpling into the weeds that are taking them over. There are a few areas that still resemble pre-zombie destruction, and these are the military outposts set up along the road, used for protection and refueling. I use the term “military” loosely because there is no formal military anymore. It’s a rag-tag group of men and women who were lucky enough to get guns. I chuckle to myself. It’s been two years since I was last out in the world, and a lot has changed since then. I still remember the day the zombies attacked. It’s as clear as if it’d happened yesterday.

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