April Wrap-Up

Hello everybody! Happy MAY!! I can't believe that in 2 months, it's finally going to be summer vacation and school will be out!! Looking back, I have to say that April was a pretty successful month. I took a one week break at the beginning, but I definitely got all my reviews out. May's going to be super exciting as you can tell from the side bar, we are hosting several tours (a lot) this month and our first one EVER is going to be in 3 days! So stay tuned this month as we bring you reviews and fun giveaways :)

If you missed our reviews this month, here's a wrap up!

• Anonymous+Reflect Me Mash Up Review
• Cinder
• Cruel Beauty
• Faerie Guardian
• Fangirl
• I Found You
• Incarnation
• Lady Thief
• Scarlet
• Sleep No More
• Sweet Peril
• The Unseemly Education of Anne Merchant
• The Story of Us
• Tragedy Paper
• Wake Trilogy

Also, if you guys haven't realized from our recent posts, we've changed the way we signed out. Usually it's just a phrase and then our names, but a week ago we made little Chibi profiles for ourselves!! Here's what they look like :)

Yay!! So that's our monthly wrap-up! I'm super excited for the month of May! We've got some pretty awesome tours coming your way and it's going to be a huge step for us as a blog!! Again, thanks so much for sticking around this month and we'll see you all in Maaaaay!

Foreverly Obsessed,

Mini Review: Sleep No More

Sleep No More by Aprilynne Pike

ISBN: 0061999032

Pages: 352

Source: Giveaway 

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Summary:

Charlotte Westing has a gift. She is an Oracle and has the ability to tell the future. But it doesn't do her much good. Instead of using their miraculous power, modern-day Oracles are told to fight their visions—to refrain from interfering. And Charlotte knows the price of breaking the rules. She sees it every day in her wheelchair-bound mother and the absence of her father. But when a premonition of a classmate's death is too strong for her to ignore, Charlotte is forced to make an impossible decision: continue following the rules or risk everything—even her sanity—to stop the serial killer who is stalking her town.

Hey guys! I finally have my review of Sleep No More for you guys!! I won this in a giveaway from Goodreads and I was so excited to read it. This actually comes out TOMORROW so yes, I have completed my goal in publishing a review before it comes out.  Yes, one day before it comes out. It counts. 

Charlotte Westing is an Oracle and since her father died, she's been warned to never try to alter the future that she sees in her visions. Suddenly, there's a serial killer wandering around town killing off teenagers and Charlotte is seeing the victims before they die. She's approached by a man who claims to know how to teach her to alter the future in her visions and with his help, she could save all the innocent victims. 

Okay, first of all, this book was more of a  psychological thriller than anything else. Charlotte wasn't my favorite character of all time, she was just okay. What made this book such a great read for me was the haunting  psychological thrill. I've read a lot of mystery thrillers that have given me nightmares and to be honest, I wasn't expecting to feel as scared as I did when reading this book. I guess it was the choice of words and the fact that I was reading this at 1 in the morning that allowed this book to give me the shivers down my spine kind of feeling. Enough about the thrilling aspect of book. Let's talk characters. My first impression of Charlotte was: How naive and dumb can you be? If a stranger approaches you asking to let into your mind you don't say yes. You say no and then you run as fast as you can in the opposite direction to call the cops. I am just saying. What Charlotte lacked in street smartness, I feel like she made up in the romantic aspect of the book. Charlotte and Linden were an adorable couple...while they lasted. I highly applaud Charlotte for the way she handled their relationship at the end. I guess being stalked by a serial killer in your brain does that to you. She handled it with just so much more maturity than in the beginning where all she did was drool over him. So overall, this book is a fun and thrilling read, and it is pretty satisfying to see the main character grow from a naive girl to being a tad bit smarter. :)

3.5/5 stars

Foreverly Obsessed,

Wake Trilogy Mash-Up Review

Don't Close Your Eyes by Lisa McMann

ISBN: 1442499133

Pages: 690

Source: Library

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Summary:

Bind-up collection of the Wake Trilogy by Lisa McMann.

For seventeen-year-old Janie, getting sucked into other people's dreams is getting old. Especially the falling dreams, the naked-but-nobody-notices dreams, and the sex-crazed dreams. Janie's seen enough fantasy booty to last her a lifetime.
She can't tell anybody about what she does they'd never believe her, or worse, they'd think she's a freak. So Janie lives on the fringe, cursed with an ability she doesn't want and can’t control.
Then she falls into a gruesome nightmare, one that chills her to the bone. For the first time, Janie is more than a witness to someone else's twisted psyche. She is a participant.

Hey guys, today I'm going to be doing a review mash-up of the Wake Trilogy by Lisa McMann. I'm going to give my opinions on all three books and then the trilogy as a whole. Just as a quick warning, there will be spoilers if you haven't read the entire trilogy because I will be recounting all three books. :)

The first book in the trilogy is Wake and we're introduced to Janie who has a habit of getting sucked into other people's dreams. She can't help it and lately she's being sucked into someone crazy nightmare. Janie realizes that the person whose nightmare she's getting sucked into is Cabel, a "social" outcast of sorts at the school. They sort of become friends which progresses into something similar to a shaky relationship. One minute they're on and the next they're not. I did like how you got to learn about Janie's power with her and go along on her journey to use her "gift" for good. Overall, it was an interesting concept.

The second book is Fade and I have to say it's probably my favorite out of the entire trilogy. Here, so many things are revealed to Janie and she learns to use her ability for good. She teams up with the local police force and Cabel to find out if there's a sex predator at their high school since the police have been getting anonymous calls that direct to that. There was a lot of action going on and it was so suspenseful you could feel it in the air around you. You get to see Janie grow so much from a girl who unwillingly gets sucked into dreams to someone to jumps into people dreams on purpose. It was super fun to read and again, probably my favorite out of the trilogy.

The third book is Gone and it was a bit of a disappointment. I felt like after the high you get from reading Fade, the slow draw of conclusion that Gone mostly focuses on is a bit of a drag and not the way I expected for the story to end. Gone pays a lot of attention to Janie dealing with the drawbacks to her gift. With each dream that she jumps into, she loses her sight and her "arthritis" in her hands gets worse. Essentially, Janie spends a good portion of Gone just worrying about her life and whether she should stay in the police force and if she should stay with Cabel. I wished it could have been more action-y because it was kind of a slow ending, but it was a good ending nonetheless. 

The format of all three books are the same. Each section is divided by a date and time which gives a sense of time that the story is taking place. Overall, I did enjoy the trilogy, the last book was just a bit of a drag to me. Definitely recommend the first two books, but the last one, again I'm a bit iffy on. :)

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Wake: (3.5/5)

Fade:   (3.5/5)

Gone:  (3/5)

Foreverly Obsessed,

Lady Thief

Lady Thief by A.C. Gaughen

ISBN: 0802736149

Pages: 304

Source: Library

Appearance:

Summary:

Scarlet’s true identity has been revealed, but her future is uncertain. Her forced marriage to Lord Gisbourne threatens Robin and Scarlet’s love, and as the royal court descends upon Nottingham for the appointment of a new Sheriff, the people of Nottingham hope that Prince John will appoint their beloved Robin Hood. But Prince John has different plans for Nottingham that revolve around a fateful secret from Scarlet’s past even she isn’t yet aware of. Forced to participate at court alongside her ruthless husband, Scarlet must bide her time and act the part of a noblewoman—a worthy sacrifice if it means helping Robin’s cause and a chance at a future with the man she loves. With a fresh line of intrigue and as much passion as ever, the next chapter in Scarlet’s tale will have readers talking once again.

Hey guys! I got my hands on the second book in the Scarlet series by A.C. Gaughen and I'm so excited to share with you my thoughts! The cover is just so freaking beautiful, can we just stare at it?? Okay, I'll stop being weird. I absolutely adored Scarlet and I desperately wanted to know what happened next. So without further ado, let's go :)

I have to admit that I was a bit scared to start Lady Thief because Scarlet pretty much summed up the story of Robin Hood, at least the Disney version. The Sheriff was gone and everything was kind of better, but I forced myself to stop putting it off  because what could possibly happen next. Well, I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. Lady Thief starts with the news of Prince John's arrival to appoint a new Sheriff as well as the return of Scarlet's husband Lord Gisbourne. I read through Lady Thief in one sitting because it was so fast paced and full of action that I just simply could not put it down. In the book you get to see Scarlet really grow from a girl faking to be a boy to a woman who is not afraid to fight for what she believes, even if that means risking her life. 

Lord Gisbourne was a bit of a tricky character for me. I absolutely despised him in the first book and he was still equally despicable in the second book, but there were just these moments where he showed some humanity and you felt something for him. Of course those feeling were soon destroyed by his blech-ness, but my view of him did increase a tiny bit. His whole drive behind marrying Scarlet and becoming such a hated character was all for approval in the eyes of others. He wanted the other lords to think highly of him, he wanted to be favored by Prince John. Just with that knowledge, it's hard to hate him as much. But I still didn't like him. ;)

In Lady Thief, Scarlet and Robin's romance continue to blossom and it's really adorable. In some sense they are star-crossed because no matter what they do, they always get pulled apart. Their determination to be together was so heart-wrenching and beautiful, they just need to be together. Seriously, A.C. Gaughen, please just give them their happy ending!! 

One last thing to mention, Lady Thief reveals a lot of information about the past. It's really mind blowing to see the past in some sense of all the characters, especially Scarlet. You learn a lot about where she came from and her connection to the royal court. It was really amazing to read and I loved the creativity that A.C. Gaughen used to write the second book. AND I found out that there is going to be a third book and I am so so so happy and excited and I need it now, please NOW. 

If you haven't guessed, I highly recommend this book, but don't pick it up if you haven't read the first book because the adventure starts there. If you have read Scarlet and you're iffy about whether you should give Lady Thief a try or not, YOU DEFINITELY SHOULD! It's good, I promise, you'll like it. :)

4 out of 5 stars

Foreverly Obsessed, 

Faerie Guardian

Faerie Guardian by Rachel Morgan

ASIN: B009S9DV9G

Pages: 298
Source: Xpresso Book Tours

Appearance:

Summary:

Enter a hidden world of magic, mystery, danger and romance in this YA fantasy from Amazon bestselling author, Rachel Morgan...
Protecting humans from dangerous magical creatures is all in a day’s work for a faerie training to be a guardian. Seventeen-year-old Violet Fairdale knows this better than anyone—she’s about to become the best guardian the Guild has seen in years. That is, until a cute human boy who can somehow see through her faerie glamor follows her into the Fae realm. Now she’s broken Guild Law, a crime that could lead to her expulsion.
The last thing Vi wants to do is spend any more time with the boy who got her into this mess, but the Guild requires that she return Nate to his home and make him forget everything he’s discovered of the Fae realm. Easy, right? Not when you factor in evil faeries, long-lost family members, and inconvenient feelings of the romantic kind. Vi is about to find herself tangled up in a dangerous plot—and it’ll take all her training to get out alive.

Hey guys! Today I have a review of Faerie Guardian by Rachel Morgan. I was sent a copy by Xpresso Book Tours for review and this did not affect my opinion of this book in any way.

Violet Fairdale is the top guardian trainee of her class. She does everything as quickly and efficiently as possible. And one mission is going to jeopardize it all. After taking care of a serpent that was about to attack a human boy, Violet unknowingly brings him into the Fae realm with her. That breaks the two biggest rules out there. Nate is a human who is suddenly bombarded with the fact that there are Fae creatures out there that hunt dangerous creatures to protect humanity. Things suddenly got a lot more complicated for Violet.

To be completely honest, I have some mixed feelings about this book. I enjoyed it, but I didn't love it. Violet was a pretty kickass character and I really liked reading all the fighting scenes where she whips her amazing moves and defeats all the bad guys. But at the same time, her entire world is essentially shaken but one human boy. With the addition of Nate, Violet finds her life thrown in a cycle of betrayal, mysteries, and unknown danger. Violet's world becomes completely surrounded by Nate and I just didn't feel like they had a connection that strong to begin with. 

Building off of that, I didn't really like Nate. Sorry Nate-lovers, but he just didn't appeal to me. He did have a sweet side to him at times, but I felt like he was so easily swayed by others and so willing to betray family and people he cared about so easily for a chance at finding who he was. (Spoiler) He was just too willing in my opinion to hand over Violet to the Unseelie Prince that I just can't get myself to like him. Plus, he did that after Violet risked so much for him. (End Spoiler) I understand that finding out that Fae exist and that your mom is connected is kind of mind blowing, but I didn't support his actions and yeah...I didn't like him.

Other than my problems with the romance and Nate, I did enjoy the story. It was really action packed and you learn a lot about the Fae world in just the first book. Obviously there are a ton of Fae related books out there like the Iron Fey series, but I did think that Rachel Morgan put a very unique twist on the whole world. The writing was definitely really entertaining and fun to read and I thoroughly enjoyed the world.

Oh, one more thing. There is a sort of resolution between Violet and an old friend turned enemy which I thought was probably the best part of the story. Her bickering with Ryn was really entertaining to read at her expense and at the beginning I did really hate him. As the story continued, there was a lot that was revealed about Violet and Ryn's past and you do start to feel for him. He turns from a completely jerk and bully to someone who actually has a heart, and I do mean that. So I definitely liked the turnout in their relationship and while they're still frenemies, I'm holding out hope!

With that said, I would probably pick up the next two books if I can just because I really want to see what happens next. The ending does kind of leave you hanging with a lot of questions. I do recommend this book mainly for the world and less so for the characters. So if you're a big character person, you might get slightly frustrated. 

3.5/5 stars

Foreverly Obsessed,

Fangirl

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

ISBN: 1250030951

Pages: 438
Source: Library
Appearance:

Summary:

A coming-of-age tale of fanfiction, family, and first love.
Cath is a Simon Snow fan.
Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan.... But for Cath, being a fan is her life—and she's really good at it. She and her twin, Wren, ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow series when they were just kids; it's what got them through their mother leaving.
Reading. Rereading. Hanging out in Simon Snow forums, writing Simon Snow fanfiction, dressing up like the characters for every movie premiere.
Cath's sister has mostly grown away from fandom, but Cath can't let go. She doesn't want to.
Now that they're going to college, Wren has told Cath she doesn't want to be roommates. Cath is on her own, completely outside of her comfort zone. She's got a surly roommate with a charming, always-around boyfriend; a fiction-writing professor who thinks fanfiction is the end of the civilized world; a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words...and she can't stop worrying about her dad, who's loving and fragile and has never really been alone.
For Cath, the question is: Can she do this? Can she make it without Wren holding her hand? Is she ready to start living her own life? And does she even want to move on if it means leaving Simon Snow behind?

Hey guys! I finally finally FINALLY have my review of Fangirl for you guys. This took me quite a while to get over, and I'm still not completely done fangirling!!

Cath is so not ready for college. College means moving out, growing out, meeting new people. Cath prefers to stay in her room, surrounded by her beloved Simon Snow and Baz posters, and continue writing her fanfiction and talk to her fans. When she arrives, she feels completely and utterly alone. Her twin sister Wren is living the life of a college girl, partying her nights away. Her roommate Reagan seems to not really like her. And then there's Levi, Reagan's friend who is always hanging in their room. 

Fangirl was such a lovely book! I'm so glad that I got my hands on it and it really bugs me that it took so long for me to read it after hearing so many great reviews about it. Cath is so socially awkward it's adorable and a bit embarrassing because I see more of myself in her than I'd like to admit. I would absolutely die to meet her in real life because I have no doubt we'd become the best of friends. Cath writes fanfiction which I personally have never gotten into reading, but after reading this I definitely got the urge to read some for myself. I love her passion for her fans, for Simon Snow, for her writing; that passion is really hard to resist. I found myself sitting in front of unfinished stories that I started because I got this urge to write something. Cath is just amazing, I absolutely love love love her so much!

Simon Snow is the fandom of this story and is Rainbow Rowell's adaptation of Harry Potter. Honestly, I have to give her major props for creating such a beautiful story, a compelling fandom, and write a fanfiction all in one book. I think that as of finishing the book, I am officially a Simon Snow fan as well. Everything about the writing was so just real and relatable that it was pretty shocking to finish the book and realize that it wasn't happening around you. 

Okay, starting the fangirling, just thought I'd warn you. LEVI AND CATH!!! They have just the sweetest, cutest, loveliest relationship ever! Their relationship is so simple that my heart just cries tears of joy. Their love for each other is simple, Cath's writing, Levi's hair, Cath's awkwardness, Levi's smiles, it's so freaking cute! AND, Cath reads to Levi while sitting between his legs on the bed. It's just so adorable, I can't. I loved their relationship, I loved how their relationship grew, and I love them! Did that make any sense at all?

Fangirl really touched me on a lot of levels. It outlined the fears of a college freshman, the simplicity of love, the bond of sisters, a father-daughter love, the feeling of hurt and betrayal, the list could go on forever. I highly recommend this book, it was an amazing read and absolutely positively lovely. 

“In new situations, all the trickiest rules are the ones nobody bothers to explain to you. (And the ones you can't Google.)” 

“Happily ever after, or even just together ever after, is not cheesy,” Wren said. “It’s the noblest, like, the most courageous thing two people can shoot for.” 

“But you're so helpless sometimes. It's like watching a kitten with its head trapped in a Kleenex box.” 

“Real life was something happening in her peripheral vision.” 

4.5 out of 5 stars

Foreverly Obsessed,