Feature & Follow: #2

Feature & Follow is a blog hop hosted by Parajunkee & Alison Can Read.The purpose is to meet new people and gain more followers in the book blog community. 

Q: Christmas in July! Someone gives you a gift card for two books (whatever that costs). What two books will you buy?

Quickie Review: The Selection By Kiera Cass (YA)

The Selection 

By: Kiera Cass

I have been on the fence about reading this book. When I read the blurb it sounded something like Disney's version of The Bachelor..

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon. 

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined. 

It was an addicting tale! Although many may say that is a combination of The Hunger Games meets Divergent meets The Bachelor.. The characters themselves bring the story to life. Not only becoming addicted to the the main story but also the minor character competing! 

LOVED:

• The Heroine- America is of course one of the lower caste (class). I really liked her character, she is very down to earth and is always thinking of others before herself. She is thrust into this new world and manages to remain honest and fair as she begins to realize that the competition she came into believing it was ridiculous and a financial help, has become a much more personal one. 
• Maxon, Maxon, MAXON! or better known as His Majesty, The Prince. I was expecting a cocky, maybe dark, cold prince that our heroine worms her way into his heart. Instead he is a genuine, honest  and caring. There is a love triangle, but Aspen (the other guy) claims to love America but to me seemed self-absorbed, fake an seemed to have a hidden agenda. Not really caring about America's feelings while Maxon is bluntly honest from the very beginning.
• I really enjoyed the events pertaining to the The Selection process and the world building.

Not So Much:

• The writing was easy to read but I felt if there was just a little more descriptive detain on how America felt certain times, I could have been more emotionally connected to the character. I love when I'm reading a book and actually feel what the character is feeling. Here it was mostly just stated. 

Overall, really great read!! We are left with many loose ends and mysteries that I really want to know!! The author decides of tease us with an evil cliffy leaving you wanting more!!

Quickie Review: Sempre (Forever) by JM Darkhower

Sempre (Forever)

by: J.M. Darkhower

Rating

I had heard about this story from a few friends, so I decided to check it out. I mean who doesn't like forbidden love, mafia crime, coming of age story... Well when I first saw the length I became a little intimidated but I continued on. I will say it was a good read but there was so much going on, at times I felt I was reading a three books in one.

LOVED:

• The Hero- Carmine was a great character. The author did a great job of connecting with the reader. I loved how he grew as a character as he had to deal not only with his fears but with life decisions. 
• Concept- I loved the concept had of creating a modern day version of Romeo & Juliet/The Godfather. It was very interesting and I liked how it was written.

Not So Much:

• I guess I would call it story structure. I kinda felt overwhelmed with all the information the author was giving me. I would get really into Carmine/Haven's story then we would switch to another. By the end I had to rally myself to finish because the plot progressed to slow for me. The ending was more of Happily-For-Now.

Overall, I did enjoy it. It was entertaining and I have a feeling their will be sequel to Sempre. :)

Quickie Review: Try Me By Olivia Cunnings

Ok so this is what i'm going to do! Since I read more books of my choice, those will be written in a "Quickie" Review. I'll be giving it to you straight and honest with NO SPOILERS!! Reviews ask by authors &/or publishers will be given a more detailed post. 

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Try Me 

By Olivia Cunnings

Novella

Just finished reading Try Me by Olivia Cunnings last night! It was Hot, sexy and very very good! If you like men with tattoos, nipple rings and a mohawk...well Gabe is drool worthy Male! PLUS a sexy Rock Star!! The only thing that let me down was how it ended. It was good but I was hoping to see more of how their relationship progressed...but thats a novella for you! I enjoyed how quickly we are sucked into the characters and you can't help but want these men to find their HEA!  =D Check it out!!

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EXCERPT!