Dreamland Book Blog: 2014

Wednesday, December 31, 2014 6 comments

Ignited by Suzannah Daniels (Whiskey Nights #2) Publication date: December 30th 2014 Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

~ SYNOPSIS ~

James “Hawk” Hawkins always knew he’d be a firefighter. At twenty-four years of age, he’s dedicated his entire adulthood to the perilous job of saving lives and extinguishing flames. After a chance encounter, he carries a young woman to safety, but it’s unlike any rescue he’s ever performed. She touches something deep inside of him, not because he finds her attractive, which he does, but because she doesn’t want to be saved. For the first time in his life, he doesn’t need to put out a fire…he needs to start one. Twenty-year-old Amber Lawson escaped to the small town of Creekview, Tennessee. She was running…fleeing from a tragedy that left her heartbroken and shrouded in despair. Struggling with the desolation that has engulfed her, she tries to start anew, hoping that if she evades the reminders of her past, she can slowly begin to heal. Hawk is determined to rekindle her passion for life. Along the way, he realizes that’s not the only passion he wants to ignite. With his heart on the line, it could be his most hazardous rescue yet. Plus, a bonus scene from Mason and Lexi of WASTED. IGNITED is the second book in the WHISKEY NIGHTS series. Since each book focuses on a different couple, they can be read as stand-alones, but many readers may prefer to read them in order for maximum enjoyment.

WHISKEY NIGHTS SERIES ORDER

Wasted #1

Ignited #2 (coming December 30, 2014)

Deceived #3 (coming 2015)

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23163990-ignited

~ AUTHOR BIO ~

Suzannah Daniels has had an affinity for words for as long as she can remember. She grew up in North Georgia with four brothers, so she learned at an early age to admire snakes and motorcycles. When she wasn't pestering her brothers, she could usually be found reading or writing. She has an Associates Degree in Electrical Engineering, but her passion is writing. She is the author of Viking's Embrace, a historical romance, and Ghostly Encounter, Book One of her Ghostly series (young adult paranormal romance). Currently, she lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee with her husband and her teenage daughter. Her son lives nearby. The family pets include a Lab mix, a Basset Hound, a Shih Tzu, and a sweet, little kitty.

~ AUTHOR LINKS ~

http://www.suzannahdaniels.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Suzannah-Daniels/366971616695887

https://twitter.com/SuzannahDaniels

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6434142.Suzannah_Daniels

~ EXCERPT~

Chapter 1

Extrication

Hawk

I released the string, and the arrow whooshed through the air, sinking into the center of the bull’s-eye with a thud. Turning toward Cade Mayfield, who’d been a lifelong friend, I pointed at him and said, “You owe me a beer.”

“Man!” He shook his head in disbelief, running a hand through his dark hair. “I didn’t think there’s any way you could sink five in a row.”

“You were wrong, as usual.”

“Just for that….” A loud noise exploded in the air, squealing brakes, scraping metal, shattering glass.

Cade whipped his head in my direction. “What the hell?”

Being a firefighter, my instincts kicked in, and I scrambled up the steep embankment that would lead us out of the ravine that had provided a safe and secluded spot for target practice.

“Damn,” I muttered as the acrid smell of burning rubber assaulted my nostrils. I paused for a moment as I heard a noise with which I was all too familiar.

Flames.

Scurrying into action, Cade and I rushed up the last bit of ridge that led to the rural road that connected downtown Creekview, Tennessee with the agricultural areas.

A huge black plume of smoke came into view, spiraling into the orange glow of the sky as the sun began drifting below the horizon, and as we pushed ourselves up on the pavement, we could see the mangled SUV lying on its side. An outer layer of bark had been peeled off a tall pine tree, exposing the raw wood. A quick assessment told me that the SUV had sideswiped it, and I assumed the driver had overcorrected, toppling the SUV in the process.

A woman’s frantic scream pierced the air as thick flames in varying hues of orange engulfed the rear of the vehicle.

“Shit, she’s trapped,” I yelled to Cade. “You got something we can bust out the window with?” I pointed at his truck, parked a few feet behind us.

“Yeah.” He turned and ran to retrieve it.

Rushing to the SUV, I saw a woman beating her fist against the windshield. “Help!” she screamed above the crackling fire. The urgency in her voice reminded me of the nightmares that plagued me, and a shudder crept down my spine as I raced toward the vehicle.

“Get back!” I yelled.

“Help!” she screamed, her fists thumping repeatedly on the windshield. “Help me!”

“Get back!”

Frantically, she continued to beat against the glass that held her captive in the burning automobile.

“Back up!” I yelled one more time as I started kicking the glass. When I could tell she had backed away, I delivered more powerful kicks. The glass cracked, sending spidery veins shooting along the surface. Sweat beaded on my forehead from the blistering heat of the flames. I kicked again.

And again.

Finally, I knocked a small hole in the glass.

Cade ran up beside me with a crowbar. “Move!”

Backing up, I swiped my palm across my forehead to keep the sweat from dripping in my eyes. He swung the crowbar, widening the hole as smoke and flames continued to billow out from the rear of the vehicle. Then he hooked the glass and yanked, a large circle of the safety glass peeling back.

“Hold up!” I yelled, stooping down as the woman began emerging from the hole. She frantically wriggled through the broken glass.

“Flanagan!” Cade yelled as he pulled her away from the burning vehicle.

Recognizing her last name, I realized that the woman who had just crawled from the wreckage was Seren Flanagan, a girl who’d been a couple of years behind Cade and me in high school.

“Is anyone else in the car?” I asked her.

“Yes!” she screeched, her hair tumbling around her shoulders. “Amber. Amber’s in the car.”

“Amber!” I yelled, my blood pumping furiously through my body as I watched the flames creep closer toward the front of the SUV.

Seren screamed as she began crying. “Get her out!”

Kicking the window, I widened the hole, giving me plenty of room to crawl into the car.

Amber, still securely fastened in the passenger seat by her seatbelt, dangled limply in the air. I tried to focus on her, well aware that the flames were gaining ground. “Release your seatbelt.”

“Just leave me,” she half-coughed, half-yelled.

Flames licked along her door.

“Release your seatbelt,” I repeated, feeling the pressure to get her out immediately.

She didn’t respond. Crawling farther into the car, I maneuvered until I could reach the release button. After a couple of tries, I finally managed to press it long enough to free her. Her weight landed on my shoulder, her body limp, and I reached out in an effort to steady myself. Shit, I didn’t know what I had grabbed but it was hot, and I jerked my hand away, losing my balance under her weight. Managing to roll her over in my arms, I positioned her feet at the hole in the windshield and supported her body as Cade reached down and helped extricate her. Once she was clear, I concentrated on getting myself out.

Amber lay on the ground, her eyes closed, her red-gold hair fanned out around her. I motioned for Cade to back up. “Get the hell away from here and call 911.”

Scooping her into my arms, I followed Cade far away from the burning vehicle, joining Seren who was still crying hysterically. I knew it was unlikely that the vehicle would blow, but I wasn’t going to take any chances. Glancing back at the SUV, I realized the flames had now engulfed the entire cab.

“Is she dead?” Seren screeched.

“She’s alive, but I’m not sure of the extent of her injuries.” I laid her on the ground, immediately feeling for a pulse in her neck. She was definitely alive. “Amber!”

Cade was on the phone with the dispatcher while I assessed the woman’s condition.

“Amber. Come on, Amber. Answer me,” I quietly urged her.

“She’s been drinking,” Seren informed me. “We were at a party, and she needed a ride home. I don’t even know her. All I know is that her name’s Amber, and she lives in a duplex close to my house. A deer ran out in front of me, and I swerved.” Her words tumbled from her mouth, a spurt of unorganized thoughts that served as her attempt to explain the situation as quickly as possible.

Her sobs stopped further conversation.

“It’s okay, Seren,” I said calmly. “Amber’s going to be fine. I want you to go over by Cade and wait with him for the emergency vehicles.”

She nodded and immediately obeyed. Hopefully, Cade could calm her down.

I closed my eyes, hoping that Seren would be okay. Blinking a few times to clear some of the irritation from the smoke, I focused on Amber. I could tell that she had minor burns on her right arm and hand, but it was the huge knot on her forehead that worried me.

“Cade,” I yelled. “Do you have any liquid?”

He turned and focused on me while he held the phone away from his ear.

“Do you have any liquid?” I repeated.

“I might have a couple of bottled waters.”

“Get them.” I turned my attention back to the girl. “Amber.”

Her eyes fluttered open, and as she focused on me, I noticed that her irises were a deep mossy green. I tried to assess her pupils, but something about her gaze drew me in and distracted me. Forcing myself to ignore the strange pull she seemed to have on me, I focused on the urgency of the moment.

Seren ran over with two bottled waters. I quickly opened them and poured them on Amber’s burns in an attempt to cool the skin. “You’re safe now.”

Her eyes closed and slowly reopened. “And what if I didn’t want to be saved?”

Now that we were away from the smoke, I could smell the alcohol on her breath. I’d helped plenty of people in emergency situations, and no one had ever asked me that. Was she suffering from a concussion or just drunk?

“Whatever it is, it can’t be so bad that you’d prefer a burning car.”

“At least then it’d be over.” Her eyes drifted closed again.

Leaning back on my heels with my hands resting on my thighs as I knelt beside her, I waited to see if she would open her eyes. She was underweight, her thin body lending an air of fragility. Something about her hopelessness called to my innate need to rescue.

I smoothed errant strands of red-gold hair away from her face, trying to decide the reason for her unresponsiveness.

“Can you tell me your name?” I asked loudly.

Her eyelids opened again. “Amber Lawson.” The fact that she answered coherently made me feel better.

“How old are you, Amber?”

“Twenty.”

“Where do you live?”

She looked at me and blinked.

“Do you know your address?”

The wail of sirens became louder as the first responders reached us. A police car pulled over to the side of the road, the ambulance not far behind him.

Turning over her care to the EMTs, I watched as the fire continued to burn, glowing brighter as the day darkened.

“Hawk,” the police officer said, walking up beside me. “Were you the first one on the scene?”

I didn’t have to look at him to know who it was. I’d been listening to that voice for most of my life. “Yeah, Cade and I just happened to be nearby doing a little target practice when we heard the wreck.”

Jace Hawkins, a rookie on the police squad who happened to be my little brother, let out a whistle.

“Lucky for them, y’all were here.”

“Yeah,” I said, nodding. “I guess so.”

I briefly explained to him what happened, and he slapped me on the back. “Good job. Guess I better go talk to the passengers.”

“Seren Flanagan was driving.”

“Really?” Jace peered around me, glancing in her direction. “I graduated high school with her.”

He walked away to discuss the accident with Amber and Seren.

Glancing at the EMTs, I noticed Amber was still lying on the ground in front of them. Jace spoke to her briefly and then approached Seren. I walked back over to see what was happening with Amber.

“She okay?”

I knew both the EMTs, although I only knew their last names. Hoffman, the more experienced of the two replied, “Possible concussion. I’d say the hospital will keep her overnight at the very least.” He nodded toward Seren. “She said she’s fine. She signed an AMA.”

I wasn’t surprised that Seren had signed the Against Medical Advice form, refusing treatment. Other than a few cuts and scrapes, she seemed to have escaped injury.

As Hoffman and his partner began loading Amber onto the stretcher, she began to get distraught.

“Who’s going to take care of Gracie?” Amber asked frantically.

The EMTs fastened her in and raised the stretcher.

“I don’t have anyone here who can take care of her.”

I could hear the panic in her voice, and I laid my hand on her arm to reassure her. “Who’s Gracie? Is that your daughter?”

She shook her head. “My cat.”

“You don’t have anyone who can take care of her? A friend? A neighbor?”

Her lower lip quivered, and the forlorn look in her eyes haunted me.

“No one?” I asked, unable to mask the surprise in my voice.

She pursed her lips and shook her head.

“You’ll probably be back home tomorrow,” I assured her.

Tears filled her eyes. “I woke up late this morning, and I didn’t have time to feed her. I promised her I would be back after work. But then I got invited to the party….”

“How about a co-worker?”

Her face scrunched up, and I assumed the alcohol that she had consumed was making her more emotional than normal. “I just started two days ago. I don’t know any of their numbers.”

I knew she needed someone, but me taking care of a cat? I was highly allergic to them, and just thinking about the pet dander made my eyes water. “You want me to check on her?”

The look of relief on her face was instant. “Would you?”

“Sure.”

“Her food is in the lower cabinet beside the refrigerator. She’ll probably go sit beside it when you go in because she’ll be expecting someone to feed her.”

Her slender fingers slid into her front pocket, and she pulled out a single key and handed it to me. After we exchanged information and she gave me her address, Hoffman loaded her into the ambulance, the red lights twirling through the increasing darkness.

I stared at the key in my hand, hoping that Gracie was one of those cats who would hide under the table when she saw a stranger. Sliding it into my front pocket as the ambulance drove away, I joined Cade and Seren who were talking to one of the firefighters.

The flames had finally been doused on the SUV, and it was a charred, wet, smoky mess.

“Guess I’m in the market for an automobile,” Seren said, a look of despair on her face as she stared at the card that Jace had given her with the police report information. She turned to us. “Thank you guys so much for getting us out of there. I’ve never been so scared in my entire life.”

Cade gave her a quick hug. “We’re just glad everything turned out okay. You need a ride home?”

“I would really appreciate it,” Seren said. “I guess we can go whenever you’re ready.”

“I’m ready. How about you, Hawk?”

“Yeah. I’ll be there in just a minute.”

Cade led Seren to the truck, and I turned back to the firefighter. His name was Bruno Wilkes, but his nickname was Mercury.

“Good job, man.” I slapped him on the back.

Mercury removed his mask. He motioned to our captain, who was standing by the pump panel on the fire engine having a discussion with the engineer. The emergency lights flickered over the scene. “Cap says you saved those two girls.”

“All in a day’s work, I guess. And Cade did just as much as I did.”

Mercury fist-bumped me. “That’s what it’s all about.”

I nodded. “Well, I’m going to head out. I just wanted to holler at you a minute.”

“All right, Hawk. See ya later.”

“Hold down the fort. Maybe we can grab a beer one night.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

I walked back to Cade’s truck and opened the door. Seren scooted to the middle of the bench seat, and I climbed in, sandwiching her between Cade and me.

“You okay?” I asked her.

She exhaled loudly. “I think so. It just scared me—badly.” She reached up and turned on the cab light while she held her hand in the air, her fingers trembling violently. “I’m still shaking.”

Cade put his arm around her and gave her a squeeze. “Just take deep breaths. You’re okay. Amber’s going to be okay. That’s all that matters.”

She leaned into Cade, and he held her a moment.

I knew how she felt. As many times as I’d responded to scenes like that, I never got used to it. Adrenaline flowed through my body like a raging river. My heart raced. The panic of the moment spurred me to action, but I always felt a certain amount of terror—not for my own safety. For me, it was a job. It’s what I did. No, for me, the terror was the fear of not getting to someone who needed my help in time.

I thought about Amber. I thought about her words. And what if I didn’t want to be saved?

For someone who made it his personal mission to save every person who needed help, her words haunted me.

I wondered what had happened to her, what had made her so sad that she could even say those words out loud.

What could make someone not want to be saved?

~ GIVEAWAY ~

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Tuesday, December 30, 2014 2 comments

We are thrilled to be a part of the book blitz for book two in the Tuttle Twins series hosted by Fire and Ice.

The Tuttle Twins and the Miraculous Pencil

by Connor Boyack

In this second book of the Tuttle Twins series, Mrs. Miner leads the twins and their classmates on a fun field trip to learn how pencils are made using parts from all over the world—and how in an economy, people from all over the world work together in harmony to produce helpful products that improve our lives. Teach your kids about the free market with a fun story and bright, engaging illustrations! Purchase

About the Author

Connor Boyack is president of Libertas Institute, a public policy think tank in Utah. He is the author of several books on politics and religion, along with hundreds of columns and articles championing individual liberty. His work has been featured on international, national, and local TV, radio, and other forms of media. A California native and Brigham Young University graduate, Connor currently resides in Lehi, Utah, with his wife and two children. Facebook * Twitter

About the Illustrator

Elijah Stanfield is owner of Red House Motion Imaging, a media production company in Washington. A longtime student of Austrian economics, history, and the classical liberal philosophy, Elijah has dedicated much of his time and energy to promoting the ideas of free markets and individual liberty. Some of his more notable works include producing eight videos in support of Ron Paul’s 2012 presidential candidacy. He currently resides in Richland, Washington, with his wife April and their five children.

Tuttle Twins on Facebook * Twitter

Follow the Fire and Ice Tuttle Twins Blog Tour for more chances to win

January 5 -Fire and Ice- Kick Off

January 6- Marie Leslie- Review

January 7- Dreamland Teenage Fantasy- Interview

January 8- Little Red Reads- Excerpt

January 9- The Elliott Review- Review

January 12- The Write Path- Review

January 13- CBY Book Club- Interview

January 14- The Things I Love Most- Review
January 15 - Sher A Hart Written Art - Review

January 16- Deal Sharing Aunt- Interview

The Giveaway

Enter to win $100 Amazon Giftcard or Paypal Cash

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Monday, December 29, 2014 No comments

Losing It (Losing It #1 - Cora Carmack)
Published October 15th 2012

Sick of being the only virgin among her friends, Bliss Edwards decides the best way to deal with the problem is to lose it as quickly and simply as possible - a one-night stand. But her plan turns out to be anything but simple when she freaks out and leaves a gorgeous guy alone and naked in her bed with an excuse that no one with half-a-brain would ever believe. And as if that weren't embarrassing enough, when she arrives for her first class of her last college semester, she recognizes her new theatre professor. She'd left him naked in her bed about 8 hours earlier.

It's so cheesy, but I love cheese.

From the start of the book I was as enchanted by Garrick Taylor as much as Bliss Edwards is. Who wouldn't? Tall and handsome with a killer British accent and calls you 'love' every so often? He reminded me of the alluring Klaus from the Originals and I was swept off my feet right from the moment Bliss Edwards laid an eye on him, in a bar, reading Shakespear.

First impression: Well refined gentleman.

The story is predictable alright, but what made me lose my sanity and finished it in one sitting?

Chemistry. Something that I have felt lacking in many romance books these days (or maybe I have yet to encounter the right ones). From the flirtatious pick up lines to the steamy scenes, building up to the climatic argument, I knew I was going to go all 'gasping' and 'frowning' and 'lips biting' in my seat. It's rare to find books that make you actually laugh out loud instead of an awkward attempt to make a joke (then again, maybe I have been reading the wrong ones), but Bliss Edwards is just such a lovable, cute and funny character and most importantly, does not drag on her uncertainties for too long, well, except for her virginity.

Personally, I find this book really enjoyable, I was able to connect with the characters on an emotional level, feel their passion for their career (theatre and acting), the comfort of Bliss and Cade's relationship and the bond between Bliss and Garrick. The only thing I found lacking is the development of the minor characters, although I am swooned by the main plot, I would love to have a sub-plot, because really, Bliss seems to be alone most of the time.

Love triangle, checked.

Handsome British guy, checked.

Sweet and loving BFF, checked.

A grumpy cat. checked.

Humor and wit? Heck yeah.

I'm 100% losing it!

Happy Reading!

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Saturday, December 27, 2014 No comments

Friday, October 24, 2014 7 comments

Happy Tuesday!

I am honored to have Krysten on my blog today promoting her latest book, True Colors. This blog tour is hosted by Double Decker Books, stay tuned for interesting goodies to be won!

Tagline 'A little competition can really bring out people’s true colors.'

Blurb

Landry Albright just wants to be one of the interesting girls at school who always have exciting things going on in their lives. She wants to stand out, but also wants to fit in, so she gives in when her two best friends, Ericka and Tori, push her into trying out for a teen reality show modeling competition with them. Landry goes in nervous, but impresses the judges enough to make it to the next round. However, Ericka and Tori get cut and basically "unfriend" her on Monday at school. Landry tries to make new friends, but gets caught up between wanting to be herself and conforming to who her new friends want her to be. Along the way she learns that modeling is nowhere as glamorous as it seems, how to deal with frenemies, a new crush, and that true friends see you for who you really are and like you because of it.

Back Cover

Every day I walked down the sidewalk to school and wished I were one of the interesting popular girls who ran up with exciting news. Just once I’d like to be one of those girls instead of the being the one who didn’t get invited to things because people “forgot” about me.

Landry gets pushed into trying out for the American Ingénue reality show modeling competition with her two best friends. She doesn’t think she stands a chance, but she advances to the next level in the competition and her friends ignore her when they get cut.

Enter the gorgeous Devon, who also makes the first cut and includes Landry in her clique. Devon becomes the perfect best friend, but can their friendship survive the competition?

Landry hopes her big break could come at any moment, but soon sees there’s much more to modeling than getting your hair done and looking pretty. She begins missing out on being with new friends like Ashanti, a girl who truly has Landry’s back. Landry also has the chance to have a boyfriend when she meets a boy named Vladi from another school.

Part of Landry wants to be famous (and have her hair look good for once), but part of her just wants to be accepted. She learns about friendships, being true to yourself, and that a good hair conditioner doesn’t hurt.

Tuesday, October 14, 2014 3 comments

Saturday, October 11, 2014 3 comments

Friday, October 10, 2014 8 comments

Title: #Nerd (The Hashtag Series #1)

Author: Cambria Hebert

Genre: New Adult College / Contemporary Romance

Release Date: November 3, 2014

Format: Ebook + Print

Synopsis:

Two people from completely different worlds are about to be thrown together…

In more ways than one.

She wants to keep her scholarship. He wants to stay on the team. An awkward alliance doesn’t even begin to cover Rimmel and Romeo’s relationship.

But that’s about to change.

It starts with a dare. An initiation. A challenge.

Quickly, it turns into more. But when you’re a victim of your status, there is no room for anything real. The rules are clear and simple.

Stick to your circle.

And never fall in love with anyone on the outside.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23286422-nerd

AUTHOR BIO:

Cambria Hebert is a bestselling novelist of more than twenty books. She went to college for a bachelor’s degree, couldn’t pick a major, and ended up with a degree in cosmetology. So rest assured her characters will always have good hair. She currently resides in North Carolina with her children (human and furry) and her husband, who is a United States Marine.

Besides writing, Cambria loves a caramel latte, staying up late, sleeping in, and watching movies. She considers math human torture and has an irrational fear of chickens (yes, chickens). You can often find her running on the treadmill (she’d rather be eating a donut), painting her toenails (because she bites her fingernails), or walking her chorkie (the real boss of the house).

Cambria has written within the young adult and new adult genres, penning many paranormal and contemporary titles. Her favorite genre to read and write is romantic suspense. A few of her most recognized titles are: Text, Torch, Tryst, Masquerade, and Recalled.

Cambria Hebert owns and operates Cambria Hebert Books, LLC.

You can find out more about Cambria and her titles by visiting her website: http://www.cambriahebert.com.

Email: cambriahebert@rocketmail.com

Facebook: http://smarturl.co/CambriaHebertFanpage

Twitter: https://twitter.com/cambriahebert

Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/cambriahebert/pins/

GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5298677.Cambria_Hebert

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Monday, October 06, 2014 No comments

Tuesday, September 30, 2014 1 comments

Friday, September 26, 2014 4 comments

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Rainy Day Ramblings discussing a variety of topics from books to blogging and everything else! If you are interested, simply just post your own answer in your blog and join in the fun!

This week's TMST:

Are you comfortable with the direction NA is going.... with all the erotic scenes and steamy covers?

I am a huge softy for romance and erotic scenes are just part of the package. To me there are basically two general types of romance novels, those that have sex scenes, and those that have none. NA lies in the shades of grey between yes and no and if the writing isn't good, that is when I get really uncomfortable.

Erotic scenes portray some sort of intimacy between the characters. I do understand that as we mature we get more physically attracted to the opposite sex, which is what NA is trying to convey. It goes way beyond light caresses and gentle peck on the lips, but not to the extent of well, having descriptive sex. However, I get irritated and confused when the writing starts to take an erotic turn, and I have to stop to remind myself that I am in fact reading a NA romance novel.

A pattern that I noticed in all these books is (as what Heidi from Rainy Day Ramblings mentioned) that the plot is always centered on a coming of age character with a tragic past/issue, which gets rather typical after a while. I could not even remember how many books that I had encountered that has the element of bully, abusive/broken family, rape and murder. Maybe it's written in a different setting happening to different protagonists, but it all comes back to the same theme.

However, I rarely encounter NA genre books with steamy covers so my opinion on that will be invalid, although I do prefer abstract-designated covers.

I am still a huge fan of NA genre because I feel that I can relate to the protagonists as we are almost of the same age, but I would love to see more variety in sense of setting or plot wise.

Among some of the NA novels that I feel are outstanding (WARNING: content might be inappropriate to some readers):

She is pretty and talented - sweet sixteen and never been kissed. He is seventeen; gorgeous and on the brink of a bright future. And now they have fallen in love. But... they are brother and sister.

Seventeen-year-old Lochan and sixteen-year-old Maya have always felt more like friends than siblings. Together they have stepped in for their alcoholic, wayward mother to take care of their three younger siblings. As defacto parents to the little ones, Lochan and Maya have had to grow up fast. And the stress of their lives—and the way they understand each other so completely—has also also brought them closer than two siblings would ordinarily be. So close, in fact, that they have fallen in love. Their clandestine romance quickly blooms into deep, desperate love. They know their relationship is wrong and cannot possibly continue. And yet, they cannot stop what feels so incredibly right. As the novel careens toward an explosive and shocking finale, only one thing is certain: a love this devastating has no happy ending.

He’s saved her. He’s loved her. He’s killed for her.

Eighteen-year-old Archer couldn’t protect his best friend, Vivian, from what happened when they were kids, so he’s never stopped trying to protect her from everything else. It doesn’t matter that Vivian only uses him when hopping from one toxic relationship to another—Archer is always there, waiting to be noticed.

Then along comes Evan, the only person who’s ever cared about Archer without a single string attached. The harder he falls for Evan, the more Archer sees Vivian for the manipulative hot-mess she really is.

But Viv has her hooks in deep, and when she finds out about the murders Archer’s committed and his relationship with Evan, she threatens to turn him in if she doesn’t get what she wants… And what she wants is Evan’s death, and for Archer to forfeit his last chance at redemption.

Happy Tuesday!

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