Review: Conspiracy Girl by Sarah Alderson

Conspiracy Girl by Sarah Alderson
Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK
Publication Date: February 12th 2015
My rating: 4 stars  

Everybody knows about the Cooper Killings. There was only one survivor – fifteen year-old Nic Preston. Now eighteen, Nic is trying hard to rebuild her life. But then one night her high-security apartment is broken into. It seems the killers are back to finish the job. Finn Carter – hacker, rule breaker, player – is the last person Nic ever wants to see again. He’s the reason her mother’s murderers walked free. But as the people hunting her close in, Nic has to accept that her best chance of staying alive is by staying close to Finn. And the closer they get to the truth, and to each other, the greater the danger becomes.

Conspiracy Girl was once again a fast paced heart in your throat sort of read that I’ve come to expect from Sarah Alderson. Right from the beginning we’re thrown into Nic’s dangerous world, a girl who we find is living with the utmost security in her home surrounding her. Why would a girl of Nic’s age need this much security? Who is she hiding from? Our fear for her is immediately kicked into overdrive when her house is broken into the first few pages, like I said she has the best surveillance installed, something only which a top hacker can get through and then her neighbour is shot and Nic is taken away to be kept safe, from whom we don’t know, but the worst thing Nic is put under care of one of the last people she wants to be with, isn’t she just better making it on her own? But who knows what dangerous people could turn out to be out there? Nic knew she had to place her trust with this guy for the foreseeable future; I was all for watching this bumpy ride out! 

I’m a huge fan of antagonist relationships, relationships which start upon hate, but have the potential to become something more, but our two main characters are too blind to see or filled with rage to see what’s standing in front of them. Nic had all the right reasons to dislike Finn, if I was in her shoes I would be fuelled by the same pent up rage to punch him in the face and then run away from him as fast as I could. But when you have nobody else to protect you and have some crazy killer or who knows what after her and the FBI has deemed that Finn’s place and protection is the best place for you, you really have no choice. I loved watching the relationship unravel between Finn and Nic. There was a lot of early angry words thrown about and mistrust between them, but I adored how page by page, we were able to experience small cracks appear against the defences they had up especially ones put up by Nic. Of course it was hard not to fall for Finn, he was super intelligent, could crack any type of security, was willing to put his own safety on the line to protect Nic and did I mention hot? I loved some of the scenes Alderson decided to scatter amongst the tense scenes which took up most of the story, they were certainly great in bringing our hopes up that our characters would find a way to survive and an easy smile or (blush in my case) on many occasion. Also the dual pov contributed in a great way in getting a better understanding of Finn’s character, we knew why Nic didn’t trust him, but by being in his head we were able to get the fuller picture and also see a softer side to him than what Nic had originally painted of him. 

There were many obstacles thrown against Nic and Finn, many which I was worried that they wouldn’t find their way out. But I was grateful that Nic had been put in Finn’s protection, as together they made a formidable team; there to calm each other down and always thinking one step ahead when they found themselves in tight situations. I feared the worst for Finn and Nic, but this was largely because we had no clue as to why anyone would be after Nic and why they were so adamant until much later on. The person who could have clued her in had legged it on the first chance, which made me slightly mad, if they really cared about Nic, wouldn’t they have ensured that Nic was safe when things hit the fan? Wouldn’t she be his number one priority and not himself? This characters decision aside, Conspiracy Girl was a fantastic read, Alderson had us guessing until the very last page about who could be behind it all, to say I was shocked was the biggest understatement of the year. Alderson once again has gone to show why she is one of my favourite authors with Conspiracy Girl; she’s written a story with two kick ass characters that will have you rooting for them until the very last page!

Review: Worth the Risk by Claudia Connor

Worth the Risk (The McKinney Brothers #2) 
by Claudia Connor
Publisher: Loveswept
Publication date: February 3rd 2015
My rating:  5 stars 
Amazon | Barnes & Noble

 

When a McKinney brother falls in love, powerful emotion and overwhelming desire are never far behind.

Two hearts locked away . . . Hannah Walker spends her days coaching children through injury and trauma, one therapeutic horseback ride at a time. She knows all too well how violence can change a child and leave scars that never heal. It’s easy for her to relate to the kids; what isn’t easy is the thought of facing her own harrowing past.

Millionaire playboy Stephen McKinney could use a little coaching himself. Five years ago he encountered his most horrible nightmare—and the nightmare won. No matter what he achieves, nothing can make up for that awful night . . . or so he believes.

Both desperate for a second chance . . . Stephen is used to getting what he wants. And he wants Hannah. So when she turns him down, he’s intrigued. What he doesn’t know is that her secrets will lead him to a place he never wanted to go again . . . to a side of himself he’s tried to forget . . . a side that would scare Hannah away from ever loving him. Now his only chance to win her trust is to bare his soul, risking everything he tried so hard to protect.

Includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.

My Thoughts:

I fell head-over-heels in love with Worth the Fall (my review) this past summer, so I’ve been excitedly anticipating Worth the Risk, and it did not disappoint!  Worth the Risk was a little darker, the character’s pasts were heart wrenching, but their romance was a moving story of mending wounds and melding hearts, one I LOVED so hard! I read it and couldn’t part with the characters, so I immediately read it again!  

Hannah has lived in a protective bubble provided by her brothers and her life on Freedom Farms for years.  Fear and doubt made it impossible to even think of the opposite sex.  But Hannah’s finally ready to take some baby steps towards having a relationship when Stephen shows up in her life. He’s successful, confident, larger than life, and gorgeous.  Someone Hannah is sure she should avoid.  But he’s persistent and Hannah can’t resist, especially when he sparks something in her she’s never really felt before: desire.

Stephen doesn’t date, at least not since tragedy turned his life upside down five years ago.  Since then he’s buried his emotions by focusing on his business. Being around his big, loving family just reminds him of what he’s lost, so he’s avoided them until he spies Hannah.  Something about her innocence and vulnerability speaks to him and has Stephen opening up his heart and stepping back into his old life again.

Hannah was a compelling character, and it was hard not to be awed by her strength of spirit, being so brave after everything she went through.  Instead of curling up in a fetal position and shutting the world away, Hannah chose to help others work through tragedy, injuries or disabilities through hippotherapy, physical therapy that incorporates horses and riding instead of traditional methods. She had insecurities, and understandably so, but she never wallowed in self-pity.  If she was feeling down she grabbed onto the things that uplifted her in the past: horses, riding, hard work and helping others. However, it was Stephen who awakened desires she didn’t ever imagine having, and made her feel wanted, beautiful, and safe.

Hannah and Stephen’s romance was a tentative process at first: attraction that sparked arousal, a slow and steady build of sexual tension to the point of explosion!  I anxiously hung on every step but the slow progression felt right for these characters.  No games were played on either side.  Hannah just was not the type of girl that would ever play them:

“Don’t. Please.” She dropped her gaze from a man too used to getting what he wanted, too used to being wanted. “Don’t play with me.”

“I’m not.”

But she went on, desperate to make him understand. “Because I can’t play, I don’t know how.” And she didn’t want to.  She wanted someone to share her life with, someone to want her. When she found him it wouldn’t be a game.

Hannah affected Stephen in such a profound way (whether or not he fought it) he wouldn’t consider putting her through that. Their relationship felt real, raw, and passionate, and there were some missteps along the way, but not just to add angst to the story. Stephen REALLY put his foot in it at the beginning but it was easy to forgive him knowing his issues. That doesn’t mean I didn’t want to smack him a couple of times! Thankfully, sufficient groveling ensued. Lol!

One of the things I absolutely ADORED about Worth the Risk was the McKinney family and kids! I appreciated how the whole family rallied around Stephen and Hannah, and did everything they could to help things along.  I was thrilled that we got so much of Matt and Abby and the kids! Baby Mary was just too cute, squealing, smearing gooey graham crackers, running naked from the bath! Of course Gracie stole my heart all over again with her curls, dimples and love of horses:

Gracie skipped along beside him as they walked to the barn, so overflowing with sunshine and rainbows, you couldn’t help but get splattered with it.

Stray water balloons, falling hot dogs and demands for ICEES, I smiled and laughed at the general chaos that came with this large, loving McKinney family!

Not to be left out was Hannah’s four loving, and protective brothers.  Each brother held potential for a story in the future, but I would love a second chance romance for Nick and Mia! (Hint, hint, Ms. Connnor!) 

Claudia Connor swept me off my feet AGAIN with this beautiful, heartfelt, and passionate romance! The epilogue was just so completely, and utterly perfect. I’m eagerly counting the days until her next story!

The McKinny Brothers Book One:

 (Click on cover for Goodreads link)

Connect with Claudia Connor:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest

Review: I'll Meet You There by Heather Demetrios

I'll Meet You There by Heather Demetrios
Publisher: Henry Holt & Co.
Publication Date: February 3rd 2015.
My rating: 3.5 stars. 

If seventeen-year-old Skylar Evans were a typical Creek View girl, her future would involve a double-wide trailer, a baby on her hip, and the graveyard shift at Taco Bell. But after graduation, the only thing standing between straightedge Skylar and art school are three minimum-wage months of summer. Skylar can taste the freedom—that is, until her mother loses her job and everything starts coming apart. Torn between her dreams and the people she loves, Skylar realizes everything she’s ever worked for is on the line. Nineteen-year-old Josh Mitchell had a different ticket out of Creek View: the Marines. But after his leg is blown off in Afghanistan, he returns home, a shell of the cocksure boy he used to be. What brings Skylar and Josh together is working at the Paradise—a quirky motel off California’s dusty Highway 99. Despite their differences, their shared isolation turns into an unexpected friendship and soon, something deeper.

For the past few months I have read several glowing reviews for Demetrios’ work. And now finally after reading I’ll Meet you There. I can see what all the hype is about. Demetrios’ writing is absolutely gorgeous. She is able to weave a story of heartbreak and hope so well that I had a hard time keeping my emotions in check. 

The famous Josh Mitchell had returned from serving as a marine in Afghanistan, Skylar had worked with him at the hotel Paradise before he left, so was interested in when she had heard he had returned. However when she saw Josh, she didn’t expect to see what she saw. But Skylar being Skylar took it all in her stride and didn’t treat Josh differently because of it. It definitely had a huge impact on Josh’s character, before Josh was known to be a ladies’ man, he could easily charm anyone, but after his return you could say his confidence took a bit of a knock and Josh didn’t really know who he was, he had lost a lot in Afghanistan, so it was a massive step taking one day at a time. Skylar too thought she had it planned out, she would finally be leaving for San Francisco, she was tired of being cooped up in this town. But then things hit the fan and Skylar didn’t know what to do either. Skylar and Josh end up being two lost people that end up helping one another when they least expect to. Skylar has great friends in Dylan and Chris, but Josh seems to get her and ends up being there for her when she needs it the most. 

I loved the slow build up of Josh and Sky’s relationship, I was at first really wary about Josh’s character, especially what I’d heard of what he was like before. But I loved getting into Josh’s head and learning and understanding about his character. For Sky it was a tough at times getting through to him, but I’m glad that she didn’t give up on him. The build up of their relationship of course wasn’t without obstacles; I did hate it when one particular event did take place and also the constant Josh mood switching. But slowly Josh was able to chip away at these feelings of disappointment that I had formed against him. I was kind of annoyed by how things went down, but in the end I think it was important for both Sky and Josh’s character development. 

Josh and Sky’s character did have a huge impact on me, but Demetrios’ was able to include a great set of secondary characters which I ended up adoring too; Dylan, Chris and Marge. Dylan and Chris were like the two best friends a girl could ever ask for; they had their own stuff going on too, but would drop everything to be there for Sky. They were also great in livening up a scene with their bubbly personalities. And Marge was just an awesome motherly figure dishing out advice to Sky and Josh when they needed it the most. 

Although I didn’t end up enjoying I’ll Meet you There as much as I’d hoped, it still was a beautiful story that I’m glad I gave a go. It has certainly given me the encouragement to pick up more of Demetrios’ books up soon.

Review: Crash & Burn by Lisa Gardner

Crash & Burn (Tessa Leoni #3) by Lisa Gardner
Publisher: Dutton Adult
Publication date: February 3rd 2015
My rating:  4 stars 
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

The #1 New York Times bestselling author’s latest stand-alone thriller, with a cameo by her fan-favorite character, Boston Detective D.D. Warren

My name is Nicky Frank. Except, most likely, it isn’t.

Nicole Frank shouldn’t have been able to survive the car accident, much less crawl up the steep ravine. Not in the dark, not in the rain, not with her injuries. But one thought allows her to defy the odds and flag down help: Vero.

I’m looking for a little girl. I have to save her. Except, most likely, she doesn’t exist.

Sergeant Wyatt Foster is frustrated when even the search dogs can’t find any trace of the mysterious missing child. Until Nicky’s husband, Thomas, arrives with a host of shattering revelations: Nicole Frank suffers from a rare brain injury and the police shouldn’t trust anything she says.

My husband claims he’ll do anything to save me. Except, most likely, he can’t.

Who is Nicky Frank, and what happened the night her car sailed off the road? Was it a random accident or something more sinister given the woman’s lack of family and no close friends? The deeper Wyatt digs, the more concerned he becomes. Because it turns out, in the past few months, Nicky has suffered from more than one close accident. . . . In fact, it would appear someone very much wants her dead.

This is my life. Except, most likely, it’s not. Now watch me crash and burn.

 

My Thoughts:

Crash & Burn was another riveting mystery from Lisa Gardner!  As with most of her stories, I was glued to the pages as Nicky and Thomas’ mystery unraveled.

We’re thrown into Nicky’s story as she’s crawling from a wreck, bloody and injured, soaked in whiskey and screaming for a child, Vero.  Who is Vero? Where is she? These are questions that Nicky can’t even answer herself since she’s suffered three traumatic brain injuries within the last six months; the car crash, and two other separate home accidents. As we learn more about Vero, it’s apparent there are many secrets hidden in Nicky’s tangled and confused mind.  Sergeant Wyatt Foster is determined to untangle this web of confusion before Nicky has another “accident”.

Thomas, Nicky’s husband of twenty-two years seemed devoted and protective, but also tired and resigned.  He’s definitely hiding something and knows more that he’s willing to share. I was suspicious of Thomas, but at the same time I desperately hoped he had nothing to do with Nicky’s accidents. He truly seemed to love and care for Nicky.

“I dreamed the first time I saw you,” he murmurs, his voice low and husky. “I spotted you, across the proverbial crowded room. You weren’t looking at me at all. But I saw you and I…I felt I’d waited my whole life just for that moment. To find you. You consumed me, Nicky. You still do.”

 Even though Nicky’s mind would warn her against him, her body and heart drew her to him. But still, things did not add up. Fractured and terrifying memories keep coming, revealing more and more, and Nicky wants answers, but those will certainly come at a price.

“Just remember,” he says, as he moves me away from him. “The problem with asking questions is that you can’t control all the answers.”

Tessa is a clever and confident investigator, but a “lone wolf” as D.D. Warren likes to call her. I think that has started to change, especially since her relationship with Wyatt. She no longer has to shoulder things on her own. Wyatt is well suited for Tessa, with their backgrounds in law enforcement they have a lot in common.  I liked the support they gave each other both on the job and off. D.D. Warren is part of this story, and I suspect she may become more important to Tessa in the coming stories, as well. Having this support will probably become vital to Tessa, especially since her past is posing a possible problem now… I must say, I’m a little worried.

The future is unreliable, and three years later, the past can still come back to haunt you.

Crash & Burn is the third book in the Tessa Leoni series, and can be read as a stand-alone and still enjoy it. The story is centered mainly on Nicky and Thomas, Tessa and Wyatt’s current case, but you’d miss Tessa’s past, what’s formed her character, and that would be unfortunate. Tessa has many layers, and when I first “met” her in Love You More, I was impressed by her cool and calm thinking under extreme pressure. Wyatt also gets a POV and I enjoyed having his side of things.  

Lisa Gardner writes mysteries that will keep you thinking about them long after you’ve read the last page.  Disturbing, compelling, and addictive. 

Monthly Recap: January

Hi all, today we get to share our first recap of the year with you. It's been both an fun, but busy month for Rachel and I, however despite our busy schedules, we did manage to sneak in some great books! Here's our recap of January!

Number of Books read:

Jasprit: 16 (I don't think I've ever read this many in a month!)

Rachel: 12

Highest rating:

Jasprit: 5 stars

Rachel: 5 stars

 
Lowest rating:

Jasprit: 2 stars

Rachel: DNF

Books reviewed:

Jasprit: 
(click on titles for review link)

Rachel: 

(click on titles for review link)
 

Best read of last month:

Jasprit: Me Before You by JoJo Moyes. I had to 5 star reads last month, but this story just captured my heart, I remember it was on my brain constantly afterwards, and I still get emotional even now just thinking about it. If you haven't read Will and Lou's story, you need to do so now!

Rachel: 

Worth the Risk by Claudia Connor.  Hannah and Stephen's story was moving and lovely! And I got updates and glimpses of Matt and Abby from Worth the Fall!! Yes!

Book which surprised me the most: 

Jasprit: The Duff by Kody Keplinger. I really don't know what I was expecting going into The Duff, but it certainly exceeded all my expectations and I ended up loving Wesley!

Rachel: 

Burned by Karen Marie Moninig.  I was really worried I wouldn't love it and Mac wasn't the narrator that I wanted, BUT I was riveted! I need book 8 immediately if not sooner. 

Fictional crush of the month:

Jasprit: Frank Porter from Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson. This guy when I first met I didn't think that he would be fictional crush material at all, but as the story progressed he definitely ended up winning me over.

Rachel:

Do I have to pick one? No, I just can't. Too many hotties this month: Barrons (well, duh!), Ryodan, and Lor!! Oh my stars Lor, you can turn me Pri-ya anytime! 

Three books I'm most looking forward to this month:

Jasprit:

 (Click on titles for Goodreads link)

The Summer of Chasing Mermaids isn't out until June, but being the excited super fans that we are Danielle, Nick and I have decided to read this one together starting next week. The early reviews have been good so far, so fingers crossed that we enjoy this one too. Can you believe that it's been three years since we had to wait for Shadow Scale? I ended up adoring Seraphina, even though fantasy wasn't something that I really read a lot of back then, I'm looking forward to jumping back into this world again. And everyone I know seems to love Every Breath, so I'm finally jumping onto the bandwagon this month!

Rachel:

(Click on titles for Goodreads link)

 

I enjoyed Burying Water by K.A. Tucker and I'm happy that New Adult is adding more mystery and suspense to the romances.  I have a physical copy of These Broken Stars and This Shattered Word, and I've wanted to read it for ages since hearing high praise. I'm finally getting to it this month because the audio book version became available for free through my library! I just downloaded the book last night! I'm not even sure what Clear by Jessica Park is about. I think my mind was a little scrambled when I read the blurb (it's been one of those weeks!), but I've loved Ms. Park's writing so I'm excited to pick it up.

Bookish Photo:
Another place I missed on my first trip to Paris. How did I not know about this library?!! Next visit for sure! Anyhow, I have a board on Pinterest with the libraries I'm dying to visit and this is one of them.

Courtesy of Flickr

 
How was your January?