DNF Review: Salt & Storm by Kendall Kulper

Salt & Storm by Kendall Kulper

Publisher: Little Brown Books
Publication Date: September 23rd, 2014
Pages: 416
Series: Salt & Storm #1
Source: Publisher **I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a honest review**
Rating: DNF @ 39%
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A sweeping historical romance about a witch who foresees her own murder--and the one boy who can help change her future.

Sixteen-year-old Avery Roe wants only to take her rightful place as the witch of Prince Island, making the charms that keep the island's whalers safe at sea, but her mother has forced her into a magic-free world of proper manners and respectability. When Avery dreams she's to be murdered, she knows time is running out to unlock her magic and save herself.

Avery finds an unexpected ally in a tattooed harpoon boy named Tane--a sailor with magic of his own, who moves Avery in ways she never expected. Becoming a witch might stop her murder and save her island from ruin, but Avery discovers her magic requires a sacrifice she never prepared for.

I was actually pretty excited for Salt & Storm. The synopsis promises romance and magic set in around the Victorian era. I was totally sold. Those are some of my magic words. Unfortunately from where I was able to push myself to read to Salt & Storm sure wasn't delivering.

Avery is a witch. She's part of a long line of Roe women who have watched over Prince Island. They primarily make charms that keep the sailors safe at sea. Avery wants to take up her rightful place as witch of the island but her mother has a different opinion. Her mother wants nothing to do with magic or Avery's grandmother, so she takes Avery to live in town. She than marries the minister and Avery is forced into a life of imprisonment. She's allowed out of the house at certain times but whenever she thinks of returning to her grandmother it's like an invisible line is holding her to her mother's house. Than Avery meets the mysterious Tane. A sailor from the south Pacific. Tane has specifically come to Prince Island for Avery. He's heard about her powers interpreting dreams, so he wants her help. In return he promises to help Avery remove herself from under her mothers power so she can return to her grandmother in the hopes that she can stop her own murder.

My biggest problem was the lack of anything. It took me three days of pushing myself to just read a chapter at a time. I finally got to 39% and just couldn't push myself to finish the book. I was beyond bored. Salt & Storm has a very very slow plot. I'm all for world building and character development but there's got to be some kick in there too. My attention span needs to be fed or I'm going to find myself glazing over pages. Where I was able to read to before finally giving up Tane had just worked his magic to get Avery away from her mother. You'd think that would be the turning point in the book, Avery is finally going to tell her mother to go to hell and we're going to meet her grandmother. But I just didn't care enough to find out if that's true. The plot may very well pick up from there but with the disappointing lack of magic throughout the first 164 pages I'm thinking not. I know a lot of books synopsis' can be misleading, but when I see the word witch I'm setting my expectations high. I want to see magic. Lots of it.

I also could not deal with anymore from, Avery. She is a petty little brat. I can understand wanting to get away from her hypocritical, controlling mother. But using her friend when it's obviously a situation he'll not come through unscathed is terrible. And than when he loses the life he's built up and is forced to become a sailor- something he never wanted to be- there's barely a sorry spoken from Avery. She's more worried about herself and what the hell she's going to do now. She's also super fast to judge and lose her temper. I can just imagine her whiny voice when she's being patronizing to Tane and really just about anyone she comes into contact with and if that didn't make me want to punch her in the throat...
I barely got to know Tane, but he seemed like a cool guy. It's just unfortunate that Avery had to ruin the book from me getting to know more of him. I just can't really imagine this epic romance between them. The poor guy is going to have to put up with a lot.

 It sucks that I had to DNF Salt & Storm. But I've learned that there's no point in making myself read something I'm not enjoying. There is so so so many books on my TBR that want my attention, too. Salt & Storm just wasn't the book for me. Doesn't mean it won't work for someone else. In fact the reviews on it are pretty good. And just because I DNF now doesn't mean I won't ever come back to it. Just at this point and time I am closing the book with a bookmark still in.

Happy reading!

Brittany

Miniviews #15: Scratch & Stay With Me

Scratch by Rhonda Helms

Publisher: Kensington

Publication Date: September 30th, 2014

Pages: 240

Source: Netgalley/Publisher

Rating: 2.5/5

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I read this book right before I went away a few weeks ago and made the mistake of not reviewing it right away. Because now details are fuzzy. That also doesn't sit well with the book, though, it's clearly easily forgettable. There really wasn't anything that stands out and makes it a wholly original read. I remember requesting Scratch off of Netgalley because the summary makes it sound like music will play a big part in the MC's life and her healing process. Music and her DJ'ing is mentioned and appears in some scenes. It is not nearly as prominent as I was expecting. Casey is a senior in college. It's taken a lot for her to get there. Her past has made it hard for her to trust people as well as just feeling like she belongs. She uses music as a way to unwind and lose herself. Until Daniel pushes himself into her life. Daniel is charming, sweet and hot. So why is he looking at her? Why does he want to get to know her? Daniel is doing something that Casey hasn't allowed in years; he's getting to know her. There's still a lot Casey is holding back from Daniel. He knows something very traumatic happened to her, there're scars, both physical and mental, but she's holding back. Keeping her secrets. This is what really frustrates me. I can understand to an extent Casey not wanting to lay out her past for Daniel right away. But once she can see he's serious about her and she knows how big her feelings are for him it's time to spill. I hate when characters have unnecessary secrets. There's always going to be bumps in the road. But if you want a relationship to move forward you can't keep your past from your partner. Casey was just acting way too scared about moving forward with her life. Even taking Daniel out of the equation, Casey just hasn't opened up to anyone. And it's obvious it was taking its toll.
I didn't hate Scratch, it was alright. And being such a short book I flew through it. There's just nothing original about it. Everything was just alright. Alright, story, alright characters, alright writing. If you're looking for a fast decent NA read, a book to get through in a few hours one night, then Scratch would do that job.

Stay With Me by J.Lynn

Publisher: William Morrow

Publication Date: September 23rd, 2014

Pages: 448

Series: Wait For You #3

Source: Purchased

Rating: 5/5

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This should really come as no surprise. I effing loved Stay With Me. JLA is my queen. My dealer. My everything. Honestly, how this woman publishes a book a month and can still write pure gold like this flabbergasts me. There was not a single thing, nothing at all that was not perfect in this book. And guys, you need to meet Jax. Good God does JLA know how to write fictional men. If anyone has given me unrealistic expectations about men and love, it's her. My fictional boyfriends always have this big fight over the top position when I first meet a new JLA guy. But there is no kidding around with Jax. He's given Cam and Roth a real punch in the swoon.

So we got a glimpse of Calla in Be With Me and I were definitely excited to know she was getting her own book. Calla has herself on a strict schedule and timeline. The big one finishes school and get a good job. She keeps a tight budget. It seems like she's got her life figured out. The scars on her face and body(which of course are hidden) are what keeps her from really living her life. Her friends tell her she's beautiful but she can't believe it. It holds her back from pursuing boys and having a real social life. When her deadbeat mother cleans out her bank account and she finds herself having to head back to her hometown to get the money back and deal with her mother live really gets turned on its axis.
Calla heads right over to her mother's bar and this is where we are introduced to Jax. *sigh* There is an instant attraction. Jax sees her for herself. He doesn't play games. Doesn't bullshit her. He's right in her case, in her ear, telling her she's beautiful. She needs to stop putting herself down because of a scar. She isn't her past or her scars. Calla was a bit naive. At twenty-one, she's never been in a relationship, never been kissed. But what I loved is she asks for help. Because of the situation she finds herself in, her life is in danger. And when she's threatened rather than thinking she can handle it herself she tells Jax right away. Way to go, Calla. It doesn't matter how strong a person you are when your life is in danger people need to be in the know.
I love Jax and Calla together. They're super adorable and intense. Jax is so patient with her. The guy is just hot. As an ex-marine, he can be a little manly if you know what I mean. But he never is overbearing. Jax is just such a nice guy. Upfront and no BS pretty much makes him beyond perfect. And very fictional.
I'm already planning my re-read of Stay With Me. Again, being a JLA book that shouldn't be a shocker.

Happy reading!

Brittany 

Showcase Sunday #54

Showcase Sunday is a weekly meme held by Books, Biscuits and Tea. It allows fellow bloggers to show off any books or bookish things they've compiled over the week.

Hey, friends. How goes it? My blogging sucked this week. I have excuses but really I was busy and just didn't feel like writing any reviews or posts. My reading this month has sucked(meaning I've hardly read anything-for my standards anyhow) which has meant getting behind of my review books and when I scheduled certain reviews. It's left me anxious, but it is what it is and I'm not going to make myself read something I'm not feeling. In the end it wouldn't be fair to the book. My plan is to get some reviews and memes written today. That is the plan, we'll see how it goes.
Of course I have new books this week. The most exciting being Stay With Me. More JLA! Which I devoured in 2.5 seconds. I also picked up and devoured the Clipped Wings series. A definite new fave and hidden gem. I definitely recommend for NA and romance fans.

Purchased

amazon.ca
Stay With Me(Wait For You #3) by J.Lynn: I don't think this needs explaining. JLA announces a new book, Brittany pre-orders it.
Her Dark Curiosity(The Madman's Daughter #2) by Megan Shepherd: Recently read and loved The Madman's Daughter, so of course I need to continue the series. Which I'll do next month.
Clipped Wings(Clipped Wings #1) by Helena Hunting: Saw this mentioned somewhere and thought it sounded like my type of book. And man was it ever. Love it!

chapters.ca
Inked Armor(Clipped Wings #2) by Helena Hunting: Ate up Clipped Wings so I ran over to Chapters to pick up this, the sequel. Than proceeded to eat this up.
Lirael(Abhorsen #2) by Garth Nix: Still need to read Sabriel. Whoops.

E-Books Purchased

What you guys get this week?

Happy reading!

Brittany

Release Day: Stay With Me by J.Lynn

As you guys should know by now Jennifer Armentrout is my drug of choice. And the Wait For Me books are some of my favourite NA. JLA packs everything into them; they're sizzling hot with very swoon worthy guys and very smooth ladies,  JLA never fails to engross me in an extremely addictive story full of snappy and hilarious dialogue. If you haven't started this series, no worries, they're companion novels. So there's no problem starting with Stay With Me today and than of course jumping right into Wait For You and Be With Me. I personally had very little sleep, but I regret nothing.

Publisher: William Morrow

Publication Date: September 23rd, 2014

Pages: 448

Series: Wait For You #3

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From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Wait for You and Be with Me comes a daring tale that pushes boundaries . . .

At 21, Calla hasn't done a lot of things. She’s never been kissed, never seen the ocean, never gone to an amusement park. But growing up, she witnessed some things no child ever should. She still carries the physical and emotional scars of living with a strung-out mother, Mona—secrets she keeps from everyone, including her close circle of college friends.

But the safe cocoon Calla has carefully built is shattered when she discovers her mom has stolen her college money and run up a huge credit card debt in her name. Now, Calla has to go back to the small town she thought she’d left behind and clean up her mom’s mess again. Of course, when she arrives at her mother’s bar, Mona is nowhere to be found. Instead, six feet of hotness named Jackson James is pouring drinks and keeping the place humming.

Sexy and intense, Jax is in Calla’s business from the moment they meet, giving her a job and helping her search for Mona. And the way he looks at her makes it clear he wants to get horizontal . . . and maybe something more. Before Calla can let him get close, though, she’s got to deal with the pain of the past—and some very bad guys out to mess her up if she doesn't give them her mom.

amazon.com| amazon.ca| chapters.ca| Book Depository| B&N| itunes| kobo| google play|


EXCERPT:

As I lay there, trying to swallow a loud, obnoxious yawn, I remembered something he’d said when we first met, about life being too short. I imagined he had firsthand experience with shortened lives while he was serving. That mentality came from experience. I got that now. Could even understand it, but there was something I didn’t understand.

“Why?” I asked.

There was a beat. “Why what?”

Jax sounded tired, and I should shut up or point out that I was now tired and could sleep, so he could leave. But I didn’t. “Why are you here? You don’t know me and . . .” I trailed off, because there really wasn’t anything left to say.

A minute went by, and he hadn’t answered my question, and then I think another minute ticked on, and I was okay with him not answering because maybe he didn’t even know. Or maybe he was just bored and that was why he was here.

But then he moved.

Jax pressed against my back, and the next breath I took got stuck in my throat. My eyes shot open. The sheet and blanket were between us, but they felt like nothing.

“What are you doing?” I asked.

“Getting comfortable.” He dropped an arm over my waist, and my entire body jerked against his. “It’s time to sleep I think.”

“But—”

“You can’t sleep when you talk,” he remarked.

“You don’t need to be all up on me,” I pointed out.

His answering chuckle stirred the hair along the back of my neck. “Honey, I’m not all up on you.”

I freaking begged to differ on that point. I started to wiggle away, but the arm around my waist tightened, holding me in place.

“You’re not going anywhere,” he announced casually, as if he wasn’t holding me prisoner in the bed.

Okay. The whole prisoner thing might be melodramatic, but he wasn’t letting me up. Not when he was getting all kinds of comfy behind me.

Oh my God, this was spooning. Total spooning. I was spooning with an honorary member of the Hot Guy Brigade. Did I wake up in a parallel universe?

“Sleep,” he demanded, as if the one word carried that much power. “Go to sleep, Calla.” This time his voice was softer, quieter.

“Yeah, it doesn’t work that way, Jax. You have a nice voice, but it doesn’t hold the power to make me sleep on your command.”

He chuckled.

I rolled my eyes, but the most ridiculous thing ever was the fact that after a couple of minutes, my eyes stayed shut. I . . . I actually settled in against him. With his front pressed to my back, his long legs cradling mine, and his arm snug around my waist, I actually did feel safe. More than that, I felt something else—something I hadn’t felt in years.

I felt cared for . . . cherished.

Which was the epitome of dumb, because I barely knew him, but feeling that, recognizing what the warm, buzzing feeling was, I fell right asleep.

# 1 NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY 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, working out, 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.

She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins

website| facebook| twitter| J.Lynn Goodreads| JLA Goodreads| 

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Happy reading!

Brittany

Showcase Sunday #53

Showcase Sunday is a weekly meme held by Books, Biscuits and Tea. It allows fellow bloggers to show off any books or bookish things they've compiled over the week.

Hey friends! How was your week? Like I mentioned last SS I was in Cuba this week. It was hot and sunny and lovely. But I didn't have much time to enjoy the beach because it was a work trip. I'm a travel agent, so we did site inspections of about 20 resorts in two different areas. It was really busy and tiring. But we travel agents know how to have a good time well being pampered and filled with free food and booze. So needless to say I needed this weekend to recover. Lol. I also came to the realization that I cannot take a selfie. Even though I'm wearing sunglasses in all of them, I look angry. You think that wouldn't be the case in Cuba.
You'd also think I wouldn't have books this week, but you'd be wrong. I had some orders come in. Plus I may have had to go to Chapters last night. It's how it goes. You guys get it. 

       Cayo Santa Maria, Cuba                                           It was windy

    Sunset from my balcony                                           See? Angry. :/

Purchased

amazon.ca
Jessica Darling's It List 2:The(Totally Not) Guaranteed Guide to Friends, Foes & Faux Friends(Jessica Darling's It List #2) by Megan McCafferty: Pre-order. I LOVE Jessica Darling. And this might perhaps be one of the longest titles ever.

chapters.ca
The Last Letter From Your Lover by Jojo Moyes: One of my favourite authors. But Chapters screwed up. This was not the cover shown that I ordered. Grrrr....
Night Music by Jojo Moyes: On sale! Total steal. 

Egg & Spoon by Gregory MaGuire: Not going to lie, total cover buy. Although the premise sounds great too!
The Iron Trial(The Magisterium #1) by Holly Black & Cassandra Black: Just picked up a finished copy because it was 50% off. And because I really enjoyed it and want it on my shelf

Breathe Into Me by Sara Fawkes: Walking around Chapters last night, browsing the romance section and saw this. Has pretty decent ratings on Goodreads so I bought it.
Collide(Collide #1) by Gail McHugh: Same as above. Although I saw the second book first, so I had to search for this one.

E-Books Purchased

How was your week? What did you guys get?

Happy reading!

Brittany

Top 5 Wednesday: Author Blurbs

Top 5 Wednesday is a meme started by Lainey at Ginger Reads Lainey. Find the list of all the #T5WFamily here.

This weeks topic is:

Top 5 Author Blurbs On A Book!

This was hard! I don't read blurbs. So I had to go through my books to find some decent ones. Which was really hard. For the most part they always say the same generic thing.

5. Gravity

"A thrilling debut packed with action and mystery. Aliens never looked so good."

- Jennifer L Armentrout

4. The Sea if Tranquility

"A stunning debut. The Sea of Tranquility stole my heart, broke it, robber me of breath, and made me ache. Read it and fall in love with Katja Millay's raw, lyrical writing."

- Ann Aguirre

3. Attachments

"Cracking, laugh-out-loud dialogue, characters the feel painfully real, and a sweet premise about love in the information age. If Attachments were an e-mail, I'd be forwarding it to my entire list of contacts."

- Jodi Picoult

2. Lola and the Boy Next Door

"Very sly. Very funny. Very romantic. You should date this book."

- Maureen Johnson

1. Shatter Me

"Addictive, intense, and oozing with romance. I'm envious. I couldn't put it down." 

- Lauren Kate

I tried to pick ones that really play up the books character in some way.
Do you read author blurbs? If so any favourites?

Happy reading!

Brittany

 

Top Ten Tuesday: Authors I've Only Read One Book From But Need to Read More

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme held by The Broke and the Bookish.

This weeks topic is: 

Top Ten Authors I've Only Read One Book From But Need To Read More!

10. Leah Raeder

I read Unteachable last year and was absolutely blown away by the story and writing. It was so gritty yet sassy. Unteachable may be the only published book by Raeder but Goodreads tells me she has a book on the way next year and you better bet I will be reading it the day it's released.

9. Janet Gurtler

I read #16thingsithoughtweretrue in July and was pleasantly surprised. I'm not saying I didn't think I would like it, I was just surprised that it wasn't as cutesy as I pre-judged it to be. It was a great self discovery book. So I'm totally excited to pick up more of Gurtler's books. Plus she's Canadian. Gotta support my home girl.

8. Emery Lord

I also read Open Road Summer in July. Lord's first published book. And it will definitely be one of my top reads for 2014. It was perfect and has Matt Finch. Lord's next book is releasing spring 2015 and I will have it devoured the day it comes out.

7. Malorie Blackman

I finally read Noughts & Crosses(thanks, Samantha!) this spring and it was as fantastic as expected. But for some reason I haven't read the rest of the series. So I need to fix that ASAP.

6. Huntley Fitzpatrick

Again, I finally read My Life Next Door this year and loved it. Totally lives up to all the praise. It's a fantastic YA contemporary. It has sweet and cute moments, as well as darker moments. Great mixture. I need to get my hands on What I Thought Was True pretty soon.

5. Markus Zusak

Like a lot of people, The Book Thief is one of my favourites. So why have I taken years to get to another of Zusak's books? Dumb....

4. Robin LaFevers

I read Grave Mercy when it first came out and feel in love with this fantastic bit of YA fantasy historical fiction hybrid. It's dark and lovely. So I pre-ordered the sequel but never got to it. *shakes head* Now with the third book almost here I think it's a prime opportunity for a re-read and binge.

3. Alexandra Bracken

I pretty much pre-ordered The Darkest Minds because Sarah J Maas told me to(well not personally). And of course it was great! I pre-ordered the sequel and as per usual for me, have yet to read it. So it's another trilogy that is about to end, which is perfect timing to binge it.

2. Eric Walters

Read End of Days a few years ago and it was a fantastic pre-apocalyptic YA stand alone. He's got a billion other books that sound just as good. I'm pretty sure he's one of my cousins favourite authors. And he's Canadian. Why have I yet to read any more of his books?...

1. F. Scott Fitzgerald

The Great Gatsby is one of the only classics I like(although I haven't read a lot) and it's also one my favourite books. I own some more work from Fitzgerald and I keep meaning to pick it up to read. But obviously I have not. I really need to read This Side of Paradise this year. Like it's going to happen!

What are some authors you need to read more from?

Happy reading!

Brittany

Review: Sacrifice by Brigid Kemmerer

Sacrifice by Brigid Kemmerer

Publisher: Kensington Teen
Publication Date: September 30th, 2014
Pages: 324
Series: Elemental #5
Source: Netgalley/Publisher
Rating: 5/5
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Earth. Fire. Air. Water.

One misstep and they lose it all. For the last time.

Michael Merrick understands pressure. He's the only parent his three brothers have had for years. His power to control Earth could kill someone if he miscalculates. Now an Elemental Guide has it in for his family, and he's all that stands in the way.

His girlfriend, Hannah, understands pressure too. She's got a child of her own, and a job as a firefighter that could put her life in danger at any moment.

But there are people who have had enough of Michael's defiance, his family's 'bad luck'. Before he knows it, Michael's enemies have turned into the Merricks' enemies, and they're armed for war.

They're not interested in surrender. But Michael isn't the white flag type anyway. Everything is set for the final showdown.

Four elements, one family. Will they hold together, or be torn apart?
If you don't already know that this is one of my favourite series than you're not doing a very good job stalking me. I'm pretty sure I find a way to mention The Elemental Series in at least one post a week. I even did a giveaway for some of the books. Because it is the best! *hugs all the books* Sacrifice was one of my most anticipated releases of 2014. Right up there with Heir of Fire. So you should know what that means. And it's Michael's book to boot. Michael is kind of a mysterious guy. You know that he's a rock for his brothers. He's way more responsible and mature than should be expected at his age. But until Sacrifice we weren't privy to his thoughts and emotions. His life. Now we finally do! Gabriel will always have my heart, but Michael, poor Michael, will have a totally separate and different spot in my heart. Ah, guys! This book! It broke my heart. But I loved it. So so much.

To say Michael has a lot on his plate is not even close to the scope of his responsibilities. A guy in his early twenties should be at college and having fun. Well as we know, that's not Michael's life. He has three younger brothers to take care of, a house to run and a landscaping company to keep in business. But these days it doesn't stop there. The Merricks' now have the Elemental Guides out for them. Michael has to figure out a way to keep his brothers safe will getting the Guides off their ass. Shit gets real.
As like the previous books in the series, we get dual POV's, so in Sacrifice we get to know Hannah, Michael's girlfriend a little better. Hannah is a tough girl. She's worked hard to become a firefighter and is still working even harder to get more from her job. She's also got a five year old son. Well she lives with her parents and her mom helps her out, her relationship with her father has been strained since she told him she was pregnant at seventeen. Hannah's life is hectic and dangerous, but she has a lot of responsibility and that's why she finds herself attracted to Michael. He understands her life. But Michael has secrets he's keeping and she's finding it hard to communicate with him. She's also walking on egg shells with her dad and trying to show the guys at work that she's as strong as them.

I honestly can't say to much about the plot because of spoilers. And I am not ruining this book for anyone. It's freakin' good. The previous books are pretty fast paced and full of action, but that's nothing on Sacrifice. It's explosive. It's the shortest book in the series, but it packs a huge gut punch. Poor Michael does not catch one single break. From page one he's still on edge from what the ending of Secret brought the Merricks way. It's been a few days and he knows the Guides are out there watching. Right off Michael is thrown into having to protect his brothers and it doesn't stop. The guy is on the brink of death at least three times throughout the book. His brothers are threatened and taken away from him. And he's having to find trust in people he's always considered against his family.

I absolutely adore Michael. Take away the Elemental world and I still couldn't imagine having his life. He's so young, and had to grow up in a day to take responsibility of his younger brothers, the house, the bills, the families landscaping company. He's a dad. His wants and life goals got taken away from him. But he never resents his brothers for it. It's why I love him. There was never a second thought that he wouldn't be the one taking care of them. He stepped right up. Clearly his brothers are a handful and he's got child services watching up his ass. But my God is a good parental figure for them. Michael has this hard appearance. He can kind of come across as a jerk. That's for good reason. He's just so protective and a good guy. His brothers are his life. My heart broke for him so much. Every other page it was poor Michael. If it's not one thing, it's another. Getting shot, thrown in jail, their house burning down, bombs going off, Elemental Guides after them, and child services taking his brothers away from him when he needs to be with them the most(that's not even close to everything Michael goes through). Michael always puts on a strong face, so when he broke down I broke down. Seriously, it there were quite a few heart breaking moments.

I'm always as enamored with the ladies POV's in this series. It's not because I don't like them. It's just because I don't want to be away from whatever Merrick brother's POV I'm getting. Which I'm sure Kemmerer understands. That being said, Hannah has definitely been my favourite lady from this series. She's a sassy tough women. Hell, she got Michael to fall for her and spend some of his precious spare time with her. That means she's gotta be worth it. Knowing she's a firefighter would already give you clues into a bit of her personality. She can keep up with any of the guys at her station. Add in how hard she tries to be there and be a good mom to her young son, and she's also quite endearing under that uniform. She's just got a great work ethic. Hannah also doesn't put up with a lot of shit. She knows Michael is hiding something from her when she pulls him out of his burning house pretty much on deaths door step.The problem is that Michael isn't talking to her about it. It's his protectiveness. But that isn't going to stop her. She cares for him and wants to help him in any way she can. Again, endearing.  I was really happy with Hannah's attitude change towards her father. They're quite alike and I think that's what caused their rift back when she got pregnant. Neither of them were being fair, and they failed to communicate their feelings, so they both just assumed this is the way their relationship would be now. Those damn assumptions, never quite what you thought.

There were a few things that I would have like done a little differently. And I definitely would have loved for the book to be a longer(obviously). But I have no qualms big enough to take away from my love for Sacrifice. Although my biggest bitter sweet moment was the ending. It's an open one, guys. It doesn't leave you unsatisfied and without answers. Kemmerer just left it open enough that she's given me very, very high hopes that we will see another Merrick brothers book in the(nearish) future. There has to be another one. Just has to.

Sacrifice doesn't disappoint on any level. It's got Kemmerer's snappy, sassy and hilarious writing. The action is on every page. The heart break is on every other page. I honestly was surprised with some of the plot twists. There was definitely one huge "WTF?" moment that I was like, "nope, why did you do that to me?". Ah!
Just read Sacrifice or start the series if you haven't(and what have you been doing with your life?) because it is gold. And the Merrick's. Those are some brothers that I wouldn't mind knowing on a personal level. *sigh*

Happy reading!

Brittany

September 2014 New Release Giveaway Hop

Hosted by Giselle @ Bo-ok Nerd.

The Fall is a ridiculously busy time for new releases. I have pre-ordered far too many books. But the fact is I need them all. They need to be in my grabby little hands. I want to hug them. And stare at them. And maybe even stroke and sniff them. Ahem. Anyhow, below are the ones I'm most excited for. Check them out, add them to your ever growing TBR(if you haven't already) and then enter the giveaway.

Rules and Regulations

• Starts September 15th, 2014 at 12:01AM(EST). Ends on October 1st, 2014 at 12:00AM(EST).
• To enter please fill out the Rafflecopter form below.
• This contest is open internationally as long as The Book Depository ships to your country. Meaning TBD is responsible for shipping and This is the Story of My(Reading) Life is not responsible for lost or damaged items.
• Total contest value is up to $20.00CDN. 
• Winner will be asked to pick a new release from the month of September 2014. 
• You must be at least 18 years old or 13+ with parental permission to enter. I will be asking for your mailing address for shipping purposes.
• Entrants found using more than one Twitter account to enter will be disqualified. 
• When the winner is chosen they will be announced in the Rafflecopter widget below, via Twitter(if applicable) and emailed. Winner has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is randomly chosen.
• Please note that This is the Story of My(Reading) Life reserves the right to disqualify any entrants found to be gaming the system. Entries will be check and verified.

a Rafflecopter giveaway