Blog Tour (excerpt & giveaway!): Secrets Don't Keep by Elora Ramirez

Today I'm very pleased to present you a little excerpt about SECRETS DON'T KEEP!

I've been overexcited about this book, especially when I received an ARC to review. Make sure to keep an eye out for a review soon!

SECRETS DON'T KEEP, a YA mystery novel, is the first book in The Grove Series. It has been released on August 10th 2015. If you haven't added this book to your tbr and this is the perfect time. Discover more about this book and the author in this post. By the way, make you sure you enter the giveaway at the end of the post to win a 50$ Amazon card!

About Secrets Don't Keep

My name is Kera Collins, and I would do anything for a golden nod.

At first glance, my life appears perfect: the best friends, the best school, the attention of Dex Albright, the deliciously irresistible grandson to the Headmaster. All I need is the prestige behind La Boheme, an elite secret society formed within the walls of my school, and my life would be complete. Once I’m in, I’ll be the one with all of the secrets.

It’s just…no one told me these secrets could kill.

Buy it on Amazon now!

Excerpt

I bite my lip. Heights are my favorite. The skin of my palm begins to tickle at the anticipation of feeling weightless in midair. I look below us and see the water waiting for us like a warm embrace. It’s deep enough here. I’ve jumped off cliffs into lakes shallower than this. “Okay.” My voice surprises me and Dex breaks into a grin. “Okay,” he repeats, and then walks toward the bridge. The group on the other side begins cheering for us as we step onto the first wooden panel. The bridge sways and we reach for either side of the railing, waiting for it to steady before taking the next step. “Do you see where the railing dips in the middle?” I nod. “There’s a break in the mesh at the bottom and the railing actually separates — the society built this bridge specifically for challenges and parties back in the 50s. All we have to do is lean against it and the railing will break apart like velcro.” “That sounds safe.” He laughs. “It’s a good deterrent for those who happen upon the bridge because of their own exploring. Keeps the thrill seekers away.” He winks. “Well. Obviously it’s working,” I whisper sarcastically. He squeezes my hand. “Are you ready?” I nod and we turn sideways. The cheering slows and Dex looks at me. “You may want to take off your shoes.” I shake my head. “And risk someone else taking them? Never. They go down with me.” Boy with a fake accent is shouting something now, and out of the corner of my eye I see someone else pushing through the crowd. “Dex…,” I whisper, realizing this person is about to run out on the bridge to stop us. He’s about to run out on the bridge, and I’m not sure if it can hold three humans at once. Dex turns and looks at me. “Count of three?” We face forward and he feels for the groove that turns the railing into a gate. “One….” The bridge lurches with the lumbering foot-falls of the guy running to stop us. “Two…” I suck in my breath and close my eyes. “Three!” I let out a whoop! and open my eyes at the same time Dex jumps. I follow him, the weightlessness hitting me instantly as we pause mid-air before free-falling. And for a moment, I know what it feels like to fly under the blanket of black velvet poked with stars.

About the author

Elora Ramirez has been telling stories her whole life.

It started when she was four, when she taught herself how to read and write as a way to entertain herself while her grandmother kicked and danced in aerobics class. She cut her teeth on books from Dr. Seuss and writing anywhere she could find the space -- including her Fischer Price kitchenette, the pages of picture books, and Highlights Magazines.

She's matured a bit since then, now choosing to write in the margins of her books and on the mirrors of her apartment ideas and thoughts surrounding story and what makes us human.

Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Author Goodreads

 

Giveaway

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Review: Stone Cold Touch by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Series: The Dark Elements #2
Genre: NA, romance, urban fantasy, demons, angels
Release date: October 21st 2014
Length: 464 pages

Every touch has its price.

Layla Shaw is trying to pick up the pieces of her shattered life—no easy task for a seventeen-year-old who’s pretty sure things can’t get worse. Her impossibly gorgeous best friend, Zayne, is forever off-limits thanks to the mysterious powers of her soul-stealing kiss. The Warden clan that has always protected her is suddenly keeping dangerous secrets. And she can barely think about Roth, the wickedly hot demon prince who understood her in ways no one else could.

But sometimes rock bottom is only the beginning. Because suddenly Layla’s powers begin to evolve, and she’s offered a tantalizing taste of what has always been forbidden. Then, when she least expects it, Roth returns, bringing news that could change her world forever. She’s finally getting what she always wanted, but with hell literally breaking loose and the body count adding up, the price may be higher than Layla is willing to pay…

My rating: ★★★★

I'm going to keep this review short because most of it has already been said in my review of the first book. There was one mayor bonus though: plenty of Supernatural references, which I loved!

“You’re an ass,” I spat, picking up the shirt.
He chuckled. “And it’s a fine ass, I’m told.”  

But yep, Jennifer did it again. And she's the only one who's able to make me question my OTP. In White Hot Kiss I was TOTALLY Team Roth. I barely liked Zayne.. But oh god, I can't believe I'm saying this... Zayne wasn't that bad in this one... was he? Of course Roth is still hot AF, but... just... UGH. She made me hesitate a few times, and I wanted to punch myself for that. I can now say, with absolutely no hesitation at all, that I'm truly in love with Roth. I knew there was so much we didn't know from him and I loved that.

“I know exactly how he looks at you and you do, too … Because it’s the way I look at you.”

Most of the book, unlike the first one, is focused on the relationship between Layla and Zayne. There were lots of swoon-worthy moments and that's why I hesitated a few times. But in the end, I can't imagine a healthy relationship between those two. The whole kissing thing is definitely a problem (although.... there are some other areas to kiss *grins*) and I just couldn't imagine a good future for them. I most definitely ship Zayne and Stacey!! Now, that would be one hell of a couple!

“I don’t deserve you.”
“See, that’s where you’re wrong … That’s where you’ve always been wrong. You deserve everything.”

Anyway, like the first book, this one was funny and addictive!  It definitely a bit darker than the first book and it's a bit more fast-paced. They were plenty plot twists, but again, some of the were predictable. Especially the ending. I kind of guessed the biggest plot twist so I wasn't that impressed. Nevertheless, it still made me excited to read the third and final (!!) book of this trilogy!
I mean, I would have read it anyway, cause you know: ROTH! (duhh :D)

“I want you so badly it’s like a hunger that gnaws at me endlessly. It doesn’t go away … You have no fucking clue.”
“Then do something about it,” I whispered.”

Review: White Hot Kiss by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Series: The Dark Elements #1
Genre: NA, romance, urban fantasy, demons, angels
Release date: February 25th 2014
Length: 400 pages
One kiss could be the last.

Seventeen-year-old Layla just wants to be normal. But with a kiss that kills anything with a soul, she's anything but normal. Half demon, half gargoyle, Layla has abilities no one else possesses.

Raised among the Wardens—a race of gargoyles tasked with hunting demons and keeping humanity safe—Layla tries to fit in, but that means hiding her own dark side from those she loves the most. Especially Zayne, the swoon-worthy, incredibly gorgeous and completely off-limits Warden she's crushed on since forever.

Then she meets Roth—a tattooed, sinfully hot demon who claims to know all her secrets. Layla knows she should stay away, but she's not sure she wants to—especially when that whole no-kissing thing isn't an issue, considering Roth has no soul.

But when Layla discovers she's the reason for the violent demon uprising, trusting Roth could not only ruin her chances with Zayne… it could brand her a traitor to her family. Worse yet, it could become a one-way ticket to the end of the world.

My rating: ★★★★+0.5 

“Free will, huh? Damn. It is a bitch.’ And then he smiled at me, a real smile, revealing those deep dimples. ‘I lost myself the moment I found you.” 

My voice broke, and my heart...

Everyone who knows me a little, knows I'm obsessed with JLA's books. And again, she managed to suck me into one of her words with no problem. You barely need your imagination because everything is so detailed and awesome. I basically flew over the pages and I loved every single part of it!

Layla was a very likable main character! I liked reading in her POV. Some of her thoughts were hilarious and she definitely made me laugh out loud a few times. She's exactly how I imagined her to be before I started. Knowing JLA, I didn't not expect less than a strong female character who can defend herself like a badass. And the supernatural twist to her was amazing.

“People with the purest souls are capable of the greatest evils. No one is perfect, no matter what they are or what side they fight for.”

In the very beginning we meet Roth, but he's that big unknown guy and tbh I was unsure about him. Oh yeah, he was mysterious and all, but still. Then we meet Zayne and I was completely captured by him. I thought immediately "YES, that's my guy". He was super sweet with Layla and the fact that they couldn't kiss (you know, deathly kiss and all) made their relationship so interesting and exciting. I couldn't wait to have more scenes between them.

But then Roth barges in again and I'm like "Zayne who?". CAUSE HOLY SHIT THAT GUY IS HOT. Zayne completely vanished from my mind. Can you imagine a mix of Warner (of the Shatter Me series) and Daemon (from the LUX series)? Well, that's Roth. Freaking perfect if you ask me. Roth and Layla became my OTP instantly. Because... just ...

His lips caressed mine again, nibbling and clinging to them until they parted on a gasp. He deepened the kiss with a thrust of is tongue [...] The kiss - it was everything I could've imagined a kiss to be and then some. Sublime. Explosive [...]

"See,' he murmured in a  thick voice, and he let go, this fingers trailing over my cheeks. "Your life isn't about all you can't do. It's about what you can do."

"Your tongue is pierced," I say dumbly.

A wicked gleam filled his gaze. "That's not the only thing pierced."

 
SEE WHAT I MEAN?! How the hell can you resist him? So yeah, obviously after that mind-blowing kiss I was basically craving for more of Roth! And there's plenty of him in this book! I loved every moment he had with Layla. The chemistry between them is so good. I. Just. Love. Him. So. Freaking. Much. And oh hell, don't even get me started on his abs and tattoos *swoons forever*

"You undo me. You have no idea how you undo me."

Like I said, the book is funny and addictive. It has its slow and fast-paced moments, amazing side-characters (Stacy is the BEST), plus a good amount of plot twists. I'm not going to say that all the plot twists are unexpected, but generally the plot is well-thought. And the ending? Geez, it almost killed me. BECAUSE JUST NO. NO. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Ugh, god. Why do I always end up like a mess after books like this? The ending is terribly good and made me cry and slam my face into my book. In a way, I expected something big to happen, but NOT THIS. So, mayor tip: make sure you have the second book ready. You'll need to know what will happen. Really. I'm serious. Deadly serious.

“At some point, Roth had gotten hold of my cell and replaced Zayne's name with Stony and listed his own number under Sexy Beast. What a tool.”

Friday Finds #14: Blueish covers

FRIDAY FINDS showcases the books you ‘found’ and added to your TBR list… whether you found them online, or in a bookstore, or in the library — wherever! (they aren’t necessarily books you purchased). This is hosted by ShouldBeReading!

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The fact that these covers are all blueish is a total coincidence. I kind of like how they look together! :D And I really hope the book "Bookishly Ever After" is good because I'm so excited for it!

What did you add to your tbr this week?

Recent Release #43: Before We Were Strangers

Every Wednesday I share a recent release I'm excited to read. If you want to check out the previous releases, click here.

Before We Were Strangers by Renee Carlino

Series: standalone

Genre: NA, romance, contemporary, chick-lit

Release Date: August 18th 2015

Publisher: Atria Books

Length: 320 pages

From the USA TODAY bestselling author of Sweet Thing and Nowhere But Here comes a love story about a Craigslist “missed connection” post that gives two people a second chance at love fifteen years after they were separated in New York City.

To the Green-eyed Lovebird:
We met fifteen years ago, almost to the day, when I moved my stuff into the NYU dorm room next to yours at Senior House.
You called us fast friends. I like to think it was more.
We lived on nothing but the excitement of finding ourselves through music (you were obsessed with Jeff Buckley), photography (I couldn’t stop taking pictures of you), hanging out in Washington Square Park, and all the weird things we did to make money. I learned more about myself that year than any other.
Yet, somehow, it all fell apart. We lost touch the summer after graduation when I went to South America to work for National Geographic. When I came back, you were gone. A part of me still wonders if I pushed you too hard after the wedding…
I didn’t see you again until a month ago. It was a Wednesday. You were rocking back on your heels, balancing on that thick yellow line that runs along the subway platform, waiting for the F train. I didn’t know it was you until it was too late, and then you were gone. Again. You said my name; I saw it on your lips. I tried to will the train to stop, just so I could say hello.
After seeing you, all of the youthful feelings and memories came flooding back to me, and now I’ve spent the better part of a month wondering what your life is like. I might be totally out of my mind, but would you like to get a drink with me and catch up on the last decade and a half?

Review: The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J. Maas

Series: Throne of Glass #0.1-0.5
Genre: YA, fantasy, magic, short stories
Release date: March 4th 2014
Length: 448 pages

Celaena Sardothien is Adarlan's most feared assassin. As part of the Assassin's Guild, her allegiance is to her master, Arobynn Hamel, yet Celaena listens to no one and trusts only her fellow killer-for-hire, Sam. In these action-packed novellas - together in one edition for the first time - Celaena embarks on five daring missions.
They take her from remote islands to hostile deserts, where she fights to liberate slaves and seeks to avenge the tyrannous. But she is acting against Arobynn's orders and could suffer an unimaginable punishment for such treachery. Will Celaena ever be truly free? Explore the dark underworld of this kick-ass heroine to find out.

My rating: ★★★★★

“I love you,” he repeated, shaking her again. “I have for years. But if I asked you to pick, you’d choose Arobynn, and I. Can’t. Take. It.” 

“You’re a damned idiot,” she breathed grabbing the front of his tunic. “You’re a moron and an ass and a damned idiot." He looked like she had hit him. But she went on, and grasped both sides of his face. “Because I’d pick you.”

 

I'm going to try to keep this short. Basically this book almost killed me of feels... Maas is a brilliant author and she managed to portray Celeana just like I imagined her while reading ToG.

The Celeana that we know from Throne of Glass (and after) was very different in The Assassin's Blade. But absolutely not in a bad way. She was forced to change and grow up faster (I always forget how young she actually is :o ) due to betrayal and pain. She went through a mayor character development, but it doesn't feel rushed at all. Every novella tells one "story", but they connect each other perfectly which I loved a lot. And I'm so thankful for this book because now I feel like I understand more of her decisions that she made in 'the present'.

I'm not going into the plot of this book because if you read Throne of Glass, you'll understand why. It's not necessary for me to try to convince you to read this book. Once you read ToG and you loved it, then you'll want to know everything about the world Celeana lives in. You'll want to know about her past and about her dear Sam.

 "She would tuck Sam into her heart, a bright light for her to take out whenever things were darkest." 

Oh Sam... Although you already ship Celeana with either Chaol or Dorian, you won't be able to resist loving Sam. He's even better than I imagined him. I love him so much, despite the fact you know what will happen to him. And it hurts so freaking much when it comes to it. It crushed me and I felt my heart broke for him ♥ I cried... SO MUCH. I didn't want to grow so attached to him, but I couldn't help myself. And now I'm left her with all those feels.... ugh *cries some more*

To conclude everything: this book is brilliant. The side-characters, the world, the romance, the writing .... is perfect. It's probably everything you want it to be and more. If you loved ToG than you certainly should read this book! It's so worth it. And don't forget keeping some tissues close to you.

"My name is Sam Cortland, and I will not be afraid." 

Review: Magonia by Maria Dahvana Headley

Series: Magonia #1

Genre: YA, fantasy, romance

Release date: April 28th 2015 

Length:  320 pages

Maria Dahvana Headley's soaring YA debut is a fiercely intelligent, multilayered fantasy where Neil Gaiman's Stardust meets John Green's The Fault in Our Stars in a story about a girl caught between two worlds . . . two races . . . and two destinies.

Aza Ray Boyle is drowning in thin air. Since she was a baby, Aza has suffered from a mysterious lung disease that makes it ever harder for her to breathe, to speak—to live. So when Aza catches a glimpse of a ship in the sky, her family chalks it up to a cruel side effect of her medication. But Aza doesn't think this is a hallucination. She can hear someone on the ship calling her name.

Only her best friend, Jason, listens. Jason, who's always been there. Jason, for whom she might have more-than-friendly feelings. But before Aza can consider that thrilling idea, something goes terribly wrong. Aza is lost to our world—and found, by another. Magonia.

Above the clouds, in a land of trading ships, Aza is not the weak and dying thing she was. In Magonia, she can breathe for the first time. Better, she has immense power—but as she navigates her new life, she discovers that war between Magonia and Earth is coming. In Aza's hands lies fate of the whole of humanity—including the boy who loves her. Where do her loyalties lie?

My rating: ★★★

DNF: 60%

It's very rare that I don't finish books.  But sadly sometimes it happens. And it's such a shame it happened with this one. It has a gorgeous cover and it started so so so good...

I listened the audiobook and the narrator is amazing by the way. She voiced everything perfectly (or from what I read). Even the singing was perfectly done. But it's actually the plot I had a "problem" with. Let me explain:

The book can actually be split in two parts. The first part is where Aza is still on earth. This part is actually pretty similar to The Fault In Our Stars. It has a contemporary theme and is very emotional, hopeful and just beautiful. I was completely into it and I was so curious about her and Jason. They are a perfect combination and I couldn't wait to find out what happens with their relationship/friendship. Aza was also amazing. I could connect easily with her character and it was so beautifully written that I already imagined myself putting this book on my favorites shelve.

But then something big happened and the genre of this book switched to fantasy. The level of Headley's fantasy was something I've never seen before. I'm sure that a lot of people would think it's brilliant, but to me if felt just weird. The world where Aza is magically cured is just.... yeah weird. I don't have another word for it. So much things didn't make sense and I couldn't relate with Aza at all anymore.  I actually couldn't imagine what was happening in my head. It was that foreign to me... So weird, because that never happened to me before...

So, if you're into fantasy then you should totally go for it. It's the most unique book ever, that's for sure! I just couldn't continue with it because it isn't my type of book... This is probably the perfect example for a "It's not you, it's me..." situation. Oh well, I'll get over it :) Who knows? Maybe I'll try it again later!