Sophie Reads YA

Elizabeth May

Waiting on Wednesday: The Vanishing Throne (The Falconer #2) by Elizabeth May

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Blitz

Pre-Release Blitz: From Russia With Fangs by Jacey Conrad and Gia Corona (+giveaway)

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About the Book:

Title: From Russia With Fangs

Author: Jacey Conrad and Gia Corona

Pages: 248

Publisher: Omnific Publishing

Format: eBook

Find it: Goodreads

Between her family’s drunken antics and vicious verbal attacks from her socalled friends, Irina Sudenko Volkov is having the worst night ever.

And that’s before she’s widowed.

Volatile, cheating, no good Sergei’s death by assassin unleashes chaos in the werewolf criminal underground. Irina's panicked Papa assigns Beta wolf Viktor Zhukovsky to Irina’s security detail until her husband’s killer is found. As Irina's world crumbles around her, the perfect princess mask falls away and Viktor meets the sharp, passionate woman underneath. Their initial chemistry gives way to a deeper attraction when Irina begins to see the decency underneath Viktor’s gruff, tattooed exterior, despite his insistence that it doesn't exist.

Their tendency to find themselves semi nude and in enclosed spaces is a source of amusement to her sister, Galina, but each of them knows of the deadly consequences if their relationship is brought to light. Things get even more complicated when Papa Sudenko begins to match make Irina and Andrey Lupesco, who also happens to be in a secret relationship with Galina. Family dinners are awkward. With danger closing in on all sides, Irina has to find her claws and learn to howl.

In the much anticipated sequel to From Russia with Claws, readers get a new perspective of the lusty exploits of the untameable Sudenko family. Gia Corona and Jacey Conrad craft a delightful tale of the anything but average human Irina and the libidinous lycanthropes in her life.

About the Auhtors:

Jacey Conrad is a sushiloving, pop culture nerd living in the South with her high school sweetheart. She delights in horribly made mutant shark movies and watching Sean Bean die in his various cinematic incarnations. To keep up with Jacey on twitter, go to https://twitter.com/JaceyConrad

Gia Corona loves boots, boys, and bourbon, not necessarily in that order. When she’s not actively stalking Michael Fassbender and his abdominals, she’s watching questionable television or reading comics. You can find her at twitter.com/Gia_writes

Giveaway Details:

5 winners will receive e-books of books books in the series.

Ends on November 18th!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

November

Stacking the Shelves: November 7th 2015

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5 Stars

Review: Catching Jordan (Hundred Oaks #1) by Miranda Kenneally

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Catching Jordan
Series: Hundred Oaks #1
Author: Miranda Kenneally
Published December 1st 2011 by Sourcebooks Fire

Goodreads Synopsis
ONE OF THE BOYS

What girl doesn't want to be surrounded by gorgeous jocks day in and day out? Jordan Woods isn't just surrounded by hot guys, though-she leads them as the captain and quarterback of her high school football team. They all see her as one of the guys and that's just fine. As long as she gets her athletic scholarship to a powerhouse university.

But everything she's ever worked for is threatened when Ty Green moves to her school. Not only is he an amazing QB, but he's also amazingly hot. And for the first time, Jordan's feeling vulnerable. Can she keep her head in the game while her heart's on the line?
Goodreads

Review
Since Jesse's Girl is due for publication, I thought this would be the prefect time to re-read the entire Hundred Oaks series, and my Book Depository voucher sold me on purchasing physical copies. The second read of this book was even better than the first. During this time, I was able to understand stuff a whole lot better, and connect with the characters even more.

Catching Jordan is about Jordan Woods, the captain and Quarter Back of her school's football team. As a girl, she suffers with some quite sexist comments and ideals, and strives to work as hard as she can, to be the best that she can be. Her dream is to go to Alabama and play college football, and for her dad, the 'great' Donovan Woods, to go to her games, and finally be happy for her.

I loved Jordan. She was one of the best female protagonists I've seen in YA contemporaries for quite some time. Yeah, she's popular, sporty, etc., but that's not all she is. She still has insecurities and things that she feels like she must time from other people, such as her love for writing and poetry. She feels that, because she is on the football team, she can't enjoy 'girly' things as they'll make her seem weak. For the majority of the book, she can't stand being around other girls, especially the cheerleaders, and doesn'treally have much in common with them. I loved how she came into her own and started to realise that just because she was captain doesn't that she can't be a girl, and just because someone else is a cheerleader doesn't mean they're vapid and shallow. I'm really glad that she discovered this, and that she finally had some girl friends.

That's not to say that I didn't like her guy friends, though. I adored them all, especially Sam Henry. JJ and Carter were wonderful friends/older brother figures, and even though they don't do feelings, I'm glad they helped Jordan when she was struggling emotionally. Sam and Jordan were beautiful from page 1, and even without knowing what happens, you could see the romantic and emotional connection between them from the very beginning.

As with basically all YA contemporaries, romance plays a large role in this book. While I liked parts of Ty and Jordan's relationship, I really couldn't 'ship' it. I thought Ty was controlling and jealous, especially when it came to Sam. I kind of thought their relationship went very fast too, perhaps a bit too fast. I also hated who Jordan was when she was with Ty, as she became a whole new person, one who didn't stand up for herself, and who began to doubt herself. Ty wanted her to stop doing the thing that she loved, and didn't support her when she was being criticised, even by her own father.

Sam, on the other hand, was the perfect gentlemen to Jordan throughout the whole book. Though he had his own issue, being a 'man-whore' and all, whenever it came down to it, he was there for Jordan, until he wasn't. He always supported her and was the best best friend she could want. It was only when his feelings became known to Jordan (everyone else had already known) that he became distant. His jealousy of her relationship with Ty was fun to see, even he was the one who pushed her towards Ty. However, when Jordan really needed him, when she was injured, he never left her side, and did everything he could to help her, right to the very end. I think I shipped Jordan and Sam pretty much from page 1, and could not stop smiling at the end. I know we see more of them in further books, and I honestly can't wait to read the others, especially Jesse's Girl, for this reason.

Hundred Oaks is one of my favourite contemporary series, and everyone should read at least one of them during their life, as they aren't just about cute, fluffy stories, but actual real issues prevalent in today's society.

Dates Read:
June 27-28th, 2015

Rating
5 Stars

Richelle Mead

Waiting on Wednesday: Soundless by Richelle Mead

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5 Stars

ARC Review: Red Girl, Blue Boy (If Only... #5) by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

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Red Girl, Blue Boy
Series: If Only... #5
Author: Lauren Baratz-Logsted
Published October 20th 2015 by Bloomsbury USA Children's

Goodreads Synopsis
Enjoy Red Girl, Blue Boy and the other standalone titles in Bloomsbury's contemporary If Only romance line centred around an impossible problem: you always want what you can’t have!

Sixteen-year-old Katie and Drew really shouldn't get along. After all, her father is the Republican nominee for President of the United States while his mother is at the top of the Democratic ticket. But when Katie and Drew are thrown together in a joint interview on a morning talk show, they can’t ignore the chemistry between them. With an entire nation tuned into and taking sides in your parents’ fight, and the knowledge that—ultimately—someone has to lose, how can you fall in love with the one person you’re supposed to hate?

This title in the If Only line is a frank and funny romance that shows how sparks fly when opposites attract.
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

As you may know, I've been in a bit of a book slump at the moment. So imagine my surprise when I manage to read a 300 page book in a day? Red Girl, Blue Boy is the latest instalment in the If Only... series, about the daughter of the Republican nominee, and the son of the Democratic nominee for President of the United States. I think I'm correct in thinking that this year is an election year in America, and as such this is the perfect time for this book to be released. As Katie and Drew become closer and slowly fall in love, the political intrigue of their parent's positions wreaks havoc on their relationship, and it's unsure whether they'll survive until the election.

The characters of Katie and Drew were very different, but still as enjoyable as each other. Katie was very naive, in my opinion, but I guess that's due to her being involved in the political sphere since she was four years old, and hardly had time to be a proper kid, with a proper childhood. I felt as though she grew the most as a character in the book, as her relationship with Drew introduced her to what being a teenager is all about, how having friends make you feel. Drew, on the other hand, has only been involved in politics for two years, and can still remember what normal life is like. His family had very little money until his father invented a computer programme, which was when his mother decided to run for office, so being thrust into the rich and political life was quite a shock. I felt as though Drew and Katie both sort of mellowed each other, and really brought out the best in each other. I was completely invested in their relationship, and felt all the feels. Just what you want from a wonderful YA contemporary romance.

The other characters in the books, especially the parents, were quite non-existent, and when they were around, all they, especially Katie's dad, cared about, was winning. Once they discovered their children's relationship, which were crumbling, they decided to use it to their advantage. Basically, it's like their pimping out their kids to gain popularity - not exactly what I'd call good parenting.

One major issue I had with the book was the ending. It just stopped. We never found out who won the election - though I hope it was Samantha, the Democratic nominee - she seemed to really care, and want it more, and she was the better parent. All the angsty issues had just been dealt with, and we get one final cutesy scene with Katie and Drew, and then it's done. I just need more. I find this issue quite common with YA contemporary romances, and it's something that makes me dislike the genre at times.

Otherwise, I'd definitely recommend Red Girl, Blue Boy to lovers of YA contemporary romance. It had the perfect amount of feels, angst, and plot. I've not read any of the other instalments in the If Only... series, but I really want to try them now. I also want to read more of Lauren's YA books, so if you have any recommendations, let me know.

Dates Read:
October 27, 2015

Rating
5 Stars

books on my radar

November books on my radar

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Manners and Mutiny
Series: Finishing School #4
Author: Gail Carriger
November 3rd 2015 by Atom
When a dastardly Pickleman plot comes to fruition, only Sophronia can save her friends, her school, and all of London...but at what cost? Our proper young heroine puts her training and skills to the test in this highly anticipated conclusion of the rousing, intriguing, and always polished New York Times bestselling Finishing School series!
Goodreads

All In
Series: The Naturals #3
Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes
November 3rd 2015 by Disney-Hyperion

Three casinos. Three bodies. Three days.

After a string of brutal murders in Las Vegas, Cassie Hobbes and the Naturals are called in to investigate. But even with the team's unique profiling talents, these murders seem baffling: unlike many serial killers, this one uses different methods every time. All of the victims were killed in public, yet the killer does not show up on any tape. And each victim has a string of numbers tattooed on their wrist. Hidden in the numbers is a code—and the closer the Naturals come to unraveling the mystery, the more perilous the case becomes.

Meanwhile, Cassie is dealing with an equally dangerous and much more painful mystery. For the first time in years, there's been a break in her mother's case. As personal issues and tensions between the team mount, Cassie and the Naturals will be faced with impossible odds—and impossible choices.

Goodreads

Ten Thousand Skies Above You
Series: Firebird #2
Author: Claudia Gray
November 3rd 2015 by HarperTeen

Ever since she used the Firebird, her parents' invention, to cross into alternate dimensions, Marguerite has caught the attention of enemies who will do anything to force her into helping them dominate the multiverse—even hurting the people she loves. She resists until her boyfriend, Paul, is attacked and his consciousness scattered across multiple dimensions.

Marguerite has no choice but to search for each splinter of Paul’s soul. The hunt sends her racing through a war-torn San Francisco, the criminal underworld of New York City, and a glittering Paris where another Marguerite hides a shocking secret. Each world brings Marguerite one step closer to rescuing Paul. But with each trial she faces, she begins to question the destiny she thought they shared.

The second book in the Firebird trilogy, Ten Thousand Skies Above You features Claudia Gray’s lush, romantic language and smart, exciting action, and will have readers clamouring for the next book.

Goodreads

Truly, Madly, Famously
Series: Famous in Love #2
Author: Rebecca Serle
November 5th 2015 by Macmillan Children's Books

Lights, camera, love!

After being plucked from obscurity, Hollywood's newest It girl, Paige Townsen, has a blockbuster film to her name and Rainer Devon on her arm. But being half of the world's most famous couple comes with a price. No matter where Paige goes, someone is always watching. Soon she finds herself dodging photographers, hiding her feelings for her other co-star, Jordan Wilder, and weathering tabloid scandals that threaten to tear her and Rainer apart - and end her career as quickly as it began.

As she navigates her new LA life, Paige finds that she doesn't know who to trust: old friends could be betraying her secrets, and new friends are keeping secrets of their own.

Goodreads

Soundless
Series: None
Author: Richelle Mead
November 12th 2015 by Puffin

For as long as Fei can remember, there has been no sound in her village. Her people are at the mercy of a mysterious faraway kingdom, which delivers food in return for precious metals mined from the treacherous cliffs surrounding them.

When villagers begin to lose their sight, their rations shrink and many go hungry. Fei's home, the boy she loves, and her entire existence is plunged into crisis, under threat of darkness and starvation.

Then Fei is awoken in the night by a searing noise, and sound becomes her weapon . . .

Perfect for readers of THE HUNGER GAMES, this epic fantasy from the international bestselling author of VAMPIRE ACADEMY will have you instantly hooked and on the edge of your seat.

Goodreads

Winter
Series: The Lunar Chronicles #4
Author: Marissa Meyer
November 12th 2015 by Puffin

Princess Winter is admired by the Lunar people for her grace and kindness, and despite the scars that mar her face, her beauty is said to be even more breathtaking than that of her stepmother, Queen Levana.

Winter despises her stepmother, and knows Levana won’t approve of her feelings for her childhood friend–the handsome palace guard, Jacin. But Winter isn’t as weak as Levana believes her to be and she’s been undermining her stepmother’s wishes for years. Together with the cyborg mechanic, Cinder, and her allies, Winter might even have the power to launch a revolution and win a war that’s been raging for far too long.

Can Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, and Winter defeat Levana and find their happily ever afters?

Goodreads

The Vanishing Throne
Series: The Falconer #2
Author: Elizabeth May
November 19th 2015 by Gollancz

My name is Lady Aileana Kameron.

First the fae murdered my mother. Then they destroyed my world.

Now I’m fighting for more than revenge.

Aileana took a stand against the Wild Hunt, and she lost everything: her home, her family and her friends. Held captive by her enemy, and tormenting herself over her failure, escape seems like only the faintest possibility. But when she gets her chance, she seizes it . . . to rejoin a world devastated by war.

The future is bleak. Hunted by the fae, running for her life, Aileana has only a few options left. Trying to become part of a society scarred by – and hiding from – the Wild Hunt; trusting that a fragile alliance with the fae will save her; or walking the most dangerous path at all: coming in to her own powers as the last of the Falconers...

Goodreads

Queen of Always
Series: Stolen Empire #3
Author: Sherry D. Ficklin
November 23rd 2015 by Clean Teen Publishing

LONG LIVE THE QUEEN
If her time at court has taught Catherine anything, it’s that there is no room for weakness in Imperial Russia. With the Empress’ health failing and rumors of a change in the line of succession, her place in the royal line is once more in jeopardy. Tormented by her sadistic husband and his venomous mistress, Catherine must once more walk the fine line between pleasure and politics—between scandal and survival.
When her young son becomes the target of those rebelling against Peter’s reign, Catherine will have to rise up to protect herself, her child, and her nation from his unstable and potentially catastrophic rule. This means putting herself at odds with the most dangerous man she’s ever known, trusting those who once proved to be her enemies, and turning a nation against its sovereign. In the ultimate battle for the crown, new alliances will be forged, loyalties will be tested, and blood will be shed..

Goodreads

Queen
Series: The Blackcoat Rebellion #3
Author: Aimee Carter
November 24th 2015 by Harlequin TEEN

PAWN...CAPTIVE...QUEEN?

Kitty Doe is a Blackcoat rebel and a former captive with a deadly connection to the most powerful and dangerous man in the country, Prime Minister Daxton Hart. Forced to masquerade as Daxton's niece, Lila Hart, Kitty has helped the Blackcoats take back the prison known as Elsewhere. But Daxton has no intention of ceding his position of privilege—or letting Kitty expose his own masquerade. Not in these United States, where each person's rank means the difference between luxury and poverty, freedom and fear...and ultimately, between life and death.

To defeat the corrupt government, Kitty must expose Daxton's secret. Securing evidence will put others in jeopardy, including the boy she's loved forever and an ally she barely trusts. For months, Kitty's survival has hinged on playing a part. Now she must discover who she truly wants to be, and whether the new world she and the rebels are striving to create has a place in it for her after all.

Goodreads

What has caught your eye for November? Have you read any of these? Let me know :)