Taking It One Page at a Time: June 2015

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Monday, June 29, 2015

Review: At any Price by Brenna Aubrey

At any Price
(Gaming System,# 1)

by Brenna Aubry

New Adult
Asked to Review

Average Goodreads Rating: 3.96

Published by: Silver Griffin Associates

Published on: December 19, 2013

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Before I get into my review, here's the synopsis from Goodreads:

Achievement Unlocked: Geek Virgin

When Mia Strong, proud geek-girl and popular gaming blogger, auctions off her virginity online, she knows she'll make waves. But what she will not be making is a love connection. Her rules are set in stone: One night. No further contact.

It's a desperate step, but it's the only way she can go to medical school and pay her mother's mounting hospital bills.

Difficulty Level: Millionaire CEO

Adam Drake, the enigmatic auction winner, is a software prodigy who made his first million at seventeen. Now, in his mid-twenties, he's sexy, driven and--as CEO of his own gaming company--he's used to making the rules. Before Mia knows what's happening, he's found the loophole in the rules of her auction. Every stipulation she's made to protect her heart gets tossed by the wayside.

She can't tell if he's playing her...or if he's playing for keeps.

My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

Disclaimers: I received a copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not obligated to write a good review nor did I receive any compensation for writing this review.

My Overall Thoughts/Impressions: The book was quite predictable. I guessed everything that was going to happen from about the third chapter. However, if you are like me and predictability isn't that big of a turn off, then you will discover this one to be a fun read.

The book plot was easy for me to unravel and the characters were pretty much cookie-cutter. However, the book did have some moments of depth, and was an enjoyable read.

If you are looking for a fun book that doesn't require much thought, then this one is a fun one.

The Characters: The characters could have been more multifaceted. I thought that they all conformed to pre-established ideals.

Major Strengths: Fun and cute. It was entertaining.

Major Weaknesses: Predictability. While normally I don't consider this a weakness, this time I did because I felt like the novel could lacked originality due to the predictability.

So why 3 stars? It was a fun, quick enjoyable read that I found entertaining. I do want to see how the next book in the series goes. However, I hate when there are three books about one couple.

Warnings/Side-notes: By the nature of the book, I think you can guess that this one is 17+. The book contains sexual content and language suitable for 17+.

The Wrap-up: Another fun beach read.

Love,

Danica Page

Sunday, June 28, 2015

Mini Reviews: Nowhere but Here and Katie Regnery

Hello Fellow Page Turners,

Here are some mini reviews for two beautifully written novels: Nowhere but Here by Katie McGarry and The Vixen and the Vet by Katy Regnery.

Nowhere but Here

by Katie McGarry

Young Adult

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4.5 stars. I love Katie McGarry. She blew this one out of the park. I adored every minute. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

Every time I read a book by her, I'm reminded why she's one of my favorite authors. Definitely recommended.

I loved the characters and the plotlines. I was worried about this one. I shouldn't have been. These two characters were two of my favorites of all time. Beautifully executed.

The Vixen and the Vet

by Katy Regnery

Adult

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I adored this book. It was beautifully written and one of my favorite books of the summer. I loved Asher Lee. A perfectly, beautiful retelling of Beauty and the Beast. This is by far my favorite retelling of the classic tale.

It was a touching story. The "Beast" Asher might be one of my favorite characters I've ever read. A wounded, disfigured veteran whose now ashamed to go out in society. "Belle" was also a great character. She was a journalist who trusted the wrong source and has returned home in shame.

It made for some great characters. This book is one of my favorites of the year. Definitely recommend to anybody and everybody.

Love,

Danica Page

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Help: Expanding to contemporary/modern poets

Hello Fellow Page Turners,

I'm trying to branch out and broaden my reading habits. I've read a lot of old classical poetry, but I want to read more modern/contemporary poets.

Basically we'll say anybody from 1900 to the present day.

Does anybody have any suggestions?

Thanks!

Danica

Review: Emmy and Oliver by Robin Benway

Emmy and Oliver

by Robin Benway

Young Adult
Asked to Review

Average Goodreads Rating: 3.91

Published by: HarperTeen

Published on: June 23, 2015

Pages: 352

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Before I get into my review, here's the synopsis from Goodreads:

Emmy just wants to be in charge of her own life.

She wants to stay out late, surf her favorite beach—go anywhere without her parents’ relentless worrying. But Emmy’s parents can’t seem to let her grow up—not since the day Oliver disappeared.

Oliver needs a moment to figure out his heart.

He’d thought, all these years, that his dad was the good guy. He never knew that it was his father who kidnapped him and kept him on the run. Discovering it, and finding himself returned to his old hometown, all at once, has his heart racing and his thoughts swirling.

Emmy and Oliver were going to be best friends forever, or maybe even more, before their futures were ripped apart. In Emmy’s soul, despite the space and time between them, their connection has never been severed. But is their story still written in the stars? Or are their hearts like the pieces of two different puzzles—impossible to fit together?

Readers who love Sarah Dessen will tear through these pages with hearts in throats as Emmy and Oliver struggle to face the messy, confusing consequences of Oliver’s father’s crime. Full of romance, coming-of-age emotion, and heartache, these two equally compelling characters create an unforgettable story.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Disclaimers: I received an e-galley of this novel from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not obligated to write a good review nor did I receive any compensation for writing this review.

My Overall Thoughts/Impressions: I thought this book was great. It was a fun, fast read. I adored the characters.

This is the first book I've read by the author, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.

The book explored some real interesting concepts and was actually quite original. I thought the way she presented the information in the book was masterfully done.

This book caught my eye from the second I saw the cover and read the synopsis. Childhood friends who meet up years later sucked me in from the get-go. I love stories like that.

The book was beautifully written and the quirky characters made the book even better.

I would recommend this for fans of young adult. It's a fun, quick read that explores some interesting themes.

So why 4 stars? Not quite a 5-star book, but it stood out from the crowd.

Warnings/Side-notes: Several instances of strong language and vague references to drinking. There were no instances of sexual instances.

The Wrap-up: An enjoyable book that I was thrilled to read. Definitely comes recommended.

Love,

Danica Page

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

WOW: Faking Perfect

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme that is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. The point is to share a book that hasn't been released yet, but one that you are dying to read.

The week's pick is Faking Perfect by Rebecca Phillips. It comes out on June 30, 2015 and is being published by Kensington.

The synopsis:

When Lexi Shaw seduced Oakfield High's resident bad boy Tyler Flynn at the beginning of senior year, he seemed perfectly okay with her rules:

1. Avoid her at school.
2. Keep his mouth shut about what they do together.
3. Never tease her about her friend (and unrequited crush) Ben.

Because with his integrity and values and golden boy looks, Ben can never find out about what she’s been doing behind closed doors with Tyler. Or that her mom’s too busy drinking and chasing losers to pay the bills. Or that Lexi’s dad hasn’t been a part of her life for the last thirteen years. But with Tyler suddenly breaking the rules, Ben asking her out, and her dad back in the picture, how long will she be able to go on faking perfect?

Why I'm waiting? I actually received a copy of this. I just haven't got to it yet. It sounds really good. I'm really excited to read this one.

Add it to your Goodreads shelf.

And that's my pick. But enough about me, what book did you guys pick? Please leave your link in the comments section. I love hearing from you guys.

Love,
Danica Page

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Top 10 of the top 10 Meme

Hello Fellow Page-turners,

Top 10 of the Top 10

1. Top 10 Childhood Faves-
who doesn't love rehashing the old favorites.

2. Top 10 Most Frustrating Characters ever-
Always good to vent and get it off your chest.

3. Top 10 Things I dislike about Romance-
Seriously still bugged by some of these too. Ugh!

4. Top 10 Books for People who Want to like Classics-
I still get asked about this post.

5. Top 10 Book-Related Problems I Have-
It was good to learn I wasn't alone with
all of these problems I have.

6. Top 10 Books to Read in a Day-
Always fun to just read all day.

7. Top 10 Sequels I still haven't Read-
Finally made some progress.

8. Top 10 That Broke My Heart-
Seriously love these though.

9. Top 10 I wish would Write Another Book-
A few of these actually did write more books. Yay!

10. Top 10 That Elicited a Strong Reaction-
Some books...

And that's all for me. What was your top ten? Did you have as hard of a time picking as I did? Please feel free to leave your link in the comments.

I love reading them. :)

Love,

Danica Page

Monday, June 22, 2015

Giveaway: $30 Amazon Gift Card

Fellow Page Turners,

I have some great news. To say thanks for all of your support, I'm hosting a giveaway that you don't want to miss.

I'm giving away $25 to Amazon to one lucky winner as well as one book of the winner's choosing.

Thanks for your support and for all of the love.

Love,

Danica Page

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

WOW: Teens, Terrorism, and Romance

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme that is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. The point is to share a book that hasn't been released yet, but one that you are dying to read.

The week's pick is Watch Your Back by Tracy Blien. It comes out on July 21, 2015 and is being published by Tulip Teen.

The synopsis:When sixteen-year-old Kate hears the boom that ends her parents’ life, she doesn’t even realize it has anything to do with her. Until the police arrive at her front door.

Sent to live with her aunt at a ski school in Vermont, Kate tries to adapt to her new life. But then Kate’s aunt is hit by a speeding car and a rogue FBI agent tries to force Kate into his car at gunpoint. She’s saved by Ryan, the risk-taking skier she’s only just met.

On the run, the two must unravel the truth about her parents’ murder in order to stop a terrorist plot and save their own lives.
Why I'm waiting? It sounds epic and just like an awesome read. Teens, terrorism, and romance? Sounds like something I'd adore. Can't wait to read this one.

Add it to your Goodreads shelf.

And that's my pick. But enough about me, what book did you guys pick? Please leave your link in the comments section. I love hearing from you guys.

Love,
Danica Page

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Review: Hockey is My Boyfriend Part #1 by Melanie Ting

Hockey is My Boyfriend
(,#1)

by Melanie Ting

Young Adult/New Adult
Asked to Review

Average Goodreads Rating: 3.74

Published on: May 27, 2015

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Before I get into my review, here's the synopsis from Goodreads:

What happens when ice meets heat?

Kelly Tanaka dreams of playing hockey for a top university team and even winning a scholarship. To achieve that, she’ll need to focus hard and switch to a new competitive team. An initiation prank forces Kelly to kiss Nick Ericcson, a handsome blond hockey player. And that kiss leads to her first relationship and a host of other distractions.

Phil Davidson is tall, dark, and irritated. He’s been Kelly’s best friend since they laced up skates together as kids. Although he’s had lots of girlfriends, he’s never forgotten Kelly’s promise that she would tell him when she was ready to date. And now, he’s determined to force a substitution and become her new boyfriend.

Hockey Is My Boyfriend, Part One is a funny and passionate journey into first love. This is the first book in a trilogy follows the adventures of Kelly as she stickhandles her way through life and love.

My Overall Thoughts/Impressions: I adore sport books. That's what originally drew me to this novel.

I especially love when the girl is the athletic one. This book actually moved really quickly for me. The pace was fairly quick, and it didn't really drag at all.

I thought that Kelly Tanaka was a great main character. She was easy to relate to and I loved her diversity when compared to other lead characters. I thought she was interesting to read about.

I really liked Phil as well. I'm annoyed by the things that Kelly and Phil did, but I liked them both individually a lot.

The book wasn't without its problems, but it was a cute, fun read.

Major Strengths: Interesting characters set to hockey.

Major Weaknesses: Seemed like almost any other book I've read in the genre.

So why 3 stars? While I enjoyed it, it just really didn't stand out in any meaningful way to me. It was a cute read, however.

Warnings/Side-notes: 17+. Strong langauge, sexual scenes, etc.

The Wrap-up: It was interesting enough that I'm going on to read the sequel. One that I recommend to fans of realistic young adult/new adult that deals with sports.

This series started out young adult, but it is quickly moving into the new adult territory.

Love,

Danica Page

Review: The Devil You Know by Trish Doller

The Devil You Know

by Trish Doller

New Adult
Asked to Review

Average Goodreads Rating: 3.79

Published by: Bloomsbury USA Childrens

Published on: June 2,2015

Pages: 256

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Before I get into my review, here's the synopsis from Goodreads:

Eighteen-year-old Arcadia wants adventure. Living in a tiny Florida town with her dad and four-year-old brother, Cadie spends most of her time working, going to school, and taking care of her family. So when she meets two handsome cousins at a campfire party, she finally has a chance for fun. They invite her and friend to join them on a road trip, and it's just the risk she's been craving-the opportunity to escape. But what starts out as a fun, sexy journey quickly becomes dangerous when she discovers that one of them is not at all who he claims to be. One of them has deadly intentions.

A road trip fling turns terrifying in this contemporary story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Disclaimers: I received an e-galley of this novel from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not obligated to write a good review nor did I receive any compensation for writing this review.

My Overall Thoughts/Impressions: I picked this one up purely because it was written by Doller. I've loved her earlier work and was intrigued to read her latest.

This novel is set in a genre that I normally don't read. The beginning was a little bit slow for me. It took me awhile to get into it. However, the writing was fantastic and I loved the characters.

The book was original, and Doller did a great job at developing it. I thought the pacing was slow at times, but overall, I enjoyed it.

I thought that the book was an intriguing look at the South and of all of her characters.

It was a fun read; different than her other works but still enjoyable.

Major Strengths: Doller always does a great job at creating original, poignant stories.

Major Weaknesses: Slow beginning and the pacing dragged a little for me.

So why 3.5 stars? It stood out of the pack, but it wasn't quite good enough to get a 4.

The Wrap-up: Different than her other novels, but it was still really good.

Love,

Danica Page

Sunday, June 14, 2015

Review: Royal Wedding by Meg Cabot

Royal Wedding
(The Princess Diaries, #11)

by Meg Cabot

New Adult/ Adult
Asked to Review

Average Goodreads Rating: 4.24

Published by: William Morrow & Company

Published on: June 2, 2015

Pages: 448

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Before I get into my review, here's the synopsis from Goodreads:

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Princess Diaries series, comes the very first adult installment, which follows Princess Mia and her Prince Charming as they plan their fairy tale wedding—but a few poisoned apples could turn this happily-ever-after into a royal nightmare.

For Princess Mia, the past five years since college graduation have been a whirlwind of activity, what with living in New York City, running her new teen community center, being madly in love, and attending royal engagements. And speaking of engagements. Mia's gorgeous longtime boyfriend Michael managed to clear both their schedules just long enough for an exotic (and very private) Caribbean island interlude where he popped the question! Of course Mia didn't need to consult her diary to know that her answer was a royal oui.

But now Mia has a scandal of majestic proportions to contend with: Her grandmother's leaked "fake" wedding plans to the press that could cause even normally calm Michael to become a runaway groom. Worse, a scheming politico is trying to force Mia's father from the throne, all because of a royal secret that could leave Genovia without a monarch. Can Mia prove to everyone— =especially herself—that she's not only ready to wed, but ready to rule as well?

My Overall Thoughts/Impressions: Meg Cabot is an excellent writer. I remember enjoying this series in jr. high and high school. I also really enjoyed her piece on 9-11 was fantastic as well.

Cabot has always been great at capturing my interest from the very first page and keeping it. I have loved seeing her conclude this story.

At first, I was worried that I wouldn't like this new addition. I'm always worried when authors come back years later and add onto the series. However, I shouldn't have worried. It was almost like I'd grown up in the same time that Mia did.

Fans of the series will love this one.

So why 3.5 stars? It stood out, but wasn't quite good enough to be 4 stars.

Can I read the series out of order? You could but you'd be missing out on a lot of backstory. I'd recommend reading in order.

Warnings/Side-notes: Lots of sexual innuendos. It's an adult book. However, the innuendos are pretty vague so it's appropriate for young adult readers as well. The language is clean as well.

The Wrap-up: An enjoyable conclusion to the series.

Love,

Danica Page